Whitchurch and Llandaff Living issue 32

WHITCHURCH AND LLANDAFF

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Living

Issue 32 Feb/Mar 2015

Andrew Davies: The Champion of Bodice Rippers

North Cardiff Libraries: Saved For Now

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@LivingMags

Welcome Croeso

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contents 3 News 5 Letters vies 9 Andrew Da ns 10 Competitioy News 13 Communit 16 St Teilo ns 25 Pet Questio 26 Gardening 29 Recipes 31 Column

The first magazine of the year always seems to M LISTINGS IU M E R P D N A E FRE take an age to put together. After hibernating away OUR AVAILABLE ON for the winter (well, for a few weeks), getting back RY in the saddle takes a bit of getting used to.

ONLINE DIRECTO But here we are with Issue 32 of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living. And what a treat we have for you!

First up, we were delighted to speak to screenwriter Andrew Davies. He’s the man behind TV classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Mr Selfridge. The former Whitchurch pupil tells us about his life and his career on page 8. lp local finding ways to he over n, ai ag ce Our history feature this issue centres around a on sy bu We’ve been site attracts nisations. Our web thought it was saint who most people probably don’t know too ga or d an es ss ne si bu we much about. Yet he was the man who first founded a 10,000 individual visitors a month so rectory to help di e lin church in Llandaff. Read about the life of St Teilo on about time that we created an on it (and each . We’ve optimised ve ha e w page 16.

So s. er is ings. our advert up the Google rank g t ge lp he to If you’re after local community news, head over g) tin individual lis ting by visitin free or premium lis registering. to page 13 while local vet Chris Troughton answers ur yo d ad n ca u Yo and .livingmags.co.uk your pet questions on page 25. our website at www Popular gardening columnist Kevin Revell is back after a short absence. We are delighted to see him back and you can catch up with him on page 26.

If you’re a concert-goer, you will want to check out page 10. We’ve teamed up with St David’s Hall to bring , Cardiff you not one, but two competitions to win tickets to Road, Rhiwbina h c a tb n Pa 2 22 A: first class performances.

G And before you plunge head first into our pages, don’t CF14 6A 022920 081775 / 07974 2 77 07 T: forget that you can keep up to date with all our news mags.co.uk E: editor@living and features on our award-winning website at ags.co.uk W: www.livingm www.livingmags.co.uk. , the publisher y of the contents any way arising sure the accurac in r en tte to ma de y ma an en for or be s We’re off to start work on the spring issue of issions, made to contact any copyright While every effortanha for errors or om ty bili en nsi be po s res ha y effort pt ical publication. cannot acce material. Eveisryan Rhiwbina Living now so we’ll catch up with you in independent, apolit blication ofdthis ng Livi aff from the puitch nd Lla an h e for holders. Wh urc d copy deadlin May. See you then! n a g n ki o o b g rtisin Patric and Danielle (editors) Adve 17th April 2015. y a id Fr 33 e su Is 2015. ion date - May es a year.

Issue 33 publicat 2 published 5 tim Llandaff Living is Whitchurch and

RESIDENTS ‘FRUSTRATED’ BY ROAD WORKS Llandaff residents have been left ‘frustrated’ by work on a new bus lane on Llantrisant Road, which has caused severe traffic problems.

LOCAL LIBRARIES GIVEN REPRIEVE

Seven Cardiff libraries that were under threat of closure have been saved – for now.

Libraries at Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, Radyr, Rhydypennau, Rumney, Cathays and Roath were at risk of closure since draft budget proposals were published last autumn.

But the decision by the city’s ruling Labour group to continue funding has given the libraries a reprieve.

It follows a huge public outcry against the closures, although the new funding needs to be ratified by the authority’s cabinet. It is expected to go through the budget setting meeting without opposition.

The Council has said that it will still be looking at alternative ways of providing library services to the city.

Councillor Graham Hinchey, the council’s cabinet member for Corporate Services and Performance, said a new unit would be created to explore partnerships and other ways of ‘delivering library services’.

Local Councillor Jayne Cowan added a note of caution, saying: ““I feel that they need to issue a further statement safeguarding libraries for future generations.”

news

BILL FARNHAM VISITS NUMBER TEN Bill Farnham, Chairman of Neighbourhood Watch Association Cardiff, recently visited 10 Downing Street where he met the Prime Minister.

Bill received a special invitation for his work in the community in Cardiff, and has been acknowledged by the group Community Champions for people who give generously of their time to assist their local community.

Bill, who is also a regular Living Magazines columnist, visited the famous address on the 19th January, where he represented the Cardiff neighbourly association and its work.

Bill told Living Magazines: “This was quite an experience and I felt very privileged. It was a special experience climbing the famous staircase lined with the photographs of past Prime

Ministers.”

Bill had a chance to talk to the Prime Minister about Neighbourhood Watch. Bill even went as far as to give the PM a copy of the Annual Report. He kindly autographed this and returned this to Bill by post, so it will be a special one for the archive.

The Prime Minister thanked all the guests for their valuable work in the community and how this helps. Bill said “I was delighted to meet the Prime Minister and talk with him. I felt very proud that I had informed him of the work of Neighbourhood Watch. He is now aware of South Wales Neighbourhood Watch Association Cardiff for sure!”

The event was attended by over 80 people from across the UK from a diverse range of volunteering activities.

RESIDENTS TO BE CONSULTED

Local library user Sheila Cabot told Living Magazines: “It’s a great idea to have everything under one roof. I know a lot of the older people around here would appreciate it as it would mean that they don’t have to visit lots of different places. Our area needs some kind of central ‘hub’. I think it would also be good for the children around here.”

