Swansea Life January 2020

SWA NSE A

LIFE A JANUARY 2020 ÂŁ2.95

The -list pages 22 of your

Style

to make you smile

brilliant Swansea party pictures

A home to love in Gower

9 771750 843018

9 771750 843018

Fresh

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Y O U R a w ar d - w i nn i n g M A G A Z I N E

start

Say hello to 2020

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...

J A N UA RY

actiNG Editor Peter Slee | 01792 545559 peter.slee@reachplc.com PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@mediawales.co.uk

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Photography Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Hoosh Multimedia, Robert Melen Contributors Chris Peregrine, 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 designerS Sandra Evans | sandra.evans@reachplc.com Sue Hall | sue.hall@reachplc.com Lisa Walsh | lisa.walsh@reachplc.com advertising For all advertsising inquiries, please call Debbie Roberts | 01792 545626 or email debbie.roberts@reachplc.com Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea SA1 1NW @swansealife

26 FASHION

HAIR & BEAUTY

11. Handling January...

The best back-to-work handbags

26. MAKEUP LESSON

How to do a smokey eye

12. LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!

Cool girl-approved knits that will keep

you cosy this winter

28.

14. NEW SEASON STYLE

Our choice of the new season

goodies to buy now 22. FASHION STAPLES FOR HIM

How to get the styling mojo back into

his life!

COVER IMAGE: From a range at Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

4 SWANSEA LIFE

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, which is contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards

MAKEUP MARVEL Swansea’s Chris Howells’ tips for the very best beauty products to buy right now

30. CROWNING GLORY

Lara Johnson works her magic with

another Swansea Life reader 34. BEST FOOT FORWARD?

Should you exercise if you have a

winter cold?

Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG. Website: www,ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk 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 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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42 BRIDE

HOUSE & HOME

SNAPPED IN SWANSEA

42.

58. READER HOME

A reader home that is all about

stylish living

109. FUNDRAISER

A lunchtime get-together to support

Maggie’s in Swansea

74. STYLE GURU

Mumbles’ Lesley Taylor’s top design

tips for January

113. NETWORKING

The Swansea Bay Institute of Directors

REAL LIFE WEDDING Join NIkiera Bradshaw and her new husband Elliot Carpenter on their big day at The King Arthur in Reynoldston

46. DREAM DAY

A round-up of some of our favourite

wedding day finds this month

82. GREEN FINGERS?

Great ways to transform your garden

this month 92. SMALL CHILDREN’S ROOM IDEAS

Fresh new looks for kids’ bedrooms

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. Prices correct at time of press.

122. MEDIC WINNERS

The 2019 Swansea University Medical

School awards 126. SALUT!

Beaujolais fun in Swansea

SWA NSEA

LIFE SWANSEA LIFE 5

9

From the editor Hello 2020...

12 14

T

he new year is always a time of fresh starts and good intentions, often involving giving up something.

Whether it be alcohol, sugar, or whatever your personal ‘bad habit’, a fresh beginning often implies swearing off things and, in the process, denying ourselves many of life’s little pleasures.

And while the notion of self improvement is not a bad thing, perhaps rather than focusing on subtracting something from our lives, we should all be looking to add something instead. So, for example, this year I am diving in and taking a proper yoga course after dabbling with it occasionally – partly to declutter and slow my mind down, but also to take time out for myself, away from the clamour and demands of everyday life. My other intention is simply to make more time for friends in the coming year. So, a little self-improvement and a little fun — but both, hopefully, life enhancing rather than diminishing.

Whether you want to learn to host a podcast become a social media influencer or master some wicked new dance moves (just me?), whatever your heart desires, go with it. That exciting feeling of newness is one of my favourite aspects of the new year. And this issue of Swansea Life is filled with it.

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The feel of a new year is a really great one (despite its sometimes negative connotations). It is when we are all looking forward to the new and the fresh.

So, in short, try a bit of reinvention this January. Never look back, just forward. And from the new, too. Whatever that involves for you, here’s to 2020...

34 6 SWANSEA LIFE

PETER SLEE Acting editor Contact me at peter.slee@reachplc.com 01792 455559 Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife

flashbulb!

Our pick of the month’s best party get-togethers

Hello Shoppers! £3 for 3 hours at St Davids Multi Storey Car Park in Swansea City Centre

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Monday - Saturday

fundraising lunch for maggie’s swansea

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party time at the brangwyn hall

FREE parking every Sunday at all Swansea Council City Centre car parks

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Loulou fashion show

SWANSEA LIFE 7

BRIAN BROWN SALON MODELLING & MANAGEMENT AGENCY

01792 301901

1 BELLEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ

FASHION

We love sparkles!

STYLE MATTE & METALLIC How gorgeous is this palette which features 18 stunning matte and metallic baked eyeshadow shades in intensely rich and silky pigments. You can apply them dry or with a wet brush to intensify the colour. We love it!

Barry M Sandstorm Baked Eyeshadow Palette, £12.99, Superdrug, Swansea

Perfect fit

If there’s one thing (sartorially speaking) that strikes fear into our hearts it’s shopping for jeans.

Universally recognised as a pain in the neck, we’d guess that most of us find buying that new pair of skinnies somewhat tricky.

Is the wash right?

The leg-length flattering?

How do they look on the bum?

ts n e m o MagicM

...While you are at it, now might also be the time to take stock of your party shoe-drobe.

Any fashion lover worth her weight in velvet will have some sort of chic kitten heel and a ‘party’ flat in her arsenal. It’s the glamorous statement platform, though - last seen circa 1995 - that’s the unsung hero of party season.

Try these scarlet lace evening shoes from Joe Browns, £40

Forget ‘transitional’ – it feels like we’ve gone from sundresses and sandals to boots and coats in ten seconds flat. At least with jewellery, what worked in the heat can also work in the January cold with a few minor tweaks.

So for an instant New Year lift, we really like this Moments mesh bracelet from Pandora in Swansea, £150

THE ‘IT’ BAG

You’d be forgiven for thinking you can pack your party dresses away for now. But if you want something sparkly and party-ready for any New Year events you are going to, we reckon this little number from Tu at Sainsbury’s in Swansea is a must. It’s a statement frock for a budget price of just £38 and is one of our favourite ‘must haves’ of the season....

The Swansea Life team loved the fit of these though found on the rails at New Look...

Jeans £25.99, boots £29.99 and shirt £5.99; New Look, Swansea

When it comes to accessories this month, it’s all about standing out from the crowd with a geometric bag.

Circle, half-moon, pyramid or triangle - just make sure it’s anything but square.

Black crocodile circle bag, £15 (was £20); Miss Selfridge, Swansea

One for him...

Tom Ford for Men Conditioning Beard Oil, £60; Debenhams, Swansea The latest addition to one of Tom Ford’s most popular fragrance families, this beard oil is infused with the oriental and leather scent that, Ford insists, can only be described as fabulous.

SWANSEA LIFE 9

FASHION FASHION

The grown-up guide to mastering the

leather trouser trend 4 1 Whether real or faux, these trousers are a winter wardrobe winner

2

3

5

Black one shoulder flock bodysuit, £25; leather look jogger trousers, £28; ivory satin keyhole blouse, £30; petite black PU leggings, £30; Miss Selfridge, Swansea

Which style is right for you? That's a matter of preference - this season, there's no rule dictating that joggers are strictly casual while leggings are dressy. For evening, try playing with proportions, such as a sleek body top teamed with loose paperbag waist trousers or a puff-sleeved blouse over PU (that's made from polyurethane) leggings.

1. Principles black PU trousers, £39, Debenhams, Swansea 2. Lipsy faux leather leggings, £35, Next, Parc Morfa 3. Sosandar black croc print leather look leggings, £45 4. Faux leather trousers, £150; Pure Collection 5. Faux leather trousers, £40; Oasis, Swansea 6. V by Very Faux Leather Slim Cigarette Trousers, £30

10 SWANSEA LIFE

6

FASHION ÐÐSnakeskin bag, £28; Oasis at Debenhams, Swansea

ÐÐFatFace Harper buckle cross body bag in chestnut, £59; Fatface, Mumbles

ÐÐEmerald green grab bag, £26.99; TK Maxx, Morfa Retail Park

BAG IT!

ÐÐTan snake print cross body bag, £14.99; M&Co, Cardiff

Update your new year wardrobe with a simple accessory. Laura Davies picks out some top bag buys

ÐÐIngrid navy bucket bag, £46, Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

ÏÏCamel suedette foldover shoulder bag, £17.99; New Look, Swansea and Parc Fforestfach

ÐÐBeaded shoulder bag, £28; very.co.uk.

ÎÎEmma leather crossbody bag, £49.95, White Stuff, Mumbles ÎÎLula bag, £159; Hobbs, Cardiff

ÎÎBustle, £65; Dune, Cardiff ÐÐWinged resin handle khaki bag, £22; F&F at Tesco, Parc FForestfach

ÐÐM&S Collection bag £49.50; M&S, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 11

FASHION

J by Jasper Conran, colour block jumper, £39; Debenhams, Swansea

Yellow leopard print jumper, £28; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

M&S Collection jumper £19.50; M&S, Swansea

Camel jumper, £45; Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Tu Premium yellow jumper, £30; Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Autograph jumper, £69; M&S, Swansea

Jumper £40; M&Co, Cardiff

Jumper, £28; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea

Monochrome v neck knit jumper, £38; Wallis, Debenhams, Swansea

F&F grey jumper, £28; Tesco, Parc Fforestfach and Llansamlet

12 SWANSEA LIFE

COSY KNITS Up your jumper game this winter season with Laura Davies’ pick of knit jumpers that promise to keep you snug in the cold weather

Primrose Edge to Edge cardigan, £59.50; Fatface, Mumbles

Multicoloured knit waterfall cardigan, £38; Evans, Swansea

Jumper, £28; Next, Morfa Retail Park

Lupin sweater, £110; Hobbs, Cardiff.

Grey cable knit stripe jumper, £29; M&Co, Cardiff

FASHION

JANUARY

BLUES

Kate MacMahon, utility boiler suit, £89; Debenhams, Swansea

Banish the January blues with Laura Davies’ round up of fashionable buys in yes, you’ve guessed it – blue!

Blue colour block cardigan, £85; Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Retail Park Navy jacquard jacket, £55; Next, Morfa Retail Park

Dornea, £65; Dune, Cardiff

Seren dress, £269; Hobbs, Cardiff

Belt, £12.50; M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Pale blue overcoat, £75; Miss Selfridge, Swansea Navy gold trim court, £49; Lipsy at Next, Morfa Retail Park

Tu blue bobble cardigan, £20; Tuclothing Spot jumper, £20; Bonmarche, Swansea

Blue Jacquard midi dress, £49; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea Kate MacMahon, long puffer coat, £150; Debenhams, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 13

new season

style A new year means a new wardrobe, right?

Laura Davies gives you a helping hand as to what will be fashionable this season

Katya suede jacket, £349, Hannah blouse, £110, Belle straight jeans, £89; Hobbs, Cardiff

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M&S Collection coat, £59, M&S Collection dress, £39.50, trainer, £55; M&S, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 15

M&S Collection coat, £119, M&S Collection hooded jumper, £29.50, M&S Collection skirt, £39.50, Shoe £45; M&S, Swansea

16 SWANSEA LIFE

Martina jacket, £199, Miriam blouse, £99, Martina trouser, £129; Hobbs, Cardif

SWANSEA LIFE 17

Matalan, Morriston and Parc Cwmdu

18 SWANSEA LIFE

FASHION

V by Very leopard bucket hat, £10; Very. co.uk

Fortune pussybow top, £55; Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Reversible jacket, £89.95; White Stuff, Mumbles

Shift dress from a range at Matalan, Parc Cwmdu and Morriston

Yellow coatigan, £39.99; M&Co, Cardiff

Mina trainer, £129; Hobbs, Cardiff

new year, new

WINTER wardrobe

The Friday blazer, £55; Cottontraders

Animal button wrap midi dress, £75; Oliver-Bonas, Cardiff

Dune London guiltt, £75; Dune, Cardiff

Bess skirt, £139; Hobbs, Cardiff

D​une London Flinch, £75, Dune.co.uk Block trench coat, £80; Very.co.uk

SWANSEA LIFE 19

FASHION ÍÍAutograph cardigan, £59, Autograph skirt £179, shoes, £45; Marks and Spencer, Swansea

Bright cheerful ÏÏFuntastic rainbow cross body bag, £12; Accessorize, Swansea

&

buys to combat those January blues We know, it’s January, it’s all a bit of a slog and no one wants to go shopping, possibly ever again.

So just in case you need some style advice on those best bright and cheery buys for this month, here’s our pick to displace those grey clouds altogether... ÍÍPlisse top with necklace, £26; Bonmarche, Swansea ÎÎMustard cord pinafore, £75; Laura Ashley, Swansea

ÎÎAnkle boots, £22; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

20 SWANSEA LIFE

FASHION

ÏÏGold ornate pink jewel drop earrings, £12; River Island, Parc Fforestfach ÎÎPink Olivia pussy-bow blouse, £36; River Island, Parc Fforestfach

ÏÏSeashore cardi, now £35 was £55; White Stuff, Mumbles

ÏÏ Sophie puffer coat in spiced orange, £69; Fatface, Mumbles

ÎÎ3, Pink fleece coat, £30; Primark, Swansea ÐÐPleated skirt, £25.99; Zara, Swansea

ÏÏRed heart clutch bag, £35; Oasis, Parc Fforestfach ÎÎJacket, £19.99; skirt, £14, boots £29.99; all George at Asda, Morriston and Gorseinon

ÏÏCheck scarf, £12; Matalan, Cwmdu

SWANSEA LIFE 21

FASHION

Non-iron Dobby tailored fit shirt, £40; John Lewis, Cardiff

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fashion staples

Check shirt, £15; Matalan, Cwmdu

every man needs in his wardrobe

Leather weekend bag, £149; H&M, Swansea

Grey Chelsea boots, £49; Burton, Swansea

Barbour International Duke wax jacket, from a range at Moustache, Swansea

Black watch check slim shirt, £25; Topman, Swansea

Purple jumper, £35; M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre

Red Herring suede belt, £16; Debenhams, Swansea

Grey Harris tweed jacket, £130; selected branches of Tu at Sainsbury’s

22 SWANSEA LIFE

While it’s fun to jump on the fashion bandwagon sometimes, there are those staple, iconic pieces every man needs in his arsenal in times of dressing doubt! So as we head into a new year, these are the key pieces you can depend on, come rain or shine, for some effortless style salvation...

Large check scarf, £29.50; FatFace, Mumbles

Paint splatter skinny jeans, £49.99; Zara, Swansea

Mock shirt jumper, £16; Matalan, Morriston

Checked waistcoat, £29.99; Next, Parc Morfa

hair and beauty

s i t a h W BALAYAGE ... a n d i s i t r i g h t f o r yo u ?

