CARDIFF TIMES november 2019
NOVEMBER 2019 - PART 1 page 1
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DAVID MAHONEY A CHANOLFAN MILENIWM C YMRU YN C YFLW YNO
MOVIE MIXTAPE SONGS FROM THE SILVER SCREEN DAVID MAHONEY AND WALE S MILLENNIUM CENTRE PRE SENTS
ARWENIR GAN \ CONDUCTED BY
DAVID MAHONEY
IAN H WATKINS
NOEL SULLIVAN
LUCIE JONES
CONNIE FISHER
YN C YNNW YS Y C ANEU ON \ FE ATURING SONG S INCLUDING
Time of My Life
Let it Go
Dirty Dancing
Frozen
Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Tragedy
The Lion King
Saturday Night Fever
I Will Always Love You
This is Me
The Bodyguard
The Greatest Showman
wmc.org.uk
TACHWEDD 17 NOVEMBER 2019
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Cardiff Times • www.cardiff-times.co.uk
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Katie Kittermaster, ‘The Female Ed Sheeran’, Is No Ordinary Teenager
Being hailed as “the female Ed Sheeran” aged just seventeen is not something your average A-Level student would be able to claim. But, then again, Katie Kittermaster is no ordinary teenager. Katie Kittermaster has barely finished with her A Levels, but is already performing in front of crowds of hundreds of thousands and her steep trajectory shows no signs of leveling out any time soon. Having written many of her songs at the tender age of just fifteen, Kittermaster went on to win both the Commonwealth Song of the Year and the UK Songwriting Contest for ‘T Shirt’ this year, proving that she has what it takes to be the voice of a generation struggling to navigate the world of romance for the first time. It was an impressive win at an impressive age, but unarguably well-deserved, as she proves each time she performs. But it’s not just prestigious awards which have picked up on the bright young talent that is Katie Kittermaster. She performs with a confidence beyond her years on the stage and it is truly something to behold. It is this star quality which has led to her opening for acts like Jools Holland, but it’s surely not long until this talented songstress will be able to start headlining her own shows. Balancing A-Level studies with a blossoming musical career is not something to be snuffed at, and Kittermaster has done so with ease and grace. So how has a 17-year-old already amassed such an impressive resume? The answer, it seems, lies within her and her impressive work ethic. “I have stayed focused, worked hard, gigged and written as much as possible!” says Kittermaster of her impressive juggling act. Having lived in Dubai for a few years, she has developed a mature world view and the fact that she has been able to observe and turn emotions into coherent and relatable lyrics is a feat worthy of a thousand Ed Sheerans. It doesn’t seem too useful in this day and age to name a new talent “the female Ed Sheeran”. While this comparison in music style is no doubt accurate, Katie Kittermaster is wholly herself, something she will prove on her next venture a tour of the UK and Europe with none other than X Factor sensation and songstress in her own right, Lucy Spraggan. Katie Kittermaster is an unarguable talent, both on stage and behind the scenes, writing all of her own material and singing these songs in front of colossal crowds with all the know-how of a seasoned performer. Her debut EP, Coming Home at Dawn, will be released just in time for the cosy winter season on the 1st of November and is comprised of five beautiful songs which make the perfect soundtrack for a winter of cosying up with a cuppa and the one you love. Katie Kittermaster will be playing at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on the 24th November. Make sure you don’t miss out on 1 seeing this rising star do what she does best before she reaches the dizzying heights which certainly lie in her future.
Katie Kittermaster Advertorial - N... page 1
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editors letter
cardiff times
Welcome PUBLISHER Cardiff Times Hi All, and welcome to our November issue.
EDITOR Louise Denning 07903 947594 FEATURES EDITOR Mark Denning 07758 247194 SALES & MARKETING Beth beth@cardiff-times.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS Wyn Evans, Vince Nolan, Carl Marsh, Sara John, Molly Dutton, Natalie McCulloch, Melissa Compton, Sue Good, Michael James, Craig Muncey
By the time you read this, we will know whether Wales managed to reach the Rugby World Cup final for the very first time - fingers crossed! Even if they didn’t manage to make the final, the team has done brilliantly to get to a semi-final considering the size of our country and how few players we have playing compared to the likes of South Africa and England - we are proud of you boys! We actually have an article on the World Cup in this month’s magazine, written by Craig Muncey, who examines Wales’ campaign up until the quarter final stage. October it’s fair to say was a wet month in Cardiff, it seemed to rain every day. I do really like this time of year, the leaves on some trees changing colour makes for some spectacular sights, but a bit less of the wet stuff would be preferable! With sustainability and climate change very much still in the news, our columnist Sue Good has written a topical article on sustainable clothes shopping, well worth a read if this is something you are interested in. We also have a nostalgic article from Michael James, detailing his journey on the famous American ’Route 66’. Our daughter will be celebrating her birthday this month, and has asked if she can have a climbing party?! It’s her ‘thing’ at the moment, and proudly announced that now climbing is an Olympic sport, this is what she wants to do. Who are we to stand in her way?! Finally, we hope everyone enjoys Bonfire Night this month, and please stay safe.
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Until next month, happy reading.
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Who Will Look After Your Children If You Die? This is probably not the question at the front of most parents minds and unfortunately for many families nobody asked this question early enough. Three quarters of people have never made a Will. Many of those who have, have not reviewed their Will to see if changes in their lives – like having a child are properly catered for. A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever create- and not just for the reasons you may already be aware of. A Will is vital for getting your wishes for your estate down on paper, but did you know that a Will also allows you to appoint guardians for your children? If you have children under 18 years of age, it is of paramount importance that guardians are appointed for them. This is because children that are minors are required to have a guardian by law. This is a responsibility usually held by their parents but if the worst should happen to you, what would happen to them? Children without a guardian are often taken into foster care until a suitable guardian can be appointed. You may already have an idea as to who you’d want to look after your children if you were no longer here, but unfortunately, the courts cannot take somebody’s word for it. Those wishes, just like those regarding your estate, need to be recorded in your Will to ensure they are followed. It is easy to appoint guardians in your Will. Once you do so, the people you nominate will have the legal right to look after your children until they turn 18, and you can even give them guidance as to how you’d like them brought up. This ensures that, even if something happens to you, your children are raised in the manner you choose- and ensures that choice lies solely with you.
• Mark Botfield • Tel: 029 2166 0418 • Mob: 07920 104236 • Email: accordlegal@botfield.org • Website: accordlegal.botfield.org
Mark Botfield Advertorial - Octobe... page 1
You may also wish to protect your children’s inheritance by putting certain conditions on when they inherit. This can be done by making a Children’s Trust within your Will. In this trust, you can set conditions such as your child receiving their inheritance when they reach a certain age, or when an important life event occurs. You’d appoint trustees, who are the representatives that will hold onto your children’s inheritance until they come of age. You can also specify that your trustees can use the inheritance for your children’s benefit, and can even decide what the money can be spent on; this may include university education, housing or recreational activities like holidays. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to make a Will. Although many of us believe a Will is something we only have to consider later in life, the truth is that we all need one - if you have children, this is especially true. Whether you have an existing Will you’d like reviewed or have never made one before, help is at hand to ensure your estate planning is in order. Contact your local consultant Mark Botfield today on 07920 104236 to arrange a free home visit.
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November
CONTENTS FEATURES 14 November Diary 18 After-School By Wyn Evans
22 Wales - The Rugby World Cup Journey Continues By Craig Muncey
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28 Boobs - Why It’s Time To Get A Good Grip On Yours! By Natalie McCulloch
52 Puzzle Mania
32 I Sleep Therefore I Am
58 Retail Therapy Sustainable Style
By Sara John
By Sue Good
35 Christmas At The Sherman 64 Beauty Done Your Own Way
36 Christmas Feature - We Have Everything Covered!
By Molly Dutton
40 “In The Words Of…”
68 The Colliery Cat And The Manager - Part Two
By Carl Marsh
By Sara John
48 ‘And Another Thing…’ By Vince Nolan
71 Puzzle Mania Solutions
50 Books To Look Out For In November
By Michael James
72 Get Your Kicks On Route 66
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PONTCANNA CARE HOME STAFF KEEP RESIDENTS WARM AND ENTERTAINED WITH KNITTED ACTIVITY GIFTS Staff at a Pontcanna care home are going the extra mile to make sure residents are kept warm and entertained this winter season by making personalised knitted gifts for their residents.
embellishments can be added to the mitts, from keys, pom poms, crinkly wrappers and pouches to make them fully interactive. Families of Tŷ Llandaff residents were keen to get involved and helped by donating ribbons, beads and buttons to be attached to the mitts, making each piece unique and distinctive.
Housekeeping and reception staff at Tŷ Llandaff, a private nursing, residential and respite care home in Conway Road, have used their knitting skills to create a treasure trove of goodies including blankets and ‘twiddle muffs.’
Tŷ Llandaff service manager Lisa Cristina said: “We are so impressed with the ingenuity and skills of our staff to make these wonderful gifts for our residents. The knitted activity mitts are such a simple yet brilliant idea and our residents with dementia are finding a lot of comfort from them, they are perfect for this time of year as the weather gets colder. For our housekeeping and reception staff to learn about the concept of the mitts, and then to create so many wonderful pieces is a great accomplishment, and so kind.”
Twiddle muffs, which are a new innovation developed for dementia sufferers, are soft knitted or crocheted ‘activity mitts’ made with different textures and colours, for someone with advanced dementia to fiddle with in their hands to help alleviate boredom and stress whist also keeping hands warm. The NHS promotes the use of twiddle muffs for dementia sufferers as a comforting sensory object to help keep the hands and mind active even while resting, and suggests that any range of
For more information about Tŷ Llandaff call Lisa on 02920 600 100, email info@ tyllandaffcare.com or visit www.tyllandaffcare.com
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november diary
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See the skies above Cardiff beautifully lit this November at the annual Whitchurch Golf Club Fireworks Display. The event starts at 7.00pm, and the fireworks display will be on at 7.30pm. Make sure that you buy your tickets in advance from the Club House Bar as they usually sell out fast! Whitchurch Golf Club, Cardiff www. whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.co.uk
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From selling 5 million tickets worldwide to being in the midst of their 30th anniversary celebrations, The Australian Pink Floyd Show have announced a brand new tour for 2019 ‘All That You Love’, featuring classics from Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were here, Animals, The Wall and many more. Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
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MoRunning, the national running event series, consists of a series of fun 1.5km, 5km and 10km runs taking place at 24 different locations across the UK & Ireland during November in aid of the Movember Foundation, who raise vital funds and awareness around men’s health. Welcoming runners of all ages and abilities, MoRunning offers participants the chance to take part in a fun-filled race experience with added entertainment.
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Rachel Watson longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears... New Theatre, Cardiff www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
1$ 1$ - 23 &' 23 &'
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Craftfolk return to the heart of Cardiff City Centre with their ever popular Christmas Market. The beautifully decorated and colourful wooden stalls will again grace St John Street, Working Street, the Hayes, Trinity Street and Hills Street. Cardiff City Centre www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com
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Christmas gifts, Toys, Jewellery, Cakes, Jams, Chutneys, Books, Bottles, Bric-a-brac, DVDs, CDs, Games, Tombola, Plants, Handbags, Scarves and Toiletries. Tea/coffee will also be available. Entrance 30p - children free. 10am - 12.30pm Roath Church House, Waterloo Road, Roath, Cardiff
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Bute Park, Cardiff www.mo-running.com
Sporting icon, philanthropist and now Ironman Triathlete Gareth ‘Alfie’ Thomas has announced a very special ‘Evening With’ on Thursday 21st November. He was a leader of men, captain of Wales and the British Lions. But all his success didn’t make the strain of hiding who he really was go away. Gareth announced publicly in 2009 that he is gay and was voted the most influential gay person by Stonewall that year.
