Cardiff Life - Issue 235

@CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

INNER BEAUTY

DARK ‘N‘ DREAMY KITCHENS HAVE TAKEN OVER

IT’S ALL RELATIVE PART TWO OF OUR FAMILY BUSINESS FOCUS

BUMPER PROPERTY SECTION INSIDE

BAND TOGETHER ISSUE 235 / APRIL 2021 / ARTBEAT

THE CHURCH VILLAGE COLLECTIVE IS TAKING SOUTH WALES’ INDIE SCENE BY STORM

RENOVATE, GOOD TIMES, COME ON!

A STRIKING VICTORIAN REVAMP HAS BECOME THE HEAD-TURNER OF PENARTH

ISSUE 235 / APRIL 2021 / £3

CHAPTER + VERSE

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHAPTER ARTS, THE HEARTBEAT OF CREATIVITY IN CARDIFF

EDITOR’S LETTER

T

he arts are huge in Cardiff, that goes without saying; the city is home to a vast number of galleries, performance spaces and multi-artform centres, and they come together in all their brilliance to help make Cardiff one of the most exciting, eclectic and thought-provoking cities on the map. But we’d like to dedicate this issue of Cardiff Life to one of them in particular: Chapter Arts, one of the largest arts complexes in Europe, which on 5 April will celebrate its 50th anniversary. On page 20, we speak to Andy Eagle, the man who has been at the helm of the treasured Canton-based venue for the past 10 years, for an in-depth insight into the extraordinary arts charity as it looks back on its past five decades of supporting new voices, taking risks and embracing the buzz of going live.

On the topic of arts, we have also chatted with international artist and musician JP Jones whose new exhibition at Blackwater Gallery marries his loves of music and contemporary art. On page 15, he tells us about his glittering career – performing with the likes of Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses and Chrissie Hynde – and how he created an artistic technique to ‘see sound’, by means of laser beams reflecting off vibrating mirrors on speakers. Simple, yeah?

We also have a whopper of a property section for you, including, on page 48, a snoop inside a renovated and modernised Victorian home which has become the head-turner of Penarth town centre.

And there are plenty more intriguing stories waiting for you throughout, including an interview with the Church Village Collective, an indie band which has Welsh music royalty in its blood (page 66); and catch ups with six family-run local businesses who tell us what it’s really like to work – and have pyjama party business meetings – with their loved ones (page 8).

Hope you enjoy! We’ll be back on 23 April with a whole lot more. #CardiffTogether, always

M

ae’r celfyddydau yn amlwg iawn yng Nghaerdydd, wrth gwrs; mae’r ddinas yn gartref i nifer enfawr o orielau, lleoliadau perfformio a chanolfannau ar gyfer amryw ffurfiau ar gelfyddyd, ac mae’r holl leoedd disglair hyn gyda’i gilydd yn helpu i sicrhau bod Caerdydd yn un o ddinasoedd mwyaf cyffrous, eclectig a phryfoclyd y byd. Ond byddem yn hoffi neilltuo’r rhifyn hwn o Cardiff Life i un lle penodol: Chapter Arts, sef un o ganolfannau mwyaf Ewrop ar gyfer y celfyddydau, a fydd yn dathlu ei phen-blwydd yn 50 oed ar 5 Ebrill. Ar dudalen 20 rydym yn sgwrsio ag Andy Eagle, y gŵr sydd wedi bod wrth y llyw yn y trysor hwn o le yn Nhreganna yn ystod y degawd diwethaf ac sy’n taflu goleuni ar yr elusen gelfyddydol arbennig hon wrth iddi edrych yn ôl ar hanner canrif o hybu lleisiau newydd, mentro a chroesawu’r cyffro sy’n dod o berfformio’n fyw.

Gan lynu wrth yr un thema, rydym hefyd wedi bod yn sgwrsio â’r artist a’r cerddor rhyngwladol JP Jones y mae ei arddangosfa newydd yn Oriel Blackwater yn cyfuno ei hoffter o gerddoriaeth â’i hoffter o gelf gyfoes. Ar dudalen 15, mae’n sôn wrthym am ei yrfa ddisglair – yn perfformio gyda sêr megis Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses a Chrissie Hynde – ac am sut y llwyddodd i greu techneg artistig er mwyn ‘gweld sain’, drwy ddefnyddio pelydrau laser sy’n cael eu hadlewyrchu oddi ar ddrychau sy’n dirgrynu ar seinyddion.

Mae ein hadran ar eiddo’n orlawn hefyd ac, ar dudalen 48, mae’n cynnwys cyfle i fusnesa mewn cartref o oes Fictoria sydd wedi’i adnewyddu a’i foderneiddio ac sy’n denu llawer o sylw yng nghanol Penarth. Mae digon o straeon difyr eraill yn disgwyl amdanoch yn y rhifyn hwn hefyd, gan gynnwys cyfweliad â Church Village Collective, sef band ‘indie’ y mae ei aelodau o linach cerddorol Cymreig (ar dudalen 66), a chyfle i sgwrsio â chwe busnes teuluol lleol sy’n dweud wrthym sut brofiad yw gweithio – a chael cyfarfodydd busnes mewn parti pyjamas – gyda’u hanwyliaid, mewn gwirionedd (ar dudalen 8).

Gobeithio y gwnewch chi fwynhau! Byddwn yn ôl gyda llawer mwy ar 23 Ebrill. #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

Cardiff’s Jade Peplar creates artworks and wallpapers out of magazine snippings.

See her work on page 42

LISA EVANS

Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

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

Issue 235 / April 2021 COVER Andy Eagle, CEO of Chapter Arts which celebrates its 50th anniversary this month.

Photograph by Kirsten McTernan

FEATURES

8 IT’S ALL RELATIVE Families in business get frank

about what it’s like working with loved ones

THE ARTS

15 ARTS INTRO JP Jones, the Welsh artist and

musician creating artworks using musical vibrations

20 CHAPTER AND VERSE Chapter Arts celebrates its

50th anniversary this month all going on in Cardiff

SHOPPING

28 SKIN TO SKIN Introducing Her Muse, a new eco

lingerie business

30 EDITOR’S CHOICE We’ve gone wild for all things

animal-themed

FOOD & DRINK

20

© KIRSTEN MCTERNAN

24 WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and upcoming events, it’s

33 FOOD NEWS Tasty morsels for you to chew on 35 COMMUNITY CAFÉ Refugees from Oasis Cardiff

are whipping up worldwide cuisine

36 TALKING SHOP Getting a flavour for The Spice of

Life wholefoods shop

PROPERTY

39 PROPERTY NEWS What’s new in the city…

40 WALL TO WALL Two of the most talented

wallpaper and surface designers to exist, probably

44 DARK ’N’ STORMY Dramatically dark kitchens

to inspire

48 RENOVATE, GOOD TIMES, COME ON!

A snoop around Penarth’s Westcross House, which has had a total rejuvenation

BUSINESS

57 CARDIFFWORKS News and views and awesome

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT Four of our favourite feel-good stories 27 WYBURN & WAYNE Guess who’s back, back again 66 CARDIFF LIVES The Church Village Collective are

taking over

40

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 and Sin Mei Lam 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

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

© VALE VENETIAN

new businesses

E N LI N T O EN N M A T K IN O PO BO AP

www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.VALEVETCENTRE.CO.UK Cardiff: 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9PP. E-mail: cardiff@valevetcentre.co.uk | Phone: 02920 004007

Barry: 7/8 Ty Verlon Ind Est, Cardiff Rd, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2BE. E-mail: info@valevetcentre.co.uk | Phone: 01446 739739

SPOTLIGHT Awards

(WANT YOU) PLAQUE FOR GOOD

Floyd is now officially recognised as a hero

Cardiff Met student Floyd Haughton has been awarded a Census Heroes Plaque thanks to his commitment to his community during the pandemic.

Lockdown put Floyd’s plans to start his own Jamaican food business – Yaardiff Yum – on hold, and he used the savings for his start-up to provide free meals, or ‘Sunshine Suppers’, for key workers, the elderly and frontline staff in his local community. Since March 2020, more than 800 traditional Jamaican meals have been delivered across the city, all cooked and paid for

by Floyd. He works out of Butetown Community Centre, where proceeds from sales help fund the gifted suppers.

“I’m humbled by this recognition,” says Floyd. “It was the least I could do – a small thing to help people during these difficult times.”

For more: www.cardiffmet.ac.uk / @yaardiffinsta

Feminism

WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS

Welsh charity Safer Wales has launched a new free feminist library to mark International Women’s History Month. The #femlibsaferwales campaign will see books and resources made available to people anywhere in Wales, free of charge.

The project is part of the Champions of Wales programme, which Safer Wales delivers to young women engaged in its youth services.

“The idea for the library came from talking to the young people we work with,” says Safer Wales’ Rachel Brydon. “Many of them are from vulnerable groups and told us they don’t use libraries, yet they have a huge interest and appetite for learning about gender equality. We decided to post books out to young people, and the idea just grew from there.

For more: www.saferwales.com The feminist library is available to anyone anywhere in Wales

Arts

CREATIVE CITY

Naz Syed is one of the commissioned creatives

Street art

FACE PAINT

Eleven artistic folk across Cardiff have been commissioned to produce new work to express what it means to be a creative in 2021. Our Creative Place, a Creative Cardiff and Arts Council of Wales project, aims to collectively build the story of a talented region.

The resulting digital story map will be launched this summer, featuring stories through a variety of mediums, from animation to puppetry and ice sculpting.

For more: www.creativecardiff.org.uk

A beautiful tribute on Quay Street

Cardiff professor Alka Surajprakash Ahuja MBE is one of three women across the UK who have been celebrated in #TheArtofMotherhood mural series, thanking them for their efforts to care for their local communities.

The mural of Alka, in Quay Street, Cardiff, was painted by leading female street artist Rosie Woods, and was commissioned by Amazon Handmade.

Alka was chosen because she was fundamental in establishing the NHS Wales Video Consulting Service, allowing patients to access healthcare services from their homes during the pandemic.

“It was vital that the healthcare services continued to provide safe and timely care during the pandemic, while also protecting the workforce,” she says.

For more: www.amazon.co.uk/ handmademothers

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IT’S ALL RELATIVE Work meetings in pyjamas, intermittent bickering and unequivocal trust: local families reflect on what it’s like to be in business together

By Lisa Evans

Phill and Deborah Lewis run Nook restaurant and Dusty’s pizzeria

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

FAMILY BUSINESS

Paul Grimwood and Shumana Palit (right) are the directors of Curado Bar and Vermut (pictured)

H

owever much we love them, being in business with our loved ones – be that a significant other, a parent or a sibling – would be a step too far for some people.

But here to prove that it can be done, and done well, are six local families with six different stories.

NOOK

Husband and wife Phill and Deborah Lewis own Nook, a natural wine and small plates restaurant.

Tell us about your business…

Phill: Nook offers low intervention, raw wine – wine in its purest form

– from some of the best natural wine importers and vineyards. And, in keeping with our approach to wine, we offer a range of dishes with quality of local produce and seasonality as our focus.

Deb: Phill came up with the idea of the restaurant. He wanted us to dip our toes into creating a neighbourhood spot where the quality of the food shone while using the simplest of ingredients.

And you have another business too…

Phill: Yes, we run Dusty’s Pizza, which

has sites at The Bone Yard, Sticky Fingers, Castle Arcade and Goodsheds. We first started working together as a couple when we launched Dusty’s in 2014.

What have you learnt from each other?

Deb: I have learnt that Phill is an incredibly creative thinker. Time off

is dangerous in our house. It’s when he is at his most creative and a time when I am asked to critique his ideas.

