february 2020
CARDIFF TIMES
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• FOOD SERVED MIDDAY UNTIL 9PM • DAILY SPECIALS • SUNDAY LUNCH 12PM - 5PM BOOKING ADVISED
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editors letter
cardiff times
Welcome
PUBLISHER Cardiff Times EDITOR Louise Denning 07903 947594
Hi All, and welcome to our February issue.
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, Sue Good, Michael James, Craig Muncey, Natalie McCulloch
January seemed to last forever, but now that month is over, there is only one month left before the start of Spring! Lots of people we know were doing ‘Dry’ January or ‘Veganuary’, if you were, how did you get on? Louise and I weren’t brave enough to try either, perhaps next year?! ‘Tis the month for romance in the form of Valentine’s Day. With this in mind, we have several articles celebrating this romantic of days, including Sue Good’s take on being more ethical this Valentine’s, and a lovely article by Natalie McCulloch who writes about joy and happiness - perfect feelings for this month! With the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, our columnist Wyn Evans asked if we would kindly reproduce the article he wrote in 2015 detailed his visit to this notorious place - we didn’t hesitate to say yes. His article has gained even more of a sense of poignancy since it was first written, and is a subject which although extremely harrowing, must never be forgotten. Finally, good luck to the Wales rugby team as they embark on the Six Nations this month, especially the new coach Wayne Pivac, who has taken over from the highly successful Warren Gatland. As usual, we will be cheering the team on for every game, including actually being in the Principality Stadium for the first match against Italy - I think Mark is more excited than our son! Until next month, happy reading.
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Cardiff Times • www.cardiff-times.co.uk
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February
CONTENTS 18
56 40 “In The Words Of…”
FEATURES
By Carl Marsh
48 Puzzle Mania
14 February Diary
52 ‘And Another Thing…’
18 “Through The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death”
By Vince Nolan
By Wyn Evans
56 Sustainable Romance: Making Valentine’s Day Green
22 Beauty - Beautiful You
By Sue Good
26 Find Joy In February
60 Inadvertently, In South Africa
By Natalie McCulloch
By Sara John
32 Can The Bluebirds Take Flight?
66 Fashion Done Your Own Way
By Craig Muncey
By Molly Dutton
36 Why Reading Should Be Your #1 Resolution In 2020
71 Puzzle Mania Solutions
37 Books To Look Out For In February
72 Remembrances By Michael James 10
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Cardiff Times • www.cardiff-times.co.uk
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
‘Enjoy A New Home For the New Year’ At Pontcanna Care Home
A care home in Pontcanna is inviting anyone who is contemplating moving into a care home in 2020 to come and find out all the benefits the move can bring to their lives.
Tŷ Llandaff itself is well equipped to look after the needs of any resident with 72 tastefully decorated en-suite rooms, spacious lounges, piano bar, café, private landscaped gardens, library and home cinema room.
Tŷ Llandaff, a private nursing, residential, and respite care home in Conway Road, says that finding the right care home for yourself or a loved one is a big decision but once the correct one has been found it should feel like a happy home-from-home.
Personal grooming is well catered for at Tŷ Llandaff with on-site salon and therapy rooms, as well as a mini-bus and chauffeur-driven car to ferry residents into town.
January/February is usually a popular time for people to start seeking out a care home and Tŷ Llandaff service manager Lisa Cristina said: “Firstly people often put these things off until Christmas is over, it’s a new-year-new-home thing.
Tŷ Llandaff activities co-ordinator Melanie Geoghegan crafts a full and well-rounded programme tailored to the residents’ interests and health needs, as well as the season. Dancing, gardening, summer fairs, arts, crafts and social events are all catered for at the home.
“Secondly, in the winter months often people find they get more poorly with winter bugs and a slow recovery might be the trigger that makes them think that they could do with living somewhere with a little bit more round the clock help on hand.”
With the on-site head chef and his team providing high-quality food which can be tailored to residents’ own nutritional needs, Tŷ Llandaff really does take care of every aspect of each individual's personal wishes.
Whatever the reason for the move, Lisa says that the move into a care home should not feel like a total upheaval if it is into the right home. “Here at Tŷ Llandaff we aim to go above and beyond to make all residents feel as comfortable as possible,” she added. “But especially our new residents. It’s important that they have their much-loved home comforts and own routines.”
Ty Llandaff - February 2020 page 1
Lisa: added: “We run Tŷ Llandaff as a real home-fromhome and we care deeply for all our residents. Often our residents tell us they are so happy to feel safe and cared for, and enjoy being part of our family. Nothing could make us feel happier than hearing that.”
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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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Learn coding the easy way in Techniquest’s Lab, with the fantastically fun LEGO Robot workshops! Our science communicators will help you to construct your robot, and program it using an iPad to move, make sounds, change direction, detect distance and more.
FUN DOESN’T GET MUCH BIGGER THAN THIS! The UK’s largest animatronic T-Rex will be on display in Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, from 8 – 23 February. Dubbed Quay-Rex, the 18 metre long and 5 metre tall life-like dinosaur features a moving head, tail, eyes and arms as well as a terrifying roar. It will fill up most of Tacoma Square – in the heart of Mermaid Quay – and its head will be as high as the terrace level.
Techniquest, Cardiff Bay www.techniquest.org
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Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay www.mermaidquay.co.uk
As well as being the all-round entertainer we all know and love from the telly, Count Arthur Strong is also a lifelong fan of astronomy, since having been given a microscope, or whatever it is they use, for Christmas when he was a small precocious baby. In this, his brand-new show, he seamlessly combines the very best showbiz entertainment you’ll currently ďŹ nd, in the world, possibly? as he wrestles with some of the big questions that other all-round entertainers shy away from. Such as: Are we alone in the universe? Is there life on Mars bars? 2lbs of potatoes. Packet of ginger nuts. Don’t lose this shopping list.
The residents of Chipping Cleghorn are astonished to read an advert in the local newspaper that a murder will take place this coming Friday at Little Paddocks, the home of Letitia Blacklock. Unable to resist, the group gather at the house at the appointed time, when the lights go out and a gun is fired. Enter Miss Marple, who must unravel a complex series of relationships and events to solve the mystery of the killer3
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff www.shermantheatre.co.uk
New Theatre, Cardiff www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
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The sessions take place on the second Saturday of the month (10.30 – 12.00). Meet outside the Secret Garden CafÊ which is next to the Education Centre. Vicky the Ranger leads these sessions and it’s a great way to get outdoors, meet new people enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise.
Riverside Real Food will be at the Museum once again for their monthly pop-up food market. A chance to support local food producers, pick up something delicious to take home and enjoy a visit to the Museum.
Bute Park, Cardiff www.bute-park.com
St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff www.museum.wales/stfagans/
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What's on Diary - February 2020 page 1
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February Diary
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Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Let them take you on a roller coaster journey of classic rock nostalgia, performing hit after hit, live with stunning accuracy and high energy accompanied by an incredible light and projection show.
Ever wanted to learn to skate? Here’s your chance! Sign up to the Crash Course at Viola Arena from Monday 17th – Friday 21st February. £50 includes a 30 minute lesson per day, skate hire and free public skate session. Viola Arena, Cardiff Bay www.violaarena.com
The Globe, Cardiff www.globecardiffmusic.com
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26 26 # ( # # ( # Renowned for his monstrous live sets, expect a high energy performance filled with his classic hits such as ‘Changed The Way You Kiss Me’, ‘Kickstarts’, ‘Stay Awake’, and ‘We’ll Be Coming Back’. You’ll also hear songs from his last project ‘Bangers & Ballads’ such as ‘Show Me How To Love’ as well as his massive new tune ‘Click’.
Hear from a panel of entrepreneur guest speakers who all own businesses within the sports, health and wellbeing sectors. Cardiff Met University, Llandaff Campus www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/entrepreneurship
Tramshed, Cardiff www.tramshedcardiff.com
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Embark on a thrilling night of adventure with a brandnew collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival! Join the world’s best adventure film-makers and explorers as they push themselves to the limits in the most remote and stunning corners of the globe. Witness epic humanpowered feats, life-affirming challenges and mindblowing cinematography – all on the big screen!
National Museum Cardiff www.museum.wales/cardiff/
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St David’s Hall, Cardiff www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
The Samye Foundation is delighted to welcome Alistair Appleton to their mindfulness centre in Cardiff. Alistair is generously giving his time to help raise money towards the running costs of the charity, so that they can continue to provide mindfulness and meditation training to individuals and businesses. Alistair will give a talk on 'The Puzzle of Purification: If we're already enlightened, why practice?' You can be assured of an engaging and entertaining evening, and a very warm welcome awaits you.
The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, are bringing their spectacular show to the UK as part of their 2020 Pushing the Limits World Tour. New to this year’s tour, and never been done before, the Globetrotters will attempt a new world record live at each game on tour this year, hoping to add to their list of impressive accolades and innovations.
Samye Foundation Wales Cardiff www.sfwales.org
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
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“through the valley of the shadow of death” By Wyn Evans This article first appeared in Cardiff Times in 2015 and is reprinted as a mark of respect on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. “Between August 1939 and September 1941, over 70,000 mentally and physically disabled inmates of sanatoria and asylums in Germany and Austria were murdered after doctors certified them as ‘life unworthy of life’. The victims were transported to one of six clinics equipped with gas chambers where they were poisoned with carbon monoxide gas piped through false shower heads in mock bathrooms.1” The programme was suspended once relatives and others protested and “instead, the personnel, expertise and technology of mass murder were transferred to the killing of Jews* The commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp experimented with lethal Zyklon-B (cyanide) gas 2”. The Girl, my daughter, has Down Syndrome and would have been included in the Nazis’ medicalised murder of the disabled under this ‘T4’ compulsory euthanasia programme.
side you have nothing more to fear; no acts of violence, no words of defiance, not even a look of judgement”. The Auschwitz complex was vast, including 48 sub-camps, and was the largest of the Nazi camps. Auschwitz I was a concentration camp used for political prisoners, prisoners of war, Roma, Sinti and Jews. It held around 15,000 inmates and had its own prison (Block 11), gas chamber and crematorium. It was here that Zyklon B was first used to kill significant numbers of people (600 Russian PoWs and 250 sick prisoners). Auschwitz II at Birkenau developed to become the main extermination centre and a slave labour camp, eventually expanded to hold up to 200,000 prisoners. Old farmhouses were used as gas chambers until four crematoria and gas chambers were established.
On 11th February this year I visited the AuschwitzBirkenau concentration and death-camps on behalf of the Cardiff Times, at the invitation of the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET)’s Learning from Auschwitz (LFA) Project, along with two hundred or so 17-18 year old students from across Wales. Here, I want to address how it felt being at Auschwitz-Birkenau, drawing also on the reflections of those who survived the camps. But I hadn’t expected such a clear link between that dark past and The Girl’s present.
