Rhiwbina Living Issue 16 - Autumn 2011 by Rhiwbina Living

RHIWBINA Living At the heart of the community

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Issue 16 Autumn ‘11

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Welcome Croeso 3-4

News

Letters Letters to the Editors

Interview TV Daredevil Matthew Pritchard

Naked Fireman Meet the two firefighters who plan to row the Atlantic

North Cardiff ’s Rugby Greats The men from our villages who have taken on the world

Business in Focus Local traders

Business in Focus Serenade Gift Shop

Readers’ Room Stories from the pens of readers

Pets’ Page Your questions answered

Photo Album Lon-y-Dail

Backlash Cup of tea anyone?

Welcome to your autumn issue of Rhiwbina Living - the official magazine of the village. Last issue, I spoke about looking forward to long summer evenings and balmy weather. It’s a shame it never seemed to arrive. But autumn is certainly beginning to make its presence known. North Cardiff is such a beautiful place at autumn. The crimson colours come creeping down from the valleys and create a patchwork of yellows, golds and reds. It was about this time four years ago that we were planning the first issue of Rhiwbina Living. We never expected the magazine to become such a treasured part of the local community. But it has, and we are delighted to continue producing a magazine that reflects the special community spirit we have here. Our featured interviewee this issue is probably already well-known to fans of MTV. Matthew Pritchard, star of ‘Dirty Sanchez’ is renowned for his daring onscreen antics. But there is another side to the North Cardiff stuntman and skateboarder. Read more on page 10. With the 2011 Rugby World Cup on, we thought we’d highlight the men of North Cardiff’s rugby heroes over the years. Most recently of course, Rhiwbina’s very own Sam Warburton captains the Welsh team who are looking to progress to the latter stages of the World Cup Finals this autumn. If you’ve always fancied yourself as a writer, we’ve started a new page devoted specifically to local writers who would like to see their work in print. To find out why local firemen are getting naked, their epic story starts on page 15. It’s not a story for the faint-hearted. Lon-y-Dail is our focus for our ‘Local Photo Album’ this issue and we’ve got a fantastic £170 worth of spa treatments up for grabs in our competition. Our Christmas issue will be out early in November. It will feature details of the annual Victorian Festival. Until then, enjoy all that autumn brings. See you in November!

Patric and Danielle Editors

Rhiwbina Living & Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Editors/Advertising: Patric Morgan & Danielle Dummett Address: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG Tel: 07772 081775 and 07974 022920 Email: editor@livingmags.co.uk Web: www.livingmags.co.uk Rhiwbina Living Page 2

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising from the publication of this material. Every effort has been made to contact any copyright holders. Rhiwbina Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

Advertising booking and copy deadline for Issue 17 Friday 21 October 2011. Issue 17 publication date - November 2011 Rhiwbina Living is published 4 times a year.

RHIWBINA PAST AND PRESENT EXHIBITION

NEW BIN DAYS FOR RHIWBINA

An exhibition of Rhiwbina as it was then, and how it is today, is to be held on Saturday 17th September. The exhibition will take place at Canolfan Beulah. At this event, the artist Harry Holland will be present as well as the famous screenwriter Andrew Davies, who grew up in Rhiwbina and who will be present to relaunch his father's book "Rhiwbina Garden Village - A history of Cardiff's Garden Suburb". The film - 'Rhiwbina 2011 - a scrapbook of memories' - produced by Harley Jones, will also be screened, where residents record their memories of living in Rhiwbina over the past fifty years. The exhibition runs from 10am4pm and has been arranged by the Rhiwbina Civic Society.

Rhiwbina, like most parts of Cardiff, will be getting a new bin day starting the week commencing September 12th. Friday will be the new day for Rhiwbina residents to put their refuse out. Food waste will be collected every week, along with the green cycling bags. Residual waste and gardening clippings, meanwhile, will be collected fortnightly. A fortnightly nappy and hygiene collection, where needed on nonblack bag collection weeks, will also be introduced for those who request it. The new collection calendar, is designed to save the authority about £800,000 a year.

RHIWBINA RESIDENTS ASKED TO KEEP THEIR SHEDS LOCKED UP On Monday 1st August 2011, Pc Ryan, PCSO Westlake and all the Rhiwbina Ward Councillors attended the first Rhiwbina Street Surgery. The meeting was in response to residents concerned about the nuisance caused by teenagers on Friday and Saturday evenings. The meeting was very productive and as a result a strategy was decided upon from speaking to the developer of the estate to secure gates to the area concerned. It was decided that the teenagers would be dealt with by the local policing team. There have also been reports of sheds in Rhiwbina being targetted by thieves. South Wales Police have issued some guidelines to keeping your property safe: » Secure all access to your shed or garage by locking all your gates » Fences should be in good repair with no climbing aids alongside. » Fit external security lights.

» Shed doors require special attention. Use strong padbars and close shackle padlocks. » Up and over garage doors should be fitted with standard lock fittings. Use a fixed steel grille plate inside the windows or fit reinforced glass. For more information, visit www.ourbobby.com

NEWS LOCAL VETS TAKE TO THE STREETS

Staff from Rhiwbina’s Heath Vets are donning shorts and trainers in October in a bid to help local animal and cancer charity. The staff are currently preparing for the Lloyds TSB Cardiff Half Marathon to raise as much money as they can for Four Paws and children’s cancer charity, Latch. The event takes place in Cardiff Bay on October 16. 15,000 runners are expected to take to the streets and run the 13.1-mile route around the city. Among them will be Heath Vets staff Fiona Drysdale, 41, Roxanne Welham, 26, vet principal Chris Troughton, 51, veterinary nurse Vanessa Turnbull, 45, and practice manager Gavin Hill-John, 35. “We’ve decided to take part in the half marathon and run it for two charities.” said Roxanne. “We’ll be splitting the fundraising between them.” For Chris and Gavin, running the half marathon will be a new experience. The route will take runners from Cardiff Bay to the heart of the city and the historic civic centre before heading north. They will pass such iconic landmarks such Cardiff Castle, the River Taff and Cardiff City Stadium. “We’re looking forward to it now and to raising money.” said Roxanne. Rhiwbina Living Page 3

