CITY L IFE WINTER ISSUE 2009
P R O U D
TH E CI T Y
OF
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
WINTER WARMER GREAT CHRISTMAS
FABULOUS
GIFT IDEAS PLUS
FESTIVE FASHION , FOOD AND INTERIORS
RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING
THERE’S
MORE ONLINE
CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK
ART, MUSIC, STYLE, HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND MORE PLUS
city business
one waterfront!
Cardiff’s about to get even better. Indulge at the new St David’s Shopping Centre, then come and celebrate with us. check www.mermaidquay.co.uk for details
CONTENTS This issue is packed with great features and gift ideas for the coming festivities and party season...
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CITY LIFE
IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED
AND PRODUCED IN
CARDIFF
AND
IS PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT
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COURTESY OF
24
T HE S KI L ODGE WWW . SKILODGE . CO . UK
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“What fire could ever equal the sunshine of a winter’s day?” Henry David Thoreau
38
IN THIS ISSUE A ROUND
THE
M USIC –
REVIEWS OF THE LATEST
T HE WONDER P RIDE
C ITY –
OF
HOT OFF THE
WALLY ’ S -
C ITY L IFE
CD S
C ITY S TYLE -
10
DELI DELIGHTS AT
P ENDOYLAN - C HRISTMAS
OF
WITH
C ARDIFF ’ S
K AMI S OROUSH
12 14 16
I T ’ S S NOW T IME - T HE S KI L ODGE ’ S
FASHION BONANZA
18
E DITOR ’ S C HOICE -
C HRISTMAS -
22
ALL I WANT FOR
H EALTH
&
S PREAD
A
W ELLBEING L ITTLE L OVE
&
L IGHT -
T HE R IVIERA T OUCH TO
PERFECT
P AUL W ILLIAMS
C HRISTMAS
W INTER
GIFTS AT
APPROACHES
E NER - CHI
PREPARING FOR ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL CARE
THE MAGIC OF
B LUE H AYES , S T I VES
P ERFECTION ... B ROOKLINDE ’ S
24 28
SHINING STAR
TIPS TO KEEP US ALL TIP TOP AS
G OOSEBERRY B USH B ABIES -
D ESIGNED
WELL IT ’ S A START
MAKE YOUR EVENT TRULY SPECIAL WITH
E XPOSURE - E MMA K ATE F RANCIS , P ONTCANNA ’ S
14
PREMIER DELI
STYLE TIPS , GORGEOUS JEWELLERY AND FASHION MUST - HAVES
T HE D REAM W EAVER -
12
8
PRESS
32 34 36 38 40
TALENTS SPARKLE
C OMPETITIONS -
IT ’ S WIN WIN WIN ALL THE WAY
42
C ITY B USINESS -
A ROUND UP OF BUSINESS NEWS IN AND AROUND THE CITY
44
T HE S MART M OVE -
IT ’ S ALL ABOUT THE OVERHEADS
46
C ITY S OCIAL L IFE -
A VERITABLE WHO ’ S WHO OF THE CITY
48
A W OMAN ’ S T OUCH B ACK
TO
L IFE -
WE TALK WITH
THERE ’ S MORE TO
C ITY G ARDENS -
L ONGLEAT
HORTICULTURAL TIPS FROM
T HE L AST W ORD - R ICHARD F RANCIS C ITY L IFE
R OOM F OR L IVING ’ S J O B UCKERFIELD
( INCLUDING ALL THE BEEN POSSIBLE . W E HOPE
56
THAN LIONS
C LIVE S ULLIVAN
58 59
ON WHAT DRIVES HIM
WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS .
50
O UR CONTRIBUTORS , OUR - WITHOUT THEM C ITY L IFE
FAMILIES , OUR FRIENDS
NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE ) AND OUR ADVERTISERS
WOULD NOT HAVE
YOU LIKE WHAT WE ’ VE PRODUCED AND WE ’ LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN
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St David’s 2 has brought a sense of cohesion to the city centre and has made Cardiff a must visit shopping destination.
CITY L IFE WINTER ISSUE 2009
P R O U D
TH E CI T Y
OF
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
WINTER WARMER
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS PLUS FABULOUS FESTIVE FASHION, FOOD AND INTERIORS RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING
THERE’S
MORE ONLINE
CITYLIFECARDIFF . CO . UK
PLUS A RT , M USIC , S TYLE , HEALTH, COMPETITIONS AND MORE
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. ❧ 6 ❧
Small(ish) print © Copyright City Life 2009. 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. 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
WELCOME
Cardiff’s bustling city centre has always been a great place to shop and with the much anticipated opening of the new St David’s 2 and John Lewis store, I think we can safely say that we’ve arrived.
The new development can only mean good things for Cardiff, but let’s hope it brings more shoppers to the city’s borders too. There’s definitely a feeling of anticipation in the air that the recession may well be over and, with Christmas around the corner, presents need to be bought. Check out my Editor’s Choice pages for ideas on what to buy your loved ones this year. Hopefully you’ll be a lot wiser than me and, armed with your Christmas shopping lists, you’ll be hot footing it into town for a good old spend and having everything wrapped up (literally) in plenty of time. This issue is a bit of a homage to the festive season, with ideas for presents for family and friends, gorgeous winter clothes in sumptuous fabrics and daring colours. 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.
Keeping with the festive theme, if you’re planning a family party or a company boss looking to thank your hard working staff with a Christmas party to remember, then have we got the event planner for you! Paul Williams Events can plan your party, wedding or any celebration for that matter, and make it a truly memorable occasion. Check out pages 24 to find out why this company should be on your speed dial.
I hope you manage to get all that’s on your list this year. For those of you not as organised, perhaps our paths will cross as we frantically run from shop to shop on the 23rd? You know who you are! Enjoy the winter and have a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
CYMRAEG
Who’s using the Welsh language? There are many businesses throughout the city where a Welsh language service is available. To highlight those particular businesses, we’re introducing a new feature into the magazine. Where you see the orange Cymraeg symbol, it indicates that a person within the business is happy to speak with you in Welsh.
Missed the last issue? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please telephone us or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk. Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. Yes it’s free! City Life magazine is distributed free through a wide variety of quality outlets in and around 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!
City Life is home grown. It is written, designed and produced in Cardiff for the people of Cardiff. ❧ 7 ❧
T H E C I T Y O F C A R D I F F ’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Editor JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Creative Director MARK ROBERTS mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Studio PA U L S E S S I O N S studio@citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ City Life Cardiff House Cardiff Road CF63 2AW ❧ City Life Website www.citylifecardiff.co.uk ❧ Telephone
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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 Who inspires you? Any artistes whom we’ve accidentally stolen lyrics/melodies from!
CIT YWIDE
In the mix with Silver Gospel Runners Who are you and what do you do? We’re Silver Gospel Runners, from various locations around the UK but Cardiff based, with seven band members: James, Kevin, Andy, Owen, Isaac, myself and John. We have the usual guitars, bass and drums, but also more quirky instruments, such as trumpet, melodica, toy piano, glockenspiel and a keytar, and we’re always on the look out for new instruments to bring into the mix. CIT YWIDE
City Hall - Breast Cancer Care Cymru Breast cancer and glamour may seem like polar opposites but at the first ever Breast Cancer Care Cymru Fashion Show to be held on Wednesday 24th February 2010, twenty people who have all been affected by breast cancer will take to the catwalk to celebrate life after a diagnosis. Styled in a range of designer and high street outfits by our very own fashion stylist, Suzanne Jaya, with hair transformed by Sassoon salons and make up applied by Estee Lauder, the event is a must-attend for anyone who loves fashion and loves life. As a guest at the show, you’ll be in glamorous company alongside Breast Cancer Care’s celebrity supporters and will be treated to a dazzling event including a champagne reception, gourmet meal, a glittering catwalk show and entertainment.
“...styled to perfection and brimming with confidence.”
Any exciting developments? We’ve entered the competition to open the Green Man Festival, so we’d be eternally grateful for any votes! Are you for hire and how much? It would depend on the location and timescale really, as it tends to get a little tricky coordinating seven people, but we would consider it, yes.
The idea was to keep adding to the band to build up a really hearty sound with a wide array of instruments, and also to challenge local venues and sound technicians to see if we can all fit on the stage or have enough microphones! How would you describe your music? Basically, we write interesting, breezy, toe tapping numbers about all sorts of things. It’s quite hard to describe our music exactly, but a local reviewer claimed we sounded like “A coked up Belle and Sebastian having a fight with an off the wagon Pete Doherty”, which we think is pretty accurate.
www.myspace.com/silvergospelrunners
© ACA Photography 2009
© Suzanne Prest 2009
When did you get together and why? We’ve only been together as a sevenpiece for about a year now, with members gradually joining here and there. With the exception of John the trumpeter, who interviewed us on a student radio show, we all met from internet or music shop adverts.
Linda McCarthy, Head of Breast Cancer Care Cymru says, “Following the enormous success of Breast Cancer Care’s fashion shows in London and Scotland, we are delighted to announce the launch of our Breast Cancer Care Cymru Fashion Show at Cardiff City Hall next year.
We’re all so excited about seeing inspirational Welsh models, who have all had breast cancer, take to the catwalk styled to perfection and brimming with confidence. Nearly 2,400 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Wales. The money raised from this event will help Breast Cancer Care Cymru reach more people affected by the disease by providing vital information and support services for local women and men, their families and friends when they need it most.” Ticket prices for the evening show start at £80 and details can be found at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/theshow To book now call 020 7960 3520 or email specialevents@breastcancercare.org.uk Breast Cancer Care Cymru is for anyone affected by breast cancer. They bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved care.
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Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call the free helpline on 0808 800 6000.
PONTCANNA
Charity cycling challenge is rewarding When Roger Williams, owner of The Jewellery Studio, Pontcanna agreed to join his wife Debbie on a London to Paris cycling challenge in aid of the NSPCC’s Building Brighter Futures Appeal, little did he know that the trip would take a romantic turn. Roger was originally going on a Peru trip, hiking to Machu Pichu on the Inca Trail but a knee cartilage problem prevented that from happening. Roger felt that three days of cycling might be easier on the knee! It just so happened that an engagement ring bought by Julian Draper, a Cardiff man living in Geneva, from the Jewellery Studio needed to be exchanged. The problem was making a platinum ring from scratch, carefully selecting a suitable diamond of no smaller than 0.75ct and getting it to Paris where Julian would be with his fiancée within ten days! As luck would have it, it coincided with the Charity Bike ride, so tucked away in Roger’s backpack and with a suitable bodyguard of Cardiff Ladies, it was delivered underneath the Eiffel Tower! To mark the occasion, Julian and his fiancée enjoyed champagne and Welsh Cakes (carried on the Support Bus, handcrafted in Dinas Powys) to the rapturous applause of the Cardiff cycling group.
“The Jewellery Studio has an excellent exchange policy which can’t be bettered. We aim to deliver anywhere in the world by any means!” laughed Roger. “Seriously, Debbie and I enjoyed taking part in the cycling challenge and hopefully we’ll have helped raise some much needed cash for such a worthy cause. The engagement was a suitable end to the trip seeing as Paris is, after all, the city of love.” The team, which was made up of 22 women and 6 intrepid men, set off from Greenwich on Thursday 24 September and arrived at the foot of the Eiffel Tower on Sunday 27 September, hope to have raised over £30,000 to help fund a major new child protection centre in Cardiff. The NSPCC’s purpose built Centre for Wales will bring together local services to help children and young people overcome the negative impacts of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. The Centre will also mean the charity can continue the pioneering work of its existing domestic abuse service. People can still donate by dropping into The Jewellery Studio, 237 Cathedral Road, Cardiff or emailing Thereselong08@aol.com. For more information on the NSPCC visit www.nspcc.org.uk
CIT YWIDE
Cardiff’s medieval murder mystery author If your choice of reading is a medieval murder mystery then The Bear Pit by Cardiffian Andrew Barlow is a must read for you. Set in the early 15th Century, the English Princes are portrayed as born in a Bear Pit, their lives a ruthless struggle for power. This royal mystery exposes the romantic myth of the age of chivalry. Betrayal and rebellion, murder and revenge - Hopkin ap Griffith ap Rhys, charged with finding the truth, has seen it all before. Follow his adventures from the outbreak of the Glendower revolt to Agincourt and beyond. To quote one reviewer on Amazon, “… exceedingly well researched, the detail does not bog you down but raises you to another place, time and reality.” The Bear Pit is available from Amazon priced £13.74 (www.amazon.co.uk)
CIT YWIDE
Ever wanted to publish your own book? Well now you can! City Life magazine can help you get your book into print. Whether it’s a biography, a journal about a favourite interest or even some musings on your local area. We can help with design and layout, writing and editing, proof reading, photography and illustration, printing and marketing. Contact mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk for more information. ❧ 9 ❧
MUSIC Reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.com 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.
