Swansea Life October 2019

SWA NSE A

LIFE Cosy OCTOBER 2019 £2.95

out & about in swansea

Up

8 pages of your brilliant party pictures

to

Autumn

HERE COMES E D I R B E H T

warming looks for you and your home

the

bumper ree f : E ID S IN wedding t supplemen

awards edition

9 771750 843018

9 771750 843018

10

10

y o u r a w a r d - w i n n i n g M AGA Z IN E

24-page picture special from the swansea life awards 2019

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...

O C TO B E R

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

10 FASHION

HAIR & BEAUTY

10. SWANSEA LIFE LOVES!

A few of our favourite things to

buy in the month ahead

24. TRIED AND TESTED

From lips to locks, seven trends to

follow this autumn

12.

28. PRETTY SPECIAL

We check out what’s what with

the latest beauty buzzword ingredients

CREAM OF THE CROP Take a look through our gallery for some of the hottest high street buys around

14. SMART V WARM

Best ways to solve the autumn coat conundrum 16.

COVER IMAGE: Vera Mont ‘Purple Romance’ 111, £425

4 SWANSEA LIFE

32. BEAUTY CLINIC

How to use coconut oil properly

HOW TO WIN AT MUM STYLE THIS AUTUMN Get out of your mum style rut right now!

If we have published anything that is factually inaccurate, please contact the editor on 01792 545533, at postnews@mediawales.co.uk or at Evening Post, Urban Village, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW and once verified we will correct it here as soon as possible.

Swansea Life is part of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Ltd, a subsidiary company of Reach PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced

by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards

Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London. EC4M 7LG. Website: 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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162 BRIDE

HOUSE & HOME

HIGH SOCIETY

40. YES, WE’VE FOUND YOUR DRESS!

Check out some of the new

season’s latest gown designs

78. REAL HOMES

A picture-perfect Swansea

building plot that could be yours

162. GLORIOUS LADIES DAY

It’s the most fashionable date in the

Ffos Las racing calendar and there

was no shortage of daring hats on parade

56. ALL IN THE DETAIL

Want to make your day extra

special? Here’s how...

61.

HOW THEY DID IT Follow one Swansea couple’s walk up the aisle on their special day in Gower

90. HOME WORK

Mood of the moment with Mumbles

interiors guru Lesley Taylor 98. IN THE GARDEN

Be inspired with Aberglasney’s

Joseph Atkins 118.

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.

NATURE-THEMED DECOR Birds and bees, flora and fauna have all inspired designers at the forefront of 2019’s trend for gentle organic decor

166. KNOCKOUT PUNCH

Boxing legend Joe Calzaghe’s fund-

raiser at the Brangwyn Hall 167. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mansion House get-togethers to

help mark Swansea’s 50 years as

a city

SWA NSEA

LIFE SWANSEA LIFE 5

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From the editor

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I

have had more nights out in Swansea than, well, than I care to remember really! Some have been good, some great, others, less so.

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But this year’s Swansea Life Awards will surely take some beating.

It’s been a couple of weeks now since we staged them at the city’s Brangwyn Hall, and the energy, excitement and enthusiasm from the event is still palpable.

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There’s no shortage of award shows and gettogethers, but less often do you get hundreds of people in one room to celebrate what is real local progress and change.

We all know just how competitive business can be at every level at the moment and no matter what it is you are doing. But it was inspiring to see Swansea come together on the night celebrating success at all sorts of levels. We all love our city and it certainly showed at the Brangwyn.

A huge thank you to our headline partner JR Events as well as a string of other sponsors who helped make the extravaganza the success it was.

Thank you too to all the other companies that took part as well as the many hundreds of guests who joined us on the night. You can see the amazing results for yourself in a 24-page awards special beginning on P135.

The competition was intense. But that’s how it should be because there is lots of success in Swansea. Everyone did well, both the winners and those highly commended as well as each and every nominee. Congratulations!

Elsewhere, and in this month’s SL pages, we celebrate what is still to come with 28 pages dedicated to all things bride and groom; the new season ahead and the changes that come with it. As the trees begin to display those show-stopping shades of autumn colour, there’s really nothing nicer than wrapping up in some cosy layers and taking that first, crisp walk outside. So our 180 pages are packed with the kind of inspiration you might just need to make the successful hop over to October.

Enjoy the read!

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

Swansea lives

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

162

Monday - Saturday

LADIES DAY AT FFOS LAS

165

peter lynn & partners 20th anniversary

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

Shop local &

166

Joe Calzaghe – Pride of Wales Dinner

Save

Download the FREE Big Heart of Swansea money saving app today Visit: bigheartofswansea.co.uk

Brought to you by

167

garden party at the Mansion House

www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk /BigHeartSwansea

Spa Time 19 treatment rooms, 5 relaxation zones, 3 double suites, 20m pool, sauna and steam room Mid Week Spa Treat only £65*pp Autumn Spa Day from £75*pp Sunday Spa & Lunch only £79*pp B&B Spa Breaks from £99*pp

Spoil yourself with an indulgent

5 bubble spa experience

Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY

WM.09.19

01443 665888 | www.valeresort.com

FASHION

ST Y L E S O LU T I O N S

high end

From camping sandals to mismatched earrings, these are the top picks from the SL fashion team this month

what to buy now!

We had an invite to the M&S autumn 2019 collection a couple of weeks back and loved this chic, over-sized leather aviator jacket we spotted on the rails there.

Elsewhere there were hard-working basics including some outstanding citrus colours, blue denim jeans and floral blouses as well as lots of shimmery silvers and golds that should be heading into stores in both Swansea and Parc Trostre any day now.

M&S, probably more than most, has to ask itself two questions each time it launches a new collection: not simply would a fashion-conscious woman buy this, but also would a woman who hasn’t flicked through the style pages in years, but needs practical, flattering, good-value-for-money items to wear be tempted?

We think, this time, they have got it just about right! *M&S Collection jacket £69; top £29.50; skirt £39.50 and belt, £25

BRIGHT EYES They say the eyes are the window to the soul - but if you ask us, the eyes are the window that reveals exactly how tired we really are.

After just one night of sub-optimal kip our peepers give the game away - add weeks of sleepless nights and we reach hollow-eyed zombie status.

Why do our eyes betray us in this way?

So what can we do about it - besides scheduling a few early nights? Dark circles and eye bags are notoriously difficult to eliminate. But there are steps you can take to prevent, treat and - if need be - hide your eye issues. So you might want to give this No7 Laboratories Dark Circle Corrector, £28 at Boots in Swansea a go.

BaByliss 9000 cordless straightener, £250

GADGET SAVVY When posts started appearing on the BaByliss Instagram account promising nothing less than “a new era in hair styling”, our interest was piqued to say the least.

What could it be? A hairdryer to rival the Dyson? A curling wand that delivers perfect waves? But it turned out BaByliss was hinting at something we’ve always wanted, but never believed could be perfected: a cordless straightener.

Why? Because in order to reach the temperatures needed for effective straightening, a decent power supply is required.

And this tool, even with its sizeable price tag of £250, offers three temperature settings - 1600C, 1800C and 2000C – and is fully charged in three hours to provide 30 minutes of use.

What more could a girl want?

In the world of wardrobe staples, there is one undisputed queen: the white button-down shirt. It lends a crisp confidence to casual looks, a quiet swagger to the workplace uniform, and a masculine touch to formal frills. But timeless needn’t be basic and this £85 stylish white stud collar classic from Pure is a winner in our books.

STYLISH workwear

I love a good snuggly coat and, if anyone is paying any attention, they’ll have noticed I don’t have a camel one in my arsenal yet. That’s why this £69 version from Dorothy Perkins in Swansea is now very much on my shopping list...

SWANSEA LIFE 9

FASHION

SWA NSE A

LIFE

L VES HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS

Nothing’s more striking than a stripe, and love them or loathe them, they’re firmly back on the fashion map

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Toccado striped boyfriend sweater, navy and coral stripe, £150; Pure Collection

Jasper Bretton tee, £14; Debenhams, Swansea

Striped top with bejewelled belt, £25.99; Zara, Swansea

Delilah velvet trench, £85; Elvi, Swansea

Stripe skirt, £19.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

Stripe trousers, £15; Matalan, Cwmdu

Very Leather ankle boot, £45

Shoulder bag, from a range at Next, Swansea

Corgi stripe socks, £6; Laura Ashley, Swansea

Collection bag, £35; Marks and Spencer, Swansea

Glacier high neck cover up, £65; White Stuff, Mumbles

SWANSEA LIFE 11

FASHION

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1. A selection from John Lewis 2. Block plaited rib snood, £35 3. Phase Eight Pia layered pleat dress, was £89, now £49 4. Tissot bracelet strap watch, £225 5. Ivory & Co. Limelight teardrop cubic zirconia drop earrings, £35 6. Adaline block stiletto court shoes, black suede, £79; John Lewis, Cardiff

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you need to know about this month...

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the high street hits

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5 1. Knitted turtleneck jumper, £24.99 2. Faux fur jacket £69.99 3. Patterned blouse, £17.99 4. Linen jersey top, £12,99 5. Circular skirt, £19.99 6. Loafers, £19.99 7. Shopper, £17.99 7

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4 1. Oak Peached slim trousers £47.50, star resin earrings £12.50, Issy crossbody bag £55, Plait skinny nubuck belt £22.50, Leah boots £89.95 2. Join the dots cardi, £55 3. Lisbeth skirt, £65 4. Cluster monobead necklace, £22.50 5. Colour block jersey tee, £29.95 6. Blair biker boots, £120 7. All Days blazer, £75

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1. Henley Gardens spot printed double layer blouse £65, Ivory Cafe trouser £60 2. Powder blue block tie back top, £12 3. Navy bardot check top, £40 4. Blue spot mosaic dress, £70 5. Library characters square scarf, £20 6. Mimosa side pocket tote bag, £35

1. Pleated midi skirt, £39.50 2. Per Una jacket, £89 3. Jumper, £19.99 4. Collection skirt, £49.50 5. Bag, £29.50 6. Heels, £35

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SWANSEA LIFE 13

FASHION

Step out in style with these on-trend footwear favourites

coats

Lightweight

to fend off the autumn chill

ÍÍ Button boots; £55; Joe Browns

Temperatures are set to drop so a great cosy coat should be at the top of your shopping list this month: the hero piece which will tie every outfit together. But which style do you go for? ÎÎIzzy wedge leather boots, £75; White Stuff, Mumbles

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ÍÍBewitch navy western boots, £42; Miss Selfridge, Parc Fforestfach

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ÎÎSuede blue and grey ankle boot, £129.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

ÍÍ Black fur lining boots, £29.99; Evans, Swansea

1. Moons wool coat, £178; Fat Face, Mumbles; 2. Tilda coat, £299; Hobbs, Cardiff 3. Pale pink double breasted longline teddy coat, £49.99; New Look, Swansea 4. Yellow check coat, £26; George at Asda, Morriston 5. Tu orange long line puffer coat, £45; Sainsbury’s, Swansea

14 SWANSEA LIFE

Limited edition trench coat with tie belt, £159; Zara, Swansea

New-season

jewellery trends ÐÐPink ladybird pendant, £55; Pandora, Swansea

ÏÏFascination Collection engagement ring, £1,350; Stephen Hughes, Swansea

ÎÎEarrings, from a range at Next, Parc Morfa

ÏÏShell hammered circle drop earrings, £8; Accessorize, Swansea

ÏÏMood by Jon Richards, £14; Debenhams, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 15

Everyday zip pocket skinny trousers, £35; JD Williams

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How to get out of your Mum style rut When did a striped top and jeans become the unofficial mum uniform?

Ignore the kids, and any school playground at drop-off resembles a sea of Breton stripes and variegated shades of denim, with a few Lycra-clad gym sharks gliding through all the navy and white.

Yes, any outfit that involves children needs to be practical, but you don’t need to leave your fashion credentials in the car park.

Here are some of our favourites.

SWANSEA LIFE 17

J by Jasper Conran longline coat £150, top £35 ; Debenhams, Swansea

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Collection coat £89, Collection top £29.50; M&S, Swansea

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From a selection at Wallis, Swansea

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New season handbags to buy now A new bag needn’t break the bank. There are a plethora of stylish options with reasonable price tags that don’t skimp on style ÍÍHallie canvas crossbody, £36; Oliver Bonas, Cardiff

Grey coat, £50; jeans, £30; top, £8, shoes, £16; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea

ÎÎEmerald green grab bag, £26.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa

ÍÍFaux croc bag, £29.99; Accessorize, Swansea

ÎÎF&F bag, £12; TescoExtra, Llansamlet

ÍÍRing handle handbag, £24.99; Bon Prix, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 21

FASHION

For adults

Ladies Graceland black polka dot Chelsea wellington boots, £22.99, Deichmann

National Trust, Rhossili; Hunter Field gardener boots - sea green oak leaf, £70

Barbour men’s Bede wellington boots, £64.95

Puddle-proof wellies worth splashing out on After some rain-resistant boots? Our style editors have it covered

No matter where you live or what time of year it is, with increasingly erratic weather (thanks for that, climate change) you’re rarely far from a rain shower, be it a light sprinkling or a full-on downpour.

If you’ve got kids who need entertaining,

energetic little tykes who are practically bouncing off the walls, staying indoors for long is not really an option though, whatever the weather.

Therefore, a fully-stocked arsenal of wetweather gear is a must for every family -

nobody wants soggy socks and freezing-cold feet at the end of a fun day out.

Top of your waterproof essentials list should be a decent pair of wellies, so we’ve rounded up the best boots for splashing around in the garden or jumping in puddles at the park.

For kids

Boys’ Crocs Fun Lab galactic rain boots, £26.99

Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea: The Gruffalo blue wellies, from £11

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George at Asda, Morriston: pink lemon print wellington boots, £9

Mountain Warehouse, Mumbles; Splash junior flashing lights wellies, £19.99

MEDICAL COSMETIC CLINIC

Dr Alan Jones TIMELESS BEAUTY

Visit Dr Alan and his staff at Defy Time Medical Cosmetic Clinic in Swansea. He has 30 years experience as a GP and 18 years as a Cosmetic Doctor.

MEMBER OF British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) British Association of Body Sculpting (BABS) British Association of Sclerotherapy (BAS) General Medical Council Registered Health Inspectorate of Wales Registered Clinic

AC H I E V E A YO U N G E R , F I R M E R & F L AW L E S S YO U F R E E P E R S O N A L & C O N F I D E N T I A L C O N S U LTAT I O N S • P R I VAT E C A R PA R K

466 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea SA2 7DZ • 01792 208466 • www.defy-time.co.uk

HAIR & BEAUTY

& TRIED D TESTE Perfect primers  Kiko Sicilian Notes Orange Blossom brightening primer, Boots, £13 HHHHH Sicilian Notes might make you think of the Mafia but – just like a protection racket – if you pay out for this, it’ll have your back. Gorgeous in the pot and almost as nice on the face – smoothing lines, and leaving a subtle radiance. Impressive.

From lips to locks, get to know these hair and makeup trends now, says Katie Wright

7toTRENDS define autumn Autumn is here, and in the beauty world, that means it’s time to switch up our summer routines and embrace everything the new season has to offer. The catwalks gave us a host of suitably autumnal looks, from dark lips to romantic hair (plus a bit of festive glitter). Here’s what’s big in beauty for AW19...

 Armani Luminous Silk hydrating primer, £34 HHHH

3. Berry lips Red isn’t your only option for lippy this season. Berry shades were also a huge trend, from juicy plum at Roksanda and Tommy Hilfiger to deepest blackcurrant at Yohji Yamamoto. One thing’s for certain – you won’t have to worry about red wine stains.

4. Glossy lips At the other end of the texture spectrum, those who prefer shine to matte will be pleased to know that the lip gloss renaissance is still going strong like the soft pink tones at Naeem Khan and the juicy bitten shade at Christopher Kane.

Not cheap, but it does give any foundation an upgrade, making it look more luxe. It gives skin a visible radiance which shows (subtly) through foundation, and gives a smooth, longerlasting finish to your base.  Revolution Pro Goddess Glow primer, Superdrug.com, £10 HHHH Feels very premium for the price and there was no “glow” – it was nice and subtle and you might almost get away with using it without a foundation.

However, foundation coated over it nicely, too.

Emilia Wickstead AW19, makeup

by Suqqu

1. Matte red lips  Clarins Instant Poreless blurring primer, D ebenhams, £24 HHH This is meant to blur out pores and keep skin looking matte, which is ideal for oily skin.

