Vale Life 2010 by Good Life Publishing

VALE LIFE WINTER 2010

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I N D E P E N D E N T

G L A M O R G A N ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

TWINKLE TWINKLE GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS PLUS FABULOUS FESTIVE FOOD, FASHION AND INTERIORS

RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE WWW . VALELIFE . CO . UK

ART, MUSIC, STYLE, HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE PLUS

WELCOME How do we know it’s Christmas? Because the adverts have been running on the TV for weeks now and I’m humming carols around the house! I love everything about this time of year. Decorating the tree and putting the wreath on the door, and spending Christmas Day with family and friends and relaxing. Best of all, hiding the work mobile phone. Bliss!

Struggling to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones? We’ve got a great selection in this issue. Need a new kitchen or new windows for the home? Then this issue has got those covered. Our horticultural gurus StyleGardens give great tips on what to do in your garden at this time of the year. We’ve got the low down on where to eat these coming months too. Whether it’s a restaurant or pub with real ales and log fires. You’ll be spoiled for choice.Have a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year and we’ll see you again in the spring! Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@valelife.co.uk

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New for autumn is our V-News – the Vale Life e-newsletter.

You can follow us on Facebook by visiting the Vale Life website and clicking on the Facebook link. We’ll be using our Facebook page to keep readers in touch with what’s happening in the Vale and beyond.

It’ll be our way of keeping in touch with readers and subscribers in between magazines. There’ll be lots of news and exclusive content so send us your email to subscribe – jennifer@valelife.co.uk

Passionate about the Vale We are independent. We live in the Vale. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. Vale Life magazine is written, designed and produced in the Vale of Glamorgan for the people of the Vale.

Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in Vale Life or on www.valelife.co.uk is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong. Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in Vale Life are strictly those of the authors.

Our philosophy We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking. “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” Use it or lose it Business is the life blood of any community. Without business, villages have no heart, towns have no centre and cities have no soul. Please support the businesses who advertise in Vale Life without them there’d be no Vale Life magazine. Small(ish) print © Copyright Vale Life 2010. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine (including adverts) may be reproduced in any shape or form (in whole or part) without the express written permission of the publishers. We take breach of copyright and theft of intellectual property extremely seriously and will sue at the drop of a croissant. You have been warned (nicely). Green is good Pulp used in the production of the paper Vale Life is printed on is obtained from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine free bleaching process.

Caveat emptor All advertisers have supplied their own copy (and in some cases artwork), and therefore Vale Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. Missed the last issue? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please telephone us or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk. Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. Yes it’s free! Vale Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond. Vale Life is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed around, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did. Recycling... because there is no Plan B!

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Who’s using Welsh? Many businesses across the Vale are happy to speak to you in Welsh. To highlight these particular businesses, we’ve introduced a feature into the magazine. Where you see the orange Cymraeg symbol, it indicates that a person within the business is happy to speak with you in Welsh.

Editor JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@valelife.co.uk ❧ Creative Director MARK ROBERTS mark@valelife.co.uk ❧ Studio PA U L S E S S I O N S studio@valelife.co.uk ❧ Vale Life Cardiff House, Cardiff Road Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW ❧ Vale Life Website www.valelife.co.uk ❧ Telephone

0845 130 6452

CONTENTS This issue’s packed with great features and gift ideas for the coming festivities and party season...

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VA L E L I F E

IS WRITTEN,

DESIGNED AND PRODUCED IN THE

VA L E

AND

IS PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT

❧ 0845 130 6452

❧ COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF

B ARTS

❧ A VAILABLE

FROM

T HE S KI L ODGE

WWW . SKILODGE . CO . UK

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IN THIS ISSUE A ROUND THE VALE – HEAT OF THE SUN , WARM COSY FIRES AND HOT KITCHENS 6 T HE C OOL S TORE – COOL THINGS DOWN WITH J ASON J EFFERY OF T HE S KI L ODGE 8 VALE F OOD & D RINK – RESTAURANTS , O AKLANDS O RGANICS AND WINTER PUBS 10 D ELICIOUS D ELI ’ S – FROM HAMS TO HAMPERS AND CHEESES TO CHOCOLATES 16 CELEBRATE IN S TYLE – S TYLE G ARDENS , READY FOR WINTER , PREPARE FOR SPRING 18 H EALTH & WELLBEING – N UCLEUS CELEBRATES AND WE GET SOME HAPPY FEET 20 C OMPETITIONS – WIN WIN WIN . T O WIN IT , YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT 22 B ARRY – H IGH S TREET HAS IT ALL 24 E YES R IGHT – A RBUTHNOT O PTICIANS SETS ITS SIGHTS ON NEW TECHNOLOGY 28 W EALTH OF E XPERIENCE – T EAM H AWKES E SSENTIALS IS ON A WINNING STREAK 30 VALE S TYLE – C HRISTMAS GIFTS , SEASONAL STYLE AND NIGHTS ON THE TILES 32 T HE Q UEEN B – J ODIE GIVES US THE BOOTS , BAGS , SHOES AND JEWELLERY 34 H AMPTONS AT C HRISTMAS – GIVE M R C LAUS A HELPING HAND 36 P ENARTH – THE JEWEL OF THE VALE HAS MANY WAYS TO SPARKLE 38 F ORM AND F UNCTION - SPACEFITTINGFURNITURE HAS DESIGNS ON 2011 42 P ORTHCAWL – WE DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE 44 G IFTED – RMA W ILLIAMS J EWELLERS PUTS A FEW TWINKLES IN OUR EYES 48 VALE B USINESS – MOVERS ARE MOVING AND A WHOLE LOT OF SHAKIN ’ GOING ON 50 S TART - UP S UCCESS – J AMES M ASON ON THE ADVANTAGES OF SERVICED OFFICES 52 TREND S ETTING – R OOM F OR L IVING ’ S M IKE M C N ABB LOOKS TO THE FUTURE 54 T HE P RIVATE O PTION – ONE WOMAN ’ S EXPERIENCE OF HEALTHCARE TODAY 56 C LUB C LASS – M ISKIN M ANOR ’ S H EALTH C LUB AND S PA IS FIT FOR PURPOSE 58 I N T HE F RAME – GORGEOUS GLASS HOUSE INSPIRES THE SELF BUILDER IN US ALL 60 A F INE T RADITION – D AVID E DWARDS J EWELLERS IS A CUT ABOVE 62 VALE S OCIAL L IFE – THE GREAT AND THE GOOD CELEBRATE IN STYLE 64 T HE L AST W ORD – M ARTIN B IGINELLI JUST CAN ’ T HELP HAVING THE LAST WORD 66 VALE L IFE

WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US

OVER RECENT MONTHS .

( INCLUDING

O UR

CONTRIBUTORS , OUR FAMILIES , OUR FRIENDS

ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE ) AND OUR ADVERTISERS

WITHOUT THEM

VALE L IFE WOULD WHAT WE ’ VE PRODUCED

NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE .

YOU LIKE

AND WE ’ LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE

HOPE

EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU ’ D LIKE TO SHARE , PLEASE GET IN TOUCH .

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AROUND THE VALE IF YOU HAVE A STORY WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE CONTACT VALE LIFE

VALE LIFE AU T U M N 2 0 1 0

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G L A M O R G A N ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

ALL WRAPPED UP SEASONAL STYLE, FABULOUS FOOD, DESIGNER SPECS COWBRIDGE, KITCHENS, ORANGERIES, INTERIORS AND RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE WWW . VALELIFE . CO . UK

PLUS MORE

ART, MUSIC, STYLE, HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE PLUS

Despite 10,000 copies of Vale Life being distributed across the Vale of Glamorgan, it seems they go like the proverbial hot cakes!

What better gift than one friends and loved ones can enjoy all year round. Especially if they live in another part of the UK.

We deliver to many outlets in and around Barry, Bridgend, Cowbridge, Dinas Powys, Llantrisant, Llantwit Major, Penarth, Pontyclun, Porthcawl and Talbot Green… not forgetting Culverhouse Cross and Cardiff Bay.

A subscription to Vale Life will keep them up to speed with all that’s great and gorgeous about the Vale and all for just £20. Of course, they can always visit www.valelife.co.uk but there’s nothing nicer than having the real thing delivered to their letterbox.

But if you still can’t get hold of your copy, then a subscription will guarantee you receive one.

To subscribe, send a cheque made out to Vale Life for £20 (four issues) to: Vale Life. Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW.

If it is a gift, please can you make sure that you complete the recipient details carefully.

Subscribe to Vale Life today and never miss an issue. A subscription to Vale Life makes the perfect gift - one that friends and loved ones can enjoy all year round. DINAS POWYS

Elltec Solar Make your power pay Hilary May explains why she and her husband chose Elltec Solar Electricity to install their solar panels. Solar makes sense We’ve always wanted solar panels for our home and when the government introduced the Feed-in Tariff last April, a scheme that pays homeowners for the solar electricity they generate, it gave us the push we needed. Earning you money We had some savings that we had earmarked for home improvements. Rather than spend on a new bathroom, we decided to invest in a solar electricity system that would not only add value to the house but earn us some money too. Experience is everything We chose Elltec Solar Electricity because they have been installing solar electricity systems for six years, so they are established and very experienced.

“Our solar electricity system is already saving us money.”

We were very impressed with their portfolio, which includes large-scale projects like libraries and hospitals as well as homes. Not surprisingly, Richard, the owner, really knows his stuff. It took a little less than a week to complete the installation, which was a nice surprise, and there were no hidden costs. Quick to install Unless you point them out, people don’t notice the solar panels on the roof. And they make no sound whatsoever. We have a meter that shows how much electricity is being generated. It’s amazing how much solar energy is captured. It even works on a grey day. Our solar electricity system is already saving us money and we’re looking forward to putting the money it makes us towards a new bathroom. The benefits of PV solar electricity panels are: ■ A vast reduction in electricity bills ■ A clean, renewable, source of micro generation electricity ■ Works all year during daylight hours ■ Adds value to property Approved Photovoltaic ■ No maintenance Installer ELC54011 ■ Quick installation ■ 8% return on investment guaranteed ■ Goverment backed ‘Feed-in Tariff’ guranteed for 25 years. ❧ 6 ❧

For more information on how Elltec Solar Electricity can help you reduce your energy bills call Richard Ellis on 01443 223366. sales@elltecsolar.co.uk www.elltecsolar.co.uk Elltec are proud to hold a Green Dragon Environmental Certificate Level, which demonstrates the company's achievements and commitment to environmental management.

LLANDOW

From warm fires to hot kitchens When thinking of buying a new stove for your home, Topstak generally comes to mind. With the introduction of a new kitchen range to the fold, this family-run business definitely has more to offer. Vale Life talks to Christian Pedersen to find out more. People know you for supplying woodburning stoves. Why have you introduced a range of kitchens? We needed kitchen units to go with our display of Aga Rayburn and Esse range cookers. We found the Chichester units from Neptune Classics, which were just right. The quality was excellent - and the cost was a lot less than big name brands that look the same. Customers buying our woodburning stoves really liked the kitchen units and asked if we sold them. Kitchens are now a growing part of our business, and we have taken on a kitchen designer to keep up with demand. Why have you chosen this particular kitchen range? We choose Neptune handmade kitchens as they are quite unique and offer exceptionally high quality, at a far lower price than many other bespoke brands. They have a great choice of units to suit almost any layout, a limitless range of colours and the new Henley oak kitchen is stunning. Neptune take great pride in using traditional cabinet-making skills and only use solid wood for the frames and doors. They use solid ply for the carcass and shun the use of chipboard or mdf. Attention to detail is another big plus, such as the soft close Blum runners for the drawers and stainless steel fixings for easy installation.

You’ve recently been appointed local stockists for the new Chesney’s National Trust Stoves. Can you enlighten us? We were delighted to be chosen as the exclusive Chesney’s stove dealers for South Wales. These stoves are a completely new range of very efficient clean burning stoves in a choice of classic and contemporary styling. They really complement our current premium brands which include Clearview, Woodwarm and STUV. We offer a one-stop-shop for stoves and kitchens that offer great quality at very competitive prices and we can provide a complete installation service for all our stoves and kitchens.

Topstak Woodburning Stoves and Kitchens Unit 42, Vale Business Park Llandow, Cowbridge CF71 7PF 01446 771567 www.topstak.co.uk

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THE COOL STORE

After a pretty hectic summer and autumn The Ski Lodge team are now settled into their new home in Cardiff Bay. Jason Jeffery tells us about the journey.

It’s been a big challenge to bring all of the good points of the original store into the new location and build upon these, but we’re all really excited now and ready for the winter season. The store is stocked with the latest fall/winter collections, and experienced staff are on hand to guide you through the ranges, translate the techy jargon or just to chat about your favourite resort.

“The store is stocked with the latest collections.”

The new location is a great step forward for us. The links alone are so much better, making it a lot easier for customers to visit us. We’re right next to one of the main routes into Cardiff now and we are currently open late until 7pm from Monday to Thursday. Moving into Cardiff is a really positive move for us. The plan was always to bring The Ski Lodge to a much wider audience and also to expand our product mix to suit a more diverse customer base in the future. We’re working really hard to add products that we may not have been able to offer in the past. We continue to offer a huge range from the world’s leading brands, but have increased our inventory in a number of key areas. Our range of accessories and leisurewear has certainly expanded with watches from Breo and audio wear from Skull Candy, among others, being added this winter. We have an incredible collection of women’s accessories from Barts, in particular, ranging from footwear to earmuffs and scarves to handbags. ❧ 8 ❧

On the technical side, we are offering more crossover products like lightweight waterproof shell jackets and layers that can be worn for a variety of activities both on and off the slopes. All supplied by legendary brands such as The North Face, Salomon and new for us this year - Under Armour. If you are looking for technical snow kit, fashionable furry footwear and anything in between, The Ski Lodge should be your destination of choice. The Ski Lodge 4 Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff Bay CF11 0SR 0800 018 6754 www.skilodge.co.uk There’s even more online in Vale Life’s new digital edition of the magazine. Visit us online at www.valelife.co.uk

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VALE FOOD & DRINK EACH ISSUE WE BRING YOU THE VERY BEST IN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN

LLANBLETHIAN

The Cross Inn makes its mark It takes a lot to surprise me when it comes to food. I’m no A. A. Gill but I’ve been around long enough to dine in some of the very best establishments in the country and consider myself able to recognise what’s good and what’s not. So when I was asked to sample a taster menu at The Cross Inn just outside Cowbridge, I can’t honestly say I was expecting to be wowed. flavoured spinach duly arrived, along with a sauce boat of real gravy. Again, I’m not usually a fan of parsnip or butternut squash so was beginning to wonder whether The Cross’s awardwinning chefs were just out to change my tastes. If they were, they were definitely succeeding.

I thought the best that we could hope for would be competent pub food that was ‘home-cooked’. Part of my trepidation was because I had visited The Cross around two years earlier and it was clear to me back then that it was on its last legs. It had run out of ideas and, sadly, seemed that another country pub was to close, like so many in recent times. Fast forward and under the stewardship of new owners, father and son Arthur and Liam O’Leary, The Cross Inn has been given a new lease of life. I’m reluctant to say transformed because essentially everything that made it a sweet little country pub remains. What’s new is a tasteful lick of paint and an eleven week extensive refurbishment undertaken with a lot of tender loving care, outside and in.

Literally five minutes from Cowbridge, we arrived on a Wednesday lunchtime to find the car park had a number of cars in it and, when we walked through the door, the warmth of the new multifuel fire was immediately outdone by the welcome from the staff - what a transformation. We were seated, offered a drink and provided with menus. The first clue that the food was going to be good arrived with our foccacia bread with olives which we were proudly informed was made on the premises and changes daily. Our starter of pan seared scallops dusted with roe, accompanied by smoked haddock and spinach mousse with crisp basil leaf and drizzled with lemon coriander syrup was an instant hit with us both. I’m not normally a huge fan of scallops, or coriander for that matter, but, in all honesty, this was a taste-changing experience. We cleared our plates enthusiastically and had to raise our glasses to chef for his choice of the Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Californian Chardonnay, which complemented the dish perfectly.