â?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Ś MARTIN CARR
â?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Ś EUROS CHILDS
Ye Gods (and Little Fishes) Son of Euro Child There is so much more to Cardiff’s adopted son than being an ex Boo Radley and writer of ‘Wake up Boo’. That was then, this is now. The songs take a while to sink in, but repeated plays reveal melodies that you realise have quietly been permanently etched into your memory banks.
Sounding like a man reborn with an album that is playful, melodic and at times inspired. There are about half a dozen songs here that are brilliantly simple pure pop whimsy. Overall this is a huge success and will help re-energise his career.
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 â?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Ś Indian summer â?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Ś Sunny with clouds â?Śâ?Śâ?Ś Some showers â?Śâ?Ś Cold, wet and a bit windy â?Ś Freezing rain, blowing a gale
â?Śâ?Śâ?Ś
â?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Śâ?Ś
R U F U S WA I N W R I G H T
T H E B E AT L E S
Milwaukee At Last
Remasters
The material here is very familiar and all previously available elsewhere with the exception of the traditional Irish song ‘Macushla’. However, the CD/DVD set is a great souvenir for die hard fans and accurately captures the sound and spirit of his recent live shows.
All of the Beatles re-masters are far superior to earlier CD issues both in terms of sound quality and packaging. This is a great set for old fans and newcomers alike. The White Album stands out as benefiting most from the exercise sounding as fresh as it did 40 years ago.
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LIGHTNING DUST
V I VA M AC H I N E
WILCO
Infinite Light
Viva Machine
The Album
Lightning Dust is a side project by members of Canadian band Black Mountain. Down tempo and brooding this record glides along majestically. The arrangements are stunning and “Take it home” with its doom laden melody is one of the best tracks of the year.
This Swansea band have been around for a few years now and have steadily built a loyal fan base and made a reputation as a live band. The layered vocals are quite spectacular a kind of updated mid 1980s Yes. The band need time to develop but show a lot of promise.
Headliners from this year’s Green Man festival Wilco’s 7th studio album is a mixture of sounds and styles and often tinged with sadness and darkness. If you have arrived late to Wilco this album should make you want explore their back catalogue in full.
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DIZZEE RASCAL
ARCTIC MONKEYS
B O B DY L A N
Tongue N Cheek
Humbug
Christmas in the Heart
This album contains ridiculously catchy hits such as ‘Bonkers’ & ‘Holiday’. More commercial than his grime roots, but somehow he has managed to retain his credibility and in the process becomes a true crossover artist loved by hip hop fans and indie kids alike.
Somewhat subdued and ‘mellow’ compared to their first 2 releases. This album shows a band in transition and in development. There is much more light and shade here musically and they have come along way since their raucous record breaking debut 3 years ago.
Bob Dylan’s 47th album is a collection of Christmas songs! Featuring traditional songs such as ‘Little Drummer boy’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’. It may not be up there with ‘Blonde on Blonde’ or ‘Blood on the Tracks’ but the profits are going to various charities including Feeding America.
PONTCANNA
■ The reason that an engagement
■ If you can spare a drop of Gin,
A girl’s best friend some interesting facts We all know that diamonds are the traditional icon of love and romance. Here, Roger Williams of The Jewellery Studio tells us more about this dazzling gem.
ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand dates back to the Egyptian belief that the vein of love ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger, left hand. ■ 80% of diamonds mined today are
used for industrial purposes and not jewellery. ■ Most diamonds are over 3 billion
years old and are formed more than 100 mls below the earth’s surface. ■ Less than 1% of women will ever
wear a diamond of 1.0ct or more.
immerse your diamonds overnight to renew their sparkle. ■ Only 1 diamond in a million weighs
1ct or more. ■ A single diamond of 2cts is worth
more than twice as much as two 1.0ct diamonds. ■ The ancient Greeks believed that
diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. ■ It is estimated that only 500 tons of
diamonds have ever been mined in recorded history to date. ■ On average each stone will lose 50%
of its original weight during cutting and polishing.
■ The diamond is the hardest natural
mineral substance but a glancing blow against a hard edge can chip the edge of a diamond or break off a point on a fancy cut. 11
THE WONDER
WALLY’S
Steven Salamon, Owner
Wally’s is a family affair then? Yes, I took over the deli from my father Wally Salamon in 1993. My wife Corrine and two of my children, Ben and Natalie, also work here on Saturdays. To date we are the only local independent business in St Davids 2. Tell us about your team. In my opinion having a good team on board is the key to success for any business. We train all our team on the job and we all get on extremely well. Three members of the team have worked at Wally’s since it started. David Pike, the shop manager has worked for us from the age of 14 and is still going strong. David’s wife Tricia and David Richards have also both been working here since 1981.
Ask any family run business what makes it so successful and the answer usually lies in the strenght of its team. Wally’s in Royal Arcade is real testament to this. Owner, Steven Salamon explained to City Life why the deli’s formidable success is totally down to team work.
Tell us more about your new store in St David’s 2. The new complex is definitely bringing more customers into the city and into the arcades. Our shop there stocks a variety of chocolates and old fashioned loose sweets such as bon bons, liquorice and all of the sweets that trigger those nostalgic memories. It also stocks other products. Tricia is the manager there. Nicola Harwood, Deli Assistant
“I love shopping in Wally’s because of the fantastic selection of exotic and delicious Mediterranean produce.”
Why do you place so much importance on training? Our customers expect our team to know exactly what they’re selling. The product knowledge they possess is second to none.
Jacques Maison-Jones
Tricia Pike, St David’s 2 Manager
Has the shopping experience changed since you’ve extended in the Royal Arcade? Thankfully, for the better. We’ve been able to extend our range of products and customers still enjoy seeing familiar faces, being able to get the product knowledge that they can’t get elsewhere. They seem to like the hustle and bustle of jostling between the aisles finding products that they can’t find anywhere else. Our customers aren’t the type of people who enjoy pushing a trolley up and down countless aisles. Most of all, they like the atmosphere and the banter that exists between myself and the team. There’s really nowhere else like it in Cardiff.
David Pike, Manager
What’s on offer at Christmas? Christmas is a special time at Wally’s. Customers flock here to stock up on seasonal specialities, such as Italian Pannetone, the original variety and those infused with liquor. Also available is German Stollen, Spanish and Italian Torrone, German Lebkuchen, Gingerbread houses, Spanish confectionary and Belgian Chocolates. I could go on but, seriously, we’d be here all day! Throughout December we have regular samplings of meats, cheeses, biscuits and cakes to make shopping decisions easier. Customers can also order their bespoke Christmas hampers which are now quite infamous but I would suggest booking early, as when stock goes, it really goes! ❧ 13 ❧
Lynne Bosanquet, Nicola Gainey and Mark Pask, Deli Assistants
OF
Wally’s Delicatessen 38 - 46 Royal Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AE also at First Floor, St David’s 2 029 2022 9265 steve@wallysdeli.co.uk www.wallysdeli.co.uk Open from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday Sundays 11am to 5pm.
PRIDE OF
Kami Soroush has been a chef for over 25 years and his previous restaurant was the highest ranked Michelin Guide entry in Wales. Kami and his wife Azi have recently refurbished the New Red Lion, Pendoylan, creating a delightful setting to match the excellent cuisine. What can people expect from The New Red Lion restaurant? We have tried to create the sort of place I would love to visit when my wife, Azi and I go out. Somewhere beautiful in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city with no parking problem but with good surroundings, ambience and friendly staff who provide relaxed but efficient service. Most importantly, on offer is an excellent choice of menu and a wonderful wine list. What dishes are most popular? You see a lot of restaurants these days using too many flavours (more than four can be confusing to the palate) and a lot of fancy names in their menus. This can end up being too complicated and some customers may feel uncomfortable ordering or might feel the need to ask someone to explain it to them which can be embarrassing. Because of this all of the dishes that we create are kept simple but with a little twist which are presented beautifully with emphasis on freshness. One of the most popular dishes we find, for example, is the Red Snapper with fresh Pomegranate, Saffron, Walnuts and Tarragon.
Where else have you worked and how has it influenced you? I am a self taught chef and have always worked for myself having owned my own restaurants, but of course I was not a chef to begin with. At my last restaurant, Trillium, I had a good team in my kitchen but the problem was my chefs knew more than me so I felt that I had to learn fast. I soon started to work in the kitchen as a Sous Chef and within six months I took over the role as Head Chef where, not long after, I was presented with the award for the highest recommended restaurant of the year in Wales. I received this award for four years running and was included in seven different good food guides including The Michelin. I also had the pleasure of training the winner of the Wales Future Cook of the Year who became one of the top five in Britain. I was also runner-up in the awards for Welsh Lamb Dish of the Year. What has been your proudest career moment to date? Without doubt it was when Azi and I were introduced to Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall when they stopped at the New Red Lion Gastro Pub in 2005.
Where do you think your talent for cooking comes from? My mum had a lot of influence on my love for cooking. I think to be a good chef, as I say in my cookery courses, you need to have a lot of patience, never cut corners whilst cooking and always imagine the food you are about to cook by smelling and tasting it in your mind so you have an idea of how you intend the dish to look and taste. Has anyone inspired you? My philosophy is ‘simple but nice’ and it comes from one of the greatest chefs, Anton Mosimann. I remember when I was cooking on the TV show Get Going in 1993 I was often asked why I never wore a chef jacket but instead I would wear a shirt, bow tie and apron and the answer was always the same... “It’s a tribute to Mr Mosimann,” as he always wore a bow tie on his programmes.
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PENDOYLAN
What has been your most memorable meal to date? Definitely the Welsh Lamb Casserole with Sun Dried Limes, Saffron and Lentils which Azi cooked - ‘majical’.
Where would you most like to eat in the world? Hmm, that’s a difficult one. If I could go back in time then it would definitely be one more meal in my mum’s kitchen. The restaurant I would really love to visit but haven’t had the chance to yet is El Bouli which is in Madrid, in Spain. What would be your last supper? A glass or two of champagne!
“My philosophy is ‘simple but nice’ and it comes from one of the greatest chefs, Anton Mosimann. ❧ 15 ❧
The New Red Lion Gastro Pub Pendoylan Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7UJ 01446 760332 www.newredlion.com
CITY STYLE
Style tips, gorgeous jewellery and fashion must-haves. CIT YWIDE
City Life speaks to Suzanne Jaya As a regular contributor to City Life and our sister magazine Vale Life, Suzanne Jaya is always on hand to share her style expertise, often commenting on the latest musthaves and helping on our front cover shoots. I assumed I knew everything there was to know about her, but I’d given little thought to what she does in her normal day job as a personal stylist and image consultant. We thought it was time to get to the nitty gritty of what she does. Describe your typical client? It varies. Men and women who realise that life’s not long enough and that they want to look and feel the best they can and make the best of their life. I’m working with a client who has lost loads of weight through sensible diet and exercise. The cherry on the cake for her was to start her wardrobe from scratch - she looks absolutely amazing now and is wearing colours and styles she wouldn’t have tried before. Does your service provide value for money? I think so. It doesn’t matter whether a client spends £50 or £5,000 to look their best, my job is the same - to enable them to open their wardrobe on any given day and in any given situation and to put something together that is appropriate to the event, their lifestyle, shape and personality. And of course to save them money also. I work really closely with clients to develop a good relationship and help them become the person they want to be. Do you mean a capsule wardrobe? That’s right. Very few clothes are needed to create a versatile collection of outfits. How do you create a capsule wardrobe? Firstly, elicit which shades and tones of colours are the most flattering and impactful when worn near your face. Then to be shown which neutrals, i.e. brown, black, taupe, navy etc will be the basic building block colours with which other colours can be worn with confidence. A colour analysis consultation can achieve this.
What comes next? Clients then need to understand their body shape and proportions and how to wear clothes and accessories to maximum effect. Size is irrelevant; it’s more a matter of dressing the body with the best drape of fabric, the most flattering cuts and colours and wearing combinations of garments to create a style that they love. A Wardrobe Workout and Style consultation is the best way to kick-start this part. Then? Buy new clothes of course and also make the current ones work better. Why is colour so important? Wearing the best shades and tones can make a client look younger, slimmer, less tired, more noticeable (for the right reasons) and even more influential, when worn, say for professional reasons. Make-up and hair colour also play their part. What qualifies you to do this work? Passion, an eye for detail, accreditation with some of the best recognized training providers, a background in teaching and I’m a member of the professional body International Federation of Image Consultants.
