2023 Vale Life Autumn

VALE LIFE AUTUMN 2023

P R O U D

T O

B E

PRICELESS

I N D E P E N D E N T

t h e va l e o f 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 a Glow WE CHAT ALL THINGS BEAUTY WITH THE GLOW WITHIN CLINIC PLUS FASHION, FOOD, TRAVEL, GIFT GUIDES & MORE

Restaurant Reviews What’s On, Business, Shopping

There’s more online

plus Art, Music, Style

www.valelife.co.uk

Health, Homes and much more

For times when...

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VALE L IFE WELCOME

THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Advertising jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

www.valelife.co.uk 0845 130 6452 Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2AW Passionate about The Vale of Glamorgan We are a small independent publisher. 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 of Glamorgan.

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.”

Caveat emptor Advertisers supply their own copy or artwork, and therefore Vale Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware.

Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in Vale Life or on www.valelife.co.uk (or our social media streams) 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.

Intellectual property © Copyright Vale Life 2023. 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); ignorance is no excuse.

Subscriptions Apologies, we are not accepting subscriptions at present.

However, you can reserve a copy with some of our outlets across the Vale or read articles on www.valelife.co.uk 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@goodlifepublishing.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. Priceless actually!

Vale Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Vale of Glamorgan and beyond and is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed on, 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.

Green is good The pulp used in the production of the paper Vale Life is printed on is sourced from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine-free bleaching process.

We’re very sociable!

We’re on the web! www.valelife.co.uk Like on Facebook! www.facebook.com/valelife Follow on X (Twitter)! @ValeLife #ValeLife Follow on Instagram @ValeLifeMagazine #ValeLife

Autumn started in March this year thanks to the awful weather, but it’s nice to have officially arrived at our favourite season.

Let’s not mince our words, the weather has been truly awful this year, so we really need a good Christmas to look forward to. We’re doing our bit with our Christmas Gift Guides on pages 56 to 73. Hopefully there’s something to suit most budgets and tastes.

Talking about taste, you’ll find a little food and drink on pages 36 to 43 (nice link, sips wine, cheers!). Sadly, we’ve lost a few good eateries this year, so, if you can, get out there and sample the brilliant fayre we have in the Vale. You probably know our favourites, but we’d love to hear about yours so join us on Facebook and let us know what’s hot (we’re on Instagram and X too).

Man Cave raises its gender confident head on pages 88 and 89 if you really want to escape the madness of modern life, there are some hot and cold holiday getaways on our Travel Life pages 80 to 83.

Please do your bit this season.

Support the indies, shop local and try to use cash wherever possible. #KeepCashAlive Our Gift Guide is bigger than ever so you should find some great ideas. We’re spoilt for choice locally so if you are going to buy some cards and gifts, again, use an indie rather than giving your hard earned to supermarket shareholders.

Travel Life If you love to travel like us, you might like to visit our Travel Life Magazine website. The website’s address is TravelLifeMag.co.uk and it’s becoming quite popular. You’ll be able to read about a few of our recent excursions on pages 80 to 83. #HappyTravels

Anyway, wrap up warm and stock up on your vitamin C (we think it might be a chilly one), stay safe, be kind and look after yourselves.

Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor 07766 106 701 jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk uk.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhobbsroberts Our cover stars!

Read all about our cover star, Sarah Gardner, owner of The Glow Within Clinic based in the seaside town of Porthcawl. You can read all about the fabulous latest technology and treatments on pages 6 to 9.

VALE LIFE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS. OUR CONTRIBUTORS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR FRIENDS (INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM VALE LIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WE HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT WE’VE PRODUCED AND WE’LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. VALE LIFE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE ISSN 1757-1723. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.VALELIFE.CO.UK

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The Vale is awesome!

We love it here.

We do travel quite a bit around the Vale, Wales and the UK. But we can honestly say, we love it when we return home. The Vale’s perfect combination of stunning coastline and rolling, rural countryside makes this part of the world our home, and we love it here.

Throw in a great selection of towns with their very own personalities and it’s no surprise that readers love it as much as we do.

What constantly surprises us is how much visitors love The Vale too. We know it shouldn’t surprise us but when we hear visitors from London, the Midlands, and over the bridge singing its praise, that fills us with joy.

A ROUND THE VALE

PONT YCLUN

The Tap End The Tap End have done it again; Daniella, designer at The Tap End Bathrooms Pontyclun, is a finalist for a national design award with Designerati.

This prestigious award is nationally recognised, and Daniella’s nomination follows Zoes award win earlier this year. Justine Bullock - Director of The Tap End says, “We are thrilled to have such design talent at our Bathroom Design Studio. We take pride in giving clients design that is better than what they could have achieved going it alone, and being nominated for design awards is a great way to celebrate our efforts.”

The ceremony is in November where we will find out if Daniella wins the highly coveted award. Hopefully it will be a win for Wales!

If you are looking for a new cloakroom, ensuite or bathroom, The Tap End design service is free of charge. And, if needed, a recommended fitter can be provided to fit your dream bathroom.

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To start your bathroom journey, contact the Pontyclun based bathroom design studio today. The consultation process allows the team to get to know you and your requirements, and the initial consultation is followed by a design presentation.

To learn more about The Tap End check out social media, Houzz and www.thetapend.design

PENARTH

Thornton Travel, Penarth Your one-stop travel agency located in the bustling seaside town of Penarth.

At Thornton Travel, they understand that everyone’s travel needs are different, which is why they offer a wide range of travel services to cater to your specific requirements. From booking flights and accommodation to organising tours and activities, they handle every aspect of your travel arrangements, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and hassle-free.

Their team of experienced travel consultants work with you every step of the way, guiding you through the best travel deals and packages that suit your budget and preferences. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a group tour, trust Thornton Travel to make your travel dreams a reality.

Give one of the team a call today and start looking forward to a stress free trip you will remember.

CONVEYANCERS YOU CAN TRUST

VM Law VM Law, Llantwit Major, cover all aspects of conveyancing, from buying and selling of property and the transfer of equity.

Thornton Travel 31 Windsor Road, Penarth CF64 1JD 029 2002 6026 infopenarth@thorntontravel.co.uk thorntontravelpenarth

Owner of VM Law, Liz Hunt, is ably assisted by Laurie Briggs, who deals with the conveyancing side of the business.

Laurie is based at the VM Law offices, which has the added bonus of car parking just outside. Liz covers all aspects of family law including divorce , prenuptial agreements, child arrangements, residential conveyancing, private clients matters (will, non-contentious probate and LPA’s (Lasting Powers of Attorney) and mediation.

If you have any issues that you feel you would like to discuss, please contact Laurie or Liz on the contact details below. You will be in safe hands.

VM Law 19 Boverton Road, Llantwit Major CF61 1XZ 07739 035690 029 2050 1161 available during office hours liz@vmlaw.co.uk www.vmlaw.co.uk

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Having launched her new business at her beautiful home-based clinic in Porthcawl, owner Sarah Gardner is literally glowing with excitement.

Vale Life popped in to find out more.

THE GLOW WITHIN CLINIC

Please tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to start your business...

I have always been interested in skin and body treatments and wanted to look at alternatives to surgical and injectables treatments. I trained in beauty twenty-three years ago but gave this up to support my husband’s business and raise our son. I then went on to do a HR degree and I started my own HR consultancy. Although successful, I was never really fulfilled in this role and revaluated over the lockdown period.

I felt there was a gap in the market, and I started my research two years ago. I chose Jan Marini as it is a science backed skincare range and they have been established a long time and their customer reviews are five star - I have seen the results myself. The Brazilian Booty lift again is one that attracted my attention they are an established company that offer so many treatments from just one machine. I love that I can offer so many non-surgical treatments for customers that have issues with a mummy tummy, cellulite and those who want to lift their booty.

When it comes to oral health and aesthetics, I wanted to look at a more of a natural approach rather than bleach when it comes to whitening your teeth.

I have had my teeth whitened and have always had such sensitive teeth after with laser teeth whitening you get no sensitivity or pain.

skin concerns including acne, rosacea and unwanted redness, signs of ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and more. This comprehensive system incorporates vitamin C, peptides, growth factors, AHA and BHA exfoliators, hydrators. Readers can find out more at www.jan-marini.co.uk

Finally, I can’t wait to offer laser hair removal. I have had this treatment before but wanted to find a machine that was suitable for all skin types including tanned skin and I have found one; a 3 Wavelength Diode and I am excited to start this treatment from December.

Jan Marini Facial This is a resurfacing enzyme facial, dermaplaning, steam facial, extraction, mask to treat a variety of skin concerns.

In a nutshell, what kind of treatments will you be offering?

Glow Up Facials Make your skin glow - cleanse, steam facial, extraction, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, micro-needling and luxury mask.

Jan Marini Skin Care Developed by dermatologists; Jan Marini Skin Research has been pioneering medical-grade skincare since 1994.

Their multi-award-winning products and systems deliver proven, effective and fast-acting results to treat a variety of 6

Jan Marini 40% and 70% Medical Face Peels Benefits by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, combats acne, reduces pigmentation, redness, improves texture, and promotes skin cell turnover.

BBL Body Medii Sculpt-contouring all areas of the body - this four-stage treatment combines fat busting LED laser light therapy with ultrasonic cavitation, radio frequency and vacuum suction. The LED light therapy works by stimulating the fat cells, causing a change in the permeability of the cell membrane. The cells are then broken down further using ultrasonic cavitation, causing the cell to

burst and its contents to spill out into the body. Radio frequency then helps to tighten and tone the skin to give the appearance of firmer and smoother skin.

The triglycerides (liquidised fat) are then repositioned using our vacuum suction to contour and sculpt the body. The machine has micro vacuum pulses, 180 Degree twist for explosive cellulite treatments, and stretch mark removal. This machine can reduce fat in a specific area of the body such a mummy tummy, booty lift, adds volume and plumpness to the booty and can lift the breast. No discomfort, no down time and visible results!

BBL Face Contouring, Skin Rejuvenation Facial The Brazilian Facial Lift is one of the most popular treatments provided by the Medii Sculpt machine. It utilises ultrasonic cavitation, Quad polar radio frequency, and vacuum suction to target stubborn areas of fat, while also providing anti-ageing benefits and boosting lymphatic drainage. The hand pieces used in this treatment are specially designed for facial contouring, and they can help you remove unwanted fat from your face and chin, sculpt and contour your face, and improve your facial definition.

The Brazilian Facial Lift is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment option with no downtime, meaning you can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment. With ongoing treatments, this treatment can significantly slow down the ageing process, contour, tighten, sculpt, and define your facial features, leaving you feeling and looking your best version of yourself.

Laser Teeth Whitening This is a self-administered laser teeth whitening 45 mins session (very straightforward). Naturawhite state that discolouration of teeth can come from extrinsic, intrinsic and internalised factors. The gels work to remove all stains from the teeth, no matter how deep-rooted they are. Naturawhite gels are made up of molecules which are triggered by heat and light, thus speeding up the process combined the effects of Carbomer, Potassium Citrate, Propylene Glycol and Hydroxyapatite to whiten and strengthen teeth, without pain or sensitivity.

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Laser Hair Removal (coming December) Medical grade hair removal laser machine, all skin types, painless!

Who are your ideal clients?

All women from the age of eighteen upwards and men too! There’s really no upper age limit.

Do you offer home visits or consultations?

All consultations have to be carried out in clinic.

Have you been trained? Do you have any qualifications?

NVQ level 3, VTCT laser and IPL hair removal Level 4, facials and skin care, and body contouring level 3. You’re in good hands.

What do you love about what you do?

I love that I can make difference nothing makes me happier than to see my clients so happy with their results, whether it’s their skin, contouring, teeth or hair removal.

What do you believe will set you apart from others?

I have been researching the market for the last two years. It’s in my nature to be thorough and research things properly. I wanted to offer the best non-surgical options to my clients. I wanted to see the results myself before offering them as treatment and I have done that. The machines, and skin care range that I am offering, is not to my knowledge being offered in my area and the results speak for themselves!

Do you offer finance? How do you accept payment?

Bank transfers, online via Fresha.

We can tell you’re super excited...

I am. All the hard work has come to fruition, and I’ve had huge support from family, friends and the industry. It has really inspired me. So, massive thanks to everyone. Hope to see you in clinic.

TESTIMONIALS

What clients’ say...

I had the Jan Marini medical facial peel and all I can say is wow!

Sarah was amazing and explained everything first. The salon is beautiful, and the results are fantastic. My skin is glowing like it never has before, I will definitely have this facial again! Highly recommend! Thank you Sarah x Caroline Highly recommend teeth whitening.

My teeth are six shades lighter after one session. Salon was beautiful and Sarah was so helpful - can’t wait to return and try other treatments.

Julie

The Glow Within Clinic The Chalet, Elm Road Porthcawl CF36 5AG 07812 375 070 Opening times Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am - 8pm Friday 10am - 3pm glowwithinclinic theglowwithinclinic 9

Cowbridge Dental Specialists opened in October 2023. It was established following the success of Cowbridge Orthodontics providing access to specialist dental care from one location.

COWBRIDGE DENTAL SPECIALISTS

Vale Life talked to Cowbridge Orthodontics to find out more about the practice and what it can offer patients who require specialist dental treatment in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Who are the owners?

The owners are Justin and Clare Evans, but they point out that the practice wouldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of all the clinicians and support staff at the practice.

Why Cowbridge?

Orthodontic care has been provided in Cowbridge for nearly twenty years. The success of Cowbridge Orthodontics drove the clinic in the direction of multidisciplinary care to resolve issues of access to specialist care. This has become increasingly important to the population of Cowbridge and the Vale since Covid-19.

What services do you offer your clients?

We currently provide Specialist and Advanced services along with hygienist support. These include paediatric dental care for children, periodontal care for advanced gum problems and tooth loss, with associated implant placement. We also provide prosthodontic treatment including all ranges of restorative care, and of course orthodontic care.

Are you an NHS dentist as well as private?

We have a limited NHS contract for Orthodontic care and receive referrals from general dentists.

For those patients wishing to access an initial opinion they are free to do this by contacting the practice directly without referral.

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Do you have a team of experienced consultants working at the practice?

Our multidisciplinary clinic is run by a team of dentists who have undergone extensive postgraduate training in order to provide Specialist and Advanced care in their field of expertise. This can save time especially when more than one specialist opinion is needed at the same time. We set out to provide services in addition to those provided by general dental practices and accept referrals directly from patients or their general dentists.

Paediatric care We provide specialist Paediatric dental care for all children up to 18 years of age. Treatments can be tailored for anxious children, and we are registered to provide extractions and fillings under Inhalation sedation.

COWBRIDGE DENTAL SPECIALISTS

Meet the team Justin Evans Specialist Orthodontist Orthodontic care with bespoke and tailored options for the individual.

Adult braces, both fixed ceramic and Invisalign, along with children’s private and NHS orthodontics. Growth modification, temporary anchorage devices and joint surgical treatments along with multidisciplinary planning with other specialties.

