Issue #7 Magazine 1 Barry
June 2020
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Barry Magazine
Barry Magazine
CROESO THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL
Thank you, Hannah, Tom & Bernie
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@BarryMagazine barrymagazine.co.uk
Editor: Hannah Isted hicommunications.co.uk
Well, we didn’t expect to be writing this during lockdown! Thank you for waiting for us for this edition, we thought about getting it out earlier but we wanted to wait and see how things changed over the months, and wow things have changed haven’t they? Any worries we had about this edition being shorter than normal due to our community being under quarantine quickly disappeared when your stories started flooding in. So that’s what we decided to use as the theme for this edition, community. We are lucky in Barry, not everywhere has a community as strong as ours. It’s something we want to shout from the rooftops. So here it is, your lockdown edition of Barry Magazine with a community focus. There’s no adverts in this edition, it’s just our way of saying thank you to everyone who is working hard, pulling together and keeping us safe.
Sadler Jones What's Occurrin'? What's Online Stay Local Show Racism the Red Card Think Global Act Local Annie & Lolo Goodwash Company Box Edit Boutique Craft Republic VHS Barry Life During Lockdown Celebrate Community The Big Bad Vegan Cadog's Corner Budding Designs Social Media Tips Sky Spa Home Workout Bro Radio Craft Corner Wynter Isabelle Barry on the Gram Barrybados Rat Pack Dog Training Cardiff & Vale Well-being The Sunflower Project Glamorgan Music School Barry Noticeboard
Design: Tom Collins tcols.design Cover: Kate Stuart katestuartphotography.com
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F E AT U R E
Sadler Jones We spoke to Cath from Sadler Jones about shopping locally and how lockdown is affecting small businesses in Barry.
Sadler Jones
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You want to shop small, but you also want to shop Welsh. We’re quite proud of who we are and what we do in this area.
HOW DID SADLER JONES START? I moved back from London just over three years ago where I had been designing for Paperchase. I wanted to do something similar but run my own business, this would allow me to continue my career within the industry but also live locally. I was awarded a business start-up bursary by the Vale of Glamorgan Council which gave me the funds to set up the company, book my first trade show in London and produce my first four greeting card ranges. Since then it’s been non-stop! After my first trade show I started supplying Oliver Bonas, TK Maxx and Homesense, which was a great launch for the business. I’m now selling in several high street shops, including John Lewis, Selfridges and Anthropologie plus lots of nice independent shops all over the world. I'm lucky to supply two great shops locally, Annie & Lolo in Barry and Not Socks Again in Penarth.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FROM STARTING THE BUSINESS TO BEING IN THOSE BIG NAMES? Once I was awarded the money I spent about 6 months designing, planning and developing the brand. I did my first trade show in June 2017 and within a month I was selling to high street shops, it was a quick turnaround! DID YOU HAVE TO LEARN QUICKLY? It was very quick. I had experience but suddenly I was dealing with finance, large print runs, factories, fulfilment and logistics. It’s definitely a learning curve! I don’t think I realised how many new skills I would have to learn and that I would be spending much more time managing operations than designing. Essentially, my business is design led and that’s what attracts new clients initially, but it’s definitely logistical skills that propel my business and encourage good relationships with my buyers. It’s been a lot of hard work with lots of late nights!
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WHERE DOES THE NAME SADLER JONES COME FROM? My surname is Jones and my mum’s maiden name is Sadler. My mum’s side of the family were always based in Penarth and owned a few shops locally, my grandad was a greengrocer and my great grandad was a fishmonger. The shops always used the Sadler name so it felt right to give it a place within the brand…and it made my grandma very happy! WHERE ARE YOU BASED IN BARRY? My office is behind Academy Espresso in the BSC, I love it! I used to spend lots of time down here as a kid (usually at the beach!), so it feels great to be back in the area. I love being able to go for coastal walks at lunchtime or for a dip at Jackson's Bay on a sunny day. Barry has changed so
much recently, it’s such a good time to be based down here and I am SO excited for the Goodsheds to open right across the road! WOULD YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SHOP? I would like to one day but it would definitely have to be at the right time. In the meantime, it’s great to be based locally. I was worried about moving back to this area from London but I absolutely love being back here. The business has allowed me to meet so many new local people and make great friends for life. For the online part of the business, the support I get from people in South Wales is amazing. You want to shop small, but you also want to shop Welsh. I think we’re quite proud of who we are and what we do in this area.
Sadler Jones
It’s such a good time to be based down here and I am SO excited for the Goodsheds to open right across the road!
HOW HAS LOCKDOWN AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS? It’s had a huge effect on my business as obviously my high street shops have had to close. I think we were all somewhat in denial about it at the start – things changed so quickly as lockdown came about! Overnight I had a huge sum of orders cancelled as warehouses and logistics ground to a halt. It’s been a bit of a hit to the business as all the stock had already been produced, but we’re hopeful we can pick up with our buyers as soon as things return to normal. I’ve definitely needed to pivot to ensure the business continues to make money so have spent the time building our online presence and expanding our website. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but haven’t had the time while focusing on wholesale, it’s actually been quite nice to have a shift in focus.
At the start of lockdown I began to offer personalised handwritten messages in our greeting cards so those who couldn’t leave the house could send some love to friends and family, it really rocketed! I was writing hundreds of cards each day (and trying not to cry at every lovely message!) Since then I’ve also expanded our website offering with a new collection of gifts, homeware, beauty, accessories and jewellery. I’m sourcing products from other small businesses in the UK so it’s felt great to support them through this time also. The new products have been really popular and we’re excited to be launching new gift boxes very soon!
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ARE THERE ANY OTHER GOOD THINGS THAT HAVE COME OUT OF LOCKDOWN? It’s been great to see how much support there is for local businesses in our area, I really hope this continues beyond lockdown. Hopefully it will have taught people we have amazing fruit shops and butchers right here on our high street and it’s important to spend money within our local economy. I also think it’s important that these traditional businesses have had to pivot slightly and look at modernising their business models. How can our local shops fit within our modern busy lives? It’s been great to see so many businesses getting online and offering local delivery – there is definitely a demand for this beyond lockdown. People want to spend money locally so how can we make it easy for them to do so?
It’s been great to see so many businesses getting online and offering local delivery – there is definitely a demand for this beyond lockdown. People want to spend money locally so how can we make it easy for them to do so?
Sadler Jones
I think it’s important that for those with a traditional business like a butcher that not everyone does have time to visit, they will order things online. What can our local shops offer that fits in with people’s lives? They have to modernise their services, which they have definitely had to do because right now there is such a demand for it. We’re taking a big step back in time, the services that we’ve gone away from, we’re going back to. They want to spend their money locally. I hope we have learnt that lesson and can continue to do that. There is definitely a lot to learn from this.
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DO YOU THINK THERE ARE THINGS YOU'VE LEARNT THAT YOU’LL CARRY ON? I’ve been thinking for a while that I didn't want my business to be too reliant on one thing so it’s been great to diversify and finally spend time increasing my online sales. I think businesses will run very differently going forward and perhaps growth may lie in new areas. I’m learning to respond to my customer needs and it’s been great to see such a positive reaction to my new products. Personally, I’ve learnt to slow down and focus on my wellbeing for a few months. I’ve really enjoyed a slower pace of life, garden workouts and making sure I get out for an hour long walk each day. I’m usually a keen traveller but I’ve really loved exploring the countryside right here on our door step. It definitely has made me appreciate our local area even more. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? Get through the rest of this crazy time! Continue working hard to ensure I still have a business at the end of this and try not to panic that wholesale has disappeared for now! I’m so excited to keep working on the website, I’ve got lots planned for new product offerings over the next few months - launching our new gift boxes will also be very exciting! Long term I feel like maybe my plans have gone off track for a little bit but I’m determined to come back stronger.