What other style and image work do you do? Ooh, it’s quite varied really. I get asked to write and also to comment on various style and beauty related topics for BBC Radio Wales and local press. One of my passions is writing – I used to be in PR in a previous life! I also run workshops for companies and groups of individuals. My latest project is with Breast Cancer Care as the stylist for The Show – a fundraising event in February at City Hall. What’s so amazing is that all the 20 models have battled breast cancer so it should be a really inspiring event. Top tip? Shop for clothes at the right time of the season – I cannot stress this enough. Your mantra? The time is NOW. Your seasonal must-haves? See my Tips and Tales on my website How do people book your services? Give me a call or email me and quote City Life magazine for 15% off a Colour Consultation or book now for my workshops in January and February 2010.
So is your service affordable? Yes. My services start from £40. Buying a gift voucher is easy – an ideal opportunity for friends or family to club together and buy a really life-changing gift. Or come along to one of my ‘Look the Business’ workshops to learn about the principles of personal style and pick up some tips and tools of the trade. Most people start with a colour consultation or Wardrobe Workout and take it from there. Nobody needs to buy the whole package, although they will see the greatest results if they go through the whole process at some stage.
“Wearing the best shades and tones can make a client look younger, slimmer, less tired and more noticeable.” ❧ 16 ❧
Suzanne Jaya Wardrobe management service, style, colour and image consultations. 01443 229296 or 07833 780006 suzanne@suzannejaya.com www.suzannejaya.com
R A DY R
Sirenic Silver jewellery now at Ener-chi Visitors to Ener-chi, Radyr can now see a selection of stunning silver jewellery from Sirenic Silver. The demand for silver has increased over the last few years, and remains ever popular and highly fashionable. Silver suits most skin tones, and looks great on all ages, is not as expensive as gold or platinum, but can look just as stylish.
Ener-chi 37 Hickman Road, Penarth CF64 2AL 029 2070 7356 also at 57 Heol Isaf, Radyr, Cardiff CF5 8AH 029 2027 4012 www.enerchi4health.com
CIT Y CENTRE
Seren can make you a style star It will come as no big surprise to learn that I love clothes (and shoes and bags but let’s concentrate on the clothes for now). What I really love is wearing something that’s not being worn by countless other women out there. Individuality is where it’s at. If you’re like me and you’re looking for a boutique that promises individuality, then Seren in Cardiff’s Morgan Arcade is the boutique for you. I’m actually quite loath to let you into my little secret but I can’t really keep this amazing little boutique under wraps any more. Will I go for a stunning maxi dress with a lot of va-vavoom by Vercia or Arrogant Cat or will it be a quirky and very original little number from Dahlia? Ah, decisions, decisions... Seren 35 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2039 5835 www.serenboutique.com
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City Life talks to Jason Jeffery and Zack Starke of The Ski Lodge in Barry about their dedication to pure snow sports and we catch a glimpse of all the latest product offerings from the world’s leading brands. Brand: Oakley Model: Shaun White A-Frame Goggle Price: £115 Goggles worthy of an Olympic champion and living legend. The Shaun White model combines Shaun’s signature striped print design with the tried and tested A-Frame shape. A great goggle with all the Plutonite & Ellipsoid technology we’ve all come to expect from Oakley. No more excuses on those flat light days !
Brand: Roxy Model: Cold Play Gloves Colour: Black Plaid Price: £29.99 Womens snow glove in striking plaid print design
Brand: Roxy Model: Jet Jacket Colour: Bright White Price: £139 The Jet is fresh, fun and functional. Fusing eye-popping colours and eclectic prints, it’s made to get you noticed ! With all the technical essentials and Roxy’s legendary styling, the Jet offers fantastic comfort and performance at a very affordable price.
Brand: The North Face Model: Gravitation Triclimate Jacket Colour: Snow White Price: £299
Brand: Eider Model: Wezen Jacket Colour: White/Mandarin Orange Price: £329 Stand out in this flagship Eider jacket. Built to outlast the elements in a striking design, sharp easy-to-wear colours and comfortable stretch fabric, this is technical skiwear at its finest.
IT’S SNOW ❧ 18 ❧
Brand: Electric Model: EG1s Colour: Kelly Green Price: £89.99
Brand: Spyder Model: Rhinestone Bug Beanie Colour: White Price: £29.99 Super soft warm hat with a striking ‘diamante’ Spyder logo, ideal for snowy slopes and cold, windy winters back home.
B A R RY
Jason Jeffery of The Ski Lodge talks to City Life How long have you worked at The Ski Lodge? Since the winter of 2001, so getting on for 8 years now! What’s your role there? My role is Designer and Marketing Manager How long have you been snowboarding? I started boarding back when I was in school... that’s a while now, around 15 years or so.
Brand: Spyder Model: Rival Jacket Colour: White Price: £349 Ideal for high mileage skiing, the Rival is a super-stylish, sporty jacket that combines striking looks and race-bred performance for the ambitious skier that demands the very best.
Did the sport come before the job or vice versa? Well in light of the above question, the sport definitely came before the job! You really have to be an active skier or snowboarder to work in this industry. How does your love of your sport help with the job? It certainly makes a day in the office more enjoyable when you have a true passion for what you do. Wintersports is a great industry to be working in with very like-minded people. If you could do any other job, what would it be? Astronaut, pilot, rockstar… no, The Ski Lodge is a pretty perfect place for me to be as it allows me to indulge in my two main passions of snowboarding and design. I occasionally get the chance to escape in the summer and do some surfing which is good for morale.
“I started boarding back when I was in school.”
TIME ❧ 19 ❧
The Ski Lodge Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2QW 01446 741870 www.skilodge.co.uk
B A R RY
Zack Starke of The Ski Lodge talks to City Life
Brand: The North Face Model: Nuptse Vest Colour: Asphalt Grey Price: £99.99
Brand: The North Face Model: Greenland Jacket Colour: Black Price: £199
How long have you worked at The Ski Lodge? I first walked through the Lodge doors twelve years ago. What’s your role there? I am The Ski Lodge Store Manager How long have you been skiing? Well, I’ve skied from a young age, that’s going back a good few years now, nearly 30 years I would say. Did the sport come before the job or vice versa? As with Jason, the sport was definitely something I enjoyed before even considering a career in snowsports How does your love of your sport help with the job? A genuine passion for the mountains and snowsports is a vital part of my role as store manager. Projecting a true love of the sport on the shopfloor enhances our customers experience in the store.
Brand: Quiksilver Model: Drizzle Pant Colour: Atmosphere Blue Price: £84.99 This no-fuss, no-frill five pocket jeans style snowsports pant delivers protection, comfort and good looks, and it’s hard to believe all for just 85 quid !
If you could do any other job, what would it be? It’s got to be right here at The Lodge. It’s great to interact with colleagues and customers daily, who all share a common passion for the mountains. There can’t be too many roles out there that you get to talk about your favourite sport all day long with people who love it as much as you!
“I have a genuine passion for the mountains and snowsports.”
Brand: O’Neill Model: Boys Indy Bone Jacket Colour: International Red Price: from £84.99 Brand: Electric Model: EG1 Goggles Colour: Kaleidoscope Price: £79.99
The Ski Lodge Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2QW 01446 741870 www.skilodge.co.uk
COOL ❧ 20 ❧
Brand: Animal Model: Floretta Jacket Colour: Leopard Rose Price: £99.99 The Floretta puts the fun back onto the snow, fusing eye-popping colours and eclectic prints in a youthful spirit at an amazing price.
Brand: Oakley Model: Crowbar Canada Price: £105 The Oakley Crowbar has been specifically designed with frame struts to balance and distribute frame pressure for all-day comfort. The fit is designed to work well when wearing a helmet alleviating pressure on the outer frame. Finished in a stylish Canadian flag influenced design, we can all dream about those big powder days in the Canadian Rockies !
Brand: Spyder Model: Rock Faux Fur Jacket Colour: Hot Pink Bamboo Price: £599 Stand out from the crowd with this opulent winter jacket that is signature Spyder.
Brand: Roxy Model: Girls Hopscotch Jacket Colour: White Price: from £89.99
Brand: Giro Model: Encore II Helmet Colour: Ultra Violet Price: £59.99 A great all round multi sport helmet, the Encore 2 has you covered. A great all mountain helmet for women in this season's key colour - violet purple. Staying safe and stylish has never been as easy.
FASHION ❧ 21 ❧
EDITOR’S With Christmas not far away (can you believe it?), I’ve decided to create my very own Christmas wish list and, to make sure that hubby sees it, I thought I’d include it in the magazine. Sharp or what? So here’s a quick run-down...
PENARTH AND RADYR
BARRY
Pamper my skin in LUX-ury
Emma Kate Francis Say it with pearls
Lux: The condition of being elegantly sumptuous. I’d say that this is a brilliant description for the Lux massage candles and treatments exclusively available at Ener-chi in Penarth and Radyr.
If you’re looking for something special this Christmas, then Emma Kate Francis’ Lily range is bound to have something that will delight any woman on Christmas day.
I popped in to see owner Judy Mancuso, and was greeted by the aroma of beautifully scented Shea butter candles which to my delight hold a dual purpose. Once heated, the liquid can be used as a nourishing massage oil. Sound to good to be true? Ask for a demonstration as I did and my hands and arms were massaged in the oil which left them so deliciously aromatic and soft, I just have to get the rest of my body done. This all natural combination of Shea butter, coconut, and almond oil is a must to embrace and warm you as the winter nights draw in. Shea butter has anti-ageing and reinvigorating properties which improves circulation, almond oil, rich in vitamin E, B, and minerals, efficiently smoothing sensitive and dry skin and improving hydration. Coconut oil, nourishing and sensual makes the skin glow is fantastic for creating that spa-at-home feeling or for complete pampering, ener-chi offer the Lux massage treatment, mention City Life, and get a free hand and arm massage Lux candle demonstration.
Emma Kate says, “I love Christmas... and it is my busiest time. People are looking for that special something and I like giving out mulled wine in the studio! Emma-Kate prides herself on transforming her customers ideas into reality. “Part of the fun of getting something made is that you can boast about it!” ONLINE
After graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2002 with an MA in Silversmithing, Emma-Kate established her career in Clerkenwell, London. She has recently opened a beautiful boutique gallery and workshop just off the Kings Road in Pontcanna, Cardiff. Emma Kate is featured on page 28.
Hot designs from a hot designer No Christmas list would be complete without a lovely piece of jewellery. I’ve already got some beautiful pieces of jewellery by designer Nanor Tashdjian’s fused glass range and when I heard that she’d introduced a new flamework range, I was so intrigued that I had to take a look at her website to see what that was all about.
At only £10 for a travel tin, £25 for a unique glass holder and £35 for the super deluxe ceramic pot with lip and pouring spout, the perfect gift!
Nanor now uses a fuelled torch to melt rods and tubes of clear and coloured glass to make it pliable. Once it’s in a molten state, she then shapes the glass with tools and movements to create the design and, as her work is so unique that it’s unlikely that you’ll bump into anyone else wearing a similar piece. Now, which masterpiece shall I choose?
Ener-chi 31 Hickman Road, Penarth CF64 2AL 029 2070 7356 www.enerchi4health.com
Nanor Art 07974 256 622 info@nanorart.com www.nanorart.com
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CHOICE
Each issue we’ll bring you a number of outstanding products that have caught my eye and that I’d like to share with you.
CIT YWIDE
Up, up and away with Veritair We all need a bit of adrenaline flowing through our bloodstream to prove we’re still alive. I think it’s called the fight or flight syndrome. A ride in a helicopter simulator with Cardiff company Veritair Aviation Academy definitely puts this theory to the test.
B A R RY
Bring on the Winter with Spyder There are two things that make me happy during the winter months – being warm and, even better, being warm in style! These criteria would be happily met with the new Spyder ‘Rock Faux Fur’ jacket a) because the warmth is provided through thin-profile Thinsulate Supreme Insulation b) because its stretch interior fabric will hug me in comfort and will move with me equally well down the slope or through the village and c) because it has a stylish sprinkling of glittering Swarovski crystals elevating this jacket to point 10 on the glamour Richter scale.
You can test your flying skills in the shell of an Italian Agusta 109 helicopter under the capable supervision of training manager Duncan McDonald. After a quick briefing, and with a little help from Duncan, you’re in the air and flying through computer generated landscapes which really do challenge your flying skills. After a few minutes ‘in the air’, it’s very easy to imagine that a pilot’s licence is within easy reach, until Duncan throws you a curve ball and you have to fly under a bridge without crashing into the waters below. This is really the closest thing to flying a real helicopter and, who knows, if you really take to it, this could be the start of a much bigger pastime as the centre provides training courses for commercial helicopter and private pilots. Cost of a simulated flight £99. Veritair Aviation Academy Cardiff Heliport, Foreshore Road Cardiff CF10 4LZ 029 2046 5880 duncan@veritair.com www.veritair.com
PONTCANNA
Bring on the bling be a ‘Rebel at Heart.’ I have an everyday watch which I wear er, every day, but just as women like to change their outfits, we also like to change our accessories and jewellery. The latest must-have watch which is wowing the jewellery and fashion world is this rather gorgeous little number by Thomas Sabo. You can’t go wrong with black so this ticks all the right boxes but if black’s not your thing then you can take your pick from a staggering 59 different models from basics through to sports, from chronographs all the way through to the most elaborate designs. Split into three ranges Rebel at Heart, It Girl and Classic, there’s every chance you’ll find one to suit you. Celebs can take their pick of the latest jewellery and it’ll come as no surprise that they’ve already been spotted on the wrists of Roisin Murphy and Alex James. To get ahead of the game, pop along to The Jewellery Studio, Cathedral Road, Pontcanna or visit their newly revamped website (see address below).
