Pontcanna View Issue 2 (Winter 2021)

the pontcanna magazine

WINTER 2021

#02

ALWAYS FREE

FOOD • INTERIORS • GIFTING • MEMORIES

bring it to the table BUSINESS, COMMUNITY, WHAT’S ON GUIDE AND MORE —THE ONLY GUIDE TO PONTCANNA YOU’LL EVER NEED INSIDE: PONTCANNA CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

WE’RE BRINGING IT TO THE FESTIVE TABLE

Beti Biggs

Retailer of houseplants, gifts and homewares, and proud stockist of CHALK PAINT® from Annie Sloan.

1 Romilly Crescent, CF11 9NP Tel 029 2037 2111 Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm

www.betibiggs.com

betibiggs

CROESO—WELCOME SHWMAE As I write this, the days are getting shorter, the trees have turned a delicious umber colour, and the mornings have a frosty chill to them, and all that can mean only one thing—the most wonderful time of year is well on its way.

And I am so pleased to be able to sign off on this fabulous winter issue of Pontcanna View, with the theme: Bring it to the table. We have tried to capture the warmth of the season through food, design, gifting and memorable moments. You will find the usual great nutrition, fitness and wellbeing articles, Pontcanna’s Biggest What’s On Guide returns for another season of events, and we also have our ever-popular business and community pages, filled to the brim with short news stories from the area.

After last year’s stress and disappointment, the public seems to be much more excited than ever for Christmas, as we all anticipate a more familiar festive season. We are shopping earlier, and if trends are to believed, we are spending more. And that bodes well for our local independent businesses, when more and more people are choosing to shop locally for quality gifts and experiences. This issue is

Editor John Davies

Features Editor Will Summers

Sales Associate Katherine Peach

Sales Associate Rob Brown

Journalist

packed cover to cover with fantastic gift ideas. Just turn to our Pontcanna Christmas Gift Guide for starters.

On a personal level, I would also like to thank everyone, every advertiser and sponsor, who continues to place their trust in one of South Wales’ premier publishing houses. I also need to thank the fantastic team of editors, writers, designers, photographers, sales people, and more around me, without whom this magazine in your hand wouldn’t be possible.

The last few months, after the restrictions on our lives were lifted, have been difficult for businesses, whether through staff shortages, delivery issues, or a trepidatious public, but I am convinced, when we all work together, that is when the real magic can happen and the high streets and communities we love can flourish.

This Christmas, I’ll be living by one of my mantras—world off, relax on—by spending Christmas with my nearest and dearest in Penarth and West Wales.

I wish the coming months are full of joy, love and peace for you as well.

Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda i chi gyd.

—John john@viewpublishing.co.uk

We couldn’t have made this magazine in your hand without:

Amy Adams, Jo Baldwin, Cllr Ian Buckley, Rae Carpenter, Dave Deane, Lisa Entwistle, Angharad Evans, Ceri Hill, Peter Knowles, Phil Lewis, Karryño Meyrick, Rosie Oretti, Stifyn Parri, Hayley Perkins, John Sartain-Webb, David Schönthal, Miffy Shaw, Kate Thomas, Jan Williams and The Friends of St Augustines.

Next issue due out March 2022

Whilst every effort is made to achieve accuracy, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. © Penarth View Limited 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Penarth View Limited (company number 11053989) is registered in England and Wales.

Pippa-Marie Sheppard

Head of Bark-eting Winston

READ ME • SHARE ME • RECYLCE ME

SHOP LOCAL SHOP PONTCANNA CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Now, more than ever, is the time to support local retailers and makers. Here we’ve gathered together the best of local gifts from across Pontcanna and Cardiff.

£19.95 Tray designed by Asta Barrington for Jamida of Sweden. Handcrafted from Scandinavian birchwood.

Whim Wham 7 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna CF11 9NP 029 2022 7826 www.whimwhamcardiff.com

TRAY

HYDROPONIC GROWING KIT

Hydroponic growing kit from Hydro-Herb.

Recycled and biodegradable materials.

Beti Biggs 1 Romilly Crescent, Pontcanna CF11 9NP 029 2037 2111 www.betibiggs.com

£24.00 Hand-poured vegan perfume candles, made using plant-based eco waxes.

Available in 12 bespoke scent blends.

Studio Muse 1A Pontcanna St, Pontcanna CF11 9HQ 029 2050 8629 hello@studiomusepontcanna.co.uk www.studiomusepontcanna.co.uk

VEGAN CANDLE

£20.00

SELECTION OF CHOCOLATES

£11.00 A delicious selection of handmade chocolates from our cabinet. Other box sizes available.

Treat Pontcanna 5 Pontcanna Mews, Cardiff CF11 9DF 029 2035 9473 @treatpontcanna

£45.00 Handmade with freshwater pearls and 925 sterling silver.

Danzii Jewellery Buy online from this local business at www.danziijewellery.com

MARGOT BRACELET

£40.00 A classic London dry gin, carefully made with local pollinator-friendly botanicals and Blossom and Nectar’s raw Welsh honey to create a distinctive floral sweet flavour. 70cl.

Blossom & Nectar 6 Pontcanna Mews, Cardiff CF11 9DF 029 2115 5211 hello@blossomandnectar.co.uk www.blossomandnectar.co.uk

WELSH HONEY GIN

from £25.00 Awarded Best in Luxury Gift Hampers in the UK, handmade in Wales with local ingredients. From fruit spirit infusions and exquisite foodie treats, to bath, body, and home fragrance products in our unique scents.

Sloane Home Buy online from this local business at www.sloanehome.co.uk

HAMPERS

SHOP LOCAL SHOP PONTCANNA CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CHILDREN’S COLOUR-CHANGING UMBRELLAS

Making rainy days a bit more magical with umbrellas that burst into colour when the rain falls. Choose from ‘Paper Animals’, ‘I Need More Space’ and ‘Little Fluffy Clouds’. Adult umbrellas also available.

Boo Brolly Buy online from this local business at www.boobrolly.co.uk

ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS CARDS

from £3.50 Fun mix-and-match Christmas card multi-packs. Classy (and sometimes a bit sweary) cards, prints and gift wrap for any occasion, all designed in Penarth. Printed using water-based inks on paper from sustainable sources.

Prints Doodle UK Buy online from this local business at www.printsdoodleuk.store.

Free UK shipping!

£13.95

GREENS & GREETINGS £6.99 An eco-friendly Christmas card and plant pot in one. It contains everything needed to grow delicious microgreen veggies right inside the ‘card’. Happy Birthday and other designs also available. UK-wide delivery.

Shroot Buy online from this local business at www.shroot.co.uk

GIN MAKING EXPERIENCE

£95pp Immerse yourself in the history of gin at Hensol Castle.

Create, bottle and label your very own 70cl bottle of gin, exactly the way you like it.

Hensol Castle Distillery www.hensolcastledistillery.com

£24.00 The ideal gift for Christmas—the gift of relaxation with holistic massage and indulgent beauty treatments.

Vouchers can be purchased online and over the phone.

Aroma Holistic Health and Beauty 1A Fields Park Road, Pontcanna CF11 9JP 029 2030 0090 www.aromaholisitic.co.uk

BEAUTY GIFT VOUCHER

What makes us different to other magazines?

Independent, but not alone

Independent, but not alone We are an independent business ourselves, and we know the best way to weather the storm is to work together.

Delivered to the heart of the community We offer letterbox delivery as standard. Our magazines go through the letterboxes of Cowbridge residents, giving people every opportunity to see your business.

Can’t put us down We are not an ad mag.

Whilst what we do is powered by advertising, we will always have more content than advertising, meaning our readers actually want to read our magazine.

Email john@viewpublishing.co.uk for more information

A SPACE TO CALL YOUR OWN

Desg—Welsh for desk—is a new co-working brand for the Welsh capital offering flexibility and versatility.

Words by Rob Brown, Sales Associate On arrival at Desg you are met by a coolly dark and sleek façade, with nothing but the business’s subtle but effective branding.

Once inside it’s difficult to decide whether you’re there to do a day’s work or check in for some treatments at a high-end spa. Not only does the sound system bathe you in chilled-out music worthy of the Balearic Islands, the entire décor, with its lush natural planting and warm tonal hues, undoubtedly provides an inviting working environment.

But this is more than just skin-deep.

The materials employed throughout and the methods of construction are highly technical, affording clients graduated levels of privacy, depending upon their requirements.

To use an estate agent’s parlance, the building is deceptively spacious.

Once you’re beyond the open plan co-workspace, there are a wide range of different spaces available—offices and meeting rooms—accommodating anything from a team of two up to

a full board meeting. And Desg’s personnel are always on hand, doing their utmost to cater specifically to the varied requests and requirements of their clients, be they clients for a single day or an entire year.

On the first floor, directly above the open plan co-workspace, you’ll discover Desg’s main communal area.

Thanks to the impressive picture windows, you are treated to expansive views of Llandaff Fields in what is an extremely well-equipped space. Well, how else does one describe a space that contains its own bar area.

Due to constraints of the pandemic, the business has only been fully operational for approximately three months, but it was clear to see that the concept is gaining traction within the local business community: the nameplate in reception displaying their longer-term clients was noticeably short on gaps.

Oh, did I mention there’s an onsite gym with shower facilities? Forgotten your shower gel? Fear not! Desg even has its own proprietary scent within the soap dispensers. Attention to detail is evident, everywhere!

A personal thank you to Operations Manager, Ollie, for the guided tour. 

