may 2019
CARDIFF TIMES FREE
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editors letter
cardiff times
Welcome PUBLISHER Cardiff Times Hi All, and welcome to our May issue.
EDITOR Louise Denning 07903 947594
April was a busier than usual month for Mark and I (if that’s possible!) for a number of reasons.
FEATURES EDITOR Mark Denning 07758 247194
Whilst trying to stay positive, it’s been a frustrating few months. Our son, as well as many others, has not been offered any secondary school place out of the five schools that we applied to. It’s time Cardiff Council stopped punishing children with their schools admission policy and adopted a sensible admission system.
SALES & MARKETING Beth beth@cardiff-times.co.uk
On a more positive note, our son will be celebrating his birthday this month. Not really sure where the last 11 years have gone but they seem to be coming around faster and faster.
CONTRIBUTORS
This month you really are spoilt for a choice with so much to read from our talented team of writers. They put in so much time to bring you a wealth of fun, showbiz news, agriculture (with a twist from Sarah John), writers block (which isn’t actually writers block after all) from Wyn Evans, and so much more.
Wyn Evans, Vince Nolan, Carl Marsh, Brett Salway, Sara John, Michael James, Molly Dutton, Natalie McCulloch
There’s also plenty to do in the city, especially now the weather is supposed to be getting warmer - please refer to the May Diary and Half Term Feature for some great ideas! We are lucky to have so much to do and see right across our wonderful city. Finally, an extremely proud parents alert! Our son played his first ever county cricket match last month and excelled, ending up as the leading wicket taker in the match. More importantly though, he played with a smile on his face, encouraged his team mates, and enjoyed the whole experience - what more could you ask for!
EDITORIAL
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ADVERTISING 07903 947594 EMAIL
info@cardiff-times.co.uk
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Until next month, happy reading.
Louise & Mark
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Your peaceful retreat Elm Grove is an award winning, family run Georgian country house – located just 3 miles from Tenby. Guests can experience a tasteful mix of period features combined with modern ameni es. There is private parking and complimentary wi-fi available throughout the house. $%ow available for in mate weddings and exclusive use& Rooms from £95 - £160 per night B&B
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May
CONTENTS FEATURES 14 May Diary
50 ‘And Another Thing…’ By Vince Nolan
18 So Awkward By Wyn Evans
56 Puzzle Mania
24 Beauty - His & Hers Travel Essentials
60 How Local Community Groups Are Helping In Many Different Ways
25 Top Beauty Picks This Month
By Michael James
64 Fashion Done Your Own Way By Molly Dutton
70 Books To Look Out For In May
28 “That Dog Has Got A Beard!” By Natalie McCulloch
32 “In The Words Of…” By Carl Marsh
40 Loving Lambing - Part 1
71 Puzzle Mania Solutions
By Sara John
72 Seeking Another Soulmate 45 Feature - Fun Things To Do In May!
By Sara John
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let’s rock wales 2019 A joyous annual celebration of all things pop and 80s, Let’s Rock is the UK’s leading retro festival series. In a festival scene dominated by the same names and themes, Let’s Rock offers something different: gloriously unpretentious non-stop fun where iconic pop names play hit after hit to a crowd of all ages. So far Let’s Rock has raised almost half a million pounds for children’s charities including Child Bereavement UK, The Wooden Spoon, and The Link Foundation.
Prepare to be entertained by many of the biggest stars of the era as Let’s Rock Wales hits Newport’s Tredegar Park on Saturday 1st June. With headliner Billy Ocean plus dozens of great acts including Tony Hadley, Go West, Nick Heyward, Midge Ure, Nik Kershaw, Jason Donovan, Heaven 17, Bruce Foxton’s From The Jam, The Real Thing, Altered Images, Toyah and many more it promises to be the biggest party in Wales this summer.
Let’s Rock is independently run and owned and not part of a larger festival or concert promotion company - it is a family-friendly festival; children can enjoy complimentary activities within the ‘Kids’ Kingdom’. For adults, there are multiple bars and a ‘Club Tropicana’ VIP area, plus of course the all-important posh loos.
The 2019 Let’s Rock headliners have sold over a quarter of a BILLION records between them! The festival has grown every year, with 2019 the biggest year yet in terms of audience (over 150,000 people, which is more than will attend Glastonbury Festival) enjoying the show across twelve locations, with brand new sites for Let’s Rock 2019 in Wales, Belfast, Essex and Liverpool.
Tickets for Let’s Rock Wales are available right now via https://letsrockwales.com/tickets/
COMPETITION! Cardiff Times is offering one lucky reader the chance to win 2 x fantastic VIP tickets to Let’s Rock Wales 2019. Head over to our facebook page www.facebook.com/Cardifftimes - to enter by answering the following question:
Let’s Rock 2019 festival goers will hear a slightly ridiculous 254 x UK Top 10 singles, including 33 x No.1 hits. Huge songs that defined the era, from ‘True’ to ‘Tainted Love’, from ‘Don’t You Want Me’ to from ‘When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going’.
How many No.1 hits will Let’s Rock 2019 Festival goers hear? T&Cs: all entrants must supply name, tel no & email address and will be notified of any win via email. Winner and guest will both be added to the Let’s Rock Wales guest list – no physical tickets will be sent. This prize is strictly non-transferable and cannot be resold or will be forfeited. Winner and guest will need to present photo ID at box office on the day to gain entry.
Every year a significant proportion of the Let’s Rock audience dress up in their finest 80s fashion! This year organisers are even offering a prize for the best retro outfit spotted at this year’s events. Further details can be found via the Let’s Rock App.
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Cardiff Care Home Opens Its Cinema For Dementia Café Visitors Dementia cafés offer a hub for people suffering from dementia and their carers to gather in a safe and caring environment to have light refreshments, and often enjoy entertainment or activities. Generally, run by volunteers as drop-in centres for a nominal cost, the cafés also act as a point to share information and support.
A Cardiff care home is opening up screenings in its fabulous cinema room to regular visitors of local dementia cafés. Staff and residents at Tŷ Llandaff, a private nursing, residential and respite care home in Pontcanna, will be welcoming visitors to share uplifting films with them every Friday afternoon (from 2.15pm) as part of a new initiative.
Tŷ Llandaff will be screening modern films and classic family favourites including The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia and The Sound of Music, all of which have feel-good storylines to help boost the mood, as well as the added benefit of a musical soundtrack which is known to help aid memory in people with dementia.
Tŷ Llandaff activities co-ordinator Melanie Geoghegan said: “We regularly visit local dementia cafés as our residents enjoy meeting other people, giving and receiving support from one another and they find getting out into the community is invaluable.
Melanie added: “Our residents really enjoy their film afternoons, and it will be really nice to see new faces here, to welcome them as friends and to give everyone the opportunity to socialise over a good movie.”
“We came up with the idea of hosting film screenings in our cinema room as a way of giving something back to the community to which we owe so much. We have such fabulous facilities at Tŷ Llandaff, such as the cinema room, and we hope visitors will enjoy visiting our home.”
For more information about Tŷ Llandaff call 02920 600 100, email info@ tyllandaffcare.com or visit www.tyllandaffcare.com
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Cardiff Tasting Tours run every Friday and Saturday from 10.30am – 2.30pm. This walking & tasting tour includes 7 tasting stops showcasing Welsh and Cardiff’s cosmopolitan food. Tastings include Welsh cheeses, cockles & laverbread, Welsh beers & cider plus much more. Along the way you will pass beautiful parks, majestic buildings & key landmarks including Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium. Loving Welsh Food http://lovingwelshfood.uk/join-our-cardiff-tours/
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Direct from the USA the international smash hit show New Jersey Nights comes to the UK as part of their world tour. The show is a spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and takes the audience on a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all times. From the back street studio in New Jersey where it all began, this vibrant production includes all of The Four Seasons greatest hits, Including Sherry, Rag Dolls, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man and so much more. New Theatre, Cardiff www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
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Join Flame Dance Studios for an afternoon of fun! Dance Party Cardiff will include dance lessons teaching hip hop, musical theatre, ballet and tap. As well as plenty of music, disco lights, glitter face paint and stickers tattoos, raffle, cake sale, and more! All money from this event will go to the charity Adoption UK, who provide a helping hand in supporting children and their adoptive families. Cardiff University Students’ Union www.cardiffstudents.com/ents/event/15445/
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Bill Kenwright’s wonderful production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical returns to the Centre. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door To Me and many more. Joseph and the Amazing TechnicolorŽ Dreamcoat was the first of Lloyd Webber and Rice’s musicals to be performed publicly. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay www. wmc.org.uk
What's on Diary - May 2019 page 1
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A night of comedy in Cardiff Castle’s 15th Century Undercroft presented by Little Wander, creators of the Machynlleth Comedy Festival. Lineup: Jordan Brookes / Tre Stewart / Gein's Family Gift Shop / Mike Bubbins Ages: Strictly 18+ Cardiff Castle www.cardiffcastle.com
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On your marks, get set, go? The larger-than-life sport that always leaves you entertained, Monster JamÂŽ, is returning to Principality Stadium to deliver an unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable experience for the whole family. Principality Stadium, Cardiff www.principalitystadium.wales/event/monster-jam/
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This year is the celebration of the Vale of Glamorgan Festival’s 50th anniversary. The festival brings the best of contemporary and new classical music from living composers to adventurous audiences from across Wales and internationally. We want to share the joy of listening and discovery with audiences who long to experience the new and progressive, and we champion the composers who are taking classical music into the future. Vale of Glamorgan Festival http://valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk/
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Following the release of his swaggering new single ‘Moves’ featuring Snoop Dogg, Olly Murs is back with a new album ‘You Know I Know’ and a 2019 UK May Arena Tour! ‘You Know, I Know’ is the follow up to ‘24HRS’ which Olly toured last year selling over 600,000 tickets across 24 sold out UK dates. Olly will be supported by Rak-Su Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
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The Kingdom Choir, known for their angelic and spellbinding performance at the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, will be touring the UK this spring. The Kingdom Choir are a unique group of seasoned and dedicated men and women delivering high quality performances time after time with their strong blend of choral discipline with the raw Gospel spiritual sound. St David’s Hall, Cardiff www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
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so awkward By Wyn Evans
...Thinks: “Now you’re just being silly. Why don’t you write about The Girl, your thirteen year old daughter, who happens to have Down Syndrome? Remember her? Of course I do, but she’s in Yorkshire with her Nanna and Grand-dad so I’m fresh out of up to date stories. Well, we did go to the seaside last week. We visited Penarth and had a nice time on the stones eating some mighty fine chips from a retailer half way along the pier. And we watched as one of the fishermen caught some sort of ugly eel thing. Oh and we met an ageing rocker there who used to be Shakin’ Stevens’s guitarist. He had on a worn, lived-in leather jacket, torn jeans and a thriving mop-top and certainly looked the part.”