I normally stick to black but I’ve seen it in sassy hot pink which, let’s be fair, if you’re buying a jacket because you love a bit of glitz and glamour, then, it’s sassy all the way! The Spyder ‘Rock Faux Fur’ jacket is available from The Ski Lodge, Barry.
Buying it online entitles you to free postage and a free Thomas Sabo charm with orders over £75. The Jewellery Studio 237 Cathedral Road, Cardiff 029 2022 1144 www.jewellerystudio.co.uk
Check it out on their new website at www.skilodge.co.uk or reserve yours from The Ski Lodge on 01446 741870.
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There are event planners and then there are event planners. Think Elton John’s lavish White Tie and Tiara Ball and you’ll be on the right track. Themed performers and musicians, orchestras, opera and pop stars, circuses, you name it, Paul Williams has all of these resources on speed dial.
If you’re a private or corporate customer and want to host a party which will be the talk of the town, with links to the top caterers and suppliers of premium wines then Paul Williams Events should be on your speed dial. We caught up with Paul before the Christmas rush. Who are Paul Williams Events? We are a highly creative event management company, with a fast growing reputation for producing events that are unique and extra special. We produce the memorable, never the mundane! Every event we produce is bespoke in nature and executed to the highest standards, by only working with the best industry professionals. Add to that our twenty years’ experience, an unrivalled attention to detail, a highly creative approach and our very friendly, personal service – it’s no wonder our clients use us time and time again! When were you established? The company has been established since November 2005 and already boasts some of Wales’ most prominent and successful companies as its clients.
What’s your background? I was the UK Events and Exhibitions Manager for the Cardiff Bay based international credit insurance giant, NCM (now Atradius) for almost ten years. Here I managed a large portfolio of events throughout the UK and Ireland, that included a busy corporate hospitality and exhibitions programme, company launch events, office openings, cocktail receptions, product launches and staff parties. Following that there was a slight career change where I went to work for Hughes Design where I got my first taste of working in advertising, design and marketing – skills that I have taken forward in my career. After that it was time to venture forth on my own when I formed a new event management consultancy called The Knowledge. The company created a bit of a stir in the market place, so much so that it came on the radar of Freshwater UK, who bought out the company and employed me as their Events Director. Missing the cut and thrust and independence of running my business, I formed Paul Williams Events Ltd. ❧ 24 ❧
THE
DREAM WEAVER What is your most enjoyable or challenging event to date? Pirates! We produced the ultimate Pirate Party for 2,500 staff of the Admiral Insurance Group at Cardiff International Arena. The party, which was 12 months in planning, featured as a breathtaking centrepiece a large-scale model of The Black Pearl on the deck of which was the party dance floor. Other themed areas in this huge venue included the Jolly Roger Inn, a shark infested Lagoon, a treasure island and a tropical beach bar. Staff were royally entertained by aerial performers, fire eaters, The Beach Boys, all washed down with an exclusive live performance by the gorgeous Sugababes. The result – delirium!
What type of clients do you have? Given the high-end nature of the business our client base ranges from large Blue Chip companies through to private individuals who want us to produce something unique, whether it be a special birthday/anniversary celebration or a wedding.
Why would I choose you? At Paul Williams Events we go that extra mile for our clients, are very hard working but like to have fun in the process. Our unrivalled attention to detail, creative flair and our personal touch are a good basis we find for nurturing long term relationships. We are the most innovative and creative events company in Wales.
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What can you offer companies who still want to reward their staff for their hard work but need to be mindful of budget? Not every event has to be staged in some lavish, costly setting. We can bring bespoke themed Christmas parties to the office space to save on budget. Over the past couple of years we produced a Prohibition Party and a Jewel of the Nile party for a client at their prestige offices in Cardiff Bay. All entertainment, theme conceptualisation and design, catering and event management was provided by ourselves and you wouldn’t have known that you were in the same office environment when we’d finished. The feedback was amazing!
“Paul Williams Events produce the memorable, never the mundane... it’s no wonder their clients use them time and time again!” ❧
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What qualities do you bring to the business? Personality, passion, creativity and a great sense of humour. What are you working on at the moment? I am producing Glamorgan Cricket Club’s Hollywood at Christmas themed parties, that are running throughout December at the SWALEC Stadium. My company also produced last years Masquerade Ball and in 2007 The Roaring Twenties for the same client. Who would you love to work for? Corporately I’d love to work for a company like Microsoft or Miramax Films - very large budgets, a huge creative challenge and a bit of international travel! Being a passionate Welshman, I’d also love the opportunity to work with other large Welsh companies who are looking to ‘stand out’ from the crowd and do something a bit different with their events. Privately I think Elton John’s parties are now legendary, so again, would love to have the opportunity to work at that level. Perhaps a celebrity wedding would also be fun but I’m sure would have its own challenges.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I would like the Paul Williams brand to be extremely well established in the marketplace and for my company to be the first choice events company in Wales. I would also like to see the company raising its profile and producing events throughout the UK. Essentially I want my events to be the hottest ticket in town and to be the most talked about. After all, ‘We are the Music Makers. We are the Weavers of Dreams.’
“We can produce any type of event, whether on a large or small scale, given our vast experience in the events industry and our technical know-how.”
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“Party production and planning is our forte... all you have to do is turn up and party!” W H AT T Y P E O F E V E N T S D O YO U O R G A N I S E ?
The company can produce any type of event, whether on a large or small scale, given our vast experience in the events industry and our technical know-how. C O R P O R AT E PA R T I E S AWA R D S D I N N E R S A N D C O M PA N Y B A L L S
Our creative team has a successful track record in producing large scale, spectacular corporate parties, awards dinners and company balls over the years. From event conceptualization through to production – we handle every single detail. Leaving you to bask in the glory and a very happy workforce! P R I VAT E PA R T I E S
Party production and planning is our forte. We can provide everything from venue selection, furniture hire, entertainers, caterers, security, theme design, photography, lighting and sound design – the list is endless we can even produce a DVD of the whole event. So all you have to do is turn up and party!
B E S P O K E H O S P I TA L I T Y
WEDDINGS
As we like to go that extra mile for our clients, we prefer to devise bespoke hospitality packages, so that you can give your staff/clients that something special. So whether you prefer wine tasting in a French vineyard, cooking with a Michelin star chef, hot air ballooning over the Wye Valley, or hosting a grand banquet in a Welsh Castle – we can produce something to suit the occasion or budget. The imagination knows no limits. We produce the tailor-made – not the off-the-peg.
Your wedding day is one of the most special times of your life - a day where you want everything to be perfect. Being such an emotional time for the bride, groom and families alike, organising a wedding can prove highly stressful. We can take away the stress by organising every detail for you, allowing you to relax and enjoy your big day.
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Conferences can take months of meticulous planning. By leaving the project management to us, you can concentrate on running your business. We’ll arrange everything including venue selection, guest speakers, design and print services, public relations, set design and construction, stage management, equipment hire, reception staff, hotel accommodation, transport arrangements and photography. All in all we’ll ensure your conference runs seamlessly on the day. ❧ 27 ❧
Paul Williams Events 029 2081 1321 Mobile 07967 714939 paul@paulwilliamsevents.com www.paulwilliamsevents.com
Emma Kate Francis is an award-winning designer, silversmith and jeweller. Since moving to Wales in 2008 she’s gained three awards and opened a beautiful boutique studio and gallery in Pontcanna.
EXPOSURE Tell us about your gallery My boutique gallery is based in 183A Kings Road Studios - a little ‘artisan alley’ I like to call it. It’s in the heart of Pontcanna, Cardiff and the entrance is quite discreet but it’s just opposite Wyatts Home emporium. I like the fact that people venture to this part of Pontcanna - they always find something unusual and unique. It’s one Cardiff’s best kept secrets!
How would you describe your work? I design and make elegant tableware and jewellery in silver, gold and platinum with the addition of diamonds and other stones and pearls. I’m really inspired by Art Nouveau and Bauhaus. More recently, I’ve designed a range of pewter tableware for the Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty’s of London which will be launched in the next year. That’s going to be a really exciting project. Also, I create many bespoke pieces for clients and love making personal, unique gifts. What are the price ranges? There are items to suit everyone’s purse. It depends on what customers are looking for and I work to their budget. I like to give my clients several options when giving a quote and explain exactly what they get for their money.
“There are items to suit everyone’s purse. It depends on what customers are looking for and I work to their budget. I like to give my clients several options when giving a quote.”
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Have you always been interested in jewellery design? I’ve always been a bit of a magpie. When I was young I’d dip into my mum’s jewellery box when I’d dress up just to finish an outfit off! I’ve always loved design, sculpture and making things, so jewellery really encapsulates everything I’m interested in. After completing an art foundation course in Brighton, which is one of the best ways to find your niche, I went to Camberwell College of Art to do a BA in Silversmithing. This course had a large foundry and I found myself making large architectural and sculptural pieces. It was when I went to Germany as part of an Erasmus Exchange program that I first had a taste of silversmithing. Their teaching was amazing and I learnt a lot in that year, even though I didn’t know one bit of German - that was even more of a challenge! I went on to gain a place at the Royal College of Art, London to study for a Masters Degree. It was inspirational, the students and teachers, the atmosphere, I really pushed myself to experience everything there.
“I’ve just won the gold award for Craft & Design magazine ‘Selected Awards’ for best jewellery.”
Anything new and exciting on the horizon? There is so much happening this year. I won a commission to design a range of tableware in pewter for the Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty’s of London. To have the opportunity to design for the V&A is a huge accolade. I will never forget the experience and am really proud to see what I’ve achieved so far. It’s like a whirlwind at the moment! It is a different role as I’m the designer liaising with the retailer and the manufacturer. I’ve also just won the gold award for Craft & Design magazine ‘Selected Awards’ for best jewellery which is great as it was voted for online. It just proves my wide appeal which I’m really proud of. Also, I’m being filmed for the BBC Wales Arts Review of the year - that’ll be fun!
Is Christmas as a good time for your business? I love Christmas... and it is my busiest time. People are looking for that special something and my Christmas star decorations are a best seller... also I like giving out mulled wine in the studio! Any plans for the New Year? My pewter products are being launched in the New Year so am anticipating a great response and will hopefully add more designs o the range. I’ve also created a range of vintage inspired wedding jewellery for High Society in Cowbridge, for customers to buy direct online and I’m looking at extending the range as it’s been so popular - it’s prêt a porter bridal jewellery! Visit High Society’s website at www.highsocietybride.co.uk for more information. I’m also working on something special for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. ❧ 29 ❧
Emma Kate Francis 183A Kings Road Studios, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9DF 07947 307119 info@ekfrancis.com www.ekfrancis.com
Thursday 12 November
Thursday 28 January 2010
Mr William Dickson: discussing body re-shaping and all cosmetic breast surgery
Mr Mark Cooper: discussing all aspects of cosmetic surgery
Light refreshments will be provided from 6.30pm followed by presentations at 7pm
PENARTH
Centre Stage Fancy that! Ever wanted to change your career and do something you really enjoy? Well one Penarth woman has done just that and has made the switch from corporate marketing to the fancy dress business.
“After 16 years in the marketing game” said Gillian Bell, founder of Centre Stage Fancy Dress based in Penarth, “I wanted to do something I really loved – and for me, this is it.” And who can blame her. It’s hard not to be happy when you’re dressed up as Zorro or in 70’s garb with those huge flares. And in these days of economic doom and gloom we all need an excuse to smile and have a good time – and this is what Centre Stage is all about. “We only do outfits for adults as the supermarkets cater very well for children but we all need something that brings out the kid in us no matter what age we are and few things do that better than fancy dress.” It is solely an online business which, as well as selling adult costumes and accessories, provides a costume hire service to Cardiff and the surrounding CIT Y CENTRE
Top 10 Festive Beauty Tips and Tricks When Christmas comes around you want those quick fix treatments that make you look fabulous for the party season. So we’ve put together Triniti Beauty’s top ten treatment tips that will help you look your best during the festive season.
areas. So what’s different about that? Well, firstly, almost all Centre Stage hire costumes are handmade here in the UK from quality materials and come as separates i.e. not all-in-one costumes. So if you get too hot, you can take the jacket off and if nature calls – well, it’s much less of a struggle! It also means that if you are small on the top and big on the bottom (or vice versa) you can mix and match and in some instances costumes can be customised at the design stage. To put the cherry on the cake, Centre Stage deliver all hire costumes personally to you at work or at home and will collect from the same place – and this is all included in the hire price. It couldn’t be easier.