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C O M M UNIT Y
What's Occurrin'? The latest good news and updates from around Barry!
GOODSHEDS We’ve all been talking about it. The Goodsheds development is creating a huge buzz around Barry. With every announcement we find out another business that’s setting up in one of the shipping container shops! Follow their Instagram page for more updates.
WORK EXPERIENCE WITH RHOD GILBERT Back in April we watched as Rhod Gilbert visited a Barry based care home as part of his TV show ‘Work Experience.’ In an emotional episode he shines a light on how important our care staff are and the roles they take on for their residents. It’s well worth a watch! Find it on BBC iPlayer.
What's Occurrin'?
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FROM BARRY TO PRAGUE Four Barry boys are swapping a trip to Prague for pounding the pavements to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre. After their holiday was cancelled they decided to travel the 1500km distance to Prague during their daily exercise. They have smashed their fundraising target of £3000 but every penny helps! Donate here.
BARRY ROUND TABLE COLLECTION Santa Claus is coming to town! He might be a little early (or late) but Father Christmas has been helping Barry Round Table collect vital donations for the Vale Food Bank. If you’d like to donate, send them a message on their Facebook page.
TORTOISE SANCTUARY Next time you’re ‘shellebrating’ with a big roast dinner, have a think about the International Tortoise Association Sanctuary in Sully who are looking for donations. As well as needing funds the sanctuary has a box outside to collect leftover veg. A great excuse for not eating your greens!
TY HAFAN MARATHON IN MAY The last thing you expect to find when you come to work in the morning is a man in a t-rex costume walking around Barry. But that’s what Marc has been doing as part of the Ty Hafan virtual ‘Marathon in May’. If you see him around don’t forget to give him a wave!
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BARRY TOWN FC IN EUROPE Now that the 19-20 season has been prematurely brought to a close, the decision on who goes to Europe is based on their position in the league. As Barry Town were fourth in the JD Cymru Premier, they have been nominated for a Europa League place in 2020-21.
CADOG'S CORNER Cadog's Corner should have been launching their newly converted container, but instead they have launched Operation Cadog, packing and delivering food parcels to families. Operation Cadog involves a team of volunteers who source and buy the food which they pack into bags at Victoria Park Community Centre. Click here to make a donation.
VE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT HOME On the 75th Anniversary of VE Day we walked the dog around Barry and we were so pleased to see (and hear!) all the socially distanced street parties happening. Well done for celebrating and commemorating in a safe way!
FREE CREATIVE PACKS Barry Making Waves are giving away free creative packs which include postcards to sew and paint, a sheet for your lockdown stories, crossword and badge. They are collecting an archive of images and stories so get involved!
What's Online
What's Online KINGING-IT They've been wowing us with their weekly Skillympics! Catch the finale on their Youtube channel. LGBTQYMRU Barry Pride has been postponed this year, but LGBTQymru are filling the gap with a Wales-Wide Virtual Pride on 2425th July. WELL-BEAN CAFE The Well-Bean Cafe might have had to rearrange their opening, but they are filling the gap with virtual community check in sessions on Facebook. ZAC AND BELLA Zac & Bella, a local handmade children’s wear company has introduced ‘Sew with Hayley’ worksheets. For just £10 you can learn how to sew a romper! HANGFIRE They’re back! Series 3 of Sam and Shauna’s Big Cook Out starts on Monday 1st June on BBC One Wales. We can’t eat there, but at least we can watch it!
With most events postponed or cancelled we've found a few online alternatives. Click the links to visit their pages.
A NIGHT IN WITH ROB BRYDON Tenovus Cancer Care is joining forces with one of their Patrons, Rob Brydon for an evening of fun and entertainment. On Fri 12th June at 7pm, Rob Brydon will host a fun, online evening to bring some cheer into your homes during lockdown. BRO RADIO Did you know you can now listen to Bro Radio on 100.2fm in Llantwit and the surrounding areas? They are asking the community to share their lockdown experiences, so get involved! Email your recordings to bigshow@broradio.fm. TY HAFAN 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE During July Ty Hafan are challenging us to take on their virtual Welsh3Peaks challenge! Walk or run 20.35 miles or complete the same number of vertical steps, approx 27,638 which is 1,063 ascents! Find out more on Facebook.
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Stay Local
The businesses in Barry adjusting to lockdown.
Stay Local
It’s been a strange few months hasn’t it? What started off as an experience like nothing we’d ever seen before has now become the new normal. For businesses it can be hard to know the right thing to do in these situations. Do we keep selling or shut down? Should we move online or keep customers 2m apart. There are options but who knows which one to choose? If we hear the words unprecedented or pivot again we’ll be making an unprecedented pivot in the other direction. But it seems that lots of businesses in Barry have pulled up their socks and worked extremely hard to get their business through this. Here’s a few that we spoke to who are thriving, not just surviving in lockdown.
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AWESOME WALES As lockdown hit and supermarkets were running out of pasta, rice and hand wash, Awesome Wales was well stocked with everything you need and no plastic in sight. The team decided to close the doors and offer delivery and collection, investing in a van that means they can cover parts of the Vale of Glamorgan too. HOPKINS BUTCHERS Last year Hopkins Butchers launched their new website to take orders online without having anyone in the shop, and their delivery options mean they can support vulnerable customers. Having some normality during this time especially for the elderly or vulnerable is vital and now BBQ season is finally here we know the team will be busier than ever!
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STRONG WOMEN SQUAD Originally based at Cardio Core Fitness in Barry, Samara has taken her personal training business Strong Women Squad online to bring a livestream of workouts for women everyday. Last month Samara launched their brand new website so you can sign up for classes online and keep fit from home during lockdown!
PALETTA PIZZERIA We’ll be the first to admit we missed our Paletta fix while the restaurant was closed, but luckily Rhys and Sara are back open and ready for takeaways. As well as having some of our favourite dishes they have also started doing ‘make your own pizza’ kits to get the little ones involved too.
VALE PLUS ValePlus is active in supporting the adults with additional learning needs who attend their four training centres. They initiated a range of support measures, with regular telephone calls, providing learning activity packs through the post and sharing learning resources online, holding Zoom meetings and delivering food parcels. These services have been undertaken by a dedicated team and have been highly appreciated by those they support in the local community.
Stay Local
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT DELI After having a brief hiatus for a few weeks, The Deli is back! If you hadn’t noticed the queue to the end of High Street, you will now. With new measures for social distancing in place and sanitizer for customers to use, The Deli is back to provide us with our favourite baguettes with delivery and pick up options. Leroy has been calling their vulnerable and elderly customers to place their order and for a chat, something we know is really important to all of their customers.
BARRYBADOS If we can’t get down to Barry Island at least we can drink from our Barrybados mug! Louis at Barrybados has had to shut up shop for the time being but online orders have been more popular than ever. ‘I used the website to my advantage during lockdown by offering a big 20% off, something I’ve never done before. That combined with a video of Nessa... gave me my highest week of online trading in history.'
BEAUTIFUL LILLY Beautiful Lily on Barry High Street has been busy during lockdown with plenty of people sending flowers to their loved ones. They are introducing lots of new varieties of flowers, so if you’re looking for something more exotic why not see what they have on offer!
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Show Racism the Red Card We can all do more to tackle racism. Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s largest antiracism educational charity. It was established in January 1996, thanks partly to a donation by then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Show Racism the Red Card
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The charity aims to educate young people and adults in schools, workplaces and in football stadiums and to help tackle racism in society. In Wales SRtRC reaches around 22,000 pupils every year with their anti-racism workshops and 1000s of adults on training that covers unconscious bias and recognising and responding to racism. Their goal is ‘to ensure every child and teacher in Wales receives education on anti-racism in school’ and they do this by teaching young people through interactive sessions.