...Looks at blank screen and thinks: “So this is what writer’s block looks like? Or do I mean what it feels like? Am I even a writer? I’m a typer surely? Doesn’t ‘writing’ involve a pen and paper?” ...Decides to look-up ‘write’ online using the Cambridge Dictionary: A1 [ I or T ] to make marks that represent letters, words, or numbers on a surface, such as paper or a computer screen, using a pen, pencil, or keyboard, or to use this method to record thoughts, facts, or messages ...Thinks: “By that definition I’m a writer all right – ‘computer screen’: check; ‘keyboard’: check. Ah, but surely a writer is someone who makes a living out off writing; someone the public will pay to read? Iris Murdoch, Sylvia Plath, Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Archer?!”
...There, that was our excitement. But it has helped me through the writer’s block. And now CBBC has come to my rescue. The Girl and I are watching a very funny programme called “So Awkward”. It’s about three early-teenage school girls, two ditto school boys, their teachers and parents. Simply,
...Decides to check online again: B1 [ T ] to create and record something, such as a book, poem, song, or computer program, on paper or on a computer ... “It doesn’t mention being reimbursed for one’s writing, let alone making a living from it, so maybe I qualify for writer’s block after all? What’s this? No mention of monthly columns for a local magazine, just “books, poems, or songs”. But I have published some of my Haikus (Haiki?!) in the magazine and Haiki (Haikus?!) are Japanese poems after all. And two published authors have encouraged me to find a publisher, one of whom has put me in touch with his own. So, result, I still qualify for writer’s block!” ...Still sits, contemplating blank screen, thinks: “Well that’s twenty minutes of my life I wont see again and I’m no further forward.” My pedantic streak chips in: “Never mind that, is it “writer’s block” as in one writer, any individual writer’s, MY particular block; or is it “writers’ block”, something pertaining to ALL writers at all times; or at least to ANY writer at some times?”
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CT Feature
it’s about adolescence, embarrassment, emotions, and misunderstandings. It’s been laugh-out-loud funny – for us both! It handles all these issues with a light touch and is really well acted by kids who look and probably are the same age as The Girl. It’s such a pleasant change from programmes based in dance schools in New York, or L.A.-based teenage romances that have all the depth and subtlety of a hammer to the head. And it is such an improvement on both the teen-cartoon-themed channels or programmes about witches, wizards and werewolves.
can be. The BIG attraction is not the phone and only partly the ability to text; instead, it’s Instagram and Snapchat. Long story short, we have banned Snapchat, which just seems as if it was created to encourage bullying and poor behaviour generally. Instagram we allow and have helped our daughter to set up her account. It seems to be full of teenagers flirting and posing but, didn’t we all back in the day (long ago as those days were in my case). And after watching ‘So Awkward’ and seeing my daughter’s age-appropriate reactions to its themes, I feel more relaxed about it all.
I’ve never really had to worry, until recently, about my daughter watching too much TV. She’s an only child and, like so many such kids, she is brilliant at making-up her own games and playing characters of her own invention. Of late, though, she has taken to calling-up You Tube on her mobile phone and iPad. Given the chance she will spend half a day watching Disney programmes or cartoons about spies. Naturally, we don’t allow her to do this very often but at least I understand now what other parents have been telling us about these past couple of years.
The only phone-related trouble The Girl has experienced was when her class was told to use their phones, during a lesson (science I think but I wouldn’t swear to it!), to research some fact or other. Instead she used it to phone her Nanna leading to its confiscation for the rest of the day. All I can say is that if kids are actually encouraged to use their phones during a lesson than caveat emptor, as it were. There! Writer’s block banished, blank screen filled, mission fulfilled. And as I type my closing thoughts to this wee article, I can report that The Girl just now ran from the living room to her playroom telling me that “I’m going upstairs to play my own ‘So Awkward’”. I’m not sure what she means but I can tell she intends making it fun and funny.
The next challenge rising over the horizon looks like being a battle over social media. We got The Girl a phone for her thirteenth birthday (pre-owned by a family friend). We thought she would want to use it to speak to or text with her friends. Of course, that just shows how out of touch parents
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Craniosacral Therapy brings about a eep state o rela a on This can help resolve problems such as back or neck pain, hea aches or any stress relate symptoms It can also help spee your recovery rom acci ent, opera on or illness
Craniosacral Therapy enhances health an well–being or more in orma on, contact !u y Clover RCST on 029 20 481844 or mail@ju yclover co uk www ju yclover co uk
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Stewart Greenberg Page page 1
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is pain-free hair removal possible? For many women, the summer sun means a season of continual hair removal, with constant waxing or shaving to ensure fuzz-free limbs. In fact, in a recent survey by market analysis company Mintel, 73% of women felt under pressure to remove body hair and only 8% had not de-fuzzed in the past year.
4: cool down afterwards
Mintel’s survey also shed light on the top areas for hair removal for women, with legs coming out top at 82%, followed by the underarms and bikini line. Even our upper limbs can be a source of concern with 15% of women wanting hair-free arms.
5: research the latest pain-free options
Chilled aloe vera lotion or ice packs can help cool down the treatment area after your session. At the Specialist Skin Clinic we also use air cooling devices which ensure minimum discomfort after laser hair removal procedures.
The Soprano laser system offers pain-free laser hair reduction and its latest award-winning device is the ICE Platinum which takes patient comfort to the next level. The hair follicles are heated very gradually, with no damage to the surrounding tissue. At the same time, the device utilises an innovative cooling technology called IN Motion® that cools the treatment area.
The drawbacks of waxing and shaving are well-known, with rashes, ingrown hairs and the constant cycle of hair regrowth to contend with, which is why more and more women are turning to permanent laser hair reduction. However, one concern that often holds women back is how painful it is likely to be.
It’s also quick; the large spot size of its 810nm wavelength means that the treatment can be performed in half the time.
5 tips on how to achieve a pain-free laser hair removal procedure:
So, if you’re sick of another summer of waxing or shaving, then it’s time to consider laser hair removal. And one of the many advantages of Soprano ICE Platinum’s trio clustered diode technology is that it can be performed on tanned skin, so you don’t have to wait until summer is a distant memory.
1: take some pain relief If you’re anxious about your procedure being painful, it can often be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as stress can affect your ability to regulate or perceive pain. Taking over-the-counter pain relief in advance can help to take the edge of and ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable during your procedure.
For more information or to book an appointment for pain-free laser hair removal, call the Specialist Skin Clinic on 02920 617690 or go to our website: www.specialistskinclinic.uk
2: ask about numbing cream A topical local anaesthetic cream can be applied to the skin prior to your procedure to numb the area, so speak to your practitioner, although the latest pain-free devices mean that this isn’t necessary.
3: avoid IPL Many patients who have had uncomfortable hair reduction experiences in the past, have actually undergone Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, which is often described as like the snapping of a rubber band. Individuals have differing pain thresholds and it often depends on the area being treated, but many patients find IPL very uncomfortable.
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“that dog has got a beard!” By Natalie McCulloch
Natalie, from Barry, decided to pen the charming children’s novel based on her four-legged pal, Buster, after recognising how much attention he got from interested passers-by who would frequently stop, stare and comment, “look that dog’s got a beard!” The value to Natalie of writing this was twofold, as not only does she get attention when she walks Buster, but also when she takes her son Ethan, who has Autism, out too. People stop and stare at her son when he’s having a ‘meltdown’ which is ‘an intense response to overwhelming situations’ (National Autistic Society, 2018). She wanted to turn both of these experiences into a positive.
I have a theory that when Ethel Merman wrote the toe tapping hit ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ (which was later brought to fame by the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen prefer Blondes’) she must have not been a dog owner. Why? Well, surely most dog owners will hopefully agree with the sentiment that dogs are far more fabulous friends to have and lovable companions for life, which is far more precious and unique than any stone! On the topic of canine companions being precious and unique, they don’t get much more precious or unique than Buster, otherwise known as the dog with the beard! Yes, you read that correctly+ Buster the dog is the proud owner of a rather endearing 7 inch long beard which generates rather a lot of attention as you can probably imagine! In fact, it’s brought him into the lime light on several occasions and he is now the subject of his very own book aptly named “That Dog Has Got a Beard!” thanks to his talented owner, Natalie.
Natalie told me, “People sometimes whisper and make negative comments about Ethan’s meltdowns, making us, as a family feel stressed, upset and isolated. In the book, I use Buster’s sadness when people comment about his difference, i.e. his beard, and he doesn’t know why people don’t like him! I then decided to turn this negativity into something positive, and say that it is ok to be different because that’s what makes you special and unique!” A very important message for everyone - fur or no fur! Thanks to a lot of skill, dedication and hard work, Natalie self-published her book with the main aims of raising awareness of the importance of accepting people’s differences, and promoting autism awareness and awareness of other hidden disabilities. But her mission of showing people that ‘its ok to be different’ hasn’t stopped there! Buster is now a much-loved visitor at residential homes, schools, toddler groups, libraries and even an NHS hospital, and has also appeared on various media outlets including ITV Wales News, Bro Radio and ‘New’ magazine! I can personally vouch for their benefit as they kindly visit the ward I work on in Llandough Hospital and the joy, stimulation and humour
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and Isobelle loves cooking with my mum. As an only child, I rely heavily on my parents for support. My husband is very good too but as the main bread winner he works full time. We don’t see his family very often and I have no one else to help. Still it’s made me very independent and strong!”