Entering Auschwitz I we walked beneath the sick joke inscribed above the gates: ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’, Work Makes You Free, where the process of destruction gained momentum. “For the first time we became aware that our language lacks words to express this offence, the demolition of a man*; we had reached the bottom* Nothing belongs to us any more; they have taken away our clothes, our shoes, even our hair; if we speak they will not listen to us, and if they listen, they will not understand. They will even take away our name: and if we want to keep it, we will have to find ourselves the strength to do so*so that something of us, of us as we were, still remains” (Levi).
Let me begin at the end. I got home around midnight of what had been a long day’s travelling. The Boss welcomed me home with a hug and asked what it had been like. Then the tears came. All I could find the words to say was “vile vile vile”. I imagine that this would be the reaction of any thinking person of reasonable imagination and normal levels of empathy. At this place over 1.2 million people were robbed, degraded, and tortured, broken, gassed, and cremated. Primo Levi 3 writes that even “dawn came on us like a betrayer; it seemed as though the new sun rose as an ally of our enemies to assist in our destruction”. A Polish woman was our official guide to the camp. Gently -spoken, she had been in the job eighteen years. I noticed that she never once referred to ‘the Nazis’ only to ‘the Germans’. She told me of the large number of Poles put to death at this camp. “The Germans regarded us as untermenschen, sub-humans, who would be culled and those left put to work as slave labour”. Levi, again, noted that “to destroy a man is difficult*but you Germans have succeeded. Here we are, docile under your gaze; from our
Article - Wyn Evans - February 202... page 1
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We saw the piles of shoes, of hair (literally tons of it – think of the numbers murdered, that hair could be weighed in tons), of artificial limbs, personal and household objects stripped from the prisoners. For a father of a little girl, these were of course upsetting. But what left the largest scar on my psyche was Block 11. Here were the mock-trial rooms (nobody was found not guilty). Outside was the Death Wall, where prisoners were shot often after being taunted with ‘jammed’ guns. Next to this wall of death were torture posts where people’s hands were tied behind them before being hauled up to hang from the wrists. Inside were cells where people were starved to death; or gassed; or crammed together four to a bricked space no bigger than a phone box all night long - if suffocation didn’t kill them then the full shift of work they were made to endure each subsequent day probably would. I still cannot assimilate that in the middle of a death machine, the Nazis needed to find ways to make prisoners’ lives even more unbearable.
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The scale and size of Birkenau is to this day staggering. The stables converted into barrack-rooms, poorly built and crammed-full, that inside were the same temperature as outside – whether that was the bitter cold of Polish winter or the sweltering heat and insect-filled furnace of its summer months. The cattle trucks used to transport Jewish families, whole communities, from all over Europe. The stinking, open, unplumbed toilet and washing complex. The railway lines: Auschwitz itself was chosen because of its accessibility to railway lines from across the continent; but these lines were built right into Birkenau itself, the better to speed people to the gas chambers. Elie Wiesel 4 remembered the eight fateful words that took his mother to the chambers “Men to the left! Women to the right! I did not know that in that place, at that moment, I was parting from my mother and [sister] Tzipora forever. I went on walking. My father held onto my hand...”.
Remembrance, bearing witness, finding meaning even amongst futility and death. And, most of all, holding on to love. Frankl writes: “I saw the truth, the Truth - that love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire The salvation of man is through love and in love. I understood how a man who has nothing left in this world still may know bliss, be it only for a brief moment, in the contemplation of his beloved. In a position of utter desolation, when man cannot express himself in positive action, when his only achievement may consist in enduring his sufferings in the right way – an honourable way – in such a position man can, through loving contemplation of the image he carries of his beloved, achieve fulfillment”. Reading this brought me back to The Girl and an article written some years ago by journalist Simon Barnes, whose son, Eddie, has Down Syndrome. After visiting Auschwitz it seems more relevant than ever. It is about our common humanity; about what links us together as people, whatever our faith, creed, or colour:
Kitty Hart-Moxon in ‘Return to Auschwitz’ 5 wrote this about disembarkation: “a dank chill caught at us. The whole area was shrouded in a clinging grey mist. But dawn was breaking. Or was it really the dawn? A reddish glow through the mist was flickering in the weirdest way and there was a sickly, fatty, cloying smell. Mother and I glanced at each other, baffled. Who could be roasting meat, great quantities of it, at this hour of the morning” 4
“What is Eddie for? Nazis sent people with Down’s to the ovens, because they polluted the purity of the race. And we should remember that most women pregnant with a baby with Down’s syndrome choose to abort. It’s clear that many people believe that a child with Down’s has no point [And] shouldn’t an individual contribute something to society? Eddie’s function is to be loved, and to love in return. Perhaps that is everybody’s ultimate function. Eddie enriches the lives of his family and enriches the lives of those he comes into contact with outside. That seems to me to be a life right on the cutting edge of usefulness” 8.
11th February 2015 was also a grey, dank, misty day. I thought that if ever I was going to see ghostly spirits it should be there and then, at that moment in that place. We were gathered at the literal ‘end of the line’ at the far side of Birkenau. A few short steps further on were the Holocaust Memorial with its flag in the colours of the “loose, striped, insect-ridden clothing” 6 that was the uniform of the prisoners. A few steps in another direction were the remains of the crematoria. As we all lit candles a Rabbi told us that the issue was not “where was god?” but “where was humanity?” and I thought that he was halfright at least. It was almost unbearably affecting when Rabbi Marcus led us in a rendition of Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd”) noting that we were surely standing in the cold heart of the valley of the shadow of death. I came home and was reminded of books I had read written by survivors of that place, of those places; men and women who had seen the very worst things imaginable - in themselves and in others - and come through both that public hell and their own private inferno. Viktor Frankl 7, who wrote “everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice. When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves”. Even in Auschwitz-Birkenau he found that “ humour, more than anything else in the human make-up, can rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds.” Primo Levi found “that no human experience is without meaning or unworthy of analysis” and Frankl also felt that “man’s main concern is to see a meaning in his life” and that even in such places “ one must want to survive, to tell the story, to bear witness we still possess one power – the power to refuse our consent” (Levi).
Article - Wyn Evans - February 202... page 2
When I got home that night I told Nikki that the place was vile. Vile is an anagram of ‘evil’. Yet I believe there is no external propagator of evil; it is what happens when humanity is removed from others by those themselves lacking in imagination and/or empathy. As I was crying in Nikki’s arms our dog began howling – she never does this. She kept putting her paw onto my hand, eventually jumping onto Nik and me, burying her head in my chest. Knowing how illogical these words are it still struck me that our dog showed more empathy then the whole of the German High Command; more than all those who attended the Wannsee Conference in January 1942, where the Final Solution was launched by unempathetic humans. Perhaps true evil is what humans do to one another when they are able to imagine the outcome but choose not to empathise. 1. David Cesarani, The Holocaust, Holocaust Educational Trust, 2010 2. David Cesarani, ibid 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primo_Levi (See his If This Is a Man) (US: Survival in Auschwitz); & The Truce (US: The Reawakening) 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elie_Wiesel#Bibliography (See his Night) 5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitty_Hart-Moxon 6. http://www.het.org.uk/index.php/survivors-gt (Gena Turgel; see I Light a Candle) 7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Frankl (See his Man's Search for Meaning. An Introduction to Logotherapy, Beacon Press, Boston, MA, 2006. ISBN 978-0-8070-1427-1 8. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/life/families/article2462614.ece
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Beautiful You This month love is in the air, so get your loved one to treat you to some of the beauty products below! The PMD Clean PRO RQ combines cuttingedge technology with healing crystals to turn your cleansing routine into a daily spa facial, leaving your complexion clear, rejuvenated and radiant. It’s currently the ONLY device on the market that uses heated rose quartz to get you facial-like results! The device has two sides. Use the side with silicone bristles to gently deep cleanse your skin whist stimulating collagen production; then turn the device around to use the side with the heated Rose Quartz crystal to open the pores and help your skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, leaving your complexion looking and feeling more youthful. Rose Quartz is a natural crystal which contains elements of Magnesium, Iron and Oxygen. It can help to reduce inflammation and tension from the skin. The PMD Clean PRO RQ utilises unique SonicGlowTM technology, which uses over 7,000 vibrations per minute to remove the skin’s impurities by breaking down the dirt and oil from within the pores to reduce the formation of spots and blackheads, and leave skin looking clearer. Launched at Harrods and also available online from www.trypmd.com
Give your nails the wow factor - Switch your nail polish to a cruelty-free and waste-free option with Mavala, leaders of natural nail care. Astrology nails is the new dreamy trend! Colour experts at Mavala have put together their top matches for each zodiac sign. From a bright red to symbolise Aries’ passion and excitement, a glistening gold to represent the power and royalty of Leo or a light green to signify Pieces’ renewal and healing.
Westlab Cleansing Himalayan Salts Mark the 14th February in your diary with an appointment for yourself. Single or spoken for it is always important to practise self-care, so why not show the body some love with a bathing ritual to relax. RRP £5.99
We can’t rate Tropic Skincare products highly enough because they’re 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free. The products are packed full of the most premium, exotic ingredients, all of which are sold by a team of Tropic Ambassadors nationwide. This month why not treat yourself to one or a few of the following products: Blush Cream by Tropic Skincare- Gives a radiant burst of colour to give a natural lustre to any complexion. Beauty Booster Skin Foundation – It’s silky and light and leaves a dewy finish which is perfect for a youthful healthy glow. Summer Goddess Shimmering body oil is so popular it’s actually sold out online at the moment. No doubt by the time of print it will be back in stock. Infused with golden shimmer and tempting tropical scents, it illuminates all skin tones and enhances a summer tan, while scents of coconut, Tahitian and Bourbon vanilla transport you to a tropical paradise.
Skin in Motion is an exercise friendly make up range which launched in January. The brand is one of the first of its kind, specifically to wear to the gym. There is much debate on whether you should wear make up in the gym or not! The range promotes the power of exercise and gives women the right tools to feel positive about their appearance. www.skininmotion.com Cool it mist - Moisturiser in a spray, this refreshing mist comes in a light mist dispenser, and its easily absorbent texture makes it an ideal replacement for a moisturiser post exercise. Contains 50ml. 95% natural ingredients, cruelty free, vegan, silicone free. RRP £20
Lift it waterproof Mascara - The perfect exercise proof nourishing mascara and secret fitness weapon. Its formula, infused with Japanese berry kernels of the Sumac tree, is powered to lock in colour for the sweatiest of workouts. Specially designed with a curved wand that separates, lengthens and beautifully lifts lashes for a false-lash effect. Contains 8ml. Cruelty free. RRP £20
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Beauty Pages - February 2020 page 1
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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 1 23
Cardiff Times • www.cardiff-times.co.uk
Stewart Greenberg Page page 1
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Are you looking after your hearing? We’re here to give you FREE advice and answer any questions you may have about your hearing health. Viney Hearing Care is holding a week of events to promote hearing awareness in the community. Call today to attend any of our events. Spaces will be limited.
