Cardiff Life - Issue 261

Mae’n ymddangos bod y Gymraeg wedi bod dan fygythiad parhaus, bron iawn, yn ystod y ganrif ddiwethaf ond dyw hi erioed wedi diflannu’n gyfan gwbl. Gan fod ‘Cymraeg 2050’ yn addo miliwn o siaradwyr Cymraeg, mae’n ymddangos o’r diwedd bod yna newid er gwell. Ar dudalen 11, rydym yn cael sgwrs â busnesau lleol sy’n ymroi i hyrwyddo’r iaith, er mwyn gweld beth y mae’r Gymraeg yn ei olygu iddyn nhw.

Fel arall, gallwch weld o’n clawr blaen ein bod yn canolbwyntio ar du mewn ein cartrefi; os ydych yn yr hwyl i weddnewid eich cartref, rydym wedi bod yn crwydro o’r naill siop i’r llall yng Nghaerdydd a’r Fro er mwyn crynhoi ein syniadau am ddecor ar gyfer y tymor hwn ac wedi hynny (ar dudalen 58).

Mae yna lawer mwy i’w fwynhau hefyd; mae mis Hydref yn orlawn o ddigwyddiadau. Mae Bob Dylan, y seren sydd yn ei wyth degau erbyn hyn, ar ei ffordd i’r ddinas; mae Gŵyl Sŵn – sy’n prysur ddod yn un o uchafbwyntiau’r sawl sy’n hoffi cerddoriaeth newydd yn y DU – yn dychwelyd; mae Gŵyl Ffilm Gwobr Iris LHDTC+ ar fin denu gwneuthurwyr ffilmiau o bob cwr o’r byd i Gaerdydd; mae Llais – gŵyl flaenllaw ym maes y celfyddydau rhyngwladol – yn ei hôl gydag enw newydd; ac mae yna lwyth o ddigwyddiadau i ddathlu Mis Hanes Pobl Ddu. Ond nid dyna’r cyfan! Mae rhagor i’w weld yn ein canllaw gorlawn i ddigwyddiadau’r ddinas (ar dudalen 20).

Mwynhewch! #CaerdyddYnghyd, bob amser

Over the last century, the Welsh language has seemed in near constant peril, but it never quite went away. With Cymraeg 2050 promising a million Welsh speakers, we finally seem to be turning a corner. On page 11, we catch up with local businesses who are devotedly championing and promoting the language, to see what Welsh means to them.

Elsewhere, as you might be able to tell from our front cover, we have an interiors focus; if you’re in the mood to shake up your home’s aesthetic, we’ve been hunting through Cardiff and Vale shops to put together our pick of décor inspiration for the current season and beyond (page 58).

There’s so much more besides, too; October is a month packed with events, many of them of the leading and milestone variety. The octogenarian legend that is Bob Dylan is on his way to the city; Sŵn Festival – which is fast becoming an unmissable highlight of the UK’s new music calendar – is returning; the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival is set to bring filmmakers from around the world to Cardiff; Llais – a flagship international arts festival – is back with a new name; and celebratory Black History Month events are plentiful. See much more where that came from in our packed What’s On guide (page 20).

Enjoy!

#CardiffTogether, always

Follow us on Twitter @CardiffLifeMag Instagram @cardifflifemag

LISA

This issue celebrates the Welsh language (including Tafwyl festival, pictured). See page 11 for more

Editor

Issue 261 / October 2022

ON THE COVER ain Forest wallpaper from Osborne Little (www.osborneandlittle.com) available at John Lewis. See page 58 for more.

FEATURES

11 LOVING WELSH Local businesses who are championing and promoting the Welsh language

58 INTERIORS Time for a home revamp? We’ll get you started with an abundance of inspiration from local shops

ARTS AND EVENTS

19 ARTS INTRO Teen talent Makenzy Beard’s solo exhibition at Blackwater Gallery

20 WHAT’S ON Shows, music, exhibitions, family occasions and more, plus plenty of flagship and milestone events

30 BIG INTERVIEW Our one-to-one with Panic Shack, coming soon to Sŵn Festival

32 MUSIC Llais Festival is back with a new name and fabulous acts

49 SCENE Papping some of the most popular events locally – can you spot yourself?

SHOPPING

36 EDITOR’S CHOICE Spooky-season buys from local businesses

FOOD & DRINK

39 JANE COOK Our food and drink columnist spills the tea 40 THE IVY ASIA Chatting with the new restaurant’s head honcho

43 RECIPE Heaneys is a BBQ advocate all year round

BUSINESS

55 CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS 2023 The business highlight of the city is coming back!

REGULARS

25 WYBURN AND WAYNE Our columnists have been out and about again

45 GETTING SCHOOLED Victoria Bond talks education

66 CARDIFF LIVES Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan comes to Cardiff’s New Theatre

promote and

info@mediaclash.co.uk

Evans

Robins

Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan

Wyburn, Wayne Courtney, Jane Cook, Victoria Bond Commercial manager Mark George mark.

claire.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

Business development manager Jordan Chambers jordan.

sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/Production designer

executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

© PHOTO BY REN FAULKNER

HOW’S YOUR WELSH

With Cymraeg 2050 promising a million Welsh speakers in 28 years, the language finally seems to have turned a corner. Time we caught up with local businesses to see what Welsh means to them…

By Clarissa Picot and Lisa Evans

© PHOTO BY BRISTOL DRONES

PHILIPPE

When did Wales first start speaking English Perhaps later than you’d think. As recently as the tail end of the 1800s, more than half the population still spoke Welsh, and it was only the early 20th century that saw it noticeably become a minority language. This decline was largely to do with the Industrial evolution, of course not just the mass immigration of English and Irish workers to the southern industrial valleys, but also the arrival of compulsory education nationwide – in English, naturally.

Over the last hundred years, the Welsh language has seemed in near constant peril, but it never quite went away. Committed Welsh speakers were few, far between and ageing fast, they told us. A modern Wales needed an international language, didn’t it And surely it was only conservative, insular old folk who loved it – and then as a political statement rather than anything, you know, useful – and when they died off, what then

Welsh had become a curiosity, rarely heard in everyday life – at least, not in Cardiff. And when it was used, it seemed to be in near separatist enclaves behind closed doors, where rogue English phrases were frowned upon. Farmers might complain about its demise; the kids, not so much.

This was for much of the 20th century, but how things have changed. The past 50 years have seen something of a snowballing Welsh revival.

First came the Welsh Language Act of 1 , which saw schools, universities, the government and broadcasters take Welsh more seriously – and use it too, for the first time in decades. Then came BBC adio Cymru in 1 , and the Welsh TV channel S C five years after that. Poetry in Welsh started to gain traction too, and the music – which had never gone away – had new vigour.

ABOVE: A tote from Clecs; BELOW: Clwb Ifor Bach is a beloved music venue

Suddenly, surprisingly, the idea that you could speak Welsh actually became something of an advantage.

So what happened? The institutions pointed the way, as perhaps they must, but a new engagement with the past seemed to be driving things too. A pride in cultural identity, a fresh interest in family heritage, all that good stuff. And it helped that the Welsh have always been a literary, inquisitive, hands-on folk, no strangers to the idea that if you don’t know quite how to do something, you jerry-rig a method that’ll work for you.

All this encouraged a new, younger bilingual demographic, much more relaxed about things than many old-school Welsh advocates, and so happy to slip useful snippets of English into Welsh phrases, and vice versa, when it suited. Purists balked, but it’s a fluid, dynamic way of speaking that’s helped make Welsh a living, breathing language once again.

We’re not out of the woods yet – perhaps we never will be – but it’s finding safe, fun spaces in which to use Welsh that’s pushing the upswing. Right now, Welsh is spoken by half a million people, but a new government target – encouraged by the new Cymraeg 2050 Strategy – aims to grow this to a million by 2050, not insignificant in a population of just over three million.

Perhaps for the first time in living memory, Welsh no longer feels like a language in crisis. It’s here, and it’s ours, and more and more of us are trying to interact with it daily. But to see how it’s doing in a practical sense, we spoke to 10 local businesses, organisations and institutions doing more than most to propagate the language. How are things changing? What issues are they facing?

Let’s find out

1THE FASHION BUSINESS Clecs

“My sister, Bea, and I set up Clecs two years ago,” says co-founder Imogen Ferda-Riley, “because we were struggling to find sustainable clothing that e pressed our love for Wales, and specifically for the language. We keep it simple, with positive, one-word messages we think will stand the test of time. Bestsellers include our ‘Hapus’ T-shirts and beanies, and our ‘Hiraeth’ sweatshirts and tote bags.”

Which mean

“‘Happy’ and ‘Longing’. With the Welsh language, we feel it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’. Many of our customers are from Wales originally but now live all over the world, while others are students who’ve just left Wales for the first time. We like to think we’re helping them maintain a connection through our clothes.”

Sales at the St Fagans-based business have been online so far, but gossip has it that bricks-and-mortar partners will be appearing soon. Seems fitting after all, Clecs means ‘Gossip’ in Welsh.

www.clecs.co.uk

2THE MUSIC VENUE

Clwb Ifor Bach

A beloved music venue and club space in the heart of Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach also hosts shows across the country, runs the Sŵn Festival (the next one’s in October), and programmes the music at Maes B and the National Eisteddfod. In 2021 they launched Clwb Music, a record label, management and publishing company, too.

“We began as a Welsh language centre and social club in the early ’80s, and the language is still vital to the company’s ethics,” says Clwb’s

Steffan Dafydd. We hope to provide spaces for it to be used naturally in a social setting, and that’s still at the heart of what we do. We put on specific Welsh language gigs and all dayers, often alongside non-Welsh speaking touring and local acts. We don’t believe Welsh language music should be pigeonholed, but should be heard next to other music that shares similarities.”

And why’s this so important?

“It’s hard not to oversimplify the answer, but people speak it and that should be enough. An entire rich culture exists through it too.”

Meanwhile, a long-term mystery that’s been plaguing the venue since 2011 shows no sign of being solved. Our first photo booth had to be removed because it kept randomly and loudly playing the 1997 hit Brimful of Asha, says Steffan. Nobody ever figured out why it was doing this, or how to stop it. It halted a lot of the quieter gigs in our downstairs room, so sadly had to go.”

www.clwb.net

3THE GLOBAL BRAND

The Goodwash Company

Goodwash is an ethical wash and lifestyle brand on a mission to change the world “one wash at a time”. Based in Barri, but selling across the world, Goodwash keeps to a strict hierarchy of Welsh language first on its packaging, so, for instance, the hand wash is called Sebon Dwylo, the sports wash Sebon Sydyn, and the conditioner Sidan Gwallt. “Some of these names we developed ourselves, as there weren’t Welsh words for them previously,” says Mandy Powell, co-founder. “But now they’re more generally used.”

A wider range is in the pipeline, while the business model will continue to use profits to, Mandy says, do good in local Welsh communities. The more we grow, the more we can do to improve the lives of animals and people. Welsh is unquestionably the best, most beautiful language in the world, and it’s ours. So why would we not want to savour it, and promote it across the world?”

www.goodwash.co.uk

ABOVE: Mandy and the ‘fur founders’ at Goodwash; BELOW: A Goodwash bestseller

4THE PROJECT

Llyfr Enfys

Llyfr Enfys is an ongoing plan to produce the first ever LGBTQ+ dictionary in Welsh. Created by Luke Blaidd, a freelance contractor for the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, it currently includes over 170 terms.

The dictionary is bilingual, Luke says, with each entry having an English and Welsh definition to aid both learners and fluent speakers. LGBTQ+ Welsh terminology is often under known and under used, so in promoting the usage of these terms it’s hoped they’ll be preserved for generations to come. This also helps the Welsh language thrive as a whole, enabling LGBTQ+ people to feel welcomed and included in Welsh speaking communities, as well as helping them feel confident speaking about themselves and their identities in Welsh.

