2024 Vale Life Summer

VALE L IFE

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 2024. 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 £10 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!

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I’m writing this on a very rare sunny day in late June. It certainly won’t last I know, but we remain positive.

Actually, there’s a lot to be positive about. Probably by the time you read this, the election will be done, and we won’t have to talk about it anymore.

Our summer cover is a sizzler, featuring some super tasty Turkish cuisine. We’re very fortunate in the Vale to have two superb Turkish restaurants: Keyif in Penarth (pages 64 to 65), and Usta in Barry (pages 32 to 33). We eat at both regularly and they are superb.

Talking about sizzling, the Glenn Griffith gang are featured on pages 30 to 31 (yes, it’s BBQ time!). And talking about hot, the lovely ladies have been modelling Samantha B’s summer collection - check them out on pages 40 to 41.

Our good friend Rachel Poolton tells her story in this issue. This lady has been through it. What a hero. We have some more heroes on pages 20 to 21: Trevor and his fabulous Beach Clean Crew. We are literally clapping.

There’s a ton of travel starting on page 48 and we check out a little closer to home by visiting Rhoose and Fontygary on pages 22 to 29 Thank you to the businesses there for supporting us, we’ll be back in the autumn. Have a hot one, stay safe and join us on Facebook, Instagram and X (we still call it Twitter!), we’d love to know what you get up to this summer.

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

Our cover star! We're celebrating Summer flavours this issue. Our cover star is Turkish food, and two of our favourite Turkish restaurants in the Vale are Keyif on pages 64 to 65 and Usta on pages 32 to 33. You really must try them.

Vale Life mascot Roxy enjoying the rock pools at Fontygary.

A walk along our gorgeous coastline will remind you just how beautiful this part of the world really is.

In summer, we’re always on the coast. From Penarth to Porthcawl and just about everywhere in between. The Heritage Coast never fails to deliver.

But we’re lucky in the Vale, we have the countryside too. Hensol Forest is a favourite and just walking the lanes around Cowbridge never fails to lift our mood. That’s the great thing about walking, it’s good for the mind and keeps you fit.

A ROUND T HE VALE

HENSOL, OXFORD & ZIMBABWE

Zimasa Vodka is a winner!

Zimasa Vodka, Inspired by Zimbabwe, based in Oxfordshire and distilled in Hensol, wins prestigious award at 2024 London Spirits Competition.

Zimasa proudly took home a silver medal, considered a seal of approval in the global spirits industry. To achieve this distinction, Zimasa Vodka needed high scores in three categories: Quality, Value and Packaging.

“We are thrilled that our Zimasa Vodka performed so well,” said Zororo Mubaya, co-founder and Director “This silver medal demonstrates that we are creating the types of spirits that bar managers and mixologists want to use, and spirits that drinkers enjoy choosing and consuming.”

About Zimasa Vodka

Inspired by the intoxicating and illegal Zimbabwean drink Kachasu, Zimasa founders, originating from Zimbabwe but now based in South Oxfordshire, crafted a legal, yet still enjoyable, alternative - an undeniably smooth vodka named after Zimbabwe and Masau. This exquisite spirit, perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails, strikes a harmonious balance between sweetness and boldness.

Made in The Vale...

Crafted through a meticulous smallbatch process, the vodka undergoes six distillations for unparalleled quality. Master Distiller Dai Wakely of Hensol Castle Distillery sources clear waters from the Brecon Beacons springs, infusing each bottle with the essence of Masau fruit, encapsulating Zimbabwean heritage.

For enquiries or to experience the awardwinning Zimasa Vodka, please visit www.zimasavodka.co.uk

INDEPENDENT HABERDASHERS

Cwtch & Cushions

Owner Gillian Harris has been running Cwtch & Cushions for three years and is proud to be independent. If you have a hobby such as sewing, knitting, quilting, crocheting and the like, then Cwtch & Cushions is a treasure trove of all of the things you need and more.

The shop is full of wools, fabrics and patterns plus the popular Diamond Dots and DMC threads. There is also a range of gifts (many made by Gill herself) to delight all ages and pockets.

BEAUTY SALON - SPA EXPERIENCE

Pure Indulgence

Laura Stevens started her beauty career at Pure Indulgence and since November 2023, is the proud owner of this fabulous salon situated in the heart of Pontyclun.

Along with her highly experienced team of Claire, Paige and Lauren, they offer an extensive range of beauty treatments.

Llantwit Major

There’s a lot to love about this brilliant beach town. It’s got a ton of good stuff going for it. It has its pretty parts, especially near the church, and it has plenty of independent businesses, great eateries, good transport links and a real community spirit.

It’s rich in facilities: a couple of excellent supermarkets, a really good indie butcher, dentists, GPs and a functioning post office.

The schools and nurseries here have a decent reputation, and it has plenty of recreation facilities and sports teams. If you need legal advice, there are excellent solicitors as well.

Gill also offers a range of sewing classes on a Saturday afternoon (please check the Facebook page for more information). Vouchers are available plus a Loyalty Card scheme.

“Gill has the best selection of wool, materials, and all the other bits you need for knitting, crocheting and sewing. She is pleasant and really helpful when you can’t make up your mind as the choice is soooo good.”

Theresa Williams

What does the salon offer?

Massages, facials, waxing, tanning beds, manicures and pedicures, brow lamination, lash lifts, hot stone massage and hopi ear candles, to name but a few.

The treatment rooms on the first floor have recently been tastefully refurbished and are what you would expect from a 5 Star spa – luxurious and tranquil.

Gift Vouchers available.

It’s absolutely jam-packed with history (check out St Illtud’s Church) and a bunch of blue plaques. And, talking about blue plaques, what we love most about Llantwit Major is its sense of humour. Just check out this one...

Cwtch & Cushions

59 Commercial Street, Kenfig Hill cwtch.cushions@hotmail.com 07717 820252

Opening Hours

Wednesday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm

Saturday 9.30am - 1pm

Closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday

Pure Indulgence

30 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun 01443 227997

pureindulgence30@outlook.com

Pure Indulgence

Pure_indulgence_pontyclun

We have some great coastal towns and villages: Penarth, Sully, Barry, Rhoose and Fontygary (featured on pages 22 to 29), Llantwit Major, Ogmore and Southerndown. A little further on, Porthcawl, and each have their own special vibe. It’s what makes the Vale unique, and it’s only when you go away, you realise how brilliant this great county really is. We love it here.

A ROUND T HE VALE

PENARTH

Anne Morgan Jewellery shines at retail awards

Top retail outlets were honoured at the 3rd Welsh Independent Retail Awards 2024.

These awards celebrate the amazing achievements of independent retailers across Wales who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity, and outstanding customer service.

The last twelve months has been tough on the sector and these awards honour the businesses that have displayed exceptional resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges, showcasing their commitment to serving their communities and delivering memorable shopping experiences.

This year’s event winners were announced at an elegant ceremony held at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Cardiff on the 10th of June.

Anne Morgan Jewellery, based in Penarth, was one of the finalists in the Independent Jewellery Store of the Year category. The competition was fierce, but Anne Morgan Jewellery received the recognition and took the trophy home.

Owner Anne Morgan said, “We are thrilled to win this award, and it’s an honour to be recognised for our hard work alongside so many other small independent businesses from Penarth. We pride ourselves on our continued commitment to making and selling handcrafted jewellery and championing other small independent businesses as our stockists.”

Morgan Jewellery 10 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1ED 029 2071 1036

www.annemorganjewellery.com

Enchanted Adventures, 1&2 Kingswood Court, Ogmore Road, Ewenny, Bridgend CF35 5BP

The Italian influence on design is legendary so, if you’re looking for a comprehensive interior design solution, Di Oro Interiors should be in your address book.

DI ORO INTERIORS

Dr Esther Milardi established Di Oro Interiors Ltd in 2016. Vale Life wanted to find out more about Esther’s design philosophy and her work.

What is your background?

I moved from Italy to the UK for my postgraduate studies in Art and Comparative Literature. Following years of experience in academia and the property development sector, I established Di Oro Interiors in 2016 to cater to the growing demand for my interior design expertise.

What services do you offer?

At Di Oro Interiors, we provide comprehensive interior design solutions for both residential and commercial high-end projects. Our expertise extends to supporting property developers through show home designs and creating 3D renders for marketing purposes. From conceptualisation to the final touches of installation and styling, we accompany our clients through every phase of the renovation journey.

To ensure meticulous execution of approved designs, we offer 3D modelling and realistic visualisations, along with conceptual and detailed drawings related to all aspects of the renovation. Additionally, we provide all the production drawings and specification schedules to offer comprehensive assistance to the appointed Contractors

What do you love about what you do?

I love seeing our clients’ initial reaction during the big reveal of course, but what delights me most of all is the excitement they later share with us as they experience the profound impact that our renovations have on their lives. My passion for interior design lies in showing others the transformative power of well-designed interiors, which bring about renewed energy and a profound sense of wellbeing. When clients embrace this perspective, seeing renovations not just as changes but as catalysts for a happier life, it brings me immense joy.

What geographical areas do you cover?

We primarily cover England and Wales, but we are open to travelling further afield depending on the nature of the project.

TESTIMONIALS What clients’ say...

Esther effortlessly combined colours, textures, and patterns to create a space that was not only visually stunning but also functional and practical. Her ability to maximize the potential of our space, while still maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere, was truly impressive.

By far one of the best Interior Designers in the UK! What impressed us most was her attention to detail and commitment to a high-quality finish. Our drawing room has been transformed into a luxurious and stylish space that we are proud of. We highly recommend Esther and her team to anyone looking to elevate their home’s interior.

Understandably, places are limited in St Clare’s School and Nursery for September 2024. Contact Admissions by email or call 01656 789966 to book your personal tour. Alternatively, visit their website to find out about upcoming open events. We’ve visited St Clare’s School in Porthcawl several

ST C LARE’S SCHOOL & NURSERY

At St Clare’s School, pupil wellbeing is at the core of everything they do. Their motto ‘Achievement Challenge Excellence’ reflects their commitment to foster a nurturing environment for pupils to reach their full potential.

A St Clare’s spokesperson said, “We are by your child’s side every step of the way, from Nursery to Sixth Form. Our all-through school offers seamless transition from one key stage to the next, with a consistency of teaching approach, shared use of facilities, familiarity of staff, common values and aims.”

Deliberately smaller classes provide individualised attention. St Clare’s offer an outstanding holistic education filled with rich and varied experiences that focus on social, emotional, physical, and cognitive learning.

There’s the added reassurance of being part of Cognita’s global schools’ group, 100+ schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia.

St Clare’s is proud to be a Daynurseries UK Top 20 Nursery (Wales) for four years running. Whilst their Sixth Form is ranked in the top 5% of topperforming A-Level schools in the UK.

St Clare’s School & Nursery Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5AS 01656 789966

info@stclares-school.co.uk

www.stclares-school.co.uk stclares.school

ACHIEVEMENT CHALLENGE EXCELLENCE

At St Clare’s, pupil wellbeing is at the core of everything we do. Our motto ‘Achievement Challenge Excellence’ reflects our commitment to foster a nurturing environment for pupils to reach their full potential.

Take a fresh look at St Clare's, a happy and high-achieving independent all-through school in Porthcawl and discover an unrivalled educational experience from Nursery to Sixth Form, combining academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care and a wide-ranging extra-curricular programme. There’s the added reassurance of being part of the Cognita global schools’ group, 100+ schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia.

Outstanding academic provision. Nurturing environment and a holistic education. Staff know all pupils by name, their interests and passions and enthuse and direct pupils to achive their potential and beyond.

Parent Survey, Febuary 2024

Nursery * Infants * Juniors * Seniors * Sixth Form

Limited places for a September 2024 start

In the rhythm of the gardening year, summer is hailed as the season when all the hard work finally blossoms into vibrant colours and lush greenery. But what if, for whatever reason (cough), you didn’t put the hours in earlier?

C ROSS FARM NURSERY GUILT FREE GARDENING

Fear not, because nestled within the serene landscape of Pentre Meyrick, just outside Cowbridge, lies a haven of botanical brilliance - Cross Farm Nursery, “the gardener’s garden centre” (and for people who really don’t want to work that hard at it, like me).

You might have started the year brimming with gardening aspirations. Yet, as spring unfolded, those plans wilted away. But worry no more, for the Cross Farm Nursery team has all you need to transform your lacklustre, dreary garden into a spectacle worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show.

Enter the realm of hanging baskets, tubs, and window boxes - the secret ingredients to a vibrant and picturesque abode. And at Cross Farm Nursery, the options abound, whether you prefer the ease of ready-made arrangements or the creative adventure of assembling your own, you find everything you need.

“At

Cross Farm Nursery, gardening isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion shared by a friendly team dedicated to providing the best advice and products.”

Owner Charlotte with Mark

What customers say

“Friendly staff who know what they are talking about, gave wonderful advice and helped me out, the plants are stunning, also reasonably priced.”

Shan Francis

“Charlotte was very helpful and went over and above to source the perfect flowers for us to give to customers for Christmas. Thanks so much for your help! Highly recommended.”

Primrose Ironing Services

“We bought a beautiful selection of plants yesterday and received an informed service. Thank you.”

Helen Ellis

“The ones I bought from you a few weeks ago are just stunning I’ll be back this week for more x.”

Sarah Adlam

“Bought quite a few for my garden they’re fab. So colourful and flower for ages.”

Monica Dennis

Charlotte England, the proud proprietor of Cross Farm Nursery, beams with admiration as she talks about her mum’s skilled hands, which fashion the majority of the captivating creations on display. Each hanging basket or pot bursts with a riot of colours meticulously curated to charm any passerby. And the best part? These botanical marvels start from as little as £20, a small investment for a grand transformation. You can even claim you created them yourself. Your secret will be safe.

“This gardener’s paradise has everything you need.”

While opting for ready-made creations is tempting, the nursery also encourages the DIY route, providing everything from baskets and liners to compost, flowers, and feed. Charlotte and her knowledgeable team are on hand to offer guidance and advice, ensuring even the most novice gardener can cultivate a masterpiece. And the joy doesn’t end with hanging baskets. Whether it’s tubs, pots, or window boxes, the principles remain the same – water, feed, and watch your creation flourish. Plus, with the added benefit of reusability, you’ll be nurturing your garden and the environment simultaneously.

At Cross Farm Nursery, gardening isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion shared by a friendly team dedicated to providing the best advice and products. From decorative bark to statement plants, seedlings to trees, this gardener’s paradise has everything you need to bring your outdoor space to life.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just dipping your toes into the world of horticulture, Cross Farm Nursery invites you to embrace the beauty of nature and let your garden bloom with vitality and charm.