Phill: Deb is incredibly enthusiastic when it comes to new business ideas, and often before I can look up the idea is in play. Most of the time that’s a good thing!

Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff; www.nookcardiff.co.uk

CURADO AND VERMUT

Husband and wife Paul Grimwood and Shumana Palit are the directors of Curado Bar, an ingredient-led business bringing a taste of Spanish bar life to Wales, and of Vermut, the UK’s first bar to specialise in Vermouth, Sherry and wines from Montilla-Moriles, right next door.

Take us back to the beginning…

Paul: In 2001, back in Aberystwyth, we set up

parent company Ultracomida, moving to the capital city in 2016 where we opened Curado Bar, based on the pinxto bars of northern Spain, and then opened a tiny space next door called Vermut in March 2020.

How would you describe your working relationship?

Deb: One of the biggest positives is that

we always have each other to bounce ideas off and to support one another in what has proven to be a very difficult year for the industry. The motivation to persevere against all odds is immense. The biggest challenge, though, is never being able to switch off.

There is always something that needs discussing or arranging.

What’s it like working as a couple?

Shumana: It’s a mixed bag! The best bits are

Seasonality is key at Nook

sharing a love and passion for the same thing, getting excited by a new product or discovering a new producer, and the tough part is everything else! So, not having a way to switch off from work is probably the toughest aspect, it’s impossible for

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© TOM COLLINS

FAMILY BUSINESS

Samuel Carpenter and Laura Wallis try to chop out all negativity when working together at Vintage Hair Salon

there to be a divide between work and home.

What have you both learnt from each other?

Shumana: We’ve learnt to compromise when it matters, argue

constructively and sometimes concede the argument to make progress in the business. I’ve learnt to stay away from negotiating with suppliers, that’s Paul’s strength, and Paul’s learnt to steer clear of HR! What do you most admire about each other?

Shumana: I admire Paul’s tenacity and eye for detail which means he

can problem-solve when I often would have given up.

Paul: Shumana has a very different approach to life which adds balance to the business and keeps me laughing.

Guildhall Place; www.curadobar.com

VHS

How would you describe your working relationship?

Laura: It’s evolved over the years. At the beginning, we really had to

define our roles and find our work life balance. The best part is working alongside someone who has the same drive and ambition as you. We both have very strong personalities, so we both have to allow each other to excel at what we are best at without interfering too much.

Biggest benefit of a family-run business?

Sam: We share the same vision and long-term goals of developing an

incredible brand.

“The motivation to persevere against all odds is immense”

What have you both learnt from each other?

Sam: I have learnt from Laura to have more

patience and balance on how I approach certain situations.

Laura: I have learnt from Sam to never give up, and anything is possible with hard work.

Goodsheds, Barry; www.vintage-hairsalon.com

Partners Samuel Carpenter and Laura Wallis work together at VHS – Vintage Hair Salon – with Sam as creative director and Laura as commercial director.

CLECS

VHS is more than a place for great hair – it’s a place where talent is nurtured, as are the relationships with our guests.

Sum up the business for us…

Bea: Clecs (meaning ‘gossip’ in Welsh) is a Welsh, sustainable fashion

Sum VHS up in a nutshell…

Laura: We want to improve the way people feel about themselves, but

When did you start working together?

Sam: VHS was founded in April 2011, and we met in the early stages

of the business (2012) through a collaborative project, when Laura had her own fashion boutique. We fell in love and the rest is history.

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

Sisters Imogen and Bea Ferda-Riley have created the Clecs clothing brand based on their love for Wales and the environment.

brand, based in Cardiff, set up in July 2020. All of our garments are 100 per cent organic and produced with sustainability at the forefront. It’s hugely important to us that we create good quality clothes while having as little negative impact on the environment as possible. We support socially responsible manufacturers throughout every part of the process.

Bakers Adam Wade and Rhys Dunn run The Little Jar Co and prove that all you knead is love

THE LITTLE JAR CO

Partners and bakers Adam Wade and Rhys Dunn run The Little Jar Co which specialises in jars of cake, cheesecake and cookie dough.

When did you first start working together?

Adam: In June 2020. We have

been together almost three years and have always liked the idea of running a business which reflects our interests, enthusiasm and creative ideas.

What has being in business together taught you?

Rhys: We both have strengths

and weaknesses in different areas of the business and being able to play to each of our strengths has allowed us to work efficiently and effectively. Being both university students, part-time workers and business owners, stress levels can get high, but we use this to inspire us in all aspects of our lives. We have learnt a lot about planning ahead and clear organisation in order to achieve what is needed.

What do you most admire about each other?

Adam: We thrive off each other’s

motivation! We are both very career driven, academically and within the business, and having this strong support allows us to achieve the best we can possibly do. We admire seeing each other achieve, reach new goals and persist in going above and beyond xxxxxx in all aspects of our lives.

Based in Cardiff; find them on Instagram @the.littlejarco

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FAMILY BUSINESS

“It’s not unusual for us to be making business decisions in our pyjamas” Sisters Imogen and Bea Ferda-Riley created Clecs clothing (right)

Is this your first venture together?

Imogen: It is. We had already turned away from ‘fast fashion’ but it was

difficult to find sustainable Welsh products that we wanted to buy, so we started our own brand!

Has it brought you closer?

Bea: Definitely; we’re both at crucial points in our education this year

so it’s good to have one another to step in when one of us needs to focus on our studies. Also, it’s great not to have to tip-toe around each other; we can have quite heated discussions in the knowledge that neither of us will take offence. And it’s not unusual for us to be making business decisions in our pyjamas.

Who inspires you…

Imogen: Our mum, Vicky, runs Goji Salon in Pontcanna and has given

us lots of advice and support which has helped us avoid making all sorts of mistakes along the way.

Based in Cardiff; www.clecs.co.uk

I’d created for the V&A and Jersey Pearl in the past. It was a really challenging 2020 – never did we think we’d conceive a baby and develop a business through a pandemic!

TIAFI JEWELLERY

How would you describe your working relationship?

Emma-Kate: I’ve run my own business since 2008 and been in the

Established designer Emma-Kate Francis and her husband Dylan James recently launched Tiafi Jewellery, a brand which aims to connect people with the ones they love through thoughtful designer jewellery.

Tell us about Tiafi…

Emma-Kate: Tiafi means ‘you’ and ‘me’ in Welsh. The idea of

creating ‘connecting’ jewellery came about when I was looking through some photos of friends. We’re all so busy with our families and running own businesses I wanted to create something that showed I cared; it’s designer jewellery that allows you to connect to the people you love.

How did it come about?

Emma-Kate: It all started over a bottle of wine when Dylan

challenged me to develop the idea. He thought it was totally different to the bespoke work I did already and more scalable like the designs

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

jewellery trade for over 20 years, and Dylan has a wealth of marketing and digital knowledge plus has won a BAFTA [for producing the best website for a TV show] so we’re very creative people. We’re both very passionate and do clash but that’s part of the challenge.

Dylan: It’s challenging at times but definitely worth it. We often approach things very differently but we usually end up agreeing, and our skills complement each other. Also Emma-Kate has lots of patience and I have none!

Best bits of a family-run business?

Dylan: The flexibility that it offers in terms of when you work, meaning

you can spend time together as a family, although that in itself can be an issue as you need to learn when to switch off. n Based in Cardiff, online only www.tiafi.com

“We do clash but that’s part of the challenge”

Emma-Kate Francis and Dylan James launched Tiafi Jewellery (pictured right) together and enjoy the flexibility of having a family-run business

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST WSET brings a world of wine knowledge to your doorstep

T

he Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the world’s leading provider of wine, spirits and sake education. Throughout lockdown, they’ve been bringing their globally renowned courses to your doorstep through online learning, delivered by a network of local course providers. We got in touch with WSET’s Robert Crouch to learn more.

What’s involved in a WSET wine course?

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Who are your courses for?

Anyone with an interest in learning more about wine! Our accredited qualifications can be studied by professionals and enthusiasts alike. We see people of all backgrounds on our courses, particularly those with a passion for food and travel.

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

How much do the courses cost, and how can I enrol?

Course prices vary depending on the provider, but online Level 1 Award in Wines courses typically start from around £135. I always recommend choosing a WSET approved course provider in your area, even when booking an online course. You’ll be able to connect with people nearby and you’ll have the option to continue learning in person!

Cardiff-based wine merchant Fine Wines Direct UK offer WSET courses through their educational arm, FWD Wine & Spirit School – you can book directly at finewinesdirectuk.com ■

WSET APPROVED PROGRAMME PROVIDER IN CARDIFF Fine Wines Direct UK - finewinesdirectuk.com

To learn more about WSET, visit wsetglobal.com.

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

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

PORTRAITS OF SOUND

With a glittering music career – performing with the likes of Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses and Chrissie Hynde – under his belt, Welsh musician and artist JP Jones has married his love of music and art for his latest exhibition, Portraits of Sound, in Cardiff’s Blackwater Gallery. Here he tells us more… www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 15

ARTS An auditory visionary, JP (left) combines laser kinetics with sound to create powerful patterns, representative of the original acoustic – which could range from the spoken word to song lyrics. He then applies mass layering techniques, vibrant colours and a variety of textures to produce each painting

Your career in music has seen you tour the world with musical greats, what are your highlights?

I was in a band called Grace for years until I met Chrissie Hynde [of the Pretenders]; we made a duo album together called Fidelity. Our band was called JP Chrissie And The Fairground Boys. We toured the states for a few years and got to play alongside some of the greatest musicians, such as Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Lucinda Williams, The Roots. We got asked to do a charity gig at the museum of modern art in Chicago and were told the band would learn our song so we just had to get on stage and sing. We walked on stage and the backing band were Guns N’ Roses! Best night ever!

I wanted to make sound visual and celebrate music and make it live in a 3D world, to be seen and not just heard. So I created a technique to see sound by means of laser beams reflecting off vibrating mirrors on speakers. I paint the sound patterns the reflections create so music and poems can hang on our walls!

“We walked on stage and the backing band were Guns N’ Roses.

Best night ever!”

In your Portraits of Sound exhibition at Cardiff’s Blackwater Gallery, you create contemporary art – featuring a lot of Welsh icons – from the invisible patterns of sound, a technique which has been welcomed and revered by the deaf community, due to its eradication of the confines of sensory limitations.

You combine laser kinetics with sound to create powerful patterns, shapes and lines representative of the original acoustic. Could you tell us what exactly that process involves?

I was always fascinated to combine art and music. I was studying fine art at Chelsea College of Art and Design and also in a band at the time.

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

Where do you live at the moment?

I live between Cowbridge and Australia.

Whenever I am away from home in Wales, I feel massive ‘hireath’. The longing is something only people from Wales can understand.

What do you think of Cardiff’s art scene?

I think it’s exciting for art in Cardiff at the moment. With galleries like Blackwater Gallery in the Bay popping up, I think the world is Cardiff’s oyster. n

Today, JP continues to walk the tightrope that divides the worlds of music and contemporary art. His powerful and captivating works adorn the walls of some of the world’s most famous individuals, and he still travels the world as a decorated musician.

See Portraits of Sound, at Cardiff’s Blackwater Gallery until May; www.blackwatergallery.co.uk

JP Jones in his element

JP’s exhibition combines his love for music and art, and showcases a collection of abstract portraiture and celtic symbology, featuring Welsh icons and contemporary musical greats – from Tom Jones and Dylan Thomas to Shirley Bassey

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SPONSORED CONTENT

‘Keys’ to Success Jane Emery of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS tells us how to prepare for the big move into your new home

B

uying a home can be an exciting time but also a daunting process, particularly for first time buyers. To help prepare for the big day, Jane Emery, conveyancing specialist at Berry Smith Lawyers, provides a checklist of final tasks to allow the move to run as smoothly possible, and help you settle into your new home.