Buster brings to the patients (and staff!) is remarkable! His wonderful natural temperament and Natalie’s charming charismatic approach makes him the ideal candidate to be a PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog aimed at increasing positive experiences in a patient’s day. By seeing, stroking or discussing Buster, even the most disengaged or distressed of patients light up and often share fond memories of their past dogs or express elation at admiring or handling the dog now. Patients listen attentively as Natalie reads her book to them and is happy to answer any questions which arise, it’s like an escape from the realities of hospital for many I feel. It really is amazing how much ability a single dog and a dedicated owner has to make a huge difference to so many.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects over 700,000 people in the UK alone by influencing how people perceive the world and interact with others. Much more awareness, understanding and adaption is needed from society regarding the condition as well as support for those experiencing autism. Therefore, any help such as this, is beneficial. So, what’s next for Natalie and Buster?
In true best friend style, the pair help each other too! As mentioned earlier, Ethan, Natalie’s son, has Autism which sadly causes people to stare and comment at times. She says, “I don’t want people’s sympathy but I do want them to be aware of our struggles as a family and Ethan’s constant battle with anxiety and learning to socialise.” Having an Autistic child can be stressful, tiring and challenging at times, Natalie reports, which is where Buster comes in again. “I can walk Buster and at the same time relieve these stresses.”
“Obviously I would love to write more books about Buster and other children’s stories,” Natalie reports. “However, it is costly to self-publish and I don’t have the money to do so now. I really need a publisher or at least a sponsor! So, in the meantime, I hope to continue spreading the messages that it’s ok to be different alongside raising awareness of autism.” Sadly, we do seem to live in a world of comparison, stereotypes and adversity to difference. However, small steps such as this to bring awareness of the need to not only recognise but celebrate our differences are very important!
Natalie gave up her teaching career to focus solely on Ethan and his Autism. “I spent years securing the right help for him, from getting him a statement of SEN, to learning Makaton to communicate with him, to working with health care professionals to find the most suitable therapies and medicines for him. I don’t regret anything that I did and know that I am a good mother. I’ve also had to become a detective as you’re always looking for new and ingenious ways to help him with socialising, sleeping, eating, toileting etc. I never give up and will do anything for both my children, to secure their happiness. We’ve always tailored our lives to Ethan’s needs, taking him to quiet places when he was stressed and/or hyper, to encouraging his passion for canals and his narrow boat ‘’Mucky Duck”. He is involved with the canal and river trust and helps out with the locks at Brecon. Having, Isobelle meant that we had to stretch ourselves to make sure that she gets to do some of the things that she likes, which is why we spend a lot of time with my parents. Ethan goes fishing with my dad
If you would like to support Buster and Natalie’s mission to raise awareness of autism and help people celebrate their differences please checkout Buster’s Facebook page #thatdoghasgotabeard Or buy your very own copy of the book, “That Dog Has Got a Beard!”, which is available on Amazon UK and via Natalie’s online shop at www.thatdoghasgotabeard.com Make sure you recognise and celebrate all the wonderful things which make you, you and above all else remember: “Be yourself – everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde https://www.autism.org.uk/
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“in the words of…” By Carl Marsh
May, the month where the weather does improve and thanks to the summertime saving hour in April, the days are longer. I attended the press night of The Bodyguard at the Wales Millennium Centre and was blown away by the set and performances. My review is on my entertainment page. Due to holidays and a very close family bereavement, any events were minimal for me in April.
Interviews This month I had the good fortune to speak with Welsh musical superstar Katherine Jenkins, ahead of her concert at St David’s Hall. Also, I talked to Howard Jones and how I could not believe it’s been 35 years since his debut album was released, he too couldn’t believe it! He is also performing at St David’s Hall in May. Appearing at The Glee Club in Cardiff Bay is Britain's Got Talent finalist (in 2018) Micky P Kerr. This guy has used the platform that the entertainment show has given him to go on this UK tour. Surely a night to look forward to. Lastly, I got to speak to Ingrid Oliver, and she stars in the Hollywood blockbuster starring Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway that is called The Hustle. It is a remake (of sorts) of my go-to comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which initially starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. Ingrid also appeared in Doctor Who as Petronella Osgood, a fan favourite.
I did get to watch a new series on Netflix called Black Summer, where you can see my review also on the entertainment page. It’s escapism for the hardened horror fan, addictive and breathtaking. Worthy of a viewing - just don’t turn the lights out! Two books sent to me for review, which I did enjoy. Cardiff & The Valleys At War 1939-1945 by Gary Dobbs - Pen and Sword - £12.99 and Celestial Geometry by Ken Taylor - Watkins Publishing - £16.99. The former will be of interest to anybody that resides or did reside in the Cardiff and surrounding areas. It is a fascinating offering of how life was like during the Second World War for those that didn’t even go to the distant battlefields, as these battlefields were at home, thanks to the German bombing campaign. The last book is more of an interest for those that want to know more about places like Stonehenge and why they are, well, ‘why they are just there!’.
Local Mentions Sadly, I didn’t get to attend anywhere to eat/drink locally this month, apart from the Wales Millennium Centre, which does Wales proud, and even more so for the UK. It is a beautiful venue, to even walk around it, both inside and out is a joy in itself. I can’t speak highly enough of the place. St David’s Hall also ticks all of the right boxes, and so does The New Theatre; we are spoilt for venues here in Cardiff. There are many more that I can mention, and I will do, once I’ve had the pleasure of visiting them all to review in the coming months, such as The Principality Stadium and The Motorpoint Arena.
I did get to meet my British actor hero at the airport, which has made my month of May the best. James Norton, and what a lovely chap he is too. Taller than me, which makes a change as most always appear tall on the screen but seldom are in real life. James is around 6ft. We even asked his actor girlfriend Imogen Poots to take the picture. My error in not realising who she was until afterwards!
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it. For example, when I got the record deal in the first place, my mum and I, we did not believe it. Even though I'd signed the contract, Mum and I were like, "Things like this don't happen to people from Neath." It was almost like it was going to be taken away at some point. I didn't know anybody at all in the music business, and it felt like a dream. There are still times where it feels like, and I'm sure you heard me then when I said I have 13 albums. I'm quite shocked that it is 13 albums. When I look back to the first, I was so excited to be making one that it never, ever crossed my mind that I would be able to make them 15 years into the future.
On Tuesday 7th May 2019, Katherine Jenkins performs at St David’s Hall in Cardiff, Carl Marsh chats to her in advance. Carl Marsh: Can I ask what your reasoning was behind the tracks you chose for this new album? Katherine Jenkins: It's been four years since my last album came out and a lot has changed in that time. I was just married when the last album came out. Two children since. I just felt in a very different place. Making music that felt very sensible and settled and happy. I thought that was a really nice feeling to take into the studio. It wasn't really about making a showy album, and I didn't feel I had anything to prove. I think that's also probably just from being so settled. I just wanted to make an album that was really emotional, that opened my heart. Intimate and personal. Things that moved me. I hope that if they moved me, and that came across the music, then it would help to take the listener on a journey as well.
Carl: You're not complacent then? You still wake up every day thinking, "I'm fortunate," to be where you are? Katherine: Yes. I honestly still feel so lucky that people still want to come to the concerts and when people come up to me in the supermarket and say nice things. I always take that as just a massive compliment and don't expect it to be something that always happens. It's down to people that go out and buy the album, and support me in that way. You can't ever take that for granted.
Carl: I guess being a new parent must have been one of the biggest influences? Katherine: Yes. I think it was a mix of things. Being a parent and realising all the beautiful things that come with that. Also, songs like Jealous of the Angels that make you think about people you've lost, like, in my case, my dad. I believe that there's quite a strong and spiritual sense to the album. That's because I learnt to sing in church but also, in recent years, becoming a presenter on Songs of Praise. That's brought my faith forward. I've met so many wonderful people who I've just been quite inspired by in terms of what they worship in different ways. It's not just about being in church. There are various ways that they fit that into their modern lives. I found that really interesting. I guess that's really why the album's called Guiding Light because it's lots of different things I feel are guiding me along a path. Carl: Will you be singing songs just from the new album on the tour? Katherine: Not just from the new album. There will be at least four songs or something from the new album. I always find that with me I'm not allowed to go on tour and then not include some of the most favourite and requested songs. There will be the ones that people always ask me to sing and some from the past, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but 13 albums. It won't be just from this new album. Carl: You've had so many albums, and you are so popular but what does it feel like to be Katherine Jenkins? Katherine: It sounds like somebody else. The weirdest thing is that I've often felt quite removed from
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routine, once everyone has seen it, you can't use it again. You've got to keep producing that quality as well. I have had a little bit of that experience because I've been on Britain's most prominent TV entertainment show and kind of lost 10 minutes of what I used to use in my 20-minute sets in the clubs. I've replaced that, but it took me a couple of months. I managed to get there, but you feel like I don't want to keep doing that material because if people have heard it, then it's not funny anymore because they know the joke. Carl: It's true! I'm not naming names but one comedian I did see live, then when I saw him on TV and a few other things, it was the same material, just regurgitated I'd have to say that I was just-Micky: It's disappointing isn't it? Carl: Yes, I was disappointed. Micky: I've done it myself where I've watched a comedian and seen some of their routine, seen them live, and they've done the routine, and I've felt a little bit cheated, so I try to make sure I don't do that. I've got one small joke, one joke that I've used in Britain's Got Talent that I do use on stage, but I disguise it quite well. The rest I've left out because you want to give people value for money. I like to surprise people, and building tension and breaking tension is part of the comedy as well. You can't build tension if people know what's coming, so I try to surprise people. I'm massively looking forward to doing it. It's a dream as a stand-up doing a UK tour, and that's why I went on Britain's Got Talent. I can't wait to get started really. I'm doing the Glee Club. I love doing the Glee Club in Cardiff, it is a great club, and I've been down there a few times.
