Cardiff Life - Issue 228

ISSUE 228 / NOVEMBER 2020 / £3

@CardiffLifeMag

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CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

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ISSUE 228 / NOVEMBER 2020 / DEDICATED TO DILYS

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NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

D I LY

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Christmas gifts aplenty

ALL LIGHT NOW

Cardiff Shooters’ molten metal photography

A NOVEL IDEA

Local authors who are crushing it

SHINY AND NEW

Welcoming start-ups to the city

BOSSING IT

Angharad Mair on BAFTA Cymru

A TRIBUTE TO A CARDIFF LEGEND

EDITOR’S LETTER

See our Christmas gift guide starting on page 31, featuring everything from florals to art. Pictured is a dried flower bouquet from Blooms Blodau, based in Canton. @blooms_blodau

T

he only reason I want to be alive is to pass on how wonderful life can be. We’ve got one life, let’s enjoy it, let’s have fun.”

– Dilys Price.

She became the world’s oldest skydiver at the age of 80 and completed over 1,100 solo jumps, and we’d like to dedicate this issue to daredevil Dilys, a Cardiff legend who we sadly lost in October, but whose effervescent memory will thrive. Read about her legacy on page 10.

We have also started looking forward to Christmas, and on page 31, you’ll find our indie-tastic, gender-neutral, hyperlocal gift guide, featuring everything from handmade snowdomes to bespoke illustrations. And elsewhere, on page 20, we shine a light on Cardiff Shooters’ Neil Pesticcio, whose distinctive method of photography – which features tools including a dog lead, a whisk and molten metal, of course – is wowing the city.

Not forgetting our foodie section, starting on page 45, in which we welcome a dozen new restaurants, bars and cafés to the city. As for in-depth interviews, we bring you the treasured Welsh TV presenter Angharad Mair on page 66; and, because it’s National Novel Writing Month, we chat to two local authors whose inventive imaginations are making a worldwide impact, and whose stories are being snapped up by the likes of Netflix and Warner Bros (page 26).

Cardiff together, always.

Y

r unig reswm rwy’n dymuno byw yw er mwyn dangos i eraill mor wych y gall bywyd fod. Mae gennym un bywyd, felly gadewch i ni ei fwynhau, gadewch i ni gael hwyl.” – Dilys Price.

A hithau’n 80 oed, hi oedd plymiwr awyr hynaf y byd, a llwyddodd i blymio dros 1,100 o weithiau ar ei phen ei hun. Felly, hoffem gyflwyno’r rhifyn hwn er cof am Dilys Price, yr anturiaethwraig enwog o Gaerdydd a fu farw ym mis Hydref ond y bydd y cof byw amdani’n para am amser hir. Gallwch ddarllen am ei gwaddol ar dudalen 10.

Rydym hefyd wedi dechrau edrych ymlaen at y Nadolig, ac ar dudalen 31 fe welwch chi ein canllaw lleol iawn i anrhegion, sy’n niwtral o ran rhywedd ac sy’n rhoi llawer o sylw i’n siopau annibynnol gwych – mae’n cynnwys popeth o gromenni eira a wnaed â llaw i ddarluniau wedi’u personoli. Fel arall, ar dudalen 20, rydym yn rhoi sylw i Neil Pesticcio o Cardiff Shooters, y mae ei ffotograffau unigryw – sy’n cynnwys elfennau megis tennyn ci, chwisg a metel tawdd, wrth gwrs – yn creu cyffro yn y ddinas.

Cofiwch hefyd am ein hadran am fwyd, sy’n dechrau ar dudalen 45, lle’r ydym yn croesawu dwsin o fwytai, bariau a chaffis newydd i’r ddinas. Ac yn ein cyfweliadau treiddgar, dewch i gwrdd ag Angharad Mair, y cyflwynydd o fri, ar dudalen 66; ac, oherwydd ei bod yn Fis Cenedlaethol Ysgrifennu Nofel, rydym yn sgwrsio â dau awdur lleol y mae eu dychymyg dyfeisgar yn cael effaith bellgyrhaeddol ac y mae eu straeon yn cael eu bachu gan bobl debyg i Netflix a Warner Bros (ar dudalen 26).

Caerdydd ynghyd, bob amser.

LISA EVANS Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

Issue 228/November 2020 COVER Dilys Price OBE, see page 10. Photo by Alexandra Leese for Helmut Lang

FEATURES 10 THE ICONIC DILYS PRICE A tribute to daredevil

Dilys, whose legacy lives on

26 THE WRITE WAY Two local authors’ books hit the

big screen

THE ARTS

15 INTRO Matthew Keenan’s New Photographic

Project for Men

16 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and activities, it’s all going

on in Cardiff

20 TWISTED FIRESTARTER A Cardiff

photographer lights up the city

© NEIL PESTICCIO @MIS7ER.P

SHOPPING

31 ALL PRESENT AND CORRECT Our annual gift

guide is back!

43 SPARKLE AND SHINE Twinkle your way through

festive season with our pick of gems and jewels

31

20

FOOD & DRINK

45 CAN’T CAKE MY EYES OFF YOU

Letthemseecake’s gorgeous new shop

46 FOOD NEWS A heap of new foodie businesses are

opening in the city

BUSINESS

53 CARDIFFWORKS News, views and inspiring

interviews with the region’s professionals

PROPERTY

62 PROPERTY NEWS Our pick of the most interesting

stories on the scene

64 SHOWCASE A Cardiff Bay penthouse that will wow

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT Green flag awards, guided walks,

Welsh National Opera and more

19 IN HER WORDS The return of Andrea Byrne 51 WYBURN & WAYNE It’s a tasty offering this month 66 CARDIFF LIVES TV presenter Angharad Mair

on breaking records and chairing Bafta Cymru

Editor Lisa Evans lisa.evans@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 Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Andrea Byrne and Evelyn Green Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@ mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Claire Hawkins claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@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. 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

The One Show’s Alex Jones presented the first virtual Bafta Cymru Awards

Out and about

WALK THE TALK

Local storyteller Tamar Eluned Williams has released a Story Walk podcast for people to discover new routes around Cardiff – as a listen-as-you-walk adventure, or to just enjoy hearing stories from home.

Pathways/Llwybrau features varied routes in Cardiff, such as greenbelt areas and Coed y Felin woods. Each bilingual podcast will suggest a route for listeners to follow as a way of stepping into the stories.

“Responses so far have been wonderful,” says Tamar.

“I’ve chosen stories rooted in Welsh mythology, with lots of transformations and fantastic creatures. It’s not a guided tour, but an aural journey.”

For more: www.pathways-llwybrau.com

© @OPSCAPES

Cardiff Bay Barrage is one of 14 Green Flag spaces in the city

Landscape

Cardiff’s parks and green spaces now boast a whopping 14 Green Flags. Forest Farm Nature Reserve and Hailey Park have been presented the prestigious accolade for the first time, meaning a total of 14 parks and green spaces managed by Cardiff Council now hold this coveted international recognition.

Bute Park, Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff Bay Wetlands, Cathays Cemetery, Flat Holm Island, Grange Gardens, Heath Park, Parc Cefn Onn, Roath Park, Rumney Hill Gardens, Thornhill Cemetery and Victoria Park have all retained their existing awards.

“Cardiff now has more Green Flag-standard spaces than anywhere else in Wales,” says Cabinet Member for culture and leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury.

For more: www.keepwalestidy.cymru

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

ALL AWARD

© @JESSIEANNLEWIS

The enchanting Fforest Fawr Sculpture Trail is one of our favourite woodland walks

GREEN SCENE

Everybody’s talking about…

At the 2020 Bafta Cymru Awards in October, which, for the first time ever, were held virtually, there were plenty of local success stories.

His Dark Materials, much of which was filmed in Cardiff’s Wolf Studios, won three awards. In My Skin received two awards, with its writer Kayleigh Llewellyn – who grew up a few streets away from the Cardiff location where In My Skin was filmed – also gaining a victory. Siân Jenkins, who divides her time between Cardiff and London, won her second Costume Design award for Eternal Beauty, and Original Music was awarded posthumously to Pontypridd composer Jonathan Hill for The Long Song.

The awards, hosted by Alex Jones, honoured excellence in broadcasting and production within film and television in Wales and by the Welsh in UK productions and inspire the next generation of creative talent.

For more: www.bafta.org/wales

Art

MOMENT IN THE SUN

We’ve all experienced that little feel-good party that happens in our brains when someone flashes a big smile at us. When you smile, the world often smiles back.

Suzanne Carpenter of Cardiff surface pattern design studio The Patternistas took on that mentality during the original lockdown and developed a Kindness is Catching design, which was turned into a billboard and poster campaign around the city.

The public response, she says, was so great, that The Patternistas have created a print of the design, so that people can keep the message in their homes.

“The pattern of sunshine smiles felt like the perfect antidote to the general anxiety about spreading the virus. We rolled out our campaign as part of the Build Hollywood/Jack Arts ‘Your

Space or Mine’ project, helping to bring positivity to the streets. The response was overwhelmingly uplifting.”

The prints can now be placed in a sunny spot in your house, and 20 per cent of profits will go to Velindre Hospital.

For more: www.patternistas.co.uk

The Kindness is Catching campaign spread joy around the city, and now it’s been made into a print

Raw, spontaneous portraits are Eddie’s forte

SPOTLIGHT Sport

A Cardiff gymnastics club is doing cartwheels after young members celebrated its 101-year anniversary by raising vital funds. More than 35 young people, aged between four and 15, took part in a ‘101 Challenge’ – choosing to do 101 of an activity, such as holding a handstand for 101 minutes, during the course of the month.

The Cardiff Central Youth Club located on Ocean Park, has been astounded with the response which has seen members raising over £4,500.

The efforts were led by coaches, one of them being Leah Lloyd whose sons Noah and Jacob train at the club.

“We had grand plans for celebrating our 101 years of providing sporting, health and wellbeing activities for the residents of Cardiff,” says Leah. “But sadly, these had to be put on hold due to the pandemic. Our young gymnasts were keen to give back to the club and took on this challenge with such passion to help ensure the sport they love can continue.”

For more: www.cardiffcentralyouthclub.co.uk

Photography

SMOKE SHOW

With a Humans of New York vibe, 16-year-old photographer Eddie Gwilliam takes to the streets of Cardiff and snaps portraits of interesting strangers he spots. We loved this one, taken at Cardiff market, so much that we wanted to share it with our readers. Can’t wait to see more, Eddie.

For more: @e_gwilliam_photography

Charity

WHOSE COAT IS THAT JACKET?

Throwing shapes: Noah and Jacob, with dad Andrew, helped to raise thousands for their gymnastics club

The Blancot Project gives refugees and asylum seekers in Cardiff the opportunity to build their employability and language skills through designing and tailoring winter coats. The sustainable project – run by tailor Catherine Davies, founder of Teilwr Bach, in collaboration with Oasis Cardiff – sees each coat made from a vintage Welsh blanket, with the undercollar and lining created from snooker table off-cuts and locally sourced end-of-roll fabric. And because of the zero-waste ethos of the project, the scraps have been made into lavender hearts, draught excluders and hot water bottle covers which are for sale on Oasis’s website, with all proceeds going back into the project to provide more training opportunities.

For more: www.oasiscardiff.org / www.teilwrbach.com

The Blancot project saw refugees in Cardiff making coats out of vintage Welsh blankets, which sold out instantly

Music

ALL TOGETHER NOW

© ARCHIE ARCHIBALD @JARCHIEPHOTO

© @E_GWILLIAM _ PHOTOGR APHY

FUND AND GAMES

All three Welsh National Opera Youth Opera groups have come together for the first time to perform a poignant piece that is reflective of the times we live in.

Over 80 singers aged between six and 18 from South Wales, North Wales and Birmingham joined forces and performed I Shall Not Live in Vain, by Ruth Morris Gray, which was released on WNO’s website in September. The song is set to an Emily Dickinson poem which was originally written in the 19th century but conveys a hopeful message of compassion that is especially relevant today.

The necessity of performing online due to lockdown restrictions has created the opportunity to bring together all of the WNO Youth Opera groups – Cardiff’s WNO being based in Wales Millennium Centre – from across the UK for the first time.

The WNO Youth Opera For more: sing up a storm www.wno.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 7

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Covid-19 – What is the Job Support Scheme (Open)?

Sarah Alford of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS explains...

A

s the Coronavirus pandemic continues, thousands of employers and employees have continued to suffer financially. A new Job Support Scheme (JSS (Open)) came into effect on 1 November 2020 and will run for a period of six months. This new scheme replaces the furlough scheme which ended on 31 October 2020. There is a separate Job Support Scheme (Closed) for employers that have been legally required to close their premises as a direct result of Coronavirus restrictions. This article considers the JSS (Open).

What is the JSS (Open)?

The intention of the JSS (Open) is to safeguard jobs in businesses that will face a lower demand over the winter months as a result of Covid-19.

Therefore, where employers are considering making redundancies, they are being encouraged to keep employees in work but on reduced hours.