1. Buildings Insurance For many people, their home will be the most expensive item they purchase and making sure it is fully insured should be a priority. In most cases a property becomes the buyers’ responsibility once contracts are exchanged - this is the point the legal advisors acting for the seller and buyer swap signed contracts, fix a moving date, and all parties become legally bound and committed to proceed. Do not wait until the moving date to arrange the insurance; your policy should provide cover for the full cost of rebuilding your home rather than the purchase price.

2. Transfer of Funds Prior to the moving day your legal advisor will

supply a statement detailing the sum you are required to pay to complete the purchase.

You should ensure the funds arrive with your legal advisor at least the day prior to the move to avoid any delays on the moving day itself.

Telephone your legal advisor to verify their bank details before transmitting the funds.

3. Utilities and Broadband Check with the seller or the estate agents the location of water, gas and electricity meters and compare energy tariffs in advance so that you can arrange the best deal. Take meter readings on the day that you move to ensure that you receive an accurate first bill.

Check which broadband service providers operate in the area of your new home and what broadband speeds are achievable. Providers can require several weeks notice to transfer an existing contract or set up a new connection, so plan ahead.

4. Change of Address Start spreading the word and make family, friends, banks, insurance companies, healthcare

Jane Emery

providers, local authorities, delivery companies and other organisations aware of your new address. Consider applying for your post to be redirected to your new home so that you do not miss any important letters. Royal Mail can provide this service for up to 12 months, although allow 5 working days for this to get up and running.

5. Packing When packing keep important documents together in a safe place and essential items close to hand. A tool kit, extension leads and phone charger will be useful, and you will want to know where you have packed the cups and kettle for that first cuppa in your new home. ■

If you would like more information on the moving home process or a quote for our conveyancing services, please contact 029 2034 5511 or email residentialproperty@berrysmith.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Meet the Tutor

Kate Stanbury, who owns HOME-SCHOOL TUTORING CARDIFF, on tailored tutoring to suit each individual

I

am a parent, qualified teacher and owner of Home-School Tutoring Cardiff and Newport, a local established tuition company. I have an experienced team of professional teachers who provide private tuition in all the national curriculum subjects, from primary to secondary level and above.

Can you tell us a little bit about your teaching philosophy please?

I listen carefully to the client’s requirements from the outset and select the correct tutor who tailors the tutoring to the individual. I realise the importance of ensuring that we work together to build confidence and take the journey through their studies.

What strategies have you found help when starting to work with a child?

As I speak to every client, I know about their learning requests as well as who they are as a person. I pass all this information onto the tutor

who then does an introductory call with the client.

This enables the client and the tutor to be relaxed in each other’s company from the offset.

Tell us a bit about your tutors...

All our tutors go through a registration process to ensure they fit with the Home-School Tutoring ethos. Every tutor has two references and a DBS check. All the tutors realise the importance of initially building up the confidence of the client to ensure the maximum impact on their learning.

What is the best bit of advice you could give to parents looking to hire a tutor?

The one thing that is always told to me by parents is that they are so relieved to speak to a person who selects a tutor for them. I find out the requirements of the tutoring for their child and link them up with the best fit tutor for their needs.

What do families who you have used your services say about Home-School Tutoring Cardiff? Do you have an example?

"I can't recommend Home-School Tutoring Cardiff highly enough. It has made a huge difference to both of my teenage children who have very different learning styles. I would recommend Kate and her services to anyone that is thinking of helping their child." n Contact Kate at Home-School Tutoring Cardiff 07881 412154 kate.stanbury@homeschooltutoring.co.uk www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk/location/all-cardiff/

ARTS

CHAPTER AND VERSE

Chapter, one of Europe’s largest arts centres, in Canton, is turning 50 this month. To mark the occasion, we spoke to CEO Andy Eagle about its original and thought-provoking art, its long-held ambitions to open a second venue and its survival instincts

By Lisa Evans

T

reasured multi-artform venue Chapter has produced and presented international art, performance and film for the past five decades. Here we ask Andy Eagle, the man who has been at the helm for the past 10 years, for an in-depth insight into the extraordinary arts charity as it celebrate its 50th anniversary, on 5 April.

Happy birthday to Chapter, how does it make you feel to know it’s been thriving for so long?

In short, immensely proud. Needless to say, 2021 is not the year we were anticipating for our 50th! We had a whole host of events and activities shaping up, but then the pandemic struck. We had to shelve these and focus on survival for the majority of 2020 and that remains the priority for 2021.

I’m not being overly dramatic when I say our survival alone will be celebrated by staff, audiences, creatives and all those involved with Chapter. That said, we are planning events for the summer period.

“The buzz of a Friday night at Chapter cannot be replaced”

What’s on at the moment?

We’re working in partnership with Artes Mundi and have an exhibition already installed in our gallery waiting for audiences to see it when we can open indoors. For now, it’s available online so you can get a preview of what to expect when we can welcome you back.

How has Chapter pivoted while it’s been closed?

Since June, we’ve remained open to the creative companies and artists

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

that work out of Chapter seven days a week. We have 53 companies and individual artists working here, including Taking Flight Theatre, ie ie Productions, Cardiff and Vale Music Service, Theatr Iolo, Printhaus and Llio Davies Design. Our commitment to keeping open for them has allowed them all to continue trading and developing their work and practices. We have plans to expand capacity to house creative companies and artists through the development of a new building in partnership with Cardiff Council and others. The plans are exciting and will strengthen both Chapter and the creative industries in the city if we can deliver it as anticipated.

What do you miss most at the moment?

Chapter and all venues are predominantly about the live experience. The buzz of a Friday night at Chapter when the café bar, gallery, cinemas, theatres and studios are all full cannot be replaced.

Humans are essentially social beasts that need to be stimulated by the physical experience the arts can provide. We need to return to that as soon as it’s safe to do so. We have successfully moved a lot of our programme, particularly independent film and comedy, onto our digital platforms, and this has been well received and supported while reaching out to new audiences. However, it doesn’t and can’t replace the magic of live.

How would you describe Chapter to someone who has never visited before?

Chapter is many different things to many different people. Ask any

© KIRSTEN MCTERNAN

ANDY’S BACKGROUND

“I’ve worked in Wales for close to 30 years, having moved to Swansea in 1992 as head of marketing at Swansea Grand Theatre,” says Andy. “After that, I worked in Neath Port Talbot promoting events across the county. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to land Catatonia performing at Margam Park in 1999. While there I also opened Pontardawe Arts Centre before taking over the helm at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon where I also produced the annual Jazz Festival for a few years. Then it was to Chapter who kindly allowed me to take a sixmonth sabbatical in 2015 to go work for the British Council in the Western Balkans based in Belgrade, Serbia.”

CEO Andy is immensely proud of how far Chapter has come

ARTS one of our 800,000 visitors a year why they come, and they will all probably give a different answer. For some, it will be the international gallery exhibitions and the programme of independent films we screen (basically all the films you can’t see at Cineworld, Odeon or Vue). For others it will be the café bar and restaurant to meet friends before a Cardiff City home game, or it will be the dance and theatre classes or a cup of tea before working in the community garden. But at its heart, it’s a centre for contemporary art, supporting artists and creatives from Wales to produce and present work.

It’s an eclectic and truly fascinating place that has, over the last 50 years, evolved to be thoroughly welcoming and inclusive to many different types of people.

What are some of Chapter’s major highlights that stand out for you specifically?

A few personal favourites have been the premier of Russell T Davies’ Years and Years and meeting Ken Loach for a Q&A when we screened I Daniel Blake. In 2017, Chapter was delighted to curate the Wales Pavilion at the Venice Biennale working with internationally acclaimed Cardiff-born artist James Richards. Every two years we present Experimentica – Wales’ only live art festival; it’s a fascinating week of experimental performance in and around the Chapter spaces.

THE EARLY DAYS

Chapter’s doors opened in 1971, as the first arts centre to launch in Wales, and was enabled by the driving force of freelance writer Mik Flood, and Welsh artists Christine Kinsey and Bryan Jones.

The first meeting between Mik, Christine and Bryan, to discuss the idea of opening an arts centre in Cardiff, took place in 1968. Many artists in the late 1960s were concerned about the commodification of visual art, wanting to produce work that was not for sale – as a direct reaction against the commercial art world, which to them was ubiquitous and stifling of creativity. The three founders desired a venue that could provide artists with the space to produce work that they wanted to create, free from commercial pressures.

Today, Chapter produces and presents contemporary visual art and performance works, and showcases independent, mainstream and international films. It boasts two cinemas, two theatres, a gallery, a large number of artists’ studios and creative industry offices, meeting places for the community and a popular restaurant and bar, and has grown into one of the largest arts complexes in Europe.

© KIRSTEN MCTERNAN

Chapter was the first arts centre to launch in Wales, in 1971

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

© CHRISTINE KINSEY

above: The early days of Chapter; left: A 1970 Chapter fundraising gig, Pavilions in the Park; middle: Theatr Iolo’s Hoof! performed by Kitsch n Sync at Chapter in 2020; bottom: Artes Mundi exhibition, on now at Chapter

Impossible to say, but how many events would you guess that Chapter’s held in these past 50 years?

In a normal year, we would run about 2,500 screenings, 200 nights of live performance, 10 visual arts exhibitions, and 2,000 community classes, fayres and events. That’s a snapshot – then I guess times it by 50!

© KIRSTEN MCTERNAN

“It’s an eclectic and fascinating place” Are you optimistic for the future?

We are an arts organisation that in normal times would generate 82 per cent of its annual turnover; the 18 per cent balance comes from Arts Council Wales revenue support for our arts programme. That 82 per cent literally stopped overnight in March last year, and so our priority has been emergency financial support to stabilise us. We’ve received incredibly generous support from our audiences and customers; lots of people very kindly leaving messages saying things like “I would have gone to Chapter tonight to see a film and have a couple of beers, so here’s the £20 I would have spent”. People have been really very generous and want us to be around for many more years. We have also received wonderful support from trusts, foundations and local firms.

How has Chapter developed since your first day on the job?

© POLLY THOMAS

I joined Chapter in June 2011, so it’s coming up to 10 years. During this time, we’ve supported a huge number of artists and companies and presented some amazing work to thousands of people. I’d like to think we have done this while becoming more inclusive and reaching out further to all sections of the community. We’ve also become more financially independent and reduced our reliance on public support.

A SPOT OF HISTORY

“Chapter is housed in the former Canton High School for Boys and Girls,” says Andy. “It’s a magnificent Victorian gem of a building and a landmark community venue for Canton.

There is enormous affection for it within the west of the city. Pink Floyd famously did a fundraising gig in 1970 to support the opening of Chapter and, during that decade, it was also noted as the home of Welsh punk, performed in both languages. Chapter has always strived to support new voices, take risks and value independent thinking. It’s very much a safe place where diversity in all its forms is celebrated.”

What does Chapter mean to you?