The council launched the consultation in February and residents had two weeks to respond to the plans.

Residents living in north Cardiff are being given the chance to give their views on council plans to invest £1.2m in a new community hub.

The proposed facility on the site of Llandaff North Library and Gabalfa Avenue Day Centre would aim to bring library services, benefits advice and social spaces together under one roof.

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news

TWO FORMER WHITCHURCH PUPILS HONOURED BY ROTARY CLUB

(left to right) Bethan Powell, District Governor Sandra Townsend, Club President Pauline Owen and Zachary Thomas.

Two former pupils of of The 5Cs and now organise Whitchurch High School were the annual summer camps in recently honoured with the Belarus.

Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship by The Rotary Paul Harris Rotary International.

Fellowship was created in Bethan Powell and Zachary memory of the founder of Thomas become interested in Rotary to recognise people who Rotary when they joined the have performed outstanding Interact club (Rotary for 11service to their community and 18 year olds) at school, where to Rotary. Bethan and Zachary they took part in summer received their Fellowships trips organised by The 5Cs particularly in recognition of (Chernobyl Children’s Cancer their work supporting Interact Care Cardiff) charity. They and The 5Cs, and, still in their helped to develop, maintain and 20s, are the youngest people to assist at the summer camp run hold this Award in South Wales. by the Belarusian Children’s The Club is very proud of them.

Hospice in Minsk. The hospice The presentations were made provides care for children who

by Sandra Townsend, Rotary’s are directly or indirectly affected District Governor in South by the Chernobyl disaster.

Wales, during the Club’s annual After graduating from Charter Dinner, when all the university, they joined the guests enjoyed a Murder Mystery Rotary Club of Cardiff Breakfast evening. which still sponsors their former The Club meets every Interact Club. Now both Beth Wednesday morning at 7.30am and Zac actively help support in the Whitchurch Golf Club. three Interact Clubs in local Visitors are always welcome. schools and assist in setting up More information about the new ones in Cardiff and the Vale.

Club can be found at They have both become Trustees www.cardifbreakfastrotary.org 4

PLANS FOR NEW LLANDAFF HOUSING MADE PUBLIC

Housing developer Taylor Wimpey have published their plans for housing that is set to be build on the site of the current BBC Studios.

LLANDAFF RESIDENTS SET TO CELEBRATE Some of the residents and friends of Pritchard Court, Llandaff, are celebrating St David’s Day with a concert, tea and Welsh cakes (cacen gri). Well-known Welsh songs will be sung, such as Men Of Harlech, David of the White Rock, Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn (Watching the Wheat), Rev Eli Jenkins, Sunset Poem from Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas, and Cyfri’r Geifr (Counting the Goats). There will be audience participation and some verses will be sung in Welsh.

March 1st is the day when Wales unites in spectacular style to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi (St David’s Day). Children may wear red shawls and black chimney hats, as well as clogs sporting green leeks or yellow daffodils.

There will be a joyous air of celebration and national pride.

In Cardiff, the National St David’s Parade takes place, ending with a rousing mass rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau outside St David’s Hall, where a special gala concert is held in the evening. It features the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

If you’d like to get in touch, you can find our address on the inside front cover.

Alternatively, you can email us at editor@livingmags.co.uk

letters

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT A DISASTER IN THE MAKING

I have lived in Danescourt, Llandaff, since the estate was built in the 1980s.

Over the years, we have had to fight off planning application after planning application to build new houses on green belts.

Sadly, we have had no say in the decision by the BBC to sell their land on Llantrisant Road to housing developers. Having seen the plans by Taylor Wimpey, I can honestly say that this part of Cardiff is going to become an absolute nightmare to live in.

The plans include to build 400 homes and apartments on

QUIZ ANSWERS Editor’s Message In our last issue, we ran a quiz about our local area. It proved very popular, but we did have a few telephone calls saying that people couldn’t access the answers that we’d put online because they didn’t have a computer.

So for those people who weren’t able to access the answers, here they are in full:

a road which already creaks with its huge traffic load. It’s clear that more housing will mean more traffic and Taylor Wimpey seem to have totally overlooked this in their plans. This bitter pill would be easier to swallow if the plans included a through-road from Llantrisant Road through to Bridge Road near the old Llandaff bridge. This would help relieve the bottle neck of traffic that gathers at the tiny roundabout near The Heathcock pub. As it is, Danescourt residents coming from Llandaff North have no choice but to head all the way up to the roundabout and then back out down Llantrisant Road. But the plans In which road was author Roald Dahl born? b) Fairwater Road Who planted the line of trees on Whitchurch Common? c) American soldiers What years are commemorated on the War Memorial outside Whitchurch Library c) 1914-1919 (to include those who died in 1919 from injuries sustained during the war)

Whitchurch Hospital officially opened in which year? b. 1908

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Magazine was launched in which year? c) 2008

Llandaff Cathedral is dedicated to which two saints? a) Peter and Paul

Insole Court was built during which decade? b) 1850-1860

In which year was Llandaff incorporated into the City of Cardiff? c) 1922

Football superstar Gareth Bale played for which school side? b) Eglwys Newydd

include nothing of the sort!

These plans are nothing but a make-me-quick-rich scheme with absolutely NO consideration for any of the residents who currently live here, or the residents who will live in the new premises.