Am I eligible for the JSS (Open)? l In order to be eligible under the scheme, an

employee must be on their employer’s PAYE payroll between 6 April 2019 and 23 September 2020. l For the first three months of the JSS (Open), an employee must work at least 20% of their usual hours. The employer will be liable to pay the employee for these hours worked at the employee’s normal contractual salary. After three months, the government may consider increasing this threshold of hours worked. l For those hours not worked, the employee will still be paid but only up to 66.67% of their normal pay (based on the employees’ normal contractual salary) – 5% will be paid by the employer and 61.67% will be paid by the government. The government’s contribution will be capped at £1,541.75 a month. l The grant available under the JSS (Open) will not cover Class 1 employer national insurance contributions or pension contributions which will need to be paid by the employer. l Each employee will not have to work the

Sarah Alford

same work pattern each month, however each short-time working arrangement must last for a minimum period of seven days. l Those employees on the JSS (Open) cannot be made redundant or given notice of redundancy. l The new working arrangements must be agreed in writing between the employer and employee.

Would I still be eligible even if I haven’t been furloughed previously?

Yes, employees who haven’t previously been furloughed will still be eligible to be put on the JSS (Open). n Note – Information correct as of 23 October 2020

Please contact us if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article or any other aspect of employment law at 02920 345 511 or employment@berrysmith.com

A TRIBUTE TO A CARDIFF ICON

DEDICATED TO DILYS

Cardiff has lost a legend, and tributes have been pouring in, so we dedicate these pages to the late, great Dilys Price OBE

By Lisa Evans Be kind, be tender Be positive Life is for living Keep active

And dance to sweet music Be happy, have fun Give Keep the faith

The above is a succinct message for life written recently by the Cardiff legend Dilys Price OBE – the world’s oldest skydiver, the founder of the Touch Trust and someone who had so much enthusiasm and zest for living. She passed away on 9 October at the age of 88 and tributes celebrating her life came pouring in; we wanted to share them on these pages...

DILYS’S BEST BITS Skydiving

Dilys completed 1,139 solo skydives, including one aged 81 in 2013 which saw her become the oldest ever female skydiver.

“We had the privilege of working with Dilys on a BBC production alongside Gareth Thomas and the Silver Skydivers in a bid to encourage people to take on new adventures, regardless of age,” says Sara Williams at Skydive Swansea.

Touch Trust

WORDS OF HONOUR

Here, just a handful of the thousands of people whose lives Dilys touched in one way or another share their memories…

Dilys’s family

“Dilys died peacefully after a short illness. Mum/Mamgu was calm and joyous throughout the time of her passing and always made clear to everyone that she was happy and at peace. Dilys was an inspirational person whose belief in love, compassion and service to others remained true right up until the end. Her family want to thank all her many friends for the support they gave Dilys and would like everyone to commemorate her passing with joyous thoughts and positive deeds.”

Marion Murray A lifelong friend

“See you later, alligator. We must not regret Dilys’s passing; she had a wonderful life. She was joy. I looked out of my window the day she died and there was a rainbow that ended over where she lived. She was a rainbow person; she once skydived through a rainbow, she loved that.”

Mavis Burris

Sharing the story of the start of Touch Trust...

She was awarded an OBE for services to people with special needs; she received a lifetime achiever award at the National Diversity Ceremony; and she was honoured with a Pride of Britain award.

“Memories come flooding back circa 1996 when Dilys arrived on the scene where S.T.E.P (Services to Enable People) were based. Here we came together for various activities supporting people with disabilities.

“Dilys came to introduce us to her unique creative movement programme, bringing with her an eclectic variety of percussion instruments, bells, brightly coloured scarves, an amazing parachute, bags of energy and a huge amount of compassion.

“It became apparent after several sessions with Dilys how beneficial this experience was becoming to the members of our group. It was very evident, especially in people with severe behavioural problems, of how much calmer, relaxed and happier they were after a session. The idea of forming a charity was founded and eventually the Touch Trust was registered as a charity, with Dilys at the helm, in 2000.”

Modelling

Sara Williams

Motto

“It all began 20 years ago in a skydive centre in England. The sound of laughter could be heard in the distance emanating from a lady who was surrounded by a group of skydivers, seemingly entranced by her every word. Little did I know how much that first burst of laughter would go on to have such an impact on my life, and the lives of many others.

“For most people, the sight of a tiny-framed, white-haired lady at

This is her legacy; she founded Touch Trust, a creative movement therapy programme for those with complex needs, in 1996, and it became a registered charity in 2000. Dilys, an art of movement and dance specialist taught by Rudolph Laban, pioneered the programme, which aims to activate all the senses to establish a sense of worth and enjoyment. Details of the charity can be found at the end of this feature if you wish to donate or find out more about its future in these tough times.

Unforgettable moments

She became the face of luxury fashion brand Helmut Lang when she was 86. The label challenged ageist stereotypes and invited mature women to front its campaign.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

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

Skydive Swansea

© PHOTOGR APHY BY ALE X ANDR A LEESE FOR HELMUT L ANG

“She burned like a thousand sparklers, fizzing and popping in your hand”

LOCAL LOVE • In celebration of her life, neighbours on Dilys’s street are signing up to do a group skydive. “Dilys has tried to convince us do it for 20 years,” says a neighbour, “but now we feel we should in her honour.”

• A local theatre group have paid tribute by throwing brightly coloured roses into streams around Cardiff.

• Our Cardiff Life columnist, and artist, Nathan Wyburn is creating a collaged portrait of Dilys made up of photos of skydivers from around the globe.

Strike a pose: Dilys was the octogenarian face of luxury fashion brand Helmut Lang

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 11

© PHOTOGR APHY - ÀSÌKÒ, ST YLING - BASMA KHALIFA, PRODUCTION - NENE PARSOTAM

Skydive Swansea must mean she’s a spectator supporting a friend or family member. But Dilys was no spectator. The stunned expressions on people’s faces would always raise a smile when Dilys would sling her parachute over shoulder. Some expressions would turn to concern when they realised that Dilys was, in fact, a solo skydiver.

“She made time for everyone, often seeking out nervous tandem jumpers and filling them with confidence and excitement encouraged by her passion and enthusiasm for the sport. Dilys had a magic about her, an instinct to say exactly the right thing at the right time.

“Just before Dilys passed away, we talked about how we would put a picture of her in the aircraft so that she could be with us on every skydive flight, the guardian angel of skydivers. She loved this idea and promised to fly high and watch over us.”

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff

Chair of the board of governors of Cardiff Met University

“It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our previous staff member and Honorary Fellow, Dilys Price OBE. She was a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, working on the human movement studies degree courses and was responsible for dance studies.

She was part of the team which founded and built the innovative and forward-looking Wales Sports Centre for the Disabled (1996) which trained elite able and disabled athletes together.

“Through her positive outlook, she worked tirelessly for a kinder, more generous inclusive world and her inspiration lives on in those who continue working towards this goal.”

“She’s now the guardian angel of skydivers” Hiroko Sue © PHOTOGR APHY - ÀSÌKÒ, ST YLING - BASMA KHALIFA, PRODUCTION - NENE PARSOTAM

A music and touch therapist who trained in Dilys’s programme and intends to carry on Dilys’s legacy to help people in Japan

“Japan has a reputation for being a very hardworking nation. Despite the pressures people face and no true work-life balance, they just grit their teeth and carry on. We have all been taught that it is a virtue. We are not very good at praising people either. During our trip in 2018 to introduce Touch Therapy to Japan, Dilys was constantly projecting love to people, wherever we went. I saw people’s faces gradually breaking into a smile after talking to Dilys. It was sheer magic. Her approach taught me to relax myself and she always assured me everything was going to be alright. She has given me a mission in life to continue her legacy, to be kind and considerate to everyone, to help the vulnerable and weak and those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Rebecca Valentine

Managing director at Grey Model Agency, which Dilys joined as a collective model

“I met Dilys two years ago when she joined the agency; over that time, we worked on various briefs, documentaries, and book and film ideas on her life, but more in her message to send out love and help everyone.

Her memoir was discussed throughout that time and plans are going ahead for a docudrama about her life which Dilys had been so very excited about.”

Martin O’Brien

A member of Cardiff’s No Name Amateur Dramatic Association

“I first met Dilys in a local bar, she was sat alone sipping a cocktail looking happy and content so my wife and I asked if we could join her; it was one of the best things we have ever done. During that afternoon,

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

A TRIBUTE TO A CARDIFF ICON we learnt of all the wonderful and exciting things that Dilys had achieved in her life. We were also able to tell her that I am part of No Name Amateur Dramatic Association, and we raise money for Cardiff YMCA and The Wallich. At hearing this, Dilys’s eyes lit up saying she had always dreamt of performing on stage. Well, the opportunity to have a local celebrity in our show was too good to be missed. I had recently written and was planning to stage a dining murder mystery event entitled Only Fools and Hearses, and I had the ideal role for Dilys.

Dilys was to play herself as Uncle Albert’s girlfriend, giving the audience a glimpse of her achievement all with a sprinkling of humour from DelBoy and Uncle Albert. Dilys beamed excitement at the chance to perform on stage. It was a huge pleasure for us to give her an opportunity to realise another one of her dreams.”

Sian Gunney A good friend

“I met Dilys at an event called Superwoman in Cardiff in 2013. We were both invited to speak and were at the same table. Dilys had a big reputation for her charity work with disabled people, as well as for being the world’s oldest female solo skydiver, and I was asked to talk about entrepreneurship. We hit it off, and she roped me into my first skydive, despite my fear of heights. I meet people all the time, but connections like ours are rare.”

Tim Gordon

Head of marketing at Cardiff Council

“I only met Dilys once, I doubt I’ll ever forget it. She burned like a thousand sparklers, fizzing and popping in your hand, bright white heat spreading endless joy and fun and possibilities.”

THE POWER OF GOOD

Here, parents of children whose lives were changed by Dilys’s Touch Trust charity share their experiences

Jackie Fears

“My son, Greg, started coming to Touch Trust at the age of 19 when he transitioned from paediatric to adult services. Ask any parent of a child with learning disabilities and they will tell you that this is such a worrying and difficult time. Through Touch Trust, we found something unique for our son. Dilys focused on the positive, the possible and her love and encouragement was unlimited. Greg adored her because he sensed this love and TT is his favourite place to be.”

Sandra Perkins

“My daughter, Naomi, attended Touch Trust for many years.

Naomi has multiple complex problems and her behaviour can be challenging. It is testament to Dilys’s ingeniousness and tenacious spirit that Touch Trust and the programmes Naomi has participated in are what has set her free.

Our lives have been enriched by knowing Dilys; she continued her emotional support of our family when Naomi’s older sister Laura suffered a catastrophic brain injury after a heart attack. It is hard to think of a world without Dilys in it, particularly since her joy in life left us with the impression that she would always be here, because she was, is, necessary.”

Bethan Cordery A good friend

“We were close friends despite the 70-year age gap (I’m 16). She and I were planning to do a skydive for The Wallich as an ‘oldest and youngest skydivers’ duo, but, due to Covid, that was unable to happen. My favourite quote of hers was ‘if you fall off your bike, get back on and do wheelies’.”

Charlotte Dando © PHOTOGR APHY - ÀSÌKÒ, ST YLING - BASMA KHALIFA, PRODUCTION - NENE PARSOTAM

Colleague and friend

“I worked with Dilys at Touch Trust and was fortunate to travel with her to New York and Hong Kong promoting the charity’s programme.

While in Hong Kong, we took part in a harmonica world record attempt with the Hong Kong symphony orchestra. Everywhere she went she made a lasting impression.”

Nathan Wyburn Cardiff artist

“Dilys was a force to be reckoned with. I can’t think of her without smiling and I always left any interaction with her feeling enlightened.

I’ll miss my friend.”

Wayne Courtney Cardiff radio host

“I’ll remember Dilys for her warmth, kindness and selflessness. When I see a rainbow, I’ll think of Dilys, forever in the skies and making dark days look pretty. We should all be more like Dilys Price.”

Bet Davies

A good friend

“I have known Dilys for over 18 years. We became close friends when I was working at Wales Millennium Centre, where Dilys’s Touch Trust is based. So we met every day and I always took VIPs to visit the smallest resident company which was like the glue joining all the others residents together – from the Welsh National Opera to the National Dance Company Wales.” n To donate to Dilys’s Touch Trust at Wales Millennium Centre, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/fundourfuture2020 or www.touchtrust.org.uk

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

THE ALB ANY GALLERY HARRY BRIOCHE, GERALD GREEN, JOHN LINES 29 October – 21 November 2020 View images on our website www.albanygallery.com ONLINE CHRISTMAS SHOW: 14 November 2020 - 9 January 2021

74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Monday - Wednesday by appointment only, Thursday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 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

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX The aim of Matthew Keenan’s New Photographic Project for Men – shot as part of the first year of his postgraduate degree in documentary photography at the University of South Wales – was to photograph men in such a way that would destabilise the power dynamic of the traditional photographic transaction.