Cross Farm Nursery sells:

n Bark (and decorative bark)

n Climbers and vines

n Composts (peat free too!)

n Feed selection

n Garden ornaments

n Hanging baskets

n Hedging

n Local honey (and eggs)

n Ornamental/statement plants

n Plant and lawn care

n Pots, tubs and window boxes

n Rock and stone

n Seed (flowers and vegetables)

n Shrubs and roses

n Succulents, Alpine and bedding

n Tools

n Trees (especially fruit trees)

n Young and starter plants

Cross Farm Nursery

Do you, or someone you know, need support for personal independence, health and well-being? Telecare could be the solution.

T ELECARE

VALE OF GLAMORGAN

Telecare is a range of services and devices which use technology to enable people to live with greater independence and safety in their own homes. Telecare may be the only service an individual receives or may complement other services as part of a care package.

Telecare devices may be linked to the 24 hour a day, 365 days a year monitoring centre at Contact OneVale (CIV) in Barry, where trained operators are quickly alerted to an accident or emergency and take appropriate action – whether by contacting our falls response service, contacting emergency services, contacting a nominated carer or relative (a “key responder”), or simply by providing assistance and reassurance.

Alternatively, bespoke Telecare services may be directly linked to an on-site personal carer via a pager, or may be ‘standalone’ (e.g., an automatic reminder to take medication).

Benefits of Telecare

n A friendly and dignified service

n Simple to use equipment

n Provides peace of mind for the individual and their relatives/friends, and eases the pressure of family or carer commitment and time

n Reduces the level of support required to remain living at home

n Provides a range of packages to suit individual needs and circumstances

n Where appropriate, ensures that help is available at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with instant access for falls response or emergency services personnel (where a key safe is fitted, or a keyholder is available)

n Where appropriate, reports incidents to ensure a comprehensive health and social care service is provided (e.g., to the client’s GP).

“Telecare is available to any member of the community, of any age.”

Who can benefit from Telecare?

Telecare is available to any member of the community, of any age, who would like to feel safer or more secure in their own home. This may include:

n Individuals with disabilities

n Individuals living with serious or chronic illnesses

n Individuals leaving hospital following major or minor surgery or illness

n Individuals who feel vulnerable or insecure

n Individuals at risk of domestic violence.

Telecare in the Vale

There are four packages for Telecare in the Vale of Glamorgan. These are as follows:

Telecare Essential

The Essential package gives you and the people around you peace of mind with the benefit of fall response 24/7/365.

n Digital base unit

n Digital pendant

n Additional pendant on request

n Wrist strap

n Lanyard

n 24/7 monitoring

n No fixed contract

n No equipment fee (*T&Cs apply)

n Fall response.

Telecare Bronze

The Bronze package gives you and the people around you peace of mind with the benefit of fall response 24/7/365. With the addition of two additional sensors for added peace of mind.

n Digital base unit

n Digital pendant

n Additional pendant on request

n Wrist strap

n Lanyard

n 24/7 monitoring

n No fixed contract

n No equipment fee (*T&Cs apply)

n Fall response

n A choice of two additional sensors from a selection.

Telecare Silver

The silver package gives you and the people around you peace of mind with the benefit of fall response 24/7/365. But now includes the option of a mobile tracking device or additional sensors for greater safety.

n Digital base unit

n Digital pendant

n Additional pendant on request

n Wrist strap

n Lanyard

n 24/7 monitoring

n No fixed contract

n No equipment fee (*T&Cs apply)

n Fall Response

n A choice of four additional sensors from a selection or two sensors from a selection and a mobile alarm device.

Telecare Gold

The Gold package gives you and the people around you peace of mind with the benefit of fall response 24/7/365. As well as extensive safety and health options that provide the fullest cover for peace of mind and security in the home.

n Digital base unit

n Digital pendant

n Additional pendant on request

n Wrist strap

n Lanyard

n 24/7 monitoring

n No fixed contract

n No equipment fee (*T&Cs apply)

n Fall Response

n Additional sensors from a selection that meet individual need (no limit on number).

Are there VAT exemptions?

If the person using the equipment/ service has any long-term medical conditions or any disability they pay zero VAT for the service.

Want to know more?

For more information about Telecare services, or to request an Information and Application Pack, call Contact OneVale (C1V) on 01446 700111.

More specialised information requests are referred on by C1V to the Vale Council’s Telecare Support Officer, who is also able to visit individuals in their homes to discuss the best Telecare solution for them.

If you require this leaflet in an alternative language or format, please contact the Innovation and Information Team on Telecare@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Telecare Terms & Conditions*

No equipment fee for Monthly Lease Plan. Pending equipment is returned to us, we’ll stop your charges and refund any monies owing.

If you have an Assessment by health and social care professionals, you may be able to access the GOLD service by meeting critical or substantial eligibility criteria. Depending on circumstances clients may have to contribute towards the cost of the service.

For more information about Telecare and the different packages please contact the Telecare Team on Telecare@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Sometimes in life, there are times when we feel sorry for ourselves. If ever you wanted to read about how someone can turn their life around, then do we have a story for you. This lady, Rachel Poolton, is inspiring.

I NCH G O

LET’S GIVE YOU BACK TO YOU!

When Kirsti Corcoran, as she was known then, lost her son Connor to stillbirth, this was tragedy enough but then, not long after, she also lost baby daughter Tace after a failed bid to find a donor heart. Kirsti thought she might never get over the grief.

Kirsti then split up from her abusive partner (the father of the two children) and was left to deal with the grief alone. Years of counselling followed but as anyone who has lost a child or a loved one will tell you, you never get over it, you just learn to live with it as best you can. She had to leave her beloved Wales to escape the abuse.

Better times followed when she met the father of her two children Carys (18) and Jay (14) and they moved back to her hometown, Cardiff, Wales. But the grief over the loss never really went away and eventually took a dramatic toll on Kirsti who went on to be diagnosed with a brain condition called benign intra-cranial hypertension, which led to her having major surgery.

Because of her condition, Kirsti suffers some quite debilitating symptoms such as short-term memory loss, headaches and balance issues.

After such a tragic period, anyone else would be forgiven for just hiding away from the world but that wasn’t the life Kirsti wanted for her or her children. Ever since she was a little girl, she was always making people laugh, putting on little performances. She didn’t crave attention; she just wanted to make people happy.

That was back around the turn of the millennium. Fast forward to 2016, Kirsti, who had changed her name to Rachel because of the abusive ex, began a new venture in the beauty industry. She had spent years studying to get the appropriate qualifications and researched online to find the exact business model she wanted to follow. Inch Go Body Contouring was born. Rachel began treating her family and friends to gain confidence and treated her first paying client in January 2017. From that point, the business began to take off.

We caught up Rachel at her clinic to find out more about the treatments she offers and find out how she is doing now physically and emotionally.

How are you Rachel? How is life?

I’m really good actually. Yes, there are things I have to manage health-wise, but I am a tough cookie. I’m determined to make a success of life and my business.

What treatments do you offer?

So many to mention. Best go to my website to see the whole menu but there are a core few: anti-wrinkle treatments, body contouring, cavitation ultrasound liposuction, fillers, Lemon Bottle treatments, Lipo Lab fat dissolving, Lumi Eyes, Mummy Makeovers, Prophilo Skin Boosting, Radio Frequency Tightening and Microneedling, RF Face Sculpt, Underarm Hyperhidrosis, Jalupro, Vitamin shots and more. Actually, that’s not a few, that’s quite a lot, but you get the picture.

We’d better talk about your credentials. What qualifications do you have to perform these treatments? Qualifications are vitally important to me, and clients! No one wants someone who’s winging it treating them. You have to be careful these days. A world where an unqualified person can inject into a face – that worries me!

I’ve spent years learning and honing my skills and am proud to say that I hold the following qualifications: Intense Pulsed Light Core of Knowledge, Levels 3 and 7, Level 3 and Level 7 Beauty Therapy. Anatomy and Physiology, Level 3 HIFU Vaginal Rejuvenation, Beauty Liposuction Business in the UK for 2019 Health, Wellbeing and Beauty business in Wales 2018. General Practice Nurse, Botox and Advanced Botox, Dermal Fillers and Advanced Dermal Fillers. I haven’t stopped improving my qualifications and will continue to enhance my knowledge in the industry. This industry is exciting because there are always new developments and medical and technological breakthroughs. Some are gimmicks but many are quite amazing and can really change clients’ lives for the better.

What is your most popular treatment? That would have to be the cavitation ultrasound liposuction. Now that the summer holidays are here, ladies want to feel comfortable in their skin and feel confident in a swimsuit. I have clients who are going through the menopause and have put on a bit of a belly or perhaps after having children have a bit of a tummy overhang. I think many of us turned to the biscuit tin to cope during Covid and put on a few pounds. Think upper back bits, love handles and squidgy inner thighs. I can help with all of those issues and get great results.

What are the objections you hear from women interested in having treatments (or tweakments as you like to call them?)

I think women are afraid of surgery because of the complications of going under anaesthesia and the knife, and they’re right to be concerned. The scalpel is something you should be very wary of. It’s risky! What I offer are non-surgical treatments with next to no down time, and yes, while their face and bodies have changed for the better, they don’t look too “done” which can be the case with surgery. We’ve all seen them, it’s not a great look, and there’s no coming back.

What is the average age of the women you see?

I generally see women thirty-five and over for anti-aging and body contouring and pelvic tightening treatments. Having said that, I also see younger brides who want to lose little wobbly bits to look their best in their wedding dresses –totally get that. It’s their big day.

How quickly do your ladies see results?

90% see a difference on the first day of treatment. It depends on what needs to be done obviously. But once they’ve achieved their desired result, I then offer top ups to keep them looking their best. Little and reasonably often is a good strategy.

You are award-winning. I know you don’t like to boast but go on tell us what you’ve won.

I must be doing something right to receive all of the awards that I have! Here goes. Can we bullet these? Lol, it’ll look more impressive.

n Health and Beauty Clinic of the Year 2023

n Medical Aesthetics Clinic of the Year 2023

n Weight Loss Service Provider of the Year 2023

n Best of Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2023

n Businesswoman of the Year 2023

n Inch Go Lipo and Aesthetics Highly Commended Aesthetics Clinic of the Year 2023 (One to watch).

How do your disabilities affect your work?

I have no issues doing the treatments. I have put measures in place so that I don’t forget appointments. If I should fall over, which is rare, my short-term memory is poor so I don’t remember it anyway!

Clients can also buy your machines on your website. Tell us more... Some clients don’t want to, or have the time to, visit me in clinic so I’ve made it my mission to source at home Body Contouring, Shape Changing, Skin Tightening and Fat Reducing devices to boost your fitness, diet and exercise regime without the need for expensive surgery or clinic fees.

My range includes fitness clothing to fitness equipment and non-surgical, at home devices to reduce you BMI and body fat % in the comfort of your own home. These are an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle.

So, this could include people who also might want to set up in the industry as well?

Absolutely. It could also include individuals wanting to set up their own clinic eventually, yes! I’ve personally hand-picked the best products available which perform brilliantly but which won’t cost the absolute earth.

Don’t you worry about people setting up in competition with you then?

No, not in the slightest. This is a trillionpounds industry. There’s plenty of work to go around. I can advise on the equipment and offer training as needed. I’d like to help as many people as possible across the country set up to offer the treatments that change people’s lives. The more people offering these treatments, the more affordable they’ll become.

You mentioned you offer a mobile service?

Yes at a small extra charge to cover travel expenses. Completely get that some people have mobility or transport issues.

Where can people find you?

I am based at my home in Llandaff North and I’m also in Whitchurch on a Wednesday and I have just secured a new room at the stunning Station House Health and Wellbeing Centre in St Nicholas and will be there every Thursday.

Why do you think clients come to you when there is so much choice around?

My clients tell me I’m relatable. I’m not a skinny minnie. I am a curvy girl with the same wobbly bits and stretch marks as everyone else. They get me, and vice versa. Some ladies like to be quiet, in their own space while they have their treatments and others like to offload, and that can change with each visit. I can relate to that. With what I’ve been through, I can empathise. Sometimes there are tears but most times we have a good laugh. They leave seeing results and that makes my day!

TESTIMONIALS

What clients’ say...

Having suffered a stroke in my right frontal lobe two years ago, it has left me with paralysis on my left side. I have always wanted to have my normal smile back. After fifteen minutes, the results were amazing. The left side of my face lifted; my smile was significantly improved. My husband and 21 and 18-year-olds could see the difference.

Rachel made me feel really at ease and really got my “fat” hang ups. The treatment was fantastic. Soooo impressed with the results on my very stubborn stomach and rib fat. Highly recommend. It works!

Inch Go Contouring

Llandaff North Clinic

98 Western Avenue North Llandaff North Cardiff CF14 2SB

Whitchurch Clinic (all day Wednesdays)

The Health and Wellness Hub

172 Merthyr Road

Whitchurch CF14 1DL

The Vale Clinic (all day Thursdays) Station House Health and Wellbeing The Old Police Station St Nicholas Cardiff CF5 6SH

07746 810965

info@inchgolipo.com

www.inchgolipo.com

Depending on who you talk to, it is estimated that 75 to 200 million tons of plastic are currently in our oceans. Some people estimate it to be much more than that.

L IFE’S A BEACH

The fact of the matter is quite a lot of it is ending up on the Vale’s beaches and foreshores. We meet lots of people publishing Vale Life. Some are truly stand out characters, like 43-year-old Trevor Lee McGarrigle. Six years ago, Trevor set up the Volunteer Beach Clean Group in the Vale because he’s passionate about marine life, the planet and the Vale’s coastline.

Trevor currently lives in Pontycymmer near Bridgend but lived in Rhoose for twenty years. “My parents and friends are all from Rhoose!” he says.

I bumped into Trevor at Gileston a few years back while the group were doing their magic. They were having a lot of fun doing it and no matter how much I pressed him, I couldn’t tease out any ego. There was no virtue signalling, no “look at me, look what I’m doing”, it was just straight up concern for our beautiful county’s coastline, and I really admired that. I like Trevor, he’s a true a local hero, just like the group of volunteers he works with.

How long has the group been established? When was it set up?

I started Volunteer Beach Clean Group in February 2018, I set up the Facebook group by myself after watching Sir Attenborough Blue Planet II, a BBC documentary. I’m passionate about marine wildlife and keeping wildlife safe from plastic pollution.

How many members are in the group? Are they all local to the Vale?

The majority of my 1,380 Facebook volunteers are local volunteers from the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend areas, there is no age limit , the focus of our group is to keep marine wildlife safer and collect as much plastic as we can to protect our coastline animals, I do children’s competitions so our next generation can get interested in saving coastline wildlife and have fun at the same time while learning the importance of litter picking.

Can anyone join? Are there any age limitations?

Not really. Anyone can join in. Obviously, children need parental permission to be there. Children under fourteen have to be accompanied.