“The Cross Inn is accepting bookings for December parties and Christmas Day.”

On to our mains. Two plates of beautifully cooked, pink Burberry duck breast with parsnip infused potato mash and a confit of butternut squash with plum puree and nutmeg ❧ 10 ❧

The meal was utterly superb and its pairing with a well balanced Martinez Lacuesta Rioja only added depth to the flavours of the duck and plum puree. I think it’s important to mention that the blackboards had plenty of honestto-goodness meals and a good selection of real ales so please don’t think for a second that The Cross Inn isn’t a real down-to-earth establishment. It is. It’s just that the food is utterly superb. This was again borne out by the dessert: Belgian chocolate marquise infused with rasperries and passion fruit syrup with tuile biscuit and spun sugar. Incredibly rich, sumptuous and morish. We rounded off a perfect lunch with coffees and a selection of melt-in-themouth home-made shortbreads. I sensed a real passion from the owners to get it right and the desire from the kitchen to create beautiful dishes is clear to see. Would I return? Absolutely - in a heartbeat. Would I recommend it? Without reservation. We both felt we had found a truly special dining experience. They say that if you’re looking for buried treasure, an X usually marks the spot. In culinary terms, certainly in the Vale of Glamorgan, it’s now The Cross. The Cross Inn Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7JF 01446 772995 www.crossinncowbridge.com

C A R D I F F B AY

Waterfront dining at Tempus at Tides The minute you walk through the door of a five star hotel the experience should be about seamless service. So, I was excited to be dining with friends at Tempus at Tides restaurant in St David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff Bay. Cocktails at the Tempus Bar beckoned and it was surprising to find that the bar area has lost the minimalisitc edge that it was previously known for, in favour of a friendlier American club styled environment with dark wood, warm tones and cosier banquette seating. The new theme continues into the restaurant and it was reassuring that the views of the Bay and the outline of twinkling lights along the shoreline have lost none of their former magic.

“All in all, we enjoyed a fabulous evening. Expect seamless and unobtrusive service - the type you hardly notice.”

It’s the little details and nice touches that you expect in a hotel of note and it’s hard to separate the restaurant from the hotel’s five star status; so when my clumsy entrance into the restaurant sent my cutlery clattering to the floor, within seconds it was scooped up and replaced with clean sparkling new ones – a tick in the box for attentive service. Menus were perused and choices made, then we relaxed while being served with three varieties of delicious home-baked bread, a bottle of Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a glass of smooth oaked St Hallett Faith Shiraz. Friend One’s choice of pan-fried wood pigeon supreme with sweetcorn puree, Madeira caramel and bacon popcorn assembled upon a warmed Welsh slate plate, gave it a patriotic touch. The pigeon was beautifully tender with a balance of flavours and textures from the saltiness and crunch of the popcorn. Friend Two chose the delicate St David’s crayfish salad, lemon dressing and ground scallop roe and we all went quiet while she disassembled it with great care before tasting.

It was a light and refreshing starter with well combined flavours, leaving her with room to enjoy the main course. For me, the Welsh goats cheese baked in dukkah which is a Middle Eastern nut and spice mixture and served with tomato confit was mild and creamy with the black olive puree adding decoration and ‘lift’ to the milder flavours of the rest of the dish. Next, the Assiette of Welsh lamb with flageolet bean, rosemary puree and port sauce was devoured before remarks were made on its perfect tenderness and an endorsement that it would leave no doubt in any mind that it was Welsh lamb. Friend Two’s fish theme continued with perfectly cooked Monkfish marinated in ginger, chilli and coriander root, steamed in seaweed, with stir fried vegetables and mild green Thai curry sauce. Yours truly enjoyed the comforting option of corn-fed chicken supreme stuffed with ricotta, pancetta and served with crushed baby potatoes, leeks and mustard sauce; it looked and tasted substantial and I was delighted by what I detected as French (not Dijon) mustard sauce and cheekily asked for an extra jug of it. Seasonal vegetables were presented in small copper handled pans and cooked to perfection. ❧ 11 ❧

Dessert was a scrumptious mix and match affair so that we could all share a taste - glazed choc au pain and apricot bread and butter pudding with vanilla bean custard; home-made Welshcake ice-cream and a selection of mini chocolate treats which change on a daily basis. Unbelievably, we managed to find room for a selection of Welsh and continental cheeses from the cheese trolley, which in itself was a marvellous showpiece. All in all, I must say we enjoyed a fabulous evening. In general, the presentation and portion size was just right and the food was excellent. The restaurant is comfortable, more mainstream, and offers a relaxed, non-intimidating service. Expect seamless unobtrusive service the type you hardly notice, yet at the same time knowing that when you need to catch someone’s eye, they will be there in a jiffy. Tempus at Tides Bar and Restaurant St. David’s Hotel and Spa Havannah Street Cardiff Bay CF10 5SD 029 2045 4045 www.thestdavidshotel.com

CARDIFF

Seduce your senses at Casanova Part of me is reluctant to share this with you. I like secrets and, when I’ve found somewhere off the beaten track, I like to think that I’ve got it all to myself. However, in this case, and judging by the full house, it validates my theory that you’ll find the best places down little back streets. The sharing-caring part of me just wants to spread the word that you too may benefit from our experience, so in generous spirit, here goes… Casanova might well have been an infamous Italian adventurer but he is best known for the art of seduction. There couldn’t be a more appropriate name for this intimate and not so secret restaurant in Cardiff’s Quay Street. From the minute we got there we were warmly embraced like long-lost friends, then gently and lovingly seduced through each course, guided by the promise of traditional Italian dishes and authentic flavours. Deciding to share, we started with Sarde Al Saor – a traditional recipe from Venice of fresh filleted sardines marinated with sweet and sour onions on toasted bread. Interestingly they were not quite what we expected, but delicious all the same, with a texture and appearance of rollmops. A platter of Antipasto Misto provided a selection of Italian regional cheeses, olives, sundried tomatoes and pickles. There was the option to include salami, cold meats and wild boar - but we were keen to appease the vegetarian among us!

The mains were tremendous and faultless; the Agnello Arrosto, loosely translated as Roast rump of Welsh Salt Marsh lamb, was cooked two ways and served a perfect shade of pink with tomato and butternut squash compote and hints of cumin and coriander, while the Risotto al Funghi was a delicious combination of carnaroli rice, fresh wild mushrooms and black truffle shavings with the enticing and heady aroma of white truffle oil demanding the full attention of our heightened senses. The big surprise was an unassuming plate of Tagliatelle Prosciutto; yet its robust flavours of Parma ham, caramelised shallots, cream, white wine and truffle oil, and the bite and bright green colour of peas adding a welcome twist. All of this was washed down with very drinkable house red and white wine from the Puglia region of Italy. Let’s keep dessert simple: the homemade Tiramisu was like no other – in a good way, with the chocolate fondant and accompanying vanilla ice cream being described as ‘sex on a plate.’ Finally, pears poached in wine with blue cheese, pecan nuts and truffle honey was a refined mix of savoury and sweet flavours. The Liatico Aleatico dessert wine was a pudding in itself, and we were thrilled to learn that it is available to order from Casanova’s online deli and food store at www.casanovaonlinestore.com ❧ 12 ❧

In a nutshell, Casanova aims to please. We were told about their special wine events and midweek two-course lunch menus at a very reasonable £9.95, plus their willingness to meet any particular menu or ingredient request if ordered in advance. Simple words get lost in translation when it comes to pretentious foodie adjectives. So you just have to trust me when I say, this is honest, home-cooked Italian food, prepared with love and a passion to bring the varying regional flavours and influences of Italy to our attention. Italian restaurants can be somewhat of a cliché – flirtatious men with big pepper pots serving plates of spag bol. There is none of that here – well okay, a tiny bit of flirting, but the rest is about food and feeling the love.

Casanova 13 Quay Street Street, Cardiff CF10 1EA Cardiff CF10 1EA 029 2034 4044 www.casanovaonlinestore.com 029 2034 4044 www.casanovaonlinestore.com Lunch menu available Mon - Sat

P O N T YC L U N

Taste of the East A real taste of the orient This time of year is all about family, food, celebrations and happy gatherings, but even the best of us can tire of the usual round of turkey and all the trimmings. For a fabulous and tasty alternative to traditional Christmas party menus, head over to Taste of the East in Pontyclun. You can be assured of excellent food, a friendly and enthusiastic welcome and a passion for creating the authentic flavours of the East. Food is freshly cooked and the à la carte and set menus provide fantastic choice. The special Christmas Endless Banquet is an experience in itself, and is available until New Year’s Day, so is perfect for parties throughout the holiday. Offering exceptional value and variety at £17.90 for adults and £8.90 for the under tens, you can choose from a tempting array of traditional and special dishes including desserts, side orders and soft drinks. Who can resist crispy aromatic duck, mussels in garlic and black bean sauce or sizzling dishes cooked in ginger and spring onions? What’s more, this is a buffet like no other; it is cooked to order and is served at your table without the need for you to leave your seat - how is that for service?

Taste of the East is open Christmas Day and Boxing Day, making it a convenient and hassle-free option for anyone who needs a break from home-entertaining, and the take-away and delivery service means you can stay in the comfort of your home. There is ample parking outside, and the mainline train station connecting Cardiff to Swansea is a two minute walk. Of course Christmas doesn’t mean the end of celebrations. In February, St Valentine’s Day coincides with the Chinese New Year and the restaurant will be turning its attention to putting on something special for its customers to mark the Year of the Rabbit. Who says winter has to be dull!

“Taste of the East is open Christmas Day and Boxing Day, making it a convenient and hasslefree option for anyone who needs a break from home-entertaining.”

Taste of the East 1 Llantrisant Road Pontyclun, RCT CF72 9DP 01443 229390 / 230006

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BONVILSTON

Oaklands Organics for a free range Christmas At Christmas we tend to push the boat out when it comes to feeding the family, and with such a long holiday period this year, with more meals to plan and prepare for, you want meat and poultry that is tasty, goes a long way, and provides a variety of flavoursome meal options. Oaklands Organics are a local farm in the Vale of Glamorgan that rears delicious multi awardwinning organic and free range meat and this Christmas you would do yourself well to give it a try. The ultimate centrepiece on Christmas Day is their dry aged organic free range bronze turkey and their double awardwinning free range Glamorgan chickens, which are bred large for a true festive feast. Welsh rare breed Balwen lamb is full of sweet succulent flavour providing you with the tasty options of leg of lamb, easy-carve shoulder of lamb and if you want to really impress your guests then you can do no wrong with the Lamb Guard of Honour - complete with French trimmings; this double rack of lamb is hard to beat. Another popular choice is their Triple Gold award winning bacon and pork and you can rest assured that the sweet cured unsmoked gammon will be full of flavour and easy to carve for a Boxing Day feast. No chicken or turkey would be complete without bacon trimmings and whether you prefer back or streaky, its sweetness will complement the meal beautifully.

Animal welfare is a key part of the organic process, and the animal’s diet is a major consideration – for this reason their Gold award winning dry aged, grass fed Welsh Black beef is excellent for choice cuts such as Chateaubriand fillet, the French trimmed and hand-tied wing-rib of sirloin, rump joint, or the ‘melt-in-themouth’ beef sirloin joint, which Oaklands believes is the ‘crème de la crème’ of roasts. With so much variety you’ll be hard pressed to choose, which is why the team at Oaklands have put together a luxury selection of meat and poultry for a very reasonable £99, to include a bacon joint, a Glamorgan chicken, Welsh Black beef roast and shoulder of rare breed Balwen lamb.

With your entertaining needs sorted for Christmas with delicious, humanely reared, meat right through from Christmas Eve to New Year, all you need to do is relax and enjoy. It goes without saying that in order to be an organic supplier, a high level of commitment and passion goes into the basics of understanding the food chain process and animal welfare. Much is written about organic food and a wealth of information can be Googled but nothing beats talking to someone who truly understands it with heart and soul. Oaklands Organics have organic certification under the Welsh Organic Scheme and with a string of True Taste awards including Gold for two years running, the Most Beautiful Farm award and critical acclaims from top chefs, they are proud to be serving their local community.

Oaklands Organics Oaklands Farm Bonvilston CF5 6TQ 01446 781177 contact@oaklandsorganics.com www.oaklandsorganics.com

“Oaklands Organics... delicious multi award-winning organic and free range meat.” ❧ 14 ❧

Complimentary Oaklands Organics Jute Bag for orders over £50

A WARM WELCOME COWBRIDGE

L L A N C A R FA N

B RY N S A D L E R

The Market Place

The Fox and Hounds

The Ivor Arms

At Christmas our attention turns to time-honoured traditions and little rituals. The Market Place in Cowbridge will make sure that festive season is magical and memorable - you know, the ones that are captured so beautifully in scenes from a Christmas card with the log fires burning bright and a delicious feast of a meal on the table.

The Fox and Hounds Pub in the picturesque village of Llancarfan is somewhat of an institution. In fact many a tale could be told of the myths and legends and comings and goings of past generations.

If you haven’t yet visited The Ivor Arms Inn in Brynsadler, you’re missing a real treat. Landlords Karen and Sam, have re-decorated and refurbished the pub to a warm and ultra inviting environment, thanks to the lovely wood burning stove and the welcoming and attentive service.

You’ll be welcomed as a very special guest from the moment you set foot in the door, whether it’s a midweek set-price three-course party Christmas lunch with your colleagues or something a little more intimate. When it comes to Christmas Day, take a break from cooking and join in the merry-making with a five-course traditional lunch, and only after you’ve sipped and savoured a welcome glass of champagne. Celebrations continue on Boxing Day when a Sunday Roast is set to tempt you – even the children get their own mini version. Welcome in 2011 at their New Year’s Eve party, a Gourmet five-course dinner and live tunes from the resident pianist. The Market Place 66 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 774 800 enq@the-marketplace.co.uk www.the-marketplace.co.uk

That said, the pub now trades in a new era that combines all the traditions you would expect of a pub - fine ales and wines, the glow of woodburning fires and overnight accommodation with the needs of a modern patronage. Stalwart locals and visitors love the recent refurbishment of the bar and restaurant which has transformed the pub into a contemporary eaterie where the emphasis is on home-made dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including those grown in their garden. The showpiece is a glass-roofed patio area, which while a little cold for al fresco dining now, will certainly be put to good use once spring reappears. Still expect to see their signature deep fried Cod in Beer Batter and a few more gastronomic delights. Hot toddies and an unmissable barbecue await walkers and entrants of the annual Boxing Day (27 December this year) Tug ‘o’ War – don’t miss it. Fox and Hounds Llancarfan CF62 3AD 01446 781287 www.foxandhoundsllancarfan.co.uk

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They also have an extremely talented chef on board. You’ll find baguettes and light bites of a lunchtime and the daily dishes are home-made plates of loveliness. I’m talking vegetable stilton pie and good old sausage and mash, with the chef’s secret gravy recipe. The à la carte and Sunday lunch menus are where the Ivor Arms Inn comes into its own. Pork fillet of pan fried succulent pork with pepper or Parisian sauce or Red Snapper with cherry tomatoes and spicy chilli salsa for mains are a personal favourite and sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and jam rolly polly with cream for dessert. Sunday lunch is now a favourite with locals. There’s a selection of succulent meat options and choice of puds. The wine list is as long as your arm and there’s a great selection of champagnes, beers and ales too. The Ivor Arms Inn Cowbridge Road, Brynsadler CF72 9BT 01443 222287 Sunday lunch served midday to 3pm

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DELICIOUS ❆

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I find that a sure fire way of knowing that Christmas is on the horizon is when our local deli’s are full of fabulous festive goodies. I love Christmas. I love the lights, the trimmings, I love the fact that I can spend time with the family and for two weeks of the year, I try to turn my phone off. It never works mind you! The other thing I love about Christmas is visiting my local delicatessen. I like to get a selection of cold meats because someone’s always stopping by and it’s nice to be able to rustle up a tasty sandwich which doesn’t involve turkey. Not forgetting those yummy mince pies to go with a nice glass of sherry or cup of tea. The other thing I like about a real delicatessen is that it brings good old fashioned charm to any high street.