The creamy and non-silicony feel applied nicely and foundation looks a lot smoother, but it didn’t help much with midday shine.  NYX Bare With Me Radiance Perfecting primer, A SOS £12 HHH Contains hemp to help soothe, and though it looks very shimmery, it applies to just a nice sheen. Very lightweight, it adds an extra glow to foundation without making your face look shiny. However, makeup didn’t stay on any longer without sliding.

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A velvet revolution was afoot backstage at fashion week, as makeup artists painted pouts in ruby red shades devoid of shine.

At Oscar de la Renta, the pigment had a blurry, soft-edged quality, while at Emilia Wickstead, Versace and Louis Vuitton, the colour was opaque and precisely lined.

2. Major lashes On the whole, fashion week makeup artists tend to avoid false eyelashes (they’re too “glam” for the catwalk, it seems), but this season, the pros found novel ways to make lashes the focus of the face.

At Dior, that meant painting thick Twiggy-style “lashes” under the eyes. At Rixo, lashes were loaded up with gold glitter. The most extreme example came at Giambattista Valli, where silver fringed strips were stuck under models’ eyes. Will these techniques work in the real world?

Not really, but with a host of new mascaras on the market, it means doll-like lashes are a must for AW19.

Rodarte AW19, makeup by Nars

5. Glitter With party season falling smack bang in the middle of AW19, it makes sense that glitter keeps coming back as a key eye makeup trend. Try a delicate dusting of silver flecks paired with cleaned skin a la the Dries Van Noten catwalk, or load up your lids with jewel-toned dazzle dust, as seen at Halpern and Rodarte.

6. Messy hair Sadly, no, this doesn’t mean you can just roll out of bed and say you’re on trend – in fashion week terms, messy means artfully arranged hair that has an undone quality, when actually, it’s very much done. At Versace, extensions were actually added to the front of models’ hair to create wisps, while balloons were used to create frizz at Alexa Chung, but the prettiest example was at Preen, where irregular curls were twisted and pinned Preen AW19, hair by Wella into models’ hair.

7. Hair gel Yes, really, the product your teenage brother used to plaster on is back, but not the way he wore it. One of the most incredible hair looks of the season was at Burberry, where strands were gelled and arranged in tattoo-like patterns on models’ foreheads. At Fendi and JW Anderson, locks were looped into wide, wet-look curls, while at Richard Quinn, the remit was graphic “glassy” hair.

Glassy hair on the catwalk at Richard Quinn

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HAIR & BEAUTY

REAL WOMEN, WINNING LOOKS W ITH

C H R I S

H O W E L LS

Swansea-based international makeup artist and winner of the National Federation of Hairdressing’s Welsh Make Up Artist of the Year award, Chris Howells, gives a Swansea woman an autumnal look

after

before Aymee is the owner/partner at LA Candy Beauty Suite in Gorseinon and wanted an updated autumnal look.

Aymee has gorgeous skin already, so all I needed to use was just a little Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse dry oil followed

by Rodial Bee Venom day cream to prep her skin.

Mac Strobe cream was applied to the whole face and neck before applying Cover FX Powerplay foundation with a flat foundation brush. I used Cover FX Powerplay concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes to perfect the skin. I also used a much deeper shade of the same undertone concealer as a gentle contour, under the cheekbones and along the hairline. On Aymee’s cheeks I used Laura Mercier cream blush in canyon, blending it seamlessly with the angled cheek colour brush and set it with Cover FX Perfect setting powder.

I applied Nars eye primer to the lids, right up to the brow. This provides a crease free base. Then using Urban Decay naked cherry palette I applied two shades to the lids. I started with juicy, a warm pink tone, into the eye socket and blended out then feelz, a deeper shade, into the crease and blended it with the fluffy finishing brush. I dusted Bang-Bang over the whole lid blending out for some sparkle and then lined the eyes with Kat Von D tattoo liner. I then added lashings of Dior blackout waterproof mascara and a pair of Eylure exaggerate lashes. Aymee’s brows were defined with Eylure Brow Magician in brown which was literally effortless. On the lips, I applied Urban Decay naked matte lipstick and a little soft pink lip gloss just to make it pop. To finish, Victoria Beckham for Estee Lauder Modern Mercury Illuminator was applied with a fan brush to her cheekbones, tip and bridge of the nose, brow bone and on the chin, which created the most amazing glow.

Walford-Richards Designs “The Complete Makeup Brush Collection, ” features a set of 12 cruelty-free luxury makeup brushes in a zip pouch. Available at www.walfordrichardsdesigns.co.uk

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30 Castle Street | Swansea | Tel: 01792 470274 |

@RhydianMaherHairSalon

HAIR & BEAUTY

Pretty special stuff Over-hyped or underrated? Katie Wright discovers the truth about the latest beauty buzzword ingredients

W

ith thousands of new launches every year, it’s almost impossible to keep up with all the products, trends and buzzwords in the beauty industry, let alone know whether they’re right for you.

Just when you think you know your SPFs from your AHAs, along come a host of new acronyms to confuse us even more, not to mention all the ads that claim a certain serum or night cream will solve all your complexion problems. Will it really?

But if you strip away all the claims, you can find some genuinely useful innovations that could make a big difference, whether it’s in skincare or make-up.

To help you sort the wheat from the chaff, here are five hype-worthy ingredients you should get to know now...

1Bamboo Pandas aren’t the only creatures who can benefit from bamboo. Max Factor’s new Lash Revival mascara is enriched with bamboo extract, which conditions lashes over time as well as delivering immediate jet black mega-drama.

Max Factor Lash Revival mascara £12.99, Boots 28 SWANSEA LIFE

Bamboo extract also has skin-soothing properties, which is why it’s found in Beauty Pie’s Jeju cleanser, an ultramoisturising lotion-balm ideal for dry skin types. Team with a bamboo charcoal cloth a couple of times a week to gently slough away dead skin cells.

Beauty Pie Jeju daily multi-phase purifying cleansing milk £28 (£9.25 for members); Jeju bamboo charcoal konjac cloths £15 for two (£7.15 for members)

2 Cica It’s said the healing effects of centella asiatica were discovered when scientists saw tigers rolling in its leaves following a particularly bloody fight.

Also known as cica, the plant has now been harnessed to help humans.

“Cica balms are frequently used as a restorative for seriously dry skin, and it is fantastic that we now have a product which combines this high level emolliency with the soothing, protective and pre-biotic benefits of the Triple Oat Complex from Aveeno,”

says Rebecca Bennett, Johnson & Johnson skincare expert.

“I would recommend using this generously wherever seriously dry skin is a problem.”

Aveeno skin relief nourish and repair cica balm £6.99, Boots Or try adding a few drops of the cica-based booster from Elemis to your night cream to let its healing powers get to work while you sleep.

Elemis superfood cica calm booster £27, elemis.co.uk

3 Kakadu plum Boasting 50 times more vitamin C than an orange, the kakadu plum is the ultimate in antioxidants, which are essential if brightness is top of your skincare wish list.

Extracts of the Australian fruit can be found in Goop’s latest glow-giver, a highly effective mask that combines chemical and manual exfoliants to mimic the effects of microdermabrasion treatments at home.

Goop GoopGlow microderm instant glow exfoliator £112 For a quick daily dose of kakadu plum, pop on Sanctuary Spa’s one-minute daily glow mask then jump in the shower.

By the time you’ve washed your hair, the antioxidants should have sunk in and it’ll be ready to rinse.

Sanctuary Spa one-minute daily glow face mask £9.29 (was £14), Superdrug.

4 Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been around for a while, it’s true, but we’re talking about the next generation of the uber-hydrating molecule, which can hold 1,000 times its own weight in water.

L’Occitane has reformulated its cult Immortelle Precious range with a dynamic HA complex and silicium, which it says helps to improve natural HA production, smoothing out fine lines even faster.

L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Dynamic Youthcare serum £59.

The Hydranet range from SkinSense encapsulates HA in a “cage” structure, which allows it to slowly release over time, delivering intense hydration long after you’ve applied the serum.

SkinsSense Hydranet intense concentrate £26, skinsense.co.uk

Hydrating Masks

& TRIED D TESTE

 Glamglow coolsheet hydrating mask, glamglow.co.uk £9 We say: It’s terrifyingly pink. Just remove the film, then put on your face for 15 mins and scare your cat. Great on a hot day, as it feels icy on the skin, and the hydrogel formula took away a lot of redness. I still needed moisturiser after, but it was nice for the cooling effect.

HHH  Seoulista Beauty super hydration instant facial, seoulistabeauty.com £7.99 We say: I used this 20-minute coconut and hyaluronic acid mask on holiday after my face had a little too much sun, and it was a dream. It took away the tight feeling and some of the redness and made my face look glowy and plump.

HHH HH

5 Bakuchiol Have you tried retinol but found it was too harsh and left your skin red and flaky?

Then give bakuchiol a go instead. This plant-based alternative offers the same benefits – reducing fine lines, wrinkles and hyper pigmentation – but is more suitable for sensitive skin types and doesn’t cause photosensitivity, so it can be used in the morning as well as at night.

The Inkey List Bakuchiol £9.99, Cult Beauty

 Simple water boost 5-minute reset hydrogel mask, Superdrug £3.50 We say: I used this on the plane (yes, I’m that person) and it was great. Its hydrating ingredients work in five minutes to boost moisture levels. It does slide a little, so I had to tilt my head back to keep it on, but my skin felt fresh for the rest of the day.

HHH H  The Body Shop vitamin E quench sheet mask £3.50 We say: Easy to use and drip-free. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E, so straight away it feels calming. It’s saturated with serum, so needs a lot of rubbing in after taking it off, but my skin looked plump, with no hint of tightness. I’d use this regularly.

This works, My Wrinkles extreme moisturiser £50, Boots

HHH H

SWANSEA LIFE 29

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

C o l o ur stateme n t Model: Kathleen Berbridge Occupation: Student and model

Kathleen says I am naturally dark but, have coloured my hair blonde for many years. I wanted to stay blonde but want it to look cleaner and fresher. I have a big ball at the end of October for Halloween so want a dressing that suits the occasion. It isn’t fancy dress but I wanted something extreme! I love it and now can’t wait for the ball!

Lara says Kathleen really suits her blonde.

We decided to stay with it, but lighten it even more and get it looking super clean and crisp. We worked with a mix of blondes to give Kathleen a fresher look, breaking it up with very subtle colour changes.

Then the fun began! The dressing is definitely going to get Kathleen noticed! It was great fun to do too!

B e f o re ...

30 SWANSEA LIFE

...

Step by step...

B o u f fa nt P o n y ta il The bouffant ponytail is a great option for a night out.

Directional, but still soft and full of texture. It is a great look if you are not confident when it comes to dressing your hair. It doesn’t have to be precise, and there are various ways of securing the finish .

Difficulty level? Easy Ideal hair length? Long Assistance needed? No What you need?

• Comb • Hair bands • Hair grips or pins • Light-hold hairspray

Befor e...

1

2

3

Step 1

Step 2

This look looks better with a bit of texture throughout the hair. We don’t really want the curl to stay, just movement.

Set with a light hairspray on a large pair of tongs.

When you have movement throughout the hair gently brush out.

the back where you plan to secure your ponytail. Hold up with a section grip. Brush the sides and back into a pony tail and secure with a band.

Step 3

Step 4

Section from the front of your head into a point at

Back comb the top section gaining as much or as little

4

height as you like. Smooth the section back and secure to the ponytail with pins and grips. If you find it difficult to secure, take another band and take the top section into the ponytail too. Wrap another band around the first band and secure them together into one ponytail.

SWANSEA LIFE 31

HAIR & BEAUTY

COC NUT beauty benefits Supermodels and celebs swear by coconut oil for a wealth of purposes, from removing eye makeup to moisturising dry shins. The tropical fruit with the sweet-smelling flesh and refreshing juice has numerous beauty benefits. Love coconut oil? Then you’ll love this bunch of innovative buys. Here are nine of the best new coconut infused launches and what they can do for you...

1

Marc Jacobs under (cover) blurring coconut face primer, £31, Harvey Nichols

Part of the Coconut Collection – inspired by Marc Jacobs’ obsession with coconut water – this primer contains no less than five different forms of the fruit, which combine to moisturise and soften your skin, leaving it primed and ready for make-up.

2

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind banana + coconut nourishing superfood shampoo, £24, Cult Beauty

Rinsing your hair in coconut water every time you wash it would be a pretty pricey endeavour, but this smoothie-inspired shampoo is the next best thing, which sees coconut blended with banana to offer you a double dose of antioxidant rich fruity goodness, to gently cleanse hair and scalp.

coconut oil and it’s just garnered another accolade, picking up silver in the Free From skincare awards. The soap was praised for its rich lather and for cleansing without drying.

6

Herbal Essences Bio:renew coconut milk hydrating mask, £5.99, Boots

Part of a collaboration with Kew Gardens, this coconut milk mask comes with the Royal Botanic seal of approval and is made with 90% natural ingredients. Use once a week to hydrate your hair and keep your colour looking vibrant.

7

Nair coconut body wax strips, £6.99, Superdrug

3

Coco & Eve Sunny honey Bali bronzing foam medium, £29.90

Following the success of its hero hair masque, Coco & Eve has developed a tanning foam which not only delivers a bronzed glow but also gets to work on cellulite and pigmentation.

4

Koconoi coconut cleansing oil, £16, Skinspace

If you tend to have dry skin, you’ll be amazed what a difference it makes when you swap from a foaming cleanser to a balm, like this lightweight formula, which contains coconut, roucou and moringa oils. Massage onto dry skin, add water to emulsify then rinse thoroughly.

5

Holy Lama Kewra coconut oil soap, £4.50

Looking to avoid synthetic products in your beauty routine? This all-natural soap is hand made in India, using cold pressed extra virgin

5 6

Hair removal products are notorious for leaving skin looking red and irritated, but these wax strips are infused with coconut milk, making them suitable even for sensitive skin types. Plus there’s no heating required, meaning they are super quick and easy to use.

8

Biolage all-in-one coconut infusion leave-in spray, £14.75, Feel Unique

Spritz on this vegan-friendly coconut-infused conditioning spray before blow-drying or straightening to protect your tresses against heat and leave them looking smooth and shiny.

9

Banyan Tree coconut and seaweed mineral sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++, £32.90

Part of Banyan Tree hotel group’s marine conservation efforts, this sunscreen is the brand’s first reef-friendly formula. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate (substances known to have an adverse effect on coral reefs), the SPF30 cream also contains organic coconut oil ethically sourced from Koh Samui, Thailand.

7

1

2 32 SWANSEA LIFE

3

8 4

9

SANCTA MARIA HOSPITAL

Affordable healthcare without the wait.

Swansea’s only private hospital offering over 250 procedures.

Visit www.hmtsanctamaria.org or call 01792 479 040 Sancta Maria Hospital. Care You Can Trust.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ASK

DR. CHARLOTTE

Trick... or treat

October brings with it Halloween and so this month’s focus is on things that “trick” our brain ie. hallucinations WHAT IS AN HALLUCINATION? It is where you have a perception that something is real even though it doesn’t exist or have an obvious stimuli or cause.

They can take various forms including:  Visual ie. seeing things that aren’t there (eg. seeing odd shapes after taking drugs like amphetamines/LSD/ecstasy).  Auditory ie. hearing voices or noises that others can’t (eg. schizophrenics frequently experience hearing voices which can be one/ many and recognisable or not and often speak negatively about or to the patient which can be distressing).  Gustatory ie. tasting flavours without eating/ drinking (eg. some patients with epilepsy report smells before a fit).  Tactile ie. feeling something touching you yet nobody around or feeling something on your body but nothing visible (eg. cocaine users often report feeling spiders crawling over the body).  Phantosmia / Olfactory i.e. smelling things that others can’t.

This month, Sketty GP and Swansea Life doctor, Charlotte Jones talks about hallucinations

There are other less common types of hallucinations that are more rare and thus not covered. Isn’t this the same as a delusion?

In short no, delusions are where something real is given a different significance often unrelated and often nonsensical.

WHAT CAUSES HALLUCINATIONS? Some of the most common causes include:  Schizophrenia.  Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  Eye problems (eg. macular degeneration, Charles Bonnet syndrome).  Epilepsy.  Parkinson’s disease.

