Cardiff Times - March 2023

March 2023

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World Down Syndrome Day. byWyn Evans accounts for 95% of all cases. The other two types are called translocation (2%) and mosaicism (3%).

Regardless of which type a person has, everyone with DS has an extra or partial copy of chromosome 21. (The nucleus of a typical cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, or 46 total chromosomes. Each of these chromosomes determines something about us, from our hair colour to our sex.)

Most readers of the Cardiff Times will be receiving delivery of these pages on or about the third week of March. Since World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) falls on 21st March and my sixteen year old daughter, The Girl, has Down syndrome, now is a good time to tell you a little more about this condition.

John Langdon Down was a Cornish doctor best known for classifying in 1862 the genetic condition which now bears his name[1]. Stylistically, ‘Down’s syndrome’ is used more commonly than ‘Down syndrome’ but both are acceptable. Note that with the use of person-first terminology we would say that someone ‘has DS’ rather than ‘suffers from or is a victim of DS’. Also that DS is a genetic condition rather than a disease, illness or handicap. But best avoid the solecism ‘a Down’s baby/child/person’ at all times.

In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe WDSD on 21 March each year, in order to raise public awareness of DS. The reason for WDSD being the on 21st day of the 3rd month, was to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes DS. This is why it is also called Trisomy 21. While the condition may be thought of as a singular syndrome, there are actually three different types. Trisomy 21 is the most common. It 4 CARDIFF TIMES

The baby develops an extra copy of the 21st chromosome during pregnancy, resulting in distinctive signs and symptoms in addition to developmental and intellectual difficulties. The way the condition presents itself in each person will differ. Some people will have mild to moderate intellectual and developmental problems, while others might have more severe complications. The same goes for health, where some people with DS may be healthy, while others could have a variety of complications, such as heart defects, thyroid problems, hearing loss, cataracts, or delays with speech and language development. DS causes many distinct characteristics, like: a small stature; upwardly slanting eyes; a flattened bridge of the nose; and a short neck. However, each person will have different degrees of the characteristics, and some of the features may not appear at all. People are often surprised when I tell them that people with DS look more like members of their own families than they do with each other, but it’s true!

It is estimated that about 41,700 people with DS live in the UK where approximately 700 babies are born with DS annually. The proportion of women having a termination after a prenatal diagnosis of DS has decreased from 92% in 1989-2010 to 90% in 2011-2013 in the UK. The median life expectancy for people with DS is 58 years. Adults with DS have an increased chance of developing Alzheimer’s dementia after age 40. People with DS have the same feelings and moods as everyone else. Many children with DS attend mainstream school, like The Girl, and many adults can live independently and hold down jobs. People with DS are NOT ‘always happy’ and teenagers with DS can throw a strop just as effectively as their typically developing peers!

Maternal age is the only certain risk factor for DS. Eighty percent of children with either trisomy 21 or mosaic DS are born to mothers who are younger than 35 years old. Younger women have babies more frequently, so the number of babies with DS

The number of infants born with DS who die before their first birthday is falling, and the average age of survival continues to increase. At the turn of the 20th century, children with DS rarely lived past 9 years old. Now, thanks to advancements in treatment, the majority of people with the condition will live to age 60. Some may live even longer.

Early intervention is vital. While DS can’t be cured, treatment and teaching life skills can go a long way to improve the child’s — and eventually the adult’s — quality of life. Treatment programs often include physical, speech, and occupational therapies, life skills classes, and educational opportunities. Many schools and foundations offer highly specialised classes and programs for children and adults with DS. is higher in that group. However, mothers who are older than 35 are more likely to have a baby affected by the condition. According to the US National Down Syndrome Society, a 35-year-old woman has approximately a 1:350 chance of conceiving a child with DS, which increases gradually to 1:100 by age 40 and approximately 1:30 by age 45.

DS is a genetic condition, but it isn’t hereditary.

Neither trisomy 21 nor mosaicism is inherited from a parent. These cases of DS are the result of a random cell division event during the baby’s development.

But one-third of translocation cases are hereditary, accounting for about 1% of all cases of DS. That means the genetic material that can lead to DS is passed from parent to child. Both parents can be carriers of the translocation DS genes without showing any signs or symptoms of DS. Women who have had one child with DS have an increased chance of having another child with the condition. If a woman has one child with the condition, her chance of having a second child with the syndrome is about 1:100 up until age 40. The chance of having a second child with the translocation type of DS is about 10% to 15% if the mother carries the genes. If the father is the carrier, however, the chance is about 3%.

Babies of every race can have DS; DS does not occur in one race more than another. However, In the United States, black or African American infants with DS have a lower chance of surviving beyond their first year of life compared with white infants with the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. The reasons why are not clear.

People with DS can work but often have jobs that underutilize their skills. According to one national survey in 2015, only 57% of adults with DS were employed, and only 3 percent were full-time paid employees.

Half of older adults with DS will develop memory loss. People with DS are living to be much older, but as they age, it’s not uncommon for them to develop thinking and memory problems. According to the DS Association (US), by their 50s, approximately half of those with DS will be showing evidence of memory loss and other problems - such as loss of skills associated with having Alzheimer’s disease.

The future is bright!

While DS remains the most common chromosomal disorder that children are born with in the UK today, the future is getting brighter for them. Take The Girl; she had open-heart surgery aged 15 weeks, without which she’d not have seen her 9th birthday. She has hypothyroidism which would have stunted her intellectual and other development were it not for pharmaceutical interventions that were not available a few decades ago. Medical research is opening new treatment possibilities. Educators and therapists have established what helps kids with DS learn most effectively; this helps their education and learning, their life-skills and intellectual capacity. And most important of all, people with DS are increasingly in the public eye. We see them acting in ‘Line of Duty’ and ‘Casualty’; they serve us in shops and cafes; we see them competing for medals in the special Olympics. No longer are they invisible as if society is ashamed of them. The Girl has friends with DS who have addressed the United Nations, given TED talks, achieved degrees, passed their driving tests.

These developments have added life to the years and years to the lives of people with DS. Keep up to date with The Girl by visiting my Facebook page(2) https:// www.facebook.com/BeatingDownsBarriers 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Langdon_Down (18 November 1828 – 7 October 1896) 2. https://www.facebook.com/BeatingDownsBarriers

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March

CONTENTS 4 World Down Syndrome Day.

by Wyn Evans 7 Acts of Sporting Kindness: a national context that inspires

by Derek Peaple 10 Three flat pheasant, dead deer, departed dolphin

by Vince Nolan 14 The Dirty Immigrant - a stand up comedy show 16 In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh 20 The importance of an Organ Transplantation and what it's like to be ill and waiting

25 Pranic Healing 26 All About Little Fizz Classes (0-4) 30 Fashion done your own way

by Molly Dutton 34 Joe Erskine

by Ralph Oates 39 A modern Cardiff love story 42 World Theatre Day

by Natalie McCulloch 45 Spring at Techniquest - Growing an interest in science 47 Cancer support that really makes a difference 49 6 Week Mindfulness Course for Students

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National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Ar agor dydd Iau cyntaf bobYmis tan 9yh Ganolfan Gasliadau Cenedlaethol, Nantgarw National Collections Centre; Nantgarw

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Acts of Sporting Kindness: a national context that inspires The fiercely competitive world of elite sport may at first seem an unlikely focus for reflection on inspirational acts of friendship and kindness.

Ruthlessly results driven, these environments are surely defined more by confrontation than camaraderie?

