Cardiff NOW February 2015

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NOW February 2015 Issue 6

Virtual Reality Brings All-New Mazda2 to Life at Victoria Park Mazda FR

HOME & GARDEN • FOOD & DRINK • COUNTRY WALKS • NATURE NOTEBOOK • WHAT’S ON • COMPETITIONS

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See page 22 for more information Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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contents Cardiff Now 2nd Floor, Richardson House, 24 New Street, Worcester. WR1 2DP 01905 723011 dawn@pw-media.co.uk www.pw-media.co.uk For advertisting enquiries please contact:

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Home & Garden

n Save Energy, Save Money

n Samantha Thomas Design

10 Property

n What is Help to Buy?

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14 Nature Notebook n Your Guide to a Garden Winter Wonderland

Emma Cox 01905 727908 emma@pw-media.co.uk

Alison Jones 01905 727907 ali@pw-media.co.uk

n For the Love of Beauty

n Win with Windsor Barbers

Suzie Scott 01905 727904 suzie@pw-media.co.uk

19 Valentine’s Day

Contributors Glynis Dray Amelia Hanson

Design Paul Blyth

16 Health & Beauty 14

Publisher Dawn Pardoe P W Media & Publishing Ltd

COMPETITION WINNERS A Goodie Bag From Hamleys K. Tomas, Cardiff

n A Little of What We Fancy Does Us Good...

22 Motoring

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n Virtual Reality Brings All-New Mazda2 to Life at Victoria Park Mazda

26 Education

n Making Maths Add Up

30 Cardiff Walk

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Cardiff Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

n Valentine’s Day Gifts

20 Food & Drink

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February 2015

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n Castell Coch & Craig yr Allt

32 Cardiff Past

n Cadw Launches New Wales-Wide Education Resources for School Pupils

34 Senior Living

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n Sex Doesn’t Stop at 50

36 What’s On

n Win Two Club tickets to Ladies Day at The Cheltenham Festival

n Bounce Below

n Brecon Beacons

n Win a trip to The Celt Experience

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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home & garden

Save Energy, Save Money Cutting back on the energy you use to heat your home is good news for the environment and your bank balance.

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here are many changes you could make to make wiser use of the energy needed to heat your home during the coldest times of year. These changes could be as simple as changing the way you use your current heating system, to installing a whole new heating source. Using less energy is beneficial to the environment as it will cut your property’s carbon footprint, it will also equate to reduced heating costs for your home.

Insulation Finding ways to be more energy efficient at home will reduce the fuel needed for heating and insulation is the obvious place to start. Insulation helps to prevent heat loss from your home and the most well- known kinds include loft and cavity wall insulation. Research shows that fitting loft insulation can reduce heating costs by up to 20%. While, according to The Energy Saving Trust, fitting internal or external insulation to solid walls can cut heating costs by up to 40%.

Blocking sources of drafts will also help to stop heat escaping and prevent cold air from entering your home. Replacing old windows with ones that have double or even triple glazing will help, as will adding draft excluders to external doors. Gaps around internal doors and even gaps between floorboards and behind skirting boards can be blocked using sealant, while larger spaces between floors can be filled with floor insulation.

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Smart heat

The Energy Saving Trust also recommends leaving curtains and blinds open during the day to allow the sun’s heat to warm a room

Environmentally friendly heating systems like heat pumps, solar heating and hydroelectricity can all be added to your home to supplement your existing heating system. Generating your own energy is a good way to cut fuel costs and there are Government schemes for producing renewable

Special sealant is available for gaps between floorboards. www.greenstamp.co.uk

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energy which mean you could even get paid for going green.

Changing the way you use your existing heating system can equal savings on money and energy. By turning your heating thermostat down by 1°, you could reduce the energy you use by around 5%.

Similarly, turning the thermostat down during the night or while you’re out at work will also help the savings add up.

The thermostat on your water heater can also be turned down. They are commonly set at 140°F, but turning them down to 120°F can save up to 10% on water heating costs according to green consumer guide The Daily Green. However, if you have a dishwasher, a set water temperature may be needed for it to operate properly.

Radiators can be made more energy efficient by fitting radiator reflective panelling behind them to reflect heat into the room. Adding a shelf above a radiator will help to direct heat straight

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Go green

Open blinds during the day to let the sun heat a room. www.leekes.co.uk

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Keep radiators clear so heat isn’t absorbed by furniture. www.mhsradiators.com

into a room rather than towards the ceiling and having clear space around a radiator will stop any heat given off being absorbed by furniture.

The Energy Saving Trust also recommends leaving curtains and blinds open during the day to allow the sun’s heat to warm a room, while closing them in the evening will help to trap warm air inside and to cut down the amount of heat lost through windows. Log on to The Energy Saving Trust website (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) for information on how to reduce the amount of energy you use to heat your home and for details on generating renewable energy. n

By Amelia Hanson

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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home & garden

Samantha Thomas Design My passion for fabrics, textures, colours and good knowledge of home design has helped me create beautiful living spaces for friends, colleagues and family over 20 years.

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alancing the aesthetic with practical, versatile materials and layout can be quite a challenge for most people. When you combine this with a project that can involve multiple rooms and suppliers, this it is easy to see how even the most adventurous can be daunted.

Every client I see is unique, and it is only with careful consideration and collaborative time spent that the beginnings of an idea can germinate into a well-organised plan.

My aim is to guide clients from a complete blank canvas, be it contemporary or traditional, multiple rooms or single furniture items, to working within the confines of a strict brief and budget.

I am genuinely excited about working with you or your trusted advisors to help bring your ideas to life. I do hope to hear from you. n

Reliable Cleaning Services supplied across the whole of Cardiff Weekly Cleans only £11 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

One-off Cleans only £15 per hour (minimum 4 hours)

All cleaners carefully vetted and fully insured

Call 07785 267 409 or email sales@homecleancardiff.co.uk Further information and rates can be found on

www.homecleancardiff.co.uk 8

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Sourcing products from a variety of leading fabric manufacturers and bespoke furniture suppliers, my clients benefit from a very broad choice when designing their homes. This is fully supported by an extensive team of professional craftspeople who are selected for their meticulous workmanship and determination to ensure the finished product is absolutely perfect.

By Sam Thomas It is my sole aim to guide my clients through this process, helping them crystalise their thoughts and ideas into real and stunning results.