Luke considers the Welsh language – especially as used by minorities – to be in a vulnerable position, after repeated historical efforts to eradicate its usage. “Welsh needs to be safeguarded against deliberate erasure and language loss, he says. Terms which originate from marginalised communities are easily lost to time, so protecting all of Welsh is important.

@llyfr_enfys

5THE CHARITY

Menter Caerdydd

Based at The Old Library at The Hayes, Menter Caerdydd is a charity that promotes the Welsh language and culture in Cardiff. It runs the annual Welsh language music festival, Tafwyl, at Cardiff Castle, which in recent years has attracted tens of thousands of guests.

“We arrange a broad range of opportunities through the medium of Welsh for people of all ages, says chief e ecutive Heulyn ees, and work closely to support other organisations, businesses and societies with their Welsh language delivery. ight now we’re running seven

WHAT IS MODERN WELSH?

• One of the British Celtic languages, it’s closely related to both Cornish and Breton (all three developed from the common Brittonic tongue of the Iron Age), and a more distant cousin to Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx. And it’s got a great legacy: literature that’s older than any in Europe (save Latin and Greek), for a start. Speaking of starting, why not begin with the 13th century Mabinogi tales, part of the Matter of Britain (the medieval story cycle that tells of King Arthur and other heroes)? They’re a rip-roaring read, with giants, magicians and, of course, dragons.

• Back when the Romans first came, everyone in Britain spoke Brittonic, pretty much, with one dialect evolving into Welsh. Waves of invaders gnawed away at it, but the real hammer blow came in 1535, when Henry VIII passed an act effectively abolishing Wales itself, and the language too. It’s only really in the past 50 years that the serious work of erasing this anti-Welsh legacy has begun.

open access play schemes across the city, two all day care clubs, and wellbeing sessions for older learners. There’s a programme of youth work too, and we’re about to launch a range of Adult Learning classes across Cardiff.

Heulyn believes that the Welsh language belongs to everyone who considers Wales their home, whatever their fluency, and that it’s the job of Menter Caerdydd to ensure learning opportunities are available to all.

www.mentercaerdydd.cymru

ABOVE: Luke Blaidd created Llyfr Enfys, the first Welsh LGBTQ+ dictionary; RIGHT: Menter Caerdydd’s Tafwyl festival

Mwnci

Mwnci makes handsome, eco-friendly wooden toys that aren’t just fun to play with, but – as their use revolves around Welsh numeracy and literacy – encourages learning the language too. Each toy, whether aimed at early years or school years, comes with a pronunciation guide to help adults also be part of the learning journey. There’s a series of special books in development too.

“It was all inspired by my wife, who’s a Welsh learner,” says director Aled Powys Williams. “We were especially keen to add this element to our products, as there’s a growing number of non-Welsh speaking parents who’re choosing to send their children to Welsh medium education these days. Everything’s aimed at native speakers and learners alike, and we like to think we’re playing a small part in keeping Wales a truly bilingual nation.”

Aled is actually a professional singer – “I’m a Classical Brit Award Winner and former member of Only Men Aloud” – and came up with the idea while looking after his children between gigs. “The Welsh language is one of the oldest in Europe,” he says, “and an important part of our culture. Not only that: having the ability to speak multiple languages strengthens cognitive abilities, and provides more opportunities too.”

www.mwnci.co

“We like to think we’re playinga small part in keeping Walesa truly bilingual nation”

7THE THEATRE

Sherman Theatre

Sitting in the heart of Cardiff, Sherman Theatre creates e citing productions for its Cathays building, but also provides a stage for Wales’ national companies, plus touring shows from comedy to dance, drama to musical theatre. Proudly bilingual, their aim is to reflect the languages spoken by their audiences, artists and communities.

The Literary Department supports the Welsh language by providing all of our writer activity in Welsh, as well as English, says Sherman’s Ed Newsome. Writers are able to come in for a one to one meeting to discuss their ideas and plays in Welsh, and there’s a designated Welsh language Writers Group (Cylch Sgwennu) to nurture and develop emerging work and talent. We’ve held reading evenings, introducing writers to Welsh language plays and writers, too.

The Sherman commissions new Welsh language work, and collaborates with other Welsh language theatre companies. Last summer, they performed Crafangau Claws, a new play by Nia Morais, separately in Welsh and English, and there’s been the recent return of Daf ames’ Tylwyth, a co production with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, following its successful run in 2020. Every Christmas the Sherman commissions a show for the Under Sevens that has both Welsh and English versions; this year they’re staging Elen Benfelen/ Goldilocks by Elgan hys, first written in Welsh and then translated.

Our new A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves together contemporary Welsh, written by Mari Izzard and Nia Morais, with Shakespeare’s original te t to provide a unique theatrical e perience, Ed says.

In our Creative Engagement work, we encourage outh Theatre participants to integrate Welsh language elements into their productions too, while ensuring they remain accessible to non Welsh speakers. And our Welsh productions have English translations and captioning, so Welsh learners and non Welsh speaking audiences can engage with them.

For these guys, the Welsh language needs to be nurtured in all its forms. We want to encourage and empower staff, artists and audiences to speak and share their Welsh, no matter how proficient they think their skills are, Ed says. Language is to be spoken and celebrated in all its diversity, and we want to encourage others to use and enjoy it too.

www.shermantheatre.co.uk

8THE BABY GIFT BUSINESS

Shnwcs

Shnwcs specialises in contemporary Welsh baby gifts and prints.

The idea originated while I was off on maternity leave in 2015, says founder Sara Hampson ones, and searching far and wide for stylish, Welsh products to use with my newborn, Steffan. Having identified a gap in the market, I was inspired to create the first ever Welsh baby milestone cards. When they proved popular with both English and Welsh speaking families, we e panded into nursery prints, cards for premature babies, baby shower products, and homeware.

In 2020, Shnwcs was invited to decorate the newly refurbished baby room at ohn Lewis Cardiff, and has had a pop up stall there ever since.

Not only has the business produced original products in the Welsh language for Welsh speakers and learners, Sara says, but it has also attracted a strong Welsh community online, which has become equally as important to me. My passion for blogging started when I became a mum, and realised there were so many elements to life as a new parent. I blog in Welsh, my first language, and love creating content showing all aspects of parenting, documenting the wonderful, funny, challenging and sometimes lonely days that can be part of ‘mum life’. The account has become a space for solace and humour, which followers can enjoy in their preferred language.

Since starting the business, Sara’s spoken to parents who’ve moved across the world, and are pleased to be able to document their baby’s milestones with a Welsh product. It gives me great joy to be able to support those who wish to learn Welsh alongside their baby, she says, and have enjoyed using Shnwcs products to aid that. Selling at ohn Lewis was also a huge personal milestone.

Sara recently launched a pack of baby milestone cards, created specifically for use with premature babies and those in special care baby

“Welsh is unquestionably thebest, most beautiful language inthe world, and it’s ours”

ABOVE: Shnwcs’ Sara Hampson-Jones; BELOW: milestone baby cards from Shnwcs

HOW CAN I LEARN IT?

• Welsh can look daunting at first – all those consonants and long words! – and it certainly has a reputation for being difficult to grasp. But actually, the grammar is pretty easy, and spelling can be phonetic child’s play once you know how.

• A great way to keep your use of Welsh going is through networks of Welsh speakers, or simply knowing places you can go to speak it – such as the businesses we speak to on these pages! – And when you run out of Welsh words, just switch briefly to English; it’s what the cool kids do.

units. “They were created with the help of Welsh parents who were so kind as to share their experiences with me,” Sara says. “I was told that being able to celebrate these amazing milestones though a product in their preferred language gave them joy, comfort and hope during an e tremely difficult period. @shnwcs

9THE GIFT SHOP Stwff-Stuff

Seven years old now, Stwff Stuff has three retail gift and homewares stores – two in Llantwit Major and one on Cowbridge high street –as well as an online shop and heavy social media presence. And the reason we’re talking to them? Their commitment to the Welsh language, of course.

We encourage our staff to talk Welsh with customers, says founder Alys Gwyneth, “and much of our stock is made in Wales and uses the Welsh language. Our social media channels are in both languages, and our very name reflects this too it pairs the Welsh (Stwff) and English (Stuff) for the same thing.

Alys is a fluent Welsh speaker, and when she hears customers speaking the language, or knows that they can, makes sure to speak to them in Welsh throughout. “In particular, when I know young shoppers attend a Welsh language school, I make a point of using Welsh – including when taking payment. It’s the same with Welsh learners, as little beats language practice in a real world setting. We carry bespoke products which feature Welsh, of course, including a range of sentiment candles and chocolates in both English and Welsh language versions. The ‘New Home’ candle, for instance, has its Welsh equivalent ‘Cartref Newydd’. We also participate in any new initiative through the media of Welsh – for example, during last year’s Vale of Glamorgan Shop Local campaign, we handed out canvas shopping bags in Welsh for Llantwit Major (‘Llanillud Fawr’) and Cowbridge (‘ Bontfaen’). For me, providing a service in Welsh creates a sense of local community and pride, and I think it’s especially important to use it in real life situations like shopping, as it’s all too easy not to, even for those who learnt it at school.”

t stu co u

10THE NATIONAL INSTITUTION

Wales Millennium Centre

“At Wales Millennium Centre, Welsh identity is at the heart of everything we do, says artistic director Graeme Farrow. It sets us apart on the international stage, and is a major part of the rich fabric of our culture. The inscription on the front of our building is a strong visual reminder of our bilingual identity, but the contribution of the Welsh language can be seen right across everything, from our Glanfa stage – which hosts free public performances – to our Awen bar. As we develop the spaces inside our building, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a drink at a new welcome hub in our foyer – with a brand new Welsh name, of course!”

As the national arts centre of Wales, the Millennium Centre makes sure to play its part in encouraging the use of the language across its services. “Whether you’re on the phone, at our welcome desk or on our website, you can know what’s on and buy your tickets entirely through the medium of Welsh,” Graeme says. “Telling stories using Welsh is an important part of our mission to inspire the nation, and we’ve created and showcased some innovative Welsh language work in the past, from the bilingual drag queen Connie Orff to Anthem, our recent original musical comedy that followed a fictional TV singing competition. We’ve also showcased Welsh language acts at Llais, our newly renamed international music festival [coming up in October] –including Gwenno, Ani Glass and Gruff hys – and this year Cate Le Bon is on our line up. And we’ve more to come; work is underway on a new original Welsh language production for late next year, and we’re looking forward to showcasing more Welsh language shows in our new cabaret space, which opens soon.” n

c o u

Graeme Farrow, artistic director at WMC

CLOCKWISE: Makenzy at her studio; Bosa Man; self portrait; Two Fruits, Four Dollars

THE ARTS

FACE TO FACE

Makenzy Beard, a student of Bishopston Comprehensive School in Swansea, took to painting during lockdown, aged 13. An avid sports player, Makenzy represents Wales in under 16s hockey; unable to take part in her favourite sport during the height of the Covid restrictions, Makenzy was looking for something different to do and so tried her hand at painting in her mother’s studio. Since then, the teenager has gone on to receive global acclaim, with one of her portraits chosen to be exhibited as part of the prestigious Royal Academy Young Artist’s Summer Show in London.

Her current exhibition, showcasing a body of new and as yet unreleased works, can now be seen at Blackwater Gallery in Cardiff, until 1 October. www.blackwatergallery.co.uk

presenters, Graham Norton is also an author and is on tour to launch his new novel, Forever Home New Theatre, Park Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

13 – 14 October

KEVIN BRIDGES: THE OVERDUE CATCH-UP

With a career spanning 18 years, Kevin consistently hits the nail on the head with his shrewd outlook on the modern world.

Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

MUSIC AND DANCING

On now, until 9 December AMSERJAZZTIME

This Friday jazz club performs everything from bebop to funk and soul.

RWCMD, Cathays Park; www.rwcmd.ac.uk

1 October

VELVET CLUB NIGHT

From 30 September onwards

WHAT’S ON

PLAYS/SHOWS CONCERTS

On now, until 5 October

RIGHT WHERE WE LEFT US

This new show from Welsh production company Chippy Lane asks what happens instead of ‘happily ever after’. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

On now, until 22 October

WNO’S AUTUMN 22 SEASON

The Welsh National Opera has announced its new programme, including an ek’s The Makropulos Affair; Puccini’s La bohème; new opera Migrations; Shostakovich’s Cherry Town, Moscow; and new commission

The Shoemaker Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wno.org.uk

30 September

ANTHEMS OF ROCK

Allow this show to take you back to the heyday of 80s rock. Memo Arts Centre, Barry; www.memoartscentre.co.uk

6 October – June 2023

THE CARDIFF CLASSICAL SERIES

The Cardiff Classical Series features 18 world-class concerts, starting with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (6 October). The programme features the likes of award-winning cellist Laura van der Heijden and virtuoso pianist Paul Lewis. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

7 October MARTIN BAYFIELD’S RUGBY LEGENDS

ugby legend Martin Bayfield in coversation with other giants of the game. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

12 – 15 October

THE GOOD LIFE

From Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society comes a theatrical reimagining of the TV sitcom that delighted millions. The Paget Rooms, Penarth; www.ticketsource.co.uk/pods

14 – 29 October

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

This new major production of an evergreen classic promises A Midsummer Night’s Dream for our times. Sherman Theatre, Cathays; www.shermantheatre.co.uk

23 October

ELLA HENDERSON TOUR

The X Factor star’s Everything I Didn’t Say tour is coming to the city. Tramshed, Clare Road; www.tramshedcardiff.com

31 October

SUGABABES

The most successful British female group of the 21st century is back! Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

COMEDY

9 October AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON

One of the UK’s most treasured

A quarterly bi and lesbian disco in an exclusive-use basement venue. Chapel 1877 Bar & Restaurant, Churchill Way, Cardiff

9 October

CHAPTER FOUR: SUNDAY JAZZ

Chapter’s in-house jazz group brings swinging tunes to the arts centre. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

29 October

MONSTER’S BALL: HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

A women-only event featuring a banquet, fancy dress and dancing. Jury’s Inn, Cardiff; www.jurysinns.com

Most Fridays NUKE

Party anthems, cult classics and dance floor bangers. Clwb Ifor Bach, Womanby Street; www.clwb.net

FOOD & DRINK

30 September – 1 October OKTOBERFEST

Expect a huge beer hall atmosphere, hosts in traditional German dress and authentic German food.

VSA Warehouse, Penarth Road, Cardiff; www.vsawarehouse.co.uk

6 & 27 October POTION MAKING AND

The legendary Bob Dylan is heading to Cardiff in October

TEA TASTING

Halloween-inspired lock-in events: Potion Making and Tea Tasting on 6 October, and Spook-tacular Tea Tasting on 27 October. Bird & Blend Tea Co., Castle Arcade; www.birdandblendtea.com

8 October CLUBBRUNCH

This regular rooftop brunch features 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, a two- or three-course brunch and live music.

The Botanist, Church Street; www.clubbrunch.co.uk

Saturdays in October MAMMA MIA!

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Grab your dancing queens and say ‘I do’ to free flowing drinks,

OCTOBER TOP 10

a yummy brunch and a day of showstopping shenanigans.

Tonight Josephine, Caroline Street; www.tonightjosephine.co.uk

FAMILY & KIDS

9 October HEATH PARK MINI RAILWAYS DAYS

Ride miniature trains and trams in an enclosed, safe environment. ing eorge V Drive ast, Cardiff; www.bglr.org

16 October

JUSTIN LIVE: THE BIG TOUR

Join CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher for an all-singing, alldancing extravaganza.

New Theatre, Park Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

BELOW: The Iris Prize brings filmmakers from around the world to Cardiff. Pictured: Tank Fairy is up for the International Prize, and Queer Parivaar is in the Best British category

126 October

BOB DYLAN

The legendary Bob Dylan is heading to Cardiff on his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour, his first tour in five years. Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

29 October

BAFTA CYMRU

The 31st BAFTA Cymru Awards will make a return to a live, in-person ceremony, with Alex Jones as host.

St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

311 – 16 October

IRIS PRIZE LGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL

Iris is home to the largest short film prize in the world; the festival brings filmmakers from around the world to Cardiff. This year, 12 feature films from 10 countries will be shown during the six-day festival.

Across Cardiff; www.irisprize.org

421 – 23 October

S N FESTIVAL

This multi-venue music festival is based entirely in Cardiff’s city centre. See page 30 for more.

Across Cardiff; www.swnfest.com

526 – 30 October LLAIS

This flagship annual international arts festival is back with a new name. See page 32 for more.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

6On now, until 16 October

GOOD FOOD CARDIFF AUTUMN FESTIVAL

A city-wide programme of events to celebrate Cardiff’s good food movement. Across Cardiff; www.foodcardiff.com

71 October

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

Banff is bringing evenings of thrilling adventure films to venues around Wales. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

82 October

WIZZ AIR CARDIFF HALF MARATHON

The iconic road race around the city is back for its second time this year. Cardiff; www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk

98 October

FIM WORLD SUPERCROSS BRITISH GRAND PRIX

Cardiff will host the first ever World Supercross British Grand Prix where, for one historic night, the sport’s biggest stars will meet on the ultimate dirt bike battlefield. Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

1029 October THROWFEST

An annual alternative all-day event, featuring the likes of Dying Wish, Mimi Barks, Graphic Nature, Love Is Noise and Your Misery. Clwb Ifor Bach, Womanby Street; www.clwb.net

Alex Jones will host BAFTA Cymru in October

Our pick of the best events coming up this month

S ON

16 October

MINI RAVERS: LIL MONSTERS HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

Go clubbing with your kids! Featuring fancy dress, confetti cannons, live characters and a 90s rave. D P T, off Curran mbankment; www.depotcardiff.com

Ongoing

CEFN MABLY FARM PARK

An indoor and outdoor attraction featuring a petting and feeding zoo. Began Road, Michaelston y Fedw, Cardiff; www.cefnmablyfarmpark.com

Ongoing

TECHNIQUEST

The science centre offers interactive experiences for all ages. Techni uest, Stuart Street, Cardiff; www.techni uest.org

ARTS, EXHIBITIONS & CULTURE

On now, until 23 October

RITHIKA PANDEY: EVERYTHING HAS ITS TIME A selection of evocative and personal paintings which share a nomadic embrace of surrealist futures. Chapter Arts, Canton; www.chapter.org

On now, until 14 October

MAKENZY BEARD SOLO EXHIBITION

Makenzy Beard is hailed as one of the post prodigious young artists to come out of the UK. For more, see page 19. Blackwater allery, Pendeen House; www.blackwatergallery.co.uk

On now, until 22 October

WICKER WOMAN

This is a solo exhibition for Kate Shooter – a winner of the 2021 MADE Art Prize. Cardiff MAD , ochaber Street, Roath; www.cardiffmade.com

Most weekends

CERAMIC WORKSHOPS

Matthew Jones’ pottery workshops cater for groups of up to four. BYOB if you like. Matthew Jones Ceramics Barry, oodsheds; www.matthewjonesceramics.com

FILM

Ongoing

BOCS

The first space of its kind in a Welsh arts centre, Bocs (Welsh for Bo ) will present a programme of immersive digital e periences – from 0 films

and projections to extended reality ( ) e periences.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

Ongoing

COSY CINEMA

The world’s first Cosy Cinema Pod Park has landed in Cardiff. ou’ll find private pods – big enough for couples, families and small groups – where you can stream media of your choice (from Netfli , to bo sets, to movies, to live sport or video games) on 2 inch screens. You can even stay overnight. Caravan Park, Fields Parks Road, Pontcanna; www.cosse.co.uk

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

Ongoing WATER SPORTS

Whether you fancy a spot of family white water rafting, gorge walking, hotdogging or SUP, head down to CIWW. Cardiff International White Water; www.ciww.com

Ongoing ICE SKATING

Get your skates on and take to the ice with the whole family. Our favourite session is the Friday Night Ice Party,

Fridays from 8.15pm. Ice Arena Wales, lympian Drive; www.icearenawales.com

MARKETS

Every week

RIVERSIDE FARMERS MARKETS

More than 100 farmers and small producers sell food and drink across three regular markets every week: Rhiwbina Farmers Market on Fridays, Roath Farmers Market on Saturdays, and Riverside Farmers Market on Sundays. Across Cardiff; www.riversidemarket.org.uk

Every month

GREEN TOP EVENTS

Artisan food, craft, clothing and gift markets are held at Cardiff Garden Centre in St Mellons (on the last Friday of each month), and at the Norwegian Church in the Bay (on the first Saturday of each month). Cardiff; www.greentopevents.co.uk

OTHER 1 October

GRANGETOWN GREEN GALA oing Cardiff Climate Action Café and Cardiff ustice Coalition and get hands on with local food

suystainability projects, craftivism and entertainment. range Pavilion, Cardiff; www.grangepavilion.wales

8 – 9 October

CARDIFF CASTLE GHOST TOUR

Explore the majestic castle at night where you will discover its ghostly goings on. Cardiff Castle, Castle Street; www.darkwalestours.co.uk

11 October

AN EVENING WITH JEREMY BOWEN

The BBC’s Middle East Editor since 1989, Jeremy Bowen will be interviewed about his new book, The Making of the Modern Middle ast All Saints Church Penarth; www.gri nbooks.co.uk

15 – 31 October

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS

Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen’s annual PYO Pumpkins event will run for three weekends in October with some weekdays too. Expect wacky pumpkin patches, tractor rides, a maize maze, piglets, alpacas and more.

Penllyn state Farm; www.foragefarmshop.co.uk

Rithika Pandey’s artwork is currently at Chapter Arts

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH

On now, until September 2023

REFRAMING PICTON

An exhibition created with minoritised communities in response to a portrait of Sir Thomas Picton – a war hero who also terrorised the island of Trinidad where he was Governor.

National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park; www.museum.wales

1 October

BLACK HISTORY WALES

The theme of this year’s Black History Wales is, ‘Young People, the Time is Now!’ Celebrate the history, culture and contributions of people of Black-African and African-Caribbean heritage, through music, performances and art. There will also be a marketplace with African and Caribbean pop-up stalls.

St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff; www.museum.wales

2 October COBO: COMEDY SHUTDOWN

This Black History Month comedy special will be an uplifting night of laughter featuring the likes of Nabil Abdulrashid and Kane Brown.

The Glee Club, Mermaid Quay; www.glee.co.uk

2 October

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

Go down memory lane with all the big Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson.