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St David’s Hall, Cardiff www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
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A rare chance to hear Superbrass, a supergroup of some of the finest brass and percussion players on the professional London music scene in an uplifting programme of brass favourites. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff www.rwcmd.ac.uk
What's on Diary - November 2019 page 1
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Wales’ national men’s and women’s rugby sides will face the famous invitational club in back to back matches. Stadium, Cardiff 1 Principality www.principalitystadium.wales
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BESPOKE LIVING DESIGN & BUILD • We are specialists in creating lifestyle spaces that set your home apart with our tailored design & build packages • House refurbishments, Renovations, Extensions, Loft Conversions, Basements and New Build Developments Contact us on enquiries@bldb.co.uk or Tel: 02920490237 for more information and a free home consultation. Facebook - Bespoke Living Design & Build
Brian MacEntee - Oct 2019 page 1
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Wednesday, 23 October 2019 12:26 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
after-school By Wyn Evans
First, a semantic point. That's 'after-school' not in the sense of what happens in a few years time, but 'after-school' one afternoon just before the autumn half-term.
I eventually realised, however, that there were advantages to Thursdays too; one being that The Girl has no after-school activities. The point was not lost on my daughter either. Grinning, she delightedly told me we should have some "daughter -father time". So we both chose an activity. I chose to take us to Express Imaging on City Road. If you do not know this shop, I can commend it highly (http://expressimaging.co.uk/). I had a word with the helpful and knowledgeable shop-assistant and asked him to blow up to 3'x2' and to frame the photo of the Scott Monument (aka, inaccurately called 'The Lighthouse') in Roath Park. The picture's small features (which of course do not show in the version on the right ) came out fabulously. I've not really printed my work before, excepting portraits or action shots of The Girl. Doing so today was a direct result of some of the positive comments made by many visitors to my Facebook page about life with The Girl, where I had previously posted the image (https:// www.facebook.com/BeatingDownsBarriers/).
There was nothing exceptional about this particular day except that I believed it to be a Friday. I had spent the whole day in a Friday state of mind. At 15:10 hours I would collect The Girl (my 13 year old daughter, who happens to have Down Syndrome) from school then rush her home for a snack - pizza - and a quick-fire change of clothing. Then we’d dash over to Roath Church House for ballet. ...It’s worth making the point that the ballet class is my daughter’s not mine. Unlikely as it may seem, many people who, like me, have Parkinson’s Disease, attend classes run by the Royal Ballet and by regional ballet schools. Not only does this weekly activity help maintain balance and posture, but it encourages those with Parky’s to get out of the house and maintain social links. An hour later I would pick her up from ballet and speed home to Rhydypennau Road for a meal, preceding another quick flit across Cyncoed and through Penylan, this time to Albany Baptist Church Annexe for The Girl’s Guides class. (Is that correct usage? ‘Class’? Do Guides have classes? Or do they do Rumbles, or soirees? It’s so difficult to keep up; ‘class’ will have to do.) Finally, at around nine p.m, we would collect the daughter. The Boss would oversee The Girl’s ablutions and I would sit down with a bottle of Chablis, open a novel (since you ask, Stieg Larsson’s ‘The Girl Who Takes An Eye For An Eye’), and look forward to tomorrow’s England vs. New Zealand Rugby World Cup semi-final.
By way of her choice, my daughter took us to Joe's Ice Cream Emporium, on Wellfield Road. I had my usual double-vanilla cornet with sauce and she her favourite chocolate and vanilla tub with sauce, a wafer (that she gives to me), and rainbow sprinkles. High on our sugar-rush, we travelled on to Pets at Home to buy dog food. I’m not sure who's choice this was. Similarly, we went on to Sainsbury's to stock-up on provisions. We decided that this was The Girl's choice because whilst there she bought some materials for Hallowe'en. And after that, it was home and relax.
As with all the best-laid plans, mine did not survive its first contact with reality. It was about 15:20 hours when The Girl told me she’d need her Games kit tomorrow. “No you won’t,” I said magisterially, “it’s the weekend tomorrow!” She informed me, with increasing bite and no few pointed comments about my age, that ‘today’ was in fact Thursday. A few minutes passed, allowing me to accept her point and to consider the bonfire of my immediate plans.
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Post-Script. Whilst in the Photo shop a lady, Sarah, addressed my girl: "You're famous you know! I follow your adventures every month." After they had had a little chat, Sarah asked how I was doing. She is a regular reader of my column in the Cardiff Times, going back six and a half years, and had read last month’s update on Parky’s with interest. She gave me some useful contacts and I was grateful. It's lovely when a reader says 'hi'. My thanks to Sarah and also to my Publisher, Louise Denning, for allowing me the opportunity to share with you. Once again, if you have been, thanks for reading. See you next month, which will be our Christmas edition!
Friday, 25 October 2019 11:55 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
CT Feature
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Stewart Greenberg Page page 1
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wales - the rugby world cup journey continues By Craig Muncey
to 8, they held onto a decisive victory by a margin of four points. Against Fiji, in reverse to previous pool games, Wales did not start as brightly and indeed were losing to Fiji before overcoming the South Sea Islanders and achieving victory. In the final pool game against Uruguay, a vastly changed side, laboured to victory over a team many felt Wales would score many more points against. We are yet to see a dominant 80-minute performance, but in the games to date, we have not had to see this as yet. Against Australia, which was a huge win, Wales showed good control at times and held on after an onslaught in the second half. Fiji especially at the start of the game caused massive problems, but again, Wales overcame this and gained another victory.
Picture Credit – Independent.co.uk
As I write this, we are two days away from the quarter-final clash against France in Oita, Japan. A massive opportunity for Wales to move into the semi-finals to match the stage reached in 1987 and 2011, but can this team move into the final and even achieve the status of World Champions? Well, let’s not get too far ahead of from ourselves and let’s look at the World Cup to date from a Welsh perspective.
Now let’s be positive. Wales have won the pool, four wins out of four games, something that has never been achieved before at a World Cup tournament (Wales did win all their pool matches in 1987, but there were only three games in the pools at that point). Wales are undefeated.
The tournament started with a bang, with a fantastic performance in the first half against Georgia. Wales scored four tries in the first half gaining the bonus point and led 29 points to nil. The second half was not as fluid a performance but still attained a convincing win. Next up was Australia, and again, after a strong performance in the first half, leading at the break by 23 points
According to reports, all players are fit and available for the French game. Wales have a great recent record against France beating them seven times out of the last eight games played, so a victory seems a realistic outcome? Well, let’s hope so!
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CT Feature
In terms of individual performances, then Liam Williams has looked very strong at fullback. Josh Adams has been in fine try-scoring form so far this tournament. Dan Biggar has looked assured even with a few head knocks, and his replacement Rhys Patchell, has been excellent when called upon, which has been a real plus. Gareth Davies at nine has been a real nuisance to the opposition as well and is always a try threat.
Australia game when we had the duo of Navidi and Tipuric matched up with Wainwright. Moriarty can give a stronger, more physical edge with his ball carrying and his strength in the tackle area, so which blend Gatland goes with will be interesting. Where I do have some concerns is the bench and in particular, the forwards. In tight games against power packs such as New Zealand, England and South Africa and benches are required do we have the forward power to complete a victory? We shall have to wait and see, but I do have some reservations.
In the forwards, the starting front five have looked strong. Wyn Jones and Tomas Francis have scrummaged well so far. Jake Ball has been back to his barnstorming best, and Alun Wyn Jones has been playing to the level you expect from the great man. In the back row, four players have put up some outstanding displays in Aaron Wainwright, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty. Warren Gatland will have a decision to make on his starting trio, and it may come down to the opposition. Whether he feels as per the Australia game, we need two strong players in the ruck to compete as per the
In my view, Wales should have too much for France, they play with more structure and with their kick chase, and strong defence will curtail the French attacks more often than not. If I am correct then in the semi-finals, they will face either South Africa or hosts, Japan. Both are excellent teams but so are Wales, and could be very close, dare we dream? Of course, we do!
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Picture Credit – Rugbypass.com
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new hope for alopecia areata sufferers? Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss and is relatively common, affecting two out of every 1000 people in the UK. Our immune system is geared to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses, but sometimes it can turn inwards and, in the case of alopecia areata, it targets the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
So the future of alopecia areata treatment could be to fix the immune privilege of the affected hair follicles. Another approach that has seen some success is to address the cells that destroy the hair follicles. Recently, researchers at Columbia University in the US have had great success using JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata treatment. The scientists, led by Dr Angela Christiano who has herself suffered from alopecia areata in the past, identified the T-cell immune cells as the culprits and using medication that treats other autoimmune conditions, known as JAK inhibitors, they were able to reverse hair loss in three patients suffering from alopecia areata by blocking the immune pathways. More extensive trials are currently being carried out.
AA usually presents as small, round bald patches and, because the hair follicles are not destroyed, hair regrowth can commence at any point. However, for some people it can develop further into alopecia totalis where all scalp hair disappears or, in rare cases, all hair on the body is lost, a condition known as alopecia universalis. Unfortunately, our current understanding of what causes alopecia areata is incomplete. Genetics do play a role, as approximately 20% of sufferers have a family member with the same condition. Also, you are more likely to have a genetic predisposition to other autoimmune conditions, which can range from asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, vitiligo or lupus.
(external link: http://www.ebiomedicine.com/article/S23523964(15)00063-8/abstract)
In the meantime, alopecia areata remains a challenging condition to treat. For the majority of patients, hair regrowth will recommence, but it can be a very distressing condition to live with. At the Specialist Skin Clinic, we can offer advice, support and alopecia areata treatments that, although cannot cure AA, can hopefully resolve hair loss more quickly for the sufferer. Although every patient responds differently, using topical and injectable steroids applied to the scalp we can often achieve highly satisfactory results.
However, we are getting closer to a better understanding of this condition and, as a result, a predictable, effective alopecia areata treatment could be developed. A recent article on the subject was published last month in the prestigious Pharmaceutical Journal, reviewing recent research work into the condition and finding hope for the future.
For more information on the evidence-based therapy we can offer alopecia areata sufferers, call the Specialist Skin Clinic on 02920 617690.
(external link: http://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/newsand-analysis/features/finding-new-treatments-for-alopeciaareata-patients/20201092.article)
Understanding alopecia areata Normally our hair follicles have what is called ‘immune privilege’ which means that the immune system recognises them as part of the body. However, in alopecia areata sufferers it seems that this immune privilege has been switched off and the immune system reacts by attacking the follicles. Researcher Ralf Paus was quoted in the Pharmaceutical Journal article: “We’re getting to a point where we understand more about the disease. When we understand more about the disease, we understand why our treatments don’t work and, maybe, we find targets to go after for treatments that do work.”
Dr. Maria Gonzalez
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Craniosacral Therapy brings about a deep state of relaxation This can help resolve problems such as back or neck pain, headaches or any stress related symptoms. It can also help speed your recovery from accident, operation or illness.