We are now into flu season so don’t forget to book your flu vaccine if you are eligible for one.

34 SWANSEA LIFE

There are different vaccines offered depending on which is more effective for your age or your condition (if in a special risk group) and early reports are that there is believed to be a high risk of a flu outbreak in the UK this year.

 High temperature.  Some prescription medication (eg. anticholinergic medication, opiate pain killers).  Use of illicit drugs.  Excess alcohol etc.

Also, some people experience hallucinations (usually visual or sounds) when they are going off to sleep (hypnogogic) or on waking (hypnopompic) which are often described as a dream-like state and are not worrying.

WHAT TO DO? Don’t be afraid to talk about them especially if they are upsetting or distressing you.

If they are simply hallucinations related to sleep (ie. hypnogogic or hypnopompic as above) you don’t need to worry but you can of course speak to your GP. If they are due to a very high temperature, then hallucinations linked to same should prompt medical advice and implement some general cooling measures, drink plenty of fluids +/paracetomol or ibuprofen (as long as safe to do so and not contra-indicated due to other medication or other conditions – if you are not sure speak to your GP/pharmacist/NHS Direct Wales /111 as appropriate) However, no matter what the cause, it is wise to see your GP or chat to your specialist if you have hallucinations as again there is much that can be done, especially if they are distressing or upsetting you.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE? Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

FIND OUT MORE: • www.nhs.uk and search hallucinations • www.mind.org.uk and www.mentalhealth.org.uk • www.parkinsonsorg.uk • www.alzheimers.org.uk The flu vaccines have been developed based on monitoring outbreaks of flu in other countries this year.

All GP surgeries offer a variety of appointment systems for the flu vaccine including Saturday mornings. Many pharmacies also offer the service if you are not able to attend your GP surgery for it.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Advertisement feature

Easy health hacks for busy people!

Swansea women’s health and fitness expert Tara Hammett joins the team at Swansea Life this month in a new column finding tricks for gaining your fitness mojo and acing your goals

T

he days seem to be getting busier, more is being thrown at us and while juggling it all, the goal of weight loss and feeling happier and healthier can seem like it’s getting further and further away.

Add to our hectic life the social media “perfect life” posts that interrupt our newsfeed.

“Influencers” sharing their mind-blowing weight loss results with the latest skinny tea or fat torching lollipop – there is no wonder so many are feeling confused, not good enough and unmotivated. The truth is though, you can change anything! No matter how busy you are, no matter how deflated you feel, no matter how scared and nervous you are, you can make those small steps towards a happier, healthier you.

Yes, change is scary and so is trying something new. Thousands of women, desperate to lose weight and feel more confident have spent so much money on quick fixes and empty promises. Sadly, all they have to show for it are cupboards full of opened, half-used expensive supplements, powders and packets of diet products that got them nowhere fast.

Women need educating, support and belief in themselves. And I am on a mission to do just that! So I am going to share with you some tips and simple steps you can take to help you feel more motivated and focused.

These are just a few of the habits I encourage women to do in my life transformer plan and you can easily add them into your day too.

1. Stop comparing yourself to others Comparison is the thief of joy. All of us are uniquely different and we’re on our own journey. While someone may have the perfect waist, they probably have their own struggles something of which you may never have to worry about.

2. Take care of yourself first This is something many women feel guilty about. Being selfish is essential. Not only do you deserve to feel your best, your family also deserve your best. Being stressed and tired leaves you feeling impatient and irritable, so be selfish to be happier (and nicer to be around).

huge impact on your weight loss and health goals.

4. Exercise regularly Don’t pressurise yourself into hours of boring exercise. A simple home workout for 12-20 minutes done three times per week, plus regular walking is plenty. Not only will it help with weight loss, but with so many other physical and mental benefits.

5. Improve your eating habits Just make some simple changes. We’re all guilty of picking at children’s left-overs, sneaking a biscuit or two with a cuppa and relaxing with some munchies in the evening.

Being mindful of these little automatic habits can make such a difference – even if you change nothing else. Next time there’s a half-eaten fish finger or a work colleague’s hobnobs hanging around – think twice about popping it in your mouth.

6. Never give up!

Always keep going forward... no matter how slow you go. Small steps taken daily help to create stunning results. Don’t be all or nothing.

Do all or something.

Yes, change is hard. Nobody achieved or learned anything from the easy route. Even trying out one habit today can help you be that 1% better. If you only aim for 1% every day, imagine the difference this can make over time. So keep lifestyle change simple, don’t overwhelm yourself and always keep going forward.

Tara xx

3. Get sufficient, quality sleep There is a sleep deprivation health crisis. Too many choose to stay up later at night in favour or box-set viewing. This will leave you tired and lacking energy. Prioritise your sleep. It may not have any calories in it, however it will have a

Contact Tara on tara@tarahammett.com or check out Tara Hammett on social media.

SWANSEA LIFE 35

with

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BRIDE

ES G A P 28 ing d d e w of iration insp

Gorgeous gowns and beautiful accessories DRESS BY Danielle Couture DC047 www.phoenixgowns.co.uk

SWANSEA LIFE 37

HOW BOOKING YOUR WEDDING AT THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE VENUE WILL HELP A WELSH CHARITY

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Bryngarw House has an important extra role on top of its commitment to happy couples

EDDING couples at a popular venue in south Wales do far more than just take centre stage on their big day as thanks to them they help make other people's lives better.

W

wedding sees them give back to a charity - Awen Cultural Trust.

EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE The wedding-only venue in the heart of Bryngarw Country Park has been under new management since January.

It may be a bold statement, but at Bryngarw House, near Bridgend, they are confident that it stacks up because tying the knot there means making a real difference.

Country house charm and character meets modern elegance to form a winning combination. The importance of the big day is taken very seriously with no half measures.

Couples who choose Bryngarw House can feel as good about themselves as possible as their socially conscious

And you are right in 113 acres of multiaward-winning Welsh countryside to add that little bit extra to proceedings.

BLANK CANVAS FOR COUPLES At Bryngarw House everything is done to ensure that each wedding is truly unique to the couple at the centre of the celebrations.

So, there is a choice of all-inclusive wedding packages to suit all types of weddings and budgets.

The perfect backdrop for all-year-round wedding photographs just adds to it all. The ornamental bridge and pagoda in the oriental-style gardens is just one example.

Only a few minutes’ drive from junction

36 of the M4, the venue is easy to access but feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The venue is licensed to hold civil wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, whilst there are 18 boutique bedrooms for guests to stay overnight. The complimentary bridal suite for the couple on the night of their wedding is a perfect way to end a day like no other.

All in all, it has been a good 2019 for the wedding team which has received rave reviews on social media and through testimonials from happy couples.

SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS WEDDINGS ARE IN Richard Hughes, chief executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said: “We are meeting an increasing number of couples who are looking for a wedding venue which aligns with their socially conscious values.

By holding their special day at Bryngarw House they are, in effect, giving something back to a registered charity which touches more than a million lives a year through a range of wellbeing activities and opportunities across Bridgend and beyond.�

HOW OTHERS BENEFIT FROM WEDDINGS AT BRYNGARW HOUSE Every wedding booked there has a positive impact on adults with disabilities and also on the local environment.

The grounds within Bryngarw County Park, including around Bryngarw House, are maintained by the staff and trainees from B-Leaf, a work-based horticultural project for adults with disabilities.

Wedding payments are made to Awen Trading Ltd, which is the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of registered charity Awen Cultural Trust.

Profits from weddings are gift-aided back to the trust, which distributes money to the services it runs, including B-Leaf. That means opportunities for people on the project to pick up new skills and enhance their sense of wellbeing. The positive experiences they enjoy include enhancing the grounds within the park for all to enjoy.

Bryngarw House | Brynmenyn | Bridgend | CF32 8UU www.bryngarwhouse.com | Tel: 01656 729009 | events@bryngarwweddings.com @bryngarwhouse |

@bryngarwweddings

BRIDE

Essense of Australia, Cariad Bridal, Swansea

Here comes the

BRIDE

The Swansea Life style team has been rounding up some of the best wedding gowns to make your big day your dream day 40 SWANSEA LIFE

Enzoani, Rowberry Bridal, Swansea

Essense of Australia, Cariad Bridal, Swansea

Enzoani, Rowberry Bridal, Swansea

Essense of Australia, Cariad Bridal, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 41

BRIDE

Enzoani, Rowberry Bridal, Swansea

42 SWANSEA LIFE

Sophia Tolli, Rowberry Bridal, Swansea

Essense of Australia, Cariad Bridal, Swansea

Sophia Tolli, Rowberry Bridal, Swansea

Essense of Australia, Cariad Bridal, Swansea

SWANSEA LIFE 43

Sunday 29th September 11am - 3pm Peak Dates & Discount Packages Still Available For 2020

All you could need for your perfect day under one roof: • Exclusive use of Function Suite • Ceremonies with a view • An array of accommodation • A wide variety of food & drink • Bespoke wedding packages • Spa treatments & bridal makeup • Panoramic sea views

Visit www.cliffhotel.com or email weddings@cliffhotel.com THE CLIFF HOTEL & SPA | GWBERT | CEREDIGION | SA43 1PP

T: 01239 613241

Look your best for your biggest day....

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BRIDE

Vitty Coombes and Anthony Thomas Is it all in the detail? Vitty Coombes and Anthony Thomas’ big day was a lesson in how to mix fun with precision planning. PETER SLEE has been to meet them...

How did you meet?

Popping the question

We were both 17 and worked together in Allsports, a sports shop in Port Talbot. We both enjoyed each other’s company and we have a good sense of humour. Anthony would often find it funny tagging my bag and leaving me walk out through the security gates!

Fortunately, we are both laid back people, born just one day apart and I was able to see the funny side!

Anthony proposed on Christmas Day morning.

He used Russian Doll style boxes. In each of the boxes there were different holidays booked, one to Barcelona and one to Tenerife.

In the last box there was a ring box. It was a lovely special moment that suited us both. It was surprise even though we had been together for more than 10 years.

What attracted you to the venue/s you chose for the day?

The staff at the King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston were extremely friendly and accommodating. The setting felt very relaxing which reflects our personalities. We especially loved the beams in the Avalon suite and the wild garden behind the pond within the grounds of the hotel.

.

SWANSEA LIFE 49

BRIDE

What about the decorative touches you included in the day; how did they reflect your theme/colour scheme?  Favours – chocolates and alcoholic minis – Southern Comfort and vodka with purple shimmer  Table plan – the table plan cards matched our wedding invites. These hung off crates on twine with little pegs  Centrepieces – white lanterns with twinkly fairy lights. Anthony had the idea of suspending the table numbers within the lanterns  Flowers – Dancing Daffodil – I met with Rachel a few times to discuss ideas and when I explained that I would like bright flowers and showed her our invites, she understood the look straight away. I knew I could trust her!  Cake – Higgins Bespoke Cakes – Rhian was recommended to us through friends. She had made a Christening cake, which we tried and it tasted amazing! We met with Rhian a few times and she was so friendly and laid back, we knew that she was perfect for us. She understood the look we were going for and the cake was exactly what we wanted. The cake tasted beautiful and we even managed to take a few slices on our honeymoon to Australia! We had four tiers, raspberry and white chocolate, chocolate and lemon curd. It was iced with a Swiss buttercream and decorated with piped flowers.  Place names – these were made by our friend Lauren. She used white modelling clay and letter stamps.  Table names – we had polaroid pictures of the both of us from over the past 12 years.  Any other venue décor – Enchanted Décor.

We had lights wrapped around the pillars and beams with a light curtain backdrop for the ceremony. They also decorated the room with chair covers and sashes along with a cream post box which Anthony chose.  Transport – Champagne Wedding Cars. We chose Maurice so that I (the bride) could travel with my bridesmaids to the venue together.

50 SWANSEA LIFE

The company was extremely helpful and professional.  Catering options - King Arthur Hotel. We had two menu choices for the starters, mains and dessert and we chose the finger buffet for the evening. Lots of the evening guests commented on how delicious the evening buffet was.

Looking the part •What did you wear?

Mori Lee – Lace fit and flare . A jewelled belt was added to the dress along with a fingertip length veil with the same lace detail as was on the dress.

I wore a necklace from Kate Spade and earrings from Olivia Burton.

What outfit did the groom wear?

A navy tweed suit from Dyfed Menswear in Cross Hands.

What did the bridesmaids wear?

Lavender Fog floor-length dresses from TFNC. A low v-neck back on the dress finished with a bow. Our flower girl wore a Monsoon floaty ivory dress.

How did you entertain your guests?

A harpist during the ceremony, Elin Lloyd, and drinks. We chose more modern music for the ceremony and during drinks which helped to create a lovely laid-back atmosphere and kept guests entertained while we were having photos taken. Ultrabooth – Marryoke and photobooth – so much fun! We were able to film parts of the marryoke outside.

The band? John Adams Band; so much fun and very talented. We had lots of comments on how fantastic they were!

What parts stood out for you the most?

The smooth running of the day and the transition from one part of the day to the other.

Also, how wonderful Michelle was! She was thorough yet unobtrusive! Everyone commented on how friendly and fantastically organised she was. The photos are incredible, she really captured the essence of our wedding

day, which we are really grateful for. She also arranged a pre-wedding shoot six weeks before our big day. We will treasure these photos forever and they really helped to settle our nerves about posing for photos on our wedding day.

Any funny stories or unusual anecdotes from the day?

Anthony’s grandparents were unable to attend the wedding so we thought it would be a good idea to Facetime them during the ceremony.

The only issue was that we didn’t fully explain the concept of Facetime. As we were saying our vows we could hear a running commentary about what we were doing!

What about your honeymoon ?

Australia... we started off in Sydney where we went snorkelling in Darling Harbour and we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight, which was incredible. We then went to Melbourne. We visited Phillip Island where we watched the little penguins come up the beach to find their burrows just after sunset. We finished off in Perth. We used this part of the holiday to relax! We planned it together. It was one of the most incredible experiences and it was definitely worth the jet lag!

Your top wedding planning/on-theday tip is?

Who/what made your day extra special?

Keep a little notebook to jot every little thing down!

It really is invaluable. No detail is too small.

Two of the best men read out a letter from Anthony’s grandfather which helped make the day even more special!

Photography: Michelle Huggleston: Telephone: 07811 609680 www.michellehuggleston.com

SWANSEA LIFE 51

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BRIDE

Fresh twist Wedding feast trends and cocktails to match

We all love a wedding, especially when the happy couple has pulled out all the stops. Here, stylist Emma Harris, chef and broadcaster Rachel Khoo, and award-winning drinks specialists Sweet & Chilli, have teamed up with two of our favourite gin brands to share their trend predictions...

Trend 1

Minimalist, boho and earthy vibes For this key trend, minimalistic styling combined with warm tones and earthy neutrals are married together with local and seasonal food offerings, while classic drinks are brought up to date with added garnish or infusions for a twist. Take things one step further with a serve that’s made for sharing, it’ll bring your guests together. For a juicy sharing drink, try gin marmalade punch – we love Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin. It can be made in batches and served in large jugs ready for your guests to get involved when they arrive, and pairs perfectly with wholemeal paprika spiced ice gems with avocado cream (from Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook).

Ingredients (serves four) 100ml Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin, 2 tbsp quality marmalade, 50ml sugar syrup, 50ml lemon juice, soda water to top, cubed ice.

Method Build, stir, and serve in a jug with wheels of dried oranges.

56 SWANSEA LIFE

Trend 2

Fall, foliage and foraging Looking ahead, richly elegant, dramatic and intensely autumnal tones are hot for 2019.

Rooms dressed with dark plum vines and dramatic foliage come to life with beautiful blooms and tumbling fruit displays, and the same rich tones and can be mirrored in drinks, through autumnal fruits and warming spices for depth of flavour. Try a pre-dinner Gordon’s Fruit

and Leaf, which pairs perfectly with mini goat’s cheese, fig and rosemary tarts.

Method

Ingredients (single serving)

Add the ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled flute.

30ml Gordon’s Sloe Gin, 25ml fresh pressed apple juice, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar, 50ml prosecco to top.

Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Top with prosecco and garnish with a lime leaf for an added fruity aroma.

Trend 3

Cocktails as personal favours Creative and playful personal gestures have always been a key wedding feature, and with the rise of Pinterest and Instagram, couples are looking for more original and thoughtful ways to treat their guests.

This pre-dinner Tanqueray Gin Strawberry Negroni, in cute little Alice in Wonderland style bottles, will pair perfectly with king prawns.