Invented in a Paris hair salon in the 1970s, the balayage hair dye technique is nothing new, and it’s popularity has risen dramatically in recent years. Yet, ‘What is balayage?’ remains one of Europe’s most googled beauty questions.

Why the confusion? “I think it’s down to social media influence,” says Tim ScottWright, award-winning hairdresser and founder of The Hair Surgery.

“There are so many different pictures on social media, so people might be coming in with a picture and they automatically think it’s balayage.

“What one person might see as an ombre, another might see as a balayage, or one person might see as a dip-dye, and then you’ve got foliage... it’s confusing for the consumer.”

So, in a bid to get to the bottom of this hair colour query, here Mr Scott-Wright answers just some of our balayage questions...

What is the basic definition of balayage?

“Balayage is freehand painting of hair colour to create highs and lows in the hair. It’s anything that’s done visually, by the eye. It’s almost a form of contouring. It’s a much more artistic approach to hair colour because you’re visually working with the hair, and the face shape, and where you want to see lightness.”

What are the benefits of balayage?

“Balayage has become extremely popular for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s very low maintenance in terms of upkeep, which is great because people can come in once or twice a year to have balayage and they can freshen it up with great products at home, like silver shampoos to keep that blonde looking fresh. The other reason it’s popular is because you can actually be blonde even if you’re brunette.

“If you look at people like Jennifer Lopez or Sofia Vergara, they’ve been able to have blonde hair without it looking yellow or orange. It suits their skin tone because they’re still essentially keeping their natural base colour around the hairline, the light colour is concentrated through the mid-lengths and ends.”

Can you do balayage on any hair colour?

“I always say with balayage: There’s a blonde out there for everyone. You can have dark Asian hair or you could be a Scandinavian 24 SWANSEA LIFE

What is a typical salon cost for balayage?

You are paying for someone’s expertise on this and it can vary from salon to salon.

Expect to pay about 50% more than for a head of highlights. Balayage by colour specialist Jessica Miers at Brian Brown, Swansea, starts at £60 and goes up depending on your length of hair. Call 01792 301901 for more details.

If you look at people like Jennifer Lopez or Sofia Vergara, it suits their skin tone because it keeps their natural base colour around the hairline. blonde, and you can still have some type of balayage.

“Even if you’re a redhead, you can still go into copper gold or rose gold, and on darker hair, you can go to chestnuts and reds – and in some cases you can have blue balayage, but it’s quite difficult to achieve.”

Are there any downsides?

“Although balayage looks easy to do, not every hairdresser is capable of doing it. If you get a bad balayage, it can look really atrocious. You need to book in with someone who can deliver the goods, so senior technicians are always the ones to go to.

“Colour placement is essential, because if the colour isn’t placed in the right areas, you can end up with demarcation lines where it looks patchy, or you can end up with quite orange or yellow looking stripes.

“And it’s always got to be toned and glossed up afterwards. If someone doesn’t use the right toner, that’s when it can look a bit dodgy as well.”

Is there anything else people need to know about the technique?

“One of the big things for me as a hairdresser, which I hate, is don’t always go off your Instagram photos, because these photos are usually highly edited.

“Don’t think that what you’re wanting to achieve can be done in one session, sometimes it might be a journey that may take two or three. Any good hairdresser will take you on that journey, rather than trying to do that for you instantly.”

WINTER Vs YOUR SKIN During the winter months we turn the heating on, wrap up warm... but do we look after our skin?

The elements take their toll on our skin in winter just as much as any other time. Harsh cold winds, central heating, dry the skin causing damage and fine wrinkles.

It is essential to look after your skin, our advise is to have a good daily skin regime and also monthly treatments.

HydraFacial

Latest generation of skin resurfacing technology. Combing six treatments in one: Cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection.

Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion

A non-invasive deep ex-foliation of the skin using a fine flow of microscopic crystals to gently remove old, dead skin cells layer by layer to successfully treat a wide range of skin problems such as open pores, wrinkles, acne, scarring, blackheads & milia

Chemical Skin Peel

A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Facial skin is mostly treated, and scarring can be improved. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin

Non Surgical FaceLift

Thermotherapy (warming the skin/ opens pores), Microdermabrasion to clear our pores / treat fine lines, ultra sound, Bio-lift to tone & firm facial contours, LED light therapy to boost collagen, and finished with cryotherapy to close the pores and lock in products.

N

EL

Cleanse, tone, mask & moisturise with facial massage and products tailored to your skin type.

EBRATIN

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Skin Specific Facial

I

NewLaminated Eyebrows Now Available

years BU

SINES

S

01792 775558 Family run business. Est. 1999

in to Please call r a full our Salon fo price list

www.swanseasunlounge.co.uk facebook.com/MorristonSunLounge 52 Woodfield Street, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8BW

HAIR AND BEAUTY Surveying the AW19 backstage trends, when it comes to nails, there were some bonkers – but brilliant – designs on show.

Lavish but perfect inspiration at your fingertips...

s l i a n

Pearls

Once the preserve of grannies and ladies who lunch, pearls have made a massive comeback in fashion recently, seen on everything from bags and hair accessories to knitwear. Now, they’re on nails. At the Adeam AW19 show, pictured, models had pearl beads of varying sizes dotted on top of a metallic blue base.

Nails by OPI. It’s in the cloud, £7.95, OPI and chopstix and stones, £8.95; OPI

EASY WAYS TO CREATE THE PERFECT

SMOKY EYE Backstage at Tom Ford

The perfect shade of eyeshadow, expertly applied and blended can transform your look, giving the illusion of bigger eyes and really making your peepers pop. But with how to apply eyeshadow in the top ten most googled questions last year, it’s clear a lot of us still need some guidance. So, whether you want a subtle daytime look or statement eye, here’s some catwalkinspired ideas to create that modern day classic – the smoky eye.

Classic reds

The big smoke

The mani equivalent of a scarlet lip, shiny red nails never go out of style. At Ashley Williams, manicurist Michelle Class made the case for a slightly longer nail length with rounded tips and a ‘true red’ hue.

Tom Ford Eye Quad in Nude Dip; £68 Candy nail polish, £10; Peacci

Nailtural reliable rose, £6.99; Sensationail

Seventies shades

From heritage tweeds to leather trousers and swishy skirts, 70s fashion is a major trend at the moment, so you’ll need the perfect polish to match.

Enter Mavala’s Retro collection.

This line-up has all the shades you need, from creamy ivory and slate grey, to burgundy and pale peach.

Tunis, £5.20 and maputo, £5.20; Mavala

26 SWANSEA LIFE

Tom Ford AW19 delivered major glamour by way of a bold matte brown smoky eye and a nude lip. Rather than starting at the crease, the look was created by outlining an almond shape around the eye with the dark brown shade in the Tom Ford Eye Quad. Next, the paler shades were used to blend upwards, stopping just below the brow. Finished with black mascara.

Super soft

MAC eyeshadow

semi sweet times At Max Mara, AW19, the MAC Pro Team created a nine, £26 monochrome make-up look, choosing a single tone of soft brown to accentuate the shape of each model’s eye, and matching it with powder contour under the cheekbones and brown matte lipstick.

Eyeshadow primer is key to create a smooth base for any smoky eye look. Smooth it across the lids and up to the brows. For a simple look, use a short eyeshadow brush to apply the shadow across the lid and underneath your bottom lashes, extending the colour slightly at the corner. Then use a soft brush to Zoeva eyeshadow fix in pearl, £9, blend into your eye crease and soften the edges.

Cult Beauty

Shimmer shadow At Elie Saab AW19, make-up legend Val Garland created a shimmery smoky eye, using the L’Oreal Paris Maximalist palette which she paired with a soft pink lip. Start with a wash of the lightest shade across your lids, then use the copper shade to define your crease. Next, apply the chocolate brown shade across your lids and under your lower lashes, then blend upwards. Finally, apply a small dab of pearlescent highlighter at the inner eye corner.

Start 2020 the right way

REVITALISE yourSelF Pampering of the highest order

Hair ServiceS

Wedding ServiceS

colour Family

every service is important, whatever it maybe... and we look forward to a consultation before every service, in order to discuss your requirements and what can be achieved. communication is paramount.

We believe in excellent quality hair services. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, along with expert hair care knowledge and internationally renowned products.

our wedding team offer a flexible and individualised service. The bridal party can be accommodated at our salon or at a prearranged venue of choice. early Salon openings and champagne breakfast are available on request. Wedding hair consultations and trials are recommended to ensure we achieve your dream look and efficient planning for your big day.

all your colouring needs are catered for, whether it be Blonde, red or Brunette, covering grey, blending grey, bold statement colours or natural looking enhancements.

Just a chat with your stylist can determine what you want and what can be achieved- the world of colour is yours to explore.

geT in ToucH Today Swansea - 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 Makeup Artist of the Year award, Chris Howells, shows you how to achieve an eyecatching look for any party helda was looking for a classic yet eye-catching look for a January New Year’s party.

Here is how to create it for yourself.....

I started Shelda’s makeup look with some all-important skincare.

Using a jade roller I massaged Nuxe Huille Prodigieuse following with Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Then applying a grain of rice size amount of Bobbi Brown eye cream to each orbital bone and massaging in with the smaller end of the jade roller.

Using the all-over eye brush from the Walford-Richards Designs Brush Collection I blended out the Bobbi Brown eye crayon in golden bronze across the eyelid from the lash line up to the crease and out to nothing.

Then taking another crayon in bark I used the eye finishing brush to blend it along the lash line and around into the crease, stretching it out to a soft point on the outside of the eyes.

Taking the smudge brush, I applied Touch In Sol Metallist liquid foil shadow duo in eldora across the ball of the eye and then taking a finger I applied the glitter to the top of it for extra pop.

Taking Bobbi Brown black gel liner and a flat liner brush I pushed a tight line into the underneath of the upper lashes, going from outer corner to inner corner avoiding the waterline.

Then I took the angled liner brush and the gel liner to create a sweep close to the lashline and winging out towards the brow.

Using the pencil brush blend the crayon in bark into the lower lash line, applying the Lash Unlimited no8 lashes and to finish the eyes run Bobbi Brown waterproof Kohl pencil into the lower lash line. Finishing with

S

28 SWANSEA LIFE

Before Paper Pusher Mascara from Touch In Sol. For the most gorgeous complexion I used The flat-topped powder brush and buffed the weightless Longwear foundation from Bobbi Brown gently all across the face, ensuring an even, light coverage.

Then blending a colourmatched concealer to the under-eye area with the concealer brush. To accentuate Shelda’s bone structure I took a concealer that is two shades darker and blended it seamlessly around the hairline and under the cheekbones.

Taking the powder brush, I applied Ben Nye glowing Banana Powder to set the base. Then Kosas Cosmetics cream blush duo in Helios was applied with the angled cream blush brush, giving a gorgeous flush to the apples of the cheeks.

Anastasia Beverly hills brow wiz in dark brown shaped the brows and they were set with a clear brow gel.

Then I applied Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche liquid lipstick in flambe with the lip brush, taking time to really sculpt the lips for a six-hour long wear.

Taking the angled cheek colour brush and Charlotte Tilbury Film star Bronze and Glow, accentuate around the hairline, under the cheekbones, down the neck and across the décolleté.

Then Taking Bobbi Brown Highlight in Afternoon Glow to the browbone, cupids bow and top of the cheekbones and the collarbone for that final Va-Va Voom.

*All hair products by Show Beauty; Photography, James Richards; Makeup brushes, Walford-Richards Designs Makeup and hair By Chris Howells Makeup.

Use Code: chris20 for 20% off everything site wide. www.walfordrichardsdesigns.co.uk

HAIR & BEAUTY

Makeover!

W ITH

L ARA

JOHNSON

Stylist and Mumbles salon owner Lara Johnson shares her best insider tips in her monthly column ter af

ma k i n g a stateme n t Model: Rhiannon

Lara johnson lifestyle says

“

Rhiannon has a young family and is expecting a little addition soon. Both Rhiannon and her Husband have busy careers so she was looking for a change that would give her not just a change but make life easier with less ‘haircare’ involved.

We wanted to make the colour as healthy and shiny as possible so opted for some warm tones that complimented Rhiannon’s natural colouring. We love her fringe so wanted to emphasise the shape. Rhiannon also looked towards going shorter, perfect for an on trend textured bob.

“

B e f o re ...

30 SWANSEA LIFE

Step by step...

ish fin

F r e n c h p l e at B u n An unusual eye catching style which is a great alternative to a topknot. It is a great look for thick, wavy hair and often looks even better on a second day • • • •

Difficulty level? Medium Ideal hair length? Mid length to Long Assistance needed? With a little practice, No Accessories? Can be dressed with flowers for a wedding or spring party

What you need • Brush • Two strong hairbands • Grips or pins • Hairspray

Befor e...

1

2

Step 1 Section off the front section from Step 2 Plait upwards from the nape ear to ear across the crown area and clip back for later

4

of the neck. If you put your head upside down it can make it easier for yourself, start a normal French plait technique by taking a small section of hair at the nape of your neck and plait towards your crown. Connect in the sides as you work upwards. Secure the base of your plait to the scalp with a hair band

3

Step 3 Un clip the hair from the front

section. Brush it back into your hand doing it with the hair in the ponytail

6

5

Step 4 When smooth secure with

another band over the existing ponytail

Step 5 Twist the hair around the ponytail base

Step 6 Secure your bun with pins or

grips and finish with some hairspray to secure SWANSEA LIFE 31

Run from the city to the sea!

2020 Title Partner

JCP Swanse14a.06.20

Half Marathon

# Run Swansea

SWANSEAHALFMARATHON.CO.UK

A DECADE ON - SOME FUN FACTS FROM JANUARY 2010 • ‘Bad Romance’ by Lady Gaga was number one in the UK singles charts • The UK was hit by a big January freeze with heavy snowfall across the country • Gordon Brown was Prime Minister • Brendan Rodgers was Swansea City manager

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Uplands Branch

NEW DECADE, SAME FAMILY VALUES A lot can happen in a decade.

IT’S THE BUSINESS BABY!

And as we say hello to the 2020’s, the founders of one local family business can vouch for that.

Starting a new business is always a huge step, especially with a first baby on the way! It meant both Ben and Trine had to turn their backs on successful careers and put their vision of individuallytailored independent hearing care into practice. Their first child was born in the Spring of 2010 and was a familiar sight in the Hearing Wales Reception in the early days!

Hearing Wales are welcoming their second decade providing bespoke hearing care for customers across the South Wales region and beyond.

It was ten years ago this month that husband and wife, Ben and Trine Davies, opened the doors to their first Hearing Wales audiology clinic in the then up and coming business district of Uplands.

