Rhiwbina Living Issue 35

News | Schools | Competitions | Interviews | History

Rhiwbina Living

At the heart of the community

Issue 35 Summer 2016

Celebrating Summer

Rhiwbina Summer Festival

New events announced for the annual extravaganza

Roald Dahl 100 The world’s best story-teller

Your multi award-winning magazine for Rhiwbina

Contents What’s on in Rhiwbina 3-4 News 5 Rhiwbina Library 6 Letters 10 Fantastic Mr Dahl

The story behind the man 14 Our favourite

Roald Dahl stories

Rhiwbina children tell all 18 Rhiwbeina

Primary School

Their latest news 22 Days Out

Children’s reviews 26 Mike Young

From bedtime stories to

big screen movies 32 Roald Dahl Trail

Follow in the footsteps of

the world’s greatest story-teller 36 John Charles

The story of a legend 40 Outdoor Living

Inspirational ideas 42 Gardening Page

Make your own

wildlife haven 49 Pet Questions 53 Competitions 56 Summer Reading

Local authors 59 Hey Joe

A story of love and loss 60 American Dreams

Meet Thaer Al-Shayei 62 Recipes

Cocktails and sorbets!

Autumn Issue deadline:

22nd August 2016 Published 9th September 2016 a: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG t: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920 w: www.livingmags.co.uk e: editor@livingmags.co.uk or danielle@livingmags.co.uk While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising from the publication of this material. Every effort has been made to contact any copyright holders.

Rhiwbina Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

Winners at the 2014 UK Independent Magazine Awards 2

Sunday 12th June Rhiwbina Handmade Market 11-4pm, Rhiwbina Memorial Hall Monday 13th June Rhiwbina Fun Run 5k run around the village, starts 7pm from Rhiwbeina Primary School Tuesday 21st June Elvis at the Juboraj, 7pm -11pm Juboraj, tickets £25 from the restaurant Monday 27th June Quiz and Chips Rhiwbina Recreational Club from 7pm Wednesday 29th June Wenallt Walk with the Civic Society Meet at the Deri Inn car park at 6.30pm

Friday 1st July Rhiwbina Baptist Music Evening Tickets £5 on the door 7.30pm Saturday 2nd July Rhiwbina Summer Festival Rhiwbina village from 12pm Monday 4th July Free Bowls Taster Session Juniors 5pm-6pm, Adults 6pm-8pm Friday 15th Sunday 17th July Vintage For Victory Festival Whitchurch Library Gardens Every Friday Rhiwbina Farmers Market,10am-1pm Butchers Arms Car Park

Welcome / Croeso As we approach our 10th year, Rhiwbina Living continues to grow.

The issue you were reading this time last year was literally half the size of the one that’s in your hands right now.

At 64 pages, this is the biggest issue we’ve ever published! This is thanks to the ongoing support we have from the community and our advertisers who use the magazine as a platform to promote their businesses; and to the residents of Rhiwbina who then use these local services. We continue to use these opportunities to improve your magazine and bring the community together in Rhiwbina’s official and best-loved publication.

You may have noticed that 2016 is the centenary of a certain Mr Roald Dahl, who grew up not far from here.

With that in mind, we’ve charted the story of the man on page 10.

Rhiwbina children had fun reviewing their favourite Roald Dahl books on page 14, and to continue the theme, we teamed up with The Llandaff Society to produce a Roald Dahl Trail so that you can follow in the footsteps of the famous writer.

Rhiwbeina Primary School drop in with their latest news on page 18, and if you’re stuck for ideas on where to take the kids this summer, we’ve got the lowdown on the most popular places - according to the official authority- the children themselves!

Find out what they said on page 22. www.facebook.com/ rhiwbinaliving

We spoke to TV producer Mike Young, who famous for his creation of SuperTed, now lives in Los Angeles.

Mike recalls his career to date and his love of Cardiff City Football Club.

With the 2016 Euros now upon us, we take a look at one of Rhiwbina’s former famous footballing residents.

The story of John Charles is on page 36.

We’ve got some fantastic competitions lined up for you this summer too. You can win tickets to On The Pitch - Cardiff’s celebration of summer at the SWALEC Stadium.

The line up includes Simply Red and Kaiser Chiefs. We’ve also got tickets for the FIM Speedway World Championships at the Principality Stadium - go to page 53 for your chance to win!

If you love a good read, check out some of our local authors on page 56 where they talk about their latest works. And if you would like to enjoy a yummy cocktail whilst doing so, we have put together some tasty concoctions on page 62.

We have recently launched our new Facebook and Twitter pages so please like our pages (details below) so that we can continue to bring you the latest news from the village in between publications. Our website is also a great source of information, www.livingmags.co.uk Have a great summer!

Danielle and Patric (Editors)

@RhiwbinaLiving

Rhiwbina Summer Festival promises to be best ever Rhiwbina Saturday 2nd July.

Put the date in your diary because this year’s Summer Festival promises to be the biggest and best event yet.

Rhiwbina Events Committee have been busy planning the event through the spring months and it will all come to a climax on the first Saturday in July.

This year’s event will tie in with the Roald Dahl centenary celebrations, and as a result, will feature an allnew street parade based on his work.

The magical tale will incorporate references to Rhiwbina.

There will also be a climbing wall, kindly sponsored by Haus. The Art Workshop will be embracing the Roald Dahl theme with an interactive mural and a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired flower garden.

Rhiwbina Events Committee’s Sue Harding told Rhiwbina Living: “Other events on the day include donkey rides on Y Groes and another first - crazy golf. There will be noodle

“

This year’s festival will include an all-new street parade

Rhiwbina travel agent named ‘Best in Wales’

Cartwright Travel pick up their award

bikes, ice-cream bikes, all the stalls, the children’s rides and of course, the festival stage sponsored by Simon and Lisa of Edwards & Co, for which we are very grateful. From 12pm, the stage sees lots of community acts from children’s dance groups to the dog show - one of the categories for this year’s is Roald Dog! “We also have the fortnight of events around Festival Day that include beer festivals, coach trips, Elvis and themed nights and a Fun Run. All of these are included in the programme which will be available to pick up from Rhiwbina businesses. We’d like to give a special thanks to all our sponsors, especially the Juboraj, who always help in more ways than one.”

Road closures will be in place from 9am until 9pm.

Rhiwbina Flood Defence Scheme shortlisted for prestigious award

Rhiwbina The Rhiwbina Flood Defence Scheme has been shortlisted for a prestigious civil engineering award.

The Cardiff Council project is among the finalists for the Roy Edwards Award at the annual ICE (Instititution of Civil Engineering) Wales Cymru Awards.

The awards celebrate outstanding engineering achievement across the country.

The 2016 awards ceremony will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on Friday 17th June. The celebration will be hosted by ICE President Sir John Armitt, ICE Wales Cymru Chairman David Rowlands and chairman of the judges’ panel, Christopher Craufurd.

news

Heol-y-Deri Rhiwbina’s Cartwright Travel has been named as the Top Travel Agency in Wales.

The agency beat off stiff competition from four other high street agent finalists to take the trophy hosted by the renowned Travel Trade Gazette.

TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies list was revealed in a ceremony in Birmingham after an extensive judging process, which saw agents rated by tour operators and other suppliers, and assessed by travel trade journalists.

Rhiwbina hair salon scoops national award

Michelle Marshall and her team

Award winners will be announced to an audience of more than 250 industry leaders in Wales.

The principal designer and engineer on the Rhiwbina project was Mott MacDonald; the principal contractor was Raymond Brown Construction Ltd, and Edenvale Young Associates was the other key organisation involved in the project.

Beulah Road The team at Rhiwbina’s Michelle Marshall Salon has picked up a national award at the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards.

They picked up the Best Team/ Service Award at the ceremony in May. The salon has only just celebrated its first birthday in the village and the team were thrilled to win their latest award.

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news Network Rail looking to improve safety of Caedelyn rail crossing

The pedestrian crossing between Caedelyn Parc and Pen-y-Dre recently came under threat after Network Rail proposed closing it.

It followed Network Rail’s periodic review of the Whitchurch pedestrian level crossing, which runs from between 111 and 113 Pen-y-Dre into Caedelyn Park, close to Caedelyn Road.

In the interests of safety, Network Rail have closed 900 crossings since 2008 and are working towards closing another 250 crossings.

During a meeting at the end of May, local councillors and Network Rail advised that closure is not an option, but that safety would need to be looked at.

Business network group for women launched in Rhiwbina

A new business networking group has been set up for business women in Rhiwbina.

Business Women Connect was launched to help embrace the challenges that being in business inevitably brings.

The first event was held at Michelle Marshall Salon, where Michelle was a guest speaker.

While the focus of each event is to share ideas and perhaps make new clients, it is all done in the context of a relaxed breakfast, or a cocktail-mixing evening.

More details at: www.businesswomenconnect.co.uk

and you can follow them on Twitter at @bwrhiwbina

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Great Tennis Weekend SPORT The Great British Tennis Weekend is coming to Rhiwbina this summer.

Residents from all across the village are being invited to visit Rhiwbina Tennis Club on the 16th and 17th July.

Organised by the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Wales, the free events are designed to engage more people with tennis, no matter what age or ability and is part of a UK-wide initiative.

Chief Executive of Tennis Wales, Peter Drew said: “One of the great things about

tennis is that anyone can play it, regardless of age or ability.

“Great British Tennis Weekends provide an opportunity for people to find out for themselves, as families and friends get together to try it for free in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.”

In August, the Davis Cup will make an appearance at the club.

The visit will take place from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 6th August.

Admission is free, and there will be tennis sessions, music and a barbecue.

Rhiwbina Squirrels hold Players’ Awards Ceremony RHIWBINA RUGBY Despite a disappointing end to the season, Rhiwbina ended up a very creditable fifth place in Division One East Central.

The season was seriously disrupted by an extended period of bad weather, which meant an extension of the season well into May. In the Final of the East District Cup against Glamorgan Wanderers, Rhiwbina came back from a 28-12 deficit at half-time to get themselves into a 29-28 lead. Sadly, Wanderers were awarded penalties in the dying minutes and won 34-29.

The Squirrels held their Players’ Awards Evening recently, and local boy Pat Ware was chosen as Player of the Season. Other award winners were: 1st Team Players’ Player: Sam Watkins 2nd Team Players’ Player: Jesse Crystal 3rd Team Players’ Player: Roy Pesticcio Youth Team Players’ Player: Sion Parry Coaches’ Player of the Year: Charlie Burton-Dadd Youth Coaches’ Player of the Year: Sam Randell

Senior Most Improved Player: Charlie Tribble Youth Most improved Player: Ahmed Kambal Best Newcomer: Rory Harries Supporters Player of the Year: Dan Murphy Clubman of the Year: Dave Hobbs At the event, Rhiwbina RFC Chairman Ian Hall emphasised the club’s importance within the community, and said: “Rhiwbina RFC is committed to developing players from within the club and to attract new players at all levels who want to play for the badge and not for any financial gain.”

rhiwbina library

Rhiwbina Library serving the community Friends of Rhiwbina Library bring you their latest news

Why our role is so important Firstly, a gentle nudge to anyone who hasn’t yet signed up for a library card. Not only can you borrow 15 books at a time but Rhiwbina Library offers: 4 public computers, free WiFi, printing and photocopying, newspapers, online services, talking books and room hire, not forgetting the Saturday morning Jigsaw Library and monthly ‘Quiz and a Cuppa’ run by the Friends of Rhiwbina Library.

Check the notice board in the foyer to see what’s going on. Rhiwbina Library is a priceless asset to our community. Use it or lose it!

Children's Book Bank We have installed a children’s book bank in Rhiwbina Library. We are collecting new or nearly-new children’s books to donate to those not lucky enough to have books of their own. We have links with Cardiff Food Banks (Ely and Cathays), Trinity Centre (Roath), Barnardo’s (Riverside) and Ty Cwtch, Pentyrch.

The Big Friendly Summer Read

Once again, Rhiwbina Library will be involved with the National Summer Reading Challenge which encourages children to read six books during the summer holiday.

This year’s challenge has a Roald Dahl theme – ‘The Big Friendly Read’. Last year around 600 children signed up for the challenge. Let’s make sure we top that this year.

We’ll be helping library staff promote it with events and prizes to encourage young readers to complete the challenge. There will be a ‘Family Quiz’ – questions based on Roald Dahl’s books (Library, Tuesday 16th August at 2.30pm).

We’ll be outside Rhiwbina Library on Festival Saturday (2nd July) recruiting young readers and joining in the fun. Do come along with your suggestions for future ‘Friends’ events. We’re particularly keen to find things that would appeal to older children and teenagers ... so rappers, graphic novelists etc. please step forward.

Dates for your diary: • Quiz and a Cuppa: Wednesday 29th June at 3.30pm (£2) • Friends Stall at Rhiwbina Festival: Come along and say hello to us at this year’s Rhiwbina Festival • Family Quiz: Tuesday 16th August at 2.30pm • Talk by Edward Marston and Judith Cutler: September 13th at 2pm (£3.50) • Short Story Workshop with Jo Verity: Saturday 15th October – 10am to 1pm (£10). Places are limited so book ASAP If you’d like to become a ‘Friend’ or have questions or suggestions, email friendsofrhiwbinalibrary@ gmail.com. If it’s easier, leave your details in the ‘Friends’ box at the library desk and we’ll get back to you.

We have a website: friendsofrhiwbinalibrary.weebly. com. You’ll find us on Facebook and we tweet @FoRhiwbinaLib

Looking ahead Come along and meet best-selling crime writers Edward Marston and Judith Cutler who will be talking about Murder – Ancient and Modern on the 13th September at 2pm. This is a joint event with Awen, the charity supporting Whitchurch Library. All money raised will go to improving our facilities.

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letters

Thank you from Pantmawr Dear Editors Recently a copy of Rhiwbina Living was delivered to my home in Ardwyn, Pantmawr.

May I congratulate you on the quality and content of this fabulous issue. I was for many years the editor/publisher of our local newsletter, the Pantmawr Post and appreciate the effort and time that went into our amateur production.

