Cardiff Life - Issue 183

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property Issue 183/April 2018/£3 @CardiffLifeMag

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE CITY, PENARTH & THE VALE

ISSUE 183/APRIL 2018/THEY’VE MADE IT!

editor’s letter / Issue 183 / APRIL 2018

On the make It’s no secret that Cardiff is just bursting with creative talent, and we’ve being celebrating that talent in a big way this issue. From taking a closer look at some of the hubs and organisations that help nurture ingenuity and inspiration to meeting some of the people doing cool and creative things around the city, it’s all in these pages.

And talking of people doing fabulous things, check out all the winners of our Cardiff Life Awards on pages 14-20. Full pictorial coverage of all the festivities will be in the next issue so make sure you don’t miss it!

Elsewhere in the mag you can find out how I got on when I joined in a brewing masterclass at the Brewhouse & Kitchen and read an interview with illusionist and mindreader extraordinaire Derren Brown ahead of his show in the Millennium Centre next month.

Plenty to get stuck into, then! Enjoy!

Doniau creadigol Caerdydd

14

It’s a celebratioN All our Cardiff Life Awards winners!

Mae pawb yn gwybod bod Caerdydd yn llawn doniau creadigol, ac rydym yn clodfori’r doniau hynny yn y rhifyn hwn. Yn y tudalennau sy’n dilyn rydym yn bwrw golwg ar rai o’r canolfannau, y sefydliadau a’r mudiadau sy’n helpu i feithrin dyfeisgarwch ac ysbrydoliaeth, ac rydym yn cwrdd â rhai o’r bobl sy’n gwneud pethau cwl a chreadigol o amgylch y ddinas.

Ac o sôn am bobl yn gwneud pethau gwych, cofiwch droi at y rhestr o enillwyr Gwobrau Cardiff Life sydd ar dudalennau 14-20. Bydd lluniau o’r holl ddathliadau i’w gweld yn y rhifyn nesaf, felly mynnwch gopi o hwnnw!

Fel arall yn y cylchgrawn hwn, gallwch weld sut hwyl gefais i arni pan ymunais â dosbarth bragu yn y Brewhouse & Kitchen a gallwch ddarllen cyfweliad â Derren Brown, y lledrithiwr a’r darllenydd meddyliau anhygoel, cyn ei sioe yng Nghanolfan y Mileniwm y mis nesaf.

Mae digon yma i’ch difyrru, felly! Mwynhewch!

EMMA DANCE Editor emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @CardiffLifeMag

CONTENTS / ISSUE 183 / APRIL 2018 M EET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

Editor Emma Dance emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk

25 Arts intro A new sculpture is unveiled at National Museum Cardiff

Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Stacey Owens, Charlie Rose, Owen Mathias, Megan Price Advertising manager Mark George mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Kate Butterfield kate.butterfield@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Lorena Cussens lorena.cussens@mediaclash.co.uk Advertising executive Louis Grey louis.grey@mediaclash.co.uk

28 What’s on Your guide to what’s happening in the city this month

34 Derren Brown The illusionist and mind-reader discusses his latest show

39 RHS Garden show We find out how Evergreen are preparing for this year’s horticultural extravaganza

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk

42 Children’s Literature Festival Get the lowdown on this year’s event

45 Film Chapter gets set to host the Cardiff Animation Festival

50 Get creative Find out more about some of the city’s coolest creatives

60 The Sustainable Studio Stacey Owens finds out more about the creative hub

SHOPPING 68 Editor’s choice It’s all about the flower power

LIFEST YLE 75 Health and beauty Tresses transformed at Ken Picton salon

FOOD 77 Food news Tasty bites to digest

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50 80 Beer’s up Emma Dance tries her hand at brewing beer

OPINION 85 A man’s world Lloyd Williams on the world of property developing

BUSINESS 87 Business Insider Our regular biz news round up

93 Money matters Financial issues explained

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Cardiff Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW; 01225 475800, mediaclash.co.uk, @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

PROPERT Y 100 Property Showcase A cool and contemporary new build in St Mellons

DEPARTMENTS 8 Spotlight News to peruse

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrate the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

14 Snapped!

All our Cardiff Life Awards winners!

106 Cardiff Lives MD of Paramount Interiors, Richard Jones, on Hollyoaks, boxing, and the best Chinese takeaway in Cardiff

34

On the cover They’re all cover stars!

C A R D I F F: I T S L I F E A N D T I M E S

CHARITY

JUST GIVING People have been able to donate to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness using contactless technology as part of new alternative giving scheme, Give DIFFerently.

On 12 March, an interactive screen featuring Cardiff Blues’ Sam Warburton and funded by FOR Cardiff, was installed on the Hayes. The screen and technology behind it enabled members of the public to ‘Card it for Cardiff’ by tapping their card on the window at any time of the day or night, donating £2.

The scheme was due to run until 25 March, but proved so successful that it was extended until 3 April. For every tap, a fixed fee of £2 was put towards small grants for those who are currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Brendan and Danny O’Carroll

For more: www.givedifferently.wales

Card it FOR Cardiff

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT

CELEBRITY SWINGERS The stars are coming out for Celtic Manor’s annual golf tournament The stars of hit television comedy Mrs Brown’s Boys hope to have the last laugh on the golf course when they make a welcome return to the Celebrity Cup this summer.

Just like the popular TV show, the celebrity golf tournament will become a real family affair when creator Brendan O’Carroll is joined by his wife and son, and his Mrs Brown’s Boys co-stars, Jenny O’Carroll and Danny O’Carroll, for the event at the Celtic Manor Resort from 30 June – 1 July.

The O’Carrolls will team up with former boyband singers Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden in an Ireland side still looking for a first win in the four nations tournament which also features England, Scotland and Wales.

The O’Carroll clan will pit their wits against another comedy icon, Rob Brydon, who captains Wales for a sixth time and

8 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

is joined by TV presenter Gethin Jones in the home side.

Defending champions England will have two of last year’s winning side back in the fold after Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Peter Jones and former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher confirmed their places in the line-up.

The 2016 Celebrity Cup winning captain, Rory Lawson, will also return to the lush fairways at Celtic Manor and he teams up with fellow former Scotland rugby internationals Thom Evans and Max Evans, who is currently starring in Dancing on Ice. Visitors are welcome to come and experience the top-notch golfing action and on and off-course banter, there will be live music and food and bar outlets in the tented village.

For more: www.celtic-manor.com

A concept image of the Royal Navy’s new warship

Martyn Joseph

MUSIC

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES

HMS Cardiff famously led the German High Seas Fleet into internment at Scapa Flow at the end of World War One. The last HMS Cardiff, a Type 42 destroyer, also distinguished herself on operations around the world, including the 1982 Falklands campaign, the 1991 Gulf War and service in the Adriatic during the 1999 crisis in Kosovo.

“This next generation of frigates will encompass the very latest innovations and technological advances to deliver a world class anti-submarine warfare capability within a globally deployable and highly versatile platform.”

Not just ‘one of acoustic music’s most original voices’, but also one of its most active humanitarians, acclaimed Penarthborn singer songwriter Martyn Joseph has received a top honour at the International Folk Music Awards in the USA. Martyn was presented with a Spirit of Folk Award at the Folk Alliance International convention at the Folly Theatre in Kansas. These coveted awards are presented ‘to honour and celebrate people actively involved in the promotion and preservation of folk music through their creative work, their community building, and their demonstrated leadership.’

Known for his astute and powerful songs of compassion and one of the finest live acts on the circuit, Martyn has become a celebrated artist on both sides of the Atlantic over his 35-year career and aptly been dubbed “The Welsh Springsteen.”

For more: www.gov.uk

For more: www.martynjoseph.net

NEWS

SHIP SHAPE One of the Royal Navy’s new warships has been named HMS Cardiff.

The Type 26 warship will provide advanced protection for, among others, the UK’s nuclear deterrent and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and offer an unrivalled anti-submarine warfare capability.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones said: “It’s great to see the name HMS Cardiff returning to the Fleet as one of our new Type 26 Frigates, reflecting the Royal Navy’s long-standing bond with the city and the people of Wales. The name HMS Cardiff brings with it a proud history. A century ago the light cruiser

COMMUNITY

A CGI Image of how the new Grange pavilion could look

IBI GROUP/DAN BENHAM ARCHITECT

BUILDING A FUTURE A community building will benefit from a grant of more than £1m following a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund.

Grange Pavilion, a joint partnership between Cardiff University’s Community Gateway, Grange Pavilion Project, and Grangetown Community Action, has received £1,072,692 to refurbish and extend the current building in Grange Gardens.

The result will be a multi-functional community facility that will provide opportunities for education, training, health promotion and enterprise development, with a café, office and meeting spaces.

There are also plans to improve the existing

grounds to create an accessible green space and an orchard and pollinator garden.

The aim of the initiative is to help make Grangetown an even better place through developing world-class research, teaching and volunteering opportunities that are co-produced between the community and university for mutual benefit. Since 2013, more than 150 undergraduate architecture students, as well as students studying business and architecture masters, have worked with Community Gateway to develop ideas for the building as part of their research and learning.

For more: www.cardiff.ac.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 9

ad v ertisi n g feature h e a lt h

It's all in the mind Is your mindset more important for fitness success than the program you follow or the diet you eat?

W

e started working with Richard Jones from Paramount Interiors some 18 months ago and for a little while it worked. We got Richard back in the gym after a very long break having been active as a semi professional cricketer many years previously.

In Richard's case a busy job, a niggling injury and the fading of initial enthusiasm meant the drive to lose weight was losing significance by the day, and soon the project and the dream became dead in the water and the job was left undone – an all too familiar story.

Often a desire to get fit, change job or circumstance doesn’t quite make the mark however well intentioned we are. We set SMART goals, we say the right things, but still the job doesn't get done.

So what can separate the haves from the have nots? Those people who complete on whatever task they set themselves up for, be it fitness, personal or business?

Often it is habits….Stephen Covey talks about the seven habits of highly effective people, which is a process of putting a structure in place to achieve the things you aspire to.

Think back to when you achieved something you are proud of. It is likely that you put steps in place to achieve your success. It might have been against the odds, or against the advice of others but somehow you managed it and now you look back with pride at what you achieved.

Richard is now back in training. So what has he changed this time around…?

1. Richard has found something to train for – a deadline and a challenge.

2. Using wearable technology, Richard has now made himself accountable. All activities are tracked and there is nowhere to hide. His results are down to his actions.

3. We have built in time to reflect on what has or has not been achieved each week. Either way lessons are learned and acted upon.

4. Richard follows a training program designed specifically for his goal.

5. We have encouraged Richard into classes and a training environment where he feels comfortable training with others.

6. By telling friends, work colleagues and anyone else who will listen that he is fighting in June, he has created a form of commitment to others.

7. Richard has taken ownership of the project and a mindset of ‘if it's meant to be then it’s up to me.’

So whether you want to lose weight, get fit for an event or build a business empire creating successful habits will give you the best chance of success. That's why we are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with the Chimp Management company to provide mindset training for those looking to understand how to get the best out of themselves.

To find out how we can help you Simon.Harling@elitefitness.co.uk. www.elitefitness.co.uk

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LOCAL

●

HANDMADE

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LUXURY

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UNIQUE

01446 677 171 info@adamelliot.co.uk Unit 51, Vale Business Park, Cowbridge CF71 7PF

www.adamelliot.co.uk

Adventures in party-going

CONGRATULATIONS! TO A L L T H E W I N N ER S O F T H E 2 018 CA R D I FF L I FE AWA R DS

Main photo by JAKE MORLEY Winners photos by STUDIO 87

Almost a month on from the Cardiff Life Awards, we’re still feeling the love from what was a truly spectacular event for Cardiff businesses. It was the biggest in the five years of the Awards – and was widely-acclaimed as the best.

All the winners can be seen in their smiling glory on the following pages. Huge congratulations to everyone who scooped a beautiful award for their trophy cabinet; also to those who were highly commendeds and all the finalists; and many thanks to all those who attended and celebrated alongside their friends and peers.

Led by our charismatic host Nigel Owens, the sell-out Awards were held at City Hall in an evening long on celebration and deep 14 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

on emotion and which was still trending on Twitter two whole days afterwards after an online explosion of anticipation, celebration and congratulations.

A giant Cardiff Life magazine cover was created for guests to pose behind, to commemorate the night. Don’t forget to check out the next issue when there will be plenty of pics of all the evening’s fun and celebrations.

Of course, a massive thanks go to our sponsors Cardiff Airport, Savills, Cardiff BID, WSET, Genero, Chapel 1877, Capital FM, Cardiff Blues, Robertsons Solicitors, Lexus Cardiff , Cardiff City FC, Introbiz, Lanelay Hall and Trendy Products.

And next year..? It’ll be happening all over again, 14 March…

See you then!

For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

ARTS WINNER:

CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE BAR WINNER:

DEAD CANARY

BUSINESS SERVICES Sponsored by

WINNER:

NEW DIRECTIONS

CHARITY Sponsored by

WINNER:

DREAMS AND WISHES CAFÉ/COFFEE SHOP

WINNER:

COMPASS COFFEE

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CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

CREATIVE Sponsored by

WINNER:

4WOOD TV AND FILM

EDUCATION Sponsored by

WINNER:

MEDIA ACADEMY CARDIFF

GASTROPUB Sponsored by

EVENT

Sponsored by WINNER:

WINNER:

THE FOX AND HOUNDS

CARDIFF OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL: EVERYMAN 17

HAIR & BEAUTY WINNER:

JONES THE BARBER

16 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING WINNER:

ACE FEET IN MOTION

HOMES & INTERIORS Sponsored by

WINNER:

ARTISAN INTERIORS

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Sponsored by WINNER:

BLAKE MORGAN

LEISURE & TOURISM Sponsored by

WINNER:

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 17

CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

PROPERTY WINNER:

DESIGN MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP

NEW BUSINESS

WINNER:

AMDANI FITERTAINMENT PARK

RESTAURANT Sponsored by

WINNER:

ASADOR 44 RETAILER

WINNER:

PAPERCLIP

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CARDIFF LIFE AWA R D S

PLATINUM AWARD WINNER:

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2018: THE FINALISTS Arts • Chapter Arts Centre • Everyman Theatre Cardiff • Ffotogallery • Hijinx • The Other Room • Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama • Rubicon Dance • Sherman Theatre • Welsh Proms Cymru Bar • The Dead Canary • Lab 22 • Laguna Bar & Kitchen • The Lansdowne Pub • Pennyroyal Business Services • 11th Hour Events • Abbey Glass • CBOF Group • EffectiveHRM • Glamorgan Telecom • Introbiz UK • New Directions • Red Recruitment • UpriseVSI Café / Coffee Shop • Brød • Caffi Sio

• Compass Coffee • Corner Coffee • Octavo’s Book Cafe & Wine Bar Charity • The Aloud Charity • The Autism Directory • Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales • BulliesOut • Challenge Wales • Dreams and Wishes • Girlguiding Cardiff and East Glamorgan • Huggard • Live Music Now Wales • The Wallich Creative • 4Wood TV and Film • Cowshed • Do Digital Realities • Elfen • Jammy Custard Studios • Jessica Draws Media • Orchard Media and Events • Studio Severn Design Education • Cardiff and Vale

College • Celtic English Academy • Codez Academy • Media Academy Cardiff • St John’s College • Techniquest • Urbasba • Westbourne School Event • Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival • Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival: Everyman17 • Experimentica at Chapter Arts Centre • Kidney Wales • WasteLess Suppers Gastropub • The Conway • The Discovery • The Fox and Hounds • The Lansdowne • The Pilot Hair & Beauty • Belle Toujours • Cardiff Beauty Clinic • Goji Hair • Guy Christian Salon

• Jones the Barber • Little Miss VIP • Madame Wax Health & Wellbeing • Ace Feet in Motion • Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales • Food Cardiff • Hotpod Yoga Cardiff • Bupa Dental Care Penarth and Laser Clinic • Laguna Health & Spa • OlsenFitness • Park Place Dental Practice • PPPphysio Homes & Interiors • Artisan Interiors • Design Management Partnership • EvergreenWales • Project One • Studio Severn Design Legal & Financial • Blake Morgan • Bowden Jones Solicitors • CJCH Solicitors • Greenaway Scott • Howells Legal

• Le Gros Solicitors • Martyn Prowel Solicitors • Penguin Wealth • Romilly Financial Leisure & Tourism • Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre • Cardiff International White Water • Clayton Hotel Cardiff • Hilton Cardiff • Insole Court • Park Plaza Cardiff • Techniquest • Wales Millennium Centre New Business • Amdani Fitertainment Park • Asador44 • Barney & Beau • Lanelay Hall • One Mile Bakery Cardiff • Paperclip • Proactive First Aid Solutions • Roath Brewery • Sadler Jones • The Studio

Property • Ateb Consult • CBOF group • Design Management Partnership • Howells Legal • Le Gros Solicitors Restaurant • The Admiral St David • Asador 44 • The Classroom Y Dosbarth • Giovanni’s Restaurant Group • I Giardini di Sorrento • La Cuina • The Potted Pig Retailer • Barney & Beau • Castle Fine Art • Kiti Cymru • Paperclip • Penny Lane Vintage • Trendy Products

THE 2018 JUDGES Adrian Field

Carmela Carruba

Emma Leeke

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Jessica Shipman

Karl Baranski

Mike James

Natasha Williams

Pete Grzonka

Simon Rogers

Victoria Rees-Price

T H E A L B A N Y G A L L E RY

DAVID BARNES, ALED PRICHARD JONES, STEPHEN YARDLEY 12th April - 5th May View the exhibition on our website www.albanygallery.co.uk 74b Albany Road, Cardiff, CF24 3RS | T: 029 2048 7158 | E: info@albanygallery.com Gallery open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am-4pm

Music/theatre/film/more

INTO THE FOLD The internationally acclaimed artist Cerith Wyn Evans has unveiled a major new neon sculpture at National Museum Cardiff. Radiant Fold (…the Illuminating Gas) has been created specifically for Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and is the second donation made through the Contemporary Art Society’s Great Works scheme.

