City Life Spring 2009 by Good Life Publishing

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PONTCANNA’S GEMS GLAMOUR WITH THE JEWELLERY STUDIO & THE HAIR STUDIO IN - DEPTH FEATURES , MUSIC , DESIGN , TRAVEL & MORE RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

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The more I give to thee the more I have for both are infinite William Shakespeare

Platinum engagement ring

Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; number one diamond importer Roger Williams, The Jewellery Studio, 237 Cathedral Road, Cardiff Telephone: 029 2022 1144 | www.jewellerystudio.co.uk | www.diamondswales.com

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WELCOME Spring is in the air, bringing the promise of longer days, warmer weather, spring blooms and lighter evenings. Spring to me means spending time outside exercising, walking the dog, enjoying park life with the family. Thankfully these things cost nothing but make us feel so much better. Bring it on!

In this issue, we feature Pontcanna, aka the ‘Little Chelsea’ of Cardiff, the developments at the fashionably popular Hair Studio and stunning jewellery to accessorise your Spring wardrobe at The Jewellery Studio.

IN THIS ISSUE A ROUND

Pontcanna is full of fabulous cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes and Spring is certainly the time when the café culture here comes into its own. It’s the perfect arena for people watching and spending a relaxing afternoon.

C ITY –

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A REVIEW OF

H IDDEN G EM If you’re lucky enough to be going on a cruise or if you’ve received an invite to a wedding, then new business Katwalk will certainly have the outfit with the wow factor. We are delighted to have a full and frank interview with fashion stylist and image consultant Suzanne Jaya about her life long battle with illness. Despite this, Suzanne’s positive and cheery nature wins through. If it’s the male perspective you’re looking for, then Henry Bockelmann-Evans may have the key to unlock those hidden qualities itching to break through. Hopefully there’ll be something of interest here for everyone. Enjoy! Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk The clothes pictured above are available from Pebble, Cowbridge.

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PONTCANNA’S GEMS GLAMOUR WITH THE JEWELLERY STUDIO & THE HAIR STUDIO IN - DEPTH FEATURES , MUSIC , DESIGN , TRAVEL & MORE RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

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CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK

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W H AT W E L OV E D ABOUT CARDIFF THIS SEASON WA R M E R W E AT H E R ACROSS THE COUNTRY And lighter evenings too! S P R I N G T I M E FA S H I O N AC R O S S T H E C I T Y A new wardrobe awaits! THE WELSH GUNG-HO SPIRIT ACROSS THE COUNTRY Pulling together despite the credit crunch!

Editor JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Web Editor RICHARD BENNEWITH rich@commediaonline.co.uk ❧

Creative Director MARK ROBERTS mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Artwork PA U L S E S S I O N S studio@commediaonline.co.uk ❧

Written submissions PLEASE NOTE All contributions to City Life are the opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the publishers. We cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. ❧

Photography ❧ MARK ROBERTS mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧

Email contacts ❧ A DV E R T I S I N G jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ EDITORIAL jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ STUDIO studio@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧

VISIT www.citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧

T H E J E W E L L E RY S T U D I O PONTCANNA Plenty of sparklers MARKS & SPENCER AC R O S S T H E C I T Y Superb customer service WA I T R O S E PONTPRENNAU If you go, you’ll understand CASTELL COCH 32 OFF THE M4 A little history puts it all into perspective JUNCTION

PONTCANNA FIVE MINUTES FROM CITY CENTRE A little bit of Cowbridge in the city STEPHEN ALPORT (ARTIST) STEVE@ALPORT-DESIGN.CO.UK

So talented and such a nice chap THE HAMPTONS SALE LUDLOW LANE, PENARTH Shop, chat, eat, relax, 10/10 THE CAFÉ CARIBE CAPITOL SHOPPING CENTRE So polite - as it should be M E R M A I D Q U AY C A R D I F F B AY We all need to get out more! M A M A A M A L F I ( R E S TA U R A N T ) RED DRAGON CENTRE Movie then pasta – ciao! THE ROBIN IN

PASSIONATE ABOUT CARDIFF We are independent. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and produced in Cardiff for the people of Cardiff. ❧ OUR PHILOSOPHY We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking. “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” ❧ USE IT OR LOSE IT Business is the very life blood of any community. Without business, villages have no heart, towns have no centre and cities have no soul. Please support the businesses who advertise in City Life - without them there’d be no City Life. ❧ SMALL(ISH) PRINT © Copyright City Life 2008. 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. ❧ GREEN IS GOOD The pulp used in the production of the paper City Life is printed on is obtained from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine free bleaching process.

CARDIFF Makes winter bearable

GARDENS ACROSS

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IMPORTANT YOU READ THIS We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in City Life or on www.citylifecardiff.co.uk is correct and accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong. Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in City Life are strictly those of the authors. ❧ CAVEAT EMPTOR All advertisers have supplied their own copy (and in some cases artwork), therefore City Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. ❧ SUBSCRIPTIONS To guarantee your copy of City Life magazine, please send a cheque for £20.00 (four issues) made payable to City Life. Visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers. ❧ MISSED THE LAST ISSUE? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk or telephone us. Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. ❧ YES IT’S FREE! City Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Cardiff and beyond. City Life is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed around, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did. Recycling... because there is no Plan B!

professional&personal

A full range of healthcare services, expertly delivered.

UROLOGY CLINIC

Vale Healthcare is a new independent health care provider, combining the best consultants and the latest medical technology. We offer rapid access services for a wide range of conditions. Outpatient consultations, therapies and daycase treatments are undertaken in a modern environment. Health screening, includes same day cardiac stress testing, blood and urine analysis. Our diagnostic imaging suite includes MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy and mammography. Day case surgery and endoscopy are also undertaken using the latest technologies in our well equipped theatre suite. We’re offering the people of south Wales a wider choice than ever before and provide exceptional independent care, expertly delivered.

OPHTHAMOLOGY CLINIC

Our four locations are:

Vale Healthcare services ORTHOPAEDICS & RHEUMATOLOGY CLINICS

REHABILITATION & TREATMENT CLINIC DIAGNOSTIC & MINOR

INTERVENTIONAL SPINE CLINIC DERMATOLOGY CLINIC

PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

& GENERAL SURGERY CLINICS

COSMETICS CLINIC EAR NOSE & THROAT CLINIC CARDIOLOGY CLINIC

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING BREAST CARE CLINIC SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC GYNAECOLOGY CLINIC

Cardiff Bay Clinic, Cardiff Bay – a full range of outpatient and day care services Vale Clinic, Hensol – orthopaedic and rheumatology consultations and physiotherapy Cyncoed Consulting Rooms – outpatient consultations Swansea University Clinic, Swansea – physiotherapy in partnership with

For info call 029 2083 6700 www.vale-healthcare.com

AROUND THE CITY I F Y O U H A V E S O M E N E W S O R A S T O R Y W H I C H Y O U’D L I K E T O S H A R E , P L E A S E C O N T A C T C I T Y L I F E RUMNEY

Turning lbs into pounds at Lamby Lake The fund raising anglers of Lamby Lake have been working hard to raise £2,000 for LATCH. Carp Nations is a new charity event to be held at Lamby Lake in Cardiff, starting on the 24th of April. The match is England v Wales and ten English anglers will compete against ten Welsh anglers to see which nation can catch the most carp over a 48 hour period.

LATCH is very much an ongoing charity as the needs of the children change constantly with new treatment techniques and new equipment being made available. Essential parents’ accommodation is also provided. All this is dependent on the public’s help to ensure that children with cancer and leukemia in Wales obtain the best facilities available.

This exciting new event has already generated a great deal of interest and support. As well as local anglers, representatives from across the UK including both the Carp Society and Angling publications are delighted to be supporting the event. For more information visit http://www.lambylake.com/donation.htm

The charity the anglers are supporting with this event is LATCH, based in Cardiff. LATCH is a voluntary organisation set up to support the special requirements of the Children's Oncology Centre in Wales which is based at the Children’s Hospital for Wales. The money raised will be used to help affected families and to promote continued research into childhood cancer. RUMNEY

Grow your own veg from Dawn til Dusk Nick Baldwin of Dawn til Dusk gardening and landscaping is hoping to turn peoples attitudes onto growing their own veg. Nick says no matter how much room you have in your garden you could be sampling your own favourite vegetables, fresh from your own plot. Turn that unused space into a raised bed for your veg. Not much room to spare?, you can grow lots of veg from containers large or small or even use a flower bed.

If you do have room, Nick can clear the site, build up the raised beds complete with soil, containers supplied ready for use, help with propagation, plug plants and on going maintenance if needed. Nick also offers a broad range of garden services including tree work trimming, lopping, removal, and tree planting, hedge trimming, lawn cutting and maintenance, and fencing.He is also registered with the Environment Agency to carry and dispose of your garden waste. All green cuttings are one hundred percent recycled and turned back into mulch or soil . You can contact Nick on 029 2089 0122 or 07773 243152.

CIT Y

An opportunity to sell for City Life We’re looking for a partner to join us at Good Life Publishing. Do you love meeting people, selling ideas and working on your own initiative? We have huge growth planned and have many opportunities for the right candidate. We are looking for a Sales Executive with: ■ a proven track record in sales ■ someone who is extremely well presented and used to selling ■ excellent face to face selling skills ■ communication and listening skills are a must. If you’re not the nine-to-five type and you’re looking for a challenge and the opportunity to be rewarded for your efforts, then please get in touch. Please be assured that all contact will be treated in the strictest confidence. Please send your CV to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk or write to Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road CF63 2AW.

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C A R D I F F A N D VA L E

Party time? Quasar hits all the right buttons Where does the time go? Not so long ago, our son was happy to hold his birthday party at a soft play centre. Those days have long gone. As his tenth birthday was looming, I was going through the venue options through my head and I must confess, I was stumped. Taking a bunch of friends to the cinema would cost an arm and a leg by the time you added the cost of each cinema ticket, drinks and pick ’n’ mix and then there would be the dilemma of picking a film that suited both girls and boys. I then had a eureka moment and decided to ask him what he’d like. Immediately the response was Quasar. Why hadn’t I thought of that? He’d been to a couple of parties there before so I knew it would be a hit with him and his friends of both sexes. Invitations duly written and handed out, not surprisingly all but two of the fifteen children indicated that they’d like to go.

For those of you who haven’t been to Quasar before, the specially designed arena within the building allows two teams to battle it out using state-of-theart laser tag equipment. The children were briefed on how to play and then the fun began. First game over, the players came out to check on their scores and then enjoyed a meal of sausage or chicken nuggets and chips with a drink.

I checked out Quasar’s new website at www.barryislandquasar.com and saw that there were two party options available. Option One was the standard package of two games, a meal and a drink which would last for an hour and thirty minutes at the cost of £8 per child. Or there was the ultimate party consisting of three games, a meal and two drinks, a birthday cake and a souvenir photo of the party. This package would last for two and a half hours at a cost of £11 per child. As he wouldn’t be ten again, we opted for the ultimate party.

I think it would be fair to say that they were buzzing with excitement and eager to get back in for another game. Before they could do this, the lights went out and the candles of the cake were lit. Song sung, candles blown out, the gang were keen to get back to the action. Second game over, out they came again for another drink, again the buzzing continued. After the final game and scores checked, the goodie bags were handed out.

Fifteen children descended on Quasar at 4.30pm on a Friday and all we had to do was sit back and watch the enormous TV whilst owner Mark expertly organised the party.

On the way home, our ten year old was counting down the days to his next birthday, he enjoyed it so much. Quasar also has a members’ scheme for 9 to 16 year olds, available from 10am until 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays where you pay £5 membership and then £5 each play. Apparently Quasar isn’t just for children - they cater for adults too. My birthday isn’t until October but wouldn’t that make a refreshing change from the norm!

When the parents came to collect their child (another bonus here – two and a half hours of peace for the parents of visiting children!), the children were still on a high – the adrenalin would take a while to subside. All we could hear from the children were the words “amazing”, “brilliant” and “awesome”.

Barry Island Quasar Wales No 1 Quasar Centre 5 Station Approach Road Barry Island CF62 5TH 01446 421611 www.barryislandquasar.com Phoneline open 9am – 9pm

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BRIDGEND

Urban sophistication in a tranquil rural setting If you are looking for a home that has been individually designed, somewhere that hasn’t compromised on quality and yet is still affordable, then Woodridge is the place for you. Integrating seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment, Woodridge offers an outstanding collection of two and three bedroom penthouses and apartments and one five bedroom detached house. Situated within a private, gated development with landscaped communal gardens, Woodridge enjoys the tranquillity of its beautiful woodland setting and yet is within walking distance of Bridgend town centre and only ten minutes from the M4. Traditionally built with contemporary interior specifications and ‘top-of-therange’ fixtures and fittings, each apartment has a large timber balcony or paved terrace for you to fully experience the pleasures of outdoor living. FONMON

The Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show I can’t think of a better way to spend a Wednesday in August and this year will be no exception as the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show hits the grounds of Fonmon Castle again on the 19th August from 8.30am to 8pm.

Bordered by the spectacular Heritage Coast to the South, the dramatic Brecon Beacons to the North, the glorious countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan to the east and the beauty of the Gower Peninsula to the West, Woodridge is ideally placed to benefit from everything South Wales has to offer.

“A unique development offering urban sophistication

This is a unique development offering urban sophistication within an idyllic rural setting and with prices ranging from £159,000 for a two bedroom apartment to £499,000 for the five bedroom house, there really is something for everyone! For more information, call Diane Marshall on 029 2070 6432 or email diane@southgate-estates.co.uk www.southgate-estates.co.uk

within an idyllic rural setting.” Our sister magazine, Vale Life was delighted to have had a marquee at last year’s show. For those of you who went and popped their heads in, ours was the African inspired mirage conjured up by those incredibly talented guys, Andy and Peter of Hamptons in Penarth. Last year’s event was a bit soggy but we’re all hoping for better weather this year and expect visitor numbers to be well up on previous years as the momentum builds.

It’s a jolly good day out for all of the family with trade stands galore, food hall, craft fair, home produce, agricultural and horticultural. This year’s attractions include Katy Cropper Ducks and Dogs Display, Circus Workshops, Punch and Judy Shows, Road Train and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting. We’ve already got our thinking caps on for our next theme – unless anyone’s got any suggestions? If you’d like to sponsor the event or represent your business at the show, there are various ways of getting involved. Check out how on www.valeofglamorganshow.co.uk See you there! For more information contact Mrs Nicola Gibson on 01446 710099 vale.show@btinternet.com www.valeofglamorganshow.co.uk

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SPRING CUTBACKS

Clive Sullivan shares his horticultural tips for the coming season

In these difficult financial times gardens appear to be having ‘sympathy pains’ with the shops, particularly in chilly March! We need to shift our ‘reduce to clear’ garden detritus now to make way for the future glory of summer. The bulbs are cheekily peeking through; as the great cycle of life starts afresh. Dwarf Narcisscus, Crocuses and the last of Snowdrops flash their colour, leading us into the bolder displays of larger Daffodils and Tulips. Spring really turns on the bulbs doesn’t it? Roses need pruning now – well, not climbers or ramblers (except a small tidy up). You can be as ruthless as you like! So, if you need to take out some aggression at living in these more frugal times; happily hack away; confident in the knowledge you’re encouraging healthy new wood with beautiful summer flowers.

Extensive trials proved some time ago that it doesn’t matter how delicate you are with Rose pruning. Using chainsaws, or painstakingly pruning over the bud at an angle (as I was taught); have a broadly similar effect. However, the aim is to prune early enough to produce lots of early flowers without risking frost damage. Clematis that flower later, on wood formed this year, particularly large flowered types like ‘Hagley Hybrid’ and ‘Ville de Lyon’ can be pruned to the lowest buds. Even freshly planted Clematis that flower early such as montana can be cut back hard now. This will sacrifice flowers this year, but will strengthen roots, building firm foundations for future years. A little work now will bring dividends later on in the season!

Clive’s top tips for the season Prune Wisteria asap by cutting back the main stem and shortening lateral shoots, though be careful…not too hard. Feed Roses – use heavy organic feriliser i.e. manure or Fish Blood and Bone. Dig your vegetable patch if you haven’t already done so, incorporating organic matter. Continue to ensure ponds aren’t covered with ice – fish need the oxygen. Melt the ice slowly, don’t smash it! Plan a new lawn for late March / early April when temperatures rise above 8˚c. It’s cheaper than turf; another credit crunching solution! As temperatures rise over 10˚c grass starts to grow so ready the lawnmower; sharpen blades and service if necessary. Refresh your window boxes and tubs. Take cuttings of Dahlias and start off Begonias early. Sow half-hardy annuals in seed trays. Keep frost protection on tender shrubs during very cold periods.