I hope you continue to both deliver and produce such a professional and informative magazine.

Roger Goodman Ardwyn, Pantmawr

Why not me?

Dear Editors I have just enjoyed reading your spring issue of Rhiwbina Living.

I would be very keen to receive regular copies but don’t seem to be included in your distribution.

I live in Homelands Road which is just a short walk from your base, but it may be that our road is classed as in the Heath? It does not make much sense to me, but there we are.

If you could let me have your thoughts, I would be grateful.

Joy Dibble Homelands Road Editors’ Response Hi Joy and many thanks for getting in touch.

As you may know, we personally hand-deliver all of our magazines to homes in Rhiwbina. For many years, we based our distribution on the postcode of CF14 6.

Last year, we decided that there were areas of Rhiwbina that were missing out on our magazines so decided that we’d deliver to the whole of the Rhiwbina ward, as set out by the electoral map.

As a result, our distribution has increased from 4,400 to 5,500.

Unfortunately, Homelands Road falls just outside the Rhiwbina ward. Copies of our magazines are available throughout Rhiwbina and from our Rhiwbina Living stand at the Co-op on Heol-y-Deri, or read them online at www.livingmags.co.uk 6

We always love to hear from our readers.

Email us at editor@livingmags.co.uk or write to us!

Jayne is a real gem

Dear Editors Jayne Cowan may have failed in her bid to become the AM for Cardiff North in the latest local election, but you will be happy to be reminded that she will continue to serve as a councillor for the (often described as being inept) Labour-led, Cardiff City and County Council for the residents of this fine village of Rhiwbina.

Jayne’s campaign for the AM seat was an inspired one, bringing big hitters such as David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Theresa May amongst others to our little village!

Maybe, if there hadn’t been the political confusion that lies ahead with the Brexit vote on June 23rd, things may have been a little different – who knows?

However, for those of you that don’t know Jayne, she has been

serving the residents of Rhiwbina for many years and I can only talk from experience, that she is one of the most hard working, selfless persons I have ever met. She exudes kindness with tenacity for a fight for people’s rights. I, and many people I know, have needed Jayne’s intervention with Council matters on a number of occasions and, without fail, she always gets things done! So the dream team of Jayne Cowan, husband Adrian Robson and Eleanor Saunders continue to serve the Rhiwbina ward.

Howard Wilkins Rhiwbina

What a lovely surprise

Lovely time at the WMC

How lovely it was to open the front door and be greeted by the bright sunshine springtime cover of our Rhiwbina Living magazine.

I should have gone straight to my desk but took an indulgent hour to sit in the conservatory and enjoy the content.

Thank you!

Karen McGrath Heol Llanishen Fach

Neighbourhood Beat Manager

I have recently taken over the role of Neighbourhood Beat Manager with South Wales Police for the Rhiwbina and Birchgrove areas of Cardiff. The role has been performed by PC Andy Ryan for the past eight and a half years; Andy has moved to a new role elsewhere in the city however.

If any of your readers need to contact me, I am on 07584 770610. Many thanks.

PC Rhod Williams

I was lucky enough to win tickets to see WNO’s In Parenthesis at the WMC on its opening night. It was a great experience and I was very impressed by the poignant and moving performance.

Afterwards, ‘Fields’ was launched outside the WMC which was a special end to the night. Thank you for this fantastic prize.

Rosalind Reilly Wenallt Road

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Simon and Lisa Edwards, local residents and owners of Edwards and Co, would once again like to thank the Rhiwbina and North Cardiff residents for their continued support and recommendations for our business. Edwards and Co continues to grow from strength to strength as a result of this and we look forward to assisting many more of you in the very near future.

We are constantly improving the way our industry operates, one sale at a time. Call us today to arrange your free market-appraisal for sale or rental – you will not be disappointed.

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The

Rhiwbina Summer Festival A SUMMER FESTIVAL OF LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD, SHOPPING, COMPETITIONS, LAUGHTER AND LOTS LOTS MORE!

2 JULY 16 nd

RHIWBINA VILLAGE, CARDIFF 12pm-7pm

DONKEY RIDES | CRAZY GOLF | CLIMBING WALL | CHILDREN'S RIDES | STALLS | FOOD | COMPETITIONS | EXHIBITIONS | STREET THEATRE | DOG SHOW | BOOK SIGNINGS | LIVE MUSIC | SHOW TENT | ART | DANCE | FACE PAINTING Juboraj Rhiwbina | Airpro Systems | Calon Rhiwbeina | Coco Hair & Beauty | Edwards & Co | Emyr Pierce Solicitors | Garden Village Garage | GJ Matthews Builders | Haus Home Furnishings | Heath Vets | JA Hughes Solicitors | Lazron Matia | Nest | New Roots | Rayboulds Butchers | The Butcher’s Arms | Rhiwbina Baptist Church | Rhiwbina Dental Surgery | Rhiwbina Living Magazine | Rhiwbina Recreation Club | Rocky’s Restaurant | Serenade | Signor Barbers | SJ Autos | The Art Workshop | The Olive Branch | Tree Control | Victoria Fearn Gallery | The Wine Store | Word of Mouth Maintenance

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Festival Stage Acts (sponsored by Edwards & Co)

The Festival Stage opens at 12pm with DJ Sparky Marky. There will be performances by:

HLC School of Dance · Billie and the Rhiwbins · Suzanne Scale School of Performing Arts · Tippi Toes Ballet · Dog Show · Mundo Dance · Just One Theatre Group · Popstars · Wonderland Studios · Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Youth Choir From 4pm DJs Tetralogy and live bands Cover’d Up and Maddie Jones Band

ROALD DAHL CENTENARY SPECIAL EVENT Based on Roald Dahl’s ‘The Minpins’, ‘Billie and the Rhiwbins’ is a specially adapted street theatre production for the Rhiwbina Festival. The narrator will start on the Festival Stage and then lead the parade to Parc-y-Pentre where the story will unfold. Why not dress up as a Roald Dahl character? The parade starts at 12.15pm at the Festival Stage.

PICK UP A FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FROM RHIWBINA BUSINESSES ROAD CLOSURES: The following roads will be closed on Saturday 2nd July from 9am to 9pm: Beulah Road from the crossroads with Heol-y-Deri to Heol y Felin; Pen-y-Dre from the crossroads with Heol-y-Deri to Lon-y-Dail

RHIWBINA COMMUNITY SCHEME - here’s how you can help Did you know that you can kindly contribute to village events?

Rhiwbina Events Committee couldn’t stage the Summer or Christmas Festivals without the generous contributions from many of the residents and businesses of Rhiwbina. Every penny donated is ploughed into organising the summer and winter festivals and of course, our giant Village Christmas Tree. The two festivals each year bring the community together and showcase the wonderful variety of independent shops, cafes and businesses that make Rhiwbina so special.

If you’d like to contribute to village events please complete the Standing Order Mandate and deliver it to your bank or building society. We are grateful for donations from as little as £1 per month.

STANDING ORDER FORM Please set up a standing order and debit my/our account accordingly: Your account details Building Society/Bank Name:_____________________ Bank Address:___________________________________ Account Number:______________________ Sort Code:______________ Payee details Name of organisation you are paying: Rhiwbina Village Events Name of bank: Natwest Sort Code you are paying to: 53-70-30 Account you are paying to: 75127733 Frequency of payments: ☐ Monthly | First date of payment_______ until last day_______ or ☐ until further notice | Amount of first payment:______ Amount of monthly payment:______ Customer Signature:______________________________________Date_________________________

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This year, the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of perhaps Llandaff's greatest son. Some of his best loved work took root here in Cardiff

A

rguably Llandaff ’s greatest son, Roald Dahl is still considered the world's best story-teller.

One hundred years after his birth, his books have been translated into almost 50 languages and sold millions globally.

Roald was born on 13th September 1916, at Villa Marie, Fairwater Road, Llandaff to Norwegian parents Harald and Sofie.

Harald and Roald’s elder sister Astri died when Roald was just three years old, leaving Sofie to bring up her four children, as well as her two step-children. Roald was Sofie’s only son. Her love for her children was to leave a lasting impression on Roald.

He would later write: “[My mother] was a rock, a real rock, always on your side whatever you’d done. It gave me the most tremendous feeling of security.”

From the age of seven to nine, Roald attended Llandaff

Cathedral School. His time here was an unhappy one and he described his memories of school in his book Boy. Perhaps the most well-known anecdote to come out of his time there was the infamous ‘Great Mouse Plot of 1924’.

Roald and four friends planted a dead mouse into a local sweetshop owner’s jar of gobstoppers.

Roald had long had a grudge against Mrs Pratchett, who Roald described as ‘sour’. Mrs Pratchett exacted her revenge by getting Roald caned by the Headmaster of his school. She watched the punishment, laughing as she did.

Roald loved his sweets. Sherbet Suckers were one of his favourites.

He wrote that: “The sherbet fizzed in your mouth and if you knew how to do it, you could make white froth come out of your nostrils and pretend that you were throwing a fit.” It was perhaps this heady mixture of confectionery, comedy and cruelty that sowed the seeds of creativity in Roald’s mind that was to bloom in later years.

Roald and his family moved across the Bristol Channel to Weston-super-Mare when he was

nine, where he attended boarding school. At the age of 18, rather than go to University, Roald set off to Newfoundland with the Public Schools Exploring Society.

He then got a job working for the Shell oil company in present-day Tanzania, but at the age of 23, war broke out. Roald drove 600 miles to Nairobi, where he enlisted in the Royal Air Force. His height (he was 6’8) was a concern for the medical doctor but Roald was taken on as a pilot. He was assigned to No. 80 Squadron, flying Gloster Gladiators, the last biplane fighter aircraft used by the RAF. To his surprise, Roald found that combat training was not provided.

Yet despite this, in September 1940, he was ordered to fly his Gladiator from Egypt to Libya and onto 80 Squadron’s forward airstrip, 30

Illustration by Chris O'Keefe

miles south of Mersa Matruh in Egypt. Approaching Mersa Matruh, Roald found himself running low on fuel and night was approaching. Worse still, he could not find the airstrip and was forced into an emergency landing in the desert. His wheels caught a rock, causing the aircraft to crash. Roald suffered a fractured skull and a broken nose which temporarily blinded him. He managed to drag himself away from the blazing wreckage and passed out before being rescued.

By February 1941, Roald was fit for flying duties again. His squadron was now equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, which Roald flew into combat after only seven hours’ flying in one. After some very close scrapes over the skies of Greece, Roald was eventually discharged after suffering blackouts caused by his earlier crash.

He was posted to Washington DC, and began writing about his adventures. His first published work appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. It has been reported that Dahl was acting in the capacity of intelligence gathering, passing on information to MI6. In 1946, Roald was finally discharged from the RAF, and with five aerial victories to his name, was considered a flying ace. His writing began to take off, Roald penning many short stories.

His first story for children, The Gremlins, touched upon RAF fighter pilots’ claims that there were little monsters on their wings which they blamed for problems that cropped up.

In addition to his children’s books, Roald was also crafting stories for adults. These were darker in tone, and became renowned for their macabre plots and twists. These stories were the basis for TV’s Tales of the Unexpected, which were screened throughout the 1980s. In 1953, in New York City, Dahl married the American actress Patricia Neal.

They had five children – Olivia, Tessa, Theo, Ophelia, and Lucy but in November 1962, Olivia died of measles encephalitis at the age of seven. He was to later dedicate his book The BFG to her.

Roald and Patricia divorced in

1983, Roald marrying Felicity Crosland in the same year. By now his stories had been bestsellers in many countries. Several

people

We have tears in our eyes As we wave our goodbyes We so loved being with you, we three.

So please now and then Come and see us again, The Giraffe and the Pelly and me.

From the memorial bench you can follow BFG footprints to Roald Dahl’s grave.

In September 2009, a blue plaque was unveiled in Llandaff by his widow Felicity and his son Theo.

The plaque commemorated the shop where ‘The Great Mouse Plot of 1924’ took place.

Roald Dahl 100 Events of them had already been turned into screenplays – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was one example. Roald had also cowritten the script for ChittyChitty-Bang-Bang with Ken Hughes. A lot of Roald’s stories reflected his childhood memories, with adults commonly being portrayed as nasty and cruel.

In 1990, Roald was diagnosed with the rare blood disorder, myelo-dysplastic anaemia. He wrote that year: “I have been feeling sleepy when I shouldn’t have been and I am without that lovely old bubbly energy that drives on to write books and drink gin and chase after girls.” Roald died on 23 November 1990, aged 74. He is buried in the parish church of St Peter and St Paul in Great Missenden.

Visitors to the church today can find the grave from the memorial bench under a tree in the centre of the graveyard. It is a short walk from the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, which houses Roald's archive of letters, manuscripts and photographs.

The bench carries the names of Roald Dahl’s five children and three stepchildren. The poem carved into the stone slabs around the base of the bench is taken from The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me:

Quentin Blake: Inside Stories - National Museum of Wales, Cardiff 16 July - 20 November 2016 This exhibition gives a unique insight into the origins of some of Blake’s most characteristic and popular creations.

The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl, Wales Millennium Centre 12th August - 14 January 2017 The tour features unique items from The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre archives. Plus there are interactive installations to spark the imagination - and even test your own powers of creativity.

City of the Unexpected 17-18 September 2016 Produced by Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre Wales and directed by Nigel Jamieson, this will be an extraordinary weekend-long event, showcasing both Dahl’s distinctive voice and the jewels of the city’s buildings, parks and its people.

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Beautiful Clothes and Accessories Cashmere and wool scarves · Jewellery Bags · Men’s shirts · Saskia · Mistral· Braintree · Brakeburn · Lily & Me

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Find us in Rhiwbina village Park outside the store in Lon Fach Shopping Mews

9-11 Lon Fach Rhiwbeina CF14 6DY www.calonrhiwbeina.com tel: 029 20610722 email: info@calonrhiwbeina.com

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In the 25+ years that Mansells have been selling properties, one thing is for certain - it’s not easy and every sale and property is different!