“When I have hired costumes in the past” Gillian continued, “the things that have irked me are the quality of many of the costumes, the sizes and how difficult it was to return the costumes on a Monday when you work full time and the shop closes at 5pm. We have remedied these problems and aim to provide a fancy dress hire service that is second to none in the Cardiff and Vale area.” So whether you want to be Elvis, Marie Antoinette or a 60’s hippy chick,
For the face OXYjet Taster Facial £25 A great pick-me-up for your face.
Lash and Brow Tint with Brow Tidy £20 Define and enhance your eye area. OXYJet Maxi Lip £25 Plump, soft, kissable lips without the botox. For the body Luxury Spray Tan £40 A full body exfoliation followed by a full body spray tan makes for a perfect tan.
Body Slim Legs, Bum or Tum £40 for 1, £60 for 2, £75 for all 3 Get instant results on your problem areas so you look great in your party dress. This has the same effect as a body wrap so it slims and tones the areas you’ve chosen.
Centre Stage have an array of costumes and accessories to suit most needs. But things are rarely straight forward! Although they have a range of outfits in sizes 18+ they are having problems finding models for the more curvaceous costumes - and there is nothing more annoying than seeing a costume advertised for shapely ladies and the model is a size 10! So if anyone fancies being on the Centre Stage website, is a size 18/20+ and 5ft 7 or over, please contact Gillian at the number below.
Centre Stage Fancy Dress 029 20 30 21 84 gillian@centrestagefancydress.co.uk www.centrestagefancydress.co.uk
Gel Glitter Toes Pedicure £30 An express pedicure and application of a glitter gel overlay for a long lasting look for the festive period. Long lasting with no chipping. Triniti Manicure £20 Our traditional manicure to keep your nails looking great. Permanent Polish Manicure £25 An express manicure and application of french, coloured or glitter gel to give you a long lasting chip-free look. To make these treatments even better value Triniti Beauty are offering 20% discount when you book and pay for 3 or more treatments together (the treatments can be taken separately). To minimise the effect of the festive season Triniti recommends to clients that they drink plenty of water, exfoliate regularly and moisturise daily.
Essential Bust Lift £45 Get an instant lift without surgery. Hands and feet Minx Pedicure £25 An express pedicure and application of Minx vinyl overlays - a long lasting look on your toes in a variety of finishes. Long lasting and very noticeable with no smudging. ❧ 31 ❧
Triniti Beauty 14 Churchill Way Cardiff CF10 2DX 029 2022 7049 info@trinitisalons.co.uk www.trinitisalons.co.uk
HEALTH & WELLBEING Take good care of yourself with City Life’s guide to healthcare in the capital I am interested in breast enhancement but am anxious about having surgery and don’t really want a ‘surgically enhanced’ look. Are there other options available and how long would these last/what is the cost?
I often find that when I laugh or cough I leak urine without meaning to. I haven’t been to the doctor about this but think it could be incontinence. Is this a common problem and is there anything I can do to stop it happening?
Yes there are other options to surgery. One treatment you may have heard of is Macrolane – this is a non-surgical treatment where a safe gel-like substance is injected into the breast. The injected substance is found naturally within the body, and enhances the size and shape of your breasts.
You’re right. Your symptoms are typical of stress incontinence. This is a common condition (particularly in women over 50) and can also occur when you sneeze or partake in physical activity (such as walking, running or lifting). You may also find an increase in the frequency and urgency of having to go to the toilet. Its onset can be increased following trauma, postsurgery, and post-childbirth.
Macrolane is suitable for women who have asymmetric breasts, loss of breast volume as a result of breast feeding or weight loss, or under-developed breasts. The results are instant but unlike silicone implants the results do not last forever, usually around 12-18 months. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and recovery time is quicker than conventional cosmetic surgery. The treated area will however feel tender for a few days and patients may wish to adjust their daily activities in the immediate post-operative period. Patients also have to wear a support bra for two weeks following the operation. The cost of the treatment depends on the amount of product that you have injected, starting from around £2000. This procedure is available at Vale Healthcare’s Cosmetics Clinic along with other non-surgical and surgical treatments including nose-reshaping, breast enhancement and reduction, face-lifts, liposuction and facial fillers. Mr Kelvin Gomez Consultant General & Breast Surgeon
I have quite a lot of freckles and moles on my body, and one in particular is causing me some trouble. It is on my face and although it has looked the same for years it can make shaving quite difficult. Could you please advise on checking it for any abnormal signs and my options for having it removed? If you are concerned about a mole, it is usually possible to have it removed. This can be done using a range of methods depending on the mole size, location and your preference. Moles that may need to be removed as a treatment for a health condition (e.g. skin cancer), or because they’re in a place where it could be damaged (such as on the shaving area on the face) may be removed on the NHS. A Dermatologist will need to make this decision for you. As melanoma (a form of skin cancer) can develop from pre-existing moles, a thorough skin examination must be performed before any removal is considered. Sun exposure can increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma so this check is particularly important if the mole is on your face. In terms of checking your own moles If you notice they look different (e.g. increase in size, change in shape, reddish or ragged edge) then it is best to seek advice from your GP or a dermatologist. Vale Healthcare has weekly Dermatology clinics at its Cardiff Bay Clinic site. Dr Alun Evans Consultant Dermatologist
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There are several things you can do to reduce the occurrence of stress incontinence. For example, changing your daily water intake (increasing/ decreasing), reducing your caffeine intake, and losing weight (if your BMI is over 30). It may also be worth seeing a Physiotherapist who can suggest strengthening exercises and additional therapies. If you have suffered a pelvic floor prolapse then you are more likely to suffer from incontinence, and should certainly seek professional advice. There is no need to try and cope by yourself if you suffer from incontinence. Your GP will be able to provide you with advice and may refer you to a specialist consultant. Rapid Access Urology, Urogynaecology and Gynaecology clinics are held at the Cardiff Bay Clinic. If you’d like to book an appointment you can self-refer or have your GP refer you. Mr Sanjay Chawathe Consultant Urogynaecologist
Vale Healthcare Cardiff Bay Clinic, Celtic Gateway, Dunleavy Drive, Cardiff CF11 0SN 029 2083 6714 www.vale-healthcare.com
Embarrassing health problem? Don't suffer in Silence! ORTHOPAEDICS & RHEUMATOLOGY CLINICS PHYSIOTHERAPY, REHABILITATION & TREATMENT CENTRE DIAGNOSTIC & INTERVENTIONAL SPINE CLINIC
Urological problems can affect men and women of all ages. Some issues can be difficult to discuss, but if you are experiencing a problem it's crucial you seek advice.
DERMATOLOGY CLINIC PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC GASTROENTEROLOGY & GENERAL SURGERY CLINICS COSMETIC CLINIC EAR NOSE & THROAT CLINIC CARDIOLOGY CLINIC UROLOGY CLINIC OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING BREAST CARE CLINIC
At the Cardiff Bay Clinic we offer a Rapid Access Urology Clinic, providing a one-stop facility for expert consultation, diagnosis and treatment. Treated conditions include: • • • • • •
Urinary incontinence Cystitis (recurrent urinary infection) Bladder and kidney problems Prostate assessment and screening Vasectomy / Vasectomy reversal Kidney stone management
SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC GYNAECOLOGY CLINIC NEUROLOGY CLINIC DAY-CASE SURGERY
Urological health issues should not be left untreated it is essential you readily address any problems to avoid further complications and infection.
Vale Healthcare is open to patients with medical insurance & those who self-fund. Contact us to book a consultation
for info call: 029 2083 6714 www.vale-healthcare.com Working in partnership with
Elysamber natural organic make-up exclusive to Ener-chi
SPREAD A LITTLE This Christmas why not pamper the ones you love with a perfect gift from Ener-chi of Penarth and Radyr.
Best of L’Occitane collection £17
New to Ener-chi - a stunning range of jewellery by Sirenic Silver. Turn to page 17 to find out more about this fantastic collection.
LOVE & With helpful staff on hand to help you choose, from stocking fillers from as little as £2 to sumptuous hamper baskets and beautiful boxes brimming with wonderful products from favourites such as L’Occitane, Dr. Haushka, Elysambre and many more, Ener-chi is a must visit.
A popular choice for Christmas, are the now famous pamper hampers which can be tailor made to your own specification. Choose from ‘Relaxation’, ‘Energise’ or for the mum to be, ‘Lady in Waiting’, the Ener-chi pamper hampers are sure to delight anyone who unwraps them on Christmas Day.
“Prepare to party with Ener-chi’s latest facial treatments from Eminence which boosts your skin, giving a relaxed glow even if you’re exhausted!” ❧ 34 ❧
Ener-chi open late into the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays for shopping and if it all gets too much for you, you can always treat you or yours to a bit of pampering with a manicure, facial or a hot stone massage while the staff seasonally wrap your gifts. Take advantage of our free makeover See and feel the difference in Elysamber make-up
“Working late and can’t get to the shops? No need to stress. Ener-chi are open late into the evening on Tuesdays, and Thursdays.”
L’Occitane shaving bowl £16 Lilly Flame Candles, 35 hours of fragrance £7.99 Try this seasons must have Frankincense & Myrrh
“With so much to choose from in this emporium of goodies,if you just can’t decide, then there’s always the ever popular gift voucher which always fits the bill.”
LIGHT... L’Occitane Enchanting Cherry Blossom £30
Ener-chi, Radyr 57 Heol Isaf, Radyr, Cardiff CF5 8AH 029 2027 4012
Ener-chi, Penarth 37 Hickman Road, Penarth CF64 2AL 029 2070 7356 www.enerchi4health.com Special Christmas Offer Buy a full size Dr Haushka product and get a trial size free of charge!
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GOOSEBERRY BUSH BABIES Having a baby must be one of the best times in a woman’s life, but it can be quite a daunting experience. Visit any bookstore and you’ll find an array of pregnancy books but there’s no better way to prepare a mum to be on antenatal and postnatal care than from a professional midwife. Now, thanks to two practising midwives, Lorraine Watkins and Susan Rees, mums to be can benefit from years of experience with their new company Gooseberry Bush. City Life caught up with them to find out more. Tell us about Gooseberry Bush Lorraine Watkins, Susan Rees and Marc Rees are the owners and directors of the company which is a new business. The Gooseberry Bush delivers courses on pre and post natal care initially in Newport and Cardiff. The first courses will begin in January 2010. I understand that Lorraine and Susan are practicing midwives, what are their backgrounds? Lorraine Watkins RGN. RM. DIP. BSC (HONS) MIDWIFERY. PGCE CERT ED (FE). MA EDUCATION TRAINING.
Lorraine has worked in the NHS for twenty seven, years of which she has practiced as a midwife for the last sixteen. Even though Lorraine was a practicing midwife, she decided to take a degree in midwifery in order to give her better career options within the midwifery profession. Lorraine has a passion for teaching and studied for a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in further education before going on to study for a Master of Arts degree in education and training. She is looking forward to utilising her wealth of experience and skills in the business. Susan Rees BSc (Hons) Midwifery is a full time practicing midwife at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. Susan is a degree qualified direct entry midwife who qualified in September 2007. Prior to midwifery Susan held various managerial roles in the financial services sector for Aviva before pursuing a lifetime ambition to practice midwifery.
Is there anyone else involved in the business? Marc Rees has worked in senior management positions for large national retail and wholesale companies for twenty years. Marc’s skills and experience are in sales, marketing and financial cost management and his role is to run the business, allowing Susan and Lorraine to concentrate on the antenatal and postnatal education. What sets you apart? Our educators are practicing midwives. This is what we do, day in day out, week in week out. We are on the front line giving care and can talk with authority about pregnancy and childbirth. We are in touch with the latest research and development and constantly exposed to a wide variety of experiences. Gooseberry Bush courses will be delivered by registered practicing midwives. Not all other providers in south Wales can boast this as their courses are mostly delivered by diploma qualified educators with no midwifery background. In addition to Lorraine and Susan, we have a number of competent practicing midwives who will work with us to deliver the courses as and when the business expands. Lorraine and Susan feel passionately that they want to inform and empower women to make informed choices about their pregnancy and birth options to create a positive birth experience. If women are better prepared for what lies ahead they will have a better pregnancy and a better birth experience.
