Cardiff Life - Issue 210

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property @CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 210 / NOVEMBER 2019 / £3

MATURING NICELY PLANNING FOR LATER YEARS

ISSUE 210 / NOVEMBER 2019 / CITY OF ARCADES

TRUE BEAUTY

REALITY CHECK

COSMETIC SECRETS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

DANI DYER ON LIFE AFTER LOVE ISLAND

ARCADE DESIRE MUSIC MAESTROS

CELEBRATING CARDIFF’S ARCADES

CARDIFF SINGERS NAME THEIR FAVE TUNES PLUS WYBURN & WAYNE / CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS / STIFYN PARRI

ROCK OF AGES

THE WELSH SLATE ART OF BEN JONES

EDITOR’S LETTER

I

’m not a good shopper. First off, I’m reluctant – it’s going to be hard work, I won’t find what I want, the shops will be busy. Then when I actually go, I’m indecisive, dithery, confused, and overwhelmed. Then suddenly I’m gripped by a feverish impulse to buy whatever comes to hand, especially if it’s expensive, pointless, and never to be looked at again. However, the Cardiff Arcades have changed all that – this isn’t shopping, this is living. It’s a properly beautiful experience from the breathtaking Victorian architecture (as seen on our cover) to the eclectic and exciting indies housed in them. Turn to page 8 to learn about the upcoming City of Arcades day, and to page 29 for our special Arcades Ed’s Choice.

Another reason to celebrate Cardiff is the amount of art the city is housing. There’s family-friendly toe-tappers’ shows at the Wales Millennium Centre – turn to page 17 for our interview with Dani Dyer who is starring in the visiting Nativity!; we learn about the sculptor Ben Jones on page 25, who has been inspired by his Welsh surrounds, and over on page 21, we chat to a few of our Cardiff stars about how music has influenced their life.

We also talk beauty for men on page 38, fashion trends for all on page 32, along with our usual mix of business news (page 67), property showcase (page 84) and what’s on in the city (page 13).

Enjoy, and see you in three weeks.

R

wy’n siopwr gwael. I ddechrau rwy’n siopwr cyndyn – bydd yn waith caled, bydd yn anodd dod o hyd i’r pethau rwy’n chwilio amdanynt a bydd y siopau’n brysur. Yna, ar ôl mynd, rwy’n methu â phenderfynu ac rwy’n tin-droi, yn drysu ac yn teimlo bod gormod o ddewis. Ond yn sydyn, heb feddwl ddwywaith, rwy’n prynu’r peth agosaf ata’ i, yn enwedig os yw’n ddrud, yn ddibwrpas ac yn dda i ddim. Wedi dweud hynny, mae Arcedau Caerdydd wedi newid fy mhrofiad o siopa’n gyfan gwbl – nid siopa mohono, ond byw. Mae’n brofiad bendigedig sy’n rhoi cyfle i chi edmygu pensaernïaeth Fictoraidd odidog yr Arcedau (a welir ar ein clawr) a mwynhau eu hamrywiaeth eang o siopau annibynnol cyffrous. Trowch i dudalen 8 i gael gwybod mwy am ddiwrnod Dinas yr Arcedau sydd ar ddod, a throwch i dudalen 29 i weld dewis y golygydd ar gyfer ymweliad â’r Arcedau.

Rheswm arall dros glodfori Caerdydd yw’r holl gelfyddyd sydd yn y ddinas, gan gynnwys yr holl sioeau poblogaidd i’r teulu cyfan sydd yng Nghanolfan y Mileniwm – trowch i dudalen 17 i weld ein cyfweliad â Dani Dyer a fydd yn serennu yn y sioe Nativity!.

Rydym hefyd yn dysgu mwy am y cerflunydd Ben Jones ar dudalen 25, y mae ei gynefin yng Nghymru wedi bod yn ysbrydoliaeth iddo, ac ar dudalen 21 rydym yn sgwrsio â rhai o sêr Caerdydd am y gerddoriaeth sydd wedi dylanwadu ar eu bywyd.

Rydym hefyd yn sôn am harddwch i ddynion ar dudalen 38 ac am ffasiwn i bawb ar dudalen 33, ac yn rhoi’r sylw arferol i newyddion byd busnes (ar dudalen 87), i eiddo (ar dudalen 84) ac i ddigwyddiadau’r ddinas (ar dudalen 13) Mwynhewch ac edrychwn ymlaen at eich gweld ymhen tair wythnos.

SARAH MOOLLA Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

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

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

Issue 210/November 2019 Cover Celebrating the inaugural City of Arcades Day Turn to page 8, and page 29

the arts

13 INTRO The August Sander exhibition comes to

National Museum Cardiff

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

on in Cardiff

21 MUSIC The stars of Movie Mixtape have got the music

in them

25 SCULPTURE How Welsh slate shaped the art of

Ben Jones

46

shopping

29 shop intro Drink the The Whale way from

Morgan Arcade’s accessories shop, Illustrate

30 Editor’s CHOICE Celebrating the City of Arcades

32

Day

32 FASHION Penarth designer Nathan Palmer talks us

through the latest trends

health & beauty

38 Looking good Beauty treatments for men 42 BEAUTY REVIEW Going with the glow at the

Glow Clinic

food & DRINK

46 RESTAURANT Getting cosy at the Cosy Club

Cardiff Bay

51 FOOD & Drink NEWS A new brewery, a new

whiskey and celebrating Welsh produce

property AWARDs

58 cardiff property AWARDS Four pages of all

the latest news including a who’s who of judges and the reception’s party pictures

Business

67 cardiffworks News, views and interviews with

the region’s professionals

77 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS Catching up with Award

winners Illustrate Digital

lifestyle

78 retirement From which home to legal advice, we

ask the experts

Property

84 showcase Make yourself at home at this Dinas

Powys modern property

Regulars

8 sPOTLIGHT Upbeat stories from our upbeat city 27 wYBURN & WAYNE The boys are back in town 90 CARDIFF lives Meet entertainer Stifyn Parri 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 Nathan Palmer, Nathan Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Elsie Chadwick, 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

Arcades

WINDOW SHOPPING

This November will see the inaugural City of Arcades Day to celebrate 150 years of Welsh retail history. Many of the shops, restaurants, and businesses housed in the seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades will have special in-store offers and workshops, along with live music and tastings.

Events on 16 November include a block printing demonstration with local artist Sarah Walker at The Pen & Paper; the opportunity to sample Hensol Castle Distillery’s range of Crawshay’s Gins and Gin Liqueurs at Wally’s Deli and Kaffehaus, and over at Wally’s Liquor Cellar there’ll be a range of rums from Cloven Hoof Rum Distillery for tasting; Neal’s Yard Remedies is offering 30-minute workshops to create your own shower gel; Molton Brown has complimentary hand and arm massages; and there’s a Mario Kart charity tournament at Arcade Vaults.

Turn to page 29 for our Arcade special Ed’s Choice shopping page.

For more: www.thecityofarcades.com

Writer and producer Russell T Davies

Enjoy the bright lights of the Arcades

Awards

THE REEL THING

My Brother is a Mermaid won Best British Short

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

Black Hat scooped the £30,000 prize

The winner of the 13th edition of Cardiff-based annual international LGBT+ short film award, the Iris Prize, was announced on 14 October at the Tramshed by the writer and producer Russell T Davies. Black Hat, by American director Sarah Smith about a closeted Hasidic Jewish man living in Los Angeles, won the £30,000 prize for an international LGBT+ short film.

Teen trans drama My Brother is a Mermaid, directed

by Alfie Dale, won the awards for Best British Short and the Audience and Youth Awards. A new short film made by pupils of Tonyrefail Community School also featured as part of the awards opening night celebrations.

I Feel Love was made as part of an Iris Prize Outreach project funded and supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales, University of South Wales, Stonewall Cymru and Welsh Government.

Berwyn Rowlands, festival director, says, “We’ve seen in the news recently disturbing images of anti-LGBT+ protesters picketing a Birmingham school over its positive attitude towards diversity. I’m proud to show the world we do things differently here in Wales.”

For more: www.irisprize.org

spotlight Get your skates on – Christmas is nearly here!

Christmas

ICE ICE BABY

Cardiff Winter Wonderland will open at City Hall Lawns from 8 November, unveiling its brand-new Alpine Ice Trail for the first time. The Trail will be an open-air ice-skating experience running 250 metres long, making it one of the longest ice trails in Europe and the only one found in the UK this winter.

Along with the usual ice rink facility, Gorsedd Gardens will have its own Christmas tree to be decorated by local Coed Glas primary schoolchilden. The Big Wheel will also be a new addition with accessible carriages for wheelchair users, as well as returning favourites including the double-storey Sur La Piste bar and the live entertainment area. Jason Venables, from the organisers 11th Hour, says, “Both our ice rink and Ice Trail are accessible for all and we look forward to welcoming everyone on site with us for 2019.”

For more: www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com

Fragment of an early medieval silver gilt penannular brooch

An early 17th-century silver seal matrix

Archaeology

TREASURE IN THESE ‘ERE PARTS Eight metal detector finds in Wales, ranging in date from the 8th century to the early 18th century AD and including a silver thimble found in Cardiff, have been officially declared treasure.

The 17th century silver thimble which bears the legend ‘I AM YOVRS’ (‘I am yours’) was found by Peter Morgan in Pentyrch Community, Cardiff in January 2017, and will be going on display at the Museum of Cardiff. Although silver thimbles were commonly-owned items in the past, examples from this period are rare due to supporters of Parliament during the Civil Wars donating them for the silver metal.

Cardiff Council cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Peter Bradbury says, “The Museum of Cardiff is all about the people who

have lived, worked and played in Cardiff over the centuries, and this thimble will help shine a new light on what was happening here in the 17th century.

“It’s a really important piece for the museum – not only will it be the first treasure object in the museum’s collection, it’s also one of the few pieces held by the museum that predates the Victorians, making it a great opportunity to expand on the story the museum tells about Cardiff.”

Other finds include an 8th- or 9th-century silver-gilt penannular brooch fragment, found in Penllyn Community, Vale of Glamorgan, and an early 17th-century silver seal matrix found in Llancarfan Community, Vale of Glamorgan.

The silver thimble found in Cardiff

For more: www.museums.wales

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Aiming high for a good cause!

MARTYN PROWEL SOLICITORS in Cardiff are continuing their valued charity work – this time three volunteers agreed to freefall at 120 miles an hour from 12,000 feet!

S

ince they sponsored the charity category of the Cardiff Life Awards in 2017, and pledged to adopt the winning charity as their chosen charity, Martyn Prowel Solicitors have supported BulliesOut, raising thousands of pounds by various sponsorship and fundraising activities. Bullies Out is a charity dedicated to providing help and support to victims of bullying as well as undertaking to reduce bullying in schools and the workplace through their anti-bullying campaign.

Martyn Prowel Solicitors’ Caron Rockey says, “The directors and staff at Martyn Prowel Solicitors are proud to support such a wonderful charity and we are always looking at new ways to support them in their ongoing campaigns”.

Since adopting BulliesOut as their chosen charity, Martyn Prowel Solicitors has undertaken a wide variety of fundraising and sponsorship events, ranging from regular bake sales and dress down days, to arranging a quiz night in October 2018 which raised more than £600, and even arranging and partaking in the Three Peaks Challenge in July 2017, which involved several members of the team climbing Snowdon, Cadair Idris, and Pen y Fan mountains in one day, raising over £1,500 in the process.

This time Natalia Xuereb, Michelle Spencer, and Hannah Head volunteered to take part in the BulliesOut Skydive, freefalling at 120 miles an hour from 12,000 feet. The girls, while slightly apprehensive, were happy to be helping BulliesOut raise vital funds in order to support their innovative work in providing help, support and information to those affected by bullying.

Hannah, Michelle and Natalia travelled to the Swansea Airfield on 22 June 2019 and were joined by other members of the team to show support, and to lead them to the nearest bar once the skydive had finished. More than £2,000 in sponsorship was raised through the support of colleagues, friends and family.

As well as providing invaluable and continued support to BulliesOut, Martyn Prowel Solicitors in Cardiff has for many years provided a wide range of specialist legal services across South Wales and is recognised for quality, expertise and professionalism. Their solicitors are able to provide expert legal assistance for many areas of law, including divorce and family law, property conveyancing, landlord and tenant, personal injury claims, wills and probate, civil litigation, criminal and motoring offences. With offices right in the centre of Cardiff (opposite the Capitol Centre), they offer convenience and a warm welcome, and can be contacted on 029 2047 0909. ■

A BIT ABOUT BULLIESOUT BulliesOut is an award winning charity, based in Cardiff and works to provide help, support and information to individuals, schools, youth settings and the workplace.

The work directly addresses bullying, one of the core reasons that can affect a person’s emotional, social and academic well-being.

The charity believes that learning is the foundation for life and can help raise confidence, self-esteem and motivate young people to achieve their aspirations and career choice; however, it recognises that barriers to learning, such as bullying, can prevent people from recognising and achieving their full potential. The organisation works tirelessly to change the lives of those affected by bullying and we know it can make a difference. We see it in the way young people engage in the projects and how they develop confidence and learn new skills.

By engaging and empowering young people, BulliesOut can encourage them to develop a positive ethos across a whole school community, inspiring them to create an environment that meets the emotional, academic and social needs of pupils and staff. It is important to create anti-bullying systems that meet students, parents and staff goals for a safe, respectful setting.

Creating an anti-bullying and respectful ethos is a powerful way to inspire change and make a difference.

professional MartynComplete Prowel Solicitors in Cardiffand are located at The Aspect, 140 Queenguidance Street, Cardiff. CF10 compassionate 2GL. For more information about the services tel: 029 2047 0909; www.martynprowel.co.uk For all your

property needs

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

Selling and Buying Property Landlord and Tenant Disputes Property, Building and Boundary Disputes

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

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

PORTRAITS OF THE PAST The work of the German photographer August Sander (1876 –1964) who has been described as ‘the most important German portrait photographer of the early twentieth century’, is on exhibition at National Museum Cardiff.

His monumental project, People of the Twentieth Century, famously captured farmers, policemen and politicians to bricklayers, secretaries and artists, and all anonymous. Secretary at West German Radio in Cologne 1931, featured here, is just one of the 80 images that offer a fascinating glimpse into the then German nation.