Buying or selling a property is one of life’s most important decisions. The most difficult part of any sale is the ‘conveyance period’ - in between agreeing a sale and getting to exchange and completion. In North Cardiff it is quite common that sales are linked together via a chain with other property sales. We understand that buying or selling a property is a very stressful time and we aim to guide you safely through that process.

27.94% of house sales fall through each year, this is largely contributed to survey issues and chains collapsing. As trusted and experienced mediators in these difficult circumstances, we welcome vendors and purchasers to enter into communication with ourselves to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties.

What is the key to unlocking a successful sale?

Appraise - At the point of valuation we will accurately appraise your home using our years of local knowledge and experience to therefore help manage expectations.

Promote - We will make sure we get your property in front of the right audience to maximise its sale price using a wide range of marketing tools and our local applicant database. (We may already have the perfect buyer lined up!)

Manage - Communication is key. We will manage the sale from start to finish, from viewings to the often complicated conveyance period and if required ‘chain check’ throughout the process.

Complete - We will do everything in our power as experienced local property experts to get vendors and purchasers to the point of exchange and therefore completion within a timescale that suits all parties.

For a free market appraisal by our team of expert valuers please phone, email or drop in to see us.

3 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6HA www.mansellsestateagents.co.uk

029 2052 1600

e: property@mansellsestateagents.co.uk

emyr pierce solicitors

Take the stress out of moving

Our conveyancing services include:

Longer hours for your convenience.

9.00am-5.30pm and on Saturdays from 10.00am-4.00pm. Feel free to call in and discuss your requirements.

• • • • • • • •

Sales and purchases Remortgages Extension leases Deeds of gift Help to Buy purchases Self-build acquisitions Equity releases Purchase of freehold interests • Transfers of equity • Right to Buy purchases

Legal expertise close at hand 1 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6HA

02920 616002 www.emyrpierce.co.uk

Our #1 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory One of my favourite Roald Dahl books is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The story is about a boy called Charlie. He wins a Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s astonishing factory. There are other children in the story who are not very nice and the funny things that happened to them made me laugh a lot. I love the sweets that Willy Wonka makes, especially the Haribo tree in his chocolate garden. I was really happy that Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa Joe were the only ones left in the factory and that Mr Wonka gave the factory to Charlie.

It was a happy ending and Charlie’s family weren’t poor any more.

Roald Dahl writes wonderful stories and this is one of the best!

Eva aged 8

Fantastic Mr Fox My favourite Roald Dahl book is Fantastic Mr Fox. The story is about Mr Fox saving some animals from the evil farmers who want to eat them. Mr Fox has a cunning plan to trick the farmers and steal food from them.

I love this book because it’s a bit scary, imaginative and exciting. My favourite character is Mr Fox because he’s clever, kind and brave. My favourite part of the book is when Mr Fox carries out his first plan, he steals food for the animals. I love this part as you realise how fantastic Mr Fox is for the first time. BEST STORY EVER!

Ben aged 6 14

kids

The BFG My favourite Roald Dahl book is the BFG. I chose this book because it is really funny in places and it’s full of crazy new words. It includes loads of fun characters and captures the imagination.

The best part of the book is when the BFG gets out an enormous empty glass jar and looks at the thousands of captured dreams. This part was my favourite because it was described really well and I was able to imagine an amazing picture of it inside my head.

The BFG stands for the ‘Big Friendly Giant’. He is extremely tall and looks scary but is actually really friendly and kind. He desperately wants Sophie to know that he is the only friendly giant in Giant Country, despite not speaking perfect English. We know what he says and soon learn to love speaking his language, humorously described as ‘gobblefunk’.

The story introduces us to another character called Sophie who is very small compared to the giant but is really brave and strong. She loves trying all the BFG’s collection of ‘snozzcumbers’ and ‘fizzbangers’. This book is easy to read and I think lots of children would love reading it or enjoy having it read to them.

Hannah aged 13

The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me

The BFG I like the BFG because there are weird characters like the Big Friendly Giant and the Bloodbottler, who is the biggest of the man eating giants. He is very mean and one evening, almost accidently ate Sophie while trying a snozcumber - snozcumbers are weird cucumber-like fruit, but lumpy and hollow.

The BFG has a dreamcatcher, to catch his dreams when he goes to dream country. In dream country, he jumps with a net and catches his dreams. My favourite part of the BFG is his enormous ears which he uses to find the good dreams and gives him great hearing which I think is pretty cool.

Eve aged 8

Matilda Matilda is the main character from my favourite Roald Dahl book.

Matilda is very clever, loves reading and always sticks up for her friends. The other main characters are Miss Trunchball, the horrible headmistress who hates children, Miss Honey, Matilda’s school teacher and Matilda’s parents who are always mean to Matilda.

My favourite part of the book was when Matilda’s friend Lavender sneaks a slimy newt into Miss Trunchball’s jug of water and this is when Matilda realises that she has special powers. Matilda gets the blame for the trick which makes her angry and with the power of her eyes, Matilda tips Miss Trunchball’s glass of water, and newt, all over her.

Miss Trunchball is terrified of the newt and howls with terror and the children realise they can now defeat the horrible Trunchball.

The children revolt against her and Miss Honey takes over as the new head teacher. Everyone is happy and more children now want to come and join the school.

Ellie aged 9

One of my favourite Roald Dahl books is The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me. The story is about a little boy called Billy and he dreams about owning a sweet shop.

He makes friends with a giraffe, a pelican and a monkey who are window cleaners.

They get invited to clean the windows of a big, big house where they spot a burglar and the pelican catches him with his beak. The giraffe, the pelican, the monkey and Billy all get a prize for catching the burglar, which means Billy gets his sweet shop! I like it at the end because the animals are starving and they get their food and the giraffe gets his tinkle tinkle plants! I also want to go to Billy’s sweet shops for some blue bonbons!

Lola aged 8 15

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The

Black Cock Inn

Waunwaelod Way, Caerphilly Mountain, CF83 1BD 02920 880534 www.theblackcockinncaerphilly.co.uk

Fillet Specials Head on up to the top of Rhiwbina Hill to find us this summer– we’re only two miles from the village!

A long serving pub for the people of Caerphilly and North Cardiff, The Black Cock Inn has a long and proud history in the area, and is still very popular today.

Dog friendly, we’re a common stop for walkers, cyclists, and riders, as they cross over Caerphilly Mountain giving them a chance to whet their whistle for the next leg of their journey, or to enjoy a hearty lunch at the half-way point before they begin their journey back. We also have a large car park for those who want to come straight here.

A prized hand-cut fillet steak cooked to your choice and topped with a drizzle of pepper sauce and accompanied by homemade chips, grilled mushroom, tomato and peas £14.95 Hand-cut salmon fillet topped with cajun spices and sat on a bed of sauteed potatoes £10.95 A fresh duck fillet cooked pink and drizzled with hoi sin sauce, served with creamy spring onion mashed potato £12.95 Lamb on the bone, slow-cooked in mint gravy and served on a bed of mashed potato and garden peas £12.95

Booking is advisable. Call us on 02920 880534 now to reserve your table

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Rhiwbeina Primary School Rhiwbeina Primary has been a hive of activity over the last few months. Here are a few of their highlights

Easter Bonnet Parade Nursery and Reception held an Easter Bonnet Parade. The children designed and made their own Easter bonnets and brightened up the playground as they walked to school. The children sang their Easter songs beautifully and enjoyed a day of Easter art, craft and Easter egg hunts.

A bite of an Apple!

Mr Sweetnam and Mrs Bricknell accompanied six of our Year 4 children who were invited by Apple to showcase their work on the iPads at an Apple Event held at Cardiff Museum.

The children showed 25 teachers from other schools and the Apple representatives a presentation of their work including movies and trailers made with ‘iMovie’, digital books created within ‘Book Creator’ and mind mapping with ‘Popplet’ to name a few.

18

Rugby Teams do us proud Our rugby squad recently had a successful day at the Urdd Rugby Tournament held at Pontcanna Fields. Both our ‘Red’ and ‘Black’ teams did very well in their respective groups. Unfortunately, the Red team just missed out on progressing to the knock-out stages, having narrowly lost only one of their games.

The Black team, however won their group comprehensively. They went on to beat a strong Ysgol Y Wern side in the semi-finals.

In the final, they met last year’s regional champions, Rhydypennau.

It was a closely fought match between the two schools with Rhiwbeina winning.

The team went on to represent Cardiff in the Urdd National Tournament on Sunday 8th May in Aberystwyth! They met stiff opposition and were narrowly beaten in the semi-finals. We are all proud of the boys for succeeding so well in the competition.

Da iawn bechgyn!

2S go to Roath Park The weather was glorious and the class had a great time following a nature trail around the park and playing games with a tree theme.

Then ‘Ranger Dave’ took the children around the conservatory.

A new queen is crowned Ysgol Gynradd Rhiwbeina Primary School again celebrated Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant with a range of singing, dancing, drama, art, music and poetry recitation in their annual bilingual Eisteddfod.

The climax of the day was the presentation of the house cup to the proud captains and vicehouse captains of Nofydd, though members of Briwnant, Deri and Wenallt houses were not far behind!

One of our Year 6 pupils was crowned the school’s Bard for 2016, producing a high standard of literacy work.

Llongyfarchiadau a diolch to pupils and staff, who all worked hard to make the day memorable and enjoyable.

Rhiwbeina Primary certainly ‘Has Got Talent’!

Green Screen fun This term has seen the introduction of Green Screen Technology into school. Using the green screen app ‘Veescope’ on the iPads, the children can take still images or create movies in front of a green screen and they are superimposed onto a virtual background of their choosing.

3B used moving images to create their endangered animal videos, 5T were transported back in time onto the Titanic for their dress up day and 5P, on a recent ‘Coal House’ theme day, came dressed as their character from the 1901 Trehafod census. The children thoroughly enjoyed bringing their history learning alive through role play in drama, writing journals in character and through creating a ‘Green Screen’ video using the Veesope app.

schools Girls' football Our team have had a fantastic season so far. Firstly they won their first tournament at Bryn Hafod Primary School, drawing one match and winning eight then going on to win the final on penalties. The next tournament was held at Bryn Hafod Primary where the girls won all of their games, scoring 15 goals and only conceding three.

The girls were then invited to a Champions Tournament at Cardiff University Playing Fields. The children went on to win their group but were narrowly beaten in the semi-finals.

Overall the girls came third in the tournament. We are very proud of the girls. They have been a real credit to the school, not only with their skills but also with the way in which they approached every game.

Tennis love Year 1 had a fantastic time at Rhiwbina Tennis Club learning simple tennis skills. We had three super coaches who taught us ball control, racquet handling and how to move around the court all through a range of fun games.

Everyone had smiles throughout the morning and we can’t wait to go back again soon. Thank you to Mrs Wright and Rhiwbina Tennis Club for organising such a brilliant event.

Congratulations also go to our Year 4 boys tennis team who won the Cardiff Schools Tournament for their age group.

Sports Relief The School Council arranged two days of activities for Sport Relief. Children took part in welly throwing, dodgeball, dance-athons, face painting, cake stalls and the inaugural Rhiwbeina Primary Bake Off. Staff also had the hard job of judging over 40 marvellous cakes. £1537.51 was raised.

PTA Summer Special Having the support from the wider community is something Rhiwbeina PTA truly value as you make all the difference to the success of our schemes. We have a host of fun events and new initiatives this summer that we can’t wait to share with you.

Lottery Launch! £25,000 up for grabs EACH week!

The Rhiwbeina Primary School PTA have launched a lottery! Our first draw started on Saturday 28th May 2016 and will take place every Saturday thereafter. A ticket costs £1 per week and all profits raised go directly to the PTA (FOR).

Everything is online so it’s quick, simple and safe. We invite you all to register as it’s open to everyone, bringing the wider community together in partnership with our school.

The PTA hopes that the funds raised from the lottery will help to sustain and enrich education at our wonderful local school - and at the same time, you have the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Here’s how it works: A ticket costs £1 per week and all profits raised go directly to Rhiwbeina Primary School PTA. Every Saturday, each ticket will give you entry into TWO draws: 1) A local draw with a guaranteed prize for one of the supporters of Rhiwbeina Primary School. (The size of the prize will depend on the number of tickets bought for the school that week.)

2) A national jackpot prize draw of £25,000!

The lottery will be a fun and effective way to raise money for the school but we need your help to make it the best it can be, so please support the lottery today - and who knows, maybe you’ll be the next £25,000 winner!

For more information, or to register for your tickets now, please go to: www.YourSchoolLottery.co.uk/play

GET INVOLVED WITH EASY FUNDRAISING Are you a local business that makes online purchases for your office or retail outlet? Or perhaps you are considering booking your summer holiday, insurance or simply just making an online grocery order?

Easy Fundraising is another great way for you to support the PTA while you do your everyday online shopping - at no extra cost to you.

There are over 2,700 retailers to choose from.

Simply register at: www. easyfundraising.org.uk/FOR or download the EF app.

Summer Dates for your Diary MON 13TH JUNE – FUN RUN

Registration is at the school from 6.15pm for a 7pm start. An event for all ages and prizes for race winners, so whether you are a practiced runner, enjoy running with friends or want to support from the sidelines, all are welcome.

This is a marshalled race with no pre-registration required. Come join us for a cool down drink and burger afterwards.

SAT 9TH JULY SUMMER FETE

This year we aim to provide an ‘Olympic’ event with games, competitions, fancy dress, sporting events, entertainments, stalls, food and lots of fun for all the community to join in. This is a key annual fundraising event for the PTA so your participation and coming along to support really makes all the difference.

We have many more events for you to enjoy for the Autumn Term, including Ladies Night, Band Night, Christmas Bath Trip and more.

The PTA Team thank you again for your continued support – it’s only with your help we will achieve our £10,000 fundraising target.