Mrs R Townsend Danescourt Which former Prime Minister is said to have visited the Cow and Snuffers pub in Llandaff North? a) Benjamin Disraeli What was the name of the viaduct that once stretched out near Taffs Well? c) Walnut Tree Viaduct Which local musical group can justifiably claim to be the oldest band in Wales? a) City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Brass Band Who designed Castell Coch? c) William Burges Which historical Welsh prince is said to have been killed near Rhiwbina? a) Iestyn ap Gwrgant Apologies to those who couldn’t access them! Editors 5

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The Champion of Bodice Rippers: Andrew Davies Writer Andrew Davies is the name behind some of the biggest shows on television. He tells Living Magazines about his childhood in Rhiwbina, and how he got into writing He’s been described as ‘the undisputed champion of the bodice ripper, the King Midas of middle-brow drama.’

Screenwriter Andrew Davies, Rhiwbina-born and Rhiwbinabred, has spent the last 25 years adapting literary classics for prime-time television.

Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, House of Cards, and Mr Selfridge are all titles that feature on his CV. His list of screenwriting credits is impressive, almost prolific, but writing wasn’t how it all started: “I grew up on Lon-y-Dail. I remember going to Rhiwbeina Junior School – the winter of 1947 is a memory that sticks with me. We had about 3 or 4 feet of snow and we had to hack our way up to school. My Pugsley was the headmaster and I had a teacher called Miss Foster, who wore this funny-looking leather flying helmet. It looked like the scrum caps rugby players wear these days. She was very good at getting us to work out mental arithmetic.

The village felt a lot closer then than it does now. It was less connected to Cardiff as a city.”

Andrew attended Whitchurch Grammar School.

“I also remember going to Sunday School at Beulah Church.

In later years, we’d skive about and head up the Wenallt instead.

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There was a little store about halfway up the hill and we’d go in and buy a bottle of pop.

“I lived in the village until I left for university. My parents continued to live there, my Dad living there until he died in his late nineties. I was always good at English and enjoyed writing poems and stories. I actually quite fancied myself as a singer or an actor. I entered a lot of competitions and auditioned for school plays. Then my voice broke. My beautiful singing voice suddenly became very ordinary.

It was all rather depressing. My Dad, who was a teacher, always told me that writers never made any money. I went into teaching myself, but carried on my writing alongside it. I could have carried on teaching for a long time.”

It was at University College, London where he received his BA in English. He took a teaching position at St. Clement Danes Grammar School in London, where he was on the teaching staff from 1958–61.

By 1960, Andrew was contributing material to the BBC Home Service’s Monday Night at Home strand, alongside Harold Pinter and Ivor Cutler. He wrote his first play for radio in 1964 and many more were to follow.

“Dylan Thomas was a big influence for me when I was

starting out. It wasn’t so much his poetry – it was more reading about his life. He seemed to have such a similar suburban childhood to mine. He’d write about things I’d done as a child.”

Andrew’s first television play, Who’s Going to Take Me On?, was broadcast in 1967 as part of BBC1’s The Wednesday Play strand. His early plays were written as a sideline to his teaching work, many of them appearing in anthology series such as Thirty Minute Theatre, Play for Today and Centre Stage.

His first serial adaptation of a work of fiction was of To Serve Them All My Days (1980), from the novel by R. F. Delderfield. He is also well known for adaptations and dramatisations, including Michael Dobbs’ House of Cards and its sequel, To Play the King, George Eliot’s Middlemarch, and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Austen’s Sense and Sensibility was first aired on the BBC in January 2008 with series such as Mr Selfridge (2013) and A Poet In New York (2014) to follow.

In addition to all of this, Andrew was writing children’s television and books (he wrote two original series of Marmalade Atkins and dramatised Alfonso Bonzo from his own children’s novel) and has written feature film screenplays, including Circle of Friends and

an adaptation of his own book, B. Monkey.

The first of his few novels was Conrad’s War, published by Blackie in 1978. Andrew won the annual Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, which is judged by a panel of British children’s writers and recognises the year’s best book by an author who has not yet won it. He also wrote the stories Dark Towers and Badger Girl for BBC TV’s Look and Read series of programmes for schools audiences.

“I’ve had lots of landmark achievements along the way.” he says. “Things like Pride and Prejudice stick out. For me though, my proudest achievement would be a TV show I wrote back in the 1980s. It was called A Very Peculiar Practice and was set in a university. I used a lot of the things I’d learnt when I was teaching in university and for me, it was my most personal piece of work.”

Andrew has been the recipient of many awards, both for his TV work and written work. As well as the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award in 1979, he’s picked up the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, (1980), Broadcast Press Guild Award, (1980, 1990), Pye Colour TV Award (1981), Royal Television Society Award (1987), British Academy of Film and

Television Arts Award (1989, 1993), Writers Guild Award (1991, 1992) and Primetime Emmy Award (1991).

In film, he has collaborated on the screenplays for both of the Bridget Jones films, based on Helen Fielding’s successful novels.

With the amount of work he’s racked up, it’s no surprise to discover that Andrew has to put the hours in.

“I have an office next door to where I live so I keep regular hours. I like to be in by 9am and finish around 6pm. However, I’d

probably say that I only get about 2 hours of real work done by the time I’ve finished answering emails and so on! I’m currently working on War and Peace, which will be aired on BBC One later this year.

“I’m happy to keep on working.

I think it’s a bit too late to think about any unfulfilled ambitions. I always wanted to write a hit pop song or be a backing singer in a rock band but I’ve had a pretty good run of things to date.”