“Having direct access to a midwife throughout this process is invaluable.” ❧ 36 ❧
“Our educators are practicing midwives. This is what we do, day in day out, week in week out.” Where and when will the training courses take place? Initially we are offering three services which will be delivered as follows. 1. ANTENATAL SUPPORT CLASSES. Antenatal classes will be offered in flexible formats of 12 hours education. (a) Weekend format of Saturday and Sunday consisting of 6 hours each day. (b) A midweek format consisting of 4 sessions of 3 hours, 1 session per week. Course content will include topics such as; where to have your baby, pain relief, the role of the birth partner, deviations from normal birth, induction of labour, and assisted deliveries to name but a few. 2. POSTNATAL SUPPORT CLASSES. Postnatal classes will be offered in 2 sessions of 3 hours each during the day Monday to Friday. Course content will include topics like; breastfeeding, artificially feeding, nappy changing, bathing, postnatal exercises, diet, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), returning to work, contraception and much more. 3. BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT CLASSES. Breastfeeding classes will be offered in 2 sessions of 3 hours each during the day Monday to Friday for breastfeeding women and their babies.
“Every woman wants the best for herself and her baby, so why not start from the very beginning at pregnancy?”
Classes will offer an opportunity to share stories, exchange information and discover ongoing specialist and peer support. In addition to this mothers will discuss trouble-shooting tips and get answers to their questions. Where are your course venues? Innkeepers Lodge/Toby Carvery, Tyn-y-Parc Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, and Holiday Inn Express, Lakeside, Coedkernew, Newport. The first weekday evening course in Cardiff will be held on Tuesday 5th January and the first weekday evening course in Newport will be held on Thursday 7th January. We are also offering a limited number of free places on our Cardiff January courses. The full details are on our website.
What are your aspirations for the business? Our aspiration is to have a business that we can be proud of, one that offers the highest quality service and truly makes a difference for our clients. We want to create an image of professionalism in an open, friendly and approachable environment. We are launching our business in Newport and Cardiff and have aspirations to expand and take our offer to wherever there is a demand.
in a woman’s life and yet one for which she is innately equipped. Enabling a woman to better understand her body can significantly enhance the birth experience and outcome as well as having a more positive contribution to those early cherished moments of mother and baby bonding. It should be an experience to be enjoyed and Gooseberry Bush’s aim is to make sure that every woman who attends our courses does just that.
What are the reasons someone would choose to use your services? Having direct access to a midwife throughout this process is invaluable and will be hugely reassuring for parents to be. Our objective is to educate and inform which will bring peace of mind. Our clients will be better informed as a result of attending our courses and can take more ownership of their care resulting in more control over outcomes and possible medical intervention. Every woman wants the best for herself and her baby, so why not start from the very beginning at pregnancy? This is your body, your baby so why not take control and better understand what happens during pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy and childbirth is a life changing experience and one of the most normal physiological events ❧ 37 ❧
Gooseberry Bush 4 The Close, Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5NG 029 2078 6687 info@gooseberrybush.biz www.gooseberrybush.biz
Looking for a spring or summer break with blue waters, golden sands and palm trees without getting on a plane? Think Cornwall. Think St Ives.
To say I’m a fan of Cornwall and, particularly, St Ives would be an understatement. I first went there as a teenager and fell in love with the lazy, laid back Cornish attitude and the stunning blue sea and coastline. Like most of Britain, Cornwall has changed over the years but this gorgeous peninsula has lost none of its magic. It still casts a relaxing spell over me every time I visit. After a particularly ‘challenging’ summer and autumn, I decided to whisk my wife away for a three night break to recharge the batteries so, even though the weather forecast wasn’t good, St Ives was calling. For our three nights, we treated ourselves to the Master Suite at the five star Blue Hayes Hotel with its fourposter bed and the biggest all-white, luxuriously appointed bathroom I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a few). The pièce de résistance for this suite had to be the French doors which opened onto a private balcony, with our own private view of the harbour and St Ives Bay. I love this hotel almost as much as St Ives itself for many reasons but mostly because, from the minute you walk through the door, you are made to feel so welcome - it genuinely feels like coming home.
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We’ve stayed there several times and owner Malcolm Herring always makes us feel like long lost friends when we arrive. He’s completely refurbished what was once a traditional seaside hotel into what stands today, a superb glowing white shrine to quality and excellence. Malcolm is a lovely chap and we genuinely miss him and his team when we come home. If you’ve never been to Cornwall, you must go and, if you do head for St Ives, then treat yourself to The Blue Hayes for that Riviera touch - just for a few days you’ll feel a little bit special.
“From the minute you walk through the door, you are made to feel so welcome.”
Things to do For what to see and do in St Ives when you visit, check out the official website of the Cornwall Tourist Board at www.visitcornwall.com and Malcolm can recommend several in St Ives depending on your taste.
RIVIERA TOUCH “Treat yourself to The Blue Hayes for that Riviera touch - just for a few days you’ll feel a little bit special.”
Places to eat There are so many good restaurants and pubs to choose from. The Cornwall Tourist Board has a list of them at www.visitcornwall.com Interesting facts about St Ives ■ Tate St Ives opened 1993. Before being renovated into an art gallery the building was a disused gas works. It took two years to build, costing over £3 million. ■ Artists moved to St Ives in the 1880’s. The St Ives School began in 1928 inspired by local fisherman turned artist, Alfred Wallis. ■ St Ives is the most popular town in Cornwall for visitors to visit. ■ St Ives was voted Guardian Seaside Town of the Year 2007. ❧ 39 ❧
■ The famed quality of light in St Ives
which attracts artists from across the world is due to the sun reflecting off the sea and the unique composition of St Ives sand. ■ Many famous people have lived in St Ives from time to time; Turner, Whistler, Sickert, Henry Moore, Dame Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Bernard Leach and Virginia Woolf. The Blue Hayes Private Hotel Trelyon Avenue, St Ives TR26 2AD 01736 797129 email info@bluehayes.co.uk www.bluehayes.co.uk
I don’t know any woman who wouldn’t be delighted at receiving a stunning piece of jewellery. Whether it’s bespoke or an individual piece of jewellery from a contemporary designer,Brooklinde certainly has that something special to offer. I imagine Christmas is a busy time for you, what exciting things have you in store for customer? We love this time of year, and yes we are very busy, whether it’s making our own designs or displaying the new collections from designers such as Alexis Dove and Dower and Hall.
Each year we try and showcase some very bold, statement pieces. Current collections show stunning silver and gold textured cuffs and neckpieces from Atelier Gilmar. The designers, Gill and Alan Saunders, embrace new techniques, layering different metals and textures to give a striking finish.
“Pearls are still very strong this Christmas and the Dower and Hall collection with its pale silver pearls will be very popular.”
The collection ranges in price from £70 to £750. We also have a range of yellow gold, grey pearl and grey/black diamond jewellery from Mounir, its soft colours and eye catching diamonds look amazing on all skin tones. Prices range from a very affordable £145 to £995. Pearls are still very strong this Christmas and the Dower and Hall collection with its pale silver pearls will be very popular. Their white topaz and 18ct yellow gold and silver rings are also a must have for adding that extra bit of glamour. Prices range from £30 to £795.
DESIGNED TO
“Customers looking for individual and distinct pieces of jewellery will be spoilt for choice when visiting Brooklinde.”
9ct pearl earrings £295 18ct pear and diamond ring, Dower and Hall, £795 Silver cuff, Atelier gilmar, £395
Alfred Terry 18ct white gold diamond bangle £2800 Eden 18ct white gold diamond ring £4000
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What are the most popular items that customers buy at this time of year? Can you cater for all budgets? In the run up to Christmas engagement rings are always a strong contender. If the purchase is a surprise ,we do all that we can to guide the customer from choosing the perfect diamond, to deciding on types of metal and finish. Larger jewellery, yellow gold and accessorising is in vogue this year and we are designing and making with this in mind. Larger hoop earrings, silver textured cuffs, stacking rings and gemstone bangles are going to be definite favourites. We want as many people as possible to enjoy wearing our jewellery and do our very best to accommodate all budgets.
Can customers order bespoke pieces in time for Christmas? Customers looking for individual and distinct pieces of jewellery will be spoilt for choice when visiting Brooklinde. Rob, Clare and Emma already have a large number of commissions, which will keep them busy in our on-site workshop right up to Christmas Eve, but we work very hard to fulfil all our customers’ requests. Any exciting plans for the 2010? In January we’ll be showcasing our extensive range of wedding rings and jewellery at the Ladies First Wedding Fair in Cardiff’s City Hall. We’re also approaching our tenth anniversary and will be looking for a fitting way to mark the occasion and thinking of expanding Brooklinde Jewellery By Design so 2010 looks like it will be an exciting year.
All Atelier Gilmar Silver and bonded fine gold applique neckpiece £750 Silver Earrings £180 Silver cuff £350
Brooklinde 20 High Street Arcade Cardiff CF10 1BB 029 2023 2854 brooklinde@aol.com www.brooklindejewellery.co.uk
PERFECTION... Twinkle rings with pearl by Dower and Hall from £40
Necklace and cuff by Dower and Hall from £295
“We want as many people as possible to enjoy wearing our jewellery and do our very best to accommodate all budgets.” ❧ 41 ❧
This issue we bring you a range of competitions with something to suit everyone!
COMPETITION WINNERS
CITY L IFE WINTER ISSUE 2009
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WIN! A pair of return flights to Geneva
FREE
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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
City Life has teamed up with The Ski Lodge, Barry (see page 18) and bmibaby to give away a pair of return flights to Geneva, the airline’s most popular ski destination. The lucky reader will be able to fly to Geneva with bmibaby from Cardiff Airport and visit the plentiful slopes. The airline flies to Geneva up to three times a week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and prices start from just £29.99 one way including taxes and charges. With the snow already falling on the slopes, the ski season is rapidly approaching and Geneva is a great gateway to the slopes, with over 35 resorts within an hours drive of the airport. For more information or to book flights please visit www.bmibaby.com
WINTER WARMER GREAT CHRISTMAS
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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: Geneva Ski Competition, City Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk. Please type Geneva Ski as the title for your email.
Last issue’s lucky winners BROOKLINDE S I WA N M AT T H E W S Pontcanna, Cardiff HURST HOUSE S GORDON Llantwit Major
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GAVIN ALEXANDER S U E DA N I E L S Thornhill, Cardiff
You can win too! Come on City Life readers! You have every chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes just like the lucky winners above.
Winners will be notified within 14 days and prize must be taken by 26 March 2010.
Go for it! You’ve got to be in it, to win it! Please note, City Life cannot be held responsible financially or otherwise should a company or any third party offering a prize in this publication be unable to fulfill its obligation, for any reason.
Rules 1. The winner is entitled to return travel for 2 passengers with bmibaby from Cardiff Airport to Geneva on the bmibaby network. 2. Route may vary due to timetable changes. 3. Prizes are non-transferable, non-refundable and non-changeable. Flight details, dates and times cannot be varied once they are booked. Cash or credit alternatives will not be offered. bmibaby reserves the right to provide substitute prizes of similar value should the specified prizes become unavailable. 4. bmibaby reserves the right to change its flight schedules without prior notice. 5. Travel must be taken between 5 January - 26 March 2010, excluding 12-22 February 2010. 6. Travel must be booked 14 days in advance of outbound travel date. 7. Flights are subject to availability. Availability is more restrictive during peak periods. Greater promotional seat availability is offered on off-peak and high frequency services. 8. The winner will be responsible for supplying valid passports and visa. It is strongly recommended that travellers take out adequate travel insurance. 9. All flights are subject to the terms and conditions under which they are issued including bmibaby’s general conditions of carriage for passengers and baggage. 10. bmibaby reserves the right to cancel or amend the terms of this prize promotion and without notice in the unlikely event of major catastrophe, war, earthquake, or any actual, anticipated or alleged breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other similar event. 11. By participating in this prize promotion, you grant the promoters permission to use your name and likeness for advertising and future promotional purposes without additional compensations (except where prohibited). 12.Winners are liable for any tax liability accruing as a result of this promotion. 13.This promotion is governed by English Law. 14.The judges decision is final.
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Answer
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WIN! A stunning winter tan courtesy of Triniti
Subscribe to City Life today and make sure you never miss an issue. It’s delivered direct to your door and also makes a perfect Christmas present.
CITY L IFE WINTER ISSUE 2009
P R O U D
Spray Tanning is a great way to look after your skin and have a healthy tanned look all year round. To keep you looking good and feeling great this winter, Triniti Beauty are offering one lucky reader a course of 12 full body spray tans, worth £240.
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With each tan lasting 7 to 10 days, that’s over 3 months of looking tanned that should take you into Spring.
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A subscription to City Life makes the perfect gift!