What items do you typically find when you are beach cleaning?

Mainly plastic waste; single use items like straws, chocolate and sweet wrappers, plastic bottles, tyres, microplastic nurdles, oil/chemical plastic drums and needles.

What’s the biggest item you’ve found?

It was several plastic piping coils that fell off a cargo ship in Ireland - they drifted over and landed on our local beaches.

What’s the most unusual item you have found?

The most unusual thing I find is plastic - it shouldn’t be there! The worst item I’ve found is needles which flow down from rivers.

Is it hazardous or dangerous doing what the group does?

Beach Cleaning is not dangerous for my volunteers as we use litter pickers to pick up any glass or needles any needles are put into a sharps box then taken to a chemist where they are disposed correctly.

What tools or specialist equipment do you use?

We don’t need much. Just litter pickers, gloves, sharps boxes, reusable carry bags and a first aid box if needed. It never gets used thankfully.

Are you making a difference?

We are making a real difference to how clean our local coastline is. With our volunteers help, it’s much cleaner and safer for wildlife and beach users. The group will always be needed unfortunately while we continue to use plastic and dispose of it badly.

What would make the group unnecessary? I.e. what needs to happen in the world to put you guys out of a job?

If people and companies started treating the planet with a bit more respect, we could all go home.

Do you have sponsors?

We do. I have sponsors who supply me with equipment every two years which we’re very grateful for. I get lots of children’s prizes from Tesco, Co-op and Keens, I’m grateful to all my sponsors without them would be harder to keep the beach clean group going.

It’s been six years now and we are gaining more members and getting stronger. Our current sponsors are SAS International, Bridgend, Fonmon Castle near the Cardiff Airport, Co-op, Tesco and Keens Tackle in Aberkenfig. But we welcome any more help that businesses, companies and individuals are prepared to offer. As they say, every little helps.

What does the group need? How can readers help?

I always need new equipment like litter pickers and gloves as they don’t always last long. I fund the beach clean mainly by myself and my partner.

Readers can help by volunteering at our beach cleans and share any Facebook page ads and posts for the beach cleans so others can get involved. My details are below if your readers want to know more.

We spend a lot of time along our coast as you’ll notice if you follow our Facebook page. Occasionally, we take a carrier bag and pick a bit of litter and plastic (sometimes in the lanes too). If we all did just a little, we’d help protect our beautiful county for generations to come.

There are many people in the Vale picking up litter, planting trees, tidying up and improving their area. I see them all over the Vale. They receive no thanks for it, nor seek it, they’re just good people doing good things. They are heroes, even if they don’t wear capes.

Volunteer Beach Clean

Trevor McGarrigle

07716 487769

tmgsas525@outlook.com

Volunteer Beach Clean

Trevor McGarrigle

HOOSE

& FONTYGARY

I can’t lie, I’m slightly biased. I grew up in Barry but for the last thirty years, Rhoose has been our home. When Mark and I first rented in Fonmon back in 1994, we weren’t planning to stay; merely a base from which to have a good look around south Wales and find somewhere we liked. Rhoose seems to offer the best of both worlds, a relaxed coast and country lifestyle but with reasonably quick access to Cardiff.

One day we were walking past an estate agent in the village (no longer there), and we noticed a property we’d quite like to view. As it happens, they sent us the wrong details, so we thought we’d take a look anyway - and, when we did, we fell in love with our little farmhouse cottage. We’ve been here ever since and don’t regret a day.

Since then, Rhoose has changed considerably. It’s grown in size with the addition of the Rhoose Point development and the estate north of the railway track. It’s also acquired a station – a most welcome addition which meant that you didn’t need to commute by car to Barry or Cardiff.

Along the way we lost an airport. Originally Rhoose Airport, it was stolen by our capital city, and they still refuse to give it back. I jest. It was also acquired by the Welsh government. Has that been a success? The jury is out. One thing I can tell you is, it’s lovely being just five minutes from an airport when you need to get away or when you return. While it’s super convenient for us, it’s geography seems to work against it a little. We really do hope it endures.

So, what is life actually like in Rhoose you might ask? Honestly, it’s really rather good. Touch wood, crime isn’t a great issue. The local Facebook group Rhoose Social does an excellent job of letting residents know if there’s trouble afoot – it’s quite a sleepy village – we like that. There are also only limited ways in and out so monitoring the toing and fro-ing is quite easy – someone will usually catch any monkey business on their CCTV.

Rhoose has pretty much everything you need: several good indie shops (there’s were our saviour in lockdown), great schools (our lad went to Rhoose Primary), community centres, a couple of GP surgeries, an excellent dentist, pharmacy, a good butcher, two barbers, a library, a couple of excellent hair salons. We have an estate agent

(Chris Davies, owned by Andrew, who is very supportive of the community). Rhoose has its own boxing club which is next to the social club (a lovely grand building – we love that it flies the flags).

We lost our Post Office for a few years but it’s back now under the excellent stewardship of Cerian and Joel with the Village Stores attached. Every village needs a Post Office, and they are a lovely couple with great aspirations to develop services which help the community. Read all about them on page 29.

Established back in 1999, Deano’s has always been the go-to barber shop in Rhoose.

DEANO’S BARBER SHOP

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!

Deano’s is a truly traditional, professional barber shop in the heart of Rhoose Village. It’s owned and managed by Dean with his accomplice Mike. Both are excellent barbers with almost thirty years combined experience in the trade.

Our lad Jack is among their customers and loves it. As a family, we have all had our hair cut there over the years. Jack was born the same year Deano’s opened!

Dean and Mike welcome people of all ages “in a calm and relaxed manner we will cater for all your needs and styles!” And they do. There’s a great community vibe about Deano’s and every visit is an experience. It can be calm and relaxed, or full of banterwhatever your mood. We always leave feeling good.

The interior is very cool, with a huge world map, quirky touches, big screen and lots of music, car and F1 memorabilia.

You can book online on their very cool and easy-to-use app, and all bookings can be rescheduled or cancelled up to six hours prior to your booking.

If you require wheelchair access, just let the boys know. They have portable ramps within the shop.

If you break down in Rhoose you’re in good hands. Vale Garage Services has been a lifesaver on many occasions. It’s owned by Jason and Amanda and, unsurprisingly, they are always busy. Most evenings we drive by, and the lights are still on well after 9pm. The whole team work exceptionally hard – respect.

If you have a dog, Rhoose has great spaces to walk, and we have an amazing dog groomer called Posh Pawz owned by Katherine. We take our Jack Russell Roxy there once a month for regular pampering.

We have a beautiful little park – Milburn Park. I used to take our lad there when he was little - great memories. It’s home several times a year to some fab events: Rhoose Music festival and Rhoose Food Festival. Both are excellent and always very well attended by locals and visitors.

CF62 3DR

Based

in Rhoose, Cosslett Painting & Decorating Services, led by Andrew Cosslett, brings

a blend of craft and creativity to home transformation.

COSSLETT PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICE

With his mastery of modern techniques, from HVLP sprayers and wallpapering to epoxy resin worktops and a dustless system, Cosslett is your go-to choice for elevating your living spaces.

Trust Andrew and his team with your next project and experience the magic of professional decorating.

Mastering Modern Techniques

Andrew and his team at Cosslett Painting & Decorating Services blend traditional skills with cutting-edge technology to deliver stunning results. Their expertise covers a range of techniques tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.

HVLP sprayer/airless sprayer

Using High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) and airless sprayers, Cosslett ensures a flawless finish on both interior and exterior surfaces. These advanced tools provide smooth, even coats with minimal overspray, perfect for any project size.

Wallpapering

Wallpaper is back in vogue, and Cosslett are at the forefront of this trend. Their wallpapering services add texture and personality to any room, from bold prints to classic patterns.

Spray plaster

Spray plastering provides a seamless, smooth finish, and it’s quicker to execute Andrew believes. “Our expertise in this technique ensures a pristine canvas for painting or wallpapering,” he says.

Interior and exterior painting

Whether refreshing a living room or giving a home’s exterior a new look, Cosslett’s skilled painters use topquality materials and techniques to deliver stunning results.

Kitchen painting

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and Cosslett specialises in kitchen transformations. They use durable, high-quality paints that withstand daily use while looking fantastic.

Epoxy resin worktop

For a modern touch in the kitchen, Cosslett offers epoxy resin worktops. These surfaces are visually striking, durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain, adding contemporary flair to any kitchen.

A cleaner, safer process

One of the standout features of Cosslett Painting & Decorating Services is their commitment to a clean, safe working environment. Their dustless system captures dust at the source, keeping your home clean and the air free from harmful particles - a game-changer for health-conscious homeowners.

Need a quote? Call Andrew today!

Cosslett Painting & Decorating Services

Talking about children, I think Rhoose is a very child friendly village. It has so much to offer: plenty of recreation facilities, parks, Rhoose Point is a great place for the young explorers and the coastline between Rhoose Point and Fontygary is stunning. The airport is a magnet for kids. Our son loved watching the planes taking off and landing from the park at the top of Rhoose Road.

Just down the road is the Fontygary Leisure Park. The owners have invested heavily and it’s a quality operation. It has both static vans and touring on site and visitors come from right across the UK.

If you’re looking for a takeaway or somewhere to eat, then Rhoose has several excellent pubs, and a new café has recently opened. On the Fontygary Leisure Park they also have a café and

restaurant which serves excellent food – we can certainly vouch for it. There’s a Chinese takeaway and an Indian – both are very good (we think The Raj Kinara is one of the best Indian restaurants in the Vale). For fish and chips, Farnham’s is our go-to. And it is excellent. We are regular customers (the cod bites are amazing).

I mentioned the train station earlier. That has been a great benefit. We do have regular buses, but I think we’d like them to run more often. I think people would be more inclined to use public transport more if they really could rely on it.

So that’s Rhoose in a nutshell. There’s a lot to like about this lovely Vale village. We can see why it’s becoming so popular with young families. It’s a good life in Rhoose and Fontygary; very good indeed.

Rhoose CF62

The Vale of Glamorgan

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.

POSH PAWZ SALON & SPA

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

As Posh Pawz move into their thirteenth year, part of their future plan is to become environmentally friendly where possible.

They are very excited to have launched a top of the range hydrobath which uses less water, less shampoo and less energy.

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

Posh Pawz would like to introduce their new team member Emily to the fold. Emily has passed her OCN grooming qualifications and is now looking forward to her new adventures at Posh Pawz.

www.poshpawzsalonandspa.co.uk

poshpawzsalonandsparhoose

Farnham’s at Fontygary

Located next to Fontygary Leisure Park, Farnham’s offers traditional British takeaway food with their main staple being fish and chips.

Are we fans? Absolutely. This excellent chippy is spotless and boasts a superb range of all your classic favourites: cod and chips of course, haddock and chips (one of our favourites), cod bites (OMG, they are divine), as well as pies, sausages, scampi, chicken and an excellent range of curries. The gravy is pretty tasty too. A good selection of soft drinks complements the food. There is more info on their excellent Facebook page together with their opening times.

Staff are amazing - super friendly and helpful and the prices are reasonable. There’s a lovely grassy area beyond the parking area where, when the sun is out, we love to sit and devour their fayre.

If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements, please let the staff know. They’re very accommodating.

If you live in Rhoose and you’re looking for a small shop with a big heart, the much-loved Rhoose Mini Mart is up there with the best.

PREMIER

RHOOSE MINI MART

Farnham’s at Fontygary Fontygary, Rhoose CF62 3ZT 01446 710708

There’s an old Chinese proverb: “A man without a smiling face must not open a shop”. This certainly doesn’t apply to Rooban, owner of this particular establishment. Rooban is a breath of fresh air - he is always jolly and, quite honestly, brightens my day when I see him.

This family-owned shop is essentially a mini supermarket with just about everything you need. If you live in walking distance, it’s perfect - and if you need to drive, there’s usually a parking space outside.

Premier has all the staples in the chiller: milk, eggs, bacon, cheese, butter, cold meats etc. And the rest of the shop is equally well stocked with tinned foods, cereals, snacks and drinks. It’s also an off-licence and carries a good selection of wines (red, white and rosé), plus beers, lagers and spirits.

There’s a great selection of confectionery too. Most of the wellknown brands are on display plus bagged sweets and the freezer holds a good range of chilled lollies and ices, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer’s day.

Cash, as well as card, is accepted here. Thankfully. It’s always worth popping in as they frequently have some excellent special offers. So, if you’re looking for a bargain, Rooban and his excellent team will certainly look after you, and always with a big smile.

Premier: Rhoose Mini Mart 13 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DR 01446 711322

You’ll find Farnham’s on Facebook, both Fontygary and Boverton

Andrew Fenton, owner of Chris Davies Estate Agents in Rhoose has a wealth of knowledge in the industry and of Rhoose, Fontygary, Porthkerry and Fonmon.

CHRIS DAVIES ESTATE AGENTS

AT THE HEART OF RHOOSE VILLAGE

Andrew is the proud owner of Chris Davies estate and letting agents who have no less than three offices in the Vale and, along with his team, is extremely proud to be serving our gorgeous county.

What areas of the Vale do you cover?

We have 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.

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, 2023 and 2024), 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). Finally, we have been awarded a Silver Winner for ’Estate Agent in Wales’ by the British Property Awards 2023. That is such a huge accolade, and we couldn’t be more proud.

How important to you is the lettings side of the business?

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 and 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. We would rather negotiate in person and this will undoubtedly achieve a better price for the seller!

How many staff do you have across all your agencies?

Currently we have a team of eleven plus a general maintenance handy man too - and we all live in the Vale! And, we have an office dog (Mia) who is very well known in our Barry office!

Any exciting news to share?

We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced lettings manager to join our team - check our website at chris-davies. co.uk. for details of how to apply.

“Repeat business and local reputation is key to our success.”

Chris Davies Estate Agents

24 High Street, Barry CF62 7EA 01446 700007

29 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DS (Head Office) 01446 711900

Heritage House, East Street, Llantwit Major CF61 1XY 01446 792020

Lettings 01446 711900

www.chris-davies.co.uk

chrisdaviesestateagents

cdea1989

Cerian and Joel Preece took over The Village Stores in Rhoose in early December 2022 and haven’t looked back.

R HOOSE VILLAGE STORES & POST OFFICE

This family-run business is many things to locals: a greengrocer, a fruiterer, a stationer, and, possibly it’s most important role, a Post Office. It’s also a mini garden centre, especially this time of year, with gorgeous displays adorning the frontage. They certainly do lift the spirits.

Joel says, “We have a great selection - lots of seasonal plants. And they are reasonably priced and in excellent condition.” It’s probably a little early but as winter approaches, you can purchase Christmas trees and wreaths here too.