Hearing Awareness Week February 24th-28th 2020
Monday 24th FREE Micro Suction
Limited Spaces
The SAFEST way to clean your ears. If you have problems with dull or itching ears, it could be wax blocking your ear canals. Come and have a FREE hearing health check to see if wax is the problem. If it is, we can remove it with the latest and SAFEST techniques. Places will be limited (Normal cost £45)
Tuesday 25th FREE Tinnitus management skills Tinnitus affects 1 in 10 people in the UK. It’s classed as a noise that comes from your head and not the environment around you. Tinnitus has many causes and can severely disrupt people’s lives and that’s why it’s important to know how to manage it. If you are curious, distressed or concerned, we can help so please call to book your FREE session.
Wednesday 26th Latest hearing instrument technology demonstrations
Friday 28th Speech Mapping
Do you struggle to hear in company, watching the TV or on the phone? We understand that having hearing loss can make these listening situations very difficult. Allow us to demonstrate how the latest connective wireless technology can take away the strain of listening and see how easy it can be to enjoy these simple pleasures again. Book your free appointment to see how the latest wireless technology could improve your quality of hearing.
Do you wear hearing aids but still feel that you aren’t hearing the full picture? Is speech clarity a problem for you? Speech mapping is the latest revolutionary way to test the performance of your hearing aids and to see how well they help you hear. You will be provided with a print out of your hearing aid results and information on how speech can be improved for you. Call today as places will be limited.
Thursday 27th Exhibition of the world’s smallest hearing instruments The new era of ‘invisible hearing’. We work with the world’s leading hearing instrument manufacturers to provide the most discreet instruments with the finest hearing quality. Instruments that you can’t see and can’t feel - just excellent hearing in all walks of life. Book an appointment for your FREE hearing screen and a demonstration of invisible hearing.
Viney Hearing - February 2020 page 1
Viney Hearing Centre 66 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DJ
029 2025 0121 www.vineyhearingcare.co.uk 1
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find joy in february By Natalie McCulloch
“Do what brings you joy and your purpose will follow.”
Firstly, a huge well done, you survived the first month of 2020, January, which often sees us making goals, setting resolutions and committing to right our ‘wrongs’. This month may be inspiring but also gruelling and act as a way to punish oneself for things we feel inferior about ourselves. Popular New Year resolutions revolve around losing weight, increasing exercise and giving up ‘bad’ habits or favourite foods. Quite often these things, although beneficial long term, don’t induce feelings of joy and pleasure short term (celery sticks and burpees can’t possibly be high on anyone’s list of luxuries surely?!)
So what is Joy? The dictionary defines joy as: ‘deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment or something causing such a feeling; a source of happiness’. Sounds pretty appealing I hope you agree? The tricky bit is knowing what joy is for you; what makes you feel pleasure, happiness or satisfaction? Hopefully you have some ideas, but often we go about our daily lives by rote or to satisfy others without thinking to stop and think about ourselves. So it may be worth reminding yourself now, “What gives me a feeling of joy?”
I would never encourage anyone to give up on goals or throw in the towel on their missions, but I would encourage anyone to try and incorporate a vital mission into their day, namely finding joy. Alongside the short term benefits of finding joy, namely instant gratification (like the instant satisfaction obtaining from smelling your favourite perfume), there may be longer term benefits to your health, well being and lifestyle such as increased productivity, reduced sickness and heighted sense of worth. As Lyanla Vanzant said,
So why is February a good time to start seeking joy? Firstly, with the stresses and debts of the festive period fizzling out for another year but also the excitement and fun of Christmas subsiding, it’s an ideal time to find pleasure through other avenues. Secondly, February sees the UK going hearts and flowers mad for the 14th, Valentine’s Day, so with all that ‘love’ in the air, why not steal a bit for yourself? Finally, February sees Ash
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Wednesday (26/02/20) which marks the start of Lent. Lent is a Christian annual period that encourages people to abstain from something for 40 days to represent the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. What better thing to abstain from than negating the need for joy in your life?
nothing or a hug off someone may evoke joyous feelings, others may cringe at the very thought of such. So in February why not commit to doing something wonderful for you? Focus on you, even for just a short spell every day. Make it your mission to find out what brings you a feeling of joy and commit to finding that fulfilment daily. I’ll leave you to ponder the words of Gordon B Hinkley: “Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.”
I do know it’s not that simple, and for many reasons finding joy may be a challenge. But its surely one worth pursuing? After all, as Mae West said, “We only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough.”
Useful links - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-Bring-GuidedJournal-Journals/dp/1419719815 - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thepossibility-paradigm/201106/youre-not-laughingenough-and-thats-no-joke - https://www.actionforhappiness.org/
If you are stuck for ideas of how to find joy, here are a few pointers which may help: - A story that always makes you laugh - A little victory - A devoted pet or favourite animal I’d also encourage anyone to use ‘Action for Happiness’ which is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. There are lots of resources on the website including a super calendar which gives a daily prompt to find happiness. My mission to find joy commenced as I was given a kind gift at Christmas, ‘a journal of joy’. On flicking through this I realised that joy is not something only to be embraced and recognised, but also shared. I took this into my work place and asked various groups the questions and learnt a great deal. Joy is not universal, generic or always recognised, it comes to each of us in unique ways. But one wonderful common feature is the need to treasure and discover what brings us joy. I have the utter honour and pleasure of listening to memories from people who’ve seen not only 2020 but 1920’s, and their memories largely revolve around happy times. This led me to conclude that happy times are worth remembering; times of joy are worth encountering and both are worth holding onto dearly! I can’t tell you what will bring you joy, for some people it will be the sound of children laughing, bells chiming, birds singing may bring joy – these things may aggravate others. For some people the taste of chocolate, the thought of a day doing
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fillers for the 40+ age group subtle enhancement Dermal fillers are no longer the ‘new’ aesthetic treatment – in fact, this month global pharmaceutical company Galderma celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Restylane hyaluronic acid dermal filler. What is new, though, is how aesthetic practitioners are using these highly effective antiageing products.
The anti-ageing approach As well as the leading hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, we also offer Ellanse, as it is a fantastic volumising product and can last up to two years, which is ideal. Any longer-term products can have the drawback that they do not adapt to how your face naturally changes over time. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Ellanse also improves collagen production so there is an improvement in skin texture.
At the Specialist Skin Clinic, we believe in producing beautifully natural results and this is best achieved with a subtle enhancement. Everyone should notice you’re looking great, not know you’ve had something done.
However, dermal fillers are just one of the antiageing treatments we offer at the Specialist Skin Clinic. We often combine dermal fillers with other antiwrinkle muscle relaxants to address lines and wrinkles, but will also usually advise skin rejuvenation treatments such as laser, microneedling or chemical peels and a cosmecuetical skincare programme to achieve optimal skin health.
What are dermal fillers? As we get older, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin start to decline, a process that can be accelerated by smoking, stress and sun damage. These components in the skin provide the support, elasticity and plumpness we associated with youth and our skin becomes thinner, dryer and sags as a result.
We are often asked what the best age to get fillers is, but there is no right age. If you’ve recently noticed any visible signs of facial ageing, a consultation with an experienced anti-ageing practitioner is key. We can advise you on what is the best anti-ageing approach, whether that’s an injectable treatment or a preventative skincare programme.
Dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, use a hyaluronic acid gel to restore volume, lifting and smoothing the skin. Ellanse, another leading dermal filler brand, is made of poly-caprolactone, a polymer which is safely absorbed by the body. Due to its elasticity and viscosity, it is ideal for contouring and sculpting.
Go to our website at www.specialistskinclinic.uk for more details or call us 02920 617690 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Maria Gonzalez.
What’s the best age to get fillers? Most patients over 40 want to look their best self, not like they are in the twenties. Our approach is to be very subtle; enhancing and rejuvenating your looks without changing them. Our understanding of how the face ages continues to grow and we can tailor treatments to this new understanding. A common ageing concern is the appearance of deep lines between the nose and mouth, known as the nasolabial folds. These are caused by loss of volume in the mid-face so it can be a mistake just to fill the nasolabial folds. Restoring volume to the cheeks can create a far more natural and youthful appearance as well as improving the appearance of the nasolabial folds.
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Cardiff, Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Harley Street, London
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can the bluebirds take flight? By Craig Muncey
There has been a lot of turmoil at Cardiff City this season. We have seen the changing of the guard with Neil Warnock leaving, his coaching team and the under 23 manager all leaving the capital city club. The new manager, Neil Harris came into the club in November, so inherited the squad but with a transfer window in January (which at the time of writing this is still open), can Cardiff City advance with the existing squad or some new recruits make some positive steps in the league and try to attain a playoff place. Is this possible, or just a pipe dream?
under him and the culture and the way Swansea try to play football has aided their recruitment. In Guehi, Brewster and Gallagher they have acquired three players with real potential in areas of the team they needed strengthening. Does Cardiff have the same tools to be able to attract young Premier League players? I fear not. Going back to the pre-season, Neil Warnock brought into the club, goalkeeper Joe Day, defenders Curtis Nelson and Aden Flint, Marlon Pack, a midfielder, also came into the club, as did Robert Glatzel a striker. In terms of Flint and Glatzel, they both came at a fee together of around £12 million, which for Cardiff City is a massive outlay. Flint is a big, physical defender in aerial situations, which seemed a lot of money at the time and even more so now. Cardiff have in their ranks at centre-half, Sean Morrison (a very similar player to Flint), Sol Bamba and Curtis Nelson, so to pay out a figure of £6 million for a defender who struggles with pace and movement a correct decision?
Neil Harris. Picture Credit: bbc.co.uk
Anyone who has watched Cardiff City this season can see the team is struggling. Creation is a major issue, and defensively they are conceding sloppy goals, which is a real surprise as previous City teams over the last few years have been strong defensively. Harris is struggling to ascertain his best starting eleven and even his best formation for the players he has at his disposal. It is not all doom and gloom, though. As set out Cardiff have not had a strong first half of the season, yet only find themselves four points from the play-off positions, so have not been cut adrift and very much with a push can put themselves in real contention. Cardiff City have only lost one game at home in the league all season to date, which was in November against Bristol City. The question is, do Cardiff have the players that are tactically aware enough who can support a tilt at the playoffs?
Aden Flint. Picture Credit: Dailymail.co.uk
Glatzel has struggled to date as well for Cardiff. From what I have seen of the player, he appears to be a player who wants balls played in behind defenders for him to run onto, so he requires to get the best out of him a side who are accurate and creative passers of a football – not by any means a strength of Cardiff City. So, you have to ask, was due diligence completed with the player?