New Theatre, Park Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

18 – 22 October

THE COLOR PURPLE: THE MUSICAL

Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel, The Color Purple tells the powerful story of heroine Celie who embarks on a journey to discover her own unique voice thanks to the women in her life.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

21 October

DAWN PENN

The Queen of Reggae Dawn Penn brings you the sweetest tunes, with support acts including Shantz and Sun I Tafari. Vale Sports Arena, Cardiff; www.valesportsarena.co.uk

30 October

BOMBINO AND LES

AMAZONES D’AFRIQUE

An evening of West African music, with a superstar Tuareg guitarist and singer and the polyrhythmic harmonies of an all-female supergroup.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay; www.wmc.org.uk

Every Friday

BINGO LINGO

Cardiff, brace yourselves. This is one of the city’s biggest and wildest Friday nights out. DEPOT; Curran Embankment; www.depotcardiff.com

Year round

COIN, COAL AND CHEERS

Hensol Castle Distillery, the oyal Mint E perience and A Welsh Coal Mining E perience at hondda Heritage Park have created an action packed day out for tour planners. Various venues; www.visitthevale.com

COMING SOON…

3 November

KAISER CHIEFS

One of Britain’s most treasured bands is heading out on tour with The Fratellis and The Sherlocks. Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

5 November

WALES V NEW ZEALAND

Wales begin their 2022 2 season against the All Blacks in what will be the th meeting between the two sides. Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www. principalitystadium.wales

14 November

BIFFY CLYRO

The alternative rock trio are going back on tour! Motorpoint Arena, city centre; www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

22 – 26 November

SPIKE: UK TOUR

Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s comedy, Spike, sees ohn Dagleish reprise his role as Spike Milligan. New Theatre, Park Place; www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

1 December –

1 January 2023

CHRISTMAS AT BUTE PARK

Tickets are on sale for this year’s Christmas at Bute Park, a breath taking festive festival of light – the biggest Wales has ever seen. www.christmasatbutepark.com

22 March 2023

SUEDE

Suede will be performing classics, hits, and tracks from their forthcoming album, Auto ction. St David’s Hall, The Hayes; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

6 – 7 June 2023

COLDPLAY: MUSIC OF THE SPHERES WORLD TOUR

Since the band’s record breaking tour began this year, more than four million tickets have been sold, and they show no signs of slowing down. Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales

20 June 2023

HARRY STYLES LOVE ON TOUR

International superstar Harry Styles has announced the continuation of Love On Tour with newly announced dates in Europe, including a show Cardiff. Principality Stadium; Westgate Street; www.principalitystadium.wales n

OUR OWN VERY SPECIAL EVENTS

18 November

CARDIFF PROPERTY AWARDS

This awards ceremony, a prestigious celebration of the best of Cardiff property and property companies, will take place at Mercure Cardiff Holland House. It’s part of a series of annual Property Awards that take place across Wales and England.

www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk

March 2023

CARDIFF LIFE AWARDS

Save the date! Our city-wide awards ceremony is coming back to City Hall! We can’t wait to welcome 500 local business people to celebrate the greatest successes of the year with us. Nominations will open this winter. For more, see page 55.

www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk

ABOVE: The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to St David’s Hall; LEFT: Me’sha Bryan stars in The Color Purple at WMC

© PHOTO BY JB LIAUTARD

WYBURN & WAYNE

Move over Ant & Dec. Make way Edina & Patsy.

Stand aside Batman & Robin. Our dynamic duo are in town and they’re here to give us the low down on the Cardiff high life

It’s been a chaotic few weeks for us, and Cardiff in general, mostly due to one thing which we have to mention. The wrestling! WWE landed in our incredible city, and boy did they take over. They had pop-up events with merchandise stands and wrestler meet-andgreets all over the city.

St David’s had several dedicated shops, and Cardiff Castle hosted some unique opportunities to sit in wrestling legend The Undertaker’s famous throne – the city was buzzing! The Undertaker himself sold out two ‘audience with’ shows at the New Theatre. We actually got told by a little birdy they sold out in record time, faster than any show ever at the theatre, which is phenomenal. We were lucky enough to be invited along as Nath was presenting The Deadman with a unique artwork – there are videos on social media

“It was a huge success for both WWE and Cardiff”

those ) we proudly hosted our first wrestling event at St Andrew’s U C Cardiff. New Wave Wrestling Academy stormed the hall on 11 September and put on an incredible familyfriendly event. Stay tuned as they will for sure be back with us by the end of the year.

The Club House has officially opened down Cardiff Bay, and it is beautiful. Our dear friend Jay Page is looking after it and anything he puts his magic to is a success. Be sure to head down to Mermaid Quay and check it out. Those views from the balconies are second to none.

We’ve had some pretty cool guests on our show at adio Cardiff of late, including stars of local am dram company White Cat Theatre who put on several incredible performances of A T down at the Norwegian Church in the Bay, and 2009 X Factor winner Joe Mcelderry who popped in to chat about his upcoming show Freedom, at St David’s Hall on 1 October, paying homage to the music of the legendary George Michael. See you next time!

so you can see for yourself how much of a genuine guy he was.

That’s not to mention the actual Clash at the Castle event, which was off the scale. A huge success for both WWE and Cardiff in general. We have a feeling they’ll be back with us again, and they won’t leave it over 30 years this time!

Back to the New Theatre where Friendsical – a parody musical inspired by the iconic TV show Friends – was showing; we went along to the performance with guest star Kimberly Wyatt (of Pussycat Dolls pop fame), and they also had Jake Quickenden there too!

The show itself was super feel-good family fun. Take your bestie or a loved one and just go have a great time if you can catch it anywhere (it’ll have already left Cardiff by the time you’re reading this, sadly).

Back to wrestling (this column seems a bit like a yoyo, doesn’t it? Who remembers

About our columnists: Nathan Wyburn is a pop culture artist who uses non-traditional mediums such as Marmite, beans, soil and fake tan; and Wayne Courtney is a healthcare support worker at University ospit l o W les he e lso io i s ith thei o n sho n the un t n e s o ee ou t in i ollo the on soci l @wyburnandwayne / @wyburnwayne

TOP 5

Five things we’re excited for in October…

• Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival, 11 – 16 October, across the city

• Freedom: The Music of George Michael, 13 October, at St David’s Hall

• Prop Appeal Annual Blue Tie Ball, 28 October, at Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel

• Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, 1 October, at New Theatre

• The Color Purple, 18 – 22 October, at Wales Millennium Centre

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

Never miss an issue of Cardiff Life – get your own copy posted to you on the Friday the magazine comes out

Cardiff: 233 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9PP.

E-mail: cardiff@valevetcentre.co.uk

Phone: 02920 004007

Barry: 7/8 Ty Verlon Ind Est, Cardiff Rd, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2BE

E-mail: info@valevetcentre.co.uk

Phone: 01446 739739

Newport: Unit 1 & 2 East Market Street, Newport, NP20 2AY

E-mail: newport@valevetcentre.co.uk

Phone: 01633 927927

INFORMATION

PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.VALEVETCENTRE.CO.UK

IS LONG COVID A DISABILITY?

The Employment Tribunal recently concluded, in the case of Burke v Turning Point Scotland, that 'long Covid' can be deemed a disability under the Equality Act 2010.

In deciding whether the claimant in this case was disabled, the Tribunal considered whether:

1.he had a physical/ mental impairment;

2.the impairment had a substantial and longterm adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities; and

3.the adverse effects of the impairment were long-term (had lasted/ were likely to last for at least 12 months).

While the outcome of this case does not mean that every case of potential long Covid will be considered a disability, it does make it clear that employers need to tread carefully. Some practical steps employers can take are as follows:

1.Consider each case individually and separately. Not every individual will meet the test of disability, but employers should pay

particular mind to the impact the symptoms are having on the individual’s day to day life.

2.Be conscious of occupational health findings. While employers should continue to seek advice and help from occupational health professionals, their opinion is not definitive in determining whether there is a disability. The Tribunal in this case determined that the claimant is disabled, despite the occupational health reports stating that he was likely not disabled.

3.Make reasonable adjustments. If you consider an employee is disabled due to long Covid, consider what reasonable adjustments you can make to help them return to work. This will support the employee with their difficulties and also mitigate any risk.

4.Manage disability-related absences. Individuals who suffer with long Covid are likely to have fluctuating symptoms. Consider being more flexible in relation to levels of absence and review absence policies to avoid discriminating against those who may have to take shorter and more frequent absences due to their disability.

5.Avoid other discrimination risks. The impact of

long Covid may be worse for women and those who are older and have pre-existing medical conditions. This could present a risk of indirect sex or age discrimination. Consider each case individually and adopt a reasonable approach to managing long Covid in the workplace. n

Please contact us if you would like more information at 029 2034 5511 or employment@berrysmith.com

Sarah Alford

Sarah Alford of BERRY SMITH LAWYERS shares pratical steps employers can take for employees with long Covid

PANIC

Punk outfit Panic Shack will be playing on the opening night of Cardiff’s S n Festival in October. Here we chat hidden talents, laughing until their bellies hurt, and vodka-fuelled jam sessions

anic Shack’s members –Sarah Harvey (vocals), Meg Fretwell (guitar/backing vocals), Romi Lawrence (guitar/backing vocals), Em Smith (bass) and Ed Barker (drums) – became friends through living and working in Cardiff. They still have ‘normal’ jobs in the city by day, but by night they deliver attitude packed, energy filled, alternative hyper pop/punk performances and have released music through independent Welsh label Clwb Creative ecords.

They’ve gone from stepping on stage at Cardiff’s annual Sŵn Festival as one of their first gigs, to playing its upcoming opening night in October. Here we chat

Hi Panic Shack! Can you take us back to the start and tell us about the normal lives you led before becoming punk legends? Three of us were working at a very popular bath bomb shop on Queen Street [I think we all know where that is]; Saz was a store trainer there and ended up training Meg and Ems. Then we all ended up being supervisors. It’s wild to think we were all there selling soap together before the band ever e isted. We are

all still working all about Cardiff; Saz is now in Alex Gooch bakery, selling all the vegan baked goods, Ems is a support worker, and Meg recently left the wonderful Eartha, but is also a very talented artist and sells her work at the Cardiff Creative shop.

So how did you go on to form the band? The main reason we decided to form a band was that we’d all been going to gigs in Cardiff for years, supporting boyfriends, friends, and anyone in the local scene. ou’d find us at every Rainbow Maniac, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard and Boy Azooga gig. We eventually got to a point where we thought, ‘wouldn’t it be fun if we were up there doing what they do’ and so, we gave it a go!

It was 2018, just after Green Man Festival

Panic Shack’s Sarah Harvey, Romi Lawrence, Em Smith and Meg Fretwell (clockwise from top left)

“We have to share the love for the one and only Clwb Ifor Bach!”

© PHOTO BY REN FAULKNER

BIG INTERVIEW

where the fire in our bellies grew, that we met up and brainstormed everything and anything that we wanted to be before even picking up a guitar. We thought about outfits, merchandise and all the bands we admired. From then onwards we met to try and play some covers, all cramped into Meg’s little office room –acoustic guitars, google tabs and lyrics, and lots of gin and vodka to loosen us up. Meg and om learnt their guitars e clusively for the band, so it was a daunting first e perience for us all!

How did you decide on your ‘sound’? Were you all on the same page with your musical styles?

The sound came so naturally alongside the music we enjoy listening to combined with what we were writing about. In the beginning we didn’t really know what we were doing, and we didn’t really care too much, and that haphazard approach to writing may have accidentally become our sound! We all listen to the same music but we try to branch out and all have our own music tastes, which all crossover slightly, like garage, country and hyper pop.

What are some of your favourite local gig venues?

We just have to share the love for the one and only Clwb Ifor Bach! We have been going to Clwb since we were at university (which was a long time ago) and it’s still the best venue to see live music and have a dance afterwards! Clwb is legendary; everyone wants to play there. We’ve had some special moments in that place.

Are you looking forward to S n Festival?

We love Sŵn Fest! This year’s line up is e quisite, with so many class bands coming to Cardiff; it’s been a good year for Cardiff’s music scene.

You’ve gone from playing at the festival as one of your first shows to now playing on the opening night in Tramshed – that must feel awesome?

It feels amazing! That first show we did at Sŵn (201 ) was one of our highlights as a band and still holds its place there after all this time because, it was our third ever gig. It feels good that we can look back on that and now play a show at Tramshed feeling e cited, prepared, and not having to play covers to bulk out our set.

What have been your best moments together so far?

It sounds cheesy but we just have the best time when we are all together. Any time when we’re on the road for a week or more we are so in sync, often delirious, and laugh until our bellies hurt. However, if we had to choose, we’d have to say playing Green Man last year and then headlining at Clwb Ifor Bach.