“Historically, more often than not, women would be the object of a photographer’s gaze,” says the photographer, who lives in Plasnewydd. “To play with this idea, the sitters remained still while I arranged the shot and focused the camera. I used an old-school view camera, the type where you put a dark cloth over your head; this method was used to deliberately establish a heightened sense of being observed as the sitter was photographed and ultimately, objectified.

As I could no longer access the facilities at university, due to Covid, I hurriedly bought chemistry and processing tanks to continue working from home. The negatives were processed and hung to dry in my bathroom before digitising with a borrowed scanner.

For more: www.matthewkeenan.org

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

When food and flowers collide, good things happen.

Don’t miss the collaboration pop-up of dreams between Forbesfield and Cocoa Therapy on 10 December

© ALE X SEDGMOND

WHAT’S ON From 7 November onwards PLAYS/ SHOWS / PERFORMANCES 19 November

ROBIN MORGAN & FRIENDS COMEDY Available to watch from home, this is the fourth Robin & Friends Virtual Stand-Up Show, and this one’s going to be a belter! A full supporting line-up is soon to be announced, but so far, joining Robin is: Live at the Apollo’s Rachel Parris, and Love Actually’s Marcus Brigstocke.

Chapter Arts; www.chapter.org

24 November

SINFONIA Sinfonia Cymru celebrates 25 years with 25 concerts. They will return to live performances in 2021 with 25 free performances across Wales, but, for now, they’re presenting an online series called In Conversation – a first-hand insight into Sinfonia Cymru’s musicians, artists and friends, which orchestra leader Caroline Pether will host. www.sinfonia.cymru

3 December

DRAGGED TO CHURCH Winner of the event of the year at 2019’s Cardiff Life Awards, and currently being made into a feature film by Keeping Faith star Eve Myles, Dragged to Church – an annual Christmas fundraiser like no other – is back! Three years ago, St Andrews Church in Roath needed restoration work, so Dragged to Church was put together, and the first ever drag show in a Welsh church was held. The event was a massive success and it’s now back for its third year. This year, due to Covid restrictions, the show will be pre-recorded and streamed on YouTube. uk.gofundme.com/f/dragged-to-church

9 December

KATE RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS Kate’s Christmas Tour has, for many, become as much a part of the festivities as Christmas pudding itself. Warm and inviting, spicy and sparkly she and her band embody the sounds and joyous spirit of the best Christmases ever.

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

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Until 10 Dec

THE CAR PARK PANTO Lots of pantomimes may be cancelled, but there’s a new way of enjoying that traditional festive pastime: from the comfort of your own car. See Horrible Christmas at Cardiff Airport as a drive-in theatre experience.

Cardiff Airport; www.carparkparty.com

HEART OF CARDIFF The Sherman Theatre’s audio series, Heart of Cardiff, is inspired by the people and communities of the city.

Following a search across Cardiff for writers with stories to tell about their community, pitches were selected to be developed into original audio theatre experiences, which will be made available on the website on a weekly basis. www.shermantheatre.co.uk

27 December

Until the end of December

20 December

MARTIN KEMP`S XMAS PARTY The Spandau Ballet star returns with a back-to-the-80s DJ set. Grab your dancing shoes and prepare to enjoy a night of pure Gold at one of the best 80s nights in the UK. Fancy dress is properly encouraged. www.tramshedcardiff.com

TALKS AND AUDIO SERIES

THE OASIS CARDIFF PODCAST The podcast explores stories and pursuits of refugees and asylum seekers in Cardiff, with opinions around the topic from dedicated experts and conversations with supporters from the local community. Each episode will be released at the end of each month, and listeners are invited to ask questions via a Facebook Live Q&A with the guests following each episode. www.oasiscardiff.org

WHAT’S ON 11 November – 24 December

the international star of stage and screen. It will feature Burton’s diaries, papers and personal objects – displayed for the first time – from the Richard Burton Archives held at Swansea University.

National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

MAKERS ARCADE POP UP Local makers will unite at this independent pop-up market, where you’ll find high-quality, sustainable, locally made and hand-crafted gifts for Christmas.

Morgan Arcade; @makersarcadepopup

1 – 21 November

above: Anna Palmer’s original designs will be among the local offering at the Christmas Makers Arcade pop-up left: Love Actually’s Marcus Brigstocke is joining Robin Morgan & Friends virtual stand-up show. You can watch it at home and book tickets through Chapter Arts below: Find the local, indie Makers Arcade pop-up at Morgan Arcade

RICHARD BARRETT, NEW PAINTINGS Much of the Cardiff-born artist’s inspiration for his work comes from spending time exploring the Welsh coastline and mountains, and he has established a large and loyal following for his work in Wales. See his textural paintings, which play with the dynamics of light across landscapes, online, or in the gallery by appointment only.

Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

12 November – 23 December

CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET The market has confirmed its glittering, magical return but it’s subject to change due to possible Covid-19 restrictions.

City centre; www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com

5 & 6 December

CHRISTMAS POP UP This one is a collab between The Green Frog Vegan Store, Lisa Valentine Home, and Spencer & Spencer antiques, all based in Cardiff.

At the pop-up – in Y Stordy, the lanes between Werfa Street and Pen-YWain Place – they will be selling their wares as well as wreaths, trees and mulled wine.

Y Stordy, Roath; www.thegreenfrogveganstore.com

FOOD & DRINK

Until the end of November

HOME SUPPER CLUB Sharing global culinary delights from the comfort of your own home, each week Oasis Cardiff gives you the opportunity to sample some of the finest traditional dishes from around the world. Each dish is freshly prepared by their chefs and is ready to be collected from the centre every Saturday until the end of November.

Order lines open every Monday at 9am until Thursday 5 pm via Facebook.

Oasis Cardiff; www.oasiscardiff.org

10 December

FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE The wonderful floral design and styling company Forbesfield will be popping up at chocolate shop Cocoa Therapy in Barry. When food and flowers collide, good things happen; the collaboration of dreams!

Cocoa Therapy; www.forbesfield.co.uk / www.cocoatherapy.co.uk

MARKETS AND POP-UPS ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS Until 21 November

HARRY BRIOCHE, GERALD GREEN, JOHN LINES Three popular artists come together with new work for this latest exhibition with a variety of subjects - from Harry Brioche’s atmospheric sea and landscapes capturing the ever-changing skies, Gerald Green’s

subtle impressions of familiar settings, to John Lines’ nostalgic paintings full of humour. From 9 November, this exhibition can be viewed at the gallery, when it will reopen its doors, but until then can be viewed online.

The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

Until 11 April, 2021

BECOMING RICHARD BURTON This exhibition follows the remarkable story of how Richard Jenkins became Richard Burton,

Starting in November (date TBC) up until Christmas

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Gileston Manor Estate is bringing a little Christmas magic to families this year, and are turning their nine-acres into an outdoor festive wonderland filled with fabulous things for young ones to enjoy. Open daily, there will be a fairy grotto with Elsa from Frozen and a mini fairground, and you’ll be able to feed the resident animals, visit Santa’s grotto and indulge in festal street food.

Gileston Manor Estate; www.gilestonmanor.co.uk

OUTDOORS 9 November onwards

EXPLORE DYFFRYN GARDENS Once it reopens post firebreak, Dyffryn Gardens will offer its 55 acres to the public. While away hours in nature and discover large open lawns, an arboretum, intimate garden rooms and a tropical glasshouse.

Dyffryn Gardens; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

13 December

THE SANTA DASH The annual event will be going ahead as normal but there are additional measures in place to ensure safety, including a staggered start to the race to ensure no one is running too close to each other.

Roald Dahl Plass; www.santadash.wales n

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Park Lane Apartment Hotel, A new kind of hospitality.

Relax.

Make yourself at home, and let US handle the rest.

Lived in by you. Looked after by us. theurbanspace.co.uk

IN HER WORDS ANDREA BYRNE

Festive focus In the pandemic shadow, we don’t know what the most wonderful time of the year holds for us, but let’s concentrate on the positives...

“Let’s try to focus on what we can do, not what we can’t”

T

is the season to be jolly. It’s November and it’s this time of the year, as Halloween and Bonfire Night have passed and the last of the autumn leaves are falling, that we turn our attention to the festive season.

However, as all know, this year there is no guarantee of how jolly we will be able to be and with how many people. What usually is the most wonderful time of the year comes at the end of one of the most horrendous years most of us have ever had to collectively endure. At the time of writing we just don’t know what Christmas holds for any of us in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic.

For me and so many others, the biggest challenge has been missing family and friends for long periods of time, particularly those that live any distance away. Video calls are a saviour, but technology cannot replace the comfort, reassurance and love we get via the power of human touch. And this instinctive desire for affection is ever more prevalent at Christmas. We congregate at this time of the year, like no other – for celebration, laughter and love.

Hopefully, by the time of reading, we’ll all have some better picture of what restrictions will be in place for the big day. But in the meantime I’m left pondering what Christmas 2020 has in store and what Jemima – our daughter, who is now almost two – will be allowed to experience of it.

Will she be able to visit Father Christmas? Will the elves be socially distanced? Is she going to get a gift from the big fella himself ? Small Christmas rites of passage that we have all come to take for granted.

Currently, the only Santa she has seen this year is a life-size ornament in the local DIY superstore. My husband Lee and I now treasure last year’s visit with

him even more, although Jemima, at just 10 months old, had little clue then what on earth was going on.

Thankfully, Jemima remains full of joy and blissfully ignorant to the world’s pandemic perils. So, all I can do is try to remember what is worth worrying about and what is not. As mindfulness and yoga practices always reminds me, there are only so many things we can change or control. And a global pandemic is not one of them. So let’s try to focus on what we can do, not what we can’t!

• The tree can still go up (even if fewer people are able to admire it in person) • The dinner can still be cooked and we can still overeat (even if we have to raise a toast to one another over Zoom) • The presents can still be sent (even if we can’t be together to rip the paper off) • And the carols can still be sung (even if it’s all very socially distanced or perhaps even in the shower!)

I’m also trying to tell myself (though often failing) that much of this changing world we are living in, may eventually be for the better. This could be the start of a big reset for the planet – more of us working from home; fewer cars on the road; fewer planes in the sky; and everyone living that little bit more in the moment. Who knows, maybe Father Christmas has even been using lockdown to build himself an electric sleigh?

There is no doubt though, however much I tint my spectacles with rose (or maybe rosé would be better!), that Christmas 2020 is set to be unlike any other in our lifetimes. We know it may not be an easy one, but we can get through it if we keep supporting one other.

Follow Andrea on Twitter at @byrney15 and on Instagram @andreabyrnetv for all the latest Baby Byrne updates

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

I’M A FIRESTARTER

Mister P, the founder of Cardiff Shooters, is one of the city’s most talked-about photographers. Here he tells us about his dangerous and daring technique of whipping molten metal around his head and sacrificing his own safety to get that perfect shot

By Lisa Evans 20 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

A

dog lead, a whisk, and molten metal: not the usual essentials for a photographer, but Neil Pesticcio – or Mister P, as he’s known in Cardiff – isn’t any regular camera guy. His speciality is ‘spinning’ – which is effectively whipping a fire ball at great speed above his head in order to capture, in a snapshot, the light trails as red-hot particles fling for metres in every direction. It’s as dangerous as it sounds. Don’t try this at home, folks…

So what exactly is your method of ‘spinning’, Mister P?

My main tools would be a dog lead, a metal chain link for the added weight and fire safety, and on the end of it, I have a normal household whisk. Bear with me...

I use very fine wire wool, which I cut and separate and then insert into the whisk, then I light the wire wool until it glows red in colour.

Once glowing, I have to oxygenate the wire wool or it won’t do anything but die out. To do that, I get into the action of ‘spinning’ – rotating and whipping the contraption above my head in a continued halo motion. This is where the fun happens. The wire wool burns so hot it flings out red-hot balls of molten metal.

With the camera set up and on the correct settings, you capture these amazing light trails.

This can be very dangerous, so always check the location and surroundings, and check for people! It’s always advisable to carry a bottle of water for obvious reasons. I’ve never caused damage to an area I’m working in, thankfully.

What draws you to it?

I love the danger and creative chaos side of it. I like making really unusual but beautiful images that leave people wondering and trying to work out how it’s done. I also kind of like that this style of photography is underground right now and not as big as it probably should be.

Mister P uses the city as a playground to experiment with new techniques to see what he can bring out of the dark. Here he is practising his spinning skills in Cardiff Bay

“The wirewool burns so hot it flings out red hot balls of molten metal”

More Cardiff Bay lightplay

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Welsh National War Memorial offering a dramatic backdrop

Holding fire in Penarth

What’s your passion for this risky style?

I started my photography journey by taking candid pictures of people throughout the daytime in Cardiff city centre and the bay, capturing the people of this city and their energy in a candid street edge vibe. Then I started taking shots of the landscapes and cityscapes; and I was fascinated with how things changed at night. The more time I spent exploring, my passion, curiosity and creativity grew. Using the city as a playground to experiment with new techniques and skills, I wanted to push the images further and see what I could bring out of the dark. I also enjoy honing the art of low-light photography around the city – using the light and energy to show the brightness that I see bustling throughout it.