The August Sander exhibition can be seen until 1 March 2020 at National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

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

What’s on 26 October – 30 November

The seriously stylish and properly funny Eddie Izzard comes to Cardiff

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES

latest developments in performance from Wales in both the Welsh and English language. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

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

Until February 2020

Until 22 December

AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY SEASON Focusses on the work of four of the most influential photographers: August Sander, Bernd and Hilla Becher, and Martin Parr. Turn to page 13 for more National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

Until 2 November

PERFORMANCES FOR THE CURIOUS The biennial season champions experimental, ground-breaking and contemporary new work and gives audiences an affordable but exhilarating glimpse of some of the

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

Until various dates 2020

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

28 October – 2 November

FRANKENSTEIN Rona Munro’s brilliant new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece places the writer herself amongst the trauma and 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

7 – 9 November

ART A new production of the comedy about friendship being put to the test when one of them buys an expensive piece of art with which he hopes to impress his friends. It stars three of Wales’ finest comedy actors in the lead roles – Gareth John Bale plays Serge, Keiron Self as Yvan, and

Richard Tunley, who is also the director, playing Marc. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

8 & 9 November and 2 – 31 December

THE UGLY DUCKLING / YR HWYADEN FACH HYLL This bilingual Christmas production is brimming with music and song, fun and laughter, clever staging and beautiful costumes, all creating a magical experience for all the family this Christmas. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

9 November

MADAMA BUTTERFLY The Met’s 2019–20 Live from New York season continues with Anthony Minghella’s vividly cinematic staging

what’s on 5 November

happen to be sisters The percussion pair have headlined and played to sold-out audiences across North America. Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

5 & 6 November

EDDIE IZZARD Wunderbar is a delicious insight into the surreal and fantastical world of comedian Eddie Izzard. “My new show is about everything from humans over the last 100,000 years to talking dogs and animal superheroes.”

Donald Gordon Theatre; www.wmc.org.uk

7 November

above:

Samantha Womack plays The Girl On The Train in the stage adaptation of the bestselling book at New Theatre Cardiff 12 – 16 November left: Puccini’s classic opera Madama Butterfly can be seen at Cineworld on 9 November as part of The Met’s 2019–20 Live from New York

BEN ELTON LIVE 2019 The godfather of modern stand-up returns. Ben Elton is back on the road with a brand new show, which promises to try and make sense of a world which appears to have gone stark raving mad. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

8 November

DALISO CHAPONDA In his daring new show Blah Blah Blacklist, Daliso looks at disgraced celebrities and historical figures we’re ashamed we once admired.

There’s also the small matter of family member arrests, exploding buildings in his home country, and the story of the enterprising Malawian who tried to blackmail him. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

12 – 16 November

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Samantha Womack plays Rachel Watson, the loner who longs for a different life. Every day, on her daily commute, she sees the perfect couple but when the woman disappears she thinks she’s witness to something more sinister. New Theatre Cardiff; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

19 – 23 November

Nativity! The Musical A smash-hit tour of Nativity! The Musical, a feelgood, joyous adaptation of the story of teaching assistant Mr Poppy and his determination to bring Christmas magic to the pupils of St Bernadette’s School. See page 17 for

our chat with one of the show’s stars, Dani Dyer. Donald Gordon Theatre; www.wmc.org.uk

LEROY BRITO Cardiff comic Leroy Brito returns to Ffresh with his new stand-up show, Stereotype, where he explores who he really is and the many misconceptions about himself. Ffresh; www.wmc.org.uk

20 – 24 November

15 November

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – THE MUSICAL Comedian Griff Rhys Jones joins X-Factor winner Matt Terry and Edward Baker-Duly in this recordsetting Broadway sensation as it heads to Cardiff. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss create the whimsical world of Whoville, while Max the Dog narrates the story of the scheming Grinch whose heart is ‘two sizes too small’. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

COMEDY 28 October

FLO & JOAN Flo & Joan are Nicola and Rosie Dempsey, a British-born, Torontobased, musical comedy duo, who

RUSSELL KANE During his aptly named The Fast and the Curious show, Russell packs more energy into his performance than a Duracell factory. His ‘RS Turbo Laugh Engine’ will motor through topics such as love, family and life. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Music

5 November

CHARLY BLISS The four-piece from New York have had a packed year, including the release of their critically acclaimed second album Young Enough, and return to the UK for headline shows promising an exhilarating taste of the tornado of joy, rage and celebratory sorrow. 10 Feet Tall: www.10feettall.co.uk

6 November

DECLAN WELSH & THE DECADENT WEST With their debut album Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold now in sight the four-piece Glaswegian band will be piggy-backing its release with a tour. The Decadent West have solidified themselves as one of Scotland’s most promising talents and an unmissable live prospect.

Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach: www.clwb.net

8 November

15 November

of Puccini’s tale of unrequited love, one of the most frequently staged operas of our generation. It follows the heartbreaking story of a young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio San, who falls in love with an American naval officer.

Cineworld Cardiff; www.cineworld.co.uk

LOYLE CARNER The young hip hop musician, who the NME describe as ‘sensitive and eloquent’ saw his debut album, Yesterday’s Gone nominated for the 2017 Mercury Prize. Y Plas; www.cardiffstudents.com

A CERTAIN RATIO A Certain Ratio’s sound is not easily pigeon holed and their influence can never be understated.

The band introduced the avant-garde elements of funk, jazz, electronics, tape loops and technology to the pop song, wrapping it in a post punk aesthetic. Clwb Ifor Bach; www.clwb.net

9 November

GERRY CINNAMON Gerry Cinnamon’s music crosses generations in a way that only a handful of wordsmiths can – relatable, relevant and a true story teller. Unsigned, and unmatched in his ability to operate outside of the mainstream, Gerry has now become a cult hero, a true musical force to be reckoned with, and is paving the way for the next generation of DIY pioneers. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

11 November

LIAM GALLAGHER With a well-received second album, Why Me? Why Not, the former Oasis member is bound to have that trademark swagger as he delivers classic rock’n’roll, big singalongs, a couple of ballads and, unlike his brother’s band, no one playing scissors. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

13 November

KATE TEMPEST The rapper and spoken word artist, who has previously supported Billy Bragg, is selling out venues globally thanks to her deserved reputation for being one of the most powerful and innovative performers of our time.

Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiff.com

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

What’s on 15 November

MAVERICK SABRE The rapper, singer-songwriter and guitarist blends folk, R&B, soul, and dubstep, and established himself as an acclaimed artist along with string of successful collaborations with a who’s who of the hip-hop scene.

Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiff.com

16 November

SHIMMER SOUNDS The indie-pop festival-esque day event Shimmer Sounds is returning to Tramshed with the line-up to include headliners, the rock band Temples, along with The Blinders and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard.

Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiff.com

17 November

BARB JUNGR From her early days of working the 80s comedy circuit alongside Paul Merton, Jo Brand and Julian Clary, Barb is now a much acclaimed singer, thanks in no small part to her interpretations of Bob Dylan’s music. Acapela; www.acapela.co.uk

23 November

PRIMAL SCREAM The release of Primal Scream’s retrospective Maximum Rock n Roll ­– The Singles is a timely reminder of one of British music’s most essential bodies of work. The band has celebrated its release with triumphant live performances that demonstrate that their inventive, high octane sound remains as essential and relevant as ever. Solus, Cardiff University Students; www.cardiffstudents.com

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 new sculptural work that he has produced in the United States since his move there in 1981.

Chapter; www.chapter.org

6 – 21 November

SALLY MOORE Because of her painstakingly detailed style of painting, Sally’s exhibitions are always eagerly anticipated. In these new paintings, she continues to explore mood, memory and states of mind through the use of surreal metaphor. A giraffe is ridden down a city street, a monkey is invited to a tea party, and women scramble across a Welsh landscape. Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

sport

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

9 November

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

9 November

ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & EXHIBITIONS

CARDIFF DEVILS V Sheffield Steelers League, face off 7pm Viola Arena, Cardiff International Sports Village; www.cardiffdevils.com

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 Cardiffbased artist, Paul Wearing. Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

CARDIFF CITY V BRISTOL CITY Sky Bet Championship, kick off 12pm Cardiff City; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Until 9 November

Until 16 November

SARAH JANE BROWN The artist specialises in landscape painting influenced by her walks in the Pembrokeshire coast. Off The Wall Gallery; www.galleryoffthewall.com

10 November

17 November

CARDIFF DEVILS V Fife Flyers League, face off 6pm Viola Arena, Cardiff International Sports Village; www.cardiffdevils.com

23 November

CARDIFF BLUES V LEICESTER TIGERS European Challenge Cup, kick off 8pm Cardiff Arms Park; www.cardiffblues.com

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

above: The eagerly anticipated new work of Sally Moore can be seen at the Martin Tinney Gallery from 6 November left: The hugelyacclaimed poet and musician Kate Tempest is performing at the Tramshed on 13 November below: Welsh artist David Tress is exhibiting at the Albany Gallery until 9 November

Catch Liam on 11 November – he’s gonna roll with it

FIVE MINUTES WITH DANI DYER Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who’s starring in the musical Nativity!, on playing Polly, never saying never, and her dad Danny

OTHER

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. www.craftfestival.co.uk

4 November

JOJO SIWA The phenomenal JoJo Siwa, Nickelodeon superstar, YouTube personality, singer, dancer, entrepreneur, social media influencer, and New York Times bestselling author, brings her DREAM tour to Cardiff. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

14 – 17 November

THE ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL CARDIFF This is the fifth edition of the Italian Film Festival Cardiff, and starting from this year the IFFC will become the only festival dedicated to Italian Cinema in the UK. It will award a prize to the best film as well as the best documentary from the past year.

Premières include the thriller Naples in Veils, and Love and Bullets, a hilarious new musical. Chapter Arts Centre and Penarth Pier Pavilion; www.iffc.wales

16 November

CITY OF ARCADES DAY The inaugural City of Arcades Day will celebrate the seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades that make Cardiff so unique. Home to over 100 independent shops, bars and cafés, the day promises exciting offers, events and music. Turn to page 8 for more details.

City of Arcades; www.thecityofarcades.com ■

Dani shot to fame last year when she appeared on the reality dating show Love Island.

Her upbeat and cheery Essex attitude won the hearts of the viewers and then the show itself. On leaving the Island she was, and still is, inundated with offers but it was the role of Polly in the musical Nativity! that caught her eye. She returns to the show this year, which comes to Wales Millennium Centre 19 – 23 November. Oh, and she also happens to be the actor Danny Dyer’s daughter, who is appearing in the London leg of the tour.

Hello Dani! So from Love Island to your stage debut last year with Nativity. Talk us through that…

When I came out of Love Island, everything was just so busy and I got so many offers. But it was about doing something I really wanted to do.

Were you nervous?

I think when you step on stage – it’s either going to go really brilliantly or really badly. But I really enjoyed it and had so

Pull up a chair and hear what the delightful Dani’s got to say

[laughs]. This last year has been a crazy, crazy journey. When I was 18 I thought I was grown up but now I’m 23 I realise I wasn’t at all. I am now much more grown up. You do change as a person year after year – I know now more about what I want.

much fun with it. It was scary having never being on stage before. My dad was doing it with me and that really helped.

Was it planned you do the show together? And is he coming on tour with you?

No, not at all. When I told him I’d been offered a part, he was like, ‘really?!’ We were both surprised at how it worked out! He’s not coming on tour, no – just the Hammersmith Apollo so he gets the easy bit! I like working with him so much. I really like to scare him. I hide places and then jump out at him.

You’ve written a guide, What Would Dani Do?: My Guide To Living Your Best Life. What prompted that?

I didn’t want to write an autobiography but I did want to show that we all make mistakes and that I’m not perfect.

Are you disappointed he’s not on the tour then?

Nah, not at all. The part of Polly has changed a bit from last year, so I’m looking forward to him being in the audience and seeing the show fresh, as part of the audience.

Dani, centre, and the Nativity! cast

How has your role changed?

Last year she was very sweet, very lovely. This year she’s more hard-faced more driven, she’s a little bit more feisty.

It’s good ‘cause if people have seen it last year, then this year there are some things different.

Very sweet? Sounds like someone we know…!

You haven’t seen me on a bad day

You seem so down to earth.

How have you managed that?

I still have the same friends I grew up with – they’ve all got normal jobs and they keep me grounded. They are so important to me. When I came out of Love Island the only people I wanted to see were my friends and family – they’ll always love me for what I am.

You mentioned Dani on a bad day, what’s she like?

I get stressed so I’m trying to do the whole meditation thing but I can’t get with it. As soon as I sit down, I think of something I have to do.

Would you ever consider doing a soap like your dad? Or even joining EastEnders?

I’d never say never, but now is not the right time. But Dad would love that – he loves being around me. He’s my best mate.

For more: www.wmc.org.uk

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FOPE Jewellery Luxury jewellers, LAINGS, have a beautiful selection of FOPE pieces that you’re bound to fall in love with. They’re proud to showcase the Italian jewellery that truly has a story to tell...

F

OPE is an unmistakable jewellery brand that is well known for its innovative gold designs. Its stunning pieces stand out with a distinctive Italian style and unique look.

Laings is now run by the sixthgeneration of the Laing family and similarly FOPE is also a family business. In 1929 Umberto Cazzola opened a goldsmith’s workshop in the Italian city of Vicenza and they can still be found in the same sunsoaked streets. To begin with Cazzola specialised in making gold straps for Swiss watch brands. He then moved on to producing gold chains before using his expertise to create jewellery.

Vicenza is one of the three historic centres of jewellery making in Italy and crafting gold is a deep-rooted tradition in this part of the world.

Laings only stock brands of the highest quality and the city holds an international reputation for its expert goldsmiths. FOPE is therefore recognised in the international jewellery market as a symbol of elegance and impressive craftsmanship.

GROUND-BREAKING INVENTIONS With years of expertise behind them the third generation of the Cazzola family, founder Umberto’s grandson and granddaughter, developed a signature style for the brand and designed and launched their first fine jewellery collection.

The skills of the expert goldsmiths, combined with cutting-edge technology led to the creation of the Novecento mesh, FOPE’s first real icon. The first signature collections were launched in the late 1970s and paved the way for the brand’s national and international success. Another massive turning point in their history was when Flex’it was launched, a ground-breaking invention that makes gold stretchable, meaning that their bracelets can easily roll on to the wrist. The clever jewellery is made solely of 18ct gold using a patented system of gold springs, which are hidden between the mesh chain links. Elegant, precious, and easy to wear, the Flex’it designs are wholly unique and all come with matching necklace, earrings and rings.