The work is on display in Gallery 24 until 2 September.

For more: www.museum.wales

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 25

L E G A L a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Fair shares Do you need expert legal help with family matters?

BERRY SMITH LAWYERS in Cardiff and Bridgend, experts in this field, can answer all your questions.

I

am currently getting divorced from my husband after 20 years of marriage.

Whilst I worked during the marriage, these were mostly secretarial/ administrative roles with a low salary. In contrast my husband had his own company, which has been very successful and helped pay for our lifestyle and the home.

We are currently trying to resolve financial matters, but my husband is saying he should have the lion’s share due to his special contribution (i.e. we wouldn’t have had so much money if he hadn’t worked so hard).

between the roles of the husband and wife.

Your husband could try and argue that he made what is referred to as a ‘special contribution’ to the marriage. However, this is increasingly difficult and, as one judge described it, “as rare as a white leopard.”

Advising on the merits of division of financial property on the breakdown of a relationship is, ultimately, a complicated matter and you should consider taking expert legal advice before agreeing anything with your husband. CL

a: In a situation where parties have been

married for a long time (usually more than five years), in broad terms, the court will aim to achieve a fairness in dividing the available assets between the husband and wife. In the vast majority of cases the court will afford equal weight to the parties’ contributions to the marriage, it being unlawful to discriminate

Please feel free to contact our family team for advice on a whole range of family matters on 02920 345511. www.berrysmith.com

Katie McColgan, Partner (Family Department) at Berry Smith

6 April – 6 May

Ciaran Lavery comes to Clwb Ifor Bach; Shrek the Musical; Fat Friends the Musical (both at Wales Millennium Centre)

Plays/Shows/ Performance 10 – 2 2 APRI L

SHREK Based on the story and characters from the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk 12 AP RI L – 5 M AY

TREMOR Lisa Diveney (Green Green Grass) and Paul Rattray (Jamestown, Game of Thrones) play Sophie and Tom, a couple torn apart in the aftermath of tragedy. Coming face to face four years on, the realisation hits that trauma can not only tear you

apart, it can change you forever.

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

& Fire, and more, are all brought to life in “soulsational” style!

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

human and the humorous to the intricately technical and dynamic.

Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk

17 – 24 AP R IL

24 – 28 AP RI L

1 2 – 1 4 A PRI L

NATIONAL THEATRE CONNECTIONS Connections is the National Theatre’s annual festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools and is one of the most vibrant and important events in the youth theatre calendar. It gives young people invaluable experience of professional theatre-making.

Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

LOVE FROM A STRANGER A whirlwind romance with a handsome and charming stranger sweeps Cecily Harrington off her feet and she recklessly abandons her old life to settle in the remote and blissful surroundings of a country cottage. However, her newfound love is not all that it seems… New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.com 21 AP R IL

1 3 A PRI L

SOUL LEGENDS! The hits of Barry White, George Benson, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Wilson Pickett, Chaka Khan, Earth Wind

28 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

TRANSITIONS DANCE COMPANY: TRIPLE BILL 2018 Transitions Dance Company returns with a brand new triple bill of specially commissioned contemporary works with pieces ranging from the poetically

NORTHERN BALLET: JANE EYRE The ultimate heroine, Jane Eyre’s journey to overcome the odds is one of literature’s finest love stories. With choreography by Cathy Marston, and music played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, Northern Ballet’s brilliant dance actors will bring this tale of romance, jealousy and dark secrets to life. New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.com 24 – 28 AP RI L

FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL The hit TV show Fat Friends from award-winning national treasure Kay Mellor has burst onto the stage in a brand new

W H AT ’ S O N

musical, with original music by Nick Lloyd Webber.

Join the infamous group of TV’s most loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmers by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Wales Millennium Centre; www.wmc.org.uk 2 6 APRI L – 5 M AY

BELONGING Don’t miss one of the most powerful and uplifting plays of the year, with performances that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure.

Chapter; www.chapter.org 3 0 APRI L – 5 M AY

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue! New Theatre; www.newtheatrecardiff.com 1 – 2 M AY

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION It’s May 1997. Tony Blair has won the election and Katrina and the Waves have won Eurovision.

Britain is the coolest place in the world. At the local secondary school it’s a different story. Miss Belltop- Doyle can’t control her year 10s, Mr Pashley has been put in charge of a confiscated tamagotchi and Miss Turner is hoping that this muck-up day goes smoother than the last.

Tobias, the German language assistant, watches on. Things can only get better. Sherman Theatre; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

Comedy 8 AP RI L

GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF A health scare sees George banned him from the family kitchen, but relocated to the garden shed his imagination and resourcefulness lead him to build an improvised kitchen there instead. During an inspiring and inventive evening of stand-up,

ARTS

live cooking and comedy lecture, George prepares a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner using the most unconventional of methods.

Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk 1 8 A PRI L

ALEX WILLIAMS: MAKE THE WORLD A BANTER PLACE Alex is a genuine online superstar with views in the hundreds of millions and almost three million total social media subscribers and followers across his platforms.

His edgy and original style has garnered him fans across the globe. Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk 2 4 A PRI L

THE HORNE SECTION Following their hit BBC Radio 4 series, and many years of sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s West End, don’t miss everyone’s favourite Dictionary Corner regulars on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the first band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC 2)!

Expect a heady mix of spontaneous stand-up, spectacular performance and outlandish musical talent led by the brilliant comedian Alex Horne (Bafta nominated Taskmaster, Dave). St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 2 7 A PRI L

DAVID BADDIEL: MY FAMILY, NOT THE SITCOM Following a sold out run at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory and two criticallyacclaimed West End runs, David Baddiel brings his Oliviernominated one-man show to Cardiff. My Family: Not the Sitcom is a show about memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, moral policing on social media, golf, and gay cats.

St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

2 9 A PRI L

CRAIG CAMPBELL: EASY TIGER The majestic mountain moose in a tiger striped onesie brings his thrilling new show ‘Easy Tiger’ out of the Fringe jungle and onto the world stage for his 3rd solo tour. Queens and Toms pack some nip and prowl on down to screech and howl the night away!

Glee Club; www.glee.co.uk

The tale of Jane Eyre told through dance by the Northern Ballet

Music

back catalogue. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

7 AP R IL

14 AP R I L

JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN WALKER Crafting their elegant and sophisticated sounds through lush chamber ensemble orchestrations and expressive, adroit guitar technique, the pair create something uniquely stunning.

Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net

GIRLI Described as veering “between PC Music, bubblegum pop, punk and rap, each one treading a line between catchy and deliberately discomforting”, you’re sure to be in for an incredible experience.

Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 17 AP R I L

8 AP R IL

ROY ORBISON IN DREAMS: THE HOLOGRAM UK TOUR After years of speculation and rumour, audiences will soon be able to witness a true music legend coming back to life before their eyes. In a first-ofits-kind event, a holographic Roy Orbison will once again perform his biggest hits in top venues across the UK backed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in this transformative live entertainment concert experience. Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 9 AP R IL

BRYAN FERRY Roxy Music front-man and pop icon Bryan Ferry returns to St David’s Hall, performing tracks from the highly-acclaimed album Avonmore, alongside classic hits from his solo and Roxy Music

SARAH TRICKEY (VIOLIN) AND ROBIN GREEN (PIANO) Acclaimed violinist Sara Trickey joins forces with the supremely talented pianist Robin Green for a powerful programme of Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann and Kreisler. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 18 AP R I L

THE SOUTH The South feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. They play the songs made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and excitement with the nine piece live band performing the classic Beautiful South songs including A Little Time, Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold and Don’t Marry Her. The Globe; www.globecardiffmusic.com w

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ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

2 0 APRI L

NASHVILLE: THE FAREWELL TOUR Stars of the hit television series Nashville head to Cardiff.

Featuring Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio. Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 2 5 APRI L

TOKIO MYERS Tokio Myers isn’t a person who is terribly bothered by convention.

The multi-talented pianist, composer and producer, who stormed to victory on Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, is a man on a mission. Fusing the classical music he fell in love with as a young child with the beats and textures of the dance music he immersed himself in in his teens, Tokio is a compelling example of what can happen when you throw away the rulebook. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 2 8 APRI L

BOY AZOOGA Boy Azooga is the project of Cardiff-born Davey Newington.

After the storming success of ‘Face Behind Her Cigarette’ they’re coming home to Cardiff as a part of their tour of the UK. Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net 1 M AY

THE WATERBOYS Ever since Mike Scott first brought The Waterboys to public attention their career has been marked by storied departures.

Staking out bold, new territory with fresh approaches and inspirational collaborators has been the defining factor of Scott’s creative flow. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 4 M AY

TEARS FOR FEARS Having sold 30 million albums worldwide, performed to countless sold out audiences, and won various awards, Tears For Fears are one of the most influential bands to have come out of the UK. Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 5 M AY

CIARAN LAVERY In 2016 his sophomore album Let Bad In, won the Northern Ireland music prize. Lavery is now fresh

from his tour of Europe, the UK, US, Ireland and Canada, you don’t want to miss this intimate gig.

Clwb Ifor Bach; clwb.net

Art 7 A PRI L

THE AFFORDABLE STREET ART FAIR The Affordable Art Fair is an event bringing together around 15 quality graffiti and street artists to exhibit and sell new work. The show is a unique opportunity to buy affordable art directly from the artists themselves.

The Boiler House graffiti gallery, Canton; www.boilerhousegraffiti.co.uk 1 1 – 1 5 A PRI L

EXPERIMENTICA18: ABOUT TIME EXPERIMENTICA is Chapter’s annual festival of live art and this year is talking about Time: Duration, Action, Space and Perception. The 2018 festival is inspired by a new commission by artist Rhodri Davies which investigates differing notions of time as experienced by an international ensemble of collaborating musicians.

Chapter; www.chapter.org U N TI L 1 9 A PR IL

GOGONEDDUS YCH-A-FI GLORIOUS DISGUST Surrealists in Wales and their associates from further afield have teamed up with Cardiff Metropolitan University to organise an exceptional group exhibition on the theme of revolt, ‘Gogoneddus Ych-a-Fi Glorious Disgust’. The show features the work of 30 contemporary artists and writers from Wales, the UK and abroad, either directly involved in surrealism or associated with it. B Block Gallery Space, Cyncoed Campus; www.cardiffmet.ac.uk U N TI L 2 8 A PR IL

ELFYN LEWIS The exhibition features more than 20 new works on paper board depicting vivid landscapes abstracted to the point of ambiguity. Revelling in paint as a material, Elfyn’s work is the result of numerous processes, reactive gestures and loose markmaking, revealing the history of the work’s construction on the

30 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Paul Rattray and Lisa Diveney in Tremor

textured surface; TEN. Home gallery; www.gallery-ten.co.uk

Book now

F R IDAY 1 3 AP RI L (3 DAYS )

GLAMORGAN v CARDIFF MCCU MCCC University Match, 11am.

SSE Swalec; www.glamorgancricket.co.uk

17 J ULY

JAMES TAYLOR & HIS ALLSTAR BAND Legendary singer-songwriter and multiple Grammy award winner, James Taylor & His All-Star Band, has teamed up with Bonnie Raitt (and her band) to announce an extra UK show in Cardiff.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk 14 – 16 DEC EMBER

ELF: A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Elf, the hit West End and Broadway musical based on the Hollywood blockbuster movie starring Will Ferrell, is to be supersized into a Christmas spectacular starring David Essex and Martine McCutcheon.

Motorpoint Arena; motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

Sport SATUR DAY 7 AP R IL

CARDIFF CITY v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS Sky Bet Championship, KO 7.45pm. Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

SATURDAY 2 1 AP RI L

CARDIFF CITY v NOTTINGHAM FOREST Sky Bet Championship, KO 3pm Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk SATURDAY 2 8 AP RI L

CARDIFF BLUES v OSPREYS Guinness Pro14, KO 5.45pm Cardiff Arms Park, www.cardiffblues.com SATURDAY 2 8 AP RI L

CELTIC DRAGONS v TEAM NORTHUMBRIA Vitality Netball Superleague, 4pm.

Sport Wales National Centre, www.celticdragonsnetball.com F R IDAY 4 M AY (4 DAY S )

GLAMORGAN v KENT Specsavers Country Championship, 11am.

SSE Swalec; www.glamorgancricket.co.uk SUNDAY 6 M AY

CARDIFF CITY v READING Sky Bet Championship, KO 12.30pm; Cardiff City Stadium; www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Going underground As Derren Brown prepares to take his show Underground around the country in 2018, he talks about the controversy raging in the US around The Push, reflects on the future of magic entertainment and hints at what’s to come with his new Netflix special

I never aimed to

shock for shock’s sake

ONE TO ONE

ARTS

Hi Derren! Can you tell us a bit more about what to expect from Underground?

It began as a show to take abroad for people who hadn’t seen me.

It is made up of all the best bits of the previous tours, put together to form a new show with its own stand-alone integrity. The result, everyone felt, was such a strong show that we decided to tour it here under the banner of a ‘best of’. The material has been re-envisioned and re-worked (and by its nature is different from night to night anyway). People who come after having seen those previous shows are telling me they are being caught out and surprised again, which is great to hear.

You’ve gone on record as saying Underground has been the most rewarding show you’ve created. Can you tell us why?

Firstly it’s all the best material. So nothing feels like filler: it’s the absolute favourite routines, been picked from 15 years of touring. That’s a great starting point. Then I get to re-work them as the performer I am now, for some of them that’s 15 years on. But perhaps above all I have worked this in more than any previous show. I took a different production of it out to NYC, and have performed it pretty much every night for ten months: it’s reached point of total comfort for me, where everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong, every possibility has been explored, and it’s a total delight to go out and enjoy night after night.

2018 will mark the 15th year that you’ve consecutively toured with a live show. When you started out in 2003 did you ever imagine you’d establish this genuine and durable bond with the British theatre-going public?

Ha! No, not at all, though I started off as a live performer, so I suppose it’s always been my first love. Any sort of magic is always better live than on TV so I’ve let the television work move into a very different area while keeping the mind-reading and so on for the stage. I’ve worked with the same couple of guys – Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor – for almost all of the shows, which is invaluable. We really understand what goes into a show and how to work together to make it happen. And how to make it over-deliver: to give you more than you expect. It’s been huge fun for us all to go back through the material, choose our favourites, and re-work them into a new and coherent show. We each have our own strengths and somehow they all come together to make a big bundle of joy.

The Push [which explores whether social pressure can influence people’s moral compass enough to make them commit unspeakable acts, including murder] has just received its Netflix global release. Were you expecting such a controversial reaction?

With people being more used to me here, I’d forgotten that the premise of such a show might cause outrage if you didn’t know me.

Possibly if you do. Plus I’ve been tied up with editing the brand new one that’ll go out later in the year, which I am sure will press some sensitive buttons. So I hadn’t really thought much about The Push.

As I write this I’m on my way to LA to do some TV interviews, so I guess I’ll find out what they think. I’m sure for British fans who have seen The Push already, such a reaction must be faintly amusing.