It’s a place where you’re likely to meet a neighbour or bump into a friend you haven’t seen for a while. It’s a much more relaxed shopping experience and you can usually find something unusual to add to your basket.

In this issue Vale Life features some of the very best delicatessens from across the Vale of Glamorgan and we find out what mouth-watering treats they have in store for us for the coming festive season.

Maybe you’d prefer the informality of a hot and cold buffet or a formal sit-down menu. You might be trying to impress business clients, reward your staff, celebrate the christening of your child or have a big bash for a milestone birthday - it might even be a romantic evening in with your loved one to mark St. Valentine’s Day. Whatever the occasion, you can guarantee Knife & Fork will be there every step of the way to help you with your theme, special dietary requirements and to work within your budget.

“Whatever the occasion, you can guarantee Knife & Fork will be there every step of the way to help with your theme.”

Knife & Fork Catering catering@knifeandforkfood.co.uk 07984 497692

So you’ve written the guest list, chosen the venue, told everyone about it - even planned the music, drink and dress code. It’s an occasion worthy of a celebration and you’ll get the chance to chat and mingle with your friends and family. But what’s a gathering without anything to eat. Food brings people together, whether it’s a few nibbles or a hearty meal, and maybe you don’t have the time to cook, or the venue of choice doesn’t offer food. Whatever your predicament, you can rely on Knife & Fork Catering to provide you with the solution, whether it’s a tempting array of canapés, Italian antipasti, a cheese and wine evening or a banquet fit for a wedding. You name the occasion and let them work their magic – the choice is limitless. Popular options are honey-glazed tenderloin of pork with sweet apple sauce, oaksmoked salmon with caper and dill dressing, or herb-crusted goat's cheese with roast tomato vinaigrette followed by a bitter chocolate and almond tart. Or maybe you have something equally as appealing in mind?

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Let them do what they do best and take the hard work out of entertaining – all you need to do is to get ready, be there to greet your guests and enjoy!

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DELI’S ❆

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From hams to hampers cheese and chocolates, your local deli is a must visit this festive season.

The Delicatessen

Knife & Fork Deli

Food For Thought

24 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun 01443 225579

31 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AE 01446 773545

12 High Street, Barry 01446 735711

The Delicatessen in Pontyclun invites you to make this Christmas special with their extensive range of luxury festive food and tantalising produce to suit all tastes and budgets.

The market town of Cowbridge lends itself nicely to a delicatessen with Knife & Fork being in a period character building plump in the middle of the town’s charming High Street.

A selection of hampers, cheeses, charcuterie, pickles, chocolates, stocking fillers and all the trimmings will make it a celebration to remember. For something a bit different, try a traditional Italian Panettone or some of the tempting continental treats on offer. Smiles are guaranteed all round with homemade freezer meals and delicious quiches - perfect for a quick and tasty supper alternative to Christmas Eve cooking.

It stocks a varied range of organic store cupboard ingredients, local farm produce and traditional deli favourites such as charcuterie, cheese, olives and home-made freezer meals. Fresh fish is delivered on a Friday (be sure to order by Wednesday) and there is an interesting selection of wines and beers to savour with your meal. Customers clamour for the delicious welshcakes that are griddled fresh in the shop daily and the aroma is a sure way to entice you in.

This family run deli is well loved by regular customers, and for good reason. Owner Dave Keeble, wife Linda, son Nathan and daughter-inlaw Sarah pride themselves on ensuring visitors have a wonderful array of gifts and produce to choose from.

Let The Delicatessen take the hard work out of Christmas with their quality gift wrapping service; all you need to do is to sit in their little café enjoying a freshly brewed coffee and home-baked cake while you wait. Plus each time you visit the shop and spend £20 or more in a single transaction before 17th December you will get the chance to be entered into their prize draw to win a luxury Christmas hamper full of delicious goodies and treats.

Lunch-time workers are well catered for with a selection of made-to-order sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes, as well as quiches and pies. In true French style you will find a tempting selection of cakes, patisseries and tarts as well as bread fresh from the deli oven. Order your Christmas hampers now – they make great gifts for food lovers and are set to make your Christmas special.

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Food for Thought has a reputation for fabulous lunchtime baguettes (my favourite is chicken tikka), homemade pasties and home-made coleslaw. Plus a superb range of cakes. They’re already taking orders for Christmas so, as they say, book early to avoid disappointment… and the mince pies, you have to try the mince pies – scrummy! Food for Thought is well-known at this time of year for their beautiful German advent calendars and confectionery, Dave’s gorgeous cooked hams and, again, don’t forget those mince pies! You’ll really like the friendly festive service - always smiling and nothing is too much trouble. They’re open from 7am, six days a week and they do all the things a good deli should - extremely well.

Nature is truly amazing, yet usually we don’t stop long enough to consider it. For instance, what is the significance of winter in the natural cycle of things? It makes us take stock, nourish, replenish, wind down and hibernate in preparation for spring... yes, it’s not just for squirrels!

CELEBRATE IN STYLE StyleGardens in Wenvoe is busy preparing for the winter to make sure you get the best out of your garden and home and to help you celebrate in style during the festive season. So what can you expect? The tree Part of the thrill and ritual of Christmas is choosing a tree with the family – just the fragrance itself is pure nostalgia and an air of festive cheer and banter is guaranteed. The team will help to take the headache out of selecting your tree with their needle-firm Irish fir and spruce trees. They can be delivered to your home anytime from the last week in November and range in size from 4 – 12 foot in height, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor display.

The front door The entrance to your home is a real opportunity to make a statement and no front door is complete without a beautiful seasonal wreath, garland, planted container or window box. What better way to greet your guests when they arrive for the festivities than with a classic standard tree of holly, bay or box and a sprig of mistletoe to induce the folklore tradition of romance! Once over the threshold, a splash of colour and vibrancy can be provided with a bold display of poinsettias or cyclamen.

If you’re looking to theme your tree, then you will find a fabulous range of twinkly fairy lights, novelty outdoor lights, LED’s and, of course, baubles and tree ornaments. And if you like to add something new to your Christmas collection each year, then you’re bound to find something to hang on one of the branches.

Community StyleGardens are passionate about supporting the local community and raising children’s awareness of wildlife and the natural world around them. This year, they are holding a Christmas card competition and local pupils will be participating in an attempt to win a Christmas tree for their school. A selection of the artwork will be on display at the garden centre. The last weekend in November welcomes the annual craft fayre where local businesses will be demonstrating their creative talents and offering you the opportunity to purchase some unusual gifts for Christmas, all to the sound of a local school choir. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the appearance of Santa as he does his rounds during December, and it is bound to be a great day out for the whole family.

“Add a splash of colour with a bold display of poinsettias or cyclamen.” ❧ 18 ❧

“If you’re looking to theme your tree, then you’ll find a fabulous range of twinkly fairy lights, novelty outdoor lights, LED’s and, of course, baubles and tree ornaments. You’re bound to find something to hang on the branches at StyleGardens.” Treats for the foodies The Coffee Shop at StyleGardens will be the place to relax over a mug of steaming hot chocolate, a cup of coffee, a mince pie or a slice of chocolate Yule log. Also look out for seasonal flavoured soups and sandwich fillings. Don’t leave without selecting some of the goodies available in the Delicatessen, such as cheeses, pickles, jams, chutneys, chocolates and a range of festive flavours and treats.

selection of ‘living’ bulbs which can be grown in readiness to welcome in the spring season. And for vegetable lovers, now would be a good time to prepare your crops by planting Spring cabbages, and other seasonal produce. Christmas competition To be in with a chance of winning £100 worth of StyleGardens vouchers to spend on your garden or home, go to page 22 for more details on how to enter.

Gift ideas Where do we start? Favourites include pots, plants, garden benches and Chimneas which will bring a warm glow to gardens on a cold crisp winter evening. Gift vouchers are perfect for keen gardeners and packets of seeds make ideal stocking fillers for green fingers who want to ensure a riot of colour for summer gardens. Spring Yes, it seems ages away, but in gardening terms you need to plan now. For anyone who has missed the window of opportunity to plant dry bulbs this autumn, then you will find a ❧ 19 ❧

StyleGardens Ltd Port Road, Wenvoe Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6AD 029 2059 8118 www.stylegardens.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING Take good care of yourself with Vale Life’s guide to healthcare in the Vale NEWPORT

New laparoscopic theatre at Nucleus No longer will patients in need of laparoscopic surgery have to have their procedures carried out at NHS hospitals as a state-of-the-art laparoscopic theatre is in the process of being built at Nucleus Healthcare in Newport. The theatre, which is due to be completed this November, has been meticulously designed and planned with patients’ needs in mind, offering uncompromising care for patients. The hospital will be able to provide day care and overnight stays for patients and will also be extending its bariatric services to include the popular gastric band procedure. Nucleus will provide a unique service within the field of Gastroenterology with specialist doctors, surgeons and nurses with unparalleled expertise in this area. PENYLAN, CARDIFF

Happy fish make for extremely happy feet As a keen road runner and gym bunny my feet are, more often than not, encased in a pair of Asics than Mary Jane’s and, although I occasionally treat them to ten minutes with a pumice stone to get rid of the built up hard skin on my heels, they’ve really seen better days. With this in mind, I was excited to learn of a new treatment at The Year Of The Tiger Health Spa in Kimberley Road, Penylan, Cardiff. The owner of the salon Mari Arthur has brought the Garra Rufa ‘Doctor Fish’ treatment to South Wales and couldn’t wait to try it. Here’s the science bit. Garra Rufa treatment significantly improves dry, rough or damaged skin and is particularly effective for those with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, the fish pedicure and manicure removes dirt and provides a deep-cleansing treatment to both hands and feet. All of the treatments at the salon, whether Garra Rufa, massage, reflexology or facials have been developed in the Far East

“The theatre has been meticulously designed and planned with patients needs in mind.”

Nucleus Healthcare Spooner Close Celtic Springs Business Park Newport NP10 8FZ 01633 815900 enquiries@nucleushealthcare.co.uk www.nucleushealthcare.co.uk

and are designed to help relieve the stress of Western life. Mari is a frequent visitor to China, visiting at least three times a year and, through her travels, has been struck by how these treatments were a routine part of the Chinese lifestyle rather than a luxury. Mari has set out to create an affordable and effective range to encourage us all to adopt a new attitude to relaxation treatments. Garra Rufu - my experience Mari took me to the treatment area and began by placing my feet in warm water to cleanse. I then placed my feet into the tank and immediately the fish, forty in total, began nibbling away at the dry skin. I say nibbling, but as they don’t have any teeth, it was more of a sucking action really. The sensation was surprisingly pleasant and I was fascinated watching the fish work away at my cuticles. They seemed to concentrate their efforts there and also at my heels more but gave all of my feet their undivided attention. I opted to have the reflexology massage after and was glad that I did because this, I discovered, was an all important part of the treatment. When the treatment was over and my fish were put into quarantine to recuperate, I felt my feet which were definitely softer to the touch with noticeably less hard skin. ❧ 20 ❧

I would definitely go back for more Garra Rufa because a) as it’s a much more pleasant experience than my pumice stone and, b) because at £20 for the ‘Doctor Fish’ and foot massage package is affordable. In fact, looking at the price list, all of the treatments on offer are extremely reasonable so, in 2011, looking after myself is going to be a priority. The Year of the Tiger Health Spa 72 Kimberley Road Cardiff CF23 5DN 029 2045 0050 relax@tigerhealthspa.com www.tigerhealthspa.com

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WIN! WIN! WIN! Dine at Tempus at Tides Stay at St David’s Hotel

£100 of gift vouchers to spend at StyleGardens

£100 of gift vouchers at The Year Of The Tiger

Who wouldn’t want to be pampered in five star luxury this winter? If you’re idea of full on pampering is dinner for two at Tempus at Tides restaurant followed by an overnight’s stay including breakfast at Cardiff’s five star luxury hotel, The St David’s Hotel and Spa, then this is the competition for you. For your chance of winning, please answer the question below.

Now is the time to be thinking of getting your garden together in readiness for spring. Vale Life is giving one lucky reader a chance to win £100 worth of gift vouchers to spend at StyleGardens in Wenvoe. Just think of all the bulbs and shrubs you could buy with that! To be in with a chance of winning, please answer the question below.

Here’s your chance to win £100 of vouchers to spend on traditional body, aromatherapy and sports massage or the highly effective Garra Rufa “Doctor Fish” treatment at the new Year of The Tiger Health Spa, Cardiff. Just answer the question below.

For more information about Tempus at Tides see page 11.

For more information about StyleGardens see page 18.

Just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Tempus at Tides Competition Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk. Please type Tempus at Tides as the email title.

Just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: StyleGardens Competition Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk. Please type StyleGardens as the email title.

Just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Year Of The Tiger Competition Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk. Please type Year Of The Tiger as the email title. All competition entries must be received by 14 January 2011. Winners will be notified within 14 days and prize must be taken by 1 March 2011.

✃

What is the web address for St David’s Hotel?

For more information about Year Of The Tiger Health Spa see page 20.

What is the web address for StyleGardens?

Who is the owner of the spa?

Answer

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email

If you do not wish to receive details of special offers from Vale Life please, tick here.

If you do not wish to receive details of special offers from other companies, please tick here.

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Fireplaces Wood Burning Stoves Interiors Stockists for Chesneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of London for South and West Wales info@fireofcardiff.co.uk

112 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LY Telephone 029 2061 1881

www.fireofcardiff.co.uk

BARRY

High Street in Barry is exactly as a high street should be, in the traditional sense, with individual shops selling their wares to offer something unique and special. Vale Life takes a trip to find out more. There’s something magical at this time of year about shopping in the local community. Maybe it’s the camaraderie between shop owners and traders, or the way they work to create a street full of festive cheer. Whatever it is, you can be assured you won’t miss out this Christmas in High Street, Barry. Whether it’s because of the products they sell, their passion to please, the display of goods or the friendly banter that greets each customer who walks through the door, something is definitely right. It goes some way to explain why the High Street has maintained a regular and loyal following from the locals.

Even visitors from out-of-town enjoy the convenience of hopping on a train or bus to spend time in this bustling and busy shopping hub. There really is everything you need here, from clothing to gift shops, hair and beauty salons, estate agents and a deli. The warmth of a café greets you when body and mind need a rest; and nothing feels more welcoming than a frothy coffee on a cold day when the windows are steamed up yet you feel safe and cosy inside.

“There really is everything you need here...”

Combined with the adjacent Market Street, York Place, Broad Street and Island Road, the area of High Street is the place to be. Whether you marvel at the Christmas lights or hanker after a warm mince pie or a host of stocking fillers, be sure to visit soon.

Anastasia Beads

Bryl’s Boutique

Sarah’s Hair Salon

Anastasia Beads is a delightful find for anyone who wants a unique piece of jewellery without breaking the bank.

Snuggle up during the cold months in gorgeous knitwear and fashionable seasonal basics for guaranteed winter style.

Sarah Jenkins and her trusty sidekick Sam have spent the last 22 years building a loyal client base throughout the Vale and Cardiff.

Here you can design and create your own bracelet, pendant or earrings using an array of colourful glass, acrylic and metal beads or semi previous stones. And, if you are looking to accessorise an outfit for a forthcoming event, let their experts create something for you. Ideal Christmas gifts are jewellery kits, classes for adults and children or gift vouchers. In fact, you can spend a day there choosing beads and making jewellery for all your friends.