11-13 Penhill Road, Cardiff CF11 9PQ Call 07743 394 461 www.desg.co.uk info@desg.co.uk desgltd

LE ce en ST A Y ri om C R pe y.c L LE r Ex iller SO TIL isito dist EN IS V le H D ol & cast l ho so Sc en .h in w w w G

TREAT YOUR LOVED ONES TO A GIFT EXPERIENCE THIS CHRISTMAS After the difficult time we‘ve all had recently, it’s more important than ever to create unforgettable memories. Give an experience to remember this Christmas and turn your gift into something special.

01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com/gifts Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY

PV.10.21

Spa Treatments | A La Carte Dinner | Golf Lessons | Gin Tour Round of Golf | Gin Making Experience | Golf Membership | Pamper Day Afternoon Tea | Short Breaks | Sunday Lunch | Monetary Vouchers

SPONSORED CONTENT

SHANAHANS SOLICITORS —IN YOUR LOCALITY Since 2003, Shanahans have been providing expert legal services to clients across Cardiff, Wales and the UK. Here at Pontcanna View, we speak with the firm about the services they provide.

What’s the story behind Shanahans Solicitors?

Shanahans was established in 2003 as a criminal defence firm

by Andrew Shanahan and Peter Wormald. As Shanahans’ reputation grew as a leading criminal defence firm in Cardiff, Tim Petrides and Cora Sorensen joined in 2008.

Andrew, Peter, Tim and Cora all have higher rights to represent clients in court.

Since 2010, we have been on a mission to expand, and this has been possible through the hard work and talent of all the staff.

Domenico Nigliazzo joined in 2010 from a top 100 law firm, specialising in personal injury and negligence claims. Domenico brought a wealth of knowledge and many years’ experience.

Juliet Thomas joined in 2014 and established a family law department.

Juliet is passionate about achieving the best result for her clients. Juliet can assist on relationship breakdown, divorce and finances, and children’s arrangements, and will discuss all options for resolution. Juliet is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law Advanced panel, has Resolution Accreditation, and is a qualified Collaborative Lawyer.

Roshan Khan can assist with employment problems and all types of disputes including business disputes. Roshan, also, prepares commercial leases and wills.

In 2021, we recruited two trainees, Rachael Salisbury and Lauren Lewis, who bring enthusiasm and new knowledge to our team.

What services do you offer?

We offer expert legal services in crime, personal injury, family, civil disputes, and employment. Legal costs are explained at the outset so there are no hidden surprises. We strive to ensure you have the best possible outcome, as quickly as possible, without compromising our friendly and personal approach towards our clients, which is central to the way we work.

Do you only represent clients in Cardiff?

As well as representing clients in Cardiff, we offer remote communication such as video conferencing, email and, of course, telephone consultations.

This enables us to represent clients wherever they are based. 

19-21 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA Call 029 2019 0184 enquiries@shanahans-law.co.uk www.shanahans-law.co.uk Shanahans Solicitors

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

YOUR LOCAL NEWS

Here at Pontcanna View, we are keeping you in the loop with this season’s short stories from the area.

Borrow Don’t Buy

Library of Things, Benthyg is a wonderful initiative set up in Wales that allows people to borrow what they need at a low cost, instead of buying it at full price, and it’s now coming to Rumney. Benthyg has hundreds of items for anyone to borrow including camping equipment, DIY and gardening tools, gazebos etc. Projects like Benthyg encourage less waste, which is great for the environment and also benefits the community.

The Restoration of Puma

Bute Parks team have been raising money to restore the beloved ‘Puma the Warthog’ back to its former glory. The team needs £6,165 to fully repair it and to install measures that will keep it safe in the future. It’ll be a great addition to Bute Park and something the community will love.

Llandaff Fields Playground gets a Makeover

The popular play area in Llandaff Fields is getting a revamp, with some brand new equipment. Using ideas submitted by pupils of local primary schools, the council will turn the play area into a new feature, adding three large new slides, climbing nets, climbing rope and large stepping stones. A perfect addition to the community.

Sibling Pair Turn Old Brothel to Stunning New Cafe

A brother and sister duo have turner a former brothel into a stylish coffee and wine bar, with months of renovations and dedication paying off. After being a brothel for 25 years, siblings Georgie and William’s café has already gained a great customer base.

Send in your own stories for publication to newsdesk@ pontcannaview.co.uk

Reuse Store Opens in an Effort to Tackle ‘Throw-Away’ Culture

Wastersavers Charitable Trust, along with the help of Cardiff Council opened ‘The Cabin’ at the Lamby Way Recycling centre. This store gives people an opportunity to donate their unwanted items on-site rather than throwing it in the skips. This is a wonderful, yet simple way of tackling throwaway culture and reducing waste.

The ‘Tidy Takeover’

A competition was launched in a bid to keep local areas around Wales clean. Keep Wales Tidy, a charity working within Wales to protect the environment, encouraged young people to pick up and dispose of litter properly.

Friends in Knead’s New Location

This very popular bakery currently has shops in Barry and Roath, and they are now planning to expand into the Castle Arcade in the city centre. After such a tough year, it’s great to see this beloved independent business thriving.

Shop Local at Cardiff’s Good Food Autumn Festival

Cardiff’s Good Food Autumn Festival was back for another year, with both in-person and virtual events throughout 16-24 October. Attracting over 4,000 people last year, the Autumn Festival encouraged people to shop local and to grow and share their own produce.

This event was the perfect thing to bring the community together.

Mark Drakeford Joins Women From Women Connect First At Dispenser Gardens Event

Wales’ First Minisiter Mark Drakeford joined women from Women Connect First for an event dedicated to discussing issues that matter to them and ideas they have for the community. Kevin Brennan, Cardiff West MP, was also in attendance at the Despenser Gardens event.

Pontcanna Business Wins Cardiff Life Award

Hek Jones Solicitors have won a Cardiff Life Award, in the Legal and Financial Category. Situated in Pontcanna, they are said to have grown their portfolio of work throughout 2020, and now take on over 450 files of clients on average each month.

BETTY CAMPBELL Even after her death, Betty Campbell is still making history years later after a statue in her honour was unveiled in September and is believed to be the first statue of a named, non-fictional woman in an outdoor public space in Wales.

Mrs Campbell, who passed away in 2017, faced many challenges within her life, having to overcome racism and discrimination in order to reach her goal of becoming a head teacher.

In 1960, she discovered that Cardiff Teacher Training College had started to enrol female students and Mrs Campbell became one of only 6 female students to be admitted, and later became Wales’ first black head teacher at Mount Stuart.

Betty began teaching children about black history and worked “tirelessly for race equality”, sitting on the UK government’s race relations advisory board. This is where Black History Month was introduced into the curriculum.

The 4-metre high statue now stands in Cardiff city centre, created

by Brighton sculptor, Eve Shepherd, who chose from 3 people to create art which would become a Cardiff icon.

“Eve’s design will be a real talking point and a great asset to Cardiff, as well as being a true commemoration of Betty Campbell.”

WHAT’S ON GUIDE Culture V

V

St Fagans Online Ghost Tours

28 Oct 2021

7:30 pm

St Fagans

Museum Talks: Time Traveller’s Prehistoric Nightmares

31 Oct 2021

6:00 pm

Cardiff Museum

Makers Guild Wales Exhibition of Contemporary Craft

11 Nov - 19 Dec 12:00 pm

Turner House

Lecture – Ghastly Good Taste; British Domestic Interiors 1880-1980

11 Nov 2021

6:00 pm

Cardiff Castle

Lecture – Cardiff Yesterday IV

18 Nov 2021

6:00 pm

Cardiff Castle

Museum Talks: Cilewent Farmhouse

25 Nov 2021

7:00 pm

Cardiff Museum

Santa’s Victorian Tours

5 Dec 2021

3:20 pm

Cardiff Castle

Museum Talks: Christmas and New Year Traditions

9 Dec 2021

7:00 pm

Cardiff Museum

Father Christmas and Friends

11 Dec 2021

12:15 pm

Cardiff Museum

Museum Talks: Welsh Love Tokens

25 Jan 2022

7:00 pm

Cardiff Museum

Lino Print your own Christmas Cards

2 Nov 2021

6:30 pm

Larkdesignmake

Lino Print your own Christmas Cards

10 Nov 2021

6:30 pm

Larkdesignmake

Needle Felt Christmas Angel

24 Nov 2021

1:30 pm

Glass by Design

Needle Felt Rudolph Reindeer

4 Dec 2021

1:30 pm

Glass by Design

Needle Felt Christmas Angel

11 Dec 2021

1:30 pm

Glass by Design

Creative

Specsavers are open for appointments, with all the necessary precautions in place. Book your eye and hearing tests at Spescavers Leckwith (029 2022 8893) or Spescavers Queen Street (029 2039 0297).

WHAT'S ON GUIDE SPONSORED BY SPECSAVERS

Keeping an eye on what's on in Pontcanna this winter

brought to you by local Specsavers branches at Leckwith and Cardiff Queen Street

Your local Specsavers branches, working with RNIB, to help end avoidable sight loss and transform the nation's eye health.

Christmas

Your local Specsavers branches at Leckwith and Cardiff Queen Street are pleased to support and be at the centre of their local communities. They are proud to sponsor Pontcanna View’s What’s On Guide. Book your appointment online, in-store or by phone.

Specsavers Leckwith Capital Shopping Park, Leckwith Road, Cardiff CF11 8EG 029 2022 8893 Specsavers Queen Street 92 Queen Street, Cardiff CF10 2GR 029 2039 0297 www.specsavers.co.uk

Cardiff Christmas Market

11 Nov - 23 Dec 2021

Cardiff City Centre

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland 2021

16 Nov - 2 Jan

City Hall Lawn

Christmas at The Royal Mint Experience 19 Nov - 24 Dec 2021

V

The Royal Mint Experience

Christmas at Bute Park

25 Nov 2021

4:30 pm

Bute Park

Santa and Elf Dash

5 Dec 2021

11:30 am

Cardiff Bay

Events with a V are virtual, and will take place online using platforms like Zoom.