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MUSIC Reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.com

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New Sound Wales aims to: ■ Keep you up to date with new bands and performers that are emerging from Wales and beyond. ■ Recommend new CD’s and music downloads. ■ Let you know which Welsh gigs are coming up in the months ahead.

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N E I L YO U N G

M A RY H O P K I N

Canterbury 1968

Recollections

This catches Neil in playful and relaxed mood and provides a fascinating insight into exactly where he was at during this particular time. Highlights include “Birds” and a stripped down acoustic version of “Loner” that is radically different to the recorded version.

If you thought Mary Hopkin was just about ‘Those Were the Days’ think again. This collection of archive songs 1970 – 1986 proves that she was, and luckily still is, a classy folk singer. Even better news is that she is due to record new material this year.

If you like acoustic, folk and alternative music, www.newsoundwales.com is the place to bookmark and check on a regular basis. New Sound Wales are keen to hear what you think about music in Wales, what bands you’re listening to and who you would like to see playing in Wales. For more information contact Francis at www.newsoundwales.com City Life ‘we love music’ rating system ❦❦❦❦❦ Marriage proposal ❦❦❦❦ Move in together ❦❦❦ Go out on a date ❦❦ Polite refusal ❦ Run like the clappers!

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ANIMAL COLLECTIVE

WHITE LIES

Merriweather Pavilion Post

To Lose My Life

Fresh, original and uplifting, containing a new sound that is highly infectious – once you get hooked. Beach Boy sweet vocals over repetitive refrains, samples and subtle beats. Experimental, yet still accessible. Standout African infused ‘Brother Sport’ is driving, climactic and joyous.

One of those bands that has been so hotly tipped by the industry that they won’t be allowed to fail. In the same vein as the Editors, they sing doom-laden epics with swelling, anthemic choruses. Coming soon to a stadium near you.

PHIL CARRADICE

J E N N Y S U L L I VA N

The Black Chair

C’mon Cymru

A work of fiction inspired by the true story of WW1 soldier Ellis Evans, better known by his bardic name Hedd Wyn. Injured Danny begins the journey back from the front line to Wales. But his recovery cannot really begin until he has fulfilled a promise to a friend.

C’mon Cymru: Let’s hear it for Wales is a collection of poems for sports fans everywhere! Jenny Sullivan gives all the major sports a workout – and some of the less obvious ones too. If you’re not already an expert, don’t worry. Jenny’s energetic rhymes will soon lick you into shape!

THE INSIDE OUT SERIES

Telling the Story of Welsh

Exploring Place-names in Wales

Exploring the origins and history of the most vibrant Celtic language, throughout the ages.

- Have you ever wondered where the name of your town or village came from? Then this is the perfect guide for you!

BOOKS GOMER PRESS COMPETITION

Win all of the Gomer books reviewed here Here’s your chance to win the eight books from Gomer reviewed here. To enter the competition just answer the question and send your entry to City Life by May 31 2009. Alternatively email your entry to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk

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Where is the poet Anna Wigley from?

Answer

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from City Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

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SICKNOTE

ROD THOMAS

ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS

Epidemic

Until Something Fits

The Crying Light

One of Wales’ best live bands follow their throbbingly excellent single ‘Death Before Employment’ with this live collection. Post nu-rave performance art floor fillers for the ‘Skins’ generation – call it what you will Sicknote could well go ballistic in 2009.

A round up of singles released so far. Bright shiny folk pop with tracks such as ‘Same Old Lines’ several of which should have been top 10 hits. The song ‘Hints of Him’ is haunting and memorable and demonstrates significant potential as a songwriter.

The first album was visceral and challenging, the second with its wide range of styles won the Mercury. This, the third release, is more intimate and delicate with mostly piano led songs of introspection. Standout song ‘Epilepsy is Dancing’ is simply spine tingling.

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L A DY G AG A

JIMI ALEXANDER & THE SATELLITES

MORRISSEY

The Fame

Debut Album

Years of Refusal

The new would be queen of electro pop has already produced the most perfect pop moment of the year so far with ‘Just Dance’ and ‘Poker Face’ is almost as good. Not exactly electro - this is more Pussycat Doll than Miss Kitten.

When it comes to Welsh Americana Jimi Alexander is fast becoming the leader of the pack. A highly distinctive voice that is dark, smouldering and passionate. This, together with memorable songs, such as ‘Queen of Denmark’, make this a classy debut indeed.

Usually inaccurately labelled miserable, Morrissey’s first single from this release ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’ the city not Ms Hilton - sounds like a return to form and is as good the best of his early solo career. Morrissey turns 50 in May.

CITY L IFE SPRING ISSUE 2009

P R O U D

TH E CI T Y

ANNA WIGLEY

H Y W E L T E I F I E D WA R D S

Waking in Winter

The National Pageant

A mesmerizing collection from Cardiff poet Anna Wigley, exploring grief, love and the uncanniness of the everyday. Bringing together themes as diverse as missing cats, car adverts and Chinese foot-binding, this collection displays a range and a sharp edge that establish Anna Wigley as a literary force to be reckoned with.

2009 marks the centenary of the 1909 National Pageant, held in Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens to great public acclaim which celebrated Wales through the ages. This is a wonderful, lively read about one of the most famous public spectacles held in Wales in modern times.

T O

B E

FREE

I N D E P E N D E N T

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

PONTCANNA’S GEMS GLAMOUR WITH THE JEWELLERY STUDIO & THE HAIR STUDIO IN - DEPTH FEATURES , MUSIC , DESIGN , TRAVEL & MORE RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

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Welsh Farming Life

Welsh Saints and Sinners

A look at indigenous Welsh breeds and the rural way of life in Wales.

A glimpse at the most saintly figures of Welsh history, alongside the worst of Welsh sinners.

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City Life is expanding its website and would like to hear from readers who wish to contribute music and book reviews for inclusion on www.citylifecardiff.co.uk If you’re interested please telephone 0845 180 2345 or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk

Hamptons is owned and run by Andy Bradshaw and Peter Knowles. This wonderful store has a keen following of devoted fans. Here are City Life’s top five reasons to visit if you’ve never sampled this truly inspirational oasis of...

RETAIL HEAVEN The Store

The Products

The Design Service

Many have described Hamptons as the closest thing to retail heaven and we can quite see why. The perfect combination of a wonderfully elegant building beautifully converted and filled with the most exquisite and unusual products, served by the friendliest of staff is just the tip of the iceberg.

With everything from a greetings card to a sofa, the store is full of the most fabulous things. Gorgeous, unusual and irresistible, we found it almost impossible to leave without making a purchase.

Both Peter and Andy are experts within their fields of garden and interior design. The two are hugely approachable and for those who are thinking of engaging an interior or garden designer both Peter and Andy inspire confidence from the outset.

The owners, Peter Knowles and Andy Bradshaw have thought of just about everything. And being rather talented designers they have created the perfect shopping experience. The laid back jazz playing outside the store lures you in and once through the door, your senses are bombarded. Deliciously fragrant room scents, delicate bath truffles, dazzling glassware and exotic arrangements of flowers and that’s just inside the door! There are two floors of even more wonderful products to explore so, it’s no wonder that some customers want to stay all day.

The store has an exceptional range of products; glassware by LSA, candles and home fragrance by Wax Lyrical and bath products by Di Palomo are just some of the delights in store not to mention the best selection of greetings cards we have ever seen. Upstairs features furniture including Content by Conran, the most spectacular cushions and rugs (the pebble rug is simply divine), as well as lighting, picture frames, funky telephones and design led accessories.

You only have to look at the store to realise that they know their stuff! Their clients range from entire new builds to an hours consultancy for those who have slightly lost their way. They also provide follow up services for garden clients who want to keep their gardens looking pristine and a house doctor service for those who want to sell their property and need it to look its best. Designing weddings and events are another speciality so if you are looking for something really special for the big day then Hamptons could be the answer. Both Peter and Andy are generally available at the store to discuss projects as well as offering free advice on products within the store. If you would like any information about their design work they have an information pack detailing how the design process works as well as outline costs.

It’s impossible to compare Hamptons with any other department store, even in London. The care and detail is extraordinary and the products well that’s another story altogether.

“It’s no wonder that some customers want to stay all day.”

“Both Peter and Andy are generally available at the store to discuss projects.” ❧ 14 ❧

The Blue Pelican Café Whether its morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea, the Blue Pelican Café is simply the best place to meet up in Penarth. No matter how gloomy the day might be, inside Hamptons the lush palms and staff in tropical shirts make every day a holiday. The food is made daily from the freshest ingredients and they can guarantee that they know exactly what goes into every dish on the menu. Start off with a helping of Aunt Harriet’s home made soup - carrot and ginger, spicy parsnip or mulligatawny are among the regulars or your can choose a smaller helping and combine it with a freshly made sandwich. The main courses have rather whimsical titles such as, Lifeguard’s Lunchbox, the Italian Job and Falafel Feast. The café also has a great selection of veggie options as well as gluten and dairy free choices.

The Service If you have any room left then you’ll probably find the call of the cake table irresistible - Luscious Lemon Drizzle, Chocoholic’s Chocolate Fudge and the Classic Victoria Sponge really are truly scrumptious. After dark, Hamptons sees the transformation from daytime café to something even more sophisticated. The evening events have proven to be hugely popular with something to suit most musical tastes. From Opera to Jazz, Mowtown to Broadway the events vary tremendously and the menu is themed accordingly. You can pick up details of forthcoming events from the store or the Hamptons web site. Book early as they tend to sell out fast!

“The evening events have proven to be hugely popular.”

From the moment you step through the door you know you have entered somewhere rather special. Staff who greet you, offer advice, gift wrap exquisitely for free - sounds like a dream doesn’t it. But at Hamptons the dream is a reality. Their strap line is ‘The exception not the rule’, which many would say is quite a hard one to deliver but here we found the service really was of an exceptional quality. Nothing is too much trouble. They will carry your purchases to the car as a matter of course, and as the heavens opened outside we were even offered an umbrella to borrow. All in all, Hamptons has to be high on your list of stores to visit this season you won’t be disappointed!

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

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Harmonious Inviting Elegant

Willow Walk, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7EE 01446 771234 email info@rflkitchens.com Please visit our new website at www.roomforlivingcowbridge.com

In my youth, my idea of the perfect holiday would be lying on a beach and worrying about what shade of mahogany I could go. Now that I’m ‘maturing’, my tastes are definitely changing… I’m taking more interest in the garden, enjoying stronger cheeses and finer wines so I suppose it’s only natural that I will look for more from my trips abroad.

OUT OF

AFRICA When the opportunity of visiting The Gambia presented itself, I thought this would be the perfect destination to be able to see more than just the usual tourist fare. My journey began at Bristol Airport. I’ve only flown from Bristol once before and that was many years ago. It has changed a lot since then with an abundance of good quality shops and a very hi-tech look about it and regulars will be pleased to hear there are plans to extend the facilities to include an internal corridor to save you from the weather which should happen sometime next year. I made the most of the short stay at the airport by checking in to the executive lounge, with its complimentary drinks and snacks and a view over the retail area. We flew with Hamburg International on a flight lasting six hours but the time flew (excuse the pun) with the help of Matthew McConaughey relieving himself of yet another white cotton shirt in a movie, the title of which, I fail to recall. What I do recall is the very polite and efficient cabin staff.

Our party was greeted at Banjul Airport by our tour operator representatives, Jo and Louise, from The Gambia Experience, the UK’s only specialist tour operator to The Gambia. After a short coach trip, we reached our hotel, the four grade Corinthia Atlantic. An older hotel but very charming nevertheless and, we were enthusiastically informed, a refurbishment of the pool area had recently taken place. With its beachfront position, you couldn’t ask for more when it came to location. My bag was whisked away and I was shown to my room which consisted of twin beds and a bathroom with shower and balcony. The room was pleasant enough and, most important to me, it was spotlessly clean. Before dinner, I had the opportunity of meeting other guests. There was a good mix of ages and we were soon chatting enthusiastically about what was ahead of us. The a la carte menu was very good. Not surprising as our chef is a bit of a celebrity in area, with several TV appearances under his belt! The manager of the hotel, Rod, and his lovely wife joined our table and gave us a brief overview of the hotel and The Gambia as a whole. Our hosts were both knowledgeable and charming and had obviously fallen in love with the country that they’d chosen to make their home. We relaxed and looked forward to a good night’s rest ahead of a busy schedule the following day. I availed myself of the complimentary mosquito net which was kindly put in place and I had no trouble falling sleep.

Breakfast was an informal affair with plenty of choice; from cereals, fruit, meats and cheeses and the obligatory full English breakfast. They even had an omelette and pancake bar, which I found on the second morning, much to my delight – I must confess I do love a good omelette. The staff at the Atlantic Hotel are extremely helpful and genuinely eager to please. John, the waiter who served me each morning, was on hand to fill my coffee cup and equally as eager to ask about my stay and was genuinely interested in my response. Our transport was in the form of a giant Land Rover type vehicle which was provided by West African Tours and our guide Muctarr Yankuba (or Mucki as he liked to be known) was, hand on heart, the best tour guide I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. A trained journalist, there wasn’t anything about The Gambia, its inhabitants, bird life and attractions that Mucki didn’t know. This information was relayed in such a way that Mucki could easily add entertainer to his CV. We met in the reception for our first trip to Sandele Bay Eco Retreat, which is set on a palm-fringed expanse of unspoiled, white sandy beach in southern Gambia. The retreat is being built by a British couple, Geri and Maurice, in conjunction with the local community of Kartong who will personally benefit from the development of the resort as they will assume complete ownership in twenty five years’ time.

“The Gambia Experience contributes to the local economy and set up a School Fund in 1989.” ❧ 18 ❧

Deluxe suite at Coco Ocean Hotel

“The weather was glorious, the accommodation and food superb.”

Mandina Lodges, Makasutu

Sandele Bay Eco Retreat

“Gambia was fabulous! I can easily understand why people fall in love with this beautiful country and its utterly enchanting people. My tan faded within a fortnight but my memories will certainly last forever.”

The first phase of the Eco Retreat opened in November 2007 and was built by local craftsmen using sustainable and eco-friendly construction techniques and materials sourced from the surrounding area. Nestled among the trees, about 100 metres from the beach are the unique, individual suites each benefiting from a private roof terrace. In keeping with the eco philosophy of Sandele, there is no swimming pool but there is a sunbathing area with plunge pool for every two suites. Inside, the circular rooms are light, airy and spacious, complemented by rustic furnishings under a high, beautifully designed, domed ceiling. There are currently four suites, with six more planned for 2009. Each suite will also have its own private cabana on the beach; these are due to be in place for 2009 and will comprise of a washroom as well as a day bed and sunbathing deck. We dined in the restaurant and enjoyed what I thought to be the best meal of the whole trip. Not surprising then that Maurice and Geri are hoping for an accolade for the cuisine.

There are a variety of activities on offer at Sandele, including bird-watching, fishing and bush walks or you can explore the area with trips available into the village to see local artisans at work and you can try your hand at the local crafts. I liked what Maurice and Geri stood for. Yes, here are two canny business people but they are building this retreat with the intention of it being owned, ultimately, by the Gambian people so I had to tip my hat to them. From Sandele we continued to Makasutu Forest for a walk in the forest, a canoe trip and to visit the resort’s Mandina lodges. The lodges have been built on a tributary of the River Gambia in the heart of the African bush. As with Sandele, Mandina is the brainchild of James English and his nephew Lawrence Williams. The resort boasts an enormous pool which the eight lodges have use of. I can easily imagine lazing by that pool all day but they do have expert guides to help you explore the thousand acre forest to see the wildlife, including birds, monitor lizards, baboons and monkeys. Our party particularly enjoyed the canoe trip, despite it being low tide and, at one point, having to push the canoe into deeper water! ❧ 20 ❧

Dinner was a buffet at the forest camp, followed by a spectacular show of African dancing and fire eating. The dancers arrived at camp via canoe up the river. Their arrival announced by distant African chanting which got louder as the canoe arrived at camp. The last day of the trip for me was by far the best. We visited Campama School. Before leaving the UK, it was suggested that I bring along some pencils to give to the school. Education in The Gambia is not paid for by their Government and not all parents can afford to send their child to school. The Gambia Experience contributes to the local economy and set up a School Fund in 1989. To date they have assisted over eighty schools across The Gambia by funding building, renovation and equipment. As soon as we arrived, the children ran to greet us. We sat with them in their classroom and heard from the head teacher about the education system. My bag of goodies which was kindly donated by Staples, Cardiff Bay (www.staples.co.uk) was gratefully received. We then danced with the children in the playground with them all vying to hold our hands. This really was a moving experience and one I shall never forget!