Bryl’s has all you need, whether you are looking for that investment handbag, figure-slimming jeans to tuck into cosy Ugg boots, or a splash of colour. Great quality knits, scarves and vibrant dressy tops by French Connection, Ted Baker and Chilli Pepper will ensure you look fabulous day or night. Lovers of unusual feminine detailing will be clamouring for pieces by labels such as Darling and Nougat - guaranteed to turn heads this Christmas.

Sarah’s Hair Salon is a mainstay business that understands that the trick to survival is to offer great service with respectful and traditional values, yet to keep continually abreast of new hair trends, products and cutting techniques. The new Moroccan Oil product range is derived from the humble Argan nut and is going down a storm, with clients clamouring for its nourishing anti-frizz and calming control benefits - perfect for Christmas party glamour and gift dilemmas.

8 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 400793 www.anastasiabeads.co.uk

7 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 748246 www.bryls-boutique.co.uk

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14 York Place, Barry 01446 733299

B A R RY

Food for Thought Everything you need If you’re a resident or a business owner in Barry then you’re in a very lucky position indeed, as you have a very fine deli right on your doorstep. What makes Food for Thought deli on Barry’s High Street, so special is that this family run business of some 24 years does what a deli does best and that’s offering the finest, freshest, tastiest goodies all in one shop.

After a little spell of shopping in the many boutiques and gift shops, lunchtime is on the horizon and a quick trip back to Food for Thought is in order. The deli counter is heaving with an array of cheeses, meats, coleslaw and olives, that a baguette is called for. You must try the tandoori chicken pieces – to die for. There’s always soup of the day at £1 or with a roll £1.20 – very filling and nourishing.

We look forward to hot cross buns, and the ones they sell at Food for Thought are said to be the best around. I’d buy in bulk if I were you. There’s always the freezer! Look out too for gluten-free bread. A first for Food for Thought but, after listening to their customers, it’s been added. That’s the thing about your local deli, they welcome customer requests and can, more often than not, get what you need, and it’s done with a smile. This isn’t just any deli – it’s the Food for Thought deli!

There’s absolutely everything you need here to stock your cupboards from daily essentials to speciality biscuits, nuts, oils and confectionary – the list is endless.

Food for Thought 12 High Street, Barry 01446 735711

The Beauty Clinic

Jade Boutique

Smolanny’s

A selective range of beauty treatments and specialist skincare services are available.

Jade Boutique has been established for 24 years and has a loyal and long-standing following of women who recognise classic style and quality over budget high fashion.

Smolanny’s has left no stone unturned in its bid to cater for the needs of new mums, babies and young children.

From the moment the deli opens its doors at 7am, there’s a waft of gorgeous cooking smells that hit your senses as soon as you enter the High Street and you just have to step inside. The now famous pasties (both small and large) sit temptingly alongside the daily bread and pastries, while also vying for your attention are the mouth watering Welshcakes, and other delicious cakes and pastries. A firm favourite would have to be the individual cheesecakes – so deep and topped with an assortment of fruits and naughty chocolate.

Fully qualified therapy practitioners help you feel great and look your best. Choose from traditional beauty treatments such as waxing, facials, nail treatments and nail extensions to the increasingly popular eyelash extensions and dermal fillers. Specialist therapeutic treatments such as CACI non-surgical facelift facials, Agera peels for ageing and problem skin, and the clarifying and refining skincare treatments from Murad help retain a youthful glow and smoother-looking skin. 43 High Street, Barry CF62 7EB 01446 743222 www.beautyclinicbarry.co.uk

In current times, women are going that extra mile to shop for timeless investment pieces, peppered with contemporary clothing and accessories for an up-to-date look. Jade offers a range of clothing for ladies who want that special touch of glamour and colour. Offering brands such as as Peruzzi, Tarsiani and Frank Lyman, this is a great little boutique for stocking up on accessories, bags and seasonal basics to set you right for the winter months. 89 High Street, Barry 01446 730811

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If you’re looking for quality children’s clothing, practical nursery items, toys, prams, buggies or tips and advice, Smolanny’s is a convenient one-stopshop that provides caring customer service, essential supplies and practical support. You won’t be short of Christmas gift ideas either, as their range of books, puzzles and toys are guaranteed to keep the children occupied during the festive period and give the grown-ups a well deserved rest. 1 High Street, Barry 01446 738884 www.smolannybaby.co.uk

B R OA D S T R E E T

Move on up with Nina Estate Agents At the best of times, buying and selling a home features pretty high on the stress scale, so it makes sense to put your property affairs in the hands of people who can lift the weight from your shoulders. Nina and her team pride themselves on being one of the biggest residential property agents in Barry and the Vale. They can offer you all the benefits of being an independent agent without the pitfalls of being part of a large chain. They get to know you personally and as Nina herself and the whole team live in Barry, it means they know the area intimately and can draw on their ‘insider’ knowledge to guide you to a location that will best suit your needs.

It’s little wonder, therefore, that Nina is passionate about showing Barry off in its best light and the coastal landscape makes it a hot favourite. The property search service via their website means that people from all over the UK have access to hundreds of properties within the Barry area, while prospective local purchasers have the benefit of browsing property details in the windows of their large and enviable corner premises. When it comes to the nitty gritty, their in-house Independent Financial Adviser is there to provide an impartial and best possible solution to your mortgage and finance options, with the added convenience of working under the same roof to make the process more time-efficient.

Nina is passionate about showing Barry off in its best light.” Property can, at times, be a risky business, so when it comes to acting on behalf of vendors, Nina believes that realistic property valuations help to make the best sale, attracting the right purchaser, with minimal risk of anyone’s hopes being dashed.

Nina ensures that you are well informed about the locality and are fully armed with as much information as possible to help you make that all important decision. They can even go so far as to give you a guided tour of the region, including the beaches. It’s the little details that can influence your purchasing decision and you can rest assured you will be safe in their hands.

Of course, not everyone is ready or in a position to buy a property, which is why Nina’s has a separate specialist department that takes care of property lettings and management. As a landlord you can be confident that your property will be rented to suitable tenants and managed by local people who are familiar with the territory. For relocating tenants, it’s a perfect way to dip a toe in the water while taking your time to assess the local area before committing to a purchase.

B A R RY

S T AT H A N

Grayton Cottage, Highlight Park £389,950

Altus House, Pencoedtre Lane £399,950

Sunnyside, Beggars Pound £359,950

A spacious, versatile detached dorma bungalow situated in a non through road with a purpose made public footpath leading through woodland.

Architecturally designed, three storey detached property built approximately two years ago. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate.

Also a separate detached granny annexe... A fantastic opportunity to acquire a 150 year old semi detached cottage.

Ideally for dog walkers and families, the property has been well maintained throughout by its present occupiers and briefly comprises, entrance hallway, study (bedroom), downstairs bathroom, two further bedrooms, dining room, spacious living room leading through to sun lounge with French doors opening to rear garden and kitchen/breakfast room, to the first floor, sitting room leading through to dressing room, bathroom and master bedroom with French foors opening onto Juliette balcony with views towards the Vale and garden. To the front, double wrought iron gates opening to a block paved driveway leading to a garage with light and power. To the rear a patio area, leading to a level laid to a lawn private garden, enclosed by conifers and mature trees, planted with shrubs. Viewing highly recommended.

Offering easy access to the link road leading to Cardiff/M4, schools and shops are nearby. The property briefly comprises, entrance hallway, study, living room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, w.c. cloakroom, central stairs rising to:four bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms and a further family bathroom with a flush fitted television, further stairs rising to a master bedroom with vaulted ceiling leading to dressing room and ensuite bathroom. To the front, electric gates with cctv monitoring opening onto a sweeping driveway providing ample parking, gated side access leading to rear, a low maintenance garden with patio, a decked sun terrace, level laid to lawn area. Benefiting from gas central heating via a combination boiler and surround sound system throughout opearated from a centralised unit.

This spacious stone built property has been sympathetically restored over the years by its present owners, as was once two separate dwellings combined to one. Immaculately presented and offering original features throughout with no forward chain. Also included in the sale is a separate detached guest suite/granny annexe. In total combines to provide five/six bedrooms, three bathrooms, three/four reception rooms and two kitchens. Ideally placed in a delightful south facing mature garden, tucked away in the historic part of this popular village just a few miles south of the the market town of Cowbridge and within comfortable commuting distance of major centres. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the qualities that are on offer.

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Nina Estate Agents 1 Broad Street Barry CF62 7AA 01446 736888 www.ninaestateagents.co.uk

Get closer to nature with Visit your local Karndean retailer to see how we’ve captured the realistic tones of nature with Art Select Woods. www.karndean.co.uk/artselect Tel: 0800 313 4747

YOUR LOCAL KARNDEAN RETAILERS:

FLOORSTYLE SOUTH WALES C/O Gallery Kitchens Brackla Industial Bridgend CF31 2AQ 01656 662670

FLOORS ON FLOORS BY LAWRENCE GONTHEIR 10 Cornerswell Road, Penarth Vale of Glamorgan CF64 2UZ 02920 700711

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EYES RIGHT In their efforts to lead the way in optometry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Arbuthnot Opticians of Barry are proud to showcase their new state-of-the-art equipment, The Visioffice. Vale Life talks to Arbuthnot’s about this innovative technology and the exciting development for the business. What is Visioffice? No two eyes are the same and besides your prescription, numerous factors contribute to making each eye what it is including physiology, anatomy and mobility. Until now, you have had access to an array of high quality lenses – but none that take into account just how unique your eyes are. Using eyecode data, Arbuthnot’s can offer lenses that are customised for each eye. With the new 3D eye measurement, Eyecode, up to twenty different factors can be added to your lens calculations. How does it work? Your head posture and eye movements are filmed and analysed. There is no physical contact with your eyes at all during the examination. What happens next? Once the measurements have been taken, Arbuthnot’s can then record your unique personal eye, frame and behaviour data. These measurements are then applied to the design of your lenses for true personalisation. Your lenses can even be engraved with your initials. Recorded benefits are instant and effortless vision. Providing lenses that are five times more optically precise, whatever your gaze direction.

“Arbuthnot’s record your unique personal eye data. These measurements are then applied to the design of your lenses for true personalisation.”

“Your lenses can even be engraved with your initials.”

So, with Visioffice, enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your eyes are in great condition. Call Arbuthnot’s today for a consultation. Arbuthnot Opticians 6 Broad Street Barry CF62 7XP 01446 735551 info@arbuthnotopticians.co.uk www.arbuthnotopticians.co.uk

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Imagine watching your country’s team waving the flag for Wales at the opening ceremony of this year’s Commonwealth Games and knowing that it was you they came to for their tailoring. That would probably be one of your proudest moments, and for Russell Scott Lawson, Deborah Haines and the team at Hawkes Essentials, it certainly was.

WEALTH OF E F EXPERIENCE The opening ceremony saw the 218 members of the Welsh squad stand strong for the people of Wales, wearing a light grey suit and limited edition tie with a red dragon motif. This was a task of some magnitude. With only seven weeks’ preparation time, Hawkes Essentials, in Morgan Arcade in Cardiff’s city centre, rose to their biggest challenge yet – to provide the formal wear for Team Wales.

The suits would be on show for the whole world to see at the opening ceremony and then be worn by the team at social and promotional occasions throughout the Games. Hawkes was chosen over many bigger High Street names for their ability to provide a bespoke service that required the team to be co-ordinated with an exact match of the suiting fabric. This is not something that can be done easily ‘off-the-peg’ when both women and men are involved. Add in the fact of specific requirements for the disabled team members to ensure comfort and fit, and you find yourself facing a unique challenge and plenty of sleepless nights.

Photographs courtesy of Steve Pope, Sporting Wales

The Commonwealth Games weren’t without controversy but there’s no denying it was a true spectacle and as the initial glitches faded into insignificance, the competing teams gave the performances of their lives and in true sporting fashion.

In a hotel, over a period of five nights, the Hawkes team worked tirelessly to measure everyone in readiness for the tailors to get to work. Chris Jenkins, Director of the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales, said, “It was a logistical challenge due to last minute selection of the athletes.” He added, “Wanting to ensure the best athletes are taken to the Games, there are often latecomers and we had to make sure they were kitted out in their formal wear. Each team member needed to look and feel good and they knew that if they were proud of their country they would perform better. ❧ 30 ❧

Left to right: David Davies, Rhys Williams, Jazz Carlin, Dai Greene

Speaking to Deborah Haines, who coordinated the whole project, she said, “It’s amazing what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. We are a little shop, unknown to many, yet

we rose to the occasion and created something really big from somewhere that is actually quite small. We are so proud and it was an honour to be asked to do it.”. In their wildest dreams, they would never have expected what was to be asked of them, yet their faith in their ability to deliver was unwavering. They also believed in their strength as a team, which as the Wales squad will know is the only way to achieve your goal. So with 218 suits for Hawkes and a string of winning medals for the Welsh team, there’s no denying that focus, dedication and spirit are key attributes for fulfilling your dreams. ❧ 31 ❧

Proud Hawkes Essentials owner, Russell Scott Lawson is still on a high and can’t praise his team enough for their outstanding dedication, saying, “They really stepped up to the mark on this exciting challenge - they took it in their stride and have really done us all proud.” Hawkes Essentials 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com

Photograph Huw T Walters

Russell and his team came up trumps and together with the athletes they selected a really smart outfit that was age appropriate as we had a very young team. The challenge was to tailor an outfit that not only looked good but could withstand the extreme Delhi heat. They decided on wearing formal waistcoats rather than the traditional blazer as they wanted a smart, lightweight and trendy look to stand out.”

VALE STYLE Christmas gifts, seasonal style and nights on the tiles P O N T YC L U N

Design Inspiration Gifts all wrapped up! We tend to make changes to our home in the run up to Christmas, even if it’s just a new cushion or vase to complement our festive theme. Then, when it’s over and New Year is upon us, the urge to make sweeping changes takes hold.

“Don’t miss the New Year Designer Discount Sale.”

Russell Scott-Lawson of Hawkes Essentials answers your style and fashion queries. Russell set up his popular men’s outfitters Hawkes Essentials in Cardiff’s Morgan Arcade some fourteen years ago and has extensive experience in the world of men’s clothing. Winter stock has now arrived with striking force as always. This year sees some dramatic colours, soft flannel suits, and the classic camel jacket which not only adds warmth but follows the strong seasonal theme, and the consistently popular mainstay ranges from Sand and Without Prejudice.

Photograph Huw T Walters

HAWKES EYE

Don’t forget your own Santa wish list – if you secretly covet new cushions, artwork, lamps, Smith and Canova leather goods, bags, glassware, Miss Dee jewellery or a quirky piece from Culinary Concepts then they have got it covered. After all style is style, whether it’s for you to wear or for your home.

Whether you are inspired to give a room a new lease of life or have just moved home and need a guiding hand, you will find everything under one roof, from wall coverings to soft furnishings and interior design expertise that is sure to cheer you up when the post-Christmas blues strike.

Plus, don’t miss their New Year Designer Discount Sale from 5 January where you will find up to 20% off designer fabrics and blinds.

77 LLantrisant Road, Pontyclun CF72 9DP 01443 449955 info@designinspirationltd.co.uk www.designinspirationltd.co.uk

Gents, keep it simple. Key pieces to invest in are wardrobe essentials such as the V-neck knit - plain neutrals and vivid colours complement a tweed jacket well, giving that urban edge to an otherwise classic country look. It allows the more mature wearer to keep it smart and sophisticated, while younger customers can give it a dapper, eccentric twist. With this look you can keep it simple or go all out quirky. Chunky brogues are making a comeback and RM Williams boots, as any follower of this brand will know, succeeds unwaveringly in quality, comfort and suitability to the timeless jean jacket combo. Also for added flair, look out for the iconic and timeless Oliver Sweeny shoes. Ladies are not forgotten as we see the arrival in Cardiff of some top quality solutions to the traditional work suit from Gresham Blake. A fully bespoke tailoring service, as well as an option to mix styles and sizes, will offer practicality and individuality for women who want a perfectly fitting suit with little details that make them stand out.