With Thanks, Friends Of Rhiwbina PTA Team 19

The Best A Level Record in Wales over 16 Years

The services we provide:

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Top School in Wales in The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ - November 2015

02920 653 995

9a Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6HA

O’Brien Lewis & James offers a complete range of specialist legal services for businesses and individuals * CONVEYANCING/REMORTGAGING * INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING * REPOSSESSIONS/HOUSING MATTERS * LEASE EXTENSIONS * FREEHOLD LEASE PURCHASES * COMMERCIAL PROPERTY * COMMERCIAL LITIGATION * COMPANY LAW * EMPLOYMENT LAW

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kids

Our favourite days out

OgmoreZarabeach aged 5 What is it about this place that you like?

There’s lots of sand to dig in, the sea goes in and out a long way. Mummy makes a picnic for us to eat there.

What do you think is the main appeal for children?

The beach is really big and there are lots of rock pools to look in. You have to run away from the crabs.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are there?

I like to build a big sand castle with a moat and wait for the sea to fill the moat. I like to decorate my sandcastle with shells.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

Babies might not like the sand but people of any age can enjoy the beach.

Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAAA

Victoria Park Ben aged 6

What is it about this place that you like?

There’s lots of space to ride bikes and have races. The playground has different equipment to parks near our house. The zip wire is exciting.

There are tennis courts and they are building a new water park.

What do you think is the main appeal for children?

The ice cream stall.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are there?

To ride my bike around the flower beds and race with my friends.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

3 months+ Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAA stars but AAAAA when the water park is finished!

Folly Farm

What is it about this place that you like?

Evie aged 5 I like getting stuff from the shop. I like the rally cars.

We didn’t see the penguins last time but I really like them.

What do you think is the main appeal for children?

Going to the giraffe talk and seeing the lions.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are there?

Going on the rally cars as it made me dizzy.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

Everyone but babies might be scared of the animals.

Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAAA

22

When it comes to taking the kids out over the summer holidays, sometimes our minds go blank about where to take them. So we asked the kids of Rhiwbina where they like to go and why.

Here’s what they said

Go Air Trampoline Park Lucy aged 11

What is it about this place that you like?

There are lots of activities to do there such as dodgeball, trampolining, basket ball and a foam pit.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are there?

Playing dodgeball with friends.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

6+ Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAA

Techniquest

Holly aged 8

What is it about this place that you like?

Lots of different activities to do and experiment with.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are there?

Taking photos in the photo booth with friends.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

3-15.

Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAA

TBen enaged Pin5 Bowling What is it about this place that you like?

You can score strikes and knock down lots of pins.

What do you think is the main appeal for children?

Pushing the ball down the ramp and watch the pins getting knocked over.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

3 and over.

Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAAA

Penarth Tilly aged 8 What is it about this place that you like?

We catch the train from Thornhill and take a picnic with us. We go down to the beach and collect shells. Sometimes we go to the park at the top.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are there?

Going onto the pier for an ice cream.

What age range do you think it would appeal to?

Lots of different ages.

Out of 5 possible stars how many stars would you give this place?

AAAAA

23

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Colourfence is capable of withstanding timber paneldestroying wind speeds of up to 130 mph and is guaranteed not to rot, warp or peel for 25 years. For those of us who love our gardens, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle free enjoyment.

We firmly believe that Colourfence is the best general garden fencing product on the market today, and not only is our product great, our service is too.

Our goal is to give you fencing that is attractive and remains fit for purpose without costly and time consuming annual treatments.

Furthermore, you get full peace of mind as Colourfence is guaranteed for 25 years. * full details available on request

We cannot and do not try to compete on price with inferior lap panel installations but a Colourfence fence can cost you less than you might think and is remarkably good value when you consider there are no ongoing maintenance costs.

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ELVIS is back!

ELVIS RETURNS TO JUBORAJ RHIWBINA

21ST JUNE 2016

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“A MUST FOR ANY CURRY FAN”

From bedtime stories to big screen movies

Superted creator Mike Young has spent most of his life in animation in Hollywood where he works as an independent producer, taking on the giants of the industry His shows have been watched by millions of children across the world. The characters he's invented have played a huge role in the childhoods of many. Yet Mike Young is very much down to earth, rooted in good Welsh earth, and very proud of his local links.

"I live in a place named Calabasas, which is at the far western end of LA. Whenever this is mentioned in the UK, people invariably respond with the phrase 'that’s where the Kardashians live….do you know them?'

"In a similar vein, when I mention Whitchurch in my extended US soccer world, they always say 'Isn’t that where Gareth Bale comes from?

Do you know him?' I always answer with 'Yes he’s a great mate of mine.' (I wish)" Home for the Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning animation producer may now be The City of Angels, but Mike's Welsh upbringing gave him the belief

“

26

Whenever I mention Whitchurch in my extended US soccer world, they always say 'Isn't that where Gareth Bale comes from?'. I always answer with 'Yes, he's a great friend of mine' (I wish!)

that anything is possible.

"I am a Barry boy and my wife Liz is from Old Wallace Farm in Dyffryn so we know just about everyone there! I was born in Cwm, Ebbw Vale, in the same flat that my cousin Victor Spinetti was born in a decade or so earlier. My first memory was watching the miners walking up Marine Street with flaming torches singing 'Vote, vote, vote for Aneurin Bevan, Kick old Churchill up the… '(I had better finish there). We moved from Cwm to Barry when I was about six years old. To me, it was a bit like moving to Las Vegas - or so it seemed to me at the time.

Victor was a huge influence on me and through him, I could see that anything was possible in life. Not only did he once take me as a late teenager for a night out with the Beatles, but he also cast the voices of Jon Pertwee, Melvyn Hayes, Derek Griffiths and Roy Kinnear in Superted for me.

"My start in life in the valleys formed my political views that remain to this day and in US terms are well, well left of centre, leading to some feisty dinner conversations!"

Before his life in the US, Mike trained as a TV producer in Wales, and was working as an advertising copywriter.

"I had remarried and had inherited two children to add to my own two, the youngest of whom was three years old.

Richard was a bit insecure and afraid of the dark, (this is an often

told story!) so I started telling him stories about a Teddy Bear who was also afraid of the dark - but when he whispered his secret magic word that only he (and now only Gareth Bale) knew, he turned into SuperTed. One day, when collecting Richard from play school, the teacher told me that he always retold them the story I had told him the previous evening.

The teacher told me that the kids loved the stories and asked why I hadn't published them. The rest is history."

In 1981, S4C enquired about making SuperTed into an animated series, but Mike decided to create Siriol Productions to produce the series himself.

But in 1989, Mike was finding it difficult to sell his series to Hollywood executives without a local presence there so he sold the majority of his stakes in SuperTed and moved to LA. "Next to North Korea, the US is in its own way, the most insular country on Earth. The thought, back in the eighties of a network there commissioning a show from a studio in Wales was just not feasible. SuperTed had been sold as an acquisition to Disney, the first time that the esteemed organisation had ever bought an animation from an outside studio; but in order to get a new series made, we needed to work through an American studio.

Hanna Barbara came on board and with them, we co-produced a US version of SuperTed followed

by Fantastic Max, Sleepy Kids and the motion picture Once Upon A Forest. I still have great friends from those days but creatively speaking, it was frankly like working in a factory. We decided to up sticks, move to LA and start our own studio. So off we went with our five kids, though two of them were still in college in the UK. "When I look back, I think I must have been crazy for doing it - the chance we took was enormous.

We set ourselves up against companies such as Disney, Warner Bros, Viacom and a plethora of huge independent animation studios. We moved into the home that we still live in. The kids now won't let us think about moving, so twenty six years is the longest we have lived anywhere. We won a commission from ABC television for The Secret Garden, followed by The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, and through the years, have produced a who’s-who of animated shows including Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Clifford feature film for Warner Bros. Others include Zhu Zhu Pets, He-Man: Masters of the Universe, and Voltron. In Wales, we came back and produced Chloe’s Closet as well as Dive Olly Dive, both worldwide successes.

There was also Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Hero 108."

Mike's work is still ongoing: "We are currently producing Mariah Carey’s: All I Want For Christmas Is You for Universal Studios, as well as The Real Tooth Fairies, and Lalaloopsy (ask your kids!). We also own Kabillion, which is a multi-portal network which runs in over seventy-five million US homes on cable, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Prime and others. Kids can freely watch shows whenever they choose."

Mike's latest production is the animated feature film, Norm Of the North. The main character, Norm the polar bear, heads to New York to fight a tourism development of his homeland in the Arctic. Although the film didn't have a big budget, the film used the latest computer generated imagery (CGI) technology.

people

Mike with his family in LA Advocating for the independents, Mike told the press: "It's all well and good having Disney, Pixar, Universal and DreamWorks but fundamentally they go a certain route, but we can take more risks with what we do."

The film got its Welsh première at the Market Hall cinema in Brynmawr, late last year. Despite all his successes in the world of animation, Mike's greatest achievements lie closer to his home.

"Having a happy loving family in this day and age is my biggest success. I have kids who can build on the advantages that they have been given. My eleven grandchildren (ten of them, not counting the two month old!) have been back to Wales and love it there. They all identify with Wales and in anticipation of the

next question, yes - they have been completely brainwashed about Cardiff City! In terms of success with my work, the fact that my original creation SuperTed is so iconic, and so identified with Wales, I believe that anything else I've achieved pales beside that one."

Mike's devotion to Cardiff City started when he was a youngster.

"Since watching Trevor Ford playing for Cardiff against John Charles, who was then playing for Leeds United, I have been completely hooked on Cardiff City. I sponsor bits and pieces from time to time (you can see the latest caricatures around this page). They join the twelve others that adorn the Family Area at Cardiff City Stadium. I get to see less than a half a dozen games a season but I listen to them on the net and in our brief season in the Premiership, I was able to watch all the games.

"I optioned the book 'The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw' and I am in the final stages of financially packaging it for production in the autumn.

The live–action movie will star Sam Claflin as Robin Friday, Louis Tomlinson as Steve Death (both good footballers) and the rest of the casting is coming together."

27

TS OW! E K N TIC BLE ILA A AV

Vintage for 15TH - 16TH - 17TH JULY Victory WHITCHURCH LIBRARY GARDENS, CARDIFF

WHITCHURCH library gardens will be host to Whitchurch's first vintage FOR victory festival. here's what to expect

3 glorious summer days of vintage music and fashion

Sol cinema

FRIDAY The Saints Big Band Evening SATURDAY Memphis Lee & The Creepers Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer Like The Beatles Big Macs Wholly Soul Band SUNDAY Elle and The Pocket Belles Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer Like The Beatles The Big What Band?!

See you on the dance floor!

elle and the pocket belles

Delve into the New age of Old. These sassy and stylish ladies quite simply sizzle on stage and will transport you back in time.

An audience of 8 adults are treated to red carpet, usherette service and popcorn for a unique cinematic experience. Sol Cinema's staff are experienced performers who add an exciting dimension to the experience.

big mac's wholly soul band They’ve played in Cairo, Tenerife, Germany and Dublin and are easily the best in the business .

To date, Big Mac’s have appeared on the bill with a number of top names, from Edwin Starr, Jimmy James and The Vagabonds, Van Morrison, The Pasadenas and Jools Holland to Go West, Dodgy and Shed7.

Spitfire

Mr B

This replica MKIX Spitfire has taken over 20 years to build and was completed in May 2010 using many genuine Spitfire parts and built from copies of the original drawings.

Mr.B began his Chap-Hop career in the summer of 2007 when he decided to bring elements of his previous incarnations (UK rapper, jump-up breaks producer, banjolele maverick and dandy) together and create a genre.

The original aircraft on which the reproduction is based was produced

by Vickers Armstrong at their Castle Bromwich works in March 1944.

the gentleman rhymer

www.vintageforvictory.co.uk

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Celebrating our 15th year in the heart of Rhiwbina village

CHIROPRACTIC Established since 1998, Rainer Wieser and our team at C3, Chloe Stamper, Lia Biancheri and Niki Douglas have been providing effective chiropractic care to thousands of patients. Our team are qualified and experienced members of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCoC), and are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).

They work within a professional setting, utilising the latest equipment and techniques in order to provide effective diagnosis and treatment for many conditions including back and neck pain, arthritic pain, headaches and migraine, hip, knee and ankle pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, sports injuries, repetitive strain injury and sciatica.

Our team are also registered practitioners with leading health insurance companies including BUPA, AXA PPP, AVIVA and many more.

CHIROPODY / PODIATRY Our chiropody/podiatry clinic located within C3 Chiropractic clinic located in the heart of Rhiwbina Village is now in its fifth year and continues to go from strength to strength, providing professional foot care for residents in Rhiwbina and North Cardiff.

Our team of Podiatrists/ Chiropodists, Lynne and Poppy are qualified to degree level and are registered HCPC health care professionals.

223-225 Pantbach Road Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AE

Get your tootsies summer-ready: 9 tips for neat feet by C3 podiatrist Lynne Griffiths 1. Keep your toenails neatly trimmed by cutting straight across your nails, before gently filing any rough edges but don’t cut them too short or down the sides, as this increases the risk of developing a painful ingrowing nail.

If you wear nail varnish, it’s a good idea to have a break for a few days a month to allow the nails to breathe.

2. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet every day and let them get some air but if you have to wear socks, remember to change them every day and choose ones made from a natural fibre like cotton, to keep your feet dry and smelling fresh.

3. Flip flops and flat summer sandals lack arch support and cushioning.

Instead, try sandals with inbuilt arch support, to reduce the chance of suffering with pain in your heels or arches.

4. Sweaty smelly feet can be a source of embarrassment, wash your feet every morning and evening using an antibacterial soap, followed by a foot powder or antiperspirant to banish the odour. This may not work if you have a medical condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Consider seeing your GP if the simple measures above don’t help to reduce your foot odour, or if you are worried that your level of sweating is unusually high.

5. Sweaty feet combined with wearing the same shoes everyday can cause

smelly feet, so alternate the shoes you wear to give them a chance to dry out.

6. Summer heat and humidity can cause feet to swell, so try soaking them in cold or chilled water for fifteen minutes to help reduce the swelling, remembering to dry thoroughly afterwards. You should also remember to drink plenty of water, keep active and elevate your feet when relaxing.

7. Don’t forget your feet are just as likely to get sunburnt as the rest of your body, so apply a protective sunscreen whenever they are exposed to the sun and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.