Britain’s Got Talent’s Micky P Kerr had us all laughing with his performances last year. He talks to Carl Marsh ahead of his performance at The Glee Club on Sunday 5th May 2019. Carl Marsh: Would you say that of all the comedians, Bill Bailey has been a significant influence to you? Micky P Kerr: Yes, I think so because I've seen Bill Bailey a couple of times. I believe we are quite similar in the sense that we're musical comedians, but it's not all just about music. There's a lot of stand-up in there as well. If I can be half as successful as Bill Bailey, then I'll be like “Wow, what an amazing career I will have had”. He is an inspiration because he's been a trailblazer and he's got that unique style that only Bill Bailey can do. I'm happy to be put in the same bracket as Bill Bailey. I think he is an influence just because he's someone that's doing what I'm doing and he's incredibly good at it. He's somebody I look up to.
Carl: I know you've been doing the comedy for a few years now but what has prepared you best for it? Micky: I was a musician for a long time. I did a lot of comedy on the music circuit for a good ten years before I even entered comedy. I used to do the spoken word which prepared me for public speaking. I always did comedy songs at the end of my set and then gradually the comedy took over. Then I left speaking altogether and trained as a teacher for two or three years. That in itself is public speaking, just to a different age demographic. I think all that had contributed to the fact that when I started in comedy, I had quite a lot of stage confidence because I'd been doing it for a long time, I knew it was more learning the craft of how to be a comedian rather than how to be on stage, I had that nailed.
Carl: With your writing for the show, is that all just yourself or have you got somebody else with you? Micky: Yes, it's just me that does it. I think for most comedians it's just them but the big boys, I think, when they start their stadium shows do get a bit of help. It's just a weird thing about comedy. If you write a great
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Ingrid: I did languages at university. I did not do French though. I found that too hard. I did German and Italian, but I do speak a bit of French. I've got quite a good ear for accents. I think because I've been brought up in lots of different countries, I quite enjoy doing it. French is hard. I’ve watched Call My Agent on Netflix, which is in French. Carl: Yes. I know it. Ingrid: Have you seen it? Carl: I have seen parts of it. It's quite funny. [laughs]. Ingrid: Yes, it's funny. I watched this and another French show, it's called The Spiral, I think?!
Starring in The Hustle alongside Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson, which is in cinemas in May 2019, Carl Marsh speaks to actor Ingrid Oliver about her character Inspector Andre.
Carl: Spiral. Yes. Ingrid: Yes, and because that was a French detective and I thought to start channelling a bit of that quite sleek and greasy French detective [laughs]. It's just very different from Anton Rodgers.
Carl Marsh: You’re appearing in a remake of the film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which I have seen about 50 times, and it’s called The Hustle.
Carl: How did you prepare for this role? I mean now you are playing the French detective in this. How have you prepared for it, because you have not done anything like this before, have you?
Ingrid Oliver: Really? Carl: - Yes, it is my ‘go-to-comedy’, you can't beat a bit of Steve Martin’s character Freddy pretending to be ‘another’ character called Ruprecht who is running around banging saucepans on his head now can you?
Ingrid: No, just learning lines and that's it. No, I haven’t (laughs).
Ingrid: [laughs]. I've seen it (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) also many times. I am a big fan of it because I'm a big Steve Martin fan, it's one of the best.
Carl: No, I know that I mean for the French accent, how did you prepare for this actual role for this film? Ingrid: Well, no, as I said, I just watched different French programs trying to, and also just because I wanted to be able to, I just wanted to refresh my French. It's improvising what's called for. Which it was a couple of times actually, so I wouldn't be caught out, and I'd be able to speak a bit of French if need be. Apart from that, you can't prepare that much apart from the acting part, because they improvise quite a lot. Rebel improvises quite a lot. So, you have to be able to play with the flavour and have a rigid idea of what you're going to do.
Carl: How do you think it compares to the original? Ingrid: I'm playing the Anton Rodgers part (Inspector Andre), and it's very different, but it's still very sort of sleek. It's the same story, just told with new female leads and that shouldn't matter. It doesn't make a difference. It's two brilliant performers, sisters thinking that you can take it, so yes, it does. Carl: Is it a carbon copy of the original storyline or does it go in a different direction or is it something you just got to watch and see? Ingrid: It's a carbon copy in a sense that, yes the main storyline is the same, but it's not trying to go word for word. I re-watched it (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) again and (the) Anton Rogers (character), his accent is a proper comedy French, and I made the decision not to do that, and make it feel like a slightly more modern take on the (original) film. I sound, believably French [laughs]. I do anyway, and I get to wear very nice suits. Suits sleeker than Anton Rodgers. Carl: Do you speak French?
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Appearing at St Davids Hall on Sunday 26th May 2019, Howard Jones chats to Carl Marsh.
Carl: I've been listening to your latest album Transform, and it sounds so fresh. Without being disrespectful, it seems like you've just appeared on the scene as a new talent that is, albeit one that is, and am I correct in saying 64?
Carl Marsh: Am I correct in saying that this new tour is going to be about the new album Transform and your first album, Human’s Lib?
Howard: Yes, 64. Howard Jones: Yes, I’m structuring it so it'll be like one song from the heritage section and then one new one. We've gone back to all the songs I've chosen from the catalogue and revisited some of the sounds to bring them more in line with the new album. Without losing the essence of the song of course, but I am just beefing up some of the sounds and adding some extra things in there. I've tried to tie the old and the new together. I think I've managed to do it; we'll see how it works out when we play.
Carl: I love The One to Love You. I've listened to it about 20 times. Howard: Oh, great. Oh, brilliant. Oh, that's fantastic. Honestly, I'm so thrilled that you like it. That's why I do it. I hope people are going to like it, but you don't know. The fans wanted me to do another synth record, electronic record. They weren't demanding it from me or anything, but there were subtle hints going around [laughs], so I thought yes, it's time for me to do that again and really go for the synth-based electronic record and really work on the sound so that they sound fresh and up to date, and just go for it.
Carl: Can you believe that it's 35 years since your first album Human’s Lib came out? Howard: [laughs] No, I can't. How did that happen?!
Carl: You'll get new fans plus you'll please fans who have been there from the beginning like myself. I'm 45, so I know your music from when you first came out. You worked with BT on this album, didn't you?
Carl: [laughs] It must have flown by? Howard: Yes. A lot of stuff during that time, it's been great. What I'm surprised at is that I'm still as passionate about it as I was when I started. I don't know how I managed that. I'm as excited about this new record and the tour as I've ever been about new stuff. It's worked out well.
Howard: I made three tracks with BT. The first one you already mentioned The One to Love You, and then Transform and At the Speed of Love. Carl: I was going to say that it would have been Tin Man for some reason. Okay. That's interesting. Howard: Yes Tin Man's almost like the odd one out, I think, in the album. It's supposed to be a little bit awkward sounding because it's the robot man, the tin man is trying desperately to be a human being, and he can't do it. He can't get there. It's a bit of a weird and slightly awkward thing. Carl: Mother is another track on the album, it sounds a lot different than the other songs. Are there personal reasons of why you wrote that one? Howard: Yes, that's right. My mom's passed away now. Four of five years ago she passed away, and I've wanted to write a song for her, and about her, for a while. It had to settle before I could approach it. It was really difficult to write. All the fantastic memories of her but that's what the song is meant to do. I'm hoping that I'm writing it on behalf of lots of people who'll be listening to it and the way they feel about their mother, whether the relationship was amazing or not. I wanted to sing about that raw emotion that we feel towards our mothers. I still find it difficult to listen to even now. It's maybe one of the most powerful songs that I've written. I owe it to her really. Her spirit was amazing.
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CT Feature
devastation that occurred. Containing over 50 original and modern-day pictures, it depicts a time that nobody would ever wish to have to endure again. The courage of Welsh society at the time was so strong during this period. This is the type of book that should be given out to school children, to educate them of how tough life has been, to never take anything for granted. Times were hard during the Second World War, and for many years after, that I don’t think anyone that hadn’t lived through it, would ever comprehend or fully understand them. This book allows a glimpse into forgotten times that must ‘never’ be forgotten. (Five Stars)
Entertainment Reviews TV Black Summer (Netflix - available now) Not for the faint of heart but seeing as so many of us watch The Walking Dead and other shows of the same genre, this new addition for the horror fan ticks all of the right boxes. The series, which is produced by the same production company behind Z Nation, which is a light-hearted tongue-in-cheek funnier version of The Walking Dead. Black Summer couldn’t be any further apart from Z Nation. The long camera shots, which seemed to go on forever and over huge filming locations just added to the suspense. At times I had to pause and rewind only to marvel at how fit the camera operatives must have been to film while running ahead or behind the actors. This series is a fast paced horror of the highest order. What it lacks in character development, it makes up for in action and thrills. I watched all eight episodes over two nights of viewing; it’s addictive. This is one series that I am highly expecting Netflix to continue making. (Five Stars - I have seen the whole season)
Theatre The Bodyguard - Wales Millennium Centre. Being the musical production of The Bodyguard, which closely follows the plot of the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Starring as Rachel Barron is Alexandra Burke, she who won The X-Factor, so her impeccable voice is never questionable but can a great singer act?! Yes, she can, and that means both serious and comedic, timings were spot on too. She portrays the character of Rachel who initially has a very cold personality but then the character Frank Farmer (Benoît Maréchal) enters as her professional and protecting bodyguard, she starts to change. The scene in the karaoke bar was funny, the atypical example of a person singing, badly. The only sore point for me was in the same scene when you had a trio of ladies singing, they were attempting to sing poorly but were in-fact good singers. Perhaps using bad singers, to sing badly would have been better, just an observation.