NEWS LOCAL WOODCRAFT CLUB CARVING NEW BEGINNINGS Cardiff and District Woodcraft Club are offering the opportunity for beginners or those with a love of wood, to join them in their woodcraft classes. The group meets twice a week in the evening, at an easily-reached location off Maes-y-Coed Road. On Mondays, members meet to learn and to produce everything from platters and goblets, to bowls on the lathe. Other woodworking equipment is available to use. Thursday nights are carving nights, where members mostly work on lovespoons and figures - but members are only limited by their own imagination! The group are fortunate enough to have gained an award from the National Lottery last year. They also have excellent equipment available to members. This includes an audiovisual set-up which enables

ROGUE TRADERS IN RHIWBINA by PC Andy Ryan As your Neighbourhood Beat Manager, I continue to fight this battle on a daily basis. I would describe “rogue trading” from the aggressive selling of items door to door, unwanted building work and the purchasing of shares from non existent companies. Regretfully, the residents of Rhiwbina are seen as vulnerable and easy prey for those unscrupulous traders who are driven to get the most money for often shoddy products and inadequate work carried out. Through partnership work with the local trading standards team, we strive together to reduce the opportunity for these practices to be carried out. As a multi agency Rhiwbina Living Page 4

members to see regular demonstrations on their new state-ofthe-art lathe. If you have ever thought about working in wood, but have never done anything about it, now is the time to change. New members are welcome to come along on the evening of their choice - Mondays or Thursdays, 7pm to 9pm. Contact Dave Povey on 02920 616545 or Frank McLean on 02920 899467 for more details on the group, and to start creating your very own wooden products!

approach, I have participated in a number of proactive operations. The operations have been very successful. During the exercises, persons have been dealt with for minor drug offences, reported by the Department of Works and Pension for claiming incapacity benefit whilst working, reported by Customs and Exercise officers for using vehicles with “red diesel” (the duty has not been paid on the fuel), the list is endless. By carrying out these operations, we are able to monitor and obtain intelligence of the traders who working in your neighbourhood. If residents adhere to the following points then we can all fight the battle against the rogue traders: » All work carried out and products purchased should be of a satisfactory standard. » Cancellation rights in writing by law are required to be given by the

MISSING RHIWBINA TORTOISE IS REUNITED WITH OWNER A Rhiwbina man has thanked a refuse worker for returning his tortoise after it escaped from his garden. Tortie the Tortoise headed out from Peter Brown’s garden in July. Peter has owned the tortoise since he won him a prize at a school fête over 45 years ago. A refuse collector discovered the tortoise in an adjoining street. After unsuccessfully trying to track down the owner, the refuse collector took the tortoise home to look after. But Tortie was eventually reunited with his owner at the council waste disposal depot at Lamby Way. Peter said that Tortie was probably out "looking for lady friends" and put out an appeal for help in tracing him. “They say a dog is for life but a tortoise is life - a tortoise will outlive you.” trader. » Contracts/invoices should be completed prior to work being carried out. It is imperative that you know the price and what work is to be carried out. » Use a trader who has been recommended by a friend or neighbour. » Have a family member or friend present when the work is being agreed. » If you have not asked for any work to be carried out or requested a quote, make sure that you send the trader away. » Report any suspicious activity concerning these individuals. Please contact South Wales Police on 029 20 222111/101/999. You can also call Cardiff City Trading Standards 02920 872059 or email them at tradingstandards@cardiff.gov.uk

LETTERS

Melingriffith Football Club 1937-1938 Dear Editors Here is a photograph of the 1937-1938 Melingriffith Football Team. My husband Victor Tickner is on the back row, third from right. He started work on his 17th birthday until the Admiralty took over in the war. When they finished, Victor went back to work until Melingriffith ended. He went on to work until his retirement at 65 years old. He died aged 67. There are a few other faces that I remember in this photograph. Back row, second from left is John Harry and seated on the floor right is Bill Llewellyn. I’m afraid that they must have now all passed away, but I hope that the picture will bring back some

Nick Says Thanks Dear Editors My son Nick Salter, a 16 year old pupil of Whitchurch High School who has just completed his GCSEs, has turned his attention to another fund raising event for the Wales Air Ambulance, the charity organisation that saved his life. In 2007, Nick was involved in a biking accident and suffered serious facial injuries. While out on a scout camping holiday, he was off road mountain biking in the Forest of Dean, when he hit a rock. He went over the handle bars and

Melingriffith Football Te memories for some readers. The photograph is very old and I doubt that many people will have seen it. Rowena Tickner Cardiff Road Taffs Well Cardiff

fell face first down the mountain, knocking himself out and sustaining severe facial injuries. He also fractured his elbow. Because of the remoteness of the mountain and the severity of his injuries, the Wales Air Ambulance were called and took him to Hereford Hospital. Without the prompt action of both Nick’s Scout leaders and the Wales Air Ambulance (and her crew), the doctors said Nick wouldn’t be around today. Nick was joined by fellow students and staff from Whitchurch High for the 55 mile sponsored bike ride from Brecon to Cardiff Bay on Sunday 26th June.

am 1937-1938

Share Your History If you have any photographs of times gone by that you’d like to share with our readers, please send them to our address on the inside front cover. We’ll retur n all photographs or documents.

His next sponsored event is a parachute jump and possibly climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Nick has a huge debt to pay and I don’t think he’ll ever stop fundraising for them. If anyone would like to donate the website address is: http://www.justgiving.com/Nichol asSalter Gail Salter Whitchurch Rhiwbina Living Page 5

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City Marshall Complementary and Sports Therapies on Park Place have recently been voted No.1 Independent UK National Therapists out of over 8,000 practices across the UK. They are offering readers a generous £170 worth of spa treatments, including one 90 minute spa treatment, followed by two 60 minute treatments. All treatments include full access to spa and gym facilities. Owner Philip Marshall has trained all over the world, especially in the Far East. He has brought these skills back to the UK. “Our treatments are tailor made to your body’s health needs and stress levels - it is up to you to decide. Revitalize, repair, uplift and re-energize yourself, or de-stress and relax?

