Cardiff Life - Issue 209

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

CHECK PLEASE

ISSUE 209 / OCTOBER 2019 / MUSIC MAESTROS

NO PLACE LIKE HOLM

LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH

TIME OUT AT HOLM HOUSE HOTEL

IN THE PINK

ADD BLUSH TO YOUR ACCESSORIES

MEET YOUR MAKERS

HOMEGROWN TALENT OF CRAFT FESTIVAL CARDIFF

ISSUE 209 / OCTOBER 2019 / £3

NEAR AND SPA

IN FULL SŴN THE WELSH MUSIC FESTIVAL COMES TO TOWN

PLUS MARTIN PARR / CAROLINE SHEEN / PEDAL POWER

WHERE TO GO FOR A LITTLE R&R

HUW CAN TALK

HUW STEPHENS ON THE BAFTA CYMRU AWARDS

© ALE X JENKINS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Cardiff’s Clwb Fuzz are playing at Swn festival (page12); BELOW: Add pins for instant pink (page 59)

R

emember Cool Cymru? It was the 90s tagline given to the explosion in awareness of just how creative, pioneering and musically-successful Wales is. At the forefront of this movement was our cover star Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals fame, who is performing at the ubercool, upcoming Sŵn festival (page12), along with a whole raft of Cardiff talent.

Of course Cool Cymru never goes away, it just gets stronger every single day, as this magazine celebrates every single issue. On page 24 we spend time with Radio 6 DJ Huw Stephens who is not only presenting the BAFTA Cymru again, but whose own show, Anorac, which is all about Welsh language pop music, is up for six nominations. You can rejoice in a few more of those Cardiff-centric nominations on page 26.

Over on page 28 we meet the makers behind the Cardiff Craft festival who share why this city is their inspiration as well as their home.

Here’s to #livingourCardiffbestlife and see you next issue!

Y

dych chi’n cofio Cŵl Cymru? Dyna label yr 1990au ar yr ymwybyddiaeth sydyn o ba mor greadigol ac arloesol yw Cymru a pha mor llwyddiannus yw hi ym maes cerddoriaeth.

Roedd seren ein clawr, Gruff Rhys o fand enwog y Super Furry Animals, ar flaen y gad a bydd yn perfformio yng ngŵyl ffasiynol a mwyfwy poblogaidd Sŵn (tudalen 12) ochr yn ochr â llwyth o artistiaid dawnus o Gaerdydd.

Wrth gwrs dyw Cŵl Cymru byth yn diflannu – mae’n cryfhau o ddydd i ddydd – ac mae’r cylchgrawn hwn yn dathlu hynny ym mhob un rhifyn. Ar dudalen 24 rydym yn treulio amser gyda’r DJ Radio 6 Huw Stephens sy’n cyflwyno seremoni BAFTA Cymru unwaith eto. Ar ben hynny mae Anorac, ei sioe bersonol ef am gerddoriaeth bop Gymreig, wedi’i henwebu ar gyfer chwech o wobrau.

Gallwch ddathlu rhagor o enwebiadau y mae ganddynt gysylltiad â Chaerdydd ar dudalen 26.

Ar dudalen 28 rydym yn cwrdd â’r crefftwyr sy’n gyfrifol am Ŵyl Grefftau Caerdydd, sy’n dweud wrthym pam y mae’r ddinas hon yn ysbrydoliaeth yn ogystal ag yn gartref iddynt.

Mwynhewch yr hyn sydd orau am fywyd yng Nghaerdydd! Pob hwyl tan y rhifyn nesaf !

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 3

Issue 209 / October 2019 Cover Gruff Rhys is appearing at Sŵn festival, page 12

featureS

12 FESTIVAL It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that Sŵn

the arts

17 INTRO Martin Parr is part of a new National

28

Museum Cardiff exhibition

18 WHAT’S ON Arts, gigs, shows and comedy, it’s all

going on in Cardiff

24 one to one Huw Stephens on why he’s moving

40

back to Cardiff

26 BAFTAS Cymru We show a little bias to a few

Cardiff-related nominations

28 CRAFT The local talent of the Craft Festival Cardiff

reveal why this city inspires their art

food & DRINK

36 FOOD & Drink NEWS A new coffee shop, another

Brød, and the rise of Cymru Confectionery

40 RESTAURANT Making ourselves at home at Holm

House Hotel

lifestyle

43 SPA REVIEW Best. Massage. Ever. at Holm House 46 SPAS Why a hot tub might be good for our health 54 HEALTH CHECKS Expert advice on screenings

shopping

59 INTRO Isn’t it, pretty in pins?

60 Editor’s CHOICE This month we’re wearing

mostly pink

Business

69 cardiffworks News, views and interviews with

the region’s professionals

73 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Catching up with Award

winners Pedal Power

Property

76 showcase Living the high life in Canton

© Lewis Fackrell

Regulars

8 sPOTLIGHT Upbeat stories from our upbeat city 33 wYBURN & WAYNE The boys are back on the town 51 Mum’s the word Andrea Byrne enjoys a little

time out at The Vale

65 scene Find out who’s been partying, celebrating, and

networking on our Cardiff party pages

82 CARDIFF lives Meet artist Stephanie Tuckwell

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Mark J Chadwick, Lucy Wilkinson, Nathan Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Elsie Chadwick, Ramona Jones, and John Mather Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Samantha James samantha.james@mediaclash.co.uk Production/ Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag). Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 5

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Then there was light EMA LIGHTING shed some light on the timeless chic design

C

hic. What does it even mean?

The word is thrown around and seems to be applicable to anything and everything now.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition of chic is; 'very fashionable and elegant'.

The Cambridge Dictionary on the other hand offers a fine example of how to best use the word as a noun: 'British politicians are not renowned for their chic'.

Beautiful handmade kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and more...

3 Bessemer Close Workshops, Cardiff CF11 8DL Telephone: 029 2023 3308 www.chalkhouseinteriors.co.uk

I think we all agree, but, what does the word actually mean? What does a chic design look like? What does it include? And how do you create chic lighting?

Please allow us to shed some light on the timeless chic design.

To us, it is a combination of old and new, a meeting of rustic and modern designs. It's inviting, warm, cosy, practical and far from plain.

Of course there are specific types of chic; boho, shabby, Alpine, and so on, but here, we're just focusing what chic should really look like.

Chic designs should feel comfortable and inviting. You don't really see a chic design – you feel it effortlessly. When done correctly a truly chic design gives a sense of elegance without trying; an understated statement.

Chic lighting works in the same way. When considering a design, consider practicality and character. This doesn't mean crystal finishes and lavish fittings don't have a place here, it means they're incorporated in such a way that nothing

looks out of place. Some of the best examples can naturally and elegantly include a variety of lighting styles and finishes. The opposition gives everything purpose, a distressed finish on a vintage brass lamp flowed by the luxury of a crystal pendant gives an eclectic sophistication.

To try and make the process of choosing the right chic lighting a bit easier, visit our website, and view our latest personally selected chic collection. â–

EMA Lighting, Ocean Way, CF24 5HH tel: 029 2033 6665 | www.emalighting.co.uk

spotlight Art

EYES ON THE PRIZE

The shortlist for the Cardiff-based Artes Mundi prize, which is the UK’s largest contemporary art prize, has been announced.

The six artists are Firelei Báez (Dominican Republic), Dineo Seshee Bopape (South Africa), Meiro Koizumi (Japan), Beatriz Santiago Muñoz (Puerto Rico), Prabhakar Pachpute (India) and Carrie Mae Weems (USA). The winner will be announced January 2021 during a four-month exhibition which runs from October 2020 until February 2021 at National Museum Cardiff.

Nigel Prince, Artes Mundi’s new director, says, “We are delighted to announce the shortlist of artists selected for Artes Mundi 9 who individually produce such compelling and distinctive bodies of work. In prompting us to critically reflect on what it means to exist in this world in all its complexity, their practices speak to, and engage with, some of the most urgent issues of our time.”

For more: www.museum.wales

clockwise from top left:

works by Firelei Báez; Dineo Seshee Bopape; Beatriz Santiago Muñoz; Carrie Mae Weems; Prabhakar Pachpute; and Meiro Koizumi

Follow the fox at Wales Millennium Centre

Arts

FEELING FOXY

The Welsh National Opera have launched a brand new digital venture A Vixen’s Tale, using augmented reality (AR), at Wales Millennium Centre. The free interactive experience is called Follow The Vixen, taking its inspiration from The Cunning Little Vixen by Janácek, which is part of WNO’s autumn season.

From 4 October visitors will be able to walk through a large-scale sensory tunnel incorporating physical arches, each inspired by the seasons, and enjoy the immersive illustration, music from the opera, and the AR technology.

David Massey, WNO’s digital producer, says, “A Vixen’s Tale is an exciting development for us and we can’t wait to share the experience with audiences.

Working with Arcade and Xavier Segers we’ve used innovative technology and a vibrant creative vision to extend and explore Janácek‘s masterpiece in an engaging and contemporary manner.”

For more: www.wno.org.uk

8 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Kings of the castle

Nature

BRANCHING OUT

Seven spectacular trees have been shortlisted for this year’s Wales Tree of the Year competition, including two Cardiff beauties. The Railway Street cherry tree in Splott was recently celebrated with a Tree Party where residents handed out multilingual invitations, baked cakes, strung bunting, and used it as an opportunity to get to know each other.

The other is the Cathedral Road lime tree, which was nominated by Cardiff Civic Society for being ‘a champion among trees’ and because of the amount of oxygen it pumps into the area.

Award-winning horticulturalist David Domoney, who is supporting the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year campaign, says, “Trees are such an important part of our cities and countryside, not only for their beauty, but also for the health benefits they offer to all living creatures.”

For more: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Josh Sheehan, Jackson Strong and Luc Ackermann

This magnificent lime on Cathedral Road is ‘a champion among trees’

Waving the flag on Pendine Beach, Carmarthenshire

Splott residents recently celebrated this Railway Street cherry tree

Sport

ACTION HEROES

Some of the world’s top action sports athletes recently toured Wales to help promote the upcoming 2020 Nitro World Games with activities that included a spectacular motorbike stunt attempt. World-renowned freestyle motocross athletes Josh Sheehan, Jackson Strong and Luc Ackermann landed the first ever three-rider double backflip train outside Caerphilly Castle on 10 September.

The Principality Stadium will be taken over next May with five electrifying action sports disciplines, all of which push the limits of gravity, including Freestyle Motocross, BMX Best Trick, and Skate Vert, which is a recent addition to the Games and sees top athletes take on the halfpipe.

Andy Edwards, CEO of Nitro Circus, says, “With its abundance of world class downhill trails and surf breaks and a nationwide network of passionate adventure and action sports fans, Wales is the perfect home for Nitro World Games.

“Cardiff boasts an impressive history of marquee live sport events including the UEFA Champions League Final and the Rugby World Cup at Principality Stadium. We’re honoured to now become part of this rich history and we can’t wait for Nitro World Games to make its international debut here next year.”

For more: www.nitroworldgames.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Before procedure

Harley Street joins Charles Street Xavier Rush, ex All Black rugby player and captain of Cardiff Blues, wants to help other men that are struggling with the often slow and painful process of going bald via his new business HEAD QUARTERS HAIR TRANSPLANTS CLINIC

H

arley Street is the name synonymous with the upper echelons of the aesthetic medical world. It has an unprecedented quality of hair transplant surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and aesthetic practitioners.

So why has Charles Street in Cardiff attracted the finest hair transplant surgeons from Harley Street as well as leading trichologists and clinic management?

The answer is simply the arrival of a new brand Head Quarters Hair Transplants Clinic, the home of hair transplants in Wales. Head Quarters has been built on integrity, honesty and the drive to achieve the best possible hair restoration results for every single patient in terms of density and natural looking results. It was born out of a transformative experience that Xavier Rush had from his hair transplant five years ago...

So, Xavier, what hair transplant did you have?

I had a 2000 graft FUE Hair transplant five years ago, after 10 years of a slow, agonising process of going bald. It’s allowed me to get on with running businesses, feeling more confident in relationships and in everyday life. It’s taken years off the way I look and feel.

“HAVING A HAIR TRANSPLANT HAS TRANSFORMED MY CONFIDENCE IN EVERY WAY. I WANT TO HELP OTHER MEN THAT ARE STRUGGLING WITH THE OFTEN SLOW AND PAINFUL PROCESS OF GOING BALD. TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THERE ARE OPTIONS THAT WORK” Xavier Rush, Head Quarters Clinic Group Owner

Describe how you felt after your hair had regrown...

There are a few different stages to the recovery process. You leave the clinic feeling amazing because areas where you were bald, you now have hair. However, the new hair will shed quickly which is normal.

Then you won’t start noticing fuller density until around five months.

Then from five to 12 months it just keeps getting better and better.

You reach maximum density at around 12 –18 months and you look and feel better and more youthful than ever. The reaction from other people makes you feel incredible.

How did you find the right surgeons to join Head Quarters?

This has been the most difficult decision throughout the whole process, choosing someone that I would allow to operate on my own head. I needed to find someone who has worked in the best clinics in the UK. The fact that our resident hair transplant surgeon resides in Wales means that patients can have continuity of care and aftercare.

Lots of the competitor clinics have many surgeons aligned with them but not employed and it’s about who is available on the day…. I didn’t want to go down this route I wanted someone I trust who cares as much about this clinic as I do.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dr Ted is our resident Hair Transplant surgeon and he is in his element when he’s performing hair transplant surgery. He’s very meticulous and has an artistic fine-hand coupled with an exceptional rate of productivity. These are the perfect balance of skillsets that you want in a specialist hair transplant surgeon. At Head Quarters clinic, we wanted a hair transplant surgeon who puts the patient’s wellbeing as top priority.