Literary Celestial Geometry by Ken Taylor - Watkins Publishing - £16.99 - Paperback To give the full title of this book, it is Celestial Geometry: Understanding the Astronomical Meanings of Ancient Sites. The night sky has always offered guidance for as long as the history goes back for the human race. And this guidance led to the creation of many sites around the world dedicated by cultures to the skies. Sites such as Stonehenge and Teotihuacán in Mexico are now where structures remain, but this book explains how their sightlines relate to midwinter or midsummer sunrise. It’s very detailed, perhaps more, so that will make the majority of us re-read individual bits so that it sinks in! If you have an interest in astronomy or ancient astronomy or even just an interest in our ancient past, then this richly illustrated and (very) informative book is for you. (Four Stars)
If you can only get to see one musical this year, then this is the one!
Literary
( The full review can be found here www.cardiff-times.co.uk/blog/ ) (Five Stars)
Cardiff & The Valleys At War 1939-1945 by Gary Dobbs - Pen and Sword - £12.99 - Paperback Not that long ago, and for some of us whose parents and grandparents had to live through the Second World War years, it wasn’t all about the distant battlefields, it did impact on those living in the UK. This book, as the title says, tells all about how the German bombers damaged Cardiff & The Valleys, and the
Thank you all for reading, see you next month, and do feel free to contact me on Twitter @InTheWordsOf_ or Facebook @InTheWordsOf
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loving lambing - part 1 By Sara John
The slower pace of life in the countryside is also annual, cyclical and really, unchanging. Residents, visitors, ramblers and many others come and go. Neighbours of ours who had completed a house conversion on very old farm buildings could not wait to move in to their new home. When they did move in they quickly realised they were not alone. Their buildings had been homes, seasonal or permanent, to many generations of varied species over centuries, and the insects, beetles, small rodents and the rest had no intention of making any other arrangements. They were there first.
Living in rural Pembrokeshire some years back exposed us to experiences that we did not know of and, unless we had been on the spot there and then, at that moment in time, we would never have had the tales to tell. Andrew, my husband, and I went on our first ‘march’ and ‘demonstration’ against the MOD’s plan to undertake night testing of weapons, in the middle of Britain’s only coastal National Park, in the middle of the precious, short tourist season, despite the National Park’s claim to promote tranquility. Can you believe that? Our demonstrations, and those of many others, were eventually successful. The peace that passes all understanding remained.
The most memorable challenge and adventure for us, however, was having tack sheep from a farm high in the Brecon Beacons, to stay through the winter months. In those years our woolly visitors were delivered each September and collected again at the end of March. (See ‘Keep Sheep’ by Sara John Cardiff Times April 2019).
We attended local country shows where permitted, to pet and stroke magnificent soot black sheep competing there, and came away from the show ground with Cherry Blossom boot polish covered hands, clothes and car seats! The sheep had their heads and hooves extra blackened with boot polish for the competition!
One particular year, as usual, twenty four ewes were delivered, quickly settled in, and eagerly got down to the business of scrunching up big mouthfuls of pure, organic Pembrokeshire grass. Their owners, Mr Davies and his wife Blodwyn, prior to returning to their farm in Breconshire, chatted to us for a while; we watched and admired the animals and listened to any bits of useful advice from the owners.
I cuddled small ginger squealing piglets with curly tails. Total joy. We lost the competition with a wonderful selection of birds in our orchard who were always earlier than us, not in catching worms, but gobbling up our soft fruits the moment they were ripe enough to eat.
“Oh! I have got to tell you,” explained Mr Davies as they were getting ready to leave, “this year it’s a bit different, all the ewes, as far as we can tell are pregnant.” He went on, “It is too expensive to have them scanned, you see, as we have over five thousand sheep, but we reckon Rameses the tenth has done a good job, he loves his work.” At that news, I had a lot of ‘townsperson’s questions’ but, for once, I decided I could question Google!
The badgers, after carefully rolling back the net designed to prevent such thefts, helped themselves to the rather expensive crocus and snowdrop bulbs that Andrew planted as a ‘sort of welcome to Spring’. But, as I learned more about country ways from our neighbours and friends, I was able to encourage the badgers to drop by each evening at dusk – they never came a moment sooner – for their supper. I was advised to make granary bread sandwiches with bramble jelly jam, provide custard creams and small pieces of apple to finish. They came to the same spot in the garden under the window every evening and provided more moments of privileged bliss.
“Oh!” I exclaimed, “Lambs! I would be delighted to look after them.” “No, no, no,” said Blodwen, “we will have the ewes back to Brecon in early March in good time.” Her husband added, “If you really want to help, come back with them and stay with us. Some of the mountain ewes won’t come down to the farm to lamb, you have to go up to them to make sure they are alright. You won’t sleep for three to four weeks though. It is non stop.”
The cats brought indoors many examples of local wildlife including golden harvest mice, frogs of all sizes, the odd small toad, and the fastest of the lot, little shrews. None were harmed, many were frightened but were always returned to the far edges of the surrounding fields where they would smell the fresh air and go bounding off in the direction of their homes to tell their families about their lucky escapes.
By December that year, however, everything began to change. It was joy but later, also deep concern. There were reports on the news and in the papers of an
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CT Feature
out-break of Foot and Mouth disease in England. And worse, stories of the severe methods that the government had to introduce in order to attempt to contain it.
Saint Agnes, (Patron Saint of sheep and shepherds) and, oh, mention my name.” I did as bid and next day there was an advertisement in the Western Telegraph from the Min. of Ag. Unbelievable! They were running One Day Courses on Lambing for people like myself. Towntypes, eager to help but fairly useless, not much good to anyone, That was me to a tee shirt. More prayers of thanks, booked my place, noted where and when.
The huge worry for farmers and small-holders all around the countryside was if and when the emergency which was unfolding, would eventually reach them. One of the controlling measures was that animals could not be moved across roads, but could only be moved to adjacent fields. Also, if there was a problem that required a vet, they had to come to you, you could not move any animals. There were antiseptic barriers at farm gates of disinfected straw bales. Everyone had to disinfect their footwear, vehicles and kit every time they crossed a boundary.
How could Saint Agnes have moved so quickly? A sort of miracle I decided, I went out to tell the sheep, they were not really interested, had never heard of the Min. of Ag. and probably thought it best if I did NOT go on any course. “A one day course!” I heard them baa-ing to each other, “But it takes a lifetime! Best to leave us alone, we are all lady Welsh Mountain sheep after all, we are not tups (rams in townspeak) nor twp (daft in wenglish).”
As the year turned the sheep were getting bigger, thriving in a milder climate, happy and contented, but bigger and bigger. We prayed that the Foot and Mouth emergency would soon be over and that the expanding ewes would be collected in good time for their confinements. That was not to be. As the problems continued however, thankfully, the government’s stringent measures to contain the spread appeared to be working. But the rules, rightly, remained in place for the time being.
There were ten of us on the course, eager and early with notebooks and pens at the ready, all of us from “built up areas” “from Away” and, even from Cardiff! But all now living in Pembrokeshire: we were all mothers ourselves, equally excited and anxious. The young vet who was running the course arrived in wellies, wearing an immaculate white coat and carrying an 18 inch cubic cardboard box with a black bin liner gaffer-taped around a hole in the side of the box about 6 inches in diameter. It took us a while to work out what this was for; he explained that he normally brought a pregnant ewe to these courses but, obviously could not do so at this time because of the emergency.
Help was promised from neighbours, but the ones who were experienced in sheep matters all had enough to do with their own animals. I confided in my friend, Margaret, that I was worried to death, in particular because all our ewes were to be first time mothers with no experienced mother sheep in the flock to help. “Oh!” she said, as quick as a flash, “I’ll come and help.” I asked her if she had much experience of lambing. “Well, yes in a way,” she replied, “I never miss the Archers.”
His opening remarks are still loud and clear inside my head. “The ewes are all Welsh Mountain Sheep – black faced or otherwise. They lamb well. They are strong and hardy. If you can – and - please remember this bit, - leave them alone!” He went on, “They have been living out on the Welsh hills for thousands of years giving birth every year to strong lambs. Leave them be, do not go out and poke them and suggest they get on with it just because it is getting late at night, and you cannot wait any longer!”
I realised my own experience was equally thin. As a young teenager I had held Fluffy’s paw when she had her kittens. When I had my own son years later, in the ‘sixties, in Glossop Terrace which was then part of Cardiff Royal Infirmary, the entire process seemed to be nothing to do with me. I was surrounded by wonderful professionals, bleeping equipment and people in starchy clothes who knew what they were doing.
We all looked at each other, each thinking, ‘Oh. I would never do that’, and wiggled a bit in our seats and looked cautiously up to hear what was coming next. It was clear that the young vet knew we were more of a problem for him than a field of pregnant ewes.
Then, following a telephone conversation with one of the Brothers living in the Abbey on Caldey Island regarding another matter, I sought his support, from a distance of course, on the pressing concern of caring for twenty four pregnant ewes who, it would seem, would shortly be lambing in our care. Brother Gildas already had the answer. “Pray”, he advised, “Ask for
Look out for Part Two of “Loving Lambing” in next month’s edition.
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02920 225656 07908 139716 richard@we-bridge.co.uk 42 42
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Cardiff Times Cardiff Times
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Fun Things To Do In May! Better Leisure Discover Air-Venture – Cardiff’s giant inflatable obstacle course for ultimate family fun this Half term. When it comes to finding the perfect place for the kids to burn off some energy, Air-Venture ticks all the boxes! They can bounce, climb, slide, jump and crawl their way over Cardiff’s newest giant inflatable obstacle course, blending action-packed activity with a fun way to get fit. But it’s not just young ones that can get bouncing - our giant inflatable assault course is for everyone from age 5 to 95! With special sessions for under 5’s and their grown-ups, and brilliant birthday party packages, too. So, whatever the weather, head to Air-Venture in Cardiff for the ultimate in inflatable family fun this May Half Term. Spaces are filling up fast so pre-booking is advised. Visit www.better.org.uk/western-inflatable to pre-book your space today!