Despite 10,000 copies of City Life being distributed in and around Cardiff, it seems they go like proverbial hot cakes!
What better gift than one friends and loved ones can enjoy all year round. Especially if they live in another part of the UK.
We deliver to many outlets in and around the city centre including, Pontcanna, Llandaff, Canton, Cathays, Roath, Llanishen, Rhiwbina, St Mellons, Radyr, Llanedeyrn and not forgetting Culverhouse Cross and Cardiff Bay.
A subscription to City Life will keep them up to speed with all that’s great and gorgeous about the city and all for just £20. Of course, they can always visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk but there’s nothing nicer than having the real thing delivered to their letterbox.
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Q
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To subscribe, fill in the coupon below and send a cheque made out to City Life for £20 (four issues) to: City Life. Cardiff House, Cardiff Road CF63 2AW.
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CITY BUSINESS A round up of news in and around Cardiff
CITWIDE
Let Yolk nourish you! Yolk Sales Recruitment was formed when two like-minded professionals spotted a niche within the market for a specialised sales recruitment agency to operate from within South Wales. They see sales as the centre of every business. A great sales team nourishes and feeds the rest of the company (like a Yolk feeds the egg!), allowing them to do what they do best. Without strong sales people, a business will not survive. If a firm wants to succeed, getting the right sales people on board is vital.
“Yolk invest their time... to ensure the client’s capital is invested wisely.�
The first of its kind, Yolk is proud to operate within one marketplace and proud of its ability to substantially differentiate from any other recruitment organisation. As a business their approach is direct, open and effective. They only register candidates that meet with their strict criteria and do not clog their database with candidates they would be unable to help. Therefore they continually improve our impressively ‘elite’ database of candidates. Similarly, they do not service clients that they feel are better serviced elsewhere, therefore, the clients that they do work with, receive their complete commitment and attention ensuring that they receive the best service available for their investment. Putting it simply, Yolk Sales Recruitment invest their time effectively, to ensure the client’s capital is invested wisely.
Even if you simply wish to consider the sales candidate market, your salaries, bonus system or OTEs, speak to Yolk and spot the difference. So, if you’re considering recruiting, looking for that next move in your sales career or even just want some expert advice, contact Yolk Sales Recruitment on 029 2064 7300.
CIT YWIDE
Make technology work for you with Dragon AV To say that I’m a bit of a technophobe is an understatement. I’ve managed to get my head around texting, then those that be come up with myspace, YouTube, facebook and twitter. It’s just too much! It’s the same at home. You’re probably the same, you’ve got TV’s in most rooms, sound systems dotted all around and more remotes than you can shake a stick at. It’s lucky then that I came across Tom Simonds of Dragon AV on my travels as his company can help with networking audio, visual and control systems for the home and business. Tom managed to solve my remote control issue and here he gets to grip with another common question.
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I’m about to redecorate my home and fancy the idea of surround sound upstairs and downstairs. Prior to redecorating can you tell me what’s involved. If you’re redecorating, refurbishing or planning a new build, then this is the ideal time to provide discreet music and video distribution with no unsightly cables, easy to use controls and discreet flush mounted speakers into the equation. With simple access to radio stations, CD’s, MP3’s and even IPods, you can have music in every room bathrooms, living rooms, kitchen and even the garden. You can also integrate control of your lighting, heating, and CCTV to these solutions, offering complete control of the home from in wall or WiFi touch screens, computers and even your iPhone. It’s too late to think of these things once you’ve had the decorators in though!
“Technology should make your life easier. Call Dragon AV today and we’ll help make technology work for you.�
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The Ski Lodge launches new online superstore
Gauci candles... making scents
If you can't get to The Ski Lodge's awesome shop in Barry (you'll be missing a treat!) then here's some news that might save the day.
Gauci Organic Candles, make green candles (they also make lots of other colours too) but when they say green, they mean that their candles are environmentally friendly.
The Ski Lodge has now launched an online shop at Wales' only Ski & Snowboard Superstore. At their one stop online snow shop, customers can now enjoy the first class service and great choice that The Ski Lodge is famous for, all from the comfort of your own home. Log on now for all your ski and snowboard clothing, equipment and accessories.
Candle guru Mr G says, “We don’t use paraffin or any other nasty chemicals. Our organic candles are all hand-made with soya wax. You’ll find no big production lines here with lots of fancy packaging. No slick marketing departments. No, this is as green as candle-making gets and we’re proud to be making them right here in Cardiff.� Take a stroll around the new website and you’ll see that Gauci have tried to make everything as clear as possible. Mr G continues, “We’ve also just launched our new scented Christmas range. Hopefully you’ll find buying from us a pleasurable experience. We’re growing our business organically, so feedback from customers is appreciated very much – if you have any comments whatsoever, please share them with us.�
The Ski Lodge Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2QW 01446 741870 www.skilodge.co.uk
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Gauci Organic Candles 158 Whitchurch Road Heath, Cardiff CF14 3NA 07866 750848 MrG@gaucicandles.co.uk www.gaucicandles.co.uk
Dragon AV offers solutions for home cinema, lifestyle entertainment systems, multi-room audio and video, and presentation and meeting solutions. Imagine having the big screen cinema experience at home, music collection in every room or delivering seamless presentations to important clients. They offer a full range of services to either optimise current equipment to take advantage of the best sound and picture quality available, designing a complete system to meet both current and future needs, offering easy expansion and upgrade path to installing bespoke solutions that meet all needs, budget and lifestyle. Dragon AV will come to you discuss the options and advise on the suitability of different options. A full technical support service is provided. Design and consultancy only services are available - ideal if you’re planning renovations or a new build, allowing you to include as many unique ideas as you wish into your new home.
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Dragon AV For more information call Tom Simonds on 07989 950482 or 08451 583088 www.dragon-av.co.uk
These are challenging times for busineses and the clever ones are doing everything they can to reduce overheads. The success of The Business Centre in Barry shows that quite a few are making…
THE SMART MOVE
I’ve worked with many hundreds of businesses over thirty years from accountants to zoos (seriously), from sole traders to blue chip companies. Some of them have been what I call ‘successful despite themselves’. Basically this means that they’ve been lucky - yes they worked hard, yes they took risks and yes they had tough times but they always seemed to land on their feet. For the rest of us, and I include myself in this, it’s always felt a little harder.
Sooner or later, you start to learn, experience kicks in and the lightbulb moments seem more obvious. It’s not that you’re not bright, but when you’re in business, often you’re so busy that things that are so ‘obvious’ to others slip you by and you only see the consequenses when it’s too late. Overheads are a classic example of this.
The number of times I have sat opposite someone while they pour their heart out about how the bank won’t lend them the ten, fifteen or twenty thousand they need to keep the business going and I’m sitting in a fancy office looking around the room at the expensive desks and chairs and every other gadget that money can buy (having already passed a brace of less than modest German saloons in the car park) and while the person I’m talking is saying how did it get to this, I’m thinking… overheads.
“Watch your overheads. Look for flexible solutions when it comes to premises.”
It’s easy to let them get out of control. I’ve done it myself. Back in the late eighties, I had a lovely little cheap office in the centre of Cardiff. I was doing very well. I thought I was a businessman. I was very, very wrong.
As the business grew, my bank manager suggested I move to the Bay “It’s going to be the place to be,” he told me. So I moved, signed a lease on a large office, employed more staff, leased a top of the line phone system, bought the latest office furniture on a loan and set about my global takeover. Guess what happened next… 1990. Recession. Work dried up. I had to lay off staff. Ran out of money. I’m stuck with a lovely big office with no work and my previously enthusiastic bank manager’s respnse to every request I make is “no”. Back then we didn’t have serviced offices like The Business Centre. If we had, my business might have survived. As it was, it didn’t, and neither did my marriage… and I lost my house... but I’m not bitter.
Amanda Morgan The Beauty Spot Hair & Beauty Salon
Norrie Penman webuyanycar.com 01446 731293
Will Morgan Independent Financial Adviser
“The Business Centre’s position enables us to be reached within minutes from many towns and villages which has increased our clientele and the frequency in which they visit. We find the free adequate parking a huge bonus and clients love the privacy of not having to return to their cars via busy public areas.
“We chose The Business Centre because it has excellent facilities and excellent parking. Over a weekend, we may buy over forty vehicles so the parking capacity is exactly what we need. I have to say that the reception staff at The Business Centre are brilliant, they treat customers as we would expect.”
“We relocated to The Business Centre from Cardiff about two years ago. It is fabulous not having to cope with the city centre traffic and car parking. The Business Centre is easy to get to from the M4 and there is ample car parking on site, my clients love visiting us here. The staff here are always professional and friendly – nothing is too much trouble (especially Lynnette). We have used their meeting rooms several times and have found the facilities and catering to be of the highest standard.”
Although regarded as an unusual choice for a Hair & Beauty Salon we find the peaceful location ideal and an additional benefit to other businesses located at the centre who can enjoy appointments during lunch & breakfast times without leaving the building.We enjoy being part of the success of The Business Centre and feel it’s the way forward in suiting our clients busy lives.”
Clive Jenkins Cabot Microelectronics 01446 704407
“The Business Centre provides a completely flexible package that suits our business requirements.” ❧ 46 ❧
“We have no hesitation in recommending The Business Centre.”
Now if I’d have been in a serviced office like The Business Centre, I could have scaled down instantly and when things picked back up, I could have scaled back up too.
Don’t listen to bankers (or someone who sounds similar). Take responsibility. Your business destiny is in your hands.
Moral of the story, well there are several… Watch your overheads - keep them lean. Look for flexible solutions when it comes to premises. Don’t let your ego run away with you.
An accountant friend once told me to look over a spreadsheet of everything I had spent in the previous year and highlight everything I hadn’t needed. It was some of the best advice I ever received. Today I do it before I write the cheque. Mark Roberts
Andy Rogers Xpedient 01446 731221
Deborah Newman Talk to Purple! www.purplecontracts.com
“I have had an office at The Business Centre for over a year now and it has made a big difference to my business. I am a print manager so I buy print from the UK, Europe and Far East for a variety of clients from books for large Publishers to commercial work for small businesses.
“Providing vehicles and vehicle finance to small businesses and individuals nationwide. The Business Centre is perfect for us. We’ve expanded and moved offices several times since coming here. The total flexibility means we can contract and expand our business to suit our requirements.”
My calls are answered quickly with my company name and if I am out of the office then messages are sent to me immediately either by e-mail or text. The Centre’s address provides the correct representation for my business and deliveries are taken when I am out. When clients want to visit me, I now have a very impressive reception area, meeting rooms with coffee and buffet options if required. Clients are always impressed.”
Mark Hillier Compass Logistics 0845 900 0571
“We provide transport and freight forwarding worldwide. From a document to a full lorry load. The Business Centre is the perfect location for our business.” ❧ 47 ❧
The Business Centre Cardiff House Cardiff Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW 0800 6349920 enquiries@thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk www.thebusinesscentreonline.co.uk
Welcome to City Life magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who in and around Cardiff.
CITY
CARDIFF
Ladies Evening at Park Plaza Hotel A fantastic evening of pampering and demonstrations for the ladies of Cardiff. Stalls were brimming with gorgeous jewellery, bags, candles and beauty products. Nanor Tashdjian and Spiro Gauci
Wendy Griffin, Take Control Hypnotherapy
Kerry Voke, The Perfume Studio
Bethan Coomber, Clinic Manager New You Clinic, Rumney
Emma Lamport, Pink Diesel
Isobel Nicoll, Dorothy Perkins
Claire Lewis, Inkie Pocious
Belinda Thomas, Fripp Jewellery and Accessories
Maria Lazarou, Karen Barnett, Vicky Wheeler, Maria Hawkey, Flora Lazarou of La Zarou Brothers
Kim Pugh, Sarah Bagshaw, Laguna Health and Spa
True
PR YOU CAN BELIEVE IN
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SOCIAL LIFE PENARTH
The Queen B opens its doors Jodie Tanner, Owner of Queen B officially opened her doors to existing and new customers to her gorgeous new shop on Penarth’s Stanwell Road. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine whilst perusing the selection of high fashion footwear, handbags and accessories at the most fabulous prices. A percentage of all purchases made went to Ty Hafan’s Children’s Hospice.
Jodie Tanner, owner and mum Linda Watson
Sue Rees and Natalie Garland
Chloe Jones and Lartare Singh
Leanda Massey and Michaela Houldey
The Queen B Washington Buildings 8 Stanwell Rd, Penarth CF64 2AD 029 2071 1100
CIT YWIDE
Community Foundation In Wales The Community Foundation in Wales were delighted to announce that its endowment fund had increased from £1m last year to £4m this year at the annual Philanthrophy Reception held at the Wales Millennium Centre recently. The reception celebrated the Foundation’s successes over the past year in supporting over 200 projects and honouring those who carry out charity work at a community level.