The store itself has a wide variety of provisions for sale: great quality fruit and veg (and they are very good), bread from artisan bakers and handmade pastas and spices. The old-fashioned sweet jars are popular with the children (and those of us old enough to remember our favourites). “Our children Mia and Ayla love this part of the business and, unsurprisingly, are very keen to help out!

We love their veg boxes. They make £15, £25 and bespoke veg, salad and fruit boxes for collection and also offer delivery service. “We try to be the kind of village shop that we want to shop in if that makes sense,” says Cerian. This reminds me of my youth delivering veg for my grandmother’s shop in Mountain Ash. Great memories.

The Village Stores is also conscious of supporting other local businesses. “We stock locally made products such as candles, wax melts and homemade bags,” she adds. “We’re very proud of our community and the various makers – we do as much as we can to encourage them.”

Cerian, now Postmistress, officially took over and got it opening full-time back in April this year, much to the delight of the locals. “We’ve lived in Rhoose for over ten years. We love Rhoose and it makes us so happy and proud to be part of this great community.”

Rhoose Village Stores & Post Office 55a Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DT 07947 979403

Opening times Main shop

Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday 8am till 2pm Post office

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 12 noon

Follow on Facebook

Rhoose Village Stores & Post Office

Summer has arrived and that can only mean one thing. It’s barbeque time! And, you know what they say... The better the meat, the better the barbeque.

IT’S BBQ T IME! AT GLENN GRIFFITH QUALITY BUTCHERS

Just scanning the chiller cabinets, their display trays are superb. They say you eat with your eyes and that’s certainly true here. It’s a feast for the eyes! Glenn says, “John has been busy creating new recipes: kebabs, burgers, marinated cuts that will make your mouth water.”

They really do look scrummy. We’ve tried a few and their seasoned burgers, sausages and chops are unbelievably good. “The great thing about a lot of these products is they are really easy to cook - either on the barbeque or in the oven,” Glenn adds. “And, with quite a lot of them, you can freeze them until you’re ready. We get quite few clients ordering a summer pack that they can just defrost and throw on the barbeque when they know the weather is going to be right.”

Glenn Griffith is a family butcher with literally decades in the trade. High quality meat and craft butchery are the cornerstone of the Dinas Powys business. Pork, beef, lamb, chicken - their fridges are always heavily stocked. Glenn’s dad, Mark, says, “We’ll be flat out this summer because we have great customers and a loyal following. We also do a lot of events catering this time of year as well, so we really work hard to ensure all our customers are happy and get the best produce possible.”

Their year-old deli has quite a following too. All the usual products are available: olives, pasta, breads, tinned preserves etc. But what’s really taken off is their home-made produce: pies, sausage, rolls, cakes and nibbles. The quality is superb and their Friday baguette specials are particularly popular. The beef and gravy baguette is legendaryeven in summer! Hot drinks and cold are available. Their coffee is particularly good (I’ve drunk enough of it to know).

I ask Glenn will they be taking Christmas orders soon. “We already have!” is the reply. No surprise. “There will be issues with supply for some products this year because of the incredibly wet winter and spring. Everything has been affected so it’s best to get orders in to guarantee supply,” he adds.

With that in mind, and such a superb selection of barbeque staples available, there’s never been a better opportunity to try this great butcher if you’re not already a customer. But, as I say, it’s not just meat here. If you haven’t already, you really must try the deli. We’re definitely fans.

“Kebabs, burgers, marinated cuts that will make your mouth water.”

If you love Turkish food as much as we do, you’ll be excited to hear that Usta, in Barry, have added five new dishes to their menu.

USTA

NEW TURKISH CUISINE

We caught up with the owners at lunch time to try some of the new dishes and our verdict is that they’re excellent. I must admit we’re quite conservative in our tastes and can be guilty of not trying new things. This tasting proved just how wrong it is to think that way. So what’s new on the menu?

Icli Kofte

For the lamb fans among us, this super tasty starter dish of cous cous, ground lamb with finely chopped onions, parsley and spices is a real hit. It’s super moist and so tasty. At a mere £8 it’s real value for money too. An excellent opener to any Turkish meal.

Ali Nazk

This is the one I wasn’t expecting to like and, strangely, it’s my favourite of the five new dishes. Smoked aubergine – grilled, then puréed with garlic yogurt and topped with cubes of lamb shoulder. Honestly this was hard to put down. You know that feeling when you put something in your mouth and taste it for the first time? Oh, my goodness, this dish is something special. It’s £22.50 but worth every single penny.

Halloumi Burger

I do love halloumi cheese, so this ticked all my boxes. I love its smoky flavour. Grilled halloumi with cheese, lettuce tomatoes, gherkins with a lovely, sweet chilli sauce, served with chips. It reminded me of a dish with sweet chilli sauce we had at Rick Stein’s in Padstow. Yes, it’s that good. The halloumi burger is £16.

The next two are beyti. The dish is named after Beyti Güler, the owner of the popular restaurant Beyti in Istanbul. And the food at Usta is as authentic as it gets.

Lamb Sarma Beyti

Adana kofte wrapped in lavash bread topped with tomato sauce, then drizzled with butter and served with yogurt and rice. Super scrummy and very filling. Both beyti dishes are £19.50.

Chicken Sarma Beyti

Not sure why, haven’t eaten a lot of chicken lately. Lamb or beef has been the order of the day and so this was a lovely reminder of how good chicken can be. Marinated minced chicken seasoned with garlic and grilled over charcoal. Again, wrapped in lavash bread topped with tomato sauce, then drizzled with butter and served with yogurt and rice. It really is scrumptious. If I was dining with someone. I’d probably order one of each and then share so you could have a taste of both. Lamb or chicken, I think they’re equally as good.

As I mentioned, it’s really good to try new dishes. It broadens your palate and introduces you to new flavours.

And don’t worry, all the usual great dishes are here: bestsellers like Lamb Chops, the utterly stunning Usta Mixed Grill (this is very hard not to order), Chicken Kofte, Chicken Shish, Meat Moussaka.

Fish is also on the menu – they do a really good seafood casserole here and the king prawns are also excellent.

Vegetarians are very well catered for. The new Halloumi Burger I’m sure will be a hit and there are several other excellent dishes to satisfy any discerning diner. Gluten free options are also available.

“You know that feeling when you put something in your mouth and taste it for the first time?”

And finally...

Dessert. There are the usual sweet Baklava. Lovely with a coffee (and great Turkish coffee at that). Usta’s Pistachio Cake is legendary and as for their Tiramisu, OMG, the Tiramisu is stunning. There’s also a selection of ice creams if you just want a simple palate cleanse. Usta is fully licensed with a great selection of beers, lagers and wines. But you really must try their cocktails. They are very good (I can personally vouch for several of them).

Usta Turkish Restaurant

1 The Parade

The Knap, Barry CF62 6SD 01446 399000

ustabarry@gmail.com info@ustabarry.com www.ustabarry.com

Opening Hours

Every day from 12 noon - 11pm 11am for coffee and cake

Usta Turkish Restaurant Barry

Take Away

Usta offers takeaway, delivery and collection during normal restaurant hours.

Blue Card Discount

If you work for either the NHS or emergency services, you get 10% off food on weekdays.

Collect and save!

Claim 15% off menu prices if you collect your take way order.

Our team love Cardiff. Let’s face it, it is a great capital city and if you’re looking for somewhere to dine, you really are spoiled for choice.

Of course we love the Vale, but we do like our capital city. As a family we love the movies too so whenever we’re there, we try to have a meal together.

When we’re in the capital, Jennifer invariably heads for St David’s (Zara, H&M etc.) plus the old Victorian arcades (especially Morgan Arcade and Royal Arcade). Usually, I find myself mooching in Cardiff Indoor Market or heading across to Jacob’s Market. There are some amazing stalls in both, and I can easily lose an hour or two before we meet up to eat.

A world of flavours

Our designer Rich and his wife also like eating out so between us we’ve come up with a dozen of our favourites in the city centre.

CITY CENTRE DINING

EAT, DRINK, SLEEP

Graze at Hilton

Graze recently opened at The Hilton, Cardiff, but can it shrug off the curse of mediocrity that plagues most hotel restaurants?

If you’re in a rush, the short answer yes. The restaurant interior has been designed in a very stylish, contemporary way. It certainly feels cosmopolitan, and it works. I for one am happy to see more of the London look in the capital, great interior design is something Cardiff has lacked for many years and it’s good to see the city upping its game. We need to be more like Bristol, Manchester and London if we are to attract the visitors. Food wise, it’s on point if our recent lunch is anything to go by.

Great reasons to dine at Graze

The Graze Bottomless Brunch is gaining some fans. I haven’t tried it yet but it’s on my list. Dinner I’m sure would be wonderful and, as I write, there are plans for Sunday lunch.

What I can state with culinary authority is their lunch is really rather good. Just about everything we ordered was excellent. It might sound like I’m surprised but, in a way, I am. It’s generally not what you expect from a hotel restaurant.

Seriously, if you’re looking for a great food experience just away from the hustle and bustle, Graze is a great choice. It’s certainly one that we’ll return to. We can’t wait to try Sunday lunch there.

Graze Hilton Cardiff Kingsway, Greyfriars Road Cardiff CF10 3HH 02920

Honest Burger

We follow Honest Burger’s socials. We like to try their specials. Are they tasty? Full of flavour? Oh yes.

I was a bit dubious about the Guinness special. I thought it might be a little bitter. But no, it’s a flavour that grows on you through the meal and, at the end, I could have cheerfully ordered another. To be fair, they’re all that good.

Now I always have a side order of either rosemary fries or those massive onion rings. Those giant rings? Oh my God, they are unbelievably good. I could eat a plate of those all day long. Never had a bad meal here. It’s grungy and gorgeous. Love the jam jar glasses too. One of our favourite burger joints in Cardiff.

NEW KID IN TOWN

The

Cardiff Townhouse Coppa Club

Each time I have visited, it has been buzzing with customers of all ages. And they’ve all appeared to be having a great time – us included. I’ve visited for breakfast, a business meeting, and dinner. Each time, the vibe has been, well, quite cool.

The layout of the two floors contributes to that with neat little spaces where you can tuck yourselves away and two stylish bars to hang around. The upstairs atrium is particularly swanky. It has a London vibe about it.

What about food and drink?

Drink is drink, but they do rustle up some mean cocktails and that takes skill. I’ve experienced a few of thoseno complaints there. It’s the food that’s the real challenge and our experiences to date confirm that they are pretty much nailing it.

Burger 10 Church St Cardiff CF10 1BG

www.honestburgers.co.uk

I’ve had toast and coffee here in the morning, a business lunch, brunch with pizza and, most recently, a family dinner for three. Every time they’ve delivered more than competent dishes full of flavour and presented beautifully. On the strength of these alone I would recommend you dine here.

Their steaks are beautifully cooked (my wife enjoys hers pretty blue, I prefer rare - both were perfect). The pizzas are pretty exceptional too (I can vouch for the Coppa Hot) and their fish dishes are, quite honestly, sublime. Fish is an especially tough one to get right, and they seem to do it effortlessly.

Should you visit?

Absolutely. The food’s great. The ambience is very cool. The staff are lovely. What’s not to like? The Cardiff Townhouse is exactly what Cardiff needs.

The Cardiff

Club 18 The Hayes Cardiff CF10 1AH 029 2002 7685

eventscardiff@coppaclub.co.uk www.coppaclub.co.uk

Townhouse, Coppa

Honest

Wagamama

Wagamama is a restaurant we will be visiting again, a lot. There are so many more interesting dishes and cocktails we’d like to try. We had a great experience with the wonderful staff and had a few laughs.

Giggling Squid

The interior is fabulous, it’s great place to spend a couple of hours, it was just busy enough to not feel crowded. Our booth was really cosy – it’s a great dining experience.

All the staff were friendly and attentive, a very welcoming arrival and helpful until we left.

Flight Club

I know what you’re thinking. First rule of Flight Club: We do not talk about Flight Club!

The bar that combines social darts with seriously good food and cocktails in a stunning, insta-worthy setting and claims to be the place to head to for the ultimate mate date. But does it live up to the hype? You bet it does.

Marinated Chicken Thigh Coconut Kare, Steak Teriyaki Soba with Pork plus Panko Apple Buns and Korean Barbecue Beef Buns on the side... what’s not to like? And they do it very well.

“There are so many more interesting dishes to try.”

We love Thai food, Giggling Squid is definitely near the top of our list to re-visit, there’s so much more on the menu we’d like to try. We’ll bring some friends along next time (just so we can try some of their dishes!).

Wagamama 14 Mill Lane

Cardiff CF10 1EX 029 2064 1564

www.wagamama.com

Giggling Squid 29-33 The Hayes

Cardiff CF10 1GA 02920 024 999

www.gigglingsquid.com

“I know what you’re thinking. First rule of Flight Club: We do not talk about Flight Club!”

Flight Club is officially a hit. We’re not really into darts but it’s five-star fun and the food and cocktails are absolutely scrummy. This was a real surprise.

Flight Club Cardiff

3-4 St Mary Street

Cardiff CF10 1AT

www.flightclubdarts.com

ST MARY STRET

THE HAYES

BRIDGE STREET

Wahaca

The food here is superb. The interior ticks all the boxes if you like super industrial high ceilings with pipes and weird artwork. It’s very architectural – in a Day Of The Dead kind of way. We love it.

THE HAYES

Ivy Asia

It’s hard not to be struck by the interiors as soon as you approach the restaurant. Everywhere you look at is an attack on the senses. The floor glows and there are two giant cherry blossom trees in the centre of the room.

As I hadn’t been before or eaten Asian cuisine, I left the ordering up to my friend. Even though I found the menu a bit confusing, given that there were small dishes, large dishes and separate sides, she made light work of it and chose two starters and two sides. When they arrived, they both looked amazing.

They say you eat with your eyes and our eyes were very wide indeed. It’s quite an experience.

CHURCH STREET

The Botanist

It’s very floral. No surprise really, the clue is in the name. It’s beautifully done. Reminded me a little of The Ivy. No expense has been spared on the interior. It really is quite beautiful – the perfect setting for lunch.

There’s a sizeable water feature around a central pergola which is home to what appears to be a baby grand piano. Wrought iron is everywhere and the bar glows like backlit amber. It’s quite a sight and we were suitably impressed.

On the strength of this meal, we would definitely return. The beautiful interior helps, and the staff are really lovely. So, it’s official! We love The Botanist!

Talking about Day Of The Dead, we’re big fans; of the festival and Wahaca Cardiff. To celebrate, the graveyard shift at Wahaca usually create a few specials (food and cocktails). But don’t wait until November, Wahaca is certainly summer food - full of spice and rich in flavours. Who knew cauliflower bites could be sometimes better than steak? Seriously!