I am always delighted when my clients enthuse about what they have been instrumental in creating.

home & garden

#honestman4hire • Garden Clearance • Tidy Up • Physical Oddjobs • No Job Too Small • Work in Any Weather

Contact Mark on:

Tel: 07801 432863 chopper.11@hotmail.co.uk @oddjobscardiff

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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property

What is Help to Buy? Help to Buy makes new build homes available to all home buyers (not just first time buyers) who wish buy a new home, but may not be able to get the mortgage deposit required by some mortgage products but who could otherwise be expected to afford the mortgage. Up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price is available to the buyer through an equity loan funded by the Government through the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

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elp to Buy is available in Wales from house builders registered to offer the scheme. The Scheme is due to run until 2020 unless all of the funding is taken up.

This enables you to take out a mortgage on which you make repayments in the normal way. Your mortgage lender is likely to require that you contribute a deposit and your mortgage and deposit must cover a combined minimum 80% of the total purchase price. The rest of the purchase price will be paid for with an equity loan from the HCA. As a result of providing this assistance, the HCA has an entitlement to a share of the future sale proceeds equal to the percentage contribution required to assist your purchase. For the first five years of Help to Buy home ownership there is nothing for you to pay on the amount that the HCA contributed to your purchase.

After five years, the equity loan will be subject to a fee of Continued on page 12

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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property

1.75% per annum on the outstanding amount of the equity loan. From the fifth anniversary of the loan this fee will increase each year by the increase (if any) in RPI plus 1%.

When you sell your Help to Buy home (unless you have chosen to repay your equity loan earlier), you must repay the Help to Buy assistance from a share of the sale proceeds. So, if the HCA assisted your purchase with a 20% contribution, your repayment will be 20% of the total market value when it is sold.

Following the purchase you can choose at any time to make voluntary part repayments of the Help to Buy assistance at the prevailing market value. The minimum voluntary repayment is 10% of the market value at the time of repayment.

The Agency’s entitlement to a share of the future sale proceeds is secured through a second charge on your home. This is done in the same way that your mortgage lender will secure its lending through a first charge on your home. Although, if you buy through Help to Buy, you will have a mortgage for less than the full purchase price of the property, you will be the legal owner with 100% title to your home. n

How to buy a Help to Buy home The four-stage Help to Buy buying process

Stage 1: Application • Contact house builders, visit schemes of registered house builders and identify your potential Help to Buy property.

• You must see an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) to gain confirmation of your financial status.

The Local Help to Buy Agent and house builders will be able to suggest some for you to try.

Stage 2: Authority to Proceed • Your Local Help to Buy Agent checks you can afford your main mortgage and ensures you have signed the declaration that the Help to Buy home will be your only residence.

• If affordable, you will receive an “Authority to Proceed” from your Local Help to Buy Agent within four working days of the house builder submitting your fully completed Property Information Form and reservation form to the Local Help to Buy Agent.

• You instruct a solicitor to act for you and tell your IFA so that a full mortgage application can be submitted.

• The ‘Authority to Proceed’ will be accompanied by instructions to you and your solicitor/ conveyancer. This pack will include legal documents that will be explained to you by your solicitor/ conveyancer.

Stage 3: Mortgage offer and exchange of contracts • Your solicitor/conveyancer will advise you and ensure you sign the sale contract and the Help to Buy equity loan.

• Your solicitor/conveyancer will explain the legal implications of the equity loan on that the Help to Buy home must be your only residence • Your Local Help to Buy Agent issues approval to your solicitor/conveyancer and contracts are exchanged.

• You will have paid a deposit if required and are now legally contracted to complete the purchase by an agreed date.

Stage 4: Completing the purchase • At completion, your lender provides its funds and the Agency will make its funds available to you via the house builder. Once completion has taken place you own the property and can move in.

• Your solicitor returns confirmation of the sale to your Local Help to Buy Agent who then registers your details with the Post Sales HomeBuy Agent.

• A second charge is registered on your home by your solicitor in favour of the Agency, entitling it to a share of the future sale proceeds. The charge will be equivalent to the percentage contribution made towards the purchase price. You must repay the percentage contribution when you sell your home or after 25 years (whichever is earlier).

This information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other advice, is general in nature and not specific to you.

Before buying a home you should seek the advice of a qualified and registered financial expert remembering your home is at risk if you cannot keep up with the payments.

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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nature notebook

Your Guide to a Garden Winter Wonderland In a world that is rapidly losing its green spaces, our gardens are mini wildlife havens that are becoming increasingly important for wildlife. It helps if you think of our gardens as a massive wildlife reserve. Over winter, when ‘the weather outside is frightful’, there is much you can do to help your garden wildlife survive and even attract new species to your garden.

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ere are the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ top tips on giving wildlife a helping hand this winter:

Minibeast Mansions Minibeast Mansions are perfect for providing shelter for insects and they’re a lot of fun to build too. You can make a Minibeast Mansion by stuffing materials like straw, stones or bark into a wooden frame, creating a variety of nooks and crannies for bugs to move in. Visit ‘Bugingham Palace’ at Parc Slip Nature Reserve, Bridgend for inspiration!

Wild Winter Gardening Consider including more wildlife friendly plants in the garden. Evergreens like lavender and climbers like ivy provide valuable winter shelter. Leaving herbaceous vegetation standing until March also provides shelter and seed heads for winter food.

Frosty Fluttering Red admiral and peacock butterflies spend winter sleeping in cold sheltered areas such as garden sheds. They can awaken early on warmer days or if disturbed so if you find one, do not release it outside but in a cool sheltered place such as a shed.

Feed the Birds Provide a variety of food in a covered area, high enough that cats cannot reach it! Bird seed mixes, leftovers (avoiding dry bread and gone-off foods) and apples are all safe to feed. You can also provide ‘wild food’ by planting berry and seed producing vegetation in your garden, such as rowan and teasel.

Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow If your grass is still growing, let it! It provides shelter for many species from the colder weather.

You could even create a wild patch in your garden where you allow the grass to grow long. This can help wildlife move between habitats safely.