And your most challenging?

Probably the periods we’ve gone without having a permanent drummer – trying to teach someone new the whole set, then get them to drop all their plans to travel halfway across the country with us to play a gig. The logistics of being in a band is probably the most stressful part, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your favourite places in Cardiff?

Our favourite pub is the Queens Vaults, that’s where you’ll find us on a sunny day off. We are also partial to an iced latte from Corner Coffee or Scaredy Cats.

Surprise us…

We’ve all got some hidden talents – Sarah is a medium, she can see spirits; Meg is fluent in apanese; Emily can walk on her hands; and omi holds the Panic Shack world record for long jump. n

ee nic h c t she i on the openin ni ht o n esti l cto e s n est co

S N FESTIVAL

Originally founded by former BBC Radio One DJ Huw Stephens (who we are proud to say has hosted our very own Cardiff Life Awards) and music promoter Jon Rostron, S n Festival is Cardiff's behemoth multi-venue music festival.

It started in 2007 with a focus on new music, emerging artists and homegrown acts, and now, well into its teens, it remains at the heart of the city’s music offering. The three-day festival, which takes place over one weekend (21 – 23 October), supports rising stars and brings special guests and hundreds of bands and artists to the capital, showcasing new music, emerging acts and homegrown artists.

The line-up this year includes: BC Camplight, Lime Garden Prima Queen, Adwaith, Eädyth & Izzy Rabey, Asha Jane, Plastic Estate and tons of other eclectic acts.

Catch the festival from 21 – 23 October across Cardiff

The band members still have ‘normal’ day jobs in Cardiff, where they all met

© PHOTO BY BETHAN MILLER

LLAIS 2022

Formerly the Festival of Voice, Llais is Wales Millennium Centre’s flagship annual international arts festival inspired by the instrument that connects us all, and it’s back this October with international acts including Pussy Riot, Brett Anderson and Cate Le Bon

Llais is back with a new name and an eclectic line-up of acts, all kicking off with the iconic Welsh Music Prize ceremony. Across five days, Llais – previously known as the Festival of Voice –will fill every nook and corner of Wales Millennium Centre with a packed schedule of live music, inspiring digital experiences, free workshops and events.

The festival will start on 2 October with the Welsh Music Prize ceremony – arguably the focal point of the industry’s calendar in Wales, celebrating the finest music made in Wales or by Welsh people around the world. The ceremony will include live performances and the announcement of three prizes, including the coveted Welsh Music Prize.

The festival line-up features iconic Russian punk rock performance art collective Pussy Riot, who will bring their award-winning show Riot Days to the festival. John Cale, who performed at the inaugural Festival of Voice in 201 , returns in his 80th birthday year to perform a special one off performance with

Sinfonia Cymru and special guests, and to chat about his life and career. And Death Songbook, featuring delicate new versions of songs about death performed online at last year’s Gŵyl 2021 by Suede’s Brett Anderson, Charles Hazlewood, and Paraorchestra, will be performed in front of a live audience for the first time.

Also appearing will be legendary South African jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, Texan indie folk rockers Midlake, rock band Black Midi and Wales’ own Cate Le Bon Niger-based musician Bombino will perform his only UK date this year as well as eight-piece experimental London band Caroline and psych-folk group Tara Clerkin Trio

There’s also: Les Amazones d’Afrique, a creative force from across the African diaspora; trailblazing grime artist D Double E, integral to the establishment of grime in the UK, who will headline the Weston Studio supported by some of the best emerging grime, drill and rap artists from across Wales; and Welsh band Audiobooks who will join singer and actor Keeley Forsyth in a double bill.

Between performances, audiences can enjoy two interactive virtual reality experiences. In award winning filmmaker Darren Emerson’s In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats – one of the sell-out smash hits of Coventry UK City of Culture last year – audiences will be transported into the heart of the acid house movement, while in Darkfield’s FLIGHT they will face different worlds, realities and outcomes aboard an aircraft.

Alongside those, the immersive film installation No Place Like (Flat) Holm will tell the story of the island at risk from rising sea levels through a lone woman in chronic pain.

“We’ve put together a cracking line-up for this year’s Llais,” says WMC’s artistic director Graeme Farrow, “from veterans to the hottest new talent, from Wales and the world over, from poets to Paraorchestra. And to top it all off, we’re incredibly proud to welcome the iconic Welsh Music Prize to the festival. It feels like a match made in music heaven.” n

See Llais at Wales Millennium from 26 – 30 October; www.wmc.org.uk

Pussy Riot will bring their award-winning show to the festival

© PHOTO BY SOPHIE J STAFFORD

©

PHOTO BY KAREN PAULINA BISWELL

Singer and actor Keeley Forsyth

Les Amazones d’Afrique, a collective of west African musicians campaigning for gender equality

South African jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim

Niger-based musician Bombino

Wales’ own Cate Le Bon Texan indie folk rockers Midlake

MEET THE HEADTEACHER

We pick the brains of four heads of top local schools

CLARE SHERWOOD

THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL, LLANDAFF 029 2056 3179

www.cathedral-school.co.uk

Tell us about what’s new at the school...

For the first time in three years, our pupils were able to sit public examinations and their results were outstanding. It’s not new for the school, but new to those young people, and we’re so proud of them!

What do you love most about your job?

Every day a young person achieves something unique. Our boy and girl choristers had the honour of singing for King Charles III and the Queen Consort in Llandaff Cathedral this month – magical moments like these make my job very special.

How do you address big topics such as bullying, LGBTQ+ and race issues?

We teach the values of citizenship – that we all share a common humanity and we are all of equal worth. We want our pupils to have a

voice and stand up against injustice, wherever they see it. Unkindness is never acceptable and effective systems to educate our young people and address issues like this head-on are crucial.

What makes the school stand out?

Our high academic expectations support every child in meeting their individual potential.

There has been a site of learning here since the 9th century and The Cathedral School is an exciting blend of tradition and innovation. As a 3-18 school there’s a strong sense of family – and never a dull moment!

What message would you like to give to the pupils for them to read in Cardiff Life? Work hard and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Treasure those around you and rejoice in all that you have.

sure she is still standing in another 160 years.

What’s in the pipeline?

In a couple of weeks the curtain will go up on our production of Matilda. Students from Year 8 to Year 13 have been rehearsing for the musical since the start of this term, giving up their Sundays and lunchtimes to put together the production in just a few short weeks. I always love taking my seat on opening night; I’m always amazed at what an incredible job staff and students do.

and also to plan celebrations. They are so knowledgeable and mature, and not afraid to point it out when we get things wrong.

How do you think the pupils would describe you?

Firm but fun, I hope! All I ask from our students is that they work hard and be kind; so long as they do that they will always be met with a smile from their Principal.

Is there anything at the school that you wish you had when you were a pupil?

SALLY DAVIS

HOWELL’S SCHOOL, LLANDAFF GDST 029 20562019; www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net

Tell us about what’s new at the school...

Anyone who has driven along Cardiff Road lately will have noticed that we are completely covered in scaffolding, with builders replacing windows and roof tiles, repointing stone and getting everything ship-shape. The main school building is a Victorian great lady, over 160 years old, and as custodians we have to make

What do you love most about your job? I love talking to people; which is lucky, since I do it almost all day long. Sitting down with parents, students and staff and finding out what makes them tick helps me to make so many decisions about the way we do things at school.

What are your policies on awareness of big topics such as the following: bullying, LGBTQ+ issues, race etc? Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything that we do. Our equality prefects regularly meet with me or the Deputy Principal to discuss issues around representation and curriculum content,

We have just opened a wonderful new café for the students in the Co-Ed College. It has the most glorious views across Cardiff, and bifolding doors that open out on to a balcony for alfresco lunches. I’m afraid my school lunchtimes were never anything like as grand!

What makes the school stand out?

Howell’s is a place where individuality is embraced. There’s no typical Howell’s student, and there is no such thing as onesize-fits-all. We know our students inside and out and help them to find out what works best for them, in terms of academics, aspirations and pastoral support.

SHAUN MOODY

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, CARDIFF 02920778936

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Tell us about what’s new at the school... Our Sixth Form Centre is continuing to grow with extra classrooms and two superb Science laboratories added this summer. Our new website has given us a platform to celebrate all the incredible events and achievements that happen at St John’s. It gives a wonderful insight into school life for our current and prospective parents. We have recently partnered with Clever Chefs who have created wonderful menus and improved the dining room experience and environment. I think it is important to generate new initiatives and ideas to keep everything exciting and vibrant.

What’s in the pipeline? We have a very clear development plan for the future and intend to enhance the teaching environment and facilities at our main site. In addition, we aim to develop the facilities at our nearby sports field. Our vision is to make the sports fields a centre for sporting excellence. It is a beautiful area with a newly built pavilion set in 13 acres of playing fields.

What do you love most about your job? Interacting with the pupils. Nothing gives me more joy than listening to children who have been inspired and motivated to do something brilliant. In my time as Head of Art and Design Technology I was amazed by the incredible creative talent, especially at A Level, where I witnessed some phenomenal work. It was wonderful to see the joy on the faces of our students and parents as they received the news of the incredible GCSE and A Level results this year.

What message would you like to give to the pupils for them to read in Cardiff Life?

Most importantly is to be kind and generous to all people. I truly believe that the qualities of love, kindness and honesty will allow you to go far in life. After that, I would say to dream big and strive to do something incredible in life. Learn resilience as there will be knock backs. Sidney Poitier once quoted, “If your dreams do not scare you then they are not big enough”.

What are your policies/teachings on awareness of big topics such as bullying? It is essential to listen to our pupils through platforms such as Student council and Student Voice so that issues such as bullying are dealt with immediately. We are aware of the

class location, is coming to fruition and we can’t wait to share more with Cardiff Life about this. In addition, we have just opened our second UK campus, in Cambridge, and welcomed our first intake of Year 10 students in Cardiff, embarking upon their GCSE course over two years.

How do you think the pupils would describe you? I dread to think. If they described me as consistent, clear and determined to do what is right for them, then I would be delighted. I love delivering assembly talks to all students, every week; I hope they make students think and might earn the odd compliment? Some would, no doubt, describe me as pretty immovable, once a decision has been made. From my perspective, as long as decisions and policies are clear, consistent and put the best interests of students first, I can take any criticism that may arise.

increasing pressures on our children with anxiety and mental health problems escalating over recent years. I have no doubt that social media and the Covid pandemic have played a major part in exacerbating the challenges of growing up. Pupils need to have friends and feel valued. Having a passion for sport, music, nature or any other interest will play an important part in ensuring happiness and building confidence. That is why I believe that the co-curriculum in schools is so important with initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, LAMDA and F1 in schools which provide exciting opportunities and opens doors for the future.

TOM ARRAND

CARDIFF SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

029 2049 3121; www.ccoex.com

What’s in the pipeline?

A Lot! In a couple of years we hope to be relocating to our new site in Cardiff Bay. Our project, to renovate two historic building in the Bay and deliver world class education in a world

What do you love most about your job? The real rewards in being a Head come from watching others succeed. Whether it is students, teachers or other school staff, knowing that I have helped, in some way, to create an environment in which they are able to succeed is really, really special. It’s important for school leaders to take responsibility when things go wrong and, therefore, they are allowed to feel pride and joy when things go well.

What are your policies/teachings on awareness of big topics such as bullying, LGBTQ+ issues, race etc?

Like all schools, we have clear and robust policies in place to safeguard students and to provide clarity. What is important to emphasise is that we must always take an intelligent and balanced to approach to such complex issues. We must keep in mind that young people are on a journey of understanding and self-discovery which continues after they leave us and, while they are with us, we must assist them with in any way possible or necessary; second, that the rights of all students matter equally and when those rights conflict, leadership, understanding and genuine, respectful dialogue is required to reach sound resolutions; finally, that nothing is black and white and no policy can ever solve an issue on its own. Each set of circumstances differs from the last and must be treated on its own merits.