Craniosacral Therapy enhances health and well–being For more information, contact Judy Clover RCST on 02920 481844 or mail@judyclover.co.uk www.judyclover.co.uk
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boobs - why it’s time to get a good grip on yours! (Please note this article is not just for ladies!) By Natalie McCulloch
It’s been a long process, but after three years of treatment, Kim happily announces she has no evidence of disease, and is keen to share her experiences to help others. In fact, she’s so keen she confessed: “It may be sad to say but I’m passionate about boobs. I speak about them as much as I can!” She goes on to explain: “After cancer I didn’t want it to define me, I wanted to ignore it and pretend it didn’t happen. But I couldn’t. So I turned it into a positive through ‘Coppafeel’, I can use my story to help others and do good through my experience.”
It’s rare to be told to give your boobs a good ‘once over’ but that’s exactly what you need to do now! Yes, RIGHT NOW! In fact, you can even give them a cheeky squeeze if you like (best stick to your own unless you really know the recipient well!). It may just be the most worthwhile thing you do with your hands today! It may sound a bit of an odd or even down right rude suggestion to make, but please read on to find out why getting a feel for your boobs is worth adding to your monthly ‘to do’ list from now on.
Kim has joined forces with the phenomenal charity ‘Coppafeel’ to become a boobette and bring all things boobtastic to Britain. Her role enables her to share her story, give talks to various groups of people and dress as a giant breast boob – pretty incredible for someone who would usually shy away from any limelight. “I actually hate public speaking, but as I believe in the message I deliver and want more people listening to it, it gives me confidence.”
It hopefully didn’t escape your attention that the UK went rather pink for October all in aid of one mission – breast cancer awareness. October saw millions of people and companies joining forces to raise awareness of how, why and when to check your boobs. One lady who actively involved herself is the extraordinary boobette (I’ll explain this term later!) and breast enthusiast Kim Shore. When Kim was just 34 her whole world changed forever, in fact she thought it was over. Why? Boobs! She hadn’t been feeling 100% for a little while, her boobs felt more tender than usual, but It took a night out bowling to register that something wasn’t entirely right. She became strikingly aware that the weight of her boobs had changed and that they were painful too. Kim went to her GP sensing something wasn’t right, and he gave her treatment for mastitis (a condition whereby the breast tissue becomes painfully inflamed usually after childbirth). After a week her symptoms developed, and fluid started leaking from her nipple, and she went straight back to the GP who made an urgent referral to the breast centre. An ultrasound didn’t detect cancer and even a biopsy didn’t raise reason for concern. Kim continued to be treated for a skin infection and was referred to a dermatologist. Thankfully the breast centre continued to monitor Kim as they were concerned about her symptoms, and after a further biopsy and CT scan, she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare and aggressive form of the disease which usually doesn’t present as a lump.
As a boobette, Kim and others like her visit all sorts of establishments such as schools, work places, universities and fayres in order to encourage people to be breast aware and not shy away from a simple check which may save their life. Whatever sex, whatever age – it’s important. Since beginning in 2009 and thanks to founder Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with cancer aged just 23, the charity ‘Coppafeel’ has reached great peaks. It has accrued a brilliant team of volunteers, Belinda the boobmobile, and support from companies such as Vans, Avon and even the ‘Slug and lettuce’ pub, who have all launched an incredible range of boob themed products with a percentage of profits going directly to the charity. Why not check them out as well as checking yourself out? Kim’s experience highlights the importance of why knowing what’s normal for your breasts is best. It’s not always a matter of finding a lump as many people believe. Kim is keen to tell people about rarer signs, and it can be other changes in your boob. If in doubt - get it checked out!
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By knowing the signs and symptoms people are more likely to catch it early and early detection saves lives!
checking their breasts, and only one third of people would visit their GP if they found a sign. We need to raise the profile of charities such as ‘Coppafeel’ and lessen the stigma around being breast aware. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and it may just save your life!
As well as promoting checking to aid early detection, ‘Coppafeel’ is keen to bust the myths which surround breast cancer. Have a go at answering the below true or false questions to test your knowledge:
If you would like more information on ‘Coppafeel’ or how to get a feel for your boobs contact the charity today!
1. TRUE OR FALSE? “MEN CAN’T GET BREAST CANCER” 2. TRUE OR FALSE? “BREAST CANCER ONLY AFFECTS OLDER WOMEN” 3. TRUE OR FALSE? “I’D NOTICE A LUMP STRAIGHT AWAY SO I DON’T NEED TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO CHECK”
If you know of anywhere a talk might be helpful, want FREE resources to use or display, or want to sign up for a FREE check your boobs text service, please contact the team : https://coppafeel.org/our-charity/ You can text BOOBS to 70300 to receive a free monthly reminder to check your boobs and pecs.
How did you get on? All of the above statements are FALSE but can be some of the hurdles for early detection. The truth is, approximately 400 men get diagnosed each year, about 5,000 women under 45 get diagnosed annually, and a lump is just one of many indicators of the illness.
On a final note, Kim shared some touching advice. Alongside checking your boobs she states how this experience has taught her a valuable lesson. “Don’t always live for the future. Don’t deprive yourself of the things which will make you happy now. Get to know what makes you happy. I feel I’m satisfied by the smaller things in life now and smaller moments, like time with people and my kittens.”
Despite these shocking facts only 50% of young women report being confident enough to start
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Cardiff, Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Harley Street, London
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i sleep therefore i am By Sara John
dehydrate your system leaving you feeling dry and thirsty. 7. Avoid all bright lights, interesting conversation, or raising any important issues before bedtime. 8. Do NOT try to remember the things you need to do tomorrow, jot them down then FORGET about them 9. Have a good reason for going to bed: an interesting book, a close companion, a feeling of natural fatigue, a sense of pleasure and satisfaction with how the day has gone (not necessarily all at the same time!) A few drops of lavender room spray on the sheets and pillow cases or, a few drops of lavender oil on a dry face cloth to tuck under the pillow. 10. A cool bedroom (windows open) with a warm bed is preferable. 11. If you live in a busy area with late night traffic you may need improved soundproofing or ear-plugs. 12. I suggest you try out some of the above suggestions for a few nights and if it does not work for you move on to the tips printed below.
When I ask guests, relatives or close chums how they are, more and more say to me, “I am fine. BUT, I don’t sleep as well as I should. I am tired much of the time. I used to be able to sleep, anytime and Anywhere, but now I am not so good at it.” What can I do? So, some time ago I started compiling details of helpful advice which I had researched, collected, discovered or been told and, from time to time, had passed this on to those in need. I call it my SLEEP SHEET, here is a copy, should you need it, to cut out and keep.
THE SLEEP SHEET (Fairly obvious but important tips not to get you going but to slow you down and STOP you going!)
PREPARATION General Advice for slowing down, before getting into bed.
THE TIPS
1. Basics: Your bedroom must suit YOU, but needs to be dark, quiet and well ventilated. Organise the bedding, pillows and mattress to suit YOU. 2. You may need to invest in black-out lined thicker curtains or have black-out blinds fitted to the windows. Or use a sleep mask. 3. Few, preferably NO, electronic devices or glow in the dark numerals on clocks or watches. No bedroom television sets. 4. Try to have a regular bedtime and try to wind down for half an hour prior to getting ready for bed. 5. No late night flashy or noisy radio listening, television watching or use of computer or other electronic devices prior to bedtime. 6. If you have had a glass or so of alcohol, drink a glass of water before retiring as alcoholic drinks
1. Stretchercises [essential!] When you get into bed take a few minutes to stretch, (recall how cats do this) lying on your back, take three long slow breaths, then extend each foot slowly down to the bottom of the bed, hold it there, then relax and let it return to its normal position. Do this three times. - Then each leg - Then your fingers - Then your arms - Then your torso - Then your neck All of these for three times each. (A good idea is to do this when you wake in the
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need to monitor your breathing) it will do so in no time at all – and as your breathing deepens and slows down they can stop and you will fall asleep. This tip works well with children.
morning. It can do you no harm, you cannot fall over, and, you are nice and warm). 2. Alternate nose breathing Close the left nostril with the index finger of the left hand and breathe slowly and deeply, in and out, three times. Then do the same on the other side. Do this three times on each side. It will slow down your breathing, your heart rate and regulate your blood pressure. Keep up the three times each side as you begin to feel weary, saying to yourself, “everything is so HEAVY, I am so WEARY.”
6. Synchronised breathing If you are sleeping with someone who is already asleep, listen to the rhythm of their ‘sleeping breathing’ and try to copy it. Again saying to yourself, “I am so HEAVY. I am so WEARY.” 7. The Points of the Compass If you wake in the night and need the toilet then you might want to “ground” yourself before getting back into bed with the exercise I call Points of the Compass.
3. Serious breathing Lying on your back, (as long as you are comfortable,) breath in to the count of four, hold your breathe to the count of seven. Breathe out slowly and deeply to the count of eight. Breathing out should be slow, deep and meaningful. This is called 4-7-8 breathing.
Stand somewhere central in the room but a few feet away from the wall behind you – if possible. If it is dark do this where there is a little light from outside. Do NOT put the light on
4. Corpsing With feet about a foot apart and looking ahead at eye level pretend you are facing ‘north’ and gently turn your upper body to North West then back to North. Do this four times. Then from north turn your upper body to North East, four times. Then with a little more effort turn your body, without moving your feet to West, four times, then East four times. Then with more effort again, turn to South West, four times, then to South East four times.
Lying flat on your back, think – with your deepest concentration – about your toes – how tired and HEAVY they are feeling, say “goodnight toes, sleep well,” then use the same slow technique about your legs, then your fingers, then your arms, your torso, your neck and finally your head. Initially when you try this other topics from your day will jump into your head and try to fill the vacuum you are attempting to create. When that happens and you ‘lose’ your concentration go back to the beginning and restart with your toes all over again. You will, if you practise a few times be falling asleep before you get to say goodnight to your torso. What you are attempting to do is to empty your mind, be at total peace with yourselves, others and the entire universe. Yes! It does take some practice.
Finally, and you will improve by doing this each day, try to turn around to the right without moving your feet, to the ‘south’, (that is behind you) and then turn around to the “south” (that is behind you) from your left side. CONCLUSION All these tips have been tried, tested and proven. But YOU have to discover the best process for you. It is about practice, discipline, relaxation but does not involve anything invasive or risky.
5. Soothe the meridians Using both index fingers (or get someone else to do this for you) run them up over the sides of your nose. Part the two fingers as they reach the rim of the bone above your eyes and press gently and slowly as far as the narrowest part of the top of your nose. You may feel a slight tingle as the fingers press on an important meridian of energy that runs down your face. This will deepen and slow down your breathing (if someone else is doing this they
Perhaps the worse that will happen is that you find yourself sleeping in a room on your own! But only for a short period, until you, with a little regular practice, can drop off to sleep at the drop of a hat! “To sleep, to sleep, perchance to dream>>>..”