Ingredients (single serving) 30ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin, 30ml bitter aperitif, 15ml Belsazar Red Vermouth, 15ml strawberry syrup, 30ml filtered water.

Method Mix ingredients together, bottle up and give to your guests. Otherwise, place in ice coolers on tables for your guests to help themselves.

Trend 4

Vegan and vegetarian With the growing rise in people taking up vegetarianism and veganism, it’s no surprise the wedding industry has followed suit, with an explosion of creative menus and a rainbow of palettes reflected in the decor. On-trend cocktails will be full of bright fruit and herbaceous flavours.

Try this pre-dinner Tanqueray Gin Floral Martini, which pairs perfectly with vegan fritters.

Ingredients (single serving) 30ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin, 5ml bergamot liqueur, 5ml Belvoir Elderflower Cordial, 30ml Belsazar Dry Vermouth.

Method Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add ingredients and shake. Strain into a chilled coupette glass and garnish with gypsophila (baby’s breath) for an elegant look.

SWANSEA LIFE 57

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BRIDE

Charlotte McCormack and Dan Franks

‘ The day exceeded all our expectations!’

Charlotte McCormack and Dan Franks met at a 13th birthday party and started dating at 18.

Thirteen years on, they walked up the aisle as husband and wife. Here, they share memories of their big day with Swansea Life’s Peter Slee How did you meet?

We met when we were literally 13 years old at a friend’s birthday party. Dan asked if I would be his girlfriend but I said ‘not right now.’ I guess you can say it was love at first sight! We didn’t see each other until we were then 18 when we crossed paths in a hospital of all places! We just hit it off and went on our first date not long after, 13 years on the rest is history as they say.

How did he propose?

He had the ring for months and he says he was going to propose on my 30th birthday, but the timing wasn’t quite right. Then on Dan’s 30th

birthday, I wanted to make the day extra special for him so I prepared a video with all our nearest and dearest and threw a big birthday party. A few days later I then took him for a day out canoeing on the River Wye. By the time we got home we were so tired but Dan insisted I come downstairs to watch his birthday video again with them. He had a slide of me holding up a sign saying ‘Charlotte Franks’ which his brother had jokingly given to me a few months before, I was baffled as it wasn’t in my original edit. Dan then put on our favourite song, got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was so unexpected, Dan

afterwards said the day was ‘one of the happiest in his life’ thanks to all the little special things I’d planned for his birthday and it was at that moment he just knew he had to ask me. It wasn’t how I had it planned in my head considering all the fancy places we’d been around the world which seems more fitting locations than our living room. But that made it all the more special, it felt real.

Where did you get married?

St Rhidian and St Illtyd’s Church in Gower followed by a beautiful reception at Fairyhill

by Oldwalls.

SWANSEA LIFE 61

BRIDE What attracted you to the venue?

How did you entertain your guests?

We wanted a venue that felt like a wedding abroad, but in Wales. It was also really important to us to have everyone together for more than just a day. So when we heard about this stunning exclusive venue on Gower which offered rustic retreats – purpose-built to enable you to add additional days to your wedding experience – we just knew we had to check it out. When we first arrived at Fairyhill it surpassed our expectations.

We knew it was going to be fab, but the chic interiors and décor struck a chord with us as soon as we walked in as it matched our own taste – we were blown away before we even saw the K Room. Its glass space with the stunning views was like nothing we had ever seen before. It was the perfect blend of something old, something new; modern, yet traditional. So many beautiful buildings offer an oldy-worldy-style interior, so the super stylish Fairyhill was a pleasant change.

Are you ready for this? The entertainment was one of Dan and I’s main priorities, so we really did go all out. For the church ceremony we had a string quartet, which also joined us at Fairyhill to play during our arrival drinks reception.

What was special about it?

Where do we start? The rustic retreats really did it for us. We planned a post-wedding BBQ at the house with our nearest and dearest and it felt like we could have been in Italy or France. The location, the views, the house and the weather were all simply perfect. The two-day experience was a really big deal for us and Mulberry House, a five-star cottage situated just a stone’s throw away, delivered on our vision.

It was also the small details at the venue: the quality glass wear, the candles and fireplaces, the beautiful white roses, the impressive wine menu, the food, the military food service, everything was just perfect. We also loved that we were allowed to put our own unique stamp on our day by choosing whichever suppliers and entertainment we liked.

What was your theme?

Classic, contemporary and elegant. I wanted my guests to walk in and smell the greenery and feel like they were outside. From my wedding invitations (black and white) to my bridesmaids’ dresses (ivory) I just wanted simple and elegant.

Our florist Eve Francesca was amazing in bringing our vision to life. We adorned the venue in white flowers and green foliage. Fairyhill doesn’t need much more, its naturally stunning!

What did you wear?

A beautiful gown by Riki Dalal. I saw the dress originally on Instagram, but didn’t know who it was by or where it was from. I even sent a photo to my mum saying it was my dream dress. Then as if it was meant to be, I was dress shopping in Birmingham and actually had an appointment at the boutique next door and saw THE dress in the neighbouring window, I couldn’t believe it at first.

It wasn’t available, then they managed to find a sample version that they offered to hand tailor for me. My veil was from Love Bridal and the bridesmaids’ dresses were from Laura May in Cardiff. The groomsmen each wore a black-tie tuxedo.

62 SWANSEA LIFE

While we signed the registrar our good friend Gaby French sang Eva Cassidy’s, Take My Breath Away. I grew up with her family and her sister was one of my bridesmaids, so having her sing for us was a real honour. For the wedding breakfast we took advantage of Fairyhill’s state-of-the-art sound system and played its Spotify playlist.

Then, between the main course and dessert we surprised everyone with singing waiters!

After speeches we had a cool singer, Leighton Jones, who was on The Voice a few years ago. He sang on the terrace with a guitar and pianist. It was so fab, all our guests congregated on the terrace and were either relaxing in the garden or dancing on the patio – the garden and the sunset made for a special atmosphere. We re-opened the K Room to saxophonist Marvin Thomas and the fab Fairyhill DJ. We purposely didn’t do our first dance until 10pm as we wanted to do it with the twinkling stars and lit up night sky of Fairyhill as our backdrop. Our first dance song was Frankie Valli I Love you Baby, we wanted something to get the party started and trust me, it set the tone!

How did you feel on the day?

It is hard to put into words. It exceeded all my expectations. I found the planning pretty stressful as I have an intense job and I underestimated how much effort would go into the detail, especially as I’m a big perfectionist. On the day I just remember feeling so relieved and in awe of how smoothly everything ran.

Ultimately, watching my friends and family enjoy the ceremony, food and entertainment was just amazing. Dan and I had a moment watching everyone on the terrace enjoying themselves where we had goosebumps. We couldn’t have been more grateful for the effort they made to be part of our special day.

Recommendation Have a second day! Yes, really. We were so overwhelmed on the first and it is over way too quick! We booked Mulberry House to house a post-wedding celebration with our nearest and dearest and it was simply perfect. We were in the jacuzzi around 11pm drinking Champagne when the fireworks display at Oldwalls nearby started.

We all watched together in amazement. It was a real magical ‘pinch me’ moment and the perfect end to the wedding of our dreams.

• • • • •

Venue: Fairyhill by Oldwalls Photographer: Sacha Miller photography Florist: Eve Francesca Dress: Riki Dalal Videographer: Aurora Wedding Films

SWANSEA LIFE 63

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FOOD & DRINK

truffle It’s just beaten off some tough competition to win Restaurant of the Year in the 2019 Swansea Life Awards. So what’s it like? PETER SLEE pays Truffle a visit to find out for himself...

W

ine lists are fraught with problems but mostly because of the rubbish spouted by wine connoisseurs. They irritate me profoundly.

Then, when you ask your waiter to “find me a bottle of Pinot Noir for under £50” , he looks at you as if you are something on the sole of his shoe. It is nearly always the “house white” for me!. Yes it is the cheapest. But I’m paying and I care!

What can I tell you? Despite the years in this job I’ve never quite managed to engage with

66 SWANSEA LIFE

the subject in the way that, as an adult, I suspect I should. My time is limited. The number of bottles is vast. My glass is empty.

Let me drink and hush now with your homilies on smokiness and leather. So no, I do not hold to being intimidated by anything in this life and if a wine list irritates you just buy the cheapest on the restaurant menu and tell any waiting staff, well, to go away!

Over the years numerous places have come and gone claiming they were going to revolutionise the approach to wine; to make it accessible and democratic and fun. But it doesn’t seem to happen. They always end up telling you some story about the direction

the wind was blowing on a wet Wednesday in the Rhône valley. Which, compared to tales of some goings-on in Swansea, is no story at all.

So we are five minutes into sitting at our table at Truffle in Swansea when my wife reaches down to a Tesco carrier bag on the floor and pulls out a couple of nice bottles of Sauvignon. We’ve tasted it before , like it, and at £6 or so a bottle from Tesco, great value.

We are not alone either. All around us in this great, local little foodie eaterie, people have bags at their sides loaded down with their favourite wine and bottled beer tipples.

So, in short, the BYO policy for wines, beers and ciders at Truffle is one I very much like. It also sits in just the right spot alongside the very excellent food on offer here.

It is a few years since my last visit here and certainly, I haven’t called in since its acquisition by owners Jonathan Cox and Jodie Barlow-Haynes in 2017. I’ve missed it.

Not least for its delicious offerings at £24 for three courses, but also for its “localness”, which is something I really appreciate along with great waiting staff who know what they are doing.

And yes, that always helps, it really does.

So here we are, in off King Edward Road and its bay-windowed frontage and sitting with a dozen or so other tables watched over by eager waiters.

To get started we have a plate of grilled halloumi with a pomegranate and orange dressing to ease everything on its way, and a crab and Gruyere tartlet with a dainty rocket salad set to one side.

Mrs S checks out its largely Mediterraneanbased mains options and orders a plate of slow-cooked pork belly with a parsnip puree and apple sauce because she is ravenous. I faff for much longer, transfixed by everyone pulling their wine out of carrier bags under the tables and asking for it to be popped into wine coolers. But in the end I go for a supreme of chicken with creamed leeks and bacon and hand-cut chips. I judge it a great bet here if one needs comfort food: and yes, it is as expected a silky, decadent plate of niceness.

And it is perfect for my Friday night out.

By the time we get to pudding, we start off squabbling over its necessity, and end up with two: a nicely judged lime and coconut cheesecake and a sticky toffee pudding with some Joe’s ice cream. Both were top notch.

So in short, a winning combo of a great local restaurant alongside a hat-trick of top marks for food, atmosphere and service. This is what local restaurants should be like.

And oh, don’t forgot that joyous, no corkage wine, cider and beer BYOB policy. It helps just a little bit too! * Truffle Swansea 1A King Edward’s Road, Swansea SA1 4LH

W

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FOOD & DRINK

Top drops to pair with your favourite dishes These will go down a treat with traditional British fare, says Sam Wylie-Harris

1

Ridgeview Marksman English Sparkling Brut Blanc de Blancs 2014, Sussex, England (£24, Marks & Spencer, Swansea) From one of England’s leading vineyards (and the only British vineyard to be ranked in The World’s Best Vineyard’s Top 50), this is a fresh, stylish, sparkling chardonnay and a terrific match with fish and chips. Apple orchard fruits and notes of brioche are underpinned by beautifully balanced acidity to cut through the batter, balance the flavours and provide some delicious, creamy, lemony refreshment to this seaside staple.

Home cooking

with Penllergaer’s Sian Day

A deliciously recipe for October

Cockle Chowder is the seafood soup you didn’t know you were craving!

This bacon-flecked cockle chowder with laverbread cob is a firm favourite of mine and I am sure you are going to love it too.

2

Le Vignobles Ferrandiere Organic Rose 2018, IGP Pays d’Oc, France (£6.99, Aldi, Gorseinon) A new release and perfectly in tune with Organic September, not only will this versatile rosé remind you of summer but its expressive, fruit-driven nose, easy drinking, strawberry-fruited acidity and bright finish offer outstanding value for so much flavour and freshness. A reliable choice to dress up a simple roast chicken with seasonal veggies.

3

Winemaker’s Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018, New Zealand (£6.99, Lidl, Cadle) With gorgeous grassy aromas, nettles and herbs leading to passion fruit, and lemonylime flavours on the palate that feel tangy rather than prickly, there’s sufficient intensity and citrusy acidity to pair with oysters, garlicky shellfish and smoked mackerel pâté.

The label also deserves top billing with the Rugby World Cup kicking off at the same time as BFF, and the All Blacks hoping to make 2019 a hat-trick.

4

M&S Pecorino 2018, Terre Di Chieti, Italy (£8, Marks & Spencer, Fforestfach)

A delicious discovery from the Abruzzo region, on the Adriatic coastline, the pecorino variety produces dry, minerally wines and this one’s particularly aromatic and charming with jasmine on the nose. And if you have a penchant for pecorino cheese (its namesake), this textured white, with its lovely blossom, citrus and white peach notes, is the perfect match with Somerset goat’s cheese, fresh seafood, creamy chicken and pork.

5

Cepa Lebrel Rioja Crianza 2015, Spain (£5.49 Lidl, Gorseinon)

Sometimes it’s nice to stick to the classics, like a cracking good crianza with bangers and mash or grilled lamb cutlets. A traditional style, with a kiss of vanilla oak, ample briary fruits, savoury spice and enough structure to make it a steal at the price.

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ingredients Serves 4 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Knob of butter 1kg fresh live cockles soaked and rinsed 2 rashers of bacon, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 small leek 1 bay leaf Sprig of thyme 2 sticks of celery 2 medium potatoes peeled and chopped 300mls chicken stock 300mls double cream 100mls white wine 2 tbsp plain flour 4tbsp single cream Bunch of parsley, chopped

method 1. Soak the cockles and rinse well, discard any that are open or cracked.

2. Put in a large saucepan and place approximately 300mls water, clamp on a lid and cook to steam on high for approximately five minutes giving a little shake ensure all the shells have opened. Discard any that are still closed.

3. Drain through a colander and set aside.

4. Heat the butter in the pan and fry off the bacon until the fat renders down with the onion and celery until softened. Add in the bay leaf, thyme, flour and potatoes, wine, stock and milk and cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

5. While the broth is simmering pick out the cockles from their shells and add in the leek and cream and gently simmer for a couple of minutes.

6. Check for seasoning and add in the cockles and parsley to warm them through.

7. Serve with a couple of cockle shells for decoration and garnish with parsley.

Laverbread Welsh cob You will need a Dutch oven or suitable pot with a lid, I use an enamel dish with lid.

Ensure what you use can be cooked in at a high temperature.

INGREDIENTS 3 cups strong bread flour ■ 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water ■ 1 tsp sea salt ■ 1 packet 7g fast action yeast ■ 2 tbsp laverbread ■

Method 1. In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients except the laverbread.

2. Cover with cling film and leave overnight.

When ready to bake off, heat the oven to 2200 or a high setting and preheat your Dutch oven.

2. Incorporate the laverbread into the dough then tip onto a floured work surface and shape into a boule. Slash the top with a serrated knife.

4. Place into the Dutch oven. Remember it is very hot so don’t forget your oven mit. Bake for 30 minutes then remove the lid and continue to cook for approximately 10 minutes to get a nice crust.

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WINTER

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THE DINGLE, CASWELL, SWANSEA

A mesmerizing home with character & astonishing vistas/grounds. Approx. 3.4 acres of land include a small Koi Carp pond, larger natural pond, well stocked lake & pontoon, paddock, 2 stables, double detached garage, & a separate derelict stone barn ripe for development.

LAND WITH FULL PLANNING Magical secret garden situated only a 5 minute walk from Caswell Bay beach, & surrounds you with enchanting mature gardens, sounds of nature & is perfectly private. Full planning for a 4 bed ultra modern detached property. EPC n/a

Offers Over £699,950

Offers In Excess Of £975,000

320 MUMBLES ROAD, WEST CROSS, SWANSEA

MOORLAND AVENUE, NEWTON, SWANSEA

This delightful, traditional, 1904 Edwardian property is superbly positioned on the famous Mumbles road. This semi-detached family home offers 7 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms and fabulous views of Mumbles and Swansea Bay . EPC D

An exclusive development of executive, detached properties finished to a very high standard.