Looking back on when you first filmed the special, how do you compare its reception to then and do you think it has more relevance to audiences now? Especially in the US? Yes – at the time it was about the personal stories we tell ourselves, and living by our own script rather than that of our parents and so on. For me it was about that level of things. Now, if it has a relevance, it chimes with how we see what’s ‘normal and acceptable’ being altered, and how that can stir people into justifying bad behaviour. Inch by inch, the landscape shifts under our feet. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 35

ARTS

ONE TO ONE

You’ve just finished filming your new, as-yet-scheduled Netflix special. Anything you can tease us with yet?

Nope. But if the US was outraged at the idea of The Push, I dread to think what they’ll make of this one. But when indignation strikes, I normally head to Florence for the weekend.

In 2019, you’re planning to tour America with Derren Brown Secret. Does this mean we won’t be seeing you perform in the UK that year?

Quite possibly. Might be a bit much to do both in one year. But home is where the heart is and so on, so I won’t be gone for long.

Your Secret show was a big success in New York, but why did you wait this long before taking a stage show abroad?

And why do you think the time is right now?

There are all sorts of grown-up considerations involved in getting a show together, on or off Broadway; you have to have investors and new producers and whatnot. It takes a while. I’ve barely done anything in the US over the years as I wanted to make sure I did it properly and in a way that was enjoyable. Going the stage route seemed to be the most fun option: I’ve always enjoyed stage more than TV. Talks had been going on between the grown-ups for some time and then one day it all came together. The weather was nice, it’s an extraordinary city, and I made some new friends. It was a delight.

Do you still have that desire to shock audiences?

I’ve never aimed to shock for shock’s sake – such a thing isn’t that shocking at all. I try to find a strong dramatic hook, a good intelligent reason for doing it, and not pull any punches. Some of the shows have been ‘noisier’ than others: after ending the world for poor Steven in Apocalypse, I had a group of OAPs steal a painting from a gallery. So I try to stay interesting, make strong dramatic work, and let the shows grow up with me as my own interests change. I think that’s the best anyone can do.

I GET

The advantage of travelling so much has been the opportunity to focus on one of your abiding passions – street photography. How did you get started on that and tell us about the book you have coming out soon.

Ah yes! This has been a passion for a few years now.

Street photography is a kind of candid photography, out and about on the street, and has its own noble historical niche. When you’re well-known you get used to keeping your head down without even knowing you’re doing it: taking pictures has kept me more engaged. Plus I get bored and glum if I don’t have a creative project to work on: a camera is such a portable thing and keeps you very present and on your toes. I love it. A book with a bunch of my pictures and some words I’ve written about it should be coming out soon. Current title is Meet The People With Love.

Do you think the future of magic-inspired entertainment is in safe hands?

I’m sure. More than anything we need to experience surprise when we watch magicians of any sort, so the performers who just offer minor variations of whomever is in vogue at the time won’t ever quite cut it. But every now and then someone comes along with a genuinely original vision and it’s all rather exciting again. There’ll always be new physics or technology we don’t quite understand that will prove to be a rich source of magical premises. At one point the new science of electricity was almost exclusively used by magicians for demonstrations. Next it’ll be quantum physics: it’s already used as a catch-all for The Law of Attraction and other New Age nonsense, because it sounds impressive and is sufficiently misunderstood. I’m sure a future wave of magi will find their home there.

BORED AND GLUM IF I DON’T HAVE A CREATIVE PROJECT TO WORK ON

Although your career has seen you go beyond the boundaries of conventional magic and pave the way for a new generation of performers, are you still a magician at heart?

I’m not sure. I never want to show people tricks in real life. It’s a strangely childish preoccupation. Occasionally I see a great magic show – the last one was Derek DelGaudio’s In and Of Itself, a magic show of sorts in New York, and I get excited to be part of that world.

36 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

But the things that used to delight me – card tricks and so on – tend to leave me cold nowadays. So I’m not sure where I’m at with it all. I’m just following my nose through it all and letting it take me wherever seems enjoyable.

Finally, you’ve inspired a lot of people with your book Happy but what truly makes you happy?

Well, writing the book made me very happy. I think I’m at my happiest engaged in a project like that.

Reading and writing for hours on my own makes me feel very good. Especially as I tend to do it most when I’m on tour, so I get to then go out and show off on stage for a couple of hours after being tucked away working. A big source of happiness is having meaning, and immersion in a creative project certainly offers that. And being outward- rather than inward-looking: letting your sense of self spread out and connect with others - or at least something outside yourself. I feel that strongly when I’ve been reading the right sort of book and then I step out into the street and feel all warm and gooey towards everyone. That’s the best feeling. It’s important for us to find our own ways of getting lost in something bigger than ourselves: that’s how we find meaning, and we are meaning-seeking creatures.

Derren Brown Underground will be at the Wales Millennium Centre from 8–12 May; www.wmc.org.uk

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GARDENS

GOOD GROWING Ahead of this year’s RHS Flower Show Cardiff, we catch up with a father and son team who are preparing their very first Show Garden

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ichard and Adam Davis are gearing up for a busy few weeks as they prepare to create ‘Cwm Caerdydd’; their debut Show Garden at this year’s RHS Flower Show Cardiff, which will take place in the city’s stunning Bute Park from 13-15 April.

Richard and Adam – who together run garden design and landscaping company Evergreen Wales – plan to create a garden that could “literally have erupted from the ground overnight.”

Adam, who lives in Cathays, explains: “Our Cwm Caerdydd garden is designed as a space to relax and enjoy some family time after the stresses and strains of a day in modern life. We wanted to focus on the way that the user feels while interacting with this garden and not just what they see, smell, touch and hear.

“We’ve designed the space to echo the natural terrain that surrounds us here in South Wales. Whether you enjoy mountain biking, climbing, hiking or simply driving through Wales, you’ll be familiar with the elements within our garden.

“This design deliberately doesn’t include ultra-modern, sometimes jarring architecture – the aim is very much to create a relaxed

natural feel. We’ll have the ‘Cwm’ seating area, a cave hideaway, woodland area and waterfall section and we are aiming to achieve the illusion that this garden has erupted from the ground overnight and just happens to have appeared in the centre of the Cardiff show.

If we can pull it off, we’ll even have a rainbow!

“We try and source as many materials as possible from Wales and will be using up to 100 tons of soil, approximately eight tons of Welsh pennant stone and more than 500 plants. There’s a pretty big task ahead of us but while we’ve had trade stands at the show before, we’ve never done a Show Garden so really wanted to make a great first impression – it’s an exciting challenge.

“The Cardiff Show is the first major outdoor RHS Show of the season and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our garden to enjoy the very best of our vibrant valleys, within the city.”

As well as the spectacular show gardens, visitors to the RHS Flower Show Cardiff will also be able to enjoy floral displays, interactive activities and brand new Regeneration Gardens.

WE’VE DESIGNED THE SPACE TO ECHO THE NATURAL TERRAIN

For more www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff

A computer generated image of how Evergreen’s Show Garden will look

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t r av e l & t o u r i s m a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

due south History, food, shopping and music: isn't it time you paid a visit to Exeter?

E

xeter is a beautiful city steeped in over 2,000 years of history. At its heart stands its magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Cathedral Yard itself is dotted with cafes and restaurants in which to sit and watch the world

go by.

Find out more about Exeter’s fascinating history on a free Red Coat Guided Tour, running daily throughout the year, or head to the city’s award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum to take a voyage of discovery from prehistory to the present day through 16 galleries of displays.

Descend beneath Exeter’s streets to explore a remarkable network of subterranean passages, constructed in medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into the city – the only attraction of their kind open to the public in Britain!

Head to the picturesque Quayside to enjoy some great food and drink at one of the waterside pubs or cafés, or hire a bike or canoe to explore Exeter’s historic Ship Canal.

Find out more about Exeter’s rich maritime history at the 17th-century Custom House Visitor Centre.

The city’s compact size makes it the perfect shopping destination. Divided into distinct shopping quarters, a great choice of shops can be found within easy walking distance of each other, from large department stores such 40 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

as John Lewis to quirky independents tucked away in interesting arcades in the West Quarter and cobbled Gandy Street.

When it comes to refreshment stops, Exeter is a foodie’s heaven. The choice of eateries is vast, from weekly farmer’s and street food markets to real ales in historic pubs and fine dining choices. Be sure to visit Queen Street Dining, Exeter’s newest premium dining destination, the perfect place to sample the finest fare from local food heroes to unique cuisines in cool casual surroundings.

Exeter’s love of local food and drink is celebrated each year at its annual Festival of South West Food & Drink. Taking place this year between 5- 7 May in the courtyard of Exeter Castle and surrounding Northernhay Gardens, this year's festival will have an even stronger focus on music with live bands throughout the day in Exeter Castle, plus a separate evening event, Exeter Beats, promising a great line-up of music, street food, cocktails and local beers. Buy tickets at www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.

Venture a short distance from Exeter to visit a number of award-winning visitor attractions.

Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is a popular family favourite with over 100 acres of beautiful countryside and 60 rides and attractions to get the heart pumping. CL

Win a family break in Exeter…

Including a 3 night glamping break with theme park tickets at Crealy Adventure Park & Resort; entry to Exeter’s Underground Passages and £100 to spend at your favourite Queen Street Dining Restaurant. www.visitexeter.com/ summercompetition

Whatever your tastes, be sure to Visit Exeter. Go to www.visitexeter.com or call 01392 665700 to start planning your visit.

ARTS

F E S T I VA L

WHO DOESN’T WANT

TO GO TO A HARRY POTTER

PARTY?

READING WEEKS

Celebrated authors and illustrators will once again bring a cast of colourful characters and amazing tales to inspire and entertain little literature lovers this spring, as the Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival returns to the Welsh capital over two weekends in April

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he award-winning festival for young bookworms is set to host more than 40 exciting events in English and Welsh at iconic venues across the city centre including Cardiff Castle, City Hall and National Museum Wales.

Aimed predominately at children aged from three to 11, the festival hopes to help create and nurture lifelong readers with its varied and inspirational programme. And if you’ve always fancied yourself as the next Roald Dahl or Julia Donaldson, there are creative writing workshops for adults too.

We’ve picked out some of the hottest tickets from the festival’s two week programme which are sure to be hits with children of all ages.

42 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

GASPARD THE FOX WITH ZEB SOANES AND JAMES MAYHEW (Sunday 22 April 12pm age 4+) Zeb Soanes will be familiar to many as the voice of the BBC Radio 4 6 o’clock News, the Today programme and the Shipping Forecast. After befriending an urban fox in his Islington garden, who he named Gaspard, Zeb signed a three-book deal with Welsh publisher Graffeg to write a series of children’s stories based on their unique friendship. Illustrated by the award-winning James Mayhew, the first Gaspard the Fox book will be published in May and Gaspard already has her own following of thousands on Twitter. Young fox fans at the Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival can learn all about urban foxes from Zeb and learn how to draw one with James Mayhew. The book signing includes a special paw-print from Gaspard.

F E S T I VA L

ARTS

HARRY POTTER PARTY WITH FLEUBLE LAFFALOT (Sat 21 April 2pm age 8+) Who doesn’t want to go to a Harry Potter party?

Any young (or old!) Potterhead will enjoy this family-friendly journey through J.K. Rowling’s much-loved books, with the chance to take part in some of the most iconic elements of Hogwarts life – the Sorting Ceremony, Care of Magical Creatures and of course, Spells and Potions.

REBEL O FERCH!/REBEL GIRL! (28 April 4pm age 9+) 2018 marks the centenary of the suffragette movement and this year’s festival is playing host to real-life, 21st century rebel girl, Lowri Morgan.

The inspirational ultra-marathon runner will be answering questions about her adventures and talking about her heroes from Straeon Nos Da i Bob Rebel o Ferch, an adaptation of the hit book Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women.

NICK COPE’S SONGBOOK (Saturday 28 April 3pm age 4+) Join popular singer-songwriter Nick Cope as he sings the songs from his books Why is the Sky Blue? I Don’t Wanna Do That and (The Story of the) Very Silly Dog. Eagle-eyed parents from the Britpop era may also recognise Nick as a member of 90s indie band, The Candyskins.

Now a children’s songwriter, Nick’s hilarious, uplifting, and poignant songs have garnered acclaim from audiences all around the world including comedians Stewart Lee and Lucy Porter.

With his songs about headlice, dogs eating soap and dragons visiting second-hand shops, Nick’s concerts are a treat for adults and children of all ages.

ALIEN RAIN WITH RUTH MORGAN (Sunday 22 April 1pm age 9+) Many of the key scenes in Welsh writer Ruth Morgan’s high-octane YA sci-fi thriller Alien Rain take place in the National Museum of Wales, one of the author’s favourite places. Festival-goers can join Ruth for an incredible behind-the-scenes tour of the museum while she describes how the iconic building’s special atmosphere inspired the story, with readings and discussion about how different Cardiff might look two thousand years in the future.

MELLTEN AND MORE! WITH HUW AARON (Sat 21 April 3pm 8+) If you’ve got an enthusiastic little illustrator at home, this is their chance to come and meet the creator of Wales’ Best Comic, Mellten (Y Lolfa), Huw Aaron, who will show them how to create their very own amazing comic and share it with the world.

The two weekends are packed with fun, book-related activities

BERTRAM LIKES TO SEW (Sat 21 April 1pm Age 5+) Like modern-day Wombles, the Water Vole family have moved into the bottom of the garden and they care about their environment and recycling.

The youngest of the family, Bertram doesn’t like swimming like other water voles, but he does love to sew. Despite his family and friends encouraging him to swim, he busies himself with sewing and repairing his family’s clothes. Join Monmouthshire-based felter and author Karin Celestine at this sweet and gentle event, as she reads from her new book Bertram Likes to Sew and learn how to make a teddy bear together.

WRITING FOR CHILDREN & GETTING PUBLISHED WITH HORATIO CLARE & PHILIPPA MILNES-SMITH (Wed 25 April, 7pm, Adults) If you’re in the middle of a creative writing project, or just need some inspiration then this is the event for you. Packed with insider’s advice from top children’s literary agent, Philippa Milnes-Smith and multi-award-winning author, journalist and radio producer Horatio Clare.

Philippa Milnes-Smith was managing director of Penguin Children’s Books for many years, and Welsh-British author Horatio’s Aubrey books have been long listed for the Carnegie Medal, They will be sharing their experience, answering questions and giving top tips on creating the best stories for children, and getting those stories published.

The event will be chaired by Cardiffbased author Claire Fayers whose Accidental Pirates series is published by Macmillan Children’s Books.

For more: www.cardiffkidslitfest.com www.gwylllenplantcaerdydd.com; Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 April

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FILM

ARTS

(Clockwise from left) Early Man; join in an animation workshop; The Breadwinner

GETTING ANIMATED Chapter is hosting the Cardiff Animation Festival 2018 – a four-day celebration of animated film from 19 to 22 April

By M EGA N PR IC E

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he festival will comprise six themed programmes of some of the best animated short films from around the world. Of the nearly 500 animated shorts submitted, 99 were chosen by the selection panel to be screened in competition for the Best Short and Best Student short award, and audiences will have a chance to vote for their favourite to win the Audience Award.

The highly anticipated The Breadwinner from multi-Oscar

nominated studio Cartoon Saloon will screen ahead of its official UK release. The stunning animated drama about a little girl living under Taliban rule is directed by Nora Twomey and produced by Angelina Jolie. The features programme will also include Early Man from Aardman, with Animation Director Merlin Crossingham from Aardman giving insight into the film’s creation.

CAF will celebrate Chuck Steel: Night Of The Trampires, the independent stop motion feature film everyone is talking about, made in a warehouse in Bridgend by Animortal Studio. Director Mike Mort will give CAF audiences an exclusive look behind the scenes of the film. The festival will also play host to the Trampires themselves, who are set to take over Chapter with their very own four-day exhibition – a chance to get face to face with the incredible puppets from the film, the amazingly detailed miniature streets of LA, and meet the hero himself, Chuck Steel.

A range of family-friendly events throughout the weekend will include an incredible chance to see behind the scenes of the multiBAFTA-winning preschool favourite Hey Duggee, as well as a range of workshops giving children and adults the chance to try animation for the first time.

CAF will also include: ‘Industry Day’ for budding directors and creators; Cardiff Animation Nights, the popular independent animation screening event that the CAF team cut their teeth on; the launch of ‘Anim18: A Celebration of British Animation’, which takes place across the UK from April to November 2018; and much, much more.

A BRAND NEW CELEBRATION OF ANIMATION IS COMING TO CARDIFF

There will be animation workshops for children and adults

For more: www.chapter.org

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C R E AT I V E CARDIFF

In the CREATIVE mood From makers and musicians to branding and blogging, when it comes to creativity, Cardiff’s got it all covered!