Ben already had a track record as a successful professional audiologist and Trine had a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Ten years on, three children under 10, and four state-of-the-art Hearing Wales clinics later, and the couple are looking forward to expanding their vision into the next decade! They have followed up their successful Uplands practice with clinics in Narberth, Cardiff and

Mumbles Branch

Mumbles and an ever-expanding roll-call of professional staff.

If customers are less mobile, the Hearing Wales vision also offers a free home visit service.

Lead Audiologist Ben explained how hearing loss awareness had grown.

“In the decade since we set up our business the importance of making the most of our hearing has been borne out in research. We now know that tackling hearing loss, especially age-related hearing loss as soon as possible has an impact on ageing well and on slowing down cognitive decline.

“In March this Year the World Health Organisation made getting your hearing tested their key message on World Hearing Day.”

TECHNOLOGY SHIFTS As an independent business Hearing Wales can offer customers the full range of technology from all the leading hearing aid manufacturers.

And in ten years that technology has taken huge strides forward, bringing real benefits to clients in all kinds of hearing environments.

which take environment readings multiple times a second. Coupled with directional hearing, increased connectivity and great styling, people with hearing loss are really able to make the best of the hearing they do have.

2020s VISION While the business is going from strength to strength, Hearing Wales are determined to remain true to their vision of clinical excellence and a bespoke service coupled with family business values and individually-tailored care.

Ben said: “Our predictions for the next decade is that more and more people will realise that they deserve the best quality of life they can aim for, and central to this is their hearing care. The message that caring for your hearing is as important as caring for the rest of your health is getting through and marketing and styling has seen hearing aids become quite desirable. We recommend regular hearing aid checks for all.”

“Scroll forward a decade and this digital hearing technology has been refined to such a degree that hearing aid wearers are experiencing incredibly natural sound delivered by instruments

www.hearingwales.com • Tel: 0800 313 4304

Ben and Trine Davies

HEALTH & WELLBEING

new year new gear If you are going to reach your fitness goals in 2020 you’ll want to look the part.

From springy running shoes, to seamless leggings that fit like a glove, here are a few items you might want to splash out that Christmas cash on...

SHOULD YOU EXERCISE...

1. Under Armour women’s coldgear reactor performance jacket, £105 (was £150), underarmour.com

Make those early morning runs slightly less arctic with this snugly jacket. It’s made from a lightweight fabric designed to conserve body heat while also allowing for maximum mobility. The best part?

Thermal pockets to keep hands toasty.

2. On Cloudswift running shoes, £135, on-running.com

These Cloudswift shoes have special foam cushioning tubes in the sole that give a springy and responsive ride from the first toe-off. The shoe comes in a variety of colours; our favourite is the rust hue with orange laces.

3. Focus dusty pink leggings, £16.80 (were £28), loveleggings.com

With a seamless design and flattering high waistband, these budget-friendly leggings look just as good as some of the more expensive options on the market. They’re made from a sweat-wicking fabric and provide the ultimate support during those bendy squats and rows.

WHEN YOU’VE GOT A COLD? Well first and foremost, it depends what type of cold you have, as Prudence Wade discovers It’s that wretched time of year when getting a cold feels almost inevitable, as your colleagues, friends and family get struck down one-by-one with the sniffles. It’s called the ‘common’ cold for good reason – but just how much does a cold have to get in the way of your regular routine?

We’re talking specifically about exercise.

You might want to continue with your New Year fitness goals as normal – after all, colds aren’t generally a serious ailment – but is it wiser to rest?

“For the most part, exercise helps to keep us healthy and boosts our immune system,” says Dr Diana Gall of Doctor4U. But there are exceptions of course, and sometimes taking a rest is just what the doctor ordered.

What type of cold do you have?

According to Dr Gall, this is important: do you have a head cold or a chesty cold?

A head cold has “symptoms such as a sore throat and runny nose”, she says, while the chest version involves “a chesty cough, body aches and a raised temperature”. (You might, of course, have both if you’re really unlucky).

With a head cold, Dr Gall says: “It’s usually safe to carry on with exercise, even if you need to lower the intensity.

“If you’re suffering from a chesty cold, working out could worsen your symptoms and make you feel even more unwell, so a rest in these circumstances can often be better than a workout.”

4. Adidas 3D backpack, £41.97 (was £59.95), adidas.co.uk

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze your gym kit into a bulging tote bag, you’ll know that a sturdy and practical backpack is one of the best pieces of kit you can own. This one from Adidas has space for all the essentials and is big enough to fit a laptop too.

34 SWANSEA LIFE

A downward dog stretch will help your body get back into action after illness

HEALTH & WELLBEING

clever clocks Face down your perennial New Year’s resolution with the helping hand of technology. Smart watches track your calories and heart rate, and you can use them to set ever-increasing goals.

Here are two of the best for getting in shape this January...

If you’re an iPhone user, then the Apple Watch Series 5 is the undisputed front-runner. It has a display that never sleeps, the ability to use 4G to call, text and stream music from an iPhone, plus heart monitor, an 18-hour battery charge and a good choice of colours and straps.

Don’t overdo it...

Even if you are safe to go to the gym as normal, it’s probably not advisable to lift your heaviest weights or go on a 10km run.

“You should avoid straining yourself too much – keep your exercise routine lighter than usual and take note of your symptoms day by day,” Dr Gall recommends.

“If you wake up feeling much worse than the day before, or have developed any additional symptoms, it would be wise to avoid the gym until you start feeling better.

“The good news is that ‘exercise’ is a broad term,” she adds.

“If you usually go running or do cardio workouts at the gym, it’s probably not the

best idea to carry on with these while you’re ill. But lower-intensity exercises, such as going on a walk, some basic yoga, or resistance band training could keep you active even while you have a cold.”

It’s also important not to dive straight back into an intense regime as soon as your symptoms clear-up.

“If you exercise regularly and take some time off due to illness, try and ease back into your routine with the same amount of time you took off,” Dr Gall says.

“For example, if you took five days off due to illness, spend five days easing in and working back up to your normal routine.”

From £399; Apple store

Meanwhile, Android users may want to check out the Galaxy Watch Active. It features all the usual fitness tracking goodies and is able to monitor your daily activity levels and heart rate. A stress tracker will detect when you feel tense and suggest breathing exercises to help.

From £199; Currys

Ease back gently If you’ve had a sickness-induced break, it’s also a good idea to introduce some mobility stretches. “Sometimes, if you have been ill and had a couple of days off work, you can feel a bit stiff and immobile,” says Katie Anderson, trainer at yoga and low-impact studio FLY LDN. Ms Anderson suggests three simple stretches to get some mobility back – and the first is a supine spinal twist.

She says: “Lie on your back and bring your knees to chest. Start to drop the knees to one side of the body, keeping your shoulders pressed onto the ground. Stay here for a breath and using the core, rotate your knees to the other side of the body, repeating on the

other side.”

The second stretch is cat/cow. Begin on all-fours, Ms Anderson explains, and “begin to undulate the back, tucking the chin to chest.

Take a breath and then begin to undulate in the the opposite direction, engaging the back and sliding the tailbone to the sky as the chin and chest lifts.

“Repeat with slow and controlled inhales and exhales.”

Lastly, a downward dog to long lunge will help your body get back into action.

“Starting with the hands and feet flat on the ground with hips high, shift your body into a high plank, taking one foot forward to the outside of your hand,” Ms Anderson explains.

A supine spinal twist

SWANSEA LIFE 35

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

Many of us are looking to make New Year resolutions. So this month, I have looked at some of the more common, a few of which I am going to commit myself too for this year.

Small changes, big differences?

Swansea Life and Sketty GP Dr Charlotte Jones offers up some bright ideas to recharge you for 2020!

Yes, it’s time for New Year, New You, the annual January event which involves that small matter of tweaking your ‘Old You’ into becoming someone else entirely.

Still, do not despair. There is help out there to get you through this difficult time

No1 – Work towards getting a healthy Body Mass Index I know how hard this is as am the classic yo-yo dieter. I doubt there is any diet out there I have not tried. This year I am definitely going to find a lifelong solution…

So what do the experts say we should do?

Adopt a sensible approach following a healthy diet where essentially your kcal intake is less than what you expend every day. Are you eating when really you are thirsty?

I am most definitely guilty of this. Aim for 2.5 litres a day. Look at what sort of diet will suit you – can you do it on your own? Do you need a slimming group, would online groups / apps / recording everything you eat’, all activities work or library resources help?

Everyone is different. Instead of just jumping in, take time to find out what is right for you. Why not rope in your family or a good friend to support you and keep a log of your achievement. Some people take photos of how they look at start and on journey along the way to aid motivation. Set realistic goals and reward yourself with little treats along the way.

No 2 – Take regular exercise If you haven’t exercised for a long time then build yourself up slowly. There are lots of different ways to exercise from running / jogging / walking the dog to classes ranging from Aqua Aerobics, Nordic walking through to hot yoga or Zumba. There is a national exercise programme that links with local gyms which your GP surgery can refer you too if you fall into one of the categories – this offers reduced price sessions in various exercise modalities. The key is to find something that interests and enthuses you.

36 SWANSEA LIFE

No 3 – Keep alcohol within recommended limits.  It is so easy at the end of a hard day to reach for a glass or two . We all do it from time to time but the key is moderation and think before you drink. The daily limit is maximum 3-4 units / day for men and 2-3 units / day for women.  If you are worried about your alcohol intake then you can contact DAN (Wales’ Drugs & Alcohol helpline – dan247.org.uk or free- phone 0808 808 2234) or Alcoholics Anonymous. Locally, there are a number of agencies that can help as well including WGCADA. (www.wgcada.org or phone 01792 472519). Your GP can assist too.

No 4 – Stop smoking  Everybody knows that smoking is bad for your health and can lead to severe life limiting conditions. However, many forget just how hard it is to give up something that you enjoy.

So what can you do?

Some people can just go cold turkey. This is pretty impressive but most need some help: • Nicotine replacement therapy is available on the NHS – GPs and most pharmacies can offer this to you.

• ASH Cymru, Stop Smoking Wales & • NHS Direct wales provide excellent resources and support to anyone giving up and cover areas that may help you but are not currently available on the NHS. No 5 – Don’t use illicit substances, even recreationally  These can be very dangerous particularly if you have underlying health problems.

There is no such thing as a safe “legal high”  If you are concerned about substance misuse then see your GP who will be able to help or you can contact Narcotics Anonymous or WGCADA as above.

But most importantly, find time to focus on you and the above may well be easier than we think…

ings I hopinee2s0s 2a0nbdr good happlth to you all. hea

ENJOY SOME

ME TIME IN 2020

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To have won this award not once, not twice, but three times, is testament to the hard work our entire team put in day in, day out to ensure our visitors enjoy their spa escape.

Our five bespoke relaxation zones will help you to find your perfect peace. Our soothing heated waterbeds will let your troubles simply float away or for a haven of total calm head straight to the Indian inspired ‘sleep zone’ where shimmering lanterns and sumptuous quilts will provide the ideal environment to doze.

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BRIDE

NIkiera & Elliot Social worker NIkiera Bradshaw and her construction company technical manager husband Elliot Carpenter, both 28, met on a night out at Swansea’s old Oceana club in The Kingsway. The couple, now living in Sketty, tell Peter Slee about their big day at The King Arthur in Reynoldston

42 SWANSEA LIFE

How did you and your husband meet?

We met on a student night out in Oceana.

Elliot was out with his best man, who I went to school with. He introduced us and we became friends from there. We used to bump into each other on nights out regularly and developed a friendship from there. It’s a little weird to think that even though we went to different schools, all Elliot’s friends went to my school. We had similar friendship groups but didn’t actually know each other until the random student night out.

What’s your engagement story?

We booked to go to Rome for a week away, to tick off another destination on our bucket list. Little did I know Elliot had other plans.! I had absolutely no idea that he had already bought the ring and was hiding it during our travels. The day had arrived for us to visit the Colosseum and rather than purchase tickets right away, Elliot wanted to wander around the perimeter. At the time I thought he was acting a little out of character and a bit odd, but it never entered my head. I just thought it was the excitement of being in a beautiful city. But in his reality he was panicking like mad and was stalking out the ‘perfect’ spot.

He decided on a place, got down on one knee and shared his heart in front of everyone. It was the most magical experience. Rome, to this day, remains our favourite place in the world to visit.

Where is your engagement ring from?

Did your husband choose it himself?

Elliot purchased my engagement ring in Ernest Jones two months before we went to Rome. He chose it himself and kept it a secret from everyone apart from his parents and my dad. It’s better than any ring I could have picked myself and its even more special because he chose it.

Photography by Marc Smith Email: marcsmith71@yahoo.co.uk SWANSEA LIFE 43

BRIDE

The planning: How long did you have to plan your wedding and was it enough time?

We got engaged in June 2016 and married in May 2019. We were in the process of purchasing our first home, which we planned to completely renovate, so getting married at the same time was out of the question. We booked our venue and photographer as soon as they opened their books that year, as these were the things we were already set on and then didn’t need to do anything until at least a year before. This gave us time to renovate and move into our home and gave me time to flood my Pinterest with ideas.

Why did you choose your dress? Which dress did you wear?

I had an image in mind of what I wanted, but when I tried them on I just wasn’t feeling ‘wow’. I hadn’t been to many stores, but I lost the spark as I didn’t see anything I loved, until I visited Eva Ashley Bridal in Swansea. I had the most magical experience from start to finish and I recommend any bride-to-be to visit there first. Rebecca, the manager, made me feel incredible and made me try dresses on that were out of my comfort zone and i’m so glad she did because I would never have found my dress. It’s true what they say ‘When you find the one, you’ll know’. We were all in tears.

Why did you choose your venue? Where did you get married?

We had our ceremony and our reception in the Avalon Suite, in the King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston in Gower. This was one of the easiest wedding decisions we made. Before we got engaged, we always said that we were going to get married there and when the time come, we booked the venue without seeing any other venues. It was a place that we loved to visit when we first got together and a place we continue to visit now.

The memories: What was your first dance song?

It was unique. We started with Jess Glynne’s acoustic version of ‘My Love’, but Elliot had remixed it with Route 94 version of the song (he’s obsessed with music), which was an upbeat dance song. We slow danced for a minute or so, then the beat kicked in, our best-men popped confetti balloons and everyone joined in. This started the party and set the atmosphere for the rest of the night. It was exactly how we had imagined. Everyone had such a good time.

What was your colour scheme or theme?

We didn’t want a theme or scheme. We just wanted it to be elegant and timeless. We didn’t want a theme that would date in a few years. We wanted something that we could look back on in years to come and still love. I think we achieved that.

44 SWANSEA LIFE

all to remember. We gave the dj a list of all our favourite music because we didn’t want the cheesy wedding classics. This was something we were hugely grateful for as it created the best evening party atmosphere!

