a w a r d - w i n n i n g MAGA Z IN E
SWA NSE A
LIFE march 2019 £2.95
Look Good
FEEL FABULOUS IN SWANSEA
254 sizzling
Step Inside
style ideas for you and your home
inspiring Gower homes you could own!
plus: YOUR NEW SEASON WISH LIST
the
wedding issue FREE SPECTACULAR SUPPLEMENT INSIDE
WHY YOU FELL IN LOVE Let us take care of every last detail and discover the timeless luxury of Oldwalls
Oldwalls, a collection of exclusive wedding venues oldwallscollection.com
Contents... M A RC H
2 01 9
SWANSEA
FASHION
LIFE
12. TAKE A DIP Bag yourself a bikini for that late winter break! 15. COVER UP Rain, rain, go away..best macs form spring
Editor Peter Slee | 01792 455559 peter.slee@reachplc.com
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PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@mediawales.co.uk Photography Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Hoosh Arabi, Robert Melen Contributors Lara Johnson & Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Sian Day, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Dr. Charlotte Jones, Chris Howells, James Richards, Marc White and Daniel Turner editoral designer Sandra Evans | sandra.evans@reachplc.com
24. GUILT FREE SHOPPING How to improve your beauty environmental footprint .
34. MAGICAL MAKEOVER The Lara Johnson team work their magic on a Swansea Life reader
Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW @swansealife
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If we have published anything that is factually inaccurate, please contact the editor on 01792 545533, at postnews@mediawales.co.uk or at Evening Post, Urban Village, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW and once verified we will correct it here as soon as possible. Swansea Life is part of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Ltd, a subsidiary company of Reach PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London. EC4M 7LG. Website: http://www,ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk
HEALTH & WELLBEING 38. DOCTOR DOCTOR Simple health tips for your eyesight
If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Please go to https://www.reachplc.com/ how-to-complain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Reach PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.
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32. BEAUTY MASKS Supercharge your beauty sleep with these nightly treatments
advertising For all advertsising inquiries, please call Debbie Roberts | 01792 545626 or email debbie.roberts@reachplc.com
Average net distribution 7,500 copies sold and distributed in Swansea, Gower and the surrounding South West Wales areas. Opinions expressed in Swansea Life magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or designer and the magazine is in no way liable for such opinions. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents are fully accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and late changes. No article, advertisement or graphic, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers.
HAIR & BEAUTY
16. SWEET AS CANDY Jump on board the colour trend train
39. Health supplements Friend or foe? 40. WHY I LOVE THE NHS One new Swansea mum’s remarkable story ON THE COVER: From a selection at Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea
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BRIDE 50. QUEEN FOR THE DAY Bridal fashion for your special day
154. DIARY DATES Where to go and what to see 156. EXPLORE OUR GREAT CITY Your essential A - Z guide
56. HEAVENLY Take inspiration from our real life bride
158. COUNTING THE PENNIES How to make your ‘ day out’ money go that bit further
63. DREAM DAY An insider’s guide to finding your perfect venue
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WHAT’S ON
154 OUT & ABOUT
SNAPPED ACROSS SWANSEA
145 BEST FOOT FORWARD Walker Andrew Morgan’s top Swansea tips
162. FUN TIME Swansea’s Marriott Hotel 2019 staff party and awards 168. LET’S GET MARRIED Emma Pritchard and Chris Beresford’s dream wedding day
146 HIDDEN BEAUTY We lift the lid on a secret Wales!
170 HOUSE & HOME
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88. DREAM PADS Find your perfect Gower hideaway
MOTORING SOCIAL 150. BEHIND THE WHEEL DIARY What’s the new Audi Q3
170. LET’S PARTY The launch for Mark Jermin’s Hit the Dance Floor, Swansea Pride event
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like to drive? 214. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphpNEW hphpCAR 152. NEW SEASON,
106. SHINING BRIGHT Jewel colours to make your home sparkle
Hatchbacks you will love 221. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp
112. DIGGING DEEP Perfect plants for spring
226. HEAD Phphphp hphp hphp hphp phphphphphphp
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FOOD & DRINK 74. TASTE TEST We put Swansea’s newest eaterie through its paces..and like what we find 80 LIFE AFTER THE APPRENTICE One winner’s foodie success story
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TIME FOR YOU 174. Man of the moment Eddie Whitney’s Swansea adventures 176. Legal eagle Tips from the Peter Lynn team
82. SKIP THE TAKEAWAY Indian food at home
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From the editor Bride Special
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Blimey, how did that happen? It feels like only 10 minutes ago that we were celebrating Christmas and the New Year and now look, here we are in March 2019 already!
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And it’s a month that always seems the right time to take a moment to look at where we are. So we are celebrating one of the year’s most spectacular changes of season and the chance it offers to discover and embrace the new. In this issue, we are here to help you to tap into that mood of renewal. It’s about streamlining and simplifying to make way for the new things you might want to do or new ways you want to live your life.
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E LIdeIalF Bride
DREAM DRESSES find yours inside
2
VIP
Beautiful
weddings to inspire your day
IDEAS GOWNS BRIDES VENUES
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Elsewhere, and if you’re looking to re-energise your wardrobe, our fashion writers have the lowdown showcasing the key pieces and the latest trends available right here in Swansea. This month’s edition also lifts the lid on how to get the wedding day you are after with a stunning 28-page supplement aimed at helping you steer a path to success. It’s packed with some brilliant memories of their big day by local brides with their best tips on how to tick all the right boxes for your own walk down the aisle. And of course, if it’s all about the dress, we’ve got plenty that will wow there too So there you go, As we said, a Swansea magazine to really blow those cobwebs away and one which really does look forward to those brighter days that lie just ahead.... Life made fabulous? You’ve got it in one!
what we’re loving in march From rustic pastas to knock-out pizzas, Swansea's newest Italian restaurant Positano has something for everyone. Check out our review on page 72
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SWA NS E A
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PETER SLEE
110 86
Editor
Contact me at peter.slee@reachplc.com 01792 455559 Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife
63 Meet our newest contributor, Shakira Obaid with the first of her insider guides to planning the day of your dreams...
Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTH’S BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS
ROWBERRY’S
FASHION 162
Marriott Hotel staff party
SHOW AT
SWANSEA MARRIOTT HOTEL IN AID OF
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Copper Coas t Internatio nal Fil m festival 2019
THURSDAY 4th APRIL, 2019, 12.30pm
168
Emma and Chris’S WEDDING
TICKETS £25 includes glass of champagne on arrival and a 3 course lunch
170
swans ea prid e hits th e danc e floor
7 swansealife.co.uk
Tickets available at Rowberry’s Port Tennant, Tel: 01792 651028 or contact arukswansea@gmail.com
Swansea lives OUR PICK OF THE MONTH’S BEST PARTY GET-TOGETHERS
ROWBERRY’S
FASHION 162
Marriott Hotel staff party
SHOW AT
SWANSEA MARRIOTT HOTEL IN AID OF
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Copper Coas t Internatio nal Fil m festival 2019
THURSDAY 4th APRIL, 2019, 12.30pm
168
Emma and Chris’S WEDDING
TICKETS £25 includes glass of champagne on arrival and a 2 course lunch
170
swans ea prid e hits th e danc e floor
7 swansealife.co.uk
Tickets available at Rowberry’s Port Tennant, Tel: 01792 651028 or contact arukswansea@gmail.com
Plant am ddim / Kids go free*
S I O E F LO DAU ’ R R H S / F LOW E R S H OW
C A E R DY D D / CARDIFF
Gerddi, planhigion ac arddangosiadau blodau ysbrydoledig Sgyrsiau a gweithdai gyda’r arbenigwyr Cyfle unigryw i siopa | Hwyl i’r teulu | Bwyd a diod lleol Inspirational gardens, plants and floral displays Expert talks and workshops | Unique shopping Family fun | Local food and drink Supported by
12–14 Ebrill / April 2019 Archebwch yn / Book at rhs.org.uk/cardiff *Telerau ac Amodau’n berthnasol, ewch ar y wefan i gael manylion. Terms and Conditions apply, see website for details. Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig yr RHS 222879 / SC038262 RHS Registered Charity no. 222879 / SC038262
MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
Best Mother's Day Gifts 2019: Presents and ideas for every budget It's not too late to snap up something special for one of the most important ladies in your life. From traditional gifts she'll use year round to one-off specials, we've got you covered on all fronts. peter.slee@reachplc.com
Kangaroo Me and My Mummy Plush, £16, 12-month aperture frame, £15, washing line frame, £6.99, all, Sainsbury’s Home, Swansea
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FASHION
On Point Sass and Belle metallic monochrome I’m A Mum Cushion, £14.99. Very.com
Style It For Less Multi line wooden disc necklace, £25 National Trust shop, Rhossili
Sweet Rogue absolute 100ml eau de parfum, £14. Next, Swansea
Caring Maternity bead, £68. Trollbeads, Swansea
Inspiring M&S Collection bag, £39.50. M&S, Swansea
Glowing
Silver colourful jewel ring, £24.99. TK Maxx, Parc Morfa
Yes Please!
Made & bottled at Cygnet Gin Distillery, Swansea; the Welsh Craft Gin contains 12 botanicals; £34.99, online www.cygnet-distillery.co.uk, or direct at the Juniper Place Distillery
Green Fingered Stockholm ceramic pot faux succulent, £8 Argos, Parc Morfa
Stylish Joules French spot waterproof rubber wellington boots, £49.95; Joules, Mumbles
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Bargain Contour-lipstick, pink, £3.50; Primark, Swansea and Parc Trostre
Useful Kitchen dog timer, £12; Kath Kidston, Cardiff
Chic Grey checked woolen throw, £49.99, TK Maxx, Parc Morfa and Parc Trostre
Vintage Beaded ladybird patch brooch, £10; Laura Ashley, Swansea
Cute Cat rug, £40. Cath Kidson, Cardiff
Smart Bead earrings,£5, F&F, Parc Fforestfach.
Bling
Love gold cushion, £7, Dunelm, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park
Blooming
Fun Times
Faux peony and roses in a vintage floral pot; £125. John Lewis, Cardiff
Candle set, £7.99. Homesense, Parc Fforestfach
Charming Me and My Mummy snow globe, £12 Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Special Kiehl’s nurturing oil for mum & baby, 125ml; £18. Debenhams, Swansea
Cute Small mum Plish Bear, £3, George Home, Swansea
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FASHION
JETTING OFF FOR SOME WINTER SUN? These are the bikinis you need to take with you
Fantasie Marseille underwired Bardot bikini top, £42; Marseille Classic fold briefs, £27, Figleaves
Venice Beach black print underwired bikini, £44, Swimwear365
Rust Bardot frill bikini top, £12; Rust Adjustable Tanga bikini bottoms, £10, PrettyLittleThing
Rosie for Autograph floral print non-wired plunge bikini top, £25; Floral print hipster bikini bottoms, £16, Marks and Spencer, Swansea
Light purple stripe elastic bardot bikini top, £22; Purple stripe elastic high leg bikini bottoms,£16, River Island, Swansea
Padded triangle bikini top, £14.99; Bikini bottoms, £9.99, available from H&M, Swansea
Orange neon slinky resin ring bikini top, £14.99; Coral neon slinky ring trim bikin bottoms, £9.99, available from New Look, Swansea
Katie Wright provides swim-spiration for your holiday wardrobe. If you had the foresight to book a holiday to somewhere hot this month, we bet you’re feeling pretty smug right about now.
Animal Print Frill Bikini Top, £18; Animal Print Roll Over Bikini Bottoms, £16 (hat, stylist’s own), available from M&Co
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And why shouldn’t you? We are well and truly in the grip of late winter, when the mere thought of going outside is enough to make you want to cry and no amount of coats, scarves and hats can keep the chill out. But you, you’re facing the prospect of balmy temperatures and days spent in little dresses and denim cut-offs, you lucky thing. Plus, the most important part of any vacay wardrobe - swimwear.
Now that floating on an inflatable doughnut or posing cocktail in hand on a sun lounger have become essential Instagram pics for every holidaymaker, you’ve got to make sure your poolside attire is up to scratch. What’s trending now? Honestly, it’s all about bikinis, but thankfully they’re not all itsy bitsy teeny weeny - high-waisted bottoms and supportive tops are flattering on every body type. Ready to shop? Here’s our pick of the most ontrend bikinis for your sunshine escape...
FASHION
JETTING OFF FOR SOME WINTER SUN? These are the bikinis you need to take with you
Fantasie Marseille underwired Bardot bikini top, £42; Marseille Classic fold briefs, £27, Figleaves
Venice Beach black print underwired bikini, £44, Swimwear365
Rust Bardot frill bikini top, £12; Rust Adjustable Tanga bikini bottoms, £10, PrettyLittleThing
Rosie for Autograph floral print non-wired plunge bikini top, £25; Floral print hipster bikini bottoms, £16, Marks and Spencer, Swansea
Light purple stripe elastic bardot bikini top, £22; Purple stripe elastic high leg bikini bottoms,£16, River Island, Swansea
Padded triangle bikini top, £14.99; Bikini bottoms, £9.99, available from H&M, Swansea
Orange neon slinky resin ring bikini top, £14.99; Coral neon slinky ring trim bikin bottoms, £9.99, available from New Look, Swansea
Katie Wright provides swim-spiration for your holiday wardrobe. If you had the foresight to book a holiday to somewhere hot this month, we bet you’re feeling pretty smug right about now.
Animal Print Frill Bikini Top, £18; Animal Print Roll Over Bikini Bottoms, £16 (hat, stylist’s own), available from M&Co
And why shouldn’t you? We are well and truly in the grip of late winter, when the mere thought of going outside is enough to make you want to cry and no amount of coats, scarves and hats can keep the chill out. But you, you’re facing the prospect of balmy temperatures and days spent in little dresses and denim cut-offs, you lucky thing. Plus, the most important part of any vacay wardrobe - swimwear.
Now that floating on an inflatable doughnut or posing cocktail in hand on a sun lounger have become essential Instagram pics for every holidaymaker, you’ve got to make sure your poolside attire is up to scratch. What’s trending now? Honestly, it’s all about bikinis, but thankfully they’re not all itsy bitsy teeny weeny - high-waisted bottoms and supportive tops are flattering on every body type. Ready to shop? Here’s our pick of the most ontrend bikinis for your sunshine escape...
FASHION
BUY IT NOW!
SPOTS!
PRETTY THINGS
Get set for (another) influx of spots this spring, a trend nailed perfectly with this dress on the shopfloor at George in Swansea this month.
Add some instant pretty to your hair with this crystal daisy barette, £10; Accessorize, Swansea
THIS MONTH
WE LOVE Another month has come and gone, and so has so much fashion news. But fear not – Swansea Life is here to help you catch up with some of our very favourite buys...
Talk about wow! These statement Jon Richards earrings are £10 at Debenhams, Swansea
super SLIDERS The slip-on slider has made its way from the pool to the catwalk and with a style to suit everyone including this version from Matalan in Cwmdu for a bargain £10.
rockon Rock a new season mule with this two-tone version available at Marks&Spencer in Swansea and Parc Trostre for £19.50.
Neat, sweet & practical
This will become your new best friend this spring.. Deceptively roomy, this little wonder will accommodate all your daily essentials and then some! Find it at Next in Parc Morfa.
We are loving this season’s trend of acid colours on white. White Stuff in Cardiff has a stunning choice this month including thus warren jumper £55, Essence organic tee £25 and athel crop linen culottes, £49.95.
WOW
This mid-season candy jumper from Tu at Sainsbury’s in Swansea is a bit of a steal at £17.99 and is perfect for holding off those still chilly days ahead of spring.
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FASHION
Kit out your little ones with some new season high street styles Striped top and leggings, £14; Mothercare, Swansea
peter.slee@reachplc.com
Block stripe tee in ecru, £10; Fat Face, Mumbles
Green tutu with tights, £14; selected M&S branches
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Rainbow print mac from £12, embellished sweat from £7, Indigo jegging from £4, lemon welly £9; George at Asda, Morriston
Baby bunny socks, pack of 5, £6; John Lewis, Cardiff
Stripe bus sleepsuit, £6; F&F, Tesco, Parc Ffoprestfach
Cotton mammoth dress and stripe top set, £12.00 - £13.00; John Lewis, Cardiff
Girls’ rubber floral coat, £42.95 - £47.95; Joules, Mumbles
Striped long sleeve top, £5; M&Co
FASHION
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DRIP, DRIP, DROP...
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Master the art of smart-casual with our round - up of the most stylish rainwear you'll need for those wet weather days that lie ahead.... peter.slee@reachplc.com
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1. Black polkadot rain coat, £19.99; Tk Maxx, Parc Morfa | 2. Harper low wellington boots, navy and lemon stripe, £35; Regatta | 3. Holland printed mac, £110, White Stuff, Cardiff 4. Geo brampton rose raincoat, £40; Cath Kidston, Cardiff | 5. Wraparound mac, £54.99, Bonprix, Swansea | 6. Black polkadot rain coat, £19.99; Tk Maxx, Parc Morfa 7. Nordic non-slip ankle boots, £39.95; Cuckooland.com | 8. Floral mac, £69; M&Co, Swansea | 9. Taylor sealed seam mac in dijon, £110; Fat Face, Mumbles 10. Floral reversible jacket, £90; Laura Ashley, Swansea | 11. Hunter Norris chelsea boot, £95, National Trust, Rhossili | 12. Primary boot, £55; Dune Of London
SWANSEA LIFE 15
sweet candy as
It’s time to get ahead and jump on board the trend train peter.slee@reachplc.com
We’ve done our Spring Summer 2019 fashion trends research, and now we’d say it’s high time for some next-season wardrobe plotting. Let’s face it, it’s never too early to start that wish-list. Forget last year’s Kaleidescopes of rainbow colour, this month it’s all about the yummy, new sugared almond pastels if you want to dress yourself happy… After a winter that has gone on well into March, what could be more cheerful than the sight of ice blue sweaters, blush pink and grey blouses, white jackets and soft denim?
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Apparently that’s exactly what fashion designers had in mind for spring 2019 when they filled their runways with a parade of pastel fashions. Commonly associated with a fresh, youthful and feminine image, pastels, greys and whites can be incorporated in the minimalist look and are definitely a trend not to miss out on. Here is our pick of just some of the best...
Shirt, £25. Marks & Spencer, Swansea:
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Cotton Trousers and Top, from £14.99. Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea
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Cardigan £80, blouse £70, jeans £105; all, Betty Barclay, Swansea
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Stone Linen Double Breasted Blazer: £55 Stone Linen Tailored Shorts: £32, Mis Selfridge, Swansea
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Alina spot cashmere jumper, £110; Whitestuff, Cardiff
Corin denim pinafore dress £49.50; Saskia balloon sleeve jumper in grey marl £45; Teardrop earrings in silver £10; Fatface, Mumbles
Mint blazer, £25; mint culottes, £14; George at Asda, Gorseinon
Dora hat in cream, £24.95; Jeanne print longline linen shirt, £69.95; Lydia linen shorts, £44.95; printed playsuit, £32.95; all from Joules, Mumbles
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White Blazer, £155, Trousers £10, Elastane Blouse, £55 Betty&Co.
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Visit Cowbridge
Art credit Jenny Lambert
Eat, shop and stay in thE bEautiful markEt town of CowbridgE www.facebook.com/visitcowbridge www.cowbridgeguide.co.uk
Free Parking in our town Ad sponsored by:
HAIR & BEAUTY
Plastic pollution: 10 beauty brands that are leading the way in sustainability Katie Wright looks at the companies taking steps to improve their environmental footprint - so you can shop guilt-free. Last year, a law came into force banning microbeads – the tiny plastic particles used in products like facial scrubs – because they were being ingested by marine life, and the beauty industry patted itself on the back for a job well done. Of course, eliminating microbeads was a step in the right direction, but take a look at the average bathroom shelf and you’ll discover there’s still a long way to go, as manufacturers are so heavily dependent on plastic packaging to house all those lotions and lipsticks. The UK uses 13 billion plastic bottles each year, according to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee report, and the Guardian found that one million are bought around the world every minute, with that figure set to increase by 20% by 2021. Clearly, we need to be reducing the amount of single-use plastic we use and send to landfill, while also increasing the amount we recycle – and fast. While it may sometimes seem that the beauty industry is doing more harm than
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good in the battle against plastic pollution, there are a number of companies taking steps to improve their packaging and environmental impact. Lush, which has a long history in environmental and animal activism, has just opened its first ‘Naked’ shop in the UK, with the Manchester store selling only plastic packaging-free products, such as shampoo bars and solid cleansers. French brand L’Occitane has announced a commitment to use 100% recycled plastic for its packaging by 2025, while Urban Veda has partnered with Plastic Oceans Foundation UK, pledging 10% of all online sales to support the charity in its fight against plastic pollution. For some firms, change will take time, but plenty of others are already making strides towards a plastic-free future, from small independent names to cosmetics giants. Want to do your bit? Here are 11 brands that can help make your beauty routine more green...
1. Lush In addition to the new shop, Lush’s plastic packaging-free products are also available online and the brand recently made its Naked skincare range permanent, due to its popularity with fans. If you’re looking for a sustainable alternative to face wipes, try the reusable and biodegradable 7 To 3 Cleansing Wipes. • Lush Amazon Primer Naked Facial Oil, £9.95 • Lush 7 To 3 Cleansing Wipes, £2 each
2. Natural World “Did you know that plastic bottles take 450 years or more to decompose?” says Michael Eggerton, director at Brodie and Stone, where bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic with bio based labels made from sugar cane.
Mr Eggerton admits that making the move to a recycled material wasn’t easy. Because the new plastic comes from a mix of sources, it has a grey tint, rather than being completely clear. “We also faced the challenge of shininess, as the final bottles come matte, so we need to educate the consumers who think the product has gone off, as the packaging is not a bright as usual.” Natural World Argan Oil Shampoo, £3 (was £4), Tesco
3. Love Beauty And Planet In response to consumer demand, Unilever has launched new vegan brand Love Beauty And Planet. Every bottle in the hair, body and skincare range is made from recycled plastic and is recyclable. Currently, the bottle tops aren’t recycled, but the company is committed to finding a sustainable solution for the caps too. Love Beauty And Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo, £7.49, Superdrug
6. Clockface Yorkshire-based Clockface makes organic vegan products for women and men. All its packaging is recyclable, made from either amber glass or fully recyclable plastic, and wherever possible, is made from recycled material. Clockface Enhanced Recovery Body Oil, Clary Sage & Geranium, £25 one of the first bath and body companies to change the material of our bottles to biopolymer HDPE,” says founder Chloe Luxton. “Alongside the launch of our one litre bottles online and the switch to fully recyclable pumps, we are proud Bramley is working towards a greener future.” Bramley Body Lotion, £4
8. Cosmydor
7. Miild Lots of make-up companies are lagging behind in terms of packaging improvements, but there are some notable exceptions, such as Danish brand Miild, which makes allergy and eco certified cosmetics. en
ilie Svends ders Tine Em Miild co-foun ersen & Tanja Greg
Cosmydor E/2 Essential Care Tonka Face Cream, £35
4. Dr Bronner
9. Natural Deo Co
Bar soaps are best in terms of preventing waste and Dr Bronner has a range of those, but even its liquid soaps are eco-friendly, coming packaged in a 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Mike Bronner, president of Dr Bronner, says: “By turning used plastic bottles into new plastic bottles and products, we help conserve virgin resources, reduce landfill, and capitalise on the energy already invested in making existing plastic products.” Dr Bronner Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, £7.69
5. Bramley Natural beauty brand Bramley made the switch from traditional plastic bottles to more sustainable biopolymer HDPE, which is derived from sugar cane, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are really excited to be
Parisian eco luxe brand Cosmydor makes ‘virtuous cosmetics’ and has a no plastic policy. Packaging is made from glass, aluminium and cardboard, with a priority given to local producers in order to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
Looking for an eco-friendly deodorant? The Natural Deo Co creates natural, cruelty free, vegan approved balms that are packaged in plastic-free jars. Natural Deo Co Clean Deodorant Balm Orange and Bergamot, £11, All Beauty
“We take our environmental impact very seriously – any products that can come in cardboard, do,” says co-founder Tanja Gregersen. “So that’s all of our mineral powders, bronzers, blushers, concealers and eyebrow/ eyeshadow kits. It’s 12 of our 13 product range currently – the mascara comes in a tube with no outer packaging.” Co-founder Tine Emilie Svendsen adds: “Today, when we meet our customers, we know we’ve made a difference to every woman who wants to wear make-up with a clear conscience, for her body and the environment.” Miild Mineral Blush in Cherise Splendid, £30, Klarify
10. Little Beau Sheep Easily the most adorable plastic-free product on the market, Little Beau Sheep lanolin soaps come wrapped in 100% wool and adorned with a sweet little sheep face. When you wet it, the soap lathers up and acts as a flannel, and once the soap runs out all you have left is a biodegradable ball of wool. Little Beau Sheep Suffolk Sheep Felted Soap, £9.45
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For The PerFecT NaTural look oN
That Big Day DEFY TIME at the most innovative of Medical Cosmetic Clinics, where all treatments are carried out by an experienced Doctor. Just one visit will convince you that we are a clinic where the best of the very latest treatments are carried out to the highest standard, but with the care and respect of a bygone era.