ITALIAN INSPIRATION FOPE collections take inspiration from the world around and the journey that the jewellery has been on. For example, the stunning Solo Venezia collection was inspired by the beautiful, traditional lace art of the Venetian island of Burano, whilst Eka means ‘one’ in Sanskrit and explores the concept of adding flexibility to jewellery.

The pieces are all about creating that distinct Italian style that so many women aspire to. The designs pay homage to the roots of Italian fashion, transforming centuries of style into contemporary pieces. They are all elegant designs that can be worn every day, but they also make an impact for special occasions. There’s a certain charm to the designs and a piece of their golden jewellery transports you to its enchanting home country, allowing FOPE to share Italian fashion with the rest of the world. ■

Shop FOPE jewellery at Laings – St David’s, 27 The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1GA. tel: 029 2066 0890; www.laingsuk.com

“INSPIRATION COMES FROM THE CITY AND ITS ARCHITECTURE, FROM A SCENT FOUND IN A SECRET GARDEN OR A FAMILIAR MELODY PLAYED BY A PIANO” www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 19

SOUL MUSIC

ARTS

The Welsh stars of Movie Mixtape, coming soon to Wales Millennium Centre share their love of music

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rom Hollywood blockbuster tunes to Oscarwinning melodies, Movie Mixtape, happening on 17 November, is a singing celebration of some of the best silver screen music ever, accompanied by the big band sounds of the The Novello Orchestra. Here, the stars of the show reveal their Welsh musical influences, along with a few karaoke secrets...

LUCIE JONES, singer/ actor

Whereabouts in Wales are you from?:

My family are from Tonyrefail in the Rhondda and I grew up in Cardiff.

How has the music of Wales inspired you?:

No genre of music is looked down upon in Wales.

We have artists who perform in every corner of music and it’s so inspiring to see how much we back our own.

Do you play an instrument?:

Piano, guitar, and flute.

Soundtrack of your life?: Depends on what my day consists of. Sometimes I’m Fall Out Boy, sometimes I’m Danny Elfman.

What’s your karaoke song?: St Elmo’s Fire by

John Parr.

One of your favourite ever songs?: She Used To

Be Mine by Sara Bareilles.

I sing this beautiful song eight times a week at work yet I still go home humming it. It’s so beautiful.

What always gets you up

on the floor to boogie? Shut Up and Dance by

Walk The Moon. Or Love Shack by The B-52’s.

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

ARTS NOEL SULLIVAN, actor

What does the music of Wales mean to you?: My whole life and career has been shaped by the music of Wales. From years as a chorister singing traditional Welsh music to growing up listening to Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey. And, of course, the Britpop years when I was a teenager listening to Catatonia, The Manic Street Preachers and the Stereophonics. For such a small country we have an amazingly rich history of music.

Do you play an instrument?: Piano, and I’ve learned a little

guitar for my current role in the West End as Dewey Finn in School of Rock.

Favourite song from Mixtape?: The Power of Love by Huey Lewis

and the News. The brass section of the Novello Orchestra is huge so I’m really looking forward to hearing what they do with it.

Soundtrack of your life?: Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall.

Your karaoke ace?: Pure and Simple by Hear’Say. A significant song in your life, and why?: Love’s In Need of Love

Today by Stevie Wonder. It was the first dance at my wedding to my wonderful husband James.

First record you ever bought?: Charles and Eddie’s Would I Lie

To You?

Do you still go dancing, disco or otherwise?: Yes, I love to

dance. Nothing beats a night on the dance floor.

What always gets you up on the floor to boogie?: I love disco

music. I would have loved to be alive in the 70s.

Favourite musical movie of all time: Little Shop of Horrors. I was,

and still am, obsessed with it.

IAN H WATKINS, performer

Whereabouts in Wales are you from?: Originally from the Rhondda Valley, and I now live in Cowbridge with my twin boys.

How has the music of Wales inspired you?: I grew up listening to

Treorchy Male Voice Choir, my grandad’s favourite.

Do you listen to contemporary Welsh music and if so, who?:

I’m learning Welsh, so at the moment I’m listening to Gwyneth Glyn and Elin Fflur, on a lot of car journeys.

What’s your karaoke choice?: Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx.

A song with great memories? Sonia’s You’ll Never Stop Me From Loving

You. I used to blast this from my bedroom window and it was just the most happiest time.

First record you ever bought?: Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley.

What gets you up to boogie?: When daddy gets a night off, I love to

dance. Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Take That, and Madonna get me every time!

Any secret dance moves?:At the moment I’m in the middle of

training for Dancing On Ice so that’s another dance skill altogether!

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

CONNIE FISHER, hostess with the mostess

Whereabouts in Wales are you from?: I’m from a tiny village in Pembrokeshire called Hayscastle Cross and now live in Barry.

What does the music of Wales mean to you?: When I was 11 years old, I joined a choir in Maenclochog, and our repertoire was almost entirely in Welsh so I learned the language mainly through singing. I then began to compete in local Eisteddfods and found my feet as a folk singer (Alaw Werin) because I loved the storytelling nature of the songs.

Do you listen to contemporary Welsh music and if so, who?: I’ve

discovered a wealth of great contemporary Welsh music since working as a vocal coach, performance mentor, and on-screen judge on Junior Eurovision: Search for a Star on S4C.

What songs are on your playlist?: I grew up in an era of Catatonia and Caryl Parry Jones and some of their songs are on my daily playlist.

Do you play an instrument?: I play the flute and piano.

What song provides the soundtrack to your life?: I’m a big

believer in creating opportunities for yourself and needing a little bit of luck on your side to succeed, so maybe Kylie’s I Should Be So Lucky, or Maybe This Time from the film Cabaret.

A significant song in your life, and why?: Climb Every Mountain from

Sound of Music – I think we know why... !

First record you ever bought?: Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega. I liked

the do-do-doo-doos.

Do you still go dancing, disco or otherwise?: All the time. I love dancing whether in a class, a club or in my kitchen.

What always gets you up on the floor to boogie?:

Beyyyyyyy-oncé, baby.

DAVID MAHONEY, producer, conductor and creative director

Are you from Wales?: I grew up just outside Cardiff, in a small village

called Groes Faen, but I now live in Pontcanna.

How has the music of Wales inspired you?: I’m inspired by music

of all genres from all around the world. I grew up in Wales surrounded by its fine musical reputation and it certainly ignited my passion for music at an early age.

Do you play an instrument?: It’s been a while since I played, but

I used to be a cellist.

Favourite song from Mixtape?: It’s got to be You’ve Got a Friend in Me

from Toy Story, Skyfall from James Bond, or I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book. But then there are two great, feelgood medleys from Mamma Mia and Bohemian Rhapsody as well!

Soundtrack of your life?: Michael Bublé’s Crazy Love. Can’t beat a bit

of Bublé!

What’s your karaoke ace?: Spice Girls’ Wannabe. It’s quite a sight…

A significant song in your life, and why?: Bridge Over Troubled Water

by Simon and Garfunkel. It was a song that performed in my school choir, and has remained an important part of my performing repertoire throughout my professional career.

First record you ever bought?: Now That’s What I Call Music! 34.

Released in 1994, and it includes Mark Morrison’s Return of The Mack, Good Enough by Dodgy, and Wannabe by the Spice Girls.

What always gets you up on the floor to boogie? Any song by

Stevie Wonder.

Favourite musical movies?: West Side Story, Chicago and La La Land.

For more: www.wmc.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 23

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arts

clockwise from far left: Ben Jones in his studio; Skomer; St David’s Head

ROCK STAR

Stephen Morris explores the creative force of artist BEN JONES who finds inspiration in the mountainous landscapes of Wales

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linded by the light of 1960s London, Ben Jones, the boy from generations of Welsh stonemasons, immersed himself in the freedoms of the age.

Carving was dead, and so were figures on a plinth. Ben, born in Builth Wells in deepest rural Wales, fashioned towers from glass-reinforced plastic. What would his stonemason grandfather have said?

All artists of talent (and many without) tread a difficult path to self-fulfillment. After St Martin’s, Ben moved on the shifting sands of abstract expressionism and what art critics call ‘post-painterly art’, aiming to fuse his painterly interests and love of sculpture in two-metre tall lattice-like towers.

Unexpectedly, the path lead from London to the Pietro Santo quarries in Carrara, Italy. Here, Ben learned how to carve marble and became friends with the inspirational Italian-based sculptor Fiore de Henriquez. At around the same time, 1981, he moved with his young family to rural Wales.

Still searching for a way of working, and

unsure of where he fitted in the world of modern sculpture, returning to Welsh soil was a pivotal moment. Though teaching in Bristol and creating figurative sculpture, he began to explore his own native landscape – and it was Ben’s love of the mountainous landscapes that would act as catalyst. In the Brecon Beacons he began experimenting with clay – carrying just the clay and his work bench out into the countryside and setting up to work and re-work the clay into resemblances of what he saw before him. And not just in Wales but in Spain too, and Kurdistan where, rather than carry heavy materials, he began to make sketches from which to work.

From scrutinising the monumental slabs of rock in front of him – and the giant fractured massifs portrayed in his sketches – came Ben’s ‘eureka’ moment: that slate, Welsh slate, might just be the perfect material for recreating the geological drama in front of him. Slate, which was so easily fractured and not much use to the sculptor-mason other than for carving memorial stones, could become the mountains not just of the Brecon Beacons but of the

“Welsh slate might just be the perfect material for recreating the geological drama”

Pyrennees and the Alps. The shearing, the depth, the fractures that Ben had been hunting for were there in the material. And the massive compressions and forces that went to create the Welsh slate, he could now use to recreate the huge geological upheavals of the mountains he wanted to sculpt.

Seeing Ben’s sculptural landscapes – the finished and part-finished works in his studio and garden outside Abergavenny under Blorenge Mountain – close one eye and the real and the miniature coalesce and connect, not as clever copies but as truly original landscapes in their own beautiful world. As Ben says, “I rely on the communication between hand, heart and eye to excite and move.” n

Ben’s work can be seen at Kooywood Gallery Cardiff 6 – 30 November; www.kooywoodgallery.com.

The book, Ben Jones: Slate Landscapes, £20, is available from Sansom & Co; www.sansomand company.co.uk For more: Ben Jones; www. benjonesartist.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff LIFE I 25

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

Friends reunited

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sk anybody what they think about Cardiff, and how lovely and friendly the people are is pretty high up on the list. For us, someone who encapsulates that sort of welcome and warmth is Sam Warburton, the former international rugby union player who also played for Cardiff Blues. His sporting record and achievements is the stuff of warrior legends, he’s a proper hero yet he never acts like a celebrity. In fact he recently revealed he turned down an opportunity to appear in the TV show I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here because he’s scared of spiders! However if he did go on it, he’d easily get our vote as King of the Jungle, because he’s already a prince in Wales! We met him again recently for the signing of his book Open Side. He was a total gent, not just to us but to the very many people, and believe us, there were a lot of them, queuing up to

meet him.

Wayne also got to meet up and interview with another good friend, the fashion consultant and designer, TV presenter, chef, and superstar Pride Cymru DJ Gok Wan, who is starring in this year’s New Theatre Cardiff panto.

He’s playing Cinderella’s Fairy Gok-Mother for eight weeks and you can see them chatting on our social media channels.

Our lovely pal Stifyn Parri, the entertainer and entrepreneur, had his book launch at The Virgin Lounge. Naturally called Out With It, it’s absolutely packed with wonderful gossip from everybody you can think of from the celebrity world. Plus it reveals the fascinating autobiographical journey of our friend’s amazing and brilliant career. We were so proud to be part of the evening’s event with a happy and supportive crowd which included the always smiling and upbeat TV presenter and former weathergirl,

Catching up with old pal Jai McDowall

Making new friends at Stifyn Parri’s book launch

Getting to know the comedian Russell Howard

Sian Lloyd, and Welsh wonder, fundraiser and sky-diver, Dilys Price OBE. The afterparty involved karaoke, lots of laughs, a fair few drinks, and even more friendships being formed and strengthened.

Someone else we were won over by on meeting was Russell Howard when he visited the Motorpoint Arena for two sell out dates. He’s always been one of our favourite comedians – he’s insightful and hilarious. The show was holding up a mirror to today’s society and asked us to look, listen and learn – but most importantly laugh. A beautiful lesson, beautifully delivered. We got to meet him before and Nath presented a pizza portrait, which he loved.

The only time a cloud of suspicion was cast on those around us was when Wayne went to the New Theatre to see Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap. His head was spinning, believing them all to be the murderer at various intervals.

It’s a thrilling whodunit and deserves its revered reputation.

A blast from the past arrived in the form of Britain’s Got Talent winner 2011, Jai McDowall, who was in the city for Les Musicals

at St David’s Hall, along with Jonathan Ansell, the high tenor of the vocal group G4 who found fame on The X-Factor.

Nathan and Jai shared a dressing room back at the semi final of the show and hadn’t had chance to catch up in eight years – so it was lovely to get the chance to meet and catch up. It was also great to be able to see the show – Jai and Jonathan worked so well together delivering smash-hit songs from the greatest musicals of all time including Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, and We Will Rock You, with a spine-tingling power.

We did also manage to fit in a meal out. Yes, of course we did!

It was the gorgeous Sri Lankan Coconut Tree on Mill Lane. We tried everything we could – in fact, we’re not gonna lie, we were stuffed by the end, but loved every mouthful. Also a quick shout-out to everyone who ran the Cardiff Half marathon for various charities – including Nathan’s lovely dad!

You’re all superheroes!

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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 27

shopping live well, buy better

MEANS THE EARTH The shop Illustrate epitomises everything that is good and right about the city’s Arcades, which is celebrating its first City of Arcades Day on 16 November. Found in Morgan Arcade, it supports emerging artists and local talent, while keeping one eye on the rest of the world. The range is cruelty-free, paper products are 100 per cent recyclable, clothing is hand-printed in nearby Bristol and is certified by Global Recycling Standards, and the water bottles are completely BPA and toxin-free with 10 per cent of every sale going to Frank Water, the safe water charity.