“Plain neutrals and vivid colours complement a tweed jacket well, giving that urban edge to an otherwise classic country look.” ❧ 32 ❧

Photograph courtesy of Gresham Blake

This winter head to Design Inspiration in Pontyclun for an abundance of twinkly and unusual gift ideas and home accessories to get you in the festive mood. With an inspiring range of goodies and their free gift-wrapping service, everything will look fabulous around the Christmas Tree.

Hawkes Essentials 37-39 Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2037 3780 www.hawkesessentials.com

SO VERSATILE Versatileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newly refurbished showroom in Bridgend has a fantastic selection of tiles and bathroom suites, cloakrooms, en-suites, showers and wet rooms. With a vast product range to meet every requirement, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stone, slate and marble tiles for walls, floors, interiors and exteriors, from traditional to contemporary, every taste is catered for beautifully. They even offer a free design and planning service using the latest CAD system available, plus free measuring services, free samples and a local delivery service.

Versatile Unit 6 Kestrel Close, Bridgend Industrial Estate Bridgend CF31 3RW 01656 655369 www.versatilebridgend.co.uk www.bridgendstonestudio.co.uk

If it’s a shoe or boot in super warm sheepskin, super sexy animal print, or must-have military cool, a classic court shoe, or a choice of bags in every hue and design, then The Queen B in Penarth should be your first port of call when stocking up on this season’s must-have accessories. Vale Life chats with owner Jodie Tanner.

£45 £45

£25 £55

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THE

One year on - how does it feel? The last twelve months have been a blur, helping customers accessorise their outfits with fabulous shoes, bags and jewellery for all occasions. What is the secret to your success? Giving women what they want! When we first opened, we had a small range of shoes and boots and a smattering of bags but, due to customer demand, we’ve added a designer range of bags from Charlotte Reid and Paul Frank, umbrellas, SightStation reading glasses, fascinators and fold-away shopping bags and a new line in scarves, pashminas and tights. Our jewellery selection has increased and women can now buy a piece of jewellery to accessorise any outfit.

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£45 £39.50

Your prices are very reasonable does that help? Definitely! Designer brands can be expensive and women like to ring the changes. Our customers can have a different look every day as our shoes, boots, bags and jewellery are very affordable. Ready for the Christmas rush? Oh yes. We are constantly re-stocking and we have gift ideas starting from £3.50 - perfect for stocking fillers for sisters, mums, aunties and girlfriends.

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“Due to customer demand, we’ve added a designer range of bags.”

And you’re online now? Our newly launched website showcases a large range of our stock. The site also allows customers to leave valuable feedback, join our privilege club and see our news stories such as our charitable donations during 2010.

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“Our customers can have a different look every day.”

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£39.50

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£29.50

QUEEN B £30

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£39.50 £28 £28

The Queen B 8 Washington Buildings Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AD

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029 2071 1100 www.thequeenb.co.uk

Imagine the most magical place filled to the beams with the most gorgeous Christmas gifts and decorations, where eager helpers will even wrap your purchases for free and where a certain Mr Claus can occasionally be seen doing a little last minute shopping. Imagine no more!

HAMPTONS AT CHRISTMAS

Now you may think that to find such a magical place you would have to take a speedy sleigh to the North Pole, but, happily, all of this is a lot closer to hand. When it comes to Christmas, Hamptons in Penarth has it all. Owners Peter and Andy are the Christmas experts. You only have to look at their spectacular displays to know that these guys mean business.

“We know that this time of year is vital for any retailer and so we make sure that the Store looks at its best,” said Peter. “We’ve had everything from flying reindeer to polar bears and we can promise that this year will be equally spectacular.”

“One of our new favourites has to be Cath Kidston,” said Peter. “Her range of stationery is beautiful and we have notebooks, thank-you notes, address books and journals all with her distinctive floral designs.” Andy’s first choice was chocolate. “Who can resist Chocolate on Chocolate’s scrumptious designs? Made in Somerset from the finest Belgian chocolate, the new ‘Ready to Post’ collection is brilliant. Simply write your message on the box, stick on a stamp and pop it into the post box. And if you need cheering up, post it to yourself!”

“Hamptons’ customers love the fact that many of our products are fairly unique,” said Andy, “and our free gift wrapping service takes a little of the strain out of Christmas shopping.” With so many gorgeous things to choose from, we asked Peter and Andy to tell us what they thought would be this year’s top gifts.

Andy also thinks that the new funky brollies at Hamptons will be a huge success. “They’re easy to post and some of the new designs are brilliant. My favourite has to be Raining Cats and Dogs,” he added. “Not only do they look great, but they have fibreglass frames, so they won’t break when they blow inside out.”

“We’re sticklers for quality and great design.” ❧ 36 ❧

“We’re sticklers for quality and great design”, said Peter, “and our collection by Culinary Concepts certainly ticks all of the boxes. Their cheese knives make great Christmas presents and some of their more quirky items such as mussel eaters and olive picks are ideal for that impossible relative who has everything.” “Remember that a dog is for life and not just Christmas and that applies to cats too”, said Andy. “But if you don’t want the real thing then how about one of our charming cat and dog door stops. They never need feeding or walking and they won’t climb the Christmas tree or steal the turkey.”

“Our free gift wrapping service takes a little of the strain out of Christmas shopping.”

“Our Jamie Oliver mugs have always made great gifts as they come in a tin”, explained Andy. “But Jamie has now brought out a new range for the little people in our lives. They have great titles such as Little Monster, Cheeky Monkey and Little Princess. There are six different designs to choose from as well as a breakfast backpack for boys and girls.”

And in addition to tree decorations you will also find a beautiful range of candles and Christmas room fragrances. “This year’s top two have to be Snow Angel and Figgy Pudding,” said Peter. “Boys are fairly impossible to buy for, especially big boys. Let’s face it, socks and boxer shorts with snowmen on are a bit naff,” said Andy, “but if your man is into footie, cars and gadgets then Hamptons has the lot.”

“Then of course there are our tree decorations,” said Peter. “We work really hard to create our own collections and this year is no exception.” At Hamptons you’ll find something for everyone and in a whole variety of colours. The decorations are exquisite but impossible to describe. You really do need to go to Hamptons to see them.

“At Hamptons you’ll find something for everyone.”

“Hamptons... just the perfect way to do your Christmas shopping.” Of course there is so much more to Hamptons than just the Store. The Blue Pelican Café is the perfect place for breakfast or just to relax with coffee and delicious homemade cakes. And while you wait for your gifts to be lovingly wrapped, you can treat yourself to lunch or afternoon tea with a glass of chilled champagne. Now isn’t that just the perfect way to do your Christmas shopping? Hamptons has Christmas all wrapped up!

“We have great vintage football gifts from annuals to decorated footballs. We also have a range of Mini Cooper flasks, wash bags and water bottles. And when it comes to gadgets, our key dishes and remote tidies are fun yet practical and the cactus wine rack is great for the style-conscious man in your life.” Jo Downs glassware has always been popular at Hamptons and her new Wish Sticks will probably be this year’s top gift according to Andy. Each one is totally unique and they can be hung indoors or outdoors. There are six designs to choose from so ideal to fit in with any colour scheme. And if you should break one, you just wish that someone would buy you another! ❧ 37 ❧

Hamptons 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth CF64 1EA 029 2070 5391 www.hamptons-design.co.uk

Penarth really does have it all - lovely boutiques, jewellers, an abundance of eateries, gift shops, hair and beauty salons and fine dining. Add he convenient train service that connects it to Cardiff and the local area, the flora and fauna of Bellevue Park and its enviable seaside location, and you really do have a treasure of a destination. What more could you want from a town we ask? No stone is left unturned as Penarth enjoys a reputation for being a bustling town full of character that attracts visitors from near and far, yet remains loyal to providing its local residents with essential services and community spirit. It’s little wonder that customers come here to escape the big city in favour of a more relaxed and friendly pace to Christmas shopping.

And when the madness of the festivities have quietened down and we’re full of food and fit to burst, there’s no better place to visit for an invigorating walk along the seafront promenade while taking in the fantastic view across the Bristol Channel. Just remember to wrap up warm and make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy a coffee or a hot toddy in one of the nearby cafés.

PENARTH Julie T

ener-chi

Gingers

It’s party season and there’s no better time than now to sparkle and shine in your fabulous new glad rags.

Looking good just got easier and more affordable at ener-chi where you can get professionally groomed and styled eyebrows for just £5.

Anyone who has attempted the ‘art of layering’ will know that it is a minefield at the best of times.

Julie T in Penarth is known as the place to go if you really want to make a statement, so if you are a woman who loves vibrant colour, bold prints and feminine details then you are sure to find something striking enough to win plenty of admiring glances. Stocking a range of ‘underground’ labels, you won’t find these pieces on every high street, which is a relief, as you are unlikely to bump into anyone else wearing the same as you!

And for a more defined look, add a tint to give subtle sophistication for £3. With the Christmas festivities upon us you’ll find plenty of gift ideas at ener-chi to delight even the hard to please! Free gift wrapping gives you extra time to snap up their offer of 10% off make-up until 24 December and if time permits, a soothing hot stone facial or massage is the perfect antidote to festive stress to help you feel your best. And remember, ener-chi gift vouchers make a perfect gift for Christmas and special occasions.

1 Windsor Terrace, Penarth CF64 1AA 029 2070 8784

31 Hickman Road, Penarth CF64 2AL 029 2070 7356 www.ener-chi.co.uk

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Gingers understand the dilemmas ‘real’ women face when attempting the layering look. It’s ideal for different body shapes, drawing attention to your best features and for flattering problem areas. Plus it’s the perfect way to create an interchangeable, versatile wardrobe in fabulous colours with just a few key pieces. The party season is underway so what better excuse to co-ordinate your accessories and to layer on their fabulous jewellery pieces for maximum effect and to complement your outfit. 9 - 10 Washington Buildings Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AD 029 2070 9773

S TA N W E L L R OA D

Be the Belle of the Ball this festive season If the idea of glamour, elegance and dramatic fashion accessories has you reaching for your coat and purse, then you need to pay a visit to Belle in Penarth. They have found a niche market that caters for a discerning female audience who appreciate classic quality pieces that can be worn time and time again. With the party season upon us, you will love the statement sized silver pendants and colourful costume jewellery that is sure to set off your party outfits a treat.

Occasion pieces in tactile velvets, silks, brocade and jewel colours affords you a chance to team sumptuous fabrics with a simple pair of black trousers or little black dress for a pared-down timeless look. Or you may prefer the easy wear pieces from Sahara and Zele which, in natural fabrics and their forgiving shapes, will create an effortless layered style - perfect for an indulgent lunch with the girls or family gathering. The Chanel-inspired tweed jackets when worn with a pair of dark jeans and oversized sunglasses will add a touch of Jackie O glamour to any Christmas shopping trip or day-time event and with a nod to the animal print trend this winter you may find something from quality label Steilmann.

Belle 7 Washington Buildings Stanwell Road Penarth CF64 2AD 029 2115 7156

The Skin Studio

Image

The Queen B

Winter skin needs extra TLC, so now is definitely the time to visit The Skin Studio.

Most towns have a ‘hidden gem’ and this certainly can be said of Image boutique in Glebe Street.

Step into The Queen B for an unmissable range of bags, shoes, boots, jewellery and gifts.

As the colder weather takes hold and the party season begs for radiant skin, you can choose from a selection of both non-invasive and invasive aesthetic skin treatments. Their caring, expert team is focused on results-driven solutions, using the latest technology and botanical ingredients. Pep up skin with rejuvenating and anti-ageing Jet M facial treatments or for beauty in a jiffy you’ll love the Wash ‘n’ Wear tan, Wax & Go and express Brow Bar for tinting, shaping and instant glamour.

You’ll find many a discerning, stylish woman shopping here looking for something glamorous – whether it’s a day look or little black dress, all of which are bound to draw admiring glances. Helpful, attentive staff will help you choose an outfit for that special occasion. With a superb selection of accessories, including hats, shoes, boots and beautiful jewellery, you’ll find it all at Image. If it’s a new hairstyle you’re looking for, then the Image Hair Studio above the boutique can create a style that will complete the look to perfection.

They have definitely got accessories covered for the festive round of party nights and merry making. If you’re looking for a gift for your mum, sister, best friend or yourself (and why not?) then pay The Queen B a visit and stock up on Christmas gifts, bags and the perfect party shoes.

112 - 113 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1EB 029 2125 0221 www.skinstudiowales.com

108 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1ED 029 2070 2505

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Plus, for your convenience the shop will stay open until 7.30pm every Thursday from 18 November until 23 December. 8 Washington Buildings Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AD 029 2071 1100 www.thequeenb.co.uk

Sirenic Silver

Pro Health & Nutrition

The Fig Tree

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Simply beautifulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; describes the range of jewellery at Sirenic Silver where they stock a range of contemporary and unique jewellery pieces to meet the overwhelming demand for silver.

This family-run business provides the largest range of health products in Penarth.

The Fig Tree restaurant on Penarthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s esplanade delicious, seasonal, relaxed dining at lunch and dinner while enjoying fantastic sea views.

Always stylish and fashionable, silver offers an affordable, modern take on fine jewellery. Azuni London is a brand offering an ecletic and dainty mix of silver charms, mother of pearl, semi precious stones and freshwater pearls. For drama and originality try stunning handmade pieces from Laurent Leger for which Sirenic are the sole UK stockist.

Mike and Tracey Raikes care about your health, well-being and nutritional requirements and, with their extensive knowledge, can offer helpful advice to help you obtain your desired goal of total wellbeing. The store stocks all of the major, best-selling brands at competitive prices. Products can also be purchased online. If you have a health, well-being or nutritional problem and need help, then Mike and Tracey can help.

11A Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road Penarth CF64 3ED 029 2040 0821 www.sirenicsilver.co.uk

3a Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AB 029 2019 0309 Mobile 07811 219234 www.Prohealthandnutrition.co.uk

The seaside in winter is never better than when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re snug inside with mulled wine, a festive barbecue and minced pies while cheering on the Penarth Festive Fun Runners crossing the line outside on December 12. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now taking bookings for Christmas parties with a special seasonal menu available from December 1 to 23. Also itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out with the old and in with the new at their fabulous Gourmet Celebration Dinner on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. The Esplanade Penarth CF64 3AU 029 2070 2512 www.thefigtreepenarth.co.uk

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S TAT I O N A P P R OAC H

Arth Wine Follow the bear! Big things have started to happen at Arth Wines in Penarth’s Station Approach with re-design plans afoot for the New Year. In the meantime, however, we’ve got Christmas to get through and where else would you go for all your festive tipple needs? Let’s start with their fabulous funky cold storage area for white wines and beers. Drawing inspiration from the Australian-style bottle shops, they have a specially designed walk-in chiller room where you can see the wines at a glance and peruse at your leisure be sure to wear your woolly hat and gloves though! Recognising a need for a more shopper friendly environment, owner Richard Silk has knocked down walls, revealed hidden doors and created more space to house his exciting new plans for the months to come. Until then, his focus is definitely on keeping party-goers happy, dinner party wine flowing and providing a nice bottle for cosy nights in. One thing’s for sure, this is not your run-of-the-mill wine shop – expect something quirky and creative; take for instance the gothic-decorated bottles for a range of French wines that have just arrived and in perfect time for Christmas gifts.

So what’s in store for wine lovers? Well, this is the time to choose wines to last you from now through to the New Year. On offer are specially chosen mixed cases (two whites, three reds and a dessert wine) at three competitive price points to provide options that are, reasonably priced, mid-range and premium. And don’t forget the bubbles, sparkles and fizz to make this a Christmas to remember.