If you look down the M4 motorway, Swansea City the serial rivals are also right in the mix for a playoff spot, four points ahead of Cardiff City, and they have recruited already in January, three young players with real potential, in Liverpool’s striker, Rhian Brewster and Chelsea defender Marc Guehi and midfielder, Conor Gallagher. Swansea has Steve Cooper as their manager, who managed England under 17’s to a World Cup and his knowledge of English football in terms of youth coming through who have played
The goalkeeper, Joe Day is a competent goalkeeper, but Cardiff already had two goalkeepers on their books in Neil Etheridge and Alex Smithies who are proven keepers at this level so why bring in Day? I have a belief that Cardiff believed that Etheridge was leaving in the summer to a club in the Premier League but this never materialised. One keeper surely will be
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moved on, as Cardiff in the position they are do not need three keepers of the playing level they have on their books.
answer to finding the player who could lead the line in the last year or so, Madine has rarely been seen on a football pitch for the first team. When Neil Harris came in, there was talk that Madine would get more opportunities as Harris liked him as a player; this never materialised and Cardiff have now released the player who still has 18 months left on his contract for nothing! Surely, they could have recouped some money for the player who you paid £6 million for two years ago? Madine has been recruited by Blackpool in Division One and I fully expect him to be successful at that level.
In an ideal world scenario, if I were in charge of Cardiff City, I would be looking to move a few players on, to bring in some funds to then look to make the necessary changes to the personnel. The January transfer window though is notoriously difficult to bring players in of the quality you are looking for, and to move players out and bring players in the time Josh Murphy. Picture Credit: Zimbio.com allocated is tight. However, if there were clubs interested for reasonable transfer fees in January or the summer, I would look to sell Neil Etheridge, Aden Flint and Josh Murphy. In Murphy’s case, his form has been a real disappointment. The player has Premier League ability but his performances, combined with a few injuries, have curtailed any progression, and for all parties concerned, I would look to move him on. Cardiff may also look to release a striker with Robert Glatzel, Danny Ward, Omar Bogle on their books and none as yet in the current playing format, seeming to be the goal scoring option regularly to push towards a play-off position.
Cardiff City have in Lee Tomlin a very talented and imaginative footballer. Tomlin has the ability to spot a pass for his team mates and score some great individual goals. Without Tomlin, City have major problems in generating goal scoring opportunities out of nothing. However, the challenge is the players around him in the main are physically strong footballers but are not the types to make runs in behind or be on the same wavelength as Tomlin, whose first thought is to look forward and try to spot that killer pass to a quick of thought and of feet player, with the possible exception of Glatzel. Harris has a decision to make, play Tomlin and try to change players styles and modify how they play which will take time, or look at the current setup and decide for the time being to play to the strengths of the majority and not the minority. Play direct, be clinical at set pieces and improve the defensive side of their game. Currently, statistically, Cardiff are the least accurate passers in the league, with a 63.7% accuracy rate and on average,194 passes a game. To give you something to compare to, top of the accuracy statistics is Fulham, with a pass accuracy rate of 84.7% and 479.4 passes a game on average. A huge difference, being the best passers doesn’t mean you are the best side and will win the league, but the difference in numbers is vast and if Cardiff want to move up the table, then those numbers have to improve. Cardiff also have the worst statistics in the league for having possession of the football, pretty damming findings of the style of play in the season to date.
Talking of strikers, I find the whole Gary Madine situation bizarre. Madine was bought for £6 million from Bolton Wanderers in January 2018. Madine was a squad player for the club, but even with no real
Bearing the last paragraph in mind and basing it on no new faces coming into the squad from the January transfer window, this would be my starting line-up when all available and fit: Alex Smithies, Jazz Richards, Sean Morrison, Sol Bamba, Joe Bennett, Leandro Bacuna, Marlon Pack, Joe Ralls, Junior Hoillett, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Callum Paterson, playing in a 4-3-3 formation. Do you agree/disagree? Let us know your thoughts!
Gary Madine. Picture Credit: bbc.co.uk
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why reading should be your #1 resolution in 2020 Every new year, millions across the country set resolutions with the intention of becoming better, happier and more successful versions of themselves. Because 2020 offers such an opportunity for making positive change, now is the time to enter into pursuits that will make lasting, positive impact. Losing weight, saving money or quitting smoking are some of the most common resolutions, but reading more is an ever-popular choice. Finally getting around to your reading list is a win that will provide a host of benefits. Personal biography-writing service, StoryTerrace has put together a list of reasons why reading should be at the top of your list of resolutions:
your money, even your health - knowledge can never be taken from you. Memory Improvement When you read a book, you have to remember an assortment of characters, their backgrounds, ambitions, history, and nuances, as well as the various arcs and sub-plots that weave their way through every story. That’s a fair bit to remember, but brains are marvellous things and can remember these things with relative ease. Amazingly enough, every new memory you create forges new synapses and strengthens existing ones, which assists in short-term memory recall as well as stabilising moods.
Mental Engagement Studies have shown that staying mentally stimulated can slow the progress of (or possibly even prevent) Alzheimer’s and Dementia, since keeping your brain active and engaged prevents it from losing power. Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain requires exercise to keep it strong and healthy, so the phrase “use it or lose it” is particularly apt when it comes to your mind.
Stronger Focus and Concentration When you read a book, all of your attention is focused on the story—the rest of the world just falls away, and you can immerse yourself in every fine detail you’re absorbing. Try reading for 15-20 minutes before work (i.e. on your morning commute, if you take public transit), and you’ll be surprised at how much more focused you are once you get to the office.
Stress Reduction No matter how much stress you have at work, in your personal relationships, or countless other issues faced in daily life, it all just slips away when you lose yourself in a great story. A well-written novel can transport you to other realms, while an engaging article will distract you and keep you in the present moment, letting tensions drain away and allowing you to relax.
Rutger Bruining - CEO and founder of StoryTerrace discusses the importance of reading to make 2020 a truly fulfilling year: “Reading is an activity that has nothing but positive benefits, and has the potential to completely change your experiences, your world view, and ultimately the stories you tell others. Sharing stories, and listening to the stories of others is a hugely valuable skill.
Knowledge Everything you read nourishes you with new bits of information, and you never know when it might come in handy. The more knowledge you have, the betterequipped you are to tackle any challenge you’ll everface. Should you ever find yourself in dire circumstances, remember that although you might lose everything else - your job, your possessions,
At StoryTerrace, we encourage everyone to not only read the stories of others, but to share the impact that these stories have on their lives. Every story is worth telling provided you are truly engaged, we believe these tales have the power to unite people and shape generations for years to come.”
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Books To Look Out For in February The Home Front 1939 - 1945 In 100 Objects by Austin J. Ruddy
Nurses Association Of Jamaica (UK): 40 Years Of Service by J
A lifesaving gas mask. A ration book, essential for the supply of food. A twisted remnant of a German V2 rocket that went to space and back before exploding over London, the result of equally twisted military science. Colourful flag bunting that saw the VE celebrations. All disparate objects that together tell the moving and important story of Britain’s Home Front during the Second World War. The phrase ‘If only this could talk-’ is often heard: in this book the objects almost can. All the objects have a general contextual background history and any specific known associated story is also included, all in a clear form, with cross-references to related subjects.
Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK), NAJ (UK), takes you on a journey to discover and celebrate the contribution many Jamaican nurses have made to shape the National Health Service. It is written by select members of the NAJ management committee, who share their treasured history, document their present and celebrate their future.
Available now : Paperback £15.99
Available now : Hardback £25
Simplify by Bob Hillary After the constant pace of modern city life made him gravely ill, Bob Hillary moved to the Brecon Beacons for two years, living completely off the land, with no electricity or running water. Growing his own food and drinking spring water, Bob discovered a new way to live - a simpler way. Being a relative of Sir Edmund Hillary, Bob has always been connected with nature and had a sense of adventure, but the life changing experience of living in the Welsh mountains opened Bob's eyes to a way in which we can enrich our own lives, improve our mental health, and look after the Earth around us. Simplify explores Bob's experience of living in the Welsh mountains and provides easy, practical advice that we can all incorporate into our daily lives to start living a simpler life today.
South Wales Tugs - The Return Voyage by Andrew Wiltshire Tugs are the workhorses of the maritime world. Their main work is shiphandling but they have many other roles too. They are popular with enthusiasts and with the general public. In this book, the author takes a close look at tugs in the South Wales ports of Swansea, Port Talbot, Barry, Cardiff and Newport. He follows the changes as tug ownership has moved from local companies to national and multinational companies. The changes are illustrated with over100 superb colour photographs, each with an informative caption.
Available now: Paperback £9.95
Available 10th March 2020: Hardback £10.99
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“in the words of…” By Carl Marsh
I hope you are all now settled into this new year of 2020? January was somewhat quiet for me as I bet it was for most of you. The only event that I could get to was the Picard premiere in London’s Leicester Square. For what was the European premiere, the stars of the show were all there, along with actors like Sir Ian McKellen and Jason Isaacs, both not in this show but there to support Sir Patrick Stewart who is in his role as Captain Jean Luc Picard. I was on the red carpet and although I didn’t get any time with Sir Patrick or Sir Ian, I could have chatted with Jason, but chose instead to speak to Jeri Ryan. You will remember that Jeri starred as Seven of Nine in the Star Trek:Voyager nearly 20 years ago. I asked her if there was any hesitation about taking this role, so long after she originally played her, for which she said that the role was offered to her in a
different way, she explains: “This came to me in a little different way from the rest of the cast. I think I heard about it about two years ago. A dear friend of mine, pitched me the idea of how she's changed and what she might be like now. And it sounded honestly really intriguing, but I didn't think anything was going to come with it. Cut to a year later at the Creative Arts Emmys, and I was lined up backstage to go on with Alex Kurtzman (one of the new shows writers), and he turned around and said, “Oh, I was talking a lot about Seven in the writer's room.” And I released that this is actually happening?” For my review of the first episode, please see my reviews page.
Interviews This month, and going forward, I will be featuring at least one Cardiff resident or native in my interviews section; it’s Ketnipz creator Harry Hambley, still only 20 years young but with around 1.5 million followers on Instagram alone, and a thriving transatlantic business. He still lives in Cardiff, and I just had to speak with him! The winner of the BAFTA Cymru Best Actor Award 2019 was Celyn Jones, so that’s who I have interviewed and it was for his new film Mr Jones. The hit game show The Wall is returning to Cardiff for the audition day at the end of February, and I asked the producer Stephen Loveluck about how anyone that is thinking of applying can stand out. Lastly, I chatted with Steve Speirs, whose show The Tuckers has been on BBC Wales, and still can be found on iPlayer. As you can see, all are Welsh or are offering something to Cardiff. I say that’s a good start to my idea!
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Carl Marsh Would that be different characters, maybe?
Harry Hambley Harry Hambley is the creator of Ketnipz who is a sexless bean character. Harry is only 20 years old and chose not to go to University, he instead created a brand recognised all over the world. I got to chat with this very inspiring and very talented artist genius!