Did you discover any amazing suppliers that you’d like other bride’s to know about?

What was the best moment of your wedding day?

That’s a hard one. We loved every single part of it and wouldn’t be able to single any one point out.

Advice; What’s your best tip for dressing for the big day you’d like to share with other brides?

It’s not necessarily about dressing for the big day, but one tip for brides would be when using the toilet, sit backwards! The trail on my dress was full and long and it was difficult holding it up, but sitting backwards helped a lot (not very dignified though).

What advice would you give to other bride’s planning their wedding?

Don’t waste money on things that people won’t see or remember. An important part for us was about people enjoying. We invested time and money into everyone having the best time and making it a wedding day for us

These were the one we would HUGELY recommend: Marc Smith for Photography – We booked him alongside the venue two years in advance because we knew before getting engaged that he would photograph our wedding and WOW did we make the make decision! Photographs were something I was really anxious about, as we all have our bad sides. But Marc is so relaxed and chilled he made me forget about all of that. He also helped keep structure to our day and provided the best advice and guidance to a stress free day... He was more than just a photographer!

Eva Ashley Bridal for dresses – Magical bridal experience with the most stunning girls. They make you feel so special!

Eve Francesca Design for Flowers – All of our decorations on our day were flowers and Eve created the most beautiful bouquets and floral displays! More beautiful than I had envisaged!

Looking back, is there anything you’d change? Is there anything you wish you knew before you started planning your wedding?

Absolutely nothing. A million times better than we had dreamed of! Everything was perfect!!

SWANSEA LIFE 45

BRIDE

WORDS OF

WISDOM!

Have some wedding day fun with your family and friends with these advice coasters. Add one to each table setting for guests to fill in their names and words of wisdom. Be sure to collect the coasters at the end of the night, £4.99 for 20; www. gingerray.co.uk

DATE for your DIARY On January 26, The Welsh National Wedding Fayre is visiting a new venue in Carmarthen – at Ffos Las Racecourse. Be inspired by a catwalk show, while you indulge in a glass of bubbly and meet local suppliers. Call 01792 635253 for more information.

THIS MONTH

WE LOVE Lisa Walsh rounds up some of her favourite products this month

MONSOON STYLE Monsoon has launched its new spring/summer bridal collection and the bohemian style flower girl dresses are quite simply adorable.

SWEET

SOMETHING BLUE

“Something olde, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe,” as the saying goes. Wearing blue on your wedding day is meant to symbolise love and fidelity and we really, really love these rhodium-plated earrings, £45, from Swarovski, for an elegant take on an age-old tradition.

TREAT

TOAST THE COUPLE

Why not give your younger guests a favour they’ll love. Buy some heart-shaped bowls like this one from Sainsbury’s, £4 each, and fill them with their favourite candy. Sweet gesture!

We love these Waterford True Love champagne glasses, which make a lovely gift for the bride and groom, £96, John Lewis, Cardiff.

Maid of Honour gift set, £29.99, gold mother of the bride clutch, £16.99 and mini pink flower girl pouch, £14.99; katieloxton.com

PERFECT POUCHES Get your bride tribe gifts sorted at Katie Loxton with some gorgeous pouch purses. From bridesmaids and flower girls to mother of the bride there’s a gorgeous clutch for everyone. There’s also an option of personalising with initials.

46 SWANSEA LIFE

dreamY gown

Chiffon dresses create a romantic, soft, billowing look, perfect for a breezy summer’s day. We love this Colette dress from Jenny Packham’s 2020 collection with its pretty white flowers cascading over a full skirt. What’s not to love? Jenny’s inspiration came from one of the world’s most romantic destinations – Paris.

USE YOUR HEAD! If a veil isn’t for you, a bold bridal hair accessory may be the way forward. Finish your wedding look with a Dune London Sparklee headband, from £25, and make a statement.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020 BRIDES! All brides who book their dresses in January will receive a voucher for ÂŁ250 off.

Call now to make an appointment and find the dress of your dreams!!!

Time-limited offer applies to any non-sale Stephanie Allin dress purchased during January 2020.

81 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: 01792 361 477 | www.stephanieallin.net

We offer a range of packages to suit every budget, Exclusive discounts for selected dates and we can cater to all guest numbers Use of our Grade 1 listed historic theatre for your Ceremony Plus get exclusive use of the venue where your guests can stay the night before/after your wedding at 50% discount*

Book our spectacular castle in beautiful surroundings, to make your dream wedding, the most beautiful wedding ever.

Please contact us for more information on our Fantastic Packages Our experienced wedding planners are on hand to talk you through your options

Phone:

01639 731167 weddinginformation@craigynoscastle.com

Brecon Rd, Pen-y-cae, Swansea SA9 1GL

Email: Website:

www.craigynoscastleweddings.com *subject to availability

Join us for our

Wedding Fayre

on Sunday, 19th January, 2020 11am-3pm Drinks and canapĂŠs on arrival

All-inclusive wedding packages from ÂŁ4,100

Norton House Hotel, Mumbles, SA3 5TQ | (01792) 404891 | www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk

Image courtesy of Pippa Carvall Photography

Your first ki has led to this ...

... a ‘Simply Chic’ weing AT THE PLOUGH £2,995

Intimate and elegant, celebrate your love in spectacular style. Our welcoming and relaxed approach to your Wedding makes sure it’s your day, in your own way.

The Plough Hotel Rhosmaen Llandeilo Carmarthenshire SA19 6NP | 01558 823431 | info@ploughrhosmaen.com www.ploughrhosmaen.com

FOOD & DRINK

Home

cooking with Gorseinon’s Sian Day A delicious recipe for January

BUDGET-FRIENDLY BUBBLES: 4 Brilliant bottles that won’t break the bank this new year

Want to pick up some great-value fizz?

Sam Wylie-Harris reveals her top finds.

Esprello Rosato, Italy (£7.50, SPAR, Swansea) Soft, fresh and fruity with classic summer berry notes, what’s not to love about these bellissimo pink bubbles, to pimp your party with an air of Italian finesse?

Vuestro By Luz & Bonito, Spain (£6, Co-op, West Cross)

This stylish sparkler, with its festive bauble label, has a Zork plastic cap that pops like a cork but can also be resealed. Not that fizz fanatics would dream of doing so - its citrus-edged, fruity freshness is deliciously quaffable and a steal at the price.

Corned beef pasties Flakey, golden pastry with a smooth but flavour full filling and so easy to make!

There’s something quite nostalgic about baking these wonderful savoury treats.

Once a staple in every Welsh miner’s lunch box, easy to eat and full of sustenance they would keep them going all day with plenty of protein carbs and veg.

Made in batches and once out of the oven and cooled slightly they seem to disappear quite rapidly in my house.

Despite being intended for lunch boxes, they tend to not get that far!

My grandmother would make these at least once a week. They would be eaten right away but she would also make them for functions, parties and summer picnics.

There are a number of variations for fillings. The Cornish have their traditional version as do the Welsh which usually comprise of lamb, suede, potatoes and onions with leeks. ingredients

4 large potatoes such as maris piper, peeled and cubed ■ 2 carrots peeled and sliced ■ 1 large onion sliced ■ 1 tsp thyme ■ Salt and pepper ■ 1 tin corned beef ■ 2 packets of ready rolled pastry or a batch of home made short crust.

■

Calvet Cremant de Bordeaux Brut, 2016,

France (£10, Tesco, Swansea Marina)

A cremant always shines bright, and this is a great all-rounder to have in the fridge door.

Made in the traditional method similar to cava and champagne, price-wise this is right on point, with its creamy, citrusy lemony aromas and fruity, fresh finish.

If you are making pastry Ingredients ■ ■

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut,

France (£12.49, Aldi, Llansamlet)

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a glass of champers, and Aldi’s perennial favourite with the judges now has another medal under its belt, having just scooped a Silver at the 2019 Drinks Business Champagne Masters. Ranked alongside more expensive and famous champagne brands, it has enough charm to please the palate of an angel.

■ ■

500g plain flour 125g butter 125g trex or lard 1 egg

Pulse in a food blender with a few tbls of cold water to combine. Roll out onto a floured work surface and cut around a saucer to make circles.

method

In a large saucepan place the potatoes, onion, carrots, thyme and salt and boil until veg is tender.

Strain off the liquid then add the corn beef. Give it a mash but not making it too smooth leaving a little texture.

Place a spoonful of the mixture into the centre of the pastry circles then brush one half of the pastry circle with a little milk or water and seal it up before crimping with either a fork or your thumb and finger.

Brush with a little beaten egg and bake in the centre of a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes until golden brown.

Allow to cool then eat and enjoy!

! t i t e p p a n o B

FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page siandaydream.wordpress.com or Tweet her @SianDay SWANSEA LIFE 51

FOOD & DRINK

E T S A W T DON’ YOUR !

S R E V O LEFT Waste not, want not - it’s is all about using things up

Many know Marcus Wareing best for his measured – often tough – critique on Masterchef: The Professions, delivered with those unnervingly steely blue eyes and leaving experienced chefs wishing they’d never dared serve the acclaimed restaurateur a panna cotta without the correct amount of wobble.

The 49-year-old has spent five years on the BBC show with Gregg Wallace and Monica Galetti. He’s just released his seventh book, runs three restaurants and, right now, he’s fired up.

“I cannot believe the amount of plastic waste we throw away as a family because of supermarkets. It’s insane. It drives me crazy. We have a massive, massive issue here and it really needs stopping and stamping out,” he declares.

And, he finds kitchen food waste just as intolerable an issue he’s tackling in his new cookbook, Marcus Everyday. “I hate waste. My father is a fruit and potato merchant, we never threw anything away. As a chef, you’re taught to look at produce, to nurture it, to store it well, and you don’t throw things away. That’s been If you want to throw less ingrained in me.” food away, this Tuscan-sty le bread salad recipe will make good use Wareing says he and his wife Jane “talk of old bits and bobs in you r fridge about it all the time” – about how best to avoid waste and what they can use up at Ing redients (serves 4) 300g fresh or stale from a carton; two garlicbread, cut into thick slices; six medium overrip home. “We don’t have money to waste,” says e tomatoes; 100ml tom cloves, finely grated; fou mustard; two tbsp capers ato juice r tbsp balsamic vine the chef. “I don’t, that’s for sure! And I’m olives, roughly chopped; in brine, plus 1tsp caper brine; one red onio gar; 100ml olive oil; one tsp Dijon n, half thin ly a bun slic ed; ch of bas 50g pitted kalamata certain a lot of people out there in the leaves roughly chopped; il, leaves roughly chopped; half a bunch of flat sea salt and freshly ground -leaf parsley, world don’t.” black pepper He acknowledges that it’s “easy for me Method (Prep time: 15 minutes, to say because I’m a chef, and it’s plus straining and soakin 1. g. Cooking time: 10 min If you ’re using fresh bread, prehea something I’m used to.” utes) t the oven to 170°C/150°C with baking parchment and fan/gas 4, line a baking tray His new recipes for less lay out the bread slices in one layer. Bake for 10 min 2. While the bread is bak food waste include this utes. ing, cut the tom then place them in a coland atoes into small wedges. Toss them in salt Tuscan-style er set over a bowl. Set asid e for 20 minutes, panzanella. reserving the juice the pla ce the tomatoes in a larg 4. Add the tomato juice, e bowl. the garlic, two tablespoon s of the balsamic vinegar and 50ml of the oliv e oil to the tomato juice in the bowl.

Mix together and season well with salt and pepper .

5. Cut the bread into 2cm dice and place in a shallow dish large enough to fit the bre ad in a single layer. Pour the tomato juice mix over the top and leave to sit for 20 minutes before mixing in the remaining balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Add the mustard and caper Marcus Everyday brine and season with salt and pepper.

by Marcus 6. Add the soaked bread, Wareing, red onion, capers, olives and herbs to the tom photography by atoes and gently mix together with the dre Susan Bell, priced ssing. Serve £20. Available now. immediately.

HOW TO MA E MARCUS WAREIK NG PANZANELLA ’S

52 SWANSEA LIFE

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Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd

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MUMBLES BRANCH 01792 739200 496 Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 4BX YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME Swansea Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register Number: 206066

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Stunning countryside & sea views with approx 1.8 acres. There is also an attached 2 bed annex which could be used as extra space or create additional income as a potential holiday let. The main house offers 2 beds, 2 receptions. Ample parking, large garden & large paddock. EPC E

Oakdale is an absolute joy of a family home which is tucked away and perfectly private. This beautiful detached family home has 4 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms and generous integrated triple garage. EPC D

Offers Over £699,950

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This 1920's home is finished to a very high standard & located among glorious countryside with has immaculate landscaped gardens & exquisite, panoramic countryside views. With approx 8 acres of grounds, paddocks and large barn (full planning for holiday accommodation). EPC E

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Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com

HOUSE & HOME

OPEN HOUSE Peter Slee steps inside a stylish real home in Swansea that could be yours...

58 SWANSEA LIFE

M

odern homes can sometimes seem to be empty and lifeless.

But that is certainly not the case with this wonderful Three Crosses property.

A fantastic, modern detached family home situated in the heart of the village well known for its community spirit and beautiful

views. This hidden gem also overlooks rolling hills, the Loughor Estuary and the village green.

You approach this four-bedroom property at 20A Joiners Road along a beautiful, inviting, stone driveway lined with sensor spot lighting and charming wooden cladding. This delightful modern property demonstrates contemporary architecture

throughout. The front of the home is a mixture of stone, Western Red Cedar cladding and render giving the house its unique look and charm. Step inside and it’s entrance/hallway is a lovely bright and airy space with light flooding down the staircase, making it feel especially welcoming.

SWANSEA LIFE 59

HOUSE & HOME

Fine & Country’s Beth Evans says that the impressive open plan lounge/kitchen/diner leading off from its main hallway is “ a glorious space to spend time with family and friends and is clearly the heart of the home.

The room has spotlights, touch panel lighting, a Sonos sound system and underfloor heating.

“Light pours in through the feature floor to ceiling bi-fold doors out to the garden, which are the full width of the rear of the property” she says.

“It also has an attractive cladded and spot-lit patio fitted roof canopy meaning bi-fold doors can be open no matter what the weather. You have beautiful views overlooking the garden, rolling hills and Loughor Estuary giving the space a fantastic sense of real peace and quiet!”

The thoroughly individual look which still manages to sit comfortably alongside contemporary furnishings makes the whole place a modern sanctuary.

Into the superb bright kitchen/diner which is an especially generous space with glass bi-folding doors leading out to the patio creating a very usable and sociable area. The area has wooden flooring again with under floor heating, a Sonos sound system, touch panel lighting, spotlights and an excellent range of storage behind the matte slate grey handleless units.