“This is not your run-ofthe-mill wine shop.” We asked Richard what sets Arth apart from the alternative places to purchase wine. He explained that buying wine is fun in Arth Wine. People come in for a chat or to ask about wines or to pair wines with food, and whatever you want to ask about, he'll be delighted to give you the time. Richard will relax with you in the leather chairs to go through wine maps, to make sure you are comfortable and content with the choices you make. All too often supermarkets and wine warehouses are intimidating and bewildering and there is no one there to help you. By comparison, Arth Wine will be a completely different experience and the new branding decor will certainly bring a smile to your face. Come and see for yourself... Arth Wine Old Masonic Buildings Station Approach Penarth CF64 3EE

“Expect something quirky and creative.”

029 2070 1091 www.arthwine.co.uk

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People say that kitchen trends follow fashion trends and, whilst this may be true, are we all really slaves to fashion? We ask Steve Bloom, Director and designer at Spacefittingfurniture.

FORMANDFUNCTION

“Change the mood and style of your kitchen.” “Yes and no,” says Steve. “What it’s really about is that people’s lifestyles have changed. Not only do we all want a beautifully designed kitchen, but it needs to be about ‘convenience meets multifunctionality’.

“Yes, it needs to look good.” Steve smiles. I think I’ve touched a design nerve. But no, he’s away again. “When you’re looking at your kitchen all of the time, that’s important of course. But…”

We all tend to hang on to things we don’t actually need. Rational’s philosophy is to help life in the kitchen become less cluttered. It’s all about efficiency. It’s about making your life, as the user, much easier.”

The finished design needs to take into account how much time is spent in it and who will be spending time in it. If it’s a family with kids, how old are they? Does the family have big dogs? Will it be used for family meals and entertaining? Will the family want to watch television or listen to music in it? All of these things come into play.”

I sense I’m in for a form versus function fight and I’m about to lose horribly.

Steve pulls out one of the deep drawers to demonstrate his point. He’s got a point actually. Everything about the Rational Kitchens sings style but there’s also a usability about these kitchens that says someone very clever and creative has sat down and spent time thinking through every detail.

“Isn’t it all about superficial design these days?” I ask. I’m thinking minimalistic super white handle-less creations that no-one’s allowed to touch unless they’ve been sterilised.

“I always use this analogy; when you’re buying a car, you don’t set out to look at a green car, you look for the car first and then pick the colour. It needs to be functional. That’s why we sell Rational Kitchens. Not only do they look good but the company has really thought things through. Storage units that can house all of your pots, pans and essentials that pull out so that you can actually reach them all of them, all of the time. ❧ 42 ❧

“They’ve also thought a lot about the materials they use such as new woods ceramics and slate” says Steve, “Which makes my job more fulfilling as I have a much greater palette of resources to refer to when I’m designing.”

It’s strange isn’t it, you start having a conversation with someone about kitchen style trends and the next thing you’re completely hooked by what you’re seeing and hearing. And that’s the great thing about Steve Bloom. Yes, you’re sat in a beautiful kitchen showroom surrounded by gorgeous kitchens but, listening to Steve, you sense he has a real passion for design. “Look at this!” He smiles again. “People like something a bit different; we’ve introduced wall-mounted base units that look like they’re suspended in the air, adding a contemporary sense of free-flowing space and those, combined with the virtually ceilinghigh wall units, genius - they just look gorgeous. And they can easily be integrated into dining areas and living spaces too.”

“It’s all about efficiency. It’s about making your life much easier.” I’m hooked, I have to say, to the point where I’m practically reaching for my cheque book to write out a deposit! “So what about colour?” I hear myself asking. “Colour plays a huge part in the kitchen,” Steve enthuses. “Remember, extreme colours are very tying but adding a splash of colour to neutrals and woods with art or fabrics, you can change the mood and style of your new kitchen not only to current trends but also to your own taste and even with the seasons. Your kitchen should never date!” ❧ 43 ❧

Claire and Steve Bloom

Spacefittingfurniture The Design Quarter, 145 Colchester Ave Penylan, Cardiff CF23 9AN 029 2045 5778 info@spacefittingfurniture.co.uk www.spacefittingfurniture.co.uk

Photograph, Martin Phillips www.martinphillipsphotography.com

Porthcawl is growing in status as a destination for shopping in South Wales. With the informality of coastal living, this is the place to visit this season. Some people rush from A to B without so much as a glance either side of them. Taking the quickest route (often the least interesting), is a symptom of the high speed world we live in, which begs the question - What has happened to going off the beaten track? It’s an offence that once I would have admitted to; nowadays, however, (call it age or wisdom) I prefer to see what’s around me and to explore anything unusual, odd or niche. I like going where no-one else seems to go and relish the thrill of uncovering somewhere that feels like a secret – even if it’s not!

These days, my biggest guilty pleasure is doing just that – being seduced down side streets and little lanes in the hope that I may learn something new from what I discover. There is a point to all this. Well Street in Porthcawl is one such place. Just off the main ‘drag’ in the town, is this delightful little street packed with individual shops, small businesses and eateries; and with shop owners trying to earn an honest crust to provide locals and visitors with their needs and wants (mine are all wants).

Friendly customer service is a selling point all too often unreliably quoted by companies desperate to encourage custom. In this instance, be assured that you’ll be treated like an important customer the minute you walk through the door. Sometimes, we feel more exposed in a small shop, and more obliged to buy. In all honesty, Well Street provides something a bit different, at reasonable prices and with a genuine invitation for you to visit. Today, take the slow road – you’ll love it.

PORTHCAWL Eden’s Coffee Shop

Home Emporium

KoKo

A medley of winter-warming food awaits and nothing beats the promise of a bowl of steaming Welsh Cawl after a bracing walk along the sea front esplanade.

If you’re waiting for a reason to be seduced into Porthcawl’s Well Street, then wait no more!

Your accessory and jewellery-loving friends and family will adore anything from KoKo this Christmas.

Home Emporium is a true delight if you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, with many items available exclusively. There’s an eclectic mix of homeware, greetings cards, stocking fillers, Gisela Graham festive decorations, garlands, wreaths, toys and gifts. Favourites include slate picture frames, colourful Zeal kitchen utensils, Littlecote handmade soaps, Aromahome hot water bottles, snow globes, finger puppets and notebooks. There’s also a Christmas Club service available.

Owner Sophie Page hand makes pieces that are designed with your loved ones in mind. Whether it’s a delicate pair of earrings or a statement necklace, you’re sure to find a beautiful gift or stocking filler here. Reasonably priced costume jewellery, scarves, bags and gloves vie for your attention, as do smaller gifts such as Juicy Lucy notebooks, compact mirrors and charm beads. Sophie can also repair, remodel or restring your favourite costume jewellery pieces in time for the festive party season.

Manager Anne Horton entices everyone from holidaymakers to locals with her home-cooked stews, pies, soups and hearty breakfasts. What’s not made on the premises is sourced from independent local suppliers such as cakes, including ingredients from Welsh cheese to vegetables. Open seven days a week, you’ll find every reason to pop in for coffee, hot chocolate, a festive mince pie or a seasonal twist on baguettes and sandwiches. 15 Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE 01656 773101

6 Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE 01656 772287 www.home-emporium.co

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2d Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE 01656 773736

Porthcawl boasts a rich Victorian heritage, with a number of fantastic architectural gems as well as superb blue flag beaches and access to the Heritage Coastline.

Richard Davies Kitchens

Waves Hair and Beauty

Fitting a new kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting experience and with so much choice to consider it’s a wonder we ever get the project off the ground.

When a salon can claim to being the longest standing in Porthcawl, you know that it must be down to hard work and passion.

That’s when Richard and Eryl Davies of Richard Davies Kitchens step in to offer a personal service that is guaranteed to provide you with the kitchen or bedroom of your dreams. Let New Year be the time to freshen up your home with quality units, wardrobes and appliances. Whether you’re looking for a total redesign or just some stylish new taps and worktops, you’ll find a style to suit your home and budget.

Waves Hair and Beauty has come a long way during the past 50 years. Loyal customers return for the professional unisex haircare service offered by Allison and her team and for Louise’s beauty treatments. As the sole retailer for Bed Head products in Porthcawl, Waves can guarantee you glossy tresses. Vale Life readers are being offered £5 off full foil colour, including cut and blow dry and acrylic nails from December to February - just mention the magazine.

8 Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE 01656 788814 www.richarddavies-kitchens.co.uk

5 Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE 01656 783711

Whites Letterpress

Ambience

Elegant Bridal Boutique

Whites Letterpress combines traditional printing techniques with a flair for design, quality and craftsmanship.

As thoughts turn to creature comforts and festive gatherings, it makes sense to get our homes looking gorgeous this season.

Owners Susan Stride and Helena Reimann specialise in bespoke party and occasion stationery that is as unique and as special as the event itself. The current desire for Vintage styling is popular and the new Deco and Coco Deco ranges carry the theme through from the invitation to the reception with matching menus and placecards. Plan now for your spring wedding with ‘Save the Date’ cards.

Ambience is an interior design company offering a full home design consultancy service such as full house remodelling, room makeovers and professional soft furnishing design. Offering a sumptuous mix of fabrics, wall coverings, trimmings, home accessories and giftware, their luxury selection of Mindy Browne lamps, vases, sculptures and mirrors add a touch of sophistication to any home and you can be sure to find a stylish trinket for your Christmas wish list.

All the glitz and glamour of Hollywood has come to Well Street with the arrival of the award winning wedding dress collection ‘Hollywood Dreams’, designed by Marina Adanou.

3 Queens Avenue (by appointment) Porthcawl CF36 5HP 01656 782 044 / 07968 363684 www.whites-letterpress.co.uk

8 Well Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BE 01656 771190

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Elegant Bridal Boutique has recently opened in the heart of Porthcawl and it is proud to be an exclusive stockist for Hollywood Dreams. In addition, you will find beautiful designs by Benjamin Roberts, Mori Lee, Pure, Veromia, Dessy, Jim Hjlem, Liza Designs and Ultimate Formal Hire. Attentive, friendly service awaits you in their light and spacious showroom; call to book your exclusive viewing of the gowns. 12 Well Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3BE 01656 786404 www.elegantbridal.co.uk

Bliss Bliss is a welcome source of unusual and affordable homeware accessories and gifts, and it seems that shoppers can’t get enough!

Bellissima This is fashion with attitude. If you love a bit of edgy detail to your clothing then head to Bellissima. Now in its eleventh year, the boutique is awash with vibrant accent colours as well as faithful wardrobe neutral shades. Decidedly chic French labels such as Pause Café have customers returning each season and the latest brand from Save the Queen will see a new stunning collection in the Spring.

“Chic French labels have customers returning each season.” There’s no woman that Joseph Ribkoff pieces don’t suit and savvy shoppers belonging to the Wardrobe Club are able to reserve and pay for items over an eight week period. 48 John Street Porthcawl CF36 3BD 01656 772571

Eye-catching framed prints and paintings are ideal for creating impact in a room and a new vase, or ceramic can do wonders for ringing the changes without the expense of a total makeover. If it’s a cosy glow you want for the winter months then lighting will be high on the agenda and you’ll love the unique handmade ironwork lamps and candlesticks. Complete the look with a shaggy textured rug and you are all set up for seasonal hibernation. 50 John Street, Porthcawl CF36 3BD 01656 772620

The Crazy Humbug For a trip down memory lane take a wander to the Crazy Humbug sweet shop for good old-fashioned service. Row upon row of sweets, chocolates, and humbugs are sold by the quarter ounce in the way you probably remember as a child. Owner Ashley Pryczka has recreated the spirit of sweet-shop nostalgia with 830 different lines of sweets such as sherbet pips, toffees, and chocolate raisins and has certainly found his niche in the market. Unsurprisingly, most of Ashley’s customers are adults wanting to relive their school days. After all, who can forget the classic sherbet lemon – the boiled sweet with a tangy, fizzy sherbet centre, coconut teacakes, sherbet pips, toffee bonbons and butterscotch or liquorice gums? Fast becoming a thing of the past, it’s such a treat to find this retro-style candy store offering sweets galore all under one roof, including a large Pick & Mix section, Christmas novelties, tins of biscuits, tray toffees, Belgian chocolates and three flavours of the popular Welsh humbugs Lossin Dant.

“It’s such a treat to find this retro-style candy store offering sweets galore all under one roof, including a large Pick & Mix section.” ❧ 46 ❧

79B John Street, Porthcawl CF36 3AY 07862 910 938 www.thecrazyhumbug.co.uk Open 7 days a week

NEWTON

St. John’s School Celebrate the tradition It’s time for celebrations at St. John’s School in Porthcawl as preparations are underway to mark the 90th anniversary of the day the school opened with just two teachers and fourteen pupils all of them boys. Today is a far cry from the days when lessons would take place in the Headmaster’s house, formerly the rectory for St. John’s Church. A few building extensions later and we find ourselves approaching 2011 when St. John’s pupils plan to break an, as yet, undisclosed world record on a Welsh theme. The ‘boys only’ school that became co-educational in 1985, wouldn’t be where it is today if not for the generous support of the Friends of St. John’s – a fund-raising body that to-date has provided a number of facilities, including a hard play area, a swimming pool, the Friends Study Centre, a second ICT laboratory, two mini-buses and various smaller items and pieces of equipment for use in the school.

In 1990 The Crampton Hall was opened on the site of the old orchard as a commemoration of Mr. Crampton, a former headmaster whose vision was to increase pupil numbers and create a truly modern school of its time. Through the establishment of the St. John’s Foundation, the most recent building project has been the replacement of the old pre-Prep block with a purpose-built facility.

“St. John’s is a day school, no longer with boarding pupils; yet the school’s objectives are to maintain a modern up-to-date educational establishment that continues in the traditions in which it began.”

Nowadays, St. John’s is a day school, no longer with boarding pupils; yet the school’s objectives are to maintain a modern up-to-date educational establishment that continues in the traditions in which it began - with a strong family ethos that nurtures its pupils’ talents, whether academic, sporting or cultural and within a happy and well-disciplined community. Meanwhile there is a hushed air of excitement at St. John’s as plans take hold to beat a world record and to commemorate the successes of the past 90 years with a thanksgiving church service, a reunion of past pupils, and a big party. Sounds like fun and who can blame them?

St. John’s School Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NP 01656 783404 enquiry@stjohnschool-porthcawl.com www.stjohnsschool-porthcawl.com

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Whether you are the lucky recipient or the benevolent giver of the gift of jewellery this season, there is no doubt that so much can be conveyed, without words, in that single moment.

GIFTED! RMA Williams in Porthcawl love nothing more than helping their customers to convey the right sentiment with their beautiful range of jewellery. So treat your family and loved ones with their pick of this season’s favourites. Treats for teenagers and youngsters The iconic Ice watches are, dare we say it, ‘the must-have’ fashion accessory for young men and women. Their appeal lies in the fabulous range of colours and their celebrity-following in both Europe and the USA. Babies and children Baby bangles are popular classics, and the simply lovely Thomas Sabo bracelets are adjustable so can grow with the baby. All you need is a cute little charm which can be added each birthday or key milestone, making them real heirloom pieces. Clogau Gold has a kiddies range of silver and gold Daisy Lamb necklaces and bracelets and the ‘D’ for Diamond range of bracelets.

Men only For that special man in your life, a selection from Clogau provides rugby enthusiasts and patriots with a much awaited collection of WRU silver and rare Welsh gold cufflinks and Thomas Sabo’s gothic skulls are popular adornments for men wanting a gift with a difference. What women want Name a woman who wouldn’t secretly desire a piece of jewellery. Ice watches are again proving popular with ladies of all ages as are the Clogau ‘Inner Charm’ pendants and chains, which can be personalised by adding one of the range’s pretty silver charms to it. Under £20 All good things come in small packages, so it’s charms galore this Christmas from Lovelinks and Thomas Sabo. No stocking would be complete without one and they fit the bill for those with a magpie mentality, or for enthusiasts of collectables.

Blow the budget Do you need to ask? Diamonds of course - be it a classic pendant necklace, earrings or rings, you cannot fail to please with this choice. Make an impression with some eye-catching rings in a two-tone rose and white gold combination – absolutely stunning! And if you are saving for something a bit special such as an engagement ring, you might want to ask about the RMA Williams’ Savings Club which is a great way to budget. Just a small deposit can secure your chosen piece and you can spread the cost over a number of weeks or months.