Dr Ted, tell us a little bit about yourself...

I studied medicine at the University of Bristol where I developed a keen interest in surgery.

I was elected president of the university’s surgical society and we ran all sorts of events and workshops for other students interested in surgery. One of these was a surgical exchange program between Bristol and Cardiff Universities.

This was when I got my first taste of Cardiff.

I loved the atmosphere here and the friendliness of the people. When it came to choosing where to work after getting my medical degree, Cardiff was the clear choice.

As a doctor, I’ve been privileged to work in some excellent departments with some wonderful teams including trauma and orthopaedics, general surgery, colorectal surgery, liver surgery, general medicine, cardiology and psychiatry. I was in the process of starting out in Cardiff when I came across Xavier and we joined forces with the common ambition of creating the best Hair Transplant Clinic in Wales and the South West.

Why did you choose to partner with HQ? I see enormous potential with HQ. Living in Cardiff, I have long felt that Wales is underserved in terms of hair transplant clinics. One of my goals for the clinic is to build a truly world-class centre for treating and researching hair loss in all its varied forms. Xavier shares my vision and passion and there is a real synergy of ideas, yet completely different and complementary skill sets and professional networks which makes it a very exciting opportunity indeed.

Dr Ted, Resident Hair Transplant Surgeon

(left to right) Dr Ted Miln Resident Hair Transplant Surgeon, Xavier Rush Clinic Owner, Julie Smith Geis Hair Technician, Nell Brunwin Clinic Manager, Donna Morris Hair Technician, Louise Mc Donnell Hair Technician

How do you ensure that your results match client’s expectations?

This is key. I consult all my patients prior to the day of surgery and spend a long time understanding their ideas, concerns and expectations. I explain to them what treatments are possible and work with them to put together an appropriate treatment plan. The patient is heavily involved throughout the process. Even on the day of surgery, the patient is awake and I calmly talk through everything that is happening to reassure them. We have a comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative instruction document which explains everything that can be expected at every stage so there are no surprises.

Will the results look natural?

Yes. I take great care and pride in creating natural-looking results. This is achieved by only using finer single hair grafts on the hairline and making the pattern of the hair irregularly irregular which mimics nature. The multi-hair follicular unit grafts are placed behind the singles to great density. There is far more artistry that goes into creating a natural-looking hair transplant than people realise. When I make the recipient sites, I pay great attention to the depth, angle, direction, density, and geometry so that the implanted follicles grow hair in the most natural way possible. We expect full growth to occur between 12 – 18 months.

What are your experiences with patients coming to you with poor results after picking a fast and cheap option here or overseas?

I would caution anyone about going for cheap ‘all inclusive’ hair transplant deals abroad. In the UK, we’re used to a minimum standard of quality and service in healthcare. This varies enormously in some of the countries where hair transplants can be cheaper.

I come across so many patients who wish they had come to a reputable clinic in the first place and saved themselves the money and the emotional anguish of a bad hair transplant which often costs significantly more to fix than if they had come to me in the first place. ■

Payment Plans We offer monthly payments for our patients’convenience starting at £89 per month. This is to ensure no patient has to go somewhere else due to cost and compromise on quality.

We always wanted to offer celebrity style hair transplants at affordable costs. Therefore in conjunction with our specialist finance provider, Medifinance, we are pleased to offer a more affordable way for you to fund your treatment with personal loan options from 12 to 60 months, from £1,000 to £12,000 as required with a low APR%*.

The benefits of financing your treatment include : • No delay in receiving the treatment you want and no major outlay of funds • You can spread the cost over a period that suits you • The discreet application process is completely managed securely online with a quick decision via Medifinance • You can apply at home, at any time Please note; Finance approval is subject to status & terms and conditions apply. Head Quarters Hair Transplants Ltd are an Appointed Representative of Medifinance Ltd (FRN: 675486) who are Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *APR% is dependent on your personal circumstances.

If you would like to discuss your hair loss with our expert team, simply complete our private online booking form to request a complimentary consultation. Or you can call and speak to our clinic manager Nell Brunwin who will be able to answer all your questions.

Phone: 02920 099385 Web: www.hqhairtransplants.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 11

arts

SOUND EFFECTS Sŵn, Wales’ original multi-venue music festival is back and with a whole lot of Cardiff talent on the bill

N

ot all festivals are created equal – with the Sŵn festival (Welsh for ‘sound’, and aptly pronounced ‘swoon’) there is no mud, no long queues in damp beer tents, and none of those dreaded portaloos. Instead it’s all about established artists, new music, emerging talent and homegrown acts filling Cardiff venues such as Clwb Ifor Bach and the Tramshed for one glorious weekend, (and your own bed at the end of the night).

Established by Huw Stephens (turn to page 24 for our interview with the Radio 6 DJ) and Cardiff-based promoter John Rostron back in 2007, it is now organised by Clwb Ifor Bach with Guto Brychan and has been scooping up awards and acclaim left, right and centre.

This year there is a particularly rich seam of Cardiff talent on the bill, along with Welsh legends such as our cover star Gruff Rhys, musician, composer, producer, filmmaker, author and member of Super Furry Animals. So clear your diaries 18 – 20 October, don’t bother with your wellies, and immerse yourself in a city centre hub of eclectic and exhilarating music, with the help of our guide.

12 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

By Mark J Chadwick Friday

Gruff Rhys – Tramshed Corner any gaggle of drinkers in any pub in Wales, ask them for their favourite Gruff Rhys moments, and try and keep up. Is it the Super Furry Animals years, or before them in Ffa Coffi Pawb, or after in Neon Neon? The Incredible, Insatiable Candylion stage play? How about the documentary travelogues, Separado! and American Interior?

Clearing half of Clwb via his collaboration with Brazilian VCR repairman Tony Da Gatorra? Crunching carrots for Misty’s Big Adventure? Or simply being an unending source of inspiration, an artist not just responsible for continued excellent solo and collaborative music but also the urge to do more, in all directions, in whatever interesting ways possible? Probably that last one, and the hair.

Himalayas – O’Neills Himalayas are an indie rock garage band from Cardiff consisting of James Goulourn (drums), Mike Griffiths (guitar and vocals), Lois Heaps (bass) and Joe Williams (guitar and vocals). The band create a cinematic sound in a dreamy style. Their thick guitars, great vocals and anthemic melodies will definitely catch everyone’s attention.

Saturday

Rosehip Teahouse – Clwb Ifor Bach Formerly the tentative solo recordings of Cardiff resident Faye Rogers, Rosehip Teahouse has recently blossomed into glorious full band mode, fleshing out Rogers’ spellbinding folk pop songs and creating something touching and unique. Though sharing members with other local heroes Live, Do Nothing, Oh Peas and more, Rosehip Teahouse is very different, making lilting, happysad music such as recent single Same Sky: See Gruff Rhys a rush of lovelorn imagery, chiming at the Tramshed guitars and scattershot backing vocals. Cardiff’s best kept secret for how long?

CHROMA – Kongs A celebratory fixture amongst the bigger gigs and awards ceremonies of South Wales, Pontypridd’s Chroma get a little bigger, a little stompier every year. Led by the fierce and charismatic Katie Hall, Chroma music is the type of glam garage rock that struts and bounces, a totally inclusive pop party best displayed in the recent single Girls Talk: three minutes of Yeah Yeah

© ALE X JENKINS

“Clwb Fuzz are a four-piece noisy ball of atmospheric fuzzed out rock”

The experimental and bold Clwb Fuzz are at 10 Feet Tall on Saturday

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 13

arts

Yeahs-level brashness and cool. They may be unstoppable.

Papur Wal – Jacobs Market Another in the top roster that Libertino Records have been assembling recently, Cardiff-via-North-Wales band Papur Wal have their slacker vibes absolutely nailed, issuing a stream of singles from the wellhorizontal end of the rock spectrum. Latest track Dyddiau Well I Ddod is their best yet – slow, fuzzy guitar notes underpinning hazy vocals before crashing together in a brief burst of noise, early Pavement meeting Dinosaur Jr at chucking out time.

Hyll – Old Market Tavern Their name translates as ‘ugly’, they have an ugly-looking face as their profile picture, and their music is… a spirited and youthful take on indie rock. A Cardiff treat for a few years now, Hyll still remain an energetic, scrappy bunch, their rattling racket best enjoyed on recent EP Rhamant, where the joyful clatter of punk indie rock meets the heavy goofiness of Mac DeMarco for maximum fun times.

Darren Eedens – Kongs It’s probably compulsory to sip rye whiskey during this set. That or moonshine: Eedens is the folk and bluegrass troubadour par excellence, a banjo, fine moustache and an armoury of party songs and murder ballads. Originally from Ontario and now ensconced in Cardiff, Eedens has his Slim Pickins around him, tea chest bass and fiddle solo ready, and furious plucking and hoedown fun will be everyone’s.

14 I cardiff LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Eädyth – Ten Feet Tall A bilingual, multi-instrumental, self-producing artist from Merthyr, Eädyth Crawford makes soulful, modern R&B that’s luscious and powerful in equal measures. Recent tracks Shots and Break show Eädyth’s range: the former a layered, down-tempo groove; the latter a propulsive banger that slaps with moodiness. Both showcase Eädyth’s stacked vocal skills, and hint at more to come from this youthful talent.

“Songs languorously layered with effects pedal sheen”

above: Local supergroup False Hope for the Savage;

opposite clockwise: Rosehip Teahouse deliver spellbinding pop; Glam garage rockers Chroma; See folk fiddler Darren Eedens at Kongs; Cardiff’s Himalayas will be big

Clwb Fuzz – 10 Feet Tall Clwb Fuzz are a four-piece noisy ball of atmospheric, fuzzed-out rock, taking influence from bands such as Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, and Brian Jonestown Massacre.

Based in Cardiff, they released their debut single Samurai in May 2019. This year has seen them play with bands such as Wooze, Body Type and Medicine Boy. Their sound is experimental and bold, the dynamic between Joe Woodward’s venomous snarl and Emily Kocan’s elegant vocal complimented by intense instrumentals from guitarist and drummer Hayden Lewis and Gruffyd Roberts.

Sunday

Obey Cobra – Ten Feet Tall The South Wales psychedelic super group Obey Cobra are carrying the weight of the local doom/metal scene on their backs currently, converging the worlds of doom metal, stoner rock and electronic ambience. Fronted by singer Kate Woodward who projects her haunting ephemeral voice over a slow, deep and hammering backbeat, this brings to mind other artists like Chelsea Woolf whose combination of gothic doom rock and ambient siren song is comparable to say the least. Okay Cobra will be one of the heaviest and darkest acts at Sŵn this year and definitely not one to miss.

False Hope For The Savage – Kongs Something of a local supergroup, False Hope For The Savage are based in Cardiff, feature members of Samoans, Cut Ribbons and The Echo And The Always, and have been playing irregularly since forming a couple of years ago. As seen on two self-released EPs so far, moodily naming their songs sequentially with Roman numerals, their music is a gorgeously atmospheric take on post rock, songs languorously layered with effects pedal sheen, building to epic plateaus and crashes. There may be dry ice.

Sŵn runs from 18 – 20 October at various city centre venues. For more details including ticket info visit www.swnfest.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff LIFE I 15

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F C A R D I F F ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

ON PARR

This exhibition brings together a selection of images of Wales taken

by Martin Parr, one of the most influential and prolific photographers working today. Dating from the mid-1970s to 2018, his photographs – many of which have never been exhibited before – explore different aspects of Welsh life and culture, from male voice choirs and national sports to food, festivals, and the seaside.

The Martin Parr in Wales exhibition can be seen from 26 October until 4 May 2020 at National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 17

What’s on 5 October - 8 November

See Turandot at Cineworld Cardiff as part of The Met’s Live season

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES Until February 2020

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA NEW SEASON Featuring an incredible season of opera including Carmen, The Cunning Little Vixen, and Rigoletto. Donald Gordon Theatre; www.wmc.org.uk

8 October

THE INTELLIGENCE PARK A frustrated and impoverished opera composer’s work goes into a tail spin when he falls for his lead castrato – but when the castrato elopes with the composer’s rich fiancée, chaos and catastrophe ensues. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

8 – 13 October

on stage on opening night. The entire cast and crew are suspects.

Time to call in the local detective, Frank Cioffi, played by Jason Manford. New Theatre Cardiff; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

12 October

PERFORMANCES FOR THE CURIOUS The biennial season champions experimental, contemporary new work and gives audiences an affordable but exhilarating glimpse of some of the latest developments in performance from Wales in both the Welsh and English language. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

IRIS PRIZE LGBT+ FILM FESTIVAL A six-day glorious marathon of award-winning LGBT+ films sets up shop in Cardiff at various venues. www.irisprize.org TURANDOT The Met’s 2019–20 Live in HD season kicks off with Franco Zeffirelli’s celebrated production of Turandot led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Cineworld Cardiff; www.cineworld.co.uk

14 – 19 October

CURTAINS: A MUSICAL WHODUNNIT The star of the new Broadwaybound musical has been murdered

18 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

14 October – 22 December

15 October

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL

A curated collection of fascinating short films delving into all aspects of the world’s oceans, from marine life to intrepid seafaring adventures, including extreme wave riding, underwater cinematography and footage of rarely explored corners of the world. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

18 October – 2 November

HEDDA GABLER Just married, on her honeymoon, Hedda is bored and wonders if she’s made a mistake, especially when a previous lover comes into her life. A bold and beguiling interpretation of the Henrik Ibsen classic. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

what’s on

above: Enjoy penguins galore at St David’s Hall on 15 October with the Ocean Film Festival left: Be prepared for frank chat with The Receipts Uncut below: Martin Tinney Gallery is exhibiting the work of Shani Rhys James

26 October – ends various dates 2020

28 October

28 October – 2 November

Music

AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY SEASON The season will focus on the work of four of the most influential artists in the medium: August Sander, Bernd and Hilla Becher, and Martin Parr.