Check out our website for online details.

Please check with organisers if live events are still going ahead.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE Performance Underground Cinema – The Nightmare Before Christmas

31 Oct 2021

10:00 am

Cardiff Castle Undercroft

Underground Cinema – Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm

31 Oct 2021

12:00 pm

Cardiff Castle Undercroft

Underground Cinema – Hocus Pocus (PG)

31 Oct 2021

2:00 pm

Cardiff Castle Undercroft

RWCMD Symphony Orchestra: Mighty River

4 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

St David's Hall

Ben Goldscheider & Huw Watkins

5 Nov 2021

1:15 pm

RWCMD

Mahan Esfahani & Manchester Collective: Automata

6 Nov 2021

1:00 pm

RWCMD

Opera Scenes

6 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Eric Hodges Prize

8 Nov 2021

2:00 pm

RWCMD

Are you running your own events?

Submit them online for free at www.pontcannaview.co.uk/event-submission V

Events with a V are virtual, and will take place online using platforms like Zoom.

Check out our website for online details.

Please check with organisers if live events are still going ahead.

£10 OCT SCAN

Boost your eye test with our 3D eye scanning technology - available for just £10. An optical coherence tomography scan (commonly referred to as an OCT scan) helps us to view the health of your eyes in greater detail, by allowing us to see what’s going on beneath the surface.

Valid until 28 February 2022 Show this voucher in-store at Penarth and Leckwith branches.

Terms and conditions apply.

The £10 charge for an OCT scan is addition to our standard eye test fee.

WHAT'S ON GUIDE SPONSORED BY SPECSAVERS

Jekyll & Hyde

9 Nov 2021

7:30pm

New Theatre

RWCMD Winds: The Happy Workshop

10 Nov 2021

1:15 pm

RWCMD

RWCMD Brass Band: Brass & Chrome

10 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Colin Currie & RWCMD Percussionists

12 Nov 2021

1:15 pm

RWCMD

The Power of Three

12 Nov 2021

7:00 pm

St Catherine's Church Hall

TDC Presents: Clwb Fuzz

13 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

Tiny Rebel Cardiff

Spontaneous Sherlock

15 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

Glee Club

Opera Gala with Carlo Rizzi & WNO Orchestra

17 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Sachal Vasandani & Romain Collin

18 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Sinfonia Cymru & Timothy Ridout

19 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight

19 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

Llandaff Cathedral

Steinway International Piano Series: Angela Hewitt

21 Nov 2021

11:00 am

RWCMD

Opera Gala with Carlo Rizzi & WNO Orchestra

22 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Concerto Competition Semi Final

23 Nov 2021

6:00 pm

RWCMD

Cwmwl Tystion II / Riot

25 Nov 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Inner City Brass

26 Nov 2021

1:15 pm

RWCMD

RWCMD Wind Ensembles: Windscapes 1 Dec 2021

1:15 pm

RWCMD

Cabaret at the College

1 Dec 2021

6:00 pm

RWCMD

Abigail’s Party

2 Dec 2021

7:45 pm

RWCMD

One Man, Two Guvnors

3 Dec 2021

7:30 pm

RWCMD

Joshua Ballance and Mad Song: Peter Maxwell Davies, Eight Songs for a Mad King

4 Dec 2021

7:00 pm

Cardiff University Concert Hall

Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales

4 Dec 2021

7:15 pm

RWCMD

Aladdin: Pantomime

4 Dec 2021

7:30 pm

New Theatre

A Frozen Christmas Carol

12 Dec 2021

4:20 pm

Insole Court

Shawanda Corbett, Now go around the corner and get your brother, 2021. Courtesy the artist, Corvi-Mora and Arts Council of Wales.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE What's on at Chapter Arts Centre Human Conditions of Clay

Human Conditions of Clay explores how humanity is expressed through the material use of clay artworks that carry a human trace and presence. The artists in the show demonstrate the dynamic use of clay through the manipulation of material and presentation – from installation, animation and works on paper to sculpture, photography and video performance – in conveying their lines of enquiry and interests in history, current affairs, human behaviour, folklore and tradition.

Chapter Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm, until February.

Free

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru & Theatr Iolo: Llygoden yr Eira Based on an original production Snow Mouse by the egg and Travelling Light Theatre Company.

Come and keep warm in the winter freeze and join the Snow Mouse and his friend on an adventure in a magical forest. Filled with play, puppetry and music, this is an enchanting winter’s tale for the very young.

This play is presented in the Welsh language.

Chapter 25 – 27 November

£10, £8, £30 family

Dyad Productions: Christmas Gothic

Christmas: a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time of ghosts. Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties of human nature and illuminating the cold and chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark…

Chapter Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm.

£14, £12

WHAT'S ON GUIDE SPONSORED BY SPECSAVERS

5

TOP THINGS TO DO THIS SEASON

WATCH

RELAX

It’s panto season and PODS are excited to put on their first show since lockdown. This year, they are going to thrill you all with Cinderella, a traditional fairytale of rags to riches, mixed together with lots of comedy and slapstick. Written by Andy Bradshaw, you are promised a wonderful night of laughter, love and magic.

1-5 December, The Paget Rooms, Penarth

Taking care of our skin is a full time job, especially in the winter, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful. ener-chi in Radyr and Penarth, Apothecary64 in Penarth, and Studio Muse in Pontcanna have a wonderful selection of skincare products, perfect for an at-home spa day. Folk Gather Here in Cowbridge have a wellness studio perfect for improving the mind and body, along with a range of organic skincare products.

ENJOY Cardiff Christmas Market will return to the streets of the capital this year—a great range of both new and returning exhibitors, all selling their own unique, local and festive treats and trinkets for you this Christmas.

11 November - 23 December, Cardiff

FESTIVE FAVOURITE Winter Wonderland is back for 2021 and we couldn’t be more excited! Now split across two locations, City Hall Lawn and Cardiff Castle, there’s even more for you to do. Alongside the return of the famous undercover ice rink, a magical 150m ice walk and all the funfair attractions, you can also enjoy the wide range of food and drink, with two bars, Sur La Piste Bar and the brand new Ice Bar. There is so much to do for all ages. Don’t miss it this festive season.

16 November - 2 January, Cardiff

MEET Griffin Books, in collaboration with bookshop.org, will host an evening with great authors, Ann Patchett and Daisy Buchanan, to discuss Patchett’s new collection of essays, These Precious Days. They will explore family, friendship, marriage, failure, success and what it all means. It’s an event not to miss.

29 November via Zoom. Tickets at www.griffinbooks.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

INCLUDE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

^ Ty Hafan children’s hospice has provided care and support for more than 1,000 children and their families across Wales since it opened in 1999.

Be a lifeline

Currently caring for 300 children with life-limiting conditions, Tŷ Hafan provides respite care at the hospice in Sully and outreach support across our community.

It costs £4.5 million to run Tŷ Hafan annually and 25% of that comes from the generosity of incredible supporters via gifts in their wills.

One such family to benefit from this are the Merediths who describe Tŷ Hafan as a “total lifeline”.

Mum and Dad, Sophie and Sean, were just 22 when their son Ollie, now six, was diagnosed with the ultra-rare MOSAIC Syndrome.

“If we didn’t have support from Tŷ Hafan we would have no respite at all,” says Sophie. “The hydrotherapy pool is amazing, plus the socialising with other children and families. The nurses have known Ollie all his life and they are amazing with him. Tŷ Hafan has been there for us all the way.”

Will you help Tŷ Hafan to continue to be a lifeline to families such as the Merediths by including a gift in your will? No matter how big or small, every gift in a will makes a significant difference.

Tŷ Hafan has partnered with Farewill, a free online and telephone will writing service, to offer their supporters the opportunity to write a simple will for free. There’s no obligation to leave a gift in your will to Tŷ Hafan, but your support will help more children with life-limiting conditions like Ollie.  To find out more please contact Abbie Barton, Gifts in Wills and in Memory Senior Fundraiser Call 029 2053 2270 abbie.barton@tyhafan.org www.tyhafan.org/be-a-lifeline/

SPONSORED CONTENT

INTRODUCING THE PDA SPACE Words by Nicola Reekie, solutionfocused therapist supporting those with PDA and ASD and their families.

Behaviour is a sign of communication, but often we don’t see it like this. We may think our child is being naughty, rather than them trying to communicate unmet needs.

That isn’t to say the parent is doing anything wrong. It’s just that they don’t yet know how to unpick the behaviour.

As a parent of a child with PDA, I have made it my mission to raise awareness of PDA and make a difference to families across the globe.

I support those with PDA and ASD and their families with their emotional wellbeing, helping to create calm in what can be challenging situations.

I recently wrote an What is PDA? online blog on Pathological demand the explosive avoidance (PDA) is a profile behaviour that of autism, and whilst autism can happen after is a well-recognised term, school, where a our understanding of the child can appear full breadth and complexity fine at school or of the autism spectrum with others, then is still evolving. PDA is a have a meltdown profile that describes those at home. whose main characteristic This can be is to avoid everyday due to sensory demands and expectations overwhelm, to an extreme extent.

not understanding the social communication at school, or just not understanding society’s rules.

It can feel really challenging that you’re the safe person for the explosions, but it’s because you are the one they trust.