RMA Williams Designer Jewellers 35 John Street Porthcawl CF36 3AP

“Name a woman who wouldn’t secretly desire a piece of jewellery.”

01656 786007 www.rmawilliams.com

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With free delivery, gift vouchers and a gift-wrapping service, what more could you ask for. Orders can be placed through their website or by calling 01656 786007.

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VALE BUSINESS In association with The Business Centre Jason Jeffery (Creative Manager) and Huw Sutcliffe (Director)

C A R D I F F B AY

The Ski Lodge move to new premises Customers and friends joined The Ski Lodge team as they celebrated the opening of their new Cardiff Bay store. See page 8 for more.

Zack (Store Manager) and Simon Spiller

Daryl and Wendy Cann

The Knight Family of Cardiff

The Jordan family of Barry

Steve and Rachel Blackmore of Cwmbran

Owen Morgan and Tom Morgan

Livio Schino and Helen Connnies-Laing

Lucy Owen, Rhrodri Owen, Alun John, Michelle John

Annette Beaver, Bryan Wadham, Judith Crossley, Alan Crossley

Lynne Beresford, Viv Worswick, Cllr Valerie Ellis, Dixon John Dagg, Steve Beresford

Helen Reilly, Dave Isaac, Rhys Williams, Paul Francis, Kirsty Davies, Seamus O'Sullivan

COWBRIDGE

Launch of The Quarter Penny Café Owners of the newly opened The Quarter Penny Café, Natalie and Justin invited special guests to their launch event. Guests were full of good wishes for the couple and spoke of their delight in having previous owner of the then named Farthings Restaurant back at the helm. A selection of tasty nibbles and glasses of bubbles made for a very pleasant afternoon indeed. 54 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 774999 www.quarterpennycafe.co.uk

Natalie and Justin

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VA L E W I D E

There’s more to Vale Life...

Treat the love of your life to a stylish gift

At Vale Life we do more than just publish the Vale’s premier lifestyle magazine. We also provide many satisfied clients with:

Gentlemen, do you need to earn some brownie points with the one you love? Are you looking for a gift with a difference? How about this…

■ Graphic Design and Printing ■ Copywriting ■ Marketing and PR ■ Website Design and Ecommerce ■ Blogging and Social Media ■ Photography and Image Creation ■ Online Marketing and Search Optimisation ■ Exhibition and Display Systems ■ Distribution and Point of Sale.

A gift voucher for a personal stylist could change someone’s life… There are numerous reasons for treating a loved one. A big birthday, career change or new job, weight loss celebration, recuperating, new mum or perhaps they just deserve it!

So, if you’d like your project or publication to have a little bit of Vale Life magic, get in touch. We’d love the opportunity to work with you. Contact Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts 07766 106701 jennifer@valelife.co.uk

www.valelife.co.uk

“To reap, first we must sow.”

Top 3 reasons why it will work ■ You don’t have to think about it perfect for Christmas or any occasion. Just call Suzanne and she’ll sort the rest for you ■ You can get it last minute, so it’s perfect for those “oops I’ve forgotten” moments ■ The love of your life – mum, spouse, partner, sister, aunt will think that you’ve been really thoughtful and will definitely appreciate it. Gift vouchers start from £45 Call Suzanne Jaya on 07833 780006 or email suzanne@suzannejaya.com www.suzannejaya.com

V-BITES Vale bitesize news

Photograph courtesy of Gresham Blake

VA L E W I D E

MORGAN ARCADE, CARDIFF

Hawkes Essentials I think a little rest is deserved over the holiday period in readiness for February 2011 when we will see the store undergoing its long-awaited transformation. Expect the usual classic feel with some funky updates to surprise you. The plan is to trade from elsewhere in the Morgan Arcade while these exciting new developments take place. See you in store! CWMBRAN

Paul Gentile of Barry opens new store With three thriving jewellery shops in Cardiff, Barry and Newport, Paul Gentile are proud to open their new store in the bustling Cwmbran Shopping Centre. A family run business formed in 1978, Paul Gentile specialise in high quality jewellery and pride themselves on being one of the leading jewellery specialists in the area.

Roger and Debbie Morgan

Ron and Lyn Chamberlain

Sarah Jane and Matthew Emerson-Thomas

Huw Johns and daughter Lucy

The ‘Coffee Girls’

Livio Schino, Neil Worswick, Stuart James, Dixon Dagg

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Starting up a new business doesn’t have to be as daunting as you think, especially when The Business Centre can offer several start-up options depending on your business needs. James Mason, Centre Manager, tells us about the benefits of serviced and virtual offices.

START-UP SUCCESS “Don’t miss out on the excellent promotion of up to 50% off your monthly office rental* at The Business Centre.”

We’re operating in tough economic times and for start-up businesses The Business Centre can provide competitive prices for serviced office space, virtual offices and conference and meeting room hire Among the many benefits you can expect to receive are telephone calls being answered in your business name at reception, receptionists to meet and greet your clients and high speed internet and telephony systems to complement the modern office space. The Business Centre also offers excellent in-house facilities such as an on-site café, The Coffee Zone, and gymnasium, all of which are supported by free on-site parking. Here are some of the benefits of The Business Centre’s serviced offices: ■ Monthly office rental ■ General and environmental rates ■ Service charges ■ Building insurance and maintenance ■ Heating, lighting and power charges ■ Telephone system, with handsets ■ Executive office furniture ■ Daily cleaning of office suite ■ Telephone answering in your business name ■ Message taking when you’re out of the office ■ Mail handling ■ Full building security which includes 24 hour CCTV and fire alarms ■ Free in-house gymnasium ■ Use of the new Coffee Zone café ■ Reception area, picnic area and break-out areas ■ Free car parking and disabled parking.

The Business Centre virtual office facilities provides your business with a point of contact at all times and gives your business that stability every startup business needs. The advantages of these facilities are: ■ Calls answered by our professional receptionists in your business name ■ Messages forwarded via e-mail, text message or seamless transfer to mobiles ■ Use of the company address for your business i.e. business cards, letterheaded paper ■ We receive all incoming post and parcel deliveries. Additionally there are excellent conference and meeting room facilities which include: ■ Rooms to accommodate 2 - 70 people ■ Beverages ■ Free on-site parking ■ In-house catering ■ Overhead projectors and screens ■ Designated conference co-ordinator.

Don’t miss out on the excellent promotion of up to 50% off your monthly office rental now at The Business Centre. For further information please contact the Centre Manager, James Mason, on 0800 6349920 to experience The Business Centre facilities today. * Terms and conditions apply

W H AT C L I E N T S S AY

Barber Blades Ltd

Vita Financial

The Business Centre has been a great place for us to start our new company Barber Blades Ltd. It offers a professional business image and a lasting impression that all companies are looking for. The building is professional and modern with friendly and efficient staff to welcome visitors.

We’ve been based in The Business Centre for almost six months and the move has certainly proved to be invaluable to our business. The facilities on-site are fantastic, from parking, IT support, restaurant and friendly staff. It has everything that we need and has given us a springboard to develop our business.

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THE BUSINESS CENTRE

The flexible benefits of a serviced office ■ Instant Access

Usually, you can move in to a fullyfitted turnkey office suite, within 24 hours, providing you with an immediate solution to your office requirement. ■ Flexibility

We are flexible, streamlined and trouble-free – you can expand or contract at short notice free from leasehold responsibilities and obligations.

■ Cost Effective

When all the costs of running a business are taken into account, The Business Centre offers excellent value for money. There is minimal capital outlay and no expensive legal fees. ■ Convenience

One monthly rental payment based on the size of the office suite chosen covers all of the following business essentials: ■ Rent ■ Service charge ■ General and environmental rates ■ Heating, lighting and power ■ Executive furniture ■ Daily cleaning of office ■ Furnished and manned reception ■ Telephone system including handsets ■ DDI line per authorised user ■ Mail handling ■ Building insurance and maintenance ■ Fire alarm and building security ■ Free car parking ■ Free membership to on-site gym ❧ 53 ❧

Please contact James Mason, Centre Manager, on 0800 6349920 for more information The Business Centre Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW 0800 6349920 enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk www.thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk

Cool and contemporary has proven to be a popular choice in kitchen design over recent years and with stylish new materials and funky features this trend is set to continue. Vale Life talks to Mike McNabb, owner of Room For Living in Cowbridge, who tells us about what’s in store for 2011.

TREND SETTING What are the current trends in kitchen design? Kitchens are once again becoming the heart of the home. Open plan is definitely the order of the day, with living areas adjoining cooking and eating. Designs are definitely reflecting this trend and it is a challenge for the designer to make one space work for all of these different activities. This trend can influence the designer down a difficult path as they attempt to turn a room into a ‘Swiss Army Knife’.

I have definitely seen a shift towards a more contemporary look. High gloss and bright colours are definitely more popular than at any time in the last 20 years. However, there is still a strong market in the traditional looking cabinets with turned columns and raised and fielded panel doors. Whatever the design a person should go for, I would stress that the most important factor is quality and functionality at a price that is affordable to their budget.

It is easy to lose sight of the fact that a room must combine functionality with beauty. Technology will play an increasing part in people’s desires, with intelligent fridges and networked appliances but there is no point loading gadgets, televisions and quirky appliances into a kitchen whose fridge is in the wrong place or whose cabinet hinges crumble after twelve months.

Describe a typical customer at Room for Living Every customer is an individual and this means that each person’s requirements can vary from one extreme to the next. It is possible to group people to some extent, however, the beauty of my job is that you never know what to expect when a potential client first walks through the showroom door.

The one thing that doesn’t vary is the requirement of the designer to match the design to the desires, and needs of the client. Young professional couples, the elderly, families, the single person, and the disabled person can all come in looking for a new kitchen on any given day. I relish the opportunity to help them create the kitchen of their dreams. It never ceases to amaze me how people shatter any first impressions when they begin to chose their new kitchen. And there is no better feeling than seeing that kitchen, modern or traditional, installed successfully and making a real difference to the life of my client.

What’s new for 2011 Mike? I’ve just returned from a visit to Germany to look at the latest trends and what’s coming through for 2011is a more generic, contemporary look, with handle-less, finger print friendly doors in modern laminate and surfaces in both chunky laminate and non scratch glass. For the more traditional look, the trend seems to lean towards two tone painted wooden doors. What about colours? We’re seeing more subtle colours coming through such as champagne and truffle. Will we be seeing this in Room for Living then? Oh yes, we’re always keen to be at the forefront with new trends and will definitely be bringing these to the showroom in 2011. In fact, there are many plans afoot for the new year so watch this space. Room For Living Willow Walk, Cowbridge CF71 7EE 01446 771 234 info@rflkitchens.com www.roomforlivingcowbridge.com

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The NHS does a wonderful job day in, day out, but occasionally, for those entering the system, it can appear to move very slowly and when anxiety and fear of serious illness is weighing on your mind, sometimes it pays to take...

THE PRIVATE OPTION

When a fit and healthy middle-aged woman started getting severe stomach and acid reflux, she immediately went to her GP. Two months of antacids followed with no easing of symptoms and the situation was seriously impacting on her home life and her job. Given that bowel cancer is the second biggest killer in the UK with one person diagnosed every eighteen minutes, naturally she was frightened that the pain could be the result of something more sinister. We discussed her contrasting experience with the NHS and with Nucleus, Wales’ private centre of excellence for gastroenterology.

Please tell us how this all began? I started getting acid reflux several months ago and put it down to stress from work and my diet and lifestyle. I went to my local GP who prescribed antacids, which I took for two months with little or no effect. My GP upped my dose and gave me another month’s supply. Again these proved ineffective. Then the excruciating stomach pains began, which got progressively worse.

I enquired about the price and, not being exactly awash with cash, came away wondering whether to proceed. Dr Srivastava said they could carry out the procedure the following Monday.

How did you feel at this point? I was really quite frightened! There’s a history of cancer in my family so that was always at the back of my mind.

And then? Events sort of snowballed. Another hospital visit followed as I was in debilitating pain. I was admitted, and another series of tests were carried out. Bloods, urine, stomach X-ray and observation. I was admitted to a short stay surgical ward which had five other women of differing ages and various medical conditions.

What happened then? The pain got so bad that I was rushed into hospital by ambulance. A number of tests were carried out but I was sent home with laxatives after being told I had constipation. The pain didn’t ease and I started to get really concerned. After reading about Nucleus Healthcare, I gave them a call and made an appointment to see Dr. Srivastava. He immediately put me at ease, examined my stomach and asked about the pain. He suggested I have a colonoscopy and endoscopy to find out what was going on.

I was told that I would need an endoscopy and colonoscopy but would have to be sent home and put on a waiting list which was currently standing at three to six months. I couldn’t imagine waiting that long as I was in great pain and was concerned about my family and my job. The pain increased whilst on the ward and I was then moved to another ward with three elderly and very poorly women and was informed that if I wanted the first procedure, I’d have to wait it out on the ward. There I stayed, in great discomfort, for five days.

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“I arrived at Nucleus on the Monday and was greeted by a friendly receptionist. I was shown to my immaculately clean private room with en-suite bathroom.”

During that time parts of the ward had to be closed due to a severe Norovirus infection and I was worried that I would catch it. On the fifth day, as one of the ladies on my ward came down with the virus, I was told that theatre could fit me in for my endoscopy. I stressed to the consultant that I was fearful as I have a strong gagging reflex and he assured me that I would be anaesthetised and wouldn’t feel a thing. When I got to theatre, however, I was told that this wasn’t the case. What then followed was a horrendous procedure given my state of anxiety and I was deeply upset. I was then sent to another part of the ward where the infection had ocurred but had now cleared. I was told that the endoscopy results were normal and I was discharged with more antacids, painkillers and a stronger laxative. I received a note to say that I had been put on the waiting list for the colonoscopy. When I enquired this had a waiting list of one to three months, even if the consultant were to mark it urgent. And you were still none the wiser regarding your condition? No. I decided that I needed answers sooner rather than later and felt that my only chance of getting them would be to go back to Nucleus. Once again, I saw Dr. Srivastava on the Tuesday and was booked in for both procedures the following Monday. I told him of my recent experience and he immediately put me at ease, saying that I would be given enough sedation to be conversant but that I wouldn’t feel any pain during the procedures. He was very reassuring and I felt I could trust him.

I arrived at Nucleus on the Monday and was greeted by a friendly receptionist. I was shown to my immaculately clean private room with en-suite bathroom. My nurse went through the relevant documentation with me and I watched television for a while which took my mind off things. I was then called down to theatre. True to Dr. Srivastava’s word, I didn’t feel a thing and woke up to a lovely tray of tea, sandwiches and biscuits, which was very well received.

How do you feel now? Whilst I appreciate that not everyone can afford private healthcare, I must say that when faced with the prospect of being in considerable pain for several more months, not being able to work and look after my family, and run the risk of suffering from something far more serious which could have been treated if caught early, then private healthcare is worth its weight in gold. As for the NHS… I’m still waiting.

What was the outcome? Dr. Srivastava came to see me and told me that the procedures went well and that I was to come back a week later when he would have the results of the biopsies. However, in the meantime, he did stress that he had seen nothing that caused him immediate serious concern.

Name and address supplied

What happened then? I must confess I was apprehensive. I just needed to understand what was happening to me. My appointment came and I was greeted by Dr. Srivastava for my consultation. He immediately let me know that nothing sinister had been found. He did, however, find a small hiatus hernia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastritis and an irritable and over-active bowel. He explained he had tested me for H. Pylori and other bacterial infections which had proved negative. Dr. Srivastava then gave me a note for my doctor to prescribe me appropriate medication, which would, hopefully, ease the inflammation in the oesophagus and calm my bowel. I was to come back to see him in a month to see if the medication was working for me. ❧ 57 ❧

Nucleus Healthcare Spooner Close Celtic Springs Business Park Newport NP10 8FZ 01633 815900 enquiries@nucleushealthcare.co.uk www.nucleushealthcare.co.uk

Whether you want to get into that festive party frock, find a new way to de-stress or socialise or you’ve simply decided to get in shape, joining a health club is the perfect way to achieve your goals. We visit Miskin Manor to find out more.