Dr Alan Jones 30 years experience as a GP
16 Years as a Cosmetic Doctor Member of: British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) British Association of Body Sculpting(BABS) British Association of Sclerotherapy (BAS) General Medical Council Registered Health Inspectorate of Wales Registered Clinic
Free personal and confidential consultations
Defy Time Medical cosMetic clinic 466 Gower Road, Killay Swansea SA2 7DZ
01792 208466 www.defy-time.co.uk
Private Car Parking
HAIRDRESSING DESIGNED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY
BOOK YOUR WEDDING APPOINTMENT TODAY: FFORESTFACH - 01792 587444 SKEWEN - 01792 812858 www.hairloungebymarcisaac.co.uk
HAIR & BEAUTY
REAL WOMEN, WINNING LOOKS W ITH
C H R I S
H O W E L LS
Swansea based International Make Up Artist and winner of the National Federation of Hairdressing’s Welsh Make Up Artist of the Year award, Chris Howells, gives a Swansea woman a new, seasonal look.
after Lara and Tilly Makeover So recently Lara had Tilly visit from San Francisco where she is currently studying. So I was lucky enough to give them both a make-over for a family night out. And to celebrate Mother’s Day early. Both of these gorgeous ladies have fabulous skin and really look after it, cleansing and treating it every night before bed. Lara loves to use Dermologica skincare and once in a while use a treatment mask if she can find the time. Tilly also loves Dermologica and gets regular facials and treatments as she can be prone to problematic skin. On Tilly I applied my favourite moisturiser Embryolisse Lait Crème concentre and a little Laura Mercier Repair Eye Serum to brighten and hydrate. Then smooth TouchinSol Feels Like Honey-moon Primer over the whole face following with Hourglass latest Vanish Liquid Foundation, buffing it gently into the skin using the flat top foundation brush from WalfordRichards Designs. Perfecting under the eyes and around the nose with Nars Soft Matte Concealer using the Concealer Brush and making the cheeks pop with a little Kevyn Aucoin crème blush applied with the angled contour brush. The base was then set with Hourglass Veil Setting Powder using the Powder Brush in a press and roll motion. Cheeks were sculpted and highlighted with Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, using the angled powder brush. On the Eyes I used Moonlight and Amethyst Caviar Sticks by Laura Mercier, applied with the all over eye brush Lashings of Mascara and finishing with the Kajal Stick in Noir, Lashes “No8” by Lash Unlimited. Brow Sculpting pencil by Hourglass in Dark Brunette. Lip Colour is Nylon Nude by Smashbox Lara is wearing Touchinsol Feels like honey-moon primer too, followed with Mehron oil free cream foundation and a hint of Nars Soft Matte concealer. Mac Crème cheek colour followed, setting with Hourglass Veil Setting Powder and Eyes are dressed with a Caviar stick in Amethyst and intensified with a Huda Beauty Deep Vibrant Purple at the lash line. Urban Decay eye pencil in Plum is buffed out under the lash and in the water line to make her emerald green eyes pop. Brow Sculpt again by Hourglass and Chanel Lip Colour in a gorgeous Rosy Peach and Bellini in over the top. Lara is wearing Demi Wispie lashes by Ardell and Chanel mascara.
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How amazing do these two ladies look? Happy Mother’s Day Lara xxx *The gorgeous location was at Lara Johnson Lifestyle in Newton Road Mumbles where Lara did both the beautiful hair styles. All brushes used are all from the Complete Makeup Brush Collection available at: www.walfordrichardsdesigns.co.uk available individually as well as in a 12-piece brush set. 28 SWANSEA LIFE
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HAIR & BEAUTY
a n i k c stu ? t u r h s i l o p l i nfaresh ideas from the SS19 catwalks 4
Katie Wright has all the backstage beauty inspiration you need for spring.
1. Japanese flavours At New York Fashion Week the nail technicians were having a ball, creating the kind of colourful nail art seen on the streets of Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku district, like neon green talons at The Blonds and sparkly blue tips at Tadashi Shoji. The Japanese capital was also the starting point for OPI’s Tokyo collection, which offers a dozen dazzling hues from lime green and shocking pink to indigo blue.
Whether it’s a subtle soft pink, classic red or jet black, we’ve all got our favourite nail varnishes, the ones we return to time after time. These go-with-everything shades are great for grabbing when you’re in a rush, but every so often it’s fun to mix it up and try something new. If you’re craving a mani makeover, look no further than the spring/ summer catwalk shows, which gave us tons of nail-spiration, from uber brights and metallic finishes to a new take on nudes - all looks which you can easily recreate yourself. Here, we run down just a couple of the major trends and the polishes you need to get the look at home...
Even more authentic, cult nail brand Gofun has recently landed in the UK all the way from Kyoto. The water-based, acetone-free polishes are based on a traditional Japanese paint and come in a variety of vivid shades.
with nails, if the cafe au lait shades see at the Palmer//Harding and Prabal Gurung shows are anything to go by. Give your nails a caffeine injection by swapping your usual pale pink for a warm latte or mocha shade. ■ Artistic Colour Revolution Reactive Nail Lacquer Running In The Buffalo, £4.95, NailPolishDirect ■ Mavala Nail Colour Cream Venezia, £5.20, Feel Unique (available March 1) ■ Sally Hansen Colour Therapy Nail Polish Cashmere Calm, £8.99, Superdrug,
3. Modern metallics
■ OPI Nail Lacquer How Does Your Zen Garden Grow and All Your Dreams in Vending Machines, £10.80 each (was £13.50)
Think gold and silver nail polishes shouldn’t be worn once the festive season is over? Think again - Julien Macdonald and Sadie Williams made a strong case for spring metallics on their SS19 runways.
■ Gofun Nail Transparent Pink, £13.50, & Special Guests
2. Coffee nudes
The key to keeping it modern is to look for cool metallic tones - think rose rather than yellow gold and gunmetal sheen rather than glitter.
The Nineties make-up trend has seen brown lipstick taking over from pink as the most ontrend nude and the same thing is happening
■ Orly Rage Rose Gold and Orly Luxe, £11.99 each, Superdrug
SWANSEA LIFE 31
HAIR & BEAUTY
beauty masks Supercharge your beauty sleep with these nightly treatments, says Katie Wright
The Korean skincare craze has truly exploded in recent years with sales of K-beauty brands soaring in the UK.
actively recover from the day,” explains Abi Cleeve, skincare expert and founder of SkinSense.
No product has been more popular than sheet masks, because what’s not to love about a supercharged, face-shaped sheet that gives you an mega dose of hydration in a matter of minutes, with no effort required?
“During the day our skin is continuously exposed to changing temperatures, and harmful atmospheric and domestic (chemical) pollution.
A sheet mask is always a good idea on #selfcareSunday or before a party for a quick complexion boost, but did you know that there’s another kind of mask that can improve your skin in the longer term?
“These external aggressors, in addition to biological ageing, all contribute to dehydration, loss of radiance, rough skin texture and the appearance of lines.” It’s only when night falls and we hit the hay that our skin is able to recover properly, Ms Cleeve says: “At night, away from the most aggressive of these elements, the skin is able to recharge and repair itself by stimulating collagen synthesis and elastin production.
We’re talking about overnight masks, the cream kind that you pop on as the last part of your nightly routine. “Night is the time for the skin to rest and
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“So anything we can do at night to support this natural process will really help.” That’s where overnight masks come in. Slather one on before you go to bed (you can really be generous with the product) and the ingredients will get to work while you slumber. They’re particularly potent in winter, when your skin cries out for extra moisture. “Hydration is a key element for healthy and glowing skin, so look for pairings such as hyaluronic acid and trehalose to retain moisture and to aid firming and plumping,” Ms Cleeve recommends. “Additionally, cold pressed oils such as sesame seed will support the structure of the dermis. At SkinSense we use anti-wrinkle wonder complex Linefill, derived from sesame seed.”
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Using an overnight mask a few times as week will help to plump and revive a flagging complexion – even if you’re not getting eight hours sleep a night (and, really, who is?).
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Ready to unmask your potential? Try one of these seven super treatments... 1. Oriflame NovAge intense recharging overnight mask, £26 | 2. Fresh black tea firming overnight mask, £77, John Lewis 3. SkinSense by Abi Cleeve overnight leave-on mask, £32, QVC | 4. J.One black jelly pack, £36, Boots 5. Origins Drink Up intensive overnight hydrating mask with avocado and Swiss glacier water, £22 | 6. Nivea sleeping melt-in mask, £11.99, Boots 7. Trilogy age-proof overnight mask, £29.50, Gorgeous Shop 32 SWANSEA LIFE
Look your best for your biggest day.... Excited for that big day? Want to look and feel the best you can? Well here at InSkin @The Sun Lounge we can help you by removing any unwanted wrinkles, help you get rid of those age telling lines and give your skin a new lease of life to feel brand new... Free your skin of imperfections with numerous treatments with a Harley Street trained, qualified nurse available during salon opening hours.
COSMETIC • Non Surgical Face Lift • Permanent Make-Up • LED Therapy • Botox • Chemical Skin Peels • Facial Contouring • PRP Dracula Facial • HydraFacial • Microdermabrasion • Teeth Whitinging • Nefertiti Face Lift • Lip Filler
BEAUTY • Facial Treatments • Massage Treatments • Eye Treatments • ILAH Eyebrow • Hair Removal • Hand & Feet Treatment • Minx Nails and Shellac • Nail Extensions • LVL Lashes • Body Piercing • Sunbed & Spray Tanning • Flabelos Vibration plates
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Beauty Opening Times: Mon - 9am - 9pm | Tue - 9am - 9pm Wed - 9am - 9pm | Thu - 9am - 9pm | Fri - 9am - 9pm | Sat - 9am - 5pm Sunbed Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm | Saturday - 9am - 5pm
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HAIR & BEAUTY
Makeover! W ITH
L ARA
JOHNSON
Stylist and Mumbles salon owner Lara Johnson shares her tips in her monthly column.
Colour statement Model: Kasia Martins Occupation: Mum, Student and part time model Lives: West Wales
KASIA says... My hair is very lank and is very difficult to style. I do colour it myself but I’m never really happy with the colour. My colour tends to go warm very quickly making it look brassy. The main thing for me is how flat it is. I want to have full bouncy hair that I can do things to easily, I have a young baby so don’t want to spend to much time on my hair . The team at Lara Johnson were really great and chatted with me for ages. They really listened! I was a little worried that doing a make over would mean that they would want to cut lots off, it didn’t, they put more in and gave me temporary hair extensions. I love it! It’s so easy to style and looks so healthy
the Lara Johnson team says... The most important part of any hairstyle is that we listen to not only what the client wants but also what suits them, not only visually but also how they are with styling time wise and ability. Kasia is happy with blow drying and is confident with tongs and straighteners. Her ideal hair is full and glamorous but needs a little help to achieve it The first stage was to even out Kasia’s colour. It was a mix of old colours that made it look flat and lifeless. We evened it out and worked with cool tones from the Wella professional range. It was then about looking at maintaining the look, we taught Kasia how to use our home prescription service. The next stage was to create the volume and shape that Natalia wanted. We worked with the existing length and style by adding some soft layers that helped give body and fullness . We then put some weft extensions through Kasia’s natural hair that matched Kasia’s hair texture giving thickness and fullness that is easy to remove and use again and again. We styled the hair by blow drying with large round brushes and an application of Sebastian Professional Dark Oil which gives volume and hold, finishing the look by giving movement with ghd curve tongs and then a light application of Sebastian Professional Sublimate styling Cream giving shine and hold 34 SWANSEA LIFE
After... Before...
Step by step... Fishtail Pleat A great look for all occasions and a dressing that you can do yourself. This is an interesting twist on a fishtail plait. It can take some practice but looks far more complicated than it is. We have gone for a fishtail plait though you can achieve a very similar feel with a classic french plait. Difficulty level: If you can plait it’s an easy one. If not its going to need some practice Ideal hair length: Medium to long (if you have layers go for a softer feel) Assistance needed? Yes if you are not confident plaiting What you need • • • •
Brush Clear hair band Grips Hairspray (optional)
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Brush your hair back to remove any knots and dress to your chosen parting. Take a section of hair and begin your plait. We have have chosen a French fishtail.
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Make a fishtail plait from the top of your head to the opposite bottom corner. French fishtail plaits use the same technique as a regular fishtail , but you add in extra hair from the left and cross it into your right hand, then pick up a small section of hair on the right and cross it over into your left hand. Repeat this as you plait diagonally downwards
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When your plait reaches your ear, start to curve it and plait to the hairline
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Roll the length of plait into shape and secure from behind with grips
When you reach the bottom , continue into a regular side fishtail plait until all your hair is plaited and secure the end with a clear band
To make it extra secure push a grip through the band at the end of the plait Push the pin through the centre of the roll and secure downwards Secure with hairspray SWANSEA LIFE 35
HEALTH & WELLBEING
The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed she’s a fan of forest bathing. Here’s where you can indulge in the popular Japanese activity close to home reports Sarah Marshall Even when the temperature gauge barely registers double figures, spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to counter winter blues.
■ Keldy in Yorkshire Keldy is part of Cropton Forest, which sits on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park and includes a mixture of broad-leafed trees and naturally seeded conifers. Although part of the forest is plantation, it’s also wonderfully wild. Open meadows are a key feature, with a number of flowering plants. In winter, ladybirds also rest in the gorse along the woodland edge.
The Duchess of Cambridge recently revealed she’s a fan of forest bathing, and plans to use the Japanese wellbeing therapy as inspiration for her entry at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 in May.
■ Blackwood in Winchester
Taken from the phrase “shinrinyoku”, forest bathing is thought to have medical benefits. According to Dr Miles Richardson from Derby University, a specialist in nature connections, spending time taking notice of nature can reduce your blood pressure, increase your serotonin levels, boost your immune system and bring balance to your emotions, making you happier and calmer, and resulting in significantly improved physical and mental health. Dr Qing Li of the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo suggests a threeday stay in the forest is the ideal, but you can also benefit from a walk in a woodland area.
travel forest bathing
Holiday company Forest Holidays (forestholidays.co.uk) offer breaks in some of the UK’s best forest bathing spots, and have even employed guides who have been trained in the art. Here’s where they recommend to go...
■ Deerpark in Cornwall Surrounded by Cornish countryside, this inland forest is a mix of broad leaves and conifers, including a giant redwood or sequoia
which was planted more than 150 years ago and stands at 160 ft tall. As its name suggests, it’s also home to several red deer.
Only an hour’s drive from the capital, this forest is easy to reach. Explore 270 hectares of beech trees, which grow in the chalky and sandy soil. In spring, this is also a popular place to explore if you’re a fan of bluebells.
■ Strathyre in Scotland Carved by a glacier during the Ice Age, an s-shaped glen characterises the heart of this forest, which overlooks Ben Ledi mountain. The 18th-century outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor is said to have roamed this region, along with the elves, fauns and fairies described by author Robert Kirk. Several species of orchid can be found, along with pine martins and red squirrels – the latter attracted by the hazel and spruce trees.
■ Beddgelert in Wales
■ Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire
This 700-hectare forest in the shadow of Snowdonia is planted with conifers and broadleaved trees. Various walking, horse riding and cycle trails run through the area, including the Snowdonia National Park ‘Lon Gwyrfai’ multiuse trail, from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu.
After the New Forest, this is the second largest crown forest in the UK. The ancient woodland features England’s oldest oak forest and Puzzlewood, a 14-acre area believed to have inspired JRR Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
ASK
DR. CHARLOTTE
A vision for eye health care I always love the sights and smells of the flowers and gardens blooming . But sadly for me, this is also associated with itchy eyes and a runny nose. Hence, I am focusing this month’s article on the “red eye”.
Red eyes are quite common and the cause can vary from being mild and nothing to worry about to quite worrying and serious problem Here is a brief overview of the most common causes. But in short, if you have a painful red eye with a headache / change to your vision / irritation to lights / traumatised your eye then do seek urgent advice. CONJUNCTIVITIS: This is a itchy sticky gritty watery eye condition which can be due to an allergy or viral or bacterial infection. Treatment varies according to the underlying cause and not all require treatment – your pharmacist / GP surgery should be able to advise.
This month Sketty GP and Swansea Life doctor Charlotte Jones, focusses on red eye
SUB-CONJUNCTIVAL HAEMORRHAGE: This is a non-painful blood shot eye due to a burst blood vessel. It can look quite scary, but it will clear up on its own over a few weeks. EPISCLERITIS: This is inflammation of the membrane under the conjunctival layer. It usually just causes a wedge shaped red flare of blood vessels to the area which is not painful and may water a lot. It often clears up on its own but occasionally some patients need antiinflammatory treatment. Like scleritis below, it can be linked to some other conditions e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis / inflammatory bowel conditions and gout. SCLERITIS: This is inflammation of the deeper sclera layer and is more serious as it can spread to other parts of the eye and cause permanent eye damage. It is very painful with blurred vision, watering of eye and headaches. It needs urgent treatment. UVEITIS: Inflammation of the coloured part of the eye (iris) which often gives you blurred vision along with a painful red eye, light sensitivity, floaters, headache and sometimes loss of vision to outer parts of visual field. Treatment is with steroid drops. It is important to see a GP
42 SWANSEA LIFE
/ specialist to see if can identify any underlying cause. It usually clears up quickly with this but can sometimes lead to other problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. CORNEAL ULCER/SCRATCH: An ulcer or scratch from a foreign body develops to the front of the eye where the red eye feels really painful, lights irritate it and often have a sensation that something is in the eye. Contact lens wearers are more likely to get bacterial corneal ulcers. Ulcers will require specialist treatment. If a foreign body is suspected and cannot be removed by your GP / optometrist you will likely need referral to A&E or to the emergency eye clinic. Treatment of both involves topical antibiotic eye drops / ointment. GLAUCOMA: Damage to the optic nerve from increased pressure within the eyes causing red, highly painful eye, haloes around lights, blurred or cloudy vision, headaches and nausea. It needs urgent treatment to prevent loss of vision. Where can I get advice if I have an eye problem other than my GP surgery? Your local pharmacist can easily and quickly deal with problems such as dry eyes and itchy eyes due to allergic / viral / bacterial conjunctivitis Your optometrist is an expert in identifying all causes of eye problems – if you experience an acute eye problem then contact them and ask for a Welsh Eye Care Scheme (WECS) appointment – their equipment and diagnostic abilities are second to none. They can diagnose, advise on treatments for many eye problems and have close links to the emergency eye clinic in local hospitals. Advice can be gained from NHS Direct Wales / 111 and websites such as patient.info are useful too
HEALTH & WELLBEING
health Supplements
Practically everything comes in pill form these days, but which ones are actually important? Prudence Wade asks a doctor for their key advice. We’re given so much – often conflicting – advice on how to live healthily, that it can easily get overwhelming. Are carbs actually the devil? Should we be counting macros? And what about supplements? No doubt you’ve come across a whole range of ‘guidance’ on which vitamins and minerals you need to be topping up on with pills. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know what’s actually worth your time - not to mention your money, as buying tubs upon tubs of supplements doesn’t come cheap. With this in mind, we asked Dr Faiza Khalid, a GP at MedicSpot.co.uk, for her take on the matter. With all the contradictory information flying around, what supplements should you actually consider taking? (Of course, nutritional needs aren’t always ‘onesize-fits-all’ and if you’re concerned about ongoing symptoms or deficiencies, it’s best to check in with your doctor.) Here are three supplements Khalid says could be useful to certain people – but bear in mind, these aren’t a replacement for a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
1. Vitamin D “Out of all of the vitamin supplements, vitamin D is the one that most people living in the UK should consider taking,” says Khalid.
So, why is it so essential? “Vitamin D helps with absorbing calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth, muscles and all our body systems,” Khalid explains. “While exposure to natural sunlight provides most people in the UK with all the vitamin D they need from late March to early April, this is not the case during the winter months.” From October to early March, your vitamin D levels will drop because the sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation for your body to produce the much-needed vitamin. While vitamin D can be found in foods like oily fish, red meat and eggs too, Khalid points out: “It is difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone. Everyone – including pregnant and breastfeeding women – should consider taking a vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months.” In fact, Public Health England advises taking a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months. Don’t be tempted to ‘boost’ your levels by taking far more than is recommended, however. “Taking more vitamin D than is required for a long period of time might lead to hypercalcaemia, a build-up of calcium in the body which can weaken your bones and damage your heart and kidneys,” Khalid notes.
2. Vitamin B12 Unlike vitamin D, this one isn’t as widely recommended. Instead, the group Khalid thinks may need to consider taking vitamin B12 supplements are vegans. “This is because vegans are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency, as they do not eat foods such as meat, fish and dairy products which provide enough
vitamin B12 for most people,” she explains. Vitamin B12 is vital for helping make red blood cells, as well as supporting the nervous system. However, Khalid also notes it can “take a long time to develop a deficiency after changing your diet, as your body stores vitamin B12 for around two to four years”.
3. Iron According to the British Nutrition Foundation, iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. It’s an important mineral because it makes up part of haemoglobin – the substance found in red blood cells which helps transport oxygen around your body. There’s no doubt it’s crucial to health – but not everyone should rush into buying supplements. However, some people may be more at risk of developing low levels, or iron-deficiency anaemia. “Young women with heavy periods may wish to consider taking an iron supplement because they are at a higher risk of iron-deficiency anaemia,” Khalid advises. “This causes tiredness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and pale skin. If you believe you may have an iron deficiency, you should see a GP first, who will be able to do a simple blood test to determine if you are anaemic.” If there’s no chance you could be anaemic, it’s easy to maintain healthy iron levels through your diet. There is a varied range of foods rich in the mineral – anything from red meat, to pumpkin seeds and spinach are among good sources.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Mum’s ‘thank you’ to the NHS for the gift of life Diabetic Emma Rees finally has twins after seven rounds of IVF and three miscarriages
40 SWANSEA LIFE
After nine years, seven rounds of IVF treatment and the heartache of three miscarriages, Emma Rees and her husband Lyn thought their chances of having children were over. But after an extremely distressing labour and delivery, their dream of becoming parents finally came true when they welcomed twins into the world. Emma, who has had Type 1 diabetes since the age of six, became critically ill when the babies were being delivered via emergency c-section in May 2018. After a few setbacks, the family have just been back to Singleton Hospital in Swansea to thank staff for the outstanding care they received. Emma said she was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy by her midwife, GP and by Singleton’s diabetes consultant Richard Chudleigh, consultant obstetrician Margery Morgan and their teams. “I spent more time at Singleton than I did at home and they took no chances with me and my precious cargo,” she said. “From 27 weeks I pretty much moved in. Mr Chudleigh barely left my side and even called to check on me at weekends. “When I became too unwell to carry the twins further and ended up in the high dependency unit, it was he who saved my life. “I shudder to think what could have happened without his incredible care and dedication.” Emma, from Brynamman, said her sodium level dropped so low that the babies had to be delivered seven weeks early. And within hours, her potassium level had become dangerously high, too. “I ended up in the high dependency
unit. I was there for three days, semiconscious. “I remember it, but I was in and out. I couldn’t even string a sentence together.” Meanwhile Ollie, who weighed 5lb 2oz, and Sophie, who weighed 4lb 7oz, were taken to Singleton’s neonatal intensive care unit where they remained for 25 days. Staff arranged for Emma to have an iPad so she could see the twins while she remained in the high dependency unit.
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“That was really emotional, and
I feel extremely blessed
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extremely distressing – to see your children hooked up to machines,” she added.
“It was awful and I was very anxious because we’d been trying to conceive for nine years, and seven rounds of IVF and three miscarriages.