What makes the school stand out? We are unapologetically academic. Intellectual development and the mastery of subjects in readiness for university and beyond is what we do. We have high standards and high expectations which apply to everyone. And, because of that, we are a happy, focused and purposeful place to learn, live and work.

DARK AND EDGY

As a nod to Halloween, here are some of our favourite buys for spooky season, all from local businesses of course

STAG BOY, £2,500

With connotations of the masked Halloween mummers, this mixed media artwork is by Clive Hicks-Jenkins, the renowned Welsh illustrator of the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage’s most recent books.

From Martin Tinney Gallery, t n e s escent i www.artwales.com

SKULLS RING, FROM £129

Featuring handcrafted three-dimensional skulls, this is one for the rock ‘n’ rollers among you. o ho s o he es t i s i tho ss o co

NILAH YORIK DRESS, £199

Cover yourself in delicately hand-drawn skeletons for All Hallows’ Eve. From AllSaints, he es t i s i www.allsaints.com

GHOST BAKES, SIX FOR £15

Cookie canapés with vanilla buttercream and white chocolate ganache. o e n es i he h n es co u

MOON PHASES MUG £9.50

The perfect cup for a (witch’s) brew. o t tu i h t eet o i e st stu co u

LEGO SKELETON, £295

A limited edition print by Monica Vincent.

From Adamo Gallery, Morgan Arcade; www.adamogallery.co.uk

GOLD BONE NECKLACE, £235

Made from solid eco silver with 18ct gold vermeil, this accessory is bad to the bone. o u o tu ios l n www.duxfordstudios.com

TOLL HOUSE,

tingling

by Welsh author Carly

RHODE VARJA DRESS, £432

The little black dress, done differently, with added ru es and puffs. From Vedra, High Street, Cowbridge; www.iamvedra.com

THREE THINGS I LOVED EATING THIS MONTH…

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

Our columnist, good food fanatic, local blogger and indie foodie PR guru JANE COOK has her finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s new and tasty in the city…

It’s always great to see people bringing new ideas to life – and that’s how we end up with lovely places like Nighthawks, a brand-new indie wine bar and late-night grilled cheese haunt in Castle Arcade. Run by members of the team behind speakeasy cocktail bar The Dead Canary and taco bar La Pantera, I popped along to the opening night celebrations and sampled one too many of the delicious Sauvignon Blanc they are pouring at the moment; I know this is going to become one of my favourite hangouts. For more info see ni a ardiff

Soon, Cardiff ar r Markets will

be holding some free demos as part of d Cardiff Good Food Autumn Festival. Riverside, a and i ina ar r Markets will be hosting three, free Cook, Eat, Grow workshops across the weekend of 14 –16 October, covering growing microgreens at home, preserving seasonal produce and cooking on a budget using locally grown ingredients. For more info, visit dffar r ar

Later in the month, on 22 October, Cardiff chef Tom Waters (formerly of The Fat Duck, The Square, Odettes) will be taking over the kitchen at Wa r a on Wellfield oad with his pop-up restaurant, r . He will be serving a seasonal five course menu with a few

little extras, accompanied by a drinks selection curated by the Waterloo team. For more info, visit r r a ran

And finally, if you fancy doing some seasonal pumpkin picking over the next couple of weeks, you’ll find plenty of opportunities locally – from i in a in i as, to ra ar pick your own on Penllyn Estate Farm near Cowbridge. In fact, I’ve just updated this year’s guide on the best PYO patches in and near Cardiff; check out n r i i for details.

For more: www.janechicomendes.co.uk | @janechicomendes| www.hungrycityhippy.co.uk

CLOCKWISEFROMTOPLEFT: aubergine shwarma from Lahmacun; mackerel, grapefruit and coffee ponzu with pickled ginger from a recent pop-up from Gorse; pumpkin picking season is here; glass noodle salad from Waterloo Tea; Rob Clark and David Adams of Nighthawks Wine Bar; charcuterie plate from Nighthawks

aubergine

cooked over

from

charcuterie board at brand-new indie wine bar

zingy Asian glass noodle salad from @Waterlootea

TASTES OF ASIA

The Ivy Asia Cardiff opened in late September; we went along to meet with one of its head honchos, MATT TOMKINS…

Hi Matt, as GM of The Ivy Asia, Cardiff – the first of its kind in Wales – tell us about the musttry dishes...

The smoking barbeque lamb rump with miso aubergine is one of my favourite main dishes.

On the dessert menu, the Green Lantern is a must try, it’s a white chocolate and yuzu cheesecake, with raspberry and chocolate pearls, topped with mango sauce.

How would you describe the interiors?

The Ivy Asia is home to luminous green onyx flooring that will greet guests as they enter the restaurant. The main dining room houses two cherry blossom trees, as well as bespoke Paul Clifford artwork throughout, and a stunning marble bar. Striking artwork, unique fabrics, antiques, and colourful wallpapers fill the venue, capturing the diverse and rich variety of colour and culture that spans the continent of Asia.

What other extra-special touches can you tell us about?

Its theatrical and luxurious setting ensures this restaurant stands out as a fun, entertaining, and exciting dining experience. The restaurant itself features a sushi bar, where guests can experience food being prepared right before their eyes.

This must be a dream role in the hospitality industry. What’s your background?

Before moving to Cardiff and joining Revolucion De Cuba as a manager, I was a manager at The Florist Bristol, and prior to that I was a manager at both The Botanist’s Chester and Reading branches. I have also previously worked at Sakura in Manchester, a Japanese restaurant, where I was the GM for two years. Having worked in The Ivy Asia’s flagship site in St Paul’s, I knew that The Ivy Asia, Cardiff would be an e citing and dynamic environment to work in. I’ve always admired The Ivy Asia for its unique take on luxury dining, and the theatrical nature of the experience makes this a welcome new challenge for me that combines all of my past experience in beautiful surroundings. I can’t wait to get stuck in. n

he si i he es t i s i thei si c i co

BEST BITS

The Ivy Asia brings fusion flavours, exotic cocktails and late-night entertainment to Cardiff every night of the week. Here are five of its best bits, in our opinion…

•Its Asian-inspired afternoon tea, featuring the likes of salmon cream cheese and cucumber maki rolls, and a mochi selection.

•The pure glamour of its décor, featuring striking antiques and artwork.

•Its resident DJs spinning soul, funk, house and disco; the ideal accompaniment to after-dinner cocktails (make ours a Beijing Sling).

•Its dedicated sushi bar, with an extensive selection (salmon sashimi, spiced yuzu with avocado salsa, and yellowtail being our top choices).

•Its enclosed outside area for drinking and dining, whatever the weather.

Onyx flooring, blossom trees and Paul Clifford artworks adorn the place

Theatrical dishes await

WHERE THERE’S A WILL...

Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice has provided care and support for more than 1,100 children and their families across Wales since it first opened in 1999. Currently caring for around 300 children with lifeshortening conditions, Tŷ Hafan provides respite care at its hospice in Sully and outreach support in communities across Wales.

It costs £5.2 million to run Tŷ Hafan annually and 25 per cent of that comes from the generosity of their amazing supporters who have left the charity gifts in their wills.

Here, James Meacham shares his story about his son Thomas, and how Tŷ Hafan was the lifeline he and his family never thought they

would need.

“Until autumn 2017, Thomas was a normal eight-year-old boy: very fit, intelligent, a keen reader, and very funny. Just a typical kid.

“But that September we noticed some behavioural and physical changes and then, in January 2018, Thomas had two big seizures at home. After being blue-lighted to hospital and various tests, we got given the diagnosis of Adrenoleukodstrophy (ALD).

“When you get a terminal diagnosis for a previously fit and well child, it sounds like a cliché but we literally didn’t know where to turn.

“Then we were told about Tŷ Hafan. Initially we were scared but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Tŷ Hafan is the most positive, uplifting and inspiring place you’ll ever visit.

“From our first visit when Thomas was able to enjoy the play area to our last visit when he died, the care, compassion, support we all received from Tŷ Hafan was first class. They even read to him and put Star Wars on in his room after he’d died. I can’t put into words how reassuring that was as a parent.

“We still get calls and visits from our family support worker, and our daughter, Ella, who is eight, has play therapy in school to help her to deal with her grief. My wife and I still get invited to complementary therapist sessions at the

hospice, and, for me the support of the Dads’ group is unique and invaluable.

“I honestly don’t know where we would be without Tŷ Hafan and I think every Tŷ Hafan parent would say that the hospice has played a massive positive part in their lives.

“So please leave a gift in your will for Tŷ Hafan. Every penny goes to caring for children like Thomas and families like mine.”

Tŷ Hafan has partnered with the National Free Wills Network to offer their supporters the opportunity to meet with a local solicitor and write a simple will or pair of wills for free.

Whilst there is no obligation to include a gift in your will for Tŷ Hafan when using these services, they will be very grateful if you do choose to remember the charity n

To find out more please contact John Lowes on john. lowes@tyhafan.org, tel: 02920 532255 or visit www.tyhafan. org/willyou

Will

leave a gift in your will forTŶ HAFAN children’s hospice?

BBQ MACKE EL WITH MISO CUCUMBE AND HO SE ADISH

From Chef Tommy Heaney at Heaneys Cardiff

Serves 4

The BBQ isn’t just for summer, you know. Chef Tommy has even been known to cook a Christmas turkey on the barbie…

Cooking/prep Time: 30 mins

Ingredients Horseradish buttermilk

300ml buttermilk

Fresh horseradish – optional amount

2 Mackerel (you can ask your fishmonger to fillet in advance)

Mackerel cure

225g Salt

150g Muscovado sugar

0g Lemon zest

0g Orange zest

0g Cumin seeds

g Mustard seeds

18 Peppercorns

Miso Glaze

150ml White wine

90ml Madeira wine

8 g Miso paste

5g Sugar

1 g Ginger

1 Clove garlic

0ml Soy sauce

Cucumber Relish

1 Cucumber

1 Chilli

1 Shallot

1 Garlic clove

50g White wine vinegar

50g Sugar

1tbsp Mustard seeds

1.5tbsp Chopped dill

Method

Start by curing the mackerel

Lightly toast off the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns. In a bowl, mi your toasted seeds with the salt, sugar and zest of the lemon and orange. ub this over the mackerel, and leave for 25 0 mins. Wash the mackerel under gently running cold water, then pat dry with kitchen paper.

Next, move on to the miso glaze

Mi all ingredients together in a pan and reduce to a sauce consistency.

Prep your cucumber relish

Grate the cucumber into a bowl. Chop your chilli, shallot and garlic and put to one side. In a pan, heat mustard seeds and sugar in white wine until the sugar has dissolved.

Set aside to cool. Squeeze the cucumber to remove the juice, then add your shallot, garlic, chopped chives and dill to the cucumber. Lastly, add your mustard seed syrup.

Now for your buttermilk sauce

Get your 00ml of buttermilk and grate fresh horse radish into it, to your taste, and leave to infuse for 0 minutes.

Get your BBQ going (a grill also works)

Make sure your coals are red hot. Don’t oil the fish, this is important. Place the mackerel skin side down on the grill and cook for 0 seconds ma . Flip over for another 10 seconds and glaze with your miso. emove, and serve with your buttermilk and relish.

o o e he ne sc i co u

BRIDGING THE GAP

Cardiff’s

Howell’s

Co-Ed College specialises in education at A level, providing the perfect stepping stone between school and university. The college embraces a friendly and grown-up approach to education. Expectations are high and students at Howell’s are disciplined enough to know they can work hard but have fun.