THE GAMBIA EXPERIENCE

Accommodation We stayed at the four grade Corinthia Atlantic Hotel www.gambia.co.uk Prices from £399 per person based on seven nights bed and breakfast inclusive of flights from Bristol and East Midlands. Check prices prior to booking.

Excursions Trips are provided by West African Tours. Our guide was Muctarr Yankuba.

Places we visited

■ Sandele Bay Eco Retreat at Kartong

(exclusive) ■ Mandina Lodges at Makasutu

(exclusive) ■ The Gambia Experience offers the

Sandele Bay Eco Retreat

‘Makasutu by Night’ excursion with West African Tours, which can be booked locally through hotel reps ■ Kombo Beach Hotel ■ Coco Ocean (exclusive) ■ Coconut Residence - sister hotel to Coco Ocean (exclusive)

Later, we got the opportunity to meet a local Gambian couple and their eight children. Most Gambians live in compounds, a group of mud huts which house the extended family. This, I have to say, was very humbling. The huts consist of empty rooms apart from a communal mattress on the floor upon which everyone sleeps. There is no running water or electricity. The families are not considered poor but describe themselves as ‘normal’. I asked how the family spent their time and was told that the children play outside all day (these particular children were not schooled) and the mother prepared a meal which they all ate together. The rest of the evening was spent together talking; a stark contrast to my own homelife with my nine year old in school while we work, then a meal (not always at the table or together), then more work while he plays on his Playstation. Food for thought... I enjoyed my time in The Gambia for a number of reasons. The weather was glorious, the accommodation and food superb but most of all I’ll remember the people. John the waiter summed up their philosophy succinctly when I asked him if he enjoyed his work.

He replied, “I work to support my family but I enjoy my work. I am a Gambian and everything we do, we do from the heart.” Gambia was fabulous! I can easily understand why people fall in love with this beautiful country and its utterly enchanting people. My tan faded within a fortnight but my memories will certainly last forever. Reasons to go Gambia ■ Fantastic winter sun – over 30ºC ■ Uncrowded sandy beaches ■ Under six hours flying time ■ Same time zone, no jet lag ■ Short transfers ■ Unspoilt and not commercialised ■ Friendly people and exotic culture ■ English speaking ■ Wide range of restaurants ■ Variety of quality accommodation ■ River, bush and beach excursions ■ Spectacular bird life and fishing ■ Holidays to suit all budgets and tastes

“This really was a moving experience and one I shall never forget!” ❧ 21 ❧

Prices The Gambia Experience are freezing prices for next winter and their winter 09/10 prices are on sale in January 09. For details of current winter offers call 0845 330 2087 or visit www.gambia.co.uk/specialoffers

When you can go For the current winter season (which finishes April 09), Friday flights are offered from Bristol and Manchester with Tuesday and Friday flights also available from East Midlands and Gatwick enabling popular 10 and 11 night holidays as well as long weekend breaks plus traditional one and two week holidays or longer.

Useful reading The Gambia priced at £13.99 available at www.bradtguides.com

The Gambia Experience Reservations 0845 330 2087 holidays@gambia.co.uk www.gambia.co.uk

THE HIDDEN GEM Lydstep Beach in Pembrokeshire is truly the hidden gem of South Wales, a place where holidaymakers return again and again from all over Britain to enjoy the wealth of facilities on offer at the fabulous Holiday Village. Take the A4139 out of Tenby towards Pembroke, drive about three miles and on your left you will come across the entrance to Lydstep Beach Holiday Village. Continue to drive through the woodland, descend the hill and there it is.

‘Stunning’, ‘idyllic’ and ‘gorgeous’ don’t overstate the beauty of it. Pembrokeshire boasts Britain’s only truly coastal National Park – a spectacular mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild inland hills. But Lydstep Beach is something else again! You may have seen photographs, heard people talking about it, or driven from Tenby to Pembroke and not even noticed it. But drive past this remarkable spot, and you’ve really missed a trick. You owe it to yourself to spend some time at Lydstep Beach.. and you’ll soon realise that it’s quality time.

“You owe it to yourself to spend some time at Lydstep Beach... and you’ll soon realise that it’s quality time.” ❧ 22 ❧

Aside from the sheer beauty of the place, the area has an almost magical quality about it, which could have something to do with its long and interesting history dating back to the 5th Century Saints, Norman Earls and Tudor merchants. Undoubtedly, one of the things these ancestors all loved about Lydstep Beach was its tranquillity. Whiling away a few hours on the beach, visitors and locals alike find that they easily lose track of time. The beach itself – together with the spectacular adjacent cliff scapes of Proud Giltar and Lydstep Point which top and tail it – provide some of Wales’ most breathtaking scenery. A stunning natural harbour, tucked away from modern civilisation and much the better by being unspoilt by it. It’s also renowned for its crystal blue water... don’t be surprised to see dolphins playing off the shore!

OF SOUTH WALES... Something for everyone The beach’s Blue Flag and Seaside Awards will appeal to sunbathers, swimmers and parents alike. The Blue Flag is the highest award that a beach can attain. The Europe-wide standard means that the beach has met the highest levels of water quality as well as 25 other criteria including lifeguarding, toilet facilities and dog control. Lydstep beach offers a great range of facilities including superb relaxation and leisure facilities, an excellent country club, entertainments, and a choice of quality eating and drinking. Of the holidaymakers who visit Lydstep Beach Holiday Village, the attraction is so strong that many decide to buy their own holiday homes on the site. With a wide variety of holiday homes there’s something to accommodate all tastes. The added bonus for those that own their own holiday home is that they have exclusive access to the Boat Park at no extra charge. Including a slipway that makes for easy launching and recovery, and there’s also mooring and boat storage available, making it easy for boat owners to leave their craft at the beach for the whole year, avoiding the hassle of trailing. Come to Lydstep Beach once, and you won’t want to stop coming back!

“Lydstep Beach offers a great range of facilities including superb relaxation and leisure facilities... and a choice of quality eating and drinking.” ❧ 23 ❧

For more information or to book a visit call 0871 971 0904 or to discover more about Lydstep visit www.lydstepbeach.co.uk

This issue we talk with Monique Green of The Studio, Penarth about her passion for photography and her love of art. What’s your background? I was born in Brisbane, Australia, and met my husband in London. We lived in both cities before moving to Penarth and we’ve been here for ten years. We have a little girl (she’s a corker!), a dog and some lovely friends. I only miss Australia when I’m trying to swim in the sea - I’m just not used to the cold, but the warmth of the people here more than makes up for it. I love the Welsh, they’re kind, funny and very underrated. What kind of photos do you take? I look for joy; when you see it, it’s beautiful, breathtaking. A photographer is in the privileged position of being invited into some of the most important times in people’s lives such as weddings, birthday parties, golden anniversary celebrations, a child’s early days. All these things are about the people we love, and the joy they bring us, so I aim to capture just that. Do you keep up to date with the latest trends in photography? I like to keep abreast of what is happening, but my inspiration and ideas usually come from other places - I find looking at paintings by great artists very exciting. One of my current projects is a photograph of a couple recreating ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt as a gift for their wedding. I was also lucky enough to do a series of nudes for a calendar, each photo themed by prominent events for the month; Valentine’s day, The Great British Summertime, Christmas and New Year’s etc. It’s not the sort of thing I can display in the shop window, but I’m quietly very proud of how they turned out.

Trends are worth watching, but what’s more important to me is that my clients are happy. With something as important as a wedding, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. I work hard to make sure I understand what the Bride (and the Groom, of course) want, and deliver it. It’s a very special time, and I want to help them enjoy it. Any other trends we should be looking out for? Whilst the current fashion for the ‘white background, bright colours’ kind of lifestyle photography is still very popular, I’ve found changing the background to black visually very satisfying. It’s just one change, but it makes the photos so much more dramatic, very ‘Dutch masters’. I’m not sure if this counts as a trend, but I’m having a great time with it! Tell us about your wedding photography. Weddings are very much a family affair, and not just for the Bride and Groom. My husband Mike and I work together as a team to deliver not just the standard shots but also more intimate and candid shots that capture the feel of the day. Mike has twenty five years experience in advertising and fashion photography, so I find he comes in handy for this type of thing! I meet with the couple before the wedding to find out their preferences for style and iron out any little details. And to establish a good rapport - it’s so important. If the photographer and the bridal couple get along well, you can see it in the photos. After that, all they have to do is relax and enjoy their special day together.

How do you ensure each client is given your undivided attention? Unlike some of the larger photography chains, it’s just me (and sometimes my very patient husband) here, so it’s a very personal service. I take the photos, I do the post-production work, I like to see the look on my client’s faces when they view the photos for the first time. There’s no time limit on the shoots, and no high pressure sales people at the end. Just me and my customers and the photos. What is your work motto? Exceed their expectations.

The Studio 2 Royal Buildings Stanwell Road, Penarth Vale of Glamorgan CF64 3EB Tel 029 2040 7276 Fax 029 2071 1776

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EXPOSURE

CARDIFF’S ‘LITTLE CHELSEA’ If anyone’s going to know all there is to know about Pontcanna, then it’s local estate agency firm Chris John and Partners. Andrew Thomas of Chris John and Partners gave us the low down on what’s often referred to as ‘Little Chelsea’. Legend has it that St. Canna was a sixth Century Breton princess who used to sit on a bridge which stood at the corner of Teilo Street and Cathedral Road, enticing people into the local church and converting them to Christianity. Her first husband, St. Sadwrn also got religion, eventually ending up as a hermit on Anglesey. A more prosaic account of the origin of the name ‘canna’ has it meaning ‘to whiten’ and characterises the Canna as a stream or ‘white brook’ dividing the parishes of Llandaff and Canton. This ran behind a row of thatched cottages opposite our offices before crossing Cathedral Road at the corner of Pontcanna Street (-might explain our perennially damp cellar!), eventually veering east and joining the Taff near Sophia Gardens.

Acquired from the Marquis of Bute in 1947, Pontcanna Fields’ magnificent axial lime avenue runs alongside the site of last year’s National Eisteddfod and all the way up to Western Avenue. In 1982 Pope John Paul II preached to 150,000 at Pontcanna Fields, having been introduced in song by BBC Radio Wales presenter Frank Hennessy. Just after Christmas in 1979 floods left Pontcanna Fields under six feet of water and the best method of getting down Cathedral Road was by boat! The Bute Estate initially leased much of Pontcanna and were therefore able to employ estate architects to ensure high quality design and construction. The influence of the Bute’s famed NeoGothic/Pre-Raphaelite architect William Burges can be felt. Housing constructed by the Estate is well known for its abundance of late Victorian and Edwardian marble or slate decorative tiled fireplaces, elaborate coving and carved stonework, stained glass, panelled doors and a remarkable variety of patterned porch tiles and terrazzo flooring.

PONTCANNA

Green textiles arrive at Wyatt’s in Pontcanna New to Wyatt’s this Spring is a fabulous, fresh and funky range of textiles from environmentallyaware Swedish company, Linum. The textiles evoke a feeling of simplicity but still keep within traditional values. Classical tickings with a modern feel in three different colour ways, The Reds, The Greens and The Blues make up the collection. Some of these patterns follow a neutral theme with The Whites and Neutrals. Jane Wyatt, owner of Wyatt’s can give advice on integrating these textiles in your home for a touch of Scandinavian simplicity and style. Wyatt’s Home and Garden 186 Kings Road, Pontcanna CF11 9DF 029 2023 3496 Also at 1 Bank House, Bank Crescent, Ledbury HR8 1AA 01531 633601 jane.wyatts@btconnect.com www.wyattshomeandgarden.co.uk

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Established in 1973, Chris John & Partners relocated from High Street in the city centre and are the only estate agents in Pontcanna holding membership of all three professional bodies: RICS (for surveys & valuations), NAEA(for sales) & ARLA(for lettings). Chris John & Partners 95 Pontcanna St, Cardiff CF11 9HS 029 2039 7152 lettings@chrisjohn.co.uk sales@chrisjohn.co.uk www.chrisjohn.co.uk

PONTCANNA

Roger Williams The Jewellery Studio Roger owns the very popular Jewellery Studio which has been in business for over 25 years. How is business? Business is good, despite the current economic climate. Couples are still getting engaged so diamond rings continue to sell well and as platinum has come down in price it continues to be the metal of choice. Our customers continue to appreciate my diamond expertise and trust my guidance when it comes to stone selection. Our oval diamond engagement rings continue to sell well as an existing alternative to the brilliant cut styles. In addition, our range of silver jewellery always sells well. I like to think that there is something for everyone who is looking for a gift. The Jewellery Studio has been here for twenty five years so we've built up an extremely loyal customer base. Customers trust us and they know we'll look after them.

18ct gold diamond ring from Stahl

How did you find working with Rachel on the City Life cover photoshoot? I loved every minute of it. Seeing Rachel transform Jess’s hair into the different styles was fascinating. I’m very proud of her and am thrilled that she has chosen Pontcanna to open her new salon. She has a loyal customer base that other shops here are now benefiting from.

Our range of silver jewellery has also been complemented with our introduction of the Spanish Designer range of Luxenter, a colourful range of earrings and pendants, bracelets set with semi-precious stones. We also have the Vabene range of Italian watches by Georgio Grimoldi which are doing well. You have become known for your unique designs. Do you have anything new planned for the Spring? Yes, I have sourced beautiful trillion cut diamonds so am working on a new engagement ring for this season, for those who like something a bit different.

What are the most popular ranges at The Jewellery Studio? I have to say that the Paris based Dunia range of silver jewellery has been a real success. It is colourful, innovative and well priced. The very collectable range of Thomas Sabo charms also continues to sell well and are the best selling item on our website. They are easily selected on line and dispatched the same day, so adding to a charm collection is made easy.

“We’re delighted to be the only jewellers in south Wales to stock Stahl, a unique brand which is one of the leading jewellery manufacturers in Europe.” Thomas Sabo charm bracelet

Any new brands to look forward to? We’re delighted to be the only jewellers in south Wales to stock Stahl, a unique brand which is one of the leading jewellery manufacturers in Europe. Over 1,000 pieces of jewellery in gold and silver for both gentlemen and ladies are created per season, which are influenced by the shapes and colours of the fashion industry. Ne pas jeter sur la voie publique. Sous réserve d’erreurs typographiques. Photos non contractuelles. Conception et réalisation - Tél. 04 93 19 41 58 - www.les4portes.com. Photos Mannequins et bijoux : Claude Germain.

Dunia Silver jewellery

Any new developments? Yes, I’m very excited to announce that we are launching our new look website. We have undergone a rebranding exercise with the help of Blindspot Design in Pontcanna and thanks to their efforts, our new look site will be easier for customers to browse or buy online. ❧ 27 ❧

The Jewellery Studio 237 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9PP 029 2022 1144 enquiries@jewellerystudio.co.uk www.jewellerystudio.co.uk

PONTCANNA

Rachel Williams The Hair Studio In this issue the City Life team worked with father and daughter Roger and Rachel Williams who are both business owners in the Pontcanna area. Rachel set up The Hair Studio a few doors up from his studio six months ago. They teamed up to work with City Life for this issue’s front cover, showcasing both Roger’s amazing jewellery and Rachel’s hair styling skills. Here we talk to Rachel on how she thought the shoot went and how the new business was doing. How was your experience working with the City Life team on the photoshoot? I very much enjoyed working with everyone involved in the photoshoot for this issue of City Life. It was a long day, having had to work at the salon and then hot tail it down to The Cameo Club where the first of the shoots took place. Martin Phillips, the photographer set everything up was amazing, there were so many cables and lights involved. The studio shoot at Red Kite Studio’s in Porthcawl was just as interesting. Jessica, Martin’s daughter was the model and she did an excellent job of wearing the clothes from Body Basics so well, posing in dad’s jewellery for so long without letting a single hair fall out of place. It was great to be able to style Jessica’s hair in a variety of styles to get the right look we were going for. It certainly brought out the creative side in me!