8. Don’t walk around public swimming pools or communal shower and changing facilities barefoot, wear flip-flops to protect your tootsies from infections like athletes foot and verrucae and remember, even the most luxurious hotels harbour the bacteria and viruses that cause foot infections.

9. Whilst it’s great to feel the air on your feet, strappy summer shoes and flimsy flip flops can rub and cause blisters. If you get a blister don’t be tempted to pop it, instead cover it with a plaster and if it bursts apply some antiseptic.

If your feet are causing you a problem don’t despair, book a consultation with Lynne or Poppy at the C3 podiatry clinic in the heart of Rhiwbina for friendly professional advice and treatment.

02920 627888

www. c3chiropractic.co.uk

The

Roald Dahl Trail

Ty-Mynydd House & Lodge RADYR: The Dahl family lived here from 1917 to 1921 in what was then a large Victorian house on a 150 acre farm. Only the lodge remains - this is now a private house next to Maes yr Awel.

Postcode: CF15 8AF

Catch the bus to Park Road or walk for 1.5 miles along Heol Isaf to its junction with Llantrisant Road, turn left then first left into Danescourt Way. From the Blethin Close bus stop, walk towards the church via the footway in front of the Radyr Court Inn.

St John's Church

DANESCOURT (formerly known as Radyr Chain): An impressive pink granite cross against the boundary wall marks the grave of Roald Dahl's half-sister Astri (d.1920); father Harald (18631921) and Sofie (d.1968). Postcode: CF5 2SH Walk along the Radyr Court Inn, turning right along Danescourt Way down to the roundabout.

Turn left, passing the petrol station and head down Llantrisant Road (1.5 miles). Along this road, Roald Dahl's De Dion Bouton car crashed. Roald's nose was severed and had to be stitched back.

After the junction with Gillian Road, turn right onto the public footpath. At its junction with Fairwater Road, cross the road and continue for 200 yards down Fairwater Road. Ty Gwyn (Villa Marie) will be on your right.

Ty Gwyn (Villa Marie)

FAIRWATER: Roald Dahl was born in this house on 13th September 1916. The Dahl family lived there from 1907 to 1917. The house was known then as 'Villa Marie'. Postcode: CF5 2LE Retrace your steps and bear right for half a mile on Fairwater Road to its junction with Cardiff Road.

The site of the former Llandaff Cathedral School is on your left. Continue across into Heol y Pavin until you reach the Cathedral Green.

Public Transport

BUS: Take the Cardiff Bus No.63 (Mon-Sun) to Park Road, Radyr to start your walk OR TRAIN: (Mon-Sun) from Cardiff Central Station or Pontypridd to Radyr Station.

Return to city centre via Bus Nos: 24,62,63,66 or Stagecoach 122 or 124 or Bus: 63 back to Radyr Station 32

OTHER PLACES: Norwegian Church - Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4PA This church now overlooks the Inner Harbour but in Roald's time, was in its original location overlooking the southern entrance to Bute East Dock. The Dahl family worshipped here with others from the Norwegian community. Roald was baptised here.

Roald Dahl spent his early childhood in Llandaff and Radyr. The Llandaff Society and the Radyr and Morganstown Society are celebrating 100 years of the world's greatest story-teller by publishing this walking trail, linking places with which he was associated Llandaff Cathedral School

THE GREEN: Roald Dahl attended the Cathedral School from the age of seven. The Llandaff Cathedral School is now on the Cardiff Road/Western Avenue junction, but when he was a pupil, it was housed in a substantial stone building overlooking The Green. The site is now a close of houses known as 'The Cathedral Green'.

Postcode: CF5 2EB Walk across The Green, past The Cross and the Bishop's Palace, turning right into High Street.

25 yards on your left is Mrs Pratchett's Sweet Shop.

Mrs Pratchett's Sweet Shop

HIGH STREET: The 'Great Wall' Chinese takeaway is the site of the sweet shop which features in Roald Dahl's story 'The Great Mouse Plot'. This was based on an incident that happened at his Preparatory School. Postcode: CF5 2DX Turn left into Chapel Street, left into Cardiff Road for 50 yards and cross Western Avenue. Walk along Palace Road past its junction with Howell's Crescent to the house that used to be Elm Tree House School.

Elm Tree School House

27 Palace Road: Roald Dahl sped to his Preparatory School on his tricycle via Howell's Crescent when living at Cumberland Lodge. The former school has now reverted to its previous use as a private house (please respect the occupants' privacy). Postcode: CF5 2AG Turn into Howell's Crescent with Cardiff Road and turn right. Cumberland Lodge is the second house on the right.

Cumberland Lodge

Cardiff Road: The Dahl family lived here after Harald died, from 1921 to 1929. The Lodge is now the Howell's School Nursery and Infants School.

The trail ends here. Postcode: CF5 2YD All distances are approximate. Routes used are public footways. No responsibility can be taken for any accidents incurred by those following this trail.

Aadnesson & Dahl - Pier Head Chambers, 3 Bute Street (now Mermaid Quay) CF10 5BZ Harald Dahl moved to the UK in 1900, setting up a business with Ludwig Aadnesson in the then bustling Butetown as ship brokers. They imported timber in the form of pit props from Norway and exported coal. He moved to Llandaff in 1907.

The Roald Dahl Trail is published by The Llandaff Society and Radyr and Morganstown Association (both affiliated to Civic Trust Cymru). Copyright March 2016.

Living Magazines is grateful to both in allowing us to publish this trail.

33

Recliner Chair Centre

An award winning, family firm,established for over 30 years We all have a favourite place to sit in our homes, whether it’s our seat at the dinner table, our spot on the sofa, or the plush chair in the living room. Unfortunately, for many of us, there comes a time in our life when our favourite chair no longer gives us the support we need. There are 3 main questions to ask yourself if you feel your favourite chair is no longer sufficient: 1. Are You Sitting Comfortably?

If comfort is an issue when you are trying to sit and relax it could be a sign your chair is offering you insufficient support.

2. Do You Sit In Your Chair For Extended Periods?

When your mobility needs change you can find yourself spending long periods of time in the same chair. If this is the case you need to ensure your chair is giving you the maximum support possible.

3. Do You Find It Difficult To Sit And Stand?

Sitting and standing eventually becomes a problem for the majority of people, and it can cause individuals to find themselves restricted and dependent on help. A rise and recline chair can help you retain independence by easing your mobility.

How A Rise And Recline Chair Can Help Rise and recline chairs give you support when and where you need it most. The right chair should support your entire back and neck, so you are sitting comfortably when you are in the chair for an extended period of time, and help you to sit and stand.

• Rise – There will be a button located on the hand control which raises the whole chair upwards. When you are sitting the chair will ease you into a standing position, and when you want to sit you simply position yourself on the raised chair and press the button which will ease it down slowly.

• Recline – The recline function allows you to get into more comfortable positions when you’re sitting so you can avoid soreness and pain. They also allow you to put your feet up and lie back, which can relieve pressure and allow you to rest without having to go to bed.

At Recliner Chair Centre we have a wide range of premium quality and stylish rise and recline chairs that are ideal for any environment.

We have been providing excellent mobility solutions in South Wales for over 30 years, and our dedicated and experienced team are always on hand to offer you impartial advice and fantastic products.

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As Wales joins the ranks of England, Slovakia and Russia at the Euros, we chart the career and life of John Charles, the Swansea-born player who later in life, set up home in Rhiwbina.

Never cautioned or sent off during his entire career, he has since been included in the Football League 100 Legends and the Football Hall of Fame.

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he was nicknamed by Juventus fans as Il Gigante Buono – The Gentle Giant His children went to Llanishen Fach School. He lived in Rhiwbina village, his wife Peggy worked in the Tax Office and he even owned a shop here.

Yet his name is known around the world as one of the greatest footballers that Wales and Great Britain has ever produced. He’s been ranked with the likes of Pelé, Best and Maradona.

Known as the ‘Gentle Giant’, John Charles was born in Swansea in 1931. At school, John joined the boys section of Swansea Town (later to become Swansea City) and left school at the age of 14.

He was taken on as a groundsman at Vetch Field but because of his young age, Third Division Swansea never awarded him a first-team call up. He only made senior appearances for the reserve side in the Welsh Football League.

Major Frank Buckley, the then manager of Leeds United, had heard of John’s footballing prowess and sent scouts to Swansea. While playing for Gendros, a local youth club, he was duly scouted and given a trial in September 1948.

He impressed them so much that

“ 36

As for playing in public parks with a few people watching - why not? It can never be beneath the dignity of a footballer to play football.

he signed for them at the age of 17. Within a year, he had become a regular.

By early 1949, he had established himself as their main centre-half and went on to win his first cap for Wales against Northern Ireland in Wrexham. He was just 18 years of age.

His debut however, was a forgettable one. His nerves got the better of him and was outplayed by the veteran Irish and Aston Villa player, Dave Walsh.

John got a second chance against Switzerland the following year and Wales only just managed to win the game 3-2 after going 3-0 up earlier in the match.

During the 1952/53 season, Frank Buckley decided to play John at centre-forward. Leeds were badly in need of goals. It was an inspired decision, John scoring 26 League goals.

His new-found form piqued the attention of Wales once again, who this time played him partnering Trevor Ford. Northern Ireland once again provided the opposition and this time, John produced a much more assured display, featuring in all three goals of their 3-2 win.

During the 1955/56 season, his tally of 30 goals in 41 games helped Leeds gain promotion to Division One. Once there, he produced another 38 goals in 40 games. His performances didn’t go unnoticed.

Italian players’ agent, Gigi

Peronace, took John to Juventus, the most popular club in Italy for the sum of £65,000. He became an instant hit with the fans who gave him the title of Il Gigante Buono, or ‘The Gentle Giant’. His calm and unflappable demeanour was tested by the passionate Italian defenders, who were renowned for their nudging and shirt-tugging.

In his first season, Juventus won the Italian Championship, John then meeting up with his brother Mel to play for Wales in the 1958 World Cup. In the quarter final in Gothenburg, John was unable to play. Inspired by the bravery of Mel and the goalkeeping of Jack Kelsey, Wales kept Brazil at bay for most of the game and even the solitary, decisive, goal, by Pelé, was a fluke, in off the boot of the Welsh right-back, Williams. In all, Charles went on to win 38 caps for his country, scoring 15 goals.

Playing 34 games in his second season in Italy, he scored 19 goals in the championship; 23 goals were scored in the following season, and 15 in 1960/61. In his five and a half years with Juve, the club won the Serie A title three times and the Italian Cup twice; Charles scored 93 goals, despite being selected to play as a central defender as often as centreforward.

By the 1961/62 season, John seemed to be slowing up. The following summer, he was transferred back to Leeds United

Il Gigante Buono where he played only 11 games for three goals before going back to Italy; this time to Rome.

For Roma, he played 10 games, scoring four goals.

Within the year, he was back in Wales - this time playing for Cardiff City where his brother Mel was playing. His scoring stats continued to wane and John, aware perhaps that he had passed his peak, took up the role of player-manager for Hereford United. Though lacking mobility, and playing at centre-half, he could still score goals, particularly with his head, from corners and free-kicks. He left Hereford during the 1971-72 season, and in December 1972, he joined Merthyr Tydfil, again as playermanager.

As if to complete the circle, John moved back to where it had all started many years previously and became manager of the Swansea Youth Team in 1974.

He was awarded a CBE in 2001 for services to Association Football. By his marriage to his first wife, Peggy, he had four sons.

He married Glenda Vero in 1987.

John died on February 21st 2004, but his name lives on forever, especially in the hearts and minds of the clubs he played for. The John Charles Lounge in Aberystwyth Town Football Club’s ground is named after him, as is the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds. The West stand at Elland Road is named The John Charles Stand and the entrance lobby to the Banqueting Suite contains a

bust of John, in memory of all he did for the club.

His love for the game was never in doubt. Whilst discussing why he didn’t retire at the top of his game, Charles said: “Why should I pack it in when I could still be useful? As for playing on public parks with few people watching – why not?

Is someone suggesting that was beneath me? It can never be beneath the dignity of a footballer to play football.”

As for his sports shop in Rhiwbina? Residents recall John not letting children pay for their football boots, which probably accounts for the shop failing to make any money and eventually having to close.

37

Garden Village Garage 227 Pantbach Road Rhiwbina Cardiff CF14 6AE

0333 121 2012

Outdoor

Living

Time to step out into the garden, sit back and enjoy the sun Large Colouring-in Picnic Blanket

A large colour-in white canvas picnic blanket for those long lazy summer afternoons. Entertain the children while they munch on their sandwiches, currant buns and strawberries. Backed with a purple nylon, it is perfect for countryside and beach picnics. Great outdoor holiday entertainment. £34.99 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Cornish Jar Lamps Solar powered lamps £4.99 Leekes

Eureka! Lamps

Pack Of Five Message Beanstalk Seeds

Five magical beans with messages and pictures laser etched into them on both sides which will continue to enlarge as the beans grow. £3 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Perfect for illuminating parasols, gazebos, bushes and trees. The handy hanging hook means that the light bulbs can he hung from almost anywhere. Hand-blown glass design and solar powered so it doesn't need batteries! £3.99 Leekes

Birds, Bees and Butterflies Seedbom Gift Box

Join forces with nature to transform unloved spaces with a blast of life and colour!

You don't need to be a gardener to be a guerrilla gardener. Simply find an area of unloved land, pull the pin and shake it, soak it, throw it and grow it.

Seedboms will biodegrade over time, leaving only pretty plants behind. £14.99 www.notonthehighstreet.com 40

outdoors

Eton Summer House

Pre-loved Goodies

When it comes to relaxing in the garden, nothing says it better than a summer house.

With tongue and groove flooring and walls, locking doors and toughened glass, the stylish roof offers shade and additional shelter. £720 Next

Reinkarnation in Birchgrove is a treasure-trove of pre-loved goodies and reclaimed items. Each item has a story to tell and all are unique.