Ollie and Sophie, who were born last May, have had a few chest infections requiring a stay in the paediatric ward in Morriston Hospital in Swansea. But despite this they have come along really well and both now weigh a healthy 22lbs. For six months after having the babies, Emma was unwell with diabetes-related problems and has only now started to improve again. But that hasn’t stopped her and Lyn taking the babies back to Singleton to present staff with fleece blankets and sheets to the neonatal unit. These were bought out of donations made by guests during a blessing day for the twins last September. Emma added: “It’s something really small by way of a massive thank you. “The last year has been testing but also the most beautiful year of our lives. We are grateful for all the support we’ve had. “Everyone from the consultants to the cleaners has been outstanding. The admin staff in the clinics, our GP, everybody has gone over and above to help us. “I’m just blown away by how kind and nice people are.
“But everybody, every single member of staff was just outstanding. They listened to me, they took everything I said on board. And the care they gave the babies – I felt as if they loved them like family.
“I feel extremely blessed. They’re outstanding. We are so lucky to have them. But we’re also lucky to have the people in our NHS to support us. And I feel I can trust the NHS with our lives.
“My husband was struggling too. His wife was in HDU, he didn’t know what was happening to me health-wise, and he had two tiny babies in incubators.
“You hear bad stories. But it’s about time people who have good experiences tell their story too. So thank you to the NHS – we’re super grateful.”
“They were all amazing with him as well.”
* Emma Rees was talking to Mark Smith SWANSEA LIFE 41
@maggiesswansea
Walk for Maggie’s
Sunday 14th July
Join us for a family fun-filled day at our brand new location:
Millennium Coastal Path, Llanelli
Our 5km walk starts at Burry Port Harbour and follows the Millennium Coastal Path to Festival Fields.
Registration: £10 (under 16’s go FREE!) Register online and help support local people with cancer, their families and friends across South West Wales. maggiescentres.org/how-you-can-help/take-part/ all-events/walk-maggies-swansea-2019 Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust (Maggie’s) is a registered charity, No. SC024414
SWA NSE A
LIFE Ideal Bride
simply chic Dreamy gowns you will love
2 VIP Pic: Purecreations Photography
weddings to inspire your day
l u f i t u a e B GOWNS BRIDES VENUES IDEAS
SWANSEA LIFE 43
A n E n c h a n t i n g Wa t e r s i d e L o c a t i o n Fo r Yo u r We d d i n g o r S p e c i a l O c c a s s i o n
T h e S l e b e c h Pa r k E s t a t e p rov i d e s a s e n s a t i o n a l c o u n t r ys i d e ve n u e f o r exc l u s ive u s e We d d i n g s , C iv i l C e re m o n i e s & B l e s s i n g s s e t i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e Pe m b ro ke s h i re Na t i o n a l p a r k . O u r b e a u t i f u l wa t e r s i d e l o c a t i o n o n t h e We s t e r n C l e d d a u R ive r i s t h e p e r f e c t n a t u ra l b a c kd ro p f o r t h a t m o s t i m p o r t a n t c e l e b ra t i o n , f ro m t h e l a rge & o p u l e n t t o t h e s m a l l & i n t i m a t e . O u r ex p e r i e n c e d t e a m o f we d d i n g c o o rd i n a t o r s a re h e re t o h e l p g u i d e yo u t h ro u g h a l l yo u r p re p a ra t i o n s t owa rd s t h a t p e r f e c t d ay. Na t i o n a l l y re c o g n i s e d w i t h a h o s t o f awa rd s f o r o u r l u x u r y Ac c o m m o d a t i o n , F i n e Fo o d s & a t t e n t ive S e r v i c e , S l e b e c h Pa r k E s t a t e i s exc l u s ive l y yo u r s f o r t h a t d i s t i n c t l y u n i q u e ex p e r i e n c e .
SLEBECH PARK C OU N T RY E STATE
Slebech Park Estate, Haverfordwest, SA62 4AX - www.slebech.co.uk - 01437 752000
THE PL
UGH Rhosmaen
Sparkle on your special day
Images above coutrtesy of Edmund Shum, Photography First
D
o you wish that you could find the perfect wedding venue? One where all your desires are met. An award-winning boutique hotel nestled within the tranquil surroundings of the picturesque Towy Valley.
The Plough Rhosmaen Llandeilo SA19 6NP 01558 823431 info@ploughrhosmaen.com www.ploughrhosmaen.com
Where you receive a dedicated wedding coordinator who is with you from the very first meeting right through to your special day, providing a bespoke service with meticulous attention to detail, to ensure a flawless and unforgettable experience.
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LOOK AMAZING ON YOUR BIG DAY Our pick of new season dresses you can buy right now in Swansea peter.slee@reachplc.com
Enzoani, from a selection at Rowberrys, Swansea
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Ronald Joyce, from a selection at Rowberrys, Swansea
SWANSEA LIFE 47
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Eternity at Cariad Bridal, Nelson Street, Swansea
Enzoani, from a selection at Rowberrys, Swansea
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STYLISH
Cubic Zirconia and teardrop glass drop earrings, silver, £14, John Lewis, Cardiff
SPECIAL
Fascinator Hairband, £14; M&Co, Swansea
USEFUL
Bridal first moments cards, £8.50; Paparechase, Parc Morfa
CHARMING
Heirloom Collection boys’ puppytooth suit pink jacket, £40 - £46; John Lewis, Cardiff
EMBELLISHED
Celebration Bag, £175; Dune of London
GILDED
set the scene Bring a little piece of your personality to your big day with some great vintage and romantic one-off buys...
Diamond ring hip flask, £14, Paperchase, Parc Morfa
peter.slee@reachplc.com
KISS
Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Paint-On Liquid Lip Colour, Lava Flow; £26; Debenhams, Swansea
DIVINE
Nude Fluffy Slippers, £14.99. TK Maxx, Swansea
GLITTERING Crushing shoes, £120, Dune of London
BE PREPARED
Personalised Wedding Of The Year notebook, £6.99; gettingpersonal.co.uk
CELEBRATION
Bridesmaid set, £16; Matalan, Cwmdu
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YOuR PIcTuRe PeRFecT WeddInG Venue
SILVER PACKAGES
GOLD PACKAGES
£3900
£6500
40 DAY GUESTS 70 EVENING GUESTS
40 DAY GUESTS 70 EVENING GUESTS
Incudes
Incudes
• Ceremony Room Hire • Red Carpet • Cake Stand • Cake Knife • Arrival Drinks For All Your Guests • Canapes • 3 Course Wedding Breakfast • Half A Bottle Of Wine Per Person During The Wedding Breakfast
• Sparkling Wine For The Toast • Evening Finger Buffet • Our Resident Dj • 10 Of Our Bedrooms Bed And Breakfast • Chair Covers And Bows • Additional Day Guests £49 Per Person Additional Evening Guests £15 Per Person Additional Rooms £95 Bed And Breakfast
• Ceremony Room Hire • Red Carpets • Cake Stand • Cake Knife • Arrival Drinks • Canapés • 3 Course Wedding Breakfast • Half A Bottle Of Wine Per Person During The Wedding Breakfast • Sparkling Wine For The Toast • Evening Buffet-Hog Roast
• Our Resident Dj • All The Rooms And Apartments Bed And Breakfast- This Includes 17 Rooms And 4 Apartments • Brunch / Breakfast The Morning After The Wedding For All The Guests Staying • Chair Covers And Bows • Additional Day Guests £69 Per Person Additional Evening Guests £20 Per Person
Wedding Packages from £27.50 Per Person For all our available packages contact The Norton House Hotel today
call
01792 404891
click
www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk Enquiries@nortonhousehotel.co.uk
connect /facebook /instagram
FA L L I N LOV E W I T H C E LT I C MANOR
P L A N Y O U R D R E A M W E D D I N G AT C E LT I C - M A N O R . C O M R E Q U E S T A B R O C H U R E O R A R R A N G E A N A P P O I N T M E N T TO V I S I T O N 0 1 6 3 3 4 1 0 2 5 2
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T
hey haven’t even opened yet, but they are booked for their first year, and are already fielding inquiries for 2020.
The buzz around this new Welsh wedding venue started as soon as the first pictures were posted to Instagram. “We weren’t planning on doing any [weddings] this year,” explained co-founder Hannah Evans. “But we were absolutely inundated with inquiries when our social media went live.” Hannah is experienced in the industry, having been an award-winning wedding photographer for 10 years. Her husband and business partner, Neil was able to turn his hand to doing the bulk of the work on the build of the shed. The couple grew up nearby. The shed is on Neil’s family farm, and they returned home from Cardiff after the birth of their second child.
long after they resettled the idea for a wedding venue began. That thought quickly turned into action. “It was probably about 12 months ago we started to build and it really just came from a conversation and me saying that I wish we had our own venue here,” says Hannah. “We chatted to Neil’s parents, and everybody was on board.” Hannah’s background in the industry was instrumental in how the building was designed. The pair looked to make use of the light to enhance the experience of the venue.
Welcome to our wow-factor venue!
Both Hannah, 37, and Neil, 40, studied in Cardiff, photography and electrical engineering respectively. They travelled the world postuniversity and settled in Cardiff before the mid-Wales move.
Neil is a third generation farmer and is back in the family business. Hannah was able to move her wedding photography business, but not
by Chris Pike
“Shooting up to 40 weddings a year, and seeing different venues, was quite good at seeing how people did it wrong and did it right,” says Hannah. When working, it was festival weddings that Hannah enjoyed shooting the most and says she has taken inspiration from them. This type of wedding normally sees the catering done by food trucks and Hannah can’t wait to work with street food traders at the site.
When asked how she would sum up the feel of a wedding she is aiming for, Hannah says it is a mix of “Alternative, relaxed, badass, festival, unwedding, and non traditional.” She believes their social media will ensure that people get what the venue is all about. “We want our brides and grooms to really get what we are about” she adds.
“We want them to come in and put their own stamp on it, but also understand it’s a farm at the end of the day,”
THE PERFECT DRESS FOR EVERY BRIDE...
Winner
AWARDS 2018
Award Winning Bridal Boutique Based In Swansea City Centre 35 Nelson Street, Swansea SA1 3QQ Book An Appointment Today • Tel: 01792 461108 www.cariadbridal.co.uk
Weddings from £38.00 per person Allow us to bring your dreams to life, tailoring to your exact requirements from small, intimate events for 10 guests, to grand celebrations for up to 200 guests. Our beach side location provides wonderful photographic opportunities to enjoy for many years to come. Packages include: ➢ Glass of Bucks Fizz Arrival ➢ 2 Course seated meal ➢ Room Hire ➢ Red Carpet for your Arrival ➢ The Banqueting Manager to act as your Toastmaster
➢ Professional DJ & Disco ➢ Special Accommodation Rates for your Guests ➢ A Custom Web Page Designed for your Wedding ➢ Complimentary Car Parking ➢ Cake Stand and Knife
We would be honoured to host your Wedding Celebrations and create a wonderful day for you and your guests. Our professional team will make your Wedding an unforgettable experience and ensure you have peace of mind knowing that all arrangements are in our capable hands. Swansea Marriott Hotel Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 3SS swansea.events@marriotthotels.co.uk 01792 634824
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Charlotte Jenkins and Josh Tomlinson Josh, 29, from Worcester is a commercial advisor for Shell and Charlotte, also 29,and from Swansea, is a paediatrician. The couple, who now live in Finsbury Park in North London, talk to Peter Slee about their dream Gower wedding. How did you meet? It was in 2010 at a nightclub in Bristol called Bunker. Josh was on a rugby night out and we met at the bar. We’d been in the same university as each other since 2007 and our paths very nearly crossed lots of times but we didn’t actually meet until three years later. Tell us about the proposal Josh proposed in Paklenica National Park, Croatia, in August 2017. I was wondering why we were hiking for so long in 30-plus degree heat, I think Josh was looking for a romantic viewpoint but we quickly ran out of water! Josh suggested we went off the path for a picture and there he dropped to one knee and proposed…it was worth the walk! Where did you get married? We got married in St Peters Church in Newton where my brother married the year before. Reverend Canon Christopher Darvill conducted a great service and was very supportive throughout. We were also lucky enough to have the Singleton Singers perform before the ceremony and during the signing of the register. Our reception was held at ‘Perriswood’ near Oxwich. The owner, Brian, was amazing from 56 SWANSEA LIFE
our first visit and gave us lots of freedom to shape the day just as we wanted. We chose to have Mexican food for the wedding breakfast and Paul Cullen, our caterer did a great job pulling together a Mexican inspired menu. When did you know you’d found the dress and what style did you go for? From the beginning I knew I wanted a plain dress that wasn’t too fussy, I also really wanted pockets but didn’t think I’d find a wedding dress with them! I went to lots of different wedding dress shops and saw lots of lovely dresses but none were perfect for me. My friend actually saw my dress on Instagram and thought it was what I was looking for and was right!. The dress was by Suzanne Neville and my mum and I went to try it on in her Knightsbridge store. As soon I tried it on it was perfect. I absolutely loved wearing it…and it had pockets! Where did you get the jewellery? I wore jewellery that I already owned from Gill Clement in Swansea. My sister-in –law lent me her Gill Clement hair slide, which she wore at her own wedding, to wear as my ‘something borrowed.’
The bridesmaid’s dresses were from Coast. I wanted something a bit different and I think they worked really well with the groomsmen’s suits. The flower girl dress was from ‘Cariad Bridal’ in Swansea. The suits were a blue tweed, hired from ‘Jennis and Warman’ near our home in London. Tell us about your floral arrangements
amazing and included beautiful blue, pink hydrangeas, celosia and ranunculus. Everyone put in so much time, effort and love which made the flowers even more special. What about the cake? Josh’s Mum very kindly offered to make our wedding cake for us. We didn’t want a traditional wedding cake so chose to have a chocolate brownie tower instead which went down very well with the guests.
We are very lucky to have incredibly talented family and friends who did all of our flowers for us. My aunty Lynne and cousin Rebecca made all the table centre pieces and flowers for the church. My mum’s friend Jane also made arrangements for the church. For the church and reception we went for a mix of lots of different colours of hydrangeas and a few roses. Friends and family generously let us raid their gardens and we even got permission from the head gardener at Clyne to have a few blue hydrangeas. He also very kindly took us on a tour of Clyne to pick the best ones.
How did you make the wedding personal to you?
My very talented friend Louise did all the bouquets, button holes and flowergirl hairband. She got all the flowers from the Covent Garden flower market and drove them back to Swansea. The bouquets were
Josh’s Dad designed and painted our wedding invites and made us an amazing ‘guest book jigsaw’ that we love. At the church we asked three members of our family to give ‘reflections on marriage’. My sister-in-law
The wedding was a real team effort from the beginning. Our family and friends contributed so much to the day so there were personal touches everywhere. We wanted to make it a real family affair. My parents were amazing through the whole process, trekking around venues, putting together the marquee and providing support throughout. They even put on a surprise fireworks display at the end of the night.
spoke about what it was like to have been married for a year, Josh’s mum described her experience of 35 years of marriage and his 92-year-old grandmother spoke about her experience of being married for 62 years. It was one of our favourite parts of the day. Unfortunately, our other grandparents are no longer with us. But I wore my grandma’s engagement ring and Josh wore his grandfather’s cufflinks so we felt like they were with us on the day. We also had a photo ladder with pictures of three generations of our families on their wedding days. It was great fun putting it together and discovering pictures we’d never seen before. What were your wedding highlights? The church service was very special to us, particularly as several members of our families gave readings. Following the service we went with the photographers to a beautiful spot above Three Cliffs Bay. We absolutely love the photos from this part of the day. The wedding breakfast and speeches were also a lot of fun, but the real highlight has to be the dancefloor, where the Classic Soul Dogs performed two brilliant sets and everyone seemed to have a great time.
Photography by Pure Creations photography • email: info@purethinking.com
What about bridesmaids and groomsmen?
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Tell us about your honeymoon? We split our honeymoon into two parts: the first a short break in Laugharne to relax and recover from the wedding and then in September we travelled to the Amalfi coast in Italy for a two week holiday. It was a fantastic trip which centred around great food and wine, in lovely traditional restaurants as well as a course in Italian cooking. What was the best investment you made? We certainly made a good choice with Pure Creations photography – Sarah and Rob impressed us from the first time we 58 SWANSEA LIFE
met with the quality and originality of their photographs and, more importantly, they worked hard to give us the memories of the day that we wanted. Sarah was brilliant on the day, capturing all the best moments and putting us at ease throughout. If you could go back and change anything, what would it be? The torrential rain on the morning of the wedding was nerve-wracking. Luckily it cleared and didn’t spoil the day in any way. But we do wish we hadn’t had to worry about the weather so much! On the plus side, the dramatic skies certainly did give us some incredible photos!
Your Wedding, your hotel ‘Exclusive Wedding’
Book an and the whole hotel will be yours for you and your guests to relax and enjoy.
Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, SA15 4HA | T: 01554 758171 E: weddings@stradeyparkhotel.com | www.stradeyparkhotel.com Photograph courtesy of Oliver J Photography
YOUR WEDDING, YOUR DREAMS, OUR DESTINATION Gileston Manor, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 4HX e: enquiries@gilestonmanor.co.uk
A new exclusive, boutique wedding venue in the Vale of Glamorgan, Gileston Manor allows you to create a wedding that is truly unique and personal to you.
t: 07591 203764 or 07794 611105 www.gilestonmanor.co.uk
New Wedding Floor Now Open
01792 229022 07758 119479 www.crysalisbridal.co.uk 74, High Street, Gorseinon, SA4 4BP
Stockists of • Cabotine/Zeila • Gina Bacconi • Lou Lou Bridesmaid • Watters Bridesmaid • Eden Bridal
Upcoming Events Spring/Summer Fashion Show Langland Golf Club March 14th
Sophia Tolli Trunk Show 23rd & 24th March
Spring/Summer Fashion Show April 4th Marriot Hotel
ROWBERRY
SwanSea’S Premier FaShion & Bridal Boutique 152 - 154 Port Tennant Road Swansea, SA1 8JQ
Tel 01792 651028
Rowberrybridalandfashion
Rowberryswansea
@Rowberrybridalandfashion
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Hydrangea aspera
Not sure how to narrow down your wedding venue options? You aren’t alone. Join Shakira Obaid, Swansea wedding PR consultant, in the first of her regular columns looking at wedding dilemmas, to find out some of the best ways to choose your venue.
Insider’s guide to the... day of your dreams!. Congratulations, you’re engaged! You are now about to embark on one of the most exciting adventures of your life – and with plenty of champagne along the way you’re sure to enjoy yourself right? Right! While there is this misconception that wedding planning can be stressful and bring out the ‘bridezilla’ in even the best of us, this does not have to be the case!
■ Research is key
■ Be confident
A successful wedding always starts with research and thanks to google, a plethora of content is just one click away. Have a look on partner sites such as hitched.com and whittle it down to a few venues you like the look of then browse their websites. The chances are if they have a decent website you can also hope they will take pride in their venue too. Talk to friends and family about how they planned their wedding. They are bound to spark you with inspiration. Remember too to keep an open mind too and consider lots of different style venues so you can really gauge what ‘fits with you’.
Booking a wedding can be daunting for some people, after all nobody is an expert, unless, that is, you’re Elizabeth Taylor and you’ve already been married several times! Don’t be afraid to let the venue know that you’re a novice. A good venue will have well trained wedding experts on hand to make sure all of your queries are answered including supplier recommendations and ‘how to book a registrar’. Remember this is meant to be one of the most exciting decisions you will ever have to make in your life and it should be a happy one! so try not to get overwhelmed.
■ Shortlist venues Once you have done your research, try and shortlist your favourite venues to two or three. To make sure you have all bases covered, book a viewing at a countryside venue AND a city centre venue. This will mean you can compare and contrast what works and what doesn’t.
■ Use social media When you are considering booking a wedding venue, remember to check its social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram. Excellent wedding suppliers will be very active on social media and there will be a lot of engagement with clients. Check Trip Adviser too, as this will give you a feel of how the venue works. Pin-interest will also become your best friend for décor inspiration!
*Pictures: Marc Smith Photography
■ Consider your budget In terms of honesty, being transparent about your budget is vital. Before you visit a venue, have a discussion with your fiancé about how much you are willing to pay. Once that has been decided, talk to the venue and see what they can deliver. You’ll always get more out of them if you are honest from the beginning.
■ Ignore the weather Never book a wedding venue based on the weather! The outdoor barn wedding might be tempting but if they have no indoor space is it really viable? The weather can be so temperamental (especially in Wales) so you will just end up being disappointed. To avoid any upset on the big day, ask the wedding venue about how they cater for all weathers. SWANSEA LIFE 63
Advertisement Feature
Providing a unique experience is aim of Welsh Wedding Awards’ wedding coordinator of the year
R
HIAN Millar had a pretty easy decision to make when it came to deciding her wedding venue.
It was always going to be the King Arthur Hotel in Gower, to no one’s surprise in her circle. By the time the happy occasion took place in 2015, she had been planning weddings at the engaging venue in Reynoldston for a decade. Now four years on, with over 430 ‘big days’ in the bag, Rhian has added to the hotel’s roll of honour, which has included best wedding venue in the 2018 Swansea Life Awards, by becoming wedding coordinator of the year at the 2019 Welsh Wedding Awards. She shared her joy with Swansea Life. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE ROLE AT THE KING ARTHUR? I have worked at the King Arthur since I was 17 years old. I worked mainly front of house, did some office administration and then became a wedding coordinator. I ran my first wedding in 2005. WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO WINNING THE AWARD? I was shocked when my name was read out and thought did I just hear that right? Then my name appeared on the big screen … it was real! Since the awards’ evening I have received lots of messages of congratulations
from friends, family and my wedding couples both past and present – it’s been pretty overwhelming. I’m so grateful to everyone who voted and helped us to achieve this award. I also feel extremely lucky and proud to work alongside such an amazing team at the King Arthur. My job would be much harder than it already is if it wasn’t for them. To be recognised for all of our hard work at this level is incredible. WHAT DO YOU THINK IT WILL MEAN FOR THE BUSINESS? Winning the award has already generated a lot of interest, especially on social media. I think that the award will help us to stand out from other venues because it's not all just about the venue itself. It's how well the couples are looked after leading up to and on their special day. HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP YOUR OFFER TO WEDDING COUPLES?
it’s how delicious the food was, how perfect the setting was or how friendly, welcoming and helpful the staff were. The couples are also really appreciative of the wedding coordinators’ hard work in bringing everything together on the big day after months and months of planning. I had my own wedding here a few years ago and knew that I was in very safe hands. The day could not have been any better. It’s a privilege to be part of a couple’s wedding – from the day they viewed the venue to the special day itself, and to then receive such praise afterwards is so rewarding. It's also really nice to see our wedding couples return to us for anniversaries and special occasions at the hotel. THE FUTURE? We will continue to do what we always have – provide a personal and unique wedding experience and we look forward to meeting future couples.
Firstly, we offer a beautiful, enchanting venue with stunning grounds and extensive accommodation. Secondly, and what we feel winning this award demonstrates, the dedicated wedding coordinators offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most importantly the wedding coordinators offer a personal approach to the wedding planning. We feel it's important for the weddings to reflect the couple. For example, someone came to us recently after they got engaged in Edinburgh. They would like a Scottish influenced menu and we have sourced a variety of ales over the years so that the grooms can have their favourite pint on their wedding day. WHAT KIND OF TYPICAL FEEDBACK DO YOU GET? We receive lots of compliments from our wedding couples and their guests - whether
WEDDING AND EVENTS MANAGER RHIAN MILLAR Higher Green | Reynoldston | Gower | SA3 1AD Telephone: 01792 390775 | www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk
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coed
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Everyone has been to a wedding; but not everyone has been to a tailor made Pencoed House Estate wedding. Yours exclusively for the day, the Estate and its 36 acres of peaceful yet captivating grounds afford wonderful photographic opportunities to capture every memorable moment and our bespoke accommodation options can sleep up to 26 of your closest family and friends to experience your special day alongside you. Every couple wishes for a unique and memorable experience that they and their families treasure forever. From the moment you book with us, our wedding co-ordinator will be available to interpret your requirements and discuss the finer detail to design your perfect day. We offer packages ranging from £3995 up to £6750. One of our most popular packages is our Whirlwind Package for £5995 available for bookings made within 9 months of the big day for those who just can’t wait to tie the knot! Get in touch with our team today to discuss package options and date availability.
www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk Pencoed House Estate, Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff, CF5 6JR 029 2167 8090
BRIDE
Chloe Francis-Oakley & James Oakley Peter Slee speaks to Chloe Francis-Oakley, owner of Cobbles Kitchen & Deli in Ogmore-by-Sea and James Oakley Owner of Oakrete - Concrete Furniture Company
Where did you get married?