Presenting 5 bedrooms, 4 receptions and 2 bathrooms with modern kitchen/breakfast room & utilty room. Landscaped garden, double garage and close to excellent schools. EPC B

Asking Price £695,000

Asking Price £775,000

Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

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

11 EAST CLIFF, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA

LLANCOED, FAIRWOOD, SWANSEA

Panoramic sea views of Three Cliffs, Oxwich, Somerset, and the Gower countryside. The detached home offers 5 beds, 3 receptions, 3 baths, large gardens, outdoor swimming pool, triple garage, 2 stables. Or a fantastic sizeable plot to simply start again. EPC E

Llancoed is a most striking, immaculate & individually designed detached family home. Briefly comprising 3 receptions, large kitchen/diner, 5 beds, 3 ensuites & family bathroom. Private garden with countryside views & ample parking. EPC C

Asking Price £995,000

Asking Price £675,000

Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world

THANEMOOR, HIGHER LANE, LANGLAND, SWANSEA

LONG OAKS COTTAGE, PENMAEN, GOWER

Located in Langland is this family home with generous &versatile accommodation.

Comprising: Large kitchen/diner, 3 receptions, pantry, utility & W.C. 6 beds, 3 en-suites & family bathroom. Paved courtyard, generous country garden and double garage. EPC F

Possibly the best hidden spot in South Gower, the fairy tale home is nestled at the foot of Cefn Bryn with glorious, large gardens. Quaint cottage with 3 beds, 3 receptions, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, attached 2 bedroom annex. Heated outdoor pool, hot tub and garage. EPC E

Offers Over £800,000

Asking Price £775,000

OAKDALE, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA

20A JOINERS ROAD, THREE CROSSES, SWANSEA

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

A modern detached family home situated within the traditional village of Three Crosses. This hidden gem over looks rolling hills, Loughor Estuary and the village green. The detached home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms and private garden. EPC B

Offers In The Region Of £1,150,000

Asking Price £599,950

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

: 01685 874599

­

: 01269 592383

: 01239 613413

­

: 01437 764070

­

: 01646 698822

: 01639 646511

: 01646 687500

: 01639 884433

: 01558 823900

: 01834 844779

Perfectly located for Swansea commuting

Luxury contemporary homes set within spacious plots and gardens and with part exchange available; Eglwys Nunydd offers the best in modern living. With superb build quality, generous accommodation and high specifications, these homes are truly exceptional.

In a semi-rural location, just off Junction 38 of the M4 Motorway, these homes are perfectly located for easy commuting to and from Swansea.

Prices from £534,995.00 to £609,995.00

Stylish homes • Close to Heritage Coastline Highly specified throughout • Award winning quality

VR tours available Sales centre & Viewhome open: 11am – 5pm Thurs – Mon Incl Eglwys Nunydd, Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2PS

Call 0333 320 8161

www.llanmoor-homes.co.uk

Details correct at time of going to press. All images are illustrative only.

Just 6 luxury 5 bedroom homes remaining

by Llanmoor Homes

HOUSE & HOME

THE

WOWFACTOR

Finding the right spot remains crucial when buying a new property.

And does it get any better than this beauty in Swansea?

PETER SLEE has been to visit a showpiece plot...

78 SWANSEA LIFE

D

oes it get any more magical or truly mesmerising than this?

Well, in all honesty, probably not! Because you’ll have trouble finding another spot quite as spectacular as The Dingle. This secret garden is situated waterside, just a five-minute stroll from Caswell Bay beach and Langland Golf Course. It is surrounded by the most enchanting visions of mature horticultural specimens, sounds of nature and is perfectly private. You will feel as

though you have been transported to another land. It really is completely solitary and picture perfect.

which sat above The Dingle. It was also an Officers’ Mess for the American Army during the 1940s.

The Secret Garden is well known in the horticultural and local historical world having acquired awards for the beautiful garden, and, is registered proudly as an Historical Garden of Wales by Cadw. Measuring an impressive 1.145 acres, it has had various uses during its existence.

Initially as a picturesque garden in 1925, with a cottage which was home to the gardener and his family, another use was as a tennis lawn for Summerland House (no longer in existence),

Today, the garden is a much loved and cared for by the owners, who in the past have selflessly opened it up to various charities for functions working tirelessly from 2006 to restore the grounds to what it is today, from what was essentially an overgrown and neglected jungle.

“The Dingle and secret garden, offers a very special opportunity,” say agents Fine & Country in Mumbles.

SWANSEA LIFE 79

HOUSE & HOME

“The grounds have approved planning for a spectacular ‘Grand Designs’ type ultra modern home. Planning details provide plans and drawings for a unique, modern, four bedroom dream home with astonishing views over the secret garden and out towards Langland Golf Course. The vendors have also gathered costings and sourced materials which have been approved by the council.”

The detailed planning consent has been granted by Swansea Council on the back of plans drawn up by the local, highly acclaimed, award-winning architect Huw Griffiths. The design strategy takes advantage of the natural landscape, creating inspiring living spaces with the property cantilevering out, floating among the tree canopies and enjoying views over the garden towards Langland Golf Course. This allows for mature trees to be retained, enhancing this peaceful and private setting with the use of local limestone along with light grey Scottish Larch cladding and a natural Sedum roof reflecting this beautiful setting as seen in these computer-generated images.

The timber brings additional texture and colour to the limestone on the exterior facade. Being naturally ventilated and well insulated with details such as skylights placed tactically at various points in the house, bringing in an abundance of daylight, engagement with nature is created at every possible opportunity throughout the seasons.

Step inside and the accommodation plans of the envisioned property offer modern, high standard living with the added benefit of excellent flexibility of use of space. From the spacious and well-designed sweeping driveway/parking area, you approach the attractive and modern front door with feature glass panels.

Entering a central hallway via the main entrance, which is naturally light thanks to the use of glass panels, you will be directed to all living areas. This upper floor provides living accommodation flowing beautifully throughout. Positioned at the south-facing point of the home, you have a large open plan contemporary kitchen/diner/living space and separate, adjoining lounge. These spaces boast floor-to-ceiling glass walls, 80 SWANSEA LIFE

which slide to open on to the external terrace with glass balustrade, providing the most astonishing panoramas over the secret garden. The abundance of glass spans the width of the property creating an idyllic setting for enjoying your surroundings to the full.

Descending the central staircase you arrive at the lower central hallway which leads to all areas. To the south-facing end of the home you have the three bedrooms located perfectly to relish in the spectacular garden views. Helping with this are floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which slide open to bring the delights of the garden into the rooms.

Additional spaces on the lower floor include family bathroom, boiler/utility room and potential for a fantastic size “void” space which has the possibility to house a gym/ cinema/swimming pool though the lower floor has a completely flexible layout and can be changed to suite the purchaser.

But perhaps it is the grounds that will capture your imagination first.

“The garden itself is magical, mammoth and oozes prestige,” adds Fine & Country’s Beth Evans.

“You have a very large lawn, pathways, built-in rustic bench seating, palms, Japanese maple, an array of giant mature trees and feature archway tunnel covered in wisteria, roses and jasmine. You also have direct access to a walking path leading directly down to Caswell Bay beach, you can leave the house, walk to the beach in a matter of minutes.

“A private, pre-arranged viewing is essential to appreciate the uniqueness, location and serenity of what is a truly magical place.”

THE DETAILS: Price: Offers over £975,000 Agents: Fine & Country 77 Newton Road, Mumbles T: 01792 367301 E: swansea@fineandcountry.com

www.pablack.co.uk

01600 717 040

black

black

www.pablack.co.uk

www.pablack.co.uk

Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd

Heol Las, Maudlam

Mayals Road, Swansea

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Porthcawl 01656 771600 O.I.E.O £800,000 Bethany Lane, West Cross,

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

£550,000

4 Bedroom Detached property Victorian character features Driveway / Off road parking Sea Views Sought after location Catchment for well regarded schools EPC - F

Swansea 01792 641481 Eaton Crescent,

£750,000

£350,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481

Oxwich, Swansea

Western Lane, Mumbles

Heol Croes Faen, Porthcawl

• Pablack Swansea are delighted to offer to market this cottage located in Stcharacterful Annes, Mumbles, the sought after location of Oxwich Village and approximately 500 yards to Oxwich Bay.

• Contemporary 2 double bedroom penthouse apartment benefiting from spaciousView, open plan living accommodation Dylans Uplands, with full height ceilings that include the roof space, and glazing to the gable end.

Private landscaped gardens with panoramic views over Swansea Bay.

• 3/4 Bedroom Detached • Ground Floor Shower Room •Gower 2 En Suites to First FLoor Road, Sketty, • Open Plan Kitchen Dining • BI FOLDING Doors to rear Garden • Utility Area and Garage • Off Road Parking, Enclosed Garden

Swansea 01792

For sale with pa black Swansea 641481 01792 641481

Cardiff Monmouth Penarth Porthcawl Newport

£485,000 £320,000

Swansea 01792

£475,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 641481 01792 641481

£450,000

Porthcawl 01656

£400,000

For sale with pa black Swansea 771600 01792 641481

Delivering exceptional service for exceptional homes

£395,000

©LW

5 Bedroom Detached Family Home Attached 2 Bedroom Self Contained Annex Open Plan Family Kitchen Area High Specification Throughout Underfloor Heating Nature Reserve and Coastal Views Triple Garage

C

ll Ca the ed e iew l 5 b hom v to tifu ow sh au be rfon rna ae

COMING Range SOON! of 3, 4 & 5 The 4 bed bedroom homes Harlech view available home

Welcome to Summerland.

Elegant... Inspirational... Breathtaking... Luxury Homes from Westacres An exclusive development of outstanding 3,4 & 5 bedroom homes set within the breath-taking Gower Peninsula

0800 091 1809 | www.westacres.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

Abstract line orange grey art print, £7.95, abstracthouse.com

Abstract spiral wall mural from £27/m2, wallsauce.com

ÍÍGeo hiball glasses, 90p each, Tesco

Abstract

Abstract Ombre II framed wall art by MINDTHEGAP £250, limelace.co.uk

decor Add a little Dali to your home with an artistic buy, says Dan Beavan

ÏÏTalquin elm wood and iron sunburst cabinet, £687, artisanti.com ÐÐDulux matt emulsion, forest festival, white cotton, narrow lane and spiced honey, prices from £16 for 2.5l, available from most DIY stores

*All prices correct at time of going to press and subject to availability

Equus moss finish metal horse sculpture, £80, artisanti.com

Clara 12-piece dinnerware set, £60, Habitat.co.uk

Diamond Emerald sideboard, £19,277 bocadolobo.com

SWANSEA LIFE 83

T H E B AT H R O O M S P E C I A L I S T S

Turning Bathrooms into Reality with the U.K.’s leading Respatex specialists...

01269 595806 ⁄ www.nuwavebathrooms.co.uk

104 Wind Street, West End, Ammanford, SA18 3DU

S R E L L A T S N I V T L A T I G I D R ES E I L M A E W R P H T U THE O S T U O H G U THRO

TV WALL MOUNTING SPECIALISTS WITH HIDDEN CABLES Visit our website for examples

SKY Q & SKY+ H CALL FO D INSTA R THE L LLATION ATEST S TV, TALK S UBSCRIP AND BR TION DE OADBA Digital a ALS ND PAC erial inst KAGES allations & repairs a Discoun t compe ts For O titive pr APs | 2 ices 12 Mont 4 Hour 7 Days Service h Guara ntee Freephone 0800 731 4538 Swansea & Llanelli 01792 358245 | 01554 719149

www.onevisionltd.co.uk

Cardif & Bridgend 02920 290511 | 01656 349787

Blinds VERTICAL BLINDS

VENETIAN BLINDS

ROLLER BLINDS

SKYLIGHT BLINDS

0% A REPRESEPR NTATIVE

FINA AVAILANBCE LE

Spread the Cost. Ask for more information Spread the costs of all Blinds and Shutters across 6, 9 or 12months at 0% Interest when you spend £600 or more with a minimum 25% deposit.

Representative Example for: Window Blinds Purchase Price £1000 Minimum Deposit (25%) £250 Amount of Credit £750 12 Monthly Payments £62.50

Total Payable Duration of Agreement Rate of Interest (Fixed) APR Representative

£1000 12 months 0% 0% APR

Payment plans are offered by Close Brothers Retail Finance. Close Brothers Retail Finance is a trading name of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Finance is only available to permanent UK residents aged between 18-75, subject to status, terms and conditions apply.

CHILD SAFETY NEW 2017 FREE HOME FABRIC CONTROLS TO SELECTION FREE design advice and an RANGE ALL BLINDS obligation FREE quotation.

Tel: 01792 896531

Chic are members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association. Your assurance of quality standards.

Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ

A family business celebrating 27 years in business with over 60,000 customer orders completed ELECTRIC CONTROL

ÂŁ85 FROM AS LITTLE AS

EXTRA PER BLIND

Control at the touch of a button. Ideal for all large or out of reach windows, and for multiple blinds (up to 16 blinds controlled from 1 remote). Operation by battery, Rechargable lithium motor or hard wired.

CHOICE OF MANUAL OR ELECTRIC

The latest addition to our range. A combination of opaque and transparent material gives an outstanding visual eect and the control of light and privacy.

For more information visit our website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our showroom

Tel: 01792 896531 Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ

For more information visit out website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our 3 showrooms

HOUSE & HOME

1 L E S L E Y

TAY LO R

Home work

STUDIES, HOME OFFICES – WHATEVER YOU CALL THEM, COULD YOUR HOME BENEFIT FROM A DEDICATED WORKSPACE?

2

September marks the start of a new school year.

Which means you can bid farewell to your dining table as it once more becomes a makeshift study centre; where dinner plates give way to textbooks and candelabras to calculators.

However, if you’re fed up with serving dinner with a side portion of stationery, you can carve out a dedicated workspace in the heart of the family home.

1. If you are incorporating your study area into the living space, choose a desk that fits in with your home’s current interior scheme 2. If you can, try to find a space bathed in natural light as it will help keep productivity at a max 3. No home office would be complete without a plant or two, which help keep stress levels to a minimum 4. Say goodbye to using the dining room as a makeshift office

4

The first job is to find a suitable location, which largely depends on one huge factor: what’s available.

Some might have a spare room, while others might have to make do with an alcove. Those with a generous budget might opt for their own purpose-built garden house.

Whatever room you have, there are some things to take into consideration. Electrical points for keeping laptops and tablets fully charged and a strong wi-fi signal are both pretty high on the essentials list. As is natural light. While it might not be an option for all, if you can, try to make use of space that has good natural lighting as it will keep creativity and productivity flowing.

Choosing a desk is the next biggie.

Space is going to be the biggest factor when it comes to making a desk decision, but you also need to consider your home’s décor – especially if your workspace is going to be incorporated into your family living space.

3

90 SWANSEA LIFE

If room is limited, a chunky desk might overwhelm the space, so a clear desk – made from Perspex or tempered glass, will do the job perfectly.

Other alternatives include building a “counter” – a window sill-like floating shelf that protrudes from the wall. Not only does it keep the space under the shelf free, therefore not taking over the entire room, it offers plenty of workspace for laptops, books and other study essentials.

Plants have long been big news in the home – but they are also becoming increasingly popular in the workplace too.

So popping a plant or two in your own study area is a must. Plants help humans reconnect with the natural world, boosting productivity and helping to keep stress at bay. Perfect for any teens approaching big exams.

Don’t worry if you’re not particularly greenfingered either, today’s faux plants look fabulous and will still have the same effect on productivity and your mood as their living, breathing counterparts.

EDIT BY: Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling.

HOUSE & HOME Soft conversion

Spotted baby bunny spot blanket, £30, John Lewis & Partners

Dried and tested

Bowled over

Monochrome polka-dot cotton towels, from £4, George

Set of four spotty pasta bowls, £45, Habitat

My Round

Jute rug, £29.99, H&M Home

SPOT ON MIx and match

Superfresco easy dotty wallpaper, £14.99, Debenhams.