In a spin outside Wales Millennium Centre

You’re the founder of Cardiff Shooters, too...Cardiff Shooters is all about connecting

everyone from amateurs to professionals to share knowledge, experiences and ideas.

We arrange events throughout the year and all are welcome to attend. ​​Our meets and events can range from photo walks to light trails, and we help promote the abundance of talent in Cardiff.

Can you remember the first photo you ever took?

I must have been around 10. My mother sent me to summer group at Chapter Arts in Canton and it was a photography day. The first photograph I took was when we were out on the streets as a group of kids snapping away. There was a bully in the group, and I was answering back trying to show I wasn’t afraid and he stuck his finger up at me, so I whipped the camera out and caught him throwing the bird. I had the photograph confiscated and never saw it again. n For more: @mis7er.p / www.cardiffshooters.uk

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

Light-headed in Cardiff Bay

“I love the danger and creative chaos side of it”

Pontcanna Fields’ Blackweir Bridge in a blaze of glory

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ALL WRITE NOW

As November is Novel Writing Month, we spoke to two local authors – Beth Reekles and Jack Meggitt-Phillips – who are making a worldwide impact, with their books being made into films by Netflix and Warner Bros.

By Lisa Evans 26 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

AUTHORS

T

here is some serious talent across these pages. These two local twenty-somethings are both literary sensations who have written books that have been, or are being, turned into films. The Kissing Booth, adapted from Beth Reekles’ best-selling novel, became one of Netflix’s most-watched movies in the world, while Jack Meggitt-Phillips’ The Beast and the Bethany has been snapped up by Warner Bros. – who put Harry Potter on the big screen. Here we chat to both of them…

Jack Meggitt-Phillips

27-year-old Jack, who was born and raised in Cardiff, has had a crazy bit of news recently. His book, The Beast and the Bethany, which was released in October, has resulted in Warner Bros. picking up the rights to the book for a major film deal.

To top it off, producer David Heyman of Heyday Films is attached to the film deal, too. Heyman and Warner Bros. have a strong relationship dating back to the multi-billion-dollar Harry Potter franchise and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

“I know I should probably try and be all cool about it, but I danced and skipped around the place with glee when I was told the news, which came around the same time as the publishing deal,” says Jack, who went to Llanishen High School. “My poor neighbours.

“I’m particularly pleased that Heyday Films are attached to produce.

These are the people who made, among other things, the Harry Potter and Paddington films. The beast and I couldn’t hope for better partners in our quest to delight and terrify as many children as possible.”

The beast Jack talks of is of course the carnivorous monster that his book is centred around.

“Ebenezer Tweezer keeps a beast in the attic of his mansion, who he feeds all manner of things – performing monkeys, pet cats, the occasional cactus – and in return the beast vomits out presents for Ebenezer, as well as potions which keep him young and beautiful,”

explains Jack of his book aimed at eight to 12-year-olds. “One day, the beast announces that it wants to eat a child, and so Ebenezer brings a rebellious prankster into the house.

Enter Bethany.

“I started The Beast and the Bethany because I wanted to have fun writing again,” he adds. “And because the idea had been coughing pointedly in the back of my mind for quite a while.”

In case you’re an avid writer reading this, we made sure to ask Jack how he got published in the first place. “That’s all thanks to my wonderful agent, Rachel Mann, who took me on as a client pretty soon after I sent her the manuscript,” he says. “She then set about editing it, and sending it out to publishers – including Egmont, who came in with a pre-empt offer. Without Mann, there would be no beast in the world, and I’m enormously grateful to her.”

And does he think he’ll write more books? “I very much hope so,” he says. “Egmont has bought three books in The Beast and the Bethany series, so Ebenezer, Bethany, the beast, and I are currently having a long, serious think about the sequel.

“I’m in a very fortunate position where I’ve been able to make writing my job for the time being. This has left many more hours in the day for me to pursue my other hobbies of waistcoat shopping, bubblebathing, and rewatching the Bridget Jones trilogy.”

“They made the Harry Potter and Paddington films; I couldn’t hope for better partners”

THE WRITE WAY

We asked Peter Gill, the managing director at Graffeg, a book publishing company in Cardiff Bay, for his top tips for people who dream of getting a book published...

1

Write and send a synopsis of the story with a sample of 500 words. Let the publisher know who the audience is, and whether the book is fiction, non-fiction, non-illustrated or illustrated.

2

Things that impress a publisher are: good story ideas, great writing style and ability, well-defined characters, scripted scenes, storylines with a plan, potential for a series, believable and memorable characters, and the ability to connect to followers through social media.

3 4

As for what you shouldn’t do, don’t send complete manuscripts, and don’t send illustration ideas unless you can draw.

It’s not all about the quality of the text, the story idea and the ability to communicate and express the idea is the most important starting point.

5

Submit your text to many publishers as you have to before getting some interest. www.graffeg.com

Beth Reekles

The Kissing Booth author Beth wrote her debut novel when she was just 15, and now the 25-year-old, who is from just outside of Cardiff in Rogerstone, and who was named one of the most influential teenagers in the world, is still adjusting to her new life since her book was made into a hit Netflix movie.

The light-hearted Netflix comedy tells the story of teenager Elle Evans who falls in love with her best friend’s brother Noah. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, said the film was “one of the most watched movies in the world,” which Beth thinks is surreal.

“I just feel so lucky,” says Beth, who wrote the best-selling YA novel while at school. “I couldn’t have imagined it being done in a cooler way.

I didn’t have much involvement with the movie but they kept me in the loop. I was thrilled with the casting; they didn’t look like the characters that were in my head but all I wanted was for them to feel like the characters, and they did.

“It felt like some bizarre dream walking on to the set and seeing

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

AUTHORS hundreds of cast, crew, lighting crew ect. My dad turned to me and said ‘all these people are here because you were a weird, introverted 15-year-old who wanted to write all day every day’.

“Netflix is a global online platform, but it’s quite fitting, I guess, considering that’s kind of where the story started,” she adds, referring to Wattpad, the huge online community where users share and read fiction. That’s where, as a teenager, she first debuted The Kissing Booth, and while it was being read more than 19 million times online, she signed a mammoth publishing deal with Random House UK. “I really liked how I could write anonymously on Wattpad, because at the time I think I saw writing as kind of a weird hobby,” she says. “As the story started to get more popular on the site, I became more open about it with friends and family.”

The sequel, The Kissing Booth 2, was released on Netflix a few months ago, and Beth has recently announced the news that a third book, based on the script of the upcoming third film The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time, is due to be released next year.

As if a book and Netflix deal weren’t incredible enough, Beth was also named one of the most influential teenagers in the world,

by US magazine Time, ranking alongside the likes of Malala Yousafzai, Justin Bieber and Barack Obama’s daughter.

“I was really humbled,” she says. “When I saw the list, I knocked all the doors of my university flat just so I could share the news.”

As for her advice to other aspiring writers, Beth says, “Write the kind of books you want to read, because you’re so much more passionate about the story that way. And definitely share it online to Wattpad or a similar forum.” n

“Beth was named one of the most influential teens in the world”

5 MINUTES WITH…

Children’s book illustrator Rebecca Harry, from Canton Tell us about the books you’ve worked on…

I have illustrated over 40 children’s books and these have been translated into over 20 different languages. The most successful is The Ruby the Duckling series, originally published

by Pan Macmillan; and The Snow Bunny series, published by Nosy Crow.

How would you describe your style?

Soft and painterly. I hand-draw the images in pencil then paint them with acrylics on a thick watercolour paper.

What’s the process of book illustration?

As an example, my new picture book, A House for Christmas Mouse, came out on November 5, and this is how it took shape: the publishers, Nosy Crow, approached me with a lovely Christmassy text and asked if I would like to illustrate it. Illustrators don’t usually work with the authors, instead they work directly with the publishers.

My first job is to establish the main character and get them just right. So I create a couple of pages of character study doodles and then paint them up in colour. The important thing

is to show variation on each spread so that the reader wants to keep turning the pages to see more. If I was to fill a whole book with full spread illustrations, then it would seem a little repetitive. So instead I would mix them up with vignettes and pages with more white space on them. I then transfer the drawing onto watercolour paper and paint using acrylics.

The paintings are posted to the publishers where they are then scanned and the designer will set the text around the digital version of the illustrations. The whole process can take approximately four months.

And you don’t just illustrate books, do you…

My most recent job was packaging design for independent Cardiff business Blossom & Nectar. They wanted to rebrand their tea, gin and soap packaging. Basically, if a client likes your work, an illustration can be applied to any number of surfaces. If you think about it, it’s pretty much endless! www.rebeccaharry.com

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

Stockists of: 360 Cashmere • Abi Williams Accessories Air & Grace • American Vintage • Anine Bing Anna Beck Jewellery • BA&SH • Becksöndergaardz CASH-CA Jumpers • Commando - Perfect Control Date Trainers • Devotion Twins • Emu Australia Essential Antwerp • Fabienne Chapot • Ganni ICandi Rocks Jewellery • Karen Mabon Designs Lily and Lionel • Mabel Sheppard Accessories MDK Leather Classics • Mishky Jewellery Olivia Rubin • ONJENU • Orelia Jewellery Paige • The Make Shed • Queens of Archive Shoe Biz • Sika Designs • Stine Goya Traffic People • VEJA • Wyse London Unit 1, Pontcanna Mews, 200 Kings Road, Cardiff CF11 9DF Tel: 02920 225 522 | kiticymru.com | info@kiticymru.com Facebook- Kiti | Instagram- Kiticymru | Twitter- kiticymru

Surprise someone this Christmas with a gift to be remembered!

Tandem Skydive Gift Vouchers From £172.95 - only £52.95 deposit required Valid from March 2021 for a year. Camera options from £80

Based at Swansea Airport 01792 207035 / 07779019655 info@skydiveswansea.co.uk www.skydiveswansea.co.uk

GIFT GUIDE

© MILES HART PHOTOGR APHY

STAR DECORATIONS, £5 EACH These bespoke ceramic stars are made from high-fired stoneware clay and finished with a shiny glaze From Sarah Glazier Cermics, Whitchurch; www.sarahglazierceramics.co.uk

Star gifts

Can you believe it’s almost gift-giving season already? Here’s our pick of indie-tastic, genderneutral, hyperlocal presents to surprise your favourite people with this Christmas www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 31

GIFT GUIDE

IHKYRA COAT, £100 This wool mix sophisticated coat is a stylish winter staple From The Box Edit Boutique, Goodsheds, Barry; www.boxeditboutique.co.uk BAGS AND CLUTCHES, FROM £49 Chic and sleek with bags of attitude From Barney & Beau, Cardiff; www.barneyandbeau.com

CLUTCHES AND PURSE, FROM £25 The Equality Collection, made locally, aims to raise awareness for gender equality and supports women and girls in poverty From Eliza Eliza, Pentyrch; www.elizaelizauk.com

BEAR HAT AND SCARF COMBO, £55 Catrin Ebbsworth’s handmade cosy knits are as adorable as they are practical From Cat’s Hats, Cardiff; www.etsy.com/shop/catshatsshop

SIMPLISTIC WOLF SWEATSHIRT, £35 Howl you doin? A super-soft crew neck sweatshirt featuring a geo wolf design From Illustrate, Morgan Arcade; www.illustrate.co.uk

JUTE TOTEBAG, £33 Handmade, trendy and good for the environment – what more do you need?

The Green Frog Vegan Store, Roath; www.thegreenfrogveganstore.com GLITTER LOGO T-SHIRT, £20 Humanos – a Cardiff-based streetwear fashion brand – creates abstract, creative and modern designs From Humanos, city centre; www.humanos-fashion.com

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

PLAITED HAIRBANDS, FROM £34 Upgrade your outfit with one of these colourful, mood-lifting statement bands From Madog Millinery, Cardiff; www.madogmillinery.co.uk

COLOUR-CHANGING UMBRELLA, £15.95 When it rains, each leaf on this design bursts into colour. The umbrella also has storm-proof reinforced fibreglass ribs – two reasons to be joyful From Boo Brolly, Penarth; www.boobrolly.co.uk

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES MUSTARD SCARF, £12.50 Stay warm and modish, with a pop of colour, wrapped up in this beauty From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

MABEL SHEPPARD GLOVES, £49 Getting serious Bowie vibes from these lightning-design gloves From Kiti, Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

WIDE BRIM HATS, £85 In her studio in Llandaff, Erin Maddocks creates headpieces and hair accessories, from fedoras to scrunchies From Madog Millinery, Cardiff; www.madogmillinery.co.uk

KIMONO, £39.99 Beautifully soft, these kimonos come in one generous size but are flattering on all From Nest, Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina; www.nestcardiff.co.uk

FASHION VANILLA SILK SCARF, £60 If you’re buying for someone with a thing for luxury accessories, this Karen Mabon scarf could brighten up their Christmas From Kiti, Pontcanna; www.kiticymru.com

TORCALON T-SHIRT, £22 From a local ethical clothing brand comes this striking tattoo design, made with 100 per cent organic cotton From Rhinwedd, Bute Street; www.rhinwedd.cymru

BTWS AND SHWS, FROM £199 Funky, made-to-measure footwear that’ll fit any manner of feet, no matter how wonky or odd shaped. Made by Anna Henderson in Pontcanna From Bwts a Shws Anna, available from Royal Arcade; @bwtsashwsanna

KATIE LOXTON POUCH, £14.99 Shimmer into the season with this metallic gold clutch, finished with the sentiment ‘time to shine’ From Zia Boutique, Mermaid Quay; www.zia-boutique.co.uk

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GIFT GUIDE SNOWDOMES, £45 Aren’t these delicately puttogether pieces the cutest?