You can find out more information about wildlife gardening on our website (www.welshwildlife. org) or pop in and visit us at Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre. n 14

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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ealth & beauty

health & beauty

BENEFIT New Puff Off. Puffies and creases look ‘satiny smooth’ with our innovative undereye gel. The custom ‘ironing’ tip instantly helps smooth the look of puffies and fine lines. £22.50

ELEMIS

CLARINS

Limited Edition 6-Colour Eye Palette. This limited edition, floral-inspired palette reflects a garden in springtime, blossoming with luscious greens, petal pinks, snowdrop white and woody brown. £32.00

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Silver Edition. Celebrating 25 years of skincare excellence, this collector edition encased with a keepsake silver mirror is Elemis’ number one selling moisturiser. The powerful anti-ageing properties of mediterranean fan-shaped algae, padina pavonica, dramatically helps to improve the moisturisation, firmness and elasticity of the skin. £99.00

DERMALOGICA

Redness Relief Primer SPF20 a sheer green tint facial primer. The formula calms irritation and protects skin from UVA/UVB exposure which can further aggravate sensitisation and rosacea. It produces a smooth, translucent, red-neutralising finish for an even skin tone and primes the skin surface for a more flawless make up application and longer wear. £38.40

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES

LANOLIPS

Limited Edition Renewing Rose Body Velvet. Created to give your

Banana Balm – Happiness in a tube! For an instant hint of glamour, use Banana Balm to

body the ultimate skin conditioning treatment, as well as being a joy to

create a super creamy lip lustre. Combining Lanolips signature Ultra-Pure Medical Grade

use, the luxuriously thick Renewing Rose Body Velvet cream combines the highest quality essential oils and plant extracts, to help rejuvenate the skin, for a noticeably firmer appearance and feel. £50.00

Lanolin, vitamin E, shea butter, 100% natural banana extract and shimmer – lips are given a healthy, lustrous transformation. £9.18

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

CLINIQUE Long Last Glosswear Shade Extensions consists of 18 new glistening shades from sheer to full intensity. The colours are fun, flirty and shiny complimented by serious moisturisation. As part of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity KISS IT BETTER appeal, Clinique will be donating £2 from every lip product sold throughout February, £1 from Clinique and £1 from House of Fraser. £16.00

Stockist Details: Clarins - 0800 036 3558 - www.clarins.co.uk. Elemis - 0117 316 1888 - www.elemis.com or www.timetospa.co.uk. Benefit - www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk. Dermalogica - 0800 591818 - www.dermalogica.co.uk. Aromatherapy Associates 020 8569 7030 - www.aromatherapyassociates.com. Lanolips - www.lanolips.com. Clinique - www.clinique.co.uk.

For the LOVE of beauty

health & beauty

debris

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NOW If you would like to advertise in Cardiff Now please contact one of our sales team:

Emma Cox

JEWELLERY CRYSTALS FOSSILS 1 Pontcanna Place Cardiff, CF11 9JY T: 029 2025 6554 E: info@debrisonline.com W: www.debrisonline.co.uk

Tel: 01905 727908

emma@pw-media.co.uk Alison Jones Tel: 01905 727907 ali@pw-media.co.uk

Suzie Scott Tel: 01905 727904 suzie@pw-media.co.uk Follow us on Twitter

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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competition

Win with Windsor Barbers Barber, barbwr, coiffeur, friseur…. however you say it, the barber’s trade has a long established tradition across the globe.

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barbers concentrating on less gruesome practices and turning to the more traditional, and you can experience them all at the multi award winning Windsor Barbers.

From the ultimate hot towel shave to the very best in traditional and contemporary techniques of barbering to suit every client.

Headed up by Salon Directors Sarah and Paul, the professional team at Windsor Barbers have decades of experience to ensure you receive only the best treatments and service.

They have been voted ‘Britain’s Best Barbers’ by Esquire & Mens Health Magazine and count national sporting stars and celebrities as regular clients at their prestigious Windsor Place grooming salon.

To book an appointment call 029 2066 4444 or for a full list of treatments and opening times visit www.windsorbarbers. com. You can even download the Windsor Barbers Mobile App available from the app store or their website for great offers. n

ith razors being found in Bronze Age relics and the Ancient Romans and Greeks making daily visits to their local ‘tonsor’ to have their beards, hair and fingernails attended to, there’s no denying that barbering is one of the oldest professions.

Priests and men of medicine are the earliest recorded examples of barbers. In some early tribes, barbers were considered spiritual and religious and even performed marriage ceremonies and baptisms.

In medieval times, barbers were known as barber surgeons and performed all element s of surgery and dentistry. In addition to haircutting, hairdressing, and shaving barbers also performed surgery, bloodletting & leeching, fire cupping, enemas and the extraction of teeth! It’s from this era that the symbolic red and white stripes of a barber’s pole were born. Barber surgeons would wrap their bloody bandages around a white pole.

The pole itself represents the staff that patients would grip during procedures to encourage blood flow.

Luckily, the turn of the century saw

Competition For your chance to win a Hot Towel Shave along with a Wash, Cut & Finish worth £80.00, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What does the white stripe on a barber’s pole represent?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Windsor CN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 25th February 2015.

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Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

Cardiff Now If• you February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Windsor Barber’s please tick this box

valentine’s day

Valentine’s Day Gifts Show you care on February 14th with gifts your partner will love. We hit the shops to reveal this year’s top love tokens.

Organic and paraben free skincare, including moisturisers, cleansers, serums and hand lotions by Kelly Edwards Skincare – from £10. Available from Embrace, Reindeer Court, Worcester

Chocoholics will love this trio of mini Belgian chocolate pizzas at £12.95. www.prezzybox.com

Babatude Boutique’s (www.babatude.com) silver charm bracelet can be personalised with charms and engraving for a unique gift. £70 Heart design piggy banks by Terramundi - £24.95. Available from Embrace, Reindeer Court, Worcester

Hand blown glass “Friendship Hearts” by The Milford Collection - £12.95. Available from Embrace, Reindeer Court, Worcester

Give breakfast in bed a twist thanks to Tesco’s (www.tesco.com) Valentine’s Heart Shaped Frying Pan. £2.50

Carve your love in stone with a personalised slate heart. Initials and a special date are hand engraved in Devon for a total of £25. www.letterfest.com

Make dinner in style using the Valentine’s Day Dine in For 2 Kit. It costs £6 from Tesco. www.tesco.com

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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food & drink

A Little of What We Fancy Does Us Good…

Says Simon King, chef/proprietor at restaurant 1861 near Abergavenny.

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imon King has had an illustrious career path, having started out with the famed Roux brothers at their three Michelin star restaurant in Berkshire, and moving on to become Martin Blunos’ right-hand man at his two Michelin star restaurants in Bath and Bristol.

Simon was the head chef at Llansantffraed Court in Monmouthshire when he met his wife, Kate, then the hotel’s wedding co-ordinator.

The couple decided to open their own restaurant. When they took over 1861 it was a dilapidated pub, but in the intervening years it has been transformed into a gourmet restaurant with an enviable reputation for fine dining.

“We knew that breathing new life into the place would take commitment, but the location was perfect, in the heart of the countryside, yet accessible, and the 19th century building had such potential,” recalls Simon.

“Doing justice to the lovely old place was a labour of love, and we had to make sure we retained the charm and character of the original structure, while also creating a modern vibe.”

The food Simon produces at the restaurant is the product of two decades’ experience in a variety of kitchens, working with top chefs.