Cianna O’Brien Periodontal treatment and management of hard and soft tissue loss Advanced periodontal care is available for patients with developing and advanced gum problems and associated tooth loss. This includes root surface cleaning (surgical and non-surgical), periodontal splinting and crown lengthening.

Implant surgery - including lateral wall sinus elevation, ridge augmentation, single and multiple implant placement, and surgical extractions.

Jo Saele Prosthodontist Fixed prosthodontic treatment including full mouth rehabilitation, treatment of severe wear, parafunction and pain along with simple and complex crown and bridge work, implant retained restorations along with cosmetic smile makeovers and composite bonding. Jo has an interest in the treatment of sleep apnoea and is an accredited provider for Botox treatment.

Removable prosthodontics including complete dentures, removable dentures (acrylic/cobalt chromium) and implant supported removable prosthesis (overdenture, bar retained, precision attachments, combination prosthodontics, implant placement and surgery.

Charlotte Nichol Hygiene/Therapist General hygiene treatments, deep cleans, air polishing, and Charlotte works very closely with the periodontist and orthodontic patients requiring input.

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Are you running any special offers at the moment?

Please follow us on our socials for updates.

On the cosmetic dentistry side, what procedures are the most popular and why?

Orthodontic alignment, tooth whitening and composite build ups are currently in vogue. Composite bonding can significantly improve your smile and is surprisingly quick and non-invasive. With recent advances in dental technology and the skill sets of our advanced clinicians, we can offer cutting edge treatment options. Our approach is to give our patients long lasting treatment outcomes.

Are there any procedures you do not offer?

We offer services that are adjunctive to our general dental colleagues and always advise regular check-ups with your general dentist.

Will clients always have the same dentist or is there a rotation system?

Due to the different treatments we offer, our specialists work with each other to provide patients with the best result.

Each specialist will be responsible for that aspect of your treatment.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes we do. We have a dedicated treatment co-ordinator with several years of experience able to talk through your options before treatment starts.

What do you see as the dangers in clients opting to travel abroad for cosmetic dentistry?

Travelling abroad for dental treatment may seem very inviting because of the differential in cost, but patients can be misled and do not have immediate access to emergency care, and sometimes none in the event of complications.

What makes visiting Cowbridge Dental Specialists special?

Cowbridge Dental Specialists are here to provide patients with a premium service and aftercare to match. We provide cutting-edge technology with reproducible and dependable outcomes. Maintaining your dental health is our primary concern. Our highly qualified team is dedicated to offering you the service and experience you deserve. Everyone’s treatment needs are different and that’s why we design a tailored treatment plan specifically for you. We firmly believe that everyone should have access to a beautiful and healthy smile.

“We firmly believe that everyone should have access to a beautiful and healthy smile.”

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TESTIMONIALS

What clients’ say...

I have had a fantastic experience at Cowbridge Orthodontist. The staff are always so friendly and caring. They always centre the appointments on my availability and constantly focus on the patient. Justin, Clare and all the other staff show kindness from when we enter the orthodontist to when we leave. They are very approachable. I highly recommend this orthodontist and I am 100% satisfied with my care.

Cowbridge Orthodontics have been superb. Two fixed braces for my girls and one for me. Efficient, friendly, professional and always on hand with great advice. Also, very responsive to enquiries. Would recommend 100%.

Really wanted to write a review for Cowbridge Orthodontics as my whole experience has been incredibly positive. As a 40 something year old woman venturing down this road to braces and beautiful teeth was a daunting one, but honestly Justin and the whole team have simply been amazing.

Justin has been so approachable and empathetic and has striven for perfection on my behalf. My experience has been a very personal and extremely positive journey where Justin and the team have gone above and beyond even with zoom calls when I have been out of the country. D Day today - and I am so happy with the results! I can’t stop smiling. Diolch yn fawr iawn!

Cowbridge Dental Specialists 81 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AF 01446 372036 reception@cowbridgedentalspecialists.co.uk www.cowbridgedentalspecialists.co.uk Cowbridge Dental Specialists

Specsavers in Penarth has appointed a new ophthalmic director, who spearheaded community-led initiatives in his previous role at the Cowbridge store.

SPECSAVERS PENARTH

Andy Moss, 36, brings more than twenty years’ experience to the role, and joins James Deavall at the Windsor Road store. Mr Moss first joined Specsavers - which also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to visit one of its 1,000 locally owned stores - in 2002, as a part-time optical assistant, before completing a three-year course to become a dispensing optician.

In 2010, he studied optometry at Cardiff University and went on to become a graduate and qualified optometrist. He worked at Specsavers in Woodbridge, East Anglia before taking a six-month role at Specsavers Fremantle in Perth, Australia.

Most recently, Andy was director of Specsavers in Cowbridge, which opened in March 2018 after the nearby Talbot Green store was met with growing demand from Cowbridge residents.

Commenting on his appointment, he says: ‘After a successful five years at Cowbridge, I was keen to take on a new challenge and grow the business in Penarth. Both of the Vale towns share similarities in terms of what our customers are looking for, so I’m hoping my experience will provide very useful in this new role.

‘There is a lot already in the pipeline for Penarth, with the team taking on additional training courses and plans for further investment and a six-figure refurbishment in the new year. I’m excited to see what the future will bring.’

During his five years in Cowbridge, Mr Moss spearheaded a number of charity fundraisers and local initiatives to give back to the community. This included raising money for local dementia charity The Memory Jar and the Cowbridge Physic Garden earlier this year, as well as donating high visibility vests to local scout groups and sponsoring the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.

Within his first few weeks in post in Penarth, he was involved in a fundraiser for the Penarth Foodbank, with the store donating £1 for every customer survey, and store manager Kenny Hall taking part in a charity run.

In total, the store raised almost £300 for the foodbank.

Now, in the run up to Christmas, the Penarth team will turn its focus onto supporting Boomerang – a Cardiff-based charity that aims to tackle poverty, social isolation and homelessness by collecting other items to distribute to those in need.

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Specsavers Penarth, as well as the four stores in Cardiff, will act as a collection point for the charity in the run up to Christmas, encouraging local residents to donate items that can be packaged up and sent out during the festive period.

In the past, the charity has supported hundreds of families, including those living in hostels, experiencing homelessness, as well as refugees.

Paul Gwilym, founder of Boomerang, adds: ‘We are delighted that Specsavers have chosen our Give a Gift Appeal to support through the festive period.

From coming out of a global pandemic to being thrust straight into a cost of living crisis, there are going to be more families than ever that will require our support this Christmas.

Our vision has always been clear, we wish to see smiles on children’s faces by giving them a gift on Christmas day with the generous help of the public. No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone.’

Mr Moss says: ‘When I was director of the Cowbridge store I was really keen to get out in the community, so it’s great that in my first few weeks in post in Penarth we’ve already been able to raise hundreds of pounds for the local foodbank.

“I was really keen to get out in the community.”

‘All of our staff will be given the opportunity to fundraise and volunteer for causes close to their hearts, including Boomerang, so we can truly give back to our community.’

If you are a local charity or community group that would like to be supported

by Specsavers Penarth, or would like to find out more information, please email jodie.morgan@specsavers.com

“All of our staff will be given the opportunity to fundraise and volunteer for causes close to their hearts.”

Specsavers 10 Windsor Road Penarth CF64 1JH 029 2071 3900 www.specsavers.com Specsavers

Founded in 2003, Priory Kitchens celebrates two decades. Owners Paula King and Richard Handley have just unveiled their new second showroom near Llantrisant.

PRIORY K ITCHENS What’s popular this year & what trends are emerging for the next couple of years?

Traditional painted kitchens are making a comeback, yet modern handle-less designs remain in demand. As for future trends, kitchens have never been more about the individual rather than the trend which is refreshing, literally anything goes!

What colours are proving popular right now?

Blacks, dark greens, whites, greys, and deep blues are popular, and we are seeing a resurgence in olive and sage green kitchens. Our bespoke colour service is also in high demand, the possibilities are endless!

We caught up with Paula as the team put the finishing touches to their new second showroom to find out more about the services they offer.

What style of kitchens do you offer your customers?

Priory are renowned for our exquisite & diverse kitchen collections spanning modern to traditional; whilst accommodating every taste and budget and never compromising on quality.

What brands of kitchens and appliances do you offer?

We offer wonderful kitchens from UK based manufacturers such as LochAnna and JJO Plc, and we also offer a bespoke kitchen service should a client require something specific.

With over 40 years of innovative design expertise, we can create truly unique living spaces for our clients. We offer a vast range of appliances and Priory are proud to be a Neff MasterPartner; members of an exclusive group of elite kitchen retailers across the UK.

How long does it take from consultation to completion typically?

This is a difficult question to answer as the timeline varies hugely based on the kitchen type, installation requirements and total project scale. For example, a supply only & stocked kitchen can be delivered within as little as two weeks, whereas a paint to order kitchen with building works can take up to 6 weeks or more. Your fitting team will give you an estimate of your project timescale once you have finalised your design and kitchen choices.

Can you help with other spaces in the home?

Recently, laundry rooms are gaining popularity over traditional utility spaces. We enhance functionality through innovative storage solutions, transforming utility areas into thoughtful designs. Our sought-after boot rooms and seating areas speak for themselves!

Do you have a team of experienced fitters that you work with?

We have access to a wonderful network of trusted fitters and builders, with whom we’ve nurtured enduring partnerships. They excel in various services, from carpentry to extensive installations; including plastering, electrics, plumbing, and flooring (including tiling and LVT), extending to knock-throughs and extensions.

Can you offer a complete start to finish product?

Absolutely, our recommended teams provide comprehensive project supervision by an experienced manager, ensuring excellence from project initiation to its successful completion. We are often referred to as a ‘one stop shop’.

“Our meticulous attention to detail, innovative thinking for showstopping designs, and unparalleled customer service sets us apart” 16

Do customers come to you with their own ideas and suggestions? And are you happy to work with them like this? Is it a collaboration?

We take pride listening attentively to our customers and we believe the best results come from collaborative efforts! As a small business, each customer is treasured, and we aim to craft designs perfectly tailored to their needs. If a customer feels overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, we are delighted to provide guidance and work with them every step of the way.

Our Instagram and Facebook pages have been instrumental in providing inspiration for future customers and showcasing the quality of our work.

TESTIMONIALS

What clients’ say...

Choosing Priory Kitchens was the best decision we made. From the start Rich was patient as we worked through our design ideas. They have a great eye for design and making your vision become reality. Priory are a company you can trust and have a great after care service. Shop independent and with Priory kitchens you won’t be disappointed, they have truly transformed our home.

Dan Huskings, Laleston It took us a while to find the right fit for our kitchen project and Richard and Paula have been super helpful and patient at guiding us through.

The result is incredible; the design and materials are beautiful, appliances are really neat, kitchen workflow is finally fully optimised (handy with two young kids!) and overall it’s a pleasure to use. Highly recommended if you live in South Wales Julien Decaudin, Cowbridge What makes working with Priory Kitchens special?

Our meticulous attention to detail, innovative thinking for showstopping designs, and unparalleled customer service sets us apart. Thriving for two decades amid industry changes and challenges underscores our commitment and reputation for excellence.

Frequently recommended, we’re recognised for delivering exceptional design and supply services with topnotch products at competitive prices.

Why the expansion?

Our services are in high demand, and we’ve expanded to cover both east and west of the M4. This expansion also allows us to showcase a more extensive range of colours and designs!

Where do you see the business in five years’ time?

We are aiming to open one, or perhaps even two, additional showrooms in the not too distant future!

From start to finish Priory Kitchens Ltd have been a fantastic company to work with. They have created our dream kitchen! Richard designed our kitchen and came up with excellent suggestions we hadn’t thought about. From design to installation, Priory Kitchens Ltd deliver a high quality service.

Richard and Paula are a pleasure to deal with, so helpful and friendly.

Nothing is ever too much trouble.

We are so pleased that we decided to use Priory Kitchens and would most definitely recommend to others!!! Thank you Nicola Nicholas, Broadlands

Pyle Showroom Pyle Garden Centre 2 Heol Mostyn, Pyle CF33 6BJ Llantrisant Showroom 3 Cardiff Road, Llantrisant CF72 8DG 01656 742766 info@priorykitchens.co.uk www.priorykitchens.co.uk priorykitchensltd 17

COWBRIDGE TOWN A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Cowbridge is at the heart of rural Vale of Glamorgan and boasts some of the highest property prices in the area. So, what makes Cowbridge one of the most sought-after locations to live in the Vale?

It’s a vibrant town. Always has been. Despite, regrettably, losing its farmers’ market several years ago, it continues to have a rural vibe.

Shops like Arthur John help and it being surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

It’s grown a little over the last decade due to development but still manages to hold on to its harm despite “progress”. It still has several great boutiques and eateries which is why it remains popular with ladies that lunch.

We particularly love the Physic Garden and the Vintage shop – they’re our go to when we’re in town unless they’re fleeting visits for meetings. It’s got some good pubs too – well worth checking out and, of course, it has a Waitrose.

The death of a family member can be one of the most stressful things to deal with. At this vulnerable time, it’s always advisable to take the best professional advice.

HOPKINS LAW

handed the documents relating to the estate administration to our private client team. Whether there is a Will or not (an intestacy) we can ensure that the legalities are dealt with in a timely and professional manner.”

“At Hopkins Law we have over seventy years of specialist probate experience between us. We are therefore able to deal with all sizes of estate, from the simplest to the most complex. Our clear and honest pricing structure means that you will be assured of the most competitive and efficient service from start to finish. Please do not hesitate to contact us, to find out how we can help.”

While coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, dealing with legalities and paperwork is an unwelcome burden. It is therefore often a relief to pass this work into the hands of an experienced probate solicitor.

There are a number of legal matters to deal with following the death of a relative. One of the first of these is registration of the death, followed by the arrangement of the funeral.

Hopkins Law 50/50a High Street Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 774 151

It is often advisable to speak to your solicitor at an early stage, in order that you can receive the best advice from the outset. Liane Farthing, Director at Hopkins Law says, “Our experienced and approachable private client lawyers will be able to guide and support you through this difficult time.”

“Our clients often comment that they feel immense relief once they have 18

Also at 20 Windsor Place, Cardiff CF10 3BY 029 2039 5888 13 Bank Street, Chepstow NP16 5EN 01291 639510 www.hopkinslawltd.com Hopkins Law

There’s plenty of parking, mostly charged, but you can pop into Waitrose car park for two hours for free and there is on-street parking (but check the times – we’ve been caught several times).

We mentioned the river in the title. It’s called the River Thaw but it is more of a stream really. Pretty though - it slowly meanders its way through the Vale finally meeting the Bristol Channel at East Aberthaw.

You can join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cowbridgelife

For the last five years, Specsavers in Cowbridge has provided state-of-the-art optical and audiology care in the community.

SPECSAVERS COWBRIDGE CELEBR ATING FIVE YEARS

Since opening, the number of test rooms has increased from two to three and the staff count increased from seven to ten. This includes Donna Parker and Geraint Watkins, who have both recently qualified as clinical technicians, meaning they have more in-depth clinical knowledge on eye health, OCT scans and can assist the optometrist by performing additional tests pre and post sight test.