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Thursday 28th November 2019
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CHRISTMAS AT THE SHERMAN Sherman Theatre has an unbeatable reputation for offering the highest quality theatre for children at Christmas time and this year will be no exception. This year our main house family production is The Snow Queen. An exception ensemble cast of actor / musicians tell the story of Gerda who sets off an epic adventure to find her friend Kai. It’s a journey which will ultimately lead her to the Snow Queen’s palace, on her way she will meet extraordinary characters and visit magical places. A favourite through the generations, this enchanting and sparkling tale is brought to life with a spectacular set and costumes, superb storytelling, and a spellbinding original score to create a magical theatrical experience for everyone aged 7+. Ages 3 – 6 will love The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll. The story follows the brave Ugly Duckling as they waddle their way through the changing seasons on an exciting journey to a place they can call home; meeting a whole host of charming farmyard friends on the way. Originally written by Hans Christian Andersen this much-loved children’s tale full of enchanting music and playful characters is the perfect heart-warming treat for little ones and their families this Christmas. The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll will be performed at separate shows in either Welsh or English. Book now for the perfect Christmas treat by calling our Box Office on 029 2064 6900 or online at shermantheatre.co.uk
SANTA LETTERS Once again we've teamed up with Santa to spread a little Christmas magic and bring you personalised Santa letters. For a donation of just £4, you can order a personalised letter from Father Christmas. If you order two personalised letters it’s only £7 and for three it’s £10. You can order your Santa letters online when booking your Christmas show tickets or alternatively you can contact our Box Office team on 029 2064 6900 / box.office@shermantheatre.co.uk
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Christmas - We Have Everything Covered! St Fagans National Museum Of History Father Christmas and Friends at St Fagans National Museum of History. Visitors to St Fagans National Museum of History can expect a festive treat this December. Father Christmas will be making a special appearance and will be bringing some of his good friends along. There’ll be an opportunity to meet him in Cilewent Farmhouse before visiting Mother Christmas in her kitchen at Llwyn-yr-eos. The elves will be on hand to help the children write their Christmas letters in the school before posting them in Wales’ smallest post office. There’ll also be an opportunity to help the elves make some Christmas decorations in their workshop. Father Christmas and Friends will be at St Fagans every weekend from 30 Nov – 22 December. Pre-booking is essential. Visit www.museum.wales/stfagans for details and to buy tickets.
The Cinammon Tree The Cinnamon Tree is one of the finest Indian restaurants in Cardiff, with the interiors exuding the feeling of tradition and present their family history beautifully. With impeccable service and a broad, interesting and diverse menu, there is something to suit the taste of every person that walks in the door. Just the fragrance of their curries that are bursting with flavour makes you salivate. Each of their dishes showcase the deep-rooted knowledge of authentic Indian cooking: the Maharaja Bhuna and Lamb Dhaka Achari are their most favourable dishes and are guaranteed to make you want to keep going back for more. It doesn’t matter what flavour of food suits your palate, the Cinnamon Tree provides dishes that are mild, medium and hot. The only problem you’ll face is having to decide on one dish from a wide selection, but no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong. 173 King’s Road, Cardiff CF11 9DE 029 2037 4433 Cinnamon House, Tonteg Road, Treforest CF37 5UA
01433 843 222
Big Pit A Traditional Welsh Christmas at Big Pit Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December, 10am – 4pm Wrap up warm and gather at Pit Top at 10.15am to welcome Father Christmas as he travels 300ft UP from underground, then later join him in his cottage for Storytime.* Browse our Christmas Market selling handmade gifts and crafts, make your own Christmas Crafts* and enjoy our Festive Food Offer in the Canteen. At 1pm join Blaenavon Ladies Choir and Beaufort Male Choir (Saturday 14) and Blaenavon Town Band (Sunday 15) for carol singing. * Entry to the Museum and Market is free; Storytime with Santa must be pre-booked at museum.wales/bigpit: prices: £7 per child includes a gift, one free adult per child, additional adults £5 each; a small cash charge payable on the day for craft making. For more information visit museum.wales/bigpit or call (029) 2057 3650. Supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery
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Llys Isan Retirement Living Plus THE BEST FESTIVE TREAT IS RETIREMENT LIVING AT ITS BEST! As families come together for this special time of year, Llanishen retirees are being offered the opportunity to take a closer look at McCarthy and Stone’s exclusive Llys Isan Retirement Living Plus development this Christmas, where they can also enjoy a mince pie – and a very warm welcome. Comprising 49 one and two-bedroom privately-owned apartments exclusively for the over 70s, Llys Isan offers Llanishen retirees the opportunity to maintain an independent lifestyle, whilst also having access to tailored domestic and personal assistance packages to help them manage their day-to-day lives – and with an on-site bistro providing freshly cooked meals. The development on Ilex Close also features a homeowners’ lounge, ideal for socialising with friends, beautifully landscaped gardens in which to relax, and a convenient guest suite should friends or family come to stay. An Estates Manager is on hand to provide any help or support should they need it, and flexible care packages are on offer too. All those who visit the development this winter are invited to meet the Llys Isan Estates Team, ask any questions to its friendly sales team, and take a tour of the stunning show complex. The village location of Llanishen is an idyllic place to downsize to. Homeowners will be within close proximity of a variety of shops and local amenities and, with the village’s leisure centre located next door, homeowners will have plenty of activities literally on the doorstep. To find out more about Retirement Living Plus in Llanishen please call 0800 201 4741 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/llysisan
TLC Fostering Could you turn around the life of a child or young person with a disability? TLC are the only fostering agency in Wales that specifically specialises in providing placement for children and young people with disabilities and/or complex medical needs. When A was placed with foster carers shortly before her second birthday she was unable to interact with her carers, gave no eye contact and it was thought that she was deaf as she didn’t respond to sound. She was on formula milk and porridge and not eating any solids. A year down the line with the support, stimulation and care provided by foster carers, she is now walking independently, giving really good eye contact, responding to sound and is eating a full and varied diet. She is an inquisitive little girl who verbalises and enjoys playing and interacting with those familiar to her. She now takes part in range of social activities and is thriving in a loving and caring environment. TLC foster carers have totally changed her life. TLC are seeking to recruit foster carers from a variety of backgrounds who can bring a range of skills, knowledge and experience to providing a family home to children with additional needs. To find out more about fostering call : 01269 846371. Email info@tlcwales.org.uk | www.tlcwales.org.uk | https://www.facebook.com/TLC.Fostering/
Clark’s Pies Created by Mary Clark over 100 years ago in 1913, Clark's Pies, colloquially nicknamed "Clarkies" or "Clarksies" are well known, quality meat pies originating from Cardiff. The exact recipe of the pie filling is a closely guarded secret containing beef, vegetables and gravy. Each pie has the word "CLARPIE" stamped into the base of the pie. Clark's Pies pride themselves on three things; • A rich history • The quality of their pies • Being Welsh and proud Clark’s Pies is an institution in Cardiff and South Wales, and the company is keen to progress and keep up with new developments whilst still retaining the image of being Cardiff’s traditional pie. Clark's Original Pies • 23 Bromsgrove Street, Grangetown, Cardiff, CF11 7EZ • Phone: 029 2022 7586 Email: pies@clarkspies.co.uk
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13th November
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“in the words of…” By Carl Marsh
Whittaker and Celyn Jones there. Celyn went on to win the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Levi Bellfield in ITV's Manhunt. He even joked that he was "the only one I've never heard of" in his acceptance speech! Overall, it was a great night; I just wish there were a drinks break in the middle.
On Tuesday 8th October, I met went to see Will Young perform at St David's Hall. Just before he went on stage, he arranged to say hello to my daughter and me. It was all due to the interview we had a few months previously, and him offering to meet us both. He is a real gentleman. And someone who can sing. The concert itself was impressive. I know that Alan Coulthard wrote a review (on the www.Cardiff-Times.co.uk/blog) which highlighted how good this night was.
‘His Dark Materials’ - the Welsh premiere was held at the Odeon Cinema in Cardiff Bay, and I got invited along! The show will be airing at the beginning of November on a Sunday night and will screen for eight weeks on BBC One. The first episode is an opener to what must be BBC One's most ambitious production, and the special effects in that opening episode are worlds apart from anything I have seen before. For what is a concrete hitting-the-ground-running first episode, it transports you on this journey that will undoubtedly keep you gripped until the last chapter. And it was mostly made here in Wales!
I also interviewed in person Jason Manford, who had a show called Curtains which was at the New Theatre. And at the same venue, I had the privilege of interviewing Gok Wan, again. He is starring in Cinderella, which is this year's Pantomime. I will get that interview in December's edition.
Interviews This month I have interviewed singer Jack Savoretti, who is playing at the Great Hall, Cardiff University on the 9th November. Another singer, well, a band that I am a big fan of is Snow Patrol; I got to interview lead guitarist Nathan Connolly. They are performing at the Motorpoint Arena on 13th November. Sticking with the same venue, Swedish rock band Ghost are playing on the 17th November. Further afield, but not too far in Swansea at the Grand Theatre on the 6th November, is comedian, Ruby Wax.
After last month's five interviews around the BAFTA Cymru, I attended the awards night on Sunday 13th October. Of the four nominated for the Breakthrough Award, it was Jamie Jones that went on to win it. Well done, Jamie. The awards themselves were as polished as ever, perhaps not having the likes of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Mathew Rhys or Michael Sheen in attendance, but they did have Sian Gibson, Ruth Jones, Jodie
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Tobias Forge - Ghost Has that always been the way you've wanted to write songs that always didn't fit into the 'mould' of rock music? More or less, I've always been fusing. I've always practised the art of fusion. Even when I wrote old school death metal stuff, I was always very inspired by all kinds of things, all sorts of things, but that didn’t fit into the mould. But the inspiration itself came from, and it wasn't like I just sat around doing 'only' death metal, the mixture between all kinds of stuff. And that's the same thing now. How do you write the song? Is it music first? Or is it lyrics first? There is no rule; sometimes, the song starts with a drum roll; it can begin with anything. Usually, when you listen to a rock band, you wouldn't find a saxophone playing on any of the tracks, but I heard one on your track Miasma, you're happy to try new things to see if they work? Oh, absolutely. I've always been a fan of the sax, and I still think that especially in Americana rock, it always has a sweet spot. You know, in any Bruce Springsteen song, when it goes up to the highest note, that's when the sax comes in, right? Yeah, that's the moment I was looking for!
Performing at the Motorpoint Arena on Sunday 17th November are Swedish rock band, Ghost. One of the worlds biggest and best-sounding rock bands that most of us may never have heard of. They all wear masks; the lead singer being the only one known to the public. Don't let that put you off. I got to chat with the leader of the band, Tobias Forge. How do you go about writing your songs as with your last album, Prequelle, you've got a mixture of some hard rock, some soft rock and some powerful ballads type tracks, even some orchestral type tracks; not entirely linear like most rock albums? I always try to write, for lack of a better way to put it, a bit like Queen. Like you write songs, new songs that you don't have already. And try not to overthink it. If you want to write a Blues 12 (12-Bar Blues), you write a Blues 12, and if you're going to write a symphonic piece, you write a symphonic piece. If you need a heavy metal bit then you write a heavy metal bit, it's just wherever the mind takes you. There's not a whole lot of dogmatic rules.