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Win Tickets To Two Top Classical Concerts at St David’s Hall Win Tickets To See Tchaikovsky Night

THE acclaimed Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate the breathtaking works of an iconic composer in Tchaikovsky Night at St David’s Hall on 6 March.

And one of our lucky readers will have the chance to win a pair of tickets for the best seats in the house!

What better way is there to relax on a Friday night than drifting off amid serene strings and embarking on an orchestral adventure? This stirring show marks the 175th anniversary since the birth of the world’s best composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

His legendary pieces are always full of passion, whilst Swan Lake is one of the most instantly recognisable scores in classical music. The concert opens with the rousing Marche Slave before giving way to the stunning sounds of his Violin Concerto. A spine-tingling rendition of the Swan Lake Suite follows before the 1812 Overture brings the show

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St David’s Hall has a feast of delights this spring - and here’s how you can win tickets to see some of their shows

to a magnificent finale.

Taking the conductor’s baton for this special concert is one of the most exciting and innovative talents of her generation, Tianyi Lu. Plus, violin soloist for the evening is the supremely gifted Ben Baker, who accompanies the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time since they performed Brahms’ Violin and Cello Concerto last March.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of top-price tickets, please answer the following question: Name the legendary Russian who composed Swan Lake?

Please email your entries to SDHpress@cardiff.gov.uk with your name and contact details by Friday 27 February.

Win Tickets To See Sibelius Concert WOULD you like to experience the thrill of an outstanding orchestra at full flow in one of Europe’s best acoustic concert halls? Well, now you can!

We’ve teamed up with St David’s Hall in this exclusive competition where a pair of tickets is up for grabs for the Philharmonia Orchestra’s concert on Wednesday 18 March.

This sensational show at the National Concert Hall of Wales forms part

of the International Concert Series, which encapsulates early and contemporary music including everything from great romantic masterpieces to choral classics.

The prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra will pay tribute to the legacy of Jean Sibelius – the great Finnish composer of the late Romantic period. Opening the show is the unforgettable Karelia Suite before violin soloist Vadim Repin takes centre-stage with the slow-burning intensity he brings to Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. The concert is closed in style with the exquisite Symphony No 5.

Guiding the show with his masterful touch is the ever-charismatic conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy renowned for his expressive warmth, colour and dramatic techniques.

To be in with a chance of holding the winning tickets, please answer the below question: Who is iconic Finnish composer whose works will be played by the Philharmonia Orchestra on 18 March?

Email your entries to SDHpress@ cardiff.gov.uk with your name and contact details by Friday 6 March.

For more information on the International Concert Series, please visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/ English/Whats-On/OrchestralConcert-Series/

Caitlin Moran 16 April

Lord of the Dance 7 - 12 April

Joan Armatrading 3 March

Richard Herring 31 March

Verdi Rigoletto / Verdi La Traviata 7 - 8 March

The Circus of Horrors 25 - 26 March

One Man Breaking Bad 4 March

Killer Queen 2 May

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums 4 May

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News from the Community We are two co-ordinators (out of only ten watches in Whitchurch/ Tongwynlais – one of which, with no members, is no longer functional) who have put details on the National Neighbourhood Watch site to promote the benefits of running a successful Watch.

Looking back on 2014, we’ve had both a proactive and reactive year. In Issue 28 May/June 2014 we gave details of the first ever resident led Cold Caller Control Zones set up in Pendwyallt Road and Heol Y Forlan in association with Trading Standards and with the support of our local Police Team and Councillors.

In July 2014, four local Watches working in concert, responded in considerable detail and with success to the consultation concerning the proposal to relocate Whitchurch Post Office.

For some years there has been concern about vehicular speed on residential roads as street lights should mean ‘a maximum speed of 30mph’ (though we know a percentage of drivers exceed this). With support from the police, four local Watches and a Residents’ Association, we have set up a Speed Watch Group and by the time this feature is published, we will have carried out two Speed Watches – one at the junction of Heol Y Forlan/ Foreland Road and the other at Pendwyallt Road. Other Speed Watches are planned. An educational approach to safer driving is the only measure we can take as currently funding is unavailable for road calming measures etc. We have all necessary equipment including a speed gun, Hi-Viz gear and a monitor to alert drivers of their speed.

Links with two Residents’ Associations, the South Wales’

Police Crime Commissioner’s office and most importantly, other co-ordinators and Residents’ Associations has also been established. Both Watches have addressed issues such as planning, abandoned supermarket trolleys, graffiti, litter, street lighting, parking and highway maintenance matters etc.

Pam was involved with alleviating a series of anti-social behaviour and Derek took an interest in the Keep Safe Cymru Card to assist people with learning disabilities or mental health conditions, as a communication need. Both Watches cater for all residents whatever their age.

Pam and her team find time every year to hold an Open Garden Event to raise money for local charities which so far has raised over £11,500.

Derek meanwhile, besides running a UK-wide Cardiff Animal Network, with a team of volunteers throughout Cardiff, is seen annually in Whitchurch village disseminating literature and collecting funds for animal charities. Other local social events which appeal to the community are also held.

For us, ‘work in the community’ is of paramount importance and this is what makes a successful Watch and this is evidenced by the Whitchurch/ Tongwynlais Community (email) Network which continues to be appreciated.

We also find time to attend meetings (personally or through a representative) when they are considered of value to us and the community we serve.

We are pleased to report that at the time of writing both Watches have gained in membership. Jan Hughes of the Pendywallt Rd Watch Team even made National Neighbourhood Watch headlines during the NATO summit!