Original and thought-provoking art, weekend buzz, community, employment, expression and opportunity. It adds a vibrancy to Canton and we have long-held ambitions to open a second Chapter somewhere else in the city. n For more: www.chapter.org

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

WHAT’S ON

From 2 April onwards

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

Acclaimed Welsh folk band, Calan, is set to play a theatre concert with a big difference

PLAYS / SHOWS / PERFORMANCES Until the end of May

FEEL GOOD FILM FESTIVAL A brand-new film festival celebrating positivity and the art of happiness is making its world premiere in the UK. Launching virtually, the Feel Good Film Festival features a collection of hilarious and heart-warming short films. “From joyful explorations of wacky subcultures to heartfelt tales of triumph over adversity, the Feel Good Film Festival is a dose of joy and inspiration – delivered to your sofa!” says festival director Nell Teasdale. www.feelgoodfilmfest.com

6 April

OUR HOUSE Acclaimed Welsh folk band, Calan, is set to play a theatre concert with a big difference. Fiddles, guitar, harp, accordion and bagpipes explode into life with sparkling melodies, foot tapping tunes and haunting vocals when Calan, the international awardwinning Celtic indie-folk band play a huge international online concert during which the band will transform a theatre stage into a living gallery of Welsh home life. Worldwide audiences will see each band member

playing inside their own socially distanced pod and each room will be a glimpse into the world of a modern Welsh traditional band, including a grandmother’s terraced house from the 1960s, a lamp-lit North Wales night scene and a forest of harps festooned by plants from the garden to represent the green of the lush Welsh land. Welcome to ‘Our House’. www.calan-band.com

May (date TBC)

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE MERTHYR STIGMATIST Sherman Theatre and Theatre Uncut will present the world premiere of The Merthyr Stigmatist in a fully-staged digital production recorded in the Sherman Theatre Studio. The play, written by Wales-based playwright Lisa Parry, will be available to watch online and on demand in May. Taking place in a Merthyr Tydfil classroom, Parry’s play sees faith, reason and politics collide when Carys, a school pupil, claims to have received the wounds of Christ. Carys is convinced that her wounds are a sign from God and is crying out to be heard. Sherman Theatre and Theatre Uncut; www.shermantheatre.co.uk; www.theatreuncut.com

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

5 May

THE SKINTS The London four-piece have clawed their way up from the depths of the underground punk/ska scene to a unique fixture on the global reggae stage.

Tramshed; www.tramshedcardiff.com

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS Until 11 April

SPRING EXHIBITION This new exhibition includes work by some of Martin Tinney Gallery’s artists, including Karina Rosanne Barrett, Richard Barrett, Keith Bowen and Charles Burton.

Currently, the works may be seen by appointment only.

Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

Until 25 April

HOLDING ON TO HOPE An exhibition and affordable art sale celebrating a community who bonded during the pandemic – a time where connection through creativity became a lifeline – will take place at The Hearth Gallery and online through the Arts for Health

and Wellbeing website. The team at Community art school Beth Morris Workshops met with students of all ages and abilities virtually throughout the pandemic bringing words, pictures and hope together; this collection of art works aim to comfort, inspire and be enjoyed.

The Hearth Gallery; www.cardiffandvale.art

Until the end May

PORTRAITS OF SOUND Portraits of Sound is an exhibition of work by JP Jones, an international contemporary artist and acclaimed musician. Motivated by his quest to marry his two greatest passions – music and art – he has created a visual language from the invisible patterns of sound, a technique which has been welcomed and revered by the deaf community, due to its eradication of the confines of sensory limitations. See page 15 for more. Blackwater Gallery; www.blackwatergallery.co.uk

Until 6 June

ARTES MUNDI 9 The ninth edition of the critically acclaimed Artes Mundi exhibition and associated prize is presented across Cardiff in partnership with the National Museum

WHAT’S ON

COMING SOON… 17 – 20 June

THE FILM & FOOD FEST 2021 A first of its kind open-air film festival, is visiting 15 UK cities this summer, including Cardiff.

Taking place over four days in each location, the festival will show everything from indie films to live comedy, and there’ll be street food galore. Bute Park; www.filmandfoodfest.com

26 – 27 June above:

Holding on to Hope celebrates community bonding during the pandemic left: Zip World has announced its new site below: Golden Age Karate will be one of the short films shown at the Feel Good Film Festival

people closer to food producers and businesses in the Vale, while highlighting opportunities to improve the local food system, post Covid 19. www.foodvale.org

From 4 April, then weekly

FRESH & WILD As of last week, the Fresh & Wild foodie market is now weekly. The lovely Canton-based food market will now be offering up delicious delights from local producers every Sunday.

The Bone Yard; www.shippingcontainerstudios.co.uk

19 April

Cardiff, Chapter and g39. The exhibition will feature work in a diverse range of media, the six artists embracing those who have more recently emerged to great critical attention alongside those well-established, creating an occasion that speaks to an entwined set of histories and issues that continue to play out across our societies and communities, as much here in Wales as globally. Artes Mundi will open when lockdown restrictions allow for the museum to reopen safely. Currently, the exhibition will be available for you to experience from home.

National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

8 April – 1 May

ART SHOW An exhibition of new work from four popular gallery artists – Thomas Haskett, Peter Morgan, Eleanor Whiteman, Malcolm Murphy – depicts the Welsh landscape, coast and urban scenes in their favoured media and style.

Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Until 4 April

FOOD VALE FESTIVAL A new, virtual food festival, Food Vale Festival, has hit the Vale of Glamorgan. It will include a series of virtual events designed to bring

CRUMBS TAKEAWAY Crumbs Takeaway is a new, online conference for the hospitality trade, covering businesses in the Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Exeter areas.

Restaurants, cafés, bars; food and drink producers and suppliers; and the business services supporting the sector are all invited to join for free.

The virtual event will give practical advice for hospitality businesses on trading as reopening is occurring, plus fresh inspiration on new business models.

Register here: www.crumbsmag.com

OTHER

From 22 April

THE OPENING OF ZIP WORLD TOWER Zip World has announced that its new site in South Wales, Zip World Tower, will be opening to visitors on 22 April. Set in the iconic Rhigos mountain range with stunning views that overlook beautiful Welsh landscapes including the Brecon Beacons, the rich mining history of Tower Colliery meant it was the ideal destination for Zip World to launch its first ever site outside of North Wales.

Zip World; www.zipworld.co.uk

CARDIFF TRIATHLON Located in the iconic Cardiff Bay, this triathlon is one of the most unforgettable city races on the calendar, positioned in front of the Wales Millennium Centre.

Roald Dahl Plass, www.alwaysaimhighevents.com

14 August

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE This event has been rescheduled, and organisers have also added a new act, with Tom Grennan confirmed to support Kaiser Chiefs.

Cardiff Castle; www.depotcardiff.com

2 and 3 October

INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL Be enveloped by sights and sounds that will stimulate all of your senses.

Inside Out brings the best of the outside world, in to the festival.

Welcome. To. Utopia.

Bute Park; www.insideoutcardiff.co.uk

9 December 2021 – 15 January 2022

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Disney’s Olivier Award-winning stage musical Beauty and the Beast is to be reimagined in a new production staged by the original award-winning creative team. Rob Roth, a Tonynominee for the original production, will again direct, leading a team that includes composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, bookwriter Linda Woolverton, choreographer Matt West, scenic designer Stan Meyer, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward and lighting designer Natasha Katz.

The team collectively received five Tony nominations and a win for Hould-Ward’s costume design, when Disney first debuted Beauty and the Beast on Broadway 26 years ago. Tickets for this launched on 31 March, so get yours while you still can.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk n

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

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

I

t’s always a unique process, sitting down and decided what to write for this column. In the ‘normal’ world, it would be full of exciting events, restaurant openings and theatre shows, but currently, of course, that can’t be the case. We are all navigating through uncertain times, still, a whole year on. However, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

We miss people, we miss hugs, and we miss freedom.

Thinking about last summer, on one of our walks, it must have been three months or so into the pandemic, we headed through Queen Street in the silence – you could quite literally only hear the flutter of a newspaper that had been discarded, floating in the wind. When all of a sudden, we heard live music for the first time in months. Delicate tones Making new friends at coffee shop Social Eats

of a piano from someone’s flat window; it was a tiny moment that just summed up how much we adore live events, the talent and the people that it encompasses.

We speak often about how to remain positive, throughout all of this. How to view it as a fresh start, the slate wiped clean. The world, when it returns, will be what you make of it. There aren’t “front runners” as such anymore, it’s your time to shine and you can make it happen.

Whether it’s Nathan’s Art, our joint fundraising efforts, or Wayne’s positive energy to nursing, we are going to remain outside the box, loving what we do and do it as best we can.

So, we ask you, what have you

Trying out Pay It Forward (PIF) Lager in the name of research

learned about yourself in the past year? Have you used the time to learn a new skill? Return to that old hobby you missed because life was zooming by so fast? Or just simply took a breather? If you’ve continued to work full on or overcome the virus, what has it taught you? Do you appreciate something more?

On a hugely positive note, lots of new places around the city are managing to open! There’s a new coffee shop opening called Social Eats – we only whizzed by on one of our walks but managed to grab a coconut latte – delish!

The owners are extremely

“We’re all at the starting line of a new race”

Nathan’s new book

friendly and we can’t wait to return to stuff our faces with cake.

Also, Boomerang Cardiff have started a PIF (Pay It Forward) Lager, with proceeds going into the charity. It’s a unique idea and they’re on the scout for places to sell it, so be sure to get in touch and help them out! The work they do to help homelessness and poverty in the city is incredible.

On another positive note, Nathan has brought out a new book! To document the first 12 months of the pandemic, Nathan collected together all his artwork into a new book that reflects the times. It also shows the importance of creativity and art during these trying times. All proceeds go towards the Cardiff and Vale Health Charity and it’s available to purchase now on NathanWyburn./store.

Stay safe for now everyone, remember... we’re all at the starting line of a fresh new race.

Whether you walk it or sprint it... make it a good one.

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

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

SKIN TO SKIN

Former Cardiff High student Louise Kumar, has, with her business partner Carys Brandon, co-founded Her Muse, a business specialising in ethical luxury underwear and eco garments

H

er Muse is aimed at every woman who wants to wear luxury underwear but does not want to forgo comfort and sustainability,” says Louise, who grew up in Penylan. “In December, we had a sell-out launch with our debut Gaia Collection, in six nude colour ways, in sizes 6 to 18, and we have an exciting year ahead with scheduled releases of new designs and collections. Our new launch for 2021 is the Theia sweatshirt and joggers, the ultimate comfort and fashion statement in one.

“As business partners, we are complete opposites,” she adds. “Carys – an amazing and talented designer who has design experience in various brands such as River Island – is in her early 20s, and I am 48 and have grown very successful companies and start-ups from the ground up. We have differing opinions on about pretty much everything, but that’s what makes us challenge everything we do. The one thing we do agree on is body positivity and the right for all women to look and feel great! The next ambition for Her Muse is to showcase our products in boutiques in Cardiff.”

For more: www.hermuse.co.uk Co-founders Louise (left) and Carys

QUICKFIRE ROUND Tell us about a pinch-me moment you’ve had…

When actress Kylie Jefferson from Netflix’s Tiny Pretty Things modelled The Gaia Set. The shoot was in LA by renowned photographer Master Sterling.

Would you say ‘feel good and do good’ is at the core of the business?

Yes. We are a luxury brand with a conscience. As well as using recycled materials, we are passionate about supporting women’s charities such as

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

ActionAid who support women and girls living in poverty and violence.

How did you both meet?

Our partnership was one of chance.

We met through Carys’s fiancé.

He knew my background was in growing and scaling startups, so we arranged to meet. The passion and the designs Carys talked about sounded so exciting and I really fell in love with the idea. With Carys at the helm for the creative side of the business, and me handling the business side, it was clear that we could make this happen together.