It also boasts a desirable island with a breakfast bar which seats two, perfect for sitting and chatting. And nearby, a sitting/TV room, seperate to the fabulous open plan spaces and offering up a large, tranquil room with light streaming in through the large window to the front of the property.

Upstairs, the ‘ wow’ look continues with the master bedroom a beautiful spacious, light and airy space with floor to ceiling bi-folding doors overlooking the Gower countryside 60 SWANSEA LIFE

and the Loughor Estuary. Step onto your very own private balcony through bi-folding doors with a glass balustrade allowing you to take full advantage of the view. The balcony houses a resin floor and the cladded, spot lit roof overhang allows you to enjoy the views even on those rainy days.

The property also offers up another three bedrooms, two with en-suite facilities and one with a welcoming private balcony.

Outside is a lovely private area perfect for entertaining with family and friends. A peaceful space overlooking those rolling hills, it also offers a patio area with a beautiful feature step made out of sleepers which leads you up to the lawn perfect to hang out with family and friends.

Interiors guru Sue Kirk says functionality and design always have to work together.

“And this light-filled, social house offers up exactly that,” she adds.

“It also feels very welcoming, and what can be better than that!”

THE DETAILS:

20A, Joiners Road, Three Crosses Four bedroomed detached house Asking price: £599,950 Agents: Fine & Country, Mumbles: T: 01792 293107

SWANSEA LIFE 61

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

STAYM WAR THIS WINTER Our top10 tips to stay warm and save money

W

hen the weather outside is frightful, it may take more than a fire to make your interiors delightful. The long winter nights are well and truly here, but these simple seasonal switches will help keep your house homely after the Christmas decorations are put away.

1. Keep your curtains closed Curtains aren’t exactly airtight, but even the loosest layer of fabric can make a remarkable difference when it comes to keeping out the cold. Closing your curtains limits heat loss.

Your boiler will thank you and therefore, so will your heating bill.

2. Draught-proof doors and windows For windows that open, use selfadhesive strips to seal up any gaps around the frame, and use a soft, silicone sealant for windows that stay closed. Doors can be given similar treatment, but for floor level openings, it may be simpler to employ an old-fashioned, sausage dog draught excluder.

3. Install foil behind your radiators If you have radiators fixed to external walls, slide a layer of tin foil between wall and unit to reflect as much heat as possible back into the room. Pick up special heat reflector aluminium foil to maximise retention, and remember that hanging clothes on a radiator forces it to work twice as hard.

66 SWANSEA LIFE

4. Insulate everything (but mostly your plumbing) There’s not much you can’t insulate these days, but plumbing should always be your first port of call. Exposed pipes can be snugged up with slip-on foam tubing, while boilers and water tanks can be easily dressed with jackets.

A jacket costs £15-20 and will slash your winter energy bills by reducing heat loss.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, it should pay for itself in about three months.

Wall, floor, and loft insulation are similarly worthy projects.

5. Use a thermostat to regulate your heating Even if you’re a card-carrying technophobe who thinks Alexa is basically Skynet, it’s worth stretching a point for a modern, programmable thermostat.

The in built timer will allow you to schedule your home’s heating, so it powers down when you go out, and turns on automatically on your return – a boon for your living room, the environment, and your bank account.

6. Service your boiler Picture the scene: You crawl out of bed on a frosty Monday morning, and amble to the bathroom for a shower, only to be deluged by the domestic equivalent of the Ice Bucket Challenge. You do not want your boiler giving out in early February.

Check the pressure (it should be at around one bar), and ideally get your unit serviced every autumn.

7. Clean out your gutters Gutter-clearing is not a glamorous occupation, but fallen leaves and sticks can easily result in a clog, and the ensuing build-up of rainwater can cause damp to seep into your walls. Get the ladder out, strap your gloves on, and prepare to get dirty.

8. Paper over cracks To stop wet, wind, and, in some cases, heat-seeking rodents from sneaking into your home uninvited, use foam adhesive and caulk to plug gaps in walls and skirting boards. High quality sealants are easy to peel off if you make a mistake, but once hardened should hold firm for many years.

9. Keep the slush away from your door When you cross the threshold, you don’t want winter coming with you, and if you don’t have a mudroom, you’re going to have to tackle the weather head-on. A roughtextured doormat will help shed mud and gunk from your shoes, a boot scraper is a must in rural environments, and a plastic boot tray should protect your indoor floor.

10. Snug up!

At the end of the day, nothing cosies up a long winter evening like traditional home comforts and hygge. Pile on the blankets, set a fire going, brew some hot cocoa, and throw on some Dean Martin. Bliss.

Cushion, £30; Oliver Bonas

Mirror, £49.99; Homesense

Grey star single bed set, £12 (also available in double for £22.99 and king size for £26.99); Argos Home Plate, £3.99; H&M

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struck Give your home a celestial makeover with this season’s latest trend

Artsy Doormats star door mat, £24.95; Cuckooland

Coaster, £3.99, TK Maxx

Notebook, £6; John Lewis Bright Stars small Old Bowl, £18.95; Emma Bridgewater

Photo frame, £20; Monsoon

Star decorations, from £29.50; chair, £395; all Oliver Bonas

SWANSEA LIFE 67

GREAT WINTER SALE NOW ON!

Gorseinon Road, Swansea SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 893121 | www.homestoreinteriors.co.uk

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TREND SETTERS LESLEY TAYLOR ON THE INTERIOR TRENDS SET TO WOW US IN 2020 It’s that time of year. The Christmas decorations have been taken down and packed away, the festivities are well and truly over and the home is looking well, a little lacklustre.

If that’s the case in your abode, I’m here to inspire you with some fabulous interior trends heading our way.

From bold colours to sumptuous textiles, there is something for every home, whatever interior style you love.

Just take heed of my golden style rule, don’t adopt these trends simply because they are in fashion. Use them as inspiration to help hone your own sense of style. If you go with what you love, you won’t go far wrong – leaving you with a stunning home to enjoy throughout 2020.

Winter is well and truly here which means our priority right now is about making the home as cosy as we can.

With a move towards sustainability, 2020 is all about creating a warming home with investment pieces that will last.

So instead of throwaway throws and cheap treats, it’s about buying the best your budget will allow, something you fall in love with and will want to treasure season upon season be it a beautiful candle holder, a rug that covers your entire living area or a much-lusted after pair of made-to-measure curtains. This is a look that you build over time, adding key pieces as and when you find them.

In terms of colour, there is one colour everyone is talking about right now and it’s a classic – quite literally.

A few weeks ago, Classic Blue was named Colour of the Year 2020 by American colour experts Pantone. Which

74 SWANSEA LIFE

means we can expect to see it everywhere – from paint and wallpaper through to soft furnishings and accessories.

The dark and brooding hue is said to invoke a sense of stability and calm, and is in complete contrast to last year’s bright and bold Living Coral.

It is a glorious shade and one that looks fabulous when used in the home.

Personally, I think Classic Blue is looks best when used big, so I would go all out using this across your walls.

Combine with golden accessories, such as picture frames and lamps, for light and contrast.If you’re not quite brave enough to go quite that bold, consider updating your cushions and perhaps incorporate a throw in living areas, after all, texture is going to be huge in 2020.

*Lesley Taylor is a full member of the British Institute of Interior Design. She is the author of 10 books on Interior design and has been a regular contributor on many network interior design programmes. She is lead designer at EDIT Home and Design in Mumbles.

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#7.9% APR REPRESENTATIVE Finance is subject to status, conditions apply. Credit is provided by Hitachi Consumer Finance, a trading style of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC and Leekes Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Qualifying spend, minimum and maximum loan amount applies. ‡Checked 13th ■ December 2019.✝Terms and conditions apply. Ask in store for details. Discount applies to doored cabinets only. Excludes decorative items such as plinths, pelmets and panels, ex-display and clearance lines. Varies according to range.

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Your Bathroom Find the perfect bathroom for you from our extensive collections from Leading Brands – whether you’re looking for a family bathroom or a luxury en-suite, we have over 50 bathrooms on display in store.

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Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU

Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk

#7.9% APR REPRESENTATIVE Finance is subject to status, conditions apply. Credit is provided by Hitachi Consumer Finance, a trading style of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC and Leekes Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Qualifying spend, minimum and maximum loan amount applies.‡Checked 13th • December 2019. Based on customer satisfaction survey from October 2019.

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Plan for your future Contact us for your free initial consultation – Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys We understand Wills and LPA’s are not at the top of everyone’s ‘to do’ list.

To help you, we are offering a free consultation for 30 minutes with an Estate and Trusts Solicitor, based in our Mumbles Office. During your consultation, we can determine your options and the most suitable solution. Please feel free to call in to our office to book an appointment, or alternatively, your consultation can be over the phone.

We look forward to hearing from you!

To Swansea

Oystermouth Castle

B4593 Newton Road

67 A40

et tre el S ap Ch

reet Stanley St

Underhill Park

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d Roa les mb Mu

Oystermouth Primary School

Amy Cooper-Davies SOLICITOR Email: alc@djm.law.co.uk

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Chelston House, 103 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: 01792 304090

HOUSE & HOME

Great ways to transform your garden this new year With Joseph Atkin, head gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire

As the Christmas festivities come to an end, our attentions return to the garden with thoughts of how we add interest for January which is a particularly tricky month. Today, there is a wonderful range of plants you can grow for this tricky time. Hellebores, snowdrops, witch hazel and cyclamen are all good subjects, but there are many more to think about too

Clivia miniata The conservatory, windowsill or glasshouse are great places to grow plants for midwinter interest and they can be enjoyed without braving the weather. Clivia flower through the winter and make quite a spectacle.

Miniata is the most common, but there are many other types that are worth growing.

They are long lived, hardy to near freezing and require very little care other than an annual feed and occasional watering. They also have a wonderful quality, being able to cope with large amounts of shade which is always handy indoors. The large strap-shaped leaves are evergreen and work well with other plants. The flowers are usually spectacular heads of orange or yellow held on stout stems lasting for nearly two months.

We grow a great number of these at Aberglasney and find them to be the best indoor winter flowering plant. n Height = 50cm n Spread = 50cm eventually n Position/aspect = under cover in the winter but can go outside in a sheltered spot in the summer n Soil = Any good potting compost n Pest and diseases = No real problems n Style = Conservatory, windowsill, glasshouse or even as a house plant. They also work well permanently planted in a conservatory.

82 SWANSEA LIFE

Narcissus ‘Cedric Morris’

Crocus tomasinianus Crocus are generally February/Marchflowering, but the wild crocus will come into flower at the end of January. We find they work well naturalised in grass or even lawns especially in sunny dry areas or under trees where the grass struggles. The lavender purple flowers suddenly appear like stars which are followed by the leaves a few weeks later. They last for nearly a month and die down very quickly.

Dying down quickly can be an advantage in the border, as it allows other plants to grow through and cover any messy leaves. If your growing them in as border they need to be planted quite deep (about 5cm) but in grass just below the turf is fine. We also find growing them in large numbers to make drifts works well. If you’re lucky they will naturalise by themselves. n Height = 20cm n Spread = 5cm (per bulb) n Position/aspect = Any sunny or dry position n Soil = Dry free draining n Pest and diseases = Mice can be a problem in borders but not in grass n Style = Pots, naturalised meadows, under trees, rock garden, herbaceous borders.

This really is a special plant and not something you see very often, but well worth growing if you can find it. This is a small daffodil which has a rather uncertain history, but is generally thought to come from the high mountains of Spain.

Many of the daffodils that come from these areas are winter flowering and that is certainly the case with Cedric Morris as it comes into flower before Christmas and keeps going until March. It is a small variety with delicate nodding yellow flowers that are very dainty. The leaves are narrow, and it is very slow growing which can be an excellent quality in a smaller home garden. We grow more than 500 varieties of daffodil at Aberglasney but Cedric Morris must be one of the very best we know of. n Height = 20cm n Spread = 10cm n Position/aspect = Sun or shade but not too close to bigger plants n Soil = Any free draining n Pest and diseases = No problems n Style = Woodland, rock garden, pots, herbaceous border, raised border or any small spaces.

: 01685 874599

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: 01269 592383

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HOMES

How to create a

calm & tranquil

HOME

Yearning to turn your rooms into soothing havens? Gabrielle Fagan asks The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker for her secrets...

The living room at Chrissie Rucker’s London home, which features in her book, For The Love Of White: The White & Neutral Home, published by Mitchell

T

here’s a magical, calming quality to white and neutral spaces,” declares Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company.

It’s been 25 years since Ms Rucker created her business, which has become a hugely successful go-to destination based on that very philosophy.

Marking the brand’s milestone ÏÏLinen union scatter cushion; £45 anniversary, her enduring passion for “I think that’s become more white is celebrated in her new book, For important now than ever, given the The Love Of White: The White & Neutral pace of life, work and all the pressures Home.

In it, Ms Rucker reveals her own ÏÏ Mercury large that we have to deal with,” said Ms homes, shared with her husband and table lamp; £180 Rucker. “We all need an escape and a place to feel calm and relaxed. That’s their four children, as well as a host of why white works so well for me, and other beautiful examples, which she that was also how The White Company describes as “real homes that are not just started – offering all the essentials for living wonderfully white and neutral but also full of with white.” character, personality and individuality.”

White, she points out: “works with the old The current stressful times we’re living in and with the new, with antiques and modern she says make creating calm, tranquil pieces, so it becomes timeless. cossetting spaces even more vital.

84 SWANSEA LIFE

ÏÏMercury hanging tea lights; £25

“It brings all the details of a room to life and then becomes this perfect canvas for all the layers that you want to add – the furniture, fabrics, art, books and little treasures. ✱✱Be inspired by Chrissie’s colour palette and conjure a peaceful corner at home with some of these key pieces from The White Company... ÐÐThe winter collection home fragrance, from £8, with notes of cinnamon and clove and a dash of fresh orange

sale winter

Garngoch, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9WF Tel: 01792 892381

now on

Mwyndy Cross, Llantrisant, Cardiff, CF72 8PN Tel: 01443 222929

www.arthurllewellynjenkins.co.uk

Hampton 2 Seater Manual Recliner (Fabric) Armchair (Leather)

Elliot 3 Seater Sofa in Leather

Stressless Sofas serve several different purposes. Some are for lounging, reading or watching television, others are for making guests feel at home or for enjoying lazy afternoons.

That’s why all Stressless sofas are available in both highback and low-back options with individually adjusting seats.

Tokyo Chair

Stella Corner Group

Stella Paloma Sofa & Tokyo Chair

Lowry 2 Seater & Snuggler

Collections by

& many more Langdale Kingsize 2 drawer Divan Set Sale price ÂŁ660

Grasmere Kingsize 2 drawer Divan Set Sale price ÂŁ615

Treviso

sale winter

Garngoch, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9WF Tel: 01792 892381

now on

Mwyndy Cross, Llantrisant, Cardiff, CF72 8PN Tel: 01443 222929

www.arthurllewellynjenkins.co.uk

RATED 4.9 / 5

Find your dream kitchen in The Big Winter Sale.