Liza Kellett (Chief Executive of CFIW), Rhodri Morgan, Antony Lewis (Chair of CFIW)
For more information contact The Community Foundation in Wales 9 Coopers Yard Curran Road Cardiff CF10 5NB
The Community Foundation in Wales’s mission is to meet the needs of local communities across Wales, by brokering more charitable and philanthropic support through working with clients to help them direct their funds effectively.
029 2053 6590 mail@cfiw.org.uk www.cfiw.org.uk The Hon. Antony Lewis (Chair of The Community Foundation In Wales)
True
PR YOU CAN BELIEVE IN
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I’ve often wondered why the kitchen design business was so male dominated as, let’s face it, it’s more often than not the woman who graces it the most. It appears I’m not on my own as owner of the quality kitchens and appliances shop Room for Living in Cowbridge, has now enlisted the design skills of Jo Buckerfield.
A WOMAN’S TOUCH What’s your background? I’m a Neath girl born and bred. Having graduated from the Swansea Institute University with a merit in Art and Design Foundation Studies, I then went on to Kingston University to study and subsequently graduate with a BA(Hons) in Product and Furniture design. I was employed for five years by Hyperion Furniture, a family business designing and manufacturing bespoke furniture. Working for this company was inspirational. Being a closely knit family run business, attention to detail and seeing a job through from initial discussions to installation was paramount. The experience I gained there has been invaluable to me and I’ve been able to pass this on to my clients. The last three years have been spent working for several kitchen companies gaining valuable experience in the kitchen industry.
What qualities do you bring to Room for Living? I bring enthusiasm, experience, expertise and passion for design. This, along with acute attention to detail, I hope will contribute towards Room for Living’s continued success. What will your role involve? I will concentrate on helping clients achieve their aspirations. I like to work with the client, giving them as much opportunity to be part of the creative process as they would like.
Is the industry male led? I don’t know if it is statistically accurate to say that most kitchen designers are male but in my experience, it would seem to be a very male dominated industry. However, in my house the kitchen is the domain of the woman, whether I’m cooking or not.
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With that in mind, I do my best to relate to my client, who might be the woman or the man with ‘whatever she wants (within reason)’ written all over his face. There are some brilliant male designers in the industry. I only wish there weren’t so many salesmen for whom the sale or profit is more important than the design.
“Young start up couples need a multifunctional space. Very often the kitchen and living spaces are one. This kitchen can still be fresh and cheeky.�
“When image is everything. This kitchen exudes style the form follows the function with a high level of design.”
“Families need room for development with plenty of space. Enough room for cooking, eating, playing, laughing and living.”
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Why Room for Living? My husband and I moved to the area in 2006 to raise our young family. I immediately approached Room for Living as it was obvious to me that it was a quality company, selling great products. I have worked with them on a freelance basis since 2006 and now the time is right to make a more permanent commitment to them. What are the current trends in kitchen design? Kitchens are once again becoming the heart of the home. Open plan is definitely the order of the day, with living areas adjoining cooking and eating. Designs are definitely reflecting this trend and it is a challenge for the designer to make one space work for all of these different activities. This trend can influence the designer down a difficult path as they attempt to turn a room into a ‘Swiss Army Knife’. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that a room must combine functionality with beauty. Technology will play an increasing part in people’s desires, with intelligent fridges and networked appliances but there is no point loading gadgets, televisions and quirky appliances into a kitchen whose fridge is in the wrong place or whose cabinet hinges crumble after twelve months.
“The perfect union of natural sensuality as well as ecological awareness. The kitchen (below) is the room for sincere enjoyment, for deep harmony and high value.”
I have definitely seen a shift towards a more contemporary look. High gloss and bright colours are definitely more popular than at any time in the last 20 years. However, there is still a strong market in the traditional looking cabinets with turned columns and raised and fielded panel doors. Whatever the design a person should go for, I would stress that the most important factor is quality and functionality at a price that is affordable to their budget.
“What really counts here is confidence, quality and perfection down to the very smallest detail.”
Describe a typical customer at Room for Living. Every customer is an individual and all individuals are unique. This means that each person’s requirements can vary from one extreme to the next. It is possible to group people to some extent, however, the beauty of my job is that you never know what to expect when a potential client first walks through the showroom door. The one thing that doesn’t vary is the requirement of the designer to match the design to the desires, and needs of the client as best you can to their budget. Young professional couples, the elderly, families, the single person, and the disabled person can all come in looking for a new kitchen on any given day. I relish the opportunity to help them create the kitchen of their dreams. It never ceases to amaze me how people shatter any first impressions when they begin to chose their new kitchen. And there is no better feeling than seeing that kitchen, modern or traditional, installed successfully and making a real difference to the life of my client. Where do you see yourself in five years time? This is like asking a child what they want to be when they grow up (and I didn’t have a clue then!). I would love to have a crystal ball and look ahead, but at this moment in time I am achieving what I want out of my professional career and long may it continue. Room For Living Willow Walk,Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7EE 01446 771 234 info@rflkitchens.com www.roomforlivingcowbridge.com
❧ 55 ❧
If you haven’t visited Center Parcs, Longleat then you’re in for a big surprise. The recent multi million pound makeover has made this good Center excellent. We opted to stay in one of the newly styled lodges and were more than delighted to see what changes had been made. The lodge had a definite boutique hotel style to it, thanks to Tara Bernerd, Designer of Target Living. The kitchen had all the mod cons you could ask for.
As a family, we were regular visitors to Center Parcs in Longleat. We visited at different times throughout the year and thoroughly enjoyed the break. However on our last visit, we felt that we’d outgrown what the parc had to offer. We also felt that the rooms were looking rather tired and there’s wasn’t enough to keep us and our son entertained.
The living room had been brought up to date wonderfully with its woodland themed mural and tastefully re-vamped sofas. The bathrooms had been given an impressive update, with sleek, modern fittings but it was the bedrooms that impressed me the most – very boudoir-esque.
As we were on the database, we’d regularly receive newsletters updating us on the latest news and were intrigued to learn that Center Parcs had been taken over and given a bit of a revamp. We thought we’d give it another go.
“The living room had been brought up to date wonderfully with its woodland themed mural.”
Our son was now too old for the kids’ clubs, but there was certainly enough to keep us all entertained with the newly refurbished bowling area, woodland walks and more than enough sporting activities than we could cram into our short stay.
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BACK TO LIFE I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Aqua Sana Spa and I even went so far as to treat myself to a very relaxing massage complete with soothing essential oils. If their aim was to pamper and make me feel a million dollars, then they certainly succeeded.
Even though we had the family grocery pack, (which was enough food and drink to last a fortnight!), my idea of a break doesn’t consist of much cooking, so we patronised just a few of the eleven fantastic eateries and bars available at the parc.
Wales doesn’t always get it right as far as customer care in the tourism industry is concerned (I expect I’ll be in for some flack after saying this) but we’ve always had excellent service when we’ve visited Center Parcs and this time was no exception.
Whether you choose to visit Center Parcs for a magical Christmas break (and I can thoroughly recommend this) or plan to book for sometime next year, I’d be amazed if you didn’t enjoy it.
Center Parcs One Edison Rise New Ollerton, Newark Notts NG22 9DP Reservations 08448 267723 www.centerparcs.co.uk
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CITY GARDENS
Clive Sullivan shares his horticultural tips for the coming season CIT YWIDE
Turning over a new leaf- the power of herbs Locked away in herbs is the power to restore and revive. You can unlock nature’s ‘power food’ for yourself. Go on, give yourself a boost! Herbs are cheap, easy to grow and nutritious. Here are some easy types sure to give success. The medical and nutritional value of herbs is of course; ancient human history. Herb seeds have been discovered in late stone age settlements. The Chinese utilised medicinal plants and herbs 5000 years ago. If we in the 21st century plant a little herb garden, or even just a few pots, we can grow ourselves a little piece of goodness, and pay homage to acquired wisdom. Firstly, Dandelions, the bane of the Welsh garden can be put to good use. In the 10th century in Arabia, and also in India, these were used to treat liver disorders. Dandelions also reduce Cholesterol, and the juice of the root can assist in getting rid of warts and acne. Isn’t that fine and dandy? In my garden for the past few years I’ve been growing Lemon Verbena. This a great ‘pick me up’ plant. You just have to run your tired workday hands through the verdant foliage to smell the ‘feel good’ factor. The leaves have a happy lemon sherbet scent and flavour, with a rough leaf texture (a bit like a cat’s tounge).
You can make a tea made from the leaves; which is both refreshing and relaxing. To make this tea place three leaves in a cup, pouring over water that has been boiled but allowed to sit for a few minutes. Steep for five minutes, then drink. This tea can also be served cold in summer as a refreshing cuppa. Sweet bliss! Still on a lemony theme – Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) is great for headaches and relieving nerves. So it’s great for anxiety attacks, and it works for mild insomnia too. It combines well with peppermint to encourage circulation, and is a remedy for colds and flu. No guarantee for swine flu, unfortunately! If you find a cure for that one let me know.
Chives are another of my personal favourite, as they like our lovely wet Welsh soil, and what a load of benefits! Chives clean the blood, they help prevent colds and flu, and they act as a tonic! Keep cutting it (and removing the flowers) and it’ll keep growing. Rosemary is another easy herb to cultivate. It does need sun and well drained soil to flourish, mind, so this one’s best sat in a good pot by a wall.
It’s great with Lamb for Sunday lunch, of course. Welsh lamb is so tasty this is the ideal accompanying flavour. That’s not all; the mighty Rosemary has outstanding preservative properties. It’s as good as some modern preservative chemicals. It inhibits the action of micro-organisms that cause infection. You can press some leaves into a cut to inhibit infection if you can’t wash the wound in clean water. Also, it clears the chest and is used to treat asthma. Rosemary is one of the best sources of antioxidants. Drink it in a tea, or sprinkle into food. What else? Oh, it’ll help keep dark hair in good order! You can buy all these ‘wonder foods’ for a couple of pounds each. The varieties I’ve mentioned are all hardy and will see their way through the Cardiff monsoon season and winter to emerge bright, breezy and possibly even bushy tailed in the spring!
THE LAST WORD City Life talks to Richard Francis, owner of Capital Chauffeurs on what drives him and where he sees himself and his company in the future. Richard, what do you do? I own and run a company called Capital Chauffeurs. We are a team of professional chauffeurs catering for the private and corporate market. What do you like about Cardiff? It’s compactness, although the skyline has been raised somewhat. What’s missing from the City? A decent pick-up and set down at Cardiff Central Railway Station.
Who would be your dream client? Every client is a dream client. As you drive for a living, do you have a passion for motoring? I have a passion for safe driving. If you could have any car, which would it be? I have no wish to have a nice car. They’re all just pieces of metal.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience many events throughout my life, that it would be hard picking just the one.”
Favourite place to stay in Wales? Anywhere in Wales! I think we live in a beautiful part of the country. What do you do to relax? Fly fishing. I’m quite lucky with it but I always put them back. I enjoy the cinema but as I’m on call 24 hours, seven days a week, I daren’t book tickets for fear of getting a call. Do you have a pet hate? Not really. I let people be. Favourite music? I like all sorts of music from pop, jazz and the big bands and opera but my favourite would have to be classical. I’ve been known to put on some Elgar, Beethoven, Mozart or Brahms at full volume whilst driving back from a job at three in the morning. This music inspires me and can bring me to tears. They certainly knew how to write good music in those days! Have you chauffeured anyone famous? Too many to mention but it would be most improper to elaborate.
What gadget do you most need? My mobile phone unfortunately!
Any lifelong ambition? Having enjoyed a fulfilling career in the army my ambition how is to keep growing the business with the same military precision.
What’s your favourite meal? To be honest I eat just about anything.
I’m good at... Not too many things.
Most memorable event? I’ve been fortunate enought to experience many events throughout my life, that it would be hard picking just the one.
I’m very bad at... Too many things to mention.
Sum yourself up in three words... Discreet, professional and optimistic.
“I like all sorts of music from pop, jazz and the big bands and opera but my favourite would have to be classical. Elgar, Beethoven, Mozart or Brahms... this music inspires me and can bring me to tears. They certainly knew how to write good music in those days!” ❧ 59 ❧
Capital Chauffeurs 08456 44 87 11 contact@capitalchauffeurs.co.uk www.capitalchauffeurs.co.uk If you’d like to be featured or would like to promote your business in Last Word, please call Jennifer on 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
Wales’ Number One Diamond Expert Roger Williams, The Jewellery Studio, 237 Cathedral Road, Cardiff Telephone: 029 2022 1144 | www.jewellerystudio.co.uk | www.ukdiamonds.co.uk