Bridge Street 51-53 The Hayes Cardiff CF10 1GA www.wahaca.co.uk

The Ivy Asia 45 The Hayes St Davids Cardiff CF10 1GA www.theivyasia.com

The Botanist Unit 5, 10 Church St Cardiff CF10 1BG 029 2013 0053 www.thebotanist.uk.com

Wahaca

ST MARY STREET

The Alchemist

We love the building. It’s impressive. The Cosmic Supper Club intrigued us – we had to give it a shot. So Rich and Nadya got their glad rags on with the expectation of culinary magic.

They loved sharing taster menu items, it’s a great way of trying different things. All the savoury dishes were yummy, the donut and the bon bones were their favourite (some new and interesting flavour combinations which is always a nice surprise).

It’s always a good sign when you enjoy every single thing you eat. So there it is! A big thumbs up from our Cosmic couple.

ST DAVID’S (UPSTAIRS)

Prezzo

Prezzo is tastefully designed with some nice touches. Like all good, well-designed restaurants, it’s a blank canvas waiting for the paint; in this case customers. People create the vibe and the open kitchen with the pizza oven is a good focal point. Like a country pub with a log fire.

Staff here are excellent. The Manager is extremely engaging and gave us a lovely welcome before showing us to a great table. Grace, our lovely waitress, was an absolute delight. She made our visit way more interesting than we expected – we were chatting about life, the world, universe and music, and she definitely had great taste.

www.thealchemistbars.com

“Grace, our lovely waitress, was an absolute delight.”

ST DAVID’S CENTRE

Frankie & Benny’s

We were delighted with the quality of the food and drinks and will definitely be returning with some friends. We’re big fans of Frankie & Benny’s and our recent meal simply reinforced our original opinion of the restaurant.

We probably ordered more than we would usually, but all the food sounded great and looked so good that we wanted to try a few different things. The price was very reasonable especially considering how tasty everything was.

Fashion-forward ladies of the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond were treated to a three-day fashion show held at The Heronston Hotel in Bridgend.

SUMMER FASHION

SAMANTHA

B IS HERE FOR YOU!

Organised by Samantha B Boutique in Ewenny, the event showcased an exquisite array of chic, contemporary styles that captivated the audience. Owned by Sam, who has successfully run the boutique for fourteen happy years, Samantha B brought to the runway a selection of beloved brands, including Adini, Anna Montana, Bianca, Barbara Lebek, Capri, Fransa, Ficelle, Olsen, Foil, Ella Boo and best seller, Marble.

Adding to the excitement, Sam also unveiled pieces from Peruzzi, an Italian brand new to the Vale, and exclusively stocked at Samantha B. Guests were treated to a visual feast, witnessing firsthand the innovative designs and sophisticated flair that Samantha B boutique is renowned for.

The show was fast paced with the models each showcasing summer capsule wardrobe must-haves to suit each occasion. Sam doesn’t offer the usual mother-of-the-bride outfits but instead prefers sophisticated glamorous options which can be worn long after the wedding day has passed. The ladies were treated to a number of these outfits at the end of the show, together with fascinators from milliner, Jan Lewis.

Beyond the glamour and fashion, the event held a deeper significance as it was in support of the Women’s Institute (WI), highlighting the community’s dedication to meaningful causes.

Sam expressed heartfelt gratitude to her models - Diana, Liz, Gill, Deb, Deb, Wendy, Helen, Cath, Mary Lynn, Lynn Sian, and Jan Lewis for the hats, stating, "I’m so grateful to my lovely models, who are all valued and loved customers of Samantha B. They each have a story to tell, and we have become great friends over the years as we have shared our journeys in life together.”

She also extended special thanks to The Heronston Hotel for graciously hosting the event and to Sandra for all her help.

Sam looks forward to welcoming ladies to the boutique, for an enjoyable experience of trying on clothes and accessories, free from pressure sales and with honest help and advice on tap.

Samantha B 4 Wick Road, Ewenny CF35 5BL 01656 658388

Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

Samantha B, Ewenny samanthabewenny

Established back in February by owners Carla Povey and Georgina Adams, Aries Hair & Beauty Salon is already gaining a great reputation.

A RIES HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

We visited the Bridgend salon and chatted to Carla and Gina to find out more.

What does Aries Hair Salon offer?

And why the name Aries?

People often inquire about the origin of our name, and we are delighted to share the story behind it. We are both born under the Aries star sign and share the same age. We embody the characteristics associated with our star signs: bold, energetic, brimming with vitality, charismatic, fun-loving, lively, passionate, and driven by our hearts and desires. These qualities define our approach to our work and interactions with our clients, making Aries Hair and Beauty Salon a reflection of our vibrant personalities and unwavering passion.

What about beauty?

We are on the lookout for a nail technician and makeup artist to join us on a self-employed basis. So, if readers know of anyone, please get in touch.

How many members of staff do you employ and what are their roles?

We currently have three experienced stylists at our salon: Gina Adams and I have a combined industry experience of fourteen years. We bring a wealth

of knowledge and expertise to our clients. Additionally, we are delighted to have recently welcomed Scarlett Povey, a talented junior stylist who has just completed her qualifications. Together, our team is dedicated to providing topnotch service and helping our clients look and feel their best.

We would like to grow as a team and have another two self-employed stylists joining us as I definitely think the way forward is self-employment in this industry.

What brand of products do you use?

We are a Redken only Salon for colouring services, we then offer K18 as a treatment which is booming. We also offer treatments such as Kerastraight keratin straightening treatment. We offer hair extensions by Beautyworks and Viola.

Are your clients local or do they also come from further afield?

60% of our clientele are local, we have clients from across Wales and the UK including Manchester, Bristol and London.

What would you say are your specialities in terms of hair and beauty? We are recognised for our exceptional proficiency in colour corrections and transformative hair makeovers.

“We are delighted to have received a certificate for Best New Salon by the UK HBA Awards 2024.”

Carla is a renowned hair extension specialist celebrated for her expertise in crafting natural, sun-kissed balayage styles. With a keen eye for detail, she excels in creating lived-in colours that beautifully enhance her clients’ hair. Her passion for precision shines through in her artful layered cuts, expertly designed to add volume and dimension to every hairstyle

Gina is a master of blonding techniques, renowned for her ability to create stunning, vibrant blondes. She excels at crafting luxurious, bouncy blowouts that leave her clients feeling glamorous and confident. Gina’s exceptional precision is evident in her haircuts.

Scarlett is incredibly skilled in root melts and shadowing techniques, known for creating beautiful and polished looks.

“Carla is a renowned hair extension specialist celebrated for her expertise in crafting natural, sun-kissed balayage styles.”

What do you love about what you do?

What we love most is the opportunity to make people feel amazing. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our clients leave the salon with a newfound confidence and happiness. We cherish the special bond we share with our clients, who often treat us like friends and feel comfortable enough to open up and vent to us. Creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere in the salon where people can relax and connect with us is something we truly value.

What do you think makes Aries Hair and Beauty Salon special?

What we believe sets Aries Hair and Beauty Salon apart is our deep understanding and empathy for busy mothers. As stylists who are also busy mums, we relate to the challenges they face and make it a priority to accommodate their schedules as much as possible.

Moreover, our commitment to continuous education ensures that we stay ahead of the latest trends in the industry. Hairdressing is not just a job for us, it’s our passion. This dedication shines through in the quality of service we provide and the unique, caring environment we cultivate at Aries Hair and Beauty Salon.

Do you offer vouchers?

Yes, we offer vouchers that are beautiful designed and have that look of luxury, perfect for any occasion.

Book with Gina

We love your confidence and passion.

www.vagaro.com/gina-aries-hair-and-beauty

If you’re looking for a waterfront getaway in West Wales, look no further.

M ILFORD WATERFRONT

We’ve visited before, and we stayed here at the brilliant Tŷ Milford Hotel - part of the Celtic Collection. If you’re booking, go water or dock view. Last time we were 418, this time a little lower, 218. These corner rooms have, in our humble opinion, the best panoramic views. They are great rooms; spotless, tastefully designed with classy furnishings and a super comfortable bed and a good size TV. You can also stay in their very cool flotel cabins for an on-the-water experience.

The idea was to stay for a couple of nights and just chill. Perhaps go out for some food and explore the Haven and Pembrokeshire – all very relaxing. The forecast was good but as the weekend got closer the idea popped into our head to do something a bit different. We’d never been kayaking so we thought we’d give it a shot and booked ourselves in on the Saturday afternoon at Milford Beach Activity Centre which is situated just beyond the harbour with ramp access to the estuary. We’d also eaten at Dulse, Tŷ Milford’s in-house restaurant, previously and it was very good, so we booked a table on our first evening.

After a leisurely two-hour drive from the Vale taking in a light lunch at Ultracomida in Narberth, we arrived at Tŷ Milford, check in and decided to take a wander around the harbour. It’s lined with plenty of indie businesses. There are gift shops, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, galleries not to mention the beautiful boats of all shapes and sizes in the harbour which adds to the charm. There’s a lovely chocolate shop called Trwffl which is owned by a lovely lady by the name of Sandra together with her daughter. Their home-made chocolates are divine. I can highly recommend the Milk, Sea Salt & Vanilla (OMG). They also stock other Welsh products so it’s perfect for gift hunting. We popped into Scott’s as well to buy a few old school sweets.

If you fancy a little live entertainment or a movie while you’re away, the brilliant Torch Theatre is a mere tenminute walk away. We popped in while we were in town and there was an excellent exhibition on featuring the work of Chris Prosser, one of the Torch team, who is an ex-art teacher. Superbly atmospheric work - we really liked it. There’s a great little café there too which also has art adorning the walls.

“We’ve eaten at Dulse several times previously and can honestly say each time it has been exceptional.”

Back at the hotel, and after a quick freshen up, we were sat in Dulse. It’s a great space with tables and booths overlooking the harbour and adjoins the main bar to the left or reception. After a few hours walking, we felt we’d earned a good meal.

We’ve eaten at Dulse several times previously and can honestly say each time it has been exceptional. Our starters of Dulse Welsh Tea Hot Smoked Salmon and Tempura Monkfish were just superb. For mains, Jennifer’s Rump Steak was perfectly cooked and my Lamb Rump With Rosemary Jus was full of flavour. I cheekily asked for a side of gravy and it arrived in minutes. Have to say, the service at Dulse is excellent. A Crème Brûlée & Wesh Cakes and the Popcorn Pannacotta brought things nicely to a close. If you do book a room here, I would strongly suggest you dine here too. It really is excellent.

The following morning after breakfast, again overlooking the marina, we enjoyed another stroll around the waterfront. We popped into the Waterfront Gallery for a mooch. Some lovely art in there. It’s an old building that used to service the Nantucket whaling ships. It has regular exhibitions so definitely worth following on social media. We also found Dilly’s Chocolates, set up by graphic designer and amateur chocolatier Dilys, who turned her hobby into the now successful Dilly’s Chocolates – handmade, artisan chocolates in a range of tantalising flavours and, as you’d expect, beautifully presented and packaged.

Running slightly behind our schedule (we were having so much fun with the bugs), we zipped back to Milford to try out kayaking at the Milford Beach Activity Centre run by owners Chris and Sam. Jennifer and I had never tried kayaking on the open water before but what a great experience. Chris, our instructor, was excellent - offering advice and lots of encouragement. What an absolutely brilliant experience. I would highly recommend it, and you see the Haven from a completely different perspective.

“This centre is a celebration of creepy crawlies.”

Another must visit is the award-winning Milford Haven Museum. I believe this to be one of the best museums in Wales. It punches way above its weight and is literally packed full of great exhibits. It celebrates the history of Milford Haven beautifully and never fails to enlighten us. From pre-history through to the oil refining industry it is utterly fascinating. We must have visited several times in the last five years, and we always leave a little more enlightened. The staff are lovely and always on hand if you need to know more. It is, in a word, brilliant. In the afternoon, we headed out towards St David’s. We like St David’s a lot but didn’t actually get into the city this time. We were distracted by a brown Bug Farm sign on the outskirts and decided to check it out. What a find. Another gem in Pembrokeshire’s tourism crown. Set up and run by Sarah and Andy (they have a great family story about the farm and land), this centre is a celebration of creepy crawlies, and the Grub Café also serves a few of them up on its menu (quite delicious). Kids love it here, naturally, but there is an incredibly serious side to the business. It’s carrying out cutting edge research and for that reason alone would give it five stars. Honestly, though this is a superb attraction with something for everyone. We were literally clapping when we left.

“You can stay at Tŷ Milford Hotel or you can get closer to the water by booking one of the amazing flotel cabins.”

Our reward for such an active day was a superb meal at Martha’s Vineyard which also overlooks the marina. It felt a little like Spain; tucking into seafood and looking at the beautiful boats moored along the jetties. To be honest Dulse was going to be a tough act to follow but I’m delighted to say Martha’s Vineyard did so admirably. The food here is extremely good. Jennifer had a beautiful bowl of fresh prawns to start, and I ordered a delicious scotch egg. Both were excellent.

For main’s, Jennifer ordered steak with was requested as blue but arrived rare (I think restaurants are a little reluctant to go blue these days). My seafood curry was, apparently, one of their best sellers and I’m not surprised. It was fresh, fragrant and filling. Portion sizes here are perfect. A scrummy Eton Mess for dessert was the icing on the proverbial cake. A relaxing stroll along the waterfront brought the perfect day to a close.

The following morning after breakfast, we bid goodbye to Milford Haven and headed back to the Vale. But we’ll certainly return soon. There’s never a dull moment in Pembrokeshire, and Milford Haven and the Tŷ Milford Hotel are the perfect base from which to explore this stunning county.

“There’s never a dull moment in Pembrokeshire.”

MILFORD WATERFRONT & MORE Useful links...

Milford Haven Waterfront www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk

Tŷ Milford Hotel www.ty-hotels.com

Trwffl www.trwffl.co.uk

Waterfront Gallery www.thewaterfrontgallery.co.uk

Torch Theatre www.torchtheatre.co.uk

Dilly’s Chocolates www.dillyschocolates.co.uk

Milford Beach Activity Centre www.milfordbeachactivitycentre.co.uk

Martha’s Vineyard www.marthasvineyard.co.uk

Please check out www.milfordwaterfront.com for latest news on events throughout the summer.

FIVE STAR ATTRACTIONS

Milford Haven Museum www.milfordhavenmuseum.co.uk

Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm www.thebugfarm.co.uk

If you’ve never been to Italy, the temptation might be to head for Rome. But we’d argue Tuscany should be your first destination and, perhaps, the beautifully rustic, walled city of Lucca.