Muddy Bum Bikes Celebrates First Year of New Management For Rhiwbina trader, Sam Lawrence, bikes and the local village have been part of his upbringing. “We lived at the top of Rhiwbina Hill. My brother and I were cycling everywhere from the age of 11. “I was quite happy in my last job this time last year but word got to me that the shop was up for sale. I was waiting at the traffic lights one day, and happened to be stopped outside the shop. It was then that I decided to go and see what the owner was wanting for it. Once I’d spoken to him, it was a no-brainer. “I then set about trying to raise the money for it. Luckily, I didn’t have to approach the banks for it - all the funds came by way of loan from family and friends. “Unfortunately though, just as we were good to launch, I fell off my bike and broke my leg. I had to ask around for help once again from Rhiwbina Living Page 6

As our spectrum of professional knowledge is so wide, you can expect many and wide-reaching benefits.” said Philip. “Over 170 studies have been done into the scientific benefits of reflexology and how both reflexology and aromatherapy are fully accepted by the NHS in Cardiff & Vale.” City Marshall is situated within Vitality Health Club in Cardiff’s city centre, next to Henry’s Café Bar, and opposite the Park Hotel. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, all you need to do is fill in the missing word: Indian _____ Massage Submit entries via post, e-mail or text message including full name, e-mail address and mobile contact number to:City Marshall, 1st floor Vitality, 8-16 Park Place CF10 3DN Email: info@citymarshall.co.uk Text to: 07502 104 339

friends and family. They really helped me.” The shop is now celebrating its first full year of trading under its new owners. And in that time, they’ve managed to achieve a great deal. “The biggest thing we’ve achieved is the fact that we have been accepted by the community - and that’s something that we’re looking to extend and become more involved with. We donated a bike to the Rhiwbina Events Committee for last year’s Summer Festival. We also offer shop rides where we take customers out on local trails. We’re trying to engage with the grassroot cyclists in the area. “As a business though, we’re on course to beat the previous owner’s best year in our first year alone. We’d like to think that this is down to the positive reputation we’ve worked hard to build since we took over last year.” The shop has also launched their own downhill race team, that will

compete nationally. “We’ve also got plans for creating a team to compete in road races nationally too. In fact, we’ve just got back from Germany, where we were asked to attend and test 2012 products.” Sam remains tight-lipped about the medium-term plans for the shop. “We’ll be rebranding the store in the next few months. We sell a lot online too. Our bikes are all 99% ready to ride when shipped, which means that customers don’t have to go assembling themselves. Our shop has onsite repair facilities, looked after by my brother Ben. “Ben has worked at the shop since we started. His contract at Airbus in Toulouse was coming to an end so we snapped him and his engineering skills up pretty quickly!” says Sam. A: 5A Beulah Rd, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6LT T: 02920 62 6169 E: info@muddybumbikes.com

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Iron man Matthew Pritchard is a professional skateboarder and one quarter of MTV’s Dirty Sanchez Show. Born in Cardiff and a pupil of Llandaff North’s Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, Matthew’s career has taken him all over the world. Living Magazines caught up with him before he set off to Ibiza to take part in an IronMan Competition

“The only thing school gave me was a second floor window to jump out of.” Matthew Pritchard, professional skateboarder and star of MTV’s Dirty Sanchez recalls his youth at Ysgol Glantaf in Llandaff North. “My school years weren’t the best to tell you the truth. My only good memories were jumping out of windows with my friend Rhodri O’Neill and exploring the end of the field down by the Taff Weir opposite the Rowing Club. I wasn’t very good in class because all I wanted to do was become a stuntman. I skateboarded constantly too and really enjoyed it. Back in the day though, when I told my teachers that I wanted to become a stuntman, they just looked at me stupid and was told that thinking like that would get me nowhere. But I became a professional skateboarder, made a living out of it, and from that, clinched my own TV show. You could say that I succeeded in my goals.”

Rhiwbina Living Page 10

Dirty Sanchez, for which Matthew first came to prominence, is one of MTV’s most popular shows. Three Welshmen (and one Englishman) put themselves through pranks, stunts and other painful dares. Originally based in Newport, the show has run for four series, with spin-off shows, a stage production, and even its own movie. Critics first compared the show to America’s Jackass, but fans of the show deemed it more extreme and daring. “The creation of Dirty Sanchez is a very long story. It was started by myself and [Lee] Dainton over 10 years ago now. The two of us were known in the skate industry as lunatics. We were always getting up to no good so we decided to film it all. We made a video called Pritchard vs Dainton. MTV and a few of the big magazines managed to get hold of it. Next thing I knew, I received a phone call from MTV and the rest, as they say - is history.”

In 2006, Matthew, along with the three other members of Dirty Sanchez, Lee Dainton, Michael Locke and Dan Joyce travelled around the globe doing stunts and pranks that related to the seven deadly sins for Dirty Sanchez the Movie. With Matthew being arachnophobic, the rest of the team usually took advantage of this by doing pranks on him involving spiders. TV fame changed Matthew’s life but for the better: “It’s affected my life in such a big way - but a good way. I’ve been all over the globe, experienced and seen so much thanks to the show. It still continues today and I am very grateful for what it’s given me.”

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The only thing school gave me was a second floor window to jump out of

Interview Matthew’s gratitude doesn’t stop there either. Over the last few years, he has become renowned for his charity work. In 2006, he and Dirty Sanchez co-creator Lee Dainton, completed a 192-mile skate from Cardiff to Newquay in aid of Cancer Research Wales. He also cycled 900 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 30 days to for charity.