Urdd Eisteddfod The Urdd National Eisteddfod is a family friendly six-day event which will be held this year in Cardiff Bay 27 May – 1 June 2019. During the week, 15,000 children and young people will come together to compete in various competitions from singing, acting and dancing to art, cookery and creating apps. As well as the competitions, there will be activities for the whole family including sport sessions, children’s shows, live music and over 80 stalls offering activities and selling a range of goods. Performances will continue into the evening with concerts and shows showcasing local and national talent. With its exciting arts and science pavilions and the Cwtch Cymraeg, a resource for Welsh learners, it’s a brilliant opportunity to spend a day with the family in a unique Welsh atmosphere. This year, there will be free entry to the grounds so come along to see what the Urdd has to offer. Please note that over 18s will need to purchase wristbands to watch the competitions. Wristbands are available now from the WMC www.wmc.org.uk/urdd-national-eisteddfod-2019 / 029 2063 6464. Under 18s don’t need wristbands and there will be no charge for competitors (under 25 years). Website: www.urdd.cymru/eisteddfod Facebook: www.facebook.com/EisteddfodUrdd Twitter: @EisteddfodUrdd
The Royal Mint Experience Unlock 1,100 years of history at The Royal Mint Experience! Go behind the scenes to follow the journey of a coin from a blank to a bank in their 45-minute guided factory experience followed by a self-guided interactive exhibition. As part of your tour, grab the opportunity to strike your very own coin. Ever thought you would have the chance to hold a Gold Bar? You can lift a 400oz Gold Bar in our temporary exhibition, celebrating 50 years of The Royal Mint in Llantrisant. This half term you can join our Knight school where you will learn to sword fight and plan battle tactics! You can find full event details on our website. Tour tickets and Activity bookings can be made by calling us on 0333 241 2223 or by visiting our website royalmint.com/experience
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Cyflymu’r broses o ddysgu iaith yr haf hwn Mae Prifysgol Caerdydd yn cynnig cyrsiau rhan-amser sy’n cael eu cynnal yn y dydd a gyda’r nos ar gyfer pobl leol. Yr haf hwn, rydym yn cynnal cyrsiau iaith sy’n digwydd o leiaf dair gwaith yr wythnos i’ch galluogi chi i ddysgu’n gyflym, sy’n berffaith os ydych yn dymuno gloywi hen sgiliau ieithyddol er mwyn mynd ar wyliau neu deithio gyda’ch gwaith. Mae cyrsiau ar gael ar amrywiaeth o lefelau, o ddechreuwyr hyd at lefelau uwch, sy’n cynnwys: Tsieinëeg, Ffrangeg, Almaeneg, Eidaleg a Sbaeneg. I lansio ein cyrsiau, a gaiff eu cynnal rhwng mis Mai a Gorffennaf, rydym am roi cyfle i chi ennill cwrs iaith dros yr haf - ewch i’n gwefan i gael manylion. Gallwch ymrestru ar gyfer y cyrsiau hyn ar-lein. Os nad yw’r dyddiadau hyn yn gyfleus, cofiwch y byddwn ni’n cynnig ystod eang o ieithoedd ar lefelau gwahanol o fis Medi ymlaen. Addysg Barhaus a Phroffesiynol, Prifysgol Caerdydd, 21-23 Ffordd Senghennydd, Caerdydd, CF24 4AG 029 2087 0000 www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/summer-languages
Accelerate your language learning this summer Cardiff University provides part-time courses that are scheduled in the daytime and the evening for local people to attend. This summer we are running language courses which take place at least three times a week to enable you to learn at a rapid pace which is perfect if you want to brush up rusty language skills for a holiday or travelling for work. Courses are available in a range of levels from beginners to more advanced including: Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish. To launch our courses, which will be taking place between May and July, we’re giving you the opportunity to win a summer language course, visit our website for details. You may enrol online for these courses. If the dates are not convenient please remember we will be offering a wide variety of languages at different levels from September. Continuing and Professional Education, Cardiff University, 21-23 Senghennydd Road, Cardiff CF24 4AG 029 2087 0000 www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/summer-languages
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The perfect place to discover thousands of unique items not found on the high street! Also on site are: CafĂŠ Florist Tarot Card Reader Reflexologist
Antiques, Retro, Mid Century, Modern Furniture, vintage clothing, jewellery, toys and more. Over 45 Traders. A quirky and eclectic mix. www.thepumpingstation.cardiff.co.uk 02920 221 085 Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF11 8TT
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Cardiff based company Gateside Developments is very quickly establishing itself as an upcoming market leader, setting high standards in residential construction and interiors. In a world of cowboy builders, it is refreshing to hear of the absolute pride taken in providing an exceptional service to those of us who just want people we can trust when building or improving our home. The company owner, Tom Creed said: “Gateside was born from the recognition that typical service levels within the construction industry can often be substandard. Our team's combination of trade and corporate world experience affords us the right knowledge and understanding to build a business focused on customer service, quality, trust and exceptional communication to provide the peace of mind solution that our clients deserve.”
Gateside clients, Siobhan & Josh said: “Tom and the Gateside team were nothing but professional from start to finish. Of particular note was the excellent communication, and the personal pride that Tom clearly takes in every job he and his team do. Tom visited us really promptly after our initial enquiry, and this was quickly followed up by a detailed quote. As perfectionists ourselves, we really appreciated Tom’s eye for detail for the whole project. He even warned us in advance of potential problems that might arise (something none of the other builders mentioned). It meant that there were no hidden costs or surprises through the build. The team on site were friendly and helpful, and did a lovely job. Tom was heavily involved throughout and was proactive with getting on top of outstanding jobs and paperwork. We genuinely trust Gateside Developments. They provide a great service, and would highly recommend them.”
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“And Another Thing…….”
By Vince Nolan
aleksandr solzhenitsyn’s toilet paper
coal-face as usual. I had a look at the Ladies Board and was pleasantly surprised to learn that women had been members of this particular club since 1905 which of course pre-dated the 1918 Representation of the People Act granting some women the right to vote in parliamentary elections for the first time. However, closer inspection of the gilded names revealed that any married lady who had either captained the Club or had achieved Club Champion status was listed by their husbands name: Mrs Trevor Harris or Mrs Brinley Davies for example, which was no doubt convention at the time, but nonetheless disappointing. However, fear not lady readers, I was extremely amused and gratified when my eye was drawn to 1922 when Mrs T.Watts Thomas was made Captain and probably had the last laugh over the menfolk, or her husband at least.
There’s a title you won’t see every day. Let me explain. We were at our weekly pub quiz, as team Quiztopher Quiztopherson, when one of our number started discussing the writings of Mr Solzhenitsyn. Straightaway I nodded sagely and mentioned his most famous work, The Gulag Archipelago (this being almost the full extent of my knowledge of the man and his movements).
Meanwhile, I was ensconced in our local pub The Merry Widower, and happened upon a wedding photographer doing the “hard-sell” to two potential victims, or so he thought. The phrase “lamb to the slaughter” sprang to mind. Let us call the Happy Couple, Victor and Victoria. At a very early stage we learnt that Victoria wore the trousers and the boxer shorts having been blessed with the negotiation skills of Adolf Hitler when he was considering moving the German Border a little bit to the right. The first twenty minutes were taken up with her defining who was “close family”, “wider family”, “group” and “friends” for the various photographic line-ups. It occurred to me that unless all were informed of their status before hostilities commenced, it could be a recipe for disaster with petty jealousies spread liberally throughout the dramatis personae.
A lively and one-sided informative lecture then followed from our chum. She told me that since he wrote the book in prison where no writing paper was available, Mr S used toilet paper and produced a 500 plus page tome. Bored at this stage I remembered that he had been hit by a violent case of diarrhoea which nearly killed him, so I said to our expert that this not only meant he lost weight but also lost the opening 5 chapters of his book whilst dealing with the matter. She called me a tyrant, in Russian (тиран). As I am sure you will recall, International Women's Day was celebrated recently and is an annual focal point for women's rights. I happened to be in a local golf club on the day in question, hard at the
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CT Feature
Continuing the emancipated female theme, Hollywood actress Shirley MacLaine once had a relationship with Andrew Peacock, a former Australian politician and said: “I thought as long as he is the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I might as well give him one he will never forget.” Good girl.
This was then followed with: “I don’t want to sound like Bridezilla right, but I just knows what I wants.” Wait for it: • “Snow would be nice once everyone has arrived.” A wee bit difficult to organise for a wedding photographer. • “I am keeping the rings until the exchange cos I don’t trust no one.” A good way to start married bliss. • “No close-ups cos I’ve got a gap in my teeth.” To match the one between your ears. • “I wants you to capture Victor’s reaction when he sees me in my dress for the first time. The camera never lies. • Trust me, the speeches will be very short, no more than two minutes each.” About your attention span. • “I wants complete social media blackout, so no other pictures, as I don’t want guests turning up in the evening knowing what I looks like.” With any luck they won’t turn up at all because of the snow. • “We start the evening party with our first dance. I am looking at options and will come up with something lush.” Another One Bites the Dust perhaps?
Brexit news. At one of the many recent votes in the House of Commons, one of the tellers doing the sums was Peter Bone MP or was it football manager Sven Goran Erikson? It might as well have been.
The Sainted Mother-in-Law wishes to donate her body to science. She always wanted to go to medical school. So her Sainted Daughter and I have had to cancel the original funeral arrangements. Since the SMIL lives on the coast road we had planned to lash her to some wooden pallets, pour a gallon of four star over her, light it and float her out into the Bristol Channel in a Viking-type funeral arrangement. Alas the tide can be very tricky to judge and the recent increase in the price of petrol put the kibosh on that idea. Forgot to mention, she’s not ill.
Alas, all this is a verbatim account of proceedings and had all the hallmarks of another marriage made in heaven which will quickly descend into hell. To lighten the mood: Did you hear about the two florists who recently got married? It was an arranged marriage. In other wedding news, it has been ten years since the invisible man married the invisible woman. Their kids are nothing to look at either!
Talking of close relatives, my Nan had an amazing way with words. I remember I rang her up when Granddad had gone into a nursing home. I asked how he was getting on. She said: “Oh he’s like a fish out of water.” I said: “Finding it hard to adjust is he?” She said: “No he’s dead.” So that cleared that up. On that happy note, goodbye.