Harry Hambley Yeah, yeah, I think it's hard with the main character, the bean, because by nature the character is super basic, and it's sort of a blank slate for someone who's new to my content to really sort of follow, but it's hard when you introduce a new character because you never know if it's going to stick or not. And, and as a lot of work to put into it. I'd like to focus more on certain subjects rather than individual characters. So, you know, I might start feeling a certain way about doing content around like, parties or social situations. Carl Marsh Would that be completely different from Ketnipz? Harry Hambley No, as it would still be in the same world. It's a strange process, especially on social media, you've just got to sort of throw up a bunch of ideas and see what sticks. Carl Marsh What's an average day like for you because most 20-year-olds your age wouldn't be running a business, and especially not one that is mainly based in the USA! What do you do to escape in your downtime? Harry Hambley I like watching movies and seeing mates, but I'm not a gamer, a little bit, but like only with Tetris. Actually, my main thing is, my work is quite fun for me. So I'm like, you know, I might as well just do more work and that's the thing too, is that a lot of the time it doesn't feel like work if it's just a fun thing. So you know, there are boring sides of it but I don't really get that much time to do proper gaming or anything like that, but it's fine. I used to be really into Xbox yet when I look back at all those years, even if you spend like two hours a day (playing), it all adds up and people don't think about it. Imagine if you took that time and did what you really wanted to do. Obviously it's hard to know what you want to do and yes, of course, I was lucky enough to know. I put that (time) into Instagram or whatever. And that's what I think has made the difference (for me). You know it's hard to think about working on a project over a few years, but that's the main difference.
Carl Marsh Has living and growing up in Cardiff given you any inspiration for your Ketnipz character and brand? Harry Hambley I don't know if there was anything because my work is not really that focused on Cardiff as a subject matter or Wales in general. I think there's a lot of maybe the aesthetic is sort of a bit more cold and damp [laughs]. I think when you're in Cardiff, you do feel that sense of that there's like a certain warmth, which you don't get in other places, especially in the United States. There is a feeling of belonging and community and if any cultural things that come from Cardiff, if they retain that side of things, they get really held up by the community. So especially with music and things like that, and I've always felt supported by people like yourself who are interested in other people doing something creative. Carl Marsh What's the future hold for the Ketnipz; do you want to try different projects? Harry Hambley Yes, I'd like to get into different areas of the medium as I feel if I kept doing the comics, I'd be playing it a bit safe and I want to venture into different things like maybe video games and maybe longer form animation.
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‘I played the Western Mail editor in a movie!’ [laughs]. But it's because there is so much space and time between films. Sometimes they come out quickly. Sometimes they take a couple of years. The year I played that role in Mr Jones, it was straight after I did Manhunt. And then after Mr Jones, we made Six Minutes to Midnight, which releases this spring. And, you know, Miss Jones releases in a couple of weeks and Manhunt was on telly last year.
Celyn Jones Celyn Jones has an acting role in Mr Jones, which is due out in the cinema this month where he plays the editor of the Western Mail. Starring James Norton, this is the true story of Gareth Jones who as a journalist, reported the Ukrainian Famine of the 1920s. Carl Marsh Before I ask you about Mr Jones I needed to congratulate you on your BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actor last year, as I missed speaking to you at the event!
Carl Marsh Playing a serial killer, and then portray a person who would decide what would go in a newspaper is a bit of a jump, but I guess that’s the crazy world of acting and proof that you don’t know whom you will be working with next, or where in the world?
Celyn Jones That means a lot to me. It felt like the fruits of 20 years that night. It certainly felt like that, and to be sort of recognised by your peers, you know when you do good work and you do go for it, it can get noticed, you know, so I didn't expect it at all, especially the category I was in. I thought the nomination was prize enough, I genuinely did. So, when Ruth Jones called out my name, it was like, you know, I couldn’t imagine a better way. So it was great. It's on the sideboard. Everybody touches it as they go past [laughs].
Celyn Jones It is quite interesting, that kind of thing. With Manhunt, and because it's on televisions and in people's living rooms, and it’s a UK story. And that almost was like the most popular thing I have done, you know. So it's been a very sort of eclectic, exciting experience really to bring me to Mr Jones, which I know is a long, long meandering tale, but that is what sort of has to happen to be able to meet with someone like Agnieszka Holland. She is this kind of world-famous Polish auteur genius and for her to say, “I want to work with this guy,” and then you want to go and be part of what is an untold story. It’s a bonus the fact that it's a Welsh story but told on an international global canvas as we filmed all (of my scenes) interiors in Poland and the exteriors in Scotland. So the inside of the newspaper office was in Poland. All supporting artists were Polish and the whole crew. Agnieszka let me have a lot of fun where I went about renaming all the Polish supporting artists, you know all the extras. So I'd be like “Good morning Bryn, good morning Sian” [laugh]. She is one of the best directors I've ever worked with.
Carl Marsh Mr Jones, I've seen the film and I thought it was outstanding. I know you've got a role in the film with you playing The Western Mail’s editor, albeit from the 1920s; it must be nice playing another real-life character after your recent portrayal of Dylan Thomas? Celyn Jones The Western Mail! Do you know what, a couple of months ago, the Western Mail did a profile on me which was lovely, and it was the one acting job that I didn't talk about! And at the end of it, I was thinking to myself,
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Carl Marsh I know you’ve got the auditions that are going to be in Cardiff on the 29th of February. So, if anybody is anxious about applying for the show, what advice can you give them?
Stephen Loveluck The Wall, which is the smash-hit game show hosted by Danny Dyer, will be returning for a second series and there will be auditions held in Cardiff on the 29th February. I chatted to the series producer, Steven Loveluck, about how applicants can possibly be successful in being picked once they have completed the application via www.thewalluk.com
Stephen Loveluck The key thing really is to not panic. On series one we had a few people who when they were in isolation, they just didn't actually read the question. We just want people to audition and then enjoy it and have a good time. If they relax, they will do just fine. The audition days are really fun as they come along and play versions of the game against a simulator they'll be playing, and it's such a nice day and they really do play the game. It's quite fun watching people get very excited about a computerised wall with the balls falling down.
Stephen Loveluck We found that with the first series, people weren't quite sure what it was about. With some shows and when you hear things like quizzes and things that people don't quite know what to expect, they sort of think it's maybe not for them. I think from watching (the first series) people have now got a good understanding of the show. They have come to realise that actually, it's something that anyone could have a go at and you haven't got to be a massive quizzer. It helps to have a bit of general knowledge but you haven't got to be an absolute brain-box. Anyone can have a go and you know what, you could win a lot of money and spend time with Danny Dyer.
Carl Marsh How could somebody stand out for the selection process to actually make the actual shows? Stephen Loveluck They don't have to be the most outgoing characters in the world. They just have to be like people that you'd like to have a chat with. Or just people that you (the viewer) would think that it would be nice if they won some money. They don't really have to be crazy characters. We just want normal people who are just nice. There's no pre-requisite checklist that we have got. They haven't got to be the smartest in the world. You want people (that are watching) to think that, ‘I like those people’, or think that they would be quite good with Danny. Before we had all sorts of different people with Danny, and you know, he was great with all of them. We just want nice normal people that people (the viewers) wouldn't normally see on game shows.
Carl Marsh He's like a working mans Prince, isn't he? You know, he's just, he is just unique that guy is? Stephen Loveluck He is really refreshing as he doesn't have any 'airs or graces', all he cares about is the people on the show. Danny doesn't know the questions so he very much plays the game with them and is on their side and that’s not a bad thing. The thing that he finds hard is when they sometimes lose, he takes it quite personally, bless him.
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Steve Speirs Carl Marsh Your character in The Tuckers, is it based on anybody that you know or have met on your travels? Steve Speirs The whole family are based on people I know and comes from a place of love. A lot of them are based on my own family in fact. I had a Grampa Murphy who was always in the outside toilet. I never once saw him in the house. I had a Nanna Peg.. very much a matriarch like our Peg. And Glyn$well he’s an amalgamation of two people. And as he’s a bit of an anti-hero, I don’t think I’ll say who just now!
Carl Marsh Can I ask what was the catalyst that made you write this series?
Carl Marsh Would you describe The Tuckers as a light comedy type show?
Steve Speirs These peoples’ voices have been around me since childhood. I wanted to write about a family that is real and (that) have a genuine voice. There are families like the Tuckers in every working-class valley... indeed every working-class area in the UK. I love them and am not ashamed of them. I wanted them to have a voice. They are fiercely proud. A lot of the public who have taken to them not only on BBC Wales but iPlayer in their hundreds of thousands, comment on the importance of family and community in the series.
Steve Speirs I'd like to think it’s got a bittersweet edge. A lot of people on social media (where the love for the show has been quite overwhelming) comment that the series has a poignant streak to it. You don’t have to scratch very hard to see the family actually has a big beating heart. Carl Marsh I know you wrote the series, so is what we are seeing in series one all that you had written or did you have to make it more 'user-friendly' by the producers at the BBC?
Carl Marsh In the series, which episode nails it for you? Steve Speirs Episode six, indeed! My episode six is a love letter to the Valleys.
Steve Speirs I did a pilot for BBC Wales last year. It was a late-night slot and was a lot edgier, grittier perhaps. There was a lot of language (no more than Twin Town, but certainly not less). One thing the BBC wanted to bring out more was the love the family have for each other and I think we’ve achieved that.
Carl Marsh Which scene that you were/were not in required the most retakes for laughter reasons? Steve Speirs It was very hard to keep a straight face with the brilliant Robert Pugh. The scenes at the toilet door were hard enough, but once he was ill in Glyn’s bed (spoiler alert) and I was holding a bottle for him to pee in$ well... it was either him going, me going, the crew going, or all of us going. It was a beautifully hard day in the best way possible. Carl Marsh Any regrets about the finished product (series one)? Steve Speirs Only one. It took me ten months to complete$six months to write, two months to film and two months to edit$ and most people binge-watched it in THREE HOURS! Ha! I love them for it though. I guess that's the viewing habits nowadays$and all those people are now crying out on social media for a second series. So that can’t be a bad thing and I’m extremely grateful to them.
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CT Feature Entertainment Reviews
New Zealand dub/jazz/reggae group Fat Freddy’s Drop are coming to Cardiff this year and I had a chat with Toby Laing who was in Wellington, I will feature that interview nearer the concert. This new album is WOW! Definitely more upbeat than I expected as I am new to this groups music. Quite brilliant and I guess you could say a little like UB40 but with more instruments. This album is a joy to listen to, easy listening and if anything, it has made me want to count down the days to when I get to see them perform live in Cardiff’s Motorpoint in the next few months!
TV Show Picard - Amazon Prime
(FIVE Stars)
TV Show Handstand - BBC iPlayer
Set roughly 20 years after Captain Jean Luc Picard has retired, we find him ‘enjoying’ his retirement in rural France. All I have seen is episode one, as this is released weekly on Amazon Prime. Without just going to say who the rest of the cast is, I can say that you will see all of the original cast, mostly in minor roles. What I took from the first episode at the premiere in London was that a lot of money has been pumped into this show. The effects are impressive, I would say better than anything I have seen on a TV show before. The only gripe I have so far is that the actress that plays Dahj / Soji (two parts yes!) could have at least had real tears when she was meant to be very upset. Isn't this one of the first things you are taught at acting class? That aside, let’s hope the rest of the show doesn’t end in real tears.