But think again. Inspired by the ‘One Kind Word’ theme of annual Anti-Bullying Week programme in schools last November, Sporting Heritage, a not-for profit community interest company, has developed a set of education resources which use ‘acts of sporting kindness’ from the past to encourage pupils to reflect on how they can take inspiration and apply learning from them to the present.

A series of historical examples are used to illustrate how, even the heat of competition, sport has always also offered the opportunity to develop friendships and for individuals to show values-inspired acts of respect and generosity of spirit. Pupils are then invited to think about what values and behaviours they feel are being shown in the example, what inspired them and what can be learned and applied to their lives today.

line to help David Wyeth, a complete stranger on the verge of collapse, finish the race. As Matthew said afterwards:

Further activities go on to invite pupils to create a celebratory ‘Museum of Sporting Kindness’ display in their classroom, or record their own experiences of acts of sporting kindness; those shown towards them, and those that they have shown towards others in their schools or clubs.

This Welsh-inspired act of kindness from the relatively recent sporting past of course also offers a segue to one from it’s present. As the 2023 Six Nations reaches its climax, Josh Adams’ actions after the final whistle of the final game of last year’s Championship against Italy surely now also qualifies to join those previously identified in the Sporting Heritage collection?

One of the inspirational examples chosen as a focus for the materials is that of Swansea Harrier’s Matthew Rees from the 2017 London Marathon. The defining image of the race, it explores Matthew’s actions in stopping 300 metres short of the finish

"I was just about to sprint to the finish when I saw David. His legs were completely jelly-like and he collapsed in front of me. So I decided to forget my race. He had come so far and after 26 miles of running I wanted to help him to make the finish."

In a truly special moment of sportsmanship, who can forget how, after the game Josh gave his Player of the Match Award to Ange Capuozzo, who was making his debut for his country, following the young Italian’s sensational last-minute line break to set up the try that secured the Azzurri’s first ever victory at the Principality?

A personal act of selfless generosity in such a moment of collective sporting disappointment that can inspire us all, and offer a bigger picture.

To find out more about Sporting Heritage and how these ‘Acts of Sporting Kindness’ can inspire us all, go to education section of their website: www. sportingheritage.org.uk Derek Peaple is Sporting Heritage’s Education Lead and a former Secondary School Headteacher.

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Cardiff Times March - Page 2_Layout 1 21/02/2023 19:54 Page 1

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 09.03.23

THE MUSIC OF ZIMMER VS WILLIAMS 04.03.23

TOTALLY TINA 10.03.23

BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES 25.03.23

I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T A CLUE 19.03.23

BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA & CHORUS OF WALES 01.03.23

JAMES WILLIAMS One Night With You 23.03.23

THE WELSH VARIETY EXTRAVAGANZA 03.03.23

KT TUNSTALL NUT 06.03.23

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 08.03.23

CARDIFF PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 17.03.23

ANYTHING FOR LOVE The Meat Loaf Story 18.03.23

Cardiff Times March - Page 2_Layout 1 22/02/2023 09:19 Page 1

NADIYA & KAI Once Upon a Time 23.04.23

HATERS ROAST The Shady Tour 08.04.23

PUCCINI MADAMA BUTTERFLY 21.04.23

WARD THOMAS Music in the Madness 11.04.23

SARA PASCOE Success Story 01.04.23

ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 27.04.23

JOHANNES RADEBE Freedom Unleashed 14.04.23

GIOVANNI PERNICE Made in Italy 16.04.23

HELLO AGAIN The Neil Diamond Songbook 02.04.23

THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE 28.04.23

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC 06.04.23

Three flat pheasant, dead deer, departed dolphin byVince Nolan As titles go, you have to agree it’s a bit of a belter.

No, not a lunch menu in a fancy fusion restaurant either. The Current Mrs Nolan and I were once again undertaking missionary work in Devon which at any given time is teeming with wildlife but on this particular weekend it was teeming with death. We have never witnessed so much road kill (apart from the dolphin) which was washed up on the beach at Westward Ho. All very sad to see. I think the increased roadkill is down to a certain arrogance which some of our creatures seem to have developed post-Covid and avian flu epidemics. By way of example check out the above picture what I took recently. This is a hotel in Tewkesbury. The stuffed Eagle Owl is there to frighten away the pigeons in order to prevent them making a mess down the building. This pigeon did not appear to have received the memo.

Alternatively he may have misinterpreted what a bird of “pray” was, it being a Sunday.

Which reminds me, we went on a sponsored camping trip run by a charity to “Save the Dolphin.” It was a waste of time for all in tents and porpoises.

I don’t know about you but our computer spellchecker annoys me on so many levels. In the first instance it is American so cannot speak English as good as what we does. In the second, it insists it is right with occasionally embarrassing outcomes for my email recipients. Funnily enough, I used to work as a spellchecker but they fried me for no raisin. Anyway, I was just reading that the bloke who invented it has died. Restoration in peace or may he restaurant in peanut I always say.

So a spellchecker walks into a bar. The bartender asks him what he would like to drink: “I’ll have a bear, bare, bra, boar, oh forget it.”

He slumps into his seat defeated and deflated.

The bartender says: “Hey, hey, hey, why the log fence.”

Saw this the other day. An interesting optical 10 CARDIFF TIMES

illusion or trompe l’oeile as the French would say.

Spell check that!

Just been reading about Welsh Governments’ new source of funding: The Woodland Investment Grant or TWIG which I think is rather neat.

I have written before about the overuse of the word actually in everything we hear, read and watch these days. I am heartily fed up of this meaningless word being inserted at every opportunity whilst the numpty who has delivered it is busy thinking up the next word to add to their now meaningless sentence. I have therefore adopted the word Alsatian (other words are available) which I now substitute every time I hear somebody say actually. It works every time Alsatian and mightily pees them off. Their usual reaction is “that doesn’t make sense.” My response, “Exactly, Alsatian.”

I formed a small queue with another lost soul at the supermarket pharmacy counter the other day, (I know, living the dream), when an older lady said to me: “We don’t usually queue this way.” I said: “We do today Alsatian.” I took her “usually” to mean she was a regular which goes some way to explain why I’ve been unable to see a doctor for three years and forgotten the art of queuing. And another thing, queue sounds like “q” followed by 4

silent letters, but maybe they’re just waiting their turn?

I have also been looking at typical Welsh occupational names like Dai the Death or Pat the Box (undertakers), John the Bed, Jones the Baker etc and I really liked this one: “All postmen round our way are known as Vincent.” “Why?” says I. “Simple mate. Vincent Van Gogh!” (Red Van).

At times She Who Must Be Obeyed is hard to follow. She was talking the other day about wealth and hell being. This was quickly followed up with a guy who reminded her of Michael Hosselhaff as opposed to David Hasselhoff, one assumes. The good news is that she is now finding relaxation through yogurt, sorry yoga.

However she is having intensive physiotherapy but the two are not related Alsatian. The other month we were invited to a Chinese New Year Party and a Burns Night Celebration on the same night. Apparently it was a Chinese Burns Night.

Despite what you may think, I have no wish to offend any parents out there who may read this rubbish. However, we were in our local pub the other evening, The Trappist Monk and witnessed a father with his son. The lad was about 7 years old. There was no discussion or interaction between them whatsoever. The father kicked off proceedings on a phone call. He then produced headphones for his son to plug into a computer game and then ignored him further. Not content

with this, father of the year then produced a paperback version of Agatha Christies’ Murder on the Orient Express and commenced reading it. It may be none of my business but nothing annoys me more than people not understanding or caring that these are the precious times with their little ones which will never return. Talk to them has always been my mantra, so I did. I told Dad who had murdered whom in his book which freed up more time for him to converse with his son, Alsatian!