Proudly manufacturing Award Winning Kitchens in Wales since 1975.

Visit sigma3.co.uk to find out about our latest offers, order a copy of our brochure or book an appointment to meet a designer.

SIGMA 3 SWANSEA 2 Mannesman Close, Llansamlet Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9AH Call us: 01792 790088 | Email us: swansea@sigma3.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

ÏÏLifetime kids low luxury bed, £645; Cuckooland.com

Cool stuff for kids

t a h w k Loo d! we foun ÏÏPicris cartoon cats wallpaper, £12, B&Q, Parc Morfa

92 SWANSEA LIFE

Time to update your little one's bedroom?

Give it lasting style and a fun feel with pastels, pale woods and cutesy designs...

ÏÏPeter Rabbit Flopsy toy, £24; Marks and Spencer, Swansea

ÏÏLightweight throw 125 x 150cm, grey, £10; Wilko, Swansea

ÏÏPom pom basket, £20; Debenhams, Swansea

ÏÏWhite rabbit children's lamp, £55; John Lewis, Cardiff ÐÐPersonalised LED unicorn light by thelittleboysroom; notonthehighstreet; £29.95

ÍÍParty animals storage tub, £2.50; Sainsbury’s Home, Swansea

ÏÏElephant toy, £16.99; HomeSense, Parc Fforestfach

ÏÏHastings ivory single wardrobe ; from a range at Marks and Spencer, Swansea

ÏÏSen abstract rug, £125; Next, Swansea

ÏÏRound knitted pouffe, £99.99; HomeSense, Parc Fforestfach

SWANSEA LIFE 93

Take your home on a journey in

Add a great new living space Sale starts 27th December

Must end 31st January 3 years Interest Free FREEPHONE 0800 808 3224

www.securahome.co.uk Unit C1 Kestrel Way | Garngoch Ind Est Gorseinon | Swansea | SA4 9WN

See website for opening times

HOUSE & HOME Checked rugs, from £20; National Trust Shop

ÎÎLampshade, from £25; base, £40; both Next

ÏÏPurple check chair £199; M&S

Choose tartan in warm fabrics such as brushed cotton and wool for a cosy feel this winter

OUT

ÏÏChair, £129; Dunelm

ÏÏDoorstop, £4.99; British Heart Foundation ÍÍCranbourne check steel throw; £90 and cushion, £45; Laura Ashley

ÐÐPillowcases, £5 for two; Matalan

ÏÏBowl, £10; George at Asda

ÎÎBlue wool blanket, £49.99; Tweedmill.com ÐÐEyemask, £7.50; White Stuff

ÎÎMulticoloured throw, £65; Habitat

ÎÎOven gloves, £12, M&Co

ÍÍElliot tartan notebook, £10; Waverley at Waterstones

SWANSEA LIFE 95

HOUSE & HOME

ÏÏConcrete floor lamp £45; George, Asda ÍÍCoasters, £12 for four; Made

ÎÎBird ornament, £20; Habitat ÍÍQuinn concrete round wall clock, £40; Cult Furniture

ÏÏLips concrete base neon sign, £55; Oliver Bonas

ÏÏHeartshaped candle, £4, Wilko

Concrete jungle From colourful terrazzo to cool grey, this building material is bang on trend to give your home an industrial feel

ÎÎCandle holder, £10; Sainsbury’s Home

ÏÏCandle holders with concrete base (set of two) £45; Very

Concrete-effect desk, £90; lamp, £25, both Argos

ÏÏModern floor lamp in concrete, £145; Cuckooland ÎÎDoorstop, £20; Garden Trading ÏÏMini planter, £12; Next

96 SWANSEA LIFE

ÍÍHebe industrial style pendant in natural concrete, £59; Swoon

ÏÏConcrete effect side table, £89; British Heart Foundation ÐÐChopping board, £18; French Connection

ÎÎCushions, from £12; round shelf, £25; floor lamp, £50; shelves, similar from £100; rugs, from £25; sofa bed, £299.99; footstool, £149.99, all Argos ÐÐSide table, £29.99; HomeSense

ÍÍPluto table Lamp in concrete and brass, £79; Swoon

ÍÍConcrete resin elephant, £6; Dunelm in store Februaury ÐÐSoap dish, £10; John Lewis

SWANSEA LIFE 97

MOTORING

£1.75m Volvo investment under way in Swansea

W

ork has begun on a multimillion pound refurbishment for a Welsh Volvo dealer.

The new showroom, on Valley Way, Swansea, for FRF Volvo Swansea, represents an investment of £1.75m to improve facilities for customers and the new generation of cars coming through.

FRF Volvo Swansea’s new site will feature Volvo’s signature large lounge area, complete with scandi-style furniture and Swedish cakes and coffee.

Large panoramic glass walls will allow customers to see all activity in the new workshops from the comfort of the lounge, where they can enjoy a Swedish ‘fika’ coffee 98 SWANSEA LIFE

break and free wi-fi.

As well as relocating, the Swansea-based retailer is also expanding with a larger showroom, including a greater display of Approved Used Volvo Selekt models on the forecourt and increased customer parking.

FRF Volvo Swansea will also be offering the Volvo Personal Service, which means that technicians will liaise with the customer from the point of booking, right through to explaining the services – which the technicians themselves will have carried out.

Two personal service technicians work together on each car, reducing waiting times for customers.

Dominic Hall, sales manager at FRF

Volvo Swansea, said: “We are delighted work has begun on the new site in Swansea, not least because this impressive development reflects our commitment to improving customer experiences and efficiency.

“This investment isn’t just about a change of furniture, it’s designed to make our customers feel relaxed and at ease in an environment that provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas.

“The launch of our new Volvo Personal Service will help to connect our customers with their technicians, for a smooth and efficient experience. Our focus is always on putting the customer first and also giving them a high-quality service, so we can’t wait for the completion.”

The Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine At FRF Volvo

Our plug-in hybrid compact SUV available to order now Improved efficiency, lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint for your business.

Get all of this with the first plug-in hybrid version of our multi award winning compact SUV. The XC40 T5 Twin engine - now available to order, with deliveries beginning in January 2020.

Discover everything it can offer and explore our full range of hybrids.

The Volvo Centre

Valley Way, Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA6 8QP

Call 01792 310999

MOTORING

New Juke to continue Nissan success

I

t’s a Marmite car in every way but for the past nine years the Juke has been a soar away success for Nissan, writes Chris Russon.

More than one million have been built at the Japanese car maker’s UK factory in Sunderland and of those more than a quarter have been sold in Britain.

There’s a new Juke on the way – the second generation of the pioneer of the compact crossover craze has hit the streets.

It’s still radically styled – no-one can miss a Juke on the road – bigger than before and priced from £17,395 it is slightly more expensive.

Only one engine is available in the new model and that is a three cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol developing 117ps. There is no diesel nor four-wheel-drive option.

What is new is a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission available on all but that basic model and priced from £20,395.

The range tops out at £25,395 for a Premiere Edition model, complete with the DCT transmission.

The whole of the line up comes with a six-speed manual box and fuel economy is rated at 47.9mpg at best for that version and 46.3 for the DCT. Emissions are 112 and 110g/km respectively, giving the manual Juke a benefit in kind tax rating of 26% for business users and an annual road tax bill of £150.

The new Juke has retained its distinctive looks – love them or loathe them – but now comes with LED headlights, a fresh treatment for the grille and a chiselled front air dam.

The wheelbase is more than four inches longer than before and the car has grown 100 SWANSEA LIFE

some three inches in length, creating extra room inside and a bigger boot.

Rear legroom is up by more than two inches and luggage capacity has grown by 20% to 422 litres, with a movable boot floor for added flexibility.

Inside, the Juke has kept its funky feel and on the top-grade model it is possible to specify two-tone trim finishes including a bright orange treatment.

The transmission tunnel is still a major feature at the front of the cabin, but instead of taking on the look of a motorcycle fuel tank as before, the design is a little more conservative with soft-touch finishes.

The central display touchscreen is larger at eight inches, while the instrument panel has also been restyled and incorporates an information screen between the dials.

On the road, the Juke has lost some of its dynamism, but is still good to drive and can manage 0 to 60 in 10.4 seconds with a top speed of 112mph.

The manual was the pick of the two powertrains returning a splendid average of 54 to the gallon on our run, compared to the 35mpg for the DCT version which seemed to be a little reluctant at low revs unless the paddle shifters were brought into play to extend lower gear time.

Overall, it makes a fist of the job but at motorway speeds there is noticeable wind noise from around the door mirrors which are positioned in such a way to cause a slight blind spot for shorter drivers.

On the technology front, Nissan has used plenty of kit to make the Juke the most

connected car it has created so far and the new model is fully smartphone compatible, will have full Internet connectivity and on higher grade models there is a Bose sound system with eight speakers for a full surround-sound experience.

On the safety front, the Juke comes with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning as standard while the likes of blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alerts and traffic sign recognition were fitted to the cars we tried.

There is also a 360-degree camera set up to help manoeuvring and Nissan’s semiautonomous ProPilot drive system is available on automatic versions – a handy feature either in traffic or when cruising.

For Nissan the Juke has always been about trend in motion and its customer base is relatively young.

The new model is still British to the core – it’s designed in London and engineered in Bedfordshire as well as being built in the north east – and looks set to continue the success for Nissan on the crossover scene.

The Next Generation Nissan Juke Will be at our showroom at the end of November

Join us at Bassetts Nissan Swansea Test drive or order the New Generation Nissan Juke.

BASSETTS SWANSEA 01792 310800 | www.bassettsgroup.co.uk/ Neath Rd, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6JE

MOTORING

New Korando has mighty ambitions Y

ou can’t argue with SsangYong’s ambition, writes Ian Donaldon, fuelled by cars like the latest version of its Korando medium-sized SUV. This year the UK arm of the South Korean car maker expected to sell around 3,500 cars, with the Korando top of the pile. It makes a convincing case for at least a stroll to your nearest SsangYong dealer if you have ‘smallish SUV’ on your shopping list.

It’s not a competitor for something with a posh German badge on the boot (and costs a lot less anyway) but is aimed at something lower down the automotive pecking order and perhaps called Kadjar (Renault), Tucson (Hyundai) or Sportage (Kia).

Nicely priced too, starting at £19,995 for an ELX, a grand more than before but for a better equipped car, with 1.5-litre petrol engine, manual transmission and frontwheel drive and a goodies count that includes alloys and cruise control.

SsangYong doesn’t reckon to shift many of

102 SWANSEA LIFE

them, confidently expecting the furthest reach of the price list to do the heavy lifting with the Ultimate range that starts at £26,495 for a 1.5-litre 161bhp petrol two-wheel-drive (2WD) manual and tops out with a 1.6-litre 134bhp diesel automatic and all-wheel drive at £31,995.

In a necessary nod at the need for lower tailpipe emissions the new diesel is dramatically downsized, from the old 2.2-litre unit and produces a bit less power.

The caravan-towing Korando prospective purchaser – a frequent visitor to SsangYong showrooms – should be reassured that the new one tows the same 2.0 tonnes as before, while using less fuel.

The new smaller diesel measures an official 48.7mpg average for the two-wheel drive model and 43.5mpg with four-wheeldrive (4WD) and 152g/km and 171g/km of CO2 respectively.

Slipping into a bells and whistles Ultimate diesel, first impressions are of a neat cockpit

with a distinctly European feel.

There’s plenty of space up front, and room in the rear for a six-footer to sit behind himself (if you follow the logic) and there’s a useful boot too, with 407 litres of load space with the rear seats upright (1,104 litres with them folded) in lesser Korandos with a confidence-inspiring space saver spare wheel on board and still more (551/1,248 litres) in the Ultimate which ditches the spare in favour of a can of repair gloop.

You won’t lack for goodies with leather trim, heated front seats, dual zone air con, 19-inch diamond cut alloys, 9-inch touchscreen with TomTom navigation, DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, power tailgate on auto models,LED headlights and a suite of safety features.

The clincher might be the extremely generous warranty, all of seven years or 150,000 miles.

Take that, all those three years/60,000 mile meanies out there.

The Honda Jazz is a car of contradictions T

he perception has for years been one of little old ladies and sedate suburban driving, the reality is something rather different, writes Mike Torpey.

In fact you could make a strong argument to suggest that the blue-rinse brigade are the last group of people you would expect to find in a model as jazzy as the new Jazz.

Sleek, swept back and road-hugging, it looks like a proper driver’s car and even if the performance figures and throaty soundtrack aren’t there you could be fooled into thinking there was some seismic activity going on beneath the bonnet.

Of course our tested model, the Jazz 1.5 i-VTEC petrol variant in top spec Sport Navi trim, goes the whole hog with its coollooking Berlina black alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.

It has got as much safety, technology and entertainment kit as you could realistically cope with too, plus an engine that’s new to the Jazz if not Honda.

It’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit from the Japanese brand’s Earth Dreams shelf and while 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds isn’t going to break any acceleration records, it does actually give an impression of speed when driven enthusiastically.

Handling around country lanes is quite taut as well, the damping is satisfactory over broken surfaces and most folk won’t grumble at the average fuel return of 47.9mpg – realistically closer to 42mpg.

As for transmission, a CVT automatic gearbox is available but the standard six-speed manual is the one to go for.

Various rivals may make claims about class-leading cabin space and how they boast the Tardis factor, but the Jazz remains the player that calls the tune – courtesy of its roominess and versatility.

It comfortably seats five adults with ample room in the boot, while the company’s Magic Seats allow the driver to create extra load space just by folding them

down or flipping them up in a single movement.

So much so that there are four modes – Utility, Tall, Long and Refresh.

The amount of safety gear is reassuring too, with the likes of autonomous braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and high-beam support all present.

As the name Sport Navi suggests there’s Garmin navigation as part of an internetenabled infotainment set-up along with seven-inch touchscreen with Honda Connect.

The latter has an app-based interface you can pinch, swipe and tap like on a smartphone and gives access to web browsing, traffic info, news, weather, social media and internet music stations.

It adds up to a smart and sophisticated small car – prices aren’t cheap but the quality, reliability and refinement are all there in a supermini with a real touch of class.

Jazz Range from £165 a month £165 deposit

Civic Range from £245 a month £245 deposit

HR-V Range from £259 a month £259 deposit

Service PlanS available

SavingS of uP to £5,800

call now for Huge SavingS

baSSett HonDa, Valley Way, The Enterprise Park, Swansea SA6 8QX Call 01792 310700 or visit www.honda.wales SWANSEA LIFE 103

MOTORING

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

the all-new peugeot 208: the power of choice

T

he all-new 208 is the first vehicle to fulfil PEUGEOT’s new philosophy of the power of choice i.e. ‘choose your PEUGEOT, choose your powertrain’.