I got to see a new one-off drama on BBC Wales called Handstand which is written and directed by Peter Watkins-Hughes. The main character is Darren Evans, who starred in My Mad Fat Diary and Requiem, and his love interest is Mabli Jên Eustace who featured in Hinterland. It’s a teenage love story with a dark twist set in the south Wales valley town of Brynmawr and shot in and around the town’s cinema – the oldest in Wales. When a new family moves in next door, teenager Luke (Darren Evans) falls for their daughter Sarah (Mabli Jên Eustace) and as the two meet in the local cinema love starts to blossom. But Sarah is hiding a dark secret and Luke is about to encounter some uncomfortable truths about her parents. It’s essentially a tale of first love and the shocking stories that lurk behind some closed doors. I really like to see home-based productions, so this is a must-watch!
(Four Stars - so far)
(FIVE Stars)
Music Fat Freddy’s Drop - Special Edition Part 1
Until next month. Carl Marsh Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_ Facebook - @InTheWordsOf
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LANDSCAPES
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puzzle mania! Crossword 2
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Across 1. Former labour MP (5), 3. Captive worker (5), 6. Biscuit-like bread (5), 9. Capital of Morocco (5), 12. Group added to another group (5), 13. Seed of ferns (5), 15. Employ (7), 16. Eyelash cosmetic (7), 17. Favour, choose (6), 21. Infectious illness (3), 23. Not characteristic (6), 26. Are not (4), 27. Go over the lessons (7), 28. Orang-., ape (4), 29. House renter (6), 32. Expected golf score (3), 34. Irish language (6), 40. Voter (7), 41. Soil fertiliser (7), 42. Edge of square sail (5), 44. Steps for scaling a fence (5), 45. Side of the face (5), 47. Move on ice (5), 48. Radio okay (5), 49. Faint, pass out (5). Down 1. Inflation device (7), 2. Little ., 1960s songstress (3), 3. Unrevealed fact (6), 4. Where ammo is stored (7), 5. Bury (6), 7. Type of hat (3), 8. Raise, lift up (7), 10. Thick woollen cloth (5), 11. Red Indian group (5), 13. Actress, . Sarandon (5), 14. Giraffe-like animal (5), 18. Cologne’s river (5), 19. Muslim decree (5), 20. Refute by arguments (5), 21. Dowdy dressed woman (5), 22. Escort (5), 23. Take washing off the line (5), 24. Wingless insect (5), 25. Army colour (5), 29. Pattern of latticework (7), 30. Brother’s daughter (5), 31. V-shaped nick (5), 33. Awe-inspiring (7), 35. Frolic (5), 36. Tenancy contract (5), 37. Hotel registration desk (7), 38. Rubber (6), 39. Cause affection (6), 43. Curiosity killed the . (3), 46. In what manner (3).
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WORD WHEEL
S A
C S
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E.g. SAM
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Including the middle letter, how many words of 3 letters or more can you make? 20 = Good 25 = Excellent 30 = Outstanding
Sudoku Easy
Hard
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“And Another Thing…….”
By Vince Nolan
literally, royal has the highest value of stolen goods in their trolley without being caught). The Chase (see previous suggestion). Pointless (Blunt Darts). Countdown (10 seconds for the right answer or blasted into space). The Great British Bake Off (Start a fire in Pudding Lane in London and see how far it spreads). Celebrity Squares (Really boring celebs). Bullseye (Abattoir based show). The Weakest Link (Follows the previous show for sausage based fun). That ought to do it, literally.
You will forgive me my Chums as I have touched on this subject before but I am literally fed up with people saying literally in every single sentence they utter. This goes right across the media, business and amongst friends. Let’s go back to school. Literally does not mean I was literally going to Tesco and I literally went to the car and I literally opened the door. Please stop and stop now. I admit I am a man of a certain age who has never seen and will never see the “celebrity factories” which are The Jungle, Big Brother, Love Island, Strictly, The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Geordie Shore, Made in Chelsea et al which have spawned this new vernacular but please, literally no more.
Staying with games, the term ''Smart Alec'' apparently came from the exploits of Alec Hoag, a celebrated New York con man from the 1840s. He and his wife Melinda and an accomplice known as French Jack, operated a con called the Panel Game, a method by which prostitutes and their pimps robbed customers. Not sure how you become celebrated as a con man but enough about President Trump.
I realised that my friend’s five-year-old grandson had been watching too many reality TV shows the day we attended a relative's wedding. As the four bridesmaids walked down the aisle toward the front of the church, he turned to me and said: "Is this where the groom decides which one he wants to marry?"
I am not a Royalist but the alternative system is far worse (see above paragraph). However, I must confess to having huge sympathy with The Duke and Duchess of Suffolk. Harry was only 12 years old when he watched his Mother hounded into an early and violent death by an aggressive and out of control paparazzi. He was then made to walk through the streets of London behind her coffin, filmed by the same people. Fast-forward to when he voluntarily spent 10 years in the Army which involved front-line action on two tours of Afghanistan. History has given us wastrel, alcoholic and womanising princes, Nazi sympathisers, despotic kings and queens and short memories. I for one am glad they have said enough. Good luck to them.
Staying with “Celebs” I have some reality TV show ideas of my own: Celebrity Join the Dots (Celebs have to draw an identifiable picture on a leopard in London Zoo without being maimed). Celebrity Supermarket Theft (The winner is the celeb who
I do not do man-flu (ask the Current Mrs Nolan) nor do I believe that it exists, but I have been laid pretty low recently with a chest infection which was not treated for many weeks as I was unable to convince my GP that I was at death’s door. Finally, I presented myself at the surgery dressed in a shroud, carrying a wreath and had booked the crematorium, (I had cleverly asked him to do the
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CT Feature
eulogy). He examined me once again and concluded that I had a chest infection and I was saved by some delightful anti-biotics. So far in 2020 I have had arrythmia, low iron, low calcium and a chest infection. Not wanting to be a martyr to such nothings but we also went through dry January which I suspect is why I was ill in the first place.
I read with great interest that Dyfed Powys Police are introducing electric cars. Great idea in the Brecon Beacons where there are no charging points or mobile coverage.
Spike Milligan wanted the following on his tombstone: “I told you I was ill.” Whilst Oscar Wilde on his deathbed was reported to have said: “The wallpaper is terrible. One of us will have to go.” Well unfortunately for you I am not going anywhere just yet. Staying with the gallows humour for a minute: A man goes to the doctor and receives a dire diagnosis: “you’ll definitely die from this. I’m estimating you should still have around 50”
I overheard this in a Tesco café (another business lunch): “Well Dave wants a spray tan for the wedding on Saturday.” “What’s wrong with that?” “He is 84.”
“Five what doctor? Five years? Months? Days???” “4...3...2... “
Staying with our older citizens, I was awaiting the arrival of the Sainted Mother-in-Law at the weekly pub quiz at The Happy Undertaker and I listened to two guys who were well into their 80’s. One said to the other: “Any love interest?” His mate said: “Well the man across the road just died so she’s going to be available. There’s another widow on the corner but she’s not my type.” What a pulse and poor I thought to myself? Finally, this from our friends at Visit Wales:
Assembly Member, Helen Mary Jones, recently claimed that under Plaid Cymru, Wales would win the Rugby World Cup because they would invest more money in rugby. Really? She went on to say that further developing the sport would bring increased health benefits. On reflection, some of us could probably do with increased health benefits, me included. Of course there is now a huge move to veganism with both Greggs and MacDonald’s embracing the veg but you know, I’ve always thought that turning vegan is a big missed steak. Very recently I trapped a couple of vegans in our cellar. At least I think they were vegan. They kept shouting 'lettuce leaf!'
Bye for now.
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sustainable romance: making valentine’s day green By Sue Good
The most romantic day of the year is fast approaching and for many of us it’s another occasion to buy, wrap and binge! I am all for occasions to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, passing exams or simply love, however, the way we celebrate Valentine’s Day is not very eco-friendly. With millions of cards and hundreds of miles of unrecyclable flower bouquet wrap sent to landfill, not to mention the intensive farming methods used to grow flowers, it is yet another day of avoidable excess. So, is there a way to enjoy the romance in a more sustainable way? I looked into how the pinkest and reddest day of the year can actually be made green. Here are my top tips:
• Enjoy the outdoors. Plan a trip to a park or try a coastal walk. Check out The National Trust – their properties can definitely provide the perfect romantic back drop.
Romantic date • Book a table at a restaurant specialising in organic or locally grown food. There are plenty of ‘local’ orientated restaurants in Cardiff. They often grow their own produce and pride themselves in their use of Welsh goods. Try The Potted Pig or The Grazing Shed. • Go vegan or vegetarian. It’s not sexy chewing on a gristly rump steak anyway, so head for an eatery that’s meat free. Some of the best in Cardiff are: Anna Loka (Albany Road), Vegetarian Food Studio (Penarth Road), Got No Beef (Barrack Lane) and The Lazy Leek (Pontcanna) for a fast food alternative • Ask for a doggy bag. It might not seem to be the most romantic thing to request, but it might solve what to have for tea on the 15th February. • Fancy a tipple? Look for wine or beer made with organic produce, in lightweight bottles and made locally. Championing local beer are Otley Brewing company and Craft Devil Brewery and great sparkling wine can be found at Acre Hill Vineyard.
Flowers • Say no to cut flowers. These are intensively grown and notorious for excessive chemical and water use. Try a pot plant instead. Miniature roses, jasmine and orchids all say a lasting ‘I love you’. • If you can’t say no to a pretty bunch of flowers, then ask your local florist for an ‘in season’ bouquet. Also ask them to tie your bouquet with string or raffia (the pretty shiny ribbon and plastic bands are not recyclable) and say NO to plastic wrap. If you are interested in finding locally crown flora and fauna try http:// growninwales.co.uk/ for Welsh producers and suppliers. • Plant a tree. This will not solve deforestation, but it will make a beautiful valentine present. Apple, Pear and Peach trees make a harvestable gift and Acer Maples, Crab Apple, Olive and Silver Birch trees are gorgeous.
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CT Feature
As an alternative to sending or receiving flowers, why not make a flower seed bomb. Here’s how: Method - Rip up scraps of paper (about 6 sheets) and place in a blender - Add two cups of water and wait ten minutes - Blend the mix into a mulch - Add 1 tablespoon of wildflower seeds - Place mix on to some muslin and squeeze out excess water - Mould mix into hearts (silicone moulds are useful) - Dry over night
and find a ring that meets high ethical and sustainable standards. Brands like Clogau and Arabel Lebrusan are leading the way. • Try zero-waste gifts. Bars of handmade soaps, organic wool scarves or a batch of cookies made by your own loving hands will always be a winner. • Avoid the cheap chocolates and spoil your loved one with organic, ethical chocolate options. Look out for the Fairtrade sign on all your possible buys. Seed and Bean, Willi’s Cacao and Divine are all great choices • Dedicate a song. Steve Wright on a Sunday morning here I come! • Buy them an experience to remember. Why not try wine tasting together or something more adventurous like paddle boarding or rock climbing. • Buy ethical underwear. Try the following British based sustainable underwear companies: luvahuva.co.uk, moralfibres.co.uk, boody.co.uk and nuiami.com. And don’t forget Albany Road’s Ripple. • If you are trying to light the flame of love at home, avoid candles which are paraffin or lead and synthetic fragrances. Choose unscented natural ones such as beeswax or soy. And there you have it: A green guide to romance. Now you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside because you’re environmentally friendly, as well as in love!