From Buddug, Warwick Studios; www.buddug.com

CARDIFF ‘PARK HOUSE’ ILLUSTRATION, £10 This A4 print is by artist and building historian Bethan Scorey, who lives in Splott and has a studio space at O Da Nos Da in the city From Bethan Scorey, Cardiff; www.bethanscorey.bigcartel.com

WELSH WITCHES PRINT, £25 Canton-based illustrator Efa Lois’s artwork mainly focuses on 70s aesthetics, Welsh mythology and positivity. This A2 print is one of her most popular pieces, depicting 30 witches from Welsh folklore From Efa Lois, Canton; www.efalois.cymru GLASS ART, £14.50 Handmade glass designs which are unique and innovative in colour, form and texture From Gray Glass, The Bone Yard Studios; @grayglass1

MORE THAN YOUR OPINION PRINT, £8 Local artist Kayleigh Fisher launched Obscene Self Love from her passion for empowering people – especially women. Fierce, feminine, unapologetic affirmations are at the forefront of her work From Obscene Self Love, Roath; www. obsceneselflove.com

BESPOKE ILLUSTRATIONS, FROM £12 Minimalist, bespoke illustrations by Llandaff-based artist Charlotte Lloyd to bring a little simplicity during this curious time From CL Illustrates, Llandaff; @cl.illustrates

MEMORY BOXES, FROM £95 FOR COMMISSIONS We all have sentimental items in our drawers at home; Canton-based artist Katherine Jones came up with the idea of commissioning memory boxes, assembling these meaningful artefacts into bespoke pieces of art to showcase them beautifully From Katherine Jones, Canton; www.katherinemgjones.com

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

O MA BYWYD MOR BRAF! PRINT, £14 Cardiff mum Sara Hampton-Jones recently collaborated with John Lewis to decorate their baby-changing and feeding area with her prints From Shnwcs, The Heath; www.shnwcs.etsy.com

ART

CHRISTMAS ACCESSORIES, FROM £2.50 Handmade festive creations, from wooden star decorations and cards to earrings and art, are aplenty at Buddug From Buddug, Warwick Studios; www.buddug.com

WIRE ROBIN, £45 Manipulating wire into recognisable, one-of-a-kind sculptures is Barry-based artist Nina Lazarou’s forte From Wireworks by Nina Lazarou, Barry; www.ninalazarou.com

PYROGRAPHY ARTWORKS, FROM £50 Using a pyrography machine – effectively a soldering iron with a calligraphy tip – Peter Huzzey, who lives in Heath, draws incredible designs onto planks he selects from a local timber yard From Huzz Studio, Heath; www.huzzstudio.etsy.com

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© ALE X SEDGMOND

SHOP SMALL

If you’re a fan of shopping at independents, check out the Shop Local Wales platform.

They are asking everyone to get involved and do their bit to support small biz, especially on the run up to Christmas. Wales has an abundance of talented makers and designers as well as fabulous fashion, inspired interiors, delicious eateries, coffee shops and delis... with all this on your doorstep, why would you shop anywhere else? @shoplocalwales; www.shoplocalwales.co.uk

CHRISTMAS WREATHS, FROM £50 A little self-gifting never hurt anyone.

Forbesfield’s handmade wreaths will add a touch of luxe to any home. Oh, and the business have a pop-up shop at chocolate shop of dreams Cocoa Therapy in Barry on 10 December From Forbesfield, Barry; www.forbesfield.co.uk

HOME LACE IMPRINTED PLATES, FROM £20 Ceramicists Louise Hall handmakes beautiful porcelain tableware in her Cardiff studio; we’re loving the festive gold lustre edging From Louise Hall, Fireworks Clay Studios; www.madebyhandonline. com/collections/louise-hall

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

TWO WHITE PAPER STARS, £9 Create a festive setting with these simple paper decs From Bodlon, Whitchurch; www.bodlon.com

ARECA PALM NOTEBOOK, £14 Floris is a zero-waste company that specialises in eco-friendly notebooks which are printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks From Floris, available at Ripple Living, Albany Road, Cardiff; www.floris.uk

GIFT GUIDE FINE CHINA TEA SET, £75 Screen-printed with a signature bee design, each tea set takes eight weeks to make, honouring the traditional fine china process From Blossom & Nectar, Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

PHEASANT & ACORN TEA TOWEL, £10 For unique textile-based gifts handcrafted locally, Anna Palmer’s got you covered From Anna Palmar Designs, Market House, Canton; www.annapalamardesigns.com

WALL CLOCK, £20 Look closely and you’ll see the flamingo has a giraffe’s head, and the elephant has a cheetah’s body. And why not? Life’s too short for boring From Drab 2 Fab, The Bone Yard Studios; @drab2fab_cardiff

CROCHETED PLANTS, FROM £7 Alex Fitzpatrick combines a love for both florae and crafts, creating cacti, plants and gifts hand-crocheted from 100 per cent cotton From Knots & Cotton, Fairwater, Cardiff; www.knotsandcottonshop.etsy.com

STAG BOTTLE HOLDER, £24 A sleek addition to your Christmas feasting table From Victoria Fearn Gallery, Rhiwbina; www. victoriafearngallery.wales

GOLD HEART VASE, £25 Local ceramicist Llio Davies creates handmade homeware and jewellery, her aesthetic being clean and minimal From Llio Davies Designer Maker, Red Door Studios, Pontcanna; www.lliodaviesdesignermaker.com

POTTED SUCCULENT, £19.99 Complete with stylish pot, this delightful houseplant, like all the other plants from Little Green Corner, can be delivered for free up until Christmas From The Little Green Corner, Penarth; @thelittlegreencorner

THREE-PLANT HANGER, £35 Sarah Howey set her macramé business up in September after her hobby went into overdrive during lockdown From Knots of Love, Pontcanna; @knots.of.love.x

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GIFT GUIDE

HOME

IRIS COASTERS Luxury terrazzo home accessories, handmade by a couple of Welsh gals – Emma, from Barry, and Livv from Wenvoe From Lumo & Sonne, Vale of Glamorgan; www.lumoandsonne.com

CERAMIC MUG, £22 From the potter’s wheel to your cupboard, this mug was made by Robyn Cove in her local studio From Robyn Cove Pottery, Tongwynlais; www.robyncovepottery.etsy.com

MACRAMÉ COASTERS, £8 Founded by Rosie Blatchford, this macramé home décor business offers everything from wall hangings to accessories and festive wreaths From Rose MÔR, Cardiff; www.rosemorshop.etsy.com

DRIED FLOWER BOUQUET, FROM £12 Newly formed dried flower business Wilde Posies is the brainchild of Alex Wilde, from the South Wales Valleys From Wilde Posies, Ynysybwl; www.wildeposies.com

MINI MARBLE BOARD AND SPREADER, £18 New business Tŷ Deco opened at the start of November and specialises in houseplants and homeware From Tŷ Deco, Church Village; @ty.deco

SPOONS, £7.50 EACH This artist’s desire to make functional pieces results in ceramics that explore the balance between fragility and strength From Sarah Glazier Cermics, Whitchurch; www.sarahglazierceramics.co.uk

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

FATHER CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, £15 These decorations are individually handmade, going in the kiln twice for up to 12 hours at a time – a labour of love From Glass at the Spinney, Aberthin; www.numonday.com/ shop/glass-at-the-spinney

FOR CARDIFF GIFT CARD

This is redeemable in over 70 businesses across Cardiff city centre – whether you’re a coffee lover, a vintage fashionista, a culture seeker or sports fan. A custom amount of money can be loaded onto the card as a Christmas gift www.cardiffgiftcard.com

GIFT GUIDE BATH SALTS, FROM £4.50 Made from local raw Welsh honey and seven different types of salts, including Epsom, to help you absorb magnesium into your system From Blossom & Nectar, Pontcanna Mews; www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

SEBON DA, £6.50 Made in Wales, Sebon Da (‘Good Soap’) is made with the finest natural ingredients by Cardiff Life 2020 award winners The Goodwash Company From The Goodwash Company, Barry; www.goodwash.co.uk

BOMB COSMETICS BATH BOMB, £3.15 EACH Fizzle those stresses away with nourishing, essential oil-infused bath blasters From Zia Boutique, Mermaid Quay; www.zia-boutique.co.uk

ETHICAL WASHBAG, £33 Carefully curated gifts that have been ethically and sustainably sourced, and are vegan, are all you’ll find at The Green Frog The Green Frog Vegan Store, Roath; www.thegreenfrogveganstore.com SLEEP BALM AND MASKS, FROM £7.99 These self-heating sleep masks relieve tension in the muscles and skin around the eyes, and the balm has been designed to be massaged onto pulse points From Health & Her, Brunel House; www.healthandher.com

BATH AND BODY

KARTELL BY LAUFEN ACCESSORIES, FROM £24.35 The Tap end offers luxurious accessories for the me-time room (AKA the bathroom) From The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design

MAN’S STUFF TOILETRY SET, £8.90 This no-nonsense sixpack includes face wash, muscle soak and hair and body wash From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

ROSE POMEGRANATE BATH MELT BAR, £7 If you’re into pure indulgent bliss, add this to your bathwater. Its shea butter will soothe skin, and the dried rose petals will float around you as you bathe From Miss Patisserie, Cardiff; www.misspatisserie.com

BEAUTY SLEEP BEDTIME COLLECTION, £40 Wrap your body in beautifully blended botanicals with calming aromas before blissfully drifting off From Neal’s Yard Remedies, Morgan Arcade; www.nealsyardremedies.com

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JELLYCAT DRAGON TOY, £20 Do you even live in Wales if you don’t have a hugging-size dragon in your house?

From Nest, Heol-Y-Deri, Rhiwbina; www.nestcardiff.co.uk

WOODLAND STORES AND THEATRE, £165 A shop on one side and theatre on the other, this space-saving imagination centre is ideal for shared role play games From Barney & Beau, Cardiff; www.barneyandbeau.com

BIG AND LITTLE KIDS

WHO AM I? GAME, £6.99 The classic family game with a novelty, Christmas twist From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

BI-PO PRINT, £10 Perfect for the little one’s bedroom From From Shnwcs, The Heath; www.shnwcs.etsy.com

WELSH SHAPE SORTER, £22 A wooden toy that introduces shapes, colours and Welsh language From Mwnci, The Welsh Toy Company, Llandaff North, Cardiff; www.mwnci.co

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

ANGEL DOLL, £18.95 A pretty, magical, snuggly combo From From Little People Store, Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina; www.littlepeoplestore.co.uk

GIFT GUIDE DJI MAVIC MINI VIDEO DRONE, £449 This palm-sized ultraportable drone, with its 2.7K camera, is one for the big kids From Camera Centre UK, Morgan Arcade; www.cameracentreuk.com

BALANCING CACTUS, £26.95 Does this development-enhancing toy prickle your fancy?

From The Honeycomb Toys & Books, Grangetown; www.thehoneycombtoys.com

NOVELTY NAIL VARNISH SET, £4.55 Neon nails are on trend, right?

From Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

TOY APPEAL

REINDEER LAMP, £30 This rechargeable USB night light offers just the right amount of glow to read with little one From Oli & Pip, North Cardiff; www.oliandpip.com

St David’s Toy Appeal, which benefits thousands of local children each year, is back for 2020. Simply shop for a gift that is suitable for boys or girls from ages 0 to 16, then donate it, unwrapped, at the Toy Appeal stand at St David’s. Gifts can include toys, beauty products, clothing and stationery. This year, you’ll also have the option to make a contactless cash donation, which will be used to purchase gifts. www.stdavidscardiff.com

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Holiday Stitch,

£21, from Disney Store; faux fur bear pramsuit, £18, Marks & Spencer; Fisher Price Rollin’ Rovee, £60, Hamleys.