How long did the day take to plan?
At St Teilos Church in Merthyr Mawr.
Around six months all in all. There was so much going on at the time. We had just had our third baby and were in the midst of a home renovation and business expansion so the wedding was sort of being planned in the background. The last few weeks were a bit of a blur trying to get everything sorted. But it all fell into place.
Tell us about your engagement? James proposed on Christmas Day in 2013 in front of all of the family. I was full of cold on the day and I wasn’t expecting it at all! He then whisked me off to London to watch a football game. Who says romance is dead?
67 swansealife.co.uk
How did you decide on the venue? I run Cobbles so it was a no-brainer, especially as we had just expanded and renovated all of the barns. It was perfect with all of the twinkly fairy lights over the beams and trusses.
SWANSEA LIFE 67
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Tell us about the big day… We got married on New Year’s Eve we wanted to have a big celebration and see the year out with a bang! We got married in St Teilo’s Church in the village I grew up in - Merthyr Mawr and then went onto Cobbles for our reception. We had paella, pizza and churros for food, and danced the night away to our favourite band the Fire Fences! We left shortly after the countdown at midnight as we were leaving the next day for our honeymoon. We didn’t want to waste any time and wanted to get straight on the plane. How did you choose your outfits? I chose the first dress I saw, as soon as I saw it, I loved it! James had a gorgeous maroon suit by Hugo Boss. The colours in the suit matched the flowers in my bouquet. Your favourite moments... It was all lovely! I loved being sung out of the church by the amazing solo artist Nick Griffiths. He sang Al Green’s Let’s stay together and a few other songs during the service which was beautiful! The party afterwards was also great fun! It was New Years Eve so we are all enjoying the party! We had a great band - the Fire Fences
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and then a DJ afterwards. I loved seeing all the little ones dressed up too, they looked so cute! We had six flower girls and four pageboys. It was just so lovely to have all of our closest friends and family together to celebrate with us. What were some of your favourite special touches? We had very simple decorations as the venue is so beautiful and already adorned with fairy lights everywhere. But we had vintage clocks on the tables all counting down to Midnight, which I loved! How did you spend your honeymoon? We went to Dubai for five nights, then South Thailand for 17 days! We took all of our children so it was more of a ‘family moon’ but we wouldn’t have had it any other way. The first leg of the honeymoon was spent in Dubai with James’s family and then onto Thailand. We had a lovely, relaxing break. We visited an elephant sanctuary and spent the day learning about elephants and caring for them, feeding and washing them. It was a wonderful experience and one us and the children won’t ever forget.
GET THE LOOK Venue: Cobbleskitchen.co.uk Photographer: Abigailapollonio.co.uk Dress: Essence of Australia -lauramaybridal.co.uk Entertainment: Nick Griffiths -On instagram ncholas_patrck and Fire FencesFirefences.com Flowers: Andrea Bryant Cake: Swizzlepop Cakes - on Instagram Make-up: Makeup by Mag x - on Instagram Hair: Bay Hair Studio www.facebook.com/bayhairstudioporthcawl
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excluSive • Romantic • UniqUe
come along to our
Wedding Showcase Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th April 11am-4pm
ArrAnge A PrivAte tour with our wedding teAm 01639 883553 www.mArgAmorAngery.com the orAngery, mArgAm country PArk, Port tAlbot, SA13 2tJ Photograph credit: Aga Tomaszek Photography
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Last Minute Weddings & Winter Wedding Package
*
for any available date in the next 6 months Minimum of 50 wedding breakfast guests on Sunday to Friday - £2,250 Minimum of 70 wedding breakfast guests on Saturdays - £3,150 Add extra guests @ £45/ head
Packages include: Sumptuous two course Wedding Breakfast Opera house for your Wedding Ceremony Exclusive use of Conservatory for your Day Wedding Reception and your Evening Party Fabulous photo opportunities inside and outside the Castle Nicolini Room Lounge and Breakfast Room lounge Free Bridal Suite for Bridal Couple on night of wedding Table linen and napkins in ivory or white and Candelabra (add your own decorations) Last Minute Wedding Package Upgrade to full Exclusive and get use of all ground floor, including evening Function Room on 'LMWP 80'. 80 Guests to Wedding Breakfast and 80 to Evening Buffet. Minimum of 40 overnight. ANY DATE WEDDINGS on WEEKENDS Two Course Wedding Breakfast with exclusive use of venue Saturdays - £4,500 for 70 guests | Friday Special Deal - £3,000 for 60 guests (when having 50 guests staying overnight at £75pp) *Sunday to Thursday/ midweek requires a Minimum 50 guests at your wedding breakfast. Saturdays require a minimum of 70 to your wedding breakfast.
01639 731167 - www.craigynoscastleweddings.com - Nr. Swansea ASK US ABOUT OUR NEW EXCITING 2 DAY EXCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGE
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LET THE VILLAGE DELIVER YOUR
DREAM WEDDING T
HE team at the Village Hotel in Swansea love to make any event extra special and making your wedding everything you could hope for is top of that list.
Our dedicated Wedding Planner, Annabel Mather, has been working with us since last summer to ensure all our weddings go as smoothly as possible. She takes the stress away from the bride and the groom, so they can enjoy both the build up and the big day without having to worry about the simple, little details that will make their wedding so special. Though Annabel has several years’ experience in organising banqueting events at a number of prestigious venues including the Principality and the Liberty Stadiums, her speciality is as a wedding co-ordinator. In short, she loves to plan and deliver dream weddings for couples who truly want their big day to be fantastically memorable.
Once you have decided that the Village is the wedding venue for you, she will begin the process with an initial consultation with the bride, groom and other members of the family if required, to set the groundwork in terms of understanding what type of wedding you are planning. She will then explain the different packages available and which would be best for the event you have in mind within your budget. Our packages are very flexible as we understand that the needs of every couple is different. Once you have made a decision on all elements of the wedding package, then Annabel’s task is to make that happen in consultation with the client at all times. She will show you around our stunning reception rooms which can accommodate weddings for up to 160 guests and discuss menu options for an outstanding wedding breakfast. She will also confirm colour schemes and other decoration preferences ensuring the venue reflects the happy couple’s vision. As the Village holds a number of events throughout the year in addition to weddings, we can also offer preferential rates on the hire of a DJ or other entertainment. On the day of the wedding, Annabel will be on hand to co-ordinate the logistical details, already discussed and agreed in advance, enabling the wedding party and gusts to simply relax and enjoy themselves. In addition to planning the nitty gritty
details that will make the wedding so very special, Annabel can also help with many other activities or requirements associated with the big day. As we are a functioning hotel, the Village can offer stylish and comfortable accommodation for the wedding party and guests who will also benefit from the use of our site facilities including the pool, spa and our Village pub. The bride can even have her hen party with us at one of our fabulous tribute nights or alternatively we can organise a wine tasting session followed by a meal and drinks in our restaurant and pub. We can also include a pre-wedding pampering session at the Village Spa for the bride and groom and other members of the wedding party, aiming to make everyone feel relaxed and chilled before the excitement starts. So, what are you waiting for? Call Annabel today on 01792 479938 to book the wedding of your dreams.
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3007 - Swansea Wed Ad A4.pdf
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VILLAGE HOTEL SWANSEA VILLAGE HOTEL SWANSEA
WE LOVE WEDDINGS WE LOVE WEDDINGS
2019 PACKAGES FROM 2019 PACKAGES * FROM £2019 * £2019 Basic Package Includes:
50 people day wedding breakfast Basicfor Package Includes: 80 people night evening wedding breakfast
50centre people day mirror wedding White Table linen, piece andbreakfast tea lights or candelabra 80 people night for evening breakfast 6 months gym membership for thewedding bride and groom to be White Table linen, centre piece mirror and tea lights or candelabra 6 months gymour membership for the bride and Coming groom to be Why not ask about Wedding Day Extras, Home Weddings
& Morning Brunch Packages? Why not ask about our Wedding Day Extras, Home Coming Weddings & Morning Brunch Packages?
What’s not to love? What’s not to love? VILLAGEHOTELS.COM/WEDDINGS VILLAGEHOTELS.COM/WEDDINGS
Village Hotel Swansea, Langdon Road, Off Fabian Way. Swansea SA1 8QY | 01792 341270
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FOOD & DRINK
Positano... a great taste of Italy
From pasta to pizza via mozzarella, prosciutto and tiramisu, it’s hard to beat Italy when it comes to good food, wine and hospitality. PETER SLEE discovers a new arrival in Swansea
U
ndeniably, family-run restaurants come with a feel-good factor.
As you sit down to eat, you’ve already got that inner glow; the good citizen box checked for ‘supporting local’, all the while knowing your food is coming from the real experts. Sometimes, the reality doesn’t always mirror the ideal, which is when disappointment inevitably sinks in – how often have you read a review that starts ‘we so wanted to like it here, but….’ – so finding an excellent neighbourhood joint that lives up to the hype is equivalent to a mini-pump moment. Positano Italiano provides just that. Not that the Italian restaurant is short of fans already,
74 SWANSEA LIFE
A constant stream of people tell me they have been in the few weeks since its opening n Swansea’s SA! and yes,they insist, it is worth visiting. So, over the Sail Bridge we go and there, immediatly in front of us, is our destination venue shining like a good deed in the fading early spring light. Its lights are welcoming as are the staff once we walk through its doors. It’s a nice size too in a non-chainy-kind of way. It takes reservations and is in precisely the right spot for taking in the best Swansea’s waterfront has to offer. This newly opened Italian eatery has exactly the calming influence I need on the night we call in This is not competitive dining, though that isn’t to say its dishes aren’t befitting of
boasts. Here’s why: it’s decently spacious. What this means is you can fit more on your table, which makes it far easier to feast, but it also means you can move your chair without putting an elbow in someone else’s pizza crusts and enjoy a plate of parpadelle in peace. The place is softly lit, done out in earthy tones and rustic rattan touches, which, with the plump pizza oven glinting at you from the open kitchen, give this place a real home and hearth feel. There are communal zones, but these are more like family dining tables around which you might rediscover a forgotten favourite aunt. We arrive on a Friday evening to find it buzzing. . Yes, we immediatly decide, it really does feel like a little slice of Italy!.
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The menu concentrates on Italian classics, with some modern interpretations. .In short, all I love about the Italian attitude to cooking and eating coupled, more compellingly perhaps, with that authentic Italian passion for pristine produce. The food meanwhile is similarly homely. My meal begins with bruschetta al pomodor; tomatoes, little chips of garlic garlic, oregano, fresh basil and olive oil . Over a couple of meals here, those little tomatoes will become dear friends. Elsewhere on the table, my companions launch into starters of Formaggi Misti (£8.95), a selection of specialist Italian cheeses, served with fig jam and bread and Pepata Di Cozze (£7.95), mussels cooked in a white wine, garlic, parsley with toasted ciabatta bread . Both were beautiful, delicatelooking plates without being overly fuss. Instead, just thoughtfully presented. The mains menu is a glorious feast, The pizzas are right to be a focus: they’re excellent. Salty, slightly chewy but thin bases act as welcome hosts for full-flavoured
toppings, either with or without a tomato base layer. But its pasta options are worth lingering over too. In particular, Capella Romano (£16.95); oven baked egg tagliatelle, with meatballs, mozzarella, bechamel and tomato sauce wrapped in speck ham. It is generous, rich, lingering, buttery, wound into a perfect mound and clever with the riff of textures. Pulling together these ingredients is a skill that works well. Whatever you do, make you sure order the risotto al frutti di mare (£18.95) a pheasant risotto with prawns, clams and squid cooked in white wine and those cherry tomatoes which sings with rich, earthy stock. If you can muster a chunk of meat, a 10oz sirloin is a beautiful beast that drips in fatty flavour. The accompanying crispy potatoes sprinkled with sea salt are a high-level pleasure, hovering somehwere between roastie and crispy potato wedge. You can order them as a side, too. As for dessert, the panna cotta con frutti di bosco (£.5.95) with its sweetened cream,
aromatised with vanilla, and raspberry coulis was richly fruity and is a lighter-than-you’dthink treat. And really, what better way to bookend your day? Nothing at Positano is hugely adventurous. There is nothing my mum wouldn’t be able to identify or wouldn’t automatically like without being told why she should. It’s just all really nice. What the chefs here have s done is to take things people really like and cook them turning out tasty plates in the process. So many new restaurants feel ruthlessly planned in a boardroom, with steely, checklisted efficiency and marketresearched cult dishes. By comparison, Positano Italiano feels refreshingly, relaxingly at home with itself. Just my kind of place
Positano Italiano
J Shed Arcade, Kings Road, SA1 8PL Call 01792 462400 SWANSEA LIFE 75
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Best places to Eat
Restaurant Guide Two great places to eat and drink
SWANSEA
The Smiths Arms 51-52 Neath Road, Hafod, SA1 2HR • Tel: 01792 466776
Family friendly pub serving food daily.
Curry & Pint night every Thursday 5-8pm.
Serving for food MondayWednesday 12-3pm & 5-8pm, Thursday & Friday 12-8pm, Saturday 11.306pm.
Free newly refurbished function room for parties. Car park at rear of building.
Sunday carvery 12-4pm. Choice of 3 meats £6.45.
Book now for Christmas. Prices: 1 course £9.95, 2 courses 12.95, 3 courses £15.95.
SWANSEA
Justin’s Catering The Mill Tea Rooms, Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Swansea SA3 2EH • Tel: 01792 371206 • www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
New to the Tea Rooms Sunday Lunch.
Children (5-12 years) 2 course £8.95 or 3 course £9.95.
Adults 2 course £12.95 or 3 course £14.95.
Under 5 eat FREE! Take Away simply bring your own plate along and leave the rest to us.
FOOD & DRINK
How “Fridge Shiu” could save you cash Wasting food is something most of us have done at some point - whether throwing out a floppy cucumber or binning leftovers that have been left a little too long. But while a common occurrence, have you ever stopped to think how much it costs you? Two recent reports have tried to do just that - with figures from AO.com estimating we bin about £5.10 worth of food a week (that's £265.20 a year) and a separate study from VoucherCodes.co.uk putting the figure higher at £6.84 a week or £355.68 a year. The VoucherCodes study found 65% of us buy food that ends up being thrown away. ■ So, how do we beat food waste? Think carefully before it gets chucked. While proper planning and labelling can help, it's not always the simplest thing to keep going long term. "I have tried to cut down on waste before now, and it is all too easy to slip back into wasteful habits," mum of three Felicity Hannah told us after her experiment in eliminating food waste at home. "A busy week, a last-minute decision to eat out, a child demanding fish fingers instead of that vegetable stew you were going to make… there are lots of excuses for letting things slide." In fact, one satire site even poked fun at our habit by claiming Tesco was about to start selling "pre-binned" bags of salad to save people time.
■ But could something as simple as re-organising your fridge make a difference? To find out, AO.com commissioned feng shui expert Davina MacKail to see what could be done.
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Get some hot soapy water, add some lemon juice, remove all the shelves and draws and give the fridge a thorough clean.
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Only put back in the fridge what is fresh, and you know you will use. Store like with like - ie all the cheeses in a container together. Keep meat and fish stored separately, but on the lower shelves, to prevent leaking juices contaminating other foods.
“Fridges might allow us to store food safely for longer, but they’re also renowned for accumulating junk: mouldy jars of half eaten sauces; out of date food and wilted vegetables," Davina said.
• To rid your fridge of old smells, place some baking soda in a small bowl and leave in fridge for 48 hours. Use a few drops of lemon or lemongrass essential oil on a half lemon to keep your fridge sweet smelling. Replace as necessary.
“The kitchen, where most fridges live, symbolises the heart of the home. This is where we receive our nourishment, the root of our good health. So, if we want vibrant health it is important to give some attention to our fridges to cultivate the positive energy, the sheng chi, which symbolises our health and prosperity.” ■ Here are her top tips for keeping your fridge healthy and well organised: •
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As a source of fresh food supply, the fridge is related to both health and wealth in feng shui terms. Keeping a well-stocked (not over stocked!) fridge full of vibrant, living foods such as fresh fruits, salads and vegetables makes you feel good and increases your motivation to eat healthier foods. The route to a healthy fridge starts with decluttering. Remove everything and throw away anything mouldy, out of date or that you can’t identify.
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A quick, weekly clean is the perfect feng shui fridge maintenance; preferably just before you go shopping. Rotate fresh foods that are still good to eat so they get eaten first (get creative!). Throw anything inedible out and notice what you haven’t used – perhaps you could stop buying it or reduce the amount you buy – an organised fridge will not only improve your health but will also save you money. SWANSEA LIFE 77
NOMINATED IN THE BRITISH KEBAB AWARDS 2019
TURKISH KITCHEN AUTHENTIC TURKISH CUISINE
Thank you to everyone who has voted so far! • Open every day, 11am till 11pm • Vegetarian and vegan options
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Weddings-Birthdays-Engagements-Baby Showers-Families-Events. Follow us on Facebook for exclusive offers and discounts 21 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1LF T: 01792 650444 / www.swanseaturkishkitchen.com turkishkitchen1
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5 Eastern european wines to try now
Delicious and a little offbeat, these less familiar regions have plenty to offer adventurous wine lovers, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
1. Peach Garden Merlot 2017, Bulgaria, £6, Marks & Spencer, Swansea
FOOD & DRINK
Home cooking with Sian Day
A deliciously simple recipe for March..
Duck a l’orange
One of the most popular red grapes, who doesn’t love a smooth merlot, prized for its soft, velvety black cherry flavours? But why always settle for French (historically, merlot hails from the Bordeaux region) when you can get a foothold on the Bulgarian wine scene. Often underrated, the wines from this region are starting to show their true potential, and we love this generously fruity, lightly oaked style, that’s right on point with its lightly spiced cherry and violet fruit - and very reasonably priced.
2 Taste the Difference Dry Furmint, Tokaji 2017, Hungary , £10, Sainsbury’s, Sketty Hungary is one of the most important wine regions in Eastern Europe and thanks to its flourishing scene, it can offer us so much more than just Tokaji sweet dessert wines, stunning as they are. One of its top indigenous varieties, the furmint grape also makes delicious, dry white wines, with a delicate mineral freshness, showcased wonderfully in this bottle. Beautifully fresh and elegant with tiers of peaches and pears, even fine Chablis fans will fall in love with the stony minerality of this pristine white, ending with an enticing note of sage.
3. Tblvino Qvevris 2016, Kakheti, Georgia, £10, Marks & Spencer, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park Stylistically, this orange wine (amber coloured, not flavoured) sits somewhere between a very dry sherry and a sour fruit beer, with bold, savoury flavours of quince, pear and spice and a very dry finish. Distinctive and quite jarring, it’s made from white rkatsiteli grapes and the juice and skins are fermented together (which explains the colour and slightly tannic, bitter taste similar to a red wine), in large clay jars known as Qveri. Will you like it? At its best, its idiosyncratic personality will definitely appeal to intrepid wine lovers, and served well chilled, they work brilliantly with spicy dishes.
4. Cuvee Aleksandr NV, Cahul, Moldova, £11.99, Laithwaite’s Fizzing with excitement - another Moldovan masterpiece, and what a lovely surprise! A champagne-style sparkler made from 100% chardonnay, it’s the palest straw, with floral aromas, delightfully fresh, crisp, citrusy fruit with toasty nuances, fine beads of bubbles and the creamy intensity you’d expect from something twice the price. With a gold collar and swanky looking red label, it’s good enough to be the toast of the tsars
Fancy something fancy? Then try this simple version of the French classic duck a l’orange. It’s really tasty and quite easy to prepare. Julia Child made this dish famous in her book ‘Mastering the art of French cooking’ which rose to fame in the 60s. I demystify the process by making it a little more accessible to us modern day busy people to prepare. There isn’t a huge amount of meat on a duck so make sure if it’s for more than 2-3 people you buy two ducks. And if there’s a little Cointreau knocking about in your cupboards then perfect but if not don’t worry just a little wine will do. ingredients (serves 2) ■ 1 fat duck ■ 3 oranges ■ Couple of bay leaves ■ 4 shallots peeled ■ I onion peeled and sliced ■ 4 tbsp orange liqueur ■ 100ml red wine ■ 3 tbsp Seville orange marmalade ■ 1-2 tsp cornflour ■ Seasoning method Gently score the duck to allow the fat to escape, pop inside the duck 2 quarters of an orange & 2 shallots then season the skin and lay a few slices of orange on the top. Place onto a wire wrack in a roasting pan and roast for 45 minutes in a pre heated oven 200d Then remove from the oven baste the duck with the juices from the pan then drain the pan of as much fat as you can. This prevents your oven from smoking as a lot of fat is lost from the duck during roasting.
Then return to roast for a further 45 minutes until the duck is cooked through and golden brown. Set aside to rest. Meanwhile make the orange sauce. Juice 2 oranges and peel 1 orange and julienne the skin which basically means cut into thin slices Take 1 tbls of the duck fat from the roasting pan and place into a saucepan gently fry the sliced onion or shallots in it, then once softened add in the orange liqueur, 150mls water, red wine and the orange peel, bring to a simmer, then add the marmalade, orange juice and let it bubble and reduce down then add a little water to 1 tbsp of cornflour in a glass and give it a mix till smooth then add to the sauce stirring until sauce is glossy and smooth, add in any juices from the rested duck and stir. Serve with seasonal greens and new potatoes.
e! Bon appetit
FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page siandaydream.wordpress.com or Tweet her @SianDay SWANSEA LIFE 79
FOOD & DRINK
Cake, cash and life after The Apprentice
I
t has been a busy two years for Welsh businesswoman Alana Spencer of The Apprentice fame.
She won the 2016 version of the hit series and although her company, Ridiculously Rich by Alana, may not yet be a household name, that could soon change. Alana was 24 when she collected a £250,000 investment having impressed Lord Alan Sugar and his advisors, Karren Brady and Claude Littner, with her idea for a business delivering fresh baking goods across the UK. Since then she’s franchised the company, with 75 ambassadors and “cakepreneurs” helping to grow her brand, which features brownies, rocky roads, caramel slices and flapjacks. And among her plans are to launch ‘brownie bars’ in stores. “The goal is to become a household name, like Livia’s Kitchen, although that’s in the health food sector,” she told us. “There’s no one at the moment who’s really killing it in the treat market like they are. “2019 is definitely the year where I push my business more than ever.” After juggling her AS-levels alongside her business, Alana left Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron at 17 to pursue her career in chocolate-making. “I actually left school to make chocolates, but it quickly adapted to be a cake business because I was chucking a lot of them away because they have such a short shelf life. “I stuck some cakes on the end of my farmer’s market stall and they sold much quicker and I knew I had to make that change. “I’ve been so lucky everyone in my life has been so supportive.
“My parents put a kitchen on the side of the property to help me, which was amazing, and my teachers used to buy my chocolates before I left to do it professionally, so I’ve always been extremely lucky.” Soon she discovered the public’s craving for her delicious cakes and, within seven years, won a massive investment from one of the most influential businessmen in Britain. “After The Apprentice there was so much to do, social media and the brand was the last thing I could possibly think of so we outsourced all that to a company and it just lost what my vision of the business and the brand was. “So I took it back over, and I do all that myself now, social media and the blog; it was the best decision I could have made. “It is a lot of work, and sometimes it can be a little bit all consuming when you think ‘I haven’t posted anything for a day’ but it is the best decision I could have made. “I’m talking to customers now, and interacting with them. People want to see a face behind the product. I’m just trying to show people what I do.” Having run the business on her own since she was a teenager, Alana, who is originally from Aberystwyth, says that letting go through franchising the business was the hardest part of the growth although there have been plenty of highs as well. “In our first year when I had to let go of the production of the cakes, that was the hardest thing for me.
by Caitlin O’Sullivan
The Apprentice really changed Alana’s life, and after being in that spotlight, she had to fulfil expectations. There are big things in the pipeline for Ridiculously Rich. Alana has been negotiating, building her brand and coming up with more and more ideas on how to get her cakes into the mouths of the public. Her efforts are bearing fruit, with brand new supermarket displays. “It’s the most bizarre experience coming out of The Apprentice. You feel as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders” she adds. “The first year you’re caught up in the momentum of the craziness, people are throwing offers at you left right and centre, you’re trying to follow the plan you put forward. “The second year, there’s another winner and all of a sudden you’re making it for yourself. The Apprentice is a massive leg up but you only have so long to rake in the advantages. “You have to go out there and get it yourself.”