Off the back of National Eye Health Week, store director Hannah Davies is urging Cowbridge residents to get their sight checked.

She says: ‘According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), approximately 4,880 people in the Vale of Glamorgan area live with sight loss. It is predicted that this will increase to 5,950 by 2032.

“If we are to reverse these trends, it is crucial that we provide the best possible service to our customers.

This comes by both investing in our equipment – such as the state-of-the-art optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine – as well as investing in our staff and community.”

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Specsavers Cowbridge To find out more information, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/ stores/cowbridge

Jon Ian has been established since 1971 in Cardiff and has been in Cowbridge since 1994. Established by the late David Thomas, Esther Hitchcock, his daughter, now owns and runs this gorgeous boutique.

J ON I AN

CUR ATED QUALITY BRANDS IN THE HEART OF COWBRIDGE

We don’t need an excuse to visit Cowbridge so the opportunity to visit this Cowbridge High Street icon is one we’ll never turn down, and it’s a great opportunity to find out from Esther what makes Jon Ian a go-to boutique.

What clothing brands can customers expect to find at Jon Ian? Key clothing brands we stock are Dea Kudibal, Essentiel Antwerp, Baum und Pferdgarten, Stella Nova (big scandi brands!).

Hayley Menzies a really popular British brand we stock along with Mercy Delta and Harris Wharf London for a really smart jacket! Smythe is a Canadian brand we stock that is very popular with the royals, Kate and Megan. Along with many other European brands.

You’re famous for footwear...

Absolutely, we stock Kennel and Schmenger, many Vale Life readers may be familiar with this German brand we have stocked it for over thirty years.

Lola Cruz is a Spanish brand that is popular with a lot of our customers, as well as Bibi Lou. Pons Quintana is a very popular Spanish brand known for its woven leather shoes.

We love your accessories selection...

We do too! Particularly Tissa Fontaneda, also known as the bubble bag. Steamed lambskin helps to create the bubble effect that our customers love. Campomaggi is a gorgeous boho brand we stock, lots of worn leather effect and stud detail make them really cool bags! As always, we stock our BKLYN bobble hats and Jakke faux fur accessories in fun colours!

What’s hot this autumn and winter?

We are really excited to showcase Stella Nova this season, a new brand we absolutely love! This has been our first season with this brand and it’s going so well. We also have taken on a new brand &Isla, a cashmere brand that is super fun and bright, and Kinross Cashmere if you want more staple, classic styles. Terry Dehavilland is a really exciting brand we have stocked this season too, we did it many years ago and are really proud to invite their party shoes back into the store!

Lots of new brands for next season too!

If someone had never visited Jon Ian before, what can they expect?

Jon Ian isn’t just a shop, we’re a whole service! We want our customers to come in and leave excited with their purchases. We offer a styling service and are always on hand to offer you advice. Many people know that you must ask us if you don’t see what you want on the shop floor, we have Aladdin’s cave in the back and can always dig out something to suit. In terms of shoes, we always want you to leave with the perfect fit, we can stretch them on our super stretcher, or offer padding or insoles to ensure a great fit.

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I think people shop at Jon Ian because they feel comfortable with us. We aren’t a super formal shop; we want you to feel at home when you’re shopping with us. We stock such a huge range of styles and sizes to ensure we can be as inclusive as we can, and we try and ensure your whole shopping experience is fun!

And finally, what makes Jon Ian special? Why do customers keep coming back?

It’s special because we offer one-toone service. Which means we work out what you like, and yet can show you pieces that may take you out of your comfort zone, but you’ll love them!

Lots of the pieces we stock are unique, and we tend to only have one of each size which means you can really pick up something special! Furthermore, we stock clothing, bags, and shoes so we’re a one stop shop if you’re looking to update your whole wardrobe!

Jon Ian 42 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AG 01446 775225 www.jonian.shop Jon Ian jonianltd

Often, when acquiring property or buying a home, you have to take a leap of faith.

Sometimes, that leap can be more of a hop.

SIDEWAYS MOVE Cowbridge estate agent Harris & Birt recently relocated next door.

Director David Lakin tells us more.

How long has Harris & Birt been established?

The business was established in 1999 by my Co-Director, Richard Harris, who began working in Brinsons Chartered Surveyors. He acquired Fairfax & Co Chartered Surveyors in 2009 and opened a High Street branch in Cowbridge in 2013.

Who are the owners of the business?

Myself and Richard Harris own the business together, we currently also have Marc Williams as a named Director and Andrew Lewis & David Birt are Consultants with us.

Who are the partners and what are their roles within the business?

Richard Harris, Commercial & Land, Survey & Valuation. David Lakin, Residential Sales, New Homes & Lettings.

In a nutshell, what does Harris & Birt offer its customers?

We are essentially a ‘one stop shop’ for property related matters and cover a broad range of property services. We offer professional expertise throughout the residential, commercial and rural property industry across South Wales.

Our extensive local knowledge has allowed us to develop into one of Wales’ leading practices of Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, with staff providing over 100 years of combined experience, operating from prominent and stylish offices located in Cowbridge and Cardiff.

Our dedication to the highest standards of service remains a timeless commitment to each and every one of our clients, with our proactive nature, alongside our personal service we provide each and every client with a bespoke, tailor-made service.

As a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regulated firm, we adhere to all industry legal and standard requirements, giving all our clients peace of mind that they are in professional hands.

Do you also offer lettings?

Yes, we have a vastly increasing lettings portfolio headed up by our Head of Lettings, Martine Harris. We offer both let only, part managed and a fully managed service to our growing client base and are always willing to help clients in an ever-changing rental market.

Please tell us about your commercial and rural and land agency offerings.

We pride ourselves in supporting the rural and agricultural community across South Wales with a range of rural property services. Since 2012, we have developed a proven relationship with a wide network of farmers and land owners, offering opportunities and solutions to all land matters.

What do you offer clients? n Exposure to leading property portals including Rightmove, Zoopla and Relocation Agent Network. n Direct advertising on social media channels. n Eye catching sale brochure with high quality professional photography. n Highly visible “For Sale” board. n Prominent window displays in our Cowbridge and Cardiff Showrooms. n Access to our extensive database of registered awaiting buyers. n ‘List to Launch’ sales method, where our staff proactively market your property before it even goes live to the internet portals. n Accompanied viewings six days a week. n Constructive feedback after every viewing. n Professional, experienced, skilled and qualified negotiators working on your behalf. We have over 100 years’ experience within the residential team. n Regular marketing updates via telephone or email, keeping you updated on how well your property is performing. n Free EPC, floor plan and 3D virtual, property tour on every residential sale instruction.

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What makes working with you special?

I think the major uniqueness of Harris & Birt is the fact that we operate as a traditional property based firm of Chartered Surveyors & Estate Agents selling property as a professional service rather than a typical sales or lettings instruction. We really do try and look after our fantastic team providing them with all the tools, support and development both personally and professionally to thrive in both our Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff offices.

TESTIMONIALS

What clients’ say...

We recently swapped agents to Harris & Birt, and we’re very impressed. The team found new tenants for our property, even before it was marketed, which was great.

Can’t say good enough words about these guys. Everyone in the chain at Harris & Birt very professional and extremely helpful I at definitely use again and highly recommend to anyone.

Well done and thank you again.

Harris & Birt Chartered Surveyors & Estate Agents 65 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AF cowbridge@harrisbirt.co.uk Cowbridge Office 01446 771777 Cardiff Office 029 2061 4411 Commercial & Land 01446 771777 www.harrisbirt.co.uk Harris & Birt

Shwmae,

Cowbridge

Whether you need to deposit or withdraw cash, no matter who you bank with, you can do so at your local Principality branch, right here on Cowbridge High Street.

Where home matters

principality.co.uk/branch

Principality Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, reference number 155998. Principality Building Society, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA. principality.co.uk CTTHSAD 11/23-1

Congratulations are in order! Owner Kiara Evans is celebrating the first birthday party of her popular Llantwit Major boutique.

BLISS BOUTIQUE

Opened in November 2022, the boutique offers curated Italian and French brands for women of all ages and body shapes who love European style.

Kiara has a great eye for spotting the best designs and has come to know what her clients look for. They love great design without the hefty price tags. Every item in Bliss Boutique may be £50 and under but still utilise the highest quality fabrics, including cashmere, pure cotton, model, alpaca, wool and microfibre.

Every occasion is catered for; from lounge sets to the more on-trend occasion dresses, so it’s no surprise that this boutique is on the radar of both local shoppers and those from further afield.

Clients can also pick up faux leather Italian bags and occasion jewellery to complete every outfit.

You’ll be able to see more of Bliss Boutique at pop up shops and local events throughout the year, such as The Vale of Glamorgan Show and Gileston Manor to name a few. Like and follow Kiara’s Facebook page for more information on what’s to come.

Kiara and Vanessa love nothing more than chatting to their clients and helping them in making their choices. The boutique is also a dementia friendly environment.

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Bliss Boutique 8 Pound Field, Llantwit Major 01446 612174 kiara@blissboutique.org.uk Bliss Boutique blissboutique_ltd

e nc ie er om xp ry.c r E ille ito st is edi V l & ast ol olc ho ns Sc .he w in G ww

Your Christmas shopping all wrapped up...

Give an experience to remember and turn your gift into something special!

Afternoon Tea | Spa Treatments | Golf Lessons | Short Breaks Round of Golf | Sunday Lunch | Afternoon Tea & Distillery Tour Pamper Day | A La Carte Dinner | Monetary Vouchers and More...

Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY

VL.10.23

01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com/gifts

Let’s face it, shopping online is dull, and fighting the crowds in the city centre can be exhausting, especially when it’s cold and wet. Plus the dreaded parking nightmare! Probably why fashion focused women of the Vale venture a little closer to home.

SAMANTHA B This one-of-a-kind boutique offers personalised shopping, far removed from impersonal chain stores.

Samantha B offers cosy autumn and winter wear; from woollen coats, cosy knits, stylish dresses, trousers and skirts that reflect their individual style. There’s also a great selection of jewellery to complete any outfit.

Samantha B has all of the brands that women want to wear - think Olsen and Foil, Barbara Lebek, Adini, Anna Montana, Bianca, Ella Boo, Fransa, Ficelle and Marble.

As the festive season approaches, Samantha B offers stunning party wear and accessories that will have ladies looking forward to dressing up and enjoying a party or two.

For those looking forward to a winter getaway, Samantha B also feature versatile cruise wear collections, perfect for those winter breaks.

Want a boutique that offers quality brands, honest opinions and, most of all, a fun shopping experience?

Samantha B has it all and more.

Deb, Pomodoro and Bianca

Deb, Ella Boo

Diana, Pomodoro

“This one-of-a-kind boutique offers personalised shopping, far removed from impersonal chain stores.”

Nina, Bianca, Barbara Lebek and Marble

Lynn, Ella Boo

Diana, Bianca and Foil

Samantha B 4 Wick Road, Ewenny CF35 5BL 01656 658388 Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

Samantha B, Ewenny Lynn, Pomodoro

Nina, Pomodoro and Marble

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samanthabewenny

The heavens opened with rain, hailstones, and thunder, but nothing stopped the fashion-conscious women of Bridgend and way beyond attending the event of the year at Venetia Steele Boutique.

WHERE THERE’S HOPE

VENETIA STEELE BOUTIQUE OPEN EVENING SUPPORTING HOPE RESCUE DOGS CHARITY

Rachel Lewis (Community Fundraiser), Meryl Sparks & Olivia Copner (Events Fundraiser)

Why do women of all ages and body shapes come to this boutique you may ask? The answer is so easy.

It’s not just the fabulous range of stunning casual and evening fashion at affordable prices, but also the effortless, no-nonsense help and advice that owner Nicola, Bev, Eve and Michelle bring to the table. We’re all so busy, so when a boutique offers top-to-toe solutions, it’s a win-win.

Sometimes, when we walk into a boutique, it can be a bit intimidating.

What will suit me? Will I look like mutton-dressed-as-lamb? We’ve all been there. Guaranteed ladies, visiting this boutique is a breath of fresh air.

That’s why coaches full to the brim of ladies from all over Wales and beyond (I kid you not) come in their droves to spend time here.

If they can’t get to the boutique, they can always check out what’s available on Nicola’s Facebook page and order from there. Sending via mail is easy-peasy and only costs £3.50 to mainland UK.

Louise Judd & Di Sorenson

Lorna (Art of the Fairytale) & Nic

Nicola loves helping and promoting local women and that’s why you’ll find local entrepreneurs promoting their wares every Saturday (just contact Nicola is you’re interested).

Nicola also has regular events, which she calls, Inclusive and Exclusive, which are just for women, which focus on women orientated subjects. Again, her Facebook page will give you the lowdown.

So, if fashion and style is important to you and you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all things gorgeous, then Venetia Steele Boutique really should be your go-to.

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Bev & Nic

If there’s one thing Nicola Venetia Steele loves more than fashion, it’s dogs. As mum to two, the gorgeous Matilda and Sochia, Nic is well aware of the joy dogs bring to our lives.

Jean Howard, Catherine Shurmer & Paula Jones

Nic, Richard Lyle (Santa) & Lea Lyle (jazz singer)

Nicola is the first to admit she’s besotted by dogs of all breeds. So, it may come as no surprise that she campaigns tirelessly for their welfare and supports many local dog charities.

“I love dogs! If you love dogs, you get it!” says Nicola. “They’re so giving and loyal, I sometimes prefer them to humans.” To be honest, she’s in good company - we’re huge dog fans and just can’t imagine life without one in our house either!”

Nicola has held several successful fashion catwalk events since she opened her beautiful boutique in Bridgend over a year ago. “We have raised in total over £10k for charity over the last three years. They’re a fabulous charity that do great work, so I’m delighted to help them at every opportunity,” adds Nic.

Since Covid, the cost-of-living crisis has meant that far too many owners have had to let their fur babies go and Hope Rescue, among several other charities, has been left to pick up the pieces of these broken homes. “It really does make a difference what we do,” says Nicola. “When I come home from a busy day at the boutique, those two little faces are there to greet me and it melts my heart. I can’t imagine a dog suffering or not having someone to love it. That’s why I am incredibly passionate about supporting the brilliant team at Hope Rescue.”

The event has been a huge success and always attracts an amazing turnout.

Friends, guests, and customers also got the opportunity to see the latest autumn, winter and party season collections and everyone agreed it was one of the best VSB events of the year.

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Nicola would like to thank everyone who attended and made a rainy day in Autumn one to remember.

Helen Hopkins & Elly Penry-Ellis

Chris Cowley, Hilary Bray & Ann Gooch

Sara Rees and Teddy Rees

Nic & Nicola

Lauren Deakin

(Love Your Look)

Designs & Nic

Lyn Edwards (trainee vicar) & Alison Edwards

Michelle Gerrish

Nic, Kate Vaughton (celebrant) and Susan Allen

Terri Davies, Julie Rees & Susan Penny

Nic & Kate Vaughton (celebrant)

Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir, Nic, Bev & Eve

Maria Gatehouse, Lesley Kemeys, Philippa Hill & Amanda Griffiths

Sara Davies

Venetia Steele Boutique Kensington House 30-32 Caroline street Bridgend CF31 1DQ 07768 708 782

Erica Montgomery

venetiasteele.co@gmail.com Open 10.30 - 4.30 Monday to Saturday Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir

Maria Gatehouse (Dewi Griffiths Jewellers) & Nic

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BoutiquesVenetiaSteele

Justin Harris has been a successful commercial and portrait photographer for twenty-five years.