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Ruby Wax Performing just outside Cardiff in a little place called Swansea, will be Ruby Wax. Appearing at the Swansea Grand Theatre on Wednesday 6th November. I got to speak with her about what to expect! Isn't it a bit of a strange concept having Dr Ash (The Neuroscientist) and Gelong (The Monk) involved in your show, how is that going to work? Well, they only come out in the second half, they're not the show, I'm the show. I used to do a second-half Q&A, so I propose all these things in the first half, and as it's still a comedy show, I say (things like) "how come we give ourselves such a hard time?" Then in the second half, they come out, and they're quite funny too. And I mean 'really' funny. Then they go more into the stuff such as, "What's an addiction?" and, "How can you choose the people that you choose?" One is an expert on the brain, and the other one knows how your mind works, but they have a great relationship, so even if you are not interested, it's seriously funny to watch them. How did you come up with the decision to make it flow like this? In my book, at the end of each chapter, say for example it might say, "what did evolution do to screw us up?" Some of these things might have been applicable in the old days, but it just doesn't work now in the 21st century, so at the end of each chapter, they come in, and they have a conversation. They have the conversation with me at the end of each chapter, so it is sort of fitting that in the second half of the show, it is like it is in one of the books.
Photo credit Steve Ullathorne people, and it was fun, but eventually, you lose your mojo, and I wasn't that interested, so I went back to university. I would learn this information and turn it into comedy. Is there any scope for you to go and do some of these shows now?
You yourself Ruby, started as a serious actor, but what made you decide to go down the comedy route?
I can't do that as I used to have a week with everybody, and nobody will do that anymore. I was there a long time. It's two different worlds.
That was about 400 hundred years ago [laughs] when I was a serious actress, but I wasn't a serious actress. I got into the Royal Shakespeare Company, but they made it pretty clear that I wasn't very good when I was on the stage. They would make faces that said ‘get off’, and then Alan Rickman said, "You should write comedy." And then I started doing one-woman shows, and then I did Girls on Top, so I changed my career in my early 20's. That was lovely because I wouldn't have made it as an actress.
As you mentioned above, about you going back to university, why did you do that? I was interested in how your brain works and why you think the way you think. So I would go to Oxford and learn about how it works, and it makes you feel much better because you realise that everybody's screwed! [laughs].
When you used to do those TV shows 'Ruby Wax Meets*', back in the 1980s and 1990s, was there any of them that stood out for you as you did interview some 'interesting' characters?
A lot of people who come to your shows and read your books will be very interested to know how the mind works and appreciate the fact that you put a comedy spin to it, but laughter is the best medicine.
I talk about the Donald Trump and OJ Simpson ones in the show a little bit, so they're in the show, so they stand out, but (the one with) Carrie Fisher, who became my friend. I did it for 25 years, and I remember a lot of those
For me it is, as I like researching it and I like people who come up (to me) and go, "Oh, that's interesting," and they will be laughing and 'interested'. It's a bit like eating Chinese food, they leave and forget what you said! [laughs].
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Jack Savoretti Your new album, ‘Singing to Strangers’, where did you get the album title from for that?
Jack Savoretti is performing at the Great Hall, Cardiff University on Saturday 9th November. (The gig is sold out, but you might still be able to get any returns via the box office).
It was something that my daughter said when one of her friends was asking what her dad does. She said, “I don’t know; he goes around the world singing to strangers.” And I just thought this was a wonderfully ‘simple’ way of describing what I do, and I kind of lost sight of it, and I just realised at the end of the day that is my job. So she nailed describing my job.
Would you call yourself a storyteller more so than a songwriter? Absolutely! That’s probably why I’ve never had a hit (record) because I think the story is more important than the hook. I put the story first. Some songwriters are hunting for hooks, and there are songwriters that are hunting for stories. I prefer the story. I have tremendous respect and envy guys who can write amazing hooks but what comes naturally to me is storytelling.
When did you discover that you could sing? Yeah, it is a weird one as I was talking about this yesterday with a friend of mine that I haven’t seen since high school. He reminded me of pretty much the exact incident when I discovered that I could sing.
There must be still some mystery left to what makes a song special?
How old were you then? I must have been about 14. I was on a school trip to Florence, and the movie Sister Act 2 had just come out, and there is this wonderful scene in the movie where this kid sings Oh Happy Day. There were some girls on the school trip singing that song, and I just started singing along, and they stopped singing, and they said to me, “Wow, you can sing.” That was the moment where I was like, “Can I?”, and they said, “Yeah, that was pretty good,” and so I thought ‘that’s cool’ as no-one has ever told me I was good at anything before! So that was the first time I’d ever been acknowledged.
There is a huge mystery. I can’t answer it, and I don’t know that anybody can answer it. I want to look back and see that I made good albums, rather than focus tremendously on that I had one song, that everybody knew. Since I set out, I’ve always said that I just want to leave a trail of good albums. I really care about the album; I still care about the concept of an album. Do you still like it when your music is used in films and on TV? I love that because it allows your music to connect with an audience that you would otherwise not get a chance to connect with. I want my music to be heard. God forbid, I am not trying to keep it for me. I love that people hear my music. The best feeling about this job is when music connects, not necessarily when music sells. That helps, but it is about that connection, that’s when you get the buzz.
What were you like in high school? Believe it or not, I was very quiet. I was very shy. I was very short. I was very good at sports up until that point. I was good at football, but the shift and the change were when I realised that I could sing. I discovered on my 15th birthday that my dad had made me a cassette and he had called it Forever Young. On it he had put John Mayer, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan; and I just discovered all these songs. Up until then, music for me had only been about music, entertainment, fun, blah blah blah. Suddenly I found the power of a song, and it was the same year that I brought the Simon & Garfunkel Greatest Hits album, and I will never forget finishing Sound of Silence and feeling like I had just read a novel. Or a movie and only three minutes had passed. With me having a very short attention span, I thought I could get used to this; this is cool!
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guys were looking for a full-time guitarist; my other band and I had just split up and the guys called me and said, "Look, do you want to come over and just play with us?" Literally overnight, they went to pick me up as they were in town; they were in Northern Ireland. They picked me, and I moved to Glasgow, so there was never really anything official, I don't ever remember being asked to join them [laughs] - I'm still here! It was chemistry, and we were all from the same place. I'm sure I was asked, but you know, I can't remember it being officially. I just wanted to be in a touring band and make records and, within a couple of years, the rest is history, I guess you can say. Would you say that you joining the band was instrumental in the band getting a bigger record deal?
Nathan Connolly - Snow Patrol
Well, you know, I think there are many factors, I would certainly put myself as a big influence on it, but certainly when you bring something else, (the), chemistry changes and you bring another sound, add another guitar, make a bigger sound. I think it was a combination of maybe myself joining, meeting our producer Jacknife Lee, and meeting a man called Jim Chancellor who took a chance on signing us when no one else would. So there was a lot of stuff happening at that point. I think it was all kind of, and I don't believe that you'd call it a perfect storm, but just that things seemed to connect. And you know, I was a fan of the guys first two records anyway, so when they'd play Belfast, I'd go see them, we'd hang out, so it certainly didn't feel alien as a place to join.
Performing at the Motorpoint Arena on Wednesday 13th November is Snow Patrol, one of the UK's biggest and best bands of the last 25 years. I got to speak to lead guitarist Nathan Connolly. What was the reasoning behind this new album, as it's a re-recording of your greatest hits? Well, we've delved into the back catalogue to rework a lot of it. So it's been an exciting experience going through that and, it's kind of like a walk down memory lane, but and you get to sort of change those memories and bring them with you [laughs]. And so it's kind of that we wanted to do something slightly different than releasing a greatest hits on our 25th year, it just felt that we could do something a little more exciting or unusual. And yes, a lot of people and a lot of our fans have all those records, so we just felt we wanted to give them something unique and hopefully something that they can enjoy. I know you joined the band in 2001 or 2002, did you still have to audition for the band? No. Thankfully! I was just sort of friendly with the guys as we had mutual friends, and my original band had been on tour with the guys. It was a very natural kind of thing. It was through a mutual good friend of ours, and who we still work with and will be on the Re-Worked Tour, Ian Archer; he was playing live for the guys when they were a three-piece. Ian had his own career and is an amazing writer and solo artist, so at the time he wanted to concentrate on that. And the
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CT Feature Entertainment Reviews
the cinema, and let the subsequent DVD release miss my to-watch list. How thrilled was I once I saw that it was on Netflix! If you had seen and enjoyed the first film, Sicario, then this film will appeal to you. However, it is slightly slower-paced than in the first film. It is still powerful, still violent, again expertly acted but just a middle filler of a movie that is (and will be) leading onto a third film, based on the three books.
Books BOSH! How to Live Vegan! - Henry Firth & Ian Theasby So everyone either seems to be vegan or aspires to be vegan, I know that is not entirely true and doesn't seem the widespread belief amongst my peers. This book is what the title suggests, How to Live Vegan! It covers everything from eating, (note that this is not a food recipe book), buying clothing, and even the purchase of vegan-friendly condoms! It also doesn't 'force' you to become vegan in one sitting. It doesn't want you to become vegan in entirety at all, although if you were, then good for you. If you can adapt your eating habits 'slightly' and buying practices to a more vegan-friendly way, then the authors will see that as mission accomplished. Don't think this book is to make you convert. It will show you how you can 'dip your toes' into the vegan world, and see from there where it takes you.
(Four Stars)
Film/TV I mentioned on my first page about ‘His Dark Materials’ which will air on BBC One Sunday 3rd November. It was so good, the first episode, that I needed to mention it here too. Starting as the show means to go on, it doesn't 'spoon feed' the viewer, if anything, it will 'hope' to get you to read the books, maybe in tandem with the weekly episode. Dark it is. And this is not a watered down version like the film ‘The Golden Compass’ was. Strap yourselves in, as these Sunday nights, which will be dark outside our homes, will be even darker on our screens. (Four & A Half Stars - so far)
(Five Stars)
Restaurant Honest Burger - 10 Church Street, Cardiff City Centre Another burger restaurant I hear you say? Well, this one's aimed at the more particular of a hamburger fetishist. We chose two starters, massive onion rings and BBQ Chicken Wings. Both were plentiful, but if anything, the Wings were a bit too saucy (covered in it) but are they not meant to 'always' be like that? The burger I had melted in my mouth, delicious and cooked to however I wanted it to be. My daughter ate her burger, left her chips; a first! No complaints here then. No complaints at all. The restaurant was packed, and this was a rainy Tuesday night in October. Try and book a table; you will not regret it. (Five Stars)
Film/TV
Until next month,
Sicario 2: Soldado - Netflix
Carl Marsh
Having been invested in the first film so much, I could not wait to see the sequel, but sadly missed seeing it at
Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_ Facebook - @InTheWordsOf
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PUB AND KITCHEN
www.thackeraycardiff.co.uk | 635 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 4FB | 02920 002499 | info@thackerycardiff.co.uk
Thackeray - September 2019 page 1
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“And Another Thing…….”
By Vince Nolan
george alagiah didn’t sleep here I heard on the news that a pub landlord in Worcester recently set a world record by holding a party for anyone named Nigel. 432 of them turned up. He did this as he discovered that in 2016 only three UK babies had been given that name which went up to 8 in 2018. So if you are struggling for a name for your new offspring, there you go. Nice name for a girl.
Phoned up our favourite pub in Appledore, The Prorogued Parliament, on the off-chance of them having a room (it being Appledore Book Festival Week) and quite remarkably, was able to book one (pun intended). On arrival, the current Mrs Nolan and I were told that BBC newsreader and author, George Alagiah, had cancelled his stay so we had his room. Next day we sat next to former Foreign Secretary Dr David Owen at breakfast. You didn’t know that we moved in such literary circles and neither did we before the weekend. In truth we were there for the food and drink and David Owen wasn’t.