Picnic basket £55 Woollen blanket £26 Bunting £16 Various other plates from £5 Reinkarnation,116 Caerphilly Road, Birchgrove

Insect and Beehouse

Insects and bees help your garden in so many different ways - from pollinating your flowers through to breaking down garden waste.

This insect and bee house provides a habitat for a variety of beneficial insects including solitary bees, ladybirds and lacewings. Features a removable dowel to replenish with pine cones, bark and other natural materials. £17.50 Marks & Spencer 41

Gardens Local gardener Kevin Revell shows you how you can use shrubs to turn your garden into a haven for wildlife

M

any shrubs and flowering plants, by their very nature will attract wildlife, either bees and butterflies to pollinate the flowers, or birds and mammals to eat and distribute the berries and seeds.

Even the ability of a plant to support a population of caterpillars or aphids can be construed as a good thing, if they in turn are predated by birds or ladybirds. It is pointless feeding the birds with seed and peanuts in the winter if we subsequently deny them their natural food in spring and summer by spraying our garden plants with toxic chemicals.

Trees and large shrubs of some sort are the first plants to consider when planning a garden to attract wildlife.

Birds love to observe an area from on high before they risk coming into the garden and the cover provided will give them confidence if a predator should come by. Fruit trees will offer a blizzard of blossom in spring and the benefit of fruit in late summer – both will help attract wildlife; even rotten fruit on an autumnal dew-covered lawn will help feed birds and butterflies and prepare them for winter. Some shrubs are particularly good for the purpose of attracting wildlife, either for continuity of flowering, copious

42

fruit production or the ability to withstand aphid attack and sustain a population of predators; the top ten are listed below.

Top Five Shrubs to Attract Wildlife

Lavandula angustifolia – Lavender Lavender is the best possible plant to attract bees - the more you plant, the more you will be rewarded with the hum of their industry from dawn to dusk, the flowers are long lasting and the fragrance will transport you off to sunny climes. There are several varieties which offer advantages over the straight species; ‘Hidcote’ and

‘Munstead’ are both compact forms with deep blue flowers.

Earlier flowering French lavender is another plant ideal to attract bees characterised by stubby inflorescences of small flowers topped with longer ‘ears’. Although not ideal for a rainy British climate, it will do well in a sunny spot provided the drainage is good which can be achieved by the addition of coarse grit when planting. Heavy clay soils in a shaded position should be avoided. Lavender is an ideal plant for pots and containers and associates well with terracotta pots giving a suitably Mediterranean feel to a garden or patio.

Cotoneaster horizontalis Herring Bone Cotoneaster A dual purpose plant in terms of wildlife, this is a common garden plant but one which is alive with bees in late spring that delight in the clusters of numerous small flowers. The resulting berries are highly ornamental in late summer and are well regarded by blackbirds and thrushes come the first frosts of autumn. Another benefit is the bright red autumn colour of the leaves which fall to reveal the herringbone tracery of branches.

gardens

If grown near a wall, it will appear to cling to the vertical surface and when well established, makes a fine nesting place for small birds such as hedge sparrows and wrens. Snails and spiders will also find places to hide within and while they are not everybody’s idea of attractive wildlife, they are vital to the survival of other species; we should not to be too choosy when evaluating our efforts to attract wildlife – it is all useful in the greater scheme of things, finding a balance is the tricky part that takes time and patience.

Fuchsia spp. – Hardy Fuchsia Fuchsias are invaluable in the garden as they produce flowers over such a long period, from early summer until the first frosts, which in a mild winter, might be after Christmas.

The large growing, small flowered varieties in particular, produce flowers in such profusion that there is never a moment when there is not a bee somewhere about the bush searching for a new source of nectar.

Fuchsia magellanica makes a potentially large shrub up to 2m tall but can be controlled and revived by hard pruning in early spring.

It is also a useful hedging plant in mild areas. Other smaller varieties such as the golden leaved ‘Genii’ or compact growing ‘Tom Thumb’ are more easily contained in pots and containers. Overbred double flowering forms more familiar in hanging baskets are best avoided, for although undoubtedly attractive, the infilling of the flower with additional petals makes it difficult for bees to access the nectar and pollen which is equally true of other plants such as roses.

Buddleia davidii – Butterfly Bush The clue is in the name – there is no shrub better suited to attract butterflies to the garden. The tiny tubular flowers are gathered together in a large inflorescence resembling an inflated wind sock at an airfield.

Only butterflies and moths and bees with long proboscises can access the nectar and peak flowering time in July and August attracts butterflies from far and wide. Migratory Painted Ladies and Red Admirals seem to be particularly partial to this shrub which gains negative publicity for its ability to seed itself along railway lines and into the masonry of walls and chimneys. Named varieties such as ‘Black Knight’ and ‘Royal Red’ are better behaved with dark richly coloured flowers. These are large growing shrubs which can be maintained at 2m if cut back hard in spring, but for smaller modern gardens, the aptly named ‘Buzz Series’ with smaller flowers are more compact at 1m and are ideal for pots and containers.

Rosa rugosa – Hedging Rose It is said that roses are martyrs to aphid attack which may be true, but Rosa rugosa is a tough plant which is more than capable of withstanding the early plagues that seem to attack the soft new growth that can be disastrous to other roses around the garden. The fact that it always seems to have a few aphids makes it a magnet for ladybirds and other predatory insects. The glossy foliage is completely disease free and the superbly scented flowers can be white, pink or cerise. Try to avoid double flowered forms as bees are much more attracted to the simple flower arrangement which allows them access to the anthers and nectar. No dead-heading is required as a surprising feature of this rose is revealed after the flowers fade in late summer when fat, glossy red hips are produced, which persist well into autumn. An extremely prickly plant, it works well as a hedge and will withstand hard pruning to come back better than ever.

43

Airport, cruise terminal and bespoke journey specialist Est 1989

AUTHENTIC INDIAN MEALS JUST HEAT AND EAT! A style of Indian takeaway, where you pick up chilled Indian ready meals with heating instructions for Ovens and Microwaves.

A great idea, as you can collect the food earlier in day and heat it when you are ready to eat.

Tel: 029 2052 0360 314 Caerphilly Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF14 4NT email: info@nahinspicecentre.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 3pm - 10.30pm Saturday 12 noon - 10.30pm Closed Sunday. Open Bank Holidays BEST TAKEAWAY OF THE YEAR 2005 & 2006 HIGHLY COMMENDED 2008 & 2009 FINALIST 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013

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Award-winning service in the heart of Rhiwbina Michelle Marshall Salon only moved to Beulah Road one year ago yet they have already established themselves as Rhiwbina’s premier hair and beauty salon

“

The journey from the moment you walk through our door, to the time you say goodbye, is considered in great detail.”

Fresh from scooping a Team/ Service of the Year Award at this year’s Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards, Michelle Marshall has every reason to be proud of her Rhiwbina-based team.

“We’ve only just celebrated our first birthday here in Rhiwbina village. I hand-picked my team, taking into account my ethos that every guest needs to be treated with respect and consideration every time.”

It’s an ethos that has seen the salon’s customer base grow rapidly - and one which has helped grow Michelle Marshall Salon into something of an experience.

“We’ve all been in a shop where we might not feel comfortable.

We’ve analysed every aspect of our service to make all of our guests feel comfortable from the moment they step in the door. We are friendly and relaxed, provide a low-key, chilled out atmosphere so that we can plan your needs from start to finish. We’ve even installed reclining massage chairs - having your hair shampooed has never been so relaxing!” says Michelle.

Every member of the salon’s team are keen to learn new techniques, meaning that every guest gets the very best treatment.

“Education is the key to keeping us at the forefront of hairdressing,”

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says Michelle. “We are the first salon in Wales to have a Redken certified hair colourist. I’ve been a Redken artist for the past 12 years and I’ve recently introduced the Redken 5th Avenue Balayage technique from America. I’m constantly seeking out current trends and developments to bring to the salon. Of course, I can then pass on this knowledge to the rest of the team here.”

There is a wide variety of treatments available at the salon.

“We’ve got all the latest colouring techniques including Babylights, Balayage, Ecaille, Opal, Ombre, Sombre, Hand-pressed and Bronde. We are also keen for all of our team members to develop their own personal style.

The last thing we want is a one dimensional team capable of mastering only one style; we want to create hair that is individual and coloured to match the hair cut, hair style, their image and skin tone.”

Team members also have the opportunity to go to the Redken Exchange in London, where they recently attended a course, Color Obsessed for two days. Meanwhile in London and Dublin, at the Redken Exchange, Michelle herself teaches master classes to other Redken Salon teams all over the UK, specialising in Balayage.

Then there’s the Express Color Bar for guests who need a quick top up hair colour between regular appointments.

“We also offer guest loyalty cards - for every five stamps you’re entitled to a luxury Redken Super Shot, including a Neal’s Yard hand and arm massage worth £20.

Recommend a friend to the salon and you receive £5 off your next visit - your friend also receives £5 off their first visit. We also like to link in with our fellow businesses

here in Rhiwbina. We get our hand creams from Helen at Dandelion and Burdock and our flowers from Tracey at the Flower Lodge.”

Putting others first comes naturally to the team: “Our charity fund raising for Earth Month was led by the team, who chose WaterAid as the sponsored charity for the month.

The team hosted cake bakes in the salon, had a fancy dress day and ‘pop a balloon’ where guests could win prizes. The local businesses in Rhiwbina contributed greatly by donating prizes where a raffle draw was held. The raffle was extremely popular and we raised over £400. The biggest event for the month was the Walk for Water; the salon team walked 13.5 miles and raised over £700.”

If you visit Michelle Marshall Salon this summer, you’ll not just be getting award-winning service and beautiful hair: “We take pride in the service we deliver to our guests. From the moment you walk into our salon, we want you to feel special; we want you to be pampered and most of all, have a memorable experience.” a: 12 Beulah Road, Rhiwbina Cardiff CF14 6LX t: 029 2061 1566 w: www.michellemarshallsalon.co.uk

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I'd like to put my paw down about this Last issue, we published a feature entitled '18 problems only dog owners would understand.'

One of our readers got in touch to complain about it. Here's what they had to say on the matter Dear Editors After reading the '18 problems only dog owners would understand' in my spring copy of Rhiwbina Living, kindly obtained for me by my owner, I felt I had to put pen to paper, or pad to keyboard to be strictly accurate.

The whole article is stereotypical and frankly offensive. Here's a list of my complaints, starting with 'The smell of a wet dog' and 'The whiff of dog food'. · There are plenty of people around Rhiwbina (I can’t speak for the rest of Cardiff as I rarely go there), who have issues with personal hygiene that are far worse than that of damp fur. Your readers may have noticed or been downwind of some of them. Soap and water are not expensive-do make an effort. · If you have a problem with the smell of dog food, I have two things to say - cheap food tends to smell so don’t buy it. And if food does smell, then that’s hardly the fault of the consumer - the provider is the one who should be in the dock. By the way, have you ever smelt your own breath after a night at the local followed by a takeaway? I wouldn’t recommend it. · Sticking with food for a moment, sad eyes are not a sign of wanting some of that revolting concoction you are eating but pity for the effect it’s going to have on your rapidly expanding 48

waistline. Going for walks is for your benefit not ours. If we didn’t force you to get off the sofa you’d be there permanently, slowly disappearing under a mountain of sweet wrappers, cans, pizza crusts, cigarette ends, bottles etc. As for the 'biggest, juiciest bone you’ve ever seen' - if you’re so keen on eating like a prehistoric savage, be my guest and get stuck in. · As for squirrels - well they are just plain annoying. They are like wasps - they don’t do anything of any benefit to anyone. Ok, they can look quite cute but have you noticed that they’re always fiddling with their nuts? That says it all. · No, I’m not particularly enthusiastic about the vet. If you had to have your temperature taken the same way as we do, I doubt if you’d be too eager to go and see your GP: “If you’d be so kind as to bend over - oops sorry, I forgot to warm it up.” You get my drift. · If your house is covered with a layer of fur, try putting a bit more effort into the hoovering. The reason the hoover bulges with the weight of dog fur is because you’re too lazy to empty it. · I’m not going to lower the tone by commenting at length on the poo bag issue - do you ever run out of toilet paper? Of course you don’t, so make sure you keep a plentiful supply of the necessary receptacles - it’s hardly rocket

science is it? · Now as to barking, I will concede you may have a point. I personally rarely ever bark but when I do, it’s for a good reason. If I say so myself, I have a very impressive bark and one or two are generally enough. I can’t abide dogs who are so in love with the sound of their own voices that they constantly yap yap yap. But, dear readers, there are a lot of you who are equally guilty. I believe the collective noun for these people is 'politicians'. I saw a couple of written versions of this verbosity a few weeks ago. They came through the letterbox and featured a boyish looking fellow and another lady bragging about their achievements in and around 'Cardiff North' wherever that is. Well forgive me for stating the obvious but isn’t that what they are paid very handsomely for? Imagine if everyone did that. You wouldn’t get through the front door.

Well I think I’ll sign off now and hope I have redressed the balance.

Why not have regular columns in this excellent periodical for dogs and perhaps cats to comment on the issues of the day? Birds of course can twitter or tweet but I doubt anyone would be particularly interested in anything they have to say.

Mollie the Dog

pets

Pet Questions Chris Troughton of Heath Vets answers your pet-related questions There have been reports of the so-called babesiosis, where dogs are at risks because of ticks. I’m not too sure on what dangers it poses to dogs and whether you could shed any light on it.

Babesia is a blood parasite that causes severe anaemia which can be fatal. It is very difficult to treat.

Dogs become infected by bites from one particular kind of tick called Dermacenter.

In the UK, Dermacenter ticks used to be rare, but with the warmer wetter climate we seem to be having, it is spreading and has now been found in most parts of the UK – certainly in South Wales.

Ticks are usually found in rough grassland. Traditionally, they were only a problem in early summer and autumn, but with the changing climate we now see tick activity all year round.

Until recently, the Babesia parasite has only ever been seen in UK dogs after they have travelled in Europe.

However in March, there was a report of several dogs in Essex that had never travelled abroad having been diagnosed with Babesia anaemia. This has prompted a careful search for the source, and infected Dermacenter ticks were identified in woodland where these dogs exercised. It is believed the ticks got the parasite from biting dogs which had travelled in Europe.