Turn to page 17 for more. National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales FRANKENSTEIN Rona Munro’s brilliant new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the action as she wrestles with her monstrous creation and with the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, both then and now. New Theatre Cardiff; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

12 October

ALICE COOPER The greatest ringmaster in rock (and eye-liner) conducts some of best musicians on the planet, from Chuck Garric’s blistering bass, to the triple guitar attack of Nita Strauss, Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen, added to the thundering Glen Sobel, who is consistently voted the world’s best rock drummer. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

COMEDY 20 October

FLO & JOAN Flo & Joan are a British-born, Toronto-based musical comedy duo, and sisters Nicola and Rosie Dempsey. The piano/percussion pair have headlined and played to sold-out audiences across North America. Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

THE RECEIPTS UNCUT The Receipts Podcast Uncut brings its trademark honesty and unaltered chat to a live audience, along with a whole array of new situations, issues, controversies, and dilemmas.

Expect frank conversations, tackled head first with wit and wisdom. Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

17 October

AKMI DUO Winners of 2019’s Swiss Ambassador’s Award given to Swiss-classical musician or ensemble are saxophonist Valentine Michaud and pianist Akvilė Šileikaitė. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19

What’s on 18 – 20 October

SWn FESTIVAL Gruff Rhys, The Comet Is Coming, Nilüfer Yanya, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, and She Drew The Gun are amongst the thrilling line-up for this multi-venue musical extravaganza. Turn to page 12 for our round-up of just a few of the Cardiff talent appearing over the weekend. www.swnfest.com

20 October

JUDITH OWEN Welsh singer/songwriter Judith Owen is bringing her new show ‘Ego Non Karaoke - I don’t do karaoke’ to Acapela with daring reimaginings of a varied collection of songs including Drake’s Hotline Bling, and Grease’s Summer Nights.

Acapela; www.acapela.co.uk

23 October

Van Morrison Van the man and legend is performing a series of shows around his new album release Three Chords And The Truth, which contains 14 new original compositions that effortlessly encapsulate Van’s sound and showcase his talents as one of our generation’s most celebrated songwriters. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

25 October

THE LONDON AFRICAN GOSPEL CHOIR Paul Simon’s powerful and upbeat Graceland will be performed in full by The London African Gospel Choir in this extraordinary musical event.

Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiff.com

28 October

FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND Welsh pioneers of the modern UK rock scene who inspired a whole generation of British bands to follow in their footsteps are back, for two benefit shows only, in aid of a cause very close to their hearts. The Globe, Cardiff: www.globecardiffmusic.com

ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & EXHIBITIONS Until 29 October

SHANI RHYS JAMES The art historian Edward LucieSmith has spoken of the Welsh artist Shani Rhys James’s work as the ‘theatre of the self ’, explaining that she turns domestic scenes into ‘some

unapologetic assertive epic’. Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

Until 10 November

WOOL WORKS An exhibition of makers from Wales and Finland responding to the theme of wool. There will also be drop in workshops and demonstrations including stitching Welsh and Finnish motifs, along with Italian quilting, botanical prints, and experimental sculptural forms in felt. Craft in the Bay; www.makersguildinwales.org.uk

Until 26 January 2020

GARTH EVANS But, Hands Have Eyes is a solo exhibition featuring six decades of sculpture. Alongside works produced in the UK and Cardiff in the 1960s and 1970s, Garth will also present a body of work that he has produced in the United States since his move there in 1981. Chapter; www.chapter.org

Until May 2020

THE FOSSIL SWAMP Look back to 300 million years ago, when a vast tropical swamp, with monster plants, giant insects, thunderstorms and floods, covered what is now Wales. National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

17 October – 9 November

DAVID TRESS David Tress, who lives in West Wales, draws and paints with physical vigour using scored lines and torn edges, collaging in new pieces of heavy watercolour paper.

David’s work will be accompanied by ceramic sculptural vessels from the Cardiff-based artist, Paul Wearing. Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

19 October – 16 November

SARAH JANE BROWN A sensitive and expressive artist, Sarah Jane specialises in painting landscapes influenced by personal experiences walking the Pembrokeshire coast. Off The Wall Gallery; www.galleryoffthewall.com

sport 5 October

CARDIFF BLUES V EDINBURGH Guinness PRO14, kick off 5.15pm Cardiff Arms Park; www.cardiffblues.com

20 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

above: See Paul Simon’s Graceland performed by The London African Gospel Choir at the Tramshed left: The Intelligence Park is at Sherman Theatre on 8 October below: The work of Cardiff-based ceramist Paul Wearing can be seen at Albany Gallery alongside the David Tress exhibition

© Cr aig Sugden

what’s on

SEVEN DEADLY SINS CAROLINE SHEEN

above

See Judith Owen not do karaoke at Acapela on 20 October

9 October

WALES V FIJI Oita Stadium, Oita; 10.45am (BST) Rugby World Cup; www.rugbyworldcup.com

13 October

WALES V URUGUAY Kumamoto City; 9.15am (BST) Rugby World Cup; www.rugbyworldcup.com

15 October

CARDIFF DEVILS V FROLUNDA INDIANS Champions League, face off 7.30pm Viola Arena, Cardiff International Sports Village; www.cardiffdevils.com

18 October

CARDIFF CITY V SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY Sky Bet Championship, kick off 7.45pm. Cardiff City; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

27 October

CARDIFF DEVILS V GUILDFORD FLAMES Challenge Cup, face off 4pm Viola Arena, Cardiff International Sports Village; www.cardiffdevils.com

2 November

CARDIFF CITY V BIRMINGHAM

Sky Bet Championship, kick off 3pm. Cardiff City; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

2 November

CARDIFF BLUES V MUNSTER Guinness PRO14, kick off 7.55pm Cardiff Arms Park; www.cardiffblues.com

Other 28 October

RTS CYMRU / WALES IN CONVERSATION WITH RUSSELL T DAVIES The Royal Television Society commemorates 60 years in Wales with an evening dedicated to Russell T Davies. The Swansea-born screen writer and executive producer has penned ground-breaking shows such as Queer As Folk, while his recent adaptation of A Very English Scandal for BBC has won numerous awards. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

1 – 3 November

CRAFT FESTIVAL CARDIFF Craft Festival Cardiff (formerly known as Made By Hand Cardiff) returns to Cardiff City Hall bringing more than 150 of the UK’s finest designer makers to Cardiff. Turn to page 28 for more on the local artists appearing. www.craftfestival.co.uk n

Caroline Sheen is playing Violet Newstead in 9 to 5 The Musical coming to the Wales Millennium Centre on 29 October until 2 November. The Welsh actress has also appeared in stage productions of Under Milk Wood, Only the Brave, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Her TV credits include Torchwood, and she has just finished filming the lead role in an upcoming BBC drama Pitching In LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after ?

middle of having our house renovated and I’ve come to realise that I really miss having a working kitchen. When it returns I shall be more attentive to it , for a while...!

Isn’t it funny how things change?

Years ago it would be easily answered with Colin Firth and Matt Damon. But now I would have to say a cosy armchair, a good box set and a cuddle with my favourite people.

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

Ignorance and greed. It’s the root of all the world’s problems at the moment.

GREED: What should you be cutting down on?

ENVY: Who, or what, are you jealous of ?

Always chocolate, crisps and soft drinks. I’m a junk foodaholic.

Also, I need to be on my phone less. That’s a big thing right now isn’t it? Phone addiction!

Acting is a difficult industry to cope with if you are a jealous person. I try to be supportive of fellow actors and their good fortune and I love it when that support is reciprocated.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

I can never say no to banoffee pie. I have a rule that if it’s offered on a menu then I have to have it.

It would be rude not to!

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

I am not the most domestic of creatures, but we are in the

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

Having my daughter and watching her grow into a wonderful little person. She won a little school prize for being kind recently and that feeling is miles better than any standing ovation.

For more: www.wmc.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 21

T H E A L B A N Y G A L L E RY DAVID TRESS Ceramics by Paul Wearing 17th October - 9th November View the exhibition on our website www.albanygallery.com

David Tress is represented internationally by Messum’s Fine Art Ltd, London

74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am-4pm

Look Huw’s talking

Meet Huw Stephens – Radio 6 DJ, festival–founder, Cardiff-boy, Welsh speaker, yellow anorak wearer, British Academy Cymru Awards nominee and presenter

By Lucy Wilkinson

H

uw Stephens, the Cardiff-born superstar DJ and presenter of the six-times British Academy Cymru Award-nominated S4C film Anorac, is becoming a household face but his distinctive Welsh tones have been giving him away for years, and still do. He recalls how on a recent weekend break in Tenby with his wife and child, he was immediately recognised by his voice, but he has no problem with this. “It’s the nicest thing when someone says they listen to your radio show, and they like the music you play,” says Huw, who back in 1999, at the tender age of 17, became the youngest ever Radio 1 DJ. Since then, alongside many achievements in the DJing world, Huw has made it his mission to showcase and celebrate new music from Wales and in the Welsh language. He co-founded Swn Festival (turn to page 12 for more on this Cardiff-based festival) as well as the Welsh Music Prize, and is the ambassador for Welsh Language Music Day. He is also a patron for Rookwood Sound at Rookwood Hospital in Llandaff, where he first caught the “music, radio bug”, as he puts it when he worked for the hospital radio. And it’s a passion that just keeps on growing. He is now presenting several shows across the BBC – including BBC Radio Cymru and Radio Cymru 2, BBC Radio 1, as well as the BBC’s 6 Music. “I feel very lucky to do a job that I enjoy and be able to promote the Welsh music scene at the same time,” he says, “One of the best things about my work is the fact that it allows me to travel. I’ve been to Iceland, Venezuela, New Zealand, and played at festivals all over the world.”

While Huw might have travelled the globe, it would seem there really is no place like home. After 10 years of living in London, Huw has moved back to Cardiff. He decided it was time to be closer to family and friends. “Cardiff is home. I just wanted to be back here, Cardiff is a changing and developing city, and the fact that it’s

24 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

relatively small is a bonus, I think. You’ve still got everything a big city can offer on your doorstep.” He’s also looking forward to being able to visit his favourite Cardiff haunt more often. “Clwb Ifor Bach. We’d be lost without it. It’s one of the best music venues in the world.”

This neck of the woods is also the ideal place for Huw to continue exploring his love of the Welsh language music scene. As a first language Welsh-speaker, who speaks Welsh at home with his wife and child, he grew up listening to Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci and Super Furry Animals during the ‘Cwl Cymru’ years, and wants to show the world that “language is not a barrier to enjoying music.”

Huw’s passion for Welsh language music is the thread that holds the S4C documentary feature film Anorac together and takes viewers on a musical travelogue of Wales.“We were spoilt for choice for content, we could’ve made the film four times as long, but we chose a lot of the artists because we wanted some who had been making music for a long time, and a fair geographical split. Generally, a good representation of what’s going on.” It also happens to be up for six BAFTA Cymru awards, with the categories being Feature / Television Film; Editing; Director; Factual; Photography, Factual, Sound; and the coveted Presenter category, which Huw is nominated for.

Huw also happens to be presenting the British Academy Cymru Awards for a fifth time. He says, “It’s a real honour and a pleasure to present the BAFTA Cymru Awards. It’s an amazing night of recognising the sheer amount of talent there is in film and television here in Wales, as well as our Welsh talent that’s out there in the world working in the media industry.”

For more Cardiff-centric BAFTA Cymru nominations, turn overleaf.

For more: www.bafta.org/wales

arts QUICK FIRE ROUND WITH HUW Favourite song ever?

A Design for Life by Manic Street Preachers.

First gig?

Bon Jovi in Cardiff, around 1995.

Favourite ever gig?

Prince in Camden, London. It blew my mind.

Last supper song?

Calon Lan, the Welsh hymn. I’d want it sung live by a choir.

Favourite meal?

A fish curry from Mowgli’s in Whitchurch.

Best boxset this year?

Killing Eve. Cats or dogs, or neither?

I can’t pick. Both. Although I have neither.

If you could interview any person, dead or alive?

Johnny Cash or Owain Glyndwr.

I would interview Owain Glyndwr in the Owain Glyndwr and see what he thought of the drinks on offer.

Favourite person YOU HAVE interviewED? John Peel, the legendary DJ, which features in Anorac.

What would be your backstage rider?

I’m low key. Just some water and chocolate. Most of the time this is a mint Aero.

Ideal night out with friends?

You can’t beat an old-fashioned Cardiff pub crawl; the City Arms and the Goat Major.

“Cardiff is home.

I just wanted to be back here” www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 25

ARTS

…AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE A round-up of just a few of the nominations for the 28th BAFTA Cymru Awards

T

he British Academy of Film and Television Arts in Wales, BAFTA Cymru Awards, is being held at St David’s Hall on the 13 October, and will be presented by Huw Stephens. This is the 28th such celebration of broadcasting and production within film, games and television in Wales. Among the 24 awards categories, series eleven of Doctor Who, which is filmed in Cardiff and stars Jodie Whittaker, has received four nominations.

Here are a few more Cardiff-specific highlights we’re rooting for.