You may have spoken to others who say things like “they will grow out of it”.

Or perhaps you’ve tried to get support from services but were told you don’t fit the criteria, so you end up feeling like you are on a roundabout with no exits.

I hear this from so many of the parents I support, and after hosting two global online summits on autism, with over 6,000 attendees, I now host monthly workshops featuring incredible speakers and a wide range of topics through the PDA Space Portal.

We want to help parents navigate the myriad of challenges they can face from the moment they realise their child has different needs, and so encourage more collaboration and a better relationship between families and professionals. 

Join the PDA Space portal for monthly workshops to understand masking, the impact of anxiety on neurodiverse conditions, and the support you’ve been looking for.

Call 07962 391 579 www.thepdaspace.com admin@thepdaspace.com ThePDAspace

BRING THEM TO THE TABLE Influencer

Angharad Evans Nutritional Therapist

I embraced the power of natural remedies after trying to manage a diagnosis of lupus and other auto immune conditions. Within three months, I no longer needed my medication and have since overcome the condition completely. After retraining as an allergy and nutritional therapist, I specialise in detoxification and natural healing, and I have a clinic in the heart of Penarth where I offer a bespoke treatment to clients for a variety of illnesses.

"how we manage our emotions can impact our overall health and wellbeing"

Our emotions play an integral role in our health as a whole.

You may have noticed that • you blush when you’re embarrassed?

• your heart pounds when you’re frightened?

• any bad news can turn your systems into turmoil too (e.g. you can’t face food).

Our emotions and health are entwined with each other. A bout of physical ill health can occur after an emotional event in someone’s life.

Upset and trauma can’t be avoided in life, but how we manage our emotions can impact our overall health and wellbeing. With this in mind, it is imperative that we become conscious of our feelings, acknowledge and release them, freeing us from further damage to our physical and emotional health.

There are a number of effective methods that can be used, that will allow you to take control of your emotions.

Mindfulness

This is a wonderful process of managing and releasing our emotions.

It is about living in the present moment and not being lost in thought of the past or future. It is about becoming aware, watching and observing the present moment without guilt or judgement. You stop and observe your body, your mind, your feelings and the way you interact with yours. Doing this means you start to notice pain, discomfort, strengths and weaknesses. It means you notice when your muscles tighten, when you ‘change the subject’ in a conversation, or when you start to fidget. When these are brought to your consciousness, you’re able to confront and release these old patterns of thoughts and behaviours.

Emotional Freedom Technique

This is a combination of ancient Chinese acupuncture and modern psychology and is a way of releasing fears, thoughts and memories. EFT helps to clear the emotional trauma and its negative experiences. There are many videos online for you to observe and many online communities are vocal about this treatment.

What happens when we ignore these feelings and emotions?

It is not acceptable or always easy to show some emotions of course, such as anger. Such a feeling can debilitate our energy and lead to ill health. Ignoring emotions will have a knock-on effect on our physical health. Whilst we might wish to ‘brush our emotions under the carpet’, unfortunately, this form of denial only leads to further negative impacts on our physical and mental wellbeing.

Taking control of your emotions with my assistance

My treatment plan will focus on detoxification, nutritional balancing, diet as well as a focus on emotional balancing. This tailored treatment will allow us to identify the root cause of your emotional distress, and enable you to employ effective treatments for long term physical and emotional wellbeing.

I am a fully qualified allergy and nutritional therapist based in the heart of Penarth, where I offer tailored treatments in a professional, friendly and private environment.

I offer a bespoke programme to help adults and children with a very wide range of conditions, with a focus on detoxification, nutritional support, allergy and intolerance therapy, emotional support and energy therapy. I offer a natural solution to conditions such as IBS, CFS, PMS, anxiety, mirgraines, skin conditions, perimenopause, menopause, weight loss and many more.

Contact me to discuss your needs Cynigaf wasanaeth Gymraeg ac mae croeso i chi gysylltu er mwyn trafod eich anghenion.

Call 07739 210 291 www.angharadevans.cymru evansangharad@icloud.com Natural Therapy by Angharad evans.angharad

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BLAS The menu at Blas offers contemporary dining, inspired by the season and locality, echoing Wales and its produce.

For those lucky enough to be in St Davids, then a trip to Blas at Twr y Felin Hotel is a must.

On our recent visit, we enjoyed the goat’s cheese salad and the traditional classic lamb cawl for starters, whilst our main course comprised pan-fried halibut with sea vegetables and a cockle sauce, and chicken breast with roasted carrot and a roast chicken sauce. Although happily satiated, we couldn't not sample the dessert menu, so we shared a rhubarb and vanilla cheesecake, made with Perl Wen, one of Wales' best loved soft cheese. Each of the desserts can also be paired with a recommended dessert wine.

On enquiring, we found out many species of fish are caught daily in the surrounding seas, whilst the beef, duck and fowl are farmed locally. Of course, Wales is famous for its lamb, which features regularly, whilst foraging rewards the chefs with ingredients such as samphire and wild garlic.

From the windmill, you can see lush green fields above Caerfai Bay, dotted with a herd of grazing dairy cows. It is their milk that the local farmer churns into Cheddar and Caerphilly organic cheese, which are a must to taste. So, for a true culinary experience and a feast for the senses, don’t miss Blas Restaurant. 

Address: St Davids, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6QT Telephone: 01437 725 555 Price: Three courses from £45 Website: www.twryfelinhotel.com

COMPETITION

Win a three course lunch at Blas Restaurant Win a three course lunch at Blas Restaurant, located at Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, Twr y Felin, set on the spectacular St Davids peninsula, Pembrokeshire.

Twr y Felin is a former windmill and Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, located in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids. Meticulously restored and extended, featuring contemporary design throughout, the hotel is home to 41 bedrooms, the two-Rosette Blas Restaurant, which offers a menu influenced by the season and uses produce sourced from predominantly Pembrokeshire and Welsh suppliers, as well as foraged ingredients from the surrounding countryside and coast.

Blas— meaning 'taste' in Welsh

To win this fabulous prize for you and a partner or friend, simply go to www. viewpublishing.co.uk/ blasrestaurant and leave your name and address. Nothing else required! Good luck.

The important bit: The prize is a three course lunch for two guests, dining together. The prize is valid, Sunday to Thursday ONLY, between 1 January and 30 April 2022, excluding School and Bank Holiday and Valentines. Excludes beverages. Subject to change and availability at the time of booking.

We welcome children 12 years and over. As hypoallergenic properties, we are unable to accept pets.

This competition will close 19 December 2021.

OF SLEIGH BELLS AND DUMBBELLS Influencer

Rae Carpenter

Penarth-based personal fitness trainer RaeCarpenter MsRaeCarpenter

LiveFitWales

As a Personal Fitness Trainer, with my company LiveFIT Wales Cymru, I work in the community, for the community, and with the community on their health and fitness. Life is short. Without moving our bodies and eating healthily, it’s shorter still. I’m also the health and fitness expert for S4C’s FFIT Cymru and QVC, the UK’s largest shopping and lifestyle network.

The run up to the festive season is always fraught, and with the added pressure to make 2021’s Christmas the best yet, after the chaos and uncertainty of last year’s, the game is on!

Are you planning to fit into that perfect dress or shirt that’s hanging up in the wardrobe with the tags still on? Are you furiously tracking your workouts and what you eat each week?

Have you found a method that works and you’re going for it with *jingle* bells on?

While it’s brilliant that you’re taking time to put your health and fitness first now, what happens after Christmas?

Will you continue to look after yourself and put your health first so that you continue to give to those who need you?

Have you thought about continuing your health journey so that you don’t have to ever start from scratch again?

If you plan on setting a New Year’s resolution to keep moving towards a healthier new you, beware you don’t fall into the 80% of people who make a resolution on 31 December, and give up by 21 January.

So, how do you continue what you’ve started?

Run up to Christmas

Stick with your plan as much as possible: a party here, a gathering there—fair enough, it’s Christmas!

However, plan ahead of the buffet that could catch you out. Hydrate with water regularly. Choose spirits like vodka and gin with low calorie mixers over wines and beers,

FITNESS SECTION SPONSORED BY ANYTIME FITNESS

which are heavy on the calories.

Make your workouts nonnegotiable—they’re just as important as meetings or appointments that cannot be moved. Your body will benefit and I can’t think of a better stress buster—perfect for the joy, yet chaos, of Christmas!

Daily small and consistent steps will help you achieve your big new year goals.

Over the Festive period

Move! Your workouts (still nonnegotiable by the way) don’t stop just because it’s Christmas! The more you move, the better you’ll feel. Get up, get out, and beat the Christmas energy slump—even if, baby, it really is cold outside.

Did you know that you can clock up to 3k steps by popping on your five favourite Christmas party tracks in a playlist, and rock around the tree?

What about a Strictly-inspired step touch around your kitchen while you wash, dry and put away the dishes.

One of my clients said she’d never had so much fun peeling potatoes!

Try not to pick at the chocolates too much, and if you do—enjoy it, park it, and get back to your plan the next day. No guilt, no regret, and back on the (sleigh-belled) horse.

New year, new you—how do you make sure you’re in the 20% that achieve your resolution?

If you’ve stuck to my tips this year, you’ve already taken steps towards your goal for 2022.

A new, state-of-the-art, 24-hour gym opening in 2021! With Anytime Fitness you’re not just joining a gym. You’re joining a supportive, friendly community of like-minded people who are here to give you the encouragement you need. From the welcome when you enter the club, to the support from the personal trainers, the team are professionally trained to help you along your fitness journey, no matter how much support you need. www.anytimefitness.co.uk 029 2009 9247 penarth@anytimefitness.co.uk

Keep tracking your nutrition every day. If you have a day away from your plan, enjoy it, and then get back to your new healthy habits as soon as possible.