CLUB CLASS The Health Club and Spa at Miskin Manor offers a range of facilities and classes with affordable membership packages. Vale Life talks to Health Club Manager Russell Edwards.

What facilities are at the Health Club and Spa? Miskin Manor Health Club and Spa is located just off Junction 34 of the M4, the Miskin Manor Health Club is easily accessible from Cardiff, The Vale, Bridgend and the Valleys. We have had an extensive refurbishment and offer state-of-the-art gym equipment, and a luxurious swimming and spa area. Our popular café proudly brews Starbucks coffee and serves a selection of hot and cold snacks. The club offers a Human Sport studio, spinning, many classes, personal training and many treatments. You’re in a beautiful location here… Yes, it is gorgeous here. There is no setting quite like the grounds of Miskin Manor. We’re set in twenty two glorious acres and blessed with timeless ambience, making it a delightful retreat to exercise, get fit, relax, unwind and socialise with friends. The location is certainly the icing on the cake.

Is the Club open to non-members? Miskin Manor Health Club and Spa is a private members club – we welcome new membership applications. We do allow non members into the club to use classes for a fee but, in the long run, a membership is better value for money. How much was the refurbishment? We’ve invested over a million pounds. We believe that this is money very well spent and our members seem to agree.

“We’re set in twenty two glorious acres... making it a delightful retreat to exercise, get fit, relax, unwind and socialise.”

What fitness classes are available? Our classes have a growing following with spin, Zumba, ballet tots, water babies, circuit training, human sport, core stability, yoga, pilates, legs bums and tums, simply box and aerobics. There’s a class here to suit every age and every fitness level.

Is the health club family friendly? Our members can add any of their children on to their membership at any time. Babies and toddlers up to five years can join for free. Children aged between six and ten join for £4.85 and children from eleven to seventeen years can join for £9.30. Costs are per month.

What about memberships? We have a gym and swim membership for £32.20 per month - it’s the only membership we sell to adults and there are no restrictions on entry times. All members pay the same and can use the club from 6.30am to 9.30pm Monday to Friday, and 7am til 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. We believe our membership is by far the best value for a health club in South Wales.

What are the benefits of gym membership? There are a number of good reasons. Some people join because they’ve been working out at home or going for walks already and want to take their fitness to another level. Others struggle to keep up with their children as they run around, or they find themselves driving everywhere, sat at a desk all day, and don’t get any exercise at all. Whatever the reasons, you’ll definitely get fitter by joining a gym. As soon as you join, you’ll start to feel better. You’ll be more conscious about what you eat, how much sleep you get and your general health will improve. You might be training specifically for an event. You may have signed up for one of the many sponsored walks or other events. Or you are looking to cycle long distance. Perhaps you want to get fit for a skiing or walking holiday and want to make sure that you’re in good shape and prepared for it. If you regularly take part in sports such as running, football, netball, swimming or rugby, then you may want to improve parts of your game or those areas where you feel you are weak.

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This might involve weight training or endurance training using an exercise bike or treadmill. You may be recovering from an operation or an injury and managed exercise might be useful for rehabilition. If you can’t safely or comfortably perform the exercises at home, why not join your local gym? It’s not just about weight loss then? You might want to join a gym for social reasons as much as the exercise and fitness benefits. You can make new friends or meet other people with similar goals or those who do the same sport as you. What many people find, however, as a consequence of combining healthy eating with exercise is that they achieve weight loss. By having a bespoke training plan specially designed for you by our personal trainers, you can realistically lose weight without under or overtraining. Many people join a gym and don’t go. What’s your advice to them? You’ll be much more inclined to go to the gym if you’ve paid for it. If you’re not normally motivated by the thought of exercise, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth from your gym membership. Remember, a monthly fee at Miskin Manor Health club is approximately £1 a day. Whatever your reasons for joining our health club, you’ll be glad that you did, and you’re sure to notice the difference.

Vale Life talks to Rebecca Rees of JNP Legal, a member of the Miskin Manor Health Club and Spa, to find out how her membership has worked for her. Why did you join the Miskin Manor Health Club and Spa? I have been a member at the club for almost three years and chose Miskin Manor due to its convenient location and good reputation. I use the gym and swimming pool regularly, and occasionally meet with friends in the coffee shop. I also go to the Kettlebell class at the club each Monday evening. Before becoming a member at the club, I attended various other types of fitness class, but in my opinion Kettlebell is definitely one of the best. How often do you visit the Club? On average, I go to the Health Club three or four times a week and I think that the club membership, as well as the additional classes that are available, are competitively priced, and offer excellent value for money. The staff at the club are really friendly and always offer a warm welcome. I have recommended Miskin Manor to friends and family who have since become members, and attended the various classes on offer at the club.

Miskin Manor Country Hotel and Health Club Miskin, Nr Cardiff CF72 8ND 01443 224204 reservations@miskin-manor.co.uk www.miskin-manor.co.uk

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They say the only way is up but, for the Ashton family, owning the house of their dreams became something of a sideways move. Vale Life takes a closer look.

IN THE

FRAME We first came across this stunning home when it was featured on the cover of the September 2010 issue of Self Build & Design magazine so upon reading the article, I was surprised and intrigued to see the property was in South Wales. As someone who would ultimately like to self build, I couldn’t help but admire the design and creativity that had gone into its creation. Mike and Pam Ashton had hoped to extend their existing home sideways when the 1930’s bungalow next door came onto the market in 2005. With much deliberation, they came to the conclusion that completely replacing the bungalow with a brand new home was a far more practical solution. After exploring various ideas, including building an oak framed property, the couple chose to build in rendered block-work with a natural slate roof.

The creative design includes a basement garage, workshop and den. Bedrooms are on the ground floor with a gorgeous open plan living, dining and kitchen area on the first floor which opens on to front and rear balconies framed with nautical themed stainless steel balustrades.

Mark Nayler, Managing Director of Vellacine said, “This was a wonderful project to be associated with. The tower and high level windows are glazed with Pilkington Activ Blue - a stunning blue glass that combines self cleaning properties with solar control for a cooler interior.”

One of the most striking features of the build is the glass. There seems to be acres of it. Blue aluminium-framed doors and windows from Cardiff-based Vellacine, the window and conservatory centre, ensure the light floods in, and their views over the Bristol Channel to the North Devon coast beyond are uninterrupted. Owners Mike and Pam declared, “We chose Ocean Blue coloured aluminium frames, which complement the glass, and the self cleaning coating means we don’t have to worry about reaching the higher windows.”

Mark added, “We manufacture all our frames right here at our facility in Cardiff. We work with many different types of client from schools, architects and builders and some of our contracts are very large. However, projects on the scale of Mike and Pam’s are particularly enjoyable as they’re a little outside the norm and demonstrate that frames don’t have to be simply white or black. It gives us enormous satisfaction when we see features like the one in the magazine as you see the effect it has on the end user. Vellacine is delighted to have been associated with this project.” You can’t help being impressed with Mike and Pam’s house. The stylish combination of contemporary design and natural materials; slate, glass, wood and stainless steel, has created a beautiful contemporary home and one that will be an inspiration to other self build enthusiasts. Vellacine Limited The Window and Conservatory Centre Hadfield Road Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AQ 029 2022 8578 enquiries@vellacine.com www.vellacine.com

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Thanks to Ross Stokes, Editor of Self Build & Design magazine and Steve Taylor for his beautiful photographs. The full story appeared in the September 2010 issue of Self Build & Design magazine. Visit www.sbdonline.co.uk for more information.

We honour our affections with the tradition of offering a ring to demonstrate commitment and everlasting love. The ring is an unbroken symbol of unity and nothing is as powerful in conveying this message. We talk to Jack Cohen of David Edwards Jewellers in Royal Arcade.

A FINE TRADITION Be a little different with your gift choices this year. An investment for your future goes a long way and precious memories that are created from beautiful pieces can be passed down the family line. You just have to imagine into the future what a niece, nephew or a grandchild will feel when they hold a piece of family history. These gorgeous gifts possess that special quality.

“David Edwards has the finest selection of South Sea and Tahitian pearls in Wales.”

“Precious memories are created from beautiful pieces that can be passed down the family line.” ❧ 62 ❧

David Edwards Jewellers 23-25 Royal Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AE 029 2064 1939 www.davidedwardsjewellers.co.uk

“At David Edwards Jewellers we pride ourselves on providing the very best service. ❧ 63 ❧

VALE

Social Life covers launches, parties, exhibitions, charitable events, fashion shows, engagements and weddings. MISKIN MANOR

Steve Astbury from Laurent Perrier hosted a Gourmet Evening, with fine champagne and a sumptuous five course dinner at Miskin Manor on Thursday 21 October. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, expertly prepared in-house by Head Chef Mark Beck and his team, complimented by fine champagne from Laurent Perrier, and rose displays from David Austin Roses. Miskin Manor Country Hotel and Health Club Miskin, Nr Cardiff CF72 8ND www.miskin-manor.co.uk

Photography courtesy of Hazel Hannant Photography

Champagne Gourmet Evening

Amanda Rosenberg with friends Jen & Cath

Kelvin, Sharon and the team at Diamond Centre Wales

Steve Astbury of Laurent Perrier, William Pugh-Williams and Greg Williams of Fine Wines Direct UK

Bernard Jones with Nicolette, Marian and Michael Henderson, Sally Evans, Karen Rozier, John Rozier and Jason Evans

Leanne Cocco of Cocco Hair, Helen Pick of Katwalk, Eleri, Sherlyn King and Lynfa Davies

Amanda Archer and guests

Daryl and Gwyn of Keraton Smith Hairdressers with Lesley

CARDIFF

English-Speaking Union Lunch Former Secretary of State for Wales, Lord Hunt of Wirral, made a welcome return as Chairman of the English-Speaking Union when he spoke at the Lunch held at the Cardiff City Stadium following the AGM of the South Wales Branch.

Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards, Lord Hunt, Sir Geoffrey Inkin

Joe McLean, Anne Campbell, Lord Hunt, Anne Morgan, Dr Ian Campbell

Liz Morgan, Jill Jacobs, Anne Morgan

Graeme Morgan, Derek Morgan, Bernard Rees

The occasion provided the opportunity for Lord Hunt to renew acquaintance with many friends made during his time in Wales and he warmly congratulated members on the way in which they had established such a thriving and enthusiastic Branch in a short space of time. â?§ 64 â?§

SOCIAL LIFE L L A N DA F F

High Sheriffs’ Gala Dinner

Cath , Sharon from Diamond Centre Wales, Sally Evans from Miskin Manor with Nicola Powell

Glamorgan High Sheriffs, Anne Campbell, Beverley Humphreys and Rowland Jones hosted a Gala Dinner in the The Great Hall of Howell’s School, Llandaff to support the South Wales Police Youth Trust which was started by retired Chief Constable Barbara Wilding with the aim of diverting youngsters from crime.

Three Glamorgan High Sheriffs: Anne Campbell, Rowland Jones, Beverley Humphreys

Organiser Anne Morgan was delighted by the success of the event, and Chief Constable Peter Vaughan and Trust Chairman Adrian Oliver thanked everyone involved with special thanks to Beverley for the evening’s entertainment. Geoff and Debbie Cooper, Barbara Wilding and Jeff Rees, David and Janet Reed

Anita with Nicola Powell

Amanda Rosenberg, Siobhan Wheeler of Miskin Manor and Tina

Diane and Christopher Brain with Sally and Julian Davies

Michael and Eleanor Eddershaw, Carol and John Phillips

Social Life covers launches, parties, exhibitions, charitable events, fashion shows, engagements and weddings. Professor John Lazarus, Vivien and Christopher Pollard

Dr Peter Beck and Lyn Beck with Dr Margaret Jones

Elenawyn Griffin and Liz Wyn Owen

Gwilym and Linda Jones, Julia Kelsall, Bev Thomas, Ian Kelsall

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If you’d like to feature your social event in these pages please contact Jennifer on 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk

THE LAST WORD We talk to personal and business life coach Martin Biginelli from Barry who has coached clients here in Wales and across the UK over the past ten years. Tell us about your business I am a personal and business life coach based in Barry in South Wales. I have been coaching individuals and executive clients for almost ten years, having previously worked for and been employed as a national coach for large corporations within the utilities, financial and banking sectors. In addition to working one to one with clients, whether as a personal life coach or as a business coach in a professional business coaching capacity, I have organised and managed various introductory training workshops for businesses, as well as coordinating and executing numerous presentations and seminars to corporate clients and their teams of employees. I am trained in all levels of personal and business life coaching and I also have sound knowledge of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). My own life and work experiences have provided me with a wealth of knowledge, which I am able to use when working with clients whether in a personal or professional capacity. This year I decided to take the plunge and set up my own coaching and training company, called Coaching Four Success. Which has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! I also have a website and a blog which has blown me away by the responses I have received from just over 4,000 readers since March 2010. The responses have been so positive, that I am now thinking about writing a book and producing DVD’s and CD’s as well. What type of clients do you have? I have clients across the board, from personal, sole traders, SME’s, and executives to students, new business start up’s, and relationships both business and personal.

Anyone we’d know? Climbing Station, Treforest SML (Southern Medical & Catering), Andover Hants NGPR2010 PR Company, Cardiff Cardiff Business Online, Cardiff 360 Degrees Design & Printing, South Wales Valleys Its’ameedoll, South Wales Valleys The Three Saints Hotel & Restaurant, Llantrisant Jag’s Catering, Cardiff Lynne Mare Digital Dreams, South Wales Valleys Waxed Out, in Bridgend Why would these companies need your services? For various reasons, ranging from mentoring, coaching and sales training. But the main thread that they all have between them is that they all want to be successful in their own respected businesses. So, the skill sets and business awareness levels are different for each and every company, some require mentoring to enable them to gain professional experience, some require coaching to re focus their direction and to set new goals or objectives, and some require training and coaching to enable them to progress further.

“You only get out of life what you are prepared to put into it and you only get one chance to make a first impression.” Attitudes towards the younger generation have to change, we cannot afford to neglect them, they are a valuable resource that is not being used! We need to invest time and money into providing a viable future for them to look forward to! Just because some fail to achieve in school and fall off the path, they end up on a forgotten scrap heap Sum yourself up in three words. Knowledgeable, committed and passionate. In a nutshell, my philosophy is … You only get out of life what you are prepared to put into it, there is no free lunch and you only get one chance to make a first impression! So, my philosophy I use with everyone, is that you only have one life, so make the most of it.

Who would you like to work with? The likes of Alex Ferguson, Cheryl Cole, David Cameron, John Lennon, Prince William, King Henry V111, and Ken Dodd. What would you like to change? I also give time to support the Prince’s Trust and a business mentor. And I love the enthusiasm that young people have to give and also how much talent they have to offer people is just amazing. And the majority for whatever reason fell off the education path and became the forgotten ones, until they came to the Prince’s Trust for help.

“I am trained in all levels of personal and business life coaching and I also have sound knowledge of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).” ❧ 66 ❧

Martin Stephen Biginelli Coaching Four Success Supporting the Prince's Trust 01446 401481 07779 859712 martin@biginelli.co.uk www.coachingfoursuccess.com blog. biginelli.co.uk

Arbuthnot Opticians offer a range of sunglasses from high fashion to sports.

Arbuthnot Opticians 6 Broad Street, Barry CF62 7XP

The collection includes Versace, Vogue, Maui Jim, Rayban, Polo, Ralph Lauren for high fashion and Adidas and Oakley for sportswear. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delighted to introduce our new Teen Ripcurl range. * Subject to availability

01446 735551 info@arbuthnotopticians.co.uk www.arbuthnotopticians.co.uk