A man decided to become a Trappist monk, which of course involved taking a vow of silence (see above). The Abbot reassured him that he would be able to speak with him every ten years. Ten years went by. The Abbot asked him: “Do you have any words for me my son?” “Yes” said the monk. “I don’t like the food here.” The Abbot gave him a blessing and sent him on his way.

Another ten years went by. The Abbot asked once again: “Do you have any words for me my son?”

“Yes. My bed’s too lumpy.” The Abbot again gave him a blessing and sent him on his way. A further ten years went by. The Abbot asked: “Do you have any words for me my son?” “Yes. I want to leave the monastery.” The Abbot replied: “Well I’m not surprised. You’ve done nothing but complain ever since you got here.”

Ta ra.

CARDIFF TIMES 11

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Victor Pãtrãşcan is a pretentious stand-up comedian and outrageous social commentator who was born in Romania. In 2022, he performed in front of over 16,000 people, in 70 cities from 27 countries on 2 continents. Since April 2021 he's been touring with his self-produced stand-up comedy shows in English throughout Europe.

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CARDIFF TIMES 15

In The Words Of

by Carl Marsh

name, yet I am still to finish the second instalment.

If you don't know of the premise of this show [and games], think of a cross between The Walking Dead and the best-acted and written TV series you have ever enjoyed watching. The hype for this show was off-the-scale. And boy, hasn't it lived up to it - and surpassed by a country mile. I believe this show will win all the awards when it can be entered for them.

Even if you don't like this end-of-times stuff, park that, and admire the beauty of the writing, acting, and cinematography. It's doubtful anything will come close to this show this year. As apocalyptic dramas go, this is a delight—pure class.

The month of March should be the end of the cold weather for us all, and one would expect lower heating bills for all our homes. Fingers crossed, that's the way it will be. And the daffodils are out already, especially around my home by the stream.

In February, I got invited to watch JaackMaate's Happy Hour Podcast tour at New Theatre in Cardiff.

If you can recall, I interviewed a couple of the guys in January. Based on that chat, I got the nod to meet them all backstage too. I had a great time at this packed show. And as you can see from my pic, a blast was had!

INTRO RANT Did someone mention that I don't have any time for Welsh Labour? Oh yes, they are the gift that keeps on giving. Following on from my rant about pulling the M4 relief road, it appears the powers that be are now avoiding all new road expansion all over Wales. Is this to keep everyone poor and not to prosper? And have you seen the state of all the roads? Potholes are aplenty. You'd think the aversion to repair the streets - which will lead to more accidents - is to overemphasise this blanket 20 mph nonsense they want to impose from the current 30 mph. The people of Wales will only put up with so much of your nonsense, Welsh Labour. And I know quite a few of you read my column.

Welsh Labour - be brave enough to let me interview you for my column. Please go on, do it. Don't hide.

TV REVIEW The Last of Us - Sky Atlantic I'm a big fan of the PlayStation games of the same 16 CARDIFF TIMES

 INTERVIEWS I am a massive fan of the 1970s/1980s TV shows, too many to mention… The Fall Guy, The Six Million Dollar Man, Dynasty, The Saint… and when you come across a new film starring Lee Majors, Ian Ogilvy and Stephanie Beacham, I am all ears and eyes.

Renegades is out on DVD, and it stars a plethora of well-known talent from the US and UK. One of the stars, Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, tells me all about her role and what it was like working with some of these legends.

Next, I chatted with Mike Bubbins, one of Wales' funniest comedians. Now on tour, he's doing a few nights at the Glee Club in Cardiff. Tuesday, 28th March, appears sold out, but the following night [Wednesday] has a few tickets remaining. I shall see you there!

Have a great March, and see you all next month!

Carl Marsh Twitter - @InTheWordsOf_CM YouTube - InTheWordsOf

Renegades Carl Marsh

Your role in 'Renegades' could not be - on paper - more different than your last acting role in 'Nemesis', yet the Police Officer you play in 'Renegades' seems to not be whiter than white, perhaps with more to give in any potential sequels to this movie?

Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott One of the things that drew me to the character is that she has a real journey – she is frustrated by the obstacles of

of bureaucracy. Still, she does things by the book. Initially, she dismisses the Renegades as suspects based on their age… but after seeing the damage being done to London's gangland and a conflab with her CIA ex (played by the wonderful Michael Paré), she not only begins to realise what they're capable of but ultimately lends a hand, realising they can achieve more outside the law than she can within. She's a strong, gutsy character who doesn't take any BS and certainly doesn't mind being a woman in a man's world. I don't know if we'll do a sequel, they tend never to be as good, but I have a busy year coming up with a western called Reckoning Day and a very dark horror/thriller called Chase (based on the novel by Shaun Hutson) on the horizon.

Carl Marsh What sort of preparation and research for this role did you do for your character?

Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott Well, the thing is, my two favourite things to watch are true crime documentaries and cop shows, so my whole adult life has essentially been preparation and research for this character!! Seriously though, playing a cop was a dream come true, and I really wanted to get the look right. The writer recently said my subplot was sort of like The Bill, and that's exactly how I tried to play it – authentic. I also did some weapon training with a lovely former Police Fire Arms Officer named Jamie Clarke, so hopefully, when I'm shooting at the bad guys, it looks correct.

Carl Marsh There are many well-established actors in 'Renegades', too many to mention. Must you pinch yourself sharing the screen with some of these guys?

Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott Yes, I love working with all these experienced older actors; you can learn so much from them – someone like Ian Ogilvy is a joy to share a scene with. He's so humble and laid back, but when they call "action," he turns it on and lights up the screen. Another brilliant actor, though he's significantly younger than most of the cast, is Louis Mandylor – he's probably best known for the My Big Fat Greek Wedding series. Still, he has a nice sideline in these action movies, and I had a great scene with him. I think we had nice chemistry.

Carl Marsh Do you have any say in the actors and actresses your husband, Jonathan Sothcott [films producer], lines up for these roles?

Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott Jonathan casts all his movies himself, he doesn't use casting directors, and we always discuss his ideas (and everything else for these movies). I guess because we like a lot of the same movies, we are usually on the same page. It can be pretty disconcerting when we're in the middle of lunch, and he'll go "Tom Berenger!" or whoever, as an idea hits him, but that's all part of the fun. On the plus side, we also have a 'pain in the ass' list of people who won't be asked back!

Carl Marsh Lee Majors has a role in this movie, and that would be a dream come true if I could appear in a film with 'The Fall Guy / The Six Million Dollar Man'. Did you get to hang around with him on the shoot, even though I know you didn't share any scenes?

Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott Yes – Lee and his wife Faith have been friends of ours for years, and we always meet up with them when they're in London, so it was great to see Lee – we stayed in the same hotel, and he had to quarantine for five days which he wasn't thrilled about ("at my time of life five days is a long time!"), but once out, he was on great form. Around the time we finished, Jonathan and I took Lee and Billy Murray for dinner at Wilton's, a famous old English restaurant on Jermyn Street. We had a perfect evening listening to these two living legends trade anecdotes. That made me appreciate what I do.

Carl Marsh And Stephanie Beacham! I know you did share a scene with her. So, 'Dynasty's' very own 'Sable Colby', what was it like perhaps acting with one of the legends of the acting world? And did you pick up new acting skills from her?

Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott Now that's someone I did influence casting – originally, her role was written as a man, but Jonathan wanted more women in the film for balance, and I suggested Steph, who I have loved since Dynasty. Our scene was the first one on the first day of filming, so there was a lot of pressure, but we had a ball, and she was absolutely lovely. We had spoken on the phone a few days before, and both knew Ian Ogilvy – she did a movie with him in 1973 called And Now The Screaming Starts, which had terrified me as a kid – so it was like working with an old friend. It was lovely to see her recently at the London screening. They say never to work with your heroes, but my experience has been the opposite.

Renegades is out on DVD now.

CARDIFF TIMES 17

Mike Bubbins Carl Marsh I know you've been around for years, but this is your first-ever solo tour around the UK. Mike Bubbins For 14 years. So, this is the first time I've done a solo tour. I never really wanted to leave Wales, so I stayed in Wales. Had I been a younger man, then maybe I would have gone to London or wherever and done it that way. But my family is here; I love it here, so I stayed here.

Carl Marsh Would you say that doing the podcast [The Socially Distant Sports Bar] introduced you to a bigger audience leading the way to this national tour?

Mike Bubbins

Carl Marsh

Yeah, definitely. I've done little Welsh tours and that before. And I've done Edinburgh too, but I don't kid myself that before the podcast, I could have sold tickets for a tour over the bridge [into England]. The podcast went so big and so quickly, and it’s continued to grow, which is great. That just brought me to a bigger audience via a sports podcast. And I can say something funny, and people will either like it or not.

I haven't got to go through 10 layers of people to tell me what funny is who don't do funny for a living.

[Laughter] I mean, most people aren't daft, are they?

And I think we both are! I still love the 1970s and 80s.

Carl Marsh I think that 99.99% of the population like a good laugh.

It's the ultra minority which can speak, I mean shout the loudest, let's say…

Mike Bubbins Me too. So yeah, the cars and clothes and music and TV. I've got a young family, so I'm forced to live in the present as well. And there's plenty of good stuff around today. But I love the motors and the music and everything from back in the day, even though I was probably too young to sort of appreciate the 70s the first time around. I was a kid when it finished. I liked the 80s as well, but the 70s was my sort of my aesthetic.

Carl Marsh So what will the material be like on the night? Is it a mixture of 1970s/80s humour right through to laughs millennials will - hopefully - get?

Mike Bubbins Mike Bubbins I've done Edinburgh enough times to know that some of the comedy will work. And you know I've done a ton of TV to know what comedy on TV will work. I didn't want to do a comedy show with a real message or point. I don't want people to be challenged or to be… I want people to go to a night, hear some funny stories and jokes, have a laugh and be under no doubt that they are at a comedy night or a comedy show.

Carl Marsh Yeah… And your night is called 'Throwback'.

It's really just about just funny stories from my life.

I think it's more of a summary thing of the way I look at the world. So, I'm not one of those who feel that nothing good is happening now. Obviously, there is, but I just thought [the 1970s] it was more straightforward. And I'm not daft, as some people will say that I'm looking through rose-tinted glasses.

I know plenty of stuff wasn't good in the 1970s. But I just missed that… I don't know what it was, but it was that pre-internet time when people seemed to be a bit less concerned about what everyone else thought of them. It was just very, very liberating.

Mike Bubbins Because I'm a throwback.

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Catch Mike Bubbins at the Glee Club on Tuesday and Wednesday, 28/29 March 2023.

The importance of an Organ Transplantation and what it’s like to be ill and waiting.

To be seriously ill with a debilitating and potentially terminal condition is like being in jail, but its your own sick, frail body and you haven’t done anything wrong to ‘deserve’ this. To be waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant either from a deceased list or from a live donor is never knowing what to feel. Should I feel happy and hopeful that someone passes away soon so I can live? I can’t even pray to God for a deceased kidney transplant as it means praying for another human being, most probably as young as me, to pass away.

On the other hand, looking for a live donor is another form of torture and uncertainty. “Don’t get your hopes up” they say, even when you are being admitted to have your final preparations done to receive a donor kidney. “Don’t get happy, the donor might change their mind, get sick, get disqualified any minute… Any moment it feels like”. You can’t feel happy or sad or hopeful or despair.

Don’t feel. Don’t think. Just keep positive…

Just one day at a time and hopefully you will make it, you will be the lucky one all goes well for, and you will survive.

You are being kept in the dark 90% of the time from anything that happens with the live donor process. You try to piece the picture together from tiny information fragments, trying to guess.

“What stage is the testing at? Do I even have any chance? Will I live long enough to be transplanted?”

One day at a time.

Constant anxiety and worry for the future. Despair and sadness for your loved ones and feeling guilty that they have to deal with it all too. Feeling like you are a burden on society, NHS and your loved ones. Feeling like you failed. Feeling betrayed by your body.

How does it impact you physically and mentally?

Physically kidney failure feels like the worst never ending hangover. It is there all day every day. Extreme soul crushing fatigue, vomiting and tummy issues, muscle pain especially at night.

Oh, the muscle spasms! Most nights I wake up screaming from agonising pain. The itching of the whole body so bad you scratch your skin off with your nails whilst you are asleep and wake up covered in blood, confused and scared. Frequent and violent nose bleeds from hypertension which can’t even be controlled by BP medication.

Hypertensive migraines, when the pain is so intense you vomit for days, which means dehydration and a trip to A&E. Dizzy and faint spells are terrifying especially when they come at the worst times possible like whilst driving a car.

That’s why I developed driving anxiety and can’t drive myself anymore, which is extremely limiting.

In my case it is also severe weight loss and no

20 CARDIFF TIMES

appetite whatsoever. Kidney diet is absolutely brutal, the worst and harshest diet I have seen from a medical stand point. It is extremely limiting especially if you are a vegetarian like myself.

Sadly, most kidney wards aren’t catering to the proper kidney diet either and every hospital stay turns into a complete nightmare where you keep nagging people in your life to cater for you, which is quite dehumanising. Also it is quite a task to take care of the dietary needs when due to CKD the fatigue is so overwhelming most days it is impossible to even get out of bed to use the bathroom, let alone cook a balanced nutritious meal. Why do most of the meal deals come with a side of potatoes? A mystery…

From a mental standpoint it is a never-ending roller coaster of mixed emotions. Partly because of the hormonal disbalance caused by kidney failure and some medication, the emotions can be all over the place. Depression comes hand in hand with kidney failure for me personally. It is a struggle to find a will to continue living with a clinical depression even when your body is healthy. Some days are harder than others, but especially since end of November 2022 when my live transplant was cancelled, I have been in a very bad place mentally. I am currently dealing with the worst case of depression I have ever suffered.

Some days I just cry for no reason. I open my eyes and when I remember what happened I can’t stop crying and it feels like my world, all hopes and dreams have been shattered in one single moment. You feel hopeless helpless and defeated.

That no matter how hard you try, how hard you work and push yourself the result will always be the same. You feel like you don’t deserve anything in life, and that the whole world is against you. It’s depression talking, but during these times it feels very real.

How long have you been waiting? What is it stopping you doing? What would you like to do once well after transplant?

I have been waiting for a live donor kidney transplant for over 3 years now. Due to the pandemic the testing of the live donor I had took this long. I have been listed on the deceased donor list in December 2022 after my ex-live donor changed their mind just 24h before the kidney transplant surgery was to take place. We

kidney failure patients are told time and time again not to get our hopes up about any potential transplant, but sometimes it is easier said than done. Waiting for a kidney transplant is dealing with disappointment and soul crushing change of circumstances all the time.