FALL I N L OVE WITH

I like European travel. It’s close. It’s easy, and some decent sun is less than two hours away. We’ve done Spain to death, but still love it there; especially the Costa Blanca. The Balearics have been a favourite haunt too, as has Portugal, so why have we not visited mainland Italy? I can’t for the life of me think why not - we loved Sardinia. So, we thought let’s dip our toe in the water, metaphorically speaking.

Everyone bangs on about Tuscany. “Oh, you must visit Tuscany, it’s so pretty! It’s quaint, it’s charming.” So, with a window of opportunity, and, quite frankly, we’d had enough of the British weather, we decided to book a short stay - let’s be honest, if there’s global warming, it’s not warming Wales, or the UK for that matter.

Because we know nothing about Tuscany, we thought we’d entrust our booking to a local travel agent - Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge. They are very good and basically quizzed us about what we like to do when we’re away. Armed with that knowledge, they set about creating some options, one of which we really liked.

Their suggestion was near Lucca with Kirker Holidays who they assured us were an excellent company with great knowledge of the area. The price was right, the hotel looked beautiful and, more importantly, it was in a great location with access to Pisa, Lucca and Florence (assuming we wanted to visit).

Sadly, we had to fly from Bristol, and to avoid the dreaded Bristol CAZ, we were fortunate enough to engage the services of our good friend Alan Derrick, who happens to own an executive travel services company (North Somerset Wedding & Event Cars). We arrived super early at Alan’s, and he whisked us to the airport in his beautiful Jaguar XF. This meant we avoided CAZ and any airport parking fees.

LUCCA

The easyJet flight out was reassuringly uneventful and the two hours passed nicely chatting and listening to sounds. Our cabin crew were excellent. We touched down at Pisa airport and this is where our Tuscan adventure began. A hopped in a taxi and made our way to our beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Lucca (about 4 kilometres).

Villa Marta is a nineteenth-century hunting lodge, just 5 km south of the historic centre of Lucca, in the countryside that separates Lucca from Pisa. Comfortably and elegantly furnished, it has fifteen rooms, two of which are deluxe, located on the upper floors of the villa and in the annex. Ours overlooked the garden and Chapel Suite beyond. The name came from the last owner to live there, Mrs Marta.

Artist Giampaulo Bianchi

Talking about our room, it was completely in character. High wooden ceilings, rustic tiles, period appropriate furniture combined with a stunning view reinforced our feeling that “yes, we were in Tuscany”.

Decorated with elegant and comfortable furniture, some of which come from the family who originally built the house, Villa Marta makes a bold, but understated impression. The floor of the hallway, covered with Tessieri tiles, the big French doors leading into the garden, and the emblem of the Scatena family reveal that the Villa is packed with history – it was built for hunting purposes.

The ground floor, previously dedicated to the kitchens, is today the location of the Botton D’oro restaurant, where the main decorations are cotto tiles, serena stone, rafters and terracotta bricks. This is where breakfast is served, and it really is a beautiful setting. Talking about the first meal of the day; as you’d expect it’s continental, but there are some cooked options on the menu. It was, like the hotel, excellent.

Guests have access to a large swimming pool, free Wi-Fi (and yes, they have Netflix), a beautifully tended garden and two large car parks. You can even hire scooters and bicycles, if inclined.

On Sunday evening, we had booked ourselves in at Ristorante Mecenate in Via del Fosso, Lucca - the restaurant overlooks cobbled streets and cute waterways. If we were looking for a truly authentic Lucca restaurant, we’d found it. Everything about this eatery exuded charm. The staff were extremely welcoming, and the food and wine were Tuscan perfection. We even got to meet the charming owner! These words from his website sum up the restaurant perfectly: Sole: “call me a cook… not a chef!” For 25 years he has been passionately directing the Mecenate’s cuisine, offering acoustic cuisine, which makes the heartstrings and palate vibrate.” In the birthplace of Puccini, you’d expect nothing less. Food is certainly flavoured with emotion here.

This, no pun intended, was our first taste of Lucca and as we walked the streets that evening, we had already decided we loved the town. Its walls are quite literally bursting with history, culture, creativity, style and a myriad of surprises. We were here for four days, and we already knew that wouldn’t be enough to fully experience it or the region.

“If we were looking for a truly authentic Lucca restaurant, we’d found it. Everything about this eatery exuded charm.”

The next day, Monday, we bussed our way into Lucca and basically spent the whole day there - nothing planned, we just went with the flow. Saw a stunning exhibition of work by photographer Dante Luci at the Palazzo Ducale. Quite inspiring. Then to a beautiful house and garden (Pfanner Palace) which was breathtaking. We walked the streets for a while and came across (no pun intended) Trattoria Da Ubaldo. Let’s just say the décor is an eye opener. We ended up in Puccini’s house at one point, then San Martino Cathedral and a couple of stunning churches. Honestly, Lucca is quite mind blowing if you’re into a bit of culture –it’s quite the sensory overload, but in a good way.

As you’d expect, art and creativity play a big part in Lucca’s magnetism. Besides the museums, there are some great indie galleries like Giampaulo Bianchi’s. I loved his work and even though his gallery was closed, when he saw me peering through his window, he ushered us in. What a lovely guy. He’s in his mid-70s, still working, and looks in great shape.

In the afternoon, we’d earned our lunch, so headed for the Piazza Anfiteatro, the iconic oval-shaped square. It is truly magnificent and full of eateries - the perfect place to people-watch. Podere Micheli caught our eye. Wow, what an amazing meal. Probably one of the best seafood pasta dishes I’ve ever eaten. Jennifer’s beef was excellent too, and very good wine. Apparently, they have a farm and there was a deli behind the restaurant selling may of their products. What a find! Brilliant given we were looking to purchase a few gifts to bring home.

On the way back to the bus station, we enjoyed a good hour window shopping (they have some very cool boutiques which made Jennifer very happy). Just before the station we popped into another old church which was showing an exhibition of artists. While the art was good, it was the building itself what was the star of the show. Absolutely stunning. Back at Villa Marta, we enjoyed a lovely dip in the pool before relaxing in the garden watching the sun go down. Bliss. It’s Tuesday. We caught a bus to Lucca and we hop on a train to Florence.

“As you’d expect, art and creativity play a big part in Lucca’s magnetism. Besides the museums, there are some great indie galleries.”

Hats off to Italia Rail. Superb service and on time every time it seems. The train had an upstairs which afforded us excellent views of the gorgeous countryside. We arrived in Florence and with no real plan, we rocked up to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore about five minutes from the station. Wow! Just wow! It is impressively huge, and very beautiful We didn’t go inside - maybe next time. We just thought we’d have a mooch around and maybe find a good place to have lunch. Our hour through the Tuscan countryside had been enthralling anyway.

We walked up and down each side of the river for a while and then noticed Angiolino ai 13 Aarrosti. This place oozed rustic charm. There were a few difficulties language-wise but we soon got around it. This was rewarded with some superb food. Jennifer’s beef was astonishingly good, and I had Wild Boar, Mash and gravy. It was divine, as was dessert. This typical trattoria is a reason to return to Florence in itself. It also appeared that Elvis Presley had once dined there. Amazing.

Our train back to Lucca was immaculate. I think it was brand new. Anyway, we got to see even more of Tuscany through its large windows before another late afternoon stroll around Lucca. At one point, we plonked ourselves at Café Restaurante Pult in Piazza Dei Mercanti and just sipped wine and watched the beautiful people go by. Ok, they weren’t all beautiful, but you get the picture. By now we were completely chilled and completely embracing the Tuscan lifestyle. This little Piazza became a firm favourite. It was somewhat of a crossroads for the aforementioned beautiful souls, and we frequently found ourselves there, ‘persone che guardano’, that’s Italian for people watching.

Wednesday. We weren’t going to visit Pisa originally. I’d kind of turned my nose up at it. I just didn’t want to be “that kind of tourist”. But with Pisa being just a relatively short train ride away, it would have been rude not to visit. We’re glad we did, albeit it briefly. We had a quick look at the Tower of Pisa, Battistero di San Giovanni and Cattedrale di Pisa all of which are very beautiful, but there were just too many people. The architecture is magnificent but the touristy vibe takes the shine off what are stunning attractions. When you see the tower with your own eyes, it is hard to understand why it doesn’t topple over.

We found Marina di Pisa on Google and thought we’d take a look. After all, marinas all over the world are usually quite cool places to visit. This one sadly was not. It seemed quite run down. Jennifer said it reminded her of the movie The Crazies. It had a zombie apocalypse vibe about it. It was deadly quiet, and you just expected a rampant hoard to come running around the corner at any minute.

They didn’t, thankfully, but after a good half an hour walk along the nondescript sea front, we chanced upon a real gem: Osteria Marina Il Peschereccio. What a find. One of the best seafood restaurants we’ve ever experienced. Such a cool place. The wine was incredible, the service was perfect, and the food was next level. Whatever we had done to please the foodie gods, they certainly smiled on us in Tuscany. If you love eating out, Tuscany is for you.

We headed back to Lucca for one last walk around the town. We certainly hadn’t seen everything and vowed to return at some point. The following morning, we bid goodbye to Tabata and the team who had made our stay so very special. Villa Marta is a great hotel. Lucca, Pisa and Florence are well worth a visit. And Tuscany, well Tuscany is just beautiful. As Elvis once sang, we just couldn’t help falling in love.

Hot tip Don’t trust the weather reports weeks before your visit. Despite a four-day forecast of rain, we had three beautiful days and one slightly overcast one. The only day it rained was when we were coming home! The weather in Italy can change half an hour to the next. Even if it had rained, there would have been tons to see, just under an umbrella. Our advice is to pack a for all eventualities just in case.

We’d like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Sam Smith Travel, Kirker Travel, Lucca Tourism and the establishments listed below.

We are already planning to revisit the area in the near future.

USEFUL LINKS

Albergo Villa Marta www.albergovillamarta.com

Ristorante Mecenate www.ristorantemecenate.it

Podere Micheli www.poderemicheli.it

Osteria Marina Il Peschereccio www.osteriamarinailpeschereccio.it

Giampaulo Bianchi www.giampaolobianchi.com

To arrange your perfect Tuscan stay, get in touch with Sam Smith Travel www.samsmithtravel.com

Our grateful thanks to Lucca Tourism To find out more about Lucca, visit their website at www.turismo.lucca.it #LuccaTurismo

Monmouthshire is a gorgeous county. But you’ll really only appreciate it when you immerse yourself in it. Here’s how…

M AGNIFICENT SEVEN EXPERIENCE THE BIG COUNTRY

We’ve stayed in many hotels in and around Monmouthshire over the decades. It is in a word, beautiful. We’ve never tried camping or glamping for that matter so when the opportunity to “glamp” presented itself, I must confess I wasn’t really that excited about it. Probably because I’ve always thought of it as a bit fake, something that townies dopretend camping if you will.

In all honesty I didn’t really know what to expect and, like all of us from time to time, if we don’t know what to expect we try to avoid it.

In this case I didn’t have a choice. It was booked and I was going. So, on a rare sunny Friday in June, we packed up the van with what I was reliably informed one took when glamping and headed north.

One of the lines on their website resonated with me: “Closer To Nature” and it most certainly is. I like nature. If you know me/us, then you’ll know we walk a lot so, on paper, we should really like it.

When you arrive at Seven Hills Hideaway, the first thing that brings you down with a bump is having to hand trailer your stuff from the carpark to your ‘luxury canvas lodge’. If I’m honest I didn’t think it was necessaryI thought I could have easily unloaded and then popped the van back to the carpark (the words “toys, throw and pram” spring to mind). As it happened, this was going to be the only emotional wobble in our three-night stay.

Our three-bedroom luxury canvas lodge (Skirrid Fawr) is beautifully equipped and cleverly designed (by Danes apparently). It’s canvas on the outside but neatly divided inside with wood walls to create the bedrooms, bathroom and living space. There isn’t a television in any of the lodges but there is WiFi so you don’t need to go full cold turkey. Having said that, with Starlink WiFi in place you could possibly bring a smart TV and have the best of both worlds. That really isn’t the idea though. This is supposed to be digital detox and, for us anyway, it would feel extremely sad if we couldn’t unplug, at least just for a few days.

The lodge has a wood burner which we used, and it certainly warmed up the cool June evening and added to the ambience. You can also cook outside on a barbeque if you wish. There’s an induction hub inside along with a microwave. The creature comforts don’t stop there. The beds are super comfortable with lovely soft linen and the bathroom (minus bath but good-sized shower) is beautifully presented. The towels are also plump and luxurious.

Were we bemoaning the lack of bath?

Absolutely not, outside is your own private jacuzzi which we definitely used it on more than one occasion.

The site is named after the surrounding seven hills and the lodges also take their names. The location is stunning. We were awoken every morning by the birds and when the skies are clear at night, the stars and Milky Way are particularly beautiful due to the lack of light pollution.

Seven Hills is perfectly located for exploring the county. There are castles aplenty, The Wye is also not far away with tons of things to do: canoeing, walking etc. I bumped into a lovely chap from Jersey while at Skenfrith Castle. He was going for a swim in the river! Nope, it’s never dull in Monmoushire. The country pubs are authentic and for the most part exactly what you’d hope for. You’re short driving distance from some great market towns and the county is absolutely jam-packed with farms, farm shops and lots of little hidden gems.

FYI, there are three and single-bedroom lodges available. We thought the singles are particularly cute – they’re brand new and perfect for a couple.

Truthfully, you could easily spend a week here and not be bored and depending on your approach to staycations, you can be as laid back or as active as you wish. Either way, Seven Hills and Monmouthshire will deliver an amazing experience. If I’m honest, as I pulled the trailer down the field towards the van, I really didn’t want to leave. Seven Hills is a special kind of place.

“We were awoken every morning by the birds and when the skies are clear at night, the stars and Milky Way are particularly beautiful due to the lack of light pollution.”

Seven Hills Hideaway

Winston Court Farm

Llanvetherine

Abergavenny NP7 8RG 07887 006781

stay@sevenhillshideaway.co.uk

www.sevenhillshideaway.co.uk

sevenhillshideaway.co.uk

sevenhillshideaway

If you ask most people where they would take their dream holiday, the Maldives is always part of the conversation.

I SLAND L IFE ESCAPE TO THE MALDIVES

The Maldives is better than the pictures; it’s where colour comes to life – the whitest sand, bluest waters and spectacular marine life – there’s nowhere better for an island escape. This hand-picked collection of hotels is only available through Kuoni in the UK who have spent over 50 years finding the best places to stay.

It’s rare, almost unheard of, to find the choice of activities and dining that you get at Kuramathi, one of the Maldives’ larger islands. There’s a vibrant house reef, a relaxing spa with a menu of sensual therapies, lush gardens and the island’s famous sandbank is the go-to for sunset strolls. Once you’ve been, you’ll understand why guests return time and time again.