Pam Coombes & Derek Hector

For those of you who haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting The Oaks Garden Nursery, it is run by local charity Vision 21 (Cyfle Cymru), who provide realistic work based opportunities and practical work experience for people with learning difficulties.

The Oaks is a social enterprise located on Allensbank Road selling a large selection of plants, hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs to the public, whilst giving the opportunity for trainees

that attend to learn many skills from growing seeds, potting on, to social interaction and retail experience.

Last autumn brought the long awaited news for The Oaks Garden Nursery when the Victorian house that showcases itself at the front of the nursery was handed over to Vision 21 from Cardiff Council with the help of Cllr Hinchey. This brought exciting news for The Oaks as their uninviting portacabin was on its last legs.

Having suffered a series of breakins over several years it made for a very unsettling environment for the staff and trainees. So the news of The Victorian House, or The Lodge as it is known, would bring much needed improvements to the site.

The Lodge was in need of a facelift before the staff and trainees could start making use of it.

If you would like further information about Vision 21 or The Oaks Garden Nursery, visit www.V21.org.uk. Don’t forget to ‘like us’ on Facebook too!

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St Teilo There are schools named after him. He is second only to St David in having churches named after him. And it’s not just here in Wales - there are churches in Cornwall and Brittany that bear his title.

Furthermore, there’s part of his skull residing in Llandaff Cathedral.

Also known as Elios, Eliau, Teliarus, Teliau or Télo, Teilo (later to become St Teilo) was a Christian monk, bishop, and founder of monasteries.

He founded churches from Penalun (Penally) near Tenby in Pembrokeshire near his birthplace. More importantly to North Cardiffians, Teilo founded the first church in Llandaff.

According to tradition, Teilo was born between 480-500AD. He studied under St Paulinus at the monastic school at Whitland, Carmarthenshire. Here he met 16

and became firm friends with Dewi (St David), who may have been his cousin. Teilo subsequently travelled with him to Mynyw, now known as St David’s, where Dewi set up his religious community.

In about 518 AD, the group, along with St Padam, are said to have set out on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where all three were consecrated bishops by John III, who was the Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The now Bishop Teilo returned to Wales to found the episcopal church of Llandeilo Fawr (the Great Church or Abbey of St Teilo) in Dyfed. However the outbreak of Yellow Fever in Wales around 549 AD forced Teilo and his religious group to seek refuge in Cornwall. From here, they set out across the Channel to Dol in Brittany where they stayed for seven years.

Celtic people had begun to settle in France since the 5th and 6th

centuries, having been driven out of southern parts of Britain by invading Germanic tribes. Teilo and his friends would most likely have felt at home there.

There are several legends about Teilo during his time in Brittany.

According to one, he saved the local people from a winged dragon which he tamed and then kept tied to a rock in the sea. In another, when a local lord offered him all the land he could encircle between sunset and sunrise, Teilo chose to ride on a stag to cover as much ground as possible in the time available.

Several churches in Brittany are dedicated to St Teilo, including the church at Plogonnec, Finistére, and the Chapel of Our Lady in Kerdévot. In both cases he is shown wearing bishop’s robes and mitre, and is seated on a stag, no doubt in reference to the legend.

Whilst in France, Teilo, St Samson and his followers are also

said to have planted three miles of fruit trees. Even today the fruit groves they planted are known as the groves of Teilo and Samson.

In around 554 Teilo and his followers returned from Brittany to Llandeilo Fawr. After the death of St. David, Teilo became revered as one of the most holy men in Wales. He was joined at Llandeilo by many disciples including Cynfwr, Teulyddog and Llywel. He died at the abbey of Llandeilo Fawr on February 9th, probably around the year 560.

But St. Teilo is now most famous today for what is supposed to have happened after his death.

According to an account in the early 12th century by Geoffrey of Llandaff, there was a dispute over the body of St Teilo. There were three claimants to the remains: the church at Penally (where he was born), Llandeilo (where he founded his church and died), and Llandaff (who claimed him as their bishop). During the night, the body is said to have multiplied into three, one for each church, thus settling the argument.

In the early Middle Ages, it was financially advantageous to have relics or a shrine in a cathedral, in order to attract pilgrims.

Geoffrey’s account would very conveniently explain why there were three different sets of relics, yet all apparently true relics.

The tomb of Teilo in Llandaff Cathedral is most probably the correct one, and his shrine on the south side of the high altar did indeed become a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.

St Teilo’s Well at Llandyfan also became a place of pilgrimage.

Pilgrims came from far and wide to drink the spring water at the well, which had a reputation for curing paralysis and similar ailments. Today the waters of the well have been diverted into a nearby reservoir but the well, used in the 19th century for outdoor baptisms, is still there next to the Victorian church built on the site.

These days, at nearby St Fagans Museum, sits St. Teilo’s Church.

St Teilo’s church is believed to have been built during the late 12th or 13th century on the site

history St Teilo’s Church at St Fagans Museum

of an earlier Celtic church.

Over the ensuing centuries, the building was altered and extended.

The oldest parts of the present structure are the nave and chancel. During the 14th century, small chapels were built onto the north and south sides of the chancel, and during the late 14th or early 15th century, the church’s capacity was increased by the addition of an aisle to the south side of the nave. The old south wall was replaced by two arches, with a third arch opening into the chancel, and finally, a porch was added to the entrance door leading into the south aisle of the church.