Stay with your workouts. If you plateau, reach out and ask how you can crack on and move forward.

Consistency is the magic pill you’ve been looking for. Daily small and consistent steps will help you achieve your big new-year goals.

What you bring to the table today, will show up in your tomorrow.

Nadolig llawen and merry Christmas from me and the team at LiveFit Wales Cymru. We wish you a happy and healthy 2022.  You can also join Live Fit Wales sessions at Anytime Fitness Penarth.

Rae is excited to be running Anytime Fitness classes this winter. Check out the gym timetable for more info!

DINING WITH THE STARS Influencer

Stifyn Parri

Entrepreneur and entertainer

Entrepreneur and entertainer Stifyn Parri is a creative producer, presenter, consultant and mentor. He was Marius in Les Misérables in the West End, Christopher Duncan in Channel 4’s Brookside, and is a presenter of a game show and a chat show host. At mrproducer.co.uk he produced the opening of Wales Millennium Centre, the Ryder Cup Opening Concert at the Millennium Stadium for Sky TV, and the 50th Anniversary gala of the Aberfan Disaster starring Michael Sheen, Bryn Terfel and Sian Phillips.

As soon as I knew that this issue's theme was 'bring it to the table', it hit me that I’ve spent a shocking amount of time on this earth at a table.

Talking, drinking, laughing and eating. But not always in that order! And sometimes all at once! Yes, food is so pivotal in my life and the deep connection between me and my close friends.

Food is so pivotal in my life and the deep connection between me and my close friends.

My comedyshowbiz-wife Sian Lloyd and I are both a little obsessed with food. It's our glue. You only have to follow her on Facebook to see that she is an Olympic diner, and to be honest I am usually the other side of the table. We love food! We spend hours on the phone discussing it, but eating with her can be tricky. She has the appetite of a deprived wolf, and will happily help herself to your plateful if you take your eye off the ball.

The recent two-metre rule worked well for me when we lunched, I must say.

Another Sian in my life is Dame Sian Phillips, another foodie. She invited me to her apartment in London once for lunch, to discuss a project I was producing. As I entered her kitchen, she was toasting a concoction of spices for a home-made curry and the perfume was simply amazing.

Then something even more amazing happened. There was a knock on the door and in marched three men in brown overalls. I was a little puzzled, but Sian smiled, while calmly serving me coconut rice and said, "start in the lounge, boys. I've labelled all the boxes."

I looked at her bemused. Then she casually explained, "oh, they are my removal men darling, I’m moving out today, to an apartment the other side of London."

"What?" I said, choking on her home-made paratha. "Why invite me for lunch today? You must be so stressed!"

"Oh no, I love moving," she said as the boys passed with a TV and standard lamp, "it's the gypsy in me.

More okra, cariad?"

I’ve never forgotten that lunch. Beautiful, but bizarrely timed.

Speaking of bizarre, and while I'm name dropping.

Don't ever accept a dinner invitation from Michael Ball! Great company, a great laugh, however, whatever he's ordered, he always wants what’s on your plate. And will always get it! The cheek! I shared a flat with him when we worked together in Aberystwyth years ago when he was on his first job—Godspell the Musical. On the first day, he prepared the most glorious roast dinner for us and I thought "This is going to be a breeze living here and being cooked for, for the next seven weeks."

I quickly realised the following day that his flatmate skills were well and truly exhausted, and for the rest of the run, he never lifted a finger, a saucepan, or even a dirty cup.

It's not surprising really that I have such an important relationship with food. I was brought up in a fish and chip shop, hence the hips, and during the summer holidays as a child I happily ate them every lunchtime, as that’s where my mother was, frying away and feeding the village. I still love them today, and find it impossible to walk past a good fish and chip shop.

Right, I'd better bring this to a close, as I have an appointment at the tattooists. Yes, I've chosen the perfect design. Just three simple words...Nil by mouth!

Happy eating x 

NOURISH YOUR SKIN AND YOUR SOUL Influencer

Amy Adams

The very best in feel good-beauty and wellness by Amy Adams, owner of award-winning self care boutique Studio Muse in Pontcanna.

My career is dedicated to self care, and I’ve created beauty businesses since 2004. In 2019, we opened our award-winning boutique, Studio Muse, in Pontcanna and in 2020 we created our first plant-based face and body collection, Motto Botanicals, and the vegan home-scenting collection, MUSE by Studio Muse. I am hugely passionate about natural beauty.

As we near the cooler months we draw ourselves close to all that makes us feel comfortable and nourished. Our conversation for this feature hones in on skin-loving super powers of food ingredients. There’s even a fun face mask recipe for you to try at home…enjoy!

Our physical and mental wellbeing has been stretched to the limit, and more than ever we are embracing selfcare and prioritising the harmony of our mind, body and soul. We’re listening to our bodies with a kind ear and are taking action when we become out of balance.

It’s commonplace to focus on our inner health with consideration to what we eat, and so, embracing the same vibe, I look how we can wear our vitamins too.

It’s a known fact that our skin is the largest organ of our body, so have you considered that our skin absorbs a large amount of what’s put on it? I’ve had the joy of growing up with plantbased medicine and ointments thanks to my herbalist Mum, and dedicating my career to natural beauty and self care was an easy choice…studying

cosmetic science has brought my experiences together to give a much deeper understanding of natural formulations. I love to share my favourite findings so here’s my stroll around our local areas for some yummy scrummy products and places to treat yourself to some much needed TLC this season.

One of my favourite discoveries is homegrown Mallows Beauty and their I’m Strong enzyme face peel. The powerful bromelain enzyme found in pineapple is a marvel for brightening the complexion and reducing uneven skin tone. Great for acne-prone skin too!

Ere Perez Cosmetics is another fave.

Their Avocado Waterproof Mascara has proven itself unbeatable with the dreaded ‘face mask steam’ as well as nourishing for the lashes. Their Papaya SOS Marmalade is also loved in our house and has multiple soothing benefits for face and hands. A treat for the senses and to keep legs super-soft, use Grounds For Good Coffee Body Scrubs. Nails are in good hands with the genius nail polish from Nailkind whose formulas are the cleanest around and cleverly use potato starch to give super long-lasting wear and gloss. Almost good enough to eat—please don’t!—is the deliciously smelling Glen Cocoa face mask from

Lush Spa where cocoa and almond combined with floral extracts soften the skin beautifully. A treat for the tresses can be found with Oway Organic, who’ve mastered their collection of biodynamic and organic formulations.

Favourites include their Silk’n’Glow Hair Mask and Volumising Root Spray with extracts of Brazil nut, ginger and yarrow to work their magic. When it’s time for a cuppa why not pour a handful of Thornbush Hill’s Rose Geranium, Bergamot & Eucalyptus Bath Tea under the hot tap for a warming treat.

One of my own creations from Motto Botanicals will give skin a welcome boost…our new Magic-22 Super Serum is stuffed full of 22 plant-based and fruity goodness like blueberry, passion fruit and plum to ensure our skin is glowing through winter and beyond.

Let’s finish off our stroll with a trip

Veggie patch face mask with honey An aromatic formula loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to refine skin appearance and nourish deeply.

Ingredients

to Blossom and Nectar and Ripple to stock up on ingredients to make our fun homemade face mask recipe!

Don’t forget to seek out an amazing nature-led salon and spa too. So many have an abundance of natural hair and beauty services and are blessed with incredible customer care, more important than ever. Many embrace sustainability alongside being ambassadors of vegan, organic and cruelty-free products. A spa day at Lanelay Hall is always a treat, who use Ishga Organic Skincare for their treatments. Goji, Cwtch and Kalon hair salons are perfect for Oway treatments and products. For holistic and aromatherapy treats try ener-chi, Aroma Holistic Clinic and Luna Beauty; all offer beautiful treatments utilising herbs and fruity ingredients. Bliss! 

1 medium potato peeled, boiled, cooled 1 tbsp aloe vera gel 1 tbsp pumpkin pulp 1 tsp mango pulp 1 tsp chopped parsley 1 tsp local honey ½ tsp lemon juice Pinch of grated ginger Rice flour, as needed, to bind together

Method

Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and mash or blend together until smooth. Apply with clean hands or brush into cleansed skin (avoiding eyes) and leave on for up to 15 minutes. Rinse away residue and moisturise as normal.

Patch test recommended prior to first use.

KEEPING TOASTY IN THE OFFICE As the summer days come to an end and winter is in full swing, everyone that works in an office will be more than aware that the shift in weather means a shift in style. Whilst the majority of the population raid their wardrobes in search of their favourite hoodies and comfy clothes, some of us will be worried about how we will manage to stay looking professional without struggling to stay warm. Here at Penarth View, we have come together to put all of our favourite tips and tricks into one place so that you can keep your professional look this winter!

Words by Pippa-Marie Sheppard, Journalist

Simple but smart The one thing I was always told before starting my first job in an office was, the plainer the better. It’s so easy to dress-up or dress-down a simple outfit, meaning that you can recycle the same blouse three times in the same week, with minimal chance of anyone noticing. A dark coloured roll-neck jumper and smart trousers are my go to for office wear, no matter the weather.

ips these t Gents, reat ks are g and tric . Check out too e for you wbridg x in Co o F fy g m in K co best in for the r men. fo r a e w r te in w

The shift in weather means a shift in style

American Vintage, East Cardigan £140 at Kiti Cymru, Pontcanna

Becksondergaard, Anakin Sia Scarf £99 at Kiti Cymru, Pontcanna

Scarves

A simple, yet effective addition to complement any outfit. When the days become darker and frost begins to take hold of everything in sight, we all reach for our scarves, woolly hats and gloves before heading outside. So why should it be any different when going into the office? Your neck is extremely sensitive to the cold, so matching a silky scarf to your winter look will trap in body heat whilst also ensuring you stay looking professional.