Of the 79 students sitting A levels at HCC this summer, 35% of all results were the highest A* grade, with 81% receiving A*-B grades.

The college complements its academic excellence with an exciting timetable of co-curricular activities, including an extensive programme of creative arts and music, law, economics and medical societies, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and a range of clubs from engineering to mindfulness and Fairtrade to politics. A full schedule of sports – from football to rowing, dodgeball to yoga – is available to all students, who can take full advantage of the newly opened sports complex.

Howell’s Co-Ed College is a member of the GDST, the largest group of independent schools in the UK and the UK’s largest educational charity. On leaving Howell’s, every student becomes member of the GDST Alumnae Network, the country’s largest little black book, with over 70,000 members. Members are national and international leaders in every professional field and the Alumnae Network offers invaluable careers advice, training and work experience opportunities.

Howell’s School, Llandaff was established in the 19th century, and its reputation for

excellence still endures, now extending into the Co-Ed College. As part of the GDST, Howell’s Co-Ed College works hard to ensure that fees remain as affordable as possible, and the GDST Bursary Fund gives gifted students a Howell’s education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Students are drawn from a large geographical area, and buses run to and from areas including Caerphilly, Penarth, Cowbridge and Barry. ■

For further information or to arrange a visit, email admissions@how.gdst.net or telephone 02920 261832

CO-ED, LLANDAFF is a

SCHOOL GUIDE

VICTORIA BOND

Making the grade

What have this year’s A level and GCSE results shown us about the education system?

his summer saw the release of the first set of GCSE and A level results determined by e ternal e ams since 201 . Column inches speculating the scale of grade deflation had been as numerous as chipped mugs in a school staff room. Overall, however, the results did e actly what it has said on the e am regulator’s tin grades were pulled back from the generous teacher assessed marks of 2021 but had some way to go before they were back to pre pandemic normal.

At A level, the number of A and A s were reduced by 8. percentage points but would have to drop a further 10 points to match 201 ’s ‘full fat’ e ams. However, pupils were right to be nervous about whether university offers, which are based on grade predictions by nice teachers – would they match up with the letters in their results’ day envelopes Over 20,000 pupils missed their first choice offer and were thrown into clearing; up per cent on the year before.

It was a similar dip not plunge

Tpicture at GCSE. The proportion of pupils achieving top grades dropped by per cent but this was only a third of a way back to 201 ’s scores. Private schools saw the biggest fall in top grades, the north-south divide widened, and girls continued to outperform boys with 8 per cent more grade s, 8s and s.

Prior to this e am series, the plan was to see a full return to pre pandemic grading in 202 . But less than 2 hours after the results were published, Ofqual announced that there would be a full review of how to assess the Class of 202 fairly. It’s widely e pected there will continue to be some adaptations to e ams and grading to reflect learning disruption – for ne t year at the very least.

What about beyond the ne t 12 months With multiple e am board errors – including incorrect questions and missing papers

– and public confidence in the value of grades at an all time low, calls for an overhaul of the whole analogue system are growing. The pandemic highlighted an urgent need to modernise the way e ams are set and marked, and also widened the cracks in the ‘rigorous’ GCSEs that force schools to teach to tests and only reward children with good short term recall. More than a third of state school students failed to get a standard (grade ) pass in GCSE in English and maths this summer. Something is seriously wrong.

What’s more, with the majority of pupils now staying in some form of education until they are 18, a major once size fits all e am series at age 1 is outdated. Better to opt for a testing system, as per many European countries, that allows pupils to actually enjoy their learning until 1 without the threat of high stakes tests.

Then, they can spend their final two years following a broad curriculum of modern vocational and academic subjects and get grades decided via a hybrid mi of teacher-assessed coursework and regular written tests.

As I write ‘written’ tests, I am of course typing, and even if a better system for e amining our children is still only being talked about in the UK, e ams on computers are set to become a reality. Ofqual has confirmed it’s planning to move all GCSEs and A levels online by 2025, and e ams could even start to include adaptive testing, which varies the difficulty of the questions as a student progresses depending on how well they are performing. It’s one small step for our children, even if a giant leap is needed.

Victoria Bond is founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

“The pandemic highlighted an urgent need to modernise the way exams are set and marked”

This is the first year since the pandemic that A level and GCSE results are exam based again

Would your daughter thrive in an environment where she is free to be herself? A place where she is encouraged to believe that nothing is out of reach? Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST has been teaching Cardiff’s daughters to learn without limits for 160 years.

At Howell’s School, Llandaff GDST, girls thrive from the age of three in a girls-only environment where academic achievements are always celebrated, and these go hand-in-hand with co-curricular activities that inspire and challenge them. From ballet to football, from playing cricket to learning a new language, everyone at Howell’s believes that education doesn’t stop when the bell rings at the end of the school day. GDST schools are at the forefront of gender equality, deliberately challenging gendered

norms and purposefully building girls’ confidence, conviction and self-belief, making sure that girls have the skills to set and respect boundaries and have the confidence to make their voices heard.

Every aspect of teaching and learning at Howell’s is tailored to girls, every program for wellbeing, leadership and learning caters to the needs of girls, developing their confidence as they mature into young adults in a culture free from gender bias, encouraged to believe that nothing is beyond consideration.

Research currently shows that girls’ confidence starts to decline at the age of eight, and it only improves from the age of 80. Howell’s instils in girls the confidence they need for a successful future, and their teachers delight in watching them grow to become more assertive and willing to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks. ■

Reach the best in the west

Cardiff Life team 01225 475800

SCENE

ACROSS CARDIFF, ONE SHINDIG AT A TIME

THE CLUB HOUSE LAUNCH

At the end of August, The Club House opened in Cardiff Bay. Sister company of The Botanist, the two floor, nautical themed bar and restaurant aims to offer ‘that feeling when you first arrive on holiday’ and does it through live music, good food, fun events and imaginative cocktails – best sipped while taking in the view over harbour across to where the barrage meets Penarth. www.theclubhouse.uk.com

Photos by Faith Wright

REVOLUTION CARDIFF REVAMP

In September, evolution Cardiff revealed a new look and feel to its 1,400-capacity Castle Street venue following a 00k+ makeover. The revamp focused on the main club room, with a new bar, booth seating, an updated D booth, mural artwork, new feature seating and a reconfiguration of the bar area. Guests were invited to the VIP unveiling where they got to sample a range of 50 vodkas, intriguing cocktail serves, and plenty of entertainment. evs has also now launched its new Elevate club night, which runs every Saturday. www.revolution-bars.co.uk

Photos by Rob Matthews

LOLLY POP-UP

At the end of August, visitors to St David’s Cardiff were gifted with free unusual treats at the centre’s Lolly Pop Up. Guests were offered the chance to create the ice-cream lolly of their dreams (or nightmares…) in a purpose-built pop-up ice cream parlour, where 1,000 lollies were made over the weekend-long event. Toppings ranged from Welsh cakes, candy floss and flowers to edible insects, laverbread, chilli and Twiglets.

The event coincided with the shopping centre’s Lollydays installation, comprising a 40-metre-long display of giant lollies and ,000 flowers.

st i sc i co

Photos by Christopher Willan

PUTTING A FACE TO THE NAME…

Meet the team from award-winning THE TAP END BATHROOMS

In a nutshell, this team loves bathrooms. Here, the designers from this award nominated and winning bathroom design company tell us what they think makes a great calming sanctuary, how to elevate its finish, and what the trends of the moment are. Is it better to keep it timeless and neutral? Or should we go bold and creative with colours and patterns? Here, the members of the team give us their thoughts...

“Although coloured brassware is on trend at the moment, when used correctly in higher-end projects it can create a timeless look. I favour warmer tones such as bronze, brass and nickel; used with neutral tiles and products, the brassware will become a focal point and draw the eye. People often think a freestanding bath is the only way to create a luxury space, I would disagree with this as bathrooms on the smaller side benefit more from a well honed product selection across the board, rather than one stand-out feature such as the bath. Dont be afraid to mix the brassware colours, for example even if you keep chrome as your main colour you can elevate the specification with contrasting wall lights and vanity unit handles. Simple but effective.”

Zoe Curtis, designer

“Dark, earthy tones are a favourite of mine. I am not scared of using darker tones and colours together, and bold patterns always make a statement. If I can mix in some woods and warmer tones then great, and if I can get some pattern in there too then excellent! I believe that even if a budget is modest you can still create a room that has interest; things don’t have to be plain and boring.”

Joanna Prosser, designer

“Ambient lighting is a must have for a designer bathroom. It works particularly well in rooms with pitches and sloping ceilings to create light in the darker areas. When creating a bathroom in a unique space you might have to opt for bespoke elements such as shower screens and mirrors. These will cost more, however they can really transform a room and make unusable spaces functional. Boxing out areas to hide cisterns and create shower seats can be done in even the smallest of spaces to add a bit of interest. If you have a tricky space to design and you want it to have a high end feel allow a healthy budget to achieve this as off the shelf products may not fit in your room.”

Daniella Fantini-Griffiths, designer

“I am obsessed with making use of dead spaces. If there is an unused airing cupboard next to your bathroom why not incorporate this into your room for a more impressive space. If you have a larger than needed garage? Take a portion of it for a cloakroom or laundry room! It is amazing what can be done with just a little bit of extra space for a bathroom or ensuite. It is even more amazing when you turn a dead space into a functioning room. This cloakroom was previously an unused storage space and a door to the external of the property. Now it is a fresh, inviting cloakroom, perfect for a family home.”

Justine Bullock, co creator and designer

You can read reviews, all from genuine clients, via our Houzz account, Facebook and Google. We pride ourselves on our service and products and are always thrilled to hear from clients about their experience. If you are embarking on a bathroom project, we would love to hear all about it, contact us in store to see if we may be the right fit for you. n

Cardiff Life Awards 2023

Plans are underway for the city’s business event of the year: the Cardiff Life Awards! Nominations are opening soon, and there are plenty of other ways to get involved too…

The Cardiff Life Awards are coming back – are you ready? Planning is well underway for the glittering, vibrant, joy-filled spring 2023 ceremony, the business highlight of the city, at which pretty much any and every local business – big or small – can win one of our 22 coveted awards.

If you are a part of this amazing community and want to showcase your venture, talent and efforts, along with supporting and meeting other top businesses, then we’d love you to see you there.

There are a number of ways to get involved:

• Enter the awards

It’s free to nominate your business; just head online, choose what categories you’d like to enter, and you’ll find a Q&A asking you all about your business or organisation – your biggest achievements over the past year, your highlights, and what you are most proud of. This is not a time for modesty; you are encouraged to blow

CATEGORIES

You can enter your business into one or more of these categories…

Arts Bar

Business services Café Charity Civic Creative Education Event

Hair and Beauty

Health and Wellbeing

Homes and Interiors

Legal and Financial Leisure and Tourism

New Business People Services

Property Restaurant Retailer

Sustainability Technology and Innovation Welsh Language

that trumpet and shout about yourselves!

• Sponsorship

With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Cardiff business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are going fast. Already signed up are: Genero, Bupa, ReRecruitment, 13Fields, Lexus Cardiff, Crumbs, Entreconf and of course Cardiff Life. Sponsors reap the benefits of powerful marketing and exposure in the build-up to the Awards, and they also bag guaranteed tickets. To find out more, please email: mark.george@mediaclash.co.uk

• Get tickets

Nothing beats being there! Anyone can come to the event, whether you’re up for an award or not. With the company of 500 people, the networking and collaboration opportunities are on another level, and the party, well, that speaks for itself. What goes on at the Cardiff Life Awards stays at the Cardiff Life Awards.