SHOPPING The models featured are pictured wearing: the Gaia collection of underwear, made from a luxury blend of sustainable and recycled fibres, and the Theia collection of sweatshirts and joggers, made from brushed organic cotton

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

RAINBOW KITTEN STUDS, £8 Local makers Kelly and Zoey Allen create funky, colourful and rebellious vegan polymer clay jewellery.

From Kelzo Jewellery, Cathays; www.kelzojewellery.com

VIKITTIE BLOUSE, £40 You’ll definitely stand out and be spotted in this animal print number with its statement frilled collar.

From Box Edit Boutique, Goodsheds, Barry; www.boxeditboutique.co.uk

WILD SIDE

Here’s our selection of animal-themed picks from local shops and talented makers. Why not, April is National Pet Month after all…

RAINBOW BANDANA, FROM £3 Unusual, quirky, comfortable items for your furry friends – from bandanas and harnesses to beds and coats – designed and sewn by local maker Michela Bloomfield.

From Bloomfield Handmade, Penarth; www.Bloomfieldhandmade.etsy.com FLAMINGO TRAVEL COFFEE CUP, £15.99 That’s it, I’m putting my foot down, this double thickness aluminium cup, which will keep your beverages hot and cold, is just too fly.

From Nest, Rhiwbina; www.nestcardiff.co.uk

DOG AND CAT COLLARS AND BOW TIES, FROM £7 For a smart occasion, a flamingo bow tie or a marbled collar with rose gold trim just seem right.

From Katt and Hound, based in Cardiff; www.kattandhound.com

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

CROCODILE PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT, FROM £8 Oh snap! Striking travel and nature photography by Kat Shelley.

Twenty per cent of profits go to Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff.

From kshelley photography, Cardiff; www.kshelleyphotography.com

ED’S CHOICE FAUX TAXIDERMY HEADS, FROM £195 From a couple of designer-makers, Katherine and Jon Grundon, who met while working in the TV and film industry, come realistic faux taxidermy heads – from zoo animals to unicorns. Commissions are available too.

From Broken Hare, Cardiff; www.brokenhare.co.uk

© @FRESHFACEDMEDIA

GREEN SHIELD BUG CARD, £15 FOR A PACK OF 5 Part of a selection of five beautifully drawn and detailed insect drawings and prints, available as a pack of five greetings cards.

From Canton-based artist Katherine Jones; www.katherinemgjones.com

ELEPHANT STUDS, £18 These sterling silver elephant earrings are up to the tusk of making your ears look beautiful.

From Danzii Jewellery, Barry; www.DanziiJewellery.etsy.com

CUSTOM PET PORTRAIT, FROM £29 Give your pet the royal recognition they deserve in a custom renaissance painting, designed in house by Cardiff artist Laura Hickman Sell.

From Cynefn; www.cynefn.com

SYMUD BAG FOR DOG WALKERS, £62 Complete with a poo bag pouch, a treat pocket, and all-over water resistance, this is an ideal bumbag for avid dog walkers.

From Ridgebag, Kingston Road, Cardiff; www.ridgebag.co.uk

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

FOOD & DRINK SNAPSHOTS OF CARDIFF’S FOOD SCENE

TASTY BITES

A handful of juicy food news morsels for you to chew on These eco coasters, made of used coffee grounds, are £8 a pair

COMING SOON The Med – formerly The Mediterranean Grazing Company – will soon be opening a unit in Cardiff (details TBC) due to demand, but until then will still be serving deliciousness to Cardiff and the Vale via their online platforms. The business specialises in grazing boxes, boards, platters and tables made up of locally sourced Welsh produce, and caters for weddings, events and collaborations.

Can’t wait to see them in the city soon! @themediterraneangrazingcompany

FOOD AND FLICKS

BREWTIFUL DESIGNS

Grounds for Good, a social enterprise which collects used coffee grounds from Cardiff cafés and repurposes them into lifestyle items, has released its newest launch.

“Our new product is multi functional,” says Rosie Oretti who co-runs Grounds for Good with Amy Adams. “They are hexagonal trays which can be used as coasters, trinket dishes, plant pot stands – whatever you want. They are handmade, by us, from reused coffee grounds in an eco-friendly composite, which gives them a terrazzo-like finish, perfectly imperfect like natural stone.” www.groundsforgood.co.uk

How’s that for a spread?

The Film & Food Fest 2021, a first-of-itskind touring, open-air film festival, is visiting 15 UK cities this summer, including Cardiff.

Taking place over four days in each location, the festival will show: movies from local independent filmmakers; family favourites; cult classics; modern blockbusters; live comedy; and there’ll be street food from local traders and a dedicated bar.

The festival comes to Cardiff’s Bute Park on 17 – 20 June. www.filmandfoodfest.com

The festival will feature cinema, street food and live comedy

OH CRUMBS There’s a new hospitality conference in April – and Cardiff Life is part of it.

Called the Crumbs Takeaway, this free event aims to provide practical advice for hospitality companies as they re-emerge to full trading, and to give inspiration along the way. There’s also a special Cardiff Life section highlighting the good that food and drinks companies have done during the pandemic.

It runs on 19 April; sponsorships are available, contact: nell.robins@mediaclash.co.uk. www.crumbsmag.com

Shaking things up with a Key West Cooler

Crumbs Takeaway will see cafés, restaurants and bars in Cardiff come together

ONE TO TRY

The Deck Penarth has launched takeaway, ready-mixed cocktails to enjoy at home, from porn star martinis to negronis and strawberry mojitos. Yes please. www.thedeckpenarth.co.uk

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

PRESENTS

ITY CO

HOSPITAL

IL 2021

19 APR : E C N E R E NF

For sponsorship enquiries: neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk

@CrumbsMag

@crumbsmag

FOOD & DRINK

Nothing makes these chefs happier than doing what they love; right: Dani Ebrahim, from Iran, says sharing his family recipes with Cardiff is his way of saying, “thank you for welcoming me”

COMMUNITY CAFÉ Refugees and chefs from Oasis Cardiff are bringing the community together through worldwide cuisine at a café in Pontcanna Photography by Tess Seymour

The menu showcases recipes from seven different countries

l – r: Matt Davenport,

Dani Ebrahim, Patrick Nevins, Kemi Nevins, and Hafiz Harun will all be getting stuck in

For refugees living in Wales, cooking has become a way of expressing themselves and sharing their stories with others. A new pop-up takeaway café in Pontcanna is giving them the chance to bring the community together through their homemade recipes.

The project, ‘The Plate’, organised by charity Oasis Cardiff, trains refugees and asylum seekers in culinary skills and gives them the real-life experience needed to move into a job in hospitality and catering once they receive refugee status. Many have gone on to become employees at Oasis Cardiff or work in kitchens across the city.

Led by chef Matt Davenport, the team have built their skills in the kitchen through developing and cooking recipes for multiple events in Cardiff and are now ready to work within a live café setting, at Kemi’s Pontcanna.

The menu displays recipes from seven different countries, each of which have been passed down through multiple generations and brought to Cardiff, such as an Iranian classic, Kookoo Sabzi; North African breakfast, Shakshuka; and Gambian porridge.

“When I’m cooking, nothing else matters and my mind is completely free,” says Dani Ebrahim who grew up in Iran and arrived in Cardiff in 2019 where he became involved with Oasis Cardiff. “It’s an honour to get to share some of the recipes that have been passed through my family, here in Cardiff. It’s my way of saying thank you for welcoming me here.”

Kemi Nevins, the owner of Kemi’s Pontcanna says, “The menu is full of unique flavours and I think people will be amazed by what these guys have put together.”

The team will take over the café for six months, having started on 23 March, every Tuesday and Wednesday, and money raised from the project will be put back into the organisation, contributing towards further help, activities and regular training for refugees and asylum seekers who have expressed an interest in cooking and catering.

For more: www.oasiscardiff.org

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

TALKING SHOP

MR SPICE GUY

When we have thyme, we like to browse this sup-herb range, we don’t need any encourage-mint. Sorry, we’ll stop now

In our regular Talking Shop feature, we visit local businesses that add colour and creativity to our city. Here, we visit Spice of Life in Roath Words and photography by Sin Mei Lam

P

ainted in green with bright red writing, you cannot miss the Spice of Life on Inverness Place. The products sold at this wholefood store truly resonate with the shop’s chosen shades – the colours of life!

The small shop floor sells hundreds of herbs and spices – from the everyday types, such as basil and chilli, to more exotic varieties like catnip or vanilla pods straight from Indonesia. The dynamic range of ingredients here is astounding, and ranges from brewer’s yeast and nettle tea to spirulina and valerian root, and the smell, well, you can imagine.

You can also find a full range of wholefoods at the family-owned business, such as nuts, oats and dried fruits, as well as Asian cooking sauces, vegetarian alternatives, local fresh produce, healthy sweet treats, and eco-friendly cleaning and laundry essentials.

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

The owners, Helen and Gareth, have run Spice of Life for 40 years. They started the shop in 1980 as a tearoom-meets-wholefoodstore and a year later they decided to focus their business as a wholefood retailer.

“We are what the Americans would call a ‘Mom and Pop’ store,” says Gareth. “We don’t have a team of designers, accountants or an IT department. It’s just us.”

He says that his sales have increased during the lockdown restrictions this year as customers are less willing to take the risk to go to big supermarkets and also more people are deciding to shop locally, and online. With the wide range of cooking essentials and ingredients available at Spice of Life, it really is a chefʼs utopia.

Being on Inverness Place for four decades, Gareth has seen a lot of changes in the area.

There used to be several butchers along Albany Road in the 1980s but all of them have now closed down; in fact, many of the shops on

Albany Road and the surrounding side streets in the 80s were independently owned.

Parking on Inverness Place is limited. If you can’t walk or cycle there, you can find the odd non-residential parking bays dotted around or designated parking spaces on Albany Road. However, it is only a short walk away from Roath Park and the local shopping and restaurant area, Wellfield Road. Why not make a day of it, supporting some of the local businesses and getting your 10,000 steps in?!

The Spice of Life is an enchanting store that provides simple yet wholesome essentials for our daily lives. Our support of local shopping outlets seems to have increased during the pandemic and I just hope we can continue this support when life returns to some kind of normality. We need to ensure the legacy of these unique and independently owned businesses for years to come.

With thanks to Cardiff-based photographer and blogger Sin Mei Lam; www.cardifflocal.co; @cardifflocal

You can trust Gareth to spice up your life

“We are what the Americans would call a ‘Mom and Pop’ store”

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LOOK, it's a zip wire!

As well as getting a new velodrome, the Sports Village could be encircled by a cycling, running and rollerblade circuit

GOOD SPORT

A new masterplan to complete the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay has been revealed.

The site, which is currently home to the Cardiff International White Water Rafting Centre, the Ice Arena Wales and the International Swimming Pool, could soon host a number of new sporting facilities. As well as becoming home to the city's new velodrome, the entire Village could be encircled by a one-kilometre long, six-metre wide, road-cycling, running and scooter/rollerblade circuit. This track would be separated from pedestrian and vehicle traffic and would also be free to use for the general public at specified times.

“The council started the regeneration of this land in the Bay in 1999,” says Cllr Russell Goodway. “It has proven to be a complex, longterm project. However, these new plans could see a velodrome opened by 2022 and a raft of exciting new sports attractions delivered to complete the attraction, bringing an exciting new space to Cardiff for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

For more: www..cardiff.gov.uk

AT A GLANCE

New proposed additions to the International Sports Village include: • A 333m velodrome with clubhouse and stand • A 1km closed-loop circuit, for cycling, running and scooters/rollerblading • A zip wire tower • Food, drink and retail opportunities • A large format bicycle shop • Space to attract new adventure sport and leisure attractions

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

OFF THE WALL Here we highlight the work of two incredible local talents who both create astonishing, one-of-a-kind wall designs

By Lisa Evans

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alls. Sounds like a boring topic, doesn’t it? But not when you throw two insanely talented surface designers into the mix. Here we take a look at the work of Vale Venetian in Barry, an industry leader in Wales, creating distinctive and impactful spaces; and the work of J. D. Pepp, which creates collagestyle wallpapers out of thousands of hand-cut magazine snippets...