“It was Martin Blunos who taught me about the importance of food provenance, and how simple, seasonal ingredients treated respectfully create the best culinary experiences,” says Simon.

Simon is also a keen forager and often incorporates wild mushrooms and berries in his dishes.

Here he shares a simple but delicious strawberry and mascarpone cheesecake with us.

“My view is that it’s chilly outside, so a little comfort food is essential. The strawberries keep this dish light, which is welcome after the excesses of the festive season.” n Resataurant 1861, Cross Ash near Abergavenny Tel: 0845 388 1861 www.18–61.co.uk 20

Strawberry and Mascarpone Cheesecake For the base

Method

• 100g digestive biscuits • 75g unsalted butter

Hull the strawberries and mash with a potato masher or a ricer. Mix the strawberry pulp with the mascarpone.

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Method Place the digestive biscuits in a bowl and using the end of a rolling pin crush into biscuit crumbs.

Melt the butter and mix into the biscuit crumbs.

Press the mixture into the bottle of your moulds and place into the fridge to set.

Cheesecake mix • • • •

250g mascarpone cheese 125g ripe strawberries 125mls double cream 60g caster sugar

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Whip the cream and sugar to a soft peak and fold into the mascarpone mix. Spoon the mix into a mould of a pie dish if you prefer and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.

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Remove from the mould or dish and decorate with fresh strawberries and serve with yogurt, cream or ice cream.

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Remove from the mould and decorate with fresh strawberries and serve with yogurt, cream or ice cream.

Reader offer Simon is offering a complimentary glass of prosecco to readers of Cardiff Now when they dine at restaurant 1861. (Not to be taken in conjunction with any other offer).

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

food & drink

Pauls New websites launching in March

www.curry.wales www.curry.cymru Paul Willetts Tel: 07742 171303 myowncurry@gmail.com @myowncurry eBay: My Own Curry

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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motoring

Virtual Reality Brings All-New Mazda2 to Life at Victoria Park Mazda On Sunday 1st March 2015, Victoria Park Mazda in Cardiff will host an exclusive preview of the all-new Mazda2 supermini, offering customers the chance to enter a virtual reality world to experience the technology-packed new car.

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or one day only, the Hadfield Road dealership will host an all-new Mazda2, ahead of its launch date later in spring.

The special event forms part of a nationwide preview tour for the new car visiting 113 Mazda dealers across the country.

From 11am to 3pm on Sunday 1st March 2015, prospective customers have the chance to see the Japanese brand’s stylish new supermini for the first time. The exclusive event will use high-tech Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets to bring the cars to life from inside and out.

Using the special headsets, customers will be able to interact with a high-definition 3D version of the Mazda2, personalising the car’s colours, trim and interior kit. The futuristic preview echoes the new car’s sophisticated range of comfort, convenience and safety technologies that make the car stand out in its class.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the early

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interest in the new Mazda2 and that’s just from customers seeing early photographs and videos, so we’re sure our preview event will prove very popular,” explained Peter Marshall, Marketing Director at Victoria Park Mazda. “Using the virtual reality Oculus Rift technology will really enhance the experience. Customers will be transported to a virtual environment, where they can explore the details of the Mazda2 in all sorts of specifications – whether its colours,

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

equipment, or finish.”

Featuring Mazda’s clever fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, the new supermini boasts a variety of efficient, yet powerful petrol engines with new six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. While a new 1.5 diesel, with a manual gearbox, returns incredible fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 83.1mpg and 89g/km respectively – making the Mazda among the cleanest and most efficient in its class.

Building on the strengths of its current B-segment model as well as its highly successful new-generation model line-up, the 2015 Mazda2 raises the bar in design, performance, handling, equipment, comfort and safety.

For more information about the Victoria Park Mazda all-new Mazda2 VIP preview event visit the Hadfield Road showroom or call 029 20609243.

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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are your tyres safe and legal?

Penarth Tyres is a family run business offering all the services you need with ‘drive through’ speed and convenience! We can accommodate any size cars, vans and 4x4 vehicles.

free tracking with FOUR Tyres

28a Station Road, Penarth, cf64 3ep

We now stock batteries, wiper blades and bulbs 24

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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education

Making Maths Add Up Love it or loathe it – there’s no denying its worthy place in the national curriculum. An integral part of education, it is a subject that will test the grey matter in a way no other subject could.

Filled with perplexing puzzles and patterns, logical brain-teasers, basic arithmetic and challenging calculations; maths enables a child to gain a true understanding of numbers.

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any children are able to grasp the concept of maths with seemingly little effort yet others, despite their best attempts struggle with numbers and patterns. As a result many parents try to offer extra maths assistance to their child from the comfort of their own home. This may sound like an ideal set up, however it can pose its own problems; for example, with long multiplication, children are usually taught in one of two ways, the grid method and the vertical method, yet many parents are only familiar with the vertical or ‘column’ method they were taught when they were at school so feel unqualified to teach their child an unfamiliar method.

Helping your child with maths To help your child with maths you may wish in the first instance to talk to your child’s teacher who will be able to advise you of the best resources and tools available to use at home. The teacher will be able to instruct you on what is being taught in school at any one particular time and will be able to advise you on ways you can offer relevant support and 26

guidance on these topics at the right time. Your child’s teacher may also be able to recommend specific supplementary material to assist the learning process or you may wish to use a web based ‘maths school’ resource instead. There are many websites that provide online maths tuition designed to support primary school aged children, at a pace which is right for them. Online maths resources often include lessons, tricks and tips, quality tutoring, interactive games and rewards. Many sites also offer explanations to parents who want to learn the maths themselves in order to be able to help their children.

Aside from traditional methods there are more fun and practical ways a parent can teach maths and build it into everyday life. You can ask your child to work out simple sums based on items seen in the supermarket and let them handle money and work out how much things cost.

Also as maths is very visual, one of the easiest ways to understand it is to try to see a pattern in the sum. A good idea to help a child see a pattern is to display posters of the time tables in your child’s bedroom or you can stick some magnetic numbers to your fridge and persuade

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

your child to play with them to make their own patterns! After a while a child will be able to view maths as a language and start to identify patterns for themselves.

What can I do to help make the maths learning process easier?

Nourish the learning process by creating a quiet and clear work environment to make it easier for a child to establish a regular habit and undertake say, 10 to 20 minutes of maths homework, ideally straight after school. This approach is in favour of an arduous stretch of learning once in a while which may be too stressful and may be counterproductive in the long term. At such a young age, a child’s concentration levels may not stretch for much longer than 20 minutes. Research has shown that children are more receptive to learn the fundamentals of maths in small chunks. And the trick is simply to have plenty of practice!