Death and Nightingales Matthew Rhys is up for best actor

Eiry Thomas, left, is nominated for Enid a Lucy

Children’s Programme: Prosiect Z produced

by Boom Cymru / S4C in Cardiff Costume Design: Dawn Thomas-Mondo from Cardiff Art College for Morfydd Director: Fiction: Marc Evans from Cardiff for Manhunt Director: Fiction: Rhys Powys from Cardiff for Enid a Lucy

Keeping Faith is nominated in the Make Up and Hair category

Entertainment Programme: Cân i Gymru: Dathlu’r 50 produced by Avanti / S4C in Cardiff

Make Up & Hair: Claire Pritchard-Jones from Cardiff for Keeping Faith / Un Bore Mercher

Entertainment Programme: Priodas Pum Milk produced by Boom Cymru / S4C in Cardiff

Presenter category: Huw Stephens in Anorac

Feature / Television Film category: Anorac produced by Boom Cymru in Cardiff

Short Film: Elen produced by Trust Department in Cardiff

Factual Series: The Crash Detectives produced

by BBC Wales in Cardiff

Short Film: Involuntary Activist produced

by The Festivals Company Ltd / French Quarter Films in Cardiff

Actor category: Matthew Rhys as Billy Winters in Death and Nightingales

Factual Series: Cynefin produced by Rondo Media / S4C in Caernarfon and Cardiff

Special & Visual Effects: Bait Studio for Apostle in Cardiff

Actress category: Eiry Thomas as Enid in Enid a Lucy

Factual Series: Velindre Hospital of Hope produced by Green Bay Media / ITV Cymru Wales in Cardiff

Television Drama category: Enid a Lucy produced by Boom Cymru / S4C in Cardiff.

Breakthrough category: Seren Jones in Zimbabwe, Taid a Fi Children’s Programme: Cyw a’r Gerddorfa produced by Boom Cymru / S4C in Cardiff Children’s Programme: Going for Gold produced by Yeti Television / CBBC in Cardiff

Seren Jones is in the Breakthrough category

26 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Doctor Who, which is filmed in Cardiff, has four nominations

CRAFT FESTIVAL

FEELING CRAFTY The local talent of Craft Festival Cardiff reveal why this city and surrounds continue to inspire their creativity

C

raft Festival Cardiff (formerly known as Made

By Hand Cardiff) returns to Cardiff City Hall on the weekend of 1-3 November bringing together more than 150 of the UK’s finest designer makers to Cardiff, along with demonstrations, workshops, locally-sourced food and music. Here we focus on 10 of our homegrown talented creatives, who tells us why Cardiff and surrounds, is such an inspiration to their work.

For more: Craft Festival Cardiff comes to City Hall, Cathays Park, Cardiff on 1 - 3 November; www.craftfestival.co.uk

“There is a fantastic breadth of creative talent in the city” 28 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

By John Mather LYDIA NIZIBLIAN, Jewellery designer/maker “There is a fantastic breadth of creative talent in the city, with a generous and supportive network of artists and crafters working and living here. As well as warm inhabitants, Cardiff’s landscapes and buildings are inspirational. City Hall is a really beautiful venue for Craft Festival Cardiff, and right next door to our National Museum, which has been one of my favourite places to visit since I was tiny. It’s one of the places that I return to most often, and now I love introducing my children to its collections.

My other favourite spots include Llandaff Cathedral, (where you can spot a Rosetti triptych and Epstein’s Christ in Majesty among other beautiful works), and my beloved Glamorganshire Canal.”

LYNDA SHELL, Textile designer/ maker “Born and raised in Cardiff, it has always been a very special place to me. I began my journey to becoming a textiles artist by studying Contemporary Textile Practice at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, graduating with a first class BA Honours degree. Wales, and Cardiff in particular, is fortunate to have a number of groups that help to support and inspire artists like me. I am a member of the Makers Guild in Wales, which is a national art and crafts organisation that is run from an award-winning Gallery, Craft in the Bay, located in Cardiff. I also joined a small art group, Makers and Practitioners (MaP), that regularly meets to swap ideas and inspiration.”

CHARLOTTE TRIMM, Papercut artist “I’m inspired by the beautiful landscape in which I live, as I am right on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National park and often walk in the local area, and it’s wonderful headspace for thinking about new work and ideas, especially as nature is a huge aspect of my work. I am also obsessed with colour, so watching the landscape change its hues and tones through the seasons is something I adore. Cardiff is just a 30 minute trip down the M4 and to be so close to places like the Gower gives me so many places to be inspired with such variety. I can go from crashing sea, buzzing metropolis or windy mountain top, without going too far from home. Wales is the perfect place to let my imagination and creativity run wild.”

ROSS SMITH, Anvil forge blacksmithing “Living and working in South Wales offers a wealth of inspiration for the work that I create, from the rivet detailing and colouring in old discarded machinery from our coal mining, industrial heritage, to the natural sculptural features found in locations such as the Gwent Levels and our local and national parks and forests.

We are blessed to live in a country that can provide us with such contrasting powerful landscapes that we can draw on when working on various commissions.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 29

CRAFT FESTIVAL

ALICE NOUCHI, Ceramic artist “I discovered my passion for ceramics in Cardiff while studying Fine Art on a student exchange from my hometown Toulouse, France in 2016. I have since fallen in love with this city and I am proud to now call Wales my home. I discovered Cardiff Pottery Workshops Foundation by chance but it has become a haven and my happy place.

It is where I have refined my skills in pottery but also where I have found friends and a supportive community, who through their welcoming nature and open mindedness, have undoubtedly influenced my work for the better.”

LOWRI DAVIES, Ceramic artist “My nationality plays a very important role in my work, be that landscape, folklore or the Welsh home. An element that I enjoy about the city is the accessibility to St Fagans Museum and also the National Museum.

They’re both excellent locations for research and inspiration. I especially enjoy St Fagans and its interior settings, not forgetting the newly built Gweithdy. The National Museum has a wealth of ceramics in its collection, from fine 18th century Nantgarw ware to examples of vessels created by Picasso to an early installation by Edmund de Waal.” xxxxxx

30 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

REBECCA BURT, Jewellery designer/ maker “Cardiff and Wales are important to me and my work for a few reasons. I grew up here and it feels really special to me to now be able to run my own jewellery business here. I am based in leafy Pontcanna in Red Door Studios in Kings Road Yard, a stone’s throw away from some of Cardiff’s beautiful parks and the lovely River Taff. My work is very organically inspired, so this is just perfect for me, allowing me to easily pop out and soak up fresh inspiration.

I am currently working on a new collection influenced by the movement of flowing bodies of water and I will often walk down to Blackweir Bridge in Pontcanna fields to watch the expanse of water cascading down the weir. “

CRAFT FESTIVAL

CLAIRE CAWTE, Textile fibre artist “From home to studio is a 15 minute cycle, just a stone’s throw from yachts on River Taff, the ocean, coastal path walks backed by beautiful open hilly green spaces and canopied mossy woodlands and wetlands. In contrast to this tranquility, I am so close to the contemporary and urban architecture of Cardiff Bay, just a heartbeat from the bustle of the vibrant city centre, where I can step into the cosmopolitan. For me, the blend of the warm Welsh rural communities and a lively growing city of multicultural spirit is the perfect location.”

JACK WELBOURNE, Handmade tableware and pottery

TONI DE JESUS, Ceramicist “I came across Cardiff by looking up ceramic courses around the country, but they had nothing compared to what Cardiff School of Art & Design had to offer.

I graduated in 2018, but instead of moving back home and setting up my business there, the University offered the Incubation Space which provides an opportunity for graduates to spend an additional year with the School to launch their own business or a sustainable career as a practising artist, designer or maker.

“And with places like Fireworks Clay Studios, Cardiff Pottery Workshops and Lufkin Coffee Roasters, there has been a buzz around ceramics in Cardiff.”

“I find working in Cardiff and Wales helps push my pottery forwards in many ways.

Cardiff has a exciting buzz with lots of art and craft events happening all the time. I find it open with lots of interesting projects to collaborate with. I feel a part of a community of creatives and makers and there are lots of opportunities to share my pottery with others. The city is very green and not too big, meaning getting around is often a source of nourishment and inspiration. It’s a very easy city to live and work in and a nurturing atmosphere. I’m really lucky to have an affordable studio close to the centre which is hard to come by in a lot of other places.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 31

Wyburn & Wayne Move over Ant & Dec. Make way Edina & Patsy. Stand aside Batman & Robin. Our dynamic duo are in town and they’re here to give us the low down on the Cardiff high life

Snooze, you lose

T

he question of ‘Boys, when on earth do you two get a chance to sleep?!’ seems to be getting asked more than ever.

But we’re barely getting the time to even consider our answer.

The past few weeks have been a beautiful, brilliant, Cardiff blur.

We were asked along to watch the WWE NXT wrestling at The Motorpoint Arena, which was pure nostalgia and smackdown joy. The atmosphere at a wrestling event is always electric. Nathan presented two of the boys, Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan (who he knows from his teenage years), with coffee art alongside WWE superstar Cesaro. The boys went on to become the first EVER Welsh WWE champions that night, winning the Tag Team championship – it was a great proud Welsh moment!

On the topic of Welsh pride, we’ve travelled a little more lately – visiting both Tenby for a night Jay Page, centre, who organised the drag rugby to help raise money for Mind

off, and Llandudno for Nathan to teach art in a school up there.

We did end up completely taking over the karaoke night in Tenby and getting rewarded with free wine. You can take the boys out of Cardiff, but you can’t take the karaoke out of us! Both towns are so beautiful and scenic, and it was a reminder of just how lucky we are to live in Wales – we have the best of everything here.

A brand new restaurant has opened on Wellfield Road recently – Saraztro. The launch event was wonderful and the staff so attentive – gorgeous Greek food and wine. It’s also a place that will really come into its al fresco own when the sun shines thanks to the wonderful outdoor spaces, both at the back of the venue, and its front rooftop terrace overlooking the Main Street. To help us work off some of that delicious food, we also attended the launch of a new nightclub, Story on Greyfriars Road. There’s four floors of great

Dame Shirley aka Rachael Roberts at our DIVAS night

music, with a different vibe on each.

It sold out on its opening weekend, which suggests Story’s story is going to be a happy ever after.

We’ve recently had the honour of hosting the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity’s staff recognition awards, as well becoming patrons of the charity. To celebrate this, we put on our first concert at St Andrew’s Church in Roath. It was an all-female powerhouse belter of a night, showcasing talent from shows such as The Voice, X Factor, All Together Now and Casualty. We even had singer Rachael Roberts show up as Dame Shirley Bassey to perform a few numbers. We were overwhelmed by people’s generosity of both their time and their money – we managed to raise nearly £1,000 that night. We are beyond proud to hand that money direct to improving patient and family care, well-being and experience within the NHS. Another very special moment was when we presented a Radio Cardiff show to highlight autism.

We had parents on, the charity Autism Puzzles Cymru, and the actor Richard Mylan, who was in the acclaimed BBC documentary Richard and Jaco: Life with Autism, in which he reflects on his experience of raising his son Jaco, who is on the autistic spectrum.

In further fun fundraising news, we compered a drag queen rugby match. The Cardiff Lions took on a load of Cardiff drag queens in a charity rugby match at Cardiff

With Agit, owner of Saraztro, at the launch event

Arms Park for Mind Cymru, brilliantly organised by Jay Page.

Not sure we can do justice to just how wonderfully funny and positive an event this was. Have a look on our social media channels and you might just get the measure of it.

Sophia Gardens once again pulled off the epic An Evening With Queen, which delivered hits from Queen’s entire back catalogue. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite venues for such a wonderful atmosphere and their hospitality packages are second to none with three-course-meals, an unlimited bar and under shelter seating, because we do have to sit down sometimes and take time to reflect on how, as two best friends, we are leading our best lives, in the best city ever.

To keep up to date with Radio Cardiff DJs Wyburn & Wayne, follow them on Facebook, Twitter @WyburnWayne and Instagram @wyburnandwayne

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 33

advertising feature

First Principal appointed Mr James Murphy-O'Connor has become the first overarching Principal of Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools

M

r Murphy-O'Connor took up the new post in September after a decade of outstanding service at Prior Park Schools in Bath.

It is an exciting period of change at Monmouth with their prep and senior schools, united by shared values, working much closer together, including the launch of co-educational teaching in the Sixth Form.

Mr Murphy-O'Connor says, "I am delighted to be the first Principal of Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools.

"This position has been created to support the schools as we meet the challenges of the next decade in a confident and imaginative way.

"The schools have a long-standing reputation for forming young men and women of ambition and quality who go on to make outstanding contributions to their communities and to society at large.

"The schools' mission and values of shaping

students into people of integrity, humility, ambition and service will remain at the core of my contribution over the years ahead."

Before arriving in Monmouth, Mr MurphyO'Connor took on the headship of Prior Park College in 2009 and subsequently became Principal of Prior Park Schools with responsibility for their prep school, junior school, college, and the senior school he established in Gibraltar in 2016.

He is a passionate supporter of the Ireland rugby team as his father and uncle both played for the side during the 1950s.

Mr Audley Twiston-Davies, Chairman of Governors, says, "James was chosen from an impressive field of applicants and his appointment is a really positive step for the Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools as we aim to build on our many strengths and successes.

"As our Principal, James' role will be mainly strategic with an emphasis on academic and co-curricular provision, marketing, fund-raising,

outreach and community relations working with the five schools' Heads to provide the best possible provision for our pupils." n * The schools have an established bus route, starting at Llandaff.

For more information about Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools, please watch our new film by visiting: www.habsmonmouth.org/film or call 01600 711104 for Monmouth School for Girls, or 01600 710433 for Monmouth School for Boys.

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE #Sober mocktails are aimed at the fun, alcohol-free market

Emma Darling is the manager of Bute & Co

FULL OF BEANS

A new city coffee house has recently opened its doors within one of Cardiff’s shopping arcade.

Bute & Co by Hotel Indigo Cardiff has its premises in the city’s Dominions Arcade and has brewed up a Victorian-inspired design concept for customers. Bute & Co draws its name from Cardiff’s industrial past – in particular, its strong association with the Marquess of Bute.