During 1984 and 1985, the church was dismantled and moved to its present home at St. Fagans. It was officially opened to the public in 2007, making it the 41st building opened to the public at the museum.

The roof timbers are of typical early fifteenth century design (arch-braced collar-beams), though they may in fact be slightly later in date. The west wall of the nave was altered in the early 18th century (datestone 1736) and in 1810, the interior was furnished with box pews and a three-decker pulpit. Most of the stone-mullioned windows appear to have been blocked up at this time, and were replaced by new ‘Georgian gothic’ lancetshaped windows. One original two-light stone-mullioned window (14/15th) survived in the south aisle. Probably the oldest surviving feature of the church is the stone font which is believed to date from the 13th century or

earlier.

St Teilo’s church has been refurbished as it may have appeared about the year 1530, complete with all the elements associated with a late medieval Catholic church, including a rood screen and loft (between the nave and chancel), altars, carvings and brightly-coloured paintings on all the walls.

St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School was opened in September 1966 as an 11-16 school and provides a church school comprehensive education for secondary students living mainly in the eastern half of Cardiff. It is now one of three Voluntary Aided Secondary Schools in the Diocese of Llandaff and serves a much wider geographical and spiritual ‘catchment’ area. In September 2013, St Teilo’s High School officially moved to the playing fields of Llanederyn High School.

A piece of St Teilo’s skull, which is on display at Llandaff Cathedral 17

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News in the Community NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH With Bill Farnham Our AGM for this current year was held on 18th November 2014 at the Whitchurch Rugby Club.

I had someone standing against me this time, namely Mrs Jo Huntley, Neighbourhood Watch coordinator from St Francis Road, Whitchurch. I was reelected on the evening and I am pleased to say that Jo has agreed to become one of our Committee Members.

Our activities since the last issue of this magazine have included attending the ‘Cheese and Crime’ evening at the Western Leisure Centre, Ely, which was a great success. This was the third year we have attended this event and

it is very rewarding to watch the young people getting involved with the various displays that are available eg Crime Scene Investigation, Home Security and Safety etc. Of course, they really enjoy the cheese element during the evening.

The Operation Perception in conjunction with Small Business Saturday in Whitchurch in December last year was very successful, with the possibility of another new Neighbourhood Watch Group being set up.

I successfully launched a new watch in Pencisely Road, Llandaff in December and much interest has been shown to set up a new watch in Butleigh Avenue which is off Pencisely Road, following a nasty incident with Rogue Traders in that road. This will probably come about at a

meeting to be held in March, 2015.

Following an Operation Perception in Rhydlafer recently, I hope to re-launch the Neighbourhood Watch Group on the estate at a meeting to be held on 10th March.

Some advance notification for your diaries of future events that we will be involved in: • The Big Lunch takes place on Sunday 7th June, 2015.

• National Neighbourhood Watch week is from 20th June to 28th June, 2015.

• The Suzy Lamplugh Trust National Personal Safety Day is on 7th October, 2015.

If anyone is interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Group, call our office on 02920 527301.

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Pet problems CHRIS TROUGHTON OF HEATH VETS ANSWERS YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS

IF YOU HAVE ANY PET-RELATED QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CHRIS TO ANSWER, PLEASE EMAIL US AT EDITOR@LIVINGMAGS.CO.UK AND WE’LL PASS THEM ON.

I have recently acquired a small kitten (long story!). What I want to know is whether catnip is dangerous for cats and especially small kittens?

Catnip (Nepata cataria) is a common garden flower. It produces an essential oil called ‘nepetalactone’ and some cats react to this by getting ‘high’. The oil is taken in by sniffing, but cats will chew the plant and roll in it; this is believed to release more of the oil to inhale. Not all cats are sensitive to the effect – half of them don’t react at all, and kittens under 3-4 months never do. The sensitivity of old cats is also reduced. For susceptible cats, the effect usually makes them very frisky and playful, but sometimes they can appear sedated.

However, the effect lasts only a few minutes (15 maximum) and cannot be repeated for at least an hour. There are no reports of cats ‘overdosing’ and becoming ill, and it is not addictive. Since it doesn’t affect cats under 3 months at all, it is unlikely that your little kitten will even notice its presence. If she should, just enjoy watching her having fun!

My wife is paranoid that our two year old Staffie is going to pick up parvovirus from the local park. Is it something that can be transmitted in this way and what are the symptoms that we’d need to look out for if it did pick up this disease?

Parvovirus is a deadly dog virus that causes severe bloody vomiting and diarrhoea, which, if untreated, is usually fatal. With careful and intensive Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511

treatment, most adult dogs recover from the illness and it leaves no lasting problems; in puppies the prognosis is not so good, and about 20% of them will die in spite of treatment. The virus is spread via faeces. After becoming infected, the dog incubates the disease for several days before showing symptoms, but already during that time virus is being excreted in the normal-looking faeces, so it is not just diarrhoea faeces which could be infected.

The virus can survive on the ground for years after the faeces in which it arrived has gone, so areas like public parks, where lots of dogs defecate, can, over the years, acquire a significant burden of infection.

Fortunately, there are very effective and safe vaccines against parvo, which are part of the routine injections that all dogs should have every year. So as long as your Staffie has his jabs every year, there should be no risk of him catching this nasty virus.

Just a question of curiosity – my dog recently had an ear infection and was administered medication. It was the same medication that he was prescribed a few months before. Do vets need to see the animal EVERY time he has the same problem or, like humans, is there a ‘repeat prescription’ procedure available?