Knowing how to teach maths to a child is an exemplary skill that few possess so, many parents seek extra tuition from private tutors and education centres to supplement their learning at school. n

education

Jungle Music is a unique early childhood program specifically designed for children aged 6 months to 31/2 years.

Jungle Music provides an abundant curriculum of diverse, sensory-based musical activities that will stimulate and enhance fundamental skills, senses and abilities in your child. The programme has been created by musicans, movement specialists and early childhood educators to harness and maximise the spectrum of benefits that music provides. Jungle Music provides a wonderful opportunity for one-on-one bonding for you and your child in a fun learning environment. Jungle Music classes are divided into three age categories:

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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education

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cardiff walk

Castell Coch & Craig yr Allt A walk through two of Cardiff’s woodland areas: Fforestfawr is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, whilst Fforestganol and Cwm Nofydd are local nature reserves (for further details go to www.cardiff.gov.uk/ countryside and follow links to specific pages for these areas). Then you cross over into Caerphilly to climb the Craig yr Allt ridge with wonderful views from its top. The walk starts from Castell Coch, well worth visiting in its own right: see www.cadw.wales.gov.uk and follow links to Castell Coch. ungated opening. Turn onto this broad track to reach Rhiwbina Hill road opposite Forest Lodge.

Maps: OS Explorer 151 Cardiff & Bridgend.

Start Point: Castell Coch Car Park.

Distance: 12km / 7m.

Time: 4 hr Facilities: Cafe and toilets at Castell Coch (go into the castle via ramp: the cafe is on your left and the toilets on your right).

Difficulty: Moderate but with some steep climbs plus several stiles and the possibility of overhanging vegetation in places during the summer.

C: Turn right and go down the road about 100m and take a broad track on the left marked by gate and stile. This descends into Cwm Nofydd.

Continue on this path past two marker posts until you reach a stile and gate on the left leading into a field. Go up through the field to reach a stile giving access back into the woods.

Just after entering the woods, the path reaches a T-junction with another path. Turn left along this path which rises uphill to steps that give access to another path which runs downhill from the left. Turn right and descend on this path that at first seems to run parallel with the path you have ascended before veering to the left past a marker post and a pylon visible through the trees on your right. At the next marker post turn sharp left onto a path that rises steeply uphill and shortly after a stile reaches a broad track opposite a large house.

Route: A: From the car park at Castell Coch go down the road towards the entrance to the site and as the road bends to the right take a marked path on the left which rises gently through the woods.

At a post (without markings) take a path that veers off to the right and downwards. Follow this path around the side of a small valley. After the valley, you will see two houses in the trees on the right and then the path is bordered on its right-hand side by wooden railings. Continue on gently down to reach a stile giving access to Heol y Fforest.

B: Cross over the road (this is a busy road so take care) and pick up a continuation of the path on the other side with the path running parallel to the road. You reach an information board which gives details of the wood you are in (Fforestganol) which is a local nature reserve. Cwm Nofydd, also mentioned as a local nature reserve, is our next target. At a marker post showing the present track continuing on and a further track going to the right, take the one to the right, over the stile.

This ascends uphill through an ungated opening.

Where the paths forks, take the right-hand one which goes through a further, but narrower, ungated opening. This path follows the edge of the wood giving views to the south. The path then joins a broader track at another narrow 30

D: Turn right and follow this track past a bungalow. After it leaves the woodland and shortly before a broadening of the path into a sort of layby with the ruined buildings of Cefncarnau Fawr just beyond, look on the left for a path leading up though undergrowth (it is just before a hazel tree), after 10-15m the path enters a wood area where the going is easier.

E: Follow the path uphill, in a fairly straight line over a succession of four stiles to reach more open ground. Here the path goes past a marker post that takes the path slightly to the left and to a further stile and a fine view of Craig yr Allt. Make towards a barn straight ahead, over a stile to a further stile giving access onto a lane. Take the stile directly opposite leading into a field. Bear left to another stile, with the Black Cock Inn directly ahead. Make for the corner of the field adjacent the Inn and over a stile and footbridge into the car park of the Inn. F: Take the minor road opposite the Black Cock Inn which descends into the valley. As it

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

rises and just past Blackbrook House a tarmac road comes in from the left with a marker post indicating the Ridgeway Walk (among others). Follow this road up until you reach an unmade track forking off to the right. Take this track which has a marker post and a notice proclaiming “Private land” and bear left where the track forks to pass over a stile to the left of a gate. Just after the gate is a path going off to the right. [If you do not wish to climb Craig yr Allt continue on this track, but you will miss splendid views from the top of the ridge]. The path bends to the left and passes a double telegraph pole after which it climbs steadily to reach the highest point of the ridge with fine views south to Cardiff and the Channel and to the west over to Garth Mountain. Continue along the ridge which descends slightly and the broad path goes right to miss the slight incline that defines the last high point of the ridge before descending to a marker post (where the low level path rejoins the route).

Turn right onto a path that goes past a dead tree and heads towards the transmitter mast.

The path now zig-zags down by a fence before reaching a stile that gives access to the Taff Trail.

G: Turn left and follow the Taff Trail back to Castell Coch. The Trail rises and bends to the right. It passes a picnic site with a fine view of Garth Mountain. After 1km (15 mins) you come to a set of metal vehicle barriers. The Taff Trail bears left here and begins to ascend gently. After a further kilometre (15 to 20 mins) you reach a marker post with a footpath indicator and the Taff Trail indicator pointing sharp right. Take this path which descends rapidly to Castell A Coch car park. n

Matinee Cinema Every Monday, 2pm Tickets: £4.50

Matinee screenings include a serving of tea or coffee & biscuits

Café Concert: Dan Phelps

Tues 17 Feb, 3pm Tickets: £6.50 to incl. a serving of tea or coffee & cake Enjoy our panoramic sea views to the sounds of this live classical trio

Concert: Sion Russell Jones Fri 27 Feb, 7.30pm Tickets: £12 / £10 conc

Catch up and coming Cardiff singer/songwriter

Mother’s Day: Cream Tea in St Donat’s Castle Sun 15 March, 2-5pm Tickets: £9.95 / £6.75 child

You have seen it in Wolf Hall, now enjoy an afternoon tea in our medieval Dining Hall

Concert: Steve Howe

Fri 17 April, 7.30pm Tickets: £21.50 / £20.00 conc

Legendary guitarists Steve Howe’s only Welsh gig on this tour

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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cardiff past

Cadw Launches New Wales-Wide Education Resources for School Pupils A group of Cardiff schoolchildren gained an insight into Wales’ Victorian past during a tailor made learning session at Castell Coch.