His photography is quite breathtaking. For the last decade he has been creating beautiful boudoir style imagery for clients right across the UK.

JUSTIN H ARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

LUXURY BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE

Tell us a little about yourself...

I’m fifty-one, happily married with two sons. I’m based in Swansea but have spent some time in the Vale and I have clients from the Vale. It’s a beautiful county with stunning coastline.

How long have you been a photographer? Did you study formally or are you self-taught?

Over twenty-five years in the industry but have run my own company for about seventeen of those. Mostly self-taught but I have attended a few courses and seminars along the way because we never stop learning.

What inspired you to take up photography?

I’ve always been creative and enjoyed worked in the creative industry. The interest initially came from recording artwork that I produced. I also worked as a graphic designer for a while and that gave me a good grounding for working in Photoshop. I guess around the digital revolution this really showed me the creative possibilities within photography, more as an art than just recording other art.

What kind of photography services do you offer? And what sort of clients do you work with?

To sum it up in one sentence, my mantra is “We remind people how amazing they are and how important those ‘little things’ actually are!”

Our luxury boudoir experiences have really exploded in the last few years but we still work with a lot of business clients too. It’s mostly ladies but certainly not exclusively!

Your boudoir shots are beautiful.

Do your clients find the process empowering?

Hell yeah! It’s amazing listening to their ingrained beliefs; the doubts that they will get any photos they like. Then to see them arrive, obviously nervous, and then the confidence grows and grows throughout the experience and the ‘old you’ flows back and the confidence that was lost is rediscovered! My favourite bit is seeing the reactions in the design consultation after the shoot (this is where we have a cinematic presentation of the photos on the same day!).

Often there are tears. I hear “is that really me?” a lot, and “OMG I didn’t realise - I love my smile, my booty, my everything! Wow!” Partners often leap up at this point if they are there and say “Yes, this is the you I see every day.

It’s amazing to give that power back to people and with our luxury wall art it becomes an everyday reminder; a mindset that infuses their lives.

What do you think motivates clients to want to undertake a boudoir shoot. I imagine they would be quite nervous.

There are many reasons - sometimes it’s to celebrate a new chapter, a new found confidence from a life experience. Often it is to find the confidence and the “me” that has dissolved into ‘mum’ and needs to re-emerge.

“We remind people how amazing they are and how important those ‘little things’ actually are!”

Yes, I think most people are nervous, but those nerves soon subside. We have a great team; our hair and makeup artist is there throughout - my guidance and posing is hilarious, I mean amazing, and helps put people at ease and the diva soon awakens!

What sort of budget are we looking at for a shoot?

Our session fees are super low (just under £300!) and include hair, make up and consultations with myself (it’s really important for me to understand what people want to gain from the experience and feel when they see the photos. We only want people to buy what they love although usually that is quite a bit! Most people spend £2k plus but we have people that spend a lot more when they see the incredible photos and, more importantly, the confidence and beauty they thought was missing. We go over all the pricing etc in the consultations and offer payment plans and 0% finance options.

Justin Harris Photography 13 Cwmdu Parc Carmarthen Road Gendros, Swansea SA5 8JF 01792 805101 www.justinharrisphotography.co.uk

Why do you believe clients come to you?

This really isn’t ‘just a photoshoot with some pretty pictures. This is a luxury experience that genuinely changes people’s lives & allows them to celebrate & believe in the person they are. We also have an incredible reputation, high standard of work and service, with ample reviews to back this up!

justinharrisphotography vipportraitexperiences justinharrisphotography www.facebook.com/groups/vipportraitexperiences

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Welcome to Vale Life Pets Corner, where we celebrate our furry and feathered friends.

Hopefully this will become a regular in the magazine as we are always meeting people who love their dogs, cats and weird and wonderful. We’ve even set up a group on Facebook (see below). So please feel free to join and share your shots of your beloved.

As always, if you do need anything for your pets, we urge you to choose indie businesses over the big chains and try to shop local. We have some excellent indie shops, groomers and vets in the Vale so there really isn’t any need to be supporting the big corporates.

If you spend your money with the small, local businesses, chances are that money gets spent in other small, local businesses.

See you on Facebook!

PETS CORNER RHOOSE

Posh Pawz Salon & Spa Situated in the very popular village of Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, the well-established and much-loved Posh Pawz Salon and Spa offers a whole host of K9 services and treatments.

From traditional washing, grooming and professional styling to Emmi Pet dental teeth cleaning, nail trimming and ear plucking and cleaning.

They have recently added an additional service with the ability to weigh your pets to ensure they keep a healthy weight. With the increase of people buying puppies over the past couple of years, they can also offer individual advice on how to maintain your furry friend’s coat in between grooming.

SHOW OFF YOUR PETS!

Vale Life Pets Corner You’ve probably guessed we’re dog lovers. Some readers will recognise Roxy, our Jack Russell, when we’re out and about, and many will remember our previous Jack Russell, Lucy. Same breed, but polar opposites. Lucy hated the water, Roxy loves it. We’re so lucky to have these beautiful souls in our lives.

When we’re out, we meet so many lovely dog and cat owners who share our passion for our furry friends and some have suggested we could have a Facebook group to celebrate our pets.

All breeds are catered for, large or small, in a safe and clean environment with the added benefit of air conditioning.

The salon also has a large range of doggy treats and accessories.

Posh Pawz Salon & Spa 11 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DR 01446 710044 www.poshpawzsalonandspa.co.uk poshpawzsalonandsparhoose

We think it’s a great idea, so we’ve set one up. You can post pictures of your pet there: dogs, cats, birds, horses, hamsters, mice, spiders, ferrets, snakes, geckos – you name it, if it’s your pet, and you love them, feel free to join in.

You can post images, share tips, make friends. There’s just one rule, be kind.

We’re hoping to run the occasional competition too, in association with pet friendly businesses across the Vale, so join up and pop in from time to time.

Vale Life Pets Corner Join us on Facebook! facebook.com/groups/valelifepetscorner 34

After bringing her knowledge of all things pets to Barry’s High Street, Caroline Williams has now opened her new shop in Penarth.

THE NATURAL PET PANTRY

NOW IN PENARTH!

Being dog owners ourselves, we’ve been big fans of The Natural Pet Pantry in Barry since it opened.

Owner Caroline’s knowledge has been invaluable, especially when our dog can be a bit of a fussy eater.

Caroline also offers supplements, clothing, toys, treats and accessories.

Being conscious of the environment, treats are sold in recyclable or biodegradable packaging wherever possible.

Caroline and her staff are passionate about providing the best for your pets with quality, natural pet food made with the best natural ingredients to nourish healthier, happier pets.

Caroline has a wealth of knowledge on all things pet related and is happy to spend time giving free, impartial advice. If you care for your furry friend and want the very best for them, then a raw, natural diet is the way to go - after all it’s what your cats and dogs were designed to eat!

Brands on offer include Reggie’s Raw, VOM, Nurture Them Naturally, Just Natural, Benyfit Natural - the best that money can buy. She’s also a new chilled unit to ensure absolute freshness.

There’s also a Loyalty Scheme which is well worth signing up for..

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The Natural Pet Pantry Windsor Arcade, Penarth, CF64 1JA Also at 98 High Street, Barry CF62 7DS 01446 748942 or 07745525279 thenaturalpetpantryltd@gmail.com www.thenaturalpetpantry.co.uk TheNaturalPetPantryLtd Opening Hours Mondays Closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm Thursday 9.30am - 6.30pm

We’re not short of excellent restaurants in the Vale or good butchers, delis and fruit and veg shops. If you can afford to eat out then you are spoilt for choice – a few of our favourites grace the following pages.

When it comes to home cooking, we prefer to buy our meat from local butchers. We have some excellent ones across the Vale.

among the best in the Vale. Rhoose, Pontyclun, Dinas, Penarth and Porthcawl all have excellent butchers so there’s no excuse for eating below par meat.

Glenn Griffith in Dinas Powys has a superb selection of pre-prepped dinner suggestions ready to cook and their curries are amazing. We have to give their burgers a shout out too – they are

FOOD & DRINK Christmas is the one time of the year you deserve the very best meat on your plate and popular Dinas Powys butcher Glenn Griffith has everything you need.

CHRISTMAS, BUT A LOT TASTIER

GLENN GRIFFITH BUTCHER & DELI We can certainly vouch for their quality. From steaks to chicken curry, and liver to lamb chops, this brilliant Dinas Powys butcher has a reputation for great service and superb products.

“We’ve been a part of locals’ Christmas for as long as I can remember,” says Mark, Glenn’s dad, “Our little shop has been trading for more than sixty years!

We owe a lot to Mr Jones who first established the shop way back in 1957.”

Over the summer, we really loved their steaks and chicken skewers. Hired for events and occasions, their scrummy chicken curries, sausages, and hog roasts are legendary.

But it’s Christmas when the team come into their own. “We love this time of year,” says Glenn. “It’s brilliant to see everyone and the sense of celebration gives us a real buzz. It’s been a tough time for everyone and we love playing our part, helping everyone have a lovely Christmas. It’s better when you get family and friends together, you realise what’s important.”

Deluxe Christmas Hamper To make Christmas even more affordable, they have discounted their immensely popular Deluxe Christmas Hamper by over £10 to £95. Just look what you get! n 1.8kg – 2.2kg free-range boneless turkey breast n 1.8kg – 2.2kg stuffed loin of pork joint n 1.3kg – 1.7kg prime beef joint n 1.3kg – 1.7kg lean gammon joint n 12 hand-made pigs in blankets n An oven ready-tray of pork with sage and onion stuffing n 500g sleeve of home-made sausage meat n 8 rashers of streaky bacon to cover the turkey breast n A jar of goose fat n 1lb pack of thick cut bacon n 12 hand-made thin sausages n Ring of black pudding and 6 eggs.

Glenn Griffith is always in demand.

“Please remember, Christmas meat deliveries will be on 22nd December.

There is a £5 charge for delivery.”

Check out the website (you can order online) and their Facebook page for latest offers. And remember to get your orders in to avoid disappointment.

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Great for gifts!

If you’re stuck for a gift idea, and let’s face it, what could be nicer than a food gift while budgets are pressed, Glenn Griffith has gift vouchers, or you can browse the many products on display.

Glenn Griffith Quality Butcher & Deli 5 Camms Corner, Dinas Powys CF64 4QY 029 2051 4679 www.glenn-griffith-quality-butcher.co.uk GlennGriffithQualityButcher

in Porthkerry, then Mrs Marco’s Café is a must visit. The cakes are far too tempting, and the coffee is up there with the best.

If you can’t muster the energy to cook your own, then get yourselves down to The Bap Man in the LBS car park near The Business Centre in Barry. Andy’s Bap Man Special is legendary. We challenge you to find a better tasting takeaway burger in the Vale.

Looking forward to Christmas, Hilary & Iain’s in Ogmore are taking bookings and their music evenings are also extremely popular, as are they Sunday lunches and fish and chips takeaways.

Butchers are now taking Christmas orders so if you are ordering those turkeys, shop local. There are brilliant indie butchers in the Vale, and you’ll be buying meat that is generally much better than supermarkets. That’s our humble opinion anyway.

Marco’s on Barry Island can rustle up a great bacon panini and the coffee’s not to shabby either. We always pop in on our Island dog walk. If you’re

You need hearty food in autumn and winter. Good, honest, home-cooking.

And one place you’re guaranteed to get it is? Drum roll...

HILARY & IAIN’S, OGMORE-BY-SEA

OUR SUNDAY AND CHRISTMAS BEST! You know it, we’re big fans, and friends, of this cute and quirky café/ bistro in Ogmore. From the first time we sampled their Sunday lunch Lord knows how many years ago, they have delivered the very best lamb and beef Sunday lunch consistently.

That’s a rare thing these days, but they consistently hit the mark.

If you haven’t been, you really must try it. They’re a small team and everything is cooked fresh so don’t expect fast food.

The lamb (or beef) is perfectly cooked, and the vegetables are simply divine. We always say, if there was no meat it would still be delicious. And the gravy? Oh my, you really are in for a treat. They offer gluten free gravy too - and it’s as good.

There’s more on the menu There are other options too (Iain’s steaks are fab) their lasagnes are to die for, their lamb’s liver, mash and onion gravy is astonishingly good and don’t get us started on their chicken pie. The Sunday roast is our go-to. For this, we rate it five stars Music to your taste buds They’re still doing the music nights (check their Facebook page) - but you’ll need to book, they’re very popular.

Takeaway The fish and chips here is especially good. If you’re a local, you’re very lucky.

Christmas They will be open this Christmas.

Check their Facebook page for up-todate menus and opening times. We can vouch for Christmas there. Great food and a very warm welcome. Their turkey offering is always scrummy. If you book, tell them Vale Life sent you.

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Hilary & Iain’s by the Sea 87 Main Road Ogmore-by-Sea CF32 0PW 01656 880661 HilaryAndIainBySea

There are many reasons why Mr Villa’s on The Knap is such a popular restaurant. Manager and head chef Rebecca and her team are at the heart of what makes this family-owned fish (and meat) restaurant so special.

M R VILLA’S A FOODIE FAVOURITE There’s something truly special that keeps guests coming back for more than just their delicious seafood and meat dishes. “Perhaps it’s the experience of dining with us that sets us apart and makes us a destination for seafood enthusiasts of all ages,” says Rebecca. Here are just a few reasons why we think customers return time again.

Authenticity at its finest The Villa family has been perfecting seafood recipes handed down through generations, creating a culinary journey that’s rich in tradition and flavour. Each dish is prepared with care and expertise, capturing the essence of the sea on your plate.

Family recipes, full of flavour When you’ve been in the business as long as Mr Villa’s, you know a thing about taste and flavour. There are a few secret recipes here and the food and customers are the beneficiaries. It reminds us of our trips to Cornwall, it’s that good. Just look at their reviews!

Keeping it local You’re supporting a local, familyowned business that genuinely cares about the community. It’s about more than just a meal; it’s about contributing to a thriving local economy and investing in the dreams of our family.

A warm, welcoming atmosphere From the moment you step through their door, you become part of the family. The cosy ambience, friendly staff, and personalised service make you feel right at home, making it the perfect place for catchups and celebrations.

The freshest ingredients As a family-owned restaurant, they prioritise quality above all else. Their seafood is sourced as local as possible, ensuring the freshest catches every day. You can really taste the difference. It certainly ensures customers return again and again (we count ourselves among them).

Old school charm Mr Villa’s is steeped in nostalgia, it’s old school and we love it. It has a lovely vibe and old-fashioned service that we love. As a place to introduce children to fish, it couldn’t be better.

The Villas were the original owners of Mulligans A48, and of Colhugh Villa, LLantwit Major. They still see some of their old customers to this day.