FOOD & DRINK
Inventive Indian cuisine in Swansea LAURA DAVIES visits Rasoi Waterfront in Swansea’s SA1 to try out their menu
I
s there anything better and more comforting than an Indian to warm you up? As far as I am concerned, while a homemade curry is often enjoyable - nothing can beat the real thing. If you want a proper Indian you need to visit a restaurant for it to really hit the spot.
Admittedly, I don’t need an excuse to visit an Indian restaurant, but when I visit Rasoi Waterfront, it is National Curry Week, and the restaurant is packed - although I am informed this is not unusual, even for midweek. Situated in Swansea’s SA1 waterfront quarter in a historic listed warehouse, it mixes industrial influences and copper decor with Indian influences and impressive lighting, to create a modern, warm and intimate dining area.
Pictures: Adrian White, www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk
I am here to try the restaurant’s new menu, which only launched the week before my visit. In particular, I am keen to try the new Thali dishes that look really impressive and is definitely worth a photograph-opportunity to go on your Instagram and Facebook feeds. One thing I love about Rasoi is its inventive and fusion dishes. While you still have a number of your traditional favourites, there are also more different offerings that you would not get in your standard curry house. Plus everything is served meticulously and looks creative on the plate.
traditional round silver platter and comes with a main dish and several side dishes and rice. It is a meal in itself and is the traditional way food is eaten on the Indian continent. It is a bit like an Indian version of Tapas. There are a choice of five Thali curry’s and I opt for the Murgh Malai Methi - chicken cooked with fenugreek and mixed spices, a creamy and flavourful dish. (£14.50). My mum, who is dining with me, chooses the Gorkhali Lamb - slow-cooked spiced lamb served in a fresh chilli, pepper and onion sauce. Both dishes are gluten free and there are also vegan and vegetarian options. We were also invited to try another curry off the menu to share - so ordered something we have never tasted before a Chicken Pathiya (£8.90) which is a sweet tangy dish in a spicy tomato sauce. We also had Indian nibbles - Far Far, (£2.90) which are colourful, puffy Indian crackers and very moreish.
Rasoi Waterfront, is the sister restaurant of the award-winning Rasoi Indian Kitchen in Pontlliw and it has very much the same concept of food style.
When our meals arrived they looked really impressive. A silver metallic platter contained four silver bowls, with Niramish vegetables, tarka daal, kachumber salad and our chosen main - my chicken was tender and delicious and had a kick without being too spicy. On the platter there was also a silver side dish with basmati rice and a masala papad as well as a yoghurt dip. We also ordered a side of keema naan (£3.60) which we used to mop up the sauce. The Thali was delicious and really different from what I would normally order. While we also ordered the extra curry, just in case, the Thali was more than enough for us - but it depends on the size of your appetite! Service was excellent and we were fully informed about the dishes and advised what to order depending on our spice preference.
Of course, you can’t go to an Indian restaurant without having the obligatory poppadoms and a chutney tray and Rasoi’s is probably the best I have tasted. We order the Thali - which is served on a
We finished off with a coffee each - a welcome pick me up after our large meal and bid farewell, vowing to return with the rest of the family. A truly splendid evening!
Rasoi Waterfront | 3-4 J Shed, Kings Road, Swansea Marina SA1 8PL | Tel: 01792 462350 | www.rasoiwaterfront.co.uk SWANSEA LIFE 81
FOOD & DRINK
skip the takeaway Indian food at home Curry shouldn’t just be for treat night, says the cookbook author. Chetna Makan gets to the point. And that goes for her recipes – which are brilliantly brief and require very few ingredients – as well as her conversation; there’s no faffing. So with her new cookbook, Chetna’s Healthy Indian, the former Great British Bake Off contestant is immediately insistent that this is absolutely not a health book, and definitely not a diet book. Not at all. “I am no expert,” says Makan, 40, over glasses of chai and bowls of crackly, spiced okra fries. “I don’t have the right knowledge for a health book.” Rather, this recipe collection, her third, is a considered, flavourfuelled response to a question she finds herself asked repeatedly: ‘If you bake so much, why are you not the size of a house?’ Makan’s frank about having never dieted (“I just can’t deal with it”), and even when she was training to run the London Marathon last year, rather than tumbling into a pasta-only vortex of carb-loading, she “just carried on as normal” and continued to eat her usual quota of homemade cake. And yes, she did complete the 26.2-mile route: “I’m still here!” Chetna’s Healthy Indian explores the “carried on as normal” part of her eating habits, and while she really does “love cake”, the India-born cook says with a laugh: “My everyday food is really, really good for me, and that kind of balances it out – otherwise, it would be disastrous.” Dinner at Makan’s house features the likes of chana dal with roasted aubergine, black eyed beans with cavolo nero, tamarind fish curries, spicy chicken and
chickpea curry bakes, fried rice loaded with green veggies, and zingy chutneys and pickles. They’re dishes that also neatly and tastily debunk the idea that the word ‘curry’ only accounts for what you order in on the weekend. “That is a big problem,” says Makan of the perception held by some, that Indian is purely takeout food – and, as a result, delicious but probably bad for you. “People think, ‘Oh, let’s treat ourselves, have a curry on a Friday night’, which is absolutely ridiculous.” “That’s not how it should be,” she adds, noting that when you’re making one from scratch, rather than relying on a delivery, curry can work any night of the week. And if you’re still itching to place an order come the weekend, look in the fridge instead. “It is the best part, having little Tupperwares of leftovers from the whole week,” buzzes Makan. “On Saturday, take everything out – it works perfectly.” Chetna’s Healthy Indian then offers short, snappy meal ideas that rely on fresh produce (“You can find okra anywhere now”) and easy-to-procure spices (“If I can find it in Broadstairs [where Makan lives with her husband and two children], everyone can find it”). Pats of butter, puddles of cream, slicks of oil and lengthy ingredient lists just aren’t her style. “I am in the kitchen with all the ingredients, but there are people who aren’t,” she explains. “I try and keep it to the minimum and don’t over-complicate.”
And there’s no need to huff at the idea of stocking up on brand new, obscure spices – you’re highly likely to have Makan’s staples tucked away somewhere in the cupboard, no matter their age. “I’ve got spices that are really old,” she admits. “I bought a massive, massive bag of really good cinnamon – I don’t know what I was thinking – and cardamom, I use a lot of cardamom, from a Delhi spice market three or four years Chetna’s Healthy Indian by Chetna Makan, ago, and they’re half gone, but photography by Nassima Rothacker, is they’re all right. Still strong and published by Mitchell Beazley priced £20 powerful.” (octopusbooks.co.uk). Available now.
*Ella Walker 82 SWANSEA LIFE
A mid-week curry winner
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Ingredients: • 1 1/2tbsp sunflower oil • 1tsp mustard seeds • 10 curry leaves • 2 onions, thinly sliced • 2 green chillies, thinly sliced • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1cm (1/2-inch) piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 1tsp salt • 1tsp ground turmeric • 1tsp ground coriander
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(Serves 4)
1/2tsp ground cinnamon 8 skinless chicken pieces on the bone (I use 4 thighs and 4 drumsticks) 400ml can coconut milk
Method: 1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over mediumlow heat. Stir in the mustard seeds and cook for one to two minutes, until they start to sizzle. Now mix in the curry leaves and, after one minute, add the onions and green chillies.
softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another two minutes. 3. Add the salt and spices to the saucepan and mix well. Cook for one minute, then stir in the chicken, increase the heat to high and cook for five minutes, until the chicken is sealed. 4. Stir in the coconut milk, then cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low and cook for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Serve immediately.
2. Reduce the heat to low and cook for five to six minutes, until the onions have
SWANSEA LIFE 83
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Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd
Heol Y Bwlch, Llanelli
Henfaes Road, Tonna
• 4 bedroom detached property • Indoor heated swimming pool • Spacious reception areas • Combination of modern and traditional decor • Character features • Generous garden with stable / outbuilding • EPC - D
• 4 story detached with potential for 8 bedrooms • Family bathroom, Two en suites and shower room. • Set within generous plot • Mature landscaped gardens to front and rear • Views of the Neath Valley. • Gated driveway and Integral garage • EPC - C
Gorseinon 01792 894422 £500,000 Bethany Lane, West Cross,
Neath 01639 635115 Eaton Crescent,
£550,000
£350,000
For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481
Church Park, Swansea
Sawel Court, Swansea
Pitton, Gower, Swansea
• 4 bedroom end of Terrace • Set over 3 floors • Annes, VersatileMumbles, accommodation St • Off road parking • Sea side location • Sea and Church views • EPC - D
• Five Bedroom Detached • Indoor heated swimming pool • Large family kitchen Dylans View, Uplands, • Generous plot • Triple garage and converted workshop • Excellent access to M4 • EPC - D
• Three double bedroom former farmhouse • One bedroom self contained annex •Gower South Gower Peninsular with countryside views Road, Sketty, • Generous sun filled gardens • Gated access onto block paved drive • Potential for B+B (subject to any consents required)
Swansea 01792
For sale with pa black Swansea 641481 01792 641481
Cardiff Monmouth Penarth Porthcawl Newport
£525,000 £320,000
Gorseinon 01792
£475,000
For sale with pa black Swansea 894422 01792 641481
£450,000
Gorseinon 01792
£450,000
For sale with pa black Swansea 894422 01792 641481
Delivering exceptional service for exceptional homes
£395,000
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For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481
OIEO £500,000
Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world
17 LANGLAND BAY MANOR, LANGLAND, SWANSEA
33 ROTHERSLADE ROAD, LANGLAND, SWANSEA
Superbly located and impeccably finished, this superior 2 bedroom apartment, is situated moments away from the family friendly Langland Bay which offers beach side cafes, seasonal life guard duty and a charming coastal shop which is fully stocked with everything required for a perfect day at the beach. EPC Exempt
A beautiful, three storey, five bedroom detached house with a fabulous coastal location, just a very short walk to the stunning Rotherslade beach. Built circa 1930, this lovely home is in the highly sought-after location of Rotherslade, sandwiched between the always popular Langland bay and Mumbles village. EPC E
Contact: 01792 367301
Contact: 01792 367301
Offers Over £425,000
Asking Price £850,000
95 PENTRE NICKLAUS, MACHYNYS, LLANELLI
CARISSIMA, RHOSSILI, GOWER, SWANSEA
Located in the award winning Pentre Nicklaus village, with palm tree lined streets & authentic timber clad, New England style houses. You have outstanding panoramic views across the lake and golf course, which are offered from most aspects of this beautiful family home. Consisting of 1st floor open plan living/dining/kitchen area, study, 4 bedrooms & utility. EPC C
Spectacular sea & countryside panoramas, this detached family home provides modern accommodation comprising fabulous kitchen/diner & large utility, lounge, 5 beds, 2 baths & 1 en-suite. Large block barn & garden with countryside views. Rhossili beach is on your doorstep, perfect coastal location! EPC D
Contact: 01792 367301
Contact: 01792 367301
Asking Price £575,000
Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com
Offers Over £650,000
Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain
OAKDALE, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA
5 CHURCH LANE, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA
Oakdale is an absolute joy of a family home which is tucked away in a very popular coastal village and perfectly private. Extremely generous accommodation comprising 4 receptions, large kitchen/diner, utility, 4 bedrooms all with en-suites and triple garage. Copious private gardens included large level lawn area & the suntrap patio are perfect for alfresco dining. EPC D
A charming Georgian home, with a peaceful country setting located in the glorious Bishopston Valley. Boasting bags of character, 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast rm, utility, 4 beds with 1 en-suite & family bathroom. Glorious country garden, summer house & outbuildings. EPC F
Contact: 01792 367301
Contact: 01792 367301
Offers In The Region Of £1,250,000
Asking Price £575,000
Require a valuation on your home? Fine & Country would be delighted to meet you at your home and provide a free, no obligation valuation. We go above and beyond, we can explain how! Call us on 01792 367301, option 2 for Fine & Country LONG OAKS COTTAGE, PENMAEN, GOWER Possibly the best hidden spot in South Gower, the fairy tale home is nestled at the foot of Cefn Bryn with glorious, large gardens. Quaint cottage with 3 beds, 3 receptions, kitchen, 2 bathrooms together with a more modern self contained, attached 2 bedroom annex. Heated outdoor pool, hot tub and garage. EPC G
Contact: 01792 367301
Asking Price £775,000
Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com
Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world
HOUSE & HOME
find your perfect gower home
From a new-build home with spectacular views of Langland to to a rural country retreat – Robert Dalling throws the spotlight on five very different properties that more than fit the tag of a future ‘dream home’.
bedrooms, four en-suite shower rooms, three reception rooms, and extensive private grounds.
where you can walk and explore the headland and beaches on the Gower peninsula for hours.
Perhaps you’ve woken up after dreaming of what life would be like if you finally bought that winning lottery ticket. A nice big house with a view would be at the top of the list for many people if they suddenly came into money.
Entering the home via a grand wooden front door, you are welcomed into a spacious entrance hallway, which then leads directly into the lounge. The lounge houses original features such as fireplace and beautiful staircase, the light floods into this room via large windows which have views out onto the woodland and gardens.
Agent: Fine and Country .
And there’s plenty of amazing ones available in Swansea at the moment. From incredible views to spacious surroundings and historic properties, there’s some spectacular places up for grabs.
You can see the stunning gardens and witness views of Three Cliffs and across to Oxwich Bay from its kitchen area. Upstairs, the main bedroom features spectacular views of Three Cliffs, Oxwich Bay and Pennard Golf course. The bedroom also boasts a generous en-suite shower room and walk-in wardrobes. Also on this floor are two further double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, a fourth double bedroom with en-suite WC and a family bathroom with free standing bath. The entire second floor houses the fifth and final bedroom with “out of this world” views.
G
ot a spare million or two in the bank?
Take a look inside...
Shirecombe House, (above) Southgate, Gower, £2,650,000 Shirecombe House is described as “a hidden gem” sitting within 2.96 acr es at the end of a long, private, wooded driveway with the most spectacular panoramas of Three Cliffs and Oxwich Bay. Accompanying Shirecombe House is The Coach House, a detached four-bedroom house which has been renovated to a high standard with potential to be used as a holiday let or separate annex for family members. It features five 88 SWANSEA LIFE
Outside, there is an extensive gravelled driveway, lawned area, patio which wraps around the majority of the property and a rustic/natural woodland. There are four garages, store sheds and a substantial wood store. You will find a private gated access at the bottom of the garden to the footpath which leads directly down to Pobbles beach and to the Gower coastal path
Oakdale, Southgate, Gower £1,250,000 Oakdale is described as an “absolute joy of a family home” which is tucked away and perfectly private. It has four bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, and is on private grounds, with high finish interiors. It has an electric gate with a long driveway, and a “mammoth” kitchen and breakfast room. There is underfloor heating throughout and gardens with level lawns and patio areas. There is a triple integrated garage and a Sonos Sound system. Agent: Fine and Country.
Westwinds, Swansea, £2,100,000 Nearing completion, four-bedroom Westwinds is located on the edge of Langland Golf Course, and is billed as offering “the ultimate in luxury, contemporary living, fulfilling every desire of anyone seeking a home of this calibre”. Designed by locally renowned architect Huw Griffiths, it features an impressive entrance hall with a feature curved staircase. Doors lead to the sea-facing lounge along with a bedroom suite which enjoys floor-to-ceiling glass incorporating French doors which open on to the garden. A second bedroom is also on this level, which is of similar proportions, and again boasts floor-to-ceiling glass with French doors, en-suite facilities, walk-in robes and plenty of additional storage. Both bedrooms and lounge access the front terrace, which in turn, leads on to the garden. To the rear of the hallway are ancillary rooms and entrance door to the integral garage. A spectacular view to the cliff-head at Langland and beyond can be had upstairs, and it leads to the extensive, breath-taking open-plan living area, which also boasts floor-to ceiling glass with views to Langland Bay, the Bristol Channel, and Langland Golf Course. A further two bedroom suites, and main bathroom are also located on the same floor.
benefiting from plenty of built in storage and a spacious ensuite with uninterrupted views over surrounding farmland and the Bristol Channel. There is also a large family bathroom and walk in laundry/storage room.
Agent: Dawsons Agent: Charles Perrett
West Acre, Langland, £1,299,950 West Acre is described as an “exceptionally beautiful” and “well-loved” home located in the most desired private road in Langland.
Green Acres, Gower £2,000,000 Green Acres is a quintessential family home located a stones throw from Caswell Beach. The six-bedroom property seamlessly merges private country and waterside living in a truly unique setting at the gateway to Gower.. There is a feel of grandeur and privacy and it is lined with mature, decades old, trees.
Fine And Country describe it as having an impressively spacious, light hallway, and a kitchen/breakfast room which has a wealth of fitted base and wall units, and a central island with room for stool seating. The lounge is described as being “of gargantuan size”, and as a fabulous family and entertaining space with a marble surround fireplace. There is an additional reception room at the rear of the property, which is currently used as a lounge, however could be utilised as a more formal dining room or study.
The master bedroom is of spectacular size and houses giant patio doors opening out to a Juliet balcony with glass balustrade allowing you to enjoy the garden and the far reaching views across Swansea Bay. The master bedroom houses built in, walk through wardrobes and an exuberant en-suite bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms, all of which are excellent size and are flooded with an immense amount of natural light. Externally, West Acre possesses private grounds providing flexibility and excellent entertaining opportunities. To the rear there is a natural stone terrace area which is perfect for barbecues and entertaining. The rest of the garden is laid to lawn with maturing trees surrounding creating privacy and family friendly open spaces. To the front of the home there is a driveway big enough to house four or five cars in addition to the oversized double garage with electric up and over doors. There is also a raised lawn area with circular stone seating and maturing trees. Agent: Fine and Country.
Set in spacious grounds, it is a home built for family life. The property can be accessed via a grand front entrance framed with a pillared canopy or via the rear entrance lobby. From the rear lobby there is a substantial storage room leading into another, a large utility room, downstairs shower room with WC and a double sized reception room. From the corridor you then enter a large kitchen with raised dining area perfect for entertaining. Adjoining the kitchen is the lounge with conservatory and a spacious dining and sitting room. As you arrive into the main hallway, there’s a further two large reception rooms; the formal bar and games room and the elegant sitting room. Both of these rooms are spacious and benefit from considerable natural light. To the first floor there are six double bedrooms with the master SWANSEA LIFE 89
Westacres is a prestigious residential property development company that is passionate about providing high quality homes designed to afford the homeowner the very best in contemporary living. Westacres is an award-winning residential property developer specialising in providing the highest quality homes in Wales’ most sought-after locations. The company has established a notable reputation for building luxurious homes of an unparalleled standard across South Wales. With a vision of instilling quality at the heart of every development, we can guarantee that every aspect of the design and construction process is carried out with exemplary standards of workmanship. We engage with a range of traditional and innovative techniques to create high quality imaginative design and layout. Using only the best materials, we consider every small detail, allowing you to enjoy comfortable living in classic homes of distinction.
Each home was created with space, functionality and luxury firmly in mind with impressive and spacious open-plan layouts. We pride ourselves in our personal service and our dedicated team will work alongside each home buyer taking into account their individual needs and visions, to provide the living space of their dreams without compromising the finished result. Customer satisfaction is key to our company ethos. We don’t just build houses, we build homes.
Find out more at www.westacres.co.uk
A LUXURY DEVELOPMENT OF 3, 4 AND 5 BEDROOM HOMES This beautiful development is initially subject to a ‘local needs housing’ condition, as outlined within the Grant of Planning Permission awarded by the Local Planning Authority. The purpose of this condition is to ensure that local people have the first opportunity to purchase on the development ahead of the wider market. Westacres are committed to this first priority approach for local people, as a means of helping to address the identified needs in the surrounding area for the type of homes that are being delivered The sale of homes on the Summerland development will therefore be advertised for a minimum period of 16 weeks with the specific intention of securing reservations from interested local people who fall within the definition of “persons with a local connection”.
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HOUSE & HOME Left: Small double black metal four poster bed, £245, Cuckooland.com
Right: Fox & Ivy mercury glass table lamp, £45,Tesco
Left: Fox & Ivy hexagonal mirror, £12. Tesco
Above: Metallic cushion, £8, Wilko Right: Fox & Ivy gold foil butterfly cushion, £16, Tesco,
s u o i c e Pr s l a t e m Mixing various metallic looks into your interior design is a great way to add interest to a dull room, says D an Beavan
Below: Fox & Ivy gold candle surround, £6, Tesco
Above: Soho curtain pole in funk with chrome finials, prices start from around £99 for 120cm version, swish.co.uk Compass clock, £19.99, T.K Maxx Below: Pink silver floral mug, £5, Tesco
Above: Mind The Gap rust panel wallpaper, sold in a set of three rolls. Each covers 4.65m2, £150, roseandgrey.com
SWANSEA LIFE 93
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HOUSE & HOME
cooking in Looking to update your kitchen? It’s time to get the (inky) blues… Colourful kitchens are making a comeback. Stylish inky blue is the perfect shade – it works as a neutral, meaning it goes with everything, plus it hides dirt and marks! Keep walls and floors pale to let your units take centre stage. Luxury wood-effect vinyl tiles, like those from Amtico.com, work brilliantly in kitchens, as does engineered wood flooring – just check the design you like is compatible with under-floor heating if you are also having this installed.
These units are by Schüller (for details, visit Inhouseltd.co.uk). But if you can’t afford a new kitchen, paint your existing doors with a specialist paint. Try RustOleum Furniture Paint in Inky Blue (from DIY stores) or Grand Illusions vintage paint in Nordic Blue (Grandillusions.co.uk).
Black is taking over from chrome and brass trend-wise. Choose matte black handles, shelves, appliances and even crockery for a modern, sophisticated feel.
Open shelving is a great way to display your nicest bits of crockery or kitchen kit. It also helps fill awkward spaces where full-sized units won’t work.
Free up worktop space by hanging utensils from hooks on a handy rail under your upper kitchen units. Ikea have a good selection. Warm up your scheme with copper and natural wood accents. Choose copper pans and appliances, like toasters and kettles, and accessorise with attractive yet functional wooden chopping boards and storage boxes or crates. Bloomingville copper pepper mill, £15, Beaumonde.co.uk
Create your own breakfast bar or dining table with a piece of black-painted wood or worktop and a co-ordinating black storage shelf. For a more luxe look, add upholstered dining-style chairs rather than bar stools.
Vittsjo unit, £45, Ikea
Mini Arco pendant shade, £15, Iconiclights.co.uk Rust-Oleum chalky finish furniture paint in ink blue, £12 for 750ml, B&Q and Homebase
Large wooden box, £19.99, H&M Home
96 SWANSEA LIFE
Copper-effect fruit bowl, £5, Wilko.com
Feature: Jenny Wood. Pictures: Kitchen by Schüller UK. For information, visit In houseltd.co.uk or call 01661 842304
Paddle chopping board, £6, Wilko.com Elbert upholstered dining chair, £79, Cultfurniture.com
Organic cotton wash cloth, £7.50, Whiteblackgrey.co.uk
SWANSEA LIFE 97
Blinds VERTICAL BLINDS
VENETIAN BLINDS
ROLLER BLINDS
SKYLIGHT BLINDS
0% A REPRESEPR NTATIVE
FINA AVAILANBCE LE
Spread the Cost. Ask for more information Spread the costs of all Blinds and Shutters across 6, 9 or 12months at 0% Interest when you spend £600 or more with a minimum 25% deposit. Representative Example for: Window Blinds Purchase Price £1000 Minimum Deposit (25%) £250 Amount of Credit £750 12 Monthly Payments £62.50
Total Payable Duration of Agreement Rate of Interest (Fixed) APR Representative
£1000 12 months 0% 0% APR
Payment plans are offered by Close Brothers Retail Finance. Close Brothers Retail Finance is a trading name of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Finance is only available to permanent UK residents aged between 18-75, subject to status, terms and conditions apply.
CHILD SAFETY NEW 2017 FREE HOME FABRIC CONTROLS TO SELECTION FREE design advice and an RANGE ALL BLINDS obligation FREE quotation.
Tel: 01792 896531
Chic are members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association. Your assurance of quality standards.
Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ
A family business celebrating 27 years in business with over 60,000 customer orders completed ELECTRIC CONTROL
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Control at the touch of a button. Ideal for all large or out of reach windows, and for multiple blinds (up to 16 blinds controlled from 1 remote). Operation by battery, Rechargable lithium motor or hard wired.
CHOICE OF MANUAL OR ELECTRIC
The latest addition to our range. A combination of opaque and transparent material gives an outstanding visual eect and the control of light and privacy.
For more information visit our website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our showroom
Tel: 01792 896531 Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ
For more information visit out website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our 3 showrooms
HOUSE & HOME
1
L E S L E Y
TAY LO R
Green House
How the houseplant is bringing the outside in this spring
2
The botanical trend has taken the interiors world by storm. And our passion for it shows little sign of abating. From floral wallpapers to leafy cushions; plant-patterned plates to petal power prints, it’s clear this is a trend set to grow as 2019 rolls on. But if you want to nail the botanical look in your home, there is one simple – yet highly effective way to go – invest in some actual real-life houseplants.
1. Plants complement interior styles beautifully l 2. Fake or artificial plants work just as well as real blooms when it comes to boosting your mood in the home
Introducing plants into the home won’t just give your house a boost in the style stakes, but they will also bring with them some mood enhancing superpowers.
3. The Tuscany Tropical Décor range from The Baked Tile Company will bring the botanical vibes wherever it is placed 4. Florals in a home office can help increase productivity
Plants are proven to help reduce stress and increase creativity, as well as helping to lower toxins in the air.
3
4
Take the English Ivy, the beautiful draping plant. It looks stunning placed in the corner of a room, with all its draping leaves cascading down, or hung high from a kitchen ceiling. What’s more, it is also thought to be the top houseplant for purifying air. If you want to pick a plant that has plenty of benefits, of both the aesthetic and health variety, head to your local garden centre and talk to one of the experts. But shop around for your pots. Lifestyle shops have jumped aboard the botanical
102 SWANSEA LIFE
trend and have stocked up on stunning pots to house your latest additions. Not confident with real plants? Did you know artificial plants still have plenty of health benefits? While they won’t purify the air, they still help reconnect people to nature which in turn can increase positive moods. Plus, they are completely safe around pets and require absolutely no maintenance (except for a quick dust). But most importantly, they look stunning. Gone are the days when you could spot a fake plant a mile off. Today’s craftspeople use the best materials and techniques to ensure their artificial alternatives look just as good as the real thing.
EDIT Home & Design’s Lesley Taylor of Mumbles is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling. For more information on her work, head to lesleytaylor.co.uk
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measuring and estimating service. We offer the service of bringing required samples to you, so you can select from the comfort of your own home or place of work.
Alternatively we welcome you to visit us in our newly extended showroom in John Long Furniture Centre, Ystrad Road, Fforestfach. At the showroom you will find Mega Deal offers on selected ranges including Free Underlay, Free Door bars as well as Free Grippers along with a selection of remnants on offer to clear. All of our fitters are highly
experienced and willing to assist with moving your furniture if required and with our 12 month fitting guarantee you can be rest assured of the quality of workmanship. Don’t just take our word for it though check out our 5 star reviews on our Website and Facebook page from many previous satisfied customers.
OUR CUSTOMER PLEDGES • To provide honest and relevant advice to customers about our various types of flooring.
PREVIOUS WORK
• To provide the best customer service that we can.
• To be knowledgeable and helpful in assisting you make the right purchase for your needs.
• To provide a fair and transparent price. We will always give you a quotation with no hidden extras.
• To make your shopping experience with us a pleasant one.
• Ongoing support and after care service once your flooring has been fitted.
FREE GRIPPERS | FREE DELIVERY FREE MEASURING Felt backed carpets from £4.99 sq mtr
Underlay from £2.99 sq mtr
Wool mix carpets from £9.99 sq mtr
Vinyl Flooring from £8.99 sq mtr
Saxony carpets from £8.99 sq mtr
Laminate flooring from £9.99 sq mtr
Luxury Vinyl Tile (L.V.T) from £12.99 sq mtr AstroTurf from £8.99 sq mtr
Mercury Carpets & Flooring
29 Ystrad Road | Fforestfach | Swansea | SA5 4LH Tel: 07875 428 954 | Tel: 07966 436 986 www.mercurycarpets.co.uk
HOUSE & HOME
Penfold ottoman in rouge, £229, Swoon
Metal frame table lamp, £65, Oliver Bonas
Velvet palm tree cushion cover, £46, Amara and Fox and Ivy elegant velvet cushion, £20, Tesco
Sir Ladybug canvas print by Wonderbold, £199, limelace.co.uk
Balmoral bed in emerald, £1,249, Heal’s
Jewel in the Style
106 SWANSEA LIFE
Ombre vase, £1, poundland.co.uk
A pop of gemstone colour could be just what you need to pull your decor scheme together, says D an Beavan
Polka teapot in burnt orange, £36, LSA International
La Boheme vase stool in red by Kartell, £128, Heal’s
Purple glass bottle candle holder, £9.99, TK Maxx;
Kosmo large bowl in yellow and grey and blue and red, £5 each, Tesco. All prices correct at time of going to press
Paisley Midi Sofa - Oscar in velvet, Canterbury azure, £1,638, darlingsof chelsea.co.uk
Home Improvements by Leekes
FOR OVER
Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU
120 YEARS EST. 1897
Tel: 0800 015 7749 | Online: leekeswindows.co.uk
Conservatories & Orangeries
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Seamlessly create additional space for your home with a Leekes conservatory or orangery. All of our glazed extensions are lovingly crafted to your specification with minimum A-rated frames for a superior living space for the whole family to enjoy.
Replacement Roofs Transform a rarely used conservatory to a year round usable room with a replacement roof from Leekes. We have a range of roofing solutions from tiled to glass finishes, all with thermal properties for a room that is warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
9.2/10 rating on
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FOR OVER
Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU
120 YEARS EST. 1897
Tel: 0800 015 7749 | Online: leekeswindows.co.uk
Windows & Doors
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From super strong aluminium, timeless timber effect or traditional uPVC at Leekes we have windows and doors to suit all homes and budgets. Visit our experts in store to learn how we can improve your home’s security, add value to your property and reduce your energy bills.
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Shop with confidence with our Lowest Price Guarantee†
Why choose us? Award winning family owned business with over 120 years experience. Our Lowest Price Guarantee means that we won’t be beaten on price on any like for like proven quote. We offer a range of Affordable Finance options to help spread the cost of your home improvement. All of our windows and selected doors and conservatories are made in our own factory in South Wales. Our stores include purpose built studios with up to 15 window & door displays to inspire you.
FOR OVER
We were supplied with the most able and considerate tradesmen, resulting in all elements of the work being executed to an extremely high standard.
Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU
120 YEARS EST. 1897
Tel: 0800 015 7749 | Online: leekeswindows.co.uk
Mr & Mrs Gunn, South Wales
HOUSE & HOME
Hydrangea aspera
Making March Magical With Joseph Atkin, Head Gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire March is often considered to be the least exciting month of spring, especially as we often have to contend with late frosts and wintery winds. However, a display which combines late flowering winter plants and early flowering spring plants can be impressive. At Aberglasney, stalwarts like snowdrops, cyclamen and hellebore are often in flower at the same time as the first tulips and magnolia. When this happens March can be as good as any other time of the year. Here are a few suggestions for a magical March display.
Camellia japonica ‘Desire’
Fritillaria meleagris The much-loved snakes head fritillary is one of the absolute stars of Aberglasney’s spring display. We have a meadow with thousands of them naturalised in the grass. They also do well in the border alongside short herbaceous plants. The nodding heads of white pink or purple are held on slender stems that you can only just see. A visitor’s favourite, when planted with hellebores and snowdrops they provide a succession of colour from winter to spring. We have also successfully grown them on the edges of woodlands where they combine with wood anemones and celandines for a naturalistic display. Interestingly this wonderful garden plant is also a British native making it a great ecologically friendly plant to grow.
Camellia are excellent garden plants. The glossy green evergreen leaves are pleasant all year round and the flowers are exquisitely delicate. ‘Desire’ is early flowering and frost resistant if kept out of the morning sun and harsh winds. The tight knit petals are as pleasing as rose buds and there are plenty of them. When grown with other late winter and early spring flowering plants it helps put on a wonderful show. Alternatively, you can combine it with a late spring flowering shrubs, hydrangea and acer - a combination which will give a wonderful display through all but the darkest winter months. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Height = 3m maximum Spread = 2m Position/Aspect = West facing and sheltered (or the blooms spoil) Soil = Any acidic Pest and diseases = No problems for us Style = Shrub border, large pot, woodland, mixed border or even a hedge
Crocus vernus ‘Vanguard’ For years we have grown crocus and have willingly replenished our stocks as they have dwindled. Then we discovered this wonderful large flowered early flowering crocus which lasts for years. The perfect subject for planting in grass or the border ‘Vanguard’ seems to live forever, something which cannot be said for its relations. The lavender flowers look good in any conditions often emerging in February and continuing well into late March. At Aberglasney we consider this to be the best crocus there is. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
112 SWANSEA LIFE
Height = 20cm Spread = 5cm Position/Aspect = Any sunny Soil = free draining but not that fussy it seems Pest and diseases = No problems if planted deep Style = Herbaceous, cottage garden, rock garden, naturalised in grass, planters or pots
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Height = 30cm Spread = 10cm Position/Aspect = Sunny is best Soil = Any free draining but not heavily fertilised Pest and diseases = No problems in the ground with us Style = Spring meadow, herbaceous border, rock garden, woodland edges or even pots.
HOUSE & HOME
Move over, cacti
These low-maintenance plants don’t even need soil - and are 100% Insta-worthy. Air plant expert Andy Gavin introduces Hannah Stephenson to the trend.
Familiar with air plants? They are set to become the new houseplant craze – with no soil needed and only the occasional mist. In fact, air plants take even less looking after than the hugely popular cactus, which is still proving a massive hit with homeowners (and Instagrammers). Wondering how this is possible? Air plants, which come from South and Central America and the Southern States, have no roots to plant in soil. And they can create all sorts of looks – from trailing foliage, which drapes from shelves like thick silver curly hair, to more structured specimens, whose leaves change colour to fiery red and produce bright flowers. “There’s a craze with houseplants at the moment, and the thing about air plants is that they don’t take up much space, there’s no mess or soil-borne fungus or gnats. They are structurally interesting and very low-maintenance,” says air plant specialist Andy Gavin, who won a gold medal at every RHS show he attended in 2018 and is due to exhibit for the first time at Chelsea Flower Show this year. “Air plants are highly collectable. There are around 700 species in the wild, hybrids, and so much variety. You can have one species and 10 different forms of it,” adds Gavin, who runs Andy’s Air Plants (andysairplants. co.uk) from his base in Cornwall. Curious to learn more? Allow Gavin to introduce you to the mesmerising world of air plants... Which ones can you buy in the UK? “You can find air plants in garden centres, a few nurseries and a few online sellers. There are about 30 species that are easily available, all in the genus Tillandsia,” says Gavin. Tillandsias are in the bromeliad (or pineapple) family. The ones you are likely to come across include Tillandsia ionantha (which means purple flower). 114 SWANSEA LIFE
“Most tillandsias have a very minimal root system, which is just used to adhere to a surface, whether it’s a cliff base or a tree. In the wild, they grow epiphytically (on other plants or surfaces) on cacti or even telegraph wires,” Gavin adds. “The roots don’t take up any moisture or nutrients. That’s all done through the leaves. That’s the critical thing about how air plants grow.” Do they flower? “Yes – the bromeliad is a flowering plant family. All members of the species flower, and the flowering is hugely varied in tillandsias. You can have white, yellow, red, lots of lilacs and purples,” says Gavin. Tillandsia multiflora is one of the many species that changes colour when mature and about to flower. The ionanthas also change colour from green/silver to a fantastic red colour, as though they are blushing. Where should you put them? All air plants need plenty of natural light. There are two main categories – the silver ones, which are dry growing, and the green ones, which are wet growing. Silvery-leaved species require, or will grow better, in higher light levels, so can be put in direct sunlight. Species that are covered with fine hairs/scales or trichomes, giving them a soft hairy appearance, and species with fine leaves, need good air movement and quick drying.
“The best situations in the house for the silvery types is a south or very bright east or west facing spot. They are sun lovers, and the more sun you give, them the better.” Tillandsia types which are green or darker in colour, often with wider, shorter leaves and less or no visible hairs or scales require lower light levels, and will grow happily with less air movement in a more humid environment. These would be happy in a bathroom with plenty of light. How can they be displayed? “Quite often, you see them in glass orbs, but it’s not ideal for their growth, as air plants rely on air movement,” says Gavin. “You don’t want to be pushing them into anything. They look good among shells and on shells, but not stuffed into a shell. “They need to be on things, rather than in things,” he adds – which is why displaying them on wood can be particularly effective. Air plants can grow freely, just hung on a bit of wire too. “You can arrange them on a table top or a large saucer, like a dinner tray, or I like to tie a bit of wire around the rosette and hang them. You can use colourful aluminium wire, but don’t use copper as they are allergic to copper,” suggests Gavin. “You can also tie them on to bits of driftwood, which makes for a very attractive arrangement.
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HOUSE & HOME
Give your home some
Eastern Promise Chinese New Year has just began, so now is the ideal time to bring home a touch of Oriental style, says Gabrielle Fagan
A new year can be all about giving things up – very worthy but, let’s be honest, pretty boring. So why not celebrate a new decor style instead? Take inspiration from the Chinese New Year (2019 is ‘Year of the Pig’), which began on February 5, and look East for your next style direction.
Dragon On A Background Grunge, from £26 per square metre, Wallsauce
And you won’t have to venture far. Asian decor is ontrend, currently making its mark on contemporary spaces everywhere, so there’s a host of Eastern-inspired treasures to be found. There’s something about its serenity, soothing forms and balance that perfectly suits modern homes. Glossy, lacquered furniture, delicate patterns and glowing colours are all key ingredients in this look. “As Chinese New Year approaches, the interiors world is travelling East, and the first port of call? Chinoiserie,” says Nadia McCowan Hill, Wayfair’s resident style adviser. “This highly decorative trend is often attributed to traditional lacquered Chinese cabinets. Delicate bird and butterfly motifs that embellish them will create an illusion of distant lands, but be sure to modernise the look by opting for an exotic hue,” she adds. Eastern-inspired interiors are flexible and can be both opulent and minimalistic, she points out. “Select items glazed with bold metallics – deep gold and sultry silver – which will update traditional shapes such as bamboo legs or pagoda-inspired tabletops.”
Create a great wall of China A dragon mural will be a mesmerising focal point in a room that celebrates Asian style. Bright, vivid colours are used in Orientalstyle decorating, with red, gold and black being dominant. A favourite feature are gold or multi-coloured dragons, a popular creature in Eastern mythology which symbolises power and strength.
120 SWANSEA LIFE
Blossom fit for an empress
Chinese Tree in Pink & Violet Linen Cushion, £65, Anna Jacobs
Although cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan – it represents the beauty and fragility of life – it’s increasingly common in China too. Designs incorporating the foliage and lovely blush pink flower are the perfect ingredient for a subtle Eastern look with a more feminine touch. Tree in Pink & Violet Lamp, Large, 2 Flex Colour Options, £249, Anna Jacobs
Wallsauce has a Delicate Chinese Landscape Illustration Wallpaper Mural, from £26 per square metre, featuring Cherry Blossom.
Landscape Illustration mural, from £26 per square metre, Wallsauce
Take away a Chinese look “An easy way to incorporate this trend into your home is with textiles and accessories,” says Nadia. “For a bold look, go graphic with an illustrative geisha cushion, featuring ruby lips and endless fashion inspiration.
Magical Tiger Sushi Plate Set, £52, Amara
“For on-point textures, stick to silk and brocade inspired by the hand craftsmanship of the Far Orient.” If you want to increase your chances of good fortune, according to Chinese tradition, incorporate red into a scheme. The colour is associated with good luck, and is a key theme for any New Year celebrations.
Wooden Dragon Ornament, £24.99, HomeSense
Double up for drama When designing a room, interior decorators often double up on everything – from chairs and end tables to floor lamps – using symmetry to essentially create two matching halves within a space, that add up to one harmonious setting. “When designing a contemporary home, I always like to add Eastern-inspired pieces. Placed correctly, they make a bold statement that adds a sense of tradition to a modern interior,” says Sue Jones, creative director, OKA. Pair of Poplar Horseshoe Armchairs, £645, Shimu
Gold Geisha Scatter Cushion by Artist Lane, £56.99, Wayfair Murciana Goat Hair Armchair, £625; Duncliffe Dining Table, £1,475 ; Ellington Hanging Lamp, £165; Shiga Console/Side Table, £295, OKA
SWANSEA LIFE 121
HOUSE & HOME Penelope Floral 4 Seater Sofa £649.00, DFS
White and pink throw, £19.99, TK Maxx
Bright floral cushion, £16.99, HomeSense Elegant navy floral velvet cushion, £15, Tesco
n e l l o p counts
Soho Home Burleigh calico teapot, £55, Soho House Retail
Don’t discount floral looks as yesterday’s news, well-chosen buys can really make an impact, says Dan Beavan
Pip Studio sugar bowl Hummingbirds £13, DaisyPark.co.uk
Dinnerware set, £76, Debenhams
Harlow bed linen double duvet set, £120, Christy
Floral chair, £49.99, HomeSense
Fox&Ivy elegant navy floral print frame, 5x7in, Tesco, £14
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HOUSE & HOME
It’s all about the floor The unsung heroes of every room, Luke Rix-Standing runs through the key pros and cons of some of the most popular flooring materials.
They may not be the latest 3D-printed armchair or voice-activated speaker system, but your floors are, quite literally, the foundation of your home. A classic blend of fashion and function, a floor must tie a room together while fulfilling a range of – very important – practical requirements too. While aesthetics are a key consideration, in general, flooring should be relatively unobtrusive. It’s the defensive midfielder of home decor: If you don’t notice it, it’s probably doing a good job. Different flooring options will suit different parts of the home, so it’s vital to think carefully before coming to a decision. You don’t want your bathroom floor going soggy from shower spray, or a cold playroom surface punishing your children’s knees, for instance.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most common options – what they’re good at, and what they’re not...
1. Wood Summarising wood flooring is like summarising a clothing fabric – there’s a lot of different forms it could take. Oft-neglected softwood floors can work wonders in lowfootfall areas, but as the name suggests, they can struggle with the rough and tumble of a busy family home. Most modern wood floors are hardwood – highly coveted surfaces that can also add serious value to a property.
130 SWANSEA LIFE
Relatively pricey, prone to scratching and potentially sensitive to moisture, hardwood flooring is nevertheless popular in living areas for its elegant appearance and underfoot warmth. For a tougher, cheaper alternative, try laminate – fibreboard printed with a high-res image of a wooden finish, which these days can look practically as good as the real thing.
2. Tile For such a popular flooring choice, tile has a long list of drawbacks: It’s relatively difficult to repair if it cracks or gets damaged; the grouting easily accumulates dirt; sock wearers risk slipping; it gets extremely cold in wintertime – and it’s not even that cheap. But a tough, durable surface makes tile pet-friendly, and most flooring shops offer a near-infinite array of colours and patterns – from Victorian florals to abstract collage – so in terms of aesthetic appeal and style, the possibilities really are endless and tiles can look truly striking. The bathroom surface of choice for generations of homeowners, being easy to clean, tiling also brushes up nicely in the kitchen and pantry.
3. Carpet A go-to for rooms with soft furnishings, carpet can be both chic and cosy has refreshingly clear pros and cons. The good: It’s warm, insulating, generally cheaper than wood or tile, and can be fashioned into almost any design. The bad: Stains easily, struggles with moisture, traps dust and pet hair, and needs to be replaced when worn down. And while we’re at it, the ‘ugly’: The infamously tasteless carpets at Las Vegas casinos. Do – bedroom and sitting room. Don’t – bathroom and kitchen.
4. Cork Cork floors aren’t as common a sight as they perhaps once were – but, honestly, we’re not sure why. Soft to the touch, naturally insulating against sound and temperature, relatively cheap and eco-friendly, the reddishbrown patterns tally particularly well with hardwood furniture. The drawbacks? Fades in direct sunlight, prone to water damage, and may distort under table legs and other pressure points.
5. Vinyl
7. Rubber
9. Marble
The IKEA wardrobe of home flooring, this low-cost option is all the rage among practical homeowners with middling budgets. Approachable prices partner with a performance level that reliably returns more than you paid for. Vinyl looks pretty good (there are lots more design options available now), insulates well, repels water and soaks up high footfall nicely – but it can be prone to fading in sunlight and is easily dented by sharp objects. Vinyl lacks the elegance of hardwood and the comfort of cork or carpet, but it’s a functional surface that will serve you well with some tender loving care.
A little left turn, we’ll admit – but this unconventional pick is sure to raise eyebrows, if just from the slight bounce it elicits when stepped on. A highly durable choice, with superb sound insulation. However, rubber can also be more on the expensive side, and difficult to clean. It’s commonly used for it’s shock-absorbing qualities – think spaces with a high risk of heavy objects being dropped, such as gyms. Rubber is a horse for a course: Perfect for a music room or home gym, and possibly a bold choice for style junkies elsewhere in the house.
If your domestic vision involves grand banisters, neo-classical columns and highend toga parties, then marble is a go-to (we jest – it’s an all-round stunning material). But there are cons too... It can chip, costs the earth, and can be dangerously slippy under slippers or socks. Long a linchpin of luxury, a marble floor could well add serious value to a home, but comes with severe cold feet syndrome, and weeks of bruising every time you bump your knee.
6. Concrete Strange though it may seem, this staple of the multi-storey car park is also a creditable option for your front room or kitchen floor. Virtually indestructible, concrete adds a modern, almost post-industrial vibe to the home, and partners well with underfloor heating. But the sturdiness comes at the expense of comfort – it’s really hard – and even well-finished surfaces can look a little bleak. At least you’ll have plenty of excuses to go rug shopping.
8. Stone Given that most of the world’s rocks have looked after themselves just fine for centuries, it should come as no surprise that a stone floor is supremely hard-wearing and low-maintenance. Literally hewn from the ground, stone tiles are eco-friendly and ideal for high footfall areas like hallways. On the flip-side, imperfections may result in a surface that’s uneven – literally and stylistically – while a high-ish price tag puts off some buyers. Stone tiles can also be foot-freezingly cold in winter, and for God’s sake don’t drop any plates.
10. Bamboo A relative newcomer to the flooring scene, bamboo has found a growing niche with eco-conscious householders looking to go au naturel. The world’s fastest growing plant (technically a species of oversized grass), bamboo is attractively textured, goes well with modern interiors, and is highly sustainable. Bamboo can be fairly expensive though and will need a little more TLC than some of the hardier materials. Lots of appeal, but be sure to do your research before you buy.
SWANSEA LIFE 131
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7 HOUSE & HOME
Simple steps for creating a stylish and productive work space at home
Black Is Back Maya metal desk lamp, grey and copper, £39, Cult Furniture
A work station that suits your taste and needs will surely help bolster motivation and focus. Time to show who’s boss, says Gabrielle Fagan Working from home can be the ultimate dream ticket – no more commuting or having to dress formally, or worry about office politics – and even better, you get to escape all that dreary corporate decor. “Cutting down on wasteful travelling time, enabling you to spend more time with the family, is just some of the many benefits to home-working, and it can be particularly beneficial from a health and wellbeing perspective,” enthuses Susan White, marketing director at blinds and curtains specialists, Hillarys. If you’re set to join the millions who work from home, look on it as the perfect chance to tailor a space to suit your taste and needs.
Make It Personal pink jungle wallpaper, from £26 per square metre, Wallsauce
We’ve done the homework for you and devised seven simple but stylish steps, so you can make light work of creating the perfect home office...
1. Make it personal At home, you’re the boss, and you can truly indulge your taste and have the freedom to express your personality in the decoration of your ‘office’.
Kill The Clutter Curve Home Office grey ash three-drawer pedestal, currently reduced from £311 to £249, www.wooden-furniture.co.uk
Pretty Up With Pink pink faux monstera plant, £64, Audenza
134 SWANSEA LIFE
Pretty Up With Pink Newgate Clocks Number Three Echo wall clock, marshmallow pink, currently reduced from £45 to £38.25, Hurn & Hurn
In an open-plan space, zone an area with a stunning wall mural, or cork tile an expanse of wall so you can pin up inspiring photos or to-do lists. Alternatively, paint a wall with black chalkboard paint, to transform it into a wipeable surface for scribbling ideas, plans, or simply expressing yourself. (Rust-Oleum Black Magnetic Matt Chalkboard Paint, £14 for 750ml, B&Q, is ideal for the job.) TIP: If you fancy it, don’t be afraid to incorporate pattern and colour into your office scheme. Research has found that both can actually help keep you creative and stimulated at work. For a perfect balance, keep energetic colours in Black Is Back two-drawer filing cabinet, black lacquer, £475, Shimu
your periphery, while sticking to a more subdued look for the desk.