“I find myself very lucky and privileged to have had a great life and travelled the world. Doing charity work is my way of giving a little back to the people who are unable to do this. I really enjoy my charity work - it gives me a great feeling knowing I’m helping people who need it most. I have a lot of the endurance ideas for the future to keep fundraising which I’m looking forward to.” Matthew’s caring nature however, got him into a dangerous situation back in 2009 though, when he attempted to break up an argument between a man and a counter assistant in a shop in Nor folk. “This guy was being asked for his ID and he was getting angry. He said he'd been in prison for two years and had just come out. He was effing and blinding and there were kids there. “I just grabbed him by the waist and by the arms and pushed him out of the shop. Next thing I know, he slashed down my neck. It all happened so fast.” Matthew sustained serious injuries to his neck and chest. "I thought I was about to go to sleep at any point. I was telling my missus to tell my mum I love

her." he said. “I’m still the same person but it has affected me a little. It was a very DARK time in my life and the whole experience was horrible. I will never forget the look and actions of my girlfriend at the time when she realised what happened to me. It still haunts me to this day. I really can’t explain the In hospital after the feeling when you think it’s stabbing all about to end but I was very lucky indeed. I’ve always lived life to the full so not much has changed in my head really I just grabbed him by apart from the fact that I stay well the waist and by the arms away from anyone who looks and pushed him out of the slightly dodgy.” shop. Next thing I know, he Matthew is looking to the future slashed down my neck. It all though - and for the immediate happened so fast future, this involves an Iron Man Competition in Ibiza. “I want to push my body to the to him at Glantaf: limit and take it as far as I can go. “Going to a Welsh-speaking You will never know what you are school was important for me. I still capable of unless you take don’t understand why all our yourself that far. As long as I’m schools aren’t Welsh-speakinghappy and smiling, I will have a it’s disgusting. Wouldn’t it be great future. I’m really looking great if we all spoke Welsh to one forward to the Ironman another?” considering I did a lot of training Despite the anarchic style that for it. Then the month before, I’ve Matthew presents, there is a core partied my pants off in Ibiza. I of determination within him that guess it just makes it more of a pushes him on. challenge to me!” Last month, he took part in an Despite travelling the world and Ironman competition. His experiencing what it has to offer, preparation included personal Matthew still lives in Cardiff and training from Welsh professional holds his Welsh roots in high racing cyclist and Olympic gold regard. medallist Geraint Thomas MBE. “When we were in school, we Again, this is for charity, and weren’t allowed to leave the again, Matthew is grateful. school grounds. As a result, I was "I feel very privileged and unsure of the area at the time. grateful to have Geraint's support Now that I’m older, I realise that and experience in helping me Cardiff is such a great place to with the cycling part of my live. The Llandaff area where my Ironman challenge. Considering school was still sticks in my mind it's the main part of the challenge - the BBC is just up the road, you it will help a great deal.” have the Taff Trail plus you can actually walk into the city centre.” www.swyd.co.uk A lifelong fan of Cardiff City, www.twitter.com/pritchardswyd Matthew is appreciative of the Welsh language that was taught

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Rhiwbina Living Page 11

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Local charity work 4 Charities 3000 Miles 3 Months at sea 2 Men 1 Boat 0 Items of clothing A firefighter based at Whitchurch Fire Station is attempting to raise £100,000 for charity this winter, when he and a colleague will attempt to row the North Atlantic. Jamie Windsor and Ely-based John Haskell are raising money for four charities - the Fire Fighters charity, Breast Cancer Care, Help for Heroes and the WRVS. They will be leaving the island of La Gomera in the Canaries on the 4th December, and arriving in the Barbados region some 3 months later. The “0 items of clothing” is causing the most interest and concern, not least for the crew. The reason for the prolonged nudity is that salt crystals form over the body during the trip, and these then chafe the skin during the row causing open sores. But nudity presents its own problems, mostly being sunburn and hungry seagulls.

Jamie told Living Magazines: “The two main aims of the trip are to raise money for the chosen charities, and not dying. The event is a serious undertaking. We will face 40-50ft waves, sharks, tropical storms, navigation, winds and currents. More people have been into space than have rowed the Atlantic!” The duo will row the 3000 mile trip, using a 2 hour rotating shift day and night burning 10,000 calories each day. There pair will be eating freeze dried food, and the occasional bit of fish. (They cannot fish too much as this will attract sharks!) The pair are also linking in with other organisations, principally to use the publicity they are gaining to promote fire safety and to talk with, and motivate young people, to do something interesting that helps others. John had the idea for the fundraising event after his wife recovered from breast cancer. Given the support he received from this charity, he wanted to give something back. Jamie has always supported the elderly as being a fire-fighter, he goes into many homes and sees great people in need of some support. The team will be raising money at various events locally: • Fireworks night at Whitchurch fire station. (Tickets will be available as usual at the station soon)

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• Car Washes • Corporate sponsors (the pair desperately need more corporate involvement. If you can help please contact them. Details below) • Marathon Treadmill runs at supermarkets • Public donation If you would like to donate any amount it would be greatly appreciated by the team and this can be done by visiting www.atlanticdash.co.uk. Alternatively, you can contact John on 07920 045325 or Jamie on 07831 455605. There are also updates on YouTube. Search for ‘Team Atlantic Dash 2011’. You can also keep up to date with the duo’s progress on their Facebook page (search for Team Atlantic Dash 2011). We will also post updates on our Living Magazines website.

ales to the 2011 Rugby W s ad le on rt bu ar W As Rhiwbina’s Sam from North Cardiff en m e th at ok lo e w , nd of the world s World Cup in New Zeala am te on ke ta to ey rs Welsh je who have pulled on the

Sam Warburton 2009- present

Sam’s sporting interest started when he was just 10. “I was playing at primary school. I was always good at sprinting so the Head put me on the wing in Year 5 rugby. I didn’t have a clue what to do to be honest, so I stood there for a while until someone gave me the ball.” A back row forward, he was captain of the Wales Under-20 team for the 2007–08 season. Sam made his debut for the senior Wales national rugby union team on 6 June 2009 versus the USA. Versatile enough to play anywhere in the back row, he made his regional debut for the Cardiff Blues away to Edinburgh in 2009. On 18 January 2010 he was named in the 35 man Wales national Squad for the 2010 Six Nations tournament. He scored his first international try against Italy in the 2011 Six Nations. Warburton captained Wales for the first time versus the Barbarians on 4 June, at the age of 22 years and 242 days becoming Wales second youngest captain after Gareth Edwards. In August, he was named as the Welsh Captain for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in the absence of the injured Matthew Rees. Sam told Living Magazines: “As captain I try to lead by example on the pitch, as opposed to going around thumping my own players to psych them up.” Sam has certainly made an impact on Welsh rugby already.