Kandolhu is repeatedly voted one of the world’s most romantic hotels. It’s small and intimate – there are only thirty villas and you can walk around the island in under ten minutes. Offering a true Maldivian ‘island experience’, Kandolhu envelops you in luxury from the moment you arrive. Each of the five à la carte restaurants is small and intimate – the Japanese restaurant, Banzai, has just six seats.

Kuramathi Sandbank

Kandolhu Banzai Japanese Restaruant

Kandolhu

There’s a pared-back luxury at Sandies Bathala that really lets the location shine - and wow, what a location it is. Villas are light and airy with a contemporary feel and a super choice for a relaxing break – there are no TVs in the rooms to help you completely switch off. The house reef snorkelling is excellent, and you can take a traditional Dhoni boat to a nearby sandbank to explore a coral reef further afield.

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is definitely one for the romantics with its dreamy setting and crisp, chic villas. There’s a gorgeously relaxing spa, organised dives from a Maldivian dhoni and the chance to do night dives, which is truly unforgettable experience. For the ultimate treat, order a gourmet picnic or a star-lit beach barbecue and while away the evening in style and complete privacy.

You can book any of Kuoni’s exclusive Maldives resorts at Sam Smith’s Travel; they’ll listen to your likes and dislikes and match you to the Maldives island that’s perfect for you.

Maldives

Kuramathi Maldives 4-Star Garden Villa 7 nights, Full Board

All Inclusive Board is an extra £549pp From £1849* per person

Includes 1 bonus night Flights based on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow

Flight prices are live and may vary when booking. Board basis and regional indirect flight options available. *Applies to selected departures in May 2025 *Includes a guaranteed room upgrade to a Beach Villa upon arrival

Price is subject to availability and is correct at time of publishing and reference a book by September

Please register your interest with Sam Smith Travel for their Maldives Experts sale weekend this October.

Sam Smith Travel 55 High Street

Cowbridge CF71 7AE

01446 774 018

retail@samsmithtravel.com

www.samsmithtravel.com

samsmithtravelcowbridge

Sandies Bathala

Sandies Bathala

Maafushivaru Maldives Sunset

Destination Dining Outrigger

Maldives Maafushivaru

5 Star Luxury River Cruise 24th March 2025 – 7 Nights Direct flights from Cardiff

Window cabin from £2,339pp

French balcony from £3,415pp

See the Netherlands’ famous spring blooms at the Keukenhof Gardens

Cruise along Amsterdam’s legendary canals

Encounter Kinderdijk’s iconic UNESCO designated windmills

Taste authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate

Bike through the Dutch and Belgian countryside

Discover the best of Delft and Bruges

Inclusions

• Flights from Cardiff

• Complimentary Executive Lounge at Cardiff Airport

• Overseas transfers

• Elegantly appointed accommodations

• Fine dining with a variety of choices

• Unlimited hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

• Multiple dining venues

• Sip & Sail cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks

• Professionally trained Wellness Host leading a variety of exercise classes

• Live local entertainment

• Unlimited Wi-Fi

• Small group guided shore excursions

• Hiking and biking tours

• Exclusive special interest tours

Prices are subject to change and availability

Summer has arrived, and Hilary & Iain’s will be popular as ever as it has one of the best outlooks, and sunset views, in the Vale.

A BRILLIANT BLUE BISTRO

HILARY & IAIN’S, OGMORE-BY-SEA

If, like us, you are fans of Hilary & Iain’s in Ogmore, you might know that Iain, besides being a great cook, is a pretty handy guitarist! Yes, they have music nights. But there’s so many more reasons to check out this cool, little blue bistro.

Sunday Lunch

We’re huge fans. It’s certainly one of our favourites in the Vale (The lamb is unbelievably good).

The perfect drop in

Our cycling pals also love it as a destination. No better place to head to for a good brunch after twenty or thirty miles cycling. A cold drink or a cold ice cream will always do the trick.

Good coffee, great cakes

Customers pop in for a coffee, an ice cream, or a slice of Hilary’s legendary cakes (they are very scrummy).

Their epic specials board

Besides the usual menu favourites, the specials board is well worth checking out. Follow on Facebook for updates.

Their perfect fish and chips

Locals love their fish and chips – you can eat in or takeaway. Either way, it’s delish! One of the best in the Vale in our opinion.

Music nights

Make sure you catch their music nights, but you may need to book – they sell out quickly. Check their Facebook page for the latest dates.

Hilary & Iain’s by the Sea

Even if the sun isn’t shining, there’s one restaurant in Penarth where the blues are definitely turquoise. Looking for a taste of summer? You’ve come to the right place.

K EYIF

FLAVOURS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

There’s a famous Turkish saying:

“Hoş geldiniz” which basically means as “Your arrival is lovely”, and usually said as a greeting to visitors to make them feel at home. At Keyif, as in Turkey, guests are treated with great affection and hospitality.

Keyif is certainly welcoming and one of our favourite restaurants in the Vale for two very good reasons; great food and superb service – no surprise we rate it 5 stars. This brilliant eatery consistently serves up excellent food that’s full of flavour. If you love char-grilled meat and fish, and the freshest salads, you will be in heaven.

We’re not alone in our praise for Keyif. 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 South Wales and beyond.

Owner Mehmet is very proud of his talented team and passionate about their authentic Turkish offering. “We use the very best ingredients,” he says. “We never compromise. We use 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 become a firm favourite with its loyal customers. On a weekend, Keyif is in demand as you can imagine (so it is best to book) and the kitchen is a buzz of activity turning out some of our favourites like the chef’s specials 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 cocktails’ plus a good selection of bottled beers, red, rose and white wines, plus champagne for that special occasion - to be fair, any visit to Keyif is special, it just has a really lovely vibe.

“Keyif has an excellent range of cocktails.”

Mould can be obvious. You may see mould on walls and in your bathroom. You may be aware of a ‘musty’ smell at home. You may work in a damp office. You may have vegetables in your fridge which have grown mouldy!

MOULD

IS FUNGI THE MISSING LINK?

Not all mould sensitivity symptoms are obvious. However, there could be signs: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, headaches, brain fog, fatigue, IBS, fungal toenails, rashes, muscle weakness.

Is mould the missing piece to the symptoms you’re experiencing? Quite possibly. Mould introduces fungus to the body and fungus produces mycotoxins which are very often the cause of many mysterious symptoms, but what can you do?

Eliminate the source

n This can be easily done if it’s in your home. However, other sources may be the foods you eat. Grains, peanuts, white potatoes, blue cheese, apples and pears are all guilty of introducing fungi to the body.

n Avoid sugar and mushrooms since they feed and support fungi in your body

n Reduce EMF exposure as much as possible, especially overnight by switching off your router.

n Help your body detox the fungi and mycotoxins with an Infrared Sauna or Epsom Salt Bath

“Avoid

sugar and mushrooms since they feed and support fungi in your body”

n Restore the gut with a high-quality probiotic supplement and by avoiding foods such as grains, coffee, and sugar.

n Add good quality fat to your diet with food such as avocado, eggs, fatty fish and nuts (be careful though, some nuts encourage mould). Do your own research.

BODY TALK eliminates guessing and gives you the answers you need to get you back on track with your health. If you would like to learn more about how BODY TALK can help you, please book a discovery call through my website https://bodytalk.wales/ and I look forward to chatting with you!

Body Talk

angharad@bodytalk.wales 07739 210291

https://bodytalk.wales

bodytalk.wales

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…

M AN

JLab JBuds ANC 3

Tudor Heritage Chronograph

This very smooth Tudor represents the revival of the brand. Released in 2010, its design put Tudor back on the map. Featuring a 42mm stainless steel case, seriously stylish black dial with white hour markers, a black ceramic bezel, automatic movement, sapphire crystal glass all presented on a stainlesssteel bracelet. This watch is in immaculate condition and comes complete with Tudor Box, Tudor authenticity card, booklets, a twelvemonth WoW warranty plus a complimentary valuation certificate with the sale.

£3,950

www.watchesofwales.co.uk

Jean Paul Gaultier

First launched in 1995, is a fresh and aromatic fragrance for men. Known for the unique bottle in the shape of a torso. The tin cans serve as the perfume’s packaging. Containing notes of mint, lavender, vanilla, bergamot, cinnamon, cumin, orange blossom, tonka bean, sandalwood and cedarwood.

£44.99 www.PerfumeDirect.com

True Wireless earbuds with a personalised listening experience, 42 Hours of Playback, Customizable Noise Cancellation and Bluetooth Multipoint Technologyavailable in Black.

£55.99

Amazon UK, Argos, Very and the JLab official website

AWvi

AWvi is a newly launched wellbeing concept that focuses on an integrated inside-out approach to all facets of skin health. AWvi aims to provide an integrated inside-out approach to all aspects of skin health. Skin ageing is a multi-layered process affected by both internal and external factors. A synergistic, inside-out approach rebalances the body’s finely tuned ecosystem for greater 360-degree results.

AWvi The Skin Biotic £58

AWvi The Gentle Cleanser £44

AWvi The Power Serum £132

AWvi The Active Cream £116

Zimasa Vodka

Rated 5 Stars by Vale Life

Meticulously handcrafted in small batches, the Zimbabwean Masau fruit is distilled a minimum of six times, at the 17th Century Hensol Castle Distillery by Master Distiller Dai Wakely who developed a process to enhance the flavour with distinct notes of dry apple and plum.

£39.99 www.zimasavodka.co.uk

Hensol Castle Cherry Spiced Rum

A triple distilled Caribbean base rum distilled for a fourth time and infused with red cherry. Experience an explosion of ripe cherries upon the first sip, the sweetness of Maraschino and Red Cherries, accented with the slight sourness and tart cherry flavouring of Morello Cherry. £30

www.hensolcastledistillery.com

Toyota GR Yaris

It’s been around for a few years but this gorgeous little performance hatchback, born from the World Rally Championship, with its 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine (producing 257bhp and 360Nm, enabling 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds), it is simply bonkers.

The low centre of gravity and highly rigid, optimally balanced chassis means you can throw it around (on a closed circuit of course) to your heart’s content which will be beating at a higher rate than usual no doubt.

Developed with input from professional rally drivers and Tommi Mäkinen Racing, Toyota’s WRC partner, the GR is one to get before the Climate lobby remove all fun for forever. Drive, drive until the dying of the light...

Price starts at around £35k www.toyota.co.uk

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

2024 has been an amazing year at Davies Motors, the Cardiff company has repaired some stunning cars. By owner Sean’s admission, the car park has looked a little like the Goodwood Revival on occasions.

T HE PERFECT F INISH

We caught up with Sean to find out more about the company’s impressive performance over the last year and his hopes for 2024 and beyond.

Sean, how are things at Davies Motors?

Brilliant. We’ve had a really good couple of years. We’ve been constantly improving and streamlining our business and that, combined with our growing reputation, means we’re much more on the radar especially with the owners of the supercars and hyper-cars.

Why do you think these owners are coming to you to repair and renovate their vehicles?

We’ve developed, and earned I believe, an excellent reputation for quality and finish. Brands like Bentley and Aston Martin are incredibly choosy when it comes to who does their bodywork repairs. They have exceptionally high standards and there is absolutely no cutting corners ever.

This year we’ve seen some truly gorgeous cars come through and, I must confess, it can be hard to see many of them go once we’ve worked our magic.

You say magic, but really it’s hard work and skill that produces such beautiful work…

I agree. I have a fantastic team of really talented people working here. They’re as passionate as I am about producing beautiful work, and nothing gives all of us more pleasure than seeing cars leave the building in perfect condition and the owners’ beaming smiles.

You work on a lot of exotic cars but do you do work on what we’d call ‘normal’ cars?

Absolutely. The vast majority of our work is the usual brands that we all drive every day. And it’s important to add that those customers receive exactly the same quality of service as a driver of a Rolls Royce or Lamborghini. Many people don’t realise that they don’t have to use their insurer’s nominated repairer. You can choose your own and it’s important you do. If you’ve had the misfortune of having a bump, you want to be confident that the car that returns will be as good as it was previously. That’s not always the case with the so called ‘bucket shop repairers’.

What’s your car of the year?

We’ve had the pleasure of restoring some beautiful vehicles this year. We’re very proud of those. Honestly, we’ve had so many through this year that it would be impossible to choose a favourite – they’re like your children.

And for 2024? What are your plans? It’s brilliant being out in front when it comes to quality and service but I suppose it’s a little like gaining a Michelin star if you’re a restaurant. You have to maintain it. So, if we end 2024 producing the same or better standards of work, that’ll be a win for us.

“Many people don’t realise that they don’t have to use their insurers nominated repairer.”

sean@daviesmotorcompany.co.uk www.daviesmotorcompany.co.uk

Writing a book isn’t just a creative pursuit; it’s a transformative journey with endless rewards. Here are ten compelling reasons why you should pick up that pen, or dash to the keyboard, and start writing.

T HE WRITE STUFF

10 GREAT REASONS TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK

Strangely, you don’t have to be able to actually write. You may not be great with words or grammar, but you may have a great idea. And, sometimes, that’s all you need to get the ball rolling. And, trust me, you’re never too old, or too young.

Leave your imprint

Authoring a book immortalises your musings, experiences, and insights, ensuring your legacy endures long after you’re gone. Did you know?

Assuming your register your book with them, The British Library will keep your book on file forever. Now that’s a legacy.

Share your wisdom

Whether it’s life lessons, professional expertise, or personal reflections, a book grants you the opportunity to impart your knowledge, enriching the lives of others.

Inspire others

Your narrative possesses the power to inspire and galvanise others facing similar hurdles or seeking guidance. Through your prose, you can kindle hope and instigate change.

Creative expression

Writing serves as a conduit for selfexpression, enabling you to unleash your creativity and traverse uncharted realms of imagination. It’s a cathartic medium for emotions and ideas.

Build authority

Becoming a published author bolsters your credibility and authority within your domain. It opens avenues for speaking engagements, consultancy roles, and media features.

Connect with readers

Books forge connections between authors and readers worldwide. Your words have the potential to resonate deeply with individuals you may never meet, yet whose lives you profoundly touch.

Personal growth

Writing a book is a voyage of selfdiscovery and personal evolution. It compels you to confront fears, surmount obstacles, and metamorphose as both a writer and an individual.

Leave a financial legacy

A successful book can yield passive income through royalties, furnishing financial stability for you and your kin well into the future.

Document your journey

Whether it’s a memoir, a travelogue, or a business narrative, writing enables you to chronicle your journey and preserve cherished memories for posterity.

Fulfilment

Above all, writing a book is profoundly fulfilling. There’s an unmatched satisfaction in holding your completed manuscript, knowing you’ve poured your heart and soul into its pages.

EVERYONE HAS A BOOK IN THEM

Believe you can...

Start writing today!