Who else was involved? Amanda the make up artist was pure genius. Jennifer (Editor) and I had collaborated beforehand and worked with Amanda on the look we were going for and Amanda transformed Jess into our vision which Martin captured beautifully. For the Cameo Club shoot, Suzi from Flowers with a Twist supplied the finishing touches with her stunning flowers for the backdrop and the props were supplied by both The Cameo Club and Elizabeth Holland Interiors. The clothing for the shoot was kindly supplied by Body Basics in Pontcanna and from Jess’s own wardrobe. What was it like working with your dad on the shoot? Dad and I both loved the buzz of both shoots. We’re both creative and enjoy working with people to get the right result. Sometimes this can get a bit stressful but we’re the kind of people who thrive on stress, otherwise we wouldn’t have started our own businesses! Are you and Roger happy with the end result? The images are excellent and give a great representation of Pontcanna and both our businesses. What’s new at The Hair Studio? Luckily things have been and are really busy, which is great given the current economic climate. We’ve taken on a new member of staff recently, Trish, who’s been in the industry for 26 years. She’s trained to the highest standards of haidressing and has settled in well. She’s been in Wales for ten years and originates from Dublin, Ireland. She loves Wales and has worked all over. She’s also just as excited and inspired as I am about La Biosthetique, the product range we offer in the salon. ❧ 28 ❧

Tell us about La Biosthetique? Its Trichology based, meaning its all based on the study of the scalp, offering solutions to any type of scalp condition or hair type. The company’s philosophy stems from the discovery of the physiological connection between hair and skin over 50 years ago by the biochemist Marcel Contier. Scientists use this concept as well the most up-to-date findings on cosmetics and medicine to develop first class products. Each product is carefully created and blended with high quality raw materials. The products are subjected to the strictest tolerability and efficacy tests at European University Clinics to ensure our products are safely created without testing on animals, which is an important factor for me in choosing this product range. Also, the colour results have been excellent, truly spectacular results. Both customers and ourselves have been very pleased. Any other developments? I’ve recently added Great Lengths Hair Extensions to our services which enables me to use my creative skills. They’re 100% human and 100% traceable. They give amazing results and offer a huge colour range which is able to match any hair colour. They are the leading brand in hair extensions and take little maintenance. Many women want the look of long hair but are put off by those that look unnatural and worry about the damage some can cause to their own hair but with Great Lengths they are kind to your hair and scalp, are vitually undetectable by sight or touch, are comfortable to wear, long lasting and can be removed with no damage. We’re currently offering free consultatations for anyone wanting to try them out.

The Hair Studio 241 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9PP 029 2037 6151 www.the-hairstudio.co.uk

Sometimes a shop comes along that answers all of your needs, from gorgeous bits and bobs to furnish your home, to ideas for gifts for an up and coming wedding. Enlist the services of a woman with style and creative ideas to transform your house. Wyatt’s is a place where you can go and easily spend an hour just browsing and having a chat with owner Jane Wyatt or a member of her staff. How is Wyatt’s settling in to Pontcanna? We felt a part of the community right from the start. Luckily for us a few other new businesses opened at the same time as us (Flowers with a Twist and Limelight hair salon) and, of course, the Cameo underwent a transformation so we felt very much part of something new and fresh as well as receiving a big welcome from the existing businesses. We all seem to work together well and this end of Pontcanna Street has come alive. I think the ‘lifestyle’ represented by Wyatt’s fits in very well with the area and we have a great many friendly regulars among the locals.

What products are you offering for spring/summer? Our stock is constantly changing and at this time of year we’ll be looking to add to the rich, warm colours of the french country kitchen, which are ever popular, and aiming to bring the outside in with fresh blues and greens. We’ve some really pretty blue and white china from Powell Craft which would look really summery on a table laid for tea in the garden and plenty of lanterns and tealight holders to add romance and atmosphere to an al fresco evening meal. With spring weddings in mind we have some great ideas for wedding presents from Welsh wool and cashmere throws and picnic rugs to stunning stone glass-domed cheeseboards. What will be best sellers? Talking of weddings, the Welsh are a romantic lot and buy any hearts we can provide them with. We rise to the challenge and offer them heartshaped baskets, dishes, tealight holders, coasters and all sorts of decorative hanging hearts. Not quite so romantic, I know, but we have a funky range of doormats which are fun and colourful and always popular. Our oil cloth also sells well. It drapes like cloth and is machine-washable but is liquid and stain resistant. Customers use this for all sorts of things like tablecloths, blinds and covers for outdoor cushions. The designs are very pretty too and you might guess that the patterns with hearts sell very well!

Who comes to Wyatt’s? Our customers are from far and wide and the wide ranging stock we hold attracts a wide ranging fan base. Our regular customers often send or bring friends and family to the shop knowing they’ll find something a bit different. They seem keen to spread the word about Wyatt’s, which is a big compliment. People come not only seeking a special gift, luxury item, or antique piece but knowing that we stock lots of useful stuff like linen tea towels, oak doorstops and fab giant balls of twine for gardeners.

What do you think customers love about Wyatt’s? Hopefully, they like the whole shopping experience as we try to be friendly and welcoming. It’s a real browsing place with bits and bobs tucked away in corners. It’s sometimes hard even for the staff to remember where they last saw something.

“I love the thrill of the chase and I am never happier than when asked to source something for a customer.” ❧ 30 ❧

There’s an eclectic mix of old and new with a touch of wit so beautiful antique furniture sits, happily, alongside french kitchen paraphernalia and a cute collection of chickens and ducks. We try to keep our window fresh and entertaining and hope people find it inspiring. We even had a full sized sheep in the window for a while. He was a real talking point. His name is Brian and he now lives inside the shop where he gets a lot of attention from our small visitors. Yes, he is for sale. Every home should have one! Interiors service? I love the thrill of the chase and I am never happier than when asked to source something for a customer. This could be anything from a church pew to a dressing table. With my experience in my Ledbury shop and designing my holiday cottages, as well as helping customers design their decor I am happy to bring this service to Cardiff. I love to talk to people and get an idea of what they like and then help them achieve the look in their own home. I find this part of the business very satisfying. Do you gift wrap? Yes, of course, if you’re buying a gift for someone elese or treating yourself we will be happy to gift wrap it for you. Wrapping the sheep may be a challenge but we would rise to it!

Wyatt’s Home and Garden 186 Kings Road, Pontcanna CF11 9DF 029 2023 3496 Also at 1 Bank House, Bank Crescent, Ledbury HR8 1AA 01531 633601 jane.wyatts@btconnect.com www.wyattshomeandgarden.co.uk

WYATT’S MAKES A H HOUSE A HOME...

NEW HOME FOR MAKING MUSIC

BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales at home in BBC Hoddinott Hall BBC National Orchestra of Wales moved into its exciting new home, BBC Hoddinott Hall at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay in January of this year. We catch up with them a few months on... The new venue was launched in grand style in a special Opening Festival at the Orchestra’s new home from 22 January until 1 February beginning with two gala concerts, opening with an orchestral showpiece written by the man after whom it is named, the late Alun Hoddinott. Over the eleven days the new hall showcased performers and composers including one of Britain’s best- loved pianists John Lill, famous Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, Wrexham born pianist Llyˆr Williams and presenter Aled Jones. Since then the boxes have been unpacked, the dust has settled and normal life has begun for the Orchestra and management team in their new home.

Since 1967, the Orchestra had been based in Studio 1 at the BBC studios in Llandaff, Cardiff, but out-grew its old home. A new purpose-built studio was added as Phase 2 of the Wales Millennium Centre complex in Cardiff Bay. BBC Hoddinott Hall is not only now the Orchestra’s new base where all its rehearsals take place for all their performances, it is their own recording studio and state-of-the-art concert hall seating around 350 people. There is also the Grace Williams Studio which provides auxiliary rehearsal space for the Orchestra and is the home base for BBC National Orchestra of Wales’s education and community outreach work hosting workshops, master classes, small-scale rehearsals and performances. BBC Hoddinott Hall as a venue adds a whole range of concerts to the Orchestra’s output, from forgotten masterpieces and specialist concerts to works that are well-known and loved by people everywhere. ❧ 32 ❧

The new hall enables the Orchestra to present more intimate concerts in addition to their regular performances across Wales. Already, since the opening, the hall has hosted afternoon concerts, Discovering Music sessions for radio and programme recording sessions and has also had visits from international soloists and conductors. Director of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales David Murray said, “We had an exceptional opening to the venue and we’ve had a really exciting first few months since the move. We are delighted that the hall has been very well received by the Orchestra, artists and general public so immediately.

We now look forward to all the opportunities that this new home will bring. As well as enhancing our work and programming as an Orchestra and chorus with plenty of scope for

DAT E S F O R YO U R D I A RY

Concerts at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre AFTERNOON CONCERTS Wednesday 22 April 2009 2pm Hindemith Cello Concerto Walton Variations on a Theme by Hindemith Ireland Piano Concerto Conductor, James Judd Cello, Johannes Moser Piano, Martin Roscoe

furthering our outreach work in addition, being at Wales Millennium Centre in a hub of creativity, will also add the opportunity for exciting collaborations and projects with the other residents and the Centre itself.” BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ concerts are broadcast on BBC Radio 3, BBC Cymru Wales radio and television, and BBC Four, plus the Orchestra can regularly be heard on the soundtracks to BBC Wales’s Doctor Who and Torchwood. They recently carried out their first soundtrack recording for the TV programmes since moving to BBC Hoddinott Hall and had the benefit of their new facilities in the purpose built hall and studio for the first time. As well as the events at BBC Hoddinott Hall, the main large-scale concerts will continue to take place in St David’s Hall, Cardiff, and Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, as well as the other concerts throughout

the length and breadth of Wales. The Orchestra has just completed a tour to mid and north Wales with a tour to Spain planned for May. As well as final Cardiff and Swansea concerts to finish the 08/09 season, there are afternoon concerts planned at BBC Hoddinott Hall. The Orchestra will also be seen and heard at two concerts in July at St David’s Hall Cardiff at the Welsh Proms and in the BBC Proms in London at the Royal Albert Hall. How to book For more details on BBC National Orchestra of Wales and BBC Hoddinott Hall visit bbc.co.uk/now or call the Orchestra’s Audience Line on 0800 052 1812

Wednesday 3 June 2009 2pm Dvořák Noon day witch Szymanowski Violin Concerto No 1 Martinů Double Concerto Conductor, Walter Weller Violin, Alina Ibragimova Piano, Martin Roscoe Thursday 2 July 2009 2pm Delius Paris – the song of a great city Ravel Piano Concerto in G Vaughan Williams Symphony No 6 Conductor, Rumon Gamba Piano, Roger Muraro Friday 17 July 2009 2pm Stephen Roberts Sinfonia for Brass, Percussion and Strings Feldman In search of orchestration Feldman On time and the instrumental factor Debussy/Adams Livre de Beaudelaire Ives Three places in New England Conductor, Thierry Fischer Baritone, Christopher Maltman

www.bbc.co.uk/now Tickets £10 (£8)

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This exciting event is once again returning to the picturesque village of Fonmon in Rhoose and the estate of Fonmon Castle as guests of Sir Brooke Boothby. Even though it might be too early in the day to select the teams to compete for this year’s Fonmon Trophy, you can be sure that they will be of the highest quality available. For more information on team selection, please visit our website at www.stdavidspolo.co.uk The Sport of Kings will be on newly prepared ground and viewed from a Hospitality Pavilion with a private

enclosure, Polo Boxes situated directly onto the ground and a picnic area for field only tickets. To book a table of 10 in the hospitality marquee, hosted by the Club’s patron Viscount St David’s, you can view the game within the partly seated private enclosure. Your experience will begin with a Pimms reception at 12 noon, followed by a three course lunch catered by Strawberry Fields of Bath, together with table wines and mineral water. You will then be able to view the match and presentation at 3.30pm and enjoy the post match party entertainment by a top UK party band. ❧ 34 ❧

The Event will commence at 12 noon for Hospitality Guests, 1pm for Polo Boxes and 1.30pm for picnic parking. Live music will be provided by Pete Mattheson, former lead guitarist with Ray Davies of The Kinks and DJ Rich in the Hospitality Marquee at the post match party from 5pm until 8pm. Again, more details on how you can enjoy the day are available online. To make payment easier, the Club have added the option of payment by Paypal. A new addition this year will be a Champagne Buffet Bar. Should you choose this option, you will receive a glass of house champagne on arrival at

POLO It’s only March and I’m already feeling starved of somewhere glamorous to go. Thankfully it won’t be long until Sunday June 28th and the most prestigeous event of the year, the St David’s Polo at Fonmon

Lynda and Margaret Demerios and friends at last year’s event

Amanda Protheroe-Thomas adds a dash of glamour

1pm together with a fork buffet until 3pm. When the match commences at 3.30pm, you will have first class viewing from your own private enclosure. After the match and presentation, you can enjoy the music provided in your box or join in the party within the hospitality enclosure until the event finishes at 8pm. There will be a car picnic area each side of the Polo Boxes which will be open from 1pm to 6pm together with a field ticket option. More details online. Whichever option you choose, there’s never been a more enjoyable way of spending a Sunday afternoon.

A great opportunity to let your hair down!

The Polo organisers and teams ensured that a great day out was had by all

This year’s event will be sponsored by premium champagne brand Veuve Clicquot. Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot played an important role in establishing champagne as a favoured drink of haute bourgeoisie and nobility throughout Europe. The 1811 comet vintage of Veuve Clicquot is theorised to have been the first truly modern champagne due to the advancements in the méthode champenoise which Veuve Clicquot pioneered through the technique of remuage. St David’s Polo is proud to have Veuve Clicquot on board.

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For more information about St David’s Polo or to book tickets for this year’s event please contact: Geoff Lloyd St Davids Polo Club 34 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF11 9LE or by phone 029 2066 6091 or by emailing geoff@stdavidspolo.co.uk www.stdavidspolo.co.uk

City Life spent an enjoyable afternoon in the company of Matt Powell, Head Chef at La Plie in Southerndown, foraging at one of his secret locations in the Vale.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS What is your background? I learnt my trade as an apprentice to Raymond Blanc, then graduated to other French haute cuisine establishments in the Netherlands and UK. I think my obsession with food helps though! What is your cooking style? The cooking style often matches several elements; we try to stick to French classical techniques as much as we can. We do use a waterbath for our slow braises which just improves the tastes. Our passion is for food to taste how it is meant to. Fresh bread is made twice a day and we make all our fruit reductions ourselves. Turkish delights have become a new petit four now. Where do you source your ingredients? I am a keen forager. I am always looking for interesting wild foods on the shore and inland. As much as possible I use local sources for my ingredients, especially for meats, vegetables and dairy produce. Locally, our suppliers are Ton Farm Vegetables, Merthyr Mawr and Oaklands Oganics of Cowbridge. We also use Slade Farm, that is just a stone’s throw away from the restaurant for mutton and lamb whenever we can. We use E. Ashtons, Fishmonger of Cardiff and Douglas Willis Butchers in Cwmbran. Less locally, I use Charlie Hicks Greengrocer, of Hay on Wye, in my opinion a purveyor of the best fruit and vegetables in the world. We also buy from Keltic Seafare of Dingwall, Ross Shire, Highland Game of Dundee and Tanner’s Wines of Shrewsbury. We source organic rose veal in from Alternative Meats in Shropshire.

“I am a keen forager. I’m always looking for interesting wild foods on the shore and inland.”

What might we expect on your Spring menu? Our menus are uploaded onto our website at www.laplierestaurant but typically our spring lunchtime menu will consist of dishes like slow cooked Usk Valley lamb breast, female fennel, pistachios and lamb juices or red gurnard (an extremely underrated fish!), mussel poêlée, sea lettuce and saffron mussel sauce. Blood oranges are very good now - we use the whole fruit to create, in effect, a de-constructed Turkish orange salad but put back together as an iced mousse, a reduction of the juices, with a jelly sweetened tea created from the rind to flavour it and also a confit, which we cook in a water bath for two days, adding a real zing to the dish. Our dinner menu consists of dishes like Scottish diver picked scallops, slow cooked carrot puree, lotus root and ginger crème, or rose veal fillet with baby onion and veal sweetbread blanquette, pommes maxims, roasted cepe and veal jus. Desserts follow suit such as Oldroyds Yorkshire forced rhubarb pannacotta, rhubarb sherbet, and sorbet and crisps. What are your hopes for the future at La Plie? We want to keep our customers happy and to make it more comfortable and more of an experience than simply a meal. I think if we keep cooking from the heart, then the accolades we want will come. We have just re-decorated our downstairs dining room. There are only four tables of two, so the atmosphere is very intimate. It takes us up to twenty six covers which is large enough for the type of food we eventually want to progress to. We also want to use the room for private dining for up to ten people. The plan, this year, is to employ another member of staff in the kitchen and front of house.