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£16
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Puzzle Mania! Crossword 1
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Across 1. Engine (5), 4. Wall art (5), 7. Desert watering places (5), 10. Shiny granules (7), 11. Uneasy truce (7), 12. Collection (3), 14. Italian lover (8), 16. Brightened up (8), 18. Large amount of money (6), 20. Popular food fish (3), 21. Record player needle (6), 23. Not only theoretical (7), 24. Thumbs up (2-5), 27. Master, ace(6), 29. Hair-styling substance (3), 30. Small (6), 32. Intending to remedy (8), 33. The day following today (8), 35. Consume (3), 37. Strong green liqueur (7), 40. Canada/US falls (7), 42. Wish-granted spirit (5), 43. Eating utensil (5), 44. Actor, 3 McQueen (5) Down 1. Sorcery (5), 2. Japanese sea-bream (3), 3. Vitamin (7), 4. Blemish (3), 5. Anger (4), 6. Removable cover (3), 7. Rejected person (7), 8. Male child (3), 9. Pay out (money) (5), 12. Dressing, ketchup (5), 13. Cuddly bear (5), 15. Wading bird (9), 17. Numismatist is one (9), 18. Be responsible for (5), 19. Expand energy (5), 21. Bobbin (5), 22. Move sideways (5), 25. Say yes (5), 26. University degree (1,4), 28. Entourage (7), 31. Lines on a weather map (7), 32. Sound of striking metal (5), 34. Largest mammal (5), 36. Of air (prefix) (4), 38. Do wrong (3), 39. That man’s (3), 40. Pious woman (3), 41. Top card (3)
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WORD WHEEL
T L
B E
R
Y
E.g. FUR
T
F U
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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how local community groups are helping in many different ways By Michael James
The last couple of months have seen our national and local newspapers, radio and television bombarding us with doom and gloom. Everything from 'will we or won't we' leave the EU?, to serious knife crime, teenage deaths from drug use, world climate change(?), the homeless in our cities, how some children are going to school hungry and without adequate clothing, and attacks on Mosques in New Zealand, Churches in Sir Lanka and the abuse and persecution of Christians and other Faiths worldwide. We often think that these things happen elsewhere and don't affect us, but recently even two of our local Churches, St Andrews on the corner of Wellfield Road, often called the 'Scottish Church', and Albany Road Baptist Church have been broken into by mindless vandals believing (wrongly) that there must be rich pickings inside. Obviously not the same magnitude of seriousness and, thankfully, no loss of life, but frightening enough. We cannot see how we can deal with these major problems ourselves, except to bombard our politicians with letters, emails or telephone calls and even then, however understanding they may be, often they too are unable to help. Too often we hear people say, 'Oh my god, what can be done?', usually as a general cry of despair without any understanding of what or who they are crying out to. For many, of all and different faiths, there is a god that they believe in and can turn to, especially Christians like myself who readily turn to our God with our prayers of intercession when everything else seems to be failing. There can be a downside, inasmuch as our prayers seem to go unanswered in the way and timing that we would like them to be answered. I pray that many of the major problems mentioned in my opening paragraph will eventually be solved, not perhaps by us as individuals but by collective pressure on 'the powers that be', and yes, through prayers and in the fullness of time, but there are things that we can do (and are doing) NOW! Many in our local community are seeing the problems that they can help with and are doing so in many
Michael James - May 2019 page 1
different ways, which somehow manages to be able to give the help that is needed without actually being at cross purposes with each other. Some groups join forces to help a need while others are able to help by dealing with the issue themselves. Many of these community spirited groups, just like those they seek to help, are often run on a shoe-string budget, with little or no funds except from donations from individuals and/or local companies wishing to help. A number of churches in our community are running or contributing to Food Banks and many of our large supermarkets have collecting bins where shoppers generously donate various foodstuff for those in need through the local Food Bank. The food outlets on our shopping streets often help by donating pies and pasties, sandwiches, rolls, bread and cakes which remain unsold at the end of the day. These fresh items of food are most welcome to those who cannot afford to purchase them at face value and to those who live on the streets of our city. We often see individuals looking for help and pass by thinking to ourselves that they are just scroungers who don't deserve help but they do, oh yes very much so. We have no idea what they go through each day just to survive or what circumstances brought them to this sorry state. What about the families that may have homes but who may be surviving on low, minimum wages or unemployment benefits and are only able to pay the rent and meet the costs of council tax, water, gas and electricity services? What about the children who, because of family circumstances, rely on free school meals and in this day and age, during the school holidays, go without or with very little food to the point that they return to school malnourished. Yes it's true! It's not an urban myth. Teachers are reporting that this is indeed happening and are very concerned. Like many other organisations and Churches, we at Albany Road Baptist Church have recognised the problem and are determined to help in any way we can. During the recent Easter half term school
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CT Feature The Church is a safe environment and is well known to the City Council and the Marlborough Road, Albany Road and Roath Park Schools, and all the helpers have been DRB checked. How to book? You can follow ARBC's Facebook page, Chomp Cardiff and message the Church directly, or through your child's school, or email community@albanyroadbaptist.org Places are limited so check out availability early to avoid disappointment.
holidays, together with Mackintosh Hall Church (Mack), we have been providing a free Holiday Club called 'Chomp'. The aim is to support children and their families to give them somewhere safe to go for various activities, games, crafts and a nourishing hot meal. Chomp is aimed at but not exclusively for, those who normally benefit from a free school meal, or those who find school holidays a bit of a struggle to provide for their children's needs. Chomp takes place at Albany Road Baptist Church between 11.30am to 1.30pm, on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays. It's a great place to meet and get to know others from the community and to make friends, and the great news is that it is COMPLETELY FREE to all those who attend! All that is asked is that every child must attend with a responsible adult who stays with them. As long as children book a place they are able to bring their brothers and sisters and even their parents.
As for the homeless and disadvantaged, these are cared for locally by the 'Rainbow of Hope' from it's office, drop-in advice centre, clothes shop and cafe in Broadway, Roath. It is run and staffed by Christians from various local churches who welcome all those in need of support by helpful, friendly, non judgemental people to those of all faiths or no faith. It really is well worth a visit. As well as it's place on Broadway, teams from local and South Wales Chapels and Churches go out every night of the year at 8.00pm at the back of Marks and Spencer's in Charles Street, with sandwiches, warm food, clothing, sleeping bags and blankets on what is known as 'The Paradise Run'. So yes, something is being done by groups and individuals who see and respond to a need and you too can help by making these local services known and/or by offering to help or by donating old clothing, food, finance to these organisations. As I said earlier, the bigger problems the world is facing at the moment cannot be resolved as easily, but instead of uttering, 'oh my god', why not pray to your God or mine, or if you do not believe in such things, then contact your local and national leaders and demand that they do something about it. We need them to know that we care. Until the next time, God Bless you all.
Michael James - May 2019 page 2
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fashion done your own way By Molly Dutton
the trendy box and still be completely confident; that is what is stylish. My personal fashion sense has always been considered outside of the normal, which I’ve decided to take as a very large compliment since my aim has never been to fit into the crowd (wearing a bright green tutu will immediately achieve that FYI!). Whilst never being met with negative feedback on my outfits, I never felt that my fashion sense was completely accepted by my peers, and that I was more respected by the parents in fact. I always attempted to mix textures and styles to create the most ludicrous of outfits that you can imagine so that I could surprise each time I stepped out and, oddly enough, it became part of my reputation as a young person.
After some time away on my holiday this last week, I spent a long length of time acknowledging the beautiful style of some of the women I saw there. Being in a European country, there was an evident presence of sophistication and effortlessness that was shown by all the people. One of the most intriguing things that I witnessed was that no two people were the same, wearing each garment in a completely different way to the person walking beside them; it was incredible.
I think it is a key part of fashion to be able to express yourself through your clothes, but I am also aware of how difficult this can be if you have stuck to the ‘normal’ so far in your life. I found it significantly easier at a younger age to not care what people thought of whereas now I have discovered the pressures of other’s opinions to make things an awful lot harder. It is hard to overcome that small voice in the back of your head telling you to not wear something but once you have ignored it you will feel so much more fabulous!
The word style has several different meanings. I’ve always found that these meanings are based on the individual’s feelings about what looks good on them. What might look effortlessly stylish on one person may not be another’s cup of tea. This is vitally important to remember when dealing with fashion and the way you dress, mostly because finding what makes you feel and look good should overrule trying to comply with the fashion that everyone “should” be wearing. Let’s be honest, if Cindy Crawford stepped out wearing a bin bag it should not be a signal for everyday folk to start doing the same. I’ve always thought that if you can wear an outfit outside of
My advice to anyone who is afraid to step out into the world adorning a new look is that, if every part of the outfit is well put together and organised, the entire look will almost put itself
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CT Feature
together for you. Start by choosing one piece of clothing and that will be your first glimpse into an unknown world of wild and wonderful. This chosen piece must (and I can’t stress that enough) be something you would never wear usually but that has always caught your eye when you imagined it on yourself, a bright blue jacket for example. Then, as every anxious fashion icon before you, you must channel those nerves into your outfit and walk out with confidence and grace. The one failure that anyone can have when trying something new is letting your nerves get the better of you and therefore letting your confidence take a back seat. That is a real mood killer for a fashion look.
The whole experience has acted as an epiphany to me, telling me to push outside of my comfort zone and be the girl who picks the pink jeans instead of the blue ones every single time. The reason for the developments made in fashion over the decades is that they have allowed for people to express themselves more freely, going bolder and brighter depending on how you’re feeling. If that is so evident then maybe it’s time we took the opportunities before us and started to slowly break out of our typical choices. Or, if you’re already there, continue to inspire others to do the same because, trust me, they will. My unique taste may have diminished ever so slightly since my days of luminous leg warmers and bright pink extensions, but I still like to add little touches (accessories are your best friend) into each look that people can notice. I’d love it if you did the same.