Research is now ongoing to see if Dermacenter ticks elsewhere in the UK might be carrying Babesia as well, but so far none has been found. However, it is likely to be only a matter of time before this nasty disease does spread.

So at the moment, the risk of your dog catching Babesia in South Wales is very small indeed, but I fear it

will become more of a problem.

However, Lymes disease is also spread by ticks, so it is best to avoid ticks if possible. Some dogs seem to pick them up a lot, and you should always check your dog over carefully after walks in the country, paying particular attention to the face, legs, armpits and groin. If you do find a tick, DON’T just pull it off. You need to use a special tick-removing instrument to grip it properly and ensure the whole tick is removed (the jaws can break off and remain

in the skin, causing sores). There are now a number of very effective treatments for ticks that you can apply to your dog or give orally – talk to your vet to see what is best.

I’ve recently started sending my dog to day care but the people there said that the kennel cough vaccine only covers one strain of the disease and so isn’t too effective. I wanted to ask an expert on whether this was correct or not as my little dog doesn’t particularly like having the nasal spray done.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious cough illness that can be caused by a number of different infections; coughing is the main sign but sometimes only a runny nose and bit of snuffling is seen. It is rarely dangerous, although occasionally it can lead to more serious chest

infections and the severity of the cough can sometimes exacerbate other chest problems a patient already has – for example windpipe problems in miniature breeds.

Some of the causes of kennel cough are covered by routine inoculations – for example, para-influenza virus.

One of the other causes is Bordetella bacterium, and there is a nasal spray vaccine for this. So it is correct to say the kennel cough vaccine only covers one strain, and vaccination will not guarantee your dog is safe from the illness. However, it might protect him, so you have to make a judgement about whether it is better to leave your dog completely unprotected, or to do your best to protect him, but recognise that he might still catch it. It depends how much he hates the nasal spray!

Why does my cat insist in eating grass? Is it normal or should I seek advice?

Eating grass is quite a common behaviour for cats. Usually it does not signify any ill-health or deficiency. If fact some people recommend growing a seed-tray of grass for indoor cats to munch on! It might be providing some vitamins or dietary fibre. Quite often, cats will be sick after eating grass, and seem none the worse for it. However, if this happens any more than occasionally, it might be because your cat has a gastric problem and you should get him looked at.

Pets Questions page is sponsored by Heath Vets

a: 123 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina CF14 6UH t: 02920 621511 w: www.heathvets.co.uk 49

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Rhiwbina travel agency named as Best in Wales The popular Rhiwbina team saw off the challenge of other travel agencies across Wales to take the coveted title Rhiwbina’s Cartwright Travel has been named as the Top Travel Agency in Wales.

The agency beat off stiff competition from four other high street agent finalists to take the trophy hosted by the renowned Travel Trade Gazette.

TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies list was revealed in a ceremony in Birmingham after an extensive judging process, which saw agents rated by tour operators and other suppliers, and assessed by travel

trade journalists.

TTG editor Pippa Jacks said: “Our search for the nation’s best travel agents has taken us the length and breadth of the country, where we’ve uncovered countless stories of brilliant agents going the extra mile for their customers, giving great value, and serving their communities.

“What our new Top 50 list shows is that travel retailing in 2016 is a vibrant and successful business sector, and that – particularly on the high street – agents continue to prove their worth by delivering phenomenal customer service to their customers.

“We had our work cut out to decide the winners from a huge list of 500 contenders, and the 80 stores and businesses that made it to the shortlist stage sponsored feature

should be extremely proud.

Huge congratulations to every agency that earned a place on our prestigious list.”

Steve Cartwright, managing director of Cartwright Travel said: “We are so proud to have received this award and it came as a complete shock; to be in the top five was an achievement in itself but to actually win is fantastic for both our brands Cartwright Travel and Passion For Cruises.

“It comes at a time when the Travel Industry in general is having a very difficult time with the various tragic world events.

This incredible result could not have been achieved without the loyal support of our customers and committed staff.”

The award is all the more remarkable considering that Steve was considering closing the business down a few years ago.

“It was a meeting with our other Steve (Philippou) that helped me change my mind. We moved back into the village and set about creating a new cruise brand. The company now has a database of 6,000 people, a great web presence and even a sponsorship deal with Cardiff City football team.”

Despite their recent successes, the staff have their feet firmly on the ground and are very much part of the Rhiwbina community.

You can now book cruises from South Wales to these amazing European destinations Spain, Portugal & France Norwegian Fjords & Ireland Other current destinations include a Caribbean voyage to Barbados and Venice across the Adriatic and Mediterranean.

Luxury cruise packages from Celebrity Cruises are also available to book with private flights from Cardiff Airport to the start of your cruise.

A: 23 Heol-y-Deri Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6YF T: 02920 619961 W: wwwcartwrighttravelcardiff.co.uk

51

Constituency News

by Craig Williams MP

CRAIG WILLIAMS MP Working hard for Cardiff North SS GERIES ACRO DROP-IN SUR N TH O CARDIFF NOR NINGS R O M SATURDAY PPOINTMENTS ONE-TO-ONE A ON FRIDAYS SURGERIES ‘SKYPE’ VIDEO THE WEEK THROUGHOUT

To make an appointment or for more information on my next drop-in surgery, please contact me:

Office of Craig Williams MP, Unit 5, Heol Llanishen Fach, Rhiwbina, Cardiff, CF14 6RG 029 2240 1350 craig.williams.mp@parliament.uk www.craigwilliams.wales @Craig4CardiffN fb.com/Craig4CardiffNorth

I always look forward to the summer festivals and this year is no exception. The Rhiwbina festival is one of the largest in Cardiff North and I have watched it grow over the years. The range of events throughout the festival are always popular, culminating in Festival Day itself on Saturday 2nd July, which attracts thousands of people to Rhiwbina streets. I am sure that most people reading Rhiwbina Living know about the Festival, but if you are new to the area or have never popped in, you won’t be disappointed!

I am also looking forward to the Davis Cup Legacy Tour coming to Rhiwbina on Saturday 6th August. It was a fantastic achievement by ‘Team GB’ to win the Davis cup last year and I am delighted that it will be on display in Rhiwbina that day. I understand it is one of the largest trophies in sport, so I hope people will call into Rhiwbina Tennis Club (at Rhiwbina Recreation Club) on that day.

The Pantmawr Inn held a celebration for the Queen’s 90th Birthday which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was great atmosphere, helped by fabulous weather. When I see events at the Inn, I cannot believe that only a few years ago it was under threat of closure and development.

Events such as these continue to be a tribute to those who fought so hard to keep the pub open and demonstrate that the pub is the hub!

In Westminster I continue to raise issues which affect constituents. I was pleased to be selected for a question to the Prime Minister highlighting how the new Welsh Government must push on transport infrastructure such as the Eastern Bay link, the M4 relief road and the electrification of the city and valleys lines. These projects will help Cardiff and the wider south Wales economy and I was delighted that the Prime Minister emphasised that it was time for the Welsh Government to “get on” with these schemes.

I am also a Vice Chairman of the All Party Group on Rail in Wales, which is a cross-party group to discuss issues relating to the rail industry and network across Wales. The group can hear directly from industry professionals and will continue to investigate how best to improve Welsh railways.

Many constituents from Rhiwbina and Cardiff North have contacted me about the issue of the ban on bee harming pesticides being lifted. I have signed the pledge to oppose the lifting of the ban and will continue to work to ensure that these pesticides are not allowed.

This is only a snapshot of my work in Cardiff North and Westminster.

For more information please take a look at my website www.craig-williams.org.uk/news Twitter: @Craig4CardiffN Facebook: Craig4CardiffN

Craig Williams

competitions

Win tickets to On The Pitch at the SSE Swalec The SSE SWALEC announces the launch of ‘On The Pitch’, Cardiff ’s summer celebration of live music on 16th and 17th July at the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club. Chart-topping acts Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal, Everything Everything, Nature and Tibet will take to the stage on Saturday 16th July and Simply Red, Ben Montague and Nathan Ball will perform on Sunday 17th July.

Headlining On The Pitch on Saturday will be Kaiser Chiefs, performing their anthemic collection of hits. Fronted by Ricky Wilson, who enjoyed a fresh rise to prominence in his role as a winning coach on The Voice, Kaiser Chiefs’ recent outdoor gigs Summer 2016 have sold out in record time.

Dizzee Rascal will bring his crowd-pleasing brand of rap, pop and grime in to the early evening

slot with an extensive hit list. A past winner of the Mercury Music Prize, his critically acclaimed debut album Boy In The Corner paved the way for mainstream stardom in collaborations with Armand Van Helden and Calvin Harris. Indie-rock band Everything Everything are also on the bill with further acts to be added to the celebration of music.

On the Sunday, legendary Simply Red will be the headline act. The only back-to-back winners of the Brit Award for Best British Act, Simply Red have sold more than 60 million records and are celebrating 30 years in music with a world tour that now includes the Welsh capital at The SSE SWALEC’s On The Pitch.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets for either day, all you need to do is answer this easy question: rider to win in front of home fans after Chris Harris’ victory at the stadium in 2007.

We have a pair of tickets for the Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix 2016 up for grabs and all you have to do to be in with a chance of joining in the thrilling action and cheering on your favourite rider is answer this question:

Win tickets to the FIM Speedway World Championships The Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix will once again roll into Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium on July 9th, where current British World Champion Tai Woffinden will defend his title. And Rhiwbina Living has teamed up with the organisers to offer you the chance to be there.

From dedicated Speedway followers, to families seeking some high octane entertainment, the exhilarating, non-stop action never fails to thrill and ensures that spectators return year after year. The 500cc bikes with no brakes means nothing is predictable, with the winner only being decided in the last second of the suspense-fuelled evening.

Tai will return this year in a bid to become only the second British

IN THE STADIUM IN THE PARK IN THE CITY

CARDIFF’S SUMMER CELEBRATION OF MUSIC & MORE

SATURDAY 16 JULY

SUNDAY 17 JULY

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How many records has Simply Red sold?

Send your answer on email to editor@livingmags.co.uk or to our address on the inside front cover

by June 30th at the latest to be in with a chance of winning.

Who is the current Speedway World Champion?

Send your answer on email to editor@livingmags.co.uk or to our address on the inside front cover

by June 30th at the latest to be in with a chance of winning.

If you’re not lucky enough to win, you can book your Adrian Flux British SGP tickets online from www.seetickets.com. Tickets will also be available on the day from the WRU Box office.

53

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Abba Mania Friday 16 September, 7.30pm Dydd Gwener 16 Medi

Rebecca Ferguson

Monday 14 November Llun 14 Tachwedd

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra Saturday 25 June Sadwrn 25 Mehefin

Kevin Bloody Wilson Tuesday 1 November Mawrth 1 Tachwedd

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With the promise of sunny, summer weather on its way, head out into the garden with one of these books from North Cardiff authors. From children's history to a Cornish romance, there's something for everyone here

Get ready for some

Summer Reading

A

lthough I was born and raised in Cardiff, I moved to Bristol to attend University, where I met my husband. After we had children, we decided to move to Rhiwbina.

Although we didn’t know anyone in the area, our new neighbours were warm and welcoming. Our son joined the Rhiwbina Squirrels and we were soon part of a tight knit community, which is something we’d never experienced before.

I’d been scribbling ideas for stories since I was a teenager but it wasn’t until I was on maternity leave with my eldest son that I wrote my first book. Ultimately I decided that although the book was great practice, it wasn’t good enough to publish, and it went back on the shelf where it still sits.

I loved to read romance and always wanted to write in this genre. My old English teacher told me that

G

ardener Kevin Revell published his book, Jack Lightfoot Goes Wild several years ago.

The main character, Jack Lightfoot, finds that he is able to alternate between his life as a suburban child and that of a variety of wild animals with

56

writing creatively is often easier if you write what you know. I knew a lot about boxing as my brother had boxed when he was younger and my husband kick-boxed at a boxing gym in Bristol- so writing a sports romance seemed like the obvious choice. I never had any intention of ever publishing it, but I wrote a few chapters when I ran out of books to read (this was before I discovered Kindles and had books on tap!) and showed it to a friend. She loved it and encouraged me to publish it and let others read it. Things just took off from there.

When I wrote my first book, selfpublishing was relatively new, but by the time I’d written my second, the Kindle KDP programme was already well established.

Another debut author very kindly introduced me to her editor. After a little more research I found a wonderful cover designer and formatter and after working with them, my book started to take shape. I got in touch with a few book blogs to tell them about the book and they kindly posted a few teasers in the weeks leading up to the release. When The Hurricane was finally published, I only hoped to sell a few hundred copies, but people who’d seen the teasers read and recommended it to blogs

and friends and sales took off. A week later, it was the best-selling sports romance on Amazon and the following week, it hit the USA Today Best Sellers List. Shortly afterwards I signed with the Corvisiero Literary Agency in New York and having had a few publication offers, accepted a book deal from Hachette Publishing.

Later that year, the book reached the final of the Debut Book Goodreads Reader’s Choice Awards.

I think that the most difficult thing about it has been putting myself out there. For many years, writing was a very personal but anonymous hobby. Once you make the decision to publish, you open yourself and your writing up to the world.

which he is able to communicate.

In doing so, he finds out about the harm that humanity is inflicting on the natural world.

He has a number of adventures with a variety of creatures which enables him to learn of threats to the earth, air and water and ultimately ourselves. He treads

the path of the Celtic kings of myth and legend before the time of recorded history.

Can one boy save the entire world?

'I never had any intention of publishing my book'

Rebecca Prescott's book, The Hurricane featured in USA Today's Best Sellers List and led directly to a book deal

'I remember sneaking out of school at lunchtimes for chips and gravy at Victoria Fish Bar'

Laura Powell's latest book has already won Amazon's Rising Star Award and gained rave reviews from national newspapers

I

spent my early years in

Whitchurch.