Because I am on the transplant list and due to how poorly I am I can’t travel. We were supposed to have our honeymoon with my husband this month but because of my health we had to cancel everything, and it made me extremely sad. I can’t have children either because of kidney failure and it is a very painful subject for us. Also, I had to stop working and currently on long term sick, which was a very difficult decision to make but in the end my medical team advised that I should take this time to get better. It has a massive effect on us financially, especially during the cost-ofliving crisis.

Once I am well after I have my lifesaving kidney transplant, I plan to go back to university to finish my masters and do LPC to finally qualify as a solicitor as it was my dream since I was a little girl. Then my husband and I are planning to start a family, which is impossible at the moment due to my poor health. Thanks to a miracle of a kidney donation, I can have children a year after a successful kidney transplant. Most importantly I wish to have a restful sleep and feel refreshed CARDIFF TIMES 21

in the morning. Due to my current physical state I have to sleep over 12 hours daily, and I still feel extremely tired all of the time. The fatigue is debilitating and at times I don’t even leave my bed for weeks as I am unable to function and take care of myself.

Also, I miss swimming, as I have a tunnelled chest catheter which was placed in order for me to have a plasma exchange to receive the ABO incompatible kidney from the live donor, which didn’t go ahead. It was decided to keep the chest port in just in case I require it in the future, as the insertion procedure was extremely traumatising for me. Chest port can’t come in contact with water due to a serious risk of infection. Because it goes straight into my heart any infection can turn nasty fast and be fatal. Because of the chest port I also feel very self-conscious and cannot wear the clothes I used to love wearing. It does make me extremely sad that every part of my life it seems has been consumed by this illness.

Are you on dialysis? Describe your schedule and how does it impact your life?

I am pre dialysis with GFR below 10. But because I have a chest port, I need to go to the hospital weekly to flush and lock the line with citrolac. Also the hospital monitors me closely so I am having weekly blood tests and check-ups as with such low kidney function things can start turning nasty very fast. At the moment my biggest battle is with anaemia and blood pressure. My poorly kidneys do not produce EPO hormone which helps with conversion from iron to haemoglobin, so I am severely anaemic which adds to my symptoms like fainting and palpitations. Every 4 weeks I have to receive an injection of a synthetic EPO hormone in my stomach, to help my body with the production of red blood cells.

Also due to kidney failure I have developed thyroid issues which have a set of challenges too.

What difference will the transplant make to you – physically, mentally, in what you’re able to do, plan etc?

A successful kidney transplant with no complications will give me my life back, which I couldn’t enjoy since I got sick at the age of 18. It would be a second change at life, a rebirth. Even thinking about the most precious selfless gift of life brings tears into my eyes.

I understand that life post-transplant is not without challenges, and there is no cure for kidney failure yet. But managing a kidney transplant with medication, which is almost exactly the same as I have been taking for over 11 years for lupus, seems like the least of my worries. I overcame so much in my life that it seems that my whole existence has been a never-ending battle for survival. I escaped poverty in Lithuania, my parents’ substance abuse and domestic violence. Then I was abused by my stepdad and made homeless by him as a teenager in the UK. Ended up in a Women’s Aid Shelter. Got seriously debilitatingly sick, then disabled and still graduated from the law school and continued working whilst fighting for the rights of people less fortunate. And now kidney failure and looking for a transplant is my next battle, which is the hardest yet, physically, and mentally. I keep hoping and praying that I get a break in life and finally get a chance to live a normal life. And a kidney transplant is what will make it happen for me, I can handle any other difficulties my life throws at me.

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What are your worries for the future if you have to keep waiting?

continue studying at my own time as learning is my passion and I truly enjoy it.

I realise that many people die whilst waiting on the kidney transplant lists. It is a very sad statistic.

Also even more people get removed from the transplant list as they become too unwell to go through the surgery, and usually they pass away shortly after. This is my biggest fear.

My newly-wed husband and I are yet to enjoy our honeymoon, as it was cancelled due to my health getting much worse after my living donor transplant sadly didn’t go ahead. This will be on our post-transplant to do list and we are both looking forward to it.

I struggle with high potassium numbers and I am afraid that one day my heart will simply stop and I will have a cardiac arrest. This fear is always with me and my loved ones.

When you get your transplant what will you think about your donor?

The donor will be forever my personal hero and I would feel endless love and respect for such a pure and selfless soul! Especially it takes a very special kind of human being to become a live donor, an altruistic live donor. Kidney donation is the definition of love and the highest form of altruism. I could never find enough words of deep gratitude to thank such a person, as they would have given me my life back, my dreams and my family’s life would change. The kidney donor would not only save and change my life but the lives of all the people that I love.

What are your hopes for the future? What would you like to do with your future?

I always wanted to help people, because when I needed help the most when I was homeless and scared there were people that came to my aid and changed my life for the better. I have done a lot of volunteer work with various charities across the UK. I have worked with the Red Cross, I was an ambassador for Action for Children for many years and I was elected as Disabled Student’s’ offices at Cardiff university and NUS, to name a few. I really miss working with people and making the difference in this world. I strongly believe that compassion and true understanding of other human beings cannot be achieved without suffering. The more I go through in life the more I empathise with others on a deep level. This is a true gift that my experience has left me with.

Careers wise I am still planning to finish my studies, which due to my illness I could not have accomplished. I dream of going back to my beloved Cardiff University to study LLM & LPC. I

Most of all I am looking forward to simple life pleasures like going for a walk with my fur baby, Japanese Akita- Kimiko. Hiking and outdoors was my hobby but I am so weak now and get out of breath fast. I really miss taking a warm bubble bath! Due to tunnelled chest line, I am not allowed to have baths and I really miss them.

Why should people join the register and tell their family?

It is not common knowledge that OPT OUT system doesn’t mean that all people after they pass away will 100% become organ donors. This is a huge myth, which to admit I myself believed in too.

Regardless of the OPT OUT system, relatives and next of kin of the deceased will always have the final say and can say no to organ donation.

Furthermore, less than 1% of all deaths in UK end up in such circumstances that organs can be donated, therefore each and every donor is extremely precious and can save up to 9 lives!

Therefore, sharing your wishes with the loved ones is a must if you want to become an organ donor and save a life like mine.

Anything else you want to say, reflecting on your journey – what it is like waiting, how much it is a part of your life, what a transplant would mean to you.

I don’t know what the future holds, but all I can do is try my best and keep faith that this is not the end of my story.

Diana is now on conservative/palliative care. You can reach Diana at: kidney4diana@gmail.com www.organdonation.nhs.uk CARDIFF TIMES 23

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Spring is the perfect time to start transitioning out of your winter beauty and fashion habits and get used to a more summer-appropriate routine. One thing I have always struggled to manage across the seasons is my hair care routine; often the most overlooked self-care ritual, surprisingly. It is extremely hard to find products that do everything you need them to in all scenarios. You need something for those chlorine filled pool days in humid countries as well as a selection of frizz ease products for those rainy UK staycations. To add even more to all of those factors, we all really want budget friendly items that aren’t going to dip into our summer savings.

All in all, hair can be a very difficult beauty issue, which is why I have spent the last few months experimenting in order to give you a selective list of the best, affordable items.

One thing that I have learnt is that each item in your hair care routine is equally important, meaning none should be overlooked. It would only make sense to start right at the beginning with shampoo, a product I had absolutely no idea about prior to my research.