Vets do provide ‘repeat prescription’ medicines for chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart failure, etc. When your pet has a problem that requires constant treatment, once he is stable on his medication, your vet will need to check him from time to time to make sure nothing has changed and he is having no side effects; in between check-ups, repeat prescriptions will be provided.

This is the same as for human patients. The only difference is that vets often need to check their patients more frequently because pets can’t tell you they aren’t feeling quite so good – it needs a skilled examination to notice this.

However, if a condition recurs when it wasn’t expected to, we must not assume it is the same as the previous event as that could lead to disaster. To use the ear infection example – you probably noticed your dog scratching his ear or shaking his head. These symptoms could be due to an infection, or they could be due to a foreign body (notably a grass awn) that had got lodged in the ear canal. If your vet just gave you some more ear drops without examining him, your dog could end up deaf with a perforated ear drum!

gardening

What is a Garden?

P

eople have been gardening and cultivating plants for thousands of years.

Ever since communities became settled in the Bronze Age, we have secured boundaries to protect crops and livestock.

Perhaps we are no longer economically dependent on our plot of land but we might grow a few fruit and vegetables, or plant some ornamental plants to improve the aesthetic and commercial value of the property.

A garden must have a gardener or it soon becomes something else; plants must be planted and weeds weeded. Gardens furnish our ecological niche with natural beauty, a meeting of the natural and human worlds within the external boundaries of a property allowing the urban or suburban gardener to live close to nature.

Selected plants are nurtured while others are discouraged if not altogether eradicated; weeds are a constant threat as nature fights back against the artificial construct. Sometimes a look at a wild meadow or plant community on a woodland floor will make you wonder why we should try to create something better.

Few gardens could be described 26

as entirely natural but we strive to garden with a lighter touch to encourage wildlife, to control less and understand more, to use less chemicals and fertilisers and weed a little less. Increasingly we must cater for the natural world which is fast being squeezed out of the countryside by modern agriculture, urban sprawl and human activity. Then again what exactly is natural? A meadow is only the result of a particular grazing regime. Most woodland is either planted or secondary, having invaded formally cultivated ground. Gardening for wildlife is increasingly popular and few would deny the need to encourage bees and birds but perhaps we need to encompass all that arrives in the garden, pests and all. These are at the base of the food chain and encourage biodiversity; it seems perverse to feed birds in the winter only to starve them of their natural food in the spring and summer.

Some see the garden merely as an extension of the house; some property developers take this a little too literally and the recent garden grabbing trend has been blight on our towns and cities as attractive corner plots have

by Kevin Revell disappeared or new houses have sprung up in spacious back gardens.

Front gardens have disappeared under concrete and tarmac to cater for increasing car ownership but at the cost of increased runoff into drains which enter watercourses to exacerbate potential flooding downstream. The patio and decking, trampolines and swing frames cater for the human aspect and enable us to spend time living and relaxing outdoors in the comfort of our own home surrounded by our families and friends but increasing overlooked and disturbed by our neighbours, private quiet time is now hard to come by.

Is Gardening Cool?

Most people who garden would probably not give a fig whether it was or not but it may be important to a younger generation who seem to need the reassurance of acceptability within their peer group or online community before pursuing any new activity. If it were measured in terms of the amount of money

lavished by corporate sponsors on the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we might assume the answer to be a resounding “yes”, but the reality is that these shows have very little to do with day to day gardening and were it not for the disproportionate media coverage we would scarcely be aware of its passing. The activities of Chelsea Football club bear little relation to parks football, though the rules are the same the rewards are vastly disproportionate but enjoyment can be derived from both. The village hall horticultural show probably has more relevance to a larger proportion of the population but is apparently rather un-cool.

The perceived wisdom is that an older generation do gardening in a way that is not attractive to the younger generation who are more interested in how plants look and are less concerned with how to look after them.

Few of us today grow our own cut flowers but even these are making something of a comeback as we become aware of the folly of buying supermarket flowers flown in from around the globe.

Post-war, it was a necessity to grow fruit and vegetables to keep the family fed. In today’s similarly austere times, many have been drawn in by the grow-your-own trend and look to do something healthy for the children.

Sustainable healthy living -

what’s not to like? What else connects people with nature, provides passive exercise, reduces stress and is good wholesome fun in the fresh air?

Whatever you do in your garden, just do something. Make use of the precious resource you have because plenty of people today are denied that chance as space is at a premium and our population continues to grow. A well maintained lawn will encourage members of the family into the garden when the weather is favourable; perhaps some will stay and start to notice their surroundings. How many of us renew our gym memberships while ignoring the vigorous workouts available on our doorstep for free. Go on, give it a go – just don’t expect it to be easy – little in this life ever is. It

all seems so effortless when you watch the experts grow perfect plants on television and read about them in glossy magazines and aspirational coffee table books but the sad reality is that things often go wrong. We should not expect perfection every time but adopt a more even-handed approach, some you win, some you lose - celebrate the small victories but don’t get too hung up on the failures; treat them as lessons learnt in the school of hard knocks and move on; finding out by trial and error is what really works.

Through experience, knowledge will be gained which builds up over time until you too are an expert charged with passing knowledge on to the next generation. How cool is that?

27

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Thought that being vegan was all about being hippydippy-happy-clappy? Try out these delicious recipes and be amazed at how amazing fresh vegetables can taste

EDITOR’S PICK 

Potato and Cauliflower Curry

1 onion chopped, 1/2 fennel bulb, 1 tbsp sunflower oil, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1 deseeded and finely chopped large green chilli, 2.5cm peeled and finely chopped ginger, 2 or 3 medium potatoes, 1 cauliflower broken into florets, 1 heaped tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground tumeric, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp chilli powder, 1 tbsp tomato purée, 200g passata, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 vegetable stock cube, 100g chopped kale, 30g fresh coriander, salt and pepper to season, brown rice and dairy-free raita to serve.

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan, adding the onion and fennel. Season and sweat for several minutes until soft. Add the garlic, chilli and ginger to the pan, stirring well and covering. Allow the flavours to infuse over a low heat for a few minutes.

2. Add the potatoes to the pan, covering once again and cooking for another few minutes. Add the cauliflower florets. Sprinkle in the spices and stir well, making sure that the potato and cauliflower are completely coated. Cover once again and allow the spices to release their aromas before stirring in the tomato purée, passata, sugar, and a little bit of water. Season, cover and cook for another two minutes.

3. Crumble in the stock cube and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add more water if required, ensuring that the cauliflower doesn’t overcook.

4. Roughly chop the kale and toss it into the pan for the final ten minutes of cooking. Allow it to wilt, taste for seasoning and add most of the chopped coriander to the pan. Keep a small amount back for garnishing.

4. Serve with brown rice and a dollop of raita.

30

Greek-Style Spaghetti

2 tbsp olive oil, 3 finely-sliced shallots, 3 finely sliced garlic cloves, 250g halved cherry tomatoes, 400g spaghetti, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp capers in brine (drained, rinsed and roughly chopped), 100ml vegan white wine, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper, freshly-chopped flat-leaf parsley to garnish 1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick, heavy-based frying pan and add the shallots.

Season and allow the shallots to sweat for a few minutes before adding the garlic and tomatoes.

2. Add the pasta to the pan of boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the packet.

Ensure that you stir it sufficiently to avoid it sticking to the pan.

3. Once the tomatoes begin to soften, pour over the lemon juice, season and reduce for a few minutes. Add the capers and wine to the pan - turn the heat up and let the alcohol evaporate and the sauce thicken slightly.

4. Reserve a small cup of cooking water from the pasta before draining it. Lightly toss the spaghetti in the sauce. Pour over the reserved water and let the pasta soak up the flavours.

4. Serve with drizzled virgin olive oil and parsley.

Column PATRIC MORGAN

WHY SPRING IS A TIME TO COUNT ONE’S BLESSINGS Last week, I had the honour of looking after my four-year old god daughter for four days and three nights.

I say honour, but in the weeks leading up to it, I was a nervous wreck. I’m not a parent, save to a small dog. But having readily agreed to babysit several months ago (and after a bottle of wine), the challenge of looking after a friend’s little one slowly lumbered up on me like a giant ogre.

I arrived at the house at 6am.

Three hours later, I was woken by a sweet small call of ‘Good Morning’ calling from upstairs.

After breakfast, we played PlayDoh and then decided to wrap up in our winter coats and head to Barry Island. We put two pence pieces into the money dozers and won some clunk-clunk-clunk. We headed to the neighbouring shop and treated ourselves to a small gift each with our winnings before heading back to Rhiwbina for lunch.

The following four days were a pure delight. We went to Caedelyn Park and went looking for blossom buds. We sat in the park and spoke about the seasons.

We ate together, went everywhere together. On our last day, we even went back to Barry Island to buy Mummy and Daddy a gift each.

We painted a large Welcome Home banner and hung it above the patio window. And at the end of it all, when it was time for me to go back home, our eyes were filled with sadness.

Looking back, they were a special few days. Away from the stresses of work, we revelled in its pure simplicity. All my god daughter had to worry about was what games we should play next. As for me - other than thinking of all the practical parenting stuff, I too thought of nothing more than enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

It was a memorable experience.

As I sit here typing this up, the window to my office is wide open.

The big yellow sun is high in the sky. And carried on the cool, crisp spring air, I can hear the sound of

a distant playground.

The sound of laughter.

The sound of pure joy.

For us in here in North Cardiff, we do need to take stock of what we do have and what we shouldn’t take for granted. Life is a challenge, without a doubt. But just a cursory look at the news reminds us that we are, in fact, pretty blessed.

- the promise of better days ahead A few years ago, I was sat with (any day with some sunshine in my father in a small room at will do). And thinking back to my Velindre Hospital. The previous four day babysitting ‘holiday’, I’ve day, we’d been given a diagnosis come to the conclusion that it’s the that shook our world. My mother simple things in life that really do was sat with us. She sat staring at matter. the floor in silence, until after a Taking the dog for a walk in while, she finally spoke up.

Radyr Woods with my wife; “Life is rubbish.” she said. She breakfast in bed; a glass of wine looked up at me and said: with friends - these are all simple “When you were a baby, I told activities.

These are the everyday you how wonderful life would be. things that we should cherish and I told you all the amazing things be grateful for. you could do with your life. But I was wrong.

Life is hard. It’s rubbish. I’m sorry.”

As we left hospital that day, we took a walk into Whitchurch village. An old Graphic Design, Digital & Litho Printing, focused couple were solely on delivering a quality service.. walking towards us and as they passed, the old woman, for some reason known only to herself, said out loud “Your health is your wealth.” I have no idea why she said it, or why she said it out loud. But she was right.

They (whoever ‘they’ are) say that spring is a time of new beginnings. For me, it’s more of a season of hope 31

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