From high-gloss marble polished plaster to distressed rust and concrete, Vale Venetian’s surfaces are anything but conventional

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

“The finishes include everything from liquid metal embedded with jewels, to gold-flecked plaster”

INTERIORS

© GABBI JACKSON

Stephen (pictured) has a simple ethos: beautiful environments make happier, more contented human beings. That’s why he loves creating unique surface transformations like these, featuring intricate patterns, curious texture combinatons, and hidden treasures

VALE VENETIAN

Stephen Forbes-Simpson is a man who turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. His company, Vale Venetian, based in Barry, specialises in incredibly intricate and unusual surface design, and the outcomes are, quite literally, one of a kind. The finishes include everything from liquid metal embedded with jewels, and weather-beaten bronze patinas, to gold-flecked textured plaster, and broken travertine with copper inlays. What you see when you look at the details is quite spectacular.

“We are artisan plasterers who bring a fresh approach to interior and exterior finishes,” says Stephen. “We are passionate about creating beautiful and unique walls and floors using only the finest materials, and we’re the industry leaders for surface design in Wales.

“Our finishes vary from high-gloss marble polished plaster to distressed rust and concrete, and pretty much everything in between.

We are passionate about what we do and we feel privileged to be at the forefront of this growing industry and we feel honoured that our clients choose us to work in their beautiful homes and businesses.

“Our prices start at £90m2 which we think is competitive when compared to tilling for instance.

“We love introducing clients to a new way of surface design; creating spaces that give impact, ambience and atmosphere. We have a simple ethos, based in the belief that innovative, thoughtful design in our immediate surroundings can improve our experience of our living and working environments. Beautiful environments make happier, more contented human beings. It’s simple and straightforward but the effects can be transformative.” www.valevenetian.com

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

INTERIORS

J. D. PEPP

Hour upon hour, day after day, Jade Peplar sits at her living room desk meticulously cutting up pages of glossy magazines, just like she used to do as a little girl, and uses the colourful fragments to create botanical, collage-style motifs for wallpaper, prints and posters.

“I made my first magazine collage back in junior school, a silver Mazda driving out of a neon pink flower,” says Jade, whose business, J. D. Pepp, is based in Pontprennau. “I went on to do a degree in prop making, creating props and sets for film, theatre and TV, but I became increasingly frustrated by the toxic materials, and I grew tired of working to other designers’ ideas.

“Enter version 2.0 of recycled magazine collage! It’s cheap and so plentiful that I didn’t feel pressure to create perfect masterpieces every single time. I found myself stashing away various snippets and tear-outs of my magazine subscriptions to use ‘for something’ in the future. I organised them into colour groups and eventually had an accordion binder colour palette.

“I could create the artwork in watercolour, gouache, or digitally, but I find that I happen upon interesting details and colour pairings using collage. I also hope it serves as a reminder of what can be created out of what is effectively rubbish! If someone were to look at one of my original artworks or wallpapers, knowing it was made out of waste paper, hopefully they could look at some other waste product with the mind to recycle, reuse or reinterpret.

“My process has now become considerably more refined as I use the medium in a fresh, painterly way, paying close attention to colour, silhouette and intricate details.” www.jdpepp.com

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

After methodically cutting up pages of glossy magazines, Jade (left) uses the colourful fragments to create collage-style motifs for wallpaper and artwork. We love the tulip wallpaper above, created from one of Jade’s original artworks; prices start at £160 for a 10m roll

“I hope it serves as a reminder of what can be created out of what is effectively rubbish”

If you look a little closer at Jade’s magazine collages, you’ll always see some details of what the image was before, such as the hand in the centre of this Orange Peony print

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

DARK ‘N’ DREAMY Deep, dark sophistication is a key look for kitchens right now, and we can’t get enough of it

By Lisa Evans

Blakeney Oak Flooring, from Broadleaf Timber, Cowbridge

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

INTERIORS

F

or a while now we’ve been seeing kitchens move to the dark side with luxe, saturated schemes and striking inky hues beckoning us in. While in the past bright, white and clean has reigned supreme, there has been a strong gravitation to intense, dramatic hues, which have captivated and converted many.

It’s a sexy, rich, sophisticated look, and while a room doused in midnight shadows may seem a little daunting, used in the right way this palette may just be the most comforting, cocooning trend yet.

Moody doesn’t always mean only black, there are so many colourways to go for – from dark grey, emerald green and deep-water blue, to opulent burgundy and sumptuous wine shades. You may just want to add one or two dark features, or you could brave it and transform the entire room. Here’s what a handful of local design experts think…

KUTCHENHAUS

Thales Aqueous wallpaper, from Graham & Brown, available at W J Gardner, Cardiff

Queens Arcade, Cardiff “We think that 2021 interiors will be dark and dramatic,” says Shahab Bari, director at Kutchenhaus Cardiff, which specialises in bespoke German engineering, in Queens Arcade. “Think deep walnut, black concrete and graphite finishes. Definitely a year to go bold and try something new!” www.kutchenhaus.co.uk

Raven Oak Flooring, from Broadleaf Timber, Cowbridge

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 45

“It’s a sexy, rich, sophisticated look, and, used in the right way, this palette may just be the most comforting, cocooning trend yet”

LEEKES

Llantrisant “Blue is big this year,” says Jo Littlejohn, director of buying at Leekes.

“We have seen sales increase dramatically on blue kitchens and we see this continuing for a while. Blue also looks great with brass and gold accents. You can purchase everything you need for your new kitchen at Leekes; the kitchen and appliances along with cookware and lighting and other accessories.” www.leekes.co.uk

LUXURY FOR LIVING

Pontcanna “Darker tones are becoming more liveable, luxe and inviting,” says Richard Anthony, founder of Luxury for Living. “Marble worktops with their naturally strong veining offers you that next level style; combining this with metal or wood adds a real statement. In the last few years we’ve seen blues being really popular and now we seem to be moving towards a more Scandinavian country feel with sage greens and warm woods. The end result is finding that balance between maximalist and minimalist style within your design.” www.luxuryforliving.co.uk

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

top: On trend indigo kitchen, from Luxury for Living, in Pontcanna; above: In-Frame

Slab kitchen combining dusty rose and graphite tones, from Luxury for Living

INTERIORS

above: Dramatic design by Kutchenhaus, in Queens Arcade; right: Deluxe walk-through pantry,

by Chalkhouse Kitchens, Cardiff

CHALKHOUSE KITCHENS

Bessemer Close, Cardiff “Having spent so much time indoors recently, staring at those same boring four walls, many have realised that having a feeling of space in your home, no matter how tiny it is in reality, is vital,” says Ceri Hill, design director at Chalkhouse Kitchens. “After a miserable year with no social life, no holidays, no updated wardrobe, now is the time to splurge on something, to treat yourself. Splash that money that has been building up in the bank account and plan the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. Moody, shadowy kitchens are very much a key trend, but you can vary it with accents such as pale wood, cool marble or hints of blue and green.” www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

BROADLEAF TIMBER

Eastgate, Cowbridge “Darker, more dramatic wood flooring is definitely popular at the moment in line with bolder trends in colour and textiles as people look to make their interiors less neutral and more individual, having spent so much time in them recently,” says Vanessa Garrett, founding director of Broadleaf Timber. “We think this trend will continue, and that we will see more creative use of wood flooring, mixing colours and patterns, and using wood on walls as well floors. The most OTT request we’ve ever had was a black and white chevron floor for a modern day ballroom in London.” www.broadleaftimber.com

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

RESIDENCE

“We have to pinch ourselves and remind ourselves what we have achieved” 48 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPONSORED BY

WESTCROSS HOUSE After an intense three-year makeover of a Victorian property in need of some serious TLC, Westcross House has become the head-turner of Penarth town centre

By Lisa Evans Property photographs by Gareth Blunt from South Wales Property Photography

W

hen you think of a Victorian property, do you think of a hot tub, a garden lodge, a bar and a swanky gym? No, neither do we, but husband and wife Jason and Helen Korinek have transformed a six-bed property – a key historical building, once home to the author and former advisor to Margaret Thatcher, the Right Honourable Lord Michael Dobbs – over a three year period into a fresh-as-can-be jaw-dropper within the Penarth Conservation Area.

What did Westcross house look like the day you moved in?

Westcross House in all its glory, plus the exquisite garden lodge, and the garden which has been beautified by RHS gold-medal-winning landscape architects Victoria and Joe Wade

We moved in in March 2018. The house was built in around 1885, and we were very lucky to have many of the original Victorian features intact, including the floorboards, the black and white ceramic floor, cornices, decorative woodwork and fire surrounds, including its colourful tiles.

The outside of the property has gorgeous Bath Stone but back in 2018 it was dirty and in need of some serious repairs. The roof and guttering needed replacing, all the sash windows needed repairing as many could not be operated, and the majority of stained-glass panels needed to be removed and reinstated. Internally, many of the period features needed rapairs, and the décor was very dated but we could see the potential.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 49

RESIDENCE What was your vision for the house?

We wanted to create a wonderful family home, with space to accommodate our extended family who are scattered across the UK. With just under 5000 sq ft, it fitted the bill.

Our vision was ‘modern Victorian’; we wanted to sympathetically restore the house and add our own contemporary stamp. We knew that this was a house where we could create this magic, however we did underestimate the time, energy and expense involved.

How did you know what to do and where exactly to start with the renovation?

We were renovation babies. We had very little knowledge and relied upon research and talking to people that had been there, done it and were willing to share their experience. Project management is what we are good at – something that is vital when undergoing a project of this scale. We spent hours looking at products and finding out more about processes, even before we got the keys!

Could you take us room by room to let us know what you did?

We started with work to the façade of the house, and then, inside, we removed the carpets to expose the original floorboards, and the curtains were replaced with shutters. We used Farrow & Ball Heritage colours on the walls and installed traditional cast iron radiators.

We installed a new kitchen, a bar (we call this the music room), a gym and wine cellar before moving outside where we built a lodge and had the garden beautified by RHS gold-medal-winning landscape architects Victoria and Joe Wade who were instructed to come up with a contemporary design for the garden incorporating red cedar, a frameless glass balustrade boundary wall, a green roof and wall, and a wood-fired Scandinavian hot tub.

What is your favourite room and what special features stand out?

Our favourite is the kitchen/diner with its huge three-metre island; we are all foodies and our daughter enjoys cooking, so to see her enjoying this room puts a massive smile on our faces. By the way, a Dekton Worktop is the way forward; it is very expensive but you can’t mark it and comes with a 25-year warranty.

We also love the original lamp light on the staircase newel post; we have been told that this is a very rare find.

Many of the original Victorian features in the house, including the floorboards and cornices are still intact and have been sympathetically restored

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

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: An open and airy dining space in

the garden lodge; a wood-fired Scandinavian hot tub; a fully equipped gym; the striking bathroom with rolltop tub; home owners Helen and Jason; one of the six bedrooms; the incredible wine cellar

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RESIDENCE Biggest challenges and rewards?

The most challenging part was living in the house when we had so many contractors here. I remember one day making cups of tea and coffee for 28 people. Getting to enjoy the house more and more as each new room was finished was amazing.