77% OF PUPILS TOLD US THAT RACISM EXISTED IN THEIR SCHOOLS AND 30% ADMITTED TO HAVING USED RACIST LANGUAGE IN SCHOOL. To reach their goal they are providing workshops in schools across Wales predominately with pupils from years 5 & 6 in Primary Schools and years 7,8 and 9 in Comprehensive Schools. The workshops encourage young people to critically think about and challenge what they hear, and see, from outside sources such as the media. They also hold events at sports clubs throughout Wales and over 30 clubs and 50 players help to educate pupils every year. Show Racism the Red Card work closely with Barry Town Football Club who hosted an event with them earlier this year.
Young people from Jenner Park Primary School and St Cyres School attended the stadium to take part in an educational club event for the day. The pupils had to prepare for an antiracism press-conference before taking part in a question and answer session during the ‘media/press conference event.’ 98% of pupils felt that they knew more about racism after attending a club event which shows how beneficial these sessions can be. If you are interested in finding out more or looking for resources on racism there are a collection of education packs, activities and videos on the website www.theredcard.org. We can all do more to tackle racism, so if you are interested in supporting they are current fundraising through JustGiving.
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Think Global Act Local We know there is more we can do, so we want to start locally and support BAME charities and initiatives in Wales by amplifying their voices, donating funds and learning from the experiences of those they support.
ETHNIC MINORITIES & YOUTH SUPPORT TEAM WALES Challenging negative stereotypes about ethnic diversity and to increase awareness and understanding about the diverse communities who live in Wales, improving community cohesion.
We have been reading, learning and educating ourselves every day and more importantly donating to causes globally.
Here’s a list of a few we have found, if you can, take a look at their websites, social media and the information they produce. We’ll continue to do what we can, but silence isn’t the answer, real action and change is.
HYPE CYMRU A BME mental health initiative, Helping Young People Through Empowerment. discussing mental health and promoting the green prescription.
Think Global Act Local
BAWSO
RACE EQUALITY FIRST
An All-Wales accredited support provider delivering quality services to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Victims and people affected or at risk of by Domestic Abuse and all forms of violence.
Providing support, advice, leadership and an influential voice for people who face discrimination, harassment, hate crime and disadvantage.
RACE COUNCIL CYMRU
GLITTER CYMRU
Bringing together key organisations within Wales to cooperate on promoting integration, championing justice and race equality in institutions and society.
Glitter Cymru is a Cardiff based social meet-up group for Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT+)
THE CENTRE FOR AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WOMEN CONNECT FIRST
Providing activities, resources and opportunities for BAME people who are furthest away from the labour market.
Women-only charity empowering BAME women to improve lives in Cardiff & SE Wales promoting integration and diversity through training & services.
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Home Work If like us you have more time on your hands here’s some simple ideas that will keep you busy and change up your interiors, all for very little cost! WRITTEN BY ANNIE & LOLO
DECLUTTERING This was our first job! Cleaning out cupboards, bagging up unwanted goods and getting reacquainted with items you thought you had lost. Decluttering doesn't just have to stop at unseen cupboards, declutter visible spaces like shelves too. Shelves can take on a new life with gaps, and non symmetric displays. We’re all thinking the same thing, now is the perfect time to clear out. But with charity shops closed it's the perfect opportunity to put ‘one person's rubbish is another person’s treasure’ to the test. Why not check in to see if they would be useful to others? Post them on Facebook marketplace, WhatsApp groups or even displayed outside ‘garage sale’ style. There's some great finds to be had, just be careful that your decluttering wasn’t in vain!
Annie & Lolo
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DECORATING Before you start decorating, check to see what old paint you have lying around. We both managed to get feature walls out of the remains of pots we had previously used. If you want to inject some colour, Aspirations UK are based on Broad Street in Barry and online and they’re taking orders for Frenchic furniture paint. There’s so many colours for different upcycling ideas. If you want to avoid the mess, changing up your pictures can be as good as painting, it gives walls and rooms a fresh look and a new found appreciation of certain pieces. We are keen picture on walls, the less conventional the better. Think outside the box, don't just frame pictures or prints!
Finally try rearranging your furniture. Moving the odd piece even slightly away from the wall can create new interest in a room and won’t make it look smaller, it’s a misconception. GREEN UP YOUR GAFF Adding plants to your home doesn’t just improve how it looks, it’s been proven to help with wellbeing, anxiety and even breathing. We are lucky in Barry to have The Happy Plant Co. locally for all your plant needs and questions, Dan is so knowledgeable and it’s great to see his smiley face when he personally delivers! We also have some amazing plant pots online and in store to compliment your green beauties.
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WORK SPACE / LIVING SPACE If you are working from home or home schooling, it’s a good idea to create a separate work space. Another room is ideal but if you haven’t got that luxury it could just be the end of the kitchen table. Keeping everything you need to do your work, even if it just an hour everyday, at the end of the table with a chair lets everyone around you know that when you’re perched there you are working, and if you do have to leave and not tidy it away, you can separate it from mess and work. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GREAT SMELLS We are lucky that we both love similar smells. Our signature eucalyptus and peppermint candle was created by the amazing Thornbush Hill and not only smells like our shop so it provokes happy senses, but it hides a multitude of smells such as cooking and pets.
While our homes are looking great, we can't wait to get back to our amazing shop and welcome you all back - don’t forget we are still online! www.annieandlolo.com
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In Good Hands Each time you purchase a soap bar from the Goodwash Company they will send you a complimentary ‘ration bar’ for you to give to another member of the community as a thank you. Goodwash have been supporting our wonderful NHS with their soap and this weekend their brilliant Diolch box / Diolch Soap has reached over 10,000 donations!
Photo: Alex Sedgmond
Never have we heard the three words ‘wash your hands’ so much, but did you know your scrubbing habit could be helping charities too?
Over 9 weeks they have put in more than 300 volunteer hours to make this happen and they’ve given away soap with a value of an incredible £20k. Every NHS trust across Wales has received Goodwash donations as well as key trusts in England such as Barts, Great Ormond Street and UCLH plus many more. But it’s not just the NHS, the RNLI charity, delivery drivers and other key workers have received one too.
In Good Hands
Key workers and communities needed wash products urgently and we are able to switch our focus to an area of concern in a crisis. We can be agile and provide support where society needs it the most. Mandy from Goodwash said ‘Key workers and communities needed wash products urgently and we are able to switch our focus to an area of concern in a crisis. We can be agile and provide support where society needs it the most.’ Goodwash focuses their efforts where it’s needed, during the Australian bush fires they used profits from their products to support the wildlife and koala bears rescues. They have also recently teamed up with Sixty Six / Ninety Nine, an arts and media social enterprise that is focusing on providing new solutions to suicide awareness and prevention. Globally, one suicide occurs every 40 seconds. In 66 minutes, 99 people take their life. The social enterprise is using those numbers as quotation marks to frame conversations around this most difficult of subjects, that lead to its innovative services. So what motivates them to work so hard? At Goodwash their mission is to help change the world one wash at a time.
Photo: Alex Sedgmond
Through the Goodwash Fund they help support sustainable projects locally that improve the lives of animals and people. As a local company, Goodwash needs our support. What started as a small business in Barry 18 months ago has grown over time and the team will now be expanding by opening the first Goodwash store at the new Goodsheds development later this year! Come down, support a local business and help raise awareness of Goodwash, their natural cruelty free products and the amazing good they do for people and animals. You can find out more about Goodwash on their website www.goodwash.co.uk.