Rhiwbina Living Page 16

Gerald Davies 1966-1978

Gerald Davies played club rugby for Cardiff RFC and London Welsh. He captained Cardiff for three seasons in the 1970s, his most famous game for Cardiff probably being a 1977-8 Welsh Cup game against Pontypool when he scored four tries to earn his side a 16-11 win. He made his international debut on Saturday, 3 December 1966 against Australia in Cardiff. In total, he was capped 46 times for his country. Gerald toured with the British Lions in 1968 and 1971 and was part of the group of Welsh Seventies legends. Invited to join the 1974 Lions Tour of South Africa, he turned the opportunity down on his personal uncomfortable position at the consequences and realities of apartheid. “We lived in Wenallt Road for six or seven years. I remember Rhiwbina being a convenient and comfortable place to live in. It was a nice area - full of good people. The best thing about living in Rhiwbina was the fact that you could walk 100 yards and you’d be out in the countryside. We used to go for walks - we’d take our daughter up to the Wenallt. The views up there are spectacular - looking across to Caerphilly and out over the channel”. Gerald has consistently been voted the best-ever winger in world rugby.

Howard Norris 1963-1966

A Rhiwbina resident for over 40 years, Charles Howard Norris was considered a bruising No.8 who actually earned more caps as a British and Irish Lion than he did for Wales. He was selected to play for the 1966 Lions Tour of New Zealand, Australia and Canada. “We played 33 games on that tour - that would be laughed at these days. “We landed in Invercargill on my birthday. The boys from the team had bought me a present - a beer tankard with “Happy 30th” written on it. The boys were in on the joke - it was in fact my 32nd birthday but I had lied about my age to the selectors who didn’t consider anyone over the age of 30.” Howard played in the first three Tests against New Zealand, injuring himself in the third and thus ruling him out of the fourth. “At the end of the tour, three others and I were invited to play for the New Zealand Barbarians. However, when we got to the pitch on the Sunday, we were told that our contract with the Lions had ended at the final whistle of the last Test and therefore couldn’t play. “Sitting dejected at the airport, a gentleman turned up with the New Zealand Barbarian shirts that we had been due to play in. We had to smuggle them out as those jerseys were never supposed to leave the country.”

Photographs courtesy of Western Mail

s ’ f f i d r a C North s t a e r g y rugb Jonathan Davies 1985-1997

Jonathan Davies has played both codes of rugby and is now recognised as one of the foremost commentators of the game. ‘Jiffy’ was born in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire in 1962. He signed for Neath RFC in 1982 and after 35 games for the club, he was selected to play for Wales. His first game was in Cardiff Arms Park against the age old enemy England. Jonathan gave a Man of the Match performance, scoring two tries in a Welsh victory. He played a very important part in the Triple Crown success for Wales and between 1985 and 1997 he won 37 rugby union caps. During 1988, he switched codes, leaving Llanelli to play for Widnes. In 1991 he took on a further challenge when he spent the summer in Sydney playing for the Canterbury Bull Dogs. In 1996, he was awarded an MBE and in more recent times, has undertaken a lot of television and radio work both in the English and Welsh languages. He even hosts his own chat show, Jonathan, which was launched on S4C in 2004. He is often been cited as one of the best fly-halves that Wales has ever produced. Jonathan now lives in Llandaff with his family.

John Dawes 1964-1971

“I went to university at Loughborough and eventually moved to London where I became a chemistry teacher. London Welsh in those days was a flourishing side, with many of the greats playing for us – Mervyn, Gerald, JPR and the like. London Welsh was considered at the top echelon of rugby sides. “My first cap for Wales came in 1964; we were in Dublin and there were no replacements allowed back then. DK Jones, the former Llanelli and Cardiff player dropped out and I was brought in. I was fortunate enough to score on my debut. The commentator said that I was ‘revelling in an outstanding game’ but I’m not sure which game he was watching as I only touched the ball twice throughout the whole match!” John went on to captain Wales to a Grand Slam in 1971. “Winning a Grand Slam in the Five Nations was such an achievement. It was practically unheard of, but we had such a great team full of fantastic players.” 1971 was also the year that John was appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand. The tour was a success, and to this day, is still the only Lions team to have beaten the All Blacks on a tour. John is a regular visitor to Llandaff where he enjoys time with friends.

Dr Jack Matthews 1947-1951

Until his recent ill-health, Dr Jack Matthews was a regular at Llandaff’s Butcher’s Arms. Jack formed a centre partnership which is regarded as one of the finest in the game. He won 17 caps for Wales and six with the British Lions, though his career was curtailed by the Second World War. Whilst stationed at RAF St Athan air base in the Vale of Glamorgan in 1943, Jack fought future world champion Rocky Marciano in an amateur boxing match. Marciano famously ended his career having won every professional match he fought in, but only Jack had held him to a draw. A General Practitioner by profession he travelled, with the 1980 Lions on their tour of South Africa as the team doctor. Before winning his first cap, Jack took part in five Victory Internationals for Wales, including the win over France in which he was captain. As well as his 17 Tests for Wales, he won six caps for the British and Irish Lions on their 1950 tour of New Zealand and Australia. He was awarded an OBE in 1981 and maintained his links to both rugby and boxing. In 2009, Jack, once dubbed the Iron Man, suffered a stroke, which left him unable to speak.

Rhiwbina Living Page 17

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Business in Focus Kingman Davies Opticians Beulah Road, Rhiwbina For Emily Kingman, Rhiwbina is the perfect location for her community based opticians, Kingman and Davies. “I love our little row of shops on Beulah Road. There’s an increasingly eclectic collection of shops in our village and I’m proud that Kingman Davies plays its role in the community.” says Emily, who qualified from Cardiff University in 2003. “I’ve been here in the village since 2005. Mr Davies and I felt we had the same enthusiasm for creating and driving forward this friendly practice. Mrs Davies, one of the partners, was retiring, leaving me to take over the

Kingman and DaviesOpticians A local, friendly business that welcomes people of all ages.You’ll see the diﬀerence at Kingman and Davies - in the heart of Rhiwbina.

reins. I’ve tried to inject some contemporary features into the practice since I took over and I think we’ve now made this place a first choice for people who are looking for a professional, quality, caring service in North Cardiff.” The business has certainly benefited, with Emily’s husband joining the team earlier this year. “Justin joined us earlier this year. He brings over 20 years’ experience to the business. It also means now that we have on-site facilities for glazing and repairs. Justin is highly regarded for his quality workmanship and knowledge!” said Emily. “We’re really happy to have a practice in the community that offers a real family-friendly service- both during and after your visit.” “The shop offers a range of top-quality frames from leading brands such as Guess and Gant, but we’ve also just brought in a new range from Versace and Vogue. We also have many spectacle lenses in-store, which means that in some cases, you can have your eye test, and leave the shop with your new glasses in less than an hour.” If you’re looking to brighten up the way in which you see the world, head to Kingman Davies in the heart of Rhiwbina Village.