What local businesses did you use/visit?

Abode Shutters in Penarth measured, supplied and installed all the shutters and blinds; they’re the most amazing business with great staff, a really professional service and a very high-end product. Our log burners were installed by Topstak from Cowbridge; and we found some one-of-a-kind soft furnishings at Jewells in Penarth.

The Scandi-style kitchen is complete with a three-metre island as its focal point

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

What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about your home?

The other day a passer-by stopped and gazed for a while at the external of the house and said, “Your house should be in one of those glossy period home magazines for everyone to be able to appreciate, it’s beautiful”. We have to pinch ourselves every now and again and remind ourselves what we have achieved! www.westcrosshouse.co.uk

Got an amazing local home?

Want it to feature in Residence?

Contact lisa.evans@mediaclash.co.uk

“We knew that this was a house where we could create magic”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Power of a Girls Only Education At Cardiff’s HOWELL’S SCHOOL, Llandaff GDST, girls thrive in a girls-only environment that encourages debate, resilience and persistence.

W

ould your daughter thrive in a school where she is free to be herself?

A place where she is encouraged to believe that nothing is out of reach? Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST has been teaching Cardiff’s daughters to learn without limits for 160 years.

A Howell’s girl is free to be ambitious, to be competitive, to be creative; to be a sports captain or a scientist, a poet or an engineer.

Howell’s girls mature into young adults in a culture free from gender bias, encouraging them to believe that nothing is beyond consideration.

All this develops a self-confidence and resilience that stays with them throughout their lives. Research currently shows that girls’ confidence starts to decline at the age of 8, and it only improves from the age of 80.

Howell’s instills in girls the confidence they need for a successful future, and their teachers delight in watching them grow to become more assertive and willing to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks.

At Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST, girls thrive from the age 3 in a single-sex

environment where academic achievements are always celebrated, and these go hand-inhand with co-curricular activities that inspire and challenge them. From playing chess to performing in a rock band, debating current affairs to playing cricket, everyone at Howell’s believes that education doesn’t stop when the bell rings at the end of the school day.

“HOWELL’S INSTILLS IN GIRLS THE CONFIDENCE THEY NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.” The school’s founder, Thomas Howell, wanted to create greater opportunities for young women, and Howell’s School has been changing lives since it opened its doors in 1860. His generosity gave many young women access to an education that would elevate and inspire them, and in 2021 Howell’s still creates opportunities for students from all backgrounds. The GDST Bursary Fund provides assistance to enable students whose parents could not otherwise afford the fees to

enter the school in Year 7 and Year 12.

Last summer, 60% of all GCSE grades were at A* or level 9-8, and 82% were at A*-A or level 9-7. Truly exceptional results in exceptional times.

The five-acre site has an incredible feeling of space for a city centre school, with significant green space, a swimming pool and sports complex with modern pavilion and floodlit, allweather pitches. A fleet of school mini buses brings in students from Cowbridge, Penarth, Newport and across Cardiff.

To discover what makes Howell’s School so special, contact Admissions Officer Chrissie Hall-Davis on 029 2056 2019 or visit www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net. n

Cardiff Road, Cardiff, CF5 2YD; 029 2056 2019; mail@how.gdst.net; www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

It’s the city’s business

CARDIFFWORKS

Paul Hornblow (right) and Shaun Preece of Watches of Wales, the first in the world to accept a specific form of cryptocurrency payment

Ahead of the times

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atches of Wales, in Cardiff’s Morgan Arcade, has become the first company in the world to use a payment technology which allows customers to purchase goods with cryptocurrency.

The family-owned business, founded by Paul Hornblow, is a leading name in luxury watches – such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Panerai and Cartier – both in Wales and around the globe.

Partly in response to the pandemic but also due to a desire to move with the times, Watches of Wales has become the first company on the Shopify platform to use the Utrust payment technology which allows customers to purchase goods with cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

“We are a proud Welsh company and equally proud of the fact we are the first company not only in Wales, but the world, to use this form of cryptocurrency payment,” says Paul, whose business has an annual turnover of nearly £7

million. “We have been focused on providing customers with a VIP experience since we started this business over seven years ago. What better way to start accepting digital currencies than with a customised experience created by the best in the business? We want to move with the times. We have a client base from around the world who are already flocking to digital currencies.

“The price of Bitcoin has risen by 500 per cent in the last year. At the moment, it is trading at roughly £40,000 and you’ve seen huge companies such as Tesla already accept it as payment. This is the future for online retailers, especially after a year when many companies have had to close down their high street stores and move online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“WE ARE THE FIRST COMPANY IN THE WORLD TO USE THIS FORM OF CRYPTOCURRENCY”

“We have already had customers paying for our products with cryptocurrency, which shows we are right to head in this direction. I can only see it growing in the next few years.”

Previous forms of cryptocurrency payment technology have allowed customers to use the likes of Bitcoin, but they have also meant the business has had to convert that to hard cash, which can be a costly process. The new Shopify and Utrust partnership instantly converts cryptocurrency into money for the business. Online payment system Shopify has processed over $100billion worldwide. Now its partnership with Utrust has opened up a new cryptocurrency market.

Utrust chief executive Sanja Kon says, “We are entering a huge market and we are doing it with a new programme that adds value for merchants and for customers. Our first merchant to deploy this solution, Watches of Wales, is a perfect example of how we can help any kind of business, regardless of their specificity.”

For more: watchesofwales.co.uk

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CARDIFFWORKS

Ex-Wales rugby star Peter Rogers has swapped scrums for a caring career. The former prop forward has become one of the country’s oldest apprentices as he uses the skills gained while playing international rugby union against the world’s best teams to guide his new career in health and social care.

Peter, who won 18 caps for Wales and played club rugby for London Irish, Newport, Cardiff and Roma, believes it’s an ideal career for ex-professional sportspeople to consider.

“For some people, it may not seem the most glamorous job in the world,” says Peter, who lives in Cardiff and is happy to be following in the footsteps of his father, Phillip, who was a social worker in Swansea. “But I would say that domiciliary health care is ideal for professional sportspeople who do not have a career to walk into when they retire.

“They both require a similar set of skills – discipline, teamwork, good communications, mental strength and the ability to deal with complex situations where you need support. Both careers are Peter is following in his dad’s footsteps very rewarding.”

For more: www.ntfw.org

PLAY FAIR

A new initiative to transform lanes and alleyways into fun, green and safe spaces for children to play, is being piloted in Grangetown, as of last month.

A joint partnership between Cardiff Council, Cardiff University and Grange Pavilion, the Safe Play Lanes Project aims to increase opportunities for children to play safely while promoting community cohesion and helping to reduce anti-social behaviours, such as fly-tipping.

“Ensuring children can access safe, fun spaces to play is essential and supports Cardiff’s commitment to becoming globally recognised by the UK Committee for UNICEF, as a Child-Friendly City,” says Cllr Sarah Merry.

For more: www.childfriendlycardiff.co.uk

EMERGENCY FUND A new emergency fund has been put in place to support Cardiff residents in crisis. The Together for Cardiff Discretionary Emergency Fund has immediately received a £10,000 boost, thanks to Cardiff-born international business leader Alan Peterson, as the Council seeks to provide help to some of the most vulnerable people in need across the city, who are experiencing hardship. The initiative is the Council’s latest response to the impact the pandemic is continuing to have on communities across the city.

To make a donation, visit: www.volunteercardiff.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

Did you see our live Cardiff Life Business Club on 16 March? It was a timely reflection on health and wellbeing in the city. We spoke with Sam Farnfield of Cardiff Pedal Power; Owen Phillips of Operation Fitness; and Sam Escofet and Amy Rasbuary of Escofit.

We discussed what has been learned from this crazy year: what has changed in health and wellbeing – for the companies in the sector; for businesses with their teams; and for people in Cardiff?

See it on our YouTube channel if you missed it.

For more; www.mediaclash.co.uk Tune into our next Cardiff Life Business Club, on New Businesses, on 13 April. It’ll be a great opportunity to highlight interesting new ventures and explore their thinking.

Talk to us if that’s you or one of your clients.

It’s vital to us to support new businesses.

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

Play lanes for children are being trialled in Grangetown

Thank you to our guest speakers at our health and wellbeing business club: Owen Phillips of Operation Fitness (left) and Sam Escofet and Amy Rasbuary of Escofit (below)

© HESTER BUCK

GREAT SWAP!

BITESIZE BITS

Steph Dodd

ONE OF OUR OWN

Our very own Steph Dodd has been appointed managing director of leading magazine and events company MediaClash. www.mediaclash.co.uk

GOOD AS NEW

Cardiff-based law firm, Robertsons Solicitors has opened a new satellite office on St Nicholas Road in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. www.robsols.co.uk

THAT’LL TEACH YOU

Cardiff University is providing an exciting range of adult courses this summer, in lively interactive online classrooms, to help you explore languages, cultures, science, business, literature and landscapes. www.cardiff.ac.uk

The eco mat is made from surplus cork from wine distilleries

WELCOME MAT Cardiff’s Kylie Jonkman, founder of ZenTribe, has launched a new sustainable yoga mat, crafted from recycled plastics and cork. Kylie also works with the local community to help plant trees with every yoga mat sold, by donating £5 of each sale directly to chosen charity Stump Up for Trees.

“We all have the power to make a positive difference and impact with every choice we make,” she says, “which is why ZenTribe is on a mission to reduce landfill waste and plastic flooding our oceans, allowing both comfort and

peace of mind during yoga practice.”

The mat is made from surplus cork from wine distilleries, the benefits being: it’s recyclable and also contains antibacterial and self-cleaning properties, combating any odours or sweat. The cork is combined with plastic leftovers from sport industries, which, by upcycling into the yoga mat, reduces the gallons of oil to reproduce new plastics and reduces carbon emissions.

For more: www.zentribeuk.com

Phones are being provided to ‘digitally excluded’ Cardiffians

BRING IT HOME

Youth Hostels Association (YHA), a youth charity in Wales and England, is to begin its search for a new five-star home in Cardiff, following the agreement to transfer ownership of its East Tyndall Street youth hostel to the city council. www.yha.org.uk

FOR THE FUND OF IT

Fio, a Cardiff-based theatre company, have announced the receipt of a threeyear funding commitment from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Following the departure of their founding artistic director, Abdul Shayek, last year, Fio has continued to engage with vulnerable communities throughout the pandemic.

Thanks to the support of the Foundation, Fio will now be able to recruit a new artistic director imminently. www.wearefio.co.uk

FRESH START

One of the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers, Towergate Insurance Brokers, in Cardiff, has welcomed six new starters to their Welsh team: Martin Jones, Simon Peasley, Dean Barker, Brendan Hopkins, Jamie Chambers and James Davies. Congrats! www.towergateinsurance.co.uk

COMMUNITY CALLING A local device donation drive is providing a lifeline to the ‘digitally excluded’ in South Wales.

The new initiative, which launched in March, offers devices and free connectivity to people in Cardiff and Swansea so that they can stay connected to loved ones and support services.

Housing Association Hafod and Swansea Council for Voluntary Services (SCVS) are aiming to distribute 1,500 smartphones and tablets to individuals without digital access, as part of the Community Calling campaign, set up and run by O2 and environmental charity Hubbub.

With over 400,000 people facing digital exclusion in Wales, Community Calling provides internet access to those who need it most.

“Connectivity has been vital to keeping the country running during the pandemic,” says Mark Evans, chief executive of O2. “But if you’re unable to get online you’re likely to miss out on a lot of support. We’ve already seen the positive impact Community Calling has had on vulnerable people in London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol, so we’re pleased to announce this expansion to Wales.”