Kartell chair, £173, madeindesign.co.uk

Join the dots – a style that’s not about to go out of fashion any time soon, writes Amber Graafland

Three of the best

Let there be light

Gold polka-dot towels, £42.48, zazzle.co.uk

Lantana curvy ceramic table lamp, £95, Habitat

Put the kettle on

Home Comforts

Tea, coffee, sugar ceramic canisters, £15.99, scattysquirrel.co.uk

Clarissa polka-dot pillowcases, £8.40 each, La Redoute

Plate expectations

Set of four Kubler porcelain herbal tea cups, £21; four Kubler plates, £16.80; cutlery set, £48.75, all La Redoute 92 SWANSEA LIFE

Sleep tight

Clarissa polka-dot bed linen from £25; Osia sheepskin rug, £99; UGOYA buffalo skull decoration, £39, all La Redoute

YOU ARE

INVITED TO OUR

AUTUMN SAVINGS EVENT Including our Open Evenings on Wednesday 2nd October | 7pm | Gorseinon Wednesday 23rd October | 7pm | Llantrisant

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

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

www.arthurllewellynjenkins.co.uk

Living

Stressless NEW FOR 2019

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 high-back and low-back options with individually adjusting seats.

Stella 2 Seater Sofa (Leather) Event price from £2,199

Elliot 3 Seater Sofa in Leather Event price from £1,680

Dining The dining room is a special place for the whole family to enjoy, whether it is an early morning breakfast or an evening meal that brings everyone together; a place where comfort, quality furniture and flexible storage help maintain a healthy, relaxed environment all day.

Pemberton Lowboard Event price from £699

Rochford 5’ Extending Dining Table Event price from £1,220

Servery Table Event price from £650

Dining Chair Event price from £240

Narrow Bookcase Event price from £779

Treviso Dining Table Event price from £1,420

Display Cabinet Event price from £1,339

Sideboard Event price from £2,175

% Beds Bedrooms

We do not underestimate the importance of a

Easily refresh yourgood bedroom, nightsguest sleep.room Most of us spend more time or children’s roominwith ourwe latest oursome beds of than do on any other piece bedroom ranges. Choose fromina the range of bed of furniture home.

With an offering of frames with matching chests and wardrobes different tensions and sizes we make it easy for to create storage and a new you offer to find yourrelaxed perfect match. sleeping environment.

Our bed department stock all of the UK’s leading brands including Harrison, Sealy, Slumberland and Vispring.

Copenhagen Copenhagen

2 drawer locker 2 drawer locker

6 draw 6 draw

3 drawer deep chest 3 drawer deep chest

2’6 2 d 2’6 2 d

Event price £115 Event price £115

ee 2 fr ers w a dr ffer o

Event kin price £230 for d gsizprice Event £230 e o pric uble e

Bedrooms Copenhagen

2 drawer locker

Event price £115

3 drawer deep chest Event price £230

Coniston Natural

5ft 2 drawer divan set

Event price from £855 6 drawer midi chest Event price £299

2’6 2 drawer Robe Event price £320

Easily refresh your bedroom, guest room or chiBedrooms ldren’s room with some of our latest bedroom ranges. Choose from a range of bed frames with matching chests and wardrobes to create storage and offer a new relaxed sleeping environment.

Easily refresh your bedroom, guest room or children’s room with some of our latest bedroom ranges. Choose from a range of bed frames with matching chests and wardrobes to create storage and offer a new relaxed sleeping environment.

Copenhagen

2 drawer locker

Event price £115

6 drawer midi chest Event price £299

3 drawer deep chest 2’6 2 drawer Robe Event price £230

Event price £320

Event p Event p

Event p Event p

%5%

on on all all items items across across the the store store during during our our Autumn Autumn savings savings event! event!

5

ENJOY AN EXTRA

%

Event prices valid from 6th October - 3rd November 2019.

Event prices valid from 6th October - 3rd November 2019.

! !

Free Free Coffee Coffee

SAVING

wer midi chest wer midi chest

Present this voucher at one of our relaxing Present this voucher at one of our relaxing coffee shops and enjoy a free coffee. coffee shops and enjoy a free coffee.

price £299 price £299 on all items across during during the ourstore Autumn

drawer Robe savings event! drawerour Robe Autumn savings event!

Voucher valid until 19th December 2019 Voucher valid until 19th December 2019

price £320 Event prices valid valid from from22nd 6th October - 3rd November 2019.

September - 3rd November 2019. price £320 Discount already applied to Event prices.

CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NUMBER: L CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NUMBER: L

!

✃

ENJOY AN EXTRA

Free Coffee

You are invited to our AUTUMN SAVINGS EVENIN Wednesday 23rd October 7pm at our Llantrisant s

YOU ARE

INVITED

Present this voucher at one of our relaxing coffee shops and enjoy a free coffee.

Voucher valid until 19th December 2019

Swansea Gorseinon SA4 9WF, Jct 47 off the M4 01792 892381

CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NUMBER: L

Cardiff Llantrisant CF72 8PN, Jct 34 off the M4 01443 222929

www.allj.

If undelivered, please return to: Arthur Llewellyn Jenkins Furniture Store, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9WF

TO OUR

AUTUMN SAVINGS EVENT Including our Open Evenings on

Wednesday 2nd October 7pm at our Gorseinon store

Wednesday 23rd October 7pm at our Llantrisant store

SAVING

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

on all items across the store during

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

www.arthurllewellynjenkins.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME HOUSE & HOME

Hydrangea aspera

Autumn colour with a difference With Joseph Atkin, head gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire October and early November is the best time of the year for autumn colour. Across the country we will all enjoy the fiery colours of cherries, beech and many other much-loved trees. In the home garden we do not all have enough room to grow the large trees that produce these wonderful displays. However, there are some excellent options that are a little different to the norm and that are excellent garden plants.

Euonymus planipes

Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’ Herbaceous perennials often get overlooked for autumn colour but there are some which are extremely effective. Mukdenia is a short ground cover plant that produces drumstick-like flowers in March and nicely divided foliage over the summer. In October the leaves turn a wonderful crimson colour which lasts for a good few weeks.

Mukdenia makes an excellent filler plant or front of the border plant and combines well with the green foliage of other plants. At Aberglasney it is happiest in shaded conditions or in a woodland garden. This makes it ideal for small, shaded spaces in the home garden on a north face or similar.

This wonderful shrub is a close relative of the common evergreen types that you often see in municipal borders. The foliage is deciduous turning the most wonderful scarlet in the autumn, whilst small flowers in spring and summer are popular with bees. In October the seed heads burst open producing a red, orange and purple combination that is really eye catching. There are also many other deciduous Euonymus like this one, that are excellent garden plants and are well worth a try.

■ Height = 3m max ■ Spread = 2m max ■ Position/aspect = Any ■ Soil = Any ■ Pest and diseases = No real problems at Aberglasney ■ Style = Shrub border, mixed border,

woodland garden, even in a hedge - it looks

great next to conifers

Lagerstroemeria indica ‘Petite Pixie’ This shrub is very common on the Continent and is known to do well in hot summers, hence it’s not often seen in Wales. Yet, at Aberglasney it produces a wonderful display of flowers most years and has grown well for over 20 years. In the autumn the leaves turn a wonderful combination of red and yellow producing some of the best autumn colour we have. The stems are also wonderfully sculpted and smooth, offering a good deal of winter interest as well. Grown next to a wall with some shelter it seems to be perfectly hardy and slow growing making it an excellent subject for a smaller home garden. It also has a good deal of salt tolerance so is suitable for a seaside garden as well.

■ Height = 3m ■ Spread = 1.5m ■ Position/Aspect = Any sunny ■ Soil = Free draining, dry ■ Pest and diseases = No problems ■ Style = Seaside garden, shrub border, Mediterranean, wall shrub, perfect for a

small spot 98 SWANSEA LIFE

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■

Height = 30cm max Spread = 1m max Position/Aspect = Shaded, cool Soil = Any except waterlogged Pest and diseases = In pots, vine weevil can be a problem Style = Woodland, astatic, exotic, looks great next to Hellebores or other plants with dark green leaves

Quality

made truly affordable

Visit our showroom to view our vast display of Gas | Electric | Multifuel Fires | Stone | Marble | Wood Fireplaces Gas or Charcoal BBQ’s | Range Cookers Gorseinon Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9GG | Tel: 01792 892357 | www.brisco.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

HOUSE & HOME

Yes the nights are drawing in, but that doesn’t mean you have to draw inside.

For autumn evenings outdoors, all you need is a cosy blanket and a breeze-proof lantern

Glass lantern with faux leather handle, £26, cultfurniture​.com

Lights out

Metal plant lantern,£22, MaisonsduMonde.com

Annabel James; Storm lantern, £55.95, qazqa.com

Grey tall LED, £14.99, lantern, Dobbies

Autumn lantern, £24.99, Lights4Fun.co.uk

Miner’s lantern, £12, Garden Trading

100 SWANSEA LIFE

Gold lantern, £6, Wilko

Antique white lantern, £16.95, Melody Maison

Oriental Treasure Mirror, £69.99, Very.co.uk

Your local, online tile specialist!

ADD CHARACTER TO YOUR HOME ...with our exclusive range of carefully sourced, design-led tiles

Featured tiles from £36 per m2

www.bakedtiles.co.uk Call us on 01792 439239 512B Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU

• Bespoke furniture and furnishings • Spatial planning • Bathroom design

• Home furnishings • Swansea showroom • SS19 collections now available

EDIT your home to perfection‌ Beautiful home furnishings and full interior design services for all areas of the home.

Call in to our Swansea showroom to view our full collection and for free, in store consultations.

512B Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU | 01792 439119 | www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk

EDIT your

dream sofa…

From space saving loveseats to sumptuous corner sofas, EDIT Home + Design in Mumbles specialises in helping you create the furniture of your dreams.

Expert interior designer Jacqueline Turpin explains how…

1) Say hello! �irst things first – come and visit us in our �wansea showroom! �ee some of our sofas on display and get your hands on our fabulous collection. �ogether, we’ll find out what you like, work out what you need and start showing you solutions you may never have thought of.

2) Leave the hard work to us Measuring up can be a headache, so we can do it for you! �ome consultations allow us to walk through your space together and find out how you use it on a daily basis – not just on special occasions! �here’s a small initial charge for this, but it’s refunded when you order your sofa.

We’ll make sure your new sofa doesn’t just look and feel good, but that it’s designed to fit your lifestyle as well as your room.

3) Personalise to perfection Once you’ve found the sofa style you love, the fun can really start!

With our help, you’ll choose from modular elements to build a custom piece of furniture, created just for you and your home. Plus, if we have your room measurements we can create a plan for to see exactly how it will fit.

You’ll also be able to pick from a huge range of materials and colours to build your bespoke sofa – even the finish for the legs!

4) Sit back and relax!

Make any final changes, pay your deposit and our workshops will start crafting your sofa.

Once it’s ready, we’ll take care of the delivery and with our white glove service we’ll even take the packaging away for you, so that all you have to do is put your feet up and enjoy!

Jacky x Beautiful home furnishings and full interior design services for all areas of the home.

Call in to our Swansea showroom to view our full collection and for free, in store consultations.

512B Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU | 01792 439119 | www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk

HOUSE & HOME

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1 2

7

3

5 6

colourful bulbs to plant for spring From blousy tulips to cool white daffodils, Hannah Stephenson digs through some of the best bulbs available now Summer’s on its way out, which means it’s time to start planting your new spring bulbs - and why not turn over a new leaf and try something different? Bulb specialists and other outlets have a host of options to create a riot of colour in spring, or you could opt for some more unusual eye-catching varieties.

Here are some of the new and unusual spring bulbs to consider...

1

Fritillaria persica Purple Dynamite, £12.50 for one, Directbulbs.co.uk

This new hybrid of the persica family has wonderful shiny flowers of a deep purple black, and grows to 60-90cm (2-3ft). It’s ideal for free-draining sunny borders and looks stunning grown alongside Fritillaria Persica Ivory Bells, as the creamy white flowers are such a great contrast. Left to naturalise, it will work well planted with eremurus.

2

Tulipa clusiana ‘Tinka’, £5.40 for 10, Broadleighbulbs.co.uk

The elegant Tulip clusiana cultivars are sometimes overlooked but make easy plants for a sunny bed or rock garden, or in a pot. They may also thrive without being lifted. “Tinka” and “Honky Tonk” are two of the newest and among the best. “Tinka” is an eye-catching addition to a sunny rock garden, bearing slender flowers of 106 SWANSEA LIFE

pure yellow with deep red outer petals. As the plant ages it develops an apricot hue.

3

Narcissus “Snowy Mountain”, £5.50 for eight bulbs, Tulipstore.eu/en

This new daffodil recently received a five-star rating from Which? Gardening, the Consumers’ Association magazine. It reported that this statuesque variety has grey-green leaves and stems which complement the large white flowers very well, creating a cool colour combination. The stems stayed strong and straight when the flowers were open, and the large blooms had impressively long trumpets, blooming for around four weeks.

4

Daffodil Division 6 Cyclamineus Double Joy, from £5

If you want a dwarf variety that packs a punch, look out for “Double Joy”, the double form of the old favourite “Jetfire”, which is ideal growing in containers or at the front of borders (both available from Directbulbs.co.uk). While for a cool white type, try “Polar Ice”, available from Dobies.

5

Eranthis hyemalis “Pauline”, £10 for one, Directbulbs.co.uk

This rare winter aconite is pale lemon, with delicate flowers surrounded by deep green

leaves. Plant it in the shady areas of the garden alongside snowdrops or chionodoxa for a dazzling display early in the spring. It should naturalise well and as such come back year after year.

6

Gold Waxed Amaryllis, £11.99 for one bulb, Unwins.co.uk

This huge bulb arrives in a golden waxed coating, so no plant pot is needed to add sparkle to your houseplant. Start the bulb off in September indoors and by Christmas you should have a large, deep red amaryllis (hippeastrum).

From one bulb at least one large, tall stem will emerge, which may branch and form several saucer-size blooms, just in time for the festive season. Flowers continue for weeks for a welcome, long display into January.

7

Tulipa “Brownie”, from £6.30 for 10, Avonbulbs.co.uk

The rich copper hues of this unusual double tulip makes it one to include in the list. It is short stemmed, which helps stop it flopping when the heads become heavy in the rain, and does best in full sun, although try to avoid windy spots.

Don’t plant these bulbs until late October or early November, when frost should have reduced the level of disease in the soil.

INTERIORS

FOR OVER

120 YEARS EST. 1897

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

from Leekes

SOFAS

With the change in season it’s the perfect time to give your home a new lease of life. Prepare for cold nights curled up on a beautiful new sofa. At Leekes you’ll find a sofa to suit every size, style and budget.

IN YOUR

HOME FOR

Christmas OR IT’S FREE

Look out for the reindeer as these products are part of our Christmas promise – in your home for Christmas or it’s free*

Shop our extensive range of Leading Brand divans, bed frames, mattresses and coordinating furniture and bedding ranges for a restful night’s sleep.

THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT

THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT

THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT

BEDROOMS

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

DINING

Take inspiration from our extensive collection to create the perfect dining and living space.

Whether you’re looking for a classic wood or contemporary glass table, at Leekes you’ll find everything you need for hosting fabulous family feasts.

Let our experts help you select custom-made curtains, blinds and cushions from the latest designer collections and choose from flooring styles to suit every home including plain and patterned carpets as well as a wide choice of hard flooring.

TOUCHES

Home Experts FOR

120 YEARS 1897 – 2017

Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

O N N O W SA LE AU TU M N Find your dream kitchen at Sigma 3.

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 a FREE no-obligation design appointment.

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

HOUSE & HOME

at home As we wave goodbye to summer it doesn’t have to mean the end of enjoying gorgeous plants – which houseplants work best and where...

Spider plants are easy to grow and remove CO2 from a moist atmosphere

Claire Bishop

Unsure which plants to place in the bathroom, lounge or bedroom? Claire Bishop, houseplant buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres, offers the following tips on how houseplants can enhance a number of different styles and moods – from bright and bold, to soft, subtle and architecturally sculpted – and which ones work best where.

Family fixture

Orchids are tropical so they love the humidity in a bathroom

For a bright, cheerful addition to any family room, turn to dependable, easy-to-grow favourites such as the spider plant. Thriving even in a brightly-lit lounge, the bold stripes of the variegated chlorophytum will last all year round. Try a hanging basket to display it to best effect. The peace lily is another go-to houseplant, being beautiful and almost indestructible – it actually thrives on under-watering.

With its pure white flowers and deep green leaves, it’s a calming presence. It’s also one of the best plants for removing air pollution.

Ferns make the most amazing house plants

114 SWANSEA LIFE

Typically tropical

Au natural

For a more vibrant look, seek out dazzling tropical plants such as the calathea peacock plant. As the name suggests, this plant is all about display, with a feathered effect in different shades of green. Since it originates in warmer climes, calathea will be perfectly at home in the humid atmosphere of a bathroom or kitchen – where it’s likely to expand over time into a substantial, bushy addition.