F O R AG I N G

Matt Powell’s guide to seaweeds Sea lettuce Sea lettuce is abundant around Britain and grows where nutrients are high. It contains most of the B vitamins and is even believed to reduce blood pressure. We butter it, deep fry it or steam/roast our fish over it. Laver Does the Welsh ‘caviar’ need any introduction! It is purple to brown in colour and found along the Welsh coast. It has high iodine content and works well with most seafood. It is the same as the Japanese nori seaweed. Dulse Dulse is a vivid purple and is high in all elements and minerals. It can be dried or it can be fried with butter or, as we do, it can be usedto steam/roast fish on. Carrageen/Irish moss Carrageen was traditionally used in Ireland as a medicine. It is apparently a natural E number. It has quite a peppery taste in its raw state. Note: All seaweeds are washed scrupulously and lightly salted before use.

La Plie Restaurant 52 Beach Road, Southerndown Bridgend CF32 0RP 01656 880127 www.laplierestaurant.co.uk

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ABOVE US...

Local artist Vernon Jones is gaining a reputation as one of the finest seascape artists working today. City Life met Vernon to find out what inspires him. Tell us about yourself I was born in Pontypool and educated there, until leaving to study at my second College for a H.N.D. in Design/Wildlife Illustration at CCTA Gelli Aur, West Wales. I have lived and worked in different parts of the UK, experimenting and exploring possibilities with art and its ‘uses’ to us as people, and to myself. I enjoy very much to socialise and meet new people, and to discover new concepts usually through conversation. Travel is also very important to me.

Please tell us about your art… My art now is an exploration of the sea, with land and sky elements that are included in the composition in most cases. It is a subject that I can relate to, as with most of us probably, maybe just as fire can hold our gaze, so does the sea and its various ‘moods’. It is perfect for me as I love the detail and difference, which I strive for in my work. It is important for me to balance all parts and elements, and in this way becomes a problem solving exercise which I enjoy. But I also need to keep the motion of the sea, and this needs freedom. Control and freedom together, and all must ‘feel’ balanced and in harmony with whatever is surrounding or next to any one part of the painting. The final composition must feel balanced. Have you a lifelong ambition? I want to be successful in my work, and also in my life, which can mean different things depending on the person of course. ❧ 38 ❧

For me it is a mixture of what I want and what I need. What I want may not always be what I need. In this way I set myself goals and ask God for help (what ever you believe God to be). I just try to meet the world half way, to be able to move with opportunity when it comes, and try to feel what I need to do. I feel guidance, and I feel not to try to control everything, but to work, to ‘listen’, to try to be in balance with change, with living, with where I am going and what I will do in my life. What do you do to relax? Cafés are a big love of mine. Just to take time to sit and relax with coffee or tea, by myself or with others. I also enjoy restaurants, walking and films. When I can, I try to get to the sea, get the wet suit on and show people how not to stay on your surf board! Its fun... I love also to photograph the sea, and am always looking to build on my own reference library of interesting studies and compositions of the sea. What’s your work ethic? To create good quality canvases, and not to ‘hang on’ to my finished works. I want them out in the world so that people can, I always hope, enjoy them.

“My art now is an exploration of the sea.”

THE WAVES

What do you like about Cardiff? Cardiff is a place where the feeling, the atmosphere is good for me. It is also easy to get around, and there is everything you need in the centre. The bay area is very nice, and there are good bars, restaurants etc. in Cardiff, I think something for everyone. Also there is a good mixture of people in Cardiff. It has nice buildings in the centre, various communities, and the most important of all-I like the people.

What’s the most memorable thing to ever happen to you? That is difficult to say, and so I will share one of them. I travelled to Norway via Finland a good many years ago, and found myself camping alone at the edge of a fjord. It was a still night, very peaceful and no one around. I remember the first time seeing what must have been the Northern Lights, and I enjoyed to sit looking out at the sea playing my bodhran, which is a type of drum, surrounded by this peace and nature. That was a beautiful place.

coming from. I had no knowledge at all of this whole set up, and had to use reference from another source to try to understand just what I was to do with this! In the end I got it, at least he was very happy, but that was a tough puzzle to solve! I’m glad of the result, and glad that he was happy. You can view Vernon’s works at the following venues. April Pontypool Museum July Petrovac Na Moru, Montenegro August Washington Gallery, Penarth, Sept/Oct Galleria Micro, Torino, Italy Vernon also welcomes commissioned pieces from individuals and companies.

I’m very good at… Detail. I’m very bad at… Surfing.

My pet hate is… Ignorance. I love… Travelling. My favourite meal is… Veggie sausages, mash potatoes and thick veggie gravy with fresh bread and butter. My favourite drink is… Café mocha. I’m currently listening to… Metallica, 25 Yard Screamer, other metal and dream theatre. I’m watching… 24, CSI, Ultimate Survivor and films. If I could change anything... Suffering in this world. Three words that describe me are… Creative, friendly, thoughtful.

What’s your most challenging painting to date? Maybe it was a commission not so long ago, which was from a gentleman who wanted me to paint for him a trolley bus with the view down St. Mary Street in Cardiff. It was very difficult to see the cables, actually, I think I couldn’t see them, only where they were

Vernon Jones vernon.jones@hotmail.co.uk www.vernonwjones.co.uk UK 0044 (0)7963 297 363 Macedonia 00389 (0)70 840 067

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RESTAURANT REVIEWS Each issue we review a selection of restaurants in and around Cardiff.

PONTCANNA

The Cinnamon Tree curries flavour We had planned a meal at a friend’s house in Pontcanna recently but due to unforeseen circumstances, our friend had to cancel at short notice. When I say short notice, I mean we were en route and got the call. Having not eaten all day and really looking forward to a good meal, we decided not to deprive ourselves and call in to The Cinnamon Tree in the area to see if we could get a table.

We also opted for a favourite of mine – keema nan. Both dishes were full of flavour and we dipped in to each other’s dishes with great gusto. Even though the restaurant was busy, the service was second to none. Yes, we were disappointed not to visit our friend and sample her cooking but The Cinnamon saved the day. We’ve set another date to visit our friend so I think that what’s called a win, win situation!

“Even though the restaurant was busy, the service was second to none.”

We were greeted by name by Amran the owner as we entered the restaurant and shown to a table. As usual, the restaurant was packed but luckily the gods were kind and a table was found for us. What we particularly like about The Cinnamon Tree is the attentive staff and of course the food. Speaking of which, we started our meal with popadoms with a mix of salads and chutneys, followed by a garlic fest of stir fried mushrooms in a butter sauce with garlic and fenugreek and king prawns in a garlic sauce. For our mains, we chose lamb korahi and lamb shashlic with two varieties of rice, namely lemon and special fried rice. ❧ 40 ❧

The Cinnamon Tree 173 Kings Rd, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9DE 029 2037 4433 www.thecinnamontree.co.uk Lunch 12pm - 2pm. Evenings 6pm - 10.30 pm Mon to Sat. 6pm - 10pm on Sunday. Open for buffet lunches on Sundays from 12pm - 5pm. Also at Tonteg Road Treforest CF37 5UA 01443 843222

P E N D OY L A N

The New Red Lion, Pendoylan We were lucky enough to review The New Red Lion gastro pub in Pendoylan early last year and when owner and Head Chef Kami Soroush invited us again this year, we were intrigued to sample his new menu to see if our last visit could be equalled. We didn’t expect to be blown away by what was on offer... that just came as a matter of course. For those of you who didn’t read the review or haven’t visited the restaurant, it can be found in the pretty little village of Pendoylan in the heart of the Vale. Kami and his wife Azi bought the pub in 2005 which they refurbished to a very high standard, using Azi’s creative interior design skills. Kami uses only the finest, locally sourced ingredients which was evident during our visit as was his extensive knowledge of fine wines. We began our evening with a drink in the bar area before going through to the dining room on the ground floor. The atmosphere was laid back with attentive, but not obtrusive, staff. Having perused the well thought out menu, we decided on prawn and avocado timbale and spicy oriental duck salad to start. The avocado and prawn dish was full of flavour with good chunks of avocado and just the right amount of prawns in a rich, creamy sauce.

When our main courses came, both dishes were beautifully presented and burgeoning with a whole host of flavours which had us both picking at each other’s plates on a dish sampling frenzy. I don’t know whether it’s good eqituette to do this but frankly we didn’t care. As much as I was delighted with my choice of casserole, the mushroom and marsalla sauce on my partner’s chicken dish was tempting me to keep going back for more and I’ve never been good with temptation!

The duck, again full of flavour and plentiful, was perfectly cooked and embedded in a tasteful mountain of interesting, well seasoned salad. Both starters were the perfect appetisers for our main courses of breast of chicken with a mushroom and marsalla sauce served with basmati rice and white truffle oil and venison casserole with port and orange served with stuffed courgettes and duchess potatoes. During our starter, Kami brought to our table a bottle of Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme, Haut Medoc 2002 and assured us that it would be perfect for both the chicken and the casserole main course. Kami certainly knows his wines... neither of us would normally choose a red, often sticking to white wines, but we were very pleasantly surprised.

We both agreed that it’s not often that we can both be wowed by both choice of dishes but they were truly orgasmic!

“We are definitely fans of the charismatic and skilled Kami!”

We gave ourselves a little time to fully appreciate our mains before casting our eyes over the dessert menu. Having both been ‘blessed’ with a sweet tooth, it was a difficult choice for us to make as there were too many temptations. Finally, we opted for the sticky toffee pudding and chocolate rum torte. Again, both plates were attractively presented, so much so that my partner was loath to disturb the intricate chocolate decoration placed on top of the torte. The toffee pudding was just as your gran used to make and the torte was rich, decadent and extremely chocolatey. Coffees and truffles finished off our meal and we both agreed that without sounding sycophantic, we are definitely fans of the charismatic and skilled Kami... and we don’t mind who knows it! ❧ 41 ❧

“It’s not often that we can both be wowed by both choice of dishes but they were truly orgasmic!

The Red Lion Gastro Pub Pendoylan, Vale of Glamorgan CF31 7UJ 01446 760332 www.newredlion.com

CITY STYLE Make-up, jewellery, gifts and stylish interiors B A R RY

Look and feel good this season with Beauty Spot Our photoshoots wouldn’t be complete without the excellent make up skills of Amanda Morgan of The Beauty Spot in Barry. Here Amanda gives us the lowdown on how to look absolutely fabulous this spring/summer. If the festive season has left you feeling drab and in need of revival, or your starting to panic about a special occasion, I have a few suggestions that will get you ready for the spring and summer months. Pale dry skin will be crying out for moisture, so book a full body polish followed by a nourishing massage to boost the circulation. Try a facial peel, then a moisture surge mask for a radiant glow. Take home a St Tropez every day tinted moisturiser to keep up the good work and give a pre summer healthy glow.

How about trimming off the dead ends and giving your hair a peppermint mask or an aromatherapy scalp massage. You could even try a new hairstyle or a change of colour – ask our team for a free consultation. Have you ever considered a more permanent change like some Botox, line fillers or even semi permanent makeup for smudge free holiday eyes, brows and lips? Manicures and pedicures are always an essential for the ‘well groomed’ look. Weaker nails can benefit from regular nurturing or nail enhancements for total perfection. Eyebrows cannot be ignored as they are the frame of our eyes and a quick and cheap way to give us an instant lift. Why not try tinting and semi permanent makeup if they are a little sparse? We can offer brides a tailor-made package to include a picture perfect makeup at home on their special day.

PONTCANNA

Emma-Kate Francis introduces new range Top London jeweller Emma-Kate Francis’ recently opened gallery and workshop just off the Kings Road in Pontcanna is receiving great acclaim. She creates unique, handmade pieces using silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, semi-precious stones and pearls. Emma-Kate transforms her customers’ ideas into reality.“Part of the fun of getting something made is that you can boast about it!” she exclaimed. Her new range is ‘Lily’, sterling silver and freshwater pearls, inspired by lilypads in a pond like Monet’s paintings. The stacking rings look especially striking as you can mix the colour of pearls to create your own unique palette for a fresh spring look or add something beautiful to a wedding outfit. For your chance to win a piece of EmmaKate’s jewellery please see page 47. Emma-Kate Francis 183A Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff 07947 307119 www.ekfrancis.com

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A popular choice at this time of year is a pamper day which includes a light lunch and ready to go top-to-toe revival treatments. Whether you are a bride or mum-to-be this season or you have a special holiday or celebration where you’d like to shine, visit us at The Beauty Spot for ultimate fabulosity! Amanda Morgan Beauty Spot The Business Centre Cardiff House, Cardiff Road CF63 2AW 01446 731230

CIT Y

Art works with Nanor Tashdjian Nanor Tashdjian exhibits her paintings in the UK, Cyprus, Sydney and Bangkok. As well as her stunning paintings, Nanor also loves to experiment with different arts and crafts. She likes to combine her paints with lots of different colours, media and materials including acrylics, pastels, paper, collage and anything that gives a fantastic colour combination, texture and style. Her art is an expression of her own deep thoughts and imagination that combines with dreams and exploration of the mind and soul. Her work combines with three dimensional forms of art and she works with glass that allows her to feel and see her pieces from every angle bringing light, colour and life.

Her first work with glass was to create pieces in stained glass but she wanted to design something different that she could wear, admire and share with other people. Glass fusing allows her to combine many forms of art by fusing, slumping and giving shapes. “It is an amazing feeling working with glass to produce these stylish modern pieces, each extremely unique and with its own individual style and identity. The styles cannot be reproduced, just like art or a painting. No two pieces are ever the same,” says Nanor. “When my fused glass pieces are ‘born’ each piece gives me the strength and the hope of life that is unknown. I feel my pieces transfer this positive energy to the people who appreciate and own my work.” To quote one of her customers, “Your pieces take the shape and colour of my soul as I wear them. It gives me natural energy which is transposed to the viewer becoming a conversation piece. For your chance of winning two of Nanor’s stunning necklaces, please see page 46.

“Her work combines with three dimensional forms of art and she works with glass that allows her to feel and see her pieces from every angle bringing light, colour and life.”

Nanor Art 07974 256 622 info@nanorart.com www.nanorart.com

CARDIFF

Organic Gauci Candles are Heaven scent Did you know that most candles are made with paraffin, a petrochemical derivative? When they burn they emit soot as well as the artificial fragrance and has been linked with depression, mood swings and breathing problems.

“No soot, no petrochemicals and of course no artificial fragrances.”

Made from 100% soya beans right here in Cardiff, Gauci Candles are totally organic and can be any colour or scent of your choice. This means no soot, no petrochemicals and of course no artificial fragrances. The blends use only the purest essential oils which means you inhale pure therapeutic scents that create a unique environment. You can choose from ‘Sweets and Treats’ including yummy Bubble Gum, Candy Floss, Crème Brulee and for the more adventurous Love Spell. There’s also Floral including Honeysuckle and Jasmine, Patchouli and Rose, Herbs including Antique Sandalwood, Cinnamon and Spice and Ylan-Ylang ❧ 43 ❧

and Fruits including Fig Tree Bay, Lemon and Lime, Passion and Fruity and Bananas and Nuts. These fragrances are just a few selections from the many, many options available. Contact Gauci Candles and add a breathe of pure scent to your home. Gauci Candles 029 2030 3959 Mobile 07866 750848 gfcandles@ntlworld.com

Lift your spirits and your home with some of the latest trends to be offered from the leading design houses. Wendy Darke, Interior Designer at Design Inspiration predicts…

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be fed up with the economic gloom that’s spread thoughout the nation during the damp, dark, grey days of last Winter. Well, with the evenings drawing out, Spring has sprung and it’s time to keep your chin up by lifting your spirits and the look of your home with some of the latest trends to be offered from the leading design houses. In these times of major change and uncertainty we may not be considering moving house, but we do need to ensure that our homes stay up to date. Maintained to a high standard, looking clean and fresh and with the fabulous bold and bright designs available in treasure, jewel colours, it will be hard to stay glum for long. Lavish, flamboyant wall coverings in bright bold designs teamed with high gloss furniture and oversized lighting such as chandeliers will be one look that will prove popular through the coming year. Opulent colours, matt metallic gold, teal and deep, decadent reds will give us a cosy, rich feel to encapsulate us and make us feel safe. Femininity with a masculine edge will also be a key design look to come forward this season. Pretty, yet powerful shades, will work well in living and bedroom areas. Textures such as lace, velvets and silks teamed with modern ceramics, metallics, whites and bold colours with a faded feel, sometimes almost opaque will be the order of the day.