For more: www.hubbub.org.uk

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GET TO KNOW THE MAN BEHIND THE TIE… “I keep myself occupied outside of work which involves me saying ‘yes’ to a lot of things!” says Chris.

“If something sounds fun and interesting, I’ll put my name down for it. If you blinked, you might have missed me as a supporting artist on a number of television shows which have included Doctor Who, Casualty and Gavin & Stacey. I also often do charity work which has included me skydiving for The Autism Directory (which I ‘m a trustee of). I have also volunteered for many years with Samaritans and became the Wales regional selection manager.”

BIZ Q&A

Chris Barber

Chris Barber, director at Robertsons Solicitors in Park Place, Cardiff, on supporting the local community, and the memorable moments from his career so far Sum your job up in a nutshell…

I’m director at Robertsons Solicitors, dealing with litigation, family law, employment and mediation. We are a full-service leading law firm based in Cardiff.

Tell us a little more about the company – what exactly is its background?

We’ve served the Cardiff community for over 100 years. As many law firms do, we’ve gone through a small number of mergers since our inception, the last being in 1985 when we merged with Paddison Wigley in Barry.

When did it all begin?

We were established in 1903 in the docklands area of Cardiff. Our firm is as old as Cardiff City Hall – which is just a stone’s throw from the Park Place offices that we moved to in 1988.

How does being based locally benefit the work you do?

Sometimes, it doesn’t make any difference at all. We are able to work remotely which allows us to provide a first-class service regardless of where our clients are – something that has been invaluable during lockdown.

There are instances, however, where being local does have its uses. Take residential conveyancing for example, or site development; local knowledge of the area, planning nuances and so on can often help us anticipate and plan for possible obstacles.

Does your role bring many positive experiences?

Working in family law means that I meet clients who are facing a difficult time and emotions are running high. It could be a separation from a relationship or difficulties in seeing their children. Matters have to be dealt with sensitively and it is important to get the right outcome as it affects the immediate future of the client and/or their children. More recently I was able

BUSINESS CLUB

to help a father get contact with his children who he had not seen for a few years. That was a good feeling!

How might you describe your key clientele?

Our clients are predominantly Cardiff or South Wales based. But the similarities stop there. We all need Wills, to buy and sell houses, and struggle with neighbour or family disputes regardless of who we are.

We take pride in representing people from all walks of life, from the anonymous, to those with a public profile and high net worth.

We also work on behalf of businesses in employment matters and with local authorities in matters involving children.

Does your company have a particular mantra?

We work to the values of service, expertise and community. We aim to provide a first-class service with

an unrivalled breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise to the community we serve. We also think it’s important to support our local community. Our staff work as trustees on a number of charities, support Cardiff Women’s Aid and, as a firm, we proudly support local arts venues, most recently Chapter Arts Centre in Canton.

Best tools for growth?

Investing in good people is definitely something that we’ve been able to attribute our business’s growth to, as well as an investment in traditional and digital marketing.

Any moment you’ve been particularly proud of?

I’m proud of how we have coped as a business over the year last year of the pandemic. It was completely unknown as to what was going to happen when we had to shut the doors to the public last March. However, because we have excellent staff, we were able to adapt and continue serving our clients (and receive new clients) with little difficulty.

For more: Robertsons Solicitors, 6 Park Place, Cardiff; www.robsols.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 MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 117

CARDIFFWORKS

Manon Rees-O’Brien (right) with one of the board members at the time

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2020 TAFWYL

Welsh language festival Tafwyl won the Event category at the Cardiff Life Awards 2020. Here we chat with Manon Rees-O’Brien, CEO of Menter Caerdydd, the charity behind the festival What a backdrop

You won, congratulations! Talk us through the reaction to winning…

EVENT WINNER

What prompted you to enter?

culture of Wales. It was established in 2006 as part of the core work of Menter Caerdydd – a charity that promotes and extends the social use of the Welsh language in Cardiff.

We deliver and promote all kinds of Welsh language social opportunities, from dance, drama and yoga clubs for children, to buggyfit for parents and toddlers, various music and craft workshops for young people, and lectures, ukulele, fitness and craft opportunities for adults.

We really couldn’t believe it! We’re so lucky to be in such good company in Cardiff, with some fantastic events happening here. Having local inspiration is critical to keep us pushing the boundaries and evolve Tafwyl each year.

The notification about the Awards landed in my inbox at a time when we were gearing up for Tafwyl 2020.

I thought that we should be proud of the festival we put on each year, and that we should try to celebrate that a bit more publicly.

Tell us a little about Tafwyl...

It’s an annual festival to celebrate the Welsh language and the arts and

What are the highs and the lows you’ve experienced?

One of the lows was at the beginning of the pandemic and having to

“TAFWYL REACHED AN AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 25,000 WORLDWIDE, ALL LIVESTREAMED FROM CARDIFF CASTLE”

make the decision to cancel Tafwyl 2020 – which we planned to be the most ambitious Tafwyl to date. After a few weeks of licking our wounds, we started to question if there was something we could do to help the sector. Was there a different type of Tafwyl we could deliver, something that would offer a platform for our talented Welsh artists, an afternoon of escapism and one where we could all forget about the pandemic for a few hours?

Our funders liked this concept and gave us the flexibility and freedom to develop a ground-breaking digital festival. Livestreaming new content with Tafwyl Digidol (digital Tafwyl) from Cardiff Castle into the homes of our audience, not only in Cardiff but across the globe, was a real high. With an audience of more than 25,000 tuning in worldwide (we picked up viewers from the USA, Australia and

China) to enjoy live music, literature and entertainment, this was such a huge buzz.

Does the festival have a mantra?

Our aim is to be a diverse and inclusive festival celebrating the Welsh language, arts and culture – with the goals of raising the profile of the Welsh language in Cardiff, strengthening the position of the Welsh language in the community and introducing the language and culture to a new and wider audience.

Your plans for Tafwyl 2021?

We hope to be in a position to share some exciting news about Tafwyl 2021 in the next few weeks. At the time of writing, we have 50 days to go until we’re back in Cardiff Castle!

For more: www.tafwyl.org

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

CARDIFFWORKS

© STUDIO 87

“ARE YOU A PROUD CARDIFF BUSINESS? GET INVOLVED!”

© STUDIO 87

Sponsors gain close association with the most prestigious event in Cardiff

Win and bring that Award back home!

It’s completely free to nominate your company or organisation, and you can enter as many categories as are relevant

TESTIMONIAL

“We’d like to thank Cardiff Life for all you’ve done to support us and the entire team for an amazing event this year. We were humbled and honoured to win an award, it really helps us with our business profile and all the great work we do.”

Nick Corrigan Media Academy Cardiff

Calling Cardiff businesses!

Enter and share your achievement

Nominations are in full flow for the Cardiff Life Awards and following a memorable event last time, organisers are anticipating many members of the Cardiff business community putting themselves forward for the chance to win in this year of grand rejuvenation

T

raditionally, the prestigious Awards have sold out many weeks in advance, with hundreds of attendees and dozens on the waiting list. Businesses bring their best case forward for an Award if they wish to attend – with the chance to sweep up a glamourous trophy.

“Entering the Cardiff Life Awards is a super stylish way to show everyone just how your business is a great part of the community,” said Annie Miekus, events and brand manager at MediaClash.

“Winning an Award is highly beneficial for company profile, and serves as great recognition for teams and individuals who’ve gone the extra mile for your company.”

The deserving winners receive coverage in Cardiff Life, a hand-crafted trophy and window stickers to proudly display – plus the long-lasting memory of an award-winning moment.

Nominees are encouraged to check the ‘Top Tips’ SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk or mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk NOMINATIONS Open via website www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk/

page on the Awards site, which covers everything from what to include within a nomination to making a strong case that will surely wow the judges.

If you’re an ambitious company and proud to be a great Cardiff business or possibly want to signal support for other Cardiff businesses after this year of all years, get in touch with organisers for more on how to get involved in 2021.

The Awards are backed by extensive marketing over several months: major email campaigns; at Cardiff Life’s other events such as Business Clubs; via a bespoke website; through all social media channels; and of course, in Cardiff Life. The extra time for the Awards means yet more marketing benefits for all.

Several category sponsorships are currently under discussion; step forward and be part of the 2021 ceremony.

For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk @cardifflifeawds

TICKETS CLA: Updates when on sale.

Limited number of sponsorships including table. Please note: we sell out every year with many on the waiting list

AWARDS The uberglam Cardiff Life Awards will be held at City Hall on 30 September 2021. Nothing beats being there…

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for all updates. www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 63

CARDIFF LIVES

“The one and only Shirley Bassey is my great aunt”

CVC

The band has clocked up over 80,000 plays on Spotify, has recently released its hugely catchy single, The Mortgage Anthem, (seriously, go listen) and their debut album, Get Real, is due to be released this summer.

Oh, and they’re currently being filmed by the BBC for the documentary Young, Welsh and Pretty Minted. Mr Bassey tells us more...

Describe CVC in three words...

Big, large, massive. Or psychedelic funk rock.

Best moments so far?

Our debut single launch, Jungle Fever, in Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, was an absolute storming Norman.

The place was bouncing. You can see the highlights on our Instagram (@cvcband_). We had the whole place decorated like a jungle and everyone had jungle-themed fancy dress and it was hotter than the sun. We also managed to secure a Sofar Session on the 49th floor of a London skyscraper and it was crazy, we did a cover of Don’t Let Me Down.

A major dream?

To have the band guest on an episode of The Simpsons, like all the greats have.

Tell us about your famous family connections…

The one and only Shirley Bassey is my great aunt (my grandmother’s sister), and Elliot is a distant cousin of James Dean Bradfield – lead guitarist and lead vocalist for the Manic Street Preachers. So basically Welsh music royalty, I’d say.

Your soundspirations?

We love The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Snoop Dogg; our influences are varied.

How did you all meet?

Most of us met at school; some of us have known each other since

Singer David Bassey – can you already guess who he’s related to? – tells us about his band Church Village Collective (CVC), which is taking the UK’s indie scene by storm Meet CVC, a six-piece band from Church Village, now based in Cardiff, who are ones to watch on the indie scene with their electrifying performances, undeniable on-stage presence and flamboyant style.

The band consists of David Bassey (vocals/guitar), Francesco Orsi (vocals), Elliot Bradfield (vocals/ guitar), Ben Thorne (bass), Tom Fry (drums) and Daniel ‘Nanial’ Jones (keyboard/ percussion). Welsh music royalty runs in their blood because David is related to the icon that is Shirley Bassey, and Elliot has family ties to the Manic’s James Dean Bradfield.

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

we were three years old, we’re very in tune with each other.

Could you tell us about CVC’s involvement in BBC’s Young, Welsh and Pretty Minted?

The series will be following the story of Nanial starting his own clothes shop, called Nanial’s, within Indie Superstore on Clearwater Way in Lakeside, Cardiff, alongside the story of the band. They have been filming Nanial buying clothes from wholesalers, picking out outfits for the band to wear to photoshoots, joining us in the studio to watch us record a cover of Juxtaposed With U by Super Furry Animals for a charity tribute album, and filming us film a live session of our own. I believe they’re aiming for 15 April for the first episode.

What do you love most about Cardiff?

The weather, Cardiff Skateboard Club, Music Box, Nanial’s shop, Clwb Ifor Bach, Tramshed and dear old Porters, the swans on the Taff, the squirrels in Bute Park, the City Arms and the City Arms again. n www.cvcollective.co.uk

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