Lush green plants paired with rugged terracotta containers bring the outdoors into your home. The popular Boston fern, with its arching green fronds, can develop into a perfect sphere of intricate greenery.

Alternatively, go for the sansevieria succulent, which adds marbling to the mix.

Commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, sansevieria are much more soothing than their nicknames suggests.

Succulents in small pots work well on a window sill

A hanging Kokedama

Shabby chic Dispense with tradition and opt for guests that will bring personality to your rooms.

Coconut shells, coffee tins, brass cans – most houseplants aren’t fussy – they’ll thrive equally happily in unconventional containers. Based on an ancient Japanese art, Kokedama (which directly translates as moss balls) are plants rooted in soil, wrapped in moss and bound in thread.

Much more than just a houseplant, these are pieces of sculptural art, perfect on a window sill or suspended from the ceiling.

 What common mistakes do people make when it comes to houseplants?

Over watering. It’s surprising that most of the on-trend plants at the moment thrive upon neglect, as most of them require a bare minimum of care. Also, too much light and draughts can affect plants, so being placed directly on a window sill where the window is often opened. They can quickly recover if you reposition them.  Which plants would you recommend for which room, and why?

Houseplants will work well in most rooms, as long as there is natural light.

In bedrooms... Aloe vera is often recommended, releasing oxygen while you are sleeping. They are one of the best plants for air purification.

In bathrooms... Orchids are popular. They are tropical, so they love the humidity and will be at their happiest on the bathroom window sill. Spider plants also work well in bathrooms. Thriving in the often-humid environment, they remove CO2 from the moist atmosphere. They like to be kept in rooms that are fairly well lit and watered once or twice a week, but not in direct sunlight.

All houseplants require a little clean to keep them looking their best – simply wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. This is not just to keep them looking good.

Removing the dust ensures good health.

Take off any foliage that is yellowing, and trim damaged leaves of larger plants with sharp scissors at the same time.

During the autumn and winter months, houseplants will look their best if you give them a shower as you water, as this will keep the leaves looking green and glossy.

Keep an eye on light levels in the darker winter months – some plants may need a bit more.

Orchids look good in a Scandinavian interior

 What tips would you give for caring for houseplants?

Succulents and terrariums are pretty easy to care for and look fantastic in groups.

They can instantly change the look and feel of a room, from industrial chic to jungle-inspired bold botanicals.

SWANSEA LIFE 115

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HOUSE & HOME

Into the

woods Set a natural and serene scene in the bedroom for a relaxed, tranquil feel

Morning forest mist wall mural available on a variety of premium wallpapers.

From £27 m2, wallsauce.com

Metropolitan cushion £40, Christy

We do love a nature-inspired statement wallpaper to enhance your sleeping area.

Research has found that looking at pictures of nature improves our mood and they can have a wonderful calming effect.

So, why not make a large mural wall a focal point in your bedroom. Keep the rest of the walls white or soft grey, to keep a relaxed, tranquil feel.

Here are a few decor ideas and luxury home accessories to turn your bedroom into a space that lifts the spirit.

Secret garden leaf rug £112.50, Dunelm Lorena embroidered natural cushion £55, Laura Ashley Rabbit night light £4.95, Rex London White sheepskin rug £20, Argos Home Lounge chair £459, Cuckooland.com

118 SWANSEA LIFE

Bespoke printed self-adhesive cherry blossom wall mural, from £45 m2, purlfrost.com

Wood and stars wallpaper, £85, Cole & Son

Wisteria Lane at Wallsauce, £32 m2

Create a calming office space

Splash out on a gorgeous velvet throw, £120, La Redoute

Twin stem orchid £19.99, Dobbies

Hansel drawers £199, Made.com

In an ideal world, work and sleep space would be separate. If you can’t manage that, section it off by placing the desk facing a window, demarcated with a rug and with separate lighting. A desk with drawers is a must so you can store away your work items at bedtime.

Swap a bedside table for a full chest of drawers, to double your storage space. Just make sure they’re low enough for your bedside lamp and essentials.

Grey and cream pendant lamp £13, Homesense

Chair £109, Cult Furniture Grace desk £325.99, Wayfair

SWANSEA LIFE 119

Celebrating 30 Celebrating 30years YEARS makingdream dream homes a reality making homes a reality

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

How to build a kitchen you love… …and one which loves you back What do you want from your kitchen?

Only when you know what you want from your kitchen can you prioritise it and pick a design that satisfies it. You can always add in the features that you love later! By thinking about your needs before the design process, you can save yourself a lot of money and you will end up with a kitchen that you love and one that will last you for many years to come.

Do you want a kitchen that…

1. Has plenty of workspace?

If you cook a lot, having a lot of workspace could be a priority for you. When designing your kitchen, consider adding more cabinets and worktops or even a kitchen island.

2. Is easy to use?

If practicality and functionality are most important to you, the layout of the kitchen is key. Don’t forget about the kitchen work triangle (the positioning of the oven, sink, and fridge) to increase efficiency between each work station.

3. Maximises storage?

Whether you have a big family or just love the minimalist look, having storage may be a musthave for you. When thinking about your kitchen design, maximise the space in your cabinets with specialised storage solutions and consider adding a larder cupboard too!

4. Makes space a priority?

If you love to host and entertain then your kitchen needs to accommodate a lot of traffic as well as having enough space to cook and mingle. Consider this

need when choosing your kitchen layout; open plan, L-shaped or even U-shaped with a kitchen island would be ideal!

To design a kitchen that you love, you have to think about what you really want from it first. What means the most to you?

How to build a kitchen that lasts Kitchen remodels and renovations can be a big expense, so don’t invest what you have in a design that you don’t love. Using our previous tips to find out what you want from your kitchen, you can make sure that your design satisfies everything that you want and need, now you just have to make sure that design lasts.

When we design kitchens for our clients, we want to build ones that last, ones that they love and ones that give back for the long-term.

Here is how we do just that.

1. It’s all about quality materials You pay for what you get so if you spend less on a kitchen that has cheap materials, you can’t expect it to perform well or to last as long as you’d like. This is why we use quality materials in all of our kitchen designs.

2. Allocate sufficient budget to two areas If you don’t have a big budget, make sure that you allocate what you do have to your worktops and cabinets.

You use these elements every day so you need to invest in quality ones if you want them to withstand heavy wear and tear over time.

3. Choose the most cost-effective options There’s a perfect balance between quality and cost and we strike it every time to create lasting yet costeffective kitchens for our clients.

For durable, high-quality that is cost-effective, opt for quartz for your worktops and full plywood for the carcass of your cabinets.

Emma is passionate about designing beautiful yet durable kitchens that satisfy everything that you want to use it for and one that you love for as long as you call it your home. If you want your kitchen to last:

Find more information at www.kitchensbyemmareed.co.uk Or contact: emma@kitchensbyemmareed.co.uk 01792 712000

Top Tips

from Emma

Planning a remodel or renovation? Use our top design tips: 1. A kitchen needs to be practical so design with function in mind rather than aesthetics.

2. Plan your work surfaces and the positioning of appliances first to ensure that they are accessible.

3. Think about how you can maximise the space that you have for storage.

4. Factor in ample seating space for meals and entertaining.

5. Choose quality materials for worktops and cabinets.

6. Consider installing direct lighting above work surfaces.

We offer a FREE

design service

Get in touch today for more information:

01792 712000 www.kitchensbyemmareed.co.uk Castell Close, Enterprise Park, Swansea SA7 9FH

KitchensByEmma

OUT & ABOUT

HOLM HOUSE

Holm House is grand without being overly ostentatious. Perched happily in the seaside resort of Penarth just a couple of miles outside Cardiff, is its contemporary chic and flair. Worth a trip down the M4 for? Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to travel a great distance, it still feels far-flung, luxurious and peaceful. Peter Slee has been to check it out...

 Style & character

The place has been sensitively redesigned, redecorated and refurnished it to a very high standard – beautifully appointed and entirely comfortable while delightfully reflecting its notable history dating back to 1926 when it was built as a home for a local fishing fleet magnate.

The residential surrounds, a stony drive and unfussy, oak-lined reception room mean it still feels like a home. The last decade has seen a full refurbishment, bringing in the more contemporary home-and-spa vibe. It now has distinctly traditional elements – the thick stone walls of the original building are visible in some parts – as well as 21st-century design in the low-slung lounge chairs and colours to subtly match the sea.

The owners here have successfully moulded the place into somewhere you’d happily while away the hours. The balancing act they have worked, is pulled off too.

There’s a light-filled extension at the back, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking on to the extensive and pretty garden of hedges, lawn and gravel facing the sea.

 Location Penarth is the monied seaside haunt four miles from the city. And Holm House itself stands in its very best avenue flanked by grand Victorian houses and twisting trees. The seafront is less than five minutes away. The esplanade makes for pleasant strolls, with an Italian-style garden, iron railings painted green and white, and festoon lights. The Art Deco pier juts out above a grey stone beach, where changing tides reveal slithers of soft sand. Boat trips from the pier go to nearby islands, and regular trains and buses can take you into Cardiff. So yes, it doesn’t get a whole lot better really!

126 SWANSEA LIFE

 Service & facilities A busy check-in at reception was handled courteously and efficiently during my stay. This is the kind of place you go to feel pampered, and you won’t be disappointed. Service is good with personable politeness from reception to housekeeping. Facilities include a lush if compact spa with a Japanese-style bathhouse pool, roof terrace, and nice-smelling products.

The long menu of treatments with experienced therapists is worth delving into?

Outside, Home House’s relaxing rear garden with its expansive, manicured lawns looking out over the Bristol Channel is a treat and a perfect spot to enjoy a gin and tonic if the sun is shining.

At night, it is lit up with fairylights and with its terracotta pots of plants, it is exactly right for summer dining.

 Rooms All rooms retain the character of the old building and are decorated individually in a boutique style with striking bedheads, chunky mattresses, soothing coloured paintwork, snugly colour-coordinated cushions and throws, plus a smattering of seaside scene bespoke art. It means none of the 12 spaces are quite the same. Some feel more modern, with shiny metal furnishings, while others have embraced a more traditional look (accompanied by sloping ceilings). Ours, Min y Don, a mid-range sea-facing room, features a white bath sat below mullioned stone windows, buttressed by heavy , painted wooden shutters.

All but one room has a bath; the best choice for a soak is the freestanding copper tub in Flatholm.

 Food & drink Seasonal menus offer unpretentious British fare that is cooked well and presented beautifully.

Starters include the likes of pan seared scallops, deep fried cauliflower florets or a crispy black pudding and pork belly terrine.

Mains offer a selection of imaginative meat, game, fish and vegetarian dishes, plus some decent vegan offerings with a choice too of half a dozen or so side dishes. My 8oz fillet at just a tad under £30 wasn’t cheap but oh, it was so very good! A wine list offers a broad selection of more than 40 wines, including by the glass (from £5) and carafe.

An à la carte breakfast menu offers cooked to order dishes such as a full Welsh or vegetarian breakfast. It was also all good despite just one poor waiting member of staff gamely serving a dozen or so tables single-handedly. It felt a bit less of a luxury experience as a result, but this was probably our only grumble from the weekend.

The bar is thoroughly sleek: a curved wooden counter, illuminated by bright lights, with

handmade glass panels designed to mimic the hotel’s nearby waves.

 IN SHORT The hotel is a characterful house that retains a ‘staying-with-old-money-friends-in-thecountry’ air. That’s not to say it’s a creaking relic — the décor is glamorous boutique meets country pile. Life here is all about kicking back — and that’s helped by the service, about which it’s hard to say anything negative ( other perhaps, than under-staffing at breakfast!). Everyone smiles, everyone says hello — yet it’s not overbearing. At a little over an hours’ drive from Swansea, it’s a great spot for an indulgent weekend away.

 WHEN TO GO We went in September when the weather was still good enough to enjoy its lush outside areas.

But I can imagine the place feeling pretty special in the lead up to Christmas too.

 BEST FOR Couples and small groups of like-minded friends. The hotel’s proximity to both the delights of the prom at Penarth and Cardiff itself makes it a winning option. Or families.

There were one or two enjoying the delights of the hotel’s grounds while we sat sipping drinks on the veranda and it added to the charm of the place.

 Value for money Double rooms from £120. Breakfast included.

Free wi-fi.

Marine Parade, Penarth CF64 3BG 029 2070 6029 holmhousehotel.com SWANSEA LIFE 127

OUT & ABOUT

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

Upcoming Walks

Start/finish location .......... Minor road across Ryer’s Down Distance ..................................... 4.5 miles (3 hours) Level ............................................. Moderate

Rhossili – morning or afternoon – your choice!

If you’ve never been out on an organised walk, a stroll of about two hours will give you the confidence to begin. At the end of the morning walk you may find you’d also like to do the afternoon one. If you can’t get to the morning walk then come along for the afternoon.

I’ll be leading the morning walk so it will be a chance to meet and tell me if you’ve enjoyed any of my previous walks. Starting at 11am, I’m going to pass through part of the historic Vile system of fields but Enid will explore more of these in the afternoon. I’ll be making my way to Fall Bay using the field system then turning inland again along the footpath to Middleton.

Descending a lovely green path, we’ll emerge onto the route for Mewslade Bay but will not visit it as Enid will pass there via the coast on her afternoon walk. I’ll instead head uphill to the Hamlet of Mewslade and gently but steadily ascend to the foothill of Rhossili Down. From here we will have a fantastic view of Worm’s Head, perhaps from an angle you may not have seen. If the sea is a bit rough then the view will

be even more majestic. Descending to the church and returning to the car park, my walk ends.

At 1.30pm Enid will lead the afternoon walk through more of the Vile fields that have been restored and which in summer, were planted with thousands of sunflowers. Once Enid has shown us the Vile, we’ll move across to the Lookout Point from where we can view Worm’s Head across the bay. Enid will then follow the Wales Coast Path over the incredible cliffs of the South Gower Coast until she reaches Mewslade Bay. After that she’ll head inland for the return to Rhossili.

Sun 06 Crickhowell and the Three Pens (12 miles)

Strenuous. Meet 9.45am Crickhowell-A4077 (New Road): School CP Wed 09 Clyne Valley & Gardens (6 miles) Easy/Moderate. Meet 10.30am

Woodman Inn Car Park Sat 12 Swansea Vale (5 miles) Easy. Meet 11am

Lon Las: Blawd Road: Lay-bys Sun 13 Fan Gyhirych (12 miles) Strenuous.

Meet 9am Guildhall (Francis Street) Thu 17 Cribarth & Henrhyd Falls (9 miles)

Strenuous. Meet 9.15am Go Outdoors CP (Llansamlet) Sat 19 Cwm Ivy, Llanmadoc Hill, Whiteford Burrows (10 miles) Moderate. Meet

10am Llanmadoc: Cwm Ivy Car Park Sat 19 Swansea Canal, Alltycham & Llangiwg Church (6 miles) Moderate. Meet 11am

Pontardawe: Lidl Car Park Sun 20 Rhossili – The morning walk (4 miles)

Moderate. Meet 11am Rhossili NT CP Sun 20 Rhossili – The afternoon walk (4 miles) Easy/Moderate. Meet 1.30pm Rhossili NT CP

Seasoned walkers can get out their maps and work out most of the paths I’ve described. But if you’re not one for independent walking, this is your chance to get out and discover there is more to Rhossili and the Ramblers than you imagined. Every reader, experienced or novice walker, is very welcome to join us and share our enjoyment of this special part of Gower.

Don’t miss it! Details of these and other walks are online at our website.

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

128 SWANSEA LIFE

Wed 02 Llawhaden Castle & Upper Cleddau Valley (10 miles) Moderate.

Meet 9.30am Cross Hands (B&M CP) Sat 05 Oxwich & Nicholaston (6 miles) Moderate.