The Whale insulated water bottle costs ÂŁ20 and is available from Illustrate, Morgan Arcade; www.illustrate.co.uk

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LARGE STUMP TEAPOT, £30 Made by a Japanese designer, this teapot bridges the gap between East and West, and brews tea perfectly, thanks to a stainless steel infuser that can be removed once the tea has brewed to the desired strength From Waterloo Tea, Wyndham Arcade; www.waterlootea.com

SWYD GROOMING CLAY, £15 From the branded merchandise of Dirty Vegan, Matthew Pritchard, you know this coconut and citrus, strong hold, hair clay will be the business From SWYD Tattoo & Barber Shop, High Street Arcade; www.swydtattoo.com

THE MANY ARCADES

Celebrate Cardiff ’s City of Arcades Day on 16 November by perusing, browsing, and supporting our unique, eclectic and exciting local businesses

SKATEBOARD DECK, £56.95 This Feil Dictionary Series deck is from Magenta, a French skateboard company which manufactures decks with a solid construction, and features their unique graphics From Route One, Morgan Arcade; www.routeone.co.uk

ORIGINAL UNCOMMON GROUND ESPRESSO (1KG), £29 The perfect espresso made up of 100 per cent arabica coffees from Brazil, Colombia and Sumatra, and available right here in Cardiff From Uncommon Ground, Royal Arcade; www.uncommon-ground.co.uk

AMBER MIST FROM THE SNOWDONIA CHEESE COMPANY (200G), £4.35 The smoky peat tones of Scotch whisky combine with the mouthwatering mature Cheddar to create the perfect ‘grown-up’ pairing From Wally’s Deli, Royal Arcade; www.wallysdeli.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE MILLENNIUM STADIUM, FROM £25 Cardiff’s own stadium is brought to life by the artist Jian Chen’s distinctive, vibrant watercolour style From Jian Chen’s Fine Art, Duke Street Arcade; www.etsy.com

LAMY SAFARI ROLLERBALL, £12.51 Glossy mint, comfortable grip pen with chrome clip on a removable cap. Also available is pastel rose and light blue From The Pen & Paper, Royal Arcade; www.penandpaper.co.uk

NO.030 BLACK OPIAM, £18 Warm and spicy, sensual and elegant – a touch of vanilla, coffee and the autumnal depth of patchouli create a fragrance perfect for this time of year. A natural and vegan alternative to the perfume Black Opium From Simply V, Castle Arcade; www.simply-v.co.uk

WELSH SLATE CANDLE, £25 Handmade in Wales, the gardenia-scented soy wax burns for around 50 hours and comes with a Welsh slate lid that doubles as a coaster From Cartref A Gardd; Dominions Arcade; www.cartrefagardd.co.uk

GREETINGS FROM WEST HOLLYWOOD BY TIM BUCKLEY, £22.99 The master’s double LP has been remastered and is available from the world’s oldest record shop From Spillers Records, Morgan Arcade; www.spillersrecords.com

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

fashion

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THE FALL FASHION LOWDOWN The Cardiff tailor and designer Nathan Palmer explores this season’s most beautiful trends

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

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hile few would celebrate the arrival of rainy season and winter colds, there’s undoubtedly some joy to be had in layering a big woollen coat over a chunky knit, and clomping around in black tights and a sturdy pair of biker boots. Taking inspiration from the autumn/winter designer runways, designer Nathan Palmer suggests a key trends and key pieces that will work hard, right through this season and the next

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GOOD NATURED

Seen on the ears of those most in-theknow and the ankles of your favourite influencers: shells, pearls, beads, chains and arty pendants are this year’s pieces of choice.

Think shell-adorned earrings, leaf necklaces, tree bracelets, and flower anklets, for a lovingnature jewellery trend, that, thanks to the green credentials it reflects, will thrive for a long time yet.

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CHECK IT OUT

We’ll all be re-investing in checks – we’ll just be mixing the colours together a bit. Quilted patchwork was all over the Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta runways.

It’s a ’70s trend that could have gone very wrong in the redux, but luckily, these looks are thoroughly modern. They still retain the energy of the original punk spirit. Alexander McQueen and Dior are two major luxury brands tuning into the rebellious signifiers of this look, with studs, leather, mohair hole-y knits and plenty of plaid!

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BIG FOR THEIR BOOTS

Although the ’70s aesthetic is visible in some corners of planet fashion for autumn 2019, in general, the look hasn’t taken hold in quite the same way it has in previous years. However, one item that really has infiltrated from this era is the platform shoe. Whether in rubber-soled pull-on boot form at Stella McCartney, or in curvaceous lizard print at Alexa Chung, this is a good time for uber-heel lovers. They can be worn with anything and everything, and they shouldn’t be saved for retro looks only – try a pair with your favourite straight-leg jeans and you’ll see what I mean.

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FULL PETAL JACKET

SHOPPING LIST

1. Cardiff designer Claire Hill Designs’ Seashell and Pearl Earrings £34 and Flat Seashell Necklace £22, and Kate Dumbleton Petal cufflinks £125 from Hamptons 2. T-shirt by Anine Bing, skirt by Essentiel Antwerp, Necklace by Une a Une all from Kiti Cymru 3. Princess coat red tartan, £1,600, from Vivienne Westwood 4. Khloe leather combat boot, £265, from Michael Kors

Have florals ever been off-trend? We think not, but this season they’re more on than ever, with flowers everywhere. Think about referencing the 1940s with an homage to big skirt swing dancing. Some of our personal favourites to take inspo from? Paco Rabanne paired flower print dresses with cute cardigans, Prada experimented with weird and wonderful takes on this look. If you want to add more power to your flower look, pair your floral skirt with a rock band t-shirt and Adidas trainers.

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

FASHION

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TIE A YELLOW RIBBON

What started off as a micro-offshoot from last year’s omnipresent camel, butter-yellow hues offer a fresh new palette for this season, with brands incorporating head-to-toe looks in the shade across tailoring, evening wear and outerwear, from Max Mara’s layering look to Jil Sander’s knitted styles. This colour is the ideal alternative for minimalists – an alternative to classic black and beige, it lifts an outfit with a smart sartorial punch.

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JUST FAUX FUN

I feel sorry for leather-look trousers. For far too long, they’ve been blighted by the misconception that they’re cheap-looking and second-rate. Often labelled as ‘wet look’, there’s no doubt this will have done nothing

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to enhance their reputation. However, thanks to the increase in veganism and interest in cruelty-free products, vegan leather is having its looking-good moment.

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APPLY A TOP COAT

A/W is always a moment for incredible outerwear, and this season is no exception. One of the strongest outerwear fashion items to come out of the fall 2019 collections is the cape. Chanel gave the capelet the tweed treatment, and Marc Jacobs showed one in leopard. However for the most part, it is big coats, the bigger the better; oversized shapes, duvet dressing, and blanket capes marked the opening of the Max Mara runway in blue, yellow and teal. Oversized silhouettes give typically feminine colours a powerful and masculine twist. ■

SHOPPING LIST

5. Suede yellow bag, £59.50, from Oliver Bonas, and 18ct yellow gold pendant, £780, from Laings, and zip up hooded jacket, £130, from Pretty Green 6. Faux leather joggers, £135 from Michael Kors 7. Coat by Anine Bing from Kiti Cymru

For more: www.nathanpalmer.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A ray of light EMA LIGHTING can be your guiding light and help brighten up even the darkest of days

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his time of year can be cold, dark, and dare we say it, depressing. Maybe there's nothing you can do about Welsh weather, other than endure it – those months of endless drizzle and clouds.

However to combat this, we've decided to share our greatest lighting design techniques to maximise wellbeing and warmth this winter.

Wellbeing is rapidly becoming a design buzzword. Sceptics argue that there is no such thing as a 'wellbeing' design; that you cannot improve a mood by design alone. We at EMA Lighting strongly disagree. The space we occupy has a huge impact on us at a core level, and it all starts with colour.

As an infant, before we understand shapes, objects – even words, we respond to colours.

This trait never leaves us. Warm colours within your home create comfort, evoke happiness and ultimately make people feel comfortable. Darker

lamp shades can cast a warm light over what may have otherwise been a very cold room.

The finish of a product can also accentuate the feeling of cosiness. To best complement a warm light, match the shade with a strong copper or bronze finish. Platinum finishes certainly have their place and give a sense of 'bling', whereas copper gives a natural and understated luxe. Also, as well as being highly resistant to thermal changes, copper especially gives a sophisticated glow that can be easily incorporated into any design.

Our final tip is texture. Cosy textures such as chenille and velvet with linen and leather adds a new dimension and warmth to any room. And not everything must match, consider an eclectic approach to materials and signature pieces.

This autumn we would like to point you in the direction of David Hunt. The Cotswoldbased manufacturer who creates some of the most elegant and unique lighting pieces on the market. As exclusive David Hunt stockists, we

have a vast collection to choose from both online and in store. For further assistance for selecting the perfect lighting design, contact us today. ■

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

NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW BUT YOU Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

50% OFF THE FITTING AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT* Male pattern hair loss or thinning hair can cause anxiety and a lack of self-esteem.

Our hair replacement systems are customised to your exact requirements using advanced materials to guarantee the most natural results possible, enabling you to carry on your normal daily life with confidence. Refined polymer and microfilament ‘skins’ are meticulously hand-crafted with the finest human hair in over 60 colours, combining state-of-the-art technology with expert integration.

Book in for a free consultation in our private room 175 Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9DF 02921 321211 / hello@gojihair.com www.gojihair.com / T I F gojibarbers Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

*Terms & Conditions: One offer per person, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, appointments must be made before 30th November.

beauty

MAN W KIND Sit back, relax and let the Vale Resort experts look after your skin

hether it’s massages or make-up, men are becoming increasingly involved in the beauty business. Here we ask the experts to share a few of their top treatments loved by both men and women.

A look at how men are taking aesthetic care of themselves

By John Mather 38 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Oliver Martin, barber and hair replacement specialist offers a hair replacement service, which costs from £395 for hair and fitting, and takes around two hours for the first visit “In our private consultation room, we mark out where the full hair line would be and create a custom-made system to fit that area using the highest quality, ethically sourced, human hair. The natural hairline is restored using an undetectable lace front, which integrates with the scalp making the hair appear to be growing naturally from your head. The translucent membrane imitates the skin on your scalp allowing 100 per cent of the scalp to show. Our barbering skills are then put to good use, styling the hair. The surgical grade adhesive enables the client to continue with a fully active lifestyle with total confidence.”

Goji Gentleman’s Barbers, 175 Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff. tel: 029 2132 1211; www.gojihair.com

above: Shezad of Dermalogic Aesthetics has many male patients; top right: Yume Salon can help with

thicker, healthier hair right: Goji’s Oliver can help with the appearance of hair loss

Shehzad Malik, the independent prescribing aesthetics pharmacist talks about lip enhancements, which cost from £150 and take approximately one hour “Lip enhancements can help restore volume and give definition to the lips. We aim to provide a naturally noticeable look that can address various needs. We can add volume to thin lips, create a more pronounced cupid’s bow and redefine the lip border. Many of our clients, men and women, also use our expertise to address uneven lips and fine smoker’s lines.

We use medicalgrade, safety-assured lip fillers that help with contouring and lip fullness. We also treat using a unique micro 4mm needle, which ensures less pain for our clients, but most importantly, safety.”

Dermalogic Aesthetics based at Belle Toujours, 113 Cathedral Road, Cardiff. tel: 07737 384 390; www.dermalogicaesthetics.com

so once the three sessions are completed, the client does not require a retouch treatment for five to 10 years.”

New Scalp UK based at Belle Toujours Salon, 113 Cathedral Road, Cardiff. tel: 029 2022 1608; www.newscalp.co.uk Debbie Searle, spa operations manager on the Temple Spa Champagne and Truffle Deluxe Treatment, which costs £85, and takes around 85 minutes “This is a serious celebration for the skin, containing ingredients such as champagne, silk, diamonds, gold and black truffles.

Starting with a hot stone shoulder massage, this highly unique facial includes special lymph drainage techniques to reveal fresher skin, a Triple Infusion Alginate mask to help iron out fine lines and wrinkles, specialist lifting massage to strengthen muscle tone on the face and jowls, and an iced blend to reduce puffiness and cold stone therapy. Finally there’s an application of the award-winning Skin Truffle facial moisturiser. One treatment every two weeks is optimum and a course of six is recommended.”

Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan. tel: 01443 667800; www.valeresort.com

“The natural hairline is restored using an undetectable lace front”

Hayley Ernest, A micro pigmentation artist suggests the scalp micro pigmentation, which costs between £500 – £1800, and requires three two-three hour session “Coloured pigment is tattooed into the scalp skin to camouflage male/female pattern hair loss. A gradual build up of density is created during each session, creating the appearance of an all-over head of buzzed hair, or acting as densification amongst longer hair, disguising the visible scalp skin where hair loss/thinning hair is present. The result is the appearance of a thicker, more dense head of hair. Scalp pigment is a permanent pigment,

Giovanna McCarthy, Managing Director of Yume Hair and Beauty Salons talks about scalp skin dermabrasion therapy, which costs from £50 and takes one hour 30 minutes “First a microscope camera takes extreme close up pictures of your scalp. Then the scalp

skin will be exfoliated, acting like a facial for the scalp, which removes build-up on the scalp and helps accelerate skin surface regeneration by up to 34 per cent compared to untreated skin. A Nioxin deep cleanse shampoo will then be massaged into the hair and scalp and rinsed, followed by another relaxing scalp massage with scalp therapy conditioner. The Diameter Boost therapy is Yume’s unique blow-dry that completes the whole scalp therapy for thicker, fuller hair.

On completion of the whole process, the diameter of your existing hair will feel as if you have up to 11,000 more hair strands.”

Yume Hair and Beauty Salons, 9 Fidlas Road, Rhydypenau, Cardiff. tel: 02920 766610; www.yumecardiff.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 39

beauty

Is make-up an everyday thing for you now, and has it always been?

Yes it is, but it hasn’t always been. I used to just use make up for special occasions.

Do you do the make-up of your family and friends?

When I first started getting into make up I would practise on whoever would let me!

I recently went to Las Vegas with my family and one night I did the make up of all of us before we went out – it gave me such a feelgood factor to make them feel special.

Have any of your non-make-up wearing male friends been won over by the idea?