Winter boots

During the winter months, I match any chosen outfit with a pair of stylish boots. Keeping to closed-toe footwear enables you to wear your favourite fluffy socks underneath without anyone noticing. Remember to add an extra pair of socks for additional cosiness if needed.

Cardigans are a necessity

There is no doubt you’ll be able to find a thick, woolly cardigan to match every outfit. One of these, paired with a scarf and woolly socks, will definitely keep you warm and comfortable.

Having a cardigan in black, white and grey will ensure you’ll always have one to complement your outfit.

The hunt for deals

For those on a budget, take a trip to your local high street or hunt through charity shops. You will be surprised at what you can find within your price range! Sale racks in New Look and Primark are always worth going through too.

Rising in popularity too are selling sites like Vinted, Shpock and Depop, where you can sell and buy designer and preloved vintage clothing.

Reduce, reuse, recycle for fashion.

Layers!

Layering is the most accessible way to keep warm. Keeping a cardigan at your desk, simply slung over the back of the chair for when you need it, wearing a vest or thin t-shirt under your shirt, or even wearing tights under your trousers. These simple, cheap tricks can be a life saver.

We may be sad to see those sunny days and late nights go, but as we embrace the chill of autumn and the frost of winter, remember that you don’t have to sacrifice looking professional to stay warm. 

EAT AND EAT ON REPEAT Influencer

Rosie Oretti

Science-geek, purveyor of Tropic Skincare and Co-founder of Grounds For Good, to embrace the power of repurposed coffee grounds.

I have a background in pharmacology, psychiatry and addictions spanning over 30 years. I love to consider all things to do with health and wellbeing, of both the mind and the body. I believe good lifestyle decisions are made when we have the right information.

We all overeat at times, perhaps when we are on holidays or other special events such as the festive period. This overindulgence is not the same as having a Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

Imagine feeling driven to eat vast quantities of food over a short time period (even when you are not hungry) and not even chewing or tasting what you are putting in your mouth.

Well, these are just some of the key behavioural characteristics of BED. Those who have the disorder describe thinking about food or eating, and trying not to eat, all the time. Their whole day revolves around this preoccupation and activity, and they may even withdraw from social events as a result.

Although it might appear impulsive, binges can be planned. They are almost ritualistic in nature with the individual storing up supplies and often having their own special binge foods. People may go to extreme lengths to access food, for example, eating food that has been thrown away or that doesn’t belong to them. This is a compulsive behaviour which is done alone and is hidden from others. Please don’t think this is

enjoyable. Sufferers describe feeling almost disconnected during a binge with little recollection of what they have eaten. They feel unable to stop once in a binge, even if they wanted to. There may be an immediate sense of relief (not pleasure) but this is associated with a physical feeling of immense discomfort and feeling unwell. Psychologically, they describe feeling ashamed, disgusted, guilty and distressed by their lack of control. These feelings then reinforce that cycle of negative emotions and binge eating again.

Not all individuals with BED are overweight and binges may be interspersed with normal patterns of eating or even undereating. There is often a lot of overlap between different eating disorders.

BED is a mental disorder which can affect both men and women, of any ethnicity and background, and often starts in their 20s. It is probably the most common eating disorder and can arise from or turn into other types of eating disorder.

People with BED use disordered eating behaviours as a way to cope with difficult situations or feelings. It’s important to remember that eating disorders are rarely about food itself, but about emotions, even though the individual might not be aware of the purpose this behaviour is serving.

An eating disorder is never the fault of the person experiencing it, and anyone with such a disorder deserves fast, compassionate support to help them get better. BED is as serious as any other eating disorder and it’s important that people suffering with it get treatment as quickly as possible to have the best chance of a full recovery.

If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, even if only some of the signs in this article are present, you should still seek help immediately. The first step is usually to make an appointment with your GP.  NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) recommends guided selfhelp as the first treatment step. This should use self-help materials based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and involve supportive sessions to help ensure its effectiveness. The book that is recommended is Professor Christopher Fairburn’s Overcoming Binge Eating: The Proven Program to Learn Why You Binge and How You Can Stop (2nd ed.).

Self-help and support groups where you’re able to talk to others going through similar experiences can be useful to both sufferers and their families throughout treatment and in sustaining recovery: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

FESTIVE INTERIOR TRENDS BE INSPIRED

We are all looking forward, hopefully, to a Christmas that may look a bit more normal this year, so we hope you’re excited to celebrate and decorate your home. Find out how interior designers, home influencers, and our own in-house home experts are decorating this year—and prepare to be inspired.

Jan Williams, from Beti Biggs—simple but smart updates in rich, cozy tones.

Winter is the perfect time to inject a bit of warmth and colour into your home. Many of us have quite neutral décor and a good way to inject a pop of colour is to paint a piece of furniture that you already have. Chalk Paint makes this easy by cutting out the preparation needed with other paints. If you’re feeling a little braver, however, why not paint a wall or two? Personally, I’m a big fan of deeper colours as they make a flattering background for anything you might hang on the wall, making pictures and mirrors stand out. The richer colours also give off a cosy glow when you create little pools of light against them with lamps and candles.

Annie Sloan has introduced a new Wall Paint with a palette comprising 32 beautiful shades. It’s rich in pigment with a matt, washable finish.

Hayley Perkins, from Jewels Canley—banish feature walls to make the space appear larger.

It’s that time again, the time we panic about the family members coming over for Christmas and judging our interior decisions. Here’s a quick way to transform your interior, from the midst of Covid experimentation to subtle sophistication.

If you have a feature wall in a room, perhaps the fireplace wall or some recesses covered in a dramatic patterned wallpaper or a dark colour, this can make a room feel broken-up and made to feel smaller. The solution?

Use the same wall colour all the way around, even if it is a deeper tone, or go for textured wallpaper all over. This can make the room feel larger, as you don’t have a dramatic stop-start appearance as you run your eye around the room.

Annie Sloan new Carnaby Yellow wall paint 2.5L £49.95 at Beti Biggs

Ceri Hill, from Chalkhouse Kitchens—forage for your Christmas decorations.

When you flick through the glossy home magazines at Christmas, it’s not just the lounge and dining room that are dressed for the festive season; the bedrooms, hall, and even the kitchen are given a Christmas makeover.

There are armfuls of fresh greenery in every room, large vases of grey green eucalyptus, jugs of white hellebore, or the tiniest bunch of branches adorned with red berries. Christmas is definitely a time for more is more, so take a leaf out of the professional set-dressers’ book, go for a walk through the woods, and find some beautiful bare branches smothered in snowy reindeer moss, pick fallen pine cones to display in glass jars with white glass baubles or cut swathes of flowering ivy to drape over shelves with some sprigs of holly.

Banish feature walls to make the space appear larger

Miffy Shaw, from Miffy Shaw Interiors— decorating with rustic neutrals for Christmas

It’s that time of the year again already! And if you’re anything like me, you’re starting to think about what style to decorate with.

This year, I’m loving rustic neutrals.

Anything with natural character and something that can be foraged or made. I’m thinking sprigs of fir (all your left over branches from the bottom of your tree), pine cones, white and neutral colours, linens, hessian, foraged greenery, pampas grass, and comfy furs.

Last year, I made some decorations which I’ll use again this year, such as stars made from brown and white paper bags and cute little Christmas trees made from old books that I picked up from a local charity shop.

Here’s my own top five must-haves…

1. Faux fur throws for added coziness.

2. Wrapping gifts in brown paper, adding hessian or burlap, and a sprig of greenery.

3. Paper stars, which are super easy to make—just look for tutorials online. Or buy them in for a quicker alternative, and sit down with your favourite Christmas tipple instead!

4. Add a touch of greenery with a natural Christmas wreath.

5. For an ontrend tree Rattan tree topper topper, try £14.50 at Cox & Cox this rattan star from Cox & Cox.

YAPPY NEW YEAR Influencer

Dave Deane

Veterinary Surgeon

Having lived and worked in South Wales for 14 years, initially in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff, I have finally found my home in beautiful Penarth, where I also volunteer as an RNLI crew member. Growing up as the son of a dentist may have influenced my passion for veterinary dentistry.

Making sure they have had a good walk before dark and a big meal can help make them relax and feel sleepy.

As hard as it is, allow them to pace, bark/meow, and hide if they wish to.

Reassuring them too much at this point can actually confirm to them that it is a scary event.

fire work season

Here are some handy tips to help make firework season easier for your four-legged friends.

Spray or plug-in pheromones are readily available and can be very useful in milder cases of noise phobias to reduce anxiety.

Give lots of praise for calm behaviour.

Making sure they have a safe place/den that they can hide in if they wish to.

Dental care for pets

Dental disease is commonly seen in our pets, and it is just as painful as it is in humans. However, because they cannot communicate their discomfort in the same way we would, it is often overlooked.

Regular veterinary care is important to pick up early signs of dental disease and dealing with it sooner rather than later.

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Dogs have 42 teeth Dental chews can help, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security as they are not a replacement for daily brushing and regular veterinary examinations.

Cats have 28 teeth Although it is possible, many people struggle to brush their cats’ teeth, and although dry food can help, and there are specific products marketed, it is even more important that your cat receives regular veterinary examination to identify early signs of dental disease.