Modern, smart technology and clean lines to furniture, will give us the hard edge to this look. Again, the use of clever lighting from various sources will play an important role in completing this scheme.

With emphasis on re-use and recycle, a homespun, rustic feel, with a back-tonature edge will also emerge, using embroidered fabrics, understated neutrals and earthy tones. With elements of stone, these will have a natural balance when teamed with soft blues and greys, or silvers with red - all abstracted from nature. Good strong wood grains in furniture design and the use of wood Venetian blinds or wooden shutters to finish this look. Remember, nature inspired designs need not be boring. The introduction of dark mocha with mustard yellow and plenty of texture and the inclusion of natural shapes, such as leaves, is a winning design. Certainly not back to the days of everything in a shade of cream! Continuing with the understated look, we will yearn to keep classic items, choosing to reupholster and blend antiques with modern contemporary items; these will include the popularity of modern classics such as Lloyd loom – with the manufacturer introducing new shaped pieces made in the traditional method, along with other design icons such as, Eames, Rohe and Rennie Mackintosh becoming increasingly popular. Good quality and simple design will lead the way in furniture and we will think of items more as a long term investment rather than a disposable fashion item.

Oriental will also be a prominent look with simple illustrations and flat tonal colours, mixed with hot spots of colour. Mixing textures such as taffeta, mohair, pearlised and flock are key ingredients in an oriental theme. Whatever your ‘look’ or your next home furnishing project, it is more important now than ever to get it right - this is where the services of an interior designer can be essential. Designers can help guide you through the many products available without making an expensive mistake. ❧ 44 ❧

Images supplied by Harlequin fabrics. Fabrics available from Design Inspiration from £30 per metre

A BRIGHT OUTLOOK

Design Inspiration can help tailor your scheme to give your home that individual style that you desire, creating a sympathetic décor to suit your taste, whilst reflecting the current trends and times in which we live. We can bring a modern feel utilising fashionable, striking colour and design into a period property, whilst retaining the original character of any features. Similarly, a modern apartment can benefit from some more classic pieces. For example, a traditional chair covered in a modern fabric can be made to look simply stunning!

Over-sized lighting and modern classics are gaining popularity, such as the wooden framed barcelona chair used in this image. Nature inspired designs need not be boring with Mocha & Mustard.

“At Design Inspiration we are convinced that a surefire way to lift your spirits is to surround your self in colour and design a winning combination to a bright future!” E XC L U S I V E C I T Y L I F E O F F E R Femininity with a masculine edge’ see how this is defined by the hard clean lines of the white furniture against the floral fabrics and paper, for a clean fresh look.

By mentioning this feature, Design Inspiration is offering an exclusive 10% discount to City Life readers on made to measure soft furnishings. Offer applies/expires 30.06.09 Design Inspiration 77 Llantrisant Rd, Pontyclun CF72 9DP 01443 449955 info@designinspirationltd.co.uk www.designinspirationltd.co.uk Open Mon to Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm

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This issue we bring you a range of competitions with something to suit everyone!

COMPETITION WINNERS

CITY L IFE AUTUMN ❧ WINTER 2008

P R O U D

TH E CI T Y

T O

B E

WIN! WIN! Win a month of personal training with aspire fitness

Two stunning necklaces by Nanor Tashdjian

It is one year since aspire fitness moved into their new gym at Sanatorium Road in Canton and to celebrate they are giving City Life readers a chance to win a month of their Level One membership.

Here’s a unique chance to win two stunning necklaces by talented artist Nanor Tashdjian. No two pieces are the same and you’ll be sure to be wearing something unique.

FREE

I N D E P E N D E N T

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

The lucky winner will receive one month’s gym membership, access to all of the classes and four personal training sessions.

DECK THE HALLS

GORGEOUS INTERIORS, FABULOUS FLOORS AND FIREPLACES COOL KITCHENS PLUS GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S

MORE ONLINE

CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK

PLUS A RT , B OOKS , S TYLE , HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE

Last issue’s lucky winners

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: aspire fitness Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk Please type aspire fitness as the title for your email.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Nanor Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk Please type Nanor as the title for your email. For more information on Nanor Tashdjian please see page 43. Picture for illustrative purposes only.

PECHE JEWELLERY WINNER TO BE NOTIFIED EMMA KATE FRANCIS JEWELLERY SARA GARLAND Ewenny MARTIN PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY VA R I O U S W I N N E R S Will be contacted by Martin

You can win too!

Winners will be notified within 14 days and prize must be taken by August 1 2009.

Go for it! You’ve got to be in it, to win it! Remember, if you’re entering multiple competitions to send your entries in one envelope to save postage costs.

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All competition entries must be received by May 31 2009.

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Come on City Life readers! You have every chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes just like the lucky winners above.

How long has Aspire Fitness been in Canton?

Where has Nanor exhibited her work?

Answer

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from City Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

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If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from City Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

WIN! WIN! WIN! 2 tickets for the RHS Show and stay at St Davids Hotel

Emma-Kate Francis jewellery worth £150

A voucher and consultation with stylist Suzanne Jaya

The RHS Show Cardiff returns to the parklands of Cardiff Castle during the weekend of April 17-19 for the first outdoor event of the Royal Horticultural Society season.

To celebrate the launch of EmmaKate’s new Spring range, ‘Lily’ one lucky reader will have the chance of winning a piece of jewellery from the new range.

Thousands of visitors are expected in Cardiff, and you can be amongst them. Come along and celebrate the start of spring with a visit to the RHS Show, and an overnight stay at the luxurious St. David’s Hotel & Spa in Cardiff Bay.

The Lily range features sterling silver and freshwater pearls, inspired by lily pads in a pond like Monet’s paintings. Emma-Kate is featured on page 42.

Here’s your chance to win a £50 voucher to spend at Pink Zebra boutique in Llantrisant and an hour’s consultation with Image and Style Consultant Suzanne Jaya who’ll help you choose the perfect item of clothing to suit you.

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What are the dates of the RHS Show Cardiff?

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Suzanne Jaya Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk Please type Suzanne Jaya as the title for your email.

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To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: RHS Show Cardiff Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk Please type RHS Show Cardiff as the title for your email.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Emma-Kate Francis Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk Please type Emma-Kate as the title for your email.

Suaznne is featured on page 56.

What inspired EmmaKate’s new range?

Who are Suzanne’s style icons?

Answer

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from City Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

❧ 47 ❧

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from City Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

CITY BUSINESS

T H E C O M M U N IT Y FO U N D A T IO N IN W A LES Y SEFYD LIA D C YM U N ED O L YN G N G H YM RU

A round up of news in and around Cardiff CIT Y

Staples support Gambian School Hopefully you will have enjoyed the travel review to the Gambia on page 18 where I visited a school at Campama. Education in The Gambia is not paid for by the Government and not all parents can afford to send their child to school. The Gambia Experience, through Serenity Holidays, contributes to the local economy and set up a School Fund in 1989 and, to date, have assisted over 80 schools across the Gambia by funding building, renovation and equipment.

I was asked by the tour operator to bring along some pencils to help the fund along. As Staples at Cardiff Bay kindly stock our magazines for us, I thought I’d approach them to ask for their assistance. Helpful as ever, I was given a whole host of goodies including pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, exercise books and much more. As soon as we arrived at the school, the children ran to greet us, and eagerly eyed my tote bag full of provisions. I certainly was warmly welcomed! I must say a big thank you to Staples for stepping in without hesitation and for helping to put great big smiles on the children’s faces. The experience will certainly live with me for a long time.

Staples Cardiff Bay (www.staples.co.uk)

CIT Y

Rebranding could be the key to success One of the things many successful businesses do when times are tough is to get themselves talked about. One of the best ways to create a buzz about your business is to change the way it looks. Mark Roberts, graphic designer, has over thirty years experience in branding and logo design. Mark says, “This is the perfect climate for rebranding. Many businesses are apathetic at the moment, so the ones that are rebranding can often gain a big advantage. You really notice the new or updated shop fronts in a recession. A new look says you’re moving forward it’s confident and that attitude instills confidence in customers.

The green shoots of recovery may be small but I’ve had a big increase in enquiries and business since Christmas. It seems business people have finally stopped treading water and are starting to swim.” For more information, please contact Mark on 01446 711811 or mobile on 07766 106731.

BELGIUM

Doing business the European way Our very own Society and Special Events photographer Derek Naylor recently joined Brussels Airlines on a trip to Belgium’s capital city. Brussels Airlines has recently made their twice daily flights to the European capital more attractive to business and leisure travelers by moving the departure time from 8.30am to 10.40am. With a check-in time of 9.50am at the ever efficient Bristol Airport, an 8am start from Cardiff central station or 90 minute drive across the bridge is a lot more achievable than a bleary eyed 7.30am check in. There’s more online! For the full story and more of Derek’s images visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk Derek Naylor www.ifotoevents.co.uk Bristol Airport www.bristolairport.co.uk

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L L A N DA F F

Saving your windows, could save you money!

Before

In these uncertain times, the last thing you need is having to spend money on replacing windows in your home and conservatory when condensation has set in. Decorative Glass and Glazing Company Ltd has the solution and can save you money by solving your double glazing repairs whether they be upvc, wood or aluminium. The company has been specialising in the repair of doors, windows and conservatories since opening in Cardiff in 2001 can help with many common problems. The company offers:

After

■ Broken glass replacement ■ Misted glass repair/replacement ■ Faulty/broken hinges, locks and

handles repair ■ Patio door problems fixed ■ Draughty/leaking windows, doors,

conservatories repair ■ Catflaps, letterboxes, new door panels ■ Stained glass, repairs and ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

replacements Glass/mirrors – cut to size Upgrades to locks Fascias, guttering, cladding New installations Sealed Unit repair a speciality

For a free, no obligation quotation by a local reliable company call the Decorative Glass and Glazing today on 029 2056 6694.

“The company has been specialising in the repair of doors, windows and conservatories since opening in Cardiff in 2001.”

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Decorative Glass and Glazing Rear of 306 Western Avenue Llandaff, Cardiff 029 2056 6694 decostains@aol.com FENSA registered for your peace of mind. Registration no. 31498

VA L E

Maximise your kerb appeal with an awning More and more we are embracing the café culture with people enjoying a coffee or glass of wine as they chat, work or watch the world go by. With more and more advertisements and signs on busy streets, businesses need to stand out from the crowd. What better way for a business to catch the eye of a customer than with a large, colourful awning. Solar of Bridgend and Barry have over thirty years experience designing and fitting awnings and blinds and can also offer custom signwriting on the awning to help further establish your business identity, and offer help and advice on your choice of colour and style to convey the ‘mood’ of your business to your customers. Special effects are also available such as backlighting which can be very effective in catching a customer's eye at night, integrated heating and lighting systems and side screens, and all at the touch of a button.

With more and more advertisements and signs on busy streets, businesses need to stand out from the crowd.

To find out more about how you can maximise your outdoor space and gain a greater return on your investment, please call Solar Sunshades on Freephone 0800 980 4810.

Solar Sunshades Bridgend North Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate Bridgend CF31 3TP 01656 663800 sales@solarsunshades.co.uk

B A R RY

The Business Centre networks with BNI

Recession fear increases use of serviced offices

The Vale of Glamorgan’s BNI Victory Chapter is now holding its weekly networking breakfast in their conference room every Thursday morning from 6.30 am.

With the financial markets suffering from the fall out from the credit crunch and with growing acceptance that 2009 will be tough for all sectors, some businesses in the Vale of Glamorgan are taking precautions to ensure they can minimise exposure to risk where they can.

BNI is a 24 year old business and professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. With over 5,291 active chapters, and 111,733 members, it is the world’s most successful business referral organisation. If you would like to attend one of these meetings held at The Business Centre please contact Lynnette Knight on 01446 739911 or email lynnette@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk

Taking out traditional ten, fifteen or twenty year leases does not allow you much flexibility, which is why so many companies are looking to a more flexible and risk adverse route. In addition, from April 2008 companies had the added motivation to avoid having unused office space on their books as they now have to pay full business rates on office space left empty for more than three months. One way they can avoid this is to operate their business from The Business Centre in Barry as they can expand and contract to reflect market conditions. ❧ 50 ❧

Solar Sunshades Barry Unit 3F Palmers Vale Business Centre Palmerston Road, Barry CF63 2XA 01446 740842 www.solarsunshades.co.uk

The management team: James, Lyn, Lynnette and Gordon

One company that did just this is Purple Contracts. Owner, Glen Newman said, “We wanted to take some new staff on in January, but our office was too small to accommodate them. No problem… we simply moved to a slightly larger office in The Business Centre. Then, if our situation changes again and we need to downsize, we’ll just move to a smaller one. It means we are only ever paying for the exact size of office that we need. Brilliant!” The Business Centre is an ideal option. Low move-in costs, short lead times and access to the latest specification IT and telecoms equipment and services, which can be rented by the week with no capital outlay. For more information see page 52.

B A R RY

Recession depression? Get a new lease of life! The worsening recession has put the brakes on new car sales. Vehicle transporters groan under the weight of unsold cars, car manufacturers’ production lines are in darkness, the workers have all gone home. The government pouring money into the industry is like pouring water into a sieve! If you think that’s bad news, it gets worse! The true cost of running your car or van is climbing... why? Because that gleaming car on your drive is losing money faster than RBS! So what is the true cost of running your family car? Well, there’s the obvious purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance costs, insurance for a start but, more significantly than ever before, there’s the resale value or RV (residual value). If you own a Saab, you have my sympathy. A friend of mine from Barry bought a beautiful Saab convertible with 16,000 miles on it just over a year ago for £17,500. One year and 6,000 miles later, the best she can get for it is £7,500. That’s £1.60 a mile on depreciation only!

“Leasing a vehicle makes perfect sense during the current economic conditions. Leasing provides you with fixed monthly costs and protection from falling vehicle values.” Glen Newman, owner of Purple Contracts

Now, the good news. There’s never been a better time to lease a car. Manufacturers are bending over backwards to shift their stock-piles and they have two methods of disposal: Big discounts. Looks like the most obvious route, but the manufacturers know that heavily discounted new cars mean that used values get slashed too. Very bad news… remember what happened to Rover? Leasing Company Bonuses. The manufacturers offer the incentives to leasing companies in a manner similar to cashbacks. So, the leasing company pays the higher price for a car, but gets a massive cashback for doing so. The end result is the same as discounting, but without stressing residual values. In this economic climate everyone needs to find a way of saving a few quid. If you’re a business user you will need to include accurate transportation costs in your forecasting. Even if you’re not in business you need to budget. For instance, a new model Ford Fiesta 1.25i 3 door Style Plus would cost about £11,000 from a dealer. With a bit of haggling you might get it down to £10,000 to buy it outright. If you borrowed that sum using a personal loan from any of the High Street lenders the monthly repayments would be approximately £319. A three year lease from Purple in Barry would cost around £150 plus VAT per month, with their new No Deposit option. That’s equivalent to 18p per mile! This allows you to drive 10,000 miles per year. Contract Hire (or Personal Contract Hire) is the ONLY way to guarantee the running cost, and the true cost, of running a vehicle. The monthly cost is fixed... you will never pay any more, or less, than the monthly cost of the contract. Stephen Paul, Sales Manager at Purple Contracts said, “No more queueing at the Post Office... there is no need to tax the vehicle - we do it for you, for the whole term of the lease! If you choose the optional maintenance pack we even service it for you (which includes a full valet!) and we’ll include unlimited tyres. ❧ 51 ❧

You’ll never need to worry about selling your car or its future value. At the end of the contract, we will come and get the old one and replace it with a new one, if you wish.” Tim Ranson, heating engineer and owner of ABR Heat Team in Cardiff was fed up losing so much money when he came to sell his vans. It cost a fortune to advertise them and he would take calls from timewasters and agencies. Not any more. Mr Ranson now leases his vans from Purple Contracts, he pays £159 plus VAT per month for each of his VW Transporters. Best of all, at the end of the lease a delivery lorry turns up with his new vehicle and takes away the old one. Although Mr Ranson is delighted to be saving around £1000 a year per vehicle, for him the main advantage is the convenience. Glen Newman, owner of Purple Contracts said, “Leasing a vehicle makes perfect sense during the current economic conditions. Leasing provides you with fixed monthly costs and protection from falling vehicle values. Be careful, when comparing lease quotes. Make sure you are comparing like-for-like, as many leasing companies will not advertise the fact that they charge a hefty Documentation Fee, or an Administration Fee.