BEAUTY AND THE BEAU

We explore the trend of young men and make-up with the help of Cardiff lad and cosmetics lover Anthony Connors

By Sarah Moolla

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What was it about make-up you liked?

When did you first start wearing make-up?

What age, and what did you use?

I had a lot of conversations with people who thought I wanted to transition into a woman – it was confusing for some. However, I felt strongly about who I was and who I am – I’m a male who wants to wear make-up.

Everyone gets that now.

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

Which male celebrities have helped promote the trend of men wearing make-up?

Social media stars such as Manny Mua, James Charles and Jeffree Star have been such a positive influence and inspiration for many young guys. I think it’s fantastic.

Why do you think it is still taboo with some people?

Listen, some people are still wearing socks with their sandals, but I’m not here to judge. Even if they’re judging me – it isn’t my business.

Can you ever see a day when all men wear make-up?

he New Romantics tried in the mid-Eighties with their pirate stripes and swashbuckling black eyeliner, but the fad lasted as long as cheap lipstick after a couple of Malibus. But cosmetics for men is back and this time looks set to stay. The Generations Zs , which is those born between 1995 and 2015, are forging a whole new future thanks to their reluctance to be defined by gender. Along with ballgowns for guys and unisex colognes is make-up for men.

This is not just happening on the catwalks of Milan or the cyber world of vlogging but being embraced by young men everywhere as part of their identity, whether being gender fluid, making a statement or simply to have fun, like Cardiff boy Anthony Connors who, here, tells us about his relationship with cosmetics.

I think I was about 18 years old when I first started to play around with make up. I saw a YouTuber use a lip plumper so I went and bought some the very next day.

Maybe not in my immediate circle but I have noticed more and more young guys wearing make up. That makes me really happy and proud to see people being able to be themselves.

I liked that it made me look pretty; at the time there wasn’t many men who were known for wearing make up. I didn’t know anyone else who did it either. I knew I just wanted to be a pretty boy.

Was that something considered taboo at the time?

Definitely. I think in some ways it still is.

I had a job where I was asked to remove my make up as it was against the grooming guidelines of the company. Of course, I respected their rules and removed my make up but it wasn’t authentic to who I am. I feel make up is a part of who I am.

I think you should go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.

How did friends and family react?

No, because it’s not for everyone. Just like it’s not for all women. The only thing I wish is that everyone feels included regardless.

If men want to wear make-up, where should they start?

With whatever they feel most comfortable wearing. I started off with lip gloss then bronzer, then foundation and nowadays there’s times I have more make up on my face than a department store counter!

Do you think men need separate cosmetic products?

I recently worked with War Paint, who were featured on Dragon’s Den. The branding is very masculine although that isn’t my aesthetic.

However, I think it’s fantastic if it will make men feel more comfortable about expressing themselves and using products.

What would be your desert island make-up product?

It’s all about my eyebrows. I say the higher the brows, the closer to God! For more: www.instagram.com/antgorgeous

health & Beauty

HERE WE GLOW

right: The Glow Clinic in Dinas Powys; below: Victoria uses the AlumierMD range

Sheri Hall feels great in her own skin after a visit to THE GLOW CLINIC

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riving through the lanes of Dinas Powys is good for the soul. And what’s good for the soul is good for the skin. When I pull up to The Glow Clinic, owned by Victoria Gillespie and set in her beautiful home, tucked away in woodland, it’s like arriving at a spa.

I can already feel the tension sliding off my shoulders. As Victoria greets me at the door and I step into the clinic, I see it’s pristine, immaculate, and professional yet retains that welcoming homely vibe.

We sit down and Victoria talks me through the different treatments. I have no clue and I don’t profess to. I’ve never been great with skin. Throughout my life, my skin has never been as good as everyone else’s seems to be. I was the first in my year group to have spots. I had them bad, leading me to get laser treatment when I was in my teens. Even though I no longer suffer with acne, my skin is still oily, my pores are like potholes, and dry patches occasionally sprout either side of my nose to keep me guessing. To top it off,

I developed a sunspot this summer because I didn’t use sun cream in the interest of getting a bit of colour on my cheeks.

I tell Victoria all of this and she knows just what to do. So I lie down on her chair under the warming glow lamp and we begin. We opt for a peel. A peel removes the very top layers of your skin, allowing for newer skin to make its way to the surface. Great for improving wrinkles, pores, correcting discolouration and generally making your skin look softer and newer. If done regularly, it can reduce these symptoms long term. It works just as well to give your skin a pick-me-up before a big event.

The term ‘chemical peel’ sounds invasive.

I have visions of sheets of my skin being pulled away from my face. I feel slightly nervous after Victoria explains I might feel a stinging sensation, knowing that my pain threshold is nonexistent. But it’s not like that at all and the peel itself is just a small part of the procedure. The prep work either side is just as important.

Victoria uses the AlumierMD range – a medical grade product, which can only be distributed by skincare professionals. She prepares my skin using a range of treatments.

I’m lying there in heaven, my eyes closed, nattering away and enjoying a glorious facial until Victoria announces it’s time for the peel.

I brace myself as I feel yet another cream glide onto my skin. I wait and it begins to tingle. I’m

waiting for the sting, but it never comes. The closest thing I can describe it to is the sensation you feel when applying a lip plumper except it’s all over your face.

Victoria has given me a ‘Radiant 30 Peel’, priced at £75. It’s possible to have a deeper chemical peel, which is even more effective, but I imagine might have a slightly more intense sensation. Victoria finishes off with some additional applications, including SPF. She hammers home to me the importance of using it daily to slow down my skin’s ageing. I’ve listened and applied SPF every day since.

As I go on my way, my skin feeling instantly refreshed. Over the next few weeks my skin is softer and smoother. My pothole pores become just tiny pinpricks and for once my face is the same tone all over. I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and think to myself, I’m going make-up free today.

I’ve added another must-do treatment to my pre-event pamper list: a peel at The Glow Clinic. Victoria’s dermatological talent doesn’t stop at peels, but if you pop in for a consultation she’ll be able to recommend a treatment that makes you, quite literally, feel great in your own skin. n

“My skin feels instantly refreshed”

Sheri’s skin felt instantly refreshed

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

For more: The Glow Clinic, Sycamore Lodge, Michaelston Le Pit, Dinas Powys, CF64 4HE; tel: 07595 973828; www.theglowclinic.wixsite.com

advertising feature

Exciting eco-friendly alliance Pupils at Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools have formed an alliance with staff to cut the amount of plastic they use

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he introduction of refillable water bottles and new packed lunches for sporting fixtures have, together with ecoassemblies and competitions, raised awareness among the schools’ community.

Sixth Form student, Myfanwy Fleming-Jones, worked with Catering Manager, Mrs Karen Wood, to change packed lunches for sporting fixtures, to further reduce plastic.

Water bottles, crisps and chocolate bars have been removed, and replaced with plant-based pasta pots, wooden forks and a school-made flapjack.

“Pupils in the eco-committee at Monmouth School for Girls are very keen and determined to reduce the carbon footprint, improve their health and help the planet,” says Mrs Wood.

“We are delighted to be supporting them.

We have already dramatically reduced our consumption of single-use plastic and we recycle all food, cardboard, paper and glass.”

Earlier this year, the schools supported the town of Monmouth in achieving Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Town status.

Mr Nick Meek, Head of Geography and Eco Committee Co-ordinator at Monmouth School for Girls, received a certificate to mark Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ commitment to the scheme.

“Pupils in Monmouth are enthusiastic about reducing their use of plastic and trying to help the environment,” says Mr Meek.

“We are working hard to reduce single-use plastic in the schools and to promote refillable water bottles.

“Our prep school led the way by removing plastic bottles in their packed lunches and encouraging pupils to bring their own refillable water bottles.

“This initiative has now been extended to the senior schools.”

Sixth Form student and eco-committee member, Lili Stiff, says: “We are planning to set up more recycling points around the school for

students to use and the eco-committee is hoping to secure plastic-free status for the school.” n * The schools have an established bus route, starting at Llandaff.

For information about our Sixth Form taster day on Wednesday 6 November, please visit: www.habsmonmouth.org/sixthformtaster or call 01600 711104 for Monmouth School for Girls or 01600 710433 for Monmouth School for Boys

COSY CLUB CARDIFF BAY Sarah Moolla discovers impressing the teens is easy when you get cosy and join the club

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’m no restaurateur – admittedly to the world’s relief, no doubt. However, if I were, I can’t imagine it would be too hard to make my hipster eaterie bang on trend. It would be mainly vegan, with banana blossom and pineapple coconut curry, fermenting raw salads, and jackfruit and mango wraps. The carnivore options will be roadkill pasties and deep-fried squirrel.

This would all be washed down with spiced dark rum shots and no-alcohol craft ale in cartoon-branded cans.

The problem (or maybe not the problem) is, no respecting teen is going to want to come to my lovely new restaurant. Today I’m entertaining my boys aged 13 and 14, during the school holidays. This is much like sorting out Brexit – nigh on impossible because our opinions on entertainment differ; mainly because mine don’t involve non-stop Fortnite and unlimited Haribo.

Thank goodness Cardiff swoops in like the superhero

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

city it is, generating ideas that unite the generations. First it’s a few rounds of Treetop Adventure Golf at St David’s / Dewi Sant Shopping Centre – it’s brilliantly inclusive and surprisingly entertaining, with a lovely crowd of students, families, and couples all teeing off, helping to reassure my boys crazy golf isn’t ‘just for babies’. There was also no bickering, and reluctance to leave. This is a minor miracle.

Then there’s another marvellous revelation – you’re never too old for a science museum. Techniquest delivers a brilliant afternoon of moon-landings, magic mirrors and film-making. The only gripe that comes my way is, why we didn’t make a whole day of this? At this point I’m scared to jinx our good fortune – if you know teens at all, then you know an uninterrupted ‘day out’ with them can be hellish. Luckily, a little piece of heaven is coming our way. We’re dining at the new Cosy Club in Cardiff Bay. Now, had I have been with grown-ups, I might have

restaurant

looked for one of those all-fermenting vegan cafés I hear are all the rage. But I don’t want to start World War III so the city’s second Cosy Club seems like a safe choice.

And it is, but in a really big, bold and beautiful way.

Overlooking Mermaid Bay with a sun-soaking terrace, Cosy Club Cardiff Bay is stunning. There’s an art deco elegance to its cavernous, gold and glittering space, with opulent leather seating, plush velvet cushions, gilded sunshine clocks, heavily patterned William Morris-style wallpaper and huge arched mirrors and grand portraits everywhere.

The menu strikes that perfect balance of classic, favourites to instil ordering confidence into the fussiest of eaters, but enough variations also to tempt the havea-go hero palate of a proper grown-up. I go for the roast turmeric cauliflower with dukkah and tahini cauliflower purée, kale crisps, pomegranate molasses, flaked almonds and harissa oil – which I love – nutty, spicy, and sweet with the crunch of green kale and the whisper of herbs.

My youngest’s Blue Velvet burger with pulled beef brisket, mashed blue cheese, roasted garlic mushroom served in a brioche bun is stacked high and bursting out all over with juicy, pungent flavours. The only slight let down is my eldest’s fish and chips, which look a little pallid, and taste a tad supermarket freezer.

Fortunately, the puddings help keep the bar high with mini cinnamon doughnuts accompanied by a sharp toffee apple dipping sauce; a salted caramel cheesecake with drizzled butterscotch sauce and topped with sweet and salty popcorn; and the showstopper of the chocolate bomb with hot caramel sauce, whose melting, fizzing, honeycomb and ice-cream presence immediately earns its place on all our social media accounts. Seeing their unbridled enthusiasm at watching chocolate bubble makes me realise you can keep your cutting-edge smoked trout ice-cream – we’re keeping it friendly and familiar at the Club. n

“The melting, fizzing, honeycomb and ice-cream presence immediately earns its place on our social media” Dining details Cosy Club Mermaid Quay, Unit 24, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BZ. tel: 029 2050 9008; www.cosyclub.co.uk Opening hours Sunday-Wednesday 9am11pm, Thursday 9am-midnight, FridaySaturday 9am-1am. Food served every day 9am-10pm Type of food served A wide range of food, including brunch, vegan/vegetarian, kids, and party menus. There’s also tapas, sharing platters, big brunches and hefty burgers Outdoor space A stunning outdoor terrace overlooking Cardiff Bay Specialities The PETA award-winning vegan menu with the legendary vegan breakfast (£7.75) with falafel, grilled tomato, field mushroom, wood-roasted peppers, spinach, potato rosti and baked beans with sourdough toast Prices Mains £10-£20, desserts £5-£8 Drinks choice A wide range of soft drinks, wine, beer, cocktails and mocktails Disability access Yes, ground floor restaurant Atmosphere Elegant yet buzzy and welcoming to all

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 47

advertising feature

Relative values Benjamin Delve of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS on how a landmark case saw the redefining of the word 'mother'

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argely drowned out by recent Supreme Court rulings and the noise around Brexit, the Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane (the President of the Family Division) made a landmark ruling in the High Court on 25 September 2019.

He defined the term 'mother'.

Fred McConnell, who was registered female at birth, had transitioned to a male in his early 20s, beginning the medical transition in 2013. In 2016, Mr McConnell commenced fertility treatment, eventually conceiving and giving birth to his son in January 2018.

Prior to giving birth to his son, Mr McConnell applied for, and was granted a Gender Recognition Certificate, confirming his gender as male, on 11 April 2017. Mr McConnell had anticipated that, upon registering the child’s birth, that he would be registered as the child’s ‘father’

relying on the wording of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, which states: “Where a full gender recognition certificate is issued to a person, the person’s gender becomes for all purposes the acquired gender.”

However, on registering the birth, Mr McConnell was required to be registered as the child’s ‘mother’. Mr McConnell issued an application challenging the decision.

The term ‘mother’ has been defined in law previously, such as in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 as 'the woman who is carrying, or has carried, a child…'; and in the Births and Deaths Registration 1953 as '…the child’s natural mother.' However, these definitions were set in place before the enactment of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and do not provide clear assistance in circumstances such as Mr McConnell found himself.

The solution? The court’s ruling was that: “The status of being a mother arises from the role that a person has undertaken in the biological process of conception, pregnancy and birth;…It is now possible…for a ‘mother’ to have an acquired gender of male”.