After much consideration and searching, I fell upon the L’Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo , which can be bought in all of the high street beauty suppliers for a mere £3.25. This wonderful magic product really locked in the moisture in my hair without creating a greasy appearance. Don’t be fooled by the oily consistency as it replenishes your strands and helps create a bit of shine (picture long, luscious locks in the sun). Controversially, I didn’t choose to purchase the conditioner from this collection and instead opted for the L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Conditioner; a very similar product but in a rich, creamy formula. In my opinion, this is 30 CARDIFF TIMES

Oils are trending across all the social media platforms at the moment, and for good reason.

Despite being a huge bargain hunter (or a tight wad, you decide), I believe that hair oil is something that we should all invest in for the upcoming months.

Across TikTok, the hair company Olaplex has been raved about constantly by beauty influencers and, truthfully, I wasn’t buying into it. It was only when I decided to try their bonding oil that my mind was changed. Applied onto dry or damp hair, preferably both, your hair feels so much healthier and less prone to breakage. The bonding oil would be an ideal product for a holiday involving chlorine swimming pools and it can reintroduce some moisture into your hair and overcome the dryness that so many of us struggle with. It left me feeling less like Monica in that one friends episode and more like Rachel in every single episode. To be completely honest with you all, it does have a slightly steeper price tag than the drugstore classics, but the results speak volumes and a little goes a very long way (my bottle is still looking on the fuller side after two whole months).

Unfortunately, despite all of their positives, platforms such as TikTok have a bad habit of creating myths surrounding hair care. For example, I was made to believe that hair serums and oils should never be used in collaboration, which is not true at all!

Of course, there is such a thing as overwhelming your hair with too many products, which is exactly why we have to be selective about the ones we choose. There is, however, no harm is using multiple variations of hair treatments. I experimented with Aveda products during my hair care journey and fell in love with their Smooth Infusion Perfect Blow Dry ; a lovely, quick treatment for your hair prior to any blow-drying or natural air-drying. Due to its serum consistency, it works perfectly alongside hair oil and adds a little bit of frizz-ease into the routine. I typically use two spritzes and run my hands through the lengths of my hair to tame the strands (a task that would have taken much longer a few years ago).

I cannot stress enough the importance of an effective heat protectant. In the beauty world, heat protectant is held in the same regard as SPF. Both products prevent long lasting damage and create a healthier

outward appearance for the skin and the hair. I have been using heat protectant for years now, ever since my hair resembled a mad scientist after years of frying with various tools. For majority of my teen years, I was a loyal user of the VO5 Heat Protect Spray , and to this day, I would continue to highly recommend. There is no stickiness or lumpiness associated with this product, which can be a rarity with heat defence. Despite my undying love of that staple item, I have since progressed to the Schwarzkopf Keratin Heat Protect Spray for that hairdresser finish. The only difference between these two beauties is that the latter is infused with keratin which smooths the cells that form our hair strands and, ultimately, manages any frizz. Keratin also

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JOE ERSKINE

by Ralph Oates

From left to right, Don Cockell, Joe Erskine, Henry Cooper, Len Harvey, Jack Petersen, Johnny Williams, Tommy Farr and centre sitting on the chair Rocky Marciano.

Image by permission of Derek Rowe.

There is no doubt that Joe Erskine’s name belongs with the best boxers that Wales have produced over the years. During his career he fought many top flight fighters winning the British and Commonwealth titles along the way.

Erskine had a great deal of potential. In his third fight after the Cooper victory he met fellow Welshman Dick Richardson on the 7th May 1956 at the Maindy Stadium, Cardiff and boxed his way to a 10 round points decision.

Erskine, who was born in Cardiff on the 26th January 1934, proved to be a good amateur winning the Amateur Boxing Association heavyweight title in 1953. The Welshman started his professional career on the 9th March 1954 at the Victoria Hall, Staffordshire. The contest was scheduled for 6 rounds, but was brought to a finish in the 2nd session when Erskine knocked out his opponent Alf Price.

That year Erskine proved to be extremely busy with him fighting a further 14 times, winning on 13 occasions with 1 draw. That was impressive.

The big moment came for Erskine on the 27th August 1956 when he met yet another fellow Welshman in the shape of Johnny Williams a former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion for the vacant British heavyweight title. The crown had been relinquished by Don Cockell. T he venue for the Erskine-Williams bout being the Maindy Stadium, Cardiff. Erskine pleased his many fans when he fought his way to a 15 round points decision to claim the title. Everything was going great for Erskine he was now undefeated in 30 bouts which included 1 draw. Then on the 19th February 1957 disaster struck; the disaster came courtesy of Cuban born Nino Valdes who had a reputation for being a dangerous opponent. The man was a wrecking ball who took no prisoners. Erskine crashed to defeat when Valdes knocked him out in the opening session in a scheduled 10 at Earls Court Arena, Kensington, London.

1955 proved to be another year where upon Erskine entered the ring frequently. He fought 11 times notching up win after win. His success was awarded when he was matched with Henry Cooper in an eliminator for the British heavyweight crown. This was the first of five meetings which Erskine would have with Cooper over the years. The fight took place on the 15th November 1955 at the Harringay Arena in London where upon Erskine won a 10 round points decision. It was more than apparent that 34 CARDIFF TIMES

Erskine had to put this defeat behind him and put the broken pieces of his career back together again.

The rebuild started on the 28th May 1957 at the Doncaster Racecourse against Peter Bates whom he outpointed over 12 rounds. In his next outing on the 17th September 1957, he met Henry Cooper for the second time and retained his British heavyweight title by the way of a 15 round points decision, the venue being the Harringay Arena, London. On the 25th November 1957 he challenged Jamaican born Joe Bygraves for the Commonwealth heavyweight crown, the Welshman’s bid proved successful when he won a 15 round points decision at the Granby Hall, Leicester.

The next step for Erskine was for him to challenge for the European heavyweight title which was held

by Sweden’s hard hitting Ingemar Johansson.

Anyone who followed boxing knew that this was no easy task for the Cardiff fighter. The bout took place at Masshallen, Gothenburg on the 21st February 1958. The Welshman went down to defeat when was stopped in round 13 of 15. (Johansson would go on in the fullness of time to win the undisputed world heavyweight championship).

On the 3rd June 1958 Erskine defended his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles against Brian London. This looked like a chance for him to get his name back in the win column but London took the titles when he knocked out Erskine in round 8 of 15. The venue for the contest being the White City Stadium, White City, London. Erskine won his next bout after the London defeat outpointing Frenchman Max Brianto over 10 rounds at the Sophia Gardens Pavilion, Cardiff on the 12th November 1958. Then Erskine stepped in with talented American Willie Pastrano on the 24th February 1959 at the Wembley Stadium. This looked tricky since the fighter from the USA was known for his boxing skills, so a win for the Welshman could not be taken for granted.

On the night Erskine performed well to outpoint Pastrano over 10 rounds. (Pastrano went on to win the undisputed world light-heavyweight title).

On the 24th June 1959 Erskine met Dick Richardson for the second time. The encounter took place at the Coney Beach Arena, Porthcawl, at the end of the 10 round bout Erskine emerged the victor on points. ( Richardson would go on to win the European heavyweight title).

On the 17th November 1959 Erskine challenged for his old British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

The defending champion was Henry Cooper who had defeated Brian London for the respective titles. This was the third meeting between the two. The contest took place at Earls Court Arena, Kensington, London.

Cooper was at the top of his game and gained

revenge for his previous two defeats against Erskine when he stopped him in round 12 of 15. After putting two wins together Erskine was back in the ring with Cooper on the 21st March 1961 at the Empire Pool, Wembley. The contest was scheduled for 15 but concluded in the 5th round when the Welshman was stopped by Cooper.