A friend of mine recently came shopping with me on our adventures abroad and we decided to visit a shop that I had never personally been in before and neither had she; ZARA. From the outside, this was the perfect shop for me, filled with smart tailoring and baby blue light wash jeans on every corner, even the occasional graphic tee. However, it really did not look like a shop that could fit my friend’s incredible sense of style, her boldness is undeniable and something I’ve always dreamed of having myself. I, being me, picked up a pair of denim beauties; cut off jeans with tiny rips and frayed ankles, overwhelmed with my love for them. As I’m rambling on about when I’m going to wear my most loved purchase, my friend dashes off into a corner and runs back holding the wildest pair of jeans I’ve ever seen; pink acid wash, baggy fit with cuffed ankles. I am absolutely in awe. She tried them on in the changing rooms and paraded them out down the runway of closed curtains in the small corridor. The reaction from the bored mums and shoppers waiting for their turn was incredible. Every face filled with envy that she was able to pull them off so effortlessly and admiration for her confidence. The key behind her unique style is her confidence when wearing something brilliantly unique, without this the faces of those people may not have reacted in the same way.
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Cardiff Times • www.cardiff-times.co.uk
MAY 2019 - PART 2 page 69
Thursday, 25 April 2019 09:56 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
Books To Look Out For In May The Heart of Me: A Collection of Love Poetry
Wine from the Emerald Tree
by Brie Scott
by Louise Shelley For as long as she can remember, something has plagued Gaby. She could never quite put her finger on the cause of her doubts and anxieties, until one day, the reflection in her mirror is not her own. As she investigates the girl in the mirror, Gaby discovers a story of romance, tragedy and injustice, in which the past drips into the present, forcing her on a journey of self-realisation. Available: Paperback: £5.99
Cardiff & The Valleys At War 1939 - 45 by Gary Dobbs When Britain declared war on Germany on 3 September 1939, Cardiff and its surroundings, like every other city, town, hamlet and village in the country, sent forth large numbers of young men to fight against the oppression of Hitler and the Nazis. Available: Paperback £12.99
Book Pages May 2019 page 1
The inspiration for this book came while Brie was travelling from the West Midlands to Wales. She was thinking about her childhood, the people who have influenced her and relationships from the past. She bought a notebook and pen from the bus station and wrote the first three songs while travelling. She believes very strongly in writing from the heart. All these poems are based on real life experiences. Available: Amazon £3.50
Jane Evans by Christine Purkis Jane Evans, the inspirational story of a real woman born in poverty-stricken rural Victorian Wales, who went from pig farmer to first female drover to working as a nurse alongside Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole and Betsi Cadwaladr in the Crimean War. Jane Evans (Y Lolfa) is the story of a forgotten working class heroine and her will to survive. Available Now: £8.99
Wednesday, 24 April 2019 18:58 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
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Cardiff Times • www.cardiff-times.co.uk
MAY 2019 - PART 2 page 71
Thursday, 25 April 2019 09:45 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
seeking another soulmate By Sara John
usually rings when on the edge of a nervous breakdown, or suffering from another disappointment in love, or a bad time at the hairdressers with the wrong Terry (it’s really hard to get an appointment at short notice with the right Terry) or, when she is verging with merging into another Miss Haversham.
Viola, dear friend though she is, continues to be the only person I know who seems to live on an invisible, but very fast escalator. One minute she is up. The next minute she is down. I wondered whether it was because her star sign was Gemini? The twins; two Violas for the price of one, like shoes marked down in a sale, same but different, one left and one right – if you are lucky!
“I have got SO much to tell you Sara, do you mind if I come round? You were such a help last month sorting me out – you know – talking about INNER Viola, well! It is time to tackle OUTER Viola – at last! Can I come round now? You are not busy are you? I’ll bring pizzas. One-ish. I will bring Tim with me if I may?”
She had not been seen or heard, by me, since she had been MOT’d by Good Dave from the Corner Garage. Well, she was not being MOT’d of course, her car was. The odd thing was when he called around two weeks or so ago to my place to collect her and her un-MOT’d car - and at a few moments notice - he had said on arrival, “How are you Viola? (emphasis on VIOLA), clearly recognising her. It could not have been any other word other than Viola I decided, because no word rhymes with or sounds like Viola, even from two rooms away. I had not seen his face when he met Viola coming out of the front door to greet him, but, I recall his voice sounded very warm, surprised, eager and friendly.
That was not a proper conversation on the telephone between two people taking turns to speak. No. More of a message on an answering machine. Almost a text message with speedwriting. Plus the extra intrigue of ‘Tim’. Who or what was Tim? At least, I thought to myself, feeling quite relieved, having been worried about her, she is not attached to a life support system somewhere in North Wales, without credit cards, toothbrush, clean undies, anyone she knows, hot food, phone, car keys, handbag, or maybe even, her not knowing who she was and what may have happened to her over the last fortnight or so.
Wondering about this possible relationship was getting the better of me. Clearly, Good Dave had been pleased to see her. But how pleased? I was dying to know but did not want to intrude – well I did really – but wished to avoid jumping the starting gun, putting my feet in it or, presuming things had developed. Or not, as the case may be.
As a voice announced on television, “This is the One o’clock news with” 8.. ring, ring, ring at the front door. I opened the door and a flushed Viola fell in, dropping the pizza boxes in her excitement. Whoever had originally invented pizza boxes must have envisaged this scenario – a woman bursting with news, laden with details of her recent adventures, carrying hot boxes of food, clearly on the threshold of a new chapter in her life – if not a completely new volume – of her life. In her other hand she was holding a wicker cat basket complete with a young ginger cat.
Perhaps Good Dave was the David Jones from school, the one whose family had moved away when we were in first year Form Six. The best year Viola and I had decided, in our entire school life. ‘O’ levels knocked off, school play to do in October, bit of space to breathe again and less pressure for a few months. I pondered on all the years we had spent on quadratic equations, specific gravities, the past historic, irregular French verbs, the Seven Years War and singing selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with lovely Miss Harris (music).
“This is Tim!” she announced, waving him in his basket at me as if she had just had a quick lunch-time ceasarean in the Cat’s Clinic in Llanishen. Possibly a first for them I thought.
As I was recalling the crescendo in “Ah dearest Jesus Holy child”, the phone rang. “It is only me, Viola”, explained a voice sounding upbeat and confident. Nice change, I thought, she
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Article - Sara John - May 2019 - V... page 1
Wednesday, 24 April 2019 22:25 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
CT Feature
“Please come in and tell me all about this, I have plates warming for the pizzas, do you fancy a glass of white? Plenty in the fridge ready chilled. Oh! of course If you are feeding him yourself!!.”.
Viola then began to explain what happened next which is best summarised below. “The following Sunday he came for lunch and met Katmandhu, my black and beautiful boy cat. He is a big cat man!” “Who is,” I asked just for clarity, “Katmandhu or Good Dave?” “Dave is, of course, Katmandhu is only six months old.”
“Do not be so ridiculous Sara. Tim has already been weaned. He is twelve weeks old now.” “That is a relief then for all concerned,” I muttered under my breath. “Now Viola, From your MOT to the new arrival, please bring me up to date.”
Viola’s cat, Katmandhu, is an only cat and possibly a lonely cat.
“WELLLLLLLL,” she began with a dramatic lengthening of the word ‘Well’. “It has been like this. Good Dave, with whom I am very much in love, now runs the Corner Garage for his uncle the owner who is not too well. He IS the David Jones from Park Street! And school. Right? His family lived next to the park, not down at the far end near the railway station. Remember his sister? She was a bit odd, funny odd, harmless odd, still odd though. Anyway she has been married three times and two years ago her then husband, everything otherwise very normal, went to work and never came home again. Police came and dug up the front and back gardens. No sign. No action on the money side. Nothing in. Nothing out. What do you think of that? So, now she has gone off with a botanist who wears knitted hats even in warm weather, specs and writes books and they are going to grow tea in Pembrokeshire. On Carn Ingli, that means the Mountain of Angels, isn’t that romantic? But they cannot marry because it would be all up if husband number three turned up unexpectedly. Perhaps late at night.”
The Corner Garage has been a temporary home to a ginger stray kitten who sleeps a lot in the in–tray in the office. Audrey, who runs everything there, is a big kitten/cat/all living creatures lover and cannot bring herself to move Timmy, as the mechanics have named him, from the in-tray to the out–tray. The office is now three weeks behind with paperwork. Timmy, the ginger kitten, has no one to play with or learn from.
“Viola,” I exclaimed, “My major organs are all slowing down with excessive frustration and I am losing the will to live. I do not know any of these people, I want to know about YOU and your adventures and should I buy a new hat with matching shoes and gloves?”
He has also been observed looking at himself in a mirror practicing his facial expressions: superior, or disdainful, or very bored, or playful and not at all sleepy even late at night, or, totally distracted by Radio Four programmes about recent developments in quantum physics.
“Back to me then,” sighed Viola and got right on to the reason for her visit. “It is like this, see Sara. Dave asked me for a ‘date’ on the Sunday following the car’s MOT (after two new tyres/new wipers and a thorough service). We walked around Roath Park and the lake, it was lovely, then we went for lunch in that posh place in Wellfield Road, where you get napkins and a glass for your drink without asking. And, well, okay, things sort of took off from there.”
“All good stuff then Viola,” I ventured. “Now tell me more about Dave, I am dying to know all.” The clock in the hall chimed three o’clock. “Oh my goodness,” shrieked Viola, “I have to go, Timbucktwo has an appointment with Doctor-Vet Lois for his vaccinations, thanks! Thanks a lot! I’ll call you next week.” In a great and sudden rush of wind Viola and Timbucktwo were gone.
Dave had delivered said ginger kitten to Viola’s house at her request so he can live with her and learn how to be a cat like Katmandhu. Simple. Viola and Dave clearly are bonding over a mutual love of felines, and Viola feels, as she says, “Safe at last, in the arms of a strong man and no longer flying under the radiator.” Timmy has a new name. He is now Timbucktwo. So far Timbucktwo has learnt, according to Proud Viola: not to come when called – unless he wants to; to vary his afternoon sleeping spots; and to develop an inherent sense of entitlement.
Till next time.
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Thursday, 25 April 2019 11:47 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
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MAY 2019 - PART 2 page 76
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