In short, the role of ‘mother’ is not gender specific, but refers to the woman, or man, who gave birth. n

If you have any questions about this decision, gender recognition or parental rights, please call our team tel: 029 2034 5511 or email us at family@berrysmith.com.

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

Have you ‘herd’ about all the great Welsh produce?

Flowerhorn’s three core beer

BREW HA HA! MEET AND VEG St Fagans National Museum of History recently hosted a celebration of Welsh veg as part of their annual food festival.

Organised with Cardiff’s local food partnership, Food Cardiff, visitors experienced cooking demos, the chance to taste locally grown veg, and enjoy the exhibits of the Welsh branch of the National Vegetable Society.

Pearl Costello, Cardiff Sustainable Food

City co-ordinator for Food Cardiff, says, “We are delighted to be working with St Fagans National Museum of History.

The museum plays such an important role in showcasing the heritage of food and farming in Wales and celebrating our modern food culture. The 10th St Fagans Food Festival was a fantastic opportunity to bring our local veg to the forefront.”

For more: www.museum.wales

A TOAST TO THE COACH Since Warren Gatland became the Welsh rugby team head coach in 2007, Wales have won four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams, reached the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup, and done themselves proud at this year’s. However, Warren is leaving his post after this current Rugby World Cup in Japan. To toast his, and the team’s good luck for the tournament and to honour him, the Welsh whisky company Penderyn recently presented Warren with a celebratory bottle of 2019 Grand Slam Whisky, which they have named Gatastic.

Director and brand designer Glenn Tutssel explains, “Gatastic has become synonymous with success in the world of Welsh rugby, our national sport, and once again we can hold our heads up high on the world stage. We are indebted to Warren, his coaching staff and the team for making us the proud nation we are today.”

For more: Penderyn Distillery’s Glenn Tutssel www.penderyn.wales with the Gatastic Warren Gatland

Flowerhorn Brewery is a newly launched Cardiff based brewery which has been set up by two friends, Andrew Traynor and Arran McHugh, who are committed to developing experimental beer styles.

Andrew tells the story, “A few months back we decided to quit our jobs and go for it. We started by home-brewing and dreaming up branding ideas and making sales strategies. Arran’s parents had to watch as we evolved their garage into a pygmy brewery. To this day, it is still full of bags of malt, kegs, bottles, the family snake and bearded dragon who’ve probably developed addictions to the smell of fresh wort. The results are our three core beers: Capa – a hazy pale ale, Loops – a mango lactose IPA, and Capo – a coffee milk stout.

“We don’t have our own commercial brewery at the moment as we are cuckoo brewing our recipes on existing kits. While this continues we are able to continue using our 30 litre kit to develop our recipes and pilot special beers. We plan to carry on cuckoo brewing and collaborating with other breweries until we are able to get our own purpose-built brewery and taproom up and running in Cardiff next year.”

For more: www.flowerhornbrewery.co.uk

Andrew (left) and Arran (right) fly the flag for their local brew

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

IF WE BUILD IT… The first-ever Cardiff Property Awards take place on 8 November at The Exchange Hotel. In this special preview, we explain why the Awards are happening and highlight the leading property companies in Cardiff

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roperty matters. And it matters more in Cardiff than in most other places. It matters domestically – where we live, how we experience Cardiff, and how exactly we navigate the city from our base. It matters commercially – where our companies are based, what retail and office space there is, how the city houses and encourages clever expanding enterprises. And it matters aesthetically. The look and feel of the built environment impacts our daily lives and, as importantly, those of all who visit Cardiff.

No wonder this city simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny, with Cardiff now the fastest growing city in the UK. It is for all those reasons and more that we launched the Cardiff Property Awards, to celebrate the best property business and to highlight the centrality of property to us all.

Just think of the connectedness of the world of property: land-owners, planners, visionaries, entrepreneurs, deal-makers, architects, engineers, imagineers, developers, builders, suppliers, designers, lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, financiers,

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

mortgagers, underwriters, marketers, all manner of specialists – and agents: for lettings, for resi, for commercial.

And then, once built, once transformed, once sold, it all starts over again… Consider this. The tectonic plates in Cardiff are shifting.

They will transform huge swathes of our city right through the centre to the benefit of us all. Tectonic plates take time to shift. But shift they do. With all the clever companies, all the energy, all the opportunities, no wonder the Cardiff Property Awards have exceeded even our huge expectations.

News reporter and BBC presenter Ben Thompson is our host for the Awards.

More will be revealed on 8 November...

Thank you to all our sponsors, headed by Winner of Winners sponsor The Landsite, plus category sponsors: Andrew Scott, Blake Morgan, Hodge Bank, Hotel Indigo, Jelf, Paramount Interiors, Regus, Savills, TSR Legal and Waterstone Homes and feature Partners: MDA Consulting and The Exchange Hotel.

The Cardiff Property Awards have been created, designed, promoted, sold and organised by MediaClash, the South West’s leading events company.

It also produces client events, from parties to launches, talks, receptions to conferences.

Please contact: stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk

Tickets are now in exceptionally short supply and may have all gone by the time this preview is published. Please check on the website of the Cardiff Property Awards and social media channels for the very latest information.

SPONSORS & TICKETS

And to our partners: Acuity Law, Downs Merrifield, HLM Architects, Park Plaza, Powell, Principality, Robertsons Solicitors and WRW Construction.

CARDIFF property awards preview

The Judges will decide…

A panel of independent judges will decide the winners of the inaugural Cardiff Property Awards. They are drawn from all areas of the property sector…

Andy Smith Group director of business development, Midas Andy leads business development at Midas Group. He is a chartered builder, a graduate of civil engineering and has worked within the construction industry for around 35 years.

Jim Brook Head of relationship team, Principality Jim has worked in financial services in excess of 30 years and joined Principality in 2016. He leads a team of relationship managers who look after a range of commercial property customers.

Carolyn Merrifield President, RSAW and partner, Downs Merrifield Architects Carolyn studied architecture at Cardiff University and stayed to make the city her home. In 2017, Carolyn was elected as the president of Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW).

Juliet Gamlin Principal officer, Invest in Cardiff Juliet is an experienced and skilled international marketing and foreign direct investment manager who is actively delivering investment and new business into Cardiff and the wider region.

Ceri Hill Owner, Chalkhouse Interiors Ceri has been a kitchen designer for more than fifteen years. She decided to take a huge step at the height of the recession to start a handmade kitchen company, Chalkhouse Kitchens.

Matt Phillips Partner, Knight Frank Matt has been at Knight Frank for 20 years and specialises in office agency and development consultancy in addition to managing Knight Frank’s 25 person Cardiff operation.

Jane Shankland Director, Cooke & Arkwright Jane is a director at Cooke & Arkwright providing commercial property occupiers with specialist business rate advice. She graduated from Reading University in 1993.

Peter Hurn Head of property, Hugh James Peter heads up the fastest expanding real estate team in Wales. Recognised in The Legal 500, Peter is a thorough, pragmatic lawyer with an excellent grasp of his clients’ business drivers.

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

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS C A R D I FF Charlotte Vick and Maria Elias

Tracey Turner and Ramsey Assal

Rob Brennan, Chris Bees and Antony Barber

Sallie James, Kayleigh Ross and Pachel Phillips Carys Richards and Amy Grant

SPONSORS’ & FINALISTS’ RECEPTION

Rebecca James

Park Plaza Hotel was thronging earlier this month with the leading lights from the property industry at the second of the Cardiff Property Awards’ events – the Sponsors’ and Finalists’ Reception. The Awards will be held on 8 November at the Exchange Hotel.

Photos by Pradip Kotecha of Pk Photo Art www.pkphotoart.co.uk

Ben Macron, Joe Catris and Eloise Hamer

Mark George, Chris Howe and David Thomas 60 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS PREVIEW

Tracey Horrigan, Ann Tudball and Caron Rockey

Ben Macron, Joe Catris and Celyn Evans Ruth McGibbin, Lauren Widnell and Gwenllian Elias

Esther Milardi, Beth Williams and Carl Gough Hannah McAulay and Hannah Ferris

Jonathan Watts and Dave Brown James Burgon, Chris Howe, Carys Richards, Rosanna Hood, Rachel Phillips and Sallie Jones

Sarah McCall Morgan and Dan Morgan Ali Merrill and Fern Morgan

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

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS Lessons Learned Cardiff Council looks to implement a ten year vision for education

Looking to secure a bright future for all Cardiff’s children

C

ardiff Council’s cabinet is currently exploring a new vision for education and learning in Cardiff. Known as Cardiff 2030, it is a ten year plan for learning and opportunity in the city.

The themes for Cardiff 2030 are: a shared responsibility for education and learning across the city; and meaningful participation of children and young people. The pathway to achieving that includes realising the curriculum for Wales 2022 in Cardiff; improving learners’ health and wellbeing; and developing a world class education workforce.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for education, employment and skills, councillor Sarah Merry says, “There has been a continued focus on improving and

investing in education and helping young people, particularly those from disadvantaged and deprived communities, into employment, education or training.

“Cardiff 2030 supports Cardiff’s commitment to becoming a child-friendly city, which puts young people at the heart of decision-making and which respects the voices, needs and rights of all children and young people.”

The development of Cardiff 2030 follows extensive stakeholder engagement with a range of partners including children and young people, teachers and school leaders, governors and a wide range of city partners.

For more: www.cardiff.gov.uk

Councillor Sarah Merry

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

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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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cardiffworks Cardiff Dogs Home

Cardiff Arms park is going green

TOP DOGS BLUES GO GREEN Cardiff Arms Park is now powered with 100 per cent renewable energy thanks to a new partnership between Cardiff Blues and Octopus Energy. As part of a commitment to become more sustainable, Wales’ Capital Region has joined forces with the energy supplier to turn the Arms Park green.

Zoisa Walton, director of Octopus Energy for Business, says “We’ve known Cardiff Blues for some time and have been really impressed with their reputation for environmental and sustainable activity working together with partners.

“We think they are the perfect partner

to help us tackle growing climate issues and raise awareness of the place that clean energy has in our sustainable future. The club’s Community Foundation uses sport and education to inspire, engage and improve communities – and we’re delighted to power such a forward-thinking team.”

Cardiff Blues chief executive, Richard Hollan, adds, “We are really proud to lead the way in switching to power that doesn’t have to cost the earth and look forward to supporting others in our community that may wish to do the same.”

For more: www.cardiffblues.com

WORD HAS IT The Cardiff Life Awards are back on 19 March with the exciting news that a new Award category has been introduced. It is the Welsh Language Award for any company or organisation which has had a significant new Welsh language initiative in 2019 or played a part in promoting the use of the Welsh language in Cardiff. And with a total of 21 Awards categories to cover the whole of Cardiff’s thriving business scene: from arts to bars, charities to creatives and leisure to tech, there’s something for every business to enter when nominations open on 13 November via the website.

There’s also the opportunity to get involved in sponsorship, which provides an unrivalled business marketing showcase. This year’s Awards garnered unprecedented nominations, 460 guests attended, there was a jam-packed waiting list, plus the buzz on social media reached record heights.

“Those companies that hop on board and sponsor a category gain plenty from our Awards, receptions and events that come with partnering up,” says MediaClash events director Steph Dodd.

“Whether looking for that extra marketing boost for your business or opportunities to network and build contacts in the city, the Awards has the answers.”

Already on board through sponsorship is platinum sponsor Jelf, along with category sponsors Cardiff Blues, FOR Cardiff, Genero Group, Hawkins Thomas Wealth Management, Regus and Savills. For sponsorship enquiries and for more information on how to benefit from the Awards, please contact mark.george@ mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

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

You’ve got to be in it to win it!

Cardiff Dogs Home has recently received two RSPCA PawPrints awards. As well as retaining its Gold award in the Stray Dogs category, it has added a Silver award in the new Kennelled Dogs category.

Cabinet member for clean streets, recycling and environment, councillor Michael Michael, says, “The team at Cardiff Dogs Home carry out an important public service and these awards are testament to their dedication and hard work.

“I’m told that Cardiff Dogs Home have won one of these awards every year since 2008, five of them gold – that’s already a fantastic record, but to take home awards in two categories in one year is a real achievement and demonstrates the commitment of the team to providing the highest possible level of care for all the dogs they look after.”

For more: www.cardiffdogshome.co.uk

Lisa Tregale

Sabrina D’Acri Davies, Mark Loosemore and Phil Draper

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC TUNE UP

Lisa Tregale has been appointed director of the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, starting in the new year. Currently Head of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Lisa is a trained saxophonist and vocalist and was the founding chief executive and artistic director of South West Music School, a training centre for exceptionally gifted young musicians. She says, “I am delighted to be taking up this exciting role at the heart of Wales’ cultural life. With its distinctive role as both a broadcast and national symphony orchestra, I very much look forward to championing the orchestra and chorus within Wales, the UK and beyond.” www.bbc.co.uk/bbcnow

THE FINE ART OF LAW

Robertsons Solicitors will be sponsoring the 2019-20 programme of Art in the Bar exhibitions at Chapter. These free, public installations are the central artistic feature of the building, visible to 750,000+ visitors who pass through Chapter’s doors every year. Chris Barber from the Cardiff-based law firm says, “Chapter really has something for everyone in the community in which it sits. The local community and Welsh art are both important to Robertsons as a firm and so we are delighted to be able to support the centre.” www.robsols.co.uk; www.chapter.org

MORE IS MORE The team at Loosemores continues to grow with the arrival of a new solicitor and a new trainee solicitor. Sabrina D’Acri Davies, who qualified in June, has joined as a solicitor in the probate, wills and trusts department and Phil Draper has started his training contract initially in the residential conveyancing department.

As well as the law, Phil has a strong sporting background, and whilst at Aberystwyth University, he captained the men’s football first team and represented the

Welsh Universities side on three occasions.

He went on to sign for Aberystwyth Town FC for a brief spell where he gained two Europa League appearances.

Senior partner, Mark Loosemore, says, “It is great to welcome two more talented young people to the firm. I am confident that Sabrina and Phil will settle in well at Loosemores, enjoy working with the rest of the team and provide fantastic service to our clients.”