KINGMAN & DAVIES OPTOMETRISTS 3a Beulah Road, Rhiwbina A: 3a Beulah Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff 6LT 02920 61 1283 CF14 T: 029 2061 1283

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m o o R s r RStoerieas dfroem the pens of readers Reincarnation Billy by Elizabeth Cunningham illy was No.3 in the family, the third son for my mother, who so fervently wanted a daughter. Make no mistake about it though, my mother loved children, and loved Billy. Perhaps unconsciously, she did not always show it. For some time now, my parents were increasingly concerned about my youngest brother and his rejection of life outside the family home. Maybe it was his misfortune that the two older boys were such model sons, shining academically and on the sporting field. Both had won the Victor Ludorum on the school’s sports day and were in the 1st Junior Rugby Team. Billy’s achievements…nil. He was a loner and lived in his own secretive little world with his only friend – his dog Bobby. We lived about ten minutes away from my grandparents and saw them quite often. My grandfather spent a lot of his time on his beloved allotment, which was a short distance away from their house. But now this was in jeopardy. His sight was beginning to fail, so it was decided that one of his grandchildren would accompany him. I was too young and my two older brothers

were busy studying. That left Billy to be Grandpa’s escort and he patiently agreed. Now, in the light summer evenings and weekends, it was a familiar sight – Billy and my grandfather walking along the embankment en route to the allotment, which was on the other side of the River Taff. Generally, the supper table’s conversation was dominated by Paul and Edward, my two older brothers. But after the first week of taking Grampa to his allotment, Billy was animatedly holding the floor. He told us of Grampa’s father’s house in Faringdon. He told us of the farm he owned called The White Copse, and of the public house he owned called The White Hart. His gambling took it all away. “Grampa told me he could remember the German dancing bears, who with their master, visited the White Hart every year.” One evening, an excited young lad brought home an old yellowed auction catalogue dated Wednesday March 15th 1893. “Mum must have been very rich then – look at all the rooms here!” Billy opened the pages of the catalogue which described the seven bedrooms and the dressing room in White Copse Farm. The ground floor had a servants’ hall, a butlers’ pantry, a drawing room, a dining room, a library and an outside coach house. My mother was

fascinated by the ‘dimity’ curtains in the bedrooms. It was the strange names of the farm implements which intrigued my father. What was a scuffler, a Cambridge roller or a flatiron roller? Billy, a true animal lover, marvelled at the horses, the black and chestnut geldings, the brown and bay mares. All had been named. There was Turpin, Smiler, Tom and Diamond. Violet was the only roan mare. Billy was now regarded with a new sibling respect, as befitting of his role as custodian of the family history. My father too, surprised he had only vaguely known of his father’s pre-Cardiff life, found himself turning to Billy for more information. The young boy who had hitherto shunned all outside interests, was now an enthusiastic boy scout, and had joined the junior football club. So it was, all the cajolings of my mother, and all the inducements of my father, had done naught to crack their son’s shell. It was instead, a revered old gentleman with his impaired vision, who had seen and penetrated his grandson’s armour, and made Billy a part of the outside world.

Elizabeth Cunningham

Do you have a story to tell? We’re looking for writers of all ages to contribute to our pages. Please send them (preferably in an email) to our address on the inside front cover RRhhiw iwbbininaaLLivivininggPPaaggee2211

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Curtain Raisers prides itself on offering the very best service to all its customers We specialise in made to measure curtains and blinds, with fabrics from a wide range of leading designers, including Harlequin, Romo, Villa Nova, Wind and more. To complement our range of curtains, we also offer a range of designer wallpapers, lighting and accessories, and are proud to be suppliers of the Little Greene Paint Company. Our team includes specialist curtain makers, fitters and upholsterers, all of whom are determined to ensure our customers are delighted with all aspects of their interior furnishings. You can relax in the knowledge that we’ll do all the hard work. Following the recent closure of Maskreys the team are pleased to welcome Hazel Richards who brings more than 20 years experience in soft furnishings design. Our showroom has recently undergone a complete refurbishment; we would be pleased to invite customers new and old to browse the latest collections. Enjoy a complimentary drink on us whilst we find you the perfect solution for your home. A: 2 Kelston Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2AJ T: 02920 614966 E: info@curtain-raisers.co.uk w: www.curtain-raisers.co.uk

Pets

Other People’s Pets Are Driving Me Mad! My question relates not to my own pets (I don’t have any), but to others. I am a keen gardener but often get visits from local cats who enjoy squatting on my lawn and urinating. How can I keep these pests away in a ‘humane’ way? It is surprising how often we are asked this question, though I’m not sure why you would ask a vet how to get rid of a pet! As a gardener though, I sympathise with you. There are many products on the market attempting to deter cats, dogs, foxes etc from using your garden as a latrine. These include chemicals you pour onto the soil, markers and substances which give off a scent, and electronic devices. The fact that there are so many different approaches tells you that none is very reliable, and you need to experiment to see what works in your garden. Cats usually dislike citrus odours, so many deterrents are based on this smell. You may find that scattering lemon or orange peel around an area might help. It is said that the dung of big cats (lions/tigers) frightens away many animals, including cats, rabbits and deer. Not very easy to come by, and possibly more unpleasant that the problem you are trying to prevent! Physical barriers such as small twigs stuck in the ground in seed beds or string stretched tightly a few inches above the ground are often effective. I use a light wooden frame covered with wire netting and raised on short legs to protect the seeds I plant in my garden. One note of caution – there are many electronic devices which emit an ultrasonic sound which humans can’t hear but which cats/dogs can, and dislike. These may also affect wildlife, and you should think carefully about the possible consequences of using them.