For more: www.cardifflifeawards.co.uk

PHOTO BY OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

The hottest networking ticket in the city, with 500 business gurus under one roof

reactions

PHOTO BY OWEN MATHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY

PARQUET: A PERENNIAL CLASSIC

Afirm designer favourite, parquet is timelessly stylish, surprisingly versatile and brings instant luxury to any room. Once limited to period properties and formal interiors, parquet is now a designer favourite available in many different styles, and is without doubt one of the most versatile wood flooring options. It can be used in almost any room, including bathrooms and kitchens, and many parquet floors can also be used over underfloor heating.

Parquet adapts brilliantly to different sized spaces, cleverly able to make larger spaces feel more intimate while making smaller rooms seem more generous. This is perfect if you are looking to use the same floor covering through multiple rooms and also provides the ideal solution to open plan spaces which often include narrower and wider areas of flooring. Laid in a classic herringbone parquet deals easily with ‘L’ shaped rooms where plank floors can be a struggle and narrow corridors or smaller hallways where it creates a feature without taking up valuable space.

Traditional parquet with its hallmark ice rink finish originated in period properties but in a

modern interior its smooth lines and geometric pattern feel instantly contemporary. The same elegant design and intrinsic warmth that looks so timeless in period interiors brings a glamorous, classic edge to a modern room that is hard to beat. Traditional parquet floors will need to be sanded and sealed in situ. This is a professional job that takes skill and time but is definitely worth the effort.

are looking for a reclaimed style floor, we challenge you not to fall in love with vintage parquet. With gently worn edges and a slightly distressed patina it has an authentic years-old style and, in the same way as a reclaimed floor, it looks at home almost anywhere. Broadleaf pioneered vintage parquet over a decade ago and has a wide range of beautiful finishes to choose from. Combined with a classic parquet design like herringbone, vintage parquet floors are informally elegant and easy to live with; they never look dated and their slightly distressed style is very forgiving, ideal for busy family life.

So, if you’re considering a wood floor, don’t be intimidated by parquet. It’s beautiful, it’s flexible, and there is almost certainly a parquet floor to suit your style. n

For a sleek parquet look that is simpler to install and has a more classic modern style, consider something like the Broadleaf Nuances Collection. These beautifully machined blocks and chevrons come in a choice of 10 gorgeous shades and have a tiny bevel which subtly defines their shape and they are fully finished, ready to be walked on the day that they are laid.

If your style is a bit less formal or you

Broadleaf are the UK’s leading manufacturer and retailer of beautiful wood floors. For inspiration and to find out more about Broadleaf parquet floors, visit our Cowbridge showroom at: 71, Eastgate, CF71 7AB or give us a call on 01446 771375

“A FIRM DESIGNER FAVOURITE, PARQUET IS TIMELESSLY STYLISH, SURPRISINGLY VERSATILE AND BRINGS INSTANT LUXURY TO ANY ROOM ”

If you want to create an elegant interior that is on trend now but will also stand the test of time, start with a beautiful parquet floor from BROADLEAF

IN LIVING COLOUR

By Lisa Evans

Zoffany Precarious Pangolins wallpaper, from £189, John Lewis (online), St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

If you’re in the mood to shake up your home’s aesthetic, we’ve browsed local interior shops to bring you some of our favourite inspiration for the current season and beyond

PHOTO BY ZOFFANY

Playing with colour should be fun; if it feels right, it is right. Home owners can often be a little too caught up in décor decisions that they feel they should choose – following the rules, such as ‘blue and green should never be seen’ and ‘less is more’ – but designing a space should be freeing, and its result should make you happy, especially because it’s in your own home and you have to see it every day. Go with what makes you happy and throw the rules out of the window.

1. Orla Kiely Ivy sofa, £1,525, Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk

5. Graham & Brown Kandinsky wall covering, W J Gardner, Cardiff; www.grahambrown.com

6. Hannah Turner moth coasters, £24, Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk

8. Oliver Gaiger’s Wit Ought artwork, £975, Martin Tinney Gallery, St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff; www.artwales.com

Retro Phone, £59.99, West Hampton, Penny Lane, Cowbridge; www.westhampton.co.uk

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Antibes Green, Beti Biggs, Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.betibiggs.com

2. Dolly Hotdogs Pheasant coaster, £3.99, West Hampton, Penny Lane, Cowbridge; www.westhampton.co.uk

3. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint cupboard by Maude Smith, with wall paint in Carnaby Yellow, Beti Biggs, Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.betibiggs.com

Osborne & Little Rain Forest wallpaper, from £210, John Lewis (online), St David’s Cardiff; www.johnlewis.com

Lamps and shades, from £39, Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.MaticoStudio.etsy.com

PHOTO BY OSBORNE & LITTLE;

We’re often told to avoid heavy hues as they can make spaces seem smaller, but, used wisely, dark and moody splashes can add depth and dimension to your abode, not to mention a bit of mystery and even sumptuousness and luxury.

1. Planet Table lamp, £276, (shades sold separately), by David Hunt Lighting, EMA Lighting, Ocean Park, Cardiff; www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk 2. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint stencil on Napoleonic Blue, Beti Biggs, Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.betibiggs.com

3. Richard Barrett’s Wild Night Shore, £975, Martin Tinney Gallery, St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff; www.artwales.com

4. Campo wallpaper from the Textura collection at Arte International, from £202, Interiors Etc Designs, St Nicholas Cardiff; www.arte-international.com 5. Paint and Paper 2022 colours, Brewers Cardiff, Penarth Road Retail Park, Cardiff; www.brewers.co.uk 6. Hatfield Highland Stone and Inkwell with Portland Oak, by Sigma 3 Kitchens, Cardiff; www.sigma3.co.uk 7. Lamps and shades, from £39, Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.MaticoStudio.etsy.com 8. Hannah Turner Wild Boar Planter, £30, Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk 9. Autumn Leaves cushion, £75, BoConcept Cardiff, St David’s Cardiff; www.boconcept.com 10. Lily Pad Porcelain Peacock tile, £69.60 per sq m, The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design

11. Kitchen design by Chalkhouse Kitchens, Bessemer Close; www.chalkhousekitchens.co.uk

This season's palette is comprised of heavily saturated autumnal colours with russet, burnt umber, and mustard playing the lead roles. Dark wood details complement this trend, as do heavy textures, adding rich and luxurious notes. This scheme isn’t just for the season, though; it can work year round as a comforting, warm aesthetic. After all, if we had to redesign our homes every time the weather changed, that wouldn’t be much fun, would it?

1. Lamps and shades, from £39, Matico Studio, Whitchurch; www.MaticoStudio.etsy.com

2. Glass and ceramic vases, from £79, BoConcept Cardiff, St David’s Cardiff; www.boconcept.com 3. Removable wallpaper, from £160, Wall Funk (online), based just outside Cardiff; www.wallfunk.etsy.com 4. Tin embossed tiles, £89 per sq m, The Tap End, Pontyclun; www.thetapend.design 5. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Antoinette, Barcelona Orange and Emperor’s Silk, Beti Biggs, Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.betibiggs.com 6. Vivienne Williams’ Bowl with Green Figs and Orange Slice artwork, £1,500, Martin Tinney Gallery, St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff; www.artwales.com 7. Ball wall lamp, £149, BoConcept Cardiff, St David’s Cardiff; www.boconcept.com 8. Tweedmill Pumpkin Throw, £59.99, Hamptons, Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk 9. Kitchen None Sponge, £8.95, Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk 10. Eden footstools, from £339, BoConcept Cardiff, St David’s Cardiff; www.boconcept.com

Some may find it boring, but there’s no escaping neutrals; they’re everlasting. They’re a safe option too; you can look to add colour via your accessories so that you can swap and change them to fit the tastes and trends of the time – not so easy to rip down your wallpaper or buy a new sofa every time the mood strikes you. Blank canvases are your friend.

1. Annie Sloan RHS Decoupage paper, from £11.95, Beti Biggs, Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna; www.betibiggs.com

2. Luna metal vase, £61, BoConcept Cardiff, St David’s Cardiff; www.boconcept.com 3. Canvas buckets, from £8.45, Tabitha Eve, Pontypridd; www.tabithaeve.co.uk

4. Newgate Mr Clarke clock, £115, Hamptons, Ludlow Lane, Penarth; www.hamptonspenarth.co.uk

5. Wall surface design, POA, Vale Venetian, The Grove, Barry; www.valevenetian.com

6. Sutton Autumn Blush and Highland Stone with Deco Copper Oxide design by Sigma 3 Kitchens, Cardiff; www.sigma3.co.uk 7. Sea grass baskets, from £4, Stwff-Stuff, High Street, Cowbridge; www.stwff-stuff.co.uk

8. Casa Alana armchair, £679, Leekes, Newport Road, Cardiff; www.leekes.co.uk 9. Hannah Turner Scruffy Dog salt and pepper shakers, £26, Cooper’s, Beulah Road, Cardiff; www.hannahturner.co.uk 10. Weave from the Textura collection at Arte International, £159, Interiors Etc Designs, St Nicholas, Cardiff; www.arte-international.com

PETER DUNCAN

“I remember looking at the guy driving the boat and seeing the panic in his eyes”

seeing the panic in his eyes.”

Peter and his shipmates waited out the long, dark night, before eventually waving down another boat, which sent word they needed help. He finally made it safely to shore, but the fear he felt that night is fresh in his mind as he prepares to star in a new ghost story, set in Guernsey.

“What I experienced wasn’t psychic or paranormal, but the script resonated when I read it as I had had this experience, and When Darkness Falls has a story about a sea trip with something strange that went on during it,” he says.

By Matthew Hemley

On a stormy night on the island of Guernsey, a paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s folklore and paranormal history. Inspired by true events, new production When Darkness Falls – starring Peter Duncan as John Blondel and Daniel Rainford as The Speaker –draws us into dark pasts, reveals disturbing truths and explores the power of stories, perhaps most importantly, the ones we tell ourselves.

Peter Duncan is recalling one unsettling night he spent cast adrift on the English Channel some 30 years ago. The actor and former Blue Peter presenter had been visiting the island of Sark – nestled between Guernsey and Jersey – when he hitched a ride back to Portsmouth on a boat with three or four others and they broke down.

“It was the middle of the night and we were floating in the English Channel, with no light, no power, and big steamers going past,” he says. “We did a lot of shouting and I remember looking at the guy driving the boat and

The play is inspired by true events and was written by James Milton and Paul Morrissey. It focuses on a young paranormal expert (Daniel Rainford) who joins a sceptical history teacher, played by Peter, to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s folklore and paranormal history.

Peter was hooked after reading the script, “Islanders have lots of strange things happening to them, history wise,” he says. “And it ups the stakes when people talk about the unseen.”

The play has already had a run at London’s Park Theatre, with one review describing the tension as ‘overwhelming’ – leaving audiences “cowering every time the lights get low”. For Peter, part of the fun of performing in the play is the audience reaction. “People go in cynically, thinking

they won’t be scared, but then you catch them out and you do scare them and that’s the trick of it,” he says.

Peter was also drawn to When Darkness Falls because of the fact it will see him return to the stage for the first time since theatres closed in March 2020.

Prior to the pandemic hitting, he had been appearing in a tour of musical Million Dollar Quartet When that stopped, he found himself moving his work online and making a pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, in which he starred. It was filmed and shown in cinemas and Peter has since made a further two online pantomimes.

His stage career began when he appeared in Treasure Island in 1969, before he moved into television and became one of the faces of Blue Peter in the 80s. But he soon found his way back into theatre, appearing in musicals such as Barnum and Me and My Girl.

“I had always wanted to get into big musicals,” he says. “For me, big musical parts are as hard as the big Shakespearean parts. They are the modern version of these roles. It’s so lovely to go back to being on a stage, and being convincing as a character and drawing people in. I find it thrilling to do.” n

See When Darkness Falls t i s New Theatre 11 – 15 October; ne the t ec i co u

When Darkness Falls is a brandnew ghostly production coming to Cardiff’s New Theatre; here we chat to its star, former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan