Watch batteries/straps, watch repairs & servicing, all fine jewellery repairs, bead & pearl restringing, ring sizing, jewellery remodels, antique silver ornament repairs, engraving and much more. . . CAll iN for A free No oBliGATioN qUoTe
Gold jewellery with missing stones l Unmatched gold earrings l Gold coins / sovereigns Gold bullion l Silver bullion l Dental gold scrap Masonic gold rings, pins & jewellery l Antique & high value watches CasH or Bank TransFer paId on THe day
edITor’s LeTTer
Hi all
WeLCoMe To our auGusT edITIon!
Dear readers,
As we embrace the final stretch of Summer, August offers the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories with your loved ones before the new school term begins. This issue is all about celebrating family time and the joy of making the most of the summer.
In this special Summer edition, we’re excited to bring you a feature packed with things to do with the kids - with indoor and outdoor adventures to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking to fill the last few days of Summer with fun activities, or are already planning ahead for the upcoming school break, we’ve got ideas to keep the whole family entertained and engaged.
We would like to thank you, our lovely readers and advertisers for your continued support, without you we wouldn’t be here. Your feedback, support, and enthusiasm keep us motivated to bring you the best of what local communities have to offer. So grab a cool drink, relax, and dive into this month’s issue. We hope it helps make the last bit of Summer even sweeter.
Keeping with the summer theme, we have some fab articles including ‘Go, Go Gadgets’ for the gardening enthusiast, a special Summer gift guide, a delicious recipe by Dominic Chapman plus a special feature on women’s rugby, ‘Women of the Moment’ which will be running from August 22nd to Sepember 22nd.
We are currently working on our September edition, if you would like to get your business into the homes of potential customers, then why not drop us an email at: enquires@village-directory.co.uk or give us a call on 01443 204399 / 07971 648385.
To place an advert in the Directory telephone: 01443 204399
WHy do We need a properTy proTeCTIon TrusT?
Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their loved ones eventually. But this will not happen for many unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life.
On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together but have children from different partners.
A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new property.
westminster law will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.
Westminster Law are specialists in organising this.
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WHaT an exciting time we have had a Barrmore vets. For the second time in 10 years our lovely building has been given a facelift. re-rendered and a fresh new logo we are now ready for the next phase of life for Barrmore vets.
As a practice we now offer many benefits to our clients. from in-house orthopaedic surgery, cardiology and ophthalmology through our partnerships with leading professionals, to behaviour clinics and mobility clinics with our highly trained nurses.
In addition to Animal Health Certificates our vets are OV66 registered - this means they can assist in certifying your pet’s move to Australia. We are one of the only practices in South Wales that able to do this.
in order to make our clients’ lives a little easier we have introduced online booking – instant access 24/7 for your Vet and Nurse consultations, food and medication orders.
We have come so far and are so proud of this incredible practice.
If you would like to join us and be part of this fantastic practice simply register online www.barrmorevets.co.uk, via our facebook page or call us on 01443 224666.
Telephone: 01443 224666 www.barrmorevets.co.uk
RS windows & conSeRvAToRieS
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Leanne Is seT To sHare Her sLIMMInG seCreTs
a slimmer who transformed her life by losing almost 3 stone is using her success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.
leanne joined her local Slimming world group just over 2 years ago and has lost almost 3 stone……she is now beautifully maintaining her dream weight as a Target Member and living her most healthy and active life.
Leanne Casley (55) has now trained as a Consultant for Slimming World, the UK and ireland’s largest group-based weight loss organisation, at their national training academy in Derbyshire. Now she is opening her own group in Llanharry, Rhondda Cynon Taff at Llanharry Community Centre on Thursday 24th july at 7pm.
She says: “When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started. After losing my weight and completing my training, it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that i can give my members the support they need to get to target.
“For most of my adult life, I’d been at war with my weight. I joined Slimming World for the first time when I was 16. Since then, I’d lost count of how many times I’d rejoined. Each time, I hoped it would be different. Each time, I felt like I’d failed.
But two and a half years ago, something changed. I didn’t suddenly find willpower or stumble across a magic trick. i just decided to keep going—no matter how long it took, no matter how many times i stumbled. And now, i’ve lost 2 stone 10 pounds. every time i rejoined, i carried shame. i thought i was the only one who couldn’t “get it right.” But i’ve learnt that starting over isn’t failure—it’s bravery. It’s hope. It’s refusing to give up on yourself.
This time, I stopped chasing perfection. I stopped punishing myself for slip-ups. I leaned into the support of my group and Consultant and I celebrated the small wins. I reminded myself that progress isn’t always visible on the scales—it’s in the choices, the mindset shifts, the way I speak to myself and with the support from my friend lorna & my Auntie Chris, i cracked it!”
Leanne has never felt so fit and healthy, she even hosts her own walking group which meets every Monday evening and she has also participated in many activity challenges, including the Newport full Marathon and climbing Pen y fan multiple times in one day!
“Support is really the most important thing. It all starts with feeling that you’re not alone. I couldn’t have changed my life without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and group. As someone who has lost weight myself, I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group, I will be there to support every one of my members all the way to their chosen target weight. Setting small targets each week, sharing recipes and other ideas, and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey. That’s why, at my Slimming World group, there’ll be tons of support, encouragement and fun.
“Before joining Slimming World, I’d tried so many different ways to lose weight, but I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you’re never hungry and so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
“Slimming world isn’t just about changing what you eat. Becoming more active is important too. our Body Magic physical activity support programme helps members build activity into their daily routine at their own pace. Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love the little things I do, like simply walking, dancing with friends or even ironing….to those big challenges i could never have done, like marathons and scaling mountains!”
Leanne’s slimming World group will be held at LLanharry Community Centre every Thursday at 7pm from 24th july. For more information or to join Leanne’s group either pop along on the opening night or call her on 07763 460276.
TonTeG CoMMunITy CenTre
Tuesday - 3pm, 5pm & 7pm
Call Caroline on 07894 140386
Beddau CoMMunITy CenTre wednesdays - 6.30pm Thursday - 9.30am
LLanTrIsanT rFC, LLanTrIsanT every friday at 9.30am
Call Mel on 07881 698256
neW Group openInG 24TH juLy
LLanHarry CoMMunITy CenTre Thursdays - 7pm
Call Leanne on 07763 460276
ponTyprIdd ruGBy CLuB
wednesday - 9.30am & 11am
Thursday - 5.30m & 7pm
ponTyCLun CoMMunITy CenTre
Saturday - 8.30am & 10.30am
Call Irene on 07846 416396
TonTeG CoMMunITy CenTre wednesday - 9am & 10.30am
MorGansToWn vILLaGe HaLL friday 9am & 10.30am
Call simone on 07980 898981
Miskin Tree & Garden Services
esTaBLIsHed sInCe 2000
fully insured, NPCT and Lantra trained staff
Based in Miskin, Pontyclun and serving all of South wales, Miskin Tree & Garden Services is the leading local choice for all aspects of tree surgery and arboricultural work including tree felling, pruning and hedges plus garden clearance also ride on commercial site mowing.
from precision pruning to crown shaping and thinning, our tree surgeons are capable of handling any job. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done safely and efficiently, regardless of size
Our 17m tracked cherry picker allows us to safely handle the challenges presented by rotten trees, those affected by ash dieback, and other trees that would otherwise be hazardous or inaccessible.
Events in your local area this August
ponTyCLun BranCH oF THe BrITIsH suGarCraFT
THe CaerpHILLy CHeese
ve day CeLeBraTIons -
FesTIvaL - Caerphilly Town Centre - aug 30th & 31st Say cheese! The Caerphilly Cheese festival, sponsored by robert Price Builders’ Merchants, is back for 2025! There will be a music event with a number of music areas throughout Cardiff Rd and Castle Court Shopping Centre, as well as a central stage in Twyn Car Park. The event will be host to local and headline musicians along with numerous food and drink stalls. There will also be workshops, craft sessions and a selection of funfair rides. For more info go to the visit Caerphilly website, the official Facebook page, or the official Facebook event. For all event enquiries, please email events@caerphilly. gov.uk or call 01443 866390.
BIG WeLsH BITe - ynysangharad War Memorial park, pontypridd - august 2nd & 3rd, 10am5pm - It’s back! The 2 day food and drink festival made way for the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 2024 and plans are underway for a BiG return to ynysangharad war Memorial Park, Pontypridd this summer! Updates available soon at www.bigwelshbite.co.uk.
ponTyCLun Food & drInk FesTIvaL - Heol yr orsaf, pontyclun CF72 9Fr - aug 23rd 12noon5pm - Indulge in a day filled with delicious treats and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun day out, with over 30 stalls this event is perfect for everyone. Sample a variety of cuisines, sip on craft beverages, and enjoy live entertainment. Don’t miss out on this tasty experience! For more info visit: www.pontyclun.net/food-and-drink-festival/
LLanTrIsanT & dIsTrICT proBus CLuB - Meet 10.30am at pontyclun rugby Club - The next meeting Monday 11th August will be a talk on ‘National Coast Watch’ by Terry Ewington. New members always welcome. For further info contact the sec rhodri powell on 01443 230382.