What is it about girls names? April, May and June. Doesn’t work with us blokes. Talking to my mate, October the other dayAAAAAAA. and have you noticed how all the seasons are named after coils of metal? Except Summer, Autumn and Winter.
Jeremy Vine opened the above event and there were any number of literary luminaries kicking about giving talks and promoting their latest bodice -ripping bestsellers. However, cheek by jowl with them were the wanabees. This latter group were distinguishable by their name badges thus marking them out as unknowns, and here’s why. Ensconced with two badged types, in the above alehouse and overheard the following:
My chums, let’s ignore Brexit for a second and move matters much closer to home. I need to fess up that The Leader of the Opposition and I usually fly on our annual pilgrimage to hotter climes from Bristol rather than Cardiff Wales Airport. No disloyalty, just relative closer proximity. With this in mind you may have been following calls in Wales to enable us to set our own rate of Air Passenger Duty (flying tax). This has been devolved to the Northern Irish and Scottish Governments but was recently turned down for us by the Westminster Government. On any level this was clearly discriminatory but we are being lied to as well. We were told that this decision was made to protect passenger numbers at Bristol. If taxes were lower in Wales, Bristol passengers would apparently embrace the 100 mile round trip to Cardiff. The fact is that last year Cardiff passenger numbers reached a nine year high of 1.6m so well done you. The equivalent number for Bristol was 8.6m. So the initial reasons we were given for this decision were clearly nonsense but just to add insult to injury, they “neglected” to tell us that Bristol had lodged a planning application with North Somerset Council to extend its facilities to accommodate up to 12m passengers annually. I wonder where those additional passengers will come from?
“Well, as you know I have always been self-defecating.” I nearly spilt my beer. One assumes they meant self-deprecating but you can never tell with these modern writers. Staying with the Arts, here are some Banksy’s for you
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CT Feature
Maintaining the music theme, I bought a U2 Sat Nav the other day but I had to take it back. The Streets Had No Names and I Still Cannot Find What I’m Looking For. Celebrity Chef Adam Byatt and Stephen Fry, twins separated at birth although one is 62 and the other isn’t.
Whilst we are on the subject of transport, and our continued subjugation under the English jackboot, the electrification of the London to Swansea rail line will stop at Cardiff. This is because the Westminster Government claimed that to extend it further was not good use of public money at circa £500m. By way of contrast, the planned new HS2 line from London to Manchester is currently a staggering £30bn over budget, many years behind schedule, but is still going ahead. Hurrah. If anyone in Wales believes we will be dealt with equitably by Westminster if we exit the EU, I am afraid they are delusional. Whilst we are talking food, I bought a DIY Chinese meal from the supermarket (I really am spoiling that Woman). The instructions were in a miniature font size and possibly in Chinese. Anyway, I deciphered them. They went something like this: “Slightly loosen one corner of the container and set the oven to 180 degrees and ensure that the food is fully-cooked through before serving.” So I set the oven to 180 degrees but then I couldn’t open the door because it was facing the wall and how would I know when something was fully-cooked through? Just get my thermometer out late on a Friday night, after we’ve come back from the pub, ready to check on the acceptable ambient temperature of our molten chicken curry and rice with the implied threat of wiping out my nearest and dearest if I got it wrong. All this assuming I had slightly loosened the correct corner of the plastic container in the first bloody place. HmmEE..so I ordered a chicken and egg from Amazon. I'll let you know.
Lightening the mood, have you ever wondered why pop songs are generally written in rhyme even though there aint no time to speak in rhyme in the real world. Some lyrics worth studying closely include: Jefferson Starship’s: “Knee deep in the hoopla, sinking in your fight We got too many runaways eating up the night.” Or Robin Scott’s: “Radio, video Boogie with a suitcase Go living in a disco Forget about the rat race.” Or the Eurythmic’s: “Sweet dreams are made of cheese Who am I to diss a brie I cheddar the world and feta cheese Everybody’s looking for stilton.”
Bye
I bet you sang the last one.
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Books To Look Out For in November The World’s Most Seductive Instrument: Guitar by David Schiller Celebrate the significance, the magic, and the mojo of the world’s most seductive instrument. An obsessive, full-colour book presented in an irresistible slipcase, Guitar features 200 instruments in stunning detail. Here are icons, like Prince’s Yellow Cloud, Willie Nelson’s “Trigger,” Muddy Water’s Thunderbird, and “Rocky,” lovingly hand-painted by its owner, George Harrison. Stunning acoustics from a new wave of women builders, like Rosie Heydenrych of England, who’s known to use 5,000-year-old wood retrieved from a peat bog. And quirky one-of-a-kind guitars, like Linda Manzer’s Pikasso II - four necks, 42 strings, and a thousand pounds of pressure.
The King’s Crown by Suzie Good Enjoy 'The King's Crown' this November, by debut author, Suzie Good and illustrator, Steve Bayley. A great gift for early readers (3-6 years). On the eve of Queen Betty’s retirement, Berkley, the Palace Butler, cleans the crown ready for the coronation of her heir: Prince Chuck. Curiosity gets the better of Berkley and he tries the crown on. The Butler imagines what it would be like to be King, until he’s rudely interrupted by the Prince’s bell – summoning him. He quickly tries to take the crown off, but it won’t move. It’s stuck. Tight...
Available online now at Wordcatcher.com and Waterstones.com : Paperback £5.99
Marrying pure visual pleasure with layers of information, Guitar is a glorious gift for every guitar-lover
Available now : Hardback £27.99
Teach Your Dog Japanese by Anne Cakebread Has the Rugby World Cup inspired you to want to visit Japan? Do you want to learn Japanese but don’t have anyone to practice with? Well, why not learn with your best friend and ‘Teach Your Dog Japanese’? This step-by-step guide provides rugby terms and useful travel phrases for both you and your dog to learn and use. But be careful, they may learn faster than you!
Available now: Paperback £5.99
The Gloves Are Off by Glenn Webbe In a sport full of characters, Glenn Webbe was one of rugby union’s most colourful and his character shines through in a new autobiography, Glenn Webbe: The Gloves Are Off, released by Y Lolfa. His autobiography follows his life story from his childhood growing up in Ely, Cardiff with his Windrush Generation parents, and seven sisters, through to his rugby education and legendary career with Bridgend and Wales.
Available now: Paperback £9.99
Book Pages - November 2019 page 1
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puzzle mania! Crossword 1 8
9
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4
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14
15 20
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12
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7
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10 13
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62 64
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Across 2. Shopping carrier (3), 5. Not hers (3), 8. Too much (5), 10. Capital of Tibet (5), 11. Ancient (5), 13. Ox-like antelope (3), 15. Small wooden building (3), 17. Knock to the ground (4), 19. More than two (7), 22. Ancient Peruvian (4), 23. Of birth (5), 25. Digging tool (5), 28. Surmise (5), 30. Kiev is there (7), 32. Type of spanner (7), 35. Fire crime (5), 36. First man-made satellite (7), 39. Confide (7), 42. Refresh (5), 43. Fold (5), 46. Immense (5), 50. Boxing contest (4), 52. Emptiness (7), 56. Mark of an old wound (4), 58. Saucepan (3), 59. Shrill bark (3), 61. Also-ran (5), 62. Household fireplace (5), 63. Essential (5), 64. Certainly! (3), 65. Facial twitch (3). Down 1. Obligation (6), 2. Plead (3), 3. Sticky gel (4), 4. Rabbit like animal (4), 5. Used to represent laughter (2-2), 6. Habitual drunkard (3), 7. Not just (6), 9. Cowboy sawbones (3), 12. Racket (3), 14. US Intelligence agency (1,1,1), 16. Birthplace of Einstein (3), 18. Australian bear (5), 20. Big wig (1,1,1), 21. Traffic light colour (3), 22. Style of column (5), 24. Noah’s boat (3), 25. Arrive by stealth (5,2), 26. Incredible (7), 27. Serious-minded (7), 29. 9, out, use sparingly (3), 30. American ship’s initials (3), 31. Traditional pub (3), 33. 9 for tat (3), 34. Tiny child (3), 37. Edgar Allen 9, US writer (3), 38. deal with (5), 40. Fathers (crops) (5), 41. Hang heavy (3), 42. Mob, throng (6), 44. Many (3), 45. South American blackbird (3), 47. Register (6), 48. One, numero 9 (3), 49. Turkish ruler (3), 51. Opposite of downs (3), 53. Singer 9, Redding (4), 54. French novelist, Victor9, (4), 55. Russain no (4),52 57. Bunk bed on a ship (3), 58. Enquire intrusively (3), 60. Plastic (1,1,1)
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WORD WHEEL
C S
S P
E
A
E.g. SEA
I
P H
Including the middle letter, how many words of 3 letters or more can you make? 20 = Good 25 = Excellent 30 = Outstanding
Sudoku Easy
Hard
2 3
1 8
4
3
3
9
6
5 9
5
3
9 7
8 7
4
6
2 3
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1
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9 5
5 2
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GERALD COUNSELL LOCAL PAINTER & DECORATOR
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retail therapy - sustainable style By Sue Good
In sustainable and ethical circles, fashion is a dirty word and ‘fast fashion’ is definitely faux pas. According to Google research, the fashion industry accounts for 20 percent of wastewater and 10 per cent of carbon emissions globally. Believe it or not, it takes (on average) 7000 litres of water to produce a single pair of jeans. Not only that, but much of our clothing (especially sportswear) contains plastic fibres and beads that are non-biodegradable and are polluting our rivers and oceans. According to The Independent, ‘clothes account for half a million tons of non-biodegradable microfibres in the ocean – each year’. Frighteningly, that’s the equivalent of more than 50 billion plastic bottles. And there’s more: In 2017 300,000 tonnes of clothing was sent to landfill.