For more: www.loosemores.co.uk

INTELLECTUAL BEING

Andy Clarkson, former head of licence compliance at the multi-billion-pound software company Dassault Systemes, has been appointed managing director of CJCH Consulting. Andy, who advises the private sector on the global challenges of intellectual property theft, says, “It is truly remarkable to watch how CJCH Consulting grew from a single, high-value client in 2014, to the position it is in today, offering its second to none expertise to different software companies around the world.” www.cjchconsulting.co.uk

IN DEVELOPMENT

The Cardiff-based Orchard Media and Events Group has appointed Paul Butterworth as its new business development manager. Paul says, “I’ve known Orchard for some time, and worked on the client side as they’ve grown into a significant player in Wales and internationally.

It’s a mouthwatering prospect to build on their already impressive events portfolio, and I’m really enjoying getting stuck in.” www.thinkorchard.com

The famous Red Dragon Coach

ON THE BUSES The family-run Edwards Coaches has been named as a finalist in two categories in the inaugural Wales Transport Awards. The family run business has been shortlisted for ‘Livery of the Year’ and ‘Transport Operator of the Year.’

Edwards submitted designs for their new local buses, as well as their Red Dragon Coach, which is famous for transporting the Wales rugby team and often seen across social media and television.

Managing director, Jason Edwards, says, “Edwards has been an integral part of the South Wales community for 94 years, ensuring that residents have access to local facilities as well as the opportunity to enjoy their welldeserved holidays. To be nominated in the first ever Wales Transport Awards is as much recognition for our customers’ continued support, as it is for us.”

For more: www.edwardscoaches.co.uk

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CARDIFFWORKS

presented to us by our people, going to far as to offer an Ideas’ Fund which staff can use as a platform to turn these ideas into reality.

Is there someone in business that you admire and try learn from?

I have actively sought mentors throughout my career. One of my early mentors was Steve Walker, a CEO from a London social housing provider. A genuinely inspiring bloke who understood people and the power of engagement.

Sarah-Ellen Stacey

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

Sarah is the chief people officer leading People Services at Hodge, the Cardiffbased financial services business Tell us a little about Hodge – what is the company’s background?

Hodge has been a prominent feature of the Welsh financial services landscape since it was founded in 1965 by Sir Julian Hodge. It’s a little unusual due to its unique ownership structure – Hodge is majority owned by the Hodge Foundation, which supports projects dealing with welfare, education, religion and medicine.

What jobs were you doing before Hodge?

I’m one of those rare breeds that always wanted to be in HR. My career has spanned many roles in this field. My last role was in Nationwide as head of HR, and before that I did about seven years leading people functions in a number of social housing organisations in Wales.

Tell us about the Hodge team.

Well, for a start, it’s a lot larger than it used to be. With ambitious growth targets, new products and an exciting digital transformation underway, our team has doubled in size over the past few years.

The team is now really varied, and everyone brings their unique experience to the mix. For some businesses this could lead to siloed working and less interaction, but at Hodge we’ve found the opposite to be true. Collaboration is essential if we hope to achieve the targets set by CEO Steve Pateman. We might be bigger, but we certainly haven’t lost the family-feel of a smaller company.

How would you describe your own ethos and approach to your work?

I want to make a real difference and it’s easy at Hodge. Not only can that be supporting our colleagues’ working lives, but the success of

Hodge brings shareholder success for the Hodge Foundation.

How does being in Cardiff benefit your business?

Sir Julian was instrumental in creating a financial services hub in Cardiff. Being based in the Welsh capital gives us access to great talent and a fantastic location (we’re right next to the station).

Being part of a growing FinTech community provides great insight and the opportunity to develop and learn.

What have you found to be the best tools for growth in your business?

Ideas coming from the people on the ground, closest to the customer. They are best placed to know what can be done to improve the business and provide a positive customer experience.

We champion ideas and initiatives

My proudest moments arise from being a mum to two boys. It’s when they really take care of each other that I am most proud. In my work life, I’m most proud of the People Services team we’ve built in the past 12 months. I really feel as a business we’re going from strength-tostrength and I’m so proud of the role my team play in recruiting the right people and supporting them on their Hodge journey.

Any advice to someone who would like to do similar in HR?

Absolutely give it a go and be prepared to be creative to get that first foot in the door. I volunteered to work for free in a HR department in Burton’s Biscuits, Cwmbran just to experience what it’s like to be in HR and I have never looked back since.

What’s the one thing about you that would surprise people?

I used to ballroom and Latin dance competitively. I even have a Blue Peter badge for dancing on the show!

For more: Hodge, One Central Square, CF10 1FS. tel: 0800 028 3746; www.hodgebank.co.uk

CARDIFFWORKS

resulting in the most natural looking results that last.

You are originally from Ascot and then lived in London. What brought you to Cardiff?

I used to travel to Cardiff for work once a fortnight and out of all the cities I visited, Cardiff and its landscape has always been my favourite. It is an exciting cosmopolitan city and most importantly I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the warmest and friendliest people ever.

“RESTORING CONFIDENCE IS NOTHING SHORT OF PRIVILEGE”

ONE TO WATCH

Nell Brunwin

What jobs were you doing before HQ Hair Transplants?

Nell, clinic manager at Head Quarters Hair Transplants Clinic, reveals the pride she feels in her work helping with hair restoration Talk us through the background to HeadQuarters Hair Transplants Clinic...

The clinic is the brainchild of ex-All Black and Cardiff Blues captain, Xavier Rush, who is the clinic owner.

Xavier had a hair transplant five years ago and he found it was such a transformative experience that he wanted to help other men wishing to embark on a similar journey.

How did the branding of the company evolve?

The brand name and image was inspired by the concept of making hair transplants more accessible and less intimidating to men.

Particularly in Britain men rarely frequent doctors or hospitals and don’t talk about their health.

They avoid medical environments and don’t relate well to clinic terminology. Therefore, we want to make hair transplants more every day to men, breaking the stigma and making it like a ‘normal day at the office’ hence the name, Head Quarters/HQ.

Do you deal with women at all?

We see around 80 per cent men and 20 per cent women, all from different walks of life, all with the common ambition of wanting to change how they feel about their hair. Sometimes their hair-loss has stopped them enjoying life to the fullest, including things like avoiding swimming or going on holiday.

Do you think there is a responsibility to try and help men feel more comfortable with their baldness?

Yes, making every person that walks through our front door feel good about themselves regardless of how much or little hair they have is something I take seriously. It’s about choice, it’s about giving men and women respectfully the options to have their hair back if they have lost it.

Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?

Sometimes the cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine industry

I was fitting and styling hair systems for men and women at a clinic in Vancouver, Canada, so I have always been focused on hair health and supporting men with their hair loss.

On returning to the UK I started as a hair technician in high-end hair restoration and now as clinic manager. This has enabled me to have a good understanding of the patient’s journey.

is viewed as one of vanity and superficial connotations, however it is full of caring medical experts and to me restoring confidence is nothing short of a privilege.

Any moment you have been particularly proud of?

What advice would you give to people who are thinking about using HQ Hair Transplants?

Every time a client comes back for their 12-month results, I feel immensely proud to be part of their journey and see the way they carry themselves differently, more confidently, more comfortably, happier.

Come and see the clinic – I will happily give you a tour. We give honest consultations and personalised treatment plans with complete patient confidentiality.

We help you visualise how the day will go, the procedure steps, the after-care, and expected results.

Tell us a little about the team at HQ Hair Transplants

Our hair transplant surgeon Dr Ted Miln has been working with his team of hair transplant technicians for the last year. His technicians have been in the industry for over 10 years and all share a passion for getting the perfect balance between density and respecting the donor area

Any immediate plans for HQ Hair Transplants in the pipeline?

Head Quarters plans to expand to Harley Street London and internationally within the next five years. There’s already talk in the senior management team meetings of Dubai and New Zealand.

For more: Head Quarters Hair Transplants Clinic, 44 Charles Street Cardiff, CF10 2GE. tel: 029 2009 9385; www.hqhairtransplants.com

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

CARDIFFWORKS

they were, as I had imagined, fully grounded individuals.

I strive to disprove the old adage of ‘you can’t please all of the people all of the time’. This

remains my credo when problemsolving, trying to find a solution that benefits all parties involved to provide a successful outcome. You can apply decades of experience into the planning stages, but should always expect the unexpected.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

One moment I was particularly proud of is receiving a fax (this

Gareth Griffiths

G

areth Griffiths is house manager of St David’s Hall, which was built in 1982 and thanks to the auditorium’s superb acoustics is ranked among the Top Ten Concert Halls in the world. It hosts everything from rock, classical, pop, jazz and folk music to stand-up comedy, musical theatre and opera, conferences, corporate events, the annual BAFTA Cymru Awards, The Welsh Proms and biennial BBC Cardiff Singer of The World competition.

My alarm can go off anywhere from 5am through to 10am,

depending on my working patterns and how my previous day/evening pans out. Then it’s up immediately.

(I’ve banned the snooze button following a recent unplanned five hour lie-in) for a pot of freshly brewed coffee and breakfast I have a strict workout routine

involving both weights and cardio HIT elements which I focus on four times a week. Once completed there’s just time to have a shower, get dressed and set off for work, which is a half hour stroll or 20 minute power-walk depending on my energy levels.

I am fortunate enough to live within the boundary of the

Roath Park Conservation Area,

a little more than two miles from the Hall, and during rush hour, it’s considerably quicker to commute on foot.

I joined St David’s Hall in the summer of 1986 as a fledgling

member of the Front of House team. At the time I didn’t even own a two-piece suit. Within a few years an opportunity came up to progress to assistant house manager before attaining my current job status some 25 years ago. I now proudly hold the honour of being the longest serving member of staff remaining at the venue and I entered my 34th continuous year in August 2019.

As house manager, my primary responsibility is to ensure that

all of our patrons and visiting production personnel have a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment, and to work with promoters, hirers and visiting companies and ensure the smooth running of the operation. The preplanning stages for an event can be as much as a year or more ahead.

Every single event has its own unique set of demands. I will

check my emails upon arrival and prioritise them, check my diary for any meetings and then collate information from our planning,

was long before the advent of email) from contemporary composer, Phillip Glass citing me as ‘The Coolest House Manager of The Year’, which I still have.

box office and finance teams before hooking up with the visiting company tour manager, promoter’s rep, or the artist themselves, to run through the day’s/evening’s proceedings at a production meeting.

I also photograph every performance I work, and have

done so for the past 10 years.

The images are dotted around the foyers and backstage areas of St David’s Hall.

There are so many colourful anecdotes and backstage stories

Evening plans usually revolve around the workplace however

within my memory banks but, although I have not signed a non-disclosure agreement, what happens backstage stays backstage – that is until maybe one day I decide to write my memoirs!

if I do have a rare evening off, I love entertaining with friends and family. I am a member of a monthly film club, a closed group who host themed movie dinner evenings at one another homes.

In my early years I was detailed with looking after Russian ballet

Even if I arrive home before midnight, I generally find the

legend, Rudolph Nureyev and TV compere, Bob Monkhouse during their tenure with us (NOT on the same bill I might add). On a recent visit to Tibet, I basked in the memory of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama visiting St David’s Hall almost 30 years ago. I am in a privileged position in as much as I get to meet so many high calibre performers from every genre.

residual adrenalin coursing through me as a result of a busy evening and that will keep me alert for several hours so I will read a book or watch a film into the early hours. A postwork weights and cardio workout also helps provide an antidote to any possible insomnia.

The progressive rock bands 10cc, Genesis and Pink Floyd

were, throughout my formative years, my musical idols. Meeting many of the members, who regularly perform, it came as no surprise to meet them and discover

For more: St David’s Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff. tel: 029 2087 8500; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 75

CARDIFFWORKS

© STUDIO 87

“WEB BUILDING CAN BE SEEN AS A DARK ART” Are they all web-savvy youngsters?

It’s great to have a healthy stream of graduates and young people learning from the more experienced senior members of our team. And, cheeky plug here(!), we’re always on the lookout for growing the team with talented designers and developers, too.

To us work isn’t just work, we operate like a family. Our people, clients and partners matter more to us than we could ever express.

TOP: Melin Edomwonyi, Emily Jones, Josh

Bedford, Sunitsa Panrod-Williams, Patsy Musgrove and Consuela Onighi BOTTOM: Manuel Docampo-Rodriguez, Scott Jones, Nathan Robjohn and Dan Roberts

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2019

You’re from near Liverpool originally. So how come Cardiff?

My wife is in her final year of medicine at Cardiff University and we have found a community, and an openness, to the digital mindset, which is crucial for the business to thrive.

Illustrate Digital

Scott Jones, founder and managing director of Illustrate Digital who strategise, design, develop and maintain websites, talks team work, demystifying web design, and why Cardiff is the perfect place for his business BUSINESS SERVICES WINNER Congratulations on your win!

Talk us through your reactions on the night.

I remember my wife telling me what I should say on stage if we won but I wasn’t listening. When our name was announced from stage, I didn’t know how to react, but the team certainly did, and what a celebration it was!

Did the celebrations last long?

The next morning, after the night before, I made bacon rolls and brought in champagne to continue the celebration, or in some cases, to aid with the recovery.

Tell us a little about Illustrate Digital – what is the company’s background?

I founded the business back in 2013, simply because the approach taken by a lot of web agencies sucks. We wanted to create something different, to show clients that it doesn’t always have to be that way. Over the following five-to-six years we honed our skills and employed some of the best in Wales and the UK for building high-performing sites for enterprise brands using WordPress.

What do you think it is about your company that helped secured the Cardiff Life Award win?

It has to be our culture. We believe strongly in building the best relationships with both our team and our clients, always focussing on the long term and not treating these relationships like a short-term thing. As a result, our clients love working with us and our team love working somewhere they get to be challenged and work on exciting projects.

What do you think winning the Award means to you, the team and the business?

To be honest we’ve been a little too quiet over the last few years, got our head stuck into good work and nobody really knew we were here. Winning the Award puts us on the map in Cardiff and establishes us as a growing brand, working with organisations across the world, for Wales to be proud of.

What would you say is your company’s vision?

As a growing company our vision is to create an agency of influence, to gather

people who pursue the same cause and to be known globally as experts in WordPress technology. This in turn drives our mission, to build websites and software that create value for our clients and to deliver a great journey for all users, whether front-end or back-end.

Are there negative perceptions about the work you do?

Web building can be seen as a dark art and, whilst development isn’t an easy job by any means, it can be demystified with great project management and customer service, something we’ve focussed hard on providing as an agency.