The 700 square foot space also nods back to the Victorian era through its décor, featuring a rich colour palette and oak interiors, has Welsh artwork on the walls, and is embracing a sustainable ethos.

The coffee house’s manager, Emma Darling, explains, “We’ve also been mindful of our environmental responsibility and have ensured that disposable items such as take-away coffee cups and packaging are 100 per cent compostable, and that guests can fill up their reusable bottles with free and fresh Welsh filtered water.”

For more: www.buteandco.co.uk Bute & Co draws both its name and design from Cardiff’s industrial past

36 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Universities have shown interest in supporting Richard’s drinks

IN GOOD SPIRITS A Newport-based entrepreneur Richard Pollentine has recently launched his own range of mocktails, which are being supported by the Welsh Government. He explains, “#Sober is the first company in the UK to market a mocktail brand, and we are focusing on a drink that is obviously unapologetically free of alcohol.

“We are aimed at the relaxed, playful, laid-back consumers who aren’t overly serious but who want to socialise with friends. The vibrant colours and our bold flavours reflect the vibrant personalities of our consumers.”

Richard is hoping to capture the attention of the student market. “We have some adventure parks and a resort in Wales signed up but universities in particular have shown a great interest. We aim to be the non-alcoholic beverage of choice in Student Unions all over the country in the next few years.”

For more: www.soberdrinks.co.uk

ON THE RISE Cardiff’s award-winning Danish bakery and coffee shop Brød in Wyndham Crescent, has been shortlisted for the Small Employer of the Year Award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru happening on 24 October, which is a celebration of outstanding achievement in training.

The bakery, founded by Betina Skovbro four years ago, is also expanding and opening a second Brød in Penarth. Betina says, “The apprenticeship programme has given the business the confidence and capability to grow. Without it, we simply would not exist.

“Apprenticeships are now embedded as a core part of our business. We have seen first-hand the ways our apprentices have developed, how their skills and confidence have been enhanced and how they have grown as people.”

For more: www.thedanishbakery.co.uk

Brød founder Betina Skovbro outside the Danish bakery and coffee shop

food & drink

left: Jeff now with his mother Yvonne Barry

(left), and his aunt Brenda Parsons at Cymru Confectionery’s new pop-up shop at The Castle Emporium

SWEET SOMETHINGS

Cymru Confectionery is the new sweet new venture opened at The Castle Emporium in Cardiff’s Womanby Street, and was inspired by the descendants of a Royal Air Force chef, James Price, who would’ve been 100 this year. His grandson Jeff Barry explains, “We knew he was a pastry chef, but we didn’t know about his recipe book until after he had died. He had travelled while in the RAF and learned how to make traditional sweets from the places he went, such as Turkish Delight in Cyprus.”

Cymru Confectionery, which has been helped to grow by Cywain – a Menter a Busnes that supports the development of food and drink sector in Wales, is a celebration of hand-made sweet treats and sells peanut butter fudge and Turkish delight, along with Scottish tablet fudge, truffles, marshmallows, chocolate, brittles, and a new vegan range.

For more: www.cymruconfectionery.co.uk; www.menterabusnes.co.uk

above: A young Jeff Barry cooking with his late grandfather James Price, the inspiration behind his Cymru Confectionery shop

TO THE POWER OF TWO Dusty Knuckle is joining forces with The Boneyard, Cardiff’s longest-established shipping container studio community; both businesses will move into a new, multipurpose creative space near Cowbridge Road East.

Co-founder of The Boneyard, Jodie Davies, says, “I’m delighted to have found a new home for our community, and the fact that it’s a bigger site that will actually allow us to do more, is the icing on the cake.

We always talked of running some kind of community garden or growing project at the original Boneyard site and taking on this new site on an initial five-year lease means that we can finally bring that idea to life.”

Dusty Knuckle co-owner Debs Lewis adds, “The new site is a perfect fit for the pizza restaurant’s existing portfolio of quirky indoor-outdoor venues.

We’re thrilled to bits that The Boneyard asked us to be part of their community in their new home, and we can’t wait to welcome people to come and see what we make of such an exciting new space.”

For more: www.shippingcontainerstudios.co.uk; www.thedustyknuckle.com

Dusty Knuckle is getting a pizza of the action

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff LIFE I 37

HOLM HOUSE

Sarah Moolla visits the Penarth hotel to find Holm is where the heart is Photos by Lewis Fackrell

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e’re not saying Cardiff Life is influential at all but just days after we ate and stayed there, who follows in our footsteps? We heard a rumour it was only the man who set a Guinness World Record as the most watched man on TV, the actor, presenter, producer and superstar, David Hasselhoff. Coincidence? Well, yes maybe. Because The Hoff’s wife Hayley Roberts is Welsh and they met in Cardiff. However, the charming reputation of this coastal mansion built in 1926, which sits in a prime position on Marine Parade Penarth, just ten minutes from the city centre, is far-reaching. When I tell people where I’m going, they literally put their hand to their heart and swoon, “Ooooh I LOVE it there!”

We arrive on a glorious Indian summer’s day and, after

40 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

using the spa facilities (see page 43), get ready for dinner in our sea view room which has a subtle nautical feel to accompany its beautiful vista across the Severn Estuary. To our surprise, there was another vista of a glass bathroom door, fortunately behind a corridor so not visible from the main room, but it still causes much mirth.

Once the childish giggles are done, we pretend to stroll nonchalantly to the outdoor terrace for cocktails. In truth, though, we’re thundering down the stairs and galloping across the lawns to catch those last precious rays of September, sip on a strawberry daiquiri and soak up more of those glorious, panoramic views. When a slight chill nips in, we use the cashmere-soft, dove-grey shawls on offer. It feels decadent, slightly colonial, indulgent, and we love it.

The dining room is adjacent to the cocktail bar, and while truly elegant and special, there’s enough of a buzz

restaurant

and upbeat atmosphere that you can relax, chat and enjoy a drink or two with your food. My starter of pan-seared scallops comes in three hefty columns. The fleshy white of the scallop is soft and pearly with the strips of pancetta adding just the right amount of a salty, crispy crunch.

The pools of creamy vanilla and cauliflower purée pair beautifully with the slightly caramelised scallops. However, the accompanying black pudding discs are a little too meaty, earthy and solid for my tastes, but admittedly I’m not a fan of blood sausage at the best of times. My companion enjoys her deep-fried cauliflower florets with the batter light enough for the cauliflower to retain its garden-fresh, pungently crisp taste. There’s pots of coconut curry, hummus dip and salsa verde to dip into, adding both piquancy and spice.

My companion is one of those tricky beasts who is a vegetarian but doesn’t like mushrooms. I know, right! This rules out the open wild mushroom and spinach ravioli topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce, which sounds mouth-wateringly good. Her one remaining option for a main is the pea and asparagus barley risotto finished with pea shoot. It’s a little disappointing as the barley soaks up any moisture and doesn’t lend itself to being the same consistency you’d expect of a risotto. It’s all a little bit too gritty and grey, and without punch.

By contrast, my poached monkfish wrapped in parma ham served on a bed of cous cous with black onion seeds and a tomato salsa, is the polar opposite. It’s a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, varied textures, and is packed with flavours. The side of creamy garlic and stilton chestnut mushrooms is hearty and heavenly, heavy with garlic and ripe with blue cheese. I’m selfishly glad now that my veggie friend doesn’t like mushrooms. But making amends for her are the sautéed potatoes with caramelised onion and balsamic glaze, all divine, and plentiful.

The chocolate fondant pudding, served with lavender and white chocolate ice cream and chocolate soil, manages to be both richly satisfying and delicately moreish at the same time. While the mango and passion fruit bavarois, served with candied coconut and isomalt, needs a quick consultation with the delightful staff – bavarois is a kind of mousse, and isomalt, a type of sugar alcohol – it arrives looking like a work of art and tastes like a dream. It was a real wrench to leave Holm House the next day, following a perfect night’s sleep and a proper English breakfast. Now if anyone asks me about my stay, I too can put my hand to my heart and swoon, “Ooooh I LOVE it there!” n

“The pools of creamy vanilla and cauliflower purée pair beautifully with the slightly caramelised scallops” Dining details Holm House Hotel, 11 Marine Parade, Penarth; tel: 029 2070 6029; www.holmhousehotel.com Types of food Focusses on the very best of local and seasonal produce Prices Starters from £6.65, mains from £13.50, desserts from £6.25 Wine cellar Well-stocked and varied Atmosphere Relaxed, elegant and indulgent with first-rate service Room rates From £150 for a standard room; includes use of facilities And a little history to boot Holm House was built in 1926 by JS Neale, the son of a fishing fleet magnate

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 41

health & Beauty

FEELING RIGHT AT HOLM A harried Sarah Moolla melts into a stress-free state thanks to the magic of Holm House Hotel

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assages can be quite hard work. Yes, yes for the masseuse, I get that. But also for poor old me. First there’s the guilt – all I can think is, can this person really be bothered to knead me? Maybe they’re tired, had a rough day, maybe I should hop up and check that they’re okay. Then there’s the trying to make my mind switch off. Shopping lists, what’s for tea, damn I forgot to send that email – such thoughts need to be banished, but what if they don’t scoot off on demand? I don’t feel like I’m in a position to ask the masseuse to crank up the Tibetan whale music to drown out the trivia of my mind. And then there’s the fear, what if the massage just isn’t that good – a bit too hard or, worse, a bit too weak and tickly. Then you’re having to politely endure a pointless experience, when you could just be getting on with that email.

As you may have gathered, I don’t often do massages – the risk is too great. However, I’m at Holm House Hotel with a pal – but we arrive frazzled, late, and very hot. Normally this would be my cue to flop on the bed and punch at the remote until I can find back-toback repeats of Come Dine With Me. Instead fluffy bathrobes and waffle slippers located, we’re whisked down to the spa. The smell

alone has me unwinding – a tea tree oil and geranium waft, the welcoming staff calm us down and it’s time for some quick form filling. Impressively, and without prompting, the masseuse identifies a not-too-common medical condition which means tenderness in parts of the stomach and back. She reassures these areas will be treated with care. Sat out on the sun-soaked terrace deck, which has panoramic views across Windsor Gardens, the Bristol Channel and out to the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm, sipping chilled, lemon’d water, we realise we’re in safe hands, and the stresses, and any doubts I have, are already melting off.

I opt for the back, neck and shoulder massage, which uses a blend of warm Elemis oil drizzled on the back area and promises a deep relaxation and to relieve tension in the back, neck and shoulder area.

At this point I know I should tell you the exact technicalities of what’s happening but I’ve floated off to another dimension. I’m barely aware of being massaged, but I do register the firm pressure feels perfect, and knots of tension

are being loosened. When I emerge I wonder if this is what deep meditation is like. I note my back and neck feel freer and I stretch out like a contented cat after a delicious sleep. I think I may have just had the best massage ever.

My pal has the intensely cleansing, all over body salt scrub using lime and ginger fragranced salt which says it “will gently slough away dead skin cells, encouraging the regeneration of new cells. It leaves a smooth and responsive canvas, ready to absorb the deeply nourishing body oil.”

She’s equally blissed out and swears that, days later, her skin is still glowing with the benefits.

Even without the treatments, there’s the hydrotherapy pool with tidal current machine, the steam room, and a relaxation room to enjoy and allow that Holm House magic work, even on an uptight cynic like me. n

“When I emerge I wonder if this is what meditation is like”

A three-hour spa retreat with use of spa and leisure facilities, including towel, robe and slippers per guest, starts at £20 Treatments, which are in partnership with Elemis, range from £15 – £90 For more: www.holmhousehotel.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 43

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Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

advertising feature

Get a Markle-like sparkle There have been rumours that even royalty have used Sculptural Face Lifting to achieve princess-worthy glows, and it’s now available at Orchard Facial Procedures

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culptural Face Lifting has been dubbed as ‘natures answer to botox and filler.’ It is an anti-gravity method designed to lift the face, strengthen its muscles, correct its form and remove unnecessary sagging.

The technique is taught by Yakov Gershkovich, a recognised authority on natural rejuvenation and facial manipulation.

Yakov Gershkovich the master of Sculptuarl Face Lifting technique

His method is the modern day mega trend in the field of holistic aesthetics, which has been used by thousands of women around the world who prefer holistic alternatives to invasive lifting procedures, and is believed to have been praised by Meghan Markle, Kate Moss, and Jennifer Lopez.

Sculptural Face Lifting is performed by deep tissue massage of the facial muscles and part of the technique is the intra-oral massage where muscles are massaged from within the oral cavity. As a result, muscle tone and elasticity are restored, skin becomes smoother, helping to return the face to its natural shape.

The facial works from the sternum up to the forehead, bringing blood circulation, and therefore oxygen and nutrition to the dermal layers resulting in lifted, stimulated, and youthful appearance to the face, as well as an intense release of tension in the facial muscles.

The way we look and the way we feel are interconnected. Sculptural Face Lifting technique works with the muscles and facial structure which are the result of the emotions we have experienced over a life time, so the technique is working with something which is much deeper than the muscles and physiology, bringing

emotional release and improving wellbeing.

This treatment is now offered by Sarah Nicolson at Orchard Facial Procedures, the first clinic in Wales to offer Sculptural Face Lifting, and is incorporated into her signature facial. Following a consultation, a tailored facial depending on the client’s skin type and needs is incorporated into the sculptural massage using botanical pharmaceutical grade products. Sarah believes in treating the epidermis, the deeper muscles and the person as a whole for the ultimate results and wellbeing. n

For more information visit: www.orchardfacialprocedures.com tel: 07969 877469 Facebook @orchardfacialprocedures Instagram @orchardfacialprocedures www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

SO SPA SO GOOD The value of taking time out, right here, right now

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oo often we wait until we’re exhausted, frazzled, and on our knees before we allow ourselves a little time out. By then it might be too late to undo all those tension knots and smooth out the stresses that life has thrown at us.