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ongwynlais Primary school was invited to the former home of 19th century nobles Lord and Lady Bute by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, to pilot a new element of its Wales-wide education programme.

Recently-launched Key Stage Two and Key Stage Three activities at Castell Coch, near Tongwynlais, include guided tours from the site’s former famous occupants. ‘Lady Bute’ leads the proceedings at Castell Coch and a specially designed interactive Victorian board game has been created to teach children about life in 19th century Wales.

The Castell Coch activity sessions and supporting resource have been inspired by the life of the 3rd Marquess of Bute, one of the richest but most private men in the world.

He was involved in over 60 building projects in his lifetime, including rebuilding Castell Coch, parts of Cardiff Castle and parts of Caerphillly Castle, as well as building two new docks in Cardiff.

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In groups of two or six, pupils learn key facts as they move their counters between the years 1801 and 1900 before turning to the game’s accompanying fact sheets for further research and group discussions. The activity session focuses on the beautifully decorated banqueting hall, drawing room, and bedrooms As part of its continuing focus on education, Cadw has introduced a number of free online resources for teachers, which provide essential information and ideas for activities. These can be used before, during and after the education visits, which are specifically designed to tie in with the school cirriculum.

Innovative new education packs have been created specifically for the Foundation, Key Stage Two and Key Stage Three phases. These use historic monuments to tackle subjects including literacy, numeracy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport said: “This is an excellent

Our heritage monuments are assets that should not only be protected, but should also be enjoyed and used to benefit future generations

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

example of how the historic environment can be used to develop skills and provide opportunities for young people across Wales. Our heritage monuments are assets that should not only be protected, but should also be enjoyed and used to benefit future generations.”

Cadw are also working in partnership with the Glamorgan Archives and the Cardiff Story Museum to offer schools a whole day trip investigating the topic of change in the 19th century in the Cardiff area. The education activities are aimed primarily at pupils aged 7-11 and 11-14 years old, and have been specifically designed to support delivery of the History and Curriculum Cymreig, key elements of the Welsh National Curriculum.

Adrienne Wood, Lifelong Learning Manager for Cadw said, “This exciting new activity at Castell Coch aims to use the truly spectacular building and the fascinating life of the man who built it as a way of engaging pupils with local history, and to support the teaching of subjects such as history and the curriculum Cymreig.” n More information on these activities, including how to book the education activities on Cadw sites, can be downloaded from the Cadw website – www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/learning.

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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senior living

Sex doesn’t stop at 50 The desire for intimacy is timeless; maintaining a satisfying and healthy sex life is important whatever your age. available to help. The same is true for combating menopausal symptoms, with many lubricants/ moisturisers being available at chemists.

Spice up your life!

Whether you’re in a relationship or single, there’s now a plethora of adult sex toys and products that can promote a healthy sex life. Some are specifically designed for people with reduced mobility and limited manual dexterity.

Safe sex is for all ages

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here’s a general outdated ageist view that people over 50 can’t possibly be having sex! In fact research shows that people into their 80s are more sexually active nowadays.

Achieving and maintaining good sexual health and wellbeing involves many different aspects that sometimes may not be considered when undergoing life-changing events. This can include bereavement; new relationships; coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual in later life; and getting back into the dating game.

There are of course specific areas of sexual health that are different for men and women. For men erectile issues and prostrate problems are common and women need to be informed about changes that happen during the menopause, cervical health and breast care need to name a few.

Many sexual health campaigns, literature and services are largely aimed at younger people or the LGBT (lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual community). Despite the over 50s being a growing population, many feel their sexual health needs are ignored by services and health professionals.

Age Cymru knew this needed to be addressed to ensure older people are getting support to enjoy a healthy sex life. Our ‘Sexual health’ booklet is a fact-filled, informative and often light-hearted look at sex for the baby boomer generation and beyond... and it’s free.

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We loved some of the anecdotes provided for the booklet: • “I still fancy him. I was looking at him last week, stripped off sitting on the edge of the bed and I thought ‘What a fine looking man he is’ and then I just dragged him back into bed.” – Alice, 60.

• “We have sex about twice a week – usually before breakfast in bed. Now that we’ve both retired we’ve got all day” – Liz, 66.

• “I’m looking for a man with a bit of life in him.

I’m not looking for one with a pipe and slippers just yet” - Sally, 58.

• “I said to my fella ‘Why don’t we try Viagra?’.

He said he didn’t like Italian food...but seriously we did try it and it did work”. – Annie, 54.

The following tips will help you lead a healthy sex life whatever your age.

Communication is key Set aside time to talk to your partner and share your thoughts about what you want from him or her. Be honest about what you’re experiencing physically and emotionally.

Up, up and away!

Many advancements have been made in treatments for erectile difficulties; there are a range of pumps, pellets, injections and drugs

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Many of you who lived through the ‘swinging sixties’ and the introduction of the ‘Pill’, may remember that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) weren’t a big concern. However, over the last ten years reported cases of genital warts and chlamydia as well as HIV diagnosis rates, have increased dramatically in the over 50s.

Male and female condoms can be bought in supermarkets, pharmacies, by mail order and sometimes in toilet vending machines.

Some GP surgeries and sexual health clinics will give them out for free.

So here’s to ending the outdated view that people over 50 don’t have sex! Whether you’re male, female, transgender, bisexual, gay or lesbian, if you’re over 50 this guide is for you.

The Age Cymru ‘Sexual health’ booklet can be viewed on the Age Cymru website at www.agecymru.org.uk/sexualhealth; by calling 029 2043 1555; emailing ageingwell@agecymru. org.uk or you can pop into our shops in Whitchurch or Pontypridd. n

‘Sexual health’ was written by Joanne Caswell and Bridget Hughes and produced by the Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Team, Public Health Development Service © Manchester Primary Care.

It has been republished by Age Cymru under licence from Manchester Public Health Service.

senior living

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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Win Two Club tickets to Ladies Day at The Cheltenham Festival The Festival returns with £3.9 million card over four days of unbeatable racing.

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arch sees the return of the highlight of the Jump racing season with the world famous Cheltenham Festival: four days of atmosphere, anticipation and action played out in a beautiful sporting arena, taking place from Tuesday 10th March until Friday 13th March.

Encompassing everything that is great about jump racing, The Festival will see over £3.9 million awarded across 28 races featuring the finest horses, jockeys and trainers who are set to battle it out for the highest racing honours.

Nothing compares to the roar of the crowd when the tapes go up for the first day of Champion Day: Tuesday 10th March launches The Festival and includes a packed seven-race card including the most important 2 mile hurdle race of the season, the Stan James Champion Hurdle. Last year’s race saw JP McManus owned horses battle up the hill to the Winning Line, with Jezki winning over My Tent Or Yours.