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“Open New Year’s Eve evening as well as lunch.”

Mr Villa’s 3-4 Bron-y-Mor, The Knap Barry CF62 6SW 01446 730662 mrvillas2015@gmail.com www.mrvillasbarry.co.uk mrvillas.barry 39

There’s no need to get the winter blues at this time of the year. At Keyif any blues are definitely turquoise, and the colours of the food will warm any cold heart this season.

K EYIF A TASTE OF THE MED EVEN AT CHRISTMAS

“You can enjoy the warming spirit of the Med even in winter!”

Christmas is a time when families and friends come together. And that vibe of friendship and welcome is felt nowhere more than among Turkish people. There’s a famous saying: “Hos geldiniz” which basically translates as “Your arrival is lovely”, and usually said as a greeting to visitors to make them feel at home. In Turkey, visitors are treated with great affection and hospitality.

Keyif is certainly welcoming and one of our favourite restaurants in the Vale for two reasons, great food and great service. It’s always consistently good, and the staff are just lovely.

We’re not alone in our experience.

We’re always being told that you love this bijou eatery in the heart of Penarth. And it’s not just Penarthians who love the food here. Keyif has fans from across the Vale, Cardiff and beyond. Owner Mehmet tells us he has customers from Swansea, Carmarthenshire and east from Newport and north from the valleys.

His talented team are pretty passionate about their authentic Turkish offering, and it is always prepared to the very highest standard. “We use the very best ingredients,” he says. “We never compromise - the best meats, which we prepare ourselves and the freshest salad and vegetables. It’s the only way to ensure everything is perfect for our guests.”

The restaurant has been established for over five years and has become a firm favourite with its loyal customers. On a weekend, Keyif is in demand as you can imagine (so best to book) and the kitchen is a buzz of activity turning out some of our favourites like the chef’s specials: Sarma Beyti Chicken (or lamb).

Equally they do a lovely casserole, perfect for chilly autumn and winter evenings. Our favourites are anything from the charcoal grill (Ocakbasi); classically Turkish and packed with flavour - we recommend the Keyif Mixed Grill. Any of the kofte will deliver on taste and every dish is complemented by beautifully fresh salad and rice.

Taking a step back for a moment, our favourite starters are always the flip of a Turkish lira between the calamari or the king prawns (when available) but there are several more, all equally as good.

And don’t forget the drinks. Keyif has an excellent range of ‘Keyif Kocktails’ plus a good selection of bottled beers, red, rosé and white wines, plus champagne for that special occasion to be fair, any visit to Keyif is special, it just has a great vibe.

Keyif at Christmas Talking about special occasions, Christmas will soon be upon us and Keyif will be offering all its usual seasonal favourites – check their social pages for opening times and offers.

Their Instagram page is particularly mouth-watering.

Don’t panic though, through the winter months Keyif will be busy offering all its restaurant favourites and the legendary Keyif, order and collect service will be available. To keep up to date or to order, check out the Keyif website.

Keyif 21 Glebe Street Penarth CF64 1EE KEYIF COLLECT 029 2070 2429 www.keyif.co.uk keyifpenarth

Tried & Tasted Rated 5 Stars by Vale Life For Food, Ambience & Service

Named after two of Barry Island’s most popular bays, Whitmore & Jackson is one of the Island’s go-to cafés for a bite and a cuppa after a walk on the beach.

WHITMORE & JACKSON

A BARRY ISLAND FAVOURITE

“The menu is excellent with all the usual breakfast and brunch favourites plus a great selection of cakes.”

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The café may sound like an established brand of garden tools, engineering company or firm of solicitors but that’s where any similarities end. Whitmore & Jackson is a cool, spacious artadorned eatery with great views of the Bristol Channel - on a clear day you can see Somerset and beyond. It has nice, chilled vibe about it.

It’s popular with a wide variety of customers form ladies meeting for a cuppa to tradespeople looking for a breakfast or brunch. It’s currently rated in the top 5% of places to eat in Barry out over 330 with over 670 Google reviews. That’s quite an endorsement for an establishment that professes to be nothing more than a café and coffee shop. Hashtag #humble It has been recently acquired by Glenn Griffith of the reputable family butcher in Dinas Powys. Glenn has been a regular visitor to the café over the years and when he heard it was up for sale, he jumped at the chance. “We’re not going to be changing much,” says Glenn.

“I like the café as it is. We’ll obviously bring our products to the table - so expect great sausages, bacon and eggs, to name a few, and we’ll be chatting to customers to find out what they like and where we think we can improve things.

If there’s going to be a revolution, it’ll be a quiet one. We don’t want to rock a boat that’s sailing along nicely.”

Glenn has special praise for the previous owners: “We’re good friends anyway,” says Glenn. “David and Rachel have put their hearts and souls into Whitmore & Jackson, establishing its great reputation and creating a successful, welcoming business, and feels they want a change of direction, which they’ve more than earned.”

When we popped in for a breakfast recently (a particularly tasty one), it was nicely busy with several tables chatting away. It felt very cosy and warm and there were also some very cool dogs quietly dozing under their owners’ tables (did we mention it’s dog friendly?). There’s also a well-stocked bookcase if you fancy a read plus a few nooks to hide yourself away and the music is relaxing and conducive to the chilled atmosphere you’d expect from this much-loved eatery.

Whitmore & Jackson 10-11 Friars Road, Barry CF62 5TJ 01446 722191 Opening times Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday 9am - 4pm

The menu is excellent with all the usual breakfast and brunch favourites plus a great selection of cakes. There’s a regular soup of the day and a superb selection of paninis and very, very good coffee.

There are no current plans to change the opening hours but please check their Facebook page for updates and offers.

We’ve visited many times over the years and on a beautiful autumn or winter’s day, the views are pretty impressive.

whitmoreandjackson 43

As seen on youtube Former car wrapper at

Yiannimize

IS COMING TO DUBAI

Naski Sports was set up back in July by husbandand-wife owners John Thomas and Katie Meades who have a passion for skiing and snowboarding.

NASKI SPORTS

A COOL BUSINESS WITH A WARM HEART

We popped in to their new unit just off Penarth Road to find out more.

Why Penarth?

We both live In Penarth and love the area. We wanted to be a part of the Penarth community and knew that the store was in a good location for people from Penarth and Cardiff.

Parking outside so easy to drop off/ pickup skis from servicing.

Why open your own ski shop?

I Spent the best part of my twenties in the ski industry working winters in Japan and New Zealand. I have worked in a variety of roles - ski and snowboard instructor, backcountry guide, ski patroller, snow safety officer, ski boot fitter. I love the industry and seeing the enjoyment that people get from the sport. This is my way of being in the industry and living in Wales.

What do you offer your customers?

Is it all things ski, or will you offer other sporting clothing and paraphernalia?

We offer all things ski and snowboard – equipment and clothing. We also have a servicing department for ski and snowboard servicing and repairs. We also create custom insoles for a range of footwear and sports. We have some casual clothing and plenty of warm clothing suitable for the Welsh winter.

What brands are you working with? we’ve chosen brands we believe make quality products: Nordica, Tecnica, Blizzard, Spyder, Duvillard, Picture, Degre7, Quiksilver, Roxy, Dakine, Smith, Izipizi.

Do you cater for all ages?

We cater from age eight and upwards.

What will be the most requested items for this time of year?

Thermal base layers (can be worn abroad and when it gets cold here), and glove liners. Beanies and hats too.

What services will you be offering?

Our ski and snowboard servicing - people getting ready for their trips. We can certainly help there. Also boot fitting - we recommend at least two weeks before their trip to ensure they fit correctly.

You’re clearly excited about opening your new venture and welcoming your customers...

Extremely excited. We’re proud of what we’re created and believe in the quality of products that we’re bringing to the store, and we can’t wait for people to come and visit. We’re passionate skiers and love skiing which will become apparent when people visit and meet us.

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Naski Sports Unit 24 Freemans Parc Penarth Road Cardiff CF11 8EQ www.naskisports.co.uk naskisports

High Street shopping is making a bit of a comeback it seems. Word on the street is that people are starting to get turned off by the online experience (or lack of it) and returning to old fashioned face-to-face shopping.

Let’s face it, you’re not going to bump into your future partner on Ebay or Amazon. Seriously, it would appear the Welsh particularly are returning to the streets to engage more and more. Apparently, we just want to meet people, chat more and enjoy the buzz of socialising.

Barry High Street is a shining example of what a great high street looks like!

Tons of indie businesses offering a whole host of products and services.

It’s also been proven that towns where high streets decline, crime rises and house prices drop too so it’s in all our interests to shop local more often.

STREETS A HEAD BARRY HIGH STREET QUALIT Y FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Bryl’s Boutique If it’s great brands, customer service and trustworthiness you’re looking for when building or adding pieces to your wardrobe, then Bryl’s Boutique in Barry is a boutique many women of the Vale and beyond gravitate to definitely a firm favourite.

Accessories are a must and Bryl’s Boutique’s selection of quality bags, socks and slippers from the aforementioned brands are sure to please. Jewellery is a must and can elevate any outfit and that’s why Envy is a firm favourite with customers.

Vouchers are available. New drops constantly arriving.

Ann offers quality, trusted clothing brands such as Ted Baker, French Connection, Great Plains, Costa & Mani, Helen Moore (a Devon brand) and Alex Max. When it comes to footwear, you’ll find Reiker, Fitflop, Ugg and Ted Baker. All offering high end design and comfort in equal measure.

Bryl’s Boutique 7 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 748246 brylsboutique@hotmail.co.uk Bryls Boutique

AWARD WINNING CAKES & COFFEE

The Vale Cake Boutique VCB have been known for their bespoke wedding and event cakes, winning the Welsh Wedding Awards for many years, including best Wedding Cakes in Wales. They offer bespoke contemporary designed cakes for all occasions and events.

VCB on the High Street offers a cosy yet modern stylish environment, with high quality coffee, drinks, brunch and a variety cakes and pastries. You can also enjoy watching their bakers creating their cakes and goodies in their glass studio.

Why not book an afternoon tea, enjoy a brunch menu or enjoy a tea or coffee with one of the delicious cakes on offer? Small parties also catered for.

You can secure a table or make a cake enquiry by calling the shop on 01446 741511. Gift vouchers also available.

They will be holding some Christmas Cupcake decorating classes and events, follow on social media for updates.

The Vale Cake Boutique 8 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 741511 or 07960 405829 Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 4pm TheValeCakeBoutique vcb_coffee_boutique

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To be fair, High Street and Broad Street in Barry are probably perfect examples of what good high streets should look like. Plenty of independents: restaurants, take-aways, café’s, bars, boutiques, beauty and hair salons, barbers, opticians, health shops, a butcher and a pharmacy. Of course, you have a good selection of estate agents too and other professional services like solicitors. It’s all here and they’re all waiting for your custom. If you’re fortunate to live locally, you are seriously spoiled for choice.

So if you want to boost the local economy, meet some lovely people and ensure your house price doesn’t plummet, get down, or up, or across, to your local high street. Go for it! You’ll be doing a good thing and, who knows, you might just meet someone special.

If you love surfing, skateboarding, scootering or inline skating, chances are you’re going to love this very cool shop on Barry High Street.

HEX SURF & SKATE This cool shop, upstairs at 10 High Street, is a must visit if skateboarding or surfing is your thing. With a great selection of cool products and industry must-haves, Hex Surf & Skate is run by James Hay who is passionate about the industry and a keen skater.

Scooters are hot here too and Hex has all the products to enable you to build your own custom scooter (or they can build it for you). They also undertake repairs and offer advice. Damaged fibreglass surfboard? No problem, Hex can help. Skateboard setup? Sorted, you’re in good hands.

Hex showcases the very best brands: Addict Scootering, Bones, DGK, Grizzly, Vast, 187 Killer Pads, Santa Cruz, Reflex, Tall Order and Tony Hawk.

Hex Surf & Skate 10 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 07957 089 793 hexboards@protonmail.com

From inline skates to full surfboards plus a great range of apparel, Hex has everything you need, and if it’s not in stock, they can probably get it.

www.hexsurf.com hexsurf hexsurf Hexsurfandskate 49

STREETS A HEAD BARRY HIGH STREET

Arbuthnot Opticians has been positioned on Broad Street for the best part of half a century and is a must visit destination for spectacle wearers and those that value dependable eyecare.

A RBUTHNOT OPTICIANS

With smart, affordable spectacle ranges plus statement designer names and frames like Anne et Valentine, Wissing, Tom Davies, Lindberg and Orgreen, you’re sure to find the right pair for you. Team them with Seiko lenses for sharp, precise vision.

For sunglasses, their selection is equally comprehensive and include stylish frames from Maui Jim, RayBan, Oakley, Versace and Landrover.

This superb independent optician offers all the appropriate optometric services including eye examinations for adults and children, Welsh Eye Care Service appointments, OCT (optical coherence tomography), Fundus Photography, Low Vision Assessment, Myopia Management,

and a complete contact lens assessment, fitting and aftercare service.

The staff are highly trained and extremely friendly and knowledgeable which is reassuring as our eye health is extremely important. We think Arbuthnot Opticians offer a great service but don’t take our word for it, check out these recent reviews.

Testimonials Wouldn’t go anywhere else. Have been fab with both myself and my daughter.

Helpful & very informative, with attention to ophthalmic history.

Kind caring staff who were very well informed and knowledgeable.

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6 Broad Street, Barry CF62 7XP 01446 735551 12 Cornerswell Road, Penarth CF64 2UZ 029 2071 1881 www.arbuthnotopticians.co.uk

ALL-NATURAL PET EMPORIUM

The Natural Pet Pantry Caroline Williams, owner of The Natural Pet Pantry on the High Street is passionate about providing the best for your pets with quality, natural pet food made with the best natural ingredients to nourish healthier, happier pets. We can certainly vouch for her expertise.

This well-established emporium for all things pets offers a range of great brands including Reggie’s Raw, VOM, Nurture Them Naturally, Just Natural, Finer by Nature - the best that money can buy.

Caroline also offers supplements, clothing, toys, treats and accessories. Being conscious of the environment, treats are sold in recyclable or biodegradable packaging wherever possible.

Caroline has a wealth of knowledge on all things pet related and is happy to spend time giving free, impartial advice.

If you care for your furry friend and want the best for them, then a raw, natural diet is the way to go –after all it’s what your cats and dogs were designed to eat! Look out for the Loyalty Card Scheme.

PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE

Vale Solicitors, Barry These days it’s easy to access legal services online but you might never meet the lawyer dealing with your case and often you might deal with several different people in the course of the transaction.

Vale Solicitors provide personal attention and always meet their clients. Directors Michael Morgan, Jonathan Hewitson and consultant Jeff Lloyd have been solicitors in Barry for decades. They are proud of the firm’s history which includes Mr. Alfred Jackson, one of the first solicitors in Barry in the 19th century, and the first District Judge of the Barry County Court.