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Style at Home During lockdown and this period universally known as ‘Uncertain Times’, most of us will have forgotten about fashion.
WRITTEN BY ASHLEY MCMATH STEPHENS & HELEN MOLITIKA
For those of us not on the front line, leisure wear has probably become the outfit of choice and those spring trends are long since forgotten about. At Box Edit Boutique we have a real passion for styling and believe that getting longevity out of your wardrobe at any point in the season is important. We can’t resist a flirt with trends so in order to show you that certain items can be taken from lockdown and beyond, we have teamed up with Ballet Basics founder and fashion fan Marla Ellis. Marla has pivoted her business since lockdown, creating online adult and child ballet classes where she spends her time in sportswear.
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Style at Home
When she’s not streaming her classes Marla is a busy mum and an avid fashion fan, who has mastered the art of relaxed and chic style.
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Here we take you through our style edit by having a snoop in Marla’s wardrobe and picking a few choice pieces. These will be a wardrobe investment and stop the temptation to bulk buy loungewear!
ASHLEY’S PICKS 1. MUSCLE T-SHIRT • The key jersey piece this season • In lockdown: Wear with loose fitting trousers • Out of lockdown: Wear with your favourite denim and statement jewellery
2. THE COMFY CO-ORD
3. THE ‘THROW ON’ DRESS
• A wardrobe no brainer, who doesn’t love a cosy knit? • In lockdown: Wear together for ultimate comfort • Out of lockdown: Wear as separates, making sure you get maximum wear out of your investment
• An oversized dress in a statement print will see you through any season
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• In lockdown: Wear with trainers to keep it comfortable • Out of lockdown: Wear with ankle boots and leather jacket
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HELEN’S PICKS 1. GREEN GINGHAM BLOUSE WITH PUFF SLEEVES • In the fashion world, gingham rolls around every summer, making it a great print to invest in as it will come out every year.
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• In lockdown: Wear with wide leg jeans and sandals • Out of lockdown: Wear with your favourite high waisted trousers and heels
2. THE OVERSIZED SLOUCHY CARDI • The wardrobe staple, a great layering piece • In lockdown: Wear with your jeans • Out of lockdown: Wear over your favourite midi dress with a statement belt
3. THE BOYFRIEND SHIRT • Worn with the statement ‘French tuck’ • In lockdown: Wear with trainers • Out of lockdown: Wear with a structured blazer and heels
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Lockdown Lock-in
Lockdown Lock-in WRITTEN BY CLAIRE & TIM / CRAFT REPUBLIC
In the midst of this crazy time we thought we'd put together five beers to enjoy responsibly during lockdown.
We think they perfectly compliment the warmer weather we're enjoying, and hopefully a reminder of good times to come. So, in no particular order, here are some of our favourites:
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1. DEYA - STEADY ROLLING MAN Pale Ale - 5.2%
Created by this Cheltenham-based brewing powerhouse, Steady Rolling Man is a ridiculously tasty hoppy beer with incredibly soft and delicate tropical fruit hop aromatics and saturation. Not quite a session beer but close!
2. GREY TREES - MOSAIC Strong Pale Ale - 4.2%
A homegrown multi-award winning pale brewed in Aberdare. This gorgeous golden beer is described by Ray the brewer as 'a modern ale alive with citrus flavours and a smooth after taste'. Single hopped with Mosaic to deliver tropical notes, it's fresh, juicy and a perfect pint whatever the weather.
3. VERDANT - LIGHTBULB AMERICAN Pale Ale - 4.5%
We couldn't compile a list of our favourites without Verdant. As pale as a 100W light bulb but as juicy as an IPA, this is quenching, sessionable and we're sure you'll love it. Lightbulb's biscuity malt base has a hint of sweetness all drenched in fruity/dank hops to give it that true APA style.
4. TINY REBEL - CLWB TROPICA Tropical IPA 5.5%
This is one of their core range and a firm favourite. Their liberal use of American hops has led to one hell of a juicy flavour - mango, pineapple, peach, passion fruit, grapefruit, it’s all in there! The candied fruit taste is counteracted by a little bitterness, just to
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remind you that it’s not fruit juice. They’ve also released a non alcoholic version of Clwb making it even easier to enjoy.
5. WILD BEER CO - POGO Pale Ale 4.1%
This beer started life as a hoppy pale ale, but the genius addition of real fruit and lactose gave it a supercharge. With mouthwatering layers of fresh tropical fruits it retains the flavours of the solid malt base. Just when you think it couldn't get any better, POGO is available from Wild Beer Co as a 5L mini keg! So those are our top five beers for a sunny lockdown, what are yours? Share pics of your favourite beers with us on Instagram by tagging @wearecraftrepublic.
Craft Republic is an independent craft bar bringing the best beer, cider, wine and spirits to Barry. Created by a local couple Craft Republic will be opening soon as part of the Goodsheds Barry development.
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Hair Care Creative Director of VHS Barry Sam Carpenter, gives us his advice when it comes to home hair hacks.
WRITTEN BY SAM CARPENTER
Let’s face it, lockdown has been a challenge in many ways, but those roots won’t stop appearing even during a global pandemic. With your hair colourist out of action for a little while longer you may be tempted to hit that box colour more than ever. Don’t get me wrong, home colour has its place but it won’t replace the talent, knowledge and experience of your salon colourist. Even with your partner on the tint brush, a permanent root touch up can escalate into a full colour correction catastrophe in no time... well actually in about 20 minutes according to the back of the box!
My home colour advice is to have FUN with your colour and wear those roots like a badge of honour. Rather than resorting to a permanent box of trickery why not use less commitment products like direct dyes or semi permanent? For you lighter blondes with grown out balayage, why not add a pastel tone over your bleached lengths and ends? Try Crazy Colour’s Lavender to add that cool shot of lilac lusciousness or Eleven Australia’s Blonde Shampoo, it’s next level silver shampoo that if left on, will leave behind that smokey silvery sheen! If warm sun kissed blondes suit your skin tone best, think about pushing your colour even further.
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Crazy Colour Rose Gold will leave you on trend this summer or if you’re feeling brave Candy Floss to add that beautiful pinky hue. Don’t worry brunettes, you’ve not been left out of the colour fun, now is the time to ‘glow up’ that flat brown. Josh Wood Colour has a ‘Chestnut Brunette Gloss’ that will mask sparkly roots and give your hair an incredible reddish glow.
HOME HAIR HACKS If you don't want to risk a home colour horror then these clever little hacks could be the way to see out lockdown. Don't underestimate dry shampoo to get you through! A salon secret is to use dry shampoo when the hair is freshly clean rather than when the hair is greasy. Blast through roots, lengths and ends, then style as usual. Prevention is better than a cure, right? Now is the time to get your hair in tip top shape ready for your salon return, trust me your hairdresser will thank you for it. Eleven Australia’s 3 Minute Miracle is your best friend for a daily hit for nourishing over processed locks. A vegan hair mask can be created using a banana (you heard me, banana is amazing for your hair) and coconut oil. Hopefully my advice will inspire you to have some fun with your lockdown hair but one thing is for sure, your hairdresser will have missed you as much as you have them, hang in there, stay safe and always do a patch test!
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Life during Lockdown Have you become the king of virtual quizzes? Are you now a kitchen cupboard cleaner? Have you completed a ridiculous number of series on Netflix? You're not alone.