2. Pretty up with pink If you’re after a softer scheme, reduce the risk of workplace stress by choosing a calming colour for a work area. Pink is reputedly a positive colour, inspiring warm, comforting feelings and imparting a sense that everything will be all right – and who doesn’t like the sound of that?
3: Kill the clutter Keeping a tidy office is crucial to staying on top of things. Organising and filing loose papers means you’ll spend less time searching for them – coping with clutter is a big time-waster. Filing cabinets, desks with compartments, and accessible floating shelves for file boxes are a good investment. Don’t let a notice board be all to-do lists and bills though, or you won’t ever want to look at it. TIP: Keep everyday essentials close to hand, so there’ll be less temptation to get up and wander. If you know you’ll need frequent caffeine top-ups, you could even keep a little coffee-maker or kettle near the desk, and a mini-fridge stocked with cold drinks.
4. Carve out a creative corner “Not everyone has an entire room, or even an entire wall, to dedicate to an office. But that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a space somewhere in your home, be it a landing, bedroom or corner of a living room, to let your creative juices flow,” says Ms White. “Whatever you use your home office for – computer work, home and life admin, or crafts and projects – an effective work area demands plenty of light. Equally, you don’t want glare on your screen, so choose your window dressings wisely. “Shutters and Venetian blinds have adjustable louvres and slats, so you can control the amount of light and are also great for privacy and security,” adds Ms White. “If you’re easily distracted, opt for a sheer roller blind. It’ll still let in plenty of light, but you can pull it down
Dress The Desk giant thimble tidy, silver, currently reduced from £10.90 to £9.90, Red Candy
Pretty Up With Pink Wild & Wolf Retro 746 push button phone, dusky pink, £50, Hurn & Hurn
Dress The Desk Seriously Tropical pineapple pen pot, pink, £10, Red Candy
Show Who’s Boss workshop trestle desk, £550; Carver chair, £195; Farringdon memo board, £30; Greenwich clock, from £25; Soho wall lights, £30; Bermondsey table light, £100, Garden Trading
to block out distractions from the outside world when you need to focus.” TIP: Set clear ground rules for your work space, such as asking family to knock before coming into your office, or respecting quiet time between certain hours. Make this easy, and visual, for young children by using a traffic light system (a green circle on the door means ‘come in’; yellow means ‘ask first’, and red means ‘do not disturb’).
5. Dress the desk One of the best things about working from home is not being in a stuffy, boring office. So why re-create that at home? Instead, include pleasing decorative elements, such as a vase full of flowers and colourful storage pots, so you can enjoy the comforts of home all through the working hours. TIP: Setting priorities is important in an office, and even more so when working from home, as doing so will help you stay on track and not get overwhelmed. Without a boss hovering or work-mates to bounce ideas off, it’s up to you to put your to-do list in order. Use technology to help, with mobile reminders and alerts.
6. Show who’s boss A shade of dark green, paired with black furniture and office accessories, gives decor a strong visual impact and, crucially, creates a business-like look for an office. This
Dress The Desk magazine file, £1, (similar design) Poundland
Kill The Clutter Phoenix home desk, ash wood and steel, pastel, £329, Cult Furniture
is especially important if clients are going to visit and you want to convey a professional image. TIP: Never skimp on expense when buying an office chair. After all, you may spend hours sitting on it, and it’s vital that it’s comfortable and fully adjustable so you avoid muscle strain and back pain.
7. Black is back
Carve Out A Creative Corner Brindle Spice roller blinds, £73, 61cm w x 76cm d, £73, Hillarys.co.uk
Sleek, black furniture spells executive style, never dates, and you’ll win compliments for your chic taste. TIP: A properly lit space is crucial to maintaining your mood, productivity and health. Bad lighting can strain eyes, especially if you’re staring at a bright screen in the dark. Layer light, so you can have clear overhead light if necessary, a decorative table lamp with a warm glow when you’re thinking rather than focusing, and always have an adjustable desk lamp so that paperwork is properly illuminated.
Black Is Back soft pad office chair, with short back, black/gold, £239, Cult Furniture
SWANSEA LIFE 135
9
HOUSE & HOME
value-slashing pitfalls to avoid if you’re trying to sell Ahead of the spring selling season, an industry expert outlines some common ‘blunders’ that could put off potential buyers. By Vicky Shaw 1. Over-personalisation People’s homes suit their personalities. But if you like your decor big and bold, it may be worth toning it down a bit – unless you can find a buyer who has similar taste. Typically, modestly-decorated homes are most desirable, as home owners can easily see how they could make it their home.
2. Property condition Tell-tale indications of damp, cracks on walls, a poor roof condition, an old boiler, and single-glazed windows can all impact on the value of a property – and interest from buyers.
3. Bad presentation With the spring house-selling season upon us, many home owners eyeing a move in 2019 may already be sprucing up their properties to get them ready for market. But while moving can be an exciting time, estate agents warn that it’s easy to make blunders while trying to sell, which could potentially knock value off your property and some of these may be quite surprising. Mark Bentley, president of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark, cautions: “Sometimes the improvements and changes you have made might make the property less attractive to buyers. So before you start marketing your home, it’s worth taking stock and making any necessary alterations, to give you the best chance of securing your asking price.” For those in two minds about making changes, he suggests: “You can ask friends or family for their honest opinions, or your estate agents can help advise on any small changes you may want to make before placing your home on the market.” Of course, the extent to which something would add or take away value from a home can vary, depending on factors such as individual circumstances and local market conditions. With that in mind, here are some of the key factors that NAEA Propertymark members have experienced as having a negative impact on a property’s value... 136 SWANSEA LIFE
Show off your home at its best. Everything should be clean, clutter tidied away, and any outstanding DIY jobs should be finished. If a home smells fresh and clean, it has a much greater chance of selling quickly.
4. Not having the right paperwork If you have had work carried out while living in the property, such as extensions or conversions, make sure you obtained appropriate planning permission and building regulations, and have access to these documents. If you haven’t got the right documents, you may have to pay for them retrospectively before agreeing a sale.
5. Darkened rooms If you’ve planted lots of bushes and trees close to the windows, your home may appear gloomy to buyers. Frosted glass windows or netted curtains can also sometimes have the same effect.
6. Clutter Clean each room from top to bottom, paying special attention to ‘highimpact’ rooms, such as the kitchen
and bathroom. Things like too much furniture, children’s toys and unused gym equipment can make your property feel smaller.
7. Dated fixtures and fittings Kitchens are often the focus for buyers, so it’s important they don’t look too outdated. Painting kitchens and replacing cupboard handles and old taps can be a cost-effective way of getting kitchens up-to-date.
8. Over-improving As well as not doing enough, you can do too much. For example, putting fake grass in the garden may have benefited your sporty family but it may not appeal to buyers who love the smell of a freshly-cut lawn. Keep improvements simple.
9. Not being energy-efficient A home’s energy performance has become increasingly important, so if your home needs an energy efficiency boost, consider steps to make it happen, such as installing double glazing.
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HOUSE & HOME
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A kitchen to come home to The relentless pace of 21st century life means we all long for somewhere comfortable and familiar to come home to and relax in. For many of us, that means the kitchen. Although the kitchen is still the place where we cook, eat and entertain, over the years it has evolved into a family space, somewhere we do homework, sit and read or simply spend time with our loved ones after a busy day. Creating this kind of space is a lot more straightforward and affordable than it used to be, thanks to Wren Kitchens. Wren offers thousands of different style, unit and colour combinations to help you build a flexible and unique kitchen that works for you and your family - and create a place that welcomes you home after a tough day. So what are the secrets to planning that perfectly homely kitchen? ■ Creating a comfortable living space If the idea of thousands of options sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry. When you visit a showroom, one of Wren’s expert kitchen designers will spend time with you, finding out what you need from your kitchen and helping you plan it out. And getting this planning stage right is crucial - it’s not just about the basics of getting all of the measurements spot on, it’s your chance
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and extra prep or serving space for nights when you’re entertaining.
For example, you might want to consider living and lounge units to create an area within your kitchen for the family to relax with a comfy sofa and flat screen TV while the magic happens in the kitchen close by. Wren’s Infinity Plus Milano Ultra is the ideal range for this layout - it has stylish and modern units which you could pair with rich and textured granite worktops for a beautiful contrast. A space designed for the whole family to spend time in together.
Features like this create that pull you feel when you open the front door after a long day, and make a kitchen the place you want to settle into for the night
■ Adaptability is key For a kitchen that feels welcoming to every member of the household, aim to create a flexible room that adapts to everyone’s needs. This all comes down to detail. An island or breakfast bar, for example, can evolve throughout the day from the place for children to eat their cereal before school, to a handy desk for anyone working at home,
■ A kitchen for all seasons It’s hard to beat a classic Shaker design when it comes to versatility or a warm welcome. Dressed up or pared down, Shaker units create functional spaces for efficient prepping, cooking, laundry and homework yet at the same time make welcoming homely rooms for lingering and relaxing - as places to dine or be social. A soft-touch Ermine finish brings out the beauty of the Shaker design. Available in a wide range of colours to suit your home and personal style, Shaker Ermine can be elegant in Charcoal, fresh in Moonlight or Pillow or country in Sage or Mushroom. Pick two or more colours to divide your space or create focal points. Match it up with a simple, stylish tap, durable laminate worktops, and open shelving to add another opportunity to personalise your room with your favourite objects. Creating a welcoming space that works for everyone isn’t straightforward – but Wren Kitchens makes it easier than ever before to create a kitchen you’re happy to come home to.
Wren Kitchens has a wide range of kitchens to choose from, and expert designers who can help you to plan out what you need. To find a kitchen you’ll love to come home to, head to your local Wren Kitchens showroom, or browse the range of kitchens online, at wrenkitchens.com 138 SWANSEA LIFE
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OUT & ABOUT
A N D R E W
M O R G A N ’ S
SWANSEA BAY WALK Join andrew morgan as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk.
Start/Finish location ......... Bishopston, Pyle Corner Distance ..................................... 5 miles (3 hours) Level ............................................. Moderate Parking ........................................ Brandy Cove Road (On-Street)
Brandy Cove and Pwlldu Bay It’s always interesting to look at the Ramblers programme then guess which way the leader will take us on the day. Often there is an unexpected left or right turn that takes you in a different direction to the way you’d usually go but which gives you a different angle on a favourite walk. That’s the beauty of walking with different leaders, no matter how well you think you know the area, they take you on their version of A to B which keeps a walk fresh. Gail will be leading us from Pyle corner at 11 a.m. on Saturday March 30 (a walk of course you are welcome to join) and I’ll be looking forward to see which way she’ll go. Come along and find out for yourself with a friendly group of walkers but if you can’t, here’s my guess of the route. The end of Brandy Cove Road narrows to a single track lane that soon loses its tarmacadam and leads you down to Brandy Cove. In the field on the right just before Brandy Cove are the hidden remains of silver/lead mines once worked by the Romans. Brandy Cove got its name from the liquid refreshment reputedly landed here, out of sight of the customs officers of old. From here you could turn left to visit Caswell Bay but we’ll turn right and follow the wonderful coastline to Pwlldu Bay. After crossing short section of
Upcoming Walks MARCH 2019 Sat 02
Pembrey Country Park (6 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 11.00am Pembrey: Football pitch Car Park
Sun 03 Llanmadoc & Burry Pill (10 miles) Moderate meet 9.45am Francis St Mon 04 Craig-Cefn-Parc RSPB Reserve (4 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am Clydach: RSPB Reserve CP
rocky path, the walking becomes easier as you approach Pwlldu. Here in summer, the boats from Swansea Marina can be seen anchored for the day before they return to harbour. In days gone by, this bay was an industrial quarry where the limestone cliffs were broken up and transported as fertiliser to Devon. It even had 3 pubs to serve the work force, unfortunately all closed so no chance of refreshments today. Cross the footbridge in the hamlet then turn right to head north along Bishopston Valley. After a while, turn right over another footbridge across the river and ascend to the top of the valley. At a junction of paths, continue up until you reach the end of a tarmacadam lane. Follow this all the way back to the start at Pyle Corner, ignoring paths and side roads. Enjoy the walk. But as many people find out, it’s a lot more fun with the friendly company of Swansea Ramblers. Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info • 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/ Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk
Tue 05
Port Eynon (6 miles) Moderate meet 10.30am Port Eynon: Seafront Pay& Display
Sat 09
Gellionen Chapel (6 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 11.00am Clydach: RSPB Reserve CP
Sun 10 Cowbridge (10 miles) Moderate meet 10.30am Cowbridge: CP behind Town Hall Wed13 Rhossili to Penmaen (Bring bus pass) (13 miles) Moderate meet 9.30am Penmaen: NT car park Sat16
Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Tairgwaith Canolfan Maerdy
Sun 17 Baglan, Aberavon and Mynydd Dinas (10 miles) Moderate meet 10.30am Baglan Energy Park (under M4) Wed 20 Bishopston, Coast and Valley (10 miles) Moderate meet 10.30am Bishopston: Pyle Corner Sat 23
Horton (6 miles) Moderate meet 11.00am Horton: Beach car park
Mon 25 Margam Park Pulpit Walk (3 miles) Easy/Moderate meet 10.00am Fishing lake CP outside Margam Park Wed 27 Foel Fynyddau (6 miles) Moderate meet 10.00am Pontrhydyfen: Rhyslyn CP Sat 30
Brandy Cove & Pwll Du (5 miles) Easy meet 11.00am Bishopston: Pyle Corner
Sun 31 Mynydd Myddfai (10 miles) Strenuous meet 9.30am Usk Reservoir: Pont-ar-Wysg CP
SWANSEA LIFE 145
OUT & ABOUT
The hidden beauty spots in Wales that you need to get out and explore
It’s no secret that Wales is home to some stunning scenery. With brilliantly chaotic coastlines, rolling countryside, and mountains that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world our country is known for its beauty. But there are a number of beauty spots that are not so well known; the hidden places that are stunning in their own right, but let sites like Snowndon take the spotlight. These are the hidden beauty spots in Wales that you really do need to explore.
1. Ceunant Llennyrch If you’re looking for hidden, you won’t get much better than this gorge in Snowdonia. It runs so deep it is said to be “untouched by human hand” in places. And it’s mostly hidden by ancient oak woodland that possibly dates back to the period following the last Ice Age. Where: Talsarnau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4EU
4. The Blue Lake
There are no signs here, but this hidden lake in Snowdonia National Park is worth finding. It’s guarded by towering crags, and is only accessible via a tunnel built into the side of the cliffs. Or you can abseil down if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. According to local rumour, the lake is deeper than its height above sea level. It is what’s left of a slate quarry opened in 1867, which was flooded in an attempt to turn it into a reservoir. The lake is on private property, however, and those who still choose to visit do so at their own risk. Where: Fairbourne, LL38 2TQ
3. Wallog, Ceredigion 2. Porth Iago, Gwynedd We’ve got loads of stunning beaches in Wales - but this one in particular is a hidden gem. A small picturesque bay found on the northern coast of the Llyn Peninsula, the sandy beach backs onto a grassy bank. To get to the beach you have to head through Ty Mawr farm then you get to the show down a steep, sandy path. Where: Rhoshirwaun, Pwllheli, LL53 8LP
Another remote beach, this one is nestled between Aberystwyth and Borth in Cardigan Bay. There are rocks and shingle, and the sand here is coarse. You’ll also find Sarn Cynfelin - which is a glacial moraine which stretches miles out to see. Wallog beach, which has an abundance of wildlife including seals, can be accessed by a public footpath. Where: Clarach Bay
5. The Church in the Sea Found on a small tidal island of Cribinau, off Anglesey, this Grade II*-listed medieval church is great for history lovers and those with a keen eye for beauty. The church itself dates from the 12th century, with some renovations made in the 19th century; it’s definitely worth a visit. Where: Just off the Aberffraw coast
6. Minllyn Bridge, Gwynedd A 17th-century packhorse bridge at Merion Mill, which has been left to nature. The picture-perfect bridge is found in a dilapidated slate quarry high in the hills and you can also explore the mill, compressor house, workshops, weighhouses and several tunnels and chambers - just make sure you go properly equipped. Where: Near Machynlleth, SY20 9LN
7. Lady Falls, Pontneddfechan A stunning 10m waterfall, that gracefully falls into deep plunge pool of Sgwd Gwladus, this is perfect for wild swimmers and adventurers. You can climb behind it and dive back in and upstream you will find the imposing Einion Gam - 21m high and rarely visited.
8. Dolgoch Falls While the Brecon Beacons are known for wonderful waterfalls, this series of falls in mid Wales are just as stunning. The Dolgoch Falls are a series of three waterfalls near Tywyn in Gwynedd and form part of the Nant Dol-gôch stream. Where: Tywyn, LL36 9UW
This will take some criss-crossing of the stream, but you are rewarded with a huge plunge pool. Where: Glynneath, SA11 5NR
9. Cwmystwyth, Hafod Estate, Ceredigion A perfect example of man-made buildings falling to nature and looking perfectly scenic. Back in the late 18th century, a fine house was built here, along with a network of picturesque paths and bridges that showed off the many waterfalls and wooded ravines. While the house is no longer standing, the walks are being restored, and include a range of canyons and gentle river pools. Where: Ystrad Meurig, SY25 6DX
10. Dinas Nature Reserve, Rhandirmwyn Easy walks among gorgeous surroundings. That’s what you’ll get at this nature reserve. The woodland is carpeted by bluebells in springtime, while the fast-flowing River Towy smashes over boulders nearby. This is a remote and magical part of Wales, where you can also find Twm Sion Cati’s Cave hidden away if you know where to look. Where: Rhandirmwyn, SA20 0PG
11. Glyncorrwg waterfall, Brecon Beacons Another waterfall, that you really have to look for, this place is hidden in forestry. Glyncorrwg is one of the lesser-known waterfalls found towards the southern end of the Brecon Beacons, but is worth seeking out. Where: Brecon Beacons, LD3 7HP by Joshua Knapman
Discover the wondrous cities and sights of Europe with these fantastic cruises!
Prices correct at time of printing and are per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.
MOTORING
Best selling Audi Q3 better than ever SsangYong’s new Rexton has arrived in the UK. We get behind the wheel
THE compact Audi Q3 SUV remains the best selling Q model on these shores since its launch seven years ago, writes David Ward. Now the second generation version is here and much of its new looks and styling is down to an Englishman. Matt Baggeley has spent the past four years honing this latest Q3 to give it a fresher appearance with more distinctive styling at both the front and rear ends, with loads of new technology on board, some pinched from the big Q8 model. “We wanted to preserve the character of the SUV, keeping the balance but making it look distinctively different from the first generation car,” he told me. “The aim was to give it more presence with more aggressive styling cues, such as on the new front grille, and I feel it’s now more grown up.” This new Q3, which is 97mm longer, 18mm wider and with a 77mm wider wheelbase than before, has an all round bolder look with much better front and tailgate lights design and a noticeably more upright hatchback shape at the back, and not slanting styling as previously. The bigger measurements have been fully utilised in the cabin which is now much roomier with more head, leg and elbow room in both front and rear seats, making it a genuine five adult seater.
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Available in three trims – Sport, S Line and Vorsprung – the new Q3 has a much nicer interior too with the smart threedimensional fascia’s sweeping interior lines, lots of chrome trim finish and soft plastic trim. As for engines, the most interesting is a new turbocharged 1.5-litre 148bhp TFSI petrol engine with a cylinder on demand system which temporarily switches off two cylinders at low speed. It is coupled with a seven-speed, twin-clutch S tronic automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Also on offer will be two more petrol engines – a Q3 40 TFSI 2.0-litre 187bhp and a Q3 45 2.0-litre 227bhp, both with seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro drive. Over in the diesel camp, there will be a pair of oil burners in the shape of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with either 148bhp or 187bhp. On a first drive with the 35 TFSI S line this 148bhp new engine is really impressive with good, low down torque and ample oomph for that all-important mid range overtaking, while the seven-speed automatic gearbox has a decent pace (and quiet) kickdown on acceleration and offers good response at all speeds. Sitting on 18-inch wheels it’s perhaps not as sporty a drive as some drivers would like – those drivers will obviously need to
pay more and opt for the 187bhp or 227bhp output engines – but the 148bhp version is sprightly enough. The ride is firm with good road grip, noticeably too when cornering at speed round twisty country lanes, and overall the 35 TFSI S line provides a rewarding drive. Passengers will find it far more comfortable than its predecessor as it’s refined and quiet on the open road where it comes into its element as a long distance cruiser. So yes, the new Q3 35 TFSI stacks up well against immediate opposition that includes the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 and Volvo XC40 T3 Momentum when taking into account asking price, standard on-board features, performance and cost of ownership. As for residual values it also holds up well according to CAP Gold Book, retaining 44 per cent of its value over three years/60,000 miles and likewise on running costs; they work it out at 42.2p per mile over the same period. To sum up, subtle but significant changes to the Q3 and a wide choice of engines look set to continue its title as Audi’s best-selling Q car.
The new Audi Q3 Big at heart
Now available for test drive Search Sinclair Audi
Bridgend Audi
Swansea Audi
Audi Approved Neyland
Tremains Road, Bridgend CF31 1TZ 01656 353515
Langdon Road, Swansea SA1 8QY 01792 621660
Havenbridge Road, Neyland SA73 1QY 01646 796618
www.sinclairaudi.co.uk Official WLTP fuel consumption figures for the Audi Q3 in mpg (l/100km): Combined 30.4 (9.3) – 48.7 (5.8). NEDC equivalent CO₂ emissions: 173 – 123g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Figures may not reflect real life driving results. Data correct at 9 January 2019.
MOTORING
Looking for a new plate? Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Volvo V60 Cross Country
Citroen C5 AIrcross
IT’S been a tough time for new car sales in recent months as buyers decided to play a waiting game. Now, the arrival of the latest 19 number plate on March 1 could prove a useful booster, helped by a host of newly-minted models. Between them, they show how our new cars are going to become ever more eco friendly, safer, better equipped and an even more compelling ownership proposition. Not all the newcomers will carry badges you’ve heard of – with Cupra making its introduction as a dedicated brand in the SEAT stable. Look out for the Cupra Ateca, a punchy SUV with 296bhp from its 2.0 litre petrol engine. Ford had a busy 2018 for new models and now comes the Focus Active, a version of the widely welcomed new Focus hatch and estate but with extra ride height and some extra body cladding for a semi-SUV look. Honda has ditched diesels in favour of petrol 152 SWANSEA LIFE
from its new CR-V range and 2019 sees the introduction of a hybrid petrol/electric version with better than 51mpg in official test and priced temptingly closed to the pure petrol version. Kia is adding a third body style to its new Ceed range in the stylish shape of the Proceed, mixing estate car practicality with coupe kerb appeal. The load space is only slightly smaller than you’ll find in the Ceed SW estate, and lots of potential buyers might think the good looks more than compensate. SEAT is extending its already attractive SUV offerings with the new seven-seat Tarraco as flagship to a range that already includes the smaller Arona and mid-sized Ateca. Seven seats will be standard fit and there’s a fourwheel-drive option, along with petrol and diesel power. Look out for a Focus rival from Skoda in the shape of the new Scala hatchback. Taking over in the range from the Rapid, the Scala stands out with an all-glass tailgate
and, inside, has the ability to update and download apps over the air to keep you bang on trend. Mercedes-Benz sales have bucked the downward trend and the arrival of a new B-Class range, an MPV that’s a little larger than before and strong on practicality and interior space. The notably smart interior offers a multimedia system with touch, voice and gesture control of certain functions. Volvo continues its upward march with the introduction of the V60 Cross Country, adding extra ground clearance to the standard estate along with some rugged body cladding. All-wheel drive is standard, along with hill descent control and a drivetrain setting maximised for off-road adventures. A zero to 62mpg time of 3.8 seconds and 176mph top speed make the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV an awesome machine, from its 510 horsepower 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine to an all-wheel drive system.