T

By E M M A DA NC E

here’s certainly no shortage of talent in Cardiff. And no-one knows that better than the team at Creative Cardiff – a network set up to connect people working in any creative organisation, business or job in the Cardiff region. Creative Cardiff’s Creative Economy Project Officer Kayleigh Mcleod shared her insight on this vibrant sector.

“Cardiff’s creative scene, cultivated over many years and integral to the identity of the city, is absolutely thriving,” she says.

“And it is growing at a pace; recognised as both the key hub for creative industries in Wales and one of the UK’s top ten cities for growth in numbers of creative businesses.

“We have a burgeoning film and television cluster which is rapidly putting Cardiff on the map as a place to create high quality screen content across a range of genres, from drama to fantasy, factual to children’s.

“From our research and activity we know that music, performing and visual arts is the largest creative sector in Cardiff. And following the grassroots campaign, Save Womanby Street, Cardiff was declared as the UK’s first Music City in 2017 and work is in progress on a music strategy which will place ‘music at the heart of

Cardiff’s future’.

“At the launch, Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas said: ‘For Cardiff, and for Wales, culture and creativity are up there with our greatest strengths.’

“We also know that Cardiff has particular strengths in design, crafts and immersive tech as well as educating creatives of the future in fields such as architecture, journalism, fine art and drama.

“Increasingly these graduates, as well as the flourishing freelance and small business community, are finding homes in the array of creative hubs which have opened in the last two years including Rabble Studio in Cardiff Bay, The Sustainable Studio for artists and makers and Grangetown’s Tramshed Tech.

“These coworking spaces are a timely addition to the city’s ever-evolving creative ecosystem which is already home to many national organisations, working internationally in disciplines including dance, theatre and opera.

“It feels like levels of ambition have never been higher and that the stars are truly aligning for Cardiff creatively: we have the will, the skill and the overwhelming drive to use creativity to make a real difference.

“Creative Cardiff exists to make Cardiff the most creative place it can be – a capital of creativity if you will – and we feel like the city is well on its way!”

CARDIFF’S CREATIVE SCENE IS ABSOLUTELY THRIVING

50 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MUSIC MAN

Dan Minty (better known as simply “Minty”) runs a weekly podcast for Cardiff called Minty’s Gig Guide To Cardiff which previews the live music scene in the city and keeps people up to date with gig announcements across all the city’s venues.

What do you think being “creative” entails?

I think just doing something because you feel the passion within you to do it.

Tell us about something you’ve done that you consider really creative?

Putting together a map of 30 of Cardiff’s live music venues, I’d say. I love how our work shows the parity between massive venues like the Principality Stadium and the smallest, such as the Transport Club.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspirations would be Huw Stephens and Bethan Elfyn, who, when I was a teenager, championed new fresh music and pushed the envelope out in terms of what band got covered. They’re the reason I do what I do now.

Any upcoming exciting projects you’d like to tell us about?

Big things on the horizon…but I can’t say no more!

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

It’s vibrant, that’s for sure and it’s definitely on the rise!

C R E AT I V E CARDIFF

ICE, ICE BABY

Carly Karran is the creator and director of Science Cream.

Science Cream makes home style, microbatch ice cream and desserts from scratch, freezing the ice cream to order using liquid nitrogen in the Castle Arcade parlour.

Science Cream isn’t your run-of-the-mill ice cream parlour. But what’s the most creative thing you’ve done, do you think?

Being creative is one of the true joys of ice cream making and we’re so lucky to be in a position where we get to do this.

We like to take a different approach to classic flavours. We find our customers like to order what they know, but at the same time they want it to be modernised or have some sort of twist. For example, one of our classic ice cream summer sundaes is ‘Afternoon Tea’, where we make strawberry ice cream, cucumber jelly cubes, mini scones, raspberry macaroon, clotted cream, popping candy and flame torched Italian meringue.

We love to spend quieter periods coming up with new flavour combinations, but last year we spent a lot of time out of the kitchen experimenting with interactive demonstrations to entertain budding scientists for our children’s parties. We finally decided on glow in the dark slime making, super sour sweets, cinnamon nitro volcanoes and nitro balloon babies.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

We really enjoyed being invited on ITV’s This Morning with Phillip and Holly but we’re probably most proud of being mentioned in The Guardian’s Best Cheap Eats, being named Olive magazine’s Ultimate Ice Cream parlour and in The Times’ top ten ice cream parlours in the UK.

MATERIAL GIRL

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

We’re super proud of it. There has be a real resurgence of great independent businesses and events in Cardiff over the past few years. We love to take part in street food events and the creative design in the brands and quality in street food traders really is something special. It’s something that I hope Cardiff treasures and continues to support. w

Natasha Owen is a contemporary textile/practitioner who specialises in digital and recycled textiles. You may have spotted some of her creations have been in the windows of the Greyhound Rescue Wales charity shop on Albany Road.

Tell us about what you think is your most creative project?

Definitely my graduate show, I created digital silk scarves that were taken from photographs of derelict places within South Wales.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

It’s wonderful! The art and music scene speaks volumes here. There is always something going on, whether it’s a seasonal art show or a band playing in a peculiar venue – it’s great.

PHOTO CREDIT OWEN MATHIAS

How would you define “creative”?

Being creative is a passion, a lifestyle and a talent, it’s a best friend that listens to your great and not so great ideas. It is something that you will always have and something that no one can take away from you. That’s why people are so over protective about their artwork I guess, because many thoughts have been processed in to one specific artwork that it becomes a piece of oneself.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 51

C R E AT I V E CARDIFF SHE’S IN FASHION

Jayne Pierson is a high end luxury ready to wear, couture and bespoke fashion designer.

What do you think makes a “creative” person?

Someone with a compulsive desire to create. This is an emotive response that has nothing to do with commerce. It is pure, emotional and compulsive in the truest sense of the word.

Which of your projects do you feel is the most creative?

Every collection I propose is my most creative to date as I push myself every season. I work nearly

two years ahead of high street labels and stores. As a high-end label the onus is on us to create seasonal stories two years ahead of everyone else – this is done by using instinct, many years of research and innovation.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My children.

What’s next for you?

This is my tenth year in business as my eponymous label. I’m showing a catwalk show at London Fashion Week which will be my 20th show there.

LIFE ON FILM

Jonny Campbell is a filmmaker, cameraman and editor working for SSP Media, a Cardiff production house which creates content with brands, arts organisations, charities and for TV. What do you think it means to be “creative”?

That’s a hard question, but to me to be creative is to have the urge to be engaged in the act of making something.

I think that is the same across all creative disciplines; music, design, painting, filmmaking, architecture etc. The only difference is the medium through which that urge is realised.

Who or what inspires you?

I don’t think I have a single biggest source of inspiration, but rather I am inspired by what other people are creating around me. Firstly, that comes from my colleagues – we all have a shared passion for what we do and at the same time we are learning from each other’s work.

Secondly, from other people around me. We are based in The Sustainable Studio which is a fantastic community of creative people, working across a huge range of disciplines from ceramics to app development, but all sharing that passion for making things.

Lastly, and related specifically to filmmaking, I am inspired by the work that people are creating around the world and sharing online. Over the past decade the technology surrounding filmmaking has become increasingly accessible and affordable which means that lots more talented people have the ability to see their ideas through to fruition, and are sharing them with the world through online platforms. To be able to view even a small selection of work is a constant source of inspiration.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

We see a real passion for creative industries in the city that seems unique to Cardiff in that it is often paired with a real passion and pride for the city, wider region and Wales as a whole. The Save Womanby Street campaign in particular was a wonderful outward expression of that passion that brought together all sorts of people. The challenge, it seems, is to continue to push for infrastructural and policy changes that allow this passion for the creative industries to better manifest itself both through the cultural and physical fabric of the city.

52 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

C R E AT I V E CARDIFF

Tell us about one of your most creative projects?

The most creative projects are almost always the most ambitious projects, our shipping container transformation for Welsh Water was impressive, turning a very mundane object, into an amazing exhibition pod to tell people more about what the client had to offer, so it became a portable water bar for festivals.

A STRONG MESSAGE

Guto Evans and Gwion Prydderch are founders of Elfen, a multi award winning bilingual design company based in Cardiff Bay. Formed in 1998 the company has built a reputation for creating captivating images, powerful messages and successful brands that deliver impressive results for a wide variety of clients.

How would you define “creative”?

It’s the ability to think differently, it’s almost an approach to a problem that isn’t restricted by practical issues or preconceptions. “Magic” as our clients would refer to it as!

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

As graphic designers, anything that is creative but isn’t graphic design, so we look to architecture, artists or fashion designer for inspiration, someone who has a different approach, or set of skills to ourselves.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

It’s always developing. When we started in 1998 it was hard to get recognition beyond the border, now its commonplace to see our designs or other creative Cardiff companies work in international magazines or on blogs all around the world.

HANDS ON

Beth Morris runs creative art workshops for adults and children from The Dairy at Insole Court.

What does the term “creative” mean to you ?

My favourite quote is by Albert Einstein “Creativity is contagious…Pass it on.”

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

As a mum of three very young artists, it would be hard not to say my daughters are my inspiration. They are the reason I started Beth Morris Workshops. As a former senior fashion lecturer and author, taking time off work to have kids was a tough decision. It was even tougher to get back into education following a career break. However, being a mum has made me a better teacher.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

Probably the worldwide publication of the second edition of my book Fashion Illustrator. It was published in 13 countries and several languages. I had two children under two at the time of writing it and sourcing the illustrations! The creative elements I cover in this book are what shape me as an educator and motivator today.

WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

Polly Thomas-Colquhoun is an illustrator, artist and the assistant manager of Greyhound Rescue Wales’ charity shop on Albany Road.

What do you think the word “creative” means?

Creative is powering your thoughts with imagination.

Tell us about your most creative project to date?

I have been working closely with local composers experimenting with the possibilities of cross-collaborative arts. Part of this was designing and producing an opera, The Middle of Nowhere, written by composer Connor McLean of RWCMD and performed in St Teilo’s Church, Cardiff. Having no previous experience of producing an opera (and no budget!), creativity was key. I’m happy to say the opera was a great success!

Also, as assistant manager of Greyhound Rescue Wales’ Cardiff shop, I’m able to use my creative skills widely – especially when creating window displays. I approach the windows the same way I approached the opera, by looking at what resources I have and thinking of the most imaginative way that I can turn them into something beautiful.

What do you think of the creative scene in the city?

I think the creative scene in Cardiff is thriving. I have met so many creative people who are all producing amazing and exciting projects.

I feel very lucky to be a part of it! w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 53

C R E AT I V E CARDIFF

SPANISH STEPS

Montserrat Prat is the owner and executive chef at La Cuina in Pontcanna.

What do you think the term “creativity” means?

For me it’s that little twinkle that makes me engage with something, that draws me towards something and that makes me participate in something.

Tell us about one of your most creative dishes?

I made a soup out of rosemary, garlic and water!

What inspires you?

The hands of the humblest people who, with very little, produce wonderful things.

THE ART OF LETTER WRITING

James Lewis is an artist and social media influencer. He undertakes many art and design projects, teaches 3D lettering workshops and offers social media consultancy. Check out his art on his Instagram feed @JAMESLEWIS. What do you think “creativity” is?

Creativity can be seen as this mystical attribute that only certain people possess but I see it differently. I believe that we are all inherently creative. We live in a remix culture, meaning as a society we encourage and appreciate derivative works that combine or edit existing creations to produce a new creative work.

The most creative work is usually two seemingly different things, combined in a fresh new way, creating meaning on top of the prior creations.

Tell us about one of your projects that

you consider particularly creative.

One of the most creative projects I’ve worked on is a collaborative art print I’ve designed and printed with a local graffiti artist. We teamed up to combine our skillset and artistic style to create an art print that reflects us both and contains a positive message, something that I’m really passionate about.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration isn’t a person or political cause but an internal drive to spread empowering message which I do every day throughout my art and my posts on social media. There are a lot of negative stories that we get bombarded with everyday so throughout all the work I create and the words that I speak publicly I act as a countering force to this negativity by focusing on inspiring people and businesses to live up to their best potential.

MEDIA DARLING

Scott McGlynn is a LGBT+ activist, blogger, model, presenter and celebrity podcast interviewer. His podcast, The Scott McGlynn Show, can be found on iTunes.

PHOTO CREDIT SALLY NGUYEN

What does the term “creativity” mean to you?

Creativity means to me doing something you enjoy, are passionate about and something that relates to you, and thinking outside the box and not doing what others are doing.

Tell us about what you think is your most creative project to date?

Right now, I’d say my book, which will be 54 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

There is a flower growing, but it needs to let go of its institutions.

out later this year. It took a lot of hard work to get it perfect. But I’m also very proud of my show which I created from scratch, without knowing very much about how to do it! From my first episode in January last year the progress has just been amazing and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I have a lot of inspirational people in my life, my partner being number one. I also look up to Ian Mckellen, Adam Rippon and Ellen DeGeneres – seeing what they do is just incredible and they are huge role models for many.

C R E AT I V E CARDIFF MAKING SPACES

Leanne Rudman is an interior architect at Portabella, working on exciting and innovative projects around Cardiff. She looks at the spatial planning of Portabella’s residential projects and creates designs for both bathrooms and kitchens within the developments.

What do you think is meant by “creative”?

I would define creative as something fresh, something that hasn’t been done before and is original. I think creativity comes from thinking outside the box and allowing your imagination to generate new ideas that will inspire others.

Can you tell us about what you would consider to be one of your most creative projects?

Our Churchills development in Llandaff is the most creative development we have undertaken.

This residential development incorporated old and new with the addition of seven new-build properties to complement the existing two listed buildings that stood on the site.

In addition, we currently have our Brickworks development underway.

This is our largest development to date, with 100 apartments in the rapidly emerging South Central district. As part of the development, the ground floor on Trade Street will house independent businesses with the fifth floor boasting a west-facing social roof terrace for residents and their guests.

What do you think of the creative scene in the city?

I think Cardiff is a capital that is always developing and bringing to light new and creative experiences for the public. We recently held our This is Us event in conjunction with our Brickworks development, where we were lucky enough to utilise some of the growing creative talent that Cardiff has to offer.

DESIGN FOR LIFE

Sian Elin Thomas runs homewares brand Sian Elin, which is Scandi modern in style, pastel bright in colour, and all hand-drawn and designed by Sian herself!

How would you define “creative”?

An ability to think completely outside of the box and solve problems that others can’t.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I am really inspired by some of the surface pattern designer greats such as William Morris and Joseph Frank.

They both completely changed the world of design where it stood in that moment in time.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

One of the most memorable is when my designs featured on the front cover of the London Evening Standard during the London Design Festival. I had started the business less than a year before and so it was incredibly exciting and amazing to have my designs acknowledged in that way.

Any upcoming exciting projects you’d like to tell us about?

I have a new collection coming out in the next couple of months. I am really excited about the designs as I have had loads of fun creating them, and they are a slightly different direction than before.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

I think it’s young and dynamic – there are a lot of new creative scenes, companies, and groups popping up all over the city. And I think that’s going to gain even more legs over the next five years. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 55

C R E AT I V E CARDIFF

HOME TRUTHS

Ceri Hill is the design director at handmade kitchen company Chalkhouse Interiors.

What does the term “creative” mean to you?

For me being creative isn’t about adding showy gimmicks that you quickly tire of, it’s about looking at a space and considering the best way to make the most of it, looking past what’s there and seeing the possibilities, creating something that will give lasting pleasure.

What do you consider your most creative project to date, and why?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, my most creative project was also one of the most difficult, not because of budget or space but because

A CUT ABOVE

Greg James is the creative director of Goji Hair, looking after the creative side of the hair, beauty and barbering salon in Pontcanna.

How would you define “creative” ?

For me, it’s using my imagination to create something original for the client. They often come to me with a brief – either for a new look, wedding hair or for a big event and I love the opportunity to work with them to extend their original idea and suggest alternatives to create something really individual.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

There is a wealth of British hairdressing talent and I keep up-to-date with the latest trends by following top stylists such as Sam McKnight 56 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

of the constraints imposed by the floor plan from the architect.

The house was an imposing new build and even though the kitchen space was huge by most people’s standards it lacked a focal point. By changing doorways, adding in a vast chimney mantle and creating a walk in pantry the kitchen certainly creates visual impact whilst also functioning superbly. The most creative touch was including the single item on the client’s wish list, a curved seating booth. Maintaining a sense of balance and visual appeal was vital, so the size and scale of the booth was juxtaposed with the bank of tall larder units at the opposite end of the room.

How would you describe the creative scene in the city?