clothes that you will wear at least thirty times. Estimates suggest that more than half of all clothing purchases are discarded in less than a year, therefore our buying choices need reigning in – significantly. 2. Buy pre-loved, second-hand or vintage. Giving a second chance to a pre-loved item, whilst donating money to a good cause is the best way to shop. There are so many great vintage shops and charity stores in and around Cardiff. Great labels and fashion brands can be found if you search hard enough. 3. Buy environmentally friendly clothes. Avoid buying man-made fabrics, like nylon, viscose and polyester. These contain the non-biodegradable fibres, synthetic chemicals, microplastics, and non-sustainable dyes. Buy silk, hemp, linen and wool instead. There are also clothes made from bamboo (check out bambooclothing.co.uk) and pineapple leaves (Pinatex). Just be careful buying cotton, as even that can be tainted with herbicides and pesticides – simply go for organic. 4. Use fashion brands that are committed to sustainability. High street fashion brands, such as H&M, Marks and Spencer and Mango are committed to producing and selling environmentally friendly clothing. On-line can offer you more sustainable fashion choices. Brands such as Weekday (which sell recycled and pre-loved products as well as sustainable clothing), Reformation (preferring Tencel to less sustainable
Between you and me: this is not happy reading for a woman who likes to shop. In fact, I like (or used to like) shopping - a lot. But there we have it - in black and white: the facts and figures that felled the habits of a shop-a-holic. My Saturdays will never be the same again! Having said that, I haven’t gone cold turkey – I just adhere to the following ten commandments of sustainable clothes shopping. Perhaps you could too. 1. Think before you shop. Ask yourself: do I really need it? If the answer is no – simply don’t buy it. Also ask: how many times will I wear it? If the answer is once or twice – don’t buy it. Try to buy
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CT Feature
cotton) and Matt and Nat (vegan fashion label) are all eco-fashion forward retailers. 5. Think quality not quantity. Spending more on a staple piece will make more sustainable and ethical sense. Buying ten cheap items that won’t last and will end up knackered and on landfill is not the sustainable way forward. 6. Support local stores. In Cardiff we are lucky enough to have high streets other than the city centre. Use them. Buy those staples from local stores who need your support far more than big inner-city retailers. 7. Donate your unwanted clothes to charity. Don’t dump on landfill. The fashion landfill statistics are exasperating, especially when there are so many other options for you to pass on your unwanted clothes. Haven’t got time to pop to the charity shop? The British Heart Foundation (https:// www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/freecollection-of-clothes-books-and-more), Age UK ( https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/donate/ charity-shops/collection/) and Traid (https:// www.traid.org.uk/clothes-donations/book-acollection/) will come and pick up unwanted garments from your home. Simply book a collection online. See? There really is no excuse to putting clothes in the bin. 8. Buy a Guppyfriend laundry bag. These are used in the washing machine to catch the synthetic fibres and microbeads that are released into our rivers and oceans and are harming the aquatic eco-system. They can be purchased in local sustainable stores and online. 9. Repair damaged clothes and upcycle. Simply pick up a needle and thread and elongate the lifespan of your favourite clothes. Can’t sew? Just look local. There are loads of repair shops and dressmakers to be found. They will also be much cheaper than buying new. My personal favourite is Made to Measure on Fairoak Road. Great service and great price. 10. Consider delivery and packaging options. If you are buying online, check out the retailer’s delivery and packaging policies. Many brands are changing their packaging to recycled and environmentally
friendly materials. Also, ask what forms of transport they use to deliver your goods. Find ones which are more suited to your sustainable mindset. As well as these 10 useful tips, there are also helpful Apps that can help you transform your fashion buying: Good On You – This app not only points the consumer in the right direction for sustainable fashion, it also helps inform our buying in terms of ethical reasons. Using data from ethical and environmental sources, the app scores 2000+ brands in ethical points on a 1-5 scale. As well as taking sustainability into account it also rates workers’ labour conditions and use of animal products. reGAIN – Recycle unwanted clothes. Simply pack a parcel and send it for free from 25,000 locations across the UK. Fat Llama – A marketplace App for buying, selling and renting. Great if you want to make money from a one wear prom dress you bought for your daughter! At the end of the day, all that’s required when you go fashion shopping is a little thought. If you were to practice five of the shopping tips mentioned earlier, then you will be making a difference. It’s as simple as that.
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beauty done your own way By Molly Dutton
others, I was enlightened by her modern approach to how we should look. The programme covers a range of topics that effect women, but my focus was mainly on her episode on beauty in the modern world, as it featured a lot of young women who I look up to on my social media feeds and their insecurities. It was refreshing to see Kathy talk about the effect of social media on young women and how it highlights their flaws. Surgery was very openly talked about by a young woman who was influenced so greatly by her social media that she went through with surgery to achieve her desired look; something that Kathy discusses with her thoroughly beforehand.
Autumn is finally here. I am absolutely thrilled; cold mornings lead to very fashionable looks in my eyes and there is nothing better than layers of clothes to create the ideal outfit. Personally, these upcoming months are the best because they lead to an array of different events that we can look forward to; Halloween, Christmas, New Year and my birthday (which is selfishly my favourite). As much as I would love to go into huge amounts of depth about the coats and autumn essentials of the season, I am going to restrain myself and focus on a topic I’ve wanted to write about in quite a while; beauty and the media. As a young person in the modern society, I feel that this is a topic I can explore in different ways, and something that affects me quite personally daily. With beauty being such a wide concept, my opinion is only a fragment of the whole picture, but I have done a fair amount of research to show you a less bias perspective (can you tell I’ve taken sociology?). Beauty is a brilliant thing to talk about as we all feel beautiful in our own ways, which we can share with each other to make us more confident.
Without giving away too much about the whole series, I honestly think every woman, and man, should watch it and see the different things people say you must have to be beautiful, all summed up by a hilariously honest narrator. Beauty to me is a very open and free topic which should allow for conversation between everyone. I have never conformed to the fashion “norms” of my age group; especially when I was younger and less effected by what I see online. I personally believe it’s important to express yourself exactly the way you always want to, and I have tried to stick by that up until now (tutus and leotards really were my idea of high fashion). I would like to say that I have always maintained that individuality but, realistically, I have been affected by the media, sometimes even enough to change my outfit before leaving the house.
Kathy Burke. An incredible woman whom I will now respect for my whole life. As recommended by my sociology teacher, I sat down with a cup of tea and popped on Kathy Burke’s ‘All Woman’ with very high expectations (as I always do). The whole programme opened my eyes to the concept of beauty and, as someone who has sometimes questioned their idea of beauty compared against
Today, I’ve learnt to be influenced by what I see online, rather than changed by it, but that is difficult for some young men and women who feel they have to comply with the people they surround themselves with even if it goes against what they want to wear. My favourite thing about beauty, especially on YouTube, is that many people are breaking out of the “norm” and experimenting with looks that suit them; a very inspiring concept in the modern age.
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browse my feed for any interesting looks I can incorporate into my makeup routine of that day, maybe a lip colour or smoky eye that I’ve been drawn to. Instead of looking at the beauty gurus and wanting to look exactly like them, I try and embrace what I have and create my own looks that other people can get inspiration from.
Right now, after seeing a stream of programmes with the same idea as ‘All Woman’, I am trying to expand my wardrobe and wear exactly what I want which isn’t always easy. The process I like to follow is this; find an outfit you like (maybe on the all-time favourite Pinterest), find some similar items online or in a high street shop, and then mix and match with some out of the box items; I’m thinking vinyl/ leather trousers, neon prints or maybe some animal prints to add the unique element to the look. This is the path to starting to develop what you have and start to make subtle changes to your aesthetic.
It saddens me to think that some individuals become insecure as a result of negative comments and a negative interpretation of their own look, when we are in an ideal situation to encourage unique expression and individuality; especially through our makeup and fashion choices. In a perfect world, I would click my fingers and make sure everyone was content with their appearance and spreading that positivity but, I do think that by discussing the different ideas of beauty, we can convince those struggling with self-image to begin to love their looks. The best way to begin this movement is to love ourselves first so we can spread it; buy that dress you’ve always wanted and that bright lipstick that quite frankly terrifies you. I dare you.
Because beauty is a topic widely associated with social media, I think it’s only right to talk about the way we can discover beauty positively on apps like Instagram without the negative stigma surrounding the beauty community which is becoming more prominent on these platforms. For me personally, Instagram can be utilised to gain inspiration instead of causing young girls to feel pressured to look a certain way. Every day (usually in the morning when I’m half asleep), I
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the colliery cat and the manager - part two By Sara John
‘I hope steam trains run for ever,’ thought Mr Davies as he settled himself down in the empty compartment to study the brown and cream photographs of Dawlish and Teignmouth on the opposite wall. Other colleagues of his boarded the train further down the line and the excitement grew as the train pulled in to Queen Street Station. “Big place Cardiff,” said someone, “and very expensive everything is,” said someone else. “I’ve heard you have to pay to go into the shops. Well, you cannot beat Mid Rhondda Co-operative in Tonypandy if you ask me,” said another voice, which nobody was doing. The group of gentlemen hastily rounded the corner into Queen Street, past the Alexandra Hotel, and crossing the road at Seccombes, without even glancing in the windows, made their way to the Institute of Mining Engineers in Park Place. It was a fine red brick building and it stands there to this day. On arrival they were welcomed by the chairman for that year, Sir Hamish MacDougal, a Scotsman would you believe, who was very large and jovial. In fact he looked more than capable of doing all the engineering required himself. They had sherry to start but there was just a whiff of cooking in the air which made them feel very hungry. ‘Cyril would really fancy himself as an Institute Cat’ thought Mr Davies as he was shown into the grand dining room, and he caught a glimpse of a tabby cat disappearing into the kitchen as soon as the door opened.
Eventually the 14th of September arrived, the day of the dinner at the Institute of Mining Engineers in Cardiff. It was a nice bright day, ‘but I will take my raincoat just in case,’ thought Mr Davies as he kissed Mrs Davies goodbye. “Now, don’t you go and drink too much,” said Mrs Davies, “you know what you are like.” “Who me?” said Mr Davies with a twinkle in his eye. He had decided not to take Cyril with him because although he would enjoy the journey he would become bored at the dinner. Standing on the platform at Trehafod railway station still filled him with excitement, just as it always did when he was there as a small boy. He recalled that if you stood on the edge of the platform and looked up the line you could see the tiny outline of the locomotive standing in Porth station. Gradually the loco grew bigger and bigger as it approached and finally thudded to a standstill at Trehafod station. The platform seemed to move slightly, he had always thought of that moment as a minor earthquake, possibly just a half on the Richter scale. Then everything and everyone became enveloped in clouds and clouds of steam.
Dinner was splendid and Mr Davies saved a little of the salmon that was served for Cyril. He wrapped it in his clean pocket handkerchief that he had brought for that very purpose. The time passed very pleasantly. There were lots of courses, lots of toasts and lots of speeches. Someone began their toast with, “Ladies and Gentlemen”, which because there were no ladies present everyone thought was hilarious. Then, all too soon, Mr Davies heard the clock at City Hall strike 11-30 and he knew he would have to leave to catch the midnight train. It was already later than he had thought.
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All the other gentlemen began to sing a little, tell funny stories and pat each other on the back. The gentlemen who had trains to catch put on their overcoats and walked as quickly as they could to Queen Street station. On arrival, Mr Davies put his hand in his pocket for his ticket and pulled out the salmon by mistake. The ticket man was not amused, but the other gentlemen who had been at the dinner all thought that was very funny. “Be some sore heads tomorrow,” said the ticket man just out of earshot.
funny questions such as, “Where do you think you have been?”, “What time do you call this?”, and “Who do you think you are?” He tried valiantly to answer her enquiries but they were far too abstract, philosophical and conceptual for twenty five past one on a Saturday morning. After a darn good night out. “William,” said Mrs Davies in her very best Sunday school teacher voice, “WE will have a little talk about this in the morning.” He thought, quietly to himself, this must be very serious, she always calls me Will.
The final train of the day from Cardiff to the Rhondda Valley was known as the ‘Rodney’s train’, as the word Rodney, in the past, was used to describe tramps or ragamuffins. George Borrow’s travel book, ‘Wild Wales’ published in the 1840’s mentions the expression, so it was long well known and well used. There was always a lot of singing on the Rodney’s train and very often visitors from England would find themselves joining in or asking for requests to be sung like on ‘Family Favourites’.
Next day Mr Davies rose very early, even though both the Park and Dare and Cory Brass Bands were tuning up inside his head. He crept out of the house quietly and collected a big bunch of Michaelmas daisies from the garden. Then he made nice pot of tea and some toast and took the breakfast tray and flowers up stairs to Mrs Davies. “OH! “ exclaimed Mrs Davies, “there’s lovely Will.” She went on to say how worried she had been the previous night fearing for Mr Davies’ safety in a big place like Cardiff. “Never mind about that now,” he chided, “I am going to take you out for a nice surprise. We will go to Cardiff first class and I will tell you some of the funny stories I heard last night.”