If you’re after a personal lease, make sure you budget for the cost of the VAT, as most lease quotes are displayed VAT exclusive. Excess mileage charges are not the nightmare they used to be either. Our Fiesta deal (above) has an excess mileage of 5.2 pence per mile, so every thousand miles you go over contract will cost you £55... that’s the cheapest 1000 miles you’ll ever do!” Lease your next car and you will never buy another car again! Purple Contracts Talk to Purple! 08456 444 300 info@purplecontracts.com www.purplecontracts.com

As in life, business has its ups and downs and, depending on who you’re talking to in the business community, some of you are enjoying the ups at present and some are definitely not enjoying the downs. Mark Roberts considers some strategies for business survival without using...

THE F WORD One thing is for sure, we’re all in for an interesting ride over the next eighteen months and being able to adapt quickly appears to be the key to success. If you’ve been in business as long as I have, you learn that usually the difference between boom and bust is a couple of thousand pounds and sometimes even less than that. You’ll also learn some pretty fundamental truths… One, don’t stop marketing. In fact, in a challenging market, the strategy should be to up the effort. Why? Because it’s exactly what less experienced businesses do and you need to be noticed to secure the customers that are out there. Two. Don’t get sentimental. You’re in business and if you have to let one person go to keep five in a job you’d better learn to get over it, it goes with the territory. Business is about making tough decisions. And three… Now this, if you don’t do it, will probably kill your business stone dead. Be flexible. At this point, most people are thinking reduction but it can be quite the opposite. The businesses that tend to do well in challenging times are the businesses who are flexible both ways – those who can contract and expand with the market smoothing out the ups and the downs. For example, if you’re a business based in a small office and you win a large contract, what do you do? Well, you probably celebrate (who doesn’t?) and look for a larger office, sign the lease, buy the furniture and move in – that’s brilliant, but hang on...

Here’s an interesting thought. What if the company who awarded you the contract loses its contract that was basically funding the contract you have? If you’re the business that has just signed the five year lease and bought all the furniture, chances are you’re feeling pretty sick. There’s an old saying in business, “We’re all sixty days away from bankruptcy.” And it’s true, usually because we haven’t been able to adjust to the changes. Now, imagine you’re the company that had serviced offices in The Business Centre and all you had to do was call reception and shrink back to your original size. Your risk has been minimised and you’ve enjoyed the period of increased income without taking on the long term overhead and, as each office comes furnished, you didn’t have to buy any furniture or install an expensive phone system. Total flexibility I like the idea of The Business centre. It’s brilliantly simple. For example, if you’re just starting out and own a mobile phone, you might just want a good address – something that gives you credibility. Well, an address at The Business Centre will cost you a paltry £25 a month. Three months goes by, hmmm… things are on the up. You really could do with someone answering those calls you keep missing because you’re in meetings with new customers. No problem, The Business Centre reception facility including a landline number will cost you just £60 a month and yes, you read correctly, the landline number is included! ❧ 52 ❧

At this point you may be considering getting an office with your own receptionist, and you could if your business was doing well. The Business Centre has serviced office packages from small offices (one to two persons) right up to full blown suites that can comfortably accommodate six to ten people and with easy in/out terms with one months notice, you won’t be lumbered with a long, expensive lease. They even offer a range of support services from photocopying right through to secretarial services. You can hire larger rooms for meetings or presentations – they even have an IT suite and fantastic break-out areas with pool table, café and even a gym! In fact, there’s very little The Business Centre can’t supply you with or take care of for you. Those of you who are sharp, will be thinking you‘ll pay a bit of a premium for this and perhaps you’re right but when push comes to shove, it’s the old F word that matters – flexibility, which means low risk and that is usually the difference between businesses flying or failing. Yes it’s a lot of F’s to think about, but flexibility is better than another F word I can think of… failure. Mark Roberts has worked with hundreds of businesses over a twenty five year career. He has helped businesses develop successful marketing and promotion strategies through good times and bad. You can contact him on 07766 106731 and, yes, he really does have an office with The Business Centre. For more information about flexible office solutions to help your business, call Lynnette at The Business Centre, Barry on 01446 739911.

THE BUSINESS CENTRE

The flexible benefits of a serviced office ■ Instant Access

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

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

■ Cost Effective

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

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

“The businesses that tend to do well in challenging times are the businesses who are flexible both ways – those who can contract and expand with the market smoothing out the ups and the downs.” Mark Roberts The Business Centre Cardiff House, Cardiff Road Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW 01446 739911 enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk www.thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk

With summer just around the corner, this is usually the time when an invitation to a wedding or special occasion lands on the doormat. If you’re very lucky you may have a cruise planned and if you do then you’re going to need a glamorous wardrobe.

KATWALK HEAVEN Taking the hassle and excessive expense out of the equation, this appointment only service will prove an absolute godsend for those in search of that ‘stand out from the crowd’ ensemble. Katwalk owner, Helen Pick, talks to City Life.

What is Katwalk? It’s a unique shopping experience that provides the personal attention that a customer deserves. Set in a stunning location within two acres of landscaped gardens, my customers are able to browse at their leisure. Help is at hand for those who need it and no-one is ever pressured to buy. There’s nothing worse than trying on clothes in a cramped, stuffy changing room with unflattering mirrors, so I make sure that this is an enjoyable experience. What brands do you stock? Mother of the bride, guest, prom wear, cruise wear, including John Charles, Dusk, Frank Usher, James Lakeland casual wear, glamourous dresses from the Catwalk Collection, London and a range of basques with Svarovski crystals, Red Carpet designs including a replica of J Lo’s white dress and many more. I’m proud to be the only stockist in south Wales of the Paparazzi clothing range which provides Hollywood glamour and sultry appeal in hot colours, sexy cuts and sleek fabric for the woman who wants to stand out from the crowd. We also have shoes to match to add that finishing touch.

Do you offer accessories? Yes, we offer Suzy Smith bags, evening bags, jewellery and scarves.

Who are your customers? They are usually in their mid twenties upwards. Some come to me for a mother of the bride outfit and then keep coming back for their casual wear. Why do they choose you? I provide a personal service without the hard sell. I want my customers to enjoy themselves without being pressured and hopefully they’ll recommend me to their friends and come back in the hope that there will be something that they like – and there usually is! Most of my business comes from personal recommendation which pleases me, as this shows I’m doing something right! I always make sure that no one else will be wearing the same dress to the wedding or prom and make a note of the function and what people have bought to avoid this happening. I want people to leave feeling relaxed and happy with what they’ve purchased.

How did you get into this business? I’ve always loved fashion but found that most shops I visited told me everything looked lovely on me, even when they clearly didn’t. I often put my trust in the staff and invariably came home and thought “why did I buy this?” As a lot of boutiques didn’t offer refunds I had cupboards full of clothes I didn’t wear so their lack of honesty cost me dearly. I find that customers like my honest approach. I also like to go on cruises so have a passion for evening wear. I have a lot of ladies who visit me specifically to stock up on fabulous cruise wear. Where does Katwalk go from here? In the time that Katwalk has been in existence, I’ve met many customers who have now become friends. As a people person, I’m providing a service that customers want but I also enjoy the fact that my customers keep coming back. For the future I hope to see Katwalk expanding into menswear.

There is a large car parking area for groups of friends. I have many customers who arrive in groups as this makes for a good night out. What woman doesn’t enjoy trying on clothes! What do you think sets you apart? Katwalk offers an appointment only, confidential service. Prices are competitive and I spend as much time as the customer wants to get the look absolutely right. There’s no hard sell just friendly, honest, approachable service. I want customers to only buy what looks stunning and suits the individual. What I offer is quality, individual garments that are affordable. ❧ 54 ❧

Katwalk Llanharry, Vale of Glamorgan 10 minutes from Cowbridge and 5 minutes from Pontyclun Please phone Helen Pick to make an appointment on 01443 225482 Mobile 07973 463460 helenpick@yahoo.co.uk www.katwalk.co.uk (arriving soon)

“Katwalk boutique has a fabulous range of the latest designer wear with plenty of glitz and glamour for that special occasion with unbeatable prices.” Julie, Jayne, and the girls from Manning Construction Ltd

“An absolute godsend for those in search of that ‘stand out from the crowd’ ensemble.”

There’s no getting away from it, people judge people by appearances. We all have something about our bodies that we’re not entirely happy with but we’ve learned over the years how to work with what we’ve got. No-one can empathise more with this than style and image consultant, Suzanne Jaya. She talks to City Life about her passion for fashion, body issues and zest for life.

LIFE LAUNDRY What were your early style influences? 1950’s movies, my mum’s Vogue magazines and, bizarrely, when I was very young I used to draw pictures of Medieval and Tudor period costumes. I must be reincarnated from back then.

Who are your style icons? My parents – both my sister and I got our fashion-sense from them. My father and mother were very glamorous. My mum was always on-trend but not a fashion victim. She always looked classy. I still remember her white kinky boots that she wore in the early ‘70’s! Even in illness prior to his death, my dad always took pride in his appearance and even now my mum never fails to find a shop window to glance into – my three year old niece is beginning to take after her and my sister is very much a yummy mummy who always takes time to put on her lipstick and a smile. How would you describe your own style? Created - not bought and a bit eclectic. I’m Anglo-Indian, so the Indian side of me really gets drawn to all sorts of embellishments, beads, sparkles and bold colour. I love mixing colours, textures and pieces together.

There’s a bit of the Boho Bollywood in me but I execute it with a Western approach. I love wearing bindis on my forehead to parties and once spent the whole night on my hands and knees because it fell off and it was my favourite. Needless to say it found its way through the crack in a floorboard never to be seen again! For work I play this side down, particularly when dealing with business clients. My style still has some dramatic details but with a more European approach. What are your signature accessories? I love hats; also scarves of every shape, size, texture and colour. What’s your one indulgence? Regular hairdos because I have wild curly hair which although I love, needs a bit of control and I’ve always got better things to do with my time and energy. Greatest passions Food, family and friends in that order.

Tell us your best kept beauty secret. It’s a secret! No, really it’s ritual, ritual and ritual. When my sister and I were young, our mum drummed into our heads the importance of a good skincare routine. We’ve always followed it and so far it’s paid off. It doesn’t always have to be expensive I used to make face masks out of store cupboard items as a child and still do today. I always seek out products that use no synthesised chemicals or preservatives and a high content of botanical ingredients.

“I love hats; also scarves of every shape, size, texture and colour.” ❧ 57 ❧

Embarrassing style moment I was rushed to hospital in an ambulance during a long period of serious ill-health. A couple of hours before being taken ill, I’d smothered my hair in coconut oil to condition it. I ended up being taken to intensive care before having a chance to wash it off. It sounds so vain, but even though I was ill I kept really fretting about it!

What would you take onto a desert island? Something alluring to attract a passing sailor to rescue me. Favourite places? London because I spent so much time living and working there – I still love the buzz of the big city. In complete contrast Cornwall where my family now live and it’s the only time I mange to really dress down and get away with it. Wales, of course because it’s where I was born and bred and I love the landscape. Australia because I connect with it on some deeper level and finally India for all its chaos, colour and people. Told you I was a bit eclectic! What can’t you live without? ■ Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Nourishing Cream ■ Perfume by Creed ■ Loads of water ■ Books What could you live without? Handbags. As gorgeous as they are, I feel totally encumbered with one and am liberated each time I leave the house without it. What are your biggest bugbears? We live in too much of a throwaway society so I guess it’s the ‘new money’ mentality – those who know the price of everything and value of nothing. The computer saying ‘No’.

Favourite designer? I don’t really have a favourite, nor am I a slave to top end designer labels. However, I have some pieces from Scandinavian designers such as Malene Birger, Day, Birger et Mikklesen and labels such as Noa Noa. Karen Millen and Zara have pieces that make me feel curvier and fit my frame perfectly. Some of my favourite styles of clothes are only seen in Asian magazines so I tend to admire them from afar. If money were no object… I’d have all my clothes bespoke made by Phillipa, a designer in Monmouth she’s amazing. Have you ever made any fashion faux pas? The whole of the 1980’s I reckon! Actually I remember once going to a medical conference with my father. One particular day, I stepped out with him in a posh frock with a donkey jacket over it. I was about seventeen at the time. He was horrified, so much so that he took me straight to Howells department store in Cardiff, bought me a brand new coat and then we went off to the function. He told me that I looked like I was wearing a coal miner’s jacket! Favourite shops? Too many to mention this time, but anywhere unusual, cosy, friendly and with nooks and crannies, or with an opulent boudoir kind of feel to it. I love shopping in Havana in Cowbridge Bryl’s Boutique in Barry and Pink Zebra in Llantrisant for their fabulous pieces, value for money and excellent customer service and Rouge in Cardiff.

“I want people to look and feel the business!”

What style advice have your parents given you? My dad always said that a woman who leaves a little to the imagination is far sexier than one who flaunts it. He said he preferred a glimpse of a slim ankle or something backless rather than frontless so to speak. My mum always notices men’s shoes and my sister and I have developed that same eye for detail. She has brought us up to never let ourselves go and even if we have only a penny in our pocket to keep ourselves tidy enough that we look like we’ve got much more. I think that comes from her experiences post War where people took pride in themselves but were going through an economic crisis. Also, that style is not just about how we look, it’s also how we conduct ourselves – it’s all in the detail and gestures. Just one thoughtful act can add to the style factor. We notice that you use two names Yes, I’ve always loved my Indian middle name Jaya, which means Victory. My family surname Raghavan has been the inspiration for a doctor’s character in the Welsh sitcom High Hopes. The character is based on my father which is quite amusing. Suzanne Jaya has stuck with people because they find my last name unpronounceable and as my dad has posthumously found fame on TV I’ve continued using Jaya in my business name. Funniest moment with a client? I was out shopping one day with a male client. He was sneakily checking himself out in a mirror as we left a shoe shop and had failed to see the pile of shoe boxes in his way. Needless to say he went flying, bumped into a pillar and a passing sales assistant. He knows who he is! ❧ 58 ❧

Any advice for young people? Play with your style – it’s the only time that you can rebel a bit and experiment. Creative expression is natural – there’ll be plenty of time to get sensible about clothes when you start work. What’s your take on modern day fashion? Really, designers just rehash the best bits of 20th century trends. The only difference between the industry now and since the mid 20th century is the cutting edge technology available to make clothes more comfortable. Fashion isn’t as iconic nowadays; Nothing mind-blowing has happened since the padded shoulders of the 1980’s and I can’t imagine what will be remembered in the same way that the mini skirt is for the 1960’s What type of clients look for you? Anyone who needs to redefine themselves or has lost touch with their sense of style or has got into a fashion rut. In particular those people who put others first and believe that they are not worthy of looking their absolute best. Style is so subjective because it is creative, but there is a science behind it too in terms of adapting fabric, cuts and designs to an individual body type. There are some hard and fast rules too, particularly in the business/corporate sector where professional wear still needs to reflect industry traditions. I love the way that some simple changes can increase a client’s confidence to the extent that they get a new job, profit their business, a relationship or even rekindle the flames of an existing one. Basically, I just want people to look and feel the business!

But aren’t personal style and image consultants just for the rich and famous? Absolutely not. Why should they be the only ones who get to look good! We might not all get to be seen on TV or in the media, but every single one of us has to get up each day and put in an appearance somewhere, do a job and put our face in front of dozens of people. Hiring a stylist is just about using another person’s skills to achieve your aims. It’s perceived as expensive because of all the celebrity endorsements, but actually I deal with many clients on a piecemeal basis – you can’t create a new person overnight – effective style has to evolve over a period of time and each client has to embrace it as their own. Do you have any famous clients? Can’t say - client confidentiality etc.