In essence, writing a book transcends mere literary creation; it’s about the expedition, the impact, and the enduring legacy you leave. So, what are you waiting for? Begin penning your masterpiece today.

Or not!

You may not be a great writer, but you have a great story. We can certainly help you get it into print by writing and editing it for you. So many people publish books but without actually writing themselves. So, they employ ghost writers to get their thoughts down on paper. It’s a perfectly reasonable practice.

How we can help...

Concept or subject matter

We can help you get your idea sketched out. It’s always best to do a rough draft of your thoughts.

Writing and editing

You may be entirely comfortable with this part of the process. If you’re not, no problem, we can write it for you or with you.

Editing and proofreading

We have expert editors on board and proofreaders who van ensure your book is grammatically correct. Let’s face it, no one is punctuation perfect.

Design and production

Your book will need to be laid out (typeset was the old school term). We have in-house designers and typographers ready to ensure your book looks and reads beautifully. You’ll also need a cover design – and yes, we have that covered excuse the pun.

Photography

You might need some photography, or images sourced. Again, that’s something we’re very used to looking after.

Printing

Whether it’s digital, low run, litho or web offset, we have over forty years’ experience. You might want ten or ten thousand, whatever the size, whatever the quantity, we can advise; you’ll be in safe and capable hands.

Distribution and sales

We have the knowledge to help you market and sell your book. Whether it’s a book about family history, an industry journal, novel or autobiography, we can help you get it published.

Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor (Group Managing Editor) 07766 106701

jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

Mark Roberts

Creative Director 07766 106731

mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

It’s never too early to plan ahead for the festive season and, this year, the Vale Resort is pulling out all the stops. Stephanie Metson tells us more.

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT VALE RESORT & HENSOL CASTLE

The resort is offering a range of spectacular Christmas parties and celebrations that promise unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in the stunning Welsh countryside, the Vale Resort is the ultimate destination to make your Christmas and New Year celebrations magical. From lively party nights with sumptuous three-course meals to elegant afternoon teas in the beautiful Hensol Castle, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

This year, the Vale Resort’s Christmas parties, starting at £49 per person, are the perfect opportunity for a celebratory get-together with friends, family, or colleagues looking for a bit of festive fun and magic to create some cherished memories.

Back by popular demand, the Gin’gle Bell Ball at Hensol Castle promises to be an unforgettable evening with dancing until the small hours, and the New Year’s Eve Gala is the biggest party in the festive line-up.

New for 2024 are our Mama Mia Party Night where you will be merrily singing “Thank You For the Music” all the way home or to one of our luxury bedrooms and Dirty Grease Party Night where yyou will have the “time of your life” singing along to the famous tunes from two of the most iconic tunes in history.

Full list of options are as follows: Festive Christmas Party Nights £49 pp (Friday date) or £54 pp (Saturday). Includes: Gin cocktail arrival drink, 3-course meal and half bottle of wine per person.

Gin’gle Bell Christmas Ball at Hensol Castle - £69 pp (Friday) or £72 (Saturday). Includes: Gin and prosecco cocktail on arrival, delicious canapés, four-course gin-inspired feast and the option to add overnight accommodation from £75 per person.

Corporate & Private Party Nights - £50 pp (Thursday), £55 pp (Friday) or £59 pp (Saturday). Includes: A bespoke celebration with a gin cocktail arrival drink, 3-course choice menu, half a bottle of wine per person, private disco, exclusive room hire and table centrepieces.

Through the Decades Party Nights£59 pp (Friday) or £64 pp (Saturday)

Includes: A nostalgic party night with a gin cocktail on arrival, 3-course choice menu, half a bottle of wine per person, live entertainment from ‘Covered Up’ and a disco with 70s, 80s and 90s tunes.

Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Nights - £69 pp (Friday) or £72 pp (Saturday). Includes: A night of high energy floor-fillers that kicks off with a gin cocktail on arrival, followed by a 3-course choice menu, half a bottle of wine per person, live entertainment from Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band and a disco until 1am

“Back by popular demand, the Gin’gle Bell Ball at Hensol Castle promises to be an unforgettable evening.”

Mamma Mia Christmas Party Night - £64 pp. Includes: An evening with the UK’s number 1 ABBA tribute band, ABBA STARS UK, will start with a gin cocktail on arrival, a three-course meal, half of bottle of wine per person and a disco once the band finishes, with the night wrapping up at 1am.

Dirty Grease Christmas Party Night - £59 pp. Includes: A Grease and Dirty Dancing-themed evening, beginning with a gin cocktail on arrival, followed by a three-course festive feast, half a bottle of wine per person, live entertainment and a disco until 1am.

Christmas Eve Afternoon Tea - £39 pp. Includes: A cosy, Christmassy occasion with a hot gin cocktail on arrival, sumptuous glass of champagne and a traditional festive afternoon tea to top it all off.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner - £199 pp (with accommodation) or £120 without accommodation. Includes: A show-stopper evening with a champagne and canape reception on arrival, mouthwatering 5-course gala dinner, live entertainment from ‘Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band’, 4* overnight accommodation, brunch breakfast and full use of Vale Resort’s leisure facilities.

For those looking to sit back, relax and indulge on the big day itself, the Vale Resort has two offerings for Christmas Day:

Family Christmas Day Lunch£99 per adult, £48 per child under 12’s, children aged 2 and under are free. Includes: A gin cocktail on arrival for the adults, followed by a traditional five-course carvery buffet luncheon featuring all the trimmings. For the little ones, after dinner festive elves will be dropping by with presents from Santa himself.

Christmas Day Lunch - £115 pp (aged 16 and over only). Includes: Designed for those aged 16 and over, this five-course Christmas lunch is provided in a quiet and intimate surrounding, wit a gin cocktail on arrival for those old enough.

Those looking for a quieter festive feast rather than a glitzy night of partying can book on to the Vale Resort’s family buffet Sunday lunches, complete with all the trimmings, classic Christmas music and activities to keep the younger ones entertained. A threecourse carvery meal costs £42 per adult and £20 per child (3-12 years), whilst under 2s eat free. Christmas Day family lunches are also available to book.

“Offering a range of spectacular Christmas parties and celebrations that promise unforgettable experiences.”

Stephanie Metson, Marketing Manager at Vale Resort, said: "Our aim at Vale Resort is to create memorable experiences for our guests during the festive season. Whether you are attending one of our lively party nights, a sophisticated gala dinner or a cosy afternoon tea, we promise exceptional service and an unforgettable atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating this special time of year together."

More information about Christmas 2024 at Vale Resort can be found at www.valeresort.com.

Vale Resort & Hensol Castle Book early to secure your place at one of these fabulous festive events and avoid disappointment. For more information and reservations, please visit the Vale Resort website or contact our Christmas coordinator on 01443 665803. Alternatively, you can email sales@valeresort.com

F EELING LUCKY? W IN! IT’S

VALE LIFE COMPETITION TIME

We have some great summer competitions. They’re easy to enter and remember you have to be in it to have a chance of winning it.

It’s easy to enter

On Facebook:

1 Like and follow Vale Life www.facebook.com/valelife

2 Like and follow City Life Cardiff www.facebook.com/citylifecardiff

A £150 Vale Life Beauty & Travel Bundle

Want to treat yourself this summer to a bundle of beauty goodies, then this competition is for you. We’re offering a plethora of gorgeous beauty products worth over £150.

Take a look at the image above to see what is included. These items are perfect for the summer months for yourself, friends or family members. Whether you want to pamper your skin, treat yourself from within or fill your beach bag with items for your holiday, then we’ve got you covered.

3 Like and follow Travel Life www.facebook.com/travellifemaguk

And finally...

4 Email us your name, address and telephone number with the words Summer Beauty Comp in the subject bar to hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

Terms and conditions (all competitions)

Winners will be notified through email. Competition prizes cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative. Prizes will be drawn by 31st August. All entrants must be able to collect their prize within the Vale of Glamorgan and agree to have their photograph taken (this is a condition of entry). You must be over eighteen to enter. Judge’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Allergen advisory: To protect yourself from allergens in beauty products, always read labels carefully. Conduct a patch test by applying a small amount of the product to your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours to check for any reactions. We cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions that may occur.

Whitmore & Jackson £40 Breakfast Voucher

This competition is for up to two persons, but you could always keep it all for yourself. Mmmm!

Whitmore & Jackson is a great café with sea views on Barry Island. It has an excellent reputation for the quality of its food and has recently been awarded 5-star food standards inspection. Their breakfasts are superb and their coffee is excellent. They’re dog friendly, and have been featured in the magazine several times. We are regular diners there.

The prize (voucher value £40) is subject to availability. If you are successful, you can arrange an appropriate date to attend no later than September 14th 2024.

for more information visit www.facebook.com/whitmoreandjackson

It's easy to enter

On Facebook:

1 Like and follow Vale Life

2 Like and follow Whitmore & Jackson

3 Email us your name and address with the words W&J Competition in the subject bar to hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

W IN!

A Hensol Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting

This competition is for two persons, so you’ll be able to take a friend or loved one if you win. Cheers!

The Hensol tour lasts about an hourand-a-half, and you’ll be treated to a story-filled guided journey of the distillery learning all about the history of Hensol Castle, the origins of gin, the wonders of botanicals and the distilling process, but always making sure there’s still plenty of time left for the allimportant gin tasting!

The prize is subject to availability. If you are successful, you can arrange an appropriate date to attend no later than September 14th 2024.

for more information visit www.hensolcastledistillery.com

It’s easy to enter On Facebook:

1 Like and follow Vale Life

2 Like and follow Hensol Distillery

3 Email us your name and address with the words Hensol Competition in the subject bar to hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

W IN!

Cross Farm Nursery Voucher Worth £50

If you’re a keen gardener, this Cross Farm Nursery voucher could certainly brighten up your garden for summer.

Cross Farm Nursery is a brilliant nursery just off the A48, west of Cowbridge.

You can read more about owner Charlotte and her team on pages 10 and 13. You’ll find everything you need here to ensure your summer is full of colour.

The prize is subject to product availability. If you are successful, you must exchange your vouchers no later than September 14th 2024.

for more information visit www.facebook.com/crossfarmnursery

It’s easy to enter On Facebook:

1 Like and follow Vale Life

2 Like and follow Cross Farm Nursery

3 Email us your name and address with the words Cross Farm Competition in the subject bar to hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

A £100 Keyif Penarth Dining Voucher

Love Turkish cuisine? Then this competition will no doubt have you salivating - £100 worth of Keyif vouchers.

You can spend it on food and drink, dining in or takeaway, but we’d always go for the restaurant option, it’s such a lovely place and Mehmet and his team will give you the warmest Turkish welcome.

We rate Keyif 5-Stars.

The prize is subject to product availability. If you are successful, you must exchange your vouchers no later than September 14th 2024.

for more information visit www.facebook.com/keyifpenarth

It’s easy to enter

On Facebook:

1 Like and follow Vale Life

2 Like and follow Keyif

3 Email us your name and address with the words Keyif Competition in the subject bar to hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

SOCIAL LIFE

LLANERCH VINEYARD, HENSOL

Afternoon Tea with style

The glamorous fashion show hosted by Venetia Steele Boutique and promoted by Neil Boobyer of NBRS Events took place at the equally luxurious Llanerch Vineyard in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Guests were treated to a delightful afternoon tea while enjoying a fabulous display of fashion, entertainment by the talented Daz Edwards, a raffle, and an auction. The event reached its crescendo with a lively disco.

In addition to the stunning clothing showcased by Venetia Steele Boutique, participants included Art of the Fairytale, Colour Me Beautiful, and Michila Harris Wigs. Guests had the opportunity to try on and buy the clothes, making the event both a fashion extravaganza and a unique shopping experience.

The sun came out to play, adding to the atmosphere, as guests mingled and supported the noble cause of Hope Rescue (dog charity). The event successfully raised a substantial sum for the charity, with auction donations including £1,150 from Venetia Steele Boutique and Michelle Gerrish, £100 from Julie Bennett’s hamper, £205 from Sandra Hurley's Elements Hair Salon, and £900 from Nicky Bright Holiday Lets, totalling an impressive £2,275.

Venetia Steele Boutique is conveniently located at 30-32 Caroline Steet, Bridgend CF31 1DQ, and can be contacted on 07886 124857

Thank you to Vale Life, Andrew Lamnea Photography and Art of the Fairytale for the images.

Llanerch Vineyard

B Bubbly Coz it’s COCKTAIL DAY! Friday 5th July, 2024 1pm Start

Llanerch Vineyard

Fashion Show with Venetia Steele Boutique Friday 8th November, 2024

To book your places – please contact Neil Boobyer on 07943 068520 now to avoid disappointment

Neil Boobyer of NBRS Events can be reached on 07943 068520 for future events and enquiries. Please check the Facebook page as more events are added.

The Highest Quality Residential, Nursing & Dementia Care

Directors Michael Morgan and Jon Hewitson have worked together for over 25 years. “We remain good friends and I don’t think a harsh word has ever passed between us” says Michael. Outside the office Jon is passionate about football and never misses a Cardiff City Game. We are proud to be kit sponsors for Ely Rangers AFC and the Peterston-superEly Walking Football Team. Michael is useless at football but appears occasionally on stage (currently at the Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival in Shakepeare’s The Tempest).

Another sportsman in the team is Chris Coates, Solicitor and Property Expert who joined Vale Solicitors this year. A keen Rugby supporter, Chris, in his younger years, played Rugby for Wales Under 20, Stade Nantais in France, Glamorgan Wanderers, Bridgend, and Penarth.

Arthur’s favourite colleague is Jo Sloper the Ace Conveyancer who again this year secured our Accreditation for the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme. Jo wins constant praise from her clients: “The personal service provided by Jo made such a difference to buying and selling my house. Measured advice coupled with regular updates gave me confidence that everything would run smoothly. I’d highly recommend Vale Solicitors”.

When not dealing with property challenges, Jo competes successfully with her Welsh Mountain Section A Ponies at County Shows - winning at the Vale Show and coming home with rosettes from the Gower, Usk and Bridgend shows.

Arthur hopes to meet up with our colleagues at our Barry Office soon (Solicitors Jeff Lloyd and Denisa Buciuta) to celebrate the qualification of our youngest member Carys Slack who is awaiting the results of her final Solicitors exams.

“Arthur

CBS is an award-winning, fully accredited, provider of top-tier DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Checks and Pre-Employment Checking Solutions, to SME’s and larger organisations throughout Wales (and the UK).

We are proud to offer these services through the medium of English and Welsh.

01443 799 900 | Email: info@cbscreening.co.uk | www. cbscreening.co.uk

Complete Background Screening, CBS House, Cwm Cynon Business Park, Mountain Ash CF45 4ER

Complete Background Screening, 5 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4BH

www.huwanddale.co.uk

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