Our spa experts Gina Albu-Alnasairi, the spa and leisure club manager at voco St David’s Cardiff, and Caroline Sims, director of sales and marketing of Laguna Health & Spa, take the time to explain why a little time out now can help our long-term wellbeing.

but a spa visit is one of the rare chances you’ll get to enjoy yourself while also being kind to your body.

Caroline: It’s essential, for our mental wellbeing, to make a conscious effort to escape the hectic everyday pressures. Without these frequent therapeutic experiences, it’s easy to lose focus of what’s important. By taking time out to focus on the present and practice mental wellbeing, we’re giving our minds the opportunity to see things clearly. This clarity guides our daily actions, helping us make better decisions and ultimately lead a positive lifestyle.

I’m a busy person. Why should I bother taking a spa break?

Gina: A break at the spa can offer relaxation

Any other benefits of a little spa trip?

Gina: The list of immediate benefits is long

and a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There aren’t many ways of improving your health while also having fun,

46 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

and includes: improves cardiovascular health; detoxifying; relieves stress; muscular relief; spa breaks can improve your sleep; healthier skin and joints; improve immune system activity

SPAS

Caroline: In today’s society, we’re ‘always

on.’ Technology means we’re working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to just sit back and enjoy some time to yourself without being interrupted by a stream of notifications.

A relaxing spa experience is the perfect antidote to feeling overworked.

top: Caroline encourages guests to take advantage of Laguna’s pool; inset: Massages have many benefits, aside from just relaxation

and plays a role in restoring normal digestive system function; improved circulation; reduced headaches; and improved posture.

Should I go on my own, or with a pal?

Gina: Going to a spa on your own can be far

more relaxing than going as a two or a group: you don’t constantly have to check with your partner or friends to see if they’re ready for a sauna or swim, or feel guilty for ignoring them to read a magazine or have a snooze. We women have a tendency to put others before ourselves, even when supposedly on holiday.

Sometimes it’s good to leave your excess baggage behind and focus on you.

Caroline: The only thing better than a therapeutic spa experience, is sharing it with someone special. Whether it’s your best friend or your other half, taking time out to enjoy quality time together in a relaxing

environment is the ideal way to unwind. We all know that spa treatments like massages have a direct impact on lowering levels of stress hormones as well as boosting dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin. Sharing the experience with someone special enhances those positive feelings. The laughter, closeness and warmth of being with a friend or loved one triggers that ‘happy feeling’ and has a long lasting effect on our mental and physical wellbeing.

What about my mobile phone, can that come with me?

Gina: The time a person spends on social

media on average is one hour and 40 minutes per day. Even if your work may require you to remain online during business hours, it can be very helpful for your mental wellbeing to digitally detox, even for a short while.

What facility should I head to first to make the most of this restorative ‘me time’?

Gina: Don’t underestimate the power of

the jacuzzi. The list of ailments that show improvement from time spent in a jacuzzi is almost endless, from various muscle complaints to relief from arthritis, increased circulation, and blood pressure maintenance. Also, the dry heat sauna will help to rejuvenate the skin, relax your muscles, ease joint pain, improve blood flow, and detoxify your body.

Caroline: We would encourage all our guests to take advantage of our 20-metre UV filtered swimming pool. As well as having unparalleled

“Without therapeutic experiences, it’s easy to lose focus of what’s important” www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff LIFE I 47

SPAS

health benefits like the growth of muscular endurance, swimming is great for alleviating stress. The low impact and high intensity of swimming stimulates your brain into releasing positive hormones. This release of neurochemicals is complemented by the feel of water moving across our bodies. This sensation mirrors that of being given a massage and the positive effects that come with it, enhancing the all-encompassing spa experience.

Can you suggest one must-do treatment?

Gina: Massages are no longer relegated to

the luxury treat category, massages are now a must for everyone. Firstly, massages are key to removing tension and alleviating stress but the technical side is that a massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Furthermore, a massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which eliminates those pesky toxins. It has also been proven that massages release the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin, which brings the body into a ‘feel good’ state. n

For more: voco St David’s Cardiff, Havannah Street, Cardiff. tel: 029 2045 4045; www.vocohotels/stdavids Laguna Health & Spa, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. tel: 029 2011 1110; www.lagunahealthandspa.com

Caroline Sims

Gina Albu-Alnasair

48 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Come on in! The water’s lovely at voco St David’s

Take time to hang around

Turn to page 43 to read our review of Holm House Hotel spa and on page 51 columnist and new mum Andrea Byrne enjoys a spa-break at The Vale Resort

“The technical side is that a massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells”

Mum’s the word ANDREA BYRNE

“Look mum! I can baby yoga!”

TIME OUT To be the best they can be, sometimes new mums need to look after themselves too Andrea takes a little selfie time out with Sian Roberts

“I felt revitalised and rejuvenated, so much so, I think I’ve found an answer to Brexit...”

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t the moment, in the Byrne household, it’s hard to keep up with developments. Never mind the twists and turns of Brexit, as Jemima turns six months she’s currently going through more changes than UK politics: first we started weaning her; then she started rolling; and now our baby has teeth.

With Parliament being granted a recess from all its shenanigans, I thought a little prorogation was in order here as well. Some baby-life balance was calling and, quite frankly, with all the talk of spas and indulgence in this issue, it seemed very rude not to join in the fun. So, with daddy daycare sorted, and my friend signed up to share in the relaxation, off I went to The Vale Resort Hotel and Spa to be treated to a New Mother Spa Day, shortly followed by an amazingly restorative Diana Brook yoga retreat.

So, first stop: the spa. Welcome tour complete, we couldn’t slip into our gowns and slippers fast enough.

With jacuzzi, pool and sauna checked off, we were keen to try the relaxation rooms straight away. The Float Zone’s reputation precedes it, so we headed there first, to chill on the heavenly heated waterbeds. So good, so warming, so relaxing, that we nearly forgot to go back to the collection point to be called in for our treatments.

My treatment was equally divine. Seventy blissful minutes incorporating an all-over body massage and a facial. With stress and fatigue melted away, we settled down

for a healthy two-course buffet lunch before enjoying some more relaxation time in the Slumber Zone. Now as any new parent will tell you, sleep is the holy grail and this is where I was in heaven. We crawled under furry quilts and were spoilt with champagne truffles.

My top tip is that as you have the whole day at the spa with this package, there’s easily time to bolt-on another staple like a mani or pedi. We both added on a manicure – and, as a regular gel manicure customer, I can safely say the products used here are some of the kindest on the market when it comes to looking after the health of your nails.

Spa ticked off, before I knew it, the day arrived for my second time out. A two-day Yoga with Soul retreat in West Wales. Off we headed to the zone of zen – The Yoga House Wales in Tresaith near Cardigan. The retreat is organised

by Diana Brook. Both before, and during my pregnancy, I’ve

been practising yoga with Diana and found it beyond helpful both physically and mentally and it was the one activity I was determined to find time to carry on when I became a mum. Thanks to dad Lee again, I was so grateful to be able to take 48 hours out to immerse myself in yoga again, in a beautifully peaceful coastal setting alongside ten other like-minded yogis. As well as blissfully relaxed, I also felt revitalised and rejuvenated – so much so, I think I’ve found an answer to Brexit.

To all the politicians out there scratching their heads for a solution, I suggest a massage and some of Diana Brook’s Yoga with Soul – it’ll do you all the power of good.

For more on Andrea’s time out breaks visit Facebook: Dianabrookyoga, and www.valeresort.com Follow Andrea on Twitter at @byrney15 and on Instagram @andreabyrnetv for all the latest Baby Byrne updates

Find the holy grail of sleep at The Vale’s spa

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

advertising feature

Celebrate City of Arcades Day Immerse yourself in a unique Christmas shopping experience on Saturday 16 November to celebrate the inaugural City of Arcades Day

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festival of shopping with exciting offers and events will take place in independent stores and across the seven beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades in Cardiff.

Start the day with breakfast or lunch at one of the many independent cafés and eateries.

There are options aplenty for a caffeine fix in both the Morgan and Castle Quarters: from traditional brews at Uncommon Ground, Garlands Coffee, Corner Coffee and Barker Tea Rooms to a taste of Vietnam at Hanoi 1991 and Taiwanese bubble teas at Tealith.

For something a little special, try the renowned afternoon tea with fizz at Waterloo Tea in the Wyndham Arcade.

Vegans can enjoy a generous selection of cakes, food, and alternative milks at Polarity Coffee situated in the Duke St. Arcade or Simply V in Castle Arcade. There are also a wide variety of vegetarian and plant-based menus at Crumbs Kitchen, The Plan and Fresh.

With delicious street food, you can make your taste buds travel from the New York Deli to Bwyta Bwyd Bombai. Just remember to leave enough room for a sweet treat of Fabulous

Welsh Cakes or Science Cream, Wales’ first and only liquid nitrogen ice cream and desserts parlour.

When you’re ready to shop, you can visit some of Cardiff’s most unique clothing stores.

Nestled amongst more well-known brands, the Arcades are a feast for fashion lovers from the vintage styles of Hobos and Sobeys to the special handmade items from Diba and Ganesha that will guarantee you’ll never wear the same outfit as anyone else.

When it comes to finding the perfect treasures for your loved ones, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the many jewellers dotted around the Arcades. From the luxurious diamonds of Willows Jewellery to the precious gems and stones from Crystals, and the contemporary and timeless pieces of platinum, gold and silver at Brooklinde Goldsmiths.

For fans of hard-to-find foodie delights, head to Wally’s Deli and Kaffehaus in Royal Arcade, a treasure trove of spirits and continental charcuterie, or try Madame Fromage in Castle Arcade, with over 150 cheeses from around the globe.

Alongside cafés and clothing stores, the Arcades are also host to several specialist

shops, including the oldest record shop in the world – Spillers Records. For delectable scents of Wales, visit Cartref a Gardd in Dominions Arcade for infusions of Welsh slate and Gardenia or Incense and Welsh Gold.

Gamers can delight themselves in the classic board games from Rules of Play or try out consoles, both old and new, at the Arcade Vaults whilst bookworms will be sure to lose themselves in the brimming bookshelves of Troutmark Books or the assortment of comics and collectibles at Galactic Attic.

After all the exploring and shopping, end your day with a tipple at Gin and Juice or Rum and Fizz at Castle Arcade, where you can relax until later in the evening. n

Put November 16th in your diary. Start planning your City of Arcades Day at www.thecityofarcades.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

LOOKING ON THE INSIDE We talk to St Joseph’s Hospital to ask whether we should consider health screening 54 I cardiff LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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Regular checks on the inside can put your mind at rest

n a month when people are being encouraged to check their breasts, thanks to Breast Cancer Awareness in October, the message of regular health checks is also filtering through. We know that health is a 24/7 thing to be valued and nurtured, and also to act at the first signs of trouble. But what if there are no signs?

Dr Vijay Anand of the independent private hospital St Joseph’s explains why routine health screening could be vital: “Government studies have identified the five big killers as heart disease, strokes, cancer, and lung and liver disease. Together these account for 150,000 deaths a year among 40 to 75 year olds in the UK. 300,000 people suffer a heart attack each year in the UK, of whom 125,000 die. A high proportion of those deaths are premature and avoidable by early detection and treatment.

health

“A high proportion of deaths are premature and avoidable by early detection and treatment” A good gym can help assess your health

STAY FIT

Oli Ford of Fitness Space Cardiff explains why a gym can help with assessing health issues

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Good gyms should offer testing, for example we offer Tanita body composition testing, fitness testing and consultations with fitness professionals.

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Our Tanita testing gives you an insight into what your body is made of. Body fat percentage, bone density, muscle mass and even your hydration levels. We can also score your visceral fat, which is the fat around your arteries.

Reducing this limits future health issues.

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Waiting for signs is like waiting for your vehicle to breakdown instead of keeping it running safely. Taking small simple steps can improve your health and wellbeing vastly.

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There are 168 hours in a week, sacrificing one hour to have a check up with a certified professional can give you the stepping stones to a healthier, happier and long life.

‘IT WON’T HAPPEN TO ME’ “We all know people – friends and colleagues – who have been unfortunate, but human nature steers us to the ‘it won’t happen to me’ response. Unfortunately, the onset of disease doesn’t follow the same rules! We all recognise that you would not run your car forever without having a service check, and your body should be treated in a similar manner.

However, because of affordability constraints, the NHS is only able to provide a very rudimentary health screening service, which will determine whether you are at statistical risk of some of these diseases, but not whether you actually have a disease.”

FREE YOURSELF FROM MENTAL STRESS “Choosing a health assessment is about the peace of mind that you have undertaken the most accurate and advanced health assessment available. A medical health assessment is designed to empower you to take control by giving you an accurate picture of your health.

By taking control, you take away the stress and anxiety caused by uncertainty, whether that be about high cholesterol, a risk of developing diabetes, or internal organs showing signs of disease.”

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Prevention is always better than cure – improving your lifestyle by eating cleaner and being active for at least an hour a day can help with weight loss, reduce stress, boost your mood, improve memory, increase productivity, improve heart health and self-confidence.

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Being active and surrounding yourself with positive people can factor into your mental wellbeing.

For more: Fitness Space Cardiff, 39 Windsor Place, Cardiff. tel: 029 2240 5410; www.fitnessspace.com/cardiff

Dr Vijay Anand helps explain the importance of health screenings

DOUBLE CHECKING “According the NHS guidelines, you should have a health check every five years if you’re aged 40 to 74 and you have not had a stroke, or you do not have heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease. Also our bodies do change, hence health assessments should be regular. At St Joseph’s we recommend every year for Life (prices starts from £240) and every three to five years for Elite Health Assessments.”