Cardiff is a vibrant city, full of creative talent and an inspirational place to be.

and Errol Douglas but I believe it’s important to follow my own creative path, too.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

It would probably be having Goji featured as the only Cardiff salon in Vogue’s list of top salons outside London. We also set up our own photo shoot last year using our Oway organic colour range and the results were really exciting.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

Really buzzing. Cardiff is a great melting pot of independent businesses and entrepreneurs.

There are so many creative individuals around and it’s great to meet up and bounce ideas off each other.

HEART OF GLASS

Angelina Hall and Cathy O’Doherty run Glass by Design, a working glass studio in Penarth where they make, display and sell our own work as well as running a comprehensive teaching programme in stained and fused glass.

How would you define “creative”?

Having original thoughts and ideas, then applying them to your chosen medium with flare.

Tell us about what you think is your most creative project to date?

It’s always our current project. Working with clients to design unique pieces becomes an all-consuming process. Wrestling with the complexities of glass ensures that the finished pieces will be treasured for years to come.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Fortunately, we have very different inspirations which make our work very different. Angelina, is inspired by our architectural heritage, coastline and landscape, while Cathy loves word play, humour and bringing nostalgia into her pieces.

Any upcoming exciting projects you’d like to tell us about?

We are launching a community project, commemorating the end of World War One. This will involve drop in glass making sessions creating pieces to go in our feature window which will be on display throughout October/ November 2018.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

Cardiff is vibrant and buzzing and it’s lovely to see it spilling over into Penarth.

TREADING THE BOARDS

Peter Harding-Roberts is the chairman of Everyman Theatre “endeavouring to lead the company into ever more adventurous and challenging projects!”

What do you understand by the word “creative”?

Recognising that it is a word that has no bounds.

Tell us about what you think is your most creative project to date?

A double bill production of Journey’s End and Blackadder Goes Forth, that my colleague Richard Thomas and I will be staging in Chapter in November 2018.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Ambition is my inspiration.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

Being involved in what is now the Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival: Everyman18 since its inception in 1983 – and more than doubling the number of its productions in the seven years that I was Festival Chairman from 2005 to 2012.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

The Cardiff creative scene is thriving and buzzing – but should ever aim for the stars. Whenever you reach a destination – look for the next one!

WRITE ON

Lucy Christopher writes novels and stories for young adults, and sometimes for other people too. She is also a lecturer in Creative Writing and a coach in creativity.

Her new book Storm-wake is out now.

Being “creative” means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?

Creativity is simply the act of making something. We are all creatives, and making things is integral to who we are – making art, making babies, making gardens, making homes ... Creativity is the thing that sets us apart as such an amazing human race.

Tell us about what you think is your most creative project to date?

It would have to be my most recent novel, Stormwake. It’s a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, though set in the modern world and written within the structure of a Shakespearean five-act play. Within it, I am trying to urge the reader into a debate about what it means to tell a story: how the act of creating is always made up in equal parts of what is real and what is unreal, what is conscious and subconscious.

I am trying to get the reader to be simultaneously embroiled in the story I tell, as well as be thrown out of it by the play structure it has. Through this process I’m hoping for the reader to think about the fact that this is a story I am telling – only a story – and that they themselves are as much part of its creation as I am.

What do you think of the creative scene in Cardiff?

It’s brilliant! Cardiff is getting more and more vibrant each year and it’s super-exciting to see the literature scene starting to really take off.

HERE’S WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CARDIFF CREATIVES:

Minty: www.mixcloud.com/mintysgigguide / @MintysGigGuide Natasha Owen: @_the_textile_diaries Carly Karran, Science Cream: www.sciencecream.co.uk / @sciencecream Jayne Pierson: @jaynepierson Jonny Campbell, SSP Media: www.sspmedia.co.uk / @sspmediauk Elfen: www.elfen.co.uk / @elfen_branding Beth Morris: www.bethmorrisworkshops.co.uk / @B_M_workshops Polly Thomas-Colquhoun: www.pollycolquhoun.co.uk / @pollykhoon James Lewis: www.jameslewis.com Scott McGlynn: www.scottmcglynn.net / @scottmcglynn Montserrat Prat, La Cuina: www.lacuina.co.uk / @LaCuinaCardif Leanne Rudman, Portabella: www.portabella.co.uk / @portabellauk Sian Elin Thomas: www.sianelin.com / @SianElinDesign Ceri Hill, Chalkhouse Interiors: www.chalkouseinteriors.co.uk / @chalkhouseint Greg James, Goji Hair: www.gojihair.com / @gojihair Glass by Design: www.glassbydesign.co.uk / @glass_by_design Peter Harding-Roberts: www.everymantheatre.co.uk / @everymancardiff Lucy Christopher: www.lucychristopher.com / @LucyCAuthor

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A R T S a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Be inspired to create...

Get your creative juices flowing at one of Glass by Design's workshops

H

ave you always wanted to learn a new skill? Why not join us here so we can share our passion for glass with you. All of our courses are suitable for beginners and we will guide you steadily through the processes so you leave with a one-off designed stained glass or fused glass piece!

We are ‘hidden’ away in Station Approach, Penarth; get off the train and you are here!

Class sizes are very small (no more than four people) and you can book your own bespoke day or follow our list of courses. Lunch is provided on full day courses. Ask us if you require a team building day for a larger group as this can be arranged.

Our classes are also a great idea for anyone celebrating a special occasion, either as a gift, or as a group activity. We also run courses with

other makers in needle felting and wire.

There is a programme of children’s holiday workshops, and a special community project coming up! Contact us to discuss what you would like to do and we'll be pleased to help! CL

sales@glassbydesign.co.uk www.glassbydesign.co.uk Phone: 029 20705317 Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

C R E AT I V E SPECIAL

STUDIO TIME We take a closer look at one of Cardiff’s coolest creative hubs – The Sustainable Studio

Wor d s by STAC E Y OW E NS Photo g raphy by OW E N M AT H I A S

F

or many people who work in the creative industry or run a business from home, it is important to be surrounded and situated in a space that can stimulate inspiration for new ideas. Entrepreneurs and freelancers alike face the challenges and distractions of having to run their business from home, and staring at the same four walls day-in-day-out can sometimes be uninspiring, demotivating and isolating.

But, over the last few years, co-working spaces have been popping up across the country and have become the new desired location where creatives are choosing to work. Located a short walk from Cardiff Central train station is The Sustainable Studio – a creative hub in the heart of the city. The Sustainable Studio has breathed a new life in to an old industrial warehouse, and not only offers a co-working space for those who use it, but also highlights the values of making strong connections in a close-knit community.

Founded in 2016 by sisters Julia Harris and Sarah Valentin, and launched in the April of the same year, the studio is a place where like-minded people can come to work and let their creative juices flow.

“We have always had that drive to create a space where people could gather and create.

We wanted to provide a place that is not this ‘member’s only type club’, but more of a space where people feel welcomed to come and build on w 60 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

C R E AT I V E SPECIAL

WE ALWAYS HAD THAT DRIVE TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE

PEOPLE COULD GATHER

AND CREATE The Sustainable Studio is a creative hub in the heart of the city

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C R E AT I V E SPECIAL their skills set. We wanted to produce a platform for people to thrive, as for us, it always been about helping people,” says Julia.

“There’s a real problem with urban loneliness and we wanted to tackle that. People have noticed just how much more they’re getting done and the mentality of enjoying work compared to working from home is much greater,” continues Sarah.

Unique to The Sustainable Studio is its furnishings and design, with pop-up studios designed by interior design students from the University of South Wales. Ensuring that the sustainable element of its name runs through the business, most of the furnishings, fixtures and fittings are made from reclaimed wood and pallets, with items all having had a previous life elsewhere. The office space pods are built in a way so that they can be taken down and put up again for any future spaces or possible expansions, making sure none goes to waste.

Sarah’s passion for a sustainable lifestyle stems from time spent living in the Seychelles when she found herself inspired by the population’s way of life and their preservation of materials.

She brought this enthusiasm back to Wales and shared it with her sister, and soon both of them were adopting sustainable principles in all aspects of their life, including in their fully sustainable fashion label which they started back in 2007. Then, in 2016, they had the idea for the Sustainable Studio.

“We’ve tried to be resourceful in every way possible as we didn’t have any funding for the studio,” says Sarah. “ After three months of searching we came and saw the original floor in this studio and we were blown away by the size

62 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THIS

SPACE LENDS ITSELF TO THE ARTS

Julia Harris and Sarah Valentin

and space. It had been derelict for ten years but we really saw the potential to create something special that would last a long time. From sanding the floors and painting the walls, we’ve put a lot if genuine love into creating the studio.”

“One of the main aims of The Sustainable Studio is to encourage creative students to stay in Wales and do their practice here; to be a part of the next chapter of creatives and we wanted to create a space for them to do that,” adds Sarah.

Over the past couple of years, the studio has attracted creatives from all walks of life, thanks to the variety of flexible spaces. It also has an events space and has has hosted a variety of businesses and organisations from all over Cardiff, and it currently holds weekly events from yoga classes to zero waste sewing sessions. In the past it has provided the perfect setting for quizzes, fashion shows, live music and art exhibitions and has been funded solely by a crowd funder and people power. Sarah and Julia want local authorities to value spaces such as The Sustainable Studio and recognise that there is a need for them to exist.

“This space lends itself to the arts really well as we can be really flexible in its functions. We feel like we’ve done a lot of the building over 16 months and we haven’t relied on funding.

We’ve had love and people power that has made everything happen,” says Julia.

“It just goes to show the strengths and depths of relationships we make. Cardiff allows those relationships to be made and it’s a healthy business model building a business on relationships. We’re now looking forward to trying ideas this year and we’d like everyone who contributed to and supported the crowd funder to make this second floor possible, we couldn’t have done it without you,” continues Sarah. w

Reach the best in the west Auent, active and inuential and just a call away

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

Award-winning Media Planning & Buying Specialists w: themediaangel.co.uk | t: 02921 320 200

C R E AT I V E SPECIAL MEET SOME OF THE SUSTAINABLE STUDIO’S RESIDENT CREATIVES! Jenny Løvlie, creator and founder of Løvlie Illustrations, is a children’s book illustrator from Norway who uses the studio as her go-to place for work and inspiration What is your background Jenny?

I always wanted to draw but in Norway you don’t really have any pure illustration courses so I wanted to find something that was a bit more in-depth. I started looking at the UK and chose to study Illustration and Animation at Kingston University in London. I have been running my company Løvlie Illustration for nearly four years now.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your work My work is inspired by the Arctic landscape, Scandinavian design and folklore. I’m very strongly rooted to my home town of where I grew up and I love using bright colours to bring my drawings to life.

What attracted you to Cardiff?

I came to Cardiff after never visiting it before and I loved it! I discovered how fresh the art scene is and how it’s ever-growing. I feel like London has peaked on the creative side whereas things have just started to happen in Cardiff. The first two years living in here I was working from home and it was just dire – I didn’t have anywhere to go or anyone to talk to, I just felt really isolated. Two years ago I found The Sustainable Studio on Twitter and thought I’d give them a go so I came in for some hot desking days and just knew this was so much better for me. The diversity of skills and craft shared in one building brings a wonderful sense of community and it’s a very non-threatening environment with loads of lovely people.

What’s the best thing about being a creative in Cardiff?

Cardiff is so fresh and young, there are so many opportunities just popping up. It’s an affordable city that allows me to focus on my passion, and it has a lovely art community! The creative community is having a massive growth and everything right now is just bubbling under the surface.

Graduates Ben Blyth and Sam Padget from the University of South Wales create high quality films and documentaries under their business name, 74 Productions. They have recently returned from a trip to Norway where they have been following a reindeer herd and looking at the lifestyle of reindeer herders in the Arctic.

What attracted you to this studio in particular?

We were looking for an office space that was low cost and easy to commute to.

64 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

A lovely illustration

by Jennie Løvlie

We looked around the studio and really liked the people here and the feeling of a genuine supportive community. What’s great about this studio is that we have our own individual space along with the open communal areas, we didn’t see many others offices that had both. We have a pod here which feels like our own personal office when doing our work, but a quick step outside of the pod and we have a nice area suitable for bringing clients to.

What benefits do you get from working here as opposed to working from home?

It’s nice to have other creative people around you, there’s a really friendly environment in the studio where we can feel inspired by others and share our ideas.

It’s also nice to have separation of work from home and have a place to actually commute go to; to close the door and finish work for the day. The vibe and furnishings are also really welcoming and it feels like a home from home.

C R E AT I V E SPECIAL Creamicist Karen Dawn Curtis, has been a member of The Sustainable Studio since its opening in 2016 and hasn’t looked back since.

After studying ceramics in Loughborough, she returned to Cardiff in 2007 to complete a Masters course, Karen received funding in March 2016 which enabled her to carry on with her career in creating functional ceramics. You can find her situated on the original first floor of the studio, usually covered in clay and chatting away surrounded by beautifully hand crafted items.

You have a lovely space set up here, what made you choose TSS? I’ve known Sarah and Julia for years so when they told me they’d be opening up this space I instantly knew that I’d have to try it out. I originally took on a two-bed house and planned to work from there, but I’m a massive extrovert and found it really isolating and knew that working from home just wasn’t for me. I moved to The Sustainable Studio in June 2016 to trial it out, and I just love being here.

Has working in this sort of space benefitted your business?

I would say so yes. I think this space has helped me develop because of the interactions you get with other makers. You can take something you’re working on and ask for feedback. Also creatives tend to thrive with other creatives, you see others doing and it inspires you. Lots of individual people have different skills, there was a man who had a sales background working here and I learnt a lot from him about sales for my own business. I learnt a lot of skills that I didn’t already have.

CREATIVES TEND TO THRIVE WITH OTHER CREATIVES

Karen Dawn Curtis hard at work in the studio

Why Cardiff? And what’s next for you?

We both studied in Cardiff and knew it was a place we wanted to stay in for a while. I grew up in London (Sam), but what I like about Cardiff is that we’re in the process of growth and the creativity is just coming out, it’s nice to be on the wave and seeing things grow from the start. What’s next?

Well, we’ve just returned from Artic Norway filming a reindeer herd and the culture of reindeer herding. We’ll probably make two more trips before editing a thought provoking film on their lifestyles.

Ben Blyth and Sam Padget

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 65

H A I R a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

#Girlboss Blog Award-winning Guy ChristiaN SALONs launch a new blog celebrating the female of the species

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rom month to month, Guy Christian Salons see hundreds of women, all of whom inspire and wow us with their dedication to their family, friends, jobs and lives. But every now and then we come across someone who’s trailblazing a path for others to follow; someone who you’d like your daughter to meet; someone who’s equalising the gender balance one day at a time.

Each month, we’re going to talk to one of these women to find out what makes them tick, what their aspirations for themselves and others are and how they got to where they are now, all the while doing what we do best… delivering great hair and making people feel amazing.

Launched on International Women’s Day, model and entrepreneur Jess Davies, featured as our very first #Girlboss and underwent an incredible hair transformation for the photoshoot going from ash blonde to muted copper.

Colouring your hair can be as dramatic or as subtle as you like! Whether it’s a bold colour like Jess’ or a gorgeous balayage for a softer, natural-looking effect, it’s a great way of updating your look and giving your hair a new lease of life without sacrificing length. Our highly qualified colour technicians include in-house Wella Master Colour Experts, professionally trained to assess and colour your hair to the shade that suits you best.

Come in for a consultation if you’re ready for a change. Be brave, you’re in very safe hands and if it’s a deal you’re after, then book in for our Charity Day on Sunday 29 April where all profits of the day go to the Alzheimers Society and clients will get 25% off all services (T’s & C’s apply).

To read the first #Girlboss blog and see more of Jess’ amazing transformation, go to www.guychristian.com/the-girlboss-blogjess-davies/ CL

Photo by Guy Christian

Guy Christian. Unit 9 Capitol Shopping Centre, Queen Street, Cardiff, CF10 2HQ 02920473073 www.guychristian.com

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BLOOMING FABULOUS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PETAL POWER…..

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1. SUPER SOAPER

2. WHAT A MUG

3. TOP TRINKET

4. MELT AWAY

5. ON THE TABLE

Dr Bronner’s Rose Pure Castile Liquid Soap, £7.69/237ml This multi-purpose soap is much-loved by celebs including Meghan Markle and Drew Barrymore apparently, so if it’s good enough for them….

From Beanfreaks, 3 St Mary Street; www.drbronner.co.uk

Emma Bridgewater purple pansy ½ pint mug, £19.95 With its purple pansy adornments we reckon this is a pretty perfect mug!

From Kitchens Cookshop, 14 High Street; www. steamer.co.uk

Daffodil Pearl Bracelet Gold, £130-£140 A simply stunning bracelet handcrafted by the super-talented Emma-Kate Francis. What’s more 30 per cent of all the sales of the Daffodil range go to Community Foundation in Wales.