Tell us a little about the Illustrate Digital team We’ve got an awesome team of 12, alongside a wider network of contractors and subject matter experts. The core team have a crazy mix of backgrounds: some from other digital agencies, whilst others transferred or upskilled from managing retail stores or cooking in restaurants.

How does being based in the capital benefit your work?

Cardiff is the best capital city to be in. People are close enough and open-minded enough to be able to build a great network, paired with the availability of great skills, the city has given us a winning combination to grow a digital agency. Our clients based outside of Wales don’t mind a trip to our beautiful city either, especially when that includes a tour around The Bay and some great food at places like The Admiral, Duchess of Delhi or Yakitori #1.

Who are your key clients?

Brands we’re working with at the moment include Hodge Bank, Acorn Property Group, National Theatre Wales, Countingup Bank and FinTech Wales.

Any examples of supporting other local businesses?

In 2019 I got involved as a panel member and board member with FinTech Wales, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at empowering the FinTech and financial services sector in Wales as a key driver of the UK economy.

For more: Illustrate Digital, Colum Buildings, 13 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5EE. tel: 029 2196 1661; www.illustrate.digital

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 77

Don’t sit and wait for old age – take charge and check out homes like Sunrise

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE Don’t be shy and retiring about planning your future

By John Mather 78 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

These days retirement homes even have their own cinemas like this one at Tyˆ Llandaff

I

f we want to spend our later years enjoying our retirement, then we’re waking up to the fact we need to start taking charge of our future.

There’s nothing to stop us considering what sort of retirement home might suit us, to how best to go about sorting out our finances right now. We put some of those frequently asked questions about these older age issues to our Cardiff experts.

RETIREMENT Tyˆ Llandaff has its own onsite chef

What’s the food like?

People can also come along to try some of the scrumptious dishes that are served daily. All the food is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of older adults. Sunrise’s award-winning chefs use fresh, tasty ingredients in traditional recipes to ensure that every resident can enjoy delicious meals and food throughout the day.

I’m worrying about dementia, and being cared for properly…

Sunrise of Cardiff prides itself on dementia care. There is a dedicated, specialised Memory Care Neighbourhood that is devoted entirely to residents who are living with dementia. The team are always looking for new ways to deliver the best possible dementia care and provide innovative solutions, and have recently launched a dementia care tool project in conjunction with Cardiff Metropolitan University and the NHS. Called Hug, it’s a soft multi-sensory comforting device designed to help soothe people with more advanced symptoms of dementia.

Loran Beynon, Rebecca Rees, Natalie Welsh, Rachael McCarthy-Jones, and Evelyn James are from the independent law firm JNP Legal; www.jnplegal.org

Dining five star style at Sunrise

Why should I make a will and what are the implications of not writing a will? Won’t my partner/children inherit anyway?

If you do not have a will, the intestacy rules determine who inherits your estate. This may result in your estate passing to persons for whom you did not intend to provide. By having a will in place, it will be both clear who is to inherit and what they are to receive, whether it is money, property or other possessions. This should not only offer peace of mind but also avoid uncertainty, which is often the catalyst for arguments that arise between family members after a death.

Can I just write it myself?

Lisa Cristina, is service manager at Tŷ Llandaff; www.tŷllandaffcare.com What sort of lifestyle packages do you offer?

We provide exceptional levels of care, first-rate accommodation and superb facilities in a relaxed setting. We offer different packages depending on a resident’s care needs, be that residential, nursing, palliative or respite care.

If there’s an activity – do we all have to do it?

Our person-focused ethos flows through our entire approach, from the in-house chef who caters for an individual’s taste and dietary needs, through to our activities programme inspired by our residents’ interests. Our all-inclusive activities and events programme is action-packed and tailor-made to suit our residents’ specific preferences.

Will I have to go off site all the time?

Many people prefer to opt for ‘do it yourself wills’ rather than instruct solicitors. However the laws and regulatory requirements surrounding the making of a will can be complex. By instructing a solicitor you can be confident that your will is an accurate, legal document devoid of the errors that can lead to disputes and costly legal expenses.

What should I consider when making a will?

For many people their spouse is the obvious choice for beneficiary and then their children, however there is often more to think about, for example, what if their spouse remarries and disinherit the children? What should happen if there are children from a previous relationship? Making a will isn’t always straightforward which is why it is important to instruct a specialist solicitor who can advise and guide you throughout the process.

“Facilities include a hair salon and spa area, café bar, cinema room, on-site chef”

As well as all the latest care and access equipment in order to provide first-class standards of healthcare and first-rate personal accommodation, we also have extensive facilities to cater for our residents’ every need. Facilities include a hair salon and spa area, café bar, cinema room, on-site chef, communal TV lounges, a peaceful library, private and secure gardens, and a ‘celebrations room’ that can be used on special occasions or for private family gatherings. In addition to this we offer laundry services, daily newspapers, and wi-fi throughout.

Gareth Thomas, director and chartered financial planner at HawkinsThomas Wealth Management; www.hawkinsthomas.co.uk

What should I do about inheritance tax now?

Or is it just about the people who inherit?

There are a number of estate planning opportunities available which can be taken advantage of during your lifetime. This can reduce the amount of inheritance tax which may become payable on death thereby increasing the amount that can be inherited by family and/or friends.

Can I give away my home now to avoid them paying inheritance tax?

Lis May is director of community relations at Sunrise of Cardiff; www.sunrise-care.co.uk

Making a gift of the family home can be a complicated area of planning especially where the individual making the gift still wishes to live in that property. It is possible to carry out certain planning in this regard, however, it is essential that professional advice is sought prior to taking any action.

We are located in picturesque grounds and with a beautiful interior, and our residents are able to furnish their rooms however they wish –­they can bring along their pets, furniture and whatever else is needed to make them feel at home.

If the individual’s permanent home is in the UK, then all of their assets, including overseas property would usually be subject to UK inheritance tax.

There are special rules that apply in relation to certain countries so, again, advice will be essential. n

Aren’t care homes ugly places, without personality?

What about overseas property?

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 79

Endless change.

Oil on canvas 60 x 90cm

Makes my heart sing Oil on canvas 60 x 60 cm

Seperation Oil on canvas 60 x 60 cm

With bluetits and bells Oil on canvas 60 x 60 cm

NEW SOLO SHOW BY WELSH LANDSCAPE ARTIST SARAH JANE BROWN 19th October - 16th November

The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Rd, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DQ. T: 029 20554469 E: art@galleryoffthewall.com.

Open Monday–Friday 9.30-5.00 Sat 10.00-4.00 www.galleryoffthewall.com

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

Lake Road West, Roath Park ÂŁ835,000 EPC = E pa black Llanishen 02920 618552

Imposing detached four double bedroom residence of character with delightful scenic views across the Roath Park lake. Walking distance to flower gardens and botanical gardens, Cardiff high school catchment. Elegant entrance reception hall, down stairs cloak room, 15ft lounge, 15ft sitting room, separate breakfast room, PVC sun lounge conservatory, fitted kitchen, large utility room and potential dark room. Gas heating, PVC double glazing, many period features, wood block floors, extensive private parking with returning block paved entrance drive leading to a 32ft long tandem garage, large gardens. Must be seen, no chain!

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

Pen Y Bryn, Castle Precinct, Cowbridge ÂŁ600,000 EPC = E pa black Cowbridge 01446 772857

An immaculately presented 4 bedroom detached property located at the end of a cul de sac in the sought after village of Llandough Cowbridge. Situated within catchment of Cowbridge secondary school with arranged free transport. The property briefly comprises of entrance porch, study, lounge and dining room both with feature log burning stoves, second sitting room / snug, immaculate high specification kitchen and separate utility room. To the first floor are four double bedrooms, three with fitted wardrobes and a four piece family bathroom with mood lighting. There is a detached garage currently arranged as a games room. Enclosed gardens to three sides. The private rear garden backs onto woodland and is mainly laid to lawn with paved seating areas and a side area ideal for family gathering and entertaining.

property a pl ace to c all home

WESTRA COURT Elsie Chadwick finds a modern love in this Dinas Powys home

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

property

M

odern homes can come with inbuilt misconceptions. Ugly, poor storage, and corners cut. Not so with Westra Court. This four-bed, detached, architecturally designed home was built in 2012. The long, flat shape of the property located in the village of Dinas Powys allows for a ‘home on the ranch’ feel complete with unobstructed views of big sky. The thoughtfully multi-tiered landscaped gardens, and terrace with a generous patio area, are flanked by mature trees echoing the undulating landscape of rolling hills. Running the length of the house, there’s a paved patio, flagstone terrace, decked area, a laurel hedge, raised stone planters, flint chippings, a manicured lawn, all taking full advantage of the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Inside, the feeling of light, air and space continues throughout, with many of the rooms absorbing those spectacular views. The open-plan downstairs living area is a beautifully proportioned space loosely subdivided into living, seating, and dining areas, with a large roof light delivering natural light, and the arrangement is such that those views are a permanent feature in your everyday life.

The high-spec finish of the kitchen includes wall and base units, as well as an island with composite worktops, integrated appliances include a five-ring gas hob, and double oven with warming drawer. Along with the latest appliances and technology, another advantage of this modern home is low energy efficiency, thermal construction with ground source heating, and underfloor heating throughout.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I cardiff life I 85

property

The utility room has a tiled floor, wall and base units, and plumbing for a washing machine and tumble dryer, stainless steel sink and drainer, door to the side and a door to the integral electric door double garage. The dining room has a beautiful oak floor, a feature throughout the entire house, sliding doors to the front patio and double doors opening onto the sitting room with a further set of sliding doors which open directly onto the rear patio, ideal for those impromptu al fresco moments.

The inner lobby has a whole wall of storage and leads to the two ground floor bedrooms, with fitted wardrobes, windows to the rear and one bedroom with en suite opening onto a private patio to the side, and the other bedroom, with en suite wet room and sliding doors to the rear garden.

A staircase takes you to the first floor where there is a spacious landing with an oak floor, roof light, obscure window to the side and window to the rear.

The master bedroom takes in those spectacular countryside views, plus there is a walk-in wardrobe with ample hanging and storage space leading to the modern en suite bathroom. The fourth bedroom is currently being used as a study.

The location of Westra Court in the Dinas Powys village makes it ideal for commuters, being just 10 minutes from the M4. But it is also offers tranquil respite from the throng of Cardiff city life, which is just five miles away, and ideal for families, with great schools on the doorstep, a large village common with a children’s play area and tennis, bowls, rugby, golf and cricket clubs. n

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

House numbers

Square feet 3,589

Bedrooms 4

Guide price ÂŁ900k

Reception rooms 3

For more: Savills Cardiff, 5th floor, 2 Kingsway, Cardiff. tel: 029 2036 8900; www.savills.co.uk

Integral garages

2

Tiered garden

1

CARDIFF LIVES

“I have always tried to exploit my talents, not hide them” child, and along with creating shows, I filled my days with band rehearsals, writing songs, and running my caterpillar circus!

I also wanted to be on the stage, but also wanted to create the shows I was performing in. One of my first theatricalrelated memories is being in a production at the age of three.

I don’t remember anything about it other than the applause.

Stifyn Parri There’s never a dull moment with the entrepreneur and entertainer who has been to Catherine Zeta Jones’s wedding and caused a nationwide scandal with a TV kiss Entrepreneur and entertainer Stifyn Parri, who lives in St Fagans, has over 40 years’ experience in the creative industries and works as a creative producer, presenter, consultant and mentor. His company, Mr Producer, which he founded in 2001, has produced some of Wales’ most prominent live events including the 50th anniversary gala of the Aberfan disaster at WMC with Michael Sheen, Bryn Terfel and Sian Phillips.

As an actor he has appeared in Channel 4’s Brookside and on the West End stage in Les Miserables; he has also presented a game show, been a chat show host, is a Radio Cardiff DJ, and acts as

I am driven, and there was no way I was going to wait for something to come my way.

I was out there meeting people, finding auditions, and tarting my way around the industry. Once I had established myself as an actor, I then wanted to be in musicals, and as soon as I had achieved that I wanted to present, then I was drawn to produce, and now writing.

I had a Saturday job cleaning my local butchers shop, but I was dreadful, with no interest whatsoever, so my mother took the job over from me.

a Master of Ceremonies for corporate events, concerts and conferences. His recently published Out with it! / Allan a Fo! is the first ever bilingual/ back to back/English-Welsh autobiography.

I was cast in the S4C soap Coleg, then went onto appear in Brookside for two years playing Christopher Duncan, the boyfriend of Gordon Collins, the first openly gay character on a British television soap opera. Our kiss caused shockwaves and was broadcast on the Nine O’Clock News the next day.

I was born in a mining village, Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham, North Wales. We lived in a tiny two up, two down cottage, while my parents ran the local fish and chip shop. My whole childhood was full of music and drama, friends and family.

One of the most satisfying jobs I’ve ever done was probably being the creative producer for the opening weekend of Wales Millennium Centre, with a star-studded awards ceremony, a 10,0000 community karaoke and a Royal Gala.

I absolutely adored school as I was blessed with some incredibly understanding teachers who allowed me to put on shows on a weekly basis. I was a very creative

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matthew Rhys, Catherine Zeta Jones, Dame Sian Phillips, Michael Sheen, Bryn Terfel, Grace Jones, Prince Charles

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

and Shirley Bassey and many more.

They’re all in my autobiography.

They’re the good ones I’ve met, but there are some bad ones in there as well!

My pinch-me moment must be when I was a guest at my friend Catherine Zeta Jones’s wedding to Michael Douglas.

My whole career has been totally bilingual, so I thought my book should truly reflect me.

It took me a long, long time to create the structure of the book, but once I had that, the actual writing flowed, allowing me to write as I speak. I was determined that the reader could hear my voice and not an editor’s.

I have experienced a lot of loss and was physically attacked by a teacher. These were difficult to think back and to detail, but I’m glad I did.

My mantra is let nobody build a brick wall across your path. If they do, knock it down.

My biggest inspiration is Kate Bush, always creative, never following fashion and keeping control on her work and career.

I have no secret talents. I have always tried to exploit my talents, not hide them.

The last meal I ate out in Cardiff was at The Heathcock – I am quite obsessed with their pies. n For more: www.mrproducer.co.uk