Wednesday 11th March is Ladies Day; whether it is an extra feather in a beautiful hat, the highest heels in a lady’s cupboard or for the men their very best tweed, Ladies Day is always

a hit with racegoers – but the real action is with the racing. Wednesday sees another seven race card featuring the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the sight of the best two mile chasers going head-to-head around the famous Cheltenham course is, for many people, the highlight of The Festival. This year’s race is gearing up to be the race of the season, with last year’s winner Sire De Grugy, 2013 winner Sprinter Sacre and other top horses in Dodging Bullets and Uxizandre all in the running to take the spoils.

St Patrick’s Thursday, Thursday 13th March draws the luck of the Irish to Cheltenham, albeit slightly before St Patrick’s Day. Irish flavour is guaranteed with highlights including the Ryanair Chase and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. In accordance with previous years, Cheltenham is continuing its successful charity race, the St Patrick’s Derby, with this year’s nominated charity the Injured Jockeys Fund. This year’s chosen jockeys include three day eventer Andrew Nicholson, bookmakers Coral PR Director Simon Clare, a cameraman, a student, an air hostess

Competition For your chance to win two Club tickets to Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Which charity has been nominated for this year’s St Patrick’s Derby?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Ladies Day CN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th February 2015.

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and Clifford Baker, head lad at the Champion Trainer, Paul Nicholls’ yard.

The climax of the entire jump racing season is Friday’s Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup; the highlight of arguably the best day’s racing of the year, with an atmosphere to match. Last year four horses all had a shot at lifting the trophy at the last fence, but it was Lord Windermere, trained in Ireland, who managed to cross the line in front. Six other magical races, including two more Grade 1 events and three fiercely competitive handicaps, make this a day to cherish.

Cheltenham Racecourse is offering a range of advanced booking discounts for The Festival, with the best value for money tickets available online. Offered exclusively by The Jockey Club and unavailable from third-parties, booking in advance ensures that customers get the best deal available.

To book tickets visit www.cheltenham.co.uk or call 0844 579 3003. For more information or to book Chez Roux Packages please call the Cheltenham Racecourse sales team on 01242 537 653. n

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Bounce Below

Brecon Beacons

Imagine giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels all made from netting. Now picture this suspended in a slate cavern hidden underground and you’ll have the right idea.

Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages have some fabulous and unique self-catering cottages and farmhouses in and around the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and Black Mountains.

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ounce Below is the world’s first subterranean playground of its kind that opened last summer, and is now even better than before!

Unlike anything seen before, huge nets are hung in the old slate cavern at varying levels, linked together by tunnels and slides, where you are free to jump, climb and slide, and release the inner child!

To add to this already amazing attraction, the owners of Bounce Below have gone and added even more elements; more slides, tunnels, nets and routes, just a few to mention, but not to forget... more bounce, equalling more fun!

The walls are kitted out with technicoloured lights which illuminate the subterranean background with vibrant colours.

The LEDs also reveal the beauty of the underground cavern, which was cleared by hand for 4,500 hours to remove 500 tons of rubble in a process akin to the slate mining that took place there.

Sean Taylor, commercial director of Zip World and Bounce Below, said: “We’ve got the world’s longest and fastest zip wire, the world’s biggest zip zone and now the world’s only underground giant trampoline like activity. I think it’s fair to say we are fast becoming the most fun place on earth!

“The surreal experience of Bounce Below cannot be matched as there’s nothing like it anywhere else on earth. It’s essentially a gigantic underground playground and an amazing way to experience a subterranean world in a way never

before possible. The best thing is you can do it all year round.”

“Adults emerge from Bounce Below grinning from ear to ear. It literally brings out the kid in everyone.”

2015 will also see the opening of ‘Junior Bounce’ designed to offer an amazing and adventurous way for younger children (age 3 – 6yrs) to play away from the older kids and child like adults.

PLUS the launch of a new world first... ‘Zip Below’, consisting of a number of zip lines interspersed with adventure ropes course elements (e.g. rope bridges); tunnels and stretches of via ferrata (Italian term literally translated as “iron road” designed to assist soldiers crossing precipitous mountain passes), all set in a vast series of historic mine chambers and associated tunnels.

All attractions are part of Zip World which won international acclaim when they installed a pair of mile long zip lines at Zip World Velocity.

This sees riders fly through the skies at over 100mph, 500ft high.

Bounce Below is located at the newest site Titan, Europe’s largest zip lining zone, near the historic town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, due to be home to the new additions of Junior Bounce and Zip Below. n

ith over 350 cottages and farmhouses around the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, Wye Valley and The South Wales Valleys visitors are spoilt for choice – some of the groups of cottages will sleep up to 40 people so great for a group of friends.

With wonderful and unspoilt countryside, excellent for all sorts of outdoor activities - including walking, mountain biking, pony trekking, fishing, canoeing and climbing.

With some of the cottages set in Red Kite country, with lakes, rivers, streams and waterfalls; there are delightful riverside cottages, really remote cottages to hide away, cottages in villages to walk to the

local pub; rambling farmhouses, warm and comfortable with great oak beams, open fires and walks from the door. Large properties which are ideal for group weekends and family reunions.

Nearby inns have good food and real ales. Dogs are welcome in many of the cottages.

Whether you want to book a weeks’ holiday or a weekend break, at least one of our friendly members of staff have visited all the cottages and can help you find the right place to suit your needs. n For more information email enquiries@breconcottages.com or call us to talk on 01874 676446

For more information on any of the attractions, visit www.bouncebelow.co.uk www.zipworld.co.uk

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Win a trip to The Celt Experience With a home-brewing background from an age that was a bit naughty, Tom Newman gave up his day job 10 years ago to take brewing seriously… well, as serious as Tom gets anyway.

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tarting with the Newman’s brand from his dad’s garage, Tom learnt quickly by trial and error and had some good fortune along the way, like buying up the majority of the sadly defunct Smile’s kit in Bristol and soon after returned to his roots by registering the Celt Experience name and opening the existing brewery in Caerphilly.

Deciding to focus on the Celt brand, and letting Newman’s go quietly into the night, he launched Celt Golden, Bronze and Bleddyn – originally all organic.

But, in the ever expanding craft beer landscape, Newman found himself hampered by this stricture and decided to start experimenting with all kinds of malts and hops in 2011, dropping the organic mantra, and the brewery

has gone from strength-to-strength ever since.

In 2012 Tom developed the on-going Shapeshifter series of collaboration brews, with such names as Boxing Cat Brewery from Shanghai, Brasserie St Germain from France, beer blogger Simon Martin and beer writer & sommALEier Melissa Cole to create exciting and innovative American, Belgian and German beers with a twist.