Pets’ Page Resident vet, Chris Troughton is happy to answer any of your pet-related questions. Drop him a line at editor@livingmags.co.uk

Dog Neutering: Are There Any Side Effects? I’m getting my dog neutered next week. Are there side effects? When you talk to people about the effects that neutering has had on their dogs, a variety of ‘side effects’ are mentioned. Weight gain is the most common problem that dogs experience after neutering. Calories consumed in excess of the daily need can either be burned off as ‘waste’ heat, or stored (as fat) for later use. What an individual’s metabolism does is decided by factors such as breed, age, sex and others. When an animal is neutered, more of the excess calories are stored as fat than were previously … but it’s only the excess calories that are stored. You need to be careful to monitor your dog’s weight and reduce his rations if necessary. We usually recommend that when fully grown dogs are neutered, the owners immediately reduce the amount they are fed, on the principle that it’s easier to gain weight if you get thin, than to lose it if you get fat! Another side effect of neutering is reduced territorial marking and defence, though the instinct to guard will not be abolished, and the reduction in marking behaviour is usually regarded as a good thing. Dogs will also be less inclined to roam seeking a mate. Neutering is often blamed for increasing a dog’s appetite, but there is no evidence that this occurs. Owners of fat neutered dogs blame an increase in the pet’s appetite for the increase in weight, rather than accepting responsibility for overfeeding it! Neutering is often done in the adolescent or young-adult stages of

Pets’ Page is sponsored by the Heath Veterinary Group

the dog’s life, when his/her personality is changing as he/she matures. This gives rise to the myth that neutering causes dogs to slow down or to calm down. It doesn’t – it’s just the development of the adult personality.

I Want To Be A Vet I am currently doing my GCSEs and have always fancied becoming a vet. How do I go about becoming one? Work hard! There is still a great deal of competition for places at the seven veterinary schools in the UK, though it’s not as bad as when I went to college, shortly after the James Herriot era. The academic entry requirements are very high – you will probably need at least 4 grade A A-levels in the sciences. Universities also look at your wider academic abilities, so it is important to have a good set of GCSE results, and other achievements (like music or sport) are also worth having. The university course is very hard, and the selectors will be looking for students who can perform well under pressure. In addition to your academic qualifications, you need to be able to show in your application for university that you have a real interest in animals and their care. Having a family pet is not enough; you need to get lots of experience with animals – voluntary work in an animal sanctuary or boarding kennels, work experience placements in a vet, grooming parlour or similar.

(029) 2062 1511 Rhiwbina Living Page 25

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All Care – for real peace of mind Providing hour-by-hour support and care to those who need it in their own homes can be something of a headache for some. But help is at hand thanks to All Care South Wales, who have been looking after the needs of those in the community for the last 18 years. Keri Llewellyn, Director, told Living Magazines: “All Care was formed in 1993 to provide community homecare services within the South Wales area. Since then, our award-winning staff members have been taking care of the day-to-day needs of our clients throughout Cardiff and beyond. We cover all of the capital, including Caerphilly and even take our services to Marshfield.” The company is committed to the provision of ‘quality care and real

All Care have been providing domiciliary care in Cardiff since 1993. Our award-winning staff are able to help you maintain dignity and independence in your own home. We offer a wide range of services including Personal Care, Domestic Help, Shopping and Companionship. For further no obligation help and information, please contact us.

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peace of mind. “We offer a totally personalised service – flexible and tailored to your specific needs. We accept Direct Payments, giving you total choice over your package of care. We even provide ad hoc care for things like health care appointments and social events. No job is too small or too large for us.” Manager Louise Eveleigh was also keen to point out the high calibre of their staff: “We have won ‘Care Management Awards’ for the past two years and two ‘Care Practitioner Awards’ (Anne Hopkins won the Gold Award). We are currently shortlisted this year for the ‘Commitment to Training and Development of Care Staff Award’. All of our staff have received "Dignity Training." If you, or someone you know, is in need of help or support, All Care is just a phone call away. A: 96, Whitchurch Road, Cardiff T: 02920 415000 W: www.all-care.org

All Care’s Anne Hopkins picking up her award

Local Photo Album

Lon-y-Dail Through the Years

New Builds 1920s

1920s No.s 13 and 15

No.s 21 and 23 Summer 1978

Lon−y−Dail 1924 Photographs courtesy of Rhiwbina Garden Village Residents’ Association. Photos available on CD from Mary Clarke, 5 Pen-y-Dre, Rhiwb ina, p riced £9.99

Rhiwbina Living Page 27

Are you ready for the Welsh carrier bag charge? The Welsh Government wants to drastically reduce the number of bags given away in Wales. So from 1 October 2011, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pay at least 5 p for all single use carrier bags. The carrier bag charge will apply in all shops including clothes stores, take away food outlets and restaurants, corner shops and market stalls. It will also apply when you have goods delivered in Wales, such as dot.com groceries. You can avoid the charge by taking your own bags shopping with you. What bags are included in the charge? All single use carrier bags are included in the charge.This includes bags made of plastic, paper and degradable material. What bags are not included in the charge? Only bags used in certain circumstances, such as ones used for unpackaged food like meat, vegetables or poultry are exempt. Bags used to carry free prescriptions or other items which are supplied free on the NHS are not included in the charge. Any bags that are intended to be reused for example â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bags for lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and those made from cloth, jute, or cotton are also not included in the charge. Why take action on carrier bags? During 2009-10, in Wales we took home an estimated 350 million carrier bags from the major supermarkets alone. Bags are bad for the environment as they are a waste of resources, create litter and harm wildlife. For more information you can visit www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk email: carrierbagcharge@wales.gsi.gov.uk or Phone 02920 826230

Mynd i siopa? Cofiwch eich bagiau O 1 H y d r e f 2 0 11 bydd rh ai d i ch i d a lu o le ia f 5 c am fa g y n si o p au C y m ru i I gael gwybod mwy, ewch

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Going shopping? Remember your bags From 1 Oc t o b e r 2 0 11 you â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be charged at least 5p for a ba g wherever you shop in Wales To find out more visit

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Rhiwbina ● Whitchurch ● Llandaff ● Llandaff North ● Danescourt ● The Web ‘Hyperlocal’ is the new ter m for news within the community. Regional newspaper closed down? Local TV on its way? Hyperlocal media is produced by communities for communities. It’s what we’ve been doing best since 2007. And it’s the way of marketing that adver tisers are coming around to. Why pay for expensive adverts in regional publications that miss most of your geographical area? We offer precision penetration within a geographical area. Working smarter for your money don’t you think?