All available at St David’s

SANTA’S SLEIGH IS ON ITS WAY TO CARDIFF BOOK, £4.99 See kids’ faces light up as the adventure unfolds in the parks, streets and buildings that surround them From Little People Store, Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina; www.littlepeoplestore.co.uk

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C a rd iff fa mily p h otogra p h e r • Joy ful o utd o o r p hoto sho ot s www.gemma gri ffi thsp hotogra p hy. co. u k gemma gr i ffi t hsphotogra phy

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

SHOPPING 1

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SPARKLE AND SHINE

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If you can’t sparkle at Christmastime, when can you? Here are some of our favourite jewellery pieces from local indies SHOPPING LIST 9

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1. Gold-plated necklaces, from £30 Abalone & Sage, Rumney; www.abaloneandsageco.etsy.com 2. Bar necklace, £110, Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth; www.annemorganjewellery.com 3. 18ct gold ring, £1,650 Alicat Jewellery, just outside of Cowbridge; www.alicatjewellery.co.uk 4. Hex studs, £30, Rhian Kate; www.rhiankate.co.uk 5. Hand-turned earrings, £45, Danni Flowers, Cardiff; www.dflowersmaker.co.uk 6. Glitter bolt earrings, £28 Fizz Goes Pop, Cardiff; www.fizzgoespop.com 7. 18ct white gold diamond bangle, £7,925, Laings, St David’s Shopping Centre; www.laingsuk.com 8. Feather necklace, £145, Nest, Rhiwbina; www.nestcardiff.co.uk 9. Earrings, from £16, Dusty Rose, Poncanna; www.dustyrosehandmadeuk.etsy.com 10. Starry nights earrings, £98 Kate Dumbleton, Penarth; www.katedumbleton.com 11. Dalmatian earrings, £9.50 Pretty in Pastels, Cardiff; www.prettyInpastelsuk.etsy.com 12. Copper cuff, £28, Lesley Jane Jewellery, Bridge Studios, Western Avenue; www.lesley-jane.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

ALL PHOTOS © MARIE FR ANCESCA

In the pink at LetThemSeeCake

Shop-front heaven overlooking Victoria Park

CAKE MY DAY

As Julia Child said, a party without a cake is just a meeting. That’s how the saying goes at LetThemSeeCake which has opened up a brand-new shop in the heart of Cardiff, overlooking Victoria Park.

The business was established in 2017 and its first premises was a classroom above Pettigrew Bakeries in the same area of Cowbridge Road East, but when an opportunity to move to a ground-floor unit presented itself, it was too good to miss.

“The initial business model was cake classes and celebration cakes made to order,” says Ryan Rowe, who runs LetThemSeeCake with partner Gareth Davies, an award-winning sugarcraft artist. “Once Covid hit and we were in lockdown, we shifted to a delivery service, which was great in helping us spread the name through Cardiff. Then, at the start of summer, we were aware that there would be an opportunity to move our shop.

“Even with the current situation surrounding coronavirus, we thought this would be a great move and it would give us the opportunity to showcase LetThemSeeCake with a fabulous shop front. It also just so happens that we’ve lived in the flat above our new shop all this time anyway, so it’s been a wonderful stroke of serendipity.”

The gorgeous new shop – which is a visual experience as well as a tasty one – sells handcrafted cupcakes, cookies, macarons, doughnuts and blondies as well as celebration cakes to order, dried flowers, cards, and gifts.

“We both love the Victoria Park area,” says Ryan. “We feel it has such a thriving community feel to it, not to mention the other great independents in the row of shops that we have in the area.”

For more: www.letthemseecake.com

Gareth Davies and Ryan Rowe run the joint

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TASTY BITES A whole lotta new openings here, and foodie offerings are being shaken up as the hospitality sector finds new ways to make things work during these surreal times It’s a leaning tower of meat, sir

MISO HUNGRY Volcano Japanese Restaurant has erupted into The

Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay’s entertainment destination. It’s Cardiff’s only all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant and offers an unrivalled selection of authentic cuisine for customers to choose from, including fresh sushi, hot teppanyaki and miso soup.

“It is a joy to be able to welcome Volcano,” says Clare Jenkins, manager of the Red Dragon Centre.

“Their team has worked incredibly hard to make sure that the restaurant can open safely, while offering absolutely delicious food,” For more: www.volcanojapanese.co.uk

Sofishticated dining

GOT BUNS, HUN? Burgers, beers and good times are coming to Mermaid Quay in November.

Hub Box, which has Cornish roots, is bringing its award-winning, street-foodstyle grub to Cardiff Bay, and it will be the brand’s first Wales-based restaurant.

To accompany their bold prime-cut and plant-based offering, they are working with local legends Tiny Rebel Brewery, offering a revolving range of IPAs and NEIPAs, stocking stout and lager.

“Ever since my first visit to Cardiff Bay, I knew that the waterfront location – which is basically in our DNA – would suit us perfectly,” says Hub Box CEO, Richard Boon. “With eight other restaurants, it was about time Cardiff got a taste, customers are in for a treat.”

For more: www.hubbox.co.uk

James Sommerin’s Michelin-quality food is now at Goodsheds

ALL STARS

Yet another new kid on the block is North Star Cardiff, a pub, bar and kitchen which opened on North Road at the end of August after a speedy overhaul and deckout of the venue.

“My partner and I took possession of The College Tavern on 5 August, and after refurbishing the venue ourselves, we opened to the public on 28 August as North Star,” says Tom Edwards.

Inside, you’ll find a modern industrial style bar, Spanish star tiling, tropical greenhouse wallpaper, as well as spraypainted scenes by a local artist. And the menu is all about contemporary twists on pub classics – put us down for the deepfried lasagne stix please – cooked by head chef Dewi who brings his Michelin-star training to the kitchen.

For more: www.northstarcardiff.com

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

FED AT THE SHED The newest restaurant under the James

Spray-painted scenes and contemporary twists on pub classics are what awaits at North Star

Sommerin brand is The Shed, which opened in October at Goodsheds in Barry. The modern eating destination’s philosophy is centred on Barry’s proud industrial heritage.

Michelin-quality food and exacting standards are what you should expect here, and the interior will wow too – with wooden table tops sourced from original timber reclaimed from the Barry Docks area, and slate for the bar and pass coming from old snooker tables.

For more: www.theshedbarry.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK The new Love Brownies shop in Penarth will look much like its sister business in Clapham Junction

Tea subscriptions?

Don’t mind if we do

THAT’LL BREW Rose & Dragon is a new Penarth-based, lockdown-launched,

online tea company, founded with the belief that we all deserve a moment of calm.

“We send out three flavoured teas every month, as a throughthe-letter-box subscription service, with a theme of mindfulness,” says founder Gabrielle Szary. “Each tea is paired with a mindfulness card and comes with follow-at-home tea meditation.

“Sustainability is a key part of our brand identity, with all packaging being biodegradable or compostable.

“Our December flavours are cocoa and almond; cranberry mimosa; and coconut spice.”

For more: www.roseanddragon.com

Treats like this can be delivered to your door. Sweet!

Totally worth the calories

CAKE IT AWAY

The Gorgeous Cake Co, based in The Vale of Glamorgan, was launched during lockdown by Nancy Reed and Beverley Amery with the aim of delivering goodies all around Cardiff to cheer up housebound folk. Their signature offering is a customisable selection box, featuring a variety of homemade cakes, brownies, chocolates, biscuits and other treats.

For more: @gorgeouscakeco

IN CRUST WE TRUST

BROWNIE POINTS Love Brownies will open its 11th UK café on Windsor Road,

Penarth, in November, showcasing their award-winning brownies and indulgent treats.

“We can’t wait to open our first café and shop in Wales,” says owner Chantal Teal. “Our aim has always been to make people smile and we are looking forward to welcoming the people of Penarth through our doors.”

For more: www.lovebrownies.co.uk

These DIY kits look a real pizza work

In light of local lockdowns, Dusty Knuckle pizzeria – one of Cardiff’s biggest pop-up-to-permanent success stories – has relaunched their DIY pizza kits in response.

Their assemble-at-home pizzas were hugely popular in the first national lockdown, and have been made available to order for home delivery around the city once again.

“We created the DIY kits as a way to keep our business going during the first lockdown, and they proved amazingly popular,” says Dusty Knuckle co-founder Debs Lewis. “With social distancing measures looking set to continue, we thought we’d bring them back.”

Dusty Knuckle also offers the option to purchase a DIY pizza subscription, at £15 per month for a minimum of three months.

Each month they will deliver everything you need to make two restaurant-quality pizzas at home, including two fresh DK dough balls, pre-portioned toppings and full instructions.

For more: www.dustyknuckle.co.uk

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WE CAN’T WAIT TO TRY...

When trained actress Caitlin Mckee found herself at a standstill during the Great Pause, she decided to set up The School Bell Bakery, based in Victoria Park.

“It started off as a cake box delivery service and I specialised in nostalgic bakes from childhood and school dinners,” she says. “As lockdown started to ease, I began to trade at the Indie Superstore Market in Canton which was a great experience meeting new traders, a lot who had started their businesses due to the pandemic. Now I’m moving onto bespoke celebration cakes.”

For more: @theschoolbellbakery

© NATHAN ROACH - COAL POET PHOTOGR APHY

FOOD & DRINK

By day it’s a coffee shop, but by night it’s party central

Street food is the staple here

xxxxxxx

5 MINUTES WITH...

You’re just too good to be true, can’t cake my eyes off you

We had a quick catch-up with Nathan Jones, head honcho at Motel Nights, a new café, bar and event space that’s packed with character Having opened in September in a unique location near Victoria Park in Canton, and with an atmosphere Nathan describes as “never seen before in Cardiff”, Motel Nights is an eclectic beast.

“Centred around a strong community vibe, during the day our space lends itself to co-working as well as an open-plan coffee shop offering our own Motel Brew coffee, roasted by Hard Lines, a local roastery,” says Nathan, a stalwart of the Cardiff music

scene, whose events – such as Disco Motel which has been hosted all over the city, Drag Brunches at Depot, and NYE at Tramshed – you’ve most likely heard of over the years, and who also had stints as the events manager at Clwb Ifor Bach and Buffalo, where he established the award-winning Buffalo Comedy.

“But when the sun goes down, the motel comes alive under a seductive glow of neon, playing host to a variety of cocktail-fuelled events as well as a fully private bookable venue. With a sheltered outdoor space and street food – such as Matsudai Ramen, and Hot Damn Wings – served ’til late, the motel will be the perfect place to host your long-overdue birthday party and private functions. I’m ridiculously excited to share my latest creation with you all!”

For more: www.motelnights.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM NATHAN JONES

Head honcho • Has a GCSE in woodwork (so will be busy doing a lot of the construction at Motel Nights) • Owns roughly 20 disco balls • Makes a mean espresso martini

ROSS MARTIN

Design assistant • A respected DJ within the Cardiff underground music scene • Can Russian dance on request • Can cook a one-minute ready meal in 58 seconds

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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

In good taste

A

s we sit writing this, we are hours away from going into Wales’ lockdown part two.

Thankfully, by the time anyone is reading this, it should be over and that thought is keeping us super positive and determined to keep celebrating the amazing things our beautiful city has to offer.

For example, we finally got to check out new independent business Cafe Bistro 73, right at the top of Mackintosh Place.

It’s a beautiful spot, perfect for people watching. The owners are incredibly lovely, and they’ve done a great job.We tried their custard slice (‘ice slice’ if you’re from Ebbw Vale like Nathan) and it was delicious. The outside porch area and back garden are perfect for that bottle of wine, too.

We have relied a lot on home cooking this year, but occasionally it’s been lovely to order in a treat, and The Coconut Tree offers just that. We can’t wait to visit again when lockdown lifts, but it’s just lovely to know you can enjoy the same beautiful cuisine while lazed

on the sofa. Their cheesy chicken combo, goat curry and curried cashew nuts are a must try.

Earlier this year, Wayne had his annual joint birthday fundraiser with the landlord of The Golden Cross, Rob Burnett. The total raised went over £1,000, which was used to purchase a defibrillator for the venue this month. As we’re both patrons for Welsh Hearts, it was an honour to place yet another life-saving device into a much-loved and personal venue to us, the oldest and longest running LGBTQ+ venue in Cardiff. Sharon Owen, the CEO of the charity, popped along with us for a socially distant presentation. Our hearts go out to you, Sharon, and to everyone who donated. Let’s hope it never needs to be used.

Tell someone you love them today; we love YOU! To keep up to date with the Radio Cardiff DJs Wyburn & Wayne follow them on Facebook, Twitter @WyburnWayne and Instagram @wyburnandwayne

Let the festive celebrations be-gin with this Welsh Gin advent calendar from Bodlon

LITTLE NIBBLES

Inspired by Wyburn and Wayne’s foodie escapades, here are a few more tasty bites to chew on…

GINCREDIBLE Bodlon in Whitchurch has searched far and wide to put together a gin advent calendar celebrating the very best of Welsh Gins.

After months of tasting and trying (cor, that must have been a hardship) they narrowed it down to the best 25. Well, gingle our bells, Christmas has come early. www.bodlon.com Milk&Sugar has an CUPPA STORY industrial edge Indie café operator Milk&Sugar has opened a new restaurant at Eastern Business Park in St Mellons after a whopper of a refurbishment by owners Robert Hitchins Ltd. Taking on the café, kitchen and workspace is a new venture for Milk&Sugar owner Tim Corrigan, who opened his first café in 2016.