WRITTEN BY CHLOE MCDONNELL
Whatever you’re up to, it’s nice to know we are all going through it, even if it’s in different ways. We are all missing normality right now but is it wrong to admit to enjoying the slower pace of life? We’re getting to do things that would normally be unheard of, even if that means having no excuse not to clean out the cupboard under the stairs. Here’s a few Barry locals sharing what their lockdown has involved so far: KIRSTEN: For me, lockdown has been about turning our house into the office space for ‘Wealthy WISERD’ (a combination of mine and my husband’s company names) and a stimulating nursery environment for our bouncy two-year-old, with the added challenge of preparing for
Life during Lockdown
baby #2! The result is a generally messy house and two exhausted parents but some lovely family memories made during this strange time! AMY: Our lockdown has consisted mostly of playing “landscape gardeners” - here I am in the middle of moving copious amounts of rubble and questioning my life decisions!! CLAIRE: My lockdown has been all about learning to share an office space with my other half! Not so easy when you both have video chats at the same time, or your cat wants to get in on the action, but we’ve made it work!
HANNAH: Lockdown for me has been split into two distinct parts; one half lots of baking and recipe experiments and the other half Netflix in my dressing gown all day!
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COURTNEY: Lockdown for me has been very food centered. I’m currently living with my Dad who is a whizz in the kitchen - we’re contemplating putting together a lockdown cookbook! From curries, breads, kebabs, soups and pizzas; you name it, we’ve made it! Here is a highlight that I’m particularly proud of... CHLOE: I’ve spent lockdown browsing Pinterest for craft project ideas and new skills to learn, preceding to buy all of the supplies I would need then completing absolutely none of it.. I guess buying craft supplies is a separate hobby to actually completing crafts! KATE: I’ve finally had the time to paint, paint and paint some more! My gallery wall is really starting to come together LUKE: I’ve joined the DIY haircut club and let my girlfriend shave my head which I am now massively regretting and utilising the many hats I own. She’s trying to convince me to let her do highlights so who knows where the next few weeks will take my hair..
Barry Magazine
Artwork by Sophie Potter | sophiepotter.co.uk
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Photo by John Yabrifa / York Breakwater, Barry
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www.johnyabrifa.com
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@jyabrifa_photography
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Celebrate Community WRITTEN BY SUE VINCENT-JONES
Photo by Kate Stuart
Say what you like about Barry and I know there’s many a tasty tale to tell about our often turbid town, but one thing that remains staunchly standard is our cracking community spirit.
OUR SUPERB SENSE OF SOLIDARITY RUNS RIGHT THROUGH OUR RESIDENTS LIKE A STICK OF BARRY ISLAND ROCK.
Never has this been more tested as our town rides the Coronacoaster of lonely lockdown. From almost the minute we moved into this Quarantine, my Facebook feed has been full of top tales of rallying residents pulling together to help our town’s most vulnerable, real random acts of community kindness, and solid support for those fighting on the Covid-19 frontline.
Celebrate Community
Facebook groups have an army of vigorous volunteers committed to looking after our own, our town’s traders have been constantly keeping our key workers fabulously fed, and unselfish sellers have been supplying services for free. Socially distanced celebrations to mark milestones like VE Day, a plethora of rainbow posters in windows, and that standing together in solidarity every week as the deafening ‘Clap for Carers’ booms out all over the town. Who knew that community cohesion could also be so crackingly captured online too. For this excitable extrovert who always liked in the flesh friendships and serious hard core socialising, Zoom has opened up a whole new way of keeping my gorgeous groups superbly sticking together. For me, living it large on the laptop is most definitely the way forward as we start a summer of sitting at home staring at a screen that promises to still see us celebrating many of our town’s top events. Barry may have been battered by Corona cancellations that
have ripped up our community calendar, but as always, our rallying residents are pulling together to try to keep the vibe alive. Solo singers, local live bands plus other energetic entertainers are tuning up for time on our tablets. Cadstock, the best free outdoor music festival in Barry, could still see it’s big heart beating with provisional plans to put the wonderful weekender online. And, the brilliant Barry Pride, which daringly debuted last year to stunning success, is part of an ambitious Wales-Wide Virtual Pride clearly circled in the calendar for the weekend of July 24th and 25th.
FOR ME COMMUNITY IS NOT JUST ANYONE LIVING IN THE SAME PLACE, IT MEANS A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE SAME INTERESTS, WHO STICK TOGETHER THROUGH A STRONG SENSE OF UNITY, AND OFTEN, THE DEEP DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Barry, I’ve just summed you up beautifully. Keep on keeping on, behind the scenes or on the streets, to get us through this paralysing pandemic together, and to fight for all that our terrific town needs, and deeply deserves. That’s the Community Spirit.
Photo by: @worldofoddy
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Store Cupboard Seitan If you managed to get flour and didn’t use it on some lockdown baking Scott has a great store cupboard vegan recipe to try at home!
WRITTEN BY SCOTT WATKINS
Seitan (pronounced say-tahn) is a vegan meat alternative made from gluten strands that originate in flour. This method starts with plain flour (which is surprisingly accessible in lockdown, just ask behind the bakery counter at any grocery store) and washes away the starch to leave the gluten strands behind to turn into delicious vegan meat alternatives!
TERIYAKI MARINADE 2 tbsp water 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp agave nectar or brown sugar 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp Chinese five spice 1/2 tsp ginger
BARBACOA MARINADE 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar Juice of a lime 2 tbsp adobo or ancho chilli flakes (regular chilli flakes will do too!) 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp soy sauce 1/2 tsp black pepper 3 garlic cloves chopped 1 tsp tomato puree VEGAN MEAT 6 cups plain flour 2 1/4 cups water 2 teaspoons onion powder 4 teaspoons chicken seasoning 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup gram flour
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Mix the flour and 2 cups of water into a dough. The dough should come together slowly, if it’s slightly dry add a little of the 1/4 cup of water a bit at a time. Allow the dough to sit for at least one hour (if you’re in a rush) or overnight for best results. Place the dough into a bowl large enough so that it will allow you to completely submerge the dough in water, with at least an inch covering the top.
Continually knead the dough under the water, once the water turns a solid white colour you’ll need to repeat the process until the water runs clear, this may take 5 or 6 times. The dough will shrink in size and you’ll be left with a stringy ball. These stringy bits are the gluten strands that developed when you rested your dough. Wash one last time with running water and form the stringy bits into a dough ball that will resemble chewing gum. Let the dough rest in a colander to get the remaining water out of the dough.
After it has rested it’s time to add flavour. I’ve suggested some cupboard staples for flavour above but feel free to add whatever you have! Cut the dough into small chunks and add to a food processor with the remaining ingredients and gram flour for texture. Pulse the food processor to incorporate - if you don’t have a food processor cut the dough into small chunks and massage the dough firmly to mix in.
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Once it is back in one piece, cut it in half and roll each half into long cylinder shapes. Slowly start tying knots into the long cylindrical dough tightly, but not tight enough to break the dough. Tuck in the ends once you have tied the dough into knots 3 or 4 times. Bring a large pot of water and 1tsp salt to boil, reduce to a simmer and add in your knotted dough. Keep the water just below boiling - avoid bubbles in the water as it will change the final texture. Simmer for about 30 minutes. You’ll know when your dough is done as it will slowly rise from the bottom. Remove from the water and let the firm dough cool and become even firmer. Once the dough is cool to touch you can untwist and slowly pull the dough apart into stringy meat-like chunks. You can fry this “meat” without marinade in a lightly oiled frying pan until it starts to sizzle and turn brown at the edges,
add your favourite marinade, whatever’s in the cupboard, or use one of my two trusty recipes above. The best part about this vegan “meat” is that you can tailor the taste. This “meat” goes well in pasta dishes, rice dishes, on salads, in burgers, wraps, on nachos...the possibilities are endless! Whatever you come up with gimme a tag on socials @thebigbadvegan This will last for 3-5 days in the fridge or a couple of months if frozen.