On the 2nd October 1961 Erskine travelled to Canada to meet the very tough George Chuvalo.

When viewing the chances of the Welshman coming home to the UK with a victory you would have to say his chances were not good of him doing so. Chuvalo was one hard man. However, boxing is full of surprises and one occurred in Toronto, Ontario, when Chuvalo was disqualified in round 5 of 10 giving the Welshman the victory. In his next assignment Erskine met Henry Cooper for the fifth and final time at the Ice Rink in Nottingham in a contest which took place on the 2nd April 1962. Cooper was defending his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles which he retained when he stopped Erskine in round 9 of 15. After this defeat the Welshman participated in a further 4 bouts which he won in impressive style.

Then on the 12th October 1963 Erskine met Karl Mildenberger of Germany at the Westfallenhalle, Dortmund Nordrhein-Westfalen. Erskine had it all to do, he was fighting a talented boxer on his home turf, the likelihood of a win was remote to say the least. Erskine boxed well but at the end of an entertaining 10 rounds Mildenberger was awarded the decision on points . (Mildenberger went on to win the European heavyweight crown).

On the 3rd March 1964 Erskine met Jack Bodell at the Grandby Halls in Leicester and won on points over the duration of 10 rounds. (Bodell went on to become a British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight title holder). Another victory followed on the 21st April 1964 when Erskine pulled on the gloves once more and outpointed Johnny Prescott over 10 rounds in a contest which took place at the Embassy Sportsdrome in Birmingham. However, the successful run came to an end on the 27th October 1964 at the Empire Pool, Wembley when Erskine fought the very popular Billy Walker who emerged the points winner after a 10 round battle.

This was the end of the road for Erskine who later retired from boxing. The Welshman had participated in a total of 54 professional contests; winning 45, drawing 1, with 8 defeats. Many who witnessed Joe Erskine in action would agree that he was a joy to watch and truly contributed a great deal to the sport.

Sadly, Joe passed away on the 18th February 1990.

CARDIFF TIMES 35

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Dates are filling up fast for 2023, especially Fri & Saturdays 38 CARDIFF TIMES

A modern Cardiff love story from the team behind Iphigenia in Splott and Killology.

Romeo and Julie,love at Sherman Theatre in April, is a A modern Cardiff story from the team behind modern loveand story inspired by Shakespeare’s IphigeniaCardiff in Splott Killology.

Romeo and Juliet. This major new play by Gary Romeo and Julie, at Sherman Theatre in April, Owen, a co-production between Sherman Theatre is a modern Cardiff love story inspired by and the National Theatre, is sure to be one of the Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This major new theatrical highlights of 2023. play by Gary Owen, a co-production between Sherman National Theatre, Romeo is Theatre a single and dad the hanging on tight.

Julieisissure to be one of theatrical highlights of 2023. fighting to the follow her dream of studying at Cambridge.

Two Cardiff a few streets apart but Romeo is a teens single raised dad hanging on tight.

Julie– is from entirely different worldsof–studying crash into love fighting to follow her dream at first Cambridge. and knocked their afeet. at the crossroads Two are Cardiff teensoff raised few But streets apart – but to theentirely rest of different their lives, Julie’s family into fears thelove worst from worlds – crash first in a world of unequal opportunity. and are knocked off their feet. But at the crossroads to the rest of their lives, Julie’s family fears the worst The production reunites the Olivier Award-winning in a world of unequal opportunity. partnership of writer Gary Owen and former Sherman Artistic Director reunites Rachel O’Riordan for The production the Olivierresponsible Award-winning partnership writer Gary Owen former Sherman the modern of classics Iphigenia in and Splott, Killology and Artistic Director Rachel responsible The Cherry Orchard (allO’Riordan of which premiered at for the the modern classics Iphigenia in Splott, Killology and The Sherman).

Cherry Orchard (all of which premiered at the The cast includes Callum Scott Howells (It’s A Sin Sherman).

Channel 4, Cabaret West End) as Romeo and Rosie The cast(Bird includes Callum Scott Howells (It’s A Ends Sheehy Sherman Theatre, All’s Well That Sin Channel Cabaret West End) as Romeo Well RSC) as4,Julie, Catrin Aaron (Missing Julie and Rosie Sheehy Sherman Theatre, Well Theatr Clwyd), Paul(Bird Brennen (Happy ValleyAll’s BBC) That EndsReynolds Well RSC) as Julie, Catrin Aaron and Anita (The Lion, the Witch and(Missing the Julie Theatr Clwyd), Paul Brennen (Happy Wardrobe Sherman Theatre).

Valley BBC) and Anita Reynolds (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Sherman Theatre).

Designer Hayley Grindle returns to the Sherman following her work on Iphigenia in Splott. You might Designer Hayley Grindle returns to the Sherman also haveher seen heron spectacular sets for Tales of following work Iphigenia in Splott.

You might the Brothers Grimm and A Christmas Carol at the also have seen her spectacular sets for Tales of Sherman.

The creative also includes the Brothers Grimm andteam A Christmas CarolLighting at the Designer Jack Sound Designer Sherman.

The Knowles, creative team also includesGregory Lighting Clarke and Staff DirectorSound KwameDesigner Owusu. Gregory Designer Jack Knowles, Clarke Owusu.

Romeoand andStaff JulieDirector opens atKwame the National Theatre on

Romeo and Julie opens at the National Theatre on 14 February, before heading to the Sherman from 14 February, before heading to the Sherman from 13 to to 29 29 April.

April. Tickets Tickets are are £16 £16 -- £27, £27, with with £2 £2 off off for for 13 concessions and and under under 25s 25s half half price. price. There There will will be be concessions a a Pay Pay What What You You Feel Feel Preview Preview on on 13 13 April April with with tickets tickets available from £5.

To book tickets visit the Sherman website (shermantheatre.co.uk) or call the Box Office on 029 2064 2064 6900.

6900.

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World Theatre Day – March 27th 2023

by Natalie McCulloch

Laurence Olivier once stated that “I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theatre is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture”.

Considering this, it would appear Cardiff is most certainly a city to be complimented for its culture!

to consider immersing yourself in the joy of theatre!

Cardiff itself is fortunate to house an array of theatres, arts and performance venues and offer opportunities to be involved in the culture of art and entertainment on various levels. The Welsh Millennium Centre, St David’ s Hall, Chapter Arts Centre, The Sherman Theatre, The Theatre Café in Roath and even an open-air theatre in Sophia Gardens are just some of the local theatre prospects on our doorsteps.

March 27th celebrates ‘World Theatre Day’ which has been marked internationally since 1962 to promote theatre in all its forms worldwide and to make people aware of the value, work and enjoyable opportunities which arts/dance and entertainment brings to communities. Alongside this, the day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.

Whether you’re an entertainment enthusiast or new to the arts, March is an excellent month

Oscar Wilde once remarked that “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most

42 CARDIFF TIMES

immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

Theatres are far from a modern affair. Since ancient Greece, theatre has been a popular form of art and entertainment existing to entertain and educate audiences whilst thrilling them with a real stage experience and leaving them in awe. The poet and tragedian Thespis is said to have arrived in Athens with his troupe in 534BC to perform in the marketplace and the first stone theatre was built in 55BC by Pompey the Great in Rome, all these years later theatre is seen as an enjoyable pastime by many and involvement in theatre provides meaningful occupation and opportunity for an array of followers.