From Craft in the Bay, The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue; www.emmakatefrancis.com

Lavender cupcake bath melt, £4.50 Soak away those stresses with this gorgeous bath melt, which not only smells divine but will leave your with soft, silky skin.

From Miss Patisserie, 7 High Street Arcade; www.miss-patisserie.com

Bouquet glass-top coffee table, £949.99 You might have flowers on your table. But how about making flowers part of your table instead?

From Trendy Products, Unit 4, Havannah Street; www.trendy-products.co.uk

68 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

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6. SMELLING OF ROSES

7. HEAVEN SCENT

8.WRAP UP

9. NICE JUG

10. BURNING BRIGHT

Velvet Rose & Oud Shower Oil, £32 This new Cologne Intense shower oil from Jo Malone London will envelop the skin in silky smoothness and leave it subtly fragranced with a luxurious scent.

From Jo Malone London, St David’s Dewi Sant; www.jomalone.co.uk

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Floral Drops Eau de Toilette, £46/30ml White amaryllis, white daffodil and white lily are at the heart of this fabulously floral fragrance.

From Central Pharmacy, 63-67 Wellfield Road, Roath; www.escentual.com

Designers Guild Silk Scarf, £46.99 Brighten up any outfit with this fabulously floral scarf.

From Hamptons, 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth. com

Secret Garden jug, £65 This jug is part of a “devilishly delicate” collection, all made by hand in nearby Monmouth by the uber-talented Vanesssa Conyers.

From The New Leaf Gallery, 19 Church Street, Monmouth; www.vanessaconyers.com

Wild bluebell candle, £20 Light this candle (which is hand-poured in north Cardiff just a stone’s throw from Castell Coch – just FYI) and fill your home with the fresh floral fragrance with notes of green woodlands, hyacinth, leafy galbanum, jasmine and rose.

From Castell Apothecary; www.castellapothecary.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON CARDIFF LIFE LIFE II 69 www.mediaclash.co.uk 69

SHOPPING

FA S H I O N

IN BLOOM The SS18 catwalks served up an eye-popping bouquet of florals, from scene-stealing summer party dresses, to botanical prints.

Here’s how to incorporate this season’s look into your wardrobe…

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lorals don’t mean you have to aim for a floaty, feminine look. With the power suit back in style, go for a modern look by meshing the two trends together. We totally adore this two-piece from Reiss (2 & 5), available at John Lewis, which offers sharp tailoring with a floral touch. Pair with strappy heels, a statement lip and you’re set for a chic night out.

Feeling feminine? Opt for a floral dress. Take this trend to the tropics and bag yourself this exotic flower printed number from M&S (1). Its balloon sleeves and belted waist are giving us some serious 70s vibes! Alternatively, pick this comfortable yet chic, tulip printed jumpsuit from Whistles at John Lewis (6).

Head to toe prints too brave? Two contrasting prints can easily break up the look. Balance a bold graphic sweater (4), with a subtle, floral printed skirt, like these from Whistles at John Lewis (3).

This coordinated look will have you bang on trend without feeling too OTT. To dress up or down, tuck the jumper in to accentuate the waist and pair with some fresh trainers, like these from Ted Baker at John Lewis (7), for a casual day time look, or a pair of cute heels for an evening out.

There’s no quicker way to add a floral touch to your wardrobe than with statement accessories.

Luckily for you, florals can be found in almost every accessory this spring!

With smaller bags making a big comeback this year, leave your backpacks and totes at home and swap for a petite cross body bag. Or, if you’re not ready ready to chop the bag space the never fear, you can always opt for a stylish shopper instead.

And of course, there’s jewellery too! We are loving these Palm Drop earrings from M&S (8) which offer up a quick way to give that floral flare to any outfit.

As if they’re not cute enough - M&S’s Skin Kind jewellery goes beyond the normal hypoallergenic standards, designed to be extra kind to sensitive skin – win win!

All items available at St David’s Dewi Sant in Cardiff or online at the time of writing. To keep up to date with the latest trends, news and offers, see St David’s on Instgram, Facebook and Twitter (@StDavidsCardiff) or at www. stdavidscardiff.com 72 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

There’s a range of statement jewellery available at Accessorize, all full of flower power!

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1. M&S tropical dress, £45 2. Reiss Fauna jacket navy, £350 3. Whistles Iris Print Tiered Skirt, NavyMulti, £129 4. Whistles Floral Intarsia Jumper, Grey, £139 5. Reiss Fauna trouser navy, £180 6. Whistles Alma Tulip Print Wrap Jumpsuit, £189 7. Ted Baker Ahfira Highgrove Hummingbird Trainers, Multi, £110. 8. M&S Leaf earrings, £12.50 www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 73

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

The Ken Picton salon is a genuinely relaxing place to be

A CUT ABOVE

Before

Ken Picton is so much more than just a hair salon. It’s an experience

By E M M A DA NC E

I

t’s meant to be a treat, isn’t it, going to get your hair done? But actually, I find it pretty stressful. That moment when I sit in the chair and the inevitable question “What are we doing today?” comes, I find myself gripped by panic that invariably results in a minor trim, a quick refresh of the colour to cover up the greys and me walking out with the same basically shapeless mop that I walked in with after having parted with a small fortune for the privilege. And this is when I go to a hairdresser that I supposedly trust. Needless to say, my appointments are pretty few and far between.

So, then, the thought of visiting a new salon filled me with dread. And as I sat in the chair in the Ken Picton salon in Mermaid Quay I was once again engulfed by the familiar wave of fear. This time, though, it was all a bit different. Instead of looking back at me blankly, as I muttered vague

A LOT OF THOUGHT HAS GONE INTO MAKING THE WHOLE KEN PICTON EXPERIENCE SUPER-CHILLED

things about wanting a bit more shape to my style and maybe something a bit exciting in the colour department, Harriet (who’d been enlisted to take care of the colour) and Matthew (who was going to be wielding the scissors) asked me questions and offered advice until between us we came up with a plan to transform my much-neglected mop, all while I sipped on a cappuccino.

Very civilised and, most importantly, very relaxing. In fact, the two stylists had put me so much at ease that I didn’t even flinch when a couple of inches of hair got lopped off prior to it being coloured.

Actually, a lot of thought has gone into making the whole Ken Picton experience super-chilled. With touches like back massage function on the chairs at the hair wash-basins, to the big TV screens and the huge refreshment station in the centre with a proper coffee machine, soft drinks and wine, it’s genuinely a really pleasant place to be.

Usually I spend my hair appointments feeling tense, staring at the mirror intently and trying very hard not to flinch at every snip, in fear of what hair butchery might be taking place but this time, it was completely different. Because both Harriet and Matthew talked me through what they were doing all the way through, checking I was happy with it all, I found I completely trusted them and as the two worked their magic, and the hours passed

After

and the cappuccinos morphed into glasses of wine, possibly for the first time ever in a hair salon, I began to enjoy myself, even to the point that I was almost sorry when it all finished. I say “almost” because I was so happy with the result I couldn’t wait to go out and show it off. My hair is shorter, shinier and more healthier. Gone is the dull brown and dirty blonde ends and instead I’ve got a gorgeously glossy mane of bright chestnut tones. And do you know what? I can’t wait to go back! CL Emma’s cut and finish with Matthew cost £55 and balayage colour with Harriet cost £100.

Ken Picton, 8 Mermaid Quay; www.kenpicton.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 75

The Whites Dental Centre Tell us your story.

Dr Pamela White BDS GDC 52754 Dr Matthew White BDS GDC 52753 Ian Seddon BDS GDC 64868 (Practice Limited to Dental Implants) The Whites Dental Centre in association with Seddon Dental Implant Practice Ltd. 3 Station Road Radyr, Cardi CF15 8AA

Tel 02920843658 info@white-smile.net www.white-smile.net

Limited to private practice.

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N C A R D I F F

Burn, baby burn! (or maybe just a light char, in fact)

FIESTA FUN On 13 April Spanish restaurant Asador 44 will be hosting a Fiesta De Calçotada.

The ‘calçotada’ pronounced ‘kalsotada’ is a Catalonian culinary ritual like no other. A calçotada is a winter barbecue where calçots (a kind of green onion, somewhere between a spring onion and a leek) are packed tight on a grill, charred and then dipped in a rich and nutty romesco sauce. After the calçots comes the meats, add some red wine to help wash it all down and you have understood the basics of the Catalan way of life. The £40 menu includes a glass of cava on arrival, then, the star of the event, the wood burnt calçots, will be served with romesco sauce, followed by cider house sirloin, criollo sausage, charcoal oyster mushrooms, celeriac, morcilla crumb, escalivada, and crispy confit manteca potatoes. To finish, a sumptuous dessert of Catalan cheeses, plus a little fun learning the art of porrón pouring.

A porrón is a wine vessel which has a bulblike body with a handle and a long slender neck from which the wine pours out directly into ones mouth. It’s gonna be messy, and it’s gonna be fun!

For more: www.asador44.co.uk

Eat cake, help the homeless

COFFEE WITH A CONSCIENCE Big Moose Coffee Co has opened its first café in the Cardiff. Aside from serving delicious food and local coffee, Big Moose will be much more than your average coffee shop, it is a café with a conscience.

The team includes people affected by homelessness who are supported by Welsh charity, Llamau. The coffee shop on Frederick Street is run by fatherdaughter duo Jeff and Chloe Smith and offers visitors a friendly atmosphere, whilst helping homeless and other disadvantaged people get back into work and society, by offering part time positions and mentoring.

Underpinned by their ethos of

‘providing people with a hand up not a hand out’, Jeff and Chloe will be working with Llamau to provide individuals with placements at the coffee shop. They will undertake crucial training, providing them with the skills to become Baristas, and the ability to pursue a career in the food and hospitality sector.

In the lead up to opening, Jeff and Chloe launched a seven-day Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the coffee shop’s refurbishment. They surpassed their original target of £20,000 and received more than £30,000 of donations.

For more: www.bigmoose.co

GOING DIRECT Food Innovation Wales has launched Wales’ first comprehensive digital food and drink producers’ directory. The directory, which contains entries from more than 430 companies, has been created to raise awareness and drive sales of Welsh products both nationally and internationally.

Both small and large companies

are featured in the directory which has been produced on behalf of Food and Drink Wales and will be used on trade development visits and exhibitions around the world.

Users can search for a producer based on location, product category, supply channel and certification held.

For more: www.foodinnovation.wales/directory

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 77

F O O D A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

PLUMBERS WITH

PERSONALITY

PIZZA THE ACTION You'll find authentic Italian-style pizzas made with top-class Welsh ingredients at STONEBAKED@BRAVA

No matter what your budget or requirements may be, MWH Heating & Plumbing are dedicated to providing you with the best quality service.

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fter running Brava, the renowned Pontcanna brunch venue, for the last 18 years the owners, Andrew and Lee, have launched a brand new venture, stonebaked@brava. It’s an ‘in-house pop up’ currently running three nights a week serving fantastic artisan pizza. The pizzas are hand stretched then stone baked (as the name suggests) in an oven imported from Italy running at up to 500 degrees to ensure a consistent crispy base.

To hone their craft the duo enrolled at the School of Artisan food near in Nottinghamshire to learn how to make authentic stonebaked pizza properly.

The suppliers list is focused on Welsh producers such as Trealy Farm and Caws Cenarth along with Conti’s ice cream and many more. Acclaimed chef Stephen Terry, of The Hardwick fame, has partnered with the team to design a charity pizza with a donation from each one sold going to Ty Hafan, the children's hospice. The current charity pizza is slow roasted Moroccan lamb, chickpeas, preserved lemon, mint, coriander, pomegranate, finished with natural yoghurt and its truly different and delicious.

The menu includes a selection of small dishes as sides or a starter, including portobello mushroom fries that have become a firm favourite, along with some tempting desserts, Nutella pizza anyone?

Currently stonebaked is open three nights a week, Wednesday to Friday from 4pm. Private parties from 15-35 can book the whole place on a Saturday night. Future plans include more evenings and possible other locations. An inspired deal for a limited time is ‘Beat the Clock’ – between 5.30pm and 7pm the price you’ll pay for each pizza is the time you order. Yes, that’s right order at 6.32pm and your pizza will be £6.32 A delivery service supported by Deliveroo is just about to launch so you’ll soon be able to enjoy hand crafted pizza in the comfort of your own home. Feel free to just rock up or to ensure you get a table call to book. CL

@ BRAVA ---------------- artisan pizza ---------------71 Pontcanna St, Cardiff CF11 9HS. 029 2037 1929 www.bravacardiff.co.uk

Our fully accredited and insured team offers work of the highest standard for all services including:

HEATING

PLUMBING

BATHROOMS

Boiler service Boiler installation Radiator installation Gas Certification

Blockages Burst pipes Leaks Overflows

Design Installation Refurbishment Wetrooms

HIGHLY REPUTABLE PLUMBERS COVERING CARDIFF & SOUTH WALES - GET IN TOUCH NOW T: 02921 673096 | E: info@mwhplumbing.co.uk

www.mwhplumbing.co.uk 78 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

80 I cARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Ale in a day’s work Brew your own beer at Brewhouse & Kitchen

By E M M A DA NC E

I

f you’ve ever fancied making your own beer, now you can. We’re not talking some sort of dodgy home brew, mind. Oh no, this is the real stuff. Stuff that’s actually going to be sold to the public. Don’t panic though. It’s all done under the guidance of Julian Charles Churchfield, head brewer at Cardiff’s newly opened Brewhouse & Kitchen, so there’s pretty much zero chance of it going wrong and therefore even the most amateurish of amateurs can get involved.

I know, because I am that amateur, and I did it. And mighty fun it was too.

Anyone can book in for a Brewhouse & Kitchen brewing experience day, and you get to spend the whole day drinking beer, talking about beer, drinking beer, helping with the brewing process oh, and did I mention, drinking beer. Lots of beer.

I was there as part of a special brewing day to mark International Women’s Day and we were making a new creation called Unite Exotic which was simultaneously being made in each of the Brewhouse & Kitchen’s sites around the UK, albeit with a slightly different twist in every location.

Before we got stuck into the work, Julian, and his delightful assistant Jessie Hallet, explained to us a bit about the different types of beers and how they’re created using various malt and hop combinations. Unite Exotic, we are told, is an Americanstyle ale, a type of pale ale that’s light and on the hoppy

YOU GET TO SPEND THE

WHOLE DAY DRINKING BEER, TALKING ABOUT BEER AND HELPING WITH THE BREWING PROCESS

rather than malty side of the spectrum.

The brewery is small, but perfectly formed, and right there in the pub so whenever you visit there’s a strong chance you’ll see Julian at work. It means it’s easy for us all to get involved, but without being too labour intensive for anyone. And it turns out that there’s plenty of waiting time between tasks like weighing and adding hops and even clearing out the mash tun to ask lots of questions, learn about the whole process from the various recipes used and the different types of hops available, through to the boiling and fermentation method, in order to create their own specialist ale and, of course, get stuck in to the sampling.

The Cardiff Brewhouse & Kitchen might be the 18th site in the group, but each one creates its own beers so you’ll have a different experience in every one. Among the selection in Cardiff, for example, there’s Whitchurch Boys – an English-style ale which pays tribute to sporting heroes Sam Warburton, Gareth Bale and Geraint Thomas who all went to Whitchurch High School, Haka-ed Off which refers to the first game between Wales and New Zealand back in 1905 when the visiting team performed the haka followed by the home side singing the Welsh national anthem, and Y Mochyn Du which is named after the old pub on the site. And now, for a limited time only, our brew, Unite Exotic is also available for sipping. What’s more, a donation from every pint sold will go to Breast Cancer Research.

Now seems like a good time to make a confession. I don’t like beer. Or perhaps, more accurately, I didn’t like beer.

Because after a day of being immersed in the process and having the chance to sample many (and I mean many) of the on-site brews, I have been converted. And while I’m still not likely to order a pint of bitter, a half of American ale might just be on the cards. Like, Unite Exotic for example!

BREWING DETAILS Brewhouse & Kitchen, Sophia Close, Cardiff; Tel: 029 2037 1599; www.brewhouseandkitchen.com Times The Brewery Experience runs from 10am-5pm. Booking is essential Price £85pp including breakfast, lunch, beer and soft drinks throughout the day, a certificate and 5-litre mini-keg of your chosen beer Vegetarian Choice Most of the beers are vegan and you can make a vegan beer Service/Atmosphere Relaxed, friendly and super fun!