Cadog's Corner
Helping Hands
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Cadog’s Corner should have been launching their newly converted container but this, along with so many other events, couldn’t happen.
Instead, they launched Operation Cadog, packing and delivering food parcels to families identified by, at first Cadoxton Primary School, but now many more Barry schools. The container was the next step in a journey driven by a need to address the food poverty and social isolation experienced by many in Cadoxton. However, in the typically entrepreneurial and creative way of Cadog’s Corner, plans didn’t simply stop, they changed. Operation Cadog involves a team of volunteers who source and buy the food which they pack into bags at Victoria Park Community Centre. Drivers arrive from each of the schools to pick up the bags for their school families. Bags are then dropped off by a familiar face to doorsteps around Barry.
It’s not just about the food, it’s given them a way to stay in touch with isolated people, have a socially distanced chat to see how things are. It’s helping to take the pressure off the Vale Food bank and help them to continue helping those who already used its services. Operation Cadog has now reached a scale of 220 family food parcels each week. They know it’s making a difference and still need support to help them help people for longer. If you’re able to donate, they would be incredibly grateful. Donations can be made on Just Giving or if you’d like to get in touch, find them on twitter @CadogsC.
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Gardening for Wellbeing We've all been rediscovering old hobbies and gardening is a firm favourite. The glorious spring weather has got us all out in our gardens!
WRITTEN BY NICOLA HOPKINS
The health and wellbeing benefits of gardening have long been known, and with the current situation, it’s even more important. There are many benefits to be had from gardening including great all-round exercise, improving strength, endurance, flexibility and burning calories, also getting vital fresh air and vitamin D. Gardening is a great stress reliever, reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and generally making you feel happier. It’s a great way of including the whole family and community in an activity. So even if you have a small yard, a balcony or just a window box, getting your hands dirty in your urban garden will create a calm, green environment to enjoy all year round.
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Gardening is a great stress reliever, reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, while generally making you feel happier.
1. Nothing is better than growing your own food so start with something simple and easy to grow. Choose a pack of seeds that you know you can handle such as salad leaves and herbs inside on the windowsill, tomato plants in a grow bag, strawberries in hanging baskets or runner beans and potatoes in big pots. 2. Be thrifty, you don’t need to spend much money on your garden. Reuse a container, an old bread bin or set of drawers make an ideal home for plants. Share and swap your seedlings and plants with a neighbour, there are only so many runner beans one family can eat!
3. Get the whole family involved. Growing cress, sunflowers and tomatoes in a paper cup is quick and easy. Decorate the garden with painted pebbles, make a fairy door, paint a bird box, make a scarecrow or make a wildflower crown out of daisies, twigs and leaves. 4. Encourage wildlife into your garden as this will help keep down pests. Make a bee hotel, log pile or a hedgehog box and avoid using pesticides and slug pellets in your garden if possible. Butterflies and bees are drawn to wildflowers so dedicate a small area for low maintenance wildflower seeds to encourage wildlife.
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WHAT TO DO NOW • Plant out your young plants into larger containers or plant out into your veg patch, ensuring they are supported and protected from frost. • Sow seeds directly outdoors. Carrots, beetroot and lettuce, wildflowers and sunflowers can go directly into the garden. • It’s a busy time for wildlife, make sure you keep your bird feeders and bird baths topped up and leave some food out for hedgehogs. • Earth up your potatoes. • Keep on top of the weeds.
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Be your own Social Media Manager I’ve been speaking to lots of small businesses over the last couple of months and it seems that everyone is in two camps.
WRITTEN BY HANNAH ISTED
There are those that are still promoting their businesses and those that are finding it really hard. Sometimes we go between the two on a daily basis! Here’s a few tips for promoting your business taken from my new eBook, Be Your Own Social Media Manager, which will help you carry on building your community online even when things get tough. BE YOURSELF When you’re stuck on what to say it can be tempting to look to others, but the best thing you can do on social media is be yourself and focus on what makes you and your business unique. Share something we might not know and give your audience a chance to connect with you! People buy from people so the more we feel we know the person behind the business, the more we will trust you.
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WORK ON KNOW, LIKE, TRUST Which brings us on to this, the Know, Like, Trust factor. All of your customers take a journey when they work with you through the know, like, trust factor. It’s your job to get them started on this path by helping them find out who you are. How will they know about you? Maybe through a post or your website. What will make them like you? Sharing something about you they might not know. How will you take them to the trust stage? Show them the value of what you’re offering. DON’T STOP PROMOTING When you’re worried about what to say it can often feel easier to say nothing at all. Take a breath, have a break but don’t stop promoting yourself. If you can’t sell at the moment, can you help your customers and solve their problems instead? Try to add value to your audience wherever you can and listen to the questions they are asking you.
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MAKE IT FUN Social media doesn’t have to be another job to add to the list. It can be fun and enjoyable too, you just need to find a way that works. Some people enjoy structure and scheduling, others like to play it by ear and post when they feel like it. I personally like to take a batch of images and make posts around them when I’m feeling creative. What would make it fun for you? Maybe it’s teaming up with a friend to encourage each other or finding a hashtag that you love to look at and commenting on those pictures. Just remember, social media is meant to be social, so don’t stop talking to your target audience! You can get my new eBook Be Your Own Social Media Manager sent straight to your email inbox on my website. www.hicommunications.co.uk.
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Home Workouts While gyms are closed it’s really important for your physical and mental health to set aside a small amount of time each day for exercise.
WRITTEN BY DAN SHARDLOW
Hollie and Dan at Sky Spa Wellness Centre on Barry High Street have 8 key exercises that will help keep you active and look after your wellbeing whilst you stay at home. Try them out on your own or get the whole family together and add a bit of competition to your day… if you dare! SQUATS • Keep your weight through heels • Keep your arms shoulder high • Focus on getting your hips as low as possible. Strengthens legs and improves your mobility
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REVERSE LUNGE TWIST • From a standing position, take a step back with 1 leg • Keep your weight through the heels of your front foot and position your back knee slightly off the floor. • Look ahead and keep your eyes up and repeat alternating on each leg. Helps improve balance and hip mobility. Hold a household weight like a plant pot or large bottle of water to challenge yourself.
ANGLED PRESS UP • Place your hands on an inclined platform such as a wall, table or sofa. • Keeping your body straight bring your chest towards the platform by bending your elbows and press away This will help to straighten your triceps, chest and core. To make this harder try normal press ups from the floor.
HIP THRUSTS • Lay on your back, bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor. • Drive your hips up into the air as high as you can with your feet and shoulders on the ground. This will help to stretch your hip and strengthen your glutes and hamstrings. Hold a weight over your hips to make the exercise a little bit harder. To ensure that you are getting fitter and healthier try to improve each and every day by doing extra repetitions or making each exercise a little bit harder each time.
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PLANK • Facing downwards focus on keeping your weight through your toes and elbows • Keep your bum down and squeeze your abs throughout. • Try and hold that position for as long as you can. This is a great overall core strengthening exercise. If you want an extra challenge try moving your legs together and apart whilst holding the plank. If you would like any help with your health and wellbeing including daily online classes head over to www.skyspawellnesscentre.com or contact Dan and Hollie at info@skyspawellnesscentre.com.
To ensure that you are getting fitter and healthier try to improve each and every day by doing extra repetitions or making each exercise a littlebit harder each time.