The theme for World Theatre Day every year is “Theatre and a Culture of Peace” as The International Theatre Institute (ITI) envisions a world that puts strong value and importance on the performing arts. The ITI foresees:• A world in which performing artists are able to work and present their creative ideas to audiences.

• A world in which local, regional and national authorities, sponsors and donors, invest in the performing arts.

• A world in which education in the performing arts and related subjects are offered at all levels of education .

• A world in which the performing arts – especially theatre – are used in communities, for development, for mutual understanding and for building peace in conflict zones.

• A world in which diverse cultures and expressions are safeguarded and innovation is promoted.

There are many ways in which you can celebrate the theatre on March 27th and beyond, why not look at attending a show in one of Cardiff’s amazing venues? C onsider volunteering at your local theatre? Or even consider being more hands on by contacting a club or scheme that offers involvement opportunities both on and off stage?

Taya Hazlewood, performing arts student and founder of the Instagram blog ‘loveforbroadwaymusicals’ deduces “Theatre is very important to me, mainly because its gotten me through my tough times. Theatre and musicals represent a magic world that I feel as if I can escape to. I find that people who like theatre and take part in theatre are all kind and caring. I enjoy talking about what they do and why they do it ; their personal experiences and journeys. Volunteering at the Wales Millennium Centre is a huge hobby of mine, again its filled with people who love theatre, there’s always something to talk about. I adore meeting new people and it has really helped a lot with my confidence.

If you are interested in exploring the avenues of the arts, but feel limited by confidence, finances or personal circumstances fear not, help is at hand.

• Hynt is a national access scheme that works with theatres and arts centres in Wales to make sure there is a consistent offer available for visitors with an impairment or specific access requirement, and their Carers or Personal Assistants.

• Individual venues also have their own schemes, for example: Wales M illennium Centre offer a community ticketing scheme which gives people who wouldn’t normally have a chance to engage in the arts the same opportunities as those who attend and engage frequently. Their community ambassadors are committed to engaging communities in conversation about the work that they produce and present. They are committed to creating opportunities, offering training and mentoring and develop informal volunteering that builds better relationships and understanding between arts and communities.

• Cardiff has various ‘theatre’ themed clubs/ groups such as those found on meetup.com where you can meet like minded people to discuss, promote and attend shows.

So, if you’re stuck for something to put a spring in your step this March, why not consider exploring the amazing world of entertainment and arts, you may just surprise yourself!

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SPRING AT TECHNIQUEST – GROWING AN INTEREST IN SCIENCE

Thanks to generous funding from the Garfield Weston trust and the KLA Foundation, Techniquest’s Laboratory – now known as the KLA Lab – has had a complete makeover. As well as accommodating school classes, it’s now branching out to offer handson workshops for the public too. So if you fancy donning a lab coat and goggles to get properly into the swing of all things scientific, this is your chance.

Over the weekend of 4th and 5th of March, you can experience Rainbow Reactions where you’ll discover how to change clear liquids to coloured, how UV paints react with light and lots more. Then for the Easter holidays, things really take off, with workshops on the theme of Space that promise to be out of this world!

Each workshop is 45 minutes long and costs £2 per person. Children must be aged seven or over to attend (as participants will be handling chemicals) and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can book a session by simply adding a KLA Lab workshop to your entry tickets.

Star Tours will also be happening in the Planetarium: with its new 4K projector bringing the night sky into perfect focus, you can take a trip out into the galaxy without ever leaving your seat in the super-snug, 360° space. Running every weekend during March and throughout the Easter holidays, what better way to stargaze than in the warm and dry, without a cloud in sight?

Add to that the 100+ mind-boggling machines, curious contraptions and brainteaser puzzles set across two floors, that cater for all ages now, along with a new Role Play Area upstairs for younger children (ages 3-6), it’s a great way to grow an interest in science for both young and old – and to have a whole lot of fun at the same time.

Tickets are now on sale for weekends in March, the Easter school holidays and right up until mid-May: so if you want to make yourself the most popular adult in the family, book ahead now at techniquest.org.

There’ll also be plenty of fun to be had with live science shows throughout March, as every weekend there’s the chance to experience the weird and wonderful world of Bubbles and Blasts. Discover bubbles of all shapes and sizes: some filled with methane, some with propane – and see how the presenter makes sure the show ends with a bang!

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Cancer support that really makes a difference

Are you living with cancer or caring for someone who is? If so, Maggie’s is here for you.

Maggie’s is a charity that exists to provide unique support to people with cancer and their family and friends. Maggie was a young mother who lived with advanced cancer for two years. With her husband and medical team, she created a blueprint for a new type of cancer care, focused on the holistic needs of those with cancer. Her belief was, to aid your body through treatment, you needed stress-reducing strategies, psychological support, and the opportunity to meet other people in similar circumstances.

We support anyone living with cancer as well as their family and friends, whatever kind of cancer, and whatever stage they’re at. Our approach to cancer care is based on the knowledge that after a cancer diagnosis people need much more than just the medical treatment. People need information about how treatment will affect them; emotional support and practical advice and a place to go to meet and talk to people who are going through the same things.

people. We also make sure there are plenty of peaceful corners for quiet moments and a chance to gather your thoughts.

We also have lots of exciting fundraising activities including a Skydive, a concert in Llandaff Cathedral and our Maggie’s Cardiff Mutt Strutt, there’s something for everyone to get involved with.

Come and meet the team in your local Maggie’s. We’re based in Whitchurch, Cardiff in the grounds of Velindre Cancer Centre. We’re open 9am - 7.30pm on Mondays and 9am – 5pm Tuesday to Friday and there’s no need to make an appointment, just come in.

Maggie’s at The Chris McGuigan Building, Velindre Rd, Cardiff CF14 2TQ cardiff@maggies.org 029 2240 8024 Follow @maggiescardiff on social media to find out what’s on in our centre and to see more about our upcoming fundraising events.

We focus on things that really make a difference, like money worries, help with stress and depression, managing side-effects as well as relationship and family support. We help people take control when cancer turns life upside down.

Every Maggie’s is thoughtfully designed to be calming and welcoming; a place to escape from the clinical environment of the hospital. There are no reception desks and no clocks; instead, we have comfy sofas and plenty of time.

Our centres have large open spaces for group activities and a kitchen table where you can sit and chat to other CARDIFF TIMES 47

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6 Week Mindfulness Course for Students Samye Foundation Wales are running a Mindfulness 6 Week Course for Students at their Mindfulness and Wellbeing Centre in Canton, Cardiff. The course will start from Wednesday February 22nd, 4pm – 5pm and run for six weeks. Each week will provide a step by step approach, where you will learn different exercises to support you on your journey through Mindfulness and finding a calmer you.

and does also provide space for parking . The course will be lead by Lorraine Harris, who manages the dedicated Mindfulness Centre in Cardiff and is a long-time practitioner of mindfulness meditation with over 30 years experience in

this field. She believes that looking after your own mind is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

For more information, to book or if you have any questions, please contact the centre directly at admin@sfwales.org

The stress of exams and the pressure you feel trying to balance life and studies alongside overwhelming anxiety can make you feel as though you are carrying the weight of the world on uncertain shoulders.

Mindfulness is a way of finding calm in the chaos and learning the techniques of Mindfulness and how to practise the teachings will help bring you into the present moment and work through fears and anxieties. Learning how to practise Mindfulness will help you become more focussed, more productive and calmer in your approach to your studies and exams.

The six week course costs £5 per week (which also includes MP3 downloads) and will be held at the centre, which is a wonderfully warm and welcoming space and is easy to reach via public transport from the city centre CARDIFF TIMES 49

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