LLanTrIsanT & dIsTrICT HIsTory soCIeTy - Meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm at pontyclun Community Hall - The next meeting will be on Tuesday the 9th September and will be a talk on ‘Edward Evans of Aberdare’ by James Stewart. New members always welcome. For further info contact rhodri powell on 01443 230382. CWM TaFF nHs reTIreMenT Group - Meet at the Llantwit Fadre sports Club at 2pm - The next meeting will be friday 1st August and will be a talk on ‘Insole Court’ by Lloyd Granville. New members always welcome. For further info about the group contact rhodri powell on 01443 230382.
BrynGarW CounTry park
Bridgend, rCT CF32 8uu ouTdoor THeaTre - aug 4th at 5pm - The wind in The willows - pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels. aug 10th at 5pm - folksy Theatre invites you to experience a brand new musical adaptation of this classic tale. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the eerie Sherwood Forest, this whimsical production sees King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham trying to thwart the legendary outlaw, robin Hood, and his band of merry men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor. For more info contact the Box Office on 03300 554488 or visit www.awenboxoffice.com to book.
GuILd - Llanharran Senior Citizens Centre, Llanharry rd CF72 9rL - aug 11th, 7pm - wafer paper flowers demo by renowned sugarcraft artist, teacher & author, rhiannyd webb. Entrance £6 including refreshments. For more info email: bsgpontyclun@yahoo.com or adallan49@gmail.com.
GarTH oLWG u3a - Meet at 2pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at Garth olwg Lifelong Learning Centre, Church village - The Speaker for our August meeting is Robert Evans who will be giving a presentation on the work of the Wales Air Ambulance Service, which is an all-wales Charity providing critical care 24/7 to those suffering a life or limb-threatening injury of illness.
So, calling all Third Agers (that’s all you retirees and semiretirees in our local community). Why not come and listen to robert’s presentation and, at the same time, see what your local branch of U3A is all about. You can be certain of the warmest of welcomes. Don’t be put off by the ‘University’ in our title. In our branch, that doesn’t refer to courses, assessments and that kind of formal learning, we’re all about keeping our minds and bodies active, and therefore learning, through social activities like joining interest groups, visiting places of interest, listening to visiting speakers, going out for group lunches, playing board games, joining quiz teams and other informal and enjoyable experiences. And to our current members, why not encourage a friend (or two) to come with you. Annual membership is just £15pp and includes a monthly Branch Newsletter and a ‘Third Age Matters’ magazine five times per year. You can also find out more about us by visiting our web page http://gartholwg.u3asite. uk. Our branch tries to offer something to please everyone. For more info on any of the above, call Lorraine Moran 07976 534 672.
Moo-La-La FesTIvaL - Bear Field, Cowbridge CF71 7da - aug 2nd
- This summer, something udderly fabulous is coming to Cowbridge – and you won’t want to miss it.
Hosted by the legendary Claire Sweeney, the iconic H from Steps, and everyone’s favourite, Owain Wyn evans, Cow is bringing the party to The Bear field. expect laughs, camp, sparkles, and maybe even a few surprises from your hosts throughout the day! Whether you grew up in the ‘70s, ‘80s , ‘90s or you’re all about today’s charttoppers, there’s something for everyone. For more info visit: www.visitthevale.com/events/moo---la---la-festival
vaLeWays GuIded WaLks
aug 3rd at 2pm – Coastal footpath, meet at rhoose railway station car park, Cf62 3eN. For more info call Dave 07707 898720.
aug 4th at 10.30am – walking Books, meet at Nant Talwg way, Barry, Cf62 6lZ. For more info call judy 07552 921201. aug 7th at 9.30am – Church, college & mosaic, meet at llantwit Major railway Station. For more info call paul I 07828 508619.
aug 10th at 2pm – Alun Valley Circular, meet at St St Brides major, Post Office, CF32 0SB. For more info call peter 07980 643869.
aug 13th at 9.30am – Coychurch & Coity Castle, meet at waterton rd, Coychurch, Cf35 5eN. For more info call shelia 07932 523415.
aug 24th at 2pm – Dinas with a Difference!, meet at St Peter’s Church, Mill rd, Dinas Powys, Cf64 4By For more info call phil 07799 532767.
aug 27th at 10am – Gileston Going east, meet at Gileston Beach car park, Cf62 4Hw For more info call shelia 07932 523415.
aug 29th at 6pm – 1 evening, 2 headlands & 3 beaches, meet at Cold Knap Terrace car park, Barry, Cf62 6TA. For info call Lynne 07729 991491.
aug 29th at 2pm – St Athan and the Thaw, meet at llantwit rd, St Athan, Cf71 7qA. For more info call paul 07974 772102. For more info and details, visit: www.valeways.org.uk
SUMMeR holiDAy iDeAS. . .