The Natural Pet Pantry 98 High Street, Barry CF62 7DS 01446 748942 or 07595 933647 thenaturalpetpantryltd@gmail.com www.thenaturalpetpantry.co.uk TheNaturalPetPantryLtd Opening Hours Mondays - Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9.30am - 5pm Thursday 9.30am - 6.30pm

Their ground floor offices on High Street in Barry are easily accessible and home visits can be arranged throughout the Vale. They offer a full range of legal services. Whatever your legal issue please give them a call - the phone is always answered by a human being!

Vale Solicitors Advocates & Mediators 102 High Street, Barry CF62 7DS 01446 792535 and 07771 803639 mail@valesolicitors.com www.valesolicitors.com

You’d be forgiven for thinking there’s a gentleman at the helm of Daniel Matthew Estate Agents in Barry. It’s actually owned by a lovely lady named Laura.

DANIEL M ATTHEW ESTATE AGENTS

Established in January 2015 by Laura Northover, the agency is actually named after Laura’s sons, Daniel and Matthew. Vale Life wanted to find out more.

How long have you been in the industry and what are your qualifications?

I’ve been working in this sector for twenty years, and we’re Rent Smart Wales Licensed so clients can be assured of the best possible service.

Why do you think customers choose Daniel Matthew?

We are passionate about property and customer service. I know everyone say that, but we really are - this comes across when dealing with clients and their homes. We have become a family estate agent dealing with the whole family.

Over the last eight years we have had repeat business and referrals. We also try to offer traditional along with modern marketing. We like to cover all bases.

How many staff do you employ?

In Barry - Lorraine Baker, Louise Lloyd (Branch Manager) Janine Carrick, Hayley Margetts, and Sarah Watts. In Bridgend - Helen John, Emma Evans, Roisin Mollaghan, Jodie Lewis, Sandra Stanton and Victoria Hopkin.

TESTIMONIALS

Have you won any awards recently?

Yes, British Property Awards for Sales and Letting in Bridgend three times, Barry have been shortlisted for this year’s Letting Award for the British Property Awards.

Lorraine was very passionate about the area and there’s little she doesn’t know.

I was happy to be corrected on a few things and followed her advice, which definitely got a great result for both us and the buyer.

Any exciting news to share?

Next year we are looking to be another sponsor of Glastonbarry, continue with our charity work this includes our annual Macmillan morning which this year raised £1,205. The company looks to expand to another office and grow the team.

Our house sold within half an hour of viewings being completed! Perfect for both us as sellers and the buyer who’ll hopefully be really happy with their new home.

Do you also work with lettings?

Yes, we have a rental management portfolio of over 250 properties, and this continues to grow.

Why is a high street estate still the number one way to buy/sell a property?

As much as peoples’ lives have become busy and via emails and calls people still like to put a personal touch to a transaction, we invite all clients to pop in for a cuppa and a chat, we also find that working with local businesses helps each other. We would like to think working closely with the community is still a strong commodity.

What clients’ say Can’t recommend Daniel Matthew highly enough! It’s a small, professional firm with the personal touch which makes a huge difference when selling a property.

Daniel Matthew Estate Agents 14 High Street, Barry CF62 7EA 01446 502806 barry@danielmatthew.co.uk www.danielmatthew.co.uk Also at Brackla, Bridgend 01656 750764 Daniel Matthew Estate Agents Lorraine Baker has 36 years’ experience in the industry

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daniel_matthew_estate_agent

YOUR ONE-STOP TRAVEL AGENCY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BARRY

Thornton Travel, Barry With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, they pride themselves on offering top-quality services to ensure that your travel experience is nothing short of amazing.

The team of experienced travel consultants work with you every step of the way, guiding you through the best travel deals and packages that suit your budget and preferences.

Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a group tour or any trip abroad, trust Thornton Travel to make your travel dreams a reality.

Located on the bustling High Street in the charming town of Barry, our office is easily accessible and conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for you to visit us and start planning your next adventure.

So why wait? Contact Thornton Travel today and let them help you create unforgettable travel memories that will last a lifetime.

Thornton Travel 83 High Street, Barry 01446 393866 info@thorntontravel.co.uk Thornton Travel Barry

EVIDENCE BASED ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

PPP Physio, Barry Evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education for all types of pain and injury and physiotherapist-led pilates.

This dynamic company offers diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injury and dysfunction. PPP Physios possess extensive knowledge of anatomy, pathology and biomechanics of the human body allowing highly effective treatment of a wide variety of conditions. They can also assess the uninjured population to reduce any predisposing factors to injury and to improve and optimise performance.

Specialising in the assessment and diagnosis of pain and injury, they educate their patients and often prescribe rehabilitation exercises to facilitate a speedy improvement, minimising the appointments required to fully recover.

PPP Physiotherapy Practice Barry High Street 029 2070 0493 info@pppphysio.com pilates@pppphysio.com Also at Penarth and Pencoed

PPP are associated with the Football Association of Wales, Cardiff Rugby and Glamorgan County Cricket Club.

PPPphysio

“Specialising in the assessment and diagnosis of injury.”

PPPphysio

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pppphysio

Joe & Co focuses on giving children a safe haven when having their hair cut, and for the grown-ups, the ultimate look that fits your lifestyle and personality.

JOE & CO

Joe and Co specialise in working with children, with toys to play with and car barber seats to ensure that your little ones not only get the haircut that you and they love but are well looked after, in a playful but relaxing environment.

Joe & Co. isn’t just for children though as both Joe and Kath are also happy to work with male clients as they offer a range of grooming services, from haircuts, waxing, massage, beard trims and facials. (Adult chairs are available!)

TESTIMONIALS

What clients’ say...

We absolutely adore Joe & Co! After years of at home mum cuts to build my sunshine boy’s confidence we finally made the jump to try a barber again and I’m so glad we saw the recommendations for here!

The shop is beautiful, the staff are incredible, friendly and flexible and the customer service is honestly second to none. They really do go above and beyond, and I cannot recommend them enough, especially for ALN children.”

Joe & Co 11 Broad Street, The Parade Barry CF62 7AN 01446 737112 www.josephbarber.nearcut.com Joe & Co

If you’re looking for a catering company to help with an up-and-coming event and don’t know where to turn, then look no further.

LUNCH AT TWELVE CATERING YOUR EVENT’S IN SAFE HANDS

Planning catering for an event can be a minefield if you don’t know who to contact. Luckily the qualified and experienced team at Lunch at Twelve Catering have the expertise to deliver.

Whether it’s a Christmas Party at home or for the office, a corporate or private function, outside catering, weddings, Sunday lunches or a BBQ, this company needs to be on your speed dial.

The professional team includes chefs, servers and event managers who are committed to making your event spectacular.

All produce is locally sourced which means that the food that is served is of exceptional standard in taste and presentation.

Give the number below a call and they will work with you to create a menu that fits your budget, tastes and style. They can also work with all preferences and intolerances.

Also available at Brynhill Golf Club and Sully Sports and Social Club.

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Lunch At Twelve lunchattwelve@outlook.com 01446 737112 www.lunch-at-twelve.com Lunch At Twelve Catering lunch_at_twelve

Established thirty-four years ago and with three offices, and a wealth of local knowledge servicing The Vale of Glamorgan, owner Andrew and his team have never been busier!

CHRIS DAVIES ESTATE AGENTS What areas of the Vale do you cover?

There are three offices - Rhoose, Barry and Llantwit Major. Lettings is based in Rhoose, but we proudly cover the whole of the Vale of Glamorgan.

Rhoose is our Head Office too.

How long have you been in the industry and what are your qualifications?

I started in 1996. I became qualified in 2004 when I was the National Student Runner Up in the UK. This was presented to me at a glittering award ceremony in Hilton Park Lane and presented by Natasha Kaplinksy.

I started at Chris Davies in 2005 as a manager. I became a director in 2014 and then Managing Director and sole owner in 2019.

Why do you think customers choose Chris Davies?

Repeat business and local reputation is key to our success I believe. We have also won several awards in recent years (Estate Agent of the Year in Barry 2019 and 2022, and then Rhoose in 2023), as part of the British Property Awards.

Plus, we finished in the top 2% in the UK as part of the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards for 2023 (this was for sales and lettings and awards for both individually).

subjected to tremendous legislative change since December 2022, so I have been heavily involved in ensuring our landlords and tenants are being looked after, advised and ultimately compliant with the new legislative controls. Lettings is a huge part of the company, and we are always on the lookout for new landlords, or existing landlords that might consider switching to an award-winning, independent, local, qualified agent.

Why should sellers/buyers visit a high street estate over an online agency?

I firmly believe that the High Street agency will be here for years to come. As a buyer, it is still convenient to pop in, collect some brochures, view photos and floorplans on our computers and so on. From a seller’s point of view, we are there to talk to, pop in for a cuppa and ultimately have continuity from start to finish with the same person/team rather than disappear into the IT world and become a number.

TESTIMONIALS

What buyers and sellers say...

Great service and always a fast response to enquiries. Your help was greatly appreciated in finding and securing our new home. Buyer The team did a fantastic job selling my house. It was accurately priced, and I had a succession of viewings.

Once a buyer with real interest was identified, the team worked effectively to get a selling price that was extremely close to the original asking price. While this was happening, I was kept informed of the progress. So, in summary, a really effective sales team that worked efficiently and effectively on my behalf. I can thoroughly recommend them. Seller

How many staff do you employ?

Currently we have a team of ten plus a general maintenance handy man too.

And we have an office dog (Mia) who is well known in our Barry office!

How is the industry at the moment?

Is business booming?

The sales market is quiet. There is talk of it ‘crashing’ but for me it is merely correcting back to a more sensible level following the crazy prices being achieved which peaked in July 2022.

There’s always something to do though. It’s never dull.

Any exciting news to share?

We have just rolled out exciting new sales software which allows us to market far more effectively and provide sellers and buyers with a more userfriendly journey from start to finish.

Complementing this, we’ve just had new illuminated window displays installed freshening up our modern offices and adding a bit more colour too! We are always looking to expand and improve.

Chris Davies Estate Agents 24 High Street, Barry CF62 7EA 01446 700007

Do you also work with lettings?

Much of my role has been overseeing the lettings department in the last 12 months (along with running the sale office in Rhoose, running the company, being a dad to two and of course being a husband to my wife Claire!). Going back to lettings, the industry has been

We recently attended an awards ceremony in London where we received independent ‘excellent’ awards for sales and lettings, separately, and presented by the beautiful Rachel Riley and Dermot Murnaghan. This is further credit to the team for the efforts and dedication that they all make.

Lettings 01446 792020

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29 Fontygary Road Rhoose CF62 3DS (Head Office) 01446 711900 Heritage House, East Stree Llantwit Major CF61 1XY 01446 792020

www.chris-davies.co.uk chrisdaviesestateagents cdea1989

Cwtchie Hoodie Blanket Adult Size £59 www.cwtchie.co.uk

For Her Poppy + Ted Luxe Collection - Berry Dalmatian Harness £32.99 Luxe Collection - Berry Dalmatian Lead £22.99 www.popandted.co.uk

Synthetic suede wide fit contrast embroidered casual cowboy western boots £50 www.boohoo.com

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Spacemasks box (original jasmine scented) £16.50 www.spacemasks.com

Revlon SmoothStay Straightener Infused with Coconut Oil £30 www.boots.com and www.argos.co.uk

C.O. Bigelow Grapefruit Body Cleanser and Body Lotion Duo Set £29 www.libertylondon.com

Revlon 3-in-1 tool, One-Step Blow-Dry Multi Styler £75.00 www.boots.com www.argos.co.uk

Vionic Arlette Mule in Toffee £110 www.vionicshoes.co.uk

Ted Baker Beauty Advent Calendar £46 www.boots.com

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Belted Short faux leather trench coat £45 www.boohoo.com

Oversized tiered maxi shirt dress in woven £30 www.boohoo.com

Advent Calendar, £62 www.loccitane.com

Petite turn up cuff jumper with side split £18 www.boohoo.com

Cocoluxe candles £30 each (All candles come in 30cl (220g) www.cocoluxeltd.co.uk Ember Mug2 Metallic Collection, Copper £149.95 http://uk.ember.com

Ted Baker Crossbody Bag £110 Bryl’s Boutique, Barry

Bergenhus Bath Soak £30 Bergenhus Handmade Soap £10 Black Owned luxury Bath + Body brand available at Liberty, Fenwicks and direct at www.soapsmith.com

Beauty THE ULTIMATE FACIAL Includes:

Kalahari Dream Cleansing Oil 30ml Rose Quartz Facial Polish 30ml

Daily Defence Moisture Mist 30ml

Blue Velvet Ceramide Serum 30ml 360 Eye & Lip Contour 15ml

Multi Peptide 360 Anti-Ageing Cream 60ml £99, worth £137 www.evolvebeauty.co.uk

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE

Olverum Bath Oil 125ml £43.50 www.olverum.com

Farmacy Beauty Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturizer 100ML £65 www.spacenk.com

Iconoclast Eyeshadow Palette £47 www.codeeight.com

Farmacy Beauty 10% Niacinamide Night Mask 50ML £40 www.spacenk.com

Ted Baker Advent Calendar £46 www.boots.com

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Angela Langford i can see clearly now Gentle eye make-up remover £15 www.angelalangford.com

Rosso Vivo Limited Edition Lipstick Creamy Finish £40 www.codeeight.com

Erborian’s CC EYE, RMS Beauty’s Lip2Cheek, and Farmacy Beauty’s Apple Lip Smoothie Evenswiss Rich Regenerating Cream £62 www.dermoi.com

Erborian Skin Therapy Multi-Perfecting Night Oil-Serum, 10ml/30ml £21/£52 www.SpaceNK.com www.lookfantastic.com www.boots.com

Daily Moisture Quench £36 www.gold-collagen.com/uk

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Hydrogel Mask £20 www.gold-collagen.com/uk

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Mum Bundle £33.97 www.kitandkin.com

Beauty AEOS Starter Kit Blue or Pink £40 Rosso Vivo Lipstick £9.50 www.aeos.net

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Gaia Body Bauble £20 www.gaiaskincare.com

Cocoluxe handwash & lotion sets (2 x300ml glass (refillable) bottles with a choice of 3 pump colours, Black, Gold, Black & Copper) £40 www.cocoluxeltd.co.uk

Trio Antibacterial Hand Cream Gift set £14.99 Champagne & Spice Talc-free Dusting Powder £11.49 Rum & Blackcurrant Lip Balm £7.99 www.bettyhula.co.uk

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Farmacy Beauty Tea Harvest Green Clean Trio 50ml £49 www.spacenk.com

Farmacy Beauty Plump + Shine Lip Smoothie Duo £26 www.spacenk.com

Super Strength £12 www.philipkingsley.co.uk

Megawatt Shine £38 www.philipkingsley.co.uk

Earthy Nail Polish Set WonderFall Collection £24.95 www.earthynailpolish.com

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Skin Proud Frozen Over £16.95 www.iamproud.com

Beauty BISOUS by L’ORGANIQ Face and Body Duo Gift Bag £24 www.lorganiq.com www.superdrug.com

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE

30ml Osmosis Renew Advanced Retinal Serum £73

Oskia Super R Retinoid Sleep Serum Capsules 2 Pack £128.25 www.dermoi.com

RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush £33 www.spacenk.com www.rmsbeauty.com

Blush Palette £36 www.codeeight.com STYLPRO Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer £29.99 www.stylpro.co.uk www.lookfantastic.co.uk www.boots.com

Lip2Cheek £35 each www.rmsbeauty.com www.spacenk.com

The Radiant Collection £195 (Worth £232) Includes the Olivanna Vitamin C Brightening Day Serum, Instant Hydra-Glow Sheet Mask, Bakuchiol Restoring Eye Cream, and Hyaluronic Firming Day Moisturiser within a winter whites inspired pouch. www.olivanna.com 62

Farmacy Beauty: Strawberry Shortcake Clean £32 www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Farmacy Honey Dewy Duo £57 www.spacenk.com

Oskia Rest Day comfort cream £60 www.dermoi.com Skin Proud Refresher hydrating face mist £9.95 www.Iamproud.com OSMO Wonder 10 Kit £23.70 Available from hair salons nationwide or online at www.sallybeauty.co.uk

Skin Ritual Gift Box £75 www.lorganiq.com

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Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 100ml £34.20 www.dermoi.com

RMS Beauty: Liplights Cream Lip Gloss £29 www.SpaceNK.com www.rmsbeauty.com

Home

Kikkerland Guitar Measuring Spoons £20 www.kikkerlandeu.com/products/ guitar-measuring-spoons

Kikkerland Guitar Grater £11 www.kikkerlandeu.com/ products/guitar-grater

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Popmaster Special Edition Board Game £24.99 www.gingerfox.co.uk/ collections/boardgames/products/popmaster-special-editionboard-game

Connetix 212 Mega Pack £180 www.connetixtiles.com/ product/212-mega-pack-uk/

Kikkerland Rockin Guitar Salad Servers £18 www.kikkerlandeu.com/ products/beech-woodrockin-guitar-saladservers

Kikkerland Deer Corkscrew £26 www.kikkerlandeu.com/products/deer-corkscrew

Ant & Decs Limitless Win Card Game £7.99 www.gingerfox.co.uk/products/ ant-decs-limitless-win-card-game

Health

Clean and potent supplements - their hero products are the meno complex for menopause, biotin complex for hair and nails, biotic for gut health and collagen complex too!