And voila: a gift that can be planted in the spring in pots or in the garden. Not only will the flowers grow, but bees and insects will also enjoy the gift. Gifts and cards • Avoid buying cards with plastic covers. Many supermarkets and stationary shops sell cover free cards now – Marks and Spencer, WH Smith and local store Ripple all sell them. Just keep an eye out. Or you can send an e-card or make your own instead. • Propose with an ethically sourced engagement ring. Gold and diamonds have a history of dubious mining and treating, so do your research
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inadvertently, in south africa By Sara John Although, at the same time, a few tiny worries started to penetrate my well being: One. I was leaving a very well locked up house, with friendly neighbours close by. BUT, what if we had a fire/ flood/break in/squatters/outbreak of plague/large snakes burrowing under the house and emerging indoors? Or, all of those things? Two. I was travelling to unknown territory, with just two words of Swahili, Jambo Bwana, which I think means “Hello Boss” but it may mean “Hello European”, which, depending on circumstances might not go down too well. Three. What if Andrew had disappeared? Like in that film with Harrison Ford. What would I do? What if the CIA were involved?
“I will make all the arrangements, you will have nothing to worry about, leave it all to me.” Andrew’s enthusiasm was contagious. I trusted his judgement. It was the early 1990’s, and he, Andrew, my husband, was preparing reports on the restructuring of the broadcasting service in Namibia, (in my old atlas, still German South West Africa) following their recent independence from South Africa. It was near the end of his time there and we were planning a holiday in that wonderful country. The plan was for me to fly out to join him at the end of his project. I was an experienced traveler to foreign lands, alone, with a companion or with colleagues. I knew the difference between Casablanca and Canberra, Dunedin and Dundee, Florence and Freemantle. So I thought why not? What could possibly go wrong?
The ‘Sensible Person’ part of me took over. She, the sensible part of me that is, had not been totally convincing to the ‘Worrying About Things That Are Never Going To Happen’ part of me. But, I decided that it was statistically unlikely that any of these scenarios would take place! Even burrowing snakes.
The flight to Windhoek, the capital, would take about ten hours but with the added bonus of no time change. On the map the UK was in the same column, as it were, as that area of south west Africa.
THURSDAY Travel to Reading by train. It was snowing, but how many times had I left a very snowy Wales only to find on arrival a warm Spring day in London? That day, the first day of my adventure into the unknown, it was certainly not a warm spring day in Reading or London, or anywhere else in the country, probably not even in the Scilly Isles. Outside Reading Station I boarded the coach to Heathrow airport with plenty of time to spare and wondered what to have for my lunch when I arrived.
Andrew had promised to make arrangements for car hire, with the intention of visiting northern Namibia concentrating on wild life parks. There was hardly, as yet, a tourist industry there, but his numerous visits had gained him lots of chums, colleagues and contacts so advice and help was at hand. I made all the domestic arrangements and read up on all I could find, which was not much at all. This was, after all, pre Google! Nelson Mandela was still in jail. The UK had little, if anything to do with South Africa at that time, even important sporting fixtures, Wales v Springboks for example, were a thing of the past. Verboten. Under the current political system, both here and there. No one really knew anything about Namibia either. I waited eagerly for Andrew’s most welcome phone calls and updates.
My book in time was 2-30pm for a 4-00pm take off. I also wondered what my travelling companion would be like, it was a little like going on a blind date but without any obligations! My ideal companion, I decided, taking into consideration appalling weather, the unknowns of Africa, my lack of any useful foreign language, (I was going in the wrong direction for my sparse Welsh or my five words of the Gaelic) would be a mature, worldly chap who was frequently mistaken for Gregory Peck; a linguist and a doctor perhaps, wise to the world, and one who knew how to solve problems and deal with difficult situations.
All was going well with his project and a number of invitations for us, anticipating my arrival and the successful conclusion of his project, were landing on his desk in the Namibian Broadcasting HQ in Windhoek. So far so good. A few days before I set off, I had a phone call from The Thomson Foundation Office in Cardiff, who were co-ordinators of Andrew’s Namibia project. The Managing Director there, for whom I had done some work previously, was also a friend and neighbour, and he asked if I would deliver some important papers to a man who was travelling on the same flight as myself and was going to be running some courses for Namibian Television.
I found a table in the Buttery at the correct terminal where I could look around for “Hugh”, or a Gregory Peck lookalike, keep an eye on the flip flaps on the Flight Information Board and not look too conspicuous. I have found over the years, although it is much better these days, that a woman travelling alone, with lipstick and earrings and a nice handbag, may be assumed to be up to no good, thereby often causing too much interest (from gentlemen on their own) with a side dish of polite consternation (from other women).
I collected the package, arranged via Thomson where “Hugh” (not his real name!) and I would rendezvous at Heathrow Airport to make the transfer and travel together. It was February, very, very cold, and I was eager to witness that wonderful whoosh of warm, scented air that hits you as you are getting off the plane on arrival at an exotic destination.
While I was waiting for my contact, as they say in the Movies, I was looking out through the windows. I assumed that the blinds were down, on closer examination the
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windows revealed a whiteout with an occasional movement from right to left of heavy snow in blizzard like conditions. Do not worry, I said to myself, it is nothing to do with you, all the people working here will know what to do. They will be keen to get pesky passengers underway on time, they will prefer not to clog up the airport with stranded planes, this must happen all the time in Archangel, Helsinki and Saskatchewan. My optimism failed to convince me. Flip, flip flip went all the horizontal flaps. The word Delayed Delayed Delayed Delayed appeared alongside all the flights for the next couple of hours. I was resigned to a long wait still telling myself that I was at one of the world’s largest airports, I just had to be patient.
were about the size of British Home Stores, as once was. With four megalomaniac sized beds in each. Maybe they had lots of rock groups staying there? Then a little knock on the door and an apologetic Hugh asked if I could make sense of the taps in his bathroom. I went next door and we, eventually, worked out how to turn them on and off. To get them on you had to stand in front of them and wave your hands about. To turn them off you had to move your hands like an orchestral conductor’s final movement after the music has finished but before the applause. I did not go near the shower, neither did Hugh. Using the loo was another challenge. Don’t ask! FRIDAY Next morning downstairs in the glorious hotel, we were in a different world. A world of plenty, luxury, first class service and laid out buffets that defied description. And that was only breakfast. We had all day to explore Frankfurt Airport. The sheer quality of the goods in the hundreds of shops on the concourse, the selection of pastries, buns, confectionery and everything else! We could use our vouchers for coffee and cakes, for our lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Our flight that evening was within walking distance, we were warm and dry, we cheered up and decided the worst was over. In good time we went to the Lufthansa check in for our overnight flight to Johannesburg. The journey went well, we were comfortable and able to sleep as the plane was half empty. As I awoke the sun was just rising in my first African sky, bigger than any sky you will see anywhere else in the world. The images are still with me.
Then along came a pleasant young, almost boyish one could say chap, asking if I was me. I nearly said I was someone else, I felt a wave of delicate disappointment sweeping over me. Goodbye Gregory Peck, hello a very boyish Hugh Grant, hence my choice of alias to protect the innocent. Hugh turned out to be a very nice man; well travelled in Africa; a background in broadcasting; articulate; a familiar type with a lovely broadcasting voice; a real chum. It was now dark outside. It was still snowing heavily. No planes were landing or taking off. Needless to say there was no one to ask, no one in uniform at all, not even a cleaner. All our enquiries at check in desks came to nothing. We waited. It was still Thursday. Hours later, at about nine o’clock we were called to the Lufthansa desk to check in. By 9.45pm we were all seated in our plane which was totally covered in thick snow and ice. The sound systems had been left switched on and we were all treated to a very angry German pilot bellowing instructions in German to ground crew who had the impossible job of clearing snow and ice off the plane. The snow was falling too quickly and too heavily to permit the pilot to announce that the conditions were safe to fly to Africa. Temperatures were well below freezing. There was an announcement from the Captain asking us all to leave the aeroplane, take our belongings with us and present ourselves at the Lufthansa desk. It was about 10.30.pm We did as we were told and were pleased to find that Lufthansa had arranged for all the passengers to reach their destinations via other airlines on other routes.
SATURDAY At last, we landed in Africa. It was Africa, but it was the Africa of apartheid. We were in the Republic of South Africa in Jo’burg as the locals called it. Coming down the steps of the plane, with just our hand baggage we saw our connecting flight waiting close by. We had been previously advised by Lufthansa staff that all we would have to do is walk a few yards and board the plane alongside, all ready to take off for Windhoek. We were happy at last to be on the last leg of our lengthy journey. As we went to join our fellow passengers, suddenly our way was blocked by two armed emigration officers with two of the biggest dogs I had ever seen. Why we were apprehended we had no idea and were never told, but we were aware that we were probably the only two British nationals present. “You come with us,” they said, “you are illegal entrants.” They spoke English with a spitting Afrikanns accent, once heard, never forgotten. Our shared consternation was palpable. At this point the loud speaker system was calling our names, prefacing its announcement with, “Last call for flight to WindhoekB..”
Hugh and I were issued with tickets to Frankfurt, leaving in about half an hour. We were also given vouchers to stay at the Sheraton Hotel there with even more vouchers for meals the following day (it was still only Thursday!) And, yes, tickets to fly on to Johannesburg late on Friday with a connecting flight to Windhoek landing there at noon on Saturday. We trudged to our next flight, we had been on one already but it had not got off the ground. By this time the snow was just wintry rather than Antarctic. We were very tired but glad of each other’s companionship. Enquiries about our luggage, last seen hours and hours ago, were met with blank stares. We were still at Heathrow and it well past my bedtime. We flew as instructed with Lufthansa to Frankfurt. It took about an hour. On arrival we were directed to a long, long walkway to the adjacent Sheraton Hotel. At least we were under cover. They were expecting us and we had two adjacent rooms. The rooms
The officers escorted us into the Emigration Building, reminding us we had no visas to be in South Africa as we heard the roar of the engines of ‘our’ plane to Windhoek taking off. With our seats empty. They asked for our tickets which we handed over reluctantly. Then, before our very eyes, they tore our tickets into shreds, letting the pieces fall onto the counter. With obvious delight, they snarled, “You will not be needing these anymore.” To be continued next month.