Bro Radio Feel Good Playlist
Bro Radio Feel Good Playlist WRITTEN BY BEN DAIN-SMITH
Like everyone, we've found the Coronavirus pandemic tough to deal with, but have adapted to ensure that we can continue to broadcast to you. Bro Radio is the station that loves the Vale, playing a great mix of hits from across the eras and the hottest new tracks. Broadcasting to you on 98.1fm, our app, or on broradio.fm, Bro Radio is your local station for great music and news that matters to you. I present weekday afternoons, live on Bro, between 12-3pm and we have a bit of fun on my show. Some of the most enjoyable moments have been during the features on the show where I invite the Vale to come and play along with me. We've guessed at the amount of Wotsits in a packet and deciphered my poor drawings together. Trust me, they're awful! I've picked 12 of my favourite songs that
never fail to put a smile on my face. It was hard, but I think I might have created the best mixtape to ever exist. Step aside Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks!
FEEL GOOD PLAYLIST Pilot - Magic Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice The Beatles - Penny Lane The Clash - Train In Vain The B-52s - Love Shack The Feeling - Fill My Little World Louis Prima - Oh Marie Mika - Grace Kelly Catatonia - Mulder and Scully Blur - Charmless Man The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc
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Craft Corner
If you need a simple craft for kids and adults to enjoy, Laura is here to help with this month’s Craft Corner!
WRITTEN BY LAURA WOOLLEY
We’re going to show you how to make this super easy clay wall hanging from only store cupboard ingredients so you can make them again and again and again. RECIPE I have specific measuring cups for baking but you could use a small tea cup to keep all the measurements the same. Just make sure to use the same cup for all the ingredients so the ratios work. • 1/2 cup of cornflour • 1 cup of Bicarbonate of soda • 3/4 cup of water
Craft Corner
TO MAKE • Put all the ingredients into a saucepan on medium heat until the mixture bubbles. • Stir it until it has a smooth consistency. • Remove from the heat and roll into a ball. It will be hot, so please be careful! • Place in a bowl and cover with a damp cloth until it’s cooled or you're ready to use.
TIME TO ROLL! You can use any shape cutters you have, make your own with cardboard or cut shapes freehand if you're feeling brave! Just don’t forget to pop holes in for hanging, these have holes on the top and bottom for hanging vertically. Place them onto a lined baking tray and pop your shapes into a preheated oven at 800C for about 45mins. I sometimes turn them over and bake for an extra 5 minutes if they look a little squishy. Be careful not to over bake them as they will discolour. When they have cooled down, you can leave them plain or get creative with paints! We have used a curtain ring for hanging these but you could make a ring from the clay itself. To preserve it (though it won’t last forever) you can coat them in PVA glue or varnish if you have any but I like the matt finish of this! There you have it, a simple craft that’s easy for the whole family to enjoy!
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Photo by Kate Stuart | katestuartphotography.com/
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A Wynter Wedding The effect of COVID -19 on weddings has been astronomical, with thousands of couples up and down the country being forced to postpone their big day.
WRITTEN BY JESS RICKETTS
I have been in this business for 13 years and never experienced this feeling of sadness. My job is normally filled with joy and being a small part of one of the happiest times in a person’s life is magical. At the start of this when everything was so unknown, I came off calls to my brides in tears as I tried to put myself in their shoes, their weddings just weeks away.
If you are thinking about postponing your big day, here are my top tips for a seamless change. Many couples will have wedding insurance; check what your policy covers and where you may be able to claim. This is also important for travel insurance for those honeymoons, hens and stags.
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Wynter Isabelle
Next step is the venue, come up with a new date but ensure you check with the church or registrar before you confirm that they have the time you want the ceremony available. 2021 is going to be the biggest year for weddings ever and many dates have been taken up already.
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Let your wedding dress shop know. Freight costs of gowns have increased and designers need to know as soon as possible if they don’t need to be rushing the dress through unnecessarily. All dresses of postponed weddings would be in production or completed, so expect an early delivery. Most bridal shops require the balance to be paid upon dress arrival, check your terms.
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Work through your suppliers, starting with photographers/videographers and florists as they will often only book one wedding per day. Most wedding vendors are bending over backwards to be able to help every couple that needs to change, but you may need to find a new supplier.
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Let your guests know. Some companies are offering free change the date cards. You can find out this information by joining ‘Wedding Planning with Jess’ on Facebook. A group I have recently set up for all stages of wedding planning, where brides are supporting each other.
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Your big day is going to come and it will be worth the wait, I promise! Use this time to perfect the plans, change things that perhaps you felt rushed to make decisions on and remember that after all this is over, your guests will want to celebrate harder and your love will grow stronger from this experience you have shared together.
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Barry on the Gram
Search for Barry under 'places' on Instagram and you’ll find out how lucky we are to live in such a vibrant town. Here are a few of the pictures we love this month. Want to be featured? Tag @BarryMagazine in a post!
@jennylambertart
@Smithyvii
@Joshmbedford
@Walkingforwellbeing
Barry on the Gram
@porthkerryparkproject
@bethanlee
@duncan.palmer2019
@amylauraaaaa
@bakewithryan
@keris_84
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No Island Summer This should’ve been the busiest summer at Barrybados we’ve had in years.
WRITTEN BY LOUIS ROSS
On the back of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special and the bumper crowds during the holidays I think every trader on Barry Island was expecting a very busy summer.
Investments were made in shop alterations and stock and if Christmas was anything to go by, it was going to be big and busy. After the storms things picked up in March, but so did something else, the virus known as Covid-19. It wasn’t until early March that things started to change in the UK and by the middle of March most places were forced to close and haven’t been open since.
No Summer Island
IT’S WEIRD SEEING EVERYTHING SHUT, CAR PARKING SPACES EMPTY, NO NOISE, NO PEOPLE, A DEAFENING SILENCE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. It’s hard to imagine a summer without a busy Barry Island. But so far, the Island has been empty. The weather has been great during lockdown and with hot spells during half term and the May Day bank holidays the Island would have been rammed. But this was different, scarily empty. I live for those busy days on Barry Island. 9am - 9pm days when it’s packed and we do most of our trade. I’ve been down to my shop a few times to sort things out and it’s weird seeing everything shut, car parking spaces empty, no noise, no people, a deafening silence for this time of year.
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Nobody saw this coming, especially after the Christmas crowds. You can literally hear a pin drop. All events in Barry in general have been cancelled this year including our first time with an outdoor cinema showing Gavin and Stacey on Barry Island. I was so looking forward to this, it would have attracted thousands to spend the weekend in Barry. Now it’s just one of a number of events which has been postponed until 2021. If we get to see some of the summer, which I’m hoping we might be able to in July and August, it will be a blessing. Otherwise it’s going to be a long road until next spring when we can ‘start again’. The good thing about Barry Island is that it will pick up again, especially when it’s sunny and hot. The winters may become harder with less people going out, but hopefully when allowed, people will visit the island again.
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Who kept the dogs in? Is your dog confused about you being in the house more? Here’s some top tips from Rat Pack Dog Training!
WRITTEN BY EMMA TAYLOR
GO FOR A ‘SNIFFARI’ ADVENTURE Dogs see in a world of scent first and the act of sniffing is very mentally tiring for them. Slow down and let your dog choose the direction of the walk and where to sniff, you might end up travelling on new paths or not covering nearly as much distance as you’re used to!
REMAIN CLEAR OF OTHER PEOPLE Social distancing might be a difficult thing to manage when you have a social dog, but it is important to remain clear of others. While your dog cannot catch COVID-19, it can survive on their fur and end up transferred to you. Make sure your dog isn’t touched by anyone outside your household.
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON YOUR DOORSTEP Next time you go for your dog walk, bypass the car and go for a wander in your local area. The novelty of the new situation as well as the influx of different sights, sounds and smells will be very tiring for your pooch.
THROW OUT THE DAILY WALK As an owner of 4 high drive terriers, the Rat Pack are only walked a few times a week. Instead of a walk, replace your dog’s daily activity with something else.