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Megawatt Shine £38 www.philipkingsley.co.uk

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Super Strength £12 www.philipkingsley.co.uk

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Merry Christmas from all the team at PPPphysio & PPPpilates

PPP PILATES VOUCHER This voucher entitles 2 people to a 6-week block of PPP Pilates

Zero Water Filter Jug £29.99 www.zerowater.co.uk 65

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Jewellery

Mini and Large Moritz Jewellery Boxes £65 and £95 respectively www.wintour.uk

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE KATE WOOD Wisteria Sapphire Earrings in Yellow Gold Vermeil £250 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

MANU Sterling Silver & 18ct Yellow Gold Ring with Tourmaline £358 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

Emerald 14k Gold Vermeil Open Studs £125 www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk

Small Molten Bangle Bracelet in Gold £120.34 www.alexisbittar.com

Gold Shorthand Coin Pendants Choose Your Word/Symbol Various prices www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk

Turquoise Galaxy Gold Vermeil Studs £45 www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk

GeoCUBE® Precious Fusion Pearls necklace, bracelet and earrings in black-gold £313 www.coeur-de-lion.org

Small Molten Bangle Bracelet - Gold £120.93 www.alexisbittar.com

Sol De Janeiro After Hours Perfume Mist £22 www.boots.com

Scents

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Ghost Mystical Dream Eau de Parfum Spray 30ml £29

Ghost Orb Of Night Mini Gift Set 10ml £12

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Enduring Glow £43

Glow £42

Shop the full JLO perfume range at www.superdrug.co.uk www.ThePerfumeShop.co.uk

The Essence Vault Eau de Parfum £26.95 each www.theessencevault.co.uk

Yardley Gentleman Urbane 100ml £18

Yardley Gentleman London Classic 100ml £18

Yardley Gentleman Elite 100ml £18

www.amazon.co.uk, www.boots.com, www.yardleylondon.co.uk and in store at Boots

Yardley English Lavender Fragrance Collection with Body Spray £15

Salt Mens Grooming Splurge on the Limited Edition Gift Set £79.99 www.saltgrooming.com

Pregnancy

Lilliputiens Bath Dolls £14 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Mum Bundle £33.97 www. kitandkin.com

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Kaloo Knots Pink Bear Comforter £22.50 www.littlewhispers.co.uk

Crane 2.0 4-in-1 Humidifier with Sound Machine £110 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk

Silicone Breast Milk Collector £15.99 www.shop.medela.co.uk

Izmi Essential Wrap £39.99 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk

Medela Purelan Lanolin Cream 37g £9.99 www.shop.medela.co.uk

Kaloo Carré Douceur collection from £14.99 www.toystreet.co.uk

Bravado Designs Sustainable Lingerie from £26 http://uk.bravadodesigns.com

For Kids Hey Doodle Natures Wonder Book £24.99 www.heydoodle.uk/products/ copy-of-tales-natural-wonders

BISOUS Teen Skincare Giftbag £24 www.superdrug.com

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE

Yoto Player 3rd Generation: £99.99 Cards from: £5.99 uk.yotoplay.com/yoto-player

Janod Magneti’book Jobs/Sports £18 Little Whispers

Magic Adventures™ Globe £89.99 www.leapfrog.co.uk

Cwtchie Wearable hugs £49 www.cwtchie.co.uk (Cardiff based)

Nickwatch The breakthrough connected smartwatch for kids £79.95 + SIM £7.50p/m www.nickwatch.com all good retailers Argos, Curry’s, Amazon

Geomag (536) Glitter 60-Piece Set £38.99 from Toys R Us

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Ant & Decs Limitless Win Card Game £7.99 www.gingerfox.co.uk

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Looking for some of the best travel experiences available? These offers are exclusive to Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge and Pontyclun. To book at these special prices, please quote 2023 VL AU. The team at Sam Smith Travel have decades of experience providing incredible holiday experiences for customers in the Vale of Glamorgan and across Wales.

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01446 774018 Quote to save!

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SAM SMITH TRAVEL Caribbean Cruise from Cardiff Immerse yourself in the stunning Caribbean Islands on board the beautiful P&O Arvia.

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01446 774018 Canada & New York Explore Canada by cruise onboard the beautiful Sky Princess with an overnight in Quebec City and New York.

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Prices are per person based on 2 sharing and are subject to change and availability.

Call the Travel Experts Penang Often called the "Pearl of the Often called the "Pearl of the Orient," this northern gateway to Malaysia is the country’s oldest British settlement. Although this city is best known for its breathtaking beaches, sites such as Khoo Kongsi, a well-preserved ancestral Chinese clan house, and the Butterfly Farm, the world’s first tropical live butterfly exhibition, must-sees on the list for this amazing destination. Also visit Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the finest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, featuring among other things, a tortoise sanctuary.

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Sam Smith Travel 55 High Street Cowbridge CF71 7AE 01446 774018 retail@samsmithtravel.com www.samsmithtravel.com samsmithtravel

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O U R D E D I C AT E D T E A M O F D E S I G N E R S PROVIDE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE, WITH A PERSONALISED APPROACH AND HIGH QUALITY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES TO C R E AT E YO U R D R E A M S PAC E

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Dulse at Ty Milford Hotel Waterfront: Foodies will absolutely love this! We don’t need many reasons to visit West Wales, but this is a very good one.

T Y MILFORD HOTEL

A WATERFRONT FOODIES HEAVEN West Wales beckoned once again.

Usually we stay inland – we like the countryside – but this time, we fancied something a little closer to the water. Ty Hotel Milford Waterfront couldn’t really be any closer and hugging the dock wall in Nelson Quay, Milford Haven, it really feels like it’s part of the hustle and bustle of the harbour.

Milford Haven is probably best known for its oil refinery but don’t let that put you off, it’s miles away in the distance and, at night, twinkles in the darkness – very Bladerunner-esque. The harbour is very pretty at night too, but let’s rewind a little and start at the beginning.

We were driving from Rhoose and despite the Welsh Government’s insistence on replacing the Welsh dragon with a snail, we made good time, tootling along at 50/55-ish on the motorway.

We like to pop a podcast on and just get there when we get there. We’d left promptly on the Thursday due to a crackof-dawn work meeting which was a great excuse to get an early start. Heading west along the M4 in the morning is much more enjoyable than driving east and once past Swansea, traffic quietens a lot.

We were at the hotel in no time and, having arrived extra early, thought we’d park up and go for a wander.

Incidentally, there is a free car park just across the road from the rear of the hotel which is handy. The marina is full of boats of all shapes and sizes. If that’s your thing, you’ll be in boat heaven.

If it isn’t, then there are several indie eateries, plus boutiques, galleries and shops along the quayside to browse in.

Just behind the hotel is the awardwinning Milford Haven Museum. Not the biggest museum in the world but it packs a punch. On this particular day we were fortunate enough to be greeted by volunteers Christine and John.

While Christine looked after reception, John kindly showed us around. His local knowledge is extensive, and he effortlessly recanted tales about life in the area over the decades. If you are remotely interested in history, you will love this place. It’s a real asset to the area and genuinely interesting and well curated.

“The marina is full of boats of all shapes and sizes.

If that’s your thing, you’ll be in boat heaven. If it isn’t, then there are several indie eateries, plus boutiques, galleries and shops along the quayside to browse in.”

We were booked in for a tasting dinner later at ‘dulse’, Ty Milford Waterfront’s in-house restaurant, but thought we had enough time to pop across to Dale, a lovely beach front village a mere twenty-plus minutes from Milford Haven. And we’re glad we did; it is quite lovely there.

We had a drink in The Griffin and got chatting to some visitors from Chepstow. They had enjoyed lunch there and said it was superb. The Griffin is definitely somewhere we will return to as several people have recommended it for its fish menu. We shouldn’t be surprised really, back at the hotel, we watched several fishing boats come and go – you can even buy fresh fish and seafood on the dockside. I suppose Milford harbour is the equivalent of Newlyn in Cornwall – working harbours still supporting a local fishing industry. It would be desperately sad to see their demise.

With fresh fish on our minds, we were looking forward to the evening’s event and, after a quick freshen up, we were enjoying dinner with a lovely group of fellow publishers. Normally this wouldn’t be something we warmed to but the guests on our particular table were lovely and very good company indeed. It was refreshing to share thoughts, experiences and ideas about our various businesses. The food was exceptionally good, and we all agreed that when dulse launches its new menu to the public, it will be a huge success (by the time you read this, it will certainly be available).

After a great night’s sleep in our fourth-floor room (418) overlooking the harbour, we were keen to see what the day would bring. Breakfast at Ty Milford Waterfront is the usual buffet affair and it’s neatly laid out in a cool, curved annexe just to the right of the main dining area which runs the full length of the building ensuring guests are almost guaranteed a great waterside view. The décor is very stylish and colour blocks and bold patterns abound. It’s quite European looking and we liked that.

After breakfast we had planned to head for Carmarthen to see a movie (The Creator) at the Vue Cinema, via Tenby. Tenby has always been a favourite of ours and every time we visit, we see something different or find a new nook to explore. After a lovely hour mooching around the town and harbour while enjoying an ice cream, we set off for Carmarthen.

Carmarthen is across the border in Carmarthenshire (Milford Haven being in Pembrokeshire).

What’s the difference you might ask. Well, in our humble opinion, Pembrokeshire is more like Cornwall and Carmarthenshire a little like Devon, but we love both counties.

We thought we heard more Welsh language in Carmarthenshire – Jennifer is a Welsh speaker, so it was a good opportunity to brush up occasionally. She doesn’t get much chance in the Vale. We enjoyed a nice hour revisiting some old haunts and was surprised by how much the town had changed. There’s a large market and plenty of galleries and eateries.

Carmarthen is well worth a visit if you are in the area or passing through.

Back to Milford Haven. We were so impressed with the taster menu the night before that we booked ourselves in for dinner. What followed was an exceptional three courses. If the owners’ hope is to position dulse, and Ty Milford Waterfront, as a food destination, they were certainly going about it the right way. I would say the images would sell it more than anything I can write but I honestly don’t think they do. The fish, as you’d hope, is especially good.

The movie, The Creator, sadly, was a little disappointing, unlike the area and our hotel. The room, the ambience, service, starters, mains, and desserts were, in a word, flawless.

If you love food and want a great location from which to explore some of Wales’s most beautiful coastline and countryside, Ty Milford Waterfront could be hard to match.

The pricing is very reasonable and everything about this hotel, and dulse, is incredibly good.

In Welsh, Ty means house. I’d argue that the Ty Milford Waterfront team go above and beyond and, just for a few days anyway, turns this particular house into a lovely home from home.

Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront Nelson Quay Milford Haven SA73 3AA 01646 400810 www.ty-hotels.com/destinations/ milford-waterfront 83

Founded by Pamela Thornton, a passionate traveller with an insatiable wanderlust, Thornton Travel is an independently run travel agency which has evolved from a single agency to a network of four thriving branches nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan.

THORNTON TRAVEL

FROM THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE VALE TO THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE WORLD

Founded by Pamela Thornton, an inveterate traveller, whose work as a cocoa trader takes her throughout the world, she fell into the business.

“Taylor Made Travel’s unfortunate bankruptcy in the middle of covid forced the closure of their chain.

I owned their Cowbridge premises which had previously been my mum’s clothes shop for more than thirty years.

I had time on my hands having been partly sidelined workwise by travel restrictions so I asked the staff whether they would consider working for me as a new independent. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for their job and their customers was just so infectious that I was hooked. I engaged a consultant for three months to help me figure out the financials involved and Cowbridge Travel was quickly born.”

It has now evolved into a network of four agencies with Thornton Travel recently opening in High St, Barry and Penarth. “It’s early days and there are many challenges, but it’s a very optimistic industry and I have an amazing staff who have supported me as I try to learn the business”.

Each branch is operated by a team of dedicated travel aficionados who love creating memorable moments. “Our customers benefit from our “treasure hunt” approach whereby the staff seek to find the best possible holiday experience for the clients, given the budgets they are working with. Some clients have firm preferences but as an independent we are not tied to promote any one tour operator so can really engage with the customers to understand their unique preferences, interests and ambitions for their trips and then use our expertise to provide a range of options. Whether an archaeological expedition to Jordan; an adrenaline fuelled trek through the Andes; small ship cruises to Antarctica and the Galapagos; foodie adventures in Vietnam or just relaxation on a beach somewhere, we aim to find them the perfect experience at the best price”.

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“What truly distinguishes this travel agency is the personal touch they bring to each client’s journey.”

Thornton Travel 31 Windsor Road, Penarth CF64 1JD 83 High St, Barry CF62 7DX 01446 393866 Thornton Travel Barry 8 High Street, Cowbridge 01446 688685 Cowbridge Travel 73 John Street, Porthcawl CF36 3AY 01656 331010 Porthcawl Travel Website coming soon

Our bodies talk to us every day, but do we listen? Perhaps you’re craving a bar of chocolate, you hear and listen to this and therefore enjoy that sugar rush.