BrynGarW CounTry park, BrIdGend, CF32 8uu
Have a summer holiday adventure at Bryngarw Country Park with nature-inspired trails, outdoor theatre performances, music on the lawn and more; there’s something to keep the whole family entertained. After exploring the park, with its meadows, woodlands, japanese-inspired gardens and children’s playground, head to our café for a delicious ice cream or homemade cake. For more info visit: www.bryngarwcountrypark.co.uk
karT kInGdoM
Castell Business Park, llandow, Cowbridge Cf71 7PN
www. kartkingdom.co.uk
Located in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, Kart Kingdom offers an indoor go-karting experience like no other. Their facilities boasts equal performance karts, the latest racing technology and a fun, competitive environment for all ages, definitely the go-to destination for fun and adrenaline in South wales. For more information or to book, call 0330 3802223 or email info@kartkingdom. co.uk
Go ape
Margam park Country park
Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2Tj
Adventure Awaits at Go ape Margam! leap into an unforgettable adventure filled with tricky obstacles, zips of up to 180m and butterfly inducing Tarzan Swings. This Treetop Challenge has been likened to a roller coaster in the trees. So, zip on down to Margam Country Park and find your next adventure! Book now at www. goape.co.uk.
Looking for an unforgettable summer experience for your child? Hensol Hawks Junior Golf Academy welcomes boys & girls aged 5 and up to join their award-winning holiday camps! Why choose Hensol Hawks?
l expert Coaching l fun & gamebased learning l Life skills inclued l inclusive & supportive. Give your child the chance to learn, grow and make new friends this summer! visit website: www.hensolhawks.co.uk
BIrdIe GoLF - porTHCaWL
Grove Golf Club, South Cornelly, porthcawl CF33 4rp south Wales’ premier one-stop Golf shop & Expert Services Hub! Looking for the ultimate golf experience in South Wales? Birdie Golf Porthcawl is proud to be recognized as the region’s best one-stop golf shop - your destination for everything golf, whether you’re a seasoned player, weekend warrior, or just getting started! Why choose Birdie Golf porthcawl? l Comprehensive range l Custom fitting excellence l expert coaching l Junior Golf Academy l Community events l innovation at its best. ready to elevate your golf experience. visit website: www.birdiegolf.co.uk
roLe pLay Lane, LLanTWIT Fardre
NewTowN iND eST, lllANTwiT fArDre Cf38 2ee join us in the summer holidays for some lovely role play sessions and classes, such as: craft, cooking, music sessions, baby and toddler classes, Minecraft sessions and our quiet AlN sessions. For more info visit www. roleplaylane.uk
Hooves & HappIness
penllyn est, Llwynhelig, Cowbridge CF71 7FF
Summer fun time! With lots of fun activities for all ages and abilities.
l Pony care days
l Country hacks
l Unicorn academy
l Country & western day
l Mini agility l Pony portraits l lead rein sessions.
A riding centre, nestled within the stunning Penllyn estate in Cowbridge, South wales! The friendly, well-trained ponies are excited to meet you and be part of your riding adventure. For more info visit: www.hoovesandhappiness. co.uk/
nInja WarrIors uk
Hadfield Rd, Cardiff CF11 8EY
THe vaLe oF GLaMorGan
sHoW - auG 13th
Penllyn, Cowbridge Cf71 7rq
our Ninja warrior UK Adventure Park offers you a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by iTV’s hit tv show. Come and test your Ninja skills while climbing, balancing and swinging across obstacles or bouncing across our inflatable – plus, they have the famous Warped Wall for you to conquer.
To place an advert in the Directory telephone: 01443 204399
The show returns, now the largest one day event in the Vale of Glamorgan, featuring - livestock and horse showing, over 200 Trade Stands, food court along with a shopping mall and craft fair! Advance ticket prices: Adults £17.50; Children £5; family Ticket £40 (2+2) . For all the event info visit: www. visitthevale.com/events/the-vale-ofglamorgan-show or call 07513 141698 or email vale.show@outlook.com
A great place for families and friends to experience excitement and fun. Choose your challenge now! For more info visit: www. ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/cardiff/
l home improvements
l windows
l UPvc & composite Doors
l french Doors
l Replacement conservatory Roofs
l Patio Doors
l flat Roofs
l Porches
l carports
l conservatories
l orangeries
l bifolding Doors
a1 Heol y twyn, talbot green business park, llantrisant, cf72 9fg
a1 Heol y twyn, talbot green business park, llantrisant, cf72 9fg
