T RIED & T RUSTED: WE H EAR YOU

We chatted with one happy client, Gail Holmes, and her mum Nita, to listen to their experience with Marina.

How did you hear about Clear Hearing Solution?

To be honest, I can’t quite remember now. I know I was speaking to someone about my mum and husband’s hearing issues, (Barry is a small village and everyone talks!) and Clear Hearing Solution’s name came up as being a company I should call.

What issues did your husband Michael have with his hearing? He needed his ears de-waxed and as Boots in Pentwyn was on our doorstep, I enquired about this treatment there, but was told they didn’t do it. I didn’t even consider other clinics in our area. He had hearing aids from Boots, which were bequeathed to him from a friend who had unfortunately passed away, but they really were not fitting very well or giving what they needed, hence the call to Marina at Clear Hearing Solution.

Did you find it easy to get an appointment with Marina?

Yes, after we contacted the clinic, Marina was very quick to get back to us and arrange an appointment to suit us all. I would also add, we really like the location - there’s plenty of parking nearby and a lift that takes you right up to virtually outside her clinic. It couldn’t be more accessible.

How did you find working with Marina?

Marina is very professional and clearly passionate about what she does. She’s direct, clear and concise, and I like that. It’s what you need when you’re dealing with health issues. But, more importantly, she was lovely with mum and Michael, putting them at ease.

My mum is 92 and Michael is 79, and obviously they were having issues which was quite concerning but Marina is excellent at explaining everything. I also have to say the clinic is spotless –she’s a real professional.

I find Marina kind and very respectful. Both mum and Michael are of advanced years, so obviously they both needed guidance on all counts, which Marina gives them. She is extremely patient and caring. She also gave them confidence that the advice and instructions she provides will work. They trust her, which is the most important thing when people are dealing with health issues.

What issues did you mum have with her hearing?

Well, both mum and Michael needed full examinations and better fitting hearing aids.

Are they pleased with the advice and hearing aids they were given?

Yes, they have worked perfectly, with a little bit of tweaking, as you would expect with something of this nature.

How often do you visit Marina?

We visit every six months. The aftercare is ongoing and excellent.

Would you recommend Marina and Clear Hearing Solution to others?

Yes. I have recommended her to my family and friends. They have gone and had their problems solved. I’m happy to share the knowledge.

It’s always nice to talk to people and find out a little more about them and their lives. One of the lovely things about Marina’s work is that she meets so many people. It’s the one thing we like when we’re interviewing or chatting to people. So, over a cuppa we found out a little more about Gail and her life.

Where do you live?

We live in Oxford Street in Barry and my mum lives 200 yards down the road.

What did your parents do for a living?

Mum was a ‘stay at home’ mum and her job was to look after me as I grew up. We were a traditional family and that was important to her and my father. My father owned and ran a garage, W F Holmes in Evans Street, Barry. It still remains to this day. He ran that from 1948 until he passed on the reigns.

How about you?

I worked for BP on Sully Road as an administrator since 1970. I loved my job, but when it got taken over by another company, I stuck at it for a while but then decided to retire.

How do you and Michael spend your time now?

We enjoy each other’s company. We like to take a stroll to Romilly’s, The Knap, for a coffee. We also enjoy a meal at our favourite haunts, Mr. Villa’s, The Knap or The Little Olive on Broad Street. My husband has known Christine Villa for many years so there’s history there, plus we love the food and the vibe!

You’re a very smart lady, where do you like to shop for clothes?

I like to buy quality clothes. When you buy cheap, you buy twice in my opinion. I look after my clothes, and they serve me well. I like to shop at Samantha B in Ewenny, and good old Marks & Spencer. I used to enjoy shopping at Jaeger but since they closed locally, I tend to stick to Sam B and M&S whenever I need something new.

How would you describe your personality?

As I’ve said previously, I’m a straight talker. I value honesty and quality. I believe you reap what you sow. When I want something of quality, I seek it out, value you and reward positive, quality behaviour and service.

Describe yourself in three words. Positive, straight, giving. My mantra for life is “You reap what you sow”.

Unit 32, Goodsheds

Hood Road, Barry CF62 5QR

Green Daisy, Retro Stripe, Black Ziggy Gloves £49

Metallic Ziggy Gloves £59

Bags £95

Various UK small boutiques and www.mabelsheppard.co.uk

FRESH Travel Set Medium £58.99 www.ringana.com

Grown Alchemist Pure Rosehip Oil

25ml £67 www.selfridges.co.uk

Pre-Heat-Prep Hair Primer £22 www.duckanddry.com

All available from www.loccitane.com

L’Occitane Rose Pear Body Cream

150ml £29

L’Occitane Rose Pear EDT

50ml £56

Grown Alchemist Lip Balm 15ml £18 www.selfridges.co.uk

Easter Bunny Cake Baking Kit £14 www.mondessert.co.uk

Dr Sam Bunting’s Flawless Nightly Pro Serum £60 www.drsambunting.com and The Sam Bunting Clinic, 41 Harley Street, W1G 8QH

The publisher or the retailer cannot be held responsible for any error or omissions. All offers are subject to availability and price changes.

L’Occitane Rose Pear

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250ml £17.50

L’Occitane Rose Pear Hand Cream

30ml £9.00

Full Shaving Set: Rose

Current sale price £36

Usual price £45

Razor Kit Subscription £4.95 One time purchase £14

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OLVERUM Bath Oil 125ml (enough for 25 baths)

£39.50

250ml (enough for 50 baths)

£71

3 x 15ml Travel set (enough for 9 baths)

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Available from Liberty, SpaceNK, Fortnum and Mason, Fenwick www.olverum.com

Lotion ml

Hand Cream 30ml £9

Perfume en Gel 10ml £14.50 www.ffs.co.uk

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic £39 www.seed.com

L’Occitane Herbae Spartium Collection www.loccitane.com

Perfumed Soap 100g £6.50

The publisher or the retailer cannot be held responsible for any error or omissions. All offers are subject to availability and price changes.

If Pembrokeshire is Wales’s Cornwall, then Carmarthenshire is certainly its Devon. This verdant county has rolling hills, beautiful woodland and seemingly endless meadows. In winter, evidenced by its countless rivers and streams, Carmarthenshire is wet, so why on earth would we entertain a mini break?