“People can relax and eat fantastic food in a great environment which will hopefully become the heartbeat and hub of the park,” says Tim, whose flagship business is the Milk&Sugar at One Central Square, Cardiff. “The space is Tea and custard slices at Cafe Bistro 73 incredible. We can look after 100 people very comfortably and still comply with the new Covid regulations.” www.easternbusinesspark.co.uk

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Bute Park is on the lookout for a new catering outlet to serve the popular green space in the city centre. Cardiff Council have issued a tender seeking to find an experienced catering operator to run a mobile operation in the area. www.cardiffcouncilproperty.com Welsh Hearts Defib presentation at The Golden Cross www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

ADD YOUR HOLIDAY HOME TO OUR BOOKING PLATFORM

POWERED BY THE LARGEST BOOKING PLATFORM ON THE PLANET VISIT WWW.GUESTHAUS.CO.UK

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS Anna Knight, founder and director of Nest Vintage Living is celebrating a decade in business

Ten out of ten

T

his month, Nest Vintage Living will celebrate 10 years in business.

They’ve been in the village of Rhiwbina the entire time and, in many ways, have become the heart of the community; Anna Knight, the founder and director tells us more…

How has the business grown over 10 years?

“THE COMMUNITY OF RHIWBINA HAS ALWAYS BEEN FUNDAMENTAL TO NEST’S SUCCESS”

“I had spent lots of time getting to know the Rhiwbina community and one day saw an empty window in the Garden Village calling out for a boutique gift shop. Plans for the shop rocketed ahead with us first opening the Nest doors to customers just before Christmas in 2010. Four years later Nest had outgrown its original, smaller premises and then fate intervened and presented a site just opposite the existing one in 2014. Six years on and the business continues to thrive, even amidst the pandemic.”

In what way have you seen the Rhiwbina community pull together this year?

“The community has always been fundamental to Nest’s success and has supported us from the very beginning. When lockdown was first announced in March, we were overwhelmed by the number of our customers that were so keen to buy gift vouchers ready to support us with reopening. We’ve seen people travel more from across Cardiff to come and visit us and that too is hugely appreciated.”

For more: www.nestcardiff.co.uk

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CARDIFFWORKS

WELCOME TO THESE NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED IN AND AROUND THE CITY… GROUNDS FOR GOOD

The daily grind: Rosie Oretti and Amy Adams have set up Grounds for Good

What is it: A social enterprise which collects used coffee grounds from local cafés and repurposes them into beauty and lifestyle products Where is it: It operates from the owners’ homes in Penarth and Pontcanna respectively Tell us more: “Myself and my friend Amy Adams teamed up to launch it,” says Rosie Oretti. “The profits will be going to The Wallich, in our efforts to help stop homelessness in Wales. GFG is good for us, good for the community, and good for the planet too.”

Opening date: October www.groundsforgood.co.uk

CREATE SALON

What is it: A hairdressing salon Where is it: Pontcanna Tell us more: “We offer high-quality hair cutting and colour services,” say Kasey Perks and Dani Vinson, the dream duo. “We are both Vidal Sassoon-trained with 12 years’ experience each. We’re a sustainable salon too, using only vegan-friendly products and biodegradable or recyclable materials. We also have a beautiful bee-friendly garden.”

Opening date: Early November @createsalon_

ANYTIME FITNESS PENARTH

What is it: A 24-hour gym Where is it: Windsor Road, Penarth Tell us more: “The building stood empty for several years before being turned into luxury apartments, with Anytime Fitness taking over the whole of the ground floor,” says Anytime’s Weronica Ling.

“We have chosen to open in Penarth due to the community feel in the area. This fits in with what we will recreate in our gym.”

Opening Date: Early November www.anytimefitness.co.uk

NAPOLEON FLOORS

What is it: A flooring store Where is it: Penarth Road Tell us more: “We have an extensive, bespoke range of floor coverings,” says Nathan Poleon, director. “There are engineered woods, luxury vinyl and laminate flooring as well as wall panels, carpets, tiles, astro turf, and flooring for hospitals, schools, and wet areas.”

Opening date: Early October www.napoleonfloors.com

And stretch: Plas Pilates has opened in Morgan Arcade

PLAS PILATES

What is it: A Pilates studio and lifestyle shop Where is it: Morgan Arcade Tell us more: “It’s the first Pilates studio and lifestyle shop in the city centre,” says owner Sasha Caddell. “Our teaching team has recently expanded from London, where we have been based for over 15 years, to open our new state-of-the-art studio in Cardiff.”

Opening date: Mid October www.plaspilates.com

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Hand-poked tattoos are Zak Thomas’s speciality

MANIFOLD ARTS

STILL HANDS

What is it: A tattoo parlour Where is it: Castle Emporium, Womanby Street Tell us more: “I specialise in handpoked tattooing,” says owner Zak Thomas. “And I only tattoo my own designs, which are inspired by nature illustration and western and eastern traditional tattooing.”

Opening date: August www.thecastleemporium.co.uk

What is it: A non-profit arts charity Where is it: It operates out of a converted shipping container on the Meanwhile Creative lot on Curran Embankment Tell us more: “We provide free and affordable services including studio space, material supplies, critical feedback sessions, workshops, and online exhibit space,” says Victoria Silezin, who founded Manifold alongside Kirk Lewis and Emily Gee Williams.

“We aim to make the Cardiff arts community accessible to people from all walks of life, particularly those with disabilities, those from working-class backgrounds, and members of the BAME community – groups currently underrepresented in this industry.”

Opening date: Early November www.manifoldartscom.wordpress.com

© MARIE PALBOM PHOTOGR APHY

Amaryllis salon is on a sustainable mission

BITESIZE BITS Amaryllis salon, on Cowbridge Road East, is spearheading calls to make the beauty industry in South Wales more sustainable. The salon signed up to the national Unblocktober campaign to reduce the amount of waste going into our oceans, and the owners say that local salons should commit to easy actions to make their businesses more environmentally friendly, too. www.amaryllis-salon.co.uk Traveline Cymru MD, Jo Foxall, from Cowbridge, has been crowned the Women in Transport award winner at the 2020 Wales Transport Awards. She’s been recognised for her tireless dedication to the organisation over the last 16 years. www.traveline.cymru Cardiff residents are being called on to join the One Planet challenge, a plan

by Cardiff Council designed to drive the city towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Businesses and residents are asked to join forces with the council to make the lifestyle changes required if Wales’ capital is to become a truly green city over the next decade. www.oneplanetcardiff.co.uk

WATCH THIS SPACE A recent local success story comes from Buddug, a one-of-akind gift shop selling handmade creations, which tripled its sales during lockdown.

Its owner, Buddug Wyn Humphreys, says demand became so high that it led to her moving her studio shop’s location from Castle Arcade to open studios just off Whitchurch Road, so as to allow her to create her quirky, unusual pieces closer to home.

“It was easier to a have studio near me,” says Buddug, who’s collaborated with the likes of Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and Designers Guild, and has appeared in magazines such as Red, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Homes. “I wanted to be able to juggle work and family life more easily. I handmake all my pieces, this is part of the business I love; I always want to be slightly different.

“I loved my old studio in Castle Arcade, especially the walls and light,” adds Buddug, who is best known for her layered enamelling technique. “I will miss it.”

For more: www.buddug.com

Cardiff & Vale Tutors work closely with local schools, arranging online tuition as well as in-school intervention

Traveline Cymru’s Jo Foxall is a winner

BUSINESS CLUB

Demand for Buddug’s one-of-a-kind gifts has blossomed like never before

WIN-WIN Congratulations to Cardiff & Vale Tutors, who won the 2020 Corportate LiveWire Award for the category: best in private tutoring services UK. Their online software showed innovation and excellence as it was developed with an invisible mode, meaning lessons are fully monitored to ensure the highest safeguarding standards are put in place with remote learning.

For more: www.cardiffvaletutors.co.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Cardiff Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk

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CARDIFFWORKS

LOCKDOWN LOVELIES Introducing 10 Cardiff-based independent businesses that were set up at home during or post lockdown. Find them on Instagram:

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1 @cl.illustrates – Bespoke illustrations, by Charlotte Lloyd, to depict you and your favourite people.

2 @floris.uk – Aoife Doherty’s sustainable company creates pretty notebooks, which, FYI, are sold at Ripple Living, Albany Road.

3 @knots.of.love.x – Stand-out handmade macrame designs by Sarah Howey.

4 @rose_mor_ – Founded by Rosie Blatchford, the business specialises in handmade home décor, designed with eco-friendly materials.

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5 @emma.handmades – Emma Key’s custom jewellery has been featured in British Vogue.

6 @abaloneandsage – Sinead Marie Attwell offers original treasures and artwork designed to empower mind, body and soul.

7 @ty.deco – A curated collection of houseplants and homeware by Dan Wilson and Kiran Bejawn.

8 @iconospheric – Iconic images crafted into wall art, apparel and merchandise. Founded by David Hulston.

9 @knotsandcotton_ – Knots & Cotton is the invention of crafting and crochet queen Alex Fitzpatrick.

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10 @katieharris.illustration – Katie Harris, who hand-draws beautiful designs for prints and cards, has recently launched her Etsy store.

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Is there anything better than having a good wash?

CARDIFF LIFE AWARD WINNERS

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2020 THE GOODWASH COMPANY

Mandy and Kelly’s products are approved for both human and animal use

WELSH LANGUAGE AND PLATINUM WINNER You won the Welsh Language and Platinum Award categories at the Cardiff Life Awards.

Congratulations! How did it feel?

It’s obviously such an unprecedented time for awards ceremonies but nothing takes away from the excitement and anticipation. It was so great to log on with our board members and supporters to eagerly await the results. There were lots of loud cheers across Zoom and we cracked open our ‘emergency’ bottle of fizz. Everyone should have an emergency bottle of fizz in the house, right?

“OUR MISSION IS TO CHANGE THE WORLD ONE WASH AT A TIME”

How did you celebrate?

We raised a glass to our journey with our friends and supporters via Zoom and were so overwhelmed with the lovely messages we got from far and wide via our social media. Our award now has pride of place in our flagship store at Goodsheds, Barri.

What prompted you to enter the awards in the first place?

Cardiff Life has always worked hard to pick out the best of the best. We’re in such excellent company across all categories of the awards and we wanted to be part of the celebration of South Wales greats!

Tell us a little about the company...

The Good Wash Company is a luxury wash and lifestyle brand, created in Wales. Our mission is to change the world one wash at a time using products that are sourced with the finest ingredients from the land and sea.

We’re grateful for every single sale we make as it’s a means for us to get out into the community, fund life-changing activities for both people and animals and uphold our commitment to do good.

Former international athletes and co-founders of The Good Wash Company, Mandy Powell and Kelly Davies, on winning two categories at the Cardiff Life Awards virtual ceremony this year

How are your products different from the norm?

What was your inspiration?

From the very beginning as co-founders we’ve had a shared ethos of just wanting to do good. We toyed with some initial ideas for the social enterprise that included clothing, chocolate and beer but quickly realised that was already being done.

We thought harder about what folks do every day and what would inspire repeat purchases… then the light bulb moment came.

We are really proud that our products are 100 per cent natural, vegan certified, approved for both human and animal use (the first in the UK market) and created in Wales. We also place social impact at the heart of everything we do, so our products not only make you feel good, but they do good too.

What’s another stand-out part about your business?

What are the highs and the lows you’ve experienced during your time with the business?

We supply some of South Wales’ most established businesses with our hand soaps and have a huge following of loyal customers including celebrity chefs such as Gareth Ward, James Sommerin, Tom Simmons, and Sam & Shauna. But some of our biggest fans live all the way in Abu Dhabi and the US. What were you doing before you started this business?

Alton Towers’ rollercoasters haven’t got anything on owning your own business. It’s so important to accept from day one that it’s going to be such a ride. A ride full of twists and turns. Nothing surprises us anymore.

Similarly, we’ve learnt to (reluctantly!) accept a lot of things don’t happen as quickly as you might have first hoped.

Something entirely different! Mandy was working in sales and marketing for a large pharmaceutical company, and Kelly was running a sport-related social enterprise called Viability. And both of us are former international athletes too.

For more: www.goodwash.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Meet the property expert Mick Fallon from HOWELLS SOLICITORS tells us more about the property market, and why it's booming

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t's a strange, uncertain time right now, granted, and it's affecting all sectors, but the property market is seeing the positives. The time people have spent at home, locked down, may have contributed to a change in perspective and led to us wanting a change. Mick tells us more...

Who are Howells Solicitors?

Howells Solicitors are an established law firm spread across a total of six offices. The firm provides legal advice to clients all across Wales and England with our conveyancing department being one of the busiest.

What is the state of the current property market?

Business is booming!

How has the pandemic changed perspectives, when purchasing a property?