‘Will this hurt, doctor?’

Dr Suhkdev Singh, consultant radiologist also at St Joseph’s, explains what the procedures entail, and can assess. “From a medical consultation to a very wide range of blood tests, including a hormonal profile and tumour markers, to the latest imaging technology, these assessments are designed to give the patients and their families peace of mind.

“The Elite Health Screening utilises a combination of ultrasound, CT and MRI scans to assess the brain, thyroid, lungs, breast, heart, abdominal and pelvis organs as well at the bowel and prostate.

Testicular and gynaecological organs are also included making this a very through screening programme.”

Post care Once the results are in, Dr Vijay reassures that people aren’t left alone to digest the results: “A key part of the procedure is a consultation with one of our senior physicians, approximately one week after the assessment, to discuss the results in detail. If any issues have been identified, the impact these may have on someone’s overall health will be discussed, along with the recommended course of action.

“Should the assessment report results that warrant further investigation or a condition that requires immediate treatment, they can be confident that a referral to one of our specialist consultants can take place without delay. Aside from discussing the results, one of the key objectives of a post-consultation is to help set your personalised health goals. We will support people by providing benchmarks and assisting in the understanding of how body and mind influence us in everyday life.”

For more: St Joseph’s Hospital, Harding Avenue, Malpas, Newport. tel: 01633 820 300; www.stjosephshospital.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff LIFE I 55

advertising feature

House keeping Benjamin Delve of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS offer advice on investing in a home with a common law partner

M

y partner and I have been in a relationship for a little over six months and moved in together last month. We aren't married.

I am about to sell a house, from a previous marriage, and my partner has suggested that we use the sale proceeds to build an extension on his house. Are there are any risks in doing this?

A: When moving in together it is important to consider what financial contributions each person in the relationship will make and what form that contribution will take. You should, in turn, also discuss what recompense you will both receive in the event that the relationship comes to an end.

It can be tempting, at an early stage of a relationship, to rely on indications/promises made by one party to another. However, particularly if you are contributing large sums of money, this is

a large risk to run.

You should also not rely on the concept of a common law marriage. Studies of societal attitudes, published as recently as January 2019, continue to show that the majority of people believe that couples who live together benefit from being in a common law marriage (having the same rights as a married couple). This is not the case; common law marriage came to an end in 1753, over 250 years ago.

If you plan to pay for the extension to your partner's property, I would strongly recommend an agreement about how the contribution is to be recognised, including how you will be compensated should the relationship come to an end, or the property sold. For example, you could transfer the property to your joint names and each enter into a declaration of trust (a legal document detailing how your respective interests should be

calculated in the event of a sale).

In calculating your interest, you may also consider not just the cost of the extension, and your contribution, but also the increase in value of the property arising from the improvements made.

I would certainly recommend that, before making any contribution, you seek independent legal advice. n

If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact our family team on 029 2034 5511 / 01656 645525 or family@berrysmith.com.

shopping live well, buy better

ROSE HIP

What we really love about these enamel Punky Pins is, not just that they’re like a grown-up version of the badges we covered our canvas school bags with, but they can be added to any wardrobe staple from the little black dress, the white t-shirt or, here, the collar of a plain shirt. This October, use them to add a blush of colour, a touch of floral, and show your support for the Breast Cancer Now’s fundraiser, Wear It Pink.

The pair of rose enamel Punky Pins costs £9 from The SHO Gallery and Shop, The Castle Emporium, Womanby Street, Cardiff. www.thesho.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 59

PINK SUNGLASSES, £110 With these rose-coloured San Diego sunglasses, life is always going to look good From Michael Kors, 19 Grand Arcade, Unit LG60 St. David’s Centre. tel: 029 2034 8830; www.michaelkors.co.uk

BALLON BLEU DE CARTIER WATCH, £4,950 Time truly is precious with this watch featuring a pale pink dial, pink leather strap and striking blue steel hands From Laings, St David’s, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff. tel: 029 2066 0890; www.laingsuk.com

IN THE PINK Think pink for Wear It Pink, the fundraiser for Breast Cancer Now happening on 20 October

LA PAONNERIE LA ROSE DE CLERMONT, LOIRE 2017, £16 A toast to good health with this organic, cheeky little number From Wright Wines, Castle Arcade, Cardiff; www.wrightsfood.co.uk

PINK FLORAL MUG, £9 Pinkies up are a must when drinking from this elegant bone china, footed base tea cup From Pugh’s Garden Village, Morganstown; www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk

CWTCH BABY’S BIB, £4.95 We heart this baby pink bib – soft, dribblicious, and take-everywhere for cwtch on demand From Shop Wales, 9 St John Street, Cardiff. tel: 029 2037 3770; www.shopwales.co.uk

60 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE PINK AFTERNOON TEA, FROM £18.95 10 per cent of each sale of a Laguna Kitchen Pink Afternoon Tea, which includes assorted sandwiches, traditional scones, and pink treats, goes to Cardiff’s City Hospice From Laguna Kitchen, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff. tel: 029 2011 1103; www.lagunakitchenandbar.com

ROSE QUARTZ NECKLACE, £32 A dreamy, soft, semi-precious stone shaped and gold-clawed into a wearwith-anything pendant from the Cardiffbased, Claire Hill Designs From Claire Hill Designs, www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk

COCKATOO SATIN SQUARE SCARF, £21.99 Luxurious, chic, and perfect for pepping up that tired autumn coat From Hamptons Penarth, 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth. tel: 029 2070 5391; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

GUERLAIN LIP COLOUR IN LILAC MOON, £25.20 Help KissKiss it better with a lipstick that smoothes, hydrates and has a subtle vanilla and violet fragrance From Escentual, 63-67 Wellfield Road. tel: 029 2000 8844; www.escentual.com

WILD AND WOLF RETRO PUSH BUTTON PHONE, £49.99 Hello! 1967 here, when phones were fixed, and a mobile was something that hung over a cot.

Yes, we’ll take that call From West Hampton, 6 Penny Lane, Cowbridge; tel: 01446 679195; www.westhampton. co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 61

SCENE

AC ROSS C A R D I FF, O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E

Mike Bosier and Sue Bosier

Klaus and Yvonne Kolb

Mulberry staff

Maria Cosslett and Rhodri Morgan

Dr David Jenkins and Philip Payne

Shaun Pearson, Luke Giles, David Giles and Ian Walsh

JOIN THE CLUB

Mulberry Wealth Management recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a golf day and garden party at Cardiff Golf Club. Around 200 clients, business colleagues, and staff enjoyed the golf, the Handcrafted Horsebox gin bar, and the afternoon hog roast.

Photos by Mary Wycherley www.twocatsintheyard.zenfolio.com

Delyth Walsh

Stephen and Joanna Hamilton

The sun was a welcome guest

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 65

© NICI EBERL

© NICI EBERL

Green Man festival goers come in all shapes and sizes

Around 20,000 festival goers enjoyed the immense musical and experiential charms of Green Man which ran from 15 – 18 August. Art installations, science workshops, local food stalls, rising stars, and world renowned performers all came together. Headliners included Four Tet, Fat White Family, Father John Misty, Sharon Van Etten, and Sons of Kemet. www.greenman.net

Sharon Van Etten on the Mountain Stage

© KIRSTY MCLACHLAN

Jarvis Cocker in conversation on Babbling Tongues

© PARRI THOMAS

66 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE GREEN PARTY

© PARRI THOMAS

© PARRI THOMAS

Absorbed by Four Tet

© KIRSTY MCLACHLAN

The Green Man and a little fan

Maribou State on Far Out Stage

Idles on Far Out Stage

© KIRSTY MCLACHLAN

© MARIEKE MACKLON

Father John Misty on The Mountain Stage

Caitlin Moran on Talking Shop stage

© KIRSTY MCLACHLAN

Sons Of Kemet on The Mountain Stage

SOCIETY

The Butetown Carnival launch for 2019 Shakeera Ahmun and June Campbell Davies

Fred Bullard

FOOD OF LOVE

Staff helped serve the food The Guinea-Bissau Association in Wales

The Wales Millenium Centre hosted a Wasteless African Banquet for the local community in August in the Centre’s Glanfa foyer. About 130 people came along to enjoy a three-course meal made by Oasis and Splott Community Volunteers, with food provided by FairShare, with drinks, all served by the Centre’s staff. Along with music, poetry and dance, there were costume-making workshops in preparation for the Butetown Carnival.

Photos by Dan Green www.dangreen.net

Communities from across Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys enjoying a wasteless feast

Linette Johnson

Flo Maugran Young and old enjoyed the feast

Amruta Bawayne Garaud with HRH G Singh of Taal Wales in the background

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 67

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS

Business class

Businesses in Wales benefit from £1million to develop new ideas

C

lwstwr, a programme to drive innovation in the creative sector and which is led by Cardiff University, in partnership with the University of South Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University, has awarded grants totalling £1million to 23 businesses in South Wales.

Funded through the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, with match funding from the Welsh Government, it made its first call for applicants earlier this year and, following a highly competitive process, the first cohort has been chosen. Film and television companies, technology businesses, creative organisations and freelancers are among the recipients who will work with academics to develop their new products, services and experiences.

The pilot projects include a news service for schools, remote editing facilities to grow post-production regionally and using technology to

Creative sectors are joining forces for the Clwstwr programme

transform the ways that people make and experience dance.

Clwstwr director, Professor Justin Lewis, says, “Our first Clwstwr cohort offers an exciting variety of projects and the quality of the applications we received is proof of the vibrant media sector here in South Wales.

“Not only will these chosen projects enhance the screen and news industries, they have the potential to improve other sectors such as education, healthcare and business.

Lord Elis-Thomas, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism adds, “The creative industries are worth nearly £1 billion to Wales annually and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK… We welcome this significant boost for investment in R&D in the creative industries and are pleased to be providing the match funding backing that helped secure the programme for Wales.”

For more: www.clwstwr.org.uk

For advice on every leading brand and model, from a leading independent family practice.

Scott Wroe and Jonathan Beeks offer appointments and consultations throughout the week so you have peace of mind knowing that if any problems arise we are here to help; we have the time and expertise to ensure you get the very best results from your hearing aid.

If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, please contact us on:

02920 707760 or call into 10 Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth, CF64 3ED. www.scottwroe-hearingcentre.co.uk

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INDEPENDENT

HEARING AID CENTRE & EARWAX REMOVAL CLINIC We provide a truly personal service and aftercare, all of which come with a competitive pricing structure and comprehensive aftercare service.

Loganair’s new route from Cardiff to Glasgow starts next year

TAKE OFF

Loganair’s Kay Ryan

Loganair, Cardiff Airport’s newest operator, is introducing flights from Cardiff to Glasgow beginning 27 February next year, to run on a daily schedule.

Operated by a 49-seat Embraer 145 jet aircraft, it will have a flight time of only one hour and 15 minutes.

Loganair commercial director, Kay Ryan says, “We’re delighted to launch a new service from Cardiff connecting Scotland and Wales’ largest cities for the first time. This is an important business route, but the city is also popular with leisure customers­as one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations.”

For more: www.cardiff-airport.com

WAX WORKS The owner of a Cardiff-based beauty Salon is spearheading a ‘prepare to smear’ campaign to encourage women to attend their cervical smear tests.

Lacy Farrow, of La Beaute Boutique in Whitchurch, is inviting women for a free intimate wax to help them feel more confident when attending their smear appointment. She says, “Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under the age of 35, but it can affect all ages. Early detection can save lives and if I can encourage a handful of women to attend screening, by offering a simple, free service that makes them feel better about themselves, then I will.”

Turn to page 59 for news of the October’s Wear It Pink campaign to help raise awareness of breast cancer.

For more: Facebook: La Beaute Boutique

70 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Lacy Farrow is using her salon to help encourage young women to go for smears

Let’s celebrate Cardiff’s buildings

BEING JUDGED Along with the finalists of the first-ever Cardiff Property Awards, which can be checked out on the site below, the panel of independent judges has been announced.

These are Matthew Phillips (Knight Frank), Ceri Hill, (Chalkhouse Interiors), Peter Hurn (Hugh James), Karsan Vaghani (Cardiff University), Andy Smith (Midas), Judith James (Cadwyn Housing), Juliet Gamlin (Cardiff Council), Carolyn Merrifield (Royal Society of Architects in Wales/Downs Merrifield), Jane Shankland (Cooke & Arkwright) and Jim Brook (Principality).

“We’re pleased to welcome our panel of judges to the first-ever Cardiff Property Awards,” says Steph Dodd, event director at MediaClash, which organises the event.

“Choosing the Award winners will be a tough task – but we’re confident that our judges will make excellent decisions.”

The ceremony, for which tickets are selling fast, will take place at Cardiff’s Exchange Hotel as a lunchtime event on 8 November.

For more: www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

cardiffworks

Michael Sheen supports Give DIFFerently

Ryan Bancroft joins BBC NOW

Movers and shakers etc HIGHLY PRINCIPLED BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW) has announced the appointment of Ryan Bancroft as its new principal conductor from September 2020. The Californian, who was the winner of the prestigious Malko Competition for Young Conductors in Copenhagen last year (both First Prize and the Audience Prize), says, “My passion is for the people who play music and the audiences who love it. That puts me in excellent company here in Wales.” www.bbc.co.uk/bbcnow

RISKY BUSINESS Jelf, the award-winning insurance brokers, risk management experts and employee benefits consultants, have announces the appointment of Luke Stevenson as branch director for the South Wales Region. Luke joins the South Wales region with a wealth of commercial insurance experience and knowledge and has already made a significant impact to performance in the region. www.jelf.com

IN DEVELOPMENT Real estate firm, Savills, has further strengthened its market-leading development team in Cardiff with the appointment of Caroline Jones as an associate director. Caroline has more than 20 years’ experience as a surveyor in the residential development market in South Wales. www.savills.co.uk

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Give DIFFerently was launched on 26 September to help tackle homelessness in Cardiff. The initiative is a partnership between FOR Cardiff and existing homeless organisations and charities to raise awareness as well as fundraise and offer practical help. Cardiff’s Homeless Charter is also the next step of the business improvement district, where pledges of time, employment, skills and expertise, and services can be made via the website.