Featuring the choice of diesel, petrol or all-electric powertrains, the all-new 208 and e-208 will be available in Active, Allure and GT Line trim levels. The zero-emission e-208 is also available in range-topping GT trim.

Standard equipment includes the new PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a compact multifunction steering wheel, configurable head-up display, either a 7” or 10” HD colour touchscreen (according to version) and seven satin chrome ‘piano’ toggle switches.

The interior environment can also be personalised with a choice of eight LED mood lighting colours. All driving information can be easily accessed through the all-new PEUGEOT 208 3D i-Cockpit®cluster which is a unique system that projects all the information on different layers giving you outstanding 3D effect.

Also available is PEUGEOT Connect SOS and Assistance, programmable Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Mirror

Screen® with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto and MirrorLink®. Bringing sharp design, an instinctive driving experience, uncompromising quality and class-leading levels of technology to the superminisegment, the all-new PEUGEOT 208 gives customers a comprehensive choice of powertrains to suit their needs.

support rapid charging up to 100kWh, with an 80% charge taking just 30 minutes. The e-208 also features unique styling cues to set the electric model apart, including a body coloured chequered front grille, a bespoke ‘e’ monogram on the C-pillar and a dichroic Lion, which changes colour from different angles.

PEUGEOT’s first new generation, 100% electric vehicle, the e-208 uses a 50kWh battery and 136hp electric motor to provide a 211 mile range from a full charge under the WLTP testing.

PEUGEOT recommend using a wallbox charger, so the all-new e-208 comes with a Mode 3 Type 2 cable as standard, which will charge the vehicle in 7.5 hours with a 7kW charging point. PEUGEOT customers can also download the MyPeugeot app, which will allow them to manage their vehicle charge remotely, precondition the temperature of the vehicle and receive ‘e-Coaching’ on how to benefit most from their vehicle. PEUGEOT will provide a ‘Charging Pass’ to their customers which enables them to access certain UK public charging points through a free subscription for an introductory period.

The all-new e-208 is also available exclusively in range-topping GT trim. Priced at £29,650*, the GT models feature fully automated parking assistance, adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Positioning Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring. Inside, GT models come with grey Alcantara® leather trim, heated front seats, and PEUGEOT 3D i-Cockpit® with a larger 10-inch capacitive colour touchscreen and Connected 3D Navigation.

All e-208 models come with three driving modes – Sport, Normal and Eco – and

To find out more about the all-new Peugeot 208 and e-208, visit your nearest Day’s Peugeot branch, or call us on 01792 616000.

104 SWANSEA LIFE

*Prices for the e-208 are after the £3,500 Plug-In Car Grant, subject to the model being approved

ALL-NEW PEUGEOT e-208 FULL ELECTRIC UNBORING THE FUTURE

PEUGEOT 3D i-Cockpit UP TO 217 MILE RANGE (WLTP)* RAPID CHARGE 80% IN 30 MINUTES^

ALL-NEW PEUGEOT e-208 AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW AT DAY’S PEUGEOT

Motor Group www.days.co.uk

facebook.com/dayspeugeot

Beaufort Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 8HR

01792 616000 Official range figures for all the all-new PEUGEOT e-208 range are combined 217 – 194 miles. *WLTP cycle, 2019 standard, corresponding to 211 miles WLTP. The fuel consumption or electric range you achieve, and CO2 produced (where applicate), in real world conditions will depend upon a number of factors: including the accessories fitted (post-registration), the starting charge of the battery (electric only), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. The all-new e-208 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. There is a new test (WLTP*) for fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures. The estimated electric range and CO2 figures are achieved using a new test procedure. The CO2 figures shown are NEDC equivalent, calculated using EC correlation too which converts WLTP figures to NEDCeq** figures and will be used to calculate tax for first registration. Figures shown are for comparability purposes, you should only compare fuel consumptions and CO2 and electric range with other vehicles tested using the same technical standard. *WLTP – Worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure. **NEQCeq – New European Driving Cycle. ^80% charge in 30 minutes at 100Kq DC rapid charge station with CCS connector. The charging time may vary according to the type and power of the charging station, the outside temperature at the charging point and the battery temperature. Model shown in all-new PEUGEOT e208 GT Electric 50kWh 136 in optional Vertigo Blue paint.

CAR TYRES

CAR BATTERIES

EXHAUSTS

SERVICING

DIAGNOSTICS

SUSPENSION

BRAKES

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Your local, full service garage Here at Phelps & Williams we do a lot more than just fit tyres! We specialise in car tyres, batteries and exhaust fitting and repair but we also cover all of your car servicing and diagnostic needs.

Whether you are in need of tyres, an MOT or a quick inspection, we can help!

We have over 35 years experience and are all fully qualified mechanics.

Carl, Andrew and Everyone at Phelps & Williams wish all their customers a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Beaufort Rd, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8JG Opening: 8.00 - 5.30 Mon - Fri, 8-1 pm Sat, 9-1pm Sun

01792 701 961

www.phelpsandwilliams.co.uk

The Wheel Specialist ALLOY WHEEL REFURBISHMENT & CUSTOMISATION

25% OFF

FULL SETS BOOKED IN DECEMBER & JANUARY

HE Wheel Specialist has redefined the wheel refurbishment industry with over 30 years’ experience making us the largest wheel refurbishment and customisation business in the UK, with 27 branches covering England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, having built an enviable reputation serving both private vehicle owners and trade customers.

T

We follow precise routines and processes that have been developed over the years, building teams of highly motivated and technically proficient technicians who manage every element of the process with quality and precision at every stage.

We have invested heavily in state of the art equipment and products to ensure that your wheels meet the exacting standards we set ourselves, delivering wheels that you will be proud to have on your vehicle.

We are experts having invested in state of the art Diamond Cutting CNC lathes to ensure we keep up with the industry now fitting Diamond Cut wheels to prestige and standard vehicles.

In most cases your wheels will be stripped of existing coatings, damage removed and wheels carefully hand prepared for the three coating stages, starting with powder coat primers to protect the alloy, wet spray your colour choice or the original OEM colour, finished with a powder coat lacquer which is both hard and durable, making you wheels very easy to keep clean and looking their best for years to come.

Llansamlet in the heart of the Swansea Vale area within easy reach of Junction 45 or 44 and 2 minutes from ASDA Superstore in Morriston.

We are unique within the industry having perfected our processes to deliver the one day turnaround for standard finished wheels and two days for Diamond Cut wheels which our competitors aspire too, but have yet to achieve.

Thank you

We are ideally placed in

Mark Allcott

01792 700 110

It matters not if you drive a Fiesta or Ferrari, Beetle or Bentley your wheels will be refurbished or customised to the same exacting standards.

If your wheels are not looking their best and would like a quotation, please pop into the showroom or give me a call.

t o c l l A k r a M

Ashmount Business Park (Unit 9B), Upper Fforest Way, Swansea Enterprise Zone, Swansea, SA6 8QR

y r a u n Ja

WHAT’S ON

Seven GOOD THINGS TO DO waterfront WinteRLAND WHERE? Museum Green, Swansea WHEN? Until January 5 Yes, we know it’s almost time to put those Christmas deccies away already, but if you haven’t yet called in, there is still just time to check out Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland which runs until early January.

Its attractions include brand-new features such as the Alpine Bar; seeing Swansea from the skies from its 33m Observation Wheel or its funfair. There’s also an undercover ice-rink and plenty of stalls offering food and drink in all its guises.

DAVID BADDIEL WHERE? Grand Theatre, Swansea WHEN? January 24 Following his five-star Olivier-nominated hit My Family: Not The Sitcom and the return to number 1 of his seminal football anthem Three Lions, David Baddiel comes back to the stage with a brand new one-man show, Trolls: Not The Dolls.

This is a show about how we live today! It is also one that bubbles with love and unexpected joie de vivre.

Baddiel has stories to tell, of the dark, terrible and hysterically absurd cyber-paths that interacting with trolls has led him down.

Hugely funny and compelling!

TICKETS: 01792 475715

SWANSEA ARTISTS exhibit in city show WHERE? Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea WHEN? Until February 23 More than 200 Swansea artists are having their work exhibited together at a major show in the city’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Their 245 items have been selected from more than 400 entries in the annual Swansea Open competition.

Artists include students from Gower College and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David School of Art. There will also be exhibits from mid-career and emerging artists, and from participants in the gallery’s welcome group for asylum seekers and refugees. Many will also be available to buy as part of the exhibition.

Glynn Vivian curator Karen MacKinnon says: “ It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diverse work of our local artists – seasoned professionals, young people, amateurs and students, producing works of differing size, materials and subject matter.

“There are more than 240 artworks from exhibitors aged 16-90 and the entrants come from every part of our city.”

MORE INFO: www.glynnviviangallery.org

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THE KING AND I WHERE? Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff WHEN? January 8 - 18 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s multi-awardwinning musical The King and I is stopping off in Cardiff as part of a World Tour direct from its record-breaking sold-out season at The London Palladium.

It tells the story of the unconventional relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher, whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

One of the finest scores ever written including; Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance.

TICKETS: Box Office 029 2063 6464 www.wmc.org.uk

WNO Orchestra: A Journey to Vienna WHERE? The Great Hall Swansea University, Fabian Way WHEN? January 4 at 7.30pm The WNO Orchestra's ' A Journey to Vienna' celebrates some of Europe’s finest music. In a programme to transport audience members across the continent, the orchestra, under the direction of leader and concertmaster David Adams, will visit all corners of Europe in works

by Offenbach, Mozart, Brahms, Dvorak and Strauss. It will be joined by soprano Mary Elizabeth William.

Tickets: £21; concessions £16. 01792 604900

ALADDIN: THE PANTOMIME WHERE? Gwyn Hall, Neath WHEN? January 3 - 12 Climb on board a Flying Carpet, as this show takes you on a journey along with Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and Widow Twankey in a performance which also promises a chance of a meeting with its very own Genie!

TICKETS: From £11.75 Tel: 0300 3656677

NEW REBECCA RIOTS EXHIBITION WHERE? National Trust Newton House, Llandeilo WHEN? Until April 26. 11am - 3pm The Welsh artist John Abell will be putting on a new exhibition based on the Rebecca Riots examining the daily life, beliefs and camaraderie of the Rioters.

Audiences can expect an ambitious show of contemporary painting and print in the amazing Newton House in the stunning grounds of Dinefwr.

Abell says: “ It is my most ambitious show to date, a large and diverse body of work in an amazing historic location, so it means a lot to me. “ TICKETS: Exhibition admission is free. But

normal admission fee of £8.50 to Newton House applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

SWANSEA LIFE 109

HOLIDAYS

European

Winter Escapes Enjoy the wonders of winter and treat yourself to these European tours.

LAKE BLED

BRUGES

PARIS

8th Feb ONLY £799 7 NIGHTS 4 Hotel Rikli Balance

14th Feb ONLY £245 3 NIGHTS | 2 Ibis Bruges Centre Hotel

14th Feb ONLY £309 3 NIGHTS | 4 Mercure La Defense

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Guided tour of Postojna Caves • Excursions to Ljubljana and Bled Castle

Bed and breakfast • Excursion to Ostend

Bed and breakfast • Paris by night tour • Transfer to Montmarte

VENICE CARNIVAL & LAKE GARDA LAKE CONSTANCE, GLACIER EXPRESS & BAVARIAN CASTLES

15th Feb ONLY £649 7 NIGHTS | 4 Grand Hotel Riva, Riva Del Garda

15th Feb ONLY £789 7 NIGHTS 4 Weisses Kreuz Hotel

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Drinks package from 6pm-11pm* at the main stay hotel • Explore Venice and Verona

2 nights bed and breakfast en route • 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Scenic journey on board the Glacier Express • Scenic drive to Lake Constance • A variety of excursions including the Schattenburg Museum and Neuschwanstein Castle

SWISS ALPINE SPECTACULAR 15th Feb ONLY £859 7 NIGHTS 3 Hotel Engel Emmetten 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Scenic journey on board the Glacier Express • A variety of interesting excursions including Berne, Lucerne and Zurich

The Perfect Gift

BERLIN DISCOVERY

LAKE COMO & BERNINA EXPRESS

22nd Feb ONLY £499 5 NIGHTS 3 Hotel TBC

22nd Feb ONLY £679 7 NIGHTS | 3 Hotel Bazzoni, Tremezzo

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route • 3 nights bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Guided tour of Berlin • Guided tour of the former East German sector

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Journey on the Bernina Express • A variety of excursions including Lake Como and St Moritz

For more information visit your local Travel Shop today!

Come and see us in your local travel shop or book online at edwardscoaches.co.uk Blackwood 01495 222272 | Cardiff 02920 348811 | Llansamlet 01792 274444 | Llantrisant 01443 202048 Merthyr Tydfil 01685 387877 | Pembroke 01646 683143 | Swansea 01792 456600 *Applies to selected drinks All coach tours include return executive coach travel and short sea ferry crossings. T&Cs apply.

Subject to availability. Prices for all tours correct at time of printing and are per person based on two people sharing.

SOCIAL DIARY

going out...

22 pages of people and parties in swansea

charity lunch WHere: Morgans Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: A lunch event to raise funds for Swansea’s Maggie’s cancer caring charity PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia

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NETWORKING WHere: Village Hotel, Swansea SA1 TELL ME MORE: An Institute of Directors networking event for the Swansea Bay area PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia

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SOCIAL DIARY

PARTY FUN WHere: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Guests escaped the winter chill for a party and four-course meal organised by JR Events.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

JR Events

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SALUT! WHere: Marriott Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Swansea Bay Business Club’s Beaujolais Day event with comedian Mike Bubbins PHOTOGRAPHY: Aled Llywelyn Photography

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CATWALK LUNCH WHere: Marriott Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: Solo’s lunch and fashion show raising money for the Pettifor Trust charity PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh MultiMedia

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PARTY CELEBRATION WHere: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea TELL ME MORE: A Beaujolais Day party as part of Swansea-wide celebrations PHOTOGRAPHY: JR Events

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SPORT AID CYMRU LUNCH WHere: Ivy Bush, Carmarthen TELL ME MORE: Rugby legend Graham Price MBE was the guest speaker at a lunch for the West Wales branch of Sports Aid Cymru/Wales. The event also saw tributes paid to retiring Wales Sports Aid chairman Ron Jones. Other guest speakers included BBC TV and radio personality Roy Noble and the new chairman of Sports Aid Cymru/Wales Dr Kim Howells.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Robert Lloyd

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SOCIAL DIARY

AWARDS CEREMONY WHere: Fulton House, Swansea University TELL ME MORE: An event to honour staff at the top three rated UK medical school and featuring awards such as outstanding contribution to teaching, outstanding contribution to research and a special centenary award.