More people are working from home so they do not need to factor in the commute to work and as a result clients are now looking at locations where they can get more bang for their buck.

Can you tell us how could Coronavirus affect a house sale or purchase?

We need to follow government guidance when it comes to moving home and we keep the client updated of this at all times. The transaction can take longer but we work closely with the estate agents and solicitors to ensure we get everyone moved safely.

What is the biggest positive that is coming out of the property sector right now?

We can meet clients via Zoom calls which makes life easier for them as it is not as disruptive to their busy day. n

Mick Fallon, Director/Solicitor, Howells Solicitors, Fitzalan House, Fitzalan Court, Fitzalan Road, Cardiff, CF24 0EL; 0808 178 2773; www.howellslegal.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Mews, Heol Y Delyn - Lisvane The exclusive development of three unique homes in one of Cardiff’s finest suburbs are now ready for viewing with HENTONS ESTATE AGENTS

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he development is located 100m away from the local primary school and a short walk away from the other local amenities including the Black Griffin Pub and local convenience store.

At over 13 meters deep, these 1,650ft2 homes are deceptively large and boast four double bedrooms and three bathrooms. On the ground floor there is a formal front living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens. To the rear of the property is a modern open-plan kitchen, dining and entertainment space featuring a vaulted ceiling with an abundance of natural daylight› pouring

through Velux windows and large sliding doors which open onto the private garden area.

The fully fitted kitchen provides a modern twist on traditional design, with a dove grey handless Shaker kitchen, Marble Quarts worktops and high-end integral appliances from the likes of Bosch, and every detail has been considered to reinforce the quality of the homes.

Each of the three bathrooms again provide a contemporary twist on traditional design with metro brick tiles complementing large walk-in showers, towel radiators and sleek vanity units.

The homes are near complete and will be ready for occupation before Christmas. ■

Hentons Estate Agents, 382 – 384 Cyncoed Road, Cyncoed, Cardiff CF23 6SA; 029 20 750360 www.hentons.co.uk

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PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Pending properties

LOCAL LUXE

In Penarth, at the end of a short lane accessed from Paget Place, something quite spectacular is coming. The new development of Sainte Adresse is comprised of three separate terraces, housing 24 two-bedroom suites and six three-bedroom duplex dwellings, starting at £350,000.

The staggered height positions of each block follow the natural site levels, allowing each apartment to enjoy its own personal vista. The development’s design has been carefully crafted by award-winning architects to integrate the building and parking areas into the cliff top and create spaces between that complement and enhance the natural beauty of the exquisite landscape.

“The views are mesmerising by day and by night,” says Sainte Adresse property agent Elizabeth Beaudette. “Cardiff Bay, the Marinas and Barrage are a hive of boating and leisure activity before the city lights shine on and light up the sky.”

These homes are available to reserve, for completion in early 2021.

For more: www.savills.co.uk

At Sainte Adresse you’ll find 30 luxurious apartments located in a uniquely beautiful spot

Incredible views across Cardiff Bay

WELL BUILT

A report from Savills shows that demand for newbuild homes has rocketed in the past few months

Strikingly modern interiors

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“Life in lockdown has brought a renewed focus,” says Claire Turner from Savills’ Cardiff office. “We’re fortunate to have a great variety of new-build properties in Wales. Sainte Adresse, for example, enjoys a unique location which evokes a sense of village living with all the benefits of the city nearby. Also, The Links development enjoys a coastal location, while Pen Y Fal offers close proximity to the National Parks. Developments on the fringes of Cardiff have seen increasing interest where many people are rediscovering the joys of local shops and businesses and the sense of community they can provide.”

For more: www.savills.co.uk

Interiors

LIGHTBULB IDEA

The Laundry Quarter development is underway in Pontcanna

In the making

PONTCANNA PREVIEW

Originally aiming for a start in March, Portabella are finally on site in Pontcanna to commence their Laundry Quarter development. Set to comprise 16 houses, two lofts and 16 apartments, the development will also feature nine retail spaces where Portabella hope to attract independent local businesses to enhance the area. Interest has been strong with 10 houses already reserved, and the completion date for the first phase will be in 2022.

“We’re excited to be on site back in Pontcanna,” says Portabella’s Peter Reilly. “It’s a part of Cardiff that’s got everything to hand, featuring some of the city’s best restaurants, shops and bars as well as being within walking distance of the city centre. We’ve got one- and two-bedroom apartments together with four- and five-bedroom houses in a brand-new neighbourhood quarter. There’ll be retail spaces too, which will create a dynamic street frontage on Llandaff Road.”

For more: www.laundryquarter.com

Hailed as Britain’s modern ‘print queen’, Penarth-based Sian Elin Thomas has unveiled a new offering at her interior Sian Elin’s kits let you get and homewares brand Sian creative at home Elin. Her newly launched DIY lampshade kits are ready and waiting for crafters of all levels.

Sian Elin has built its brand through collaborations with labels such as Debenhams and BHS, and has retailed through major stores such as Oliver Bonas, Fenwicks, and Heal’s.

With enthusiasm for helping others stamp their personalities on their homes, the business’s new kits aim to inspire creativity, and their growing platform of how-to videos teach you the skills to unlock your imagination.

For more: www.sianelin.com

Awards

DROP A NOM

Hurry, nominations for Cardiff Property Awards close on 3 December.

The clock is ticking to put your company forward; it’s open to anyone working in the property scene in Cardiff, whether as an agent, developer, architect, designer or property-focused financial and legal company. Finalists will be revealed on 9 December! www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

MORE MORE MORE (HOUSING) Two Cardiff Council housing partnerships are go...

TACKLING HOMELESSNESS

THE WATE IS OVER

National contractor and developer Wates Residential has been appointed to deliver the next phases of its 10-year ‘Cardiff Living’ partnership with Cardiff Council to deliver 1,500 homes across the city by 2027 to help tackle housing demand.

At least 40 per cent of the new homes being developed across the city will be earmarked for rent from the Council or for sale via the authority’s assisted home ownership scheme.

The first new developments are due to start this autumn and include the largest single Cardiff Living development to date at the former Eastern High School site in Rumney, comprising 214 new homes including 44 community living flats for older people at Addison House.

“Since 2015, our award-winning partnership with Cardiff Council has delivered 426 muchneeded new homes for local people,” says Edward Rees, regional director for Wates Residential.

“These new homes are an exemplar for highquality, sustainable housing.” www.wates.co.uk

More affordable and temporary homes are coming

Innovative housing solutions that will provide homes for families experiencing homelessness are on their way to Cardiff.

The Council is working with Beattie Passive to quickly increase the city’s supply of temporary accommodation with new two- and three-bedroom, high-performance homes.

Beattie Passive will be creating 48 new modular homes with their state-of-the-art Haus4 builds at the 29-acre former Gasworks site in Grangetown. www.beattiepassive.com

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THE CULTAN AT THE BANK This million pound penthouse in Cardiff Bay is being described as the ‘jewel in Cardiff Bay’s crown’

By Evelyn Green

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© CGI IMAGES COURTESY OF CPS HOMES W W W.CPSHOMES.CO.UK

PROPERTY

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ot tub on the roof ! HOT TUB ON THE ROOF! That’s all I need to know; take my money.

Funnily enough, though, I don’t have a cool 1.2 million swishing around in my bank right now – or ever – so I guess a girl will just have to dream.

When I first laid eyes on the penthouse of one of Cardiff Bay’s most impressive buildings, I knew I’d be moping for days after. “But I want a balcony hot tub with a skyline view over the Bay with uninterrupted vistas across the city from every aspect,” my brain sulked at me, violins wailing in the background of my psyche. “And I don’t know how I’ll cope without my own private lift.”

HOUSE NUMBERS Where On the corner of James Street and Bute Street Developers Quin & Co Square footage 2,723 indoor, and 893 outdoor Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 Views Skyline vistas across Cardiff Bay and beyond For more: CPS Homes, 66 Albany Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3RR; 029 2045 4555; www.cpshomes.co.uk

It’s the epitome of penthouse living and is being dubbed the magnificent jewel in Cardiff Bay’s crown. Even the entrance to the building is something to be marvelled at; it leads down a grand arched corridor, complete with classical-style cornicing and marble tiles, and you can either take your own private lift or climb the traditional staircase, illuminated by a chandelier.

The luxury of both past and present oozes inside what is one of Cardiff Bay’s most iconic historical buildings, The Bank. Inside, you’ll find a stunning selection of two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments along with the spectacular three-bedroom, three-bathroom rooftop beauty, the ‘Cultan’, that’s currently making my heart weep.

The fact that you can own a part of Cardiff Bay’s heritage is pretty awesome. The homes have been crafted to enhance the elegant original features of the Victorian

Grade-II bathstone building while incorporating modern, stylish design and functionality.

A bit of history for you… constructed in 1874 for major coal exporters, the Cory Brothers, this High Victorian Venetian-style building was at the heart of the booming coal and mining trade following the Industrial Revolution.

Designed by architect F. Cutlan, the four-storey, 19th century building became occupied by Midland Bank until as recently as 2014.

The Bank has a prime setting, situated in the centre of such a cosmopolitan, bustling area, in the heart of all the action. “I want to be able to walk 160 metres home from the Wales Millennium Centre after seeing a world-class musical,” huffs my mind (looking ahead to post-pandemic daydreams, of course). But I guess its taxis, trains and boring old two-up-two-down living for me for the foreseeable. I can’t even describe how jealous I am. n

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CARDIFF LIVES

“I moved to Cardiff to work as a children’s presenter with the BBC ” events with those at the very top of their game.

George Lucas paying tribute to art director/production director Les Dilley, for Outstanding Contribution. A Welshman who is a real Hollywood heavyweight, having won two Oscars for Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark; that was a wow moment.

Whitchurch Road – there’s always a lovely atmosphere there, it’s a great comfy place to catch up with friends over coffee; and with gifts and cards, too, it’s a one-stop shop. My favourite restaurant is Thomas by Tom Simmons in Pontcanna. He’s such an amazing chef, and it’s truly fantastic that someone of his calibre has moved his successful London restaurant to Cardiff.

My main job is chair of Tinopolis TV in Wales…

I’m so lucky to be living by the Taff trail…

The stand-out moment was…

ANGHARAD MAIR The S4C presenter talks Bafta Cymru, Cardiff’s best bits, and breaking a European record Self-confessed workaholic Angharad is an executive director with Tinopolis, one of the main independent media companies in the UK, and she was also chair of this year’s Bafta Cymru, which took place in October.

Her career began in BBC Wales in 1982 presenting the children’s magazine programme Bilidowcar, then she moved to the news department to present the breakfast news bulletins for BBC Wales.

She went on to present Wales Today and Newyddion for S4C, and joined Tinopolis in 1990 as one of the first presenters of Heno. She still presents the programme to this day.

It was so exciting to chair Bafta Cymru in October…

Bafta Cymru has been lucky to have had Hannah Raybould as

director at the helm, whereas I like to think of myself as leading the committee’s work made up of great people who work in the TV, film or games industry in Wales.

The awards are an important part of course, but the various events and masterclasses for members are also an essential part of Bafta’s work.

It’s amazing to be within touching distance to the big Hollywood stars on the red carpet…

But it’s also exciting because as a charity we get to organise fantastic events such as Guru Live for young people who have ambitions to work in the industry, and that aspect of it is just as thrilling, seeing young people passionate about the creative industries. I’m also really proud that we offer Bafta membership to those who are starting out as students and getting a foot in the door, and they can mingle at

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Which means working on all our productions, mostly for S4C. The daily shows Heno and Prynhawn Da continued throughout lockdown, and we were really proud of that.

As for the current position the creative industries are finding themselves in…

It’s difficult, there’s no denying that. I’m hoping that by next year we’ll start getting back to normal, and I’m hoping that all of us will appreciate the creative industry all the more, and make an effort to go to the cinema or to the theatre to show support.

I love Cardiff…

Having moved to Cardiff to work as a children’s presenter with the BBC straight after college, my husband and I moved out to the village of Peterston-Super-Ely in the Vale of Glamorgan 20 years ago. But now we’re back!

We’ve been renovating a house in Cardiff for the past year.

The best bit about Cardiff is…

It’s big enough to be a capital city, yet small enough to feel like a community.

My favourite local businesses are…

Bodlon in Whitchurch village, and their deli/café on

I love running along the path next to the river through Llandaff fields to the castle grounds. It’s definitely a favourite place.

Something people may not know about me is…

I broke the European record for women over 55 in the London Marathon, running in a time of two hours 54.

My biggest achievement professionally was…

Winning a Best Presenter Bafta Cymru award. Being at the helm of such a successful show as Heno, which this year celebrated its 30th birthday, is definitely up there too.

If I owned Cardiff for a day I would…

try and find places for the homeless to live.

This Christmas, I plan to spend the day…

quietly, like everyone else I guess.

My mother loves to bring new riddles with her, so after lunch we spend ages trying to guess the answers. It’s become a funny little tradition. n

www.bafta.org/wales www.tinopolis.com