Call 07772 081775 or visit www.livingmags.co.uk

Sports Coaching Sessions for Children Aged 3-11

Regional Sports Schools provides skill-based sessions and aims to give your child maximum participation, skill development and fun!

● Weekly weekend and evening sessions School Holiday Week ● School-based sessions ● Sports available include: Football, Rugby, Netball, Cricket, Street Dance, Zumba,

At Powerleague Whitchurch, @futsal Llanishen and many other locations in the area. For more information call 02920 618158, visit www.regionalsportsschools.com or visit us here in Rhiwbina at 3-5 Lon Fach, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6DY.

Rhiwbina Living Page 30

Sports Schools Creating the Sportstars of Tomorrow Based in Rhiwbina Village, Regional Sports Schools provide sports coaching for children aged 3-11 in a fun and safe environment. Using community facilities and schools, they provide coaching to children in sports such as football, rugby, netball, cricket as well as alternative classes such as Street Dance and Zumba. The classes are run on weekends and evenings on a weekly basis and also throughout the school holidays as an alternative to traditional childcare. In addition to this many Primary schools use Regional Sports Schools to provide curricular and extra curricular sports. A Regional Sports Schools course is a great way to introduce your child to sport. The fun and interactive sessions us themes and stories to introduce younger children to the skills whilst there are more competitive classes available for older children. To find out more about Regional Sports Schools you can visit them at 3-5 lon Fach, Rhiwbina CF14 6DY in Rhiwbina Village. There is also the option to book a course online at www.regionalsportsschools.com. A: 3-5 Lon Fach, Rhiwbina T: 02920 618158 W: www.regionalsportsschools.com

Column

think it was Tony Benn who once said on television that he’d calculated that he’d drunk enough tea in his lifetime to float the QE2. There are several legends about the origin of tea. The most prominent one involves a certain Shen Nung. As you can tell, he wasn’t a local lad. Shen was in fact, a Chinese emperor and had an fascination with herbs. The story goes that one day, there he was, boiling his water and minding his own business, when some leaves from a nearby tea shrub fluttered into his water. Being a curious fellow, he tasted the brew and decided that it was tasty. And so an institution was born. Clearly, he had left the lid off his kettle. By 3AD, tea was so popular in China, that they had to invent a new word for it - ch’a (in its anglicised form). For me and my siblings, a chup-o-cha was my way of saying ‘a cup of tea’. It was a staggering 1,600 years later before the Europeans clocked on to tea. Despite tea being a very ‘British’ thing, it was in fact, the Dutch who introduced tea to Western Europe. The Dutch had elbowed their way into the Portuguese shipping routes to the east. The Portuguese had been bringing some tea back in dribs and drabs, but it was the Dutch who brought it back en masse. It was the marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza that sealed tea’s fate in Britain in the 1600s. Catherine was hopelessly addicted to tea. Even back then, the British public followed the trends of royalty. Not one to miss a trick, the East India Company of London, began to import tea into Britain. Its first order was placed in 1664 - for 100lbs of China tea to be shipped from Java.

All this is all very well and good. But I wonder if all these historical figures have any idea of the delight and misery they’ve brought me via the medium of tea. I went to see my doctor a few years ago as I was getting palpitations pretty regularly. He asked me how many cups of tea I drank per day. I told him. He leaned back in his seat, bent his Biro and looked me right in the eye. “Ten cups of day Mr Morgan? I can see exactly the reason why you’re getting palpitations. I suggest you cut down significantly on your tea intake. After a few weeks, you’ll feel the benefits.” Thinking about giving up my tea brought me out in a cold sweat and palpitations. I had to go home and have a cup of tea to get over it (I’d learnt from watching Eastenders, that if there was ever a problem, the first thing you should do is put the kettle on). I looked up the benefits to tea to see if I could justify a reason for drinking it. It was claimed that drinking tea has potential health maintenance benefits in cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. It was also apparently high in fluoride. I’d get palpitations but at least I’d still have teeth to clench while I had them. 80% of office workers now claim they find out more about what's going on at work over a cup of tea than in any other way. Tea also contains half the amount of caffeine found in coffee. For me, the biggest benefit of tea for many years, was the fact that it got me out of working. I’ve had some very dreary call-centre jobs in my time. Making tea became a regular way of getting off the

phones. This was in the case when I lived in Cornwall and worked in Plymouth. I was appointed Chief Tea Maker for the entire office. Making tea for 50 people was my kind of work. My success was however, my downfall. They hired a lady called Jean, specifically to make tea. How I hated watching her mooching around with her stupid trolley and her beige cushioned shoes. Worse was to follow when they sacked her and replaced her with a hot drinks vending machine. And we all know what tea from them tastes like. Tea for me these days is a crutch, as maybe a cigarette is for some people. I’ll happily admit that I’m probably addicted. It’s the first thing on my mind when I wake up. Once the first cup of the day has been downed, it’s on to the second. I still probably drink anywhere between 7 and 10 cups of tea a day. These 7-10 cups have to be made in a certain way. I’ve often made the mistake of accepting a cup of tea from a friend, and been sadly let down by the mug of elephant juice I get handed to me. So here’s the definitive way of making a perfect cuppa. 1. Place a teabag in a mug. 2. Boil kettle with fresh water. Water should only be boiled once so don’t use water that’s already been boiled. 3. Pour boiling water instantly onto the teabag. The teabag should puff up as the oxygen is released from the tea leaves. 4. Wait until the teabag actually sinks to the bottom of the mug. 5. Spoon out the tea bag, and add milk to desired level. Do not stir. 6. Congratulate yourself on a perfect cup of tea. Cheers. Rhiwbina Living Page 31

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