FOR Cardiff will continue to fundraise for the Give DIFFerently fund, which has helped 35 people through almost £11,500 worth of donations since its launch in 2018.

Donations can be made online or via the newly installed contactless pay points in the city centre.

Actor and activist Michael Sheen has lent his support to the initiative asking Cardiff businesses to consider the impact they could make. “As a business you could give your services for free to homeless people, you can make sure your employees are well-informed on the issue and you can support local organisations and charities.

But whatever you do, make a pledge to Cardiff’s Homeless Charter, and let’s make a difference together.”

For more: www.givedifferently.wales

LAW AWARD Alexis Thomas, chartered legal executive at CJCH Solicitors, was recently awarded the Joyce Arram Award for advancing the legal profession. Alexis, who was nominated from amongst over 20,000 peers nationally and has been the CILEx branch chair for nearly five years, says, “CILEx has given me the opportunity to become a better lawyer, which has helped me progress in my career.” www.cjchsolicitors.co.uk

A SENSE OF PRIDE Craig Thomas, site manager at Redrow’s The Maltings development in Cwmbran, won a Seal of Excellence award at the Quality Awards, part of the 2019 NHBC Pride in the Job Awards on 6 September at Cardiff City Hall. www.redrow.co.uk

Money can be donated to help via the newly installed contactless pay points

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 71

CARDIFFWORKS

© STUDIO 87

a charity, Friends of Pedal Power Project, was set up to support this project alongside the physio department. They worked hard to raise funds to extend the service to people of all ages and abilities and to provide more permanent facilities.

Kevin Rahman-Daultrey and Sian Donovan

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2019

Where is Pedal Power now based?

Working in partnership with Cardiff Council, the project moved from Ely Hospital to containers and a caravan in Cardiff Caravan Park, Pontcanna, giving easy access to the beautiful traffic free city parkland and the Taff Trail.

Funding from the Big Lottery enabled the building of proper headquarters here, which became operational in October 2007. Then, more recently, Pedal Power received a grant from the Welsh government to extend the building to include a bigger café, community room, more offices and more bike storage. This was officially opened in April 2017.

Sian Donovan director of Pedal Power talks about the independent charity dedicated to enabling everyone, all ages, all abilities, to enjoy the benefits of cycling

How would you describe Pedal Power’s mission?

Our mission is to enable everyone to enjoy cycling and so, in addition to providing a wide variety of bikes, trikes and accessories. We also support this with a positive social experience including assessment, training and a welcoming, accommodating approach to ensure that every single cycling experience is five-star. We believe we are Wales’ leading inclusive cycling charity, if not the UK’s, and that inclusion permeates every aspect of our organisation, including our on-site café where we hold events such as our Musical Monday drop in singalong to ensure we are not just an organisation but also a community.

You won! Congratulations! Talk us through the process of applying We were really surprised when we heard we had been nominated – not that we aren’t worthy; Pedal Power has received quite a few awards in the past, like Most Admired Charity in 2015 – but CLA felt more ‘businessy’ so we didn’t really know where we might stand. I was crossing my fingers because it’s really important that we raise the profile of the charity and this Award is just the sort of boost we need.

Tell us a little about the charity’s work with the less abled Pedal Power means a child with cerebral palsy can go cycling with his whole family, those living with a stroke can improve their mobility, recovering addicts feel supported in rediscovering the joys of physical activity and nature, families of those living with dementia can enjoy a safe and soothing experience to share – the list is endless.

If you want to cycle or you want to help others to cycle then Pedal Power welcomes you with open arms.

HEALTH & WELLBEING WINNER

SPONSORED BY

Pedal Power

What was it like actually winning?

The actual night was a blur – when I heard our name I couldn’t believe it.

I still don’t remember what I said but I gather it was okay.

Tell us a little about Pedal Power.

Who founded it?

The founder of Pedal Power, and my predecessor, is Sybil Williams, who worked as a physiotherapist in Ely Hospital and felt that getting out and moving more would be of benefit to her patients, so she organised a bike ride in the Forest of Dean involving a group of learning-disabled cyclists.

How and when was the charity then established?

As a result of the positive outcome of Sybil’s work, she was able to convince the Local Health Trust to fund a new service using purpose-built and specially adapted bikes working from the physio department. In 2000

How does it work financially?

We generate some of our revenue through hiring our bikes – anybody and everybody can come and hire from us – but we do run a membership

which includes an assessment so we can ensure the best bike or trike for that person’s needs. The membership fee (currently £20 a year for an adult, £12 for a child) gives you a reduced hire fee but, most importantly, means that, if you need a carer or support worker to be with you, they cycle for free. This makes a huge difference to so many of our disabled members – it reduces the financial barrier and encourages more frequent visits, with all the benefits that brings.

How many members do you currently have?

We have approximately 1,200 members and we delivered over 36,000 hires last year to them and to the general public. In addition, we have the maintenance and redistribution contract for the city’s bike sharing scheme, Next Bikes, which will be a fleet of 1,000 bikes by the end of this year, and we’re also open seven days a week, and 50 weeks of the year.

“WE ARE NOT JUST AN ORGANISATION BUT ALSO A COMMUNITY” And who’s on the team making all this happen?

About 30 people – a mixture of full- and part-time with about a third dedicated to Nextbikes. We are also extremely grateful to our wonderful volunteers – we have between 40 and 50 who support our delivery on a regular basis and double that number who get involved in various activities throughout the year.

What other organisations do you work with?

We work with large number of different groups including RNIB, Beechwood College, National Autistic Society, Rookwood, Innovate Trust, and Adult Care Services.

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

Every time I see a customer smiling – it sounds clichéd but it’s true. We had one lady who’s had a spinal injury and we found a trike that she could ride – she cried all the way round the park, she was so happy!

For more: Pedal Power Cycling Charity, Cardiff Caravan Park, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9JJ. tel: 029 2039 0713; www.cardiffpedalpower.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 73

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

Clos Goch, Pentyrch ÂŁ525,000 EPC = B pa black Whitchurch 02920 612328

Stylish detached executive style larger Redrow built family residence in stunning quiet select close. 22ft open plan dining room and family room with bespoke contemporary doors opening onto the delightful landscaped rear gardens. High specification bespoke luxury fully fitted kitchen with style work surfaces and integrated appliances, separate utility room, cloak room, charming 16ft lounge with stylish fire place. Five double sized bedrooms, master suite with 20ft long bedroom including an ensuite dressing room with three double contemporary wardrobes and a stunning bespoke spacious ensuite shower room, two further superior bathrooms. Double drive with parking for 4 cars plus a large double garage. Must be seen!

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

Sycamore Cottage, Thornhill ÂŁ469,950 EPC = F pa black Llanishen 02920 618552

Part exchange considered. Unique detached five bedroom house with stunning panoramic views across rolling fields and countryside, set back behind a slip road along Thornhill Road providing extra parking. 20ft lounge with impressive inglenook style fire place and black beamed ceilings, 20ft kitchen & breakfast room with space for a breakfast table and chairs plus PVC french doors which open onto a private patio terrace, separate study, separate dining room, separate family room, down stairs cloak room. Two bathrooms one being ensuite, 16ft bedroom two with ensuite study room, private parking, garage, very private surrounding rear gardens. No chain, must be seen!

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

SEVERN SQUARE Ramona Jones considers living the high life in Canton

property

S

ometimes in life it’s worth taking the loftier approach, and get a little high and mighty when it comes to a new home. This two double bedroom apartment, in the heart of the ever-increasingly trendy Canton, offers rooms with a view and a home with high hopes and big ideas.

Accessed through a communal entrance with electric gates for residents and an intercom for visitors, with stairs leading up to it, this penthouse-style apartment unfolds not in a conventional hierarchy of rooms but rather a sequence of glorious, harmonious spaces. Split over two floors, there’s flow, balance, functionality and beauty between the living spaces thanks to mezzanine levels, vaulted high ceilings, and clever use of internal glass balustrades and balconies.

Set in a converted Victorian cheese factory, the property manages to embrace both industrial New York chic with Cardiff character, with exposed steel girders, sandblasted beams, redbrick walls and a maximising of light at every opportunity. It’s the Big Apple meets the Big Cheese, and the effect is Canton cool meets upbeat urban.

The entire open plan living space is fitted with a New Zealand light hardwood floor and benefits from French doors with glazed Juliet balcony and hardwood double glazed windows to three sides. Along the expanse of original exposed brick walls are newly installed reproduction quadruple radiators adding to the heavy metal charm. One corner of the space has been cleverly utilised as a home office by dividing and demarcating the area with bookcases.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff life I 77

property

On the second level, the beautiful master bedroom boasts an impressive height to the eaves and dual aspect glass balustrades overlooking the living areas. There’s a wealth of exposed sandblasted wood beams and a Velux roof light with solar-powered remote controlled blinds.

The spacious and striking en suite has been recently refurbished and also benefits from a roof light.

The second bedroom is another generous double bedroom with impressive height to the eaves, with French doors leading onto a balcony area.

The home also comes with its own parking bay but it’s the numerous luxe finishing touches from galvanised steel handrails, brushed steel ironmongery to the grey slate tiling, fitted wardrobes and clever storage, that all help to reinforce this apartment’s elevated position on the housing market right now. n

78 I cardiff life I www.mediaclash.co.uk

House numbers Square feet

1507

Guide price

£399,950

Parking space

1

Bathrooms

2

Bedrooms

2

For more: Jeffrey Ross, 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna,Cardiff. tel: 029 2243 0293; www.jeffreyross.co.uk

CARDIFF LIVES

“At the age of 10, I wanted to be a sculptor” I relocated to Cardiff from London 24 years ago, when my

husband, also an artist, moved to a new teaching job. We had been looking to move out of London for some time to offer our two children, then aged six and nine, a better quality of life – Cardiff seemed perfect, being a very ‘people-sized’ city, close to dramatic countryside and fantastic beaches.

One of the worst jobs I had was working over Christmas in Liberty’s in the women’s coat

department – extremely tedious.

I enjoyed most of my teaching, especially working in Higher Education at Cardiff and Swansea.

Stephanie Tuckwell

The freelance artist talks loving Cardiff, ping pong, and painting The Cardiff-based artist, whose work is distinguished by dancing and dissolving shapes and forms, was recently shortlisted for the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition 2019. A former student at Goldsmith’s School of Art, she says her work ‘draws inspiration from my experiences and memories of the natural world – where the land meets the sea, the wilderness of mountains, the intimacy of a garden.’

Stephanie stopped teaching two years ago to concentrate on her art practice, with recent developments including working with design companies in the USA to license paintings for the production of large scale murals and limited edition prints for interiors.

I was born and brought up in Kent in the early 1950s. We used

to travel to Cornwall for family

holidays in our rather small and cute but not very powerful Austin A30 – it was not unheard of for us to push it up the hills when crammed with luggage!

I loathed PE at school, especially

the hockey class; being a plump youngster running round the school field in the middle of winter was my idea of purgatory. My favourite subjects were art, textiles and geography. I’m still not keen on sport now but I do enjoy yoga, working out at the gym, and I am ace at ping pong!

At the age of 10 I wanted to be a sculptor. I loved working with

clay but, as it happened, I studied textiles for my degree course specialising in embroidery, which over the past 40 years has made an incredible revival academically and creatively. In the past ten years or so, I have been focusing on drawing and painting rather than working in textiles.

82 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I was a student, I sold a couple of life drawings, and I went

straight to the bar to celebrate.

My professional proudest moments have been, as an artist,

being commissioned to make a large, framed mixed media collage for the boardroom of Schweppes & Coca-Cola, as it was then. And as a teacher, it was being appointed as a part-time tutor at the London College of Fashion.

Personally speaking, and it may sound corny, but my children are my biggest achievement.

I am very lucky to have a partner of 38 years, Robert McPartland, who is also an artist. Throughout our time

together we have inspired and encouraged each other and exhibited together, the most recent show being Connected Worlds at Cardiff’s Kooywood Gallery.

I don’t really have a routine when I paint, but I avoid having

my phone with me in the studio – it’s too much of a distraction.

I used to make all my own clothes, including my own

wedding dress, my children’s drama costumes, wedding cakes for friends, and small runs of soft furnishings for Heals and Liberty’s.

My ambitions are to carry on painting, and as a quote from

Martha Graham so eloquently states, ‘to keep a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action’.

We’ve always lived in Pontcanna

and over the last few years it has become a place with a real buzz.

This is especially true on Saturdays with the various artisan markets in the Kings Road Yard – Hive homeware, Pipes Brewery, Alex Gooch bread, Lufkin coffee. Not forgetting the vibrant café of Kemis nearby and the fabulous Italian deli, Al Ponte and Kiti, which stocks beautiful stylish clothes.

I particularly love their prints.

My advice to a Cardiff visitor would be, take a trip on the river

bus from the Bridge down to the Bay to get a different perspective of the city. Also Bute Park is a fabulous place to wander though and explore. n

For more: www.stephanietuckwell.com

Our paintings, though very different in process, subject and appearance, are

underpinned by a common desire to achieve qualities of light, space and balance. I am also fortunate that both my children and their partners work in the creative industries, which means that we all have lots in common to share.

Stephanie’s work was recently exhibited as part of Sunday Times Watercolour Exhibition