When choosing dental treats and chews for your pet, look out for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Accepted stamp.

Rabbits also have 28 teeth, but they have, what we call, open rooted teeth, which constantly grow throughout their life. It is therefore extremely important that they are fed on an appropriate diet, where the majority is roughage (grass/ hay) to simulate what they would eat in the wild and ensure they spend a large proportion of their day chewing and thus keeping their teeth worn down to a healthy level.

COVID-19 and changes to how vets work

Pet ownership has boomed over the past 18 months as people’s circumstances have changed. Like many industries, the veterinary industry is going through a time of enormous change and, unfortunately, we are struggling to keep up with the increase in demand. With the time needed to train new veterinary staff, and the changes linked to Brexit, there is no quick solution. This has meant that many veterinary practices have had to change their ways of working to ensure they are able to deal with the most urgent work.

Although I would never want to discourage anyone from pet ownership, in the current climate I would want to encourage people to bear this in mind when considering the prospect.

It is worth contacting your local practice to check if they are taking on new clients and patients, as many practices have had to temporarily close their books to new animals.

With many changes and uncertainty in people’s lives, there has been an increase in pets finding themselves in the care of charities and re-homing centres. If you are considering pet ownership but are not sure about the long-term commitment, consider becoming a dog walker or a fosterer for one of the many amazing charities. 

½ cup mayonnaise 1 pack cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons chunky salsa 1 teaspoon dry mustard 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 3 flour tortillas 1 cup tomatoes, chopped 1½ cups romaine lettuce, shredded / 1 In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, salsa and mustard until well blended. Stir in bacon. / 2 Spread mixture evenly over tortillas. Top with tomatoes and lettuce. Tightly roll up tortillas and wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour but no longer than 8 hours. Cut into one inch slices.

Apple, cheese and potato pie Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 30g salted butter 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 large onions, finely sliced 1/2 bunch of thyme 30g plain flour 500ml vegetable stock 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 450g potatoes, cut into 2-3cm chunks 3 chopped apples 150g grated mature cheddar Ready to roll pastry

/ 1 Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the oil and onions, cooking until caramelised. Fry for 1 minute more after adding the thyme.

Carefully tip in the flour and combine.

Gradually stir in the stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the mustard and vinegar 2 minutes before the end of cooking time. / 2 Put the potatoes into a large pan, cover with cold water and cook for around 5 minutes. Drain and stir into the sauce. Now, stir in Address: the cheddar, seasoning and apples.

St Davids, / 3 Pour the filling into a baking dish and allow Pembrokeshire, SA62 6QT Telephone: 01437 725 and 555 cut into strips to cool.

Roll out the pastry Price: coursesthe from £45across roughly 1cm Three wide. Weave strips Website: www.twryfelinhotel.com the dish, leaving gaps of a few millimetres in-between. Brush the top with egg and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown.

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#BE MORE & SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

At South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, our OnCall Firefighters come from all walks of life including homemakers, shopkeepers, builders, farmers, office workers and directors of companies, together with people who are not currently employed.

The On-Call role is challenging and rewarding with full training provided and no previous experience needed to apply! On-Call Firefighters, just like those who are full-time, respond to fires and special service calls such as road traffic collisions, chemical emergencies, flooding and other natural disasters. They also play a vital role in informing, preventing and educating local communities in fire safety.

We can offer flexible working patterns to fit around study, work and family commitments alongside first class training and development opportunities and a chance to make a real difference. The role of an On-Call Firefighter provides you with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make a real difference.

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Barons Court

RESTAURANT

Are you planning your long awaited Christmas celebrations and events? Penarth’s hottest new restaurant is right there with you!

This festive season, Barons Court will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland, the perfect setting for mouth-watering festive lunches, and fantastic party nights featuring a sumptuous four-course dinner and spectacular live cabaret acts / disco.

After missing out last year, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the best Christmas ever, whether it’s a special night out for just the two of you or fun with friends and family or colleagues.

Limited availability, early booking for all events is recommended.

Penarth Road, Llandough, Penarth CF64 1ND Call 029 2000 1231 www.barons-court.co.uk baronscourtpenarth

Keyif Turkish Cuisine A unique Turkish cuisine experience with a touch of mediterranean flavour!

Keyif means to quietly live in the moment, and inkeeping with traditional Turkish dining, our food is best when shared. We serve hot and cold meze dishes and our main courses include authentic baked dishes, such as mousaka, grilled fish and seafood, wraps, salads, and of course, the ever-popular kebabs. Drop by Keyif in Penarth if you’re looking for some lovely authentic treats from Turkish mediterranean cuisine with nice music, a cozy environment and, most importantly, delicious food.

Lunchtime Special: 2 courses, £14.95. 3 courses, £16.95.

Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 3:30pm. Excluding December.

Christmas: To help you celebrate this Christmas, contact us for our great Christmas packages available during November and December.

21 Glebe Street, Penarth CF64 1EE Call 029 2070 2429 www.keyif.co.uk keyifpenarth

RESTAURANT

FESTIVE RECIPES Clementine Trifles

After peeling the zest from a clementine, squeeze the juice into a saucepan and add 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Once you have swirled until the sugar has dissolved, add the shredded zest and simmer until syrupy. Mix the juice from another clementine with some sherry and slice the others into thin rounds. Now all that is left to do is whisk the cream into a soft peak and layer the clementine slices, madeira cake, sherry mixture and custard into a jar! A perfect dessert for adults. You can even leave out the sherry to suit the children.

Sparkling Cranberry Jelly

To begin with, place a large freeze-proof glass jug in the freezer and mix the cranberries, orange juice, mulling spice and sugar in a saucepan and simmer until fragrant.

Divide the mixture into 6 coupe glasses and set aside for later. Heat the cranberry juice slightly and whisk in the gelatine until fully dissolved, leaving to stand for 3 minutes. Taking the glass jug from the freezer, pour in the gelatine mixture and stir in the Prosecco. Layer the jelly on top of the mixture in the coupe glasses and refrigerate for 2 hours. To make things extra festive, you can even add an orange peel garnish!

Date, blue cheese & pancetta polenta stacks

With the oven set at 200ºC, sandwich a layer of pancetta rashers between parchment and use a second tray to weigh it down. After 10-15 minutes of baking, the pancetta should be golden and crisp. Boil stock and polenta in a saucepan and allow to simmer until thick and smooth. Add some oil, Parmesan, rosemary and season if preferred. Spoon the mixture into a tin and set in the fridge for 1 hour. Slice the polenta into 16 wedges and cook for 4 minutes on either side. Push 1 tablespoon of cheese into the middle of each date half. Now the fun part!

Layer the dates, pancetta, spinach and polenta onto cocktail sticks and drizzle with a little pomegranate molasses.

FLAVOURS OF THE SIX NATIONS EXTRA DELICIOUS

Influencer

Jo Baldwin

Independent Travel Counsellor Call 07581 181 236 or email jo.baldwin@travelcounsellors.com

I have worked in travel all my life as an adventure tour leader and now as an independent Travel Counsellor. I provide friendly, professional travel advice and trusted tailor-made holidays. I live in Penarth with my son and I love running, yoga and travel (of course).

With Wales being current title-holders of the Six Nations rugby tournament, we know we’re looking forward to next year’s installment. Here, travel expert Jo Baldwin takes a look at the independent culinary delights of each participating country.

WALES

A restaurant with no menu? No problem.

Sosban, located within a quaint historical butcher’s shop, asks you to forget the menu and savour the experience instead. Located in the heart of Menai Bridge on Anglesey, the husband-and-wife chef team create a series of dishes using the best locally sourced produce available to them on the day, providing a unique culinary journey not found anywhere else. With only 16 covers, you must book well in advance. No prescriptive dishes, just an imaginative fresh culinary journey.

SCOTLAND

The Kitchin restaurant in Edinburgh is located in a converted whisky warehouse, and owners Tom and Michaela Kitchin’s menu utilises classic French techniques with robust Scottish ingredients. In rugby terms, imagine French flair with Scottish depth. Locally sourced treats include roast Highland wagyu sirloin and Etherington goat’s cheese with veggies from the nearby organic Free Company Farm. With one Michelin star and 5 AA rosettes, booking in advance is essential for, arguably, one of Scotland’s best fine-dining memories.

ENGLAND

Top notch luxury Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall is paradise if you love the sea. In fact it’s so close you can watch the surfers from the pool or rooftop hot tub. A three night ‘Taste of the Bay’ package offers a stay with meals included in three different restaurants: dining in Zacry’s for romance, candlelight, cocktails and charcoal cooked treats; Chef Emily Scott’s restaurant right on the beach serving fresh seafood; and The Beach Hut, which blends local ingredients with international cuisine from Mexico, Asia and Italy for dining with your toes in the sand.

IRELAND

Moran’s Oyster Cottage serves up oysters from the natural 700 acre sea bed of the Clarenbridge oyster bed in Galway, situated at the mouths of the Dunkellin and Clarenbridge rivers. It’s not just oysters on offer here; this is a seafood lover’s dream with dishes like seafood chowder made from a seven-generation old recipe. The restaurant is set within a quaint 250-year-old cottage at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with rugged west coast surrounding seascapes.

FRANCE

Stay in a rustic B&B situated in the heart of Saint Jeannet, a pretty medieval village perched on the hills above Nice and immerse yourself in French culture, enjoy mindful yoga sessions surrounded by the tranquillity of the French countryside, and learn to cook. These regions of Provence and Côte D’Azur are renowned for panoramic landscapes, coastal and mountain views, and rich history. Local chef Noël will help reveal the joys of French gastronomy using organic and local products and reveal a side of France that’s not in the guide books.