My parents and I moved to the Rhondda when I started primary school before returning to Rhiwbina when I was about 12; I went to Rhiwbina Primary for a term, then to Whitchurch High School until I was 18.

My parent's house is around the corner from the Monico, so I have many happy memories of watching films in it when it was a glorious old cinema, of sneaking out of school at lunchtimes for chips and gravy at Victoria Fish Bar in Whitchurch - and also of spending hours in Whitchurch Library trying to revise for my GCSEs and A Levels but, instead, getting side tracked by leaflets for short story competitions and by creative writing magazines.

I moved away from Cardiff when I was 18 - first to the University of Warwick and later to London where I completed an MA and built my journalism career

(today I'm a Commissioning Editor at the Daily Telegraph). I still return regularly to visit my family - my parents and maternal grandparents live in Rhiwbina and it's still the place I call home.

My father brought home a big old PC from his workplace when I was about 10. I remember teaching myself how to type and tapping out a Christmas story about a girl who snuck out of her home and went to Cardiff City Centre for late night shopping.

The story was essentially a list of the things she bought as Christmas presents for her family. But I loved building my own little world, controlling the characters, inhabiting it. So I carried on writing. When I was in sixth form at Whitchurch High School, I signed up to an online creative writing course. I was lucky enough to be taught

by Rachel Trezise, who went on to win the Dylan Thomas Prize.

She was very generous in her feedback about my terrible work.

But I started seriously writing after that - I submitted a short story for Cambrensis Magazine that was published, I did a few creative writing modules at University of Warwick, I took a course at Faber & Faber publishing house and finally got an agent after writing the draft of a first novel set in Bridgend. Sadly it was deemed 'too bleak' by agents and was never published. But I kept writing and my second book attempt - The Unforgotten - was published on 17 March this year. It has been

L

iving Magazines editor Patric Morgan has self-published several Amazon best-sellers but Dic Penderyn and the Merthyr Rising is the first in a commissioned series of Welsh children's history books.

"I was out walking the dog one day when one of my co-writers Anthony Bunko phoned me and asked if I wanted to get involved in this new series. We met up with Ashley, the publisher and he took us through what he wanted. We signed on the dotted line there and then.

"The books are designed to help children engage more, both with

a long old slog but I'm thrilled and so grateful that my book is finally on the table at the front of Waterstones - something that has long been my dream.

The Unforgotten is a dark literary drama, set in the 1950s, with a bittersweet love story at its heart.

Fifteen-year-old Betty Broadbent has never left the sleepy Cornish fishing village where she was raised by her alcoholic single mother, Dolores. But when the London press pack descends on the village to report on a series of murders, everything changes.

Betty is instantly smitten with Gallagher, a mysterious, older journalist who doesn't get on with the others. As the death toll rises, their friendship deepens but eventually each is forced to make a huge moral decision that shapes their own lives - and that of an innocent man - forever. The consequences of their decisions unravel over 50 years.

Laura will be signing copies of her book at the Victoria Fearn Gallery on Saturday 2nd July. reading, and with history. Our small country has such a huge history and we want to celebrate this with a good dollop of Welsh humour."

The first book was launched in early June at the Merthyr Rising Festival. The books are illustrated

by Chris O'Keefe from Merthyr.

'We met at the Village Hotel, had a lime and soda and signed on the dotted line'

Patric Morgan is the lead writer behind a series of new children's books that recreates Welsh historical figures and events

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Do you accept the challenge to climb Pen-y-Fan TEN times in one day?

Ten-y-Fan is an annual charity challenge that this year is raising money for LATCH

Parent & toddler classes held at Canolfan Beulah, Rhiwbina Tues 2.15pm Annie Harding 07866 522 266 annie@frenchtastic.co.uk www.frenchtastic.co.uk/cardiff

Anyone can take part and you can do as many climbs as you like. ÂŁ10 registration (corporate sponsors of ÂŁ250 welcome) Urgent donations needed www.justgiving.com/tenyfan

July 16th 2016 www.ten-y-fan.org

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real life

Hey Joe

I

f you take a walk or a drive up to the crossroads of Beulah Road and Thornhill Road in Rhiwbina, you’ll notice a barber’s shop. You may have even been there for a short back and sides.

Formerly known as The Barber Shop, the establishment now goes under the name of Joe’s Barber Shop.

The story behind the name change is less well-known, but it’s a true story of love and loss.

It was in 2008 that The Barber’s Shop was established under the direction of Joe Campbell. Having started work at the age of 15 when the shop was known as Jentz Barbers, Joe took on the shop at the age of just 21.

Step-dad and current owner Gareth May remembers it well.

“He ran the business on his own, renovating the entire shop and doing all the work during the day. He was working 6 days a week and there were many occasions where he’d have a queue of people waiting outside his shop to be served. His devotion to the shop resulted in the Barber Shop becoming a place that people sought out again and again.

“By 2012, the shop was a roaring success. Joe had never had a day off work sick and even better, had met a girl that he was going to

propose to on a planned trip to see the Northern Lights. He went out and bought an engagement ring and booked the holiday,” says Gareth.

But by autumn, Joe was complaining of a bad back. Being fairly tall, Joe put the pain down to the long hours of stooping over customers as he was cutting their hair.

Slowly, Joe built the business up to a point where he needed to take on an extra member of staff.

Childhood friend Josh was the man to step forward and together, they plotted to become the first port of call in the area for those in need of a trim.

By January 2013 though, Joe’s pain was getting unbearable.

Gareth continues the story: “It was the day before his dream holiday that Joe finally decided to visit the doctor about the pain in his back. Joe had planned to close down the shop, take a welldeserved holiday, come back and renovate the shop. But Joe wasn’t feeling well enough to go on his trip.

“The doctor ordered blood tests. Then came a phone call that changed his life and that of everyone else around him.

“The results weren’t good at all. Joe had been diagnosed with cancer. It had started off as a tumour on his liver but by the time he was diagnosed, it had spread to his back and his lungs.

Then it went to his brain.

“He spent 20 months in chemotherapy. He spent six months in Velindre before being sent to specialists in London who operated on him. In July 2014, he married his girlfriend Liz on a farm owned by the Baden-Powell family. It was a lovely, hippy-style wedding and it was great to see him so happy.”

Sadly, Joe died a few weeks later in September 2014. He was 27 years old.

In November 2014, Gareth and Liz changed the name of the shop to Joe’s Barber Shop in his memory. Liz designed the new sign and together, they fitted it above the premises.

“We’d like to think the current barbers, Josh and Greg, are doing Joe proud. We have about 2,000 customers which shows the popularity of the place. No appointments are needed - just drop in and we’ll take good care of you.

“We offer traditional cuts for men, low fade cuts, as well as hot towel shaves. Lots of people treat themselves to a razor cut there aren’t many places that can provide that service around here.

“We have a chair for children and we’ve still got the Superhero Wall that was put together by Joe himself. We’ve got toys for the kids and for the dads, we’ve got a TV so you can watch sport while you’re waiting.”

Joe’s legacy lives on in the village in a shop that’s always full of laughter and fun.

“Three weeks before he died, Joe managed to get himself to the Green Man Festival. The festival scene was something Joe was very much into - he was a happy soul and one that enjoyed hard work, good banter and friendship. We like to think that his upbeat spirit lives on in Joe’s Barber Shop.”

59

North Cardiff actor Thaer Al-Shayei is already an awardwinning writer, producer and actor.

After honing his craft here in the UK, Thaer is now turning his sights on making it big in Hollywood.

Alice Morgan speaks to the man from Heath

American dreams

people

“I tend to play villains,” Thaer AlShayei says, “but I’d love to play the lead role.”

The Iraqi born, North Cardiffbased actor has starred in Welsh TV hits such as Stella and Pobol y Cwm but now he’s casting his net further afield and aiming to make a name for himself across the pond.

But when did his love for the profession begin? Moving to Cardiff at the age of one, Thaer says his childhood played a big part in his career choice.

“As a child, I was very confident.

I was always acting out scenes from different films and impersonating my friends.”

However, it wasn’t until 2000 when Thaer was 20 that he became

“

60

I tend to play villains but I’d love to play the lead role

an on screen star. Making his debut in an HTV Wales film called Diwrnod Hollol Mindblowing Heddiw, Thaer got his first taste for TV work and since then he has gone on to star in BBC productions such as Being Human and Inside Men, starring alongside the likes of Ashley Walters. He was also featured in the first English language film to be shot in Iraq, Eve. His distinctive deep voice and strong on screen presence make Thaer stand out from the crowd, much like the actors he holds in high esteem.

“I admire Robert DeNiro, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Leonardo DiCaprio; the roles they play are so diverse and yet, their presence is still intense.”

It’s not just on screen that Thaer is making his mark; in 2009, he launched his own small production company, Talk, Act, Screen Productions. The company gives undiscovered script writers, actors and production crew a chance to showcase their work.

So far, multi-talented Thaer has produced five short films and won an award for the production of Lace Up 2, which he also wrote and starred in, at the 2015 London International Hall of Fame awards.

“If I’m not on set, you’ll find me in the gym. I used to be an amateur boxer but I chose to concentrate on acting instead.

I still love boxing though so I

decided to do a course with the British Boxing Board of Control and now I train professional boxers. I was recently part of the team that helped Craig ‘The Kid’ Kennedy become IBF Cruiserweight Champion.”

Thaer’s even merged the two and played a boxer in Gwaith/Cartref but because of his appearance, Thaer says he is usually cast as the ‘bad guy’. However, his past portrayals credit him as an incredibly versatile actor – from playing a document dealer in Bordergame with National Theatre of Wales to auditioning for a part in the James Bond film, Spectre.

“I’ve just landed a role in a comedy pilot called Mumdemit’s a bit like the Inbetweeners and I’ve also landed a role in a documentary series similar to Banged Up Abroad.

“Ultimately, my ambition is to be in blockbuster movies,” Thaer says.

And he seems to be one step closer to Hollywood as he heads to America to pursue those dreams.

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Summer’s here and at P&R Hopkins High Class Butchers & Delicatessen, we’ve got the barbeque season well and truly covered.

Your local Rhiwbina shop stocks Welsh Aged Black Beef, Welsh Salt Marsh Lamb, as well as free range Pork, Game and Poultry perfect for alfresco dining. We pride ourselves on our choice of high quality suppliers to ensure that our customers have the best selection of finest quality meats. We have our own in-house chef responsible for creating our appetising ready meals, homemade pies and pastries, a deli, plus we have our own bakery creating freshly-made bread.

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s l i a t k c o c Summer &

There is perhaps nothing finer than sitting in the garden after a hard day’s work and enjoying a refreshing summer treat. Here are a few recipes to quench your thirst and help you unwind

Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco

Watermelon Vodka

750ml prosecco, chilled 250ml limoncello liqueur, chilled 250g frozen raspberries 6 sprigs fresh mint · In a large pitcher, whisk together prosecco and limoncello. · Serve over raspberries, garnished with mint, if desired.

The Summer Love Potion 500g of sliced watermelon 120ml vodka 2 teaspoons of lemon juice Ice · Place the watermelon in a blender and blend well. · Pour the watermelon through a fine strainer and remove all the seeds and thicker contents. · Mix the watermelon, vodka and lemon juice together in a pitcher.

Pineapple Coolers 900g pineapple chunks, chilled 300g ice 60ml lime juice 60ml coconut milk 80ml rum 62

· Blend all ingredients together until smooth. · Garnish with a pineapple round, lime wedge, and sprig of mint!

For the blackberry syrup 50g blackberries, plus 8 more for garnish 80ml cup water 75g sugar For the cocktail 1 bottle of prosecco or champagne For the garnish 4 sprigs of thyme · In a small saucepan, bring the blackberries, water and sugar to a boil. Turn to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain blackberries and let syrup cool. · Add 2 tablespoons of syrup to the bottom of each glass. · Top with champagne and add in a sprig of thyme and two blackberries!

Scrummy Sorbets

Gin and Tonic sorbet 400g caster sugar 400ml tonic water 4 tbsp gin zest and juice 1 lime plus extra slices to freeze zest 1 lemon, juice of half plus extra slices to freeze 1 egg white

· Put the sugar in a pan with 400ml water and warm over a low heat until dissolved. Increase the heat and boil for 1 minute.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. · Pour the tonic water into a bowl, add the sugar syrup, then chill in the fridge until cold.

Once the tonic mix is cold, add the gin, lime and lemon zests and juice, and pour into a container, then freeze until just frozen – this will take about 2 hours. · Remove the just-frozen sorbet from the freezer and break up with a fork. Froth the egg white with a fork, then add both to a food processor and pulse to blitz together – do it quickly so it doesn’t actually start to melt.

Pour the mix back into your container and freeze until solid. · Freeze extra slices of lemons and limes on a tray until solid.

Serve the sorbet scooped into glasses or small bowls topped with lemon and lime slices.

Blackberry and mint sorbet 200g golden caster sugar 200ml boiling water 20g pack fresh mint plus some small sprigs, to serve 750g blackcurrants 4 tbsp liquid glucose juice of 2 lemons

Rosé sorbet

· Make a syrup by stirring the sugar with the boiling water until dissolved, then steep the mint sprigs in it until cool (about 15 minutes). Discard the mint. · Cook the blackcurrants in the syrup with the glucose for about 5 minutes until the fruit is soft.

Whizz in a food processor, then strain into a bowl through a sieve (not nylon), rubbing with the back of a ladle or spoon to remove the pips. Stir in the lemon juice and cool. · Freeze in an ice-cream machine until it becomes a thick slush, then scoop into a freezer container and freeze (or pour into a shallow freezer container beating 3 or 4 times as it freezes).

Before serving, allow to thaw and soften for about 10 mins and serve with sprigs of mint.

· Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is boiling, then remove it from the heat. Let the liquid cool completely, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. You can use a bowl of ice and pour the mixture into a resealable bag to chill before placing it in the fridge.

1 750ml bottle dry Rosé wine 225ml water 200g sugar fresh mint for garnish

· After 30 minutes, add the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to directions. Once churned, add the sorbet to a freezer safe container and freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours. · Serve with a garnish of mint.

63

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