Professor Keith Lloyd, Head of the Medical School, said: “The annual awards are our opportunity to thank each and every member of the medical school for the contribution they have made to the school and the university this year. “ PHOTOGRAPHY: iam@photographsof.com

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CHARITY EVENT WHere: Marriott Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Sally Goldstone hosted a charity fashion show to support vulnerable young people showcasing Rowberry’s autumn and winter collections.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonathan Myers

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PARTY TIME WHere: Morgans Hotel, Swansea TELL ME MORE: An event to mark Beaujolais Day celebrating the uncorking of Beaujolais Nouveau from the first harvest of grapes in the Beaujolais region of France PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonathan Myers and www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk

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LAUNCH PARTY WHere: Bluebell Hotel, Neath TELL ME MORE: A party to mark the launch of the lithographic and digital printing company, Serol Print PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia

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FUNDRAISER WHere: Pyle Garden Village TELL ME MORE: A Loulou fashion show staged at the village’s Olive Tree restaurant fundraising for the Mid Glamorgan High Sheriff Youth Awards.

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Our special 2020 events

Our special 2020 events

We have a wonderful choice of daytime and evening events throughout the year. Combine your stay with one of our events or come along to enjoy the atmosphere and our renowned hospitality. grovenarberth.co.uk | 01834 860915 AA Hotel of the Year, Wales 2019

TIME FOR YOU

perfection Framed to

Peter Slee checks into a landmark Rhossili holiday property that wows with sublime views surely amongst the very best in the world...

O

K, so it really wasn’t that far.

We’d just driven from our home in Swansea to the blissful, gentleness of bucolic Gower, our shoulders dropping a little more with each mile and passing minute.

Feeling a bit worn out after a hectic few months, we were in desperate need of clean air, adventure and an away-from-it-all weekend.

So, here we are 25 minutes later in Rhossili. The Rectory to be exact.

It was late, we’d brought food with us to save on bills, cooked, eaten and I was washing up. In front of me from the kitchen sink window, a view out over the golden sands down below that surely must rank as one of the very best not only in Britain, but the world! Yes, really!

This wonderful, five-bedroom, former rectory sleeping up to 11 and which has been in the same family for more than 40 years, is in a stunning location in the village and with those breathtaking views out over Rhossili beach.

Writer Wynford Vaughan Thomas called Gower “a secret that people hug to themselves”. It was the first part of Britain designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – which is why you will never see high-rise hotels or neon-lit beach bars.

Indeed, there is very little at all to distract the eye from 19 miles of creamy-white, sandy bays. And it is a three-mile expanse of that beach that is in front of me as I scrub away at the pots and pans.

STAY AT: I have laid my head in dozens of hotels while travel writing – from humble rentals to five-star grandeur.

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Staying in The Rectory, however was a revelation even it was just a handful of miles from my own house. If you want an authentic Gower experience, a rental is the best way to live, shop, cook and relax like a local.

The pleasures of having your own home, however briefly, are gentle, domestic ones. The freedom to choose whether to eat in or out; taking drinks on your own terrace or expanse of lawn; setting off along the coastal pathways in search of clean air, perhaps a drink or two or meal at a pub, returning home and going down an unlikely alley and turning the key in your own front door.

There are practical advantages too. While a decent mid-price hotel might set you back a bit, a nicely furnished and equipped property will likely cost a tad less. Share the place as we did and split the bill with four sets of friends and you will certainly save money.

The low-down: Come rain or shine, the beach views from all the sea facing rooms in this place are wondrous. The property has a lovely friendly atmosphere with extensive lawns, plenty of parking space and is perfect for groups of ramblers, surfers, bird watchers and extended families.

Inside, the décor is traditional rather than hotel chic but the space is vast making it ideal for groups. Children can go free-range with direct access to the beach via a rugged path, plus there are local eateries and ice cream shop nearby to satisfy post-sandcastlebuilding hunger.

Out and about: The dramatic panorama from The Rectory’s garden stirs the soul but this three mile sandy strip was made for walking, especially at low tide, so we hurried on down.

Spend the afternoon:

Sailing round the coast with Gower Coast Adventures departing from either Port Eynon or Mumbles from May 1 onwards. The purpose-built jet boat can manoeuvre safely in shallow waters, so you can get close to secluded bays and local wildlife, from gannets and sheerwaters to seals and porpoises. A fun thing to do and an experience you will remember for a long time to come.

Spend the next day:

Head for the Gower Heritage Centre at Parkmill where undercover attractions include a puppet theatre and a pottery workshop. Its Mill Tea Rooms (01792 371425) with its emphasis firmly on fresh, local and home-made are also worth seeking out not least for a very good Sunday lunch at £10.95 for two courses.

That walk down the cliff path to reach it guarantees its exclusivity even on the sunniest of days. Jutting out of the sands is the hull of the Helvetia, wrecked on the beach while carrying timber way back in 1887.

There was nothing but the Atlantic between us and America. The normally relentless, thundering waves, which make this a surfers’ paradise, were calm yet still provided seductive background music as our eyes feasted on the lonely, windswept downs, punctuated only by cattle and a house or three perched on the hillside and mostly also available for rent.

Fortified after a pint or two at the Worm’s Head Hotel, we began our assault on the causeway out to the Head itself, passable for only a couple of hours either side of low tide.

Miscalculate, as Dylan Thomas once did, and you are in for a lonely night in the open air.

Careful footwork for half an hour saw us

safely across the mussel laden rocks and on to Worm’s Head. It was worth the wait. Walking along the narrow peak, with the rocks falling away on both sides, felt just a little daring and gave a warm sense of accomplishment on our return There’s world-class surfing on your doorstep too as well as paragliding nearby.

Our favourite thing:

The views from the windows – miles of golden beach, edged by dunes and wild flowers. If only they were even bigger to drink in a little more of that expanse in front of you!

Have lunch: Perhaps head to the King Arthur in Reynoldston which is just how you imagine a country pub should be. Roaring fires on cold days, good beer and food. What’s not to love?

need to know

Prices vary across the year starting from £800 for the house during winter and rising to peak summer rates of £2,250 for one week. www.gowerholidays.com/ accommodation/ self-catering/the-rectory SWANSEA LIFE 135

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ASK

P ETER LYNN & PARTNERS

Sara Plant, partner and head of family law at Peter Lynn & Partners Solicitors, talks this month about how you can get a fair divorce settlement

How can I get a fair divorce settlement if my other half is hiding the true value of their business?

Getting divorced or dissolving a civil partnership would be simple if everyone agreed on the value of their assets, wouldn’t it?

When it comes to business assets, though, the process can be anything but simple and there are so many questions to ask…

• Every business has assets, but how many are owned outright and how many are leased?

• What kind of assets are there – from computers and printers to vehicles?

• How has the value of those assets depreciated in recent years?

• Does the business own property? Has it been valued recently?

• Does the business own intellectual property which may be valuable – such as patents or trademarks?

• Does the business have different trading arms with different names where there may be more funds or assets?

For partners and spouses not involved in a business, all of this can make your head spin.

However, to get the fair settlement you deserve, it’s important to know the real market value of assets and the value of a business as a going concern.

What can you do if your former spouse or partner isn’t co-operative about their business?

Being open is key in a divorce or civil partnership dissolution. When one partner isn’t open, and you feel they are hiding things, this can make the process even more difficult and hold things up when you want to move on.

Some people have been known to try to ‘hide’

funds between different business concerns, or undervalue their assets.

You can: • Apply directly to the court to get information from your spouse or partner’s bank and accountant.

• Get your solicitor to investigate the accounts and assets, using forensic accountants, valuers, surveyors, and other professionals.

• Agree on a single independent expert to value the business.

• Appoint two experts – yours and your former spouse’s – to value the business.

• Explore mediation.

How do you choose the right legal firm for you?

Look for a practice that regularly deals with divorce cases involving businesses, particularly where the business interests re regarded as “high value”.

How can we help Our experienced Peter Lynn & Partners team deals regularly with high value divorce cases and has the correct contacts to obtain the true financial picture of a business owner, with business and share allocation being a particular area of expertise.

Our friendly and approachable team are specialists in high-end divorce and as a commercial practice we have particular insight into business accounts and company valuations and have a team of commercial specialists on hand that most other family lawyers do not.

For more information and to arrange a free initial meeting, call 01792 450010 or email Divorce@plandp.co.uk

To arrange a free initial meeting, call 01792 450010 or email Divorce@plandp.co.uk Preventing legal problems 136 SWANSEA LIFE

THE PLOUGH Llandeilo

Last minute luxury stay

Amazing rates for exclusive last minute deals* at The Plough £99 per room

Enjoy a last minute escape to the beautiful Towy Valley from just £99 per room.

One night Dinner Bed & Breakfast

The package includes accommodation in a Superior Double or Twin room with a two-course dinner and a full Welsh breakfast the following morning. Guests will also have use of the gym and sauna.

Two nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast £179 per room

based on two guests sharing based on two guests sharing

UPGRADE to an executive room for only £20 per night * Terms & Conditions apply, please call for details

The Plough Rhosmaen Llandeilo SA19 6NP 01558 823431 info@ploughrhosmaen.com www.ploughrhosmaen.com

TIME FOR YOU

A N D R E W

M O R G A N ’ S

SWANSEA BAY WALK Join Andrew as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk

Start/finish location .......... Bracelet Bay Distance ..................................... 4 miles and 3 miles (2 hours and 1½ hours) Level ............................................. Easy/moderate Parking ........................................ Pay & Display car parking area above Castellamare

Bracelet, Langland or Mumbles Hill

It’s time for your New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy so come and enjoy a walk with Swansea Ramblers. On January 26, we will have another of our introductory walks which give you the option to try out a short morning walk, a short afternoon walk or to do both walks. I’ll be leading the morning walk at 11am from Bracelet to Langland on a mixture of coast and inland paths, returning to the start about 1pm. At 1.30pm, we’ll then set off from Bracelet with Morag to follow the promenade before exploring Mumbles Hill and the stunning views over Swansea Bay. If you feel a bit daunted by meeting new people, bring a relative or friend and enjoy a lovely walk with us.

The morning walk will set off westward to Fortes café where a path at the side ascends to the upper cliff path. Look back for views to the lighthouse then forward for the Gower coastline. Follow this high path until it gradually descends to meet the lower path. Continue westward on the coast path, passing the first signposted path junction and taking the next signed path that climbs towards the houses then turns north west to emerge onto Higher Lane.

Turn left to Langland Corner and descend the second road on the left (Langland Bay Road). Cross over to the western side then where the road bends left, turn right along a narrow lane. At the end of this lane turn left and down the long flight of steps to Langland Bay. Cross the road to walk down to the Bay. When ready, turn left to follow the coast path back to Bracelet.

The afternoon walk will follow the coast 138 SWANSEA LIFE

path eastward along the promenade towards Oystermouth. When nearly in the centre and on reaching the slipway where the line of boats end, leave the coast along Promenade Terrace and use the public crossing. Turn right along the pavement then when opposite the Bowling Green, turn left uphill on Church Park Lane. At the top turn right to follow Overland Road for ¼ of a mile. Where the trees on the left end and houses begin, take a left to ascend a narrow pedestrian lane onto Wychwood Close and follow to the end, ignoring the road going off to the right. It looks like a cul-de-sac but right at the end is the Right of Way through Mumbles Ridge Wood that eventually crosses a broad steep driveway to emerge onto Western Close.

Turn left and left again to descend Thistleboon Road. Where the road narrows, you turn right to ascend Mumbles Hill.

(There should be an arrow on the lamp post). Follow the path through WWII gun emplacements then past the Trig Point to the lovely viewpoint over Swansea Bay. Continue on to descend the wide stony track that bends leftward, bringing the lighthouse into view. At the bottom, cross the road to Bracelet Bay.

Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info • 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/ Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk

Upcoming walks january 2020

Wed 01 Gowerton 1: The morning walk

(4 miles) Easy/moderate. Meet 11am

Gowerton car park off B4295 Wed 01 Gowerton 2: The afternoon walk

(4 miles) Easy/moderate. Meet 1.30pm

Gowerton car park off B4295 Sat 04 Copper Quarter (4 miles) Easy.

Meet 11am Parc Tawe: Outside Costa Sun 05 Parc Slip and Ogwr Ridgeway

(9 miles) Strenuous. Meet 9am Francis St Mon 06 Lower Swansea Valley (5 miles)

Easy/moderate meet 10am

Fendrod Lake Thu 09 Burry Port & Pembrey Circular

(7 miles) Moderate. Meet 10am

Burry Port: Train Station Car Park Sat 11 Trallwn Walk 2 (5 miles)

Easy/moderate. Meet 11am

Trallwn: The Range Car Park Sun 12 Ferryside (10 miles) Moderate.

Meet 10am Ferryside: CP opp.

Railway Station Mon 13 Swansea Canal, River Tawe and Alltycham (4 miles) Easy/moderate.

Meet 10am Pontardawe: Lidl’s Car Park Wed 15 Foel Fynyddau (6 miles) Moderate.

Meet 10am Pontrhydyfen: Rhyslyn CP Sat 18 Kenfig National Nature Reserve

(6 miles) Easy/moderate. Meet 11am

Kenfig: Nature Reserve Car Park Sun 19 Langland Corner to Southgate

(11 miles) Strenuous. Meet 9.30am

Langland Corner: Higher Lane Mon 20 Margam Park Pulpit Walk (3 miles)

Easy/moderate. Meet 10am

Margam Park: Fishing Lake Car Park Thu 23 South Gower Valleys (10 miles)

Moderate. Meet 10am

Parkmill: Park Wood Car Park Sat 25 Blackmill to Ogmore Vale (6 miles)

Moderate. Meet 11am

Blackmill – Cattle Market Sun 26 Bracelet to Langland – The morning

walk (4 miles) moderate. Meet 11am

Mumbles: Bracelet Bay Car Park Sun 26 Mumbles Hill – The afternoon walk

(3 miles) Easy. Meet 1.30pm

Mumbles: Bracelet Bay Car Park Mon 27 Gorseinon Parks (4 miles) Easy.

Meet 10am Gorseinon: CP near Lloyd’s Pharmacy Tue 29 Mynydd Dinas (7 miles) Moderate.

Meet 10am Baglan: Near Blaenbaglan School

S A M es

T ckag S I Pa

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Firework display by Art of Sparks Real Christmas tree Christmas decorations Luxury Christmas crackers Silver candelabras with lit candles Mulled wine arrival drinks or hot toddies Mince pies Roaring log fire Christmas present for the happy couple

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