WE HAVE BEEN SUPPLYING AND FITTING ACROSS SOUTH WALES FOR 34 YEARS We are experts in fitting:
■ TOW BARS
■ VAN RACKS
■ NUMBER PLATES
■ TRAILERS
■ CYCLE CARRIERS
■ DUAL CONTROLS
■ PARKING SENSORS
Llanelli Trailer Centre Let the specialists fit it for you
Unit 3A, Llanelli Workshop, Trostre Industrial Park, Llanelli, SA14 9UU Tel: 01554 773608 | E: info@ltcmobility.co.uk Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm | Saturday 9am to 12.30pm
http://dc3-otxapp-07:8280/MMWSI/MMWSI?action=GetAssetData&user=SandraEvans&service=Drag_To_Application&db= WHAT’S ON 2Vzc2lvbmlkIjoicUFXUkx6MzZzQks0Vkh6alhyRTZnc3AxLmRjMS1vdHhzcmNoLXUwMV9VQVRfOTM4MCIsImFwcG sInByb3BlcnRpZXMiOnsiaGl0bGlzdE5hbWUiOiJTRUFSQ0hfUkVTVUxUU181MCIsInNlbGVjdGlvbiI6WyJUUk1STU1H HJhUGFyYW1zIjp7fSwic291cmNlS2V5IjoiVFJNUk1NR0xQSUNUMDAwMTYyNDM5NjYwIn0%3D
Got something to tell us about, for inclusion in the What’s On section? Please contact Peter Slee...
THIS MARCH FRIDAY
SATURDAY
St David’s Day Music in the Glasshouse
CROESO SWANSEA 2019 FOOD AND DRINK EVENT
RHOSSILI DOWN WALK
The National Botanic Garden of Wales, 12-2pm
CASTLE SQUARE, SWANSEA, 2 & 3 MARCH, 11AM-4PM
RHOSSILI, GOWER 11AM - 1.30PM
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2
peter.slee@reachplc.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
3
4
A Star is Born (+ Pizza) Cinema & Co, SWANSEA, 7.15PM
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Peter Andre Celebrating 25 years
SEAMUS BLAKE QUARTET ‘French Connection’
Sweet Caroline tribute act to Neil Diamond
Grand Theatre, Swansea, 6 - 10pm
Swansea Jazzland @ The Garage, 8.30pm.
Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, 7.30pm
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SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Swansea University Orchestra & The Welsh Sinfonia
MARINA MARKET
The Great Hall, Swansea University, Fabian Way.
DYLAN THOMAS SQUARE, SWANSEA, 10AM-3PM
MONDAY
11
9 10
TUESDAY
7
THE FULL MONTY
WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, CARDIFF, UNTIL 16TH MARCH
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Baby and toddler rhyme time
Joe Longthorne in concert
THE BEST OF WHAM!
Brynhyfryd library 10am
Gwyn Hall, Neath
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13 14 Swansea Grand Theatre, 7.30Pm
=jSuite&r=1537278295526&id=TRMRMMGLPICT000162439660&j=eyJzcmNwYW5lbGlkIjo1MCwic G5hbWUiOiJDSFAiLCJzb3VyY2UiOiJoaXRsaXN0IiwidHlwZSI6ImFzc2V0IiwiYWN0aW9uIjoibGluayIHTFBJQ1QwMDAxNjI0Mzk2NjAiXSwibWV0YUtleSI6ZmFsc2UsInNoaWZ0S2V5IjpmYWxzZX0sImV4dFRIDAY
15 GRAND THEATRE, SWANSEA, 8PM
SUNDAY
SATURDAY
TUESDAY
17 19
16
ART FESTIVAL DAY
VIVA VEGAN FESTIVAL
Brangwyn Hall The Guildhall, Swansea
LIFE DRAWING
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery., Swansea, 11 am - 3-pm
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery., Swansea, 11 am - 3-pm
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Gruffyd Wyn
summer holiday
Steve Knightley
KILLAY LIBRARY CHESS CUB
Swansea Grand Theatre 7.30pm
The Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot 7pm. Until 23rd
Pontardawe Arts Centre 7.30pm
Killay Library 10.30am. - 1`2 noon
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
IAN BATEMAN WITH DAVE COTTLE TRIO
MATT PRiTCHARD DIRTY VEGAN BOOK LAUNCH
Swansea Jazzland at The Garage, Uplands
EXIST SKATEPARK SWANSEA, 7.30PM
20 21 22 23 SUNDAY
27 28
24 Giggle for Gambia
The Hyst, Swansea, 7.30,
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Here Come The Girls
COMEDIAN ROD WOODWARD
HM COASTGUARDS: SAFEGUARDING OUR SHOES
EXIST SKATEPARK Brangwyn Hall, SWANSEA, .30PM swansea,77 .30pm
Gwyn Hall, Neath,
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, 10am - 4.50pm
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SUNDAY
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WHAT’S ON
Swansea is teeming with activities to get stuck into but the sheer number can be overwhelming so, because we’re helpful, we’ve whittled it down.
Explore Mumbles
From a walk on the beach to getting inventive, from family festivals to animal care, here’s KATIE BELLIS’ pick of what to get up to over the next few weeks however much or little time you might have....
Those familiar with Swansea Bay promenade walk will know the bustle and buzz that comes with the walk from Swansea to Mumbles when the sun is out. Offering views across Swansea Bay and Mumbles Pier, it’s definitely one of the most popular. The walk passes local landmarks such as the Guildhall, the Patti Pavilion, Singleton Park and Clyne Gardens. Mumbles Pier - which is 835ft and has dominated Swansea Bay’s landscape for more than 100 years - is open every day throughout the year. Its attractions include an amusements arcade (of course), gift shop, bowling alley, cafe and you can enjoy some fishing too.
Enjoy beach life in Gower Three Cliffs Bay has been named in the top 20 beaches in Europe. The Gower beach reaches the European number 16 spot, fighting off competition from beaches on the Amalfi Coast, Santorini and Sardinia, as part of the search for the world’s best. With its imperious three cliffs cut by the sea from 300 million-year-old carboniferous limestone, the bay comes complete with powder sand beaches, a medieval castle, salt marshes and a sparkling river. The picturesque beach attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year, although the strong tides and currents mean swimming is not recommended. 156 SWANSEA LIFE
But the landscape is stunning, making it the perfect picnic spot. As well as Three Cliffs Bay, Gower also offers plenty of other stunning places for breathtaking family walks. Caswell Bay, Rhossili and Cefn Bryn and Pennard offer world class panoramic views perfect if you fancy a long walk.
Step out in Swansea Marina Swansea Marina is located behind the Swansea barrage at the mouth of the River Tawe. The marina is a great place to walk around and take in the scenery while also doing a spot of boat-spotting. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants to grab a drink or a bite to eat. The River House has become one of Swansea’s most popular eating and watering holes. The Swigg is another favourite so too the Pump House and the Grape and Olive - an awardwinning restaurant at the top of Wales’ tallest building, with superb views across Swansea Bay. Their menus are a fusion of contemporary dishes and timeless classic. You can also enjoy exhibitions at The Attic Gallery, which is Wales’ longest-running independent gallery.
Visit our castles If you’re in the mood for some history then you can visit Swansea Castle which was built by the Normans just 40 years after William the Conqueror’s famous victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You also have Oystermouth Castle - which sits on the hill in Mumbles with stunning views overlooking Swansea Bay. Features include ancient graffiti art from the 14th century, private staircases leading from vaults to previous banqueting halls and a 30ft high glass bridge.
for it. In 2017, it was voted one of the hippest areas in the UK. It has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years and it’s not hard to see why. Here are some of the places you shouldn’t miss... Uplands Tavern, or the Tav, as it is commonly known, is a popular haunt for music lovers, with live acts performing there regularly.
Check out the Liberty Stadium If you want to watch a game of football or rugby then head down to the Liberty stadium home to both the Swans and the Ospreys.. You can also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours that include the players’ tunnel, home dressing room, press conference facilities and interview areas, pitchside, hospitality and banqueting areas. The tour takers around an hour and gives supporters the perfect insight into the players’ training regime, rehabilitation therapies and world-class training pitches.
Stroll through Singleton Park
Swansea Bay that serves traditional Indian cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients where possible. The Rasoi Waterfront, was named the best in Wales in the 2018 British Curry Awards. It’s the sister restaurant to the equally as good Rasoi Indian Kitchen and, based in Swansea’s SA1 marina quarter, has become renowned for its fusion dining.
It historically attracted the bohemian underbelly of Swansea, from old rockers to art students but with the Uplands’ rise in popularity in recent years, it now attracts just about everyone in-between. It’s a proper boozer with Dylan Thomas quotes strewn across the walls since it used to be his local. Or try Noah’s Yard, The decor is eclectic, with typewriters, books, a bike, a section of newspaper print walls and even a Banksy. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Verve 37 is a wine bar and restaurant. You also have Whitez - where the bar downstairs regularly hosts live music, then if you go up a level it’s a pool hall, and on the top floor is The Terrace so it’s got something for every mood. At The Terrace you can drink cocktails and premium beers in what they describe as “a relaxed, comfortable environment incorporating a classic cocktail lounge atmosphere with a modern design twist.”
Take in the museums and galleries Swansea Museum is the oldest museum in Wales. The building was built for the Royal Institution of South Wales in 1841 in the neo-classical style. There are six galleries with a variety of exhibits from an ancient mummy’s tomb to temporary exhibitions on current issues and modern interests. As well as the main building in Victoria Road, there’s also The Tramshed in the Marina which displays memorabilia from the former street trams of Swansea and the Mumbles tram that ran around the edge of the bay from Swansea town centre to Mumbles pier.
Singleton Park is a must visit for families of all age with its acres of simple, unadorned green space.It’s home to a boating lake and crazy golf, adventure playground and stunning botanical gardens so there’s plenty to do and see. In the summer you will often find a major event held here. Who can forget Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend?
Discover Swansea Market Swansea Market is an institution. A vibrant, bustling shopping destination, where you can stock up on everything from jewellery to daffs.!
Nearby, the National Waterfront Museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. .
Coming up too this summer will be the Stereophonics playing a massive one-off outdoor gig as they celebrate 20 years since their iconic Morfa Stadium show. Jess Glynne will also bring her music to the park.
It’s the largest indoor market in Wales, and is especially good for Welsh produce, with specialities including Gower-reared meat, Penclawdd cockles, and – to quote Richard Burton – “Welshman’s caviar”, locally-made laverbread.
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery offers a broad range of visual arts from the original bequest of Richard Glynn Vivian (1835-1910), which includes works by old masters as well as an international collection of Swansea China.
And Uplands Diner offers a typical greasy spoon and is legendary for its breakfasts.
Dylan Thomas’ Swansea
It reopened its doors in 2016 after a multimillion pound refurbishment. Swansea’s leading art gallery includes treasures from home-grown artists including Alfred Janes, Ceri Richards and Evan Walters, along with national favourites Augustus John, Gwen John and Christopher Williams.
He’s the city’s most famous son so is it any wonder that Swansea has some great ways to celebrate Dylan Thomas? You’ll be stepping back in time when you visit the birthplace and childhood one the Wales’ literary giant. The house in Uplands looks just like it used to back in 1914 when Dylan’s family first bought it. It’s open for tours but give them a ring beforehand if you’re after a guided tour or book online. Visit www.dylanthomasbirthplace.com There’s also the Dylan Thomas Centre in Somerset Place which houses exhibitions telling his story. As well as the permanent display, there are also regular outreach projects and events. Visit www.dylanthomas.com
Wander around Uplands Uplands is one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods - and don’t just take our word
Swansea for children
Where do we start? These are our the 40 best restaurants in Swansea in 2018 and here are 25 delicious little places in Swansea with food and drink that you really need to know about.
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids then look no further. The LC2 is Wales’ biggest indoor waterpark with slides, waves and an indoor surf machine. You can even tackle the Masterblaster - the ultimate rollercoaster waterslide or an aqua slide and aqua tube for some adrenaline-filled fun. There’s also an interactive pool with a mini slide, tipping buckets and fountains for the little ones to enjoy.
Some highlights include Belle Vue Bistro, Slice, Rag and Bone Cafe, Canteen 18 and The Beach House restaurant in Oxwich Bay, which was named the AA Restaurant of the Year. For a curry, the Mumtaz Indian Haute Cuisine is a family-run restaurant with breathtaking views of
Go Air trampoline park has hundreds of wall-to-wall trampolines. Launch yourself into giant foam pit and airbags, freestyle in the main arena, shoot a few basketball hoops, get trampo-lean with an Go Air fitness class or just have THE bounciest time.
Eating out
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WHAT’S ON
Make your money go further with our ideas for things to do that will cost from just a few pence to a few pounds...Rob Dalling reports
? t e g d u b On a We've all had those months when payday can't come quick enough.
If you don’t dare look at your bank balance, the good news is that Swansea and Gower offers some great day-out deals for the equivalent price of a couple of rummages down the back of the sofa at most!. Whether you’ve got a craving in Clydach or are famished in fynone, , this is the directory your wallet will thank you for . From galleries and landmarks to markets and parks, ROB DALLING has found a string of activities that won't cost a thing or at most, just a pound or two.
Start your day off with a walk along the beach - FREE Probably the best thing about living in Swansea is its vast array of beautiful beaches. We're spoilt for choice on the ones we can visit, from Langland Bay, to Tor Bay, Horton, Rhossili, Pobbles Bay, Limeslade, Three Cliffs, Port Eynon, Llangennith, Bracelet Bay, Oxwich Bay, Broughton Bay, Crawley, Caswell, Mewslade, Brandy Cove and Rotherslade.
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For pure geographical reasons, head down to Swansea Bay Beach first thing in the morning. It is central and easy to get to, and minutes away from the city centre. A nice walk along the seafront will be a beautiful way to begin your day.
Wake up with a coffee, or three - £1.55 If a walk along the beach wasn't enough to blow off the cobwebs, there's only one thing for it, coffee. Head to Starbucks at the Village Hotel in SA1, Langdon Road, and order a standard size coffee, which costs just £1.55, or even £1.30 if you take a refillable cup along with you. Once you've ordered your first drink you are allowed to ask for free refills as many times as you like, so long as you stay in store. So take along your favourite book, kick back, and enjoy few cups of your favourite coffee.
Take a trip to the Waterfront Museum - Free Time to get your day underway, and where better to start than one of the city's amazing museums. Head over to the National Waterfront Museum, which tells the human story of Welsh industry and innovation now, and over the past 300 years.
The museum puts you in charge of the experience, via cutting-edge, interactive technology, allowing you to delve as deeply into the displays as you want.
Prepare to explore 100 audio visual exhibits including 36 state of the art interactive displays and some very large historic objects from across the country including a replica of the world’s first steam locomotive, a brick press and one of the very few surviving coal wagons. It's open from 10am until 5pm, and it'll cost you nothing.
Discover Dylan Thomas' work - Free You've learnt all about the history of Welsh industry, now it's time to switch gears and learn all about Dylan Thomas, Swansea's most celebrated poet and writer. Take a trip over to the Dylan Thomas Centre at Somerset Place, which is a must for all fans of Dylan and his work. You will learn about the life and works of Dylan through mixed mediums such as digital touch screens, hands-on activities, preserved original pieces and audio recordings of some of Dylan’s most famous works read by some of the world’s most well-known voices.
Open every day from 10am until 4.30pm, with free entry, the exhibition makes for the perfect way to immerse yourself in the life and times of Dylan, along with the heritage of Swansea. You’ll see his small beginnings in the Uplands, to his passing in New York City in 1953, with a vast array of his works from times in between.
Enjoy some art work - Free Time to do some more exploring. Swansea exhibits some excellent art work, and one place which houses some amazing work is the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery on Alexandra Road. Open from 10am until 5pm, the museum is recognised as a centre of excellence for
the visual arts and a world class gallery for Wales. Founded in 1911, the gallery has developed a significant collection covering a broad spectrum of the visuals arts from old masters to contemporary artists, with an international collection of porcelain and Swansea china.
Rub shoulders with an Egyptian Mummy - Free Head over to Victoria Road and visit the oldest museum in Wales, Swansea Museum, which provides a glimpse of Swansea life, past present and future. You'll be able to see the Egyptian Mummy, the famous archaeology collection and the nearby Tramway Centre, as well as the the vessels on display at the museum's pontoon.
It's free admission, and is open from Tuesday until Sunday from 10am until 4.30pm.
Take a trip to Mumbles Pier Free (but charges for attractions) Time for a change of scenery. Head towards Mumbles Pier to explore. First built in 1898, the Pier has become one of Swansea Bay's most defining features, and includes an amusements arcade, a Beach Hut CafĂŠ, and a number of other attractions including a mini bowling alley, Pirate Boating Lake and one of Swansea's most unusual landmarks, the Big Apple. It offers an enclosed, sandy beach, plenty of rock pools and fantastic view of Mumbles Lighthouse.
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SOCIAL DIARY • fund raising night
fund raising night WHere: The Hyst, High Street, Swansea Tell Me More: A Gilbert & Sullivan sing-a-long fund raising night organised by Uplands Arts. PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Arabi
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SOCIAL DIARY • staff party
Marriott Hotel staff party WHere: Marriott Hotel, Swansea Tell Me More: A staff party to recognise the achievements of the hotel’s team over the past year. photography: Hoosh Arabi
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SOCIAL DIARY • film festival 2019
Copper Coast International Film festival 2019 WHere: Swansea College of Art, The Reading Room at the Alex on Alexandra Road, Swansea Tell Me More: UWTSD’s Copper Coast International Film Festival welcomed films and and film lovers from around the world to Swansea.
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SOCIAL DIARY • BUSINESS AWARDS
SWANSEA BAY BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 WHERE: Bragwyn Hall, Swansea Tell Me More: The 2019 Media Wales Swansea Bay Business Awards recognising excellence in the region’s business world with guest speaker Richard Parks, extreme explorer and ex-Wales rugby international.
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SOCIAL DIARY • WEDDING DAY
Emma Pritchard and Chris Beresford from Killay in Swansea Tell Me More: Emma is a wellbeing officer in Birchgrove Comprehensive school. Chris is a production specialist at Tata Steel. WHERE: St Mary’s Church in Swansea city centre with a reception at The Oxwich Bay Hotel in Gower PHOTOGRAPHY: Flashbulb Photography & Film .. www.flashbulb.info
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SOCIAL DIARY • LAUNCH NIGHT
launch party for swansea pride hits the dance floor Tell Me More: The launch of the Mark Jermin Hit the Dance Floor, Swansea Pride event WHERE: Old Havana, Swansea PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Arabi
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PART OF SWANSEA PRIDE
2019
Thursday 2nd May 2019
Brangwyn Hall
Tickets from:
£18
all tickets include arrival welcome drink
Doors open from 6.45pm Start at 7.30pm
Tickets available: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swansea-pride-hits-the-dance-floor-tickets-53741993750 www.brangwyn.co.uk/events/swanseapridehitsthedancefloor and the Grand Theatre Swansea • 01792 475715 www.swansea.gov.uk/BrangwynHall/ SwanseaPrideHitsTheDancefloor
For more info: 01792 47 44 11
SWANSEA PRIDE 2019
PART OF SWANSEA PRIDE
2019
FRIDAY 3RD MAY 2019
SWANSEA
DOORS OPEN FROM 8PM
at
TICKET FROM S WITH M £25 EET AN G REET A D PACKA ND VIP AVAILAGES BLE
a e s n a Sw ride P SWANSEA PRIDE 2019
BOOKING DETAILS: WWW.EVENTBRITE.CO.UK/E/FARRAH-MOAN-ATSWANSEA-PRIDE-2019-TICKETS-53089388791?AFF=EBDSSBDESTSEARCH
TIME FOR YOU
BY INVITATION W I T H
E D D I E
W H I T N E Y
Swansea businessman Eddie Whitney keeps us up to date with his charity work and social diary...
I
’m really excited about the latest stage play being produced by my good friends Karen Struel-White and Peter Lynne
The show is entitled ‘3 Knights and 2 Welshmen’ and is about Richard Burton and Dylan Thomas, who, in real life were friends of one another. The play centres on life in an Austrian Hotel suite in 1982 when Richard is filming Wagner, the eight-hour epic movie directed by internationally regarded Tony Palmer. While caught in a drunken stupor, he is visited by Dylan and acting legends Sir John Gielgud, Sir Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier. Karen has been a stage producer for a number of years and has worked alongside several famous people from the world of show business including Andrew Lloyd Webber, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stars Bruno Tonioli and
Joanne Clifton, BBC presenters Zoe Ball and Chris Needs, ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ star Joseph Marcell, Anita Harris and even celebrity chef Raymond Blanc. Her first West End show was about the world of football wags based on her days as something of a wag herself – her father was the late Malcolm Struel, chairman of Swansea City football club when they first climbed into the top division Her most recent stage success was about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Karen says she has huge hopes for ‘3 Knights and 2 Welshman’ and plans are already being discussed about a national tour with some very famous names being lined up. The play had its world Premiere, in Swansea on March 1, a fabulous Welsh night of stars. Among the big names at the event were Tony Palmer, the director of Wagner and acting legend Frazer Hines who also had a story or two to tell about Burton himself!
Eddie x
174 SWANSEA LIFE
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TIME FOR YOU
What is probate? What is probate and how does it work? Probate is the term for the financial and legal processes involved in dealing with the money, property, and possessions of someone who has died, known as the dead person’s estate. The probate process has to happen before the person’s next of kin or their executor, the person they have named in the will to act, and who can distribute, claim, sell, or transfer any of those assets. Do you always need to apply for probate? You may not need to apply if you jointly own land, shares, property, or money with the deceased as they may pass automatically to you. This could also be the case if the dead person only had savings or premium bonds, though you will have to contact each bank or building society involved to see what’s in their rules. They may still insist on the executor obtaining the Grant of Probate. How can I apply for a grant of probate? This happens when someone has left a will and is usually obtained by the executor of the will. The executor or their solicitor apply for a grant of probate to the Probate Service at Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service. Although this can be done online, we recommend you ensure the process is followed correctly by using a specialist, experienced probate solicitor.
Ian Walker - Wills, probate and trusts specialist talks this month about probate
The executor will need a copy of the will and any updates to the original documents. These are most likely to be at the dead person’s home or their solicitor’s office. One of the reasons to make a will with a solicitor is so that they hold secure storage facilities for vital documents. How can I apply for letters of administration? If the person died without a will, you will need letters of administration to prove you have the legal right to deal with the estate.These go to the next of kin such as a husband or wife,civil partner, or a child.You can’t apply if you’re an unmarried partner. In fact, you’re not automatically entitled to any of your partner’s estate.This is another reason why it is so important to make a will. How does probate work? Executors must check if there’s a will, and if there is, value the estate and report it to
HMRC.Then you apply for probate and pay any inheritance tax which is due. Executors must collect the assets of the dead person – the estate – including money from selling their property. They must keep a record of how possessions, money and property will be split, and pay off debts such as unpaid bills. The executor then distributes the assets to the beneficiaries named in the will. If the deceased does not have a will, the law decides who will inherit. What are the pitfalls? There could be problems if the situation is not straightforward. If the will has been lost, for example, you will need specialist advice. If there is more than one will, although only the last will is valid,you will need to keep copies of earlier wills until you’re granted probate. In addition, you may not understand the provisions of a will, so will need to seek advice from a specialist probate solicitor. If there is no will, the executor or Administratoris personally liable to the estate. This means that incorrectly following procedures or not administering the estate properly may put their assets at risk. Furthermore, an increasingly common pitfall is for a will to be challenged by another relative on the grounds of it not being valid as it was not signed, that the deceased was not of sound mind at the time of writing the will or that there is inadequate provision for immediate relatives of the dead person. What should you do? The best way to overcome these pitfalls is to engage an experienced probate specialist solicitor. They have all the legal knowledge you’ll need to make the probate process as painless as possible. You’ll also receive advice on what to do if a will is challenged, if parts of a will are unclear, or if the will has been made invalid by something such as a marriage since it was drawn up. For anyone unfamiliar with the legal duties of an executor, it’s essential that they contact a specialist probate solicitor. At Peter Lynn and Partners we have a team of specialists ready to help with all aspects of probate. We also have an experienced litigation team who can help you challenge a will or inheritance provision.
To arrange a free initial meeting, call 01792 450010 or email Advice@plandp.co.uk 176 SWANSEA LIFE
Preventing Legal Problems
Wonderful care FOR YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES
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NEXT MONTH IN SWANSEA LIFE
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