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 81

L AW a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Be prepared for GDPR

Sharon Heys

Do you require legal advice to adequately prepare for GDPR? Meet Sharon Heys, the GDPR Lawyer at Bowden Jones Solicitors, as she discusses the ins and outs of GDPR.

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ou may well have heard about the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which is due to come into force on the 25 May. The new law is a major reform of how your personal information is regulated and you may be surprised to hear that its effects will be widespread, even if you don’t consider yourself to be a technical whizz kid or a computer geek.

The changes are being brought about to ensure that when personal data is managed across the European Union consistent rules are applied.

Although the UK is leaving the EU we will be abiding by the new laws as they apply to all those trading with or handling the data of EU citizens.

What changes will UK consumers notice?

What UK consumers really want to know is how the new law will affect them. There are a number of changes that you’ll notice over the next couple of months including changes to the way companies

will be able to communicate with you when they explain terms and conditions and privacy notices.

Gone are the days when companies will be able to grind you down with pages of legal language and complex terms. Information will need to be in plain English so that anyone whose data is being processed is able to understand what is happening to their information.

There are also major changes to consent and the processing of data relating to children which will have significant impact on marketing activity.

The public will also have some new information rights such as the ‘right to be forgotten’ and the right of data ‘portability’.

The GDPR, at its simplest, is a way of protecting consumers from abuse through profiling or marketing activity that the consumer did not agree to. Look out for the changes in the coming months along with the possibility of fines and enforcement action against companies who have not kept data secure.

For more information on these issues, please call Sharon Heys on 02920 484 550. Alternatively, please visit www.bowdenjones.co.uk to learn more about how we can help you and your business.

Bowden Jones Solicitors, call us now for a free consultation Whether you are an individual or a business, at Bowden Jones Solicitors we have a team of experts that can give you the right legal advice.

For business Commercial Litigation Commercial Property Corporate & Commercial Law Debt Recovery HR Consultancy 22 Park Place, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 3DQ

029 2048 4550

enquiries@bowdenjones.co.uk

For individuals Civil Litigation Conveyancing Criminal Defence Personal Injury Wills & Probate www.bowdenjones.co.uk

A MAN’S WORLD

LLOYD WILLIAMS

CHANGING ROOMS Lloyd’s been climbing the property ladder

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ife as a professional rugby player can be the best job in the world, but it is also very regimented and can be over in a flash. As you will know from reading this column, a lot of the boys are developing interests outside of rugby and last summer I decided to take on a new personal project and renovated my property in Pontcanna.

While this is my first experience in renovation, I’ve done my best to try to get into the property market over the last few years.

I’ve lived around Pontcanna since 2011, when I bought [ex-Wales full-back] Kevin Morgan’s flat on King’s Road. I fell in love with the area from the off, and by now a lot of the boys have congregated there.

We’ve got a good little clique going, with around half a dozen of us living in the area, including the likes of Alex Cuthbert, Blaine Scully and Ellis Jenkins, who is currently my lodger while he does his own bit of renovation.

I’m aware that rugby will come to an end at some point, unfortunately, and while I hope I’ve got a few more years left in me, when I do retire I’d like to know that I’ve got something under my belt.

I’ve had a lot of advice from senior players in the Cardiff Blues squad over the years. I remember, during my first couple of months with the senior side, our captain at the time, Paul Tito, told me to buy a place in Pontcanna, and whatever he said during those days, went.

I’m still towards the bottom of the market at the moment, but I’m certainly eager to grow my portfolio.

The likes of Tom James and Rhys Gill have been there and done it all in the property market, so they’ve been fantastic in offering their advice and experiences to boys like me and Ellis.

It’s important to have someone who can talk you through the process because things can easily go wrong when it comes to property.

Even though you’re very close to the city

WHEN I DO RETIRE I’D LIKE TO KNOW I’VE GOT SOMETHING UNDER MY BELT centre, Pontcanna has a really nice community feel to the area, and being a big cricket fan, the fact that the SWALEC Stadium and the Glamorgan cricket team is a stones-throw away is perfect.

There are also great places for food and drink around Pontcanna, and when we have time to spare in the day, there are a lot of us who like going to places like Canna Deli, Kin + Ilk and Cameo Club for coffee.

The renovation itself was a project that I really enjoyed working on. It did get a bit stressful at times, but it was something different and something I would certainly like to continue in the future.

I fancy myself as a bit of an interior designer and like to put my stamp on it, so I really enjoyed working on that side of the renovation. My mum and sisters helped me out and had a lot of say in the process. My personal style is minimalistic, but everyone’s got their own taste and that’s the beauty of it.

While the work was being done, it also meant temporarily living in Penarth with my brother, Tom. I’m very close to Tom, although he does now play for one of our rivals – Scarlets!

Local businesses have been great help for me. A well-known Welsh legend, Terry Holmes, helped me out a lot by managing the project, and I couldn’t have done it without him and his men, while the Welsh Bifold Company also gave me fantastic support.

Overall, it’s been an interesting learning curve and an experience that I really enjoyed. It’s certainly fed my appetite to learn more about property and renovation and hopefully I’ll be able to do more in the near future.

Follow Lloyd on Twitter @LloydWillaims_

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 85

Shake-ups/launches/successes/promotions

CA R D I FF G E T S S ER I O US

BIG PLANS

Techniquest is set for expansion

ON A QUEST Techniquest has unveiled ambitious fundraising targets as it sets its sights on radically transforming its science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay The 31-year old charity is on a mission to generate more than £5m to fund The Science Capital – a project which encompasses an extension of its current building on Stuart Street and a repositioning exercise to extend and diversify its audiences.

Plans are being created to redevelop, redesign and transform Techniquest’s current building

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

into a contemporary STEM hub, which will provide opportunities to develop visitors’ STEM skills and knowledge, increase everyday engagement with science and curiosity about science innovation.

The proposed extension will almost double Techniquest’s footprint, providing an additional 70 per cent exhibition space to house brand new innovative

Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Thechniquest

content related to, and developed with, Welsh STEM innovators, academics and communities.

The space will be immersive and contemporary, delivering content through a combination of exhibitions, multimedia displays, programming and events, which will be refreshed and renewed on a continual basis in line with new scientific developments.

The expansion will allow the charity to diversify its audiences, increase visitor numbers by at least 30 per cent and in turn generate additional income through increased admissions.

The new space will also be developed with the dual purpose of accommodating large corporate and private events, increasing income further to ensure financial sustainability.

The proposed transformation of Techniquest requires £5.6m, of which more than £2m has already been pledged.

For more: www.techniquest.org

“THEY ARE OUR FUTURE AND WITHOUT THEM WE DON’T HAVE A SUSTAINABLE STEEL INDUSTRY” Find out who or what’s being being talked about over the page

2,000 THE BIG NUMBER

The number of students to be recruited to the new Cardiff School of Technologies by 2024 Turn over to find out more

Got a business news story for us? Email emma.dance@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 87

Training delivery manager Huw Mathias with apprentices at Tata Steel in Port Talbot

A CARING COMMUNITY

LEARNING A TRADE Successful employers, learners and learning providers across Wales are being encouraged to enter this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru.

The prestigious annual awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners, employers, tutors and assessors who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Welsh Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeship programmes.

From the applications, finalists in 11 categories will be shortlisted for awards, which will be presented at a high-profile ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort on 9 November. The closing date is 4 May. A company that has been developing its own “talent pipeline” of apprentices for half a century is encouraging Welsh employers, learners and learning providers to enter this year’s awards.

Tata Steel won the Macro Employer of the Year Award last year, prompting Huw Mathias, the company’s training delivery manager in Port Talbot, to emphasise the importance of apprenticeships.

Over the course of 50 years, the company has trained around 5,000 apprentices, who are at the heart of the business. “They are our future and without them we don’t have a sustainable steel industry,” said Huw. “I advise businesses and learners to embrace the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru. Even if we hadn’t won an award, it would have been a rewarding and worthwhile experience to stand back and reflect on what we have done.

You sometimes forget about your own business achievements.”

For more: www.gov.wales/ apprenticeshipawardscymru

A Cardiff care home has been named in the Top 20 Recommended Care Homes in Wales for 2018 by a leading UK care home website for the second consecutive year.

Ty Llandaff, a private nursing, residential and respite care home in Pontcanna, has been awarded this status by www.carehome. co.uk. The award highlights the most recommended care homes in each region of the UK and are based on over 75,000 reviews from residents, friends and family members.

Ty Llandaff, a 70-bed home in Conway Road, which opened in December, has a perfect 10.0 score on carehome.co.uk. All reviewers rated Ty Llandaff as ‘excellent’ and ‘extremely likely’ to recommend the care home.

Care home manager Janice Evans said: “Our approach to ongoing healthcare is about more than simply meeting the care needs of our residents but about looking after overall well-being. At Ty Llandaff, we provide a luxury lifestyle that is both enriching and rewarding.

“We are naturally delighted to be awarded as one of the top 20 recommended care homes in Wales and it means a lot to the staff and residents. We’ve only been open for just over a year so this award is recognition for all the hard work the team carry out on a day-to-day basis.”

For more: www.tyllandaffcare.com

BIG NUMBERS A Cardiff-based financial services business has added to its team bringing its total number of employees to over 100.

Quantum Advisory provides pension and employee benefits services to employers, scheme trustees and members and last year relocated its head office to larger premises in St Mellons to accommodate its growing team.

Established in 2000, Quantum has experienced double-digit growth over the past few years and now owns a large share of the Welsh market when it comes to corporate pensions. Following a surge in demand for pensions services across the water, Quantum opened a new office in Bristol in 2016 taking the company’s total offices to five, alongside Amersham, Birmingham and London.

The new recruits include senior project development analyst Simon Freeman, HR officer Tessy Matthew, accounts assistant Charlie Laundon, payroll officer Gemma Pugh, pensions administrator Louisa Fieldhouse and pensions administrator Jenny Smith.

Stuart Price, partner at Quantum Advisory said: “The last few years have been phenomenal in terms of business success and subsequent growth. Quantum offers something unique in that we are the only financial services company in Wales providing the full range of 88 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The team at Quantum is expanding

pensions expert advice and related services all under one roof.

“To now have more than 100 people in the Quantum team is testament to our strategic growth plans and investment in people.

Our Cardiff HQ is where the majority of our staff are based and the fantastic location allows us to provide unparalleled central services to our regional offices.”

For more: www.quantumadvisory.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER Could you have a race-winning team?

GET SCHOOLED

BEST FOOT FORWARD Eurobond Laminates and Kidney Wales are challenging companies throughout Wales to step up for this year’s famous Nation Radio Cardiff 10K race this autumn.

The Cardiff-based business, which is a UK market leader in the design and manufacture of non-combustible core composite panels for the construction industry, has joined forces with Kidney Wales by sponsoring the Corporate Challenge in this year’s 10K race and has also entered a team of 14 employees from their head office in South Wales where they market and distribute their products to more than 30 countries world-wide.

This year’s Nation Radio Cardiff 10K and 2K Family Fun Run will take place on Sunday, 2 September and will see a staggering 10,000 runners descend upon the city centre to take on the brand-new route. The corporate team challenge is open to runners of all abilities and aims to bring people together to nurture a sense of team spirit, while enjoying a race through Wales’ capital city all in the name of charity.

Runners can choose to raise money for Kidney Wales or for another cause close to their heart.

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s muchanticipated Cardiff School of Technologies has been launched.

The school plans to recruit 2,000 new students by 2024 aligned to the employment needs of South Wales’ growing tech sector, and will partner with technology-focused companies across the Cardiff Capital Region to support their growth plans with ‘work ready’ graduates in areas such as data science, cyber security, mobile computing, artificial intelligence and systems engineering.

Professor Cara Aitchison, president and vice-chancellor of the university said, “The new school is focused on education, research, innovation and higher-level skills in digital media and smart technology, data science and informatics, and systems engineering

and design technology.

“These are key sectors of national and international student demand, leading to highly paid graduate-level employment, and have been identified as having significant growth potential in south east Wales, the UK, and internationally.”

Professor Jon Platts, the newly appointed dean of the Cardiff School of Technologies, said: “The new school’s applied course portfolio will be driven by the demand of employers, will create 300 full time jobs within the school and support a further 1,500 roles in the wider Cardiff Capital Region.

We will continue to work closely with the business community and industry leaders as we develop our vision for the school.”

For more: www.cardiffmet.co.uk

Professor Cara Aitchison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University

For more: www.cardiff10k.cymru

CLEAN LIVING

Keeping the streets of Cardiff clean

The streets of Cardiff look set to stay squeaky clean!

FOR Cardiff has announced the permanent extension of its deep cleansing programme across the city, following the success of its sixmonth pilot scheme.

The commitment to keep Cardiff looking spick and span is part of FOR Cardiff’s pledge to make the city more welcoming for visitors.

The Deep Cleansing team will continue to react to cleaning requests from businesses as a permanent additional service to the everyday cleaning work Cardiff council carry out.

Making it official, FOR Cardiff has invested in a fleet of branded vehicles, equipment and uniforms to make sure the cleansing team are easily recognisable when they are working on the streets.

During the six-month pilot, the deep cleansing team have successfully dealt with more than 300 cleaning requests from businesses and Street Ambassadors, making more than 70 shop fronts sparkle and removing graffiti from 250 spots across Cardiff.

For more: www.forcardiff.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 89

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

MONEY MATTERS Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, presented his first Spring Statement to Parliament last month, and there are several changes introduced in previous statements that are just coming into effect now. But if you’re baffled by what it all means, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of some of Cardiff’s financial experts to shed some more light on to it….

LOWRI CLEMENT, financial adviser, mortgage broker and will writer at Evolution Financial Planning talks economic growth.

What is the update?

In his Spring Statement on 13 March, Chancellor Phillip Hammond stated that the economy continues to grow and has consecutively for the last five years, exceeding the 2017 expectations. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is now forecast at 1.5 per cent a slight increase on previous forecasts. The economy continues to create jobs with employment PHILIP PAYNE, managing director of Mulberry Wealth Management, clarifies the changes to private pensions.

What’s the issue?

The lifetime allowance is the maximum that you can hold in a personal pension plan, unless you have any prior protection. On 6 April, this increased from £1million, to £1.03million.

The annual allowance on the other hand, which is the amount that restricts your annual contributions, could be reduced from the standard £40,000 down to only £10,000 per annum if you are a high earner.

What does this mean in real life terms for those affected?

A new term has entered pension’s terminology – “adjusted income.” If you earn more than the threshold £110,000 income from all your sources, including any pension contributions from you or your employer, needs to be considered.

increasing by 3 million since 2010. In the 2017 Autumn Budget an investment programme of at least £44billion over the next five years to raise the amount of homes across the UK was also announced.

What is the real-world affect?

More and more people are finding jobs with the unemployment rate at nearly a 40 year low. For the housing sector, more support will be pledged to the industry to help raise the supply of homes. Along with the new changes to stamp duty coming in this month this will be welcome news for house buyers.

Remember though, your home may be at risk if you do not keep up your mortgage repayments. www.evolutionfinancialplanning.co.uk

This then becomes your “adjusted income.” For every £2 of adjusted income over £150,000, their annual allowance will be reduced by £1, subject to a remaining annual allowance of not less then £10,000. In other words, anyone subject to the taper whose adjusted income is £210,000 and over will have an annual allowance of £10,000.

This legislation has significant impacts both for private pension members and those still fortunate to be part of a Defined Benefit final salary scheme.

What’s your advice?

If people believe they could be affected by this it is important they speak to a specialist pension’s advice firm as soon as possible. As present, people will have unusual relief from previous years that could be utilised. This will run out in time, though and there will be a tax and penalty consequences.

A number of our clients are exploring Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) as an alternative, which have tax relief advantages similar to a pension and can be a very useful diversifying investment. www.mulberrywealth.co.uk

CRAIG PALFREY, financial planner and wealth manager at Penguin explains the Residence Nil Rate Band.

What’s the issue?

The RNRB is increasing to £125,000 per individual from £100,000, over time it will increase to £175,000. This is a big increase for some home owners in the overall value of their Estate before it gets targeted for Inheritance Tax. However, there are some rules around this that mean not every individual will benefit from this new allowance – the main one is that if your estate it worth more than £2,000,000 – then the new allowance starts to reduce and could end up at 0.

So what does this mean for me?

The government statistics show that Inheritance Tax is hitting more and more families and is hitting harder – the total amount of tax collected by government is likely to be a record figure in 2018. Those same statistics show that the hardest hit Estates are those in the region of £500,000 to £1 million. They are the ones getting drawn into the Inheritance Tax net.

The RNRB allowance should help this bracket of wealth, but there is considerable evidence people are unaware of this allowance, how it actually works and – most importantly – that in many cases they need to action to make sure it is properly or fully used. There seems to be a lot of confusion around this and people affected need specialist help.