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Who Kept the Dogs In?
REWARD YOUR DOG If you have a dog that finds it hard to stop and is always on the go, help your dog manage by giving them something to chew or lick from to relax after high energy activities such as a walk. Reward calmness in the house by casually popping a treat between your dog’s paws while they are calm. 5
GET THEM TO WORK FOR THEIR DINNER Instead of just serving it up in a bowl. Dogs that have to work for their food are mentally worn out quicker and need less physical exercise to tire. You can buy a range of puzzle feeders, sniffle mats and Kongs but you don’t even have to spend money. Scatter your dog’s dinner in the back garden or hide it around the living room or use an empty cardboard box, fill it with shredded paper and sprinkle their dinner in there. There are loads of free ideas on the Facebook group ‘Canine Enrichment’. 6
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NIP BAD HABITS IN THE BUD! Have some fun teaching your dog tricks that can help you around the home like unloading the washing machine, taking your socks off your feet, retrieving your slippers. There are both free and paid resources to help you achieve all this online! 7
MAKE AN OBSTACLE COURSE! Use household items like pillows, mops and chairs to create a course for your dog to navigate with you. Get the kids involved in course designs and you could even send your kids around the course to wear them out too! 8
Find out more about Rat Pack on their website www.ratpackdogservices.co.uk.
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Stay Home Stay Well For months we've heard advice about managing our physical health during the pandemic, but what about our mental health?
WRITTEN BY PIERRE & HELEN FROM C&V WELL-BEING
Cardiff and Vale Wellbeing have given us their advice on looking after your mental health at this difficult time.
1. PLAN YOUR DAY • Adjusting to a new way of life can be challenging for our mental health, we need routine to secure our identity, confidence and purpose. • Keep to a regular routine, write a physical plan of your day on a poster and stick to it. Start at the same time with breaks evenly spread to coincide with a chronological milestone like the news or your favourite radio show. • Connect with your family, friends and neighbours in person if you can social distance safely or by video call.
2. IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP • Feelings of helplessness and uncertainty can cause psychological trouble which could affect your sleep. The sleep hormone Melatonin is produced on a day/night cycle and adhering to this will help your sleep. • Keeping a routine with your sleep is a good idea, so go to bed and get up at the same time. Oversleeping can cause what is called social jetlag and your body responds better to regular timings. • Take a nap in the day if you need it, but no more than 45 minutes and this should be around lunchtime.
Whilst walking, find a focal point and admire its beauty, pause and capture it in your mind, attach positive feelings to it and return to this positive thought when you need it.
3. EXERCISE MORE EVERYDAY • Exercise reduces stress and helps us produce hormones called Endorphins. These interact with the receptors in our brain that reduce our perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. • Naturally increasing energy levels in our body can make us more alert and help us sleep better. • Look for an exercise adapted to your needs and metabolism: walk, run or stretch. 4. TRY A RELAXATION TECHNIQUE • Relaxing and focusing on the present moment can help us improve our mental health and put negative feelings at bay.
• Being mindful is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Being kind to oneself. • Whilst walking, find a focal point and admire its beauty, pause and capture it in your mind, attach positive feelings to it and return to this positive thought when you need it. • Music is a powerful tool to help you relax and take in the moment. Be careful where you read your information only trust the credible sources, try and always fact check. #Staysafe
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Barry Magazine
The Sunflower Project The Sunflower Project is a campaign that believes in the importance of education, empathy, mentorship and communication when it comes to ending the stigma attached to mental health.
WRITTEN BY BETH EVANS
The campaign was founded by Bethan Evans and is now co-run by Bethan, Ffion McGowan, and Hannah Goodyear. On 13th November 2019, I swallowed several handfuls of pills in an attempt to end my life. Only with time have I come to understand that I didn’t want to die, I just didn’t know how to live. I found my purpose in life through sharing my story, educating others, and raising awareness about mental health. Being able to work together as one unit, to display strength and unity and fight the stigma of mental health, enables us to flourish and keep growing. This is the idea at the heart of The Sunflower Project. We created an online form that allows people to anonymously leave messages of hope for anyone struggling with their mental health. The form received lots of attention, and in just one week we had 249 anonymous messages. We printed out a QR code, and posted it through people’s doors in Barry. It was important to me that people locally could participate in the project, and have their voice heard.
The ‘Messages of Hope’ campaign grew massively in just one week and we received over 110 video messages from people all over the UK, stating ‘There is Hope.’ I put the messages together in an art piece which highlighted just how much support the project received in a short amount of time. The project shows that there are people, even complete strangers, who care about you and are ready to support you when you would like the help, you just have to reach out. It is not weak to speak.
Barry Magazine
WRITTEN BY GLAMORGAN MUSIC SCHOOL
Music to our Ears Our aim at Glamorgan Music School is music for all!
We’ve always wanted to give more and have been disappointed by the barriers that have been stopping people, not just children, from learning and experiencing music. We launched on St David's Day with celebrations in Barry town centre including pupils from around the Vale performing, a guitar ensemble and support from Bro Radio and market traders.
Even through the pandemic we have survived and we’re growing. We started trading at the start of term and we’ve moved our provision online to teach children and adults. Our lessons will continue in schools and we teach all instruments - strings, ukulele, guitar, harp, brass, woodwind, percussion, piano and keyboards. We also have full class workshops, orchestras, choirs and teacher training. Along with instrumental tuition we have 6 Music Theory Courses running weekly online with lots of students, young and not young! There is teacher training available online too. We started out as just the two of us and now we have a team with loads of happy pupils. And all of this since we have been in quarantine! We are very proud of what we have achieved.
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Barry Magazine
Barry Noticeboard We’ve created a community noticeboard so you can share your positive words about people, businesses, places and more!
WILD MEADOW FLORAL
CEGIN CARDIFF
I ordered a posie of peonies from Wild Meadow Floral and they were really good! I ordered on a Tuesday and they were delivered for free on Thursday, plastic free wrapping and the flowers were BEAUTIFUL, lasted well over a week. I’m thinking about getting a mixed posie next... they’re only £10 and look really pretty!
Cegin Cardiff is our go to Friday night takeaway - Kuldeep not only makes the most incredible homemade Indian food, but always delivers it with a huge smile which keeps us ordering every week. Most definitely the highlight of our weekend!
- Emma
- Amy
Barry Noticeboard
MOUNT ROOMS BISTRO Huge thank you to Mount Rooms Bistro for supplying a scrumptious takeaway afternoon tea! Completely contactless and the perfect weekend treat. - Luke & Chloe
GIGGLES TOYSHOP One of my favourite shops to visit on High Street is Giggles toyshop. It’s such a friendly, family-run shop and Jill is always so helpful and lovely to have a chat with! There’s plenty of toys set up in the shop to keep little ones amused while you browse too, which is really handy! They’re doing free, local delivery during lockdown too, which helps keep the kids amused during these worrying times. - Kirsten
PALETTA PIZZERIA Thanks to Paletta Pizza for bringing great food to a Saturday night again. I placed an order by email and did a socially distanced pickup. So pleased to have our favourite eatery back in business. - Ashley
KATE STUART PHOTOGRAPHY Thank you so much to Kate Stuart Photography who has really made us smile with her ‘Through the Window’ project. We’ve loved seeing the family and friends that we’re missing during lockdown! - Hannah
If you’d like to acknowledge someone in our next issue, simply send us an email to info@barrymagazine.co.uk to be featured here!
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Issue #7 June 2020 Thank you to all of our contributors for making this issue special.
www.barrymagazine.co.uk If you'd like to be involved in future issues please contact us: info@barrymagazine.co.uk