Not content with that area of innovation, in 2013, it was time for the Celt Ogham series to be added to the successful core range; the high ABVbeers, varying between 8.5% and 10.5% were an instant success.

With the mantra that there’s no such thing as perfection Tom and his team of talented brewers continue to search for improvement and in 2013, aided by the craft beer explosion and the help of

Competition For your chance to win a visit to The Celt experience in Caerphilly for you and five people simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What is the name of of the collaboration brew with Brasserie St Germain for the Rugby season Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Celt Experience CN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th February 2015.

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Gavin Davidson, a gifted financial director and investor on board, the journey continues into the unknown.

Put simply, The Celt Experience is an open adventure into the world of beer drinking and pagan free living… Join us why don’t you? It’ll be a tasty ride!

We are offering one lucky winner the chance to come and visit us with five friends here at the brewery in Caerphilly. We will take you on a tour of the brewery showing you how we brew our beers here at Celt, you’ll also learn about our very special ‘Hop Druid’. After which we will pop next door to the Craftbowl where we have two mythological bowling lanes and a Celt bar. We will talk you through the beers on a tasting session and have a go at bowling on the magical lanes! n

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what’s on FEBRUARY Saturday 7th Thrifty Kids: Pegs National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road Maritime Quarter Swansea SA1 3RD www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: £2.50 per child, booking required

Sunday 8th Riverside Market Fitzhamon Embankment Cardiff CF11 6AN 029 2019 0036 Cost: Free

Tuesday 10th Men and Medals: Some Great War Stories St Fagans National History Museum Cardiff CF5 6XB www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free

Behind the Scenes: Natural Sciences National Museum Cardiff Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NP www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free

St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra St David’s Hall The Hayes 40

Cardiff CF10 1AH www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Cost: £5.00 / £42.00

Tuesday 10th Saturday 14th One Man, Two Guvnors New Theatre Park Place Cardiff CF10 3LN www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk Cost: ticket prices vary

Thursday 12th Wax, Wadding & Dusters

National Museum Cardiff Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NP www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free, places limited

Friday 13th Saturday 28th Welsh National Opera: The Magic Flute Wales Millennium Centre Bute Place Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL www.wmc.org.uk Cost: £5 / £40

St Fagans National History Museum Cardiff CF5 6XB www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free

Saturday 14th Roath Farmers Market

Friday 13th Rhiwbina Farmers’ Market

Valentine Quiz Night

Car park of The Butchers Arms Cardiff CF14 6NB 029 2019 0036 Cost: Free

Tea Dance St Donat’s Arts Centre Llantwit Major S Glam CF61 1WF www.stdonats.com Cost: £5.00

Music of the Renaissance

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

Mackintosh Community Centre Keppoch Street Cardiff CF24 3JW 029 2019 0036

National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road Maritime Quarter Swansea SA1 3RD www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: £3.50pp

Hoops and Hearts Willow Workshop National Roman Legion Museum High Street Caerleon Newport NP18 1AE www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: £15 per person, all materials included

Sunday 15th Flea Fair Three Counties Showground Malvern Worcester WR13 6NW www.threecounties.co.uk Cost: £4

Traditional Afternoon Teas Norwegian Church Arts Centre Harbour Drive Cardiff Bay CF10 4PA www.norwegianchurchcardiff.co.uk Cost: £12

Monday 16th Half-term Activities Focus on Birds of Prey Cardiff Castle Castle Street Cardiff CF10 3RB www.cardiffcastle.com Cost: £2 per person in addition to normal admission or a valid Castle Key.

Monday 16th Friday 20th National Nest Box Week St Fagans National History Museum Cardiff CF5 6XB www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free

Half Term: Roman Soldiers National Roman Legion Museum High Street Caerleon

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what’s on Newport NP18 1AE www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: £2 per child

Monday 16th Sunday 22nd Decorate a Lucky Lantern National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road Maritime Quarter Swansea SA1 3RD www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free

Tuesday 17th Half-term Activities Tropical Encounters Cardiff Castle Castle Street Cardiff CF10 3RB www.cardiffcastle.com Cost: £3 per person in addition to normal admission or a valid Castle Key.

Cardiff CF10 3NP www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free, places limited

Tuesday 17th Saturday 21st Twelve Angry Men New Theatre Park Place Cardiff CF10 3LN www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk Cost: ticket prices vary

Wednesday 18th Children’s Half Term Pottery sessions ‘Mother’s Pride’ Eastnor Pottery Home Farm Eastnor Ledbury Malvern Herefordshire HR8 1RD www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Cost: £15 per child, boking essential

Cafe Concert – Dan Phelps Classical Trio St Donat’s Arts Centre Llantwit Major S Glam CF61 1WF www.stdonats.com Cost: £6.50

Tuesday 17th Friday 20th I Spy... Nature: Spring Flowers National Museum Cardiff Cathays Park 42

Friday 20th Rhiwbina Farmers’ Market Car park of The Butchers Arms Cardiff CF14 6NB 029 2019 0036 Cost: Free

Philharmonia Orchestra St David’s Hall The Hayes Cardiff CF10 1AH

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Cost: £5.00 / £42.00

Friday 27th Sion Russell Jones

Saturday 21st Bootleg ABBA

St Donat’s Arts Centre Llantwit Major S Glam CF61 1WF www.stdonats.com Cost: £12.00 / £10.00

Malvern Theatres Grange Road Great Malvern Worcestershire WR14 3HB www.malverntheatres.co.uk Cost: £20.16-£22.40

Sunday 22nd Riverside Market Fitzhamon Embankment Cardiff CF11 6AN 029 2019 0036 Cost: Free

Thursday 26th Lecture Series ‘Downton Abbey Revealed’ Cardiff Castle Castle Street Cardiff CF10 3RB www.cardiffcastle.com Cost: £7.50

Thursday 26th Saturday 28th Stitch and Creative Craft Three Counties Showground Malvern Worcester WR13 6NW www.threecounties.co.uk Cost: £8 / £7

Organ Recital National Museum Cardiff Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NP www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free, places limited

Abba Mania St David’s Hall The Hayes Cardiff CF10 1AH www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Cost: £12.50 / £17.50

Saturday 28th Roath Farmers Market Mackintosh Community Centre Keppoch Street Cardiff CF24 3JW 029 2019 0036 Cost: Free

The First World War: The War at Sea National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road Maritime Quarter Swansea SA1 3RD www.museumwales.ac.uk Cost: Free

Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk

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Cardiff Now • February 2015 • www.nowcardiff.co.uk