TRUSTING YOUR GUT? However, a little while later you may not feel so great. This is an example of where we aren’t listening to our body.

Perhaps you’re enjoying a meal, but your nose gets runny. You reach for a tissue and carry on eating. Now, this is your body talking to you. It’s telling you that there is something on your plate that’s stressing your body. It’s sending you a message. ‘STOP EATING XXX!” We’re very often unaware of this subtle messaging.

Do you get a hunch? A feeling? Have you walked into a room and sensed the uncomfortable atmosphere? Again, this is your body sending you a message to keep you safe.

There are many ways our bodies talk to us, unfortunately, we don’t always tune in to this wonderful skill. Our bodies want to be strong and healthy.

Our bodies are self-healing. Our bodies can heal if we give the body what it needs. The body’s innate and natural wisdom knows what it needs. Perhaps you crave oranges?

THINK AGAIN Perhaps you enjoy a plate of broccoli?

This is the body asking for Vitamin C and sulphur, quite likely for liver detoxification. The body sends us an array of messages and often these days, we need help to interpret what the body is saying.

This is where a kinesiologist can help.

A kinesiologist gives the body the voice and uses the body’s muscles to listen and understand the body’s messages.

As a kinesiologist, Angharad Evans uses your arm to gently test its muscle.

When she gently presses on your arm, a message is sent instantly from the brain through the spinal cord to the muscle. The muscle will remain strong and will lock or the muscle will unlock and become weak - the client has no conscious control over this. Muscle testing is used to determine imbalances in the body and to restore the body back into balance. It is quite wonderful!

Possible Imbalances: n Allergies n Anxiety n Asthma n Blood sugar levels n Chemical intolerances n Detoxification requirements n Digestive issues n Fatigue n Food intolerances n Hormonal balance n Insomnia n Nutritional support n Psoriasis n Reproductive issues n Trauma If you would like to know more about kinesiology and how this treatment can help you get to the root of your symptoms, please book a complimentary discovery call with Anghard today.

Angharad Evans Therapïau Naturiol Angharad Natural Therapies by Angharad 07739 210291 www.angharadevans.cymru AngharadsNaturalTherapy

Struggling to find that ultimate gift for the man in your life? You may still be, even after reading this. But hey, we can dream…

Hublot. Spirit of big bang 601.JX.0120.RT This limited-edition Hublot Spirit of Big Bang (150 of 250 made) features a skeleton dial with three chronograph sub dials and a date wheel around its circumference, as well as an incredible transparent sapphire crystal tonneau-shaped case and a clear resin strap. The see-through nature of this piece wouldn’t be complete without an open case back of course. Take a peek at the in-house HUB4700 self-winding calibre, which boasts a 50-hour power reserve. £44,950 Finance available www.watchesofwales.co.uk

MAN CAVE If you’d like to promote your products or services in our Man Cave section, please contact Mark on 07766 106731.

All natural ethically made Eco Cushion Covers from Joro These essential velvet cushions are plush and velvety and the perfect addition to any Man Cave or living space. Fall in love with lounging with these matte essential velvet cushions.

5 elegant colours designed in harmony with nature. £40 www.jorohome.com

Blizzard Firebird and Brahma Skis You’ll find skis, clothing, accessories and much more at this great ski shop on Penarth Road.

Blizzard Brahma - All Mountain - £780 Blizzard Firebird - On Piste - £520 www.naskisports.co.uk Check out the feature on page 47

Sisleÿum for Men A complete anti-ageing product specifically designed for men’s skin.

50ml Original Price £220 New price £176 www.sisley-paris.com

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotics 2-in-1 capsule-in-capsule probiotic and prebiotic. Formulated for adults ages 18+ with 24 clinically and scientifically studied probiotic strains and a polyphenol-based prebiotic to support systemic health. Vegan formula.

60 Capsules (1 month supply) £49.99 www.seed.com

Etch Custom Suit Whether it’s for a special occasion like a party or wedding, the personal tailoring experience at King Fox includes suits, jackets, trousers, waistcoats and shirts – King Fox has every occasion covered. This design made exclusively for artist JP Jones.

See social life feature on page 99 For pricing, contact Leila www.kingfoxmenswear.co.uk

Surfboards, scooters and skateboards It’s never too late to learn!

Various styles available from Hex Surf & Skate in Barry.

Check out the feature on page 49

The Camden Watch Company No.27 GMT Edition No.27 GMT Edition. It is an homage to the rich maritime history of Greenwich and Great Britain in general.

In 1880, Greenwich Mean Time become the legal standard time across the island of Great Britain and has since become the time upon which all other time zones across the globe are based. £155 www.camdenwatchcompany.com

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

Anne et Valentin frames. Very cool French brand -0 the perfect Christmas gift.

Spectacle book boxes are £39 Klameraffe ready readers £20 Dual spectacle cases £14.99 www.arbuthnotopticians.co.uk See feature on page 50

Look on the bookshelves at most supermarkets and book shops and you’ll see plenty of celeb autobiographies, but what about yours?

IT’S T IME TO T ELL YOUR STORY

We believe everyone has a story to tell.

They used to say, “we all have a book in us!” It’s true, and this is where we can help. At Vale Life we have all the skills and services to be able to help you get your story out there. We can help with writing, editing, design, printing and publishing, and the process isn’t as hard as you might think.

Years ago, publishing a book would be unthinkable. The costs involved would be, for most people, simply unaffordable. But these days, with the revolution of digital publishing, you can create a book and literally print a few copies for yourself and your loved ones, besides listing it on Amazon. A book of your life can be a great legacy.

“You can create a book and literally print a few copies for yourself and your loved ones.

A book of your life can be a great legacy.”

Yes, we publish magazines. We’ve worked in the publishing world on and off for around forty years. But we’ve published and helped design and print many different publications over the decades. From humble, double sided A5 leaflets to books, from award winning annual reports to award winning journals, magazines, and newspapers. If it can be designed, printed and published, we’ve probably had a hand in it.

Over the years though, it’s been the story telling we’ve enjoyed the most.

You’ve probably read some in our magazines - the kind of stories that inspire and make us appreciate life and the lives of others.

If you’d like to discuss publishing your own book, we’d love to hear from you.

Our contact details are below SELF-PUBLISHING

Publishing your story has never been easier!

Look at Marina Storina, Vale Life’s cover star for autumn 2022. Marina has successfully published her own book and it’s an incredibly inciteful story of her life journey to Wales.

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Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor (Group Managing Editor) 07766 106701 jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Mark Roberts Creative Director 07766 106731 mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

Traditional Turkish cuisine in the heart of Penarth A truly unique experience

Rated 5 stars by Vale Life for food and service 21 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1EE Book a table, by calling 029 2070 2429 or online at www.keyif.co.uk A DVA N C E B O O KING R ECO M M ENDED info@keyif.co.uk Open Tuesday to Sunday 12 noon until 10pm Follow on Twitter and Instagram @keyifpenarth for special Keyif offers! www.keyif.co.uk

Interest rates aren’t helping anyone at the moment. Combine that with high energy prices and you have a recipe for a very challenging winter.

On our travels, we generally meet two kinds of businesspeople. The first are quite passive – hoping business will come their way. The second, the ones who seem to be doing much better are those businesses that are actively promoting their products and services. They advertise, they’re busy on social media, they’re blogging on their websites.

In this kind of climate, you have to be proactive. If you’re not sure what to do, ask. We’re here to help at Vale Life. We also have links with many other businesses who, through clever and thoughtful cooperation can add value to each other’s businesses. Give Jennifer a call on 07766 106731 or email jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

Also check out www.inbusinessmag.co.uk for more news and regular features.

“The ones we see doing much better are those businesses that are actively promoting their products and services.”

IN BUSINESS CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS

Change your life!

Are you a woman in business looking to increase your self-worth become free from self-sabotaging, self-destructive thoughts and behaviours that drive you to feel unloved, not-enough and underserving of great relationships and powerful opportunities.

When you love yourself, your life is extraordinary!

I would love to work with you to help you to explore how you can realise your deepest desires, whether it be catapulting your career, business or life success. As a fully qualified RTT® Rapid Transformation Therapist, trained by the renowned Marisa Peer, I’m available for one-to-one PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE

consultations and have a launch offer running right now that I would love you enjoy.

Vale Solicitors, Llantwit Major

Their ground floor offices in the centre of Llantwit Major are easily accessible and home visits can be arranged throughout the Vale.

These days it’s easy to access legal services online but you might never meet the lawyer dealing with your case and often you might deal with several different people in the course of the transaction.

They offer a full range of legal services.

Whatever your legal issue please give them a call - the phone is always answered by a human being!

Vale Solicitors provide personal attention and always meet their clients. They have looked after the legal affairs of families and businesses in Llantwit Major and Cowbridge for generations and are proud to trace their firm’s history back to its founder, Mr. Thomas Rees, who started as a solicitor in Cowbridge in 1867 and became Mayor of the town.

Cheryl Bass Rapid Transformational Therapist 07581 210 004

Vale Solicitors 1 Boverton Road, Llantwit Major CF61 1XZ 01446 792535 mail@valesolicitors.com www.valesolicitors.com 92

MAKING BUSINESS HAPPEN

EXPERIENCED PROBATE PARTNER JANICE POWELL JOINS ACUITY LAW FROM INCE Inheritance Act claims, trust disputes and probate matters (as well as property cases) are all covered by expert litigator Janice, who has decades of experience in representing both individuals and businesses.

Janice is highly experienced in High Court and County Court proceedings, as well as mediation, arbitration, adjudication and other alternative dispute resolution procedures.

She combines friendliness and approachability with dedication and efficiency, providing the very best outcome for her clients.

Janice’s knowledge exceeded all my hopes and expectations. The feeling of having someone who genuinely wants to help you reach the best possible solution was something that I will continue to be grateful for.

Along with her team at Acuity Law’s Cardiff Bay headquarters, Janice works to deliver exceptional client service, with a straight-talking approach that positions people at the heart of everything we do.

Contact Janice for advice on:

� � � �

Inheritance Act claims Trust disputes Property disputes Professional negligence

Contact Janice E: janice.powell@acuitylaw.com P: +44 (0)7770 605394 W: acuitylaw.com

� � �

Commercial and contractual cases Removal of Executors and Trustees Proprietary Estoppel

SOCIAL LIFE PORTHCAWL

The Glow Within Clinic Launch Event Friends and family and pillars of the women-in-business community joined Sarah Gardner in celebrating the launch of her new clinic at her beautiful home in Porthcawl.

Sarah gave an excellent, concise explanation of the new treatments on offer and guests were given a tour of the clinic and invited to view the new high-tech equipment.

Over fifty guests enjoyed canapes and bubbly and everyone agreed the event was a resounding success with some women pre-booking treatments for the weeks ahead. Everyone was treated to a goodie bag and left with huge smiles.

Sarah would like to take this opportunity to thank Porthcawl Nutrition “for adding wellness and nutrition advice to my gift bags”, www.printcentrecardiff.com “for all my marketing materials”. Stunning balloons for the launch party from Balloon Creations by Danielle & Amy (creationsbydanandamy@outlook.com), and Chrissies Cakes and Bakes for the fabulous cake and canapes (they were delicious).

And, finally, “to my husband Karl for supporting my new business venture” (Karl Gardner Building Contractor).

Also, huge thanks to www.jan-marini.co.uk and www.brazilianbootylift.co.uk The Glow Within Clinic The Chalet, Elm Road, Porthcawl CF36 5AG 07812 375 070 There’s more!

See main feature on pages 6 to 9.

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David Birt, Stacey Harris, Harry Thomas.

SOCIAL LIFE

Anne Birt, Sue Pearson

COWBRIDGE

Harris & Birt Celebrates Harris & Birt, Cowbridge has a new home. It may only be next door, but that change has had a massive impact.

How so? “The new building has a much more impressive frontage, it’s much larger and is far more accessible to our clients,” said David Lakin, CoDirector of the popular estate agency.

To launch the new move, the company hosted a lovely soiree which enabled guests to look around the refurbished, quite glamorous, new office space.

Ian Parson, Bethan Harris-Thomas, Stephanie Brookfield

Tommy Williams and David Lakin

Family and clients enjoyed bubbles and a selection of tasty canapes.

David gave a heartwarming speech, thanking everyone for attending and also thanking staff and everyone involved in making the new move happen.

Harris & Birt Chartered Surveyors & Estate Agents 65 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AF cowbridge@harrisbirt.co.uk

Claire and Norman Jenkins

Rachel Watkins and Jess Thomas of Hopkins Law

Thomas Hunter Jarvie (retired Solicitor and former Vale of Glamorgan Councillor)

Susan and David Olding

Andy Gardner, Mortgage Advisor and Gary Bagstaff, Print Sauce, Caerphilly

Cowbridge Office 01446 771777 Cardiff Office 029 2061 4411 Commercial & Land 01446 771777 www.harrisbirt.co.uk Harris & Birt

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Lowri Lakin, Chris Lakin, Tina Lakin

PENARTH

Anne Morgan Jewellery unveils new collections Anne Morgan Jewellery celebrated eight years of business in their Glebe Street shop and gallery in Penarth.

On Friday 20th October they welcomed customers old and new to their special evening event where they were greeted with a glass of prosecco on arrival, and an exclusive preview of new collections from Anne Morgan.

Her trademark reticulated pieces have been her signature style for years, but this new collection develops her love of textured surface and unusual gemstones, with the addition of beautiful freshwater baroque pearls.

With pearls hailing from the South Sea, Akoya and Tahiti, Anne’s designs increasingly incorporate these highquality and sustainably cultured pearls.

Anne Morgan Jewellery has earned a reputation as the go-to gallery for handmade contemporary jewellery pieces, showcasing collections from the finest designer makers in the UK and beyond. With a workshop on the premises, they offer a jewellery remodelling and commissioning service, using their expertise to create beautiful and unique future heirlooms to be treasured.

Anne Morgan Jewellery 10 Glebe St, Penarth CF64 1ED 029 2071 1036 jewellery@annemorgan.co.uk www.annemorganjewellery.com Anne Morgan Jewellery

SOCIAL LIFE COWBRIDGE

King Fox celebrates the art of JP Jones King Fox owner, Leila Thornton, has always featured the artwork of friend and customer, JP Jones in the shop. To celebrate JP’s work and say thank you to friends and customers, Leila organised an evening to showcase and celebrate his work.

The evening was a great success with several stunning pieces being sold and buyers and potential collectors getting to meet the artist. JP, originally from Cowbridge, divides his time between Wales and Australia these days and has enjoyed great success in recent years with exhibitions in London, Paris and Sydney.

His talents don’t stop at painting though. JP Jones is an acclaimed musician and has toured all over the world with the likes of Chrisse Hynde, Lucinda Williams and Guns N’ Roses.

For more information about JP, visit his website at www.jpjonesart.com King Fox Menswear 6 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AG 01446 679 085 leila@kingfox.co.uk www.kingfoxmenswear.co.uk kingfoxmenswear

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www.neilrayment.co.uk