Meet 11am Oxwich: Beach car park

Parking ........................................ At side of road

Swansea Ramblers provide walks to suit most abilities and on Sunday, October 20 we have arranged another of our occasional Figure of Eight walks that allow you to choose to do a short four-mile walk in the morning or a short four-mile walk in the afternoon or to combine both walks to have a longer excursion. That’s three walks in one!

october 2019

Mon 21 RSPB Reserve & Lower Clydach River

(4 miles) Moderate. Meet 10.00am Clydach: RSPB Reserve Car Park Wed 23 Tankeylake (9 miles) Moderate. Meet

10am Llangennith: Tankeylake Sat 26 Common Wood and Llanrhidian (4 miles) Easy. Meet 10am Llanrhidian Holiday Park Sun 27 South Gower from Newton (11 miles)

Moderate. Meet 9.30am Newton: Jct

Highpool Lane & Highmead Avenue Wed 30 Llangyndeyrn (7 miles) Moderate. Meet

10am Cross Hands (B&M CP) Thu 31 Evening Walk – Halloween Haunting

(4 miles) Easy. Meet 6.30pm Newton:

Jct Highpool Lane & Highmead Avenue

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Bed and breakfast • Explore the Aachen and Valkenburg Christmas Markets

Dinner, bed and breakfast • Explore the Valkenburg Christmas Market • Excursion to Aachen

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Dinner, bed and breakfast • Entertainment • Explore the Christmas Markets of Luxembourg and Trier

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Bed and breakfast • Transfer to the Champs de Mars Christmas Market • Explore the Christmas Market at La Défense • Paris by night tour

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2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Free bar from 6pm-10:30pm* • Christmas Eve gala dinner • Traditional Christmas lunch • Scenic Dolomites drive

2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast en route • 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the main stay hotel • Buffet on Christmas Eve • Turkey lunch on Christmas Day • Cable car ride on Christmas Day • Train ride from Montreux to Gstaad

Christmas Breaks

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Dinner, bed and breakfast • Traditional Christmas lunch • Entertainmen • Excursions to Aachen and Valkenburg

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WHAT’S ON

October SEVEN GOOD THINGS TO DO SWANSEA FRINGE WHERE? Various venues across Swansea WHEN? October 3-6

It is one of the city's most exciting events and it is back again this year.

Featuring more than 200 artists, the Swansea Fringe festival is to return to the city over four days in October bringing comedy, music, poetry and a lot more to 20 or so different venues around the city centre including the No Sign Bar, the National Waterfront Museum and Cinema and Co. There will also be a host of other events such as workshops for young people and adult-only comedy evenings.

The Brangwyn Hall will host the launch party for this year’s festival from 6pm on October 3 featuring Afro Cluster - renowned for their unique blend of Afro funk and hip-hop - and other stars of the music scene in Wales such as Glastonbury and Green Man Festival favourites Zervas & Pepper and Cardiff’s Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, fresh from supporting Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. There will also be spoken word by Mari Ellis Dunning, Rhian Edwards and Swansea’s own Joe Dunthorne.

Organisers are also promising what they say will be special, more intimate live performances on the night to whet your appetite for the bonanza of a weekend ahead.

Details: enquiries@theswanseafringe.com

oyster Festival WHERE? Ostreme Centre, Mumbles WHEN? October 26

If you like oysters, you’ll love Mumbles later this month when its annual and hugely popular oyster festival returns. The bivalves were once very much an intrinsic part of the area’s character and are now celebrated on a regular basis within the village.

Organisers, which include Mumbles Development Trust, the community council and Swansea Round Table, are promising a busy day of activities to include food tastings, schools competitions and a bar. The day’s oysters are being supplied by Porlock Bay.

TICKETS: Free entry. Open between 12 noon and 6pm

Gower Cider Festival WHERE? Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill WHEN? October 5 and 6 TIME: 10am until late Raise a glass and watch apples being harvested, scattered, and the juice put into barrels to ferment as this Parkmill favourite opens its doors for the weekend.

This is the best time of the year to watch the process get under way and what better way to do this than by watching a traditional 1800s travelling press get to work on the fruit and enjoying a taste of some amazing local ciders!

Mix all this with a day and evening of entertainment, family fun, morris dancers, musicians and demonstrations. www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

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EXHIBITION WHERE? Tides Fine Art Gallery, 624 Mumbles Road WHEN? October 29 – November 24 Jo Frost and Colin Davies, who share their gallery with visiting artists, play host to Gill Pitman and Ruth Norbury and their “Ceramic and textile meets oil and Acrylic” show.

Gill is known for her low relief and decorative plaques in earthenware stoneware and porcelain which appear visually similar to stained glass windows and which centre on anything from imaginary themes to Gower.

Ruth, meanwhile, creates unique pieces of textile art around the theme of urban decay.

She uses both hand and machine stitching and many other techniques to produce her work.

Max Boyce Where? Wales Millennium Centre When? October 13 Tickets: £28.50 What’s it all about? Max is back! Following a series of sell-out performances in 2018, Max Boyce’s tour has been extended into 2019 due to overwhelming public demand.

Details: www.wmc.org.uk

Details: Free entry. Tel: 07918 733830

ROMESH RANGANATHAN WHERE? Grand Theatre, Swansea WHEN? October 11 and 12 • 8pm Comedian Romesh Ranganathanis back with a brand-new show, The Cynic’s Mixtape, said to be his most brutally honest one yet.

Fresh from The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, A League Of Their Own and Judge Romesh, he’s putting showbiz aside to deliver a carefully-curated selection of all the things he has found unacceptable since his last tour, including why trying to save the environment is a scam, why none of us are truly free, and his suspicion that his wife is using gluten intolerance to avoid sleeping with him.

Romesh’s cynicism has become his trademark, but since being nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Awards this deadpan humour has become one of Britain’s most respected and popular comics. Now, though, it’s time for the Asian Provocateur to return to his stand-up roots for a while – there’s things he needs to point out, discuss and have a good moan about.

Care to join him?

Tickets: £25 01792 475715 Advisory age: 14+

SPOOKY FUN WHERE? Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles WHEN? October 30 and 31 With hundreds of years of gruesome history, castles are not for the faint of heart – especially at night, and like every selfrespecting castle, Oystermouth is thought to have its own resident ghost.

Treading carefully, in your most blood-curdling costume, navigate your way through the 12th-century vaults and ancient corridors of Oystermouth Castle. What lies beneath you or awaits you around every corner? With the lights out, who knows what unsettling spirits or creepy characters you might meet?

If you're lucky enough to find your way out, a hot chocolate will be waiting for you...

Recommended for ages 9+; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. *Tickets (includes a hot chocolate):

Standard £8 • Concession (9-16 years) £6.50 Family ticket (two adults and two children) £25 Pre-booking advised: 01792 475715 SWANSEA LIFE 133

It would be a SIN – to miss this outrageous Ball of a Production!

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The Lyric Theatre 0345 226 3510

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FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER • 7PM

The Ffwrnes Theatre 0345 226 3510

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For further enquiries or to discuss your bookings please contact our team on

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SWANSEA

LIFE AWARDS 2019

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24-PAGE PHOTO SPECIAL from the awards event of the year Category Sponsors

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Winners and Highly Commended...

So, after all the emails and marketing and conversations and tweets and nominations, it finally arrived!

SPONSORED BY

HOMES & GARDENS WINNER! NUWAVE

S P O N S O R E D BY

Thousands of votes later, the night we had been planning for months, was here. The red carpet event of the year! The 2019 Swansea Life Awards was an evening that paid tribute and rewarded the successes of our highest achievers from right across the Swansea Bay area.

This region has so much to be proud of...and the glittering Brangwyn Hall event celebrated that fact. And quite rightly so as well.

At it, we recognised the best beauty and hair salons, fashion and gardening retailers, restaurants, bars, hotels and wedding venues, as well as individuals from a variety of different fields who work so hard to make our city what it is. Well done to them all and also to the deserved highly commended.

HIGHLY COMMENDED...

ALEXANDRA COTTAGE | HANALEY INTERIORS

Thank you also to our key supporters on the night, including our principle sponsor, JR Events.

We all live and work in a great city which has lots to be proud of. The 2019 awards showed Swansea at its best achieving something great together.

PETE R SLEE ACTING EDITOR | SWANSEA LIFE MAGAZINE

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WINNER! FAIRYTALE MOMENTS

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WINNER! ZUMBA WITH SION

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KING ARTHUR | SWANSEA MARRIOTT HOTEL

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WINNER! EGYPT CENTRE

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THE LC SWANSEA | PLANTASIA

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SAMANTHA K’S | WITH LOVE, ADELE X

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102 COUTURE | LOUMOR GOWNS

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WINNER! PRIMARK

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WINNER! MORGAN LLOYD HAIR

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD OLDWALLS GOWER SPONSORED BY

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TRACI ANDREW | TRESS & BLOOM

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE AWARD

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S I M P LY S E N S AT I O N A L

THE BEST DRESSED EDIT From breathtaking gowns, towering heels, daring and jaw dropping dresses, to classic suits, shimmering, floral, and colourful blazers, hundreds turned up the heat and set the Swansea fashion world ablaze at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awards.

Hair salon and model agency owner Brian Brown, multi-award winning international make-up artist Farhana Ali, Allison Jayne Letheren from best dressed sponsor Allison Jayne, in partnership with Nathan Palmer Bespoke, were on the lookout for the best and original outfits worn by the ladies and gents in attendance on the night. But there could only be one best dressed woman and one best dressed man, and here they are; Sian Thomas and Orane Nelson.

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A big thank you to all involved in making the night such a great success Photography by Hoosh Multimedia www.facebook.com/hoosh.multimedia | Robert Melen www.robmelen.com

BRIAN BROWN SALON MODELLING & MANAGEMENT AGENCY

01792 301901

1 BELLEVUE WAY • SWANSEA • SA1 5BZ

SOCIAL DIARy

Ladies Day WHere: Ffos Las. Tell Me More: The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Abba tribute band, Bjorn Again, created the perfect recipe for the annual Ladies Day event at Ffos Las Racecourse in Carmarthenshire. PICTURES: Behind The Lens Media.

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SOCIAL DIARY

PARTY WHere: Vesuvio, Swansea.

Tell Me More: A birthday party for family and friends to mark the milestone 60th of Wayne Brown.

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20th anniversary WHere: Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Tell Me More: Leading regional law firm Peter Lynn & Partners, has just celebrated 20 years in business.

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SOCIAL DIARY

an evening with joe calzaghe WHere: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

Tell Me More: An evening to celebrate the amazing career of legendary Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe and to remember Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and outstanding trainer, Enzo. Raising funds for #TheGlovesAreOn campaign. PICTURES: Riley Photography.

166 SWANSEA LIFE

GARDEN PARTY WHere: Mansion House, Swansea.

Tell Me More: More than 100 Swansea people celebrating 50th birthdays and wedding anniversaries enjoyed a special garden party at the Mansion House in Ffynone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; part of celebrations commemorating the key dates back in 1969 which turned Swansea from a town into a city.

SWANSEA LIFE 167

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TIME FOR YOU

ASK

P ETE R LYN N & PARTN E RS

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WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A DIY WILL? It’s just not worth trying to cut corners when it comes to making a will.

It may seem tempting to try to save money, but the consequences could be disastrous for the people you leave behind.

One mistake could leave your will invalid, and your estate could be divided up by a judge, or it could go to the Treasury if you have no close relatives.

Research has shown that DIY wills which are poorly drafted or ineffective leave 38,000 UK families with a prolonged probate process every year. This can also eat up an average of 10% of a person’s estate in additional fees.

It’s the last thing your family needs at an already difficult time.

What do wills cost?

A solicitor will draw up a basic will for a few hundred pounds, and wills with specialised and complex planning could push the cost up, so it is understandable that some people turn to off-the-shelf DIY will kits for around £20.

These kits can be a risky choice, though.

What are the potential pitfalls?

Ian Walker - wills, probate and trusts specialist talks this month about DIY wills

While on the face of it, filling in an off-theshelf document appears relatively straight forward, you are leaving yourself open to future legal disputes and hefty tax bills if you make a simple mistake such as: 1.

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Effectively, none.

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If you make any mistakes which cause problems when your will is read, there won’t be any legal comeback at all.

You might save money up front compared with using a professional service, but if you get anything wrong, you could be stirring up trouble for your family and friends when it comes to sorting out your finances after you have died.

Why use a solicitor?

Getting a solicitor to draw up your will is a safe and reliable way to ensure your will is drafted in a legal manner.

It can save a lot of time and stress for those you leave behind as probate is less complex when a will is in place. It also gives you peace of mind that your wishes are being followed, but don’t be scared – many of our clients put off making wills and then finish the process by saying “Well that was painless!”

In addition, experienced wills solicitors will know what questions to ask to ensure you cover as many eventualities as possible when deciding how to distribute your assets upon death.

For professional advice on wills, please contact Peter Lynn & Partners on

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Mobile Grooming Service now available in the Swansea and surrounding areas Tel: 01267 282828 / 07852 569 375 | www.dogandbonegrooming.co.uk SWANSEA LIFE 173

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TIME FOR YOU

The best new books to add to your october reading list A good book by your side is surely an essential... here’s Swansea Life’s pick of the best

 The Testaments

by Margaret Atwood is published in hardback by Chatto & Windus, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now Few books are so hyped, so awaited and so timely. More than 30 years have passed since The Handmaid’s Tale was first published. The Testaments is set around 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale left off, and is structured as a series of reports from three women: two young and still discovering what being a woman in this age means, and one old, who knows exactly what it entails, and will do anything to make sure the system doesn’t crush her. Atwood tracks each as they try to make sense of the rules that suffocate them - all the while drawing sinister, if lightly

veiled parallels with politics today, particularly Trump’s America. She reminds you ceaselessly that balances can shift and leave the truths you once relied on shattered and broken.

And worst of all, that it is our nature to always realise too late what’s been signposted for some time. Terrifying, rage-inducing and utterly gripping, it will fill you with creeping dread, but also a sliver or two of hope - after all, if The Handmaid’s Tale is anything to go by, Atwood is one step ahead, and has given us good warning.

 The Second Sleep

by Robert Harris is published in hardback by Hutchinson, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now What’s better than a thriller that gets your blood pumping? If your answer to this is a tale that will keep your brain engaged hours after the adrenaline has worn off, Robert Harris’ latest novel is for you. Set in 1468, this dystopian story follows an investigation into a remote village by a young priest, whose discoveries leave him

questioning humanity, civilisation and even the date itself. Harris’ latest work intelligently warps historical fiction - a genre he’s stamped his name on - and tackles issues of religion, science and the apocalypse in the process. As he flexes the ample muscle of his imagination, you will be left pondering as often as you are page-turning.

 Nothing Ventured

by Jeffrey Archer is published in hardback by Macmillan, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now As Jeffrey Archer books go, Nothing Ventured is a classic of the genre: a rollicking read filled with aspirational underdogs, suave sophisticates, and fractious family intrigue. A spiritual if not direct successor to the bestselling Clifton Chronicles, our new hero is William Warwick, a fresh-faced graduate intent on joining the Met and taking down the same crooks his barrister father sets free. The first in a series of criminal capers set to feature the fledgling detective as he rises through the ranks of Scotland Yard, Warwick

and pals must unpack the mystery of a missing Rembrandt (pilfered from the rather gratuitously named “Fitzmolean Museum”), amid a cast of classic Archer characters rendered with almost Wodehousian charm. The prolific peer-turnedconvict-turned-author has always been far better storyteller than writer, and his boundless imagination is only occasionally let down by clunky dialogue. The plot moves at breakneck speed, and 320-odd pages pass in a trice.

 My Last Supper

by Jay Rayner is published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £16.99 (ebook £12.99).

Available now Food critic, radio presenter and MasterChef judge Jay Rayner makes a very valid point with this memoir-menu hybrid - why should our perfect imaginary last supper be a) imaginary, and b) devoured on the eve of us leaving this life? How morbid, how unappetising. And so, My Last Supper tracks his endeavours to define, and then serve, his ultimate final feast. He treks to Paris for snails,

and the wilds of south London for the most accomplished of chips, and is very open about his heinous sparkling water habit. It is gluttonous, frank, full of feeling and bound with music (Rayner is also a jazz musician) and memories (including an incident in a bathtub, in a brothel) - if, by turns, a little defensive and grandiose at times.

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH

 My Hair

by Hannah Lee, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan is published in paperback by Faber & Faber, priced £6.99 (ebook £4.68). Available now My Hair is the story book debut for writer Hannah Lee and illustrator Allen Fatimaharan and tells the story of a little girl’s search for the perfect party hairstyle.

The story captures the excitement of preparing for a birthday down to the last detail, and the hairstyles of

178 SWANSEA LIFE

friends and family are explored and celebrated from dreadlocks to bantu knots. The author’s love of her own black hair shines through. The book is visually splendid, but it is a shame more time wasn’t spent making the words flow as well.

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