You mentioned that you had been ill for some time – is it something you want to share with us? I don’t mind sharing if it helps others, although it’s probably a story within its own right. I was born with major heart defects – congenital heart disease. This condition affects about one in a hundred babies. Surgeons were only just pioneering surgical and medical solutions for this when I was young and many patients didn’t survive. Apparently I’m lucky to have got this far. I’ve had my fair share of cardiac surgery and procedures, have been hospitalised for many months over the years and have had some very dicey moments. Ultimately we learn at a very young age to live with the disease. It hasn’t been an easy ride for either me or my family. Support and help from outside the family hasn’t been forthcoming – we’ve had to find it and fight for it and generally keep knocking on doors and be persistent. It’s because as a group of cardiac patients, our disease falls outside of the norm which is why it is a specialist branch of cardiac medicine. Most people have heard of coronary artery disease or bypass surgery but being born with heart disease is a different kettle of fish, as we have other complications to consider. A charitable patient association called GUCH (Grown Up Congenital Hearts) offers fantastic support at all levels for its patients and the carers and families of those patients. They have been an invaluable resource and comfort to me over the years.

“Play with your style – rebel a bit and experiment. Creative expression is natural.” ❧ 59 ❧

The past ten years have been some of the most challenging of my life but it has made me more determined to do only work that I love, create balance in my life, put my health first and help people to reach their full potential. Being self-employed allows me to be flexible with my working hours and if I’m having a particularly bad health day then I can just stay home in my pyjamas and no-one knows any different. What’s your tip for survival? Have a sense of humour - some of my funniest moments have been borne out of the most dire and fearful situations. Realise that self-confidence is not narcissistic – it’s best to hang out with people who are upbeat, positive and genuine as anything else is just draining on our energy. Recognise that giving-in to illness is sometimes the most practical and deserving thing you can do – we all need a rest now and then, so don’t let others make you feel guilty for it. Finally, support your local community – it’s the only way any of us are going to survive anything. Shot on location at Holm House, Marine Parade, Penarth www.holmhouse.co.uk Photography by Martin Phillips www.martinphillipsphotography.com Suzanne is wearing silk dress and cardigan by Nougat, dress by Nougat and cardigan by French Connection. Cardigan and linen trousers by French Connection all available from Bryl’s Boutique, High Street, Barry. www.brylsboutique.net Top, skirt and hat - Suzanne’s own. Coat from Pink Zebra, Llantrisant. Hair by Kudos of Pontyclun. www.kudoshair.co.uk For more information about Grown Up Congenital Heart Patients Association (GUCH) www.guch.org.uk

Suzanne Jaya 01443 229296 or 07833 780006 suzanne@suzannejaya.com www.suzannejaya.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING Take good care of yourself with City Life’s guide to healthcare in the capital C A R D I F F A N D VA L E

Vale Healthcare expands Cardiff Bay Clinic Vale Healthcare Ltd, the joint venture that combines the strengths of a national not-forprofit healthcare operator, Nuffield Health, with the commitment of prominent consultants in the area – has expanded its offering at its superb new clinic facility with the addition of two new clinics within six months of its Cardiff Bay Clinic launch. The twelve existing clinics encompass the full medical spectrum including cardiology, ophthalmology, urology, dermatology and orthopaedics, whilst the two new clinics cover cosmetics and sports medicine. Cosmetics Clinic The cosmetics clinic provides a wide range of procedures from plastic surgery and non-invasive breast augmentation – using the latest Macrolane technique – to botox. The clinic, which will be led by specialist surgeons – will also offer noninvasive body shaping techniques for men including chest and calves.

Sports Medicine Clinic The Consultants at the Cardiff Bay Clinic have an established track record working with Welsh and international sports stars and, as a result, they have exceptional knowledge in the area of sports medicine that can be transferred to all patients. This has led to the establishment of the specialist sports medicine clinic, where the sports physicians and surgeons assess and diagnose all sporting injuries, and work closely with the rehabilitation team to provide physiotherapy rehabilitation, osteopathy treatment and dietary biomechanical assessment. In addition, the Cardiff Bay Clinic provides a rapid access breast care clinic led by three specialist breast consultants, working closely with breast radiologists. They utilise leading MRI technology, alongside traditional methods of mammography and ultrasound, to diagnose and treat patients as quickly and effectively as possible. The Cardiff Bay Clinic is the only clinic in south Wales to offer a breast MRI service.

“Vale Healthcare combines the best consultants with the latest medical technology to offer rapid access services.” ❧ 60 ❧

Vale Healthcare combines the best consultants with the latest medical technology to offer rapid access services for a wide range of conditions, all within a modern environment, and provide the people of south Wales a wider choice and exceptional, expert care.

Vale Clinic Hensol Park, Hensol CF72 8JY 01443 667888 Cardiff Bay Clinic Celtic Gateway, Dunleavy Drive Cardiff CF11 0SN 029 2083 6700 Cyncoed Consulting Rooms 277 Cyncoed Road, Cyncoed Cardiff CF23 6PA 029 2076 4611 www.vale-healthcare.com

CANTON

What aspire fitness customers say about the gym and personal training.

Gym with a twist of the personal touch

Thank you for opening such a fantastic place. The benefits that I have gained from coming here extend way beyond improved physical fitness! VICKY

Think personal training, and the image that comes to mind is of beautiful Hollywood celebs in oversized sunglasses running around LA barely breaking out in a sweat. Most people would presume having a personal trainer is out of their reach, the preserve of the rich and famous, or that they'd be left panting and puffing on a corner as the trainer sped off into the distance. But, thanks to one Cardiff gym – aspire fitness – this is not the case; personal training is affordable to all – as one grandmother can testify.

Mary 83, (above) started training at the age of 78 after being advised to exercise by her doctor. She had just recovered from lung cancer, was very weak and had only one working lung. All aspire personal trainers are qualified in medical rehabilitation which allows them to train people with a variety of medical conditions including high blood pressure, slipped discs, osteoporosis and diabetes. They can also treat common problems such as back and knee pain. On her first session with personal trainer and aspire director, Ben Morris, she had to lift her leg with both hands to get onto the exercise bike. Five years on and she is fit, healthy and mobile; on her last visit to see her grandchildren she took them out bike riding for three hours.

❧ 61 ❧

Thank you so much for all you’ve done to get me back in shape and fit after having the twins. Ben is a fantastic trainer and I’ve had a great time! RACHEL Many thanks for the guidance to set a personal best at the Dublin marathon (he took 21 minutes off!). You are all a great team. KEL Training with you has been fantastic! You really have helped me change my life. LIB If you would like a free taster training session please call 029 2023 5523.

aspire fitness Sanatorium Road, Canton 029 2023 5523 info@aspirefitness.co.uk www.aspirefitness.co.uk

Welcome to City Life magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who in and around Cardiff.

CITY

CIT Y CENTRE

St David’s Polo St David’s Day Lunch A great day was had by all at the St David’s Day Polo Lunch held at the Parkhouse Club in Cardiff. Guests enjoyed ‘Welsh Champagne’ (Blush) accompanied by the Welsh Harpist Rhian Morgan which was followed by lunch of Welsh delicacies including Welsh leek and goats cheese rarebit, Swansea Bay cockles served warm, Lava Bread and oatmeal cakes to name but a few.

Lord Anthony Leitrim, Sian Gissing, Sara Williams and Tony

Chris Ball, Lady Davidson (aka Rosie), Noel Roberts-Davidson, Kathryn Edwards

Angela Touthwaite, Kath Howard, Rachel Garcia, Kathy Farleigh, Tracey Wadsworth, Miranda Miller, Carole Fenton

Kate Jenkins, Dawn Carter, Richard Read, Susan Hamilton-Barns

Sian Gissing, Miss Wales finalist with Geoff Lloyd, Chairman St David’s Polo Club

Lyndon Wood and Shirley Ann Wood (Vixa Group)

Entertainment was in the form of Peter Mattheson, former lead guitarist with Ray Davies (Kinks) and his Gaelic ensemble featuring the works of Django Rheinhart.

Sally Maslen, Carol Hollings, June Rogers, Iwan Thomas, Vice Chairman of the St David’s Polo Club, June Thomas

Julia Martin, Amanda Protheroe-Thomas

Adam Pledger, owner of Parkhouse Club and Laura Thomas

For exhibition and display solutions call

I T ’S YO U R C H A N C E TO R E A L LY S H I N E 0845 w w 130 w . 1508 c o mwww.commediaonline.co.uk mediaonline.co.uk

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SOCIAL LIFE L L A N DA F F

Off The Wall gallery opens its doors! Guests and art lovers filled the gallery and enjoyed canapes and bubbly long into the evening. Dai Smith of the Welsh Arts Council officially opened the gallery in his inimitable style much to the audience’s appreciation. There was an eclectic mix of original art and limited addition prints on display and City Life highly recommends a visit.

Andrew Woolley and Sarah Woolley

Sarah Duddy (gallery manager), Amanda Brown, Claire McKay and Ellen Tucker

Mike Jenkins of The Publicity Centre

Laura Edmunds and Ollie Janes

Professor and Mrs Dai Smith. Professor Dai Smith is Chairman of the Welsh Arts’ Council

Aidan and Karen McGrath. Karen runs eventureuk.com

Off the Wall The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Road Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DQ 029 2055 4469 art@galleryoffthewall.com www.galleryoffthewall.com

Directors Marlene and Richard Outrim

Lucy and Chris Burridge

Jane and David Elworthy

For exhibition and display solutions call

YOU CAN BE THE STAR OF THE SHOW 0845 w w 130 w . 1508 c o mwww.commediaonline.co.uk mediaonline.co.uk

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Vida, the brand new and exciting lifestyle boutique on New Road, Porthcawl claims to ‘make life more beautiful’... City Life goes shopping.

Mother and daughter team Julie and Jessica Phillips have created a tantalising and vibrant shopping haven, full of all things gorgeous and desirable that will truly make life more beautiful.

Vida represents a lifestyle, an attitude a desire for those irresistible things that just make life a little more beautiful. At a new boutique opening in February on Station Hill, Porthcawl, formerly the home of Art Café, the shelves are abundant with such tempting items. Julie and Jessica freely admit that they are totally in love with their new store, and are certain you’ll adore the delightful goodies to be found within. In stock are several ranges of lovingly selected cards, handmade wrapping paper, exquisite candles from the prestigious St. Eval Candle Company, soaps and bath melts from Kew aromatherapy, all natural baby products from Boo Boo Baby - the list goes on and on. Aside from great gift ideas, the stylish selection of home and garden accessories from carefully chosen suppliers, unique to Vida in the area, has something for all tastes and budgets. So, as fewer of us contemplate moving house in the foreseeable future, the team behind Vida suggest that perhaps it’s time to take a fresh look at your home, and fall in love with it all over again! It’s likely that most of us are entertaining at home more and more, and what could be more lovely than creating a beautiful environment in which to welcome your loved ones?

Photography by Martin Phillips www.martinphillipsphotography.com

VIVA LA VIDA Even if the food you’re serving is simple, dress your table beautifully with a few well chosen pieces of dinnerware and your guests will feel spoilt rotten. Vida favourites are their Moroccan embellished bowls from Skoura, in deep shades of ochre and jade, and the etched glassware from Danish designers House Doctor, in plum tones and deep mossy green. Embracing all that is both natural and beautiful and to add the finishing touches to your home, is Vida Flora, the in-house floral design aspect of Vida. Drawing on her experience working in a high-style florist in Orange County, California, Jessica is able to combine her love of flowers with a creative and modern approach to design and colour. Weary of seeing cellophane-swamped mixed bunches and generic supermarket offerings, she uses only premium flowers to create organic, sumptuous arrangements that you’ll find hard to resist. Simply perfect little plants and seasonal hand tied bouquets tied with vintage ribbon are always available for those last minute gifts. In the purpose built consultation room within the boutique, Jessica enjoys working with you to help create your perfect look, whether it be for an event, an intimate wedding celebration or a dinner party at home with friends. ❧ 64 ❧

Incorporating Martin Phillips’ award winning photography studio, located upstairs, the team can also combine their talents and offer a unique wedding service, where couples can take care of their wedding flowers and photography all at once. In addition to saving valuable time and reducing stress, having these two major aspects of your day working closely together helps you to achieve a very personal and holistic style, tailor made to suit your tastes. So whether you are in need of a present for a treasured friend, a gift for the celebration of a new baby, or just something lovely for your own home, Vida Lifestyle Boutique is a unique shopping experience that we feel confident you will return to again and again. Vida Lifestyle Boutique 32 New Road, Station Hill Porthcawl CF36 5DN 01656 786735 www.vida-online.com www.vidaflora.com Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm

“It’s time to take a fresh look at your home, and fall in love with it all over again!”

THE LAST WORD Penarth-based stress management consultant and psychotherapist Jonathan Bockelmann-Evans tells us about his ambition to speak fluent German and to be whisked away to the French Riviera. Who are you and what do you do? My name is Jonathan BockelmannEvans, my company is called JBE Consultants and I do two things I provide high quality stress management training courses for businesses, hospitals, colleges and schools across the UK and, secondly, I treat people with a wide range of emotionally distressing conditions from my private practice.

Favourite venue in Cardiff? Wales Millennium Centre – a world class venue in a world class location.

What do you like about Cardiff? Even though I live in Penarth, I was born and brought up in Cardiff and I love the fact that Cardiff punches above its weight. As cities go, it’s modest in size but, because it’s a European capital, it benefits from small town friendliness and accessibility, married to big city facilities and ambitions.

Favourite music and why? There’s a guitarist called Pat Metheny who makes some of the most beautiful, moving and inspirational music I’ve ever heard. Try his album Beyond the Missouri Sky for a touch of heaven.

What is your favourite meal? My wife’s fish pie. Favourite drink? We spent our honeymoon in South Africa where I developed a taste for Pinotage red wine – just a sip sends me right back there to the safari camp!

What annual event in Cardiff is an absolute must? It has to be the Six Nations Rugby Championship – nothing else comes close to generating that amount of passion for so many people at the same time.

What gadget would you not be without and why? My Remington nose and ear hair trimmer – it’s the gadget no man over forty should be without! If you weren’t a psychotherapist, what would you be doing? I’d like to think I’d be writing film scores. I love the way a good soundtrack can bring a film to life John Barry, Dave Grusin, Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer – pure genius.

A phrase I use far too often is… I believe that I’m repetitive-phrase free, although you’d have to check that with my family and friends! I’m very good at… Planning to do some gardening. I’m very bad at… Actually doing some gardening. My ideal night out would be… Starting as a quiet night out and then unexpectedly bumping into old friends who have, quite fortuitously become filthy rich, so they fly us all down, in a private jet of course, to their superyacht on the Riviera where a top French chef has conjured up a fantastic supper, oh and they happen to have Pat Metheny staying on board as well and he’s not happy unless he plays his whole back catalogue before he goes to bed every night – all washed down with a drop of good Pinotage! In moments of weakness I… Dig out my West Wing DVDs and fantasise about being as clever as those guys are.

Any lifelong ambition? To speak fluent German, so that my wife (who is German) and my son can’t talk about me behind my back.

The best age to be is… Two years old. That’s the age our son is and I’m guessing that he’ll never get more wonder, joy and entertainment from the simple things in life (like a cardboard box) as he’s getting now.

What do you do to relax? Simple things usually – time with family and friends, walking the dog, playing the piano, enjoying some good food.

The most surprising thing that happened to you was… Playing with my band, live on Blue Peter in 1989 to 12 million viewers.

In a nutshell my philosophy is… It’s more important to know the person who has the problem than it is to know the problem the person has.

If you think about it, we’re under a lot of pressure to constantly plan our futures, career moves, holidays, improving our homes, investing for retirement – which is fine up to a point, but don’t underestimate the benefits of enjoying the small things in life as they happen to you, otherwise you run the risk of constantly planning your life, without actually living it.

I wish more people would take more notice of… What their bodies are telling them. So many of my patients have ignored the warning signs when they’ve been pushing themselves too hard. It’s only when the wheel finally comes off the wagon that they do something about it, of course by then it’s a bigger problem to fix.

What I learned most in 2008 was… That when they say “The value of investments can go down as well as up…” they actually mean it!

Who would your ideal dinner companion be? The author Lee Child – anyone who can came up with a character like Jack Reacher has got to have something interesting to say.

“Don’t underestimate the benefits of enjoying the small things in life as they happen to you.” ❧ 66 ❧

JBE Consultants Stress Management Training and Individual Psychotherapy 20 Cwrt-y-Vil Road, Penarth CF64 3HN 029 2070 5957 or 07966 785205 jbe@fromstresstosuccess.co.uk www.fromstresstosuccess.co.uk

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