What advice would you give?

Simple: any individual or couple who own a home and have a total estate either close to the IHT limit or above it, should be reviewing their position – especially their Wills, whether their pensions are properly protected from tax on death, whether their life assurances are written into trust and so on. Inheritance Tax is easily the most avoidable tax of all mainstream taxes, but it normally requires forward planning to ensure this happens. www.penguinwealth.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 93

ad v ertising feature m o n e y

Smart money Lowri Clement, FCCA, CeMAP, Financial Adviser (mortgage broker, insurance adviser and will writer), at Evolution Financial Planning, Cardiff offers advice on stamp duty and student loans

S

tamp Duty on house purchases will be replaced by a Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in April 2018 under new devolved powers by Welsh Government. This change is part of new legislation to establish devolved tax arrangements in Wales. Under it, house buyers in Wales will pay no tax on house purchase prices up to £180,000 and on purchase prices over £180,001 to £250,000 3.5% will be collected in tax, rising to a 10% tax on those house prices above £750,000 to £1.5m.

These rates have been set by Welsh Government. Prior to this change, house buyers in Wales would be free of stamp duty on only the first £125,000. With this threshold now increased to £180,000 this is good news for buyers in this price bracket with a saving of £1,100. However, with any house purchase price over £250,000 the savings become a little more modest, starting at around £50.

At Evolution Financial Planning, we can help you every step of the way during the house buying process. As experienced and whole-ofmarket mortgage brokers we have access to all lenders enabling us to find the right solution for you. As a company of female financial advisers, we pride ourselves on giving you the very best customer service and putting a feminine touch to finance!

Contact us today for a no obligation consultation and to discuss your financial requirements.

"WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON GIVING YOU THE VERY BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE"

** "YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE"

Have you been at University in the last 20 years? Had a student loan? Could you have overpaid your loan and due a refund? I was invited to BBC Radio Cymru’s studios last month to discuss this very situation. Thousands of graduates have managed to get refunds from the Student Loan Company (SLC) as it transpired that they had been overpaying or started repaying their loan too early. In some cases, graduates had finished repaying their loan but their employer were still deducting repayments from their monthly salary; in other cases, employers were taking repayments too early – during the nine months before graduates were required to start repaying.

It’s usually down to a timing communication difference between HMRC, the employer and the SLC but if you think this applies to you, check your payslips and ring the Student Loan Company on 0300 100 0611 to see whether money is due back to you!

With the average refund of around £500 it’s worth a phone call to check.

I was invited to speak at an I AM WOMAN event last week on manging money and creating wealth. During my talk, I introduced what we do at Evolution Financial Planning when we first

meet clients and help them put their finances in order – an easy to digest & quick tool to make that first important step towards a financial plan – at no cost!

Surrounded by like-minded women I AM WOMAN supports & inspires women to thrive in business – it was once again, another fabulous event!

lowric@evolutionfinancialplanning.co.uk 07847 714538 | 03303 322 612 | 029 2011 8961 www.evolutionfinancialplanning.co.uk f @ Evolution Financial Planning

www.mediaclash.co.uk I CARDIFF LIFE I 95

P R O P E R T Y ad v er t i s i n g feat u re

Meet the PROPERTY AGENT Our team of experts share their insights on Cardiff’s thriving property market

Claire Turner

Rhys Owen

Savills; 02920 368 940 cardiffnewhomes@savills.com

CPS Homes; 02920 668585 www.cpshomes.co.uk

What sets you apart from other firms?

At Savills we have a team with specialist knowledge across all aspects of residential development, brand identity, marketing and new homes sales. Our consultancy services draw not only on our breadth of experience but from purchaser feedback and market demand, ensuring our clients have the most current advice on their developments while advocating for our buyers needs.

What sets you apart from other agents?

We’re very pro-active in ensuring you get the best return on your investment.

Our thorough performance reviews cover everything from internal layouts to regulatory and rental checks. We expect full occupancy, so you can too. And we’re only local to Cardiff, so when we say we specialise here, we really do!

What are the greatest opportunities in the Cardiff property market today?

Cardiff has a vibrancy to the city that is reflected in its reputation for quality of life and its status as Britain’s fastest growing city.

We have much to offer with some fantastic opportunities for redevelopment; whether it be an office block, historic building or repurposing land, all at a cheaper cost of living than other capitol cities.

What motivates you?

I love achieving fantastic results for our clients while promoting the fabulous city we have the fortune to live, work and invest in. The challenges of an ever changing market bring the opportunity to adapt as we deliver the premium service that Savills has to offer.

What does your role involve day-to-day?

Sourcing new investment properties for clients is a significant part of my job. I keep tabs on the local market, so that they can be first in with an offer when the right property comes along. I work alongside local developers/ builders when clients want to buy a ready-to-rent property and ensure it’s fully-tenanted on completion. Often that means renting off-plan, which has its own challenges.

What motivates you?

I particularly enjoy suggesting property improvements to new clients, who are often disheartened where other agents have been unable to rent their property. I love to see their amazement at the difference small changes can make, to both their property and investment return.

96 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Anthony Clay Knight Frank LLP 02920 440150 www.knightfrank.com

What sets you apart from other firms?

We are an international property consultancy yet still a partnership. This means we can provide advice regarding every conceivable aspect of property, but we are still small enough to offer a personal approach.

What are the greatest opportunities in the Cardiff property market today?

One only has to step off the platform at Central Station to see the commercial market is expanding at an enormous rate. All these new offices will be occupied by well-paid professionals requiring a ‘roof over their heads’. Not surprisingly, the residential market reflects this.

Describe the best client/ project you have ever had?

The sale of Cefntilla, Lord Raglan’s house in Monmouthshire was extraordinary. It involved inheritance, injunctions, tragedy and happiness.

What motivates you?

The longer I am in the profession the more determined I am to tell it ‘as it is’, something generally lacking due to the system we have. I cannot abide estate agent lies.

James Thomas

Michael Graham Young Ltd 029 2084 2124 www.mgy.co.uk What sets you apart from other agents?

We strike a good balance between modern and traditional. We were pleased to have received some recognition winning the 2018 British Property Awards for Central and North Cardiff.

We were mystery shopped multiple times across our three branches and came out top of 65 agents.

What motivates you?

I think my rugby background makes me very competitive, but you can only be yourself and try your hardest.

Seeing a pleased client is very rewarding.

How do you see the Cardiff market in 5 years time?

There has been a surge of first time buyers and this has been noted by property developers so we are seeing numerous office block conversions to residential apartments. National house builders have noticed the demand for lower and mid-range houses rather than large executive style homes. I expect this trend to carry on for some time especially with the Help To Buy scheme and new Land Transaction Tax in Wales this year.

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

Cyncoed Road, Cyncoed

pa black Albany Road 02920 462246

EPC = D.

£535,000

A truly impressive fully extended five bedroom semi-detached family residence, occupying a fine position set back with private parking and a delightful garden, and located only a few minutes walking distance to Cyncoed Village. This deceptive family home provides extensive and versatile living space including a fully self-contained one bedroom granny annex which is integrated within the property, but can be approached independently from its own external staircase. Alternatively this enviable extra living space would be ideal for guest accommodation or a perfect teenager studio with its own kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom. Built circa 1940 and extended within the last ten years this double fronted property includes white PVC double glazed windows and outer doors, including two pretty bay windows and a large stunning open plan PVC sun lounge conservatory (15’0 x 13’9) with wood flooring, French doors and a superb clear view glass roof. The property also includes gas heating with panel radiators, wood block floors, chrome light switches and power points, and a fitted kitchen with space for a breakfast table and chairs. Equipped with integrated appliances and granite work surfaces. The bright well maintained living space also includes a lounge (19’0 x 10’5), snug/study (11’9 x 10’4), a downstairs cloak room and an outer hall/utility room. The first floor space comprises three double sized bedrooms, a modern white family bathroom, a versatile fourth bedroom/kitchen & living room (19’1 x 10’4), whilst a large master fifth bedroom (19’1 x 12’11) is located within a well-designed loft space conversion which is independently approached by a custom made staircase from the first floor landing. This fabulous bedroom includes two windows and a modern ensuite shower room equipped with a double size shower, a wc and a wash hand basin. A wonderful master bedroom for any parents seeking a little bit of sanctum living space from the kids! The property also includes solar panels, and local schools include Rhydypenau primary school and Cardiff High school.

www.pablack.co.uk Prestige homes from Peter Alan

1B Millbrook Park, Lisvane

pa black Llanishen 02920 618552

EPC = D.

£635,000

A unique detached double fronted six bedroom modern family residence, occupying a fine location fronting a quiet residential road, away from busy passing traffic and benefiting a substantial garden, private and sunny with versatile grounds, landscaped and screened by high well established boundaries affording maximum privacy. This capacious property provides well designed living space with exceptionally generous rooms to both the ground and first floor including a magnificent open plan high quality 2011 Magnet fitted luxury kitchen and breakfast room (20’7 x 12’10) equipped with stylish solid granite work surfaces, integrated appliances, soft closing doors and contemporary space saving pull out larder units with retractable chrome shelves and numerous deep pan drawers. This fabulous social space would prove ideal for a growing family and is styled around a large central island unit with a granite breakfast bar, and is open plan to a stunning sun lounge conservatory (25’5 x 9’8) which is equipped with white PVC picture windows which overlook the private gardens. Lounge (24’3 x 11’2), sitting room (19’11 x 13’10), a large utility room, a downstairs cloak room, versatile Gym (13’6 x 13’0), six bedrooms, three bathrooms, gas heating, white PVC double glazed windows, an intruder alarm, a large integral garage (16’1 x 13’6) with an electronic fob operated door, a front car port and a private double width entrance drive. The property is located within walking distance to the popular local Lisvane primary school, and within a short distance is Lisvane railway station providing fast and economic travel to Heath High and Low levels, Queen Street and Cardiff central. Built in the 1970’s and extended circa 1990 this truly exceptional family home would meet most family needs with versatile living space and generous well-proportioned rooms throughout. Must be seen!

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

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PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

EVERYTHING’S BEEN THOUGHT OF TO MAKE LIFE AS EASY, AND PLEASANT, AS POSSIBLE

SHINY AND NEW

A sparkling new-build designed for modern living

By C H A R L I E ROSE

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON CARDIFF LIFE LIFE II 101 www.mediaclash.co.uk 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

C

edar View is the kind of home that has been designed with modern living in mind.

With thoughtful technological touches, coupled with contemporary-meets-classic styling, everything’s been thought of to make life as easy, and pleasant, as possible.

Entry to the property is via electric gates with camera entry (naturally!) on to a private block-paved driveway with garage.

When you step inside the house you find yourself, perhaps a little unusually, on the first floor, but it immediately becomes apparent why the home has been designed in this way, since you’re immediately greeted by stunning views over the countryside and the Channel thanks to some clever use of glass.

The spacious kitchen/diner has been kitted out with a handmade, bespoke fitted kitchen complete with all the kit your heart could desire. On the cooking side of things there’s a Wolf dual range cooker with charbroiler and griddle, a Wolf Pro hood with infrared heat lamps and a Wolf external blower (which means there’s practically no noise when the extractor fan is turned on) as well as an integrated microwave, while the Sub Zero side by side fridge freezer has been integrated into a stunning display unit. When it comes to practicalities, that’s all been covered too with an integral dishwasher and recycling bins. The solid oak central island has both electric and USB power points and there’s a Bluetooth speaker system so you’ll never be without a soundtrack as you go about your household tasks.

From the dining area, bi-fold doors open on to a 102 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Stunning views and all the mod cons

HOUSE NUMBERS Cedar View, Druidstone Road, Old St Mellons, Cardiff CF3 6XD

4

bedrooms

1

reception

£950,000 guide price

2269 sq ft

12m balcony

bespoke 12m balcony.

The same balcony can also be reached from the light, bright living room, which also has bi-fold doors as well as a modern natural gas boiler and a swoon-worthy herringbone solid oak floor.

Also on this floor is a useful study (with the same stunning floor as the living room) and a WC. The sleeping accommodation is found downstairs on the ground floor, reached by a modern floating staircase.

The master bedroom is a grand affair with a walk-in wardrobe and sliding doors to the back garden. The en suite is finished to a fabulously high specification with a double shower cubicle and rainfall shower head.

The second bedroom boasts an equally lovely en suite, and there’s two further bedrooms too.

The family bathroom is equipped with a double shower cubicle as well as a modern roll-top bath for when you want a good soak!

There’s a utility room on this floor too, with a worktop, sink and space and plumbing for a washing machine.

Al the creature comforts have been taken care of with independently controlled underfloor heating in every room and satellite TV with Sky+.

The garden has a lawn and a patio area which makes it ideal for al fresco parties in fine weather.

It’s a house that’s just ready and waiting to be made into a home. Could you be the one to do just that?

For more: Savills, 5th Floor, 2 Kingsway, Cardiff F10 3FD; Tel: 02920 368900; www.savills.co.uk

CARDIFF LIVES

R

Q&A

ichard Jones has been working at Paramount Interiors for more than ten years. Last November he took up the role of managing director.

So Richard, where in Cardiff do you call home?

I am a ‘Yam-Yam’ originally from West Bromwich in the West Midlands, but relocated 11 years ago to Cardiff. I currently live in Old St. Mellons.

What’s the best thing about living there?

The house is in a semi-rural setting, we get the feel of the countryside but we are only 15 minutes from town and five minutes from our office.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I had high hopes of pursuing my childhood dream to become a professional cricketer and three weeks after accepting my first job in construction I had an offer to relocate to Sydney in Australia to play cricket and turned it down!

It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made as, having worked through the ranks, I recently accepted the role of managing director at Paramount Office Interiors.

We hear you’re in training for a boxing match? What made you want to do that?

My colleague John Williams has fought on a number of occasions at Elite Fitness Fight Club and I could clearly see the positive changes that it had on his life so I took the decision to sign up. My decision links with how I am changing the culture of Paramount. My view is that nothing worth having ever came without hard work and I see my participation in Fight Club as an opportunity to inspire others to make positive changes.

How are you preparing?

I am following a programme devised by Simon Harling at Elite Fitness with the specific aim of dropping by body weight, building a general fitness level and beginning the process of learning to box. Accountability is big part of the training program and with the wearable technology now available we are able to track each session together with my daily activity levels to ensure I achieve my end goal which is to lose 25kg before I step into the ring in June.

What’s the biggest challenge with the training?

Being the MD of a business in a fast paced industry, my time is often in demand. By reflecting consistently on the use of my time versus the end goals I want to achieve helps me stay focussed on what I want to achieve. Plus having good people around me helps I’m getting plenty of help, advice and encouragement from the staff at Paramount who have got behind me on this challenge.

106 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

RICHARD JONES The managing director of Paramount on training for a boxing match, Hollyoaks, and why turning down a career in professional cricket was the best decision he’s ever made…..

What are you hoping to achieve by doing it?

Whilst I obviously want to win on the night I am seeing it both as a driver for lifestyle change and an opportunity to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan is a charity close to my heart as I lost my beloved grandmother to cancer 12 years ago.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Good question – I would have to go for Neil Armstrong so that I could look him in the eye and ask him “Come on now Neil, did you really go to the moon?”

Which words or expressions do you use the most?

Currently I am over-using ”Are you sure it is supposed to hurt this much?” due to the amount of training I’m doing.

What’s on your bookshelf at the moment?

I’m currently in the process of reading Kaizen

by Masaaki Imai, and hoping to learn the art of making great and lasting change through taking small steps.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Promise not to laugh but I’m an avid watcher of Hollyoaks and Coronation Street.

Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?

On the night of the fight I think my walk in song will be (What’s The Story) Morning Glory by Oasis.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I’m a big fan of Oasis as they were the biggest band on the planet throughout my teenage years – I never grow tired of listening to the albums (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? and Be Here Now. What’s your favourite shop in Cardiff?

St. David’s shopping centre has been a fantastic addition to Cardiff and my favourite shop has to be Hugo Boss.

And your tip for the best place to eat out?

There are so many great places to dine in Cardiff and but, if cornered, would go for the Portuguese restaurant Madeira as the food and buzz are great.

Tell us about a secret Cardiff spot we might not be aware of…

So Good Chinese restaurant on Cryws Road.

For me, it’s the best and most authentic Chinese restaurant in Cardiff.

Surprise us with a revelatory fact about yourself…

Back in 1997 I scored 250 runs off 146 balls which broke the league record for the highest score (previous highest was 167 in 1967) which stood for 20 years. After the game Autoglass asked to sponsor me as I’d broken two car windscreens in the process.

www.paramountinteriors.com

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