ITALY

Italy caters superbly for vegan and vegetarian travellers, and La Vimea hotel in South Tyrol impresses with its dedication to plant-based food and wellness, as Italy’s first vegan only hotel. The philosophy of La Vimea is nature and everything connected with it. It offers two beautiful yoga rooms in the house and possibilities for yoga on the pond deck, forest bathing and meditation. With no kids allowed, the hotel is refuge for those needing a tranquil break.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS New Independent Travel Agency Opens In Cowbridge

Small Business Wins Rising Star Award

Shroot, a small Welsh business, has been recognised for their innovation and potential by a panel of wellrespected judges at the Wales Start Up Awards. The awards evening, which was held in the Depot in Cardiff, was a fun evening for Shroot, meeting other finalists and enjoying the “buzz of being shortlisted”. Speaking about winning the award, they said: “We were delighted to win a Rising Star Award at the Wales Start Up Awards last month.

Shroot is a small Welsh business with big ideas and a bold ambition to grow.”

New, Affordable Vet Practice Opened At Cardiff Dogs Home

A new vet practice has officially opened at Cardiff Dogs Home, offering affordable care for dogs. Cardiff Dogs Home has partnered with Rescue Hotel to launch the new scheme, with charity ambassador, Sam Warburton having opened the new centre on Saturday, 21 August.

Vale Farmers’ Market Hold First Dinas Powys Event

Residents of Dinas Powys saw Vale Farmers’ Market hold their first event in the village, after previous plans to initially launch in August were unsuccessful. The market will see local produce sold by stallholders every Friday between 9am and 12pm in the Star Inn car park.

Sam Smith Travel, now part of the Welsh 2020 award-winning travel agency, Ocky White Travel Group, has recently been taken over by new owners, providing a brand new travel agency on the doorsteps of the people of Cowbridge. With many years of experience in the travel industry, customers are fully ABTA-bonded for your financial protection, and can expect unbiased opinions, a wide selection of holiday options and the best destination advice. We wish you all the best of luck in your new business!

Brother and Sister Open Coffee Shop in Former Brothel

A brother and sister duo have turned a former brothel into a stylish coffee and wine bar called Sibling, with months of renovations and dedication paying off.

29 year old Georgie Thomas and her brother, Will, were handed the keys to the building, situated at 39 Lochaber Street, Roath, just two days after the former business closed its doors.

Local Business Wins Wales Prestige Award

Congratulations to Studio Muse, based in Pontcanna, who has won Vegan Beauty Product Retailer Of The Year 2021/22 with their array of cruelty-free vegan products, the award comes as no surprise to us.

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Anne Morgan Jewellery Celebrates 6th Birthday With Pop-Up Shop

For their 6th birthday this year, Anne Morgan Jewellery celebrated by hosting a pop-up shop in John Lewis, Cardiff. If you missed them there, they have plenty of new collections in their Penarth gallery as part of their Winter Exhibition.

All-ladies Gym and Fitness Studio Opened

As many women feel uncomfortable going to gyms, Devine Health and Fitness, an all-ladies gym and fitness studio, has opened in Penarth for women of all ages and sizes, so that every woman can feel comfortable becoming their healthiest self. They offer monthly catch-ups to discuss weight and measurements, look at your eating habits, and to offer advice.

As the only practice of Chartered Management Accountants in Penarth, we help organisations to maximise their opportunity and profitability, and we help individuals to maximise their wealth and security. Contact us today to arrange a no obligation consultation • Accountancy • Private clients • Corporate finance • Payroll • Taxation • Grant funding • Business advisory support Penarth Office 7 Herbert Terrace CF64 2AH 029 2071 3800 Bristol Office 432 Gloucester Road BS7 8TX 0117 9247 767 Newport Office 9A Port Road NP20 2NS 01633 250530 www.evansentwistle.co.uk mail@evansentwistle.co.uk

The Queen B Goes Festive with AM Interiors

The Queen B will once again collaborate with Alex Mules this year, bringing the much-loved Christmas shop back to Penarth. Opening on the 29 October at 6pm, the shop will sell festive products until Christmas Eve.

Business Raises £520 for Macmillan Cancer Support

The Business Centre, situated on Cardiff Road in Barry, has raised £520 for Macmillan Cancer Support with a Barry Bake Off, which saw talented bakers coming together to help make the impressive achievement. 17 cakes were assessed by a panel of judges, who had a difficult time deciding the winners. After much thought, the prizes went to Abby from Mel’s Cafe, Francis from Bakers Food, and Spencer from Dynamo.

Lily Pad Help Brings Home The Medal

A Penarth florist has helped scoop-up the bronze award at the Chelsea Flower Show. Toni Horne, who owns The Lily Pad Florist, joined Tracy Rowbottom and Emily Dunn in making the impressive achievement. The display, which featured under the category Beauty Of Nature, included lots of chrome spheres creating a reflection which allowed you to be a part of the exhibit.

Send in your own stories for publication to john@viewpublishing.co.uk

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS A new vegan deli opens its doors in Barry—the very first in all of South Wales—providing plantbased products for all to enjoy.

Karry’s Deli, situated at 23 Park Crescent, has already proven popular amongst residents. We spoke to the owner, Karry, whose lockdown experience inspired her to start up her own business. She said: “During lockdown, I read lots of articles and saw lots of docu-series on vegan and plant-based food, and local people were wondering why there didn’t seem to be anything like this in the area. People are becoming more conscious of the environment, their health and what they’re eating, and I believe during lockdown people have had more time to be aware of their diet. I believe there are many reasons to explore a plant-based diet, such as improving the environment, overall health by reducing meat and dairy intake, therefore lessening your waistline as well as increasing animal welfare, and a tonne of other things.”

Speaking about the lead-up to the successful opening of the deli back in August, Karry added: “I saw the launch of Rudy’s Vegan in London, a vegan butcher, on International Vegan Day 2020, and it gave me inspiration and hope that I could do the same. I researched suitable premises, found this place in March that was undergoing full renovation, and then overtook the construction project in order to make it food-service ready. As far as being affected by the pandemic as a business, I think I was lucky enough to open at the right time when things were allowed to open up and people felt a bit more free to go shopping by foot and travel further.

I’m also lucky that the food industry is classed as an essential service—people

need to buy food, of course, yummy plantbased food that’s better for their diet!”

When asked about her personal favourite product on sale, Karry said: “I love the Miami Burger range of meat-products—burgers, Lincolnshire sausages and smokey mini rashers—perfect for any party!” 

Address: 23 Park Crescent, Barry, CF62 6HD Telephone: 029 2236 2438 Web: www.karrysdeli.com

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Fiscal Frivolities

There’s no getting away from it.

Christmas is around the corner (and no, we don’t know what happened to 2021 either!). Whilst the rest of your office may be dusting off their gladrags for some post pandemic festive frivolities, if you’re the one in charge of the chequebook, you may want to take a few notes.

The cost of a staff party or other annual entertainment is allowable as a deduction for tax purposes for businesses (unfortunately, this does not apply to sole traders or unincorporated business…bah, humbug!) As long as the criteria below are followed, there will be no taxable benefit charged to employees: • The event must be open to all employees at a given location and be primarily for entertaining staff, not clients.

• The annual Christmas party (or indeed any other annual event offered to staff) is not taxable on those attending provided that the average cost per head does not exceed £150. But woe betide, if the cost per head is £151, the whole benefit is taxable, so step away from quaffing the Dom Perignon, then!

• All costs must be taken into account, including any costs of transport and accommodation where provided, plus VAT. The total cost of the event is divided by the number attending to find the average cost (staff partners attending are included in the head count). If the limit is exceeded then all employees will be taxable on their average cost. Happy Christmas to you too, taxman!

• For the company, VAT is recoverable

on staff entertaining expenditure, but this does not extend to staff partners, so input VAT will need to be apportioned accordingly (it’s almost enough to stop you wanting to pull that cracker, isn’t it?)

And if you’re a particularly lavish employer here’s the advice from HMRC: “An employer may provide employees with a seasonal gift, such as a turkey, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates at Christmas. All of these gifts are considered to be trivial and as such are not taxable”. Just as an aside, this concession also applies to flu jabs paid for by the company—not the glitziest of gifts, but apparently appreciated by some employees!

When it comes to Christmas bonuses, however, the taxman is less generous—these count as ordinary earnings and will be subject to PAYE and NI. Whereas, presents for customers are allowable as a tax deduction if the total cost to any one individual per annum does not exceed £50 and the item bears a conspicuous advert for the business, so go right ahead and wrap up those branded pens with a snazzy bow!

Finally, as you pop on your party hat, rejoice in the fact that your family turkey is VAT free!

Wishing you all the very best for 2022 from all the team at Evans Entwistle.  Lisa Entwistle is a partner at Evans Entwistle Chartered Management Accountants & Tax Advisors. For assistance with all of these aspects of accounting and more, contact 029 2071 3800 or go to www.evansentwistle.co.uk

A little reminder!

The 2020/21 self-assessment filing deadline is 31 January 2022 As a local practice of Chartered Management Accountants and Tax Advisors, we can assist you to minimise your tax liabilities, however simple or complex your affairs may be. Contact us today to arrange a no obligation consultation

Offices in Penarth, Newport and Bristol

7 Herbert Terrace, Penarth, CF64 2AH

www.evansentwistle.co.uk

t: 029 2071 3800 e: mail@evansentwistle.co.uk

Accountancy | Corporate Finance | Taxation | Business Advisory | Private Clients

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