On that night there was a lot of singing on the train. It was so loud the engine driver could hear it and he and the fireman joined in the choruses. They sang ‘Men of Harlech’, ‘Calon Lan’, a few hymns and a few arias, in Welsh and in English. “Duw,” said one of the passengers, “there is lovely Welsh do sound sung proper,” a passenger clearly more at home speaking Welsh than in English.
Mrs Davies hurried to get ready and put on one of her favourite dresses, so she was well-dressed in no time at all. Mr Davies explained, “We will catch the train at 11 o’clock but I must call in at the colliery on the way to the train.” “Whatever do you want to do at the colliery on your day off, Will?” she retorted. “Oh something very important indeed,” he answered. “It involves a grey cat and a little bit of something tasty for him.”
When the train stopped at Trehafod Station and Mr Davies stepped on to the platform he felt he had really enjoyed an interesting and very jolly evening. Good company, good food, good music. What more could a man want? As the church clock struck one o’clock he realised he could add a final item to his ‘good’ list. That would be, ‘A wife sound asleep in bed, when I open the front door, oblivious to the dong of the striking clock and most unlikely to wake up’.
“Then you only need to call in the back bedroom, Will. Cyril came meowing like a banshee at the back door yesterday evening as it was getting dark, he sat with me listening to Saturday Night Theatre on the wireless, then came upstairs and slept on the bed with me all night. He really is the most wonderful and clever cat in the whole of Wales. It was almost as though he knew I was nervous here on my own. You are right, he is an exceptional cat, I think you really do think more of him than you do of me.”
He was later than he intended to be. However, when he arrived at his front door and was struggling to put his key in the lock, a simple enough task that never alluded him unless he had had a little too much to drink, he was still singing ‘Sospan Fach’. All of a sudden Mrs Davies appeared and the lights came on! “Oh!” said Mr Davies, “it is just like Blackpool before the war.” His comment was completely lost on his wife, who started asking him
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Sara John - November 2019 - Part 2... page 2
“Nonsense, my dear,” he reassured her, and smiling to himself decided that he thought of both of them equally, but decided to keep that thought to himself.
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Friday, 25 October 2019 12:11 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
get your kicks on route 66 By Michael James
Recently Billy Connelly and the Hairy Bikers have been travelling Route 66 and, not to be outdone, so have my wife and I. It has long been an idea of mine to see and do certain places and things as part of our holiday plans. Not exactly a 'bucket list', as hopefully I am not reaching the end of the road (excuse the pun) just yet. Undecided as to what to do for this years’ holiday, we kept putting off making any decision until in my inbox, up popped an advert for a Route 66 adventure. Great I thought. Why not? So I excitedly asked Elizabeth if this was to be the year we would do it. “Yes, OK,” came her answer, “but we are not driving this time. If we can go by coach then I am up for it.” Somewhat deflated by her response, I reluctantly agreed, although it has been my long-time dream of travelling the old road in a car, preferably a convertible. Ideally, it would be better on a motorcycle but as I can't ride one, that option was undoubtedly a non starter. Given the choice of not doing the trip or going by coach, I chose the latter. So I booked the 'holiday of a lifetime'. We flew from Gatwick to Chicago, where the 'Historic Route 66', begins and travels nearly 2,500 miles across America, via eight states, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, to where it ends at Santa Monica beach in Los Angeles. 'The Mother Road' as it is known in American Folklore, was established in 1926 and it soon became the way of hope to a better life for hundreds of thousands of people affected by the general depression of that time for folk on the East Coast and those in the Mid-Western States. It subsequently became the 'hippy trail', in the 1950/60's period of 'freedom and love'. Many books, such as John Steinbeck's, 'The Grapes of Wrath' and films like 'Easy Rider', give a vivid picture of how much this road is ingrained in American History. The iconic song, written by Bobby Troup in 1946, first recorded by Nat King Cole and covered by many others, including Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, give authenticity to the route followed. Indeed, our coach trip visited many of the cities and small towns named in the song, which goes, 'Well it goes through St Louis, Joplin Missouri. Oklahoma City looks oh, so pretty. You'll see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico, Flagstaff, Arizona, don't forget Winona, Kingman, Barstow and San Bernardino. Would you get hip to this kindly tip. Take that California trip. Get your kicks on Route 66'. Sadly many of these towns have now been bypassed by the new Interstate Highways (motorways) that run across the great prairies. Some of them have disappeared completely, while those that remain do so purely by their reliance on tourism traffic like ours. Our trip was indeed a pilgrimage to all these old towns where once many stopped on a regular basis on their way west. Chicago, on the shores of Lake Michigan, was indeed 'the windy City' and the start of the trip west. Stopping on route to visit the official 'Route 66 Association of Illinois, Hall of
Michael James - November 2019 page 1
Fame and Museum', which housed thousands of artefacts and memorabilia, about this fabled road, this set us up nicely for our adventure. Leaving Chicago, our first stop was at Joliet (of Blues Brothers fame), to visit it's Historical Museum and Route 66 visitors centre for more artefacts and an opportunity to have a 'selfie' sitting between the Blues Brothers. Next a stop for coffee and ice cream at the former 'Launch Pad' fast food outlet, one of whose attractions is the giant green 'Muffler Man' know as the 'Gemini Man'. This 60 foot high giant, made of fibre glass, is one of many muffler men throughout the States, built originally to promote motor car mufflers (silencers to you and me). Then onwards to Springfield and Old Salem where President Lincoln spent much of his early life, and then on to St. Louis, which despite being named after a French King, is called St. Lewis(?)by the Americans. A full day to explore this lovely city, including a ride to the top of the 'Gateway Arch', so called to honour President Jefferson's vision of the continental United States following the Louisiana Purchase and the joining of all the land, 'from sea to shining sea'. The day was rounded off by a visit to the huge Anhauser-Busch Brewery, home of Budweiser, very welcome after a long, hot, thirsty and tiring day. Onwards to another Springfield, this time in the State of Missouri and a visit to the huge Museum Of Transportation, which housed many classic locomotives and classic motor vehicles, many of which would have carried their passengers along the old Route 66. Very interesting and a must see for those who love all things relating to transportation. Leaving Springfield, we crossed briefly into the state of Kansas before crossing into Oklahoma and the township of Tulsa for lunch. Then it was on to our overnight stop in Oklahoma City, known as 'the city born in a single day', as thousands of settlers surged forward in the 'Great Land Run', to grab their piece of glory and stake their claim of part of the two million acres of unassigned land. The following morning we continued westward, leaving the vast plains of Oklahoma and into the oil-rich Texas Panhandle, stopping on route to view part of the second largest State Park, the Palo Duro Canyon, a smaller version of the Grand Canyon, and then on to Amarillo for the night. Leaving Amarillo we made a stop to visit a strange sight. Ten 1960s Cadillacs, half-buried, tail up, in a field just off the original Route 66, said to represent the golden era of the car. Then we drove on into New Mexico for a two night stop in Albuquerque. This promised to be a highlight of the trip for us as we were to meet one of my American cousins, who had agreed to drive a round trip of nearly 500 miles just to have dinner with us. We had a great evening together getting to know each other and talking about how his grandmother (my grandmother's sister), from a small mining community in the upper reaches of the Rhondda Valley, had travelled on her own to America in the 1920's,
Tuesday, 29 October 2019 12:19 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
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to find work for her husband, and was then able to bring him and their children over to make their home in 'the promised land'. Strong women in those hard times! Albuquerque is an interesting town with a lovely 'old quarter', but perhaps not as quaint nor as interesting as nearby Santa Fe. We really enjoyed our visit there. A township that carries the feel and architecture of it's early inhabitants, Native Americans, Spanish, Mexicans and now people from all over the world who have turned this once small village into a centre for the arts. Many of the single storey, pueblo style houses and shops are now havens for beautiful works of art, from paintings, sculptures, jewellery and spoken and written works, as well as many restaurants and bars serving the cuisine of the many different cultures. We could have gladly spent more time there. Before leaving New Mexico, just before it's border with Arizona. we called at the little township of Gallup for a coffee break at the El Rancho hotel where many of cinemas greatest stars, including John Wayne, stayed while filming in the area. Our journey took us onward to Flagstaff, Arizona and from there a visit to one of the true world wonders, The Grand Canyon! We now have had the opportunity to visit it on four occasions and it never fails to amaze us. No matter what time of day or season, whatever the weather, it always manages to look beautiful and awe-inspiring. It's huge, in so many senses of the word. It is indeed a, Grand Canyon, but that somewhat simple name fails to tell the whole story of the full beauty of God's creation. Truly awesome! Some of our more adventurous companions took helicopter or aeroplane rides over and into it's depths but we weren't so brave, we just marvelled at it's majesty from it's rim, ice creams in hand. The day finished with a visit to a typical 1950/60's diner. Just like you see in old films, with many of the meals of that period on the menu. A major disappointment was the size of the meals we were served. One gets used to large meals in America but these bordered on the obscene. Each of our three courses were big enough to be shared by two, perhaps even three people. What a waste with many living on the breadline.
Michael James - November 2019 page 2
Next on our travels came a detour from the old road, but who would miss the chance of visiting Las Vegas! Only a one night stop, and sadly not in one of the many of the famous 'Strip's' fabulous hotels, but in the fabled Golden Nugget Hotel on Fremont Street, with it's amazing light shows in the arched roof which covers the street. Shunning the casinos and slot machines, we headed to the iconic Tony Roma's restaurant for the most wonderful steaks and ribs. It never fails to satisfy. Leaving Las Vegas, we continued westward, stopping briefly for pictures and refreshments at some of the townships that were once popular staging posts on the old Route 66. Williams, Seligman, Kingman and Oatman, still surviving but now little more than tourist stops, perhaps remembered only as names in a song. Our route took us into California, the last of the eight States from the east to west coasts. Just outside Barstow is Calico Ghost Town, a settlement that grew up when a rich seam of silver was discovered in the 1880's. In just ten years some 500 mines were dug and Calico grew until the silver ran out and the settlement was completely abandoned. In recent years the old buildings have been faithfully restored, and it has become a main attraction for visitors. We arrived there on Calico Weekend when the place was full of tourists being entertained and educated by local folk dressed up in period costume, including some Cowboys and Indians and a realistic, goodie and baddie gunfight. At last we reached the end of our journey, Los Angeles and the beach at Santa Monica. Onto our hotel at Long Beach, home to the old luxury pre-war liner, the 'Queen Mary', for a whole day of not being on the bus. What a relief (again, please excuse the pun!) Time which we really enjoyed, with a mixture of gentle sight seeing and a nice relaxing time in the very welcome cool swimming pool. It had been an interesting, long, tiring journey travelling each day and living out of a suitcase, but no more nor less than we had expected. If you want to see the iconic things and places on Route 66, then this is what you must do. Did I enjoy the trip? Yes! Was I more relaxed and saw more by not driving? Definitely not! All I could see was the backs of the heads of my fellow travellers sitting in front of me, but I have now managed to cross Route 66 off my 'to do' list and look forward to our next adventure, whenever and wherever that might be.
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