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fashion done your own way By Molly Dutton
explained how you must ask yourself whether or not a clothing item brings you joy instead of simply how many times you wear it, which incorporates some much needed sentiment into selecting which clothes to re-gift, rather than just a brutal fashion dump.
Welcome back lovely people after what seems like the longest month every single year, without fail. This new month of February will be welcomed with wide arms as we finally settle into the brand new decade; and as you should know by now, a decade that is going to bring a wide selection of new trends, upcoming designers and an awful lot of change. Personally, regarding fashion taste, I spent half the decade adorned in tutus and bling and the other half pooling all my efforts towards becoming a sophisticated member of the fashion community, there’s still a long journey ahead and many exciting experiences.
Following this randomly relevant experience I put this “joy theory” to the test; if it could beat my clothing attachment issues then it truly was a miracle. Picture the scene; I am sat on the floor of my room nearly buried in clothes, holding up a jumpsuit I bought five years ago that is actually the length of my leg and asking it (OUT LOUD) if it brings me joy. Madness truly hits you when you’re under that kind of pressure. I did fight against my feelings and give it away though which was my enormous achievement of the day. The whole process, although it did achieve a less cluttered wardrobe, was rather time consuming and I couldn’t encourage you to do it unless you really are in the best mindset to be completely honest with yourself about your collection. Instead, I’ve found the answer to your new decade fashion cleanse (I’m no Moses but I strongly advise you to try this one); your very own fashion show.
As it is officially the season of love (please try your hardest not to cringe) I wish to explore some of the looks that I am currently trying to put together from my very stuffed wardrobe (I like to consider myself a fashion collector but I think my mum might suggest I’m more of a hoarder). It has come to my attention that life is rather expensive and saving might be in order to fund these magic adventures I dream to go on. I recently watched a programme that enlightened me on the concept of joy in relation to your clothes and truthfully, it has given me an entirely new view on how I should approach my fashion organisation (in short, how I should approach not being a clothes hoarder). This beautiful lady Marie Kondo
Fashion show. Chaos, clothes everywhere, nice makeup ,flawless hair and probably tears at some point (that could just be me). It’s easy to relate all those problems to the idea of your own fashion show but I’m imagining a much smaller event involving only you and your collection of clothes, more suited for your mum to watch than Anna Wintour. Instead of analysing each item to debate whether you really want it or not, create outfits using the clothes that you have, and if an item isn’t suited to any other item it’s probably seen better days. If you’re really in the mood for an advanced catwalk collection, create different categories like ‘Going Out’, ‘Day trips’, ‘Working looks’ and then you are halfway to creating a look for nearly every occasion. The more you re-use the same item the better ( Mother Nature would be oh so proud of you).
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quality material and, in some more severe situations, polluting clean water due to their use of cheap, toxic textile dyes. Due to this, it is essential that any clothes that are in good condition continue their “life” and get re-used multiple times after they have left one owner. I am never ashamed to admit that I have found some sensational items in my local charity shop which have been affordable and come with the added benefit that you know you are helping reduce the environmental problems caused by other items of the fashion world.
The best thing to do after this immense organising process is to be even more productive and write a list of any items (keep it very short - no more messy wardrobes) that you think you’ll need to complete your wardrobe; this tends to be the basics that are essential to some key looks, maybe a black tee or some blue jeans. I wish I could say that I then tidy my room and light a fresh candle but that would be a lie. Regret usually comes in my mind at some point when I look at my clothes in charity shop bags. BUT you must fight it, not another thought must go towards them (those bright pink disco leggings will be loved my someone else, I swear on it).
In case you didn’t know I’ve become a bit of an accidental environmentalist which is working quite well alongside the fashion journalist part of myself (it’s like having Karl Lagerfeld and David Attenborough as your conscience, brilliant if you ask me).
On a more serious point, re-gifting your items is so environmentally important especially when the item is in beautiful condition. This could be as simple as passing it on to a friend or charity shop and as artistic as using the old fashion piece to make a newer product that you might go online and buy anyway. With fast fashion on the rise (hold tight for next month), teenagers and many others are buying a large percentage of their clothes on fast fashion websites that are often associated with bad
Make your own fashion shows this month and I dare you to create five different outfits from scratch. Maybe even use that old jumper you thought was never to see the light of day again. It really is the decade of fresh new looks.
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remembrances By Michael James
The start of every new year, means different things to different people. We have left behind the Christmas and New Year celebrations and, probably our new resolutions, and are preparing to meet what 2020 will bring. We may be looking forward to the year ahead or dreading it, with all that it might hold for us individually. To the children, it is yet another term in school. To the teenagers and older young people a time of school, college and university exams or the possibility of entering the full time work place (if they are lucky enough to find a job). The 'twenty to thirty somethings' may be starting married life and/or having children. Middle-aged folk may be coming up to retirement or trying to cope with redundancies. Those older still, may have health problems which might find them having to face long term hospitalisation or moving into care homes or coping with the loss of their husband or wife or partner. Who knows what is in store for us? One thing I know for sure is that, sadly, I will be attending funerals of people I have known and loved. Family, friends, neighbours and former work colleagues. This time of year seems to bring funerals almost weekly, even daily, and at my age attending these services seems to come around on a fairly regular basis. However, for me they are not a problem. Yes, they can be a time of sadness because of our own loss, but for our dearly departed I am certain that there is a wonderful afterlife awaiting them in heaven. I understand that others may not believe this, but no matter what we believe, the sadness and grief is often put to one side for, at least, the time of refreshments, or Wake, following the funeral service. Dressed sombrely in black from head to toe, our faces are soon wreathed in smiles as we chat avidly to people we may not have seen for some time, or at least since the last funeral. Please, I hope that I will not upset somebody who may have recently lost someone, that really isn't my intention. I am merely making a general observation on funerals I have attended over the years. The mood lightens with the older ones among us, myself included, who, in meeting up with old friends, generally start to reminisce about share experiences and happier times spent with each other. I vividly remember the first time I witnessed this happening. I was not young, probably in my mid-twenties. A cousin of my father had died and I was to drive my dad and his two brothers to the funeral in Newtown, Mid-Wales. We set off early for the four hour drive and when we got to Llandovery, one of my uncles remembered a pub in the town that served meals. We
Michael James - February 2020 page 1
stopped for a comfort break and to 'whet our whistles', while anticipating our meal, but the pub no longer served food. My uncle, using all of his considerable charm, soon had the landlord's wife going to the local butchers for four steaks which she then cooked for us with loads of chips. Fully fed and watered, we happily proceed to the funeral. The only problem was that having been delayed by our stomachs, we arrived at the Chapel just as the Service was finishing. Red faces and abject apologies soon gave way to smiles and roars of laughter as my dad, his brothers and their cousins, were happily reminiscing of their younger days together. All thoughts of late arrivals (very bad form) were quickly forgiven and forgotten. I have been to many funerals since then and, nearly always, the solemn mood of the occasions has been lifted by the wrong (different) form of remembrance as family and friends get chatting. For me it is usually school days, soccer and rugby matches both played or watched, especially those during the Six Nations games. It is almost as if the fact that someone has died, is such a sombre thought of our own immortality, that we tend to remember and clutch tightly onto our youth as we are transported back to happier times. Since November and into the start of this New Year, I have attended a number of funerals. The most recent was no exception to be reminded of old times, not of early family times or sporting prowess, but on this occasion, remembering National Service! National Service, what's that, I hear many of the younger readers asking? If you are of a certain age it will mean a great deal to you. A time of great pleasure or horror, depending on circumstances. Following the end of the Second World War (1939-1945), young men, attaining the age of 18 years were, 'conscripted' or 'drafted' into the Army, Navy or Air Force to serve their Country (UK) for a period of two years, a sort of volunteer defence force in case of aggression against the UK and it's Empire. There was indeed aggression, the Korean War; The Suez Campaign; the struggles for independence in Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland, all of them involving National Service men and where many of them were killed, injured and/or traumatised (before Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, was recognised). No wonder that many dreaded the 'Call-up' and tried to avoid it if possible and even when my own time came, if I could have avoided it, I would have done so. My conversation at the recent funeral brought back my own memories, indeed, as you read this in February 2020, it is 60 years since my 'demob' after serving two years in the Royal Air Force.
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Although I would have liked to avoid it, I didn't and despite my concerns, I really enjoyed myself. I was one of the lucky ones. After the usual, tough, eight weeks of basic training, or 'Square Bashing', nothing but early morning runs, endless drills and marching (yes, even in the RAF), we were subjected to countless medical examinations and injections to prevent us catching anything nasty, from whatever source. They even doctored our tea and coffee with something called Bromide for some unexplained reason, except to say that “it was for our own good!�. Then the luxury of a few days on home leave before going back for four weeks of training for whatever trade we had been allotted. Once again I was lucky, instead of one of the basic trades, I was to join, Air Traffic Control, part of the famous Fighter Command Group. I was pleased to be part of this but my joy turned to disappointment when, instead of being stationed at an operational airport, I was assigned to the Air Traffic Control Centre at RAF Barnwood, in Gloucester. Not as I had imagined, being in an elevated control tower directing the legionary Spitfires and Hurricanes from busy runways, but from within a small, brick built, windowless, office block, alongside an urban dual carriageway. Working in ATC, was considered to be a highly stressful occupation, especially as part of our tasks was to monitor the International Rescue, 'MAYDAY' call sign on it's special radio frequency. We worked in shifts, morning and evening the first day, then afternoon and nights on the second day, then three free days until our next shift. Yes it was busy, but those three days off were a bonus. As I was stationed in Gloucester, it was easy for me to hitch hike to Cardiff and then to my home in the Rhondda. I was home so
Michael James - February 2020 page 2
often that very few people knew I was in the RAF, On the days I didn't get home I usually played soccer at other RAF bases around the Country, including the RAF, Fighter Command Cup Final at St. Mawgan in Cornwall, which we lost 4-0. I always put our bad performance down to the fact that the pitch was alongside the taxiing runway which had a constant stream of jet aircraft roaring past. It was most unsettling to our players, but surely not intentional?? During the last year of my Service, I thought that I might see the world at the Government's (Your) expense and started to volunteer to go abroad as many others had done. I had dreams of Germany, the Middle-East, Singapore, Hong Kong or even the Caribbean as one of my friends, (who later became Lord Mayor of Cardiff) was lucky enough to be sent to. In desperation I even volunteered to go to Christmas Island but didn't get that either, which, in hindsight, was a good thing as we subsequently heard of the atom bomb trials there and it's effects on health. So my postings abroad was confined to being sent to England! We often hear it said that National Service should be brought back to bring pride, discipline and stability back to the 'unruly' youth of today. It might, especially if they enjoy their time in the Services as much as I did, but the huge cost of doing that, would, in my opinion, be better spent in providing the prospect of jobs for our young people. Leave the past, whatever it is, to the memory and reminiscences, for after the funeral occasions and have a good laugh. I sincerely wish you a long and happy life ahead so that you can look back on it with pleasure.
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