Rhiwbina Living Issue 31 Summer 2015 by Rhiwbina Living

RHIWBINA

Living

Issue 31 Summer 2015

RHIWBINA SET FOR NAME CHANGE Your FREE Award-Winning Magazine for Rhiwbina

3 8

3 News 5 Letters ra 8 Meet Barba 12 Short Story 16 The Wenalltn 18 Competitioy News 21 Communit 25 Pets’ Page 26 Gardening 30 Deals ard 31 Rod Woodw

www.facebook.com/livingmagscardiff

@LivingMags

Welcome Croeso

contents

Sitting in a garden at summer always reminds STINGS AND LI M IU M E R P D N FREE A us of exciting times. It was in our Rhiwbina BLE ON OUR A IL A V A S D IE IF S garden back in 2007 that we sat down with a pen CLAS RY and paper and brought together plans to make ONLINE DIRECTO a magazine for Rhiwbina. Over the following few months, we set about the daunting task of approaching advertisers and asking them to invest in a publication that they had not yet seen. It was Paul from local card shop Serenade who was the first person to say ‘Book us in’, therefore becoming our very first advertiser. lp local finding ways to he over n, ai ag Since then, we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds ce on sy bu We’ve been site attracts of local businesses and organisations through our nisations. Our web thought it was ga or d an es ss ne si e bu sitors a month so w pages. We think it’s about time we said a very big 10,000 individual vi eated an online directory to help ‘thank you’ to them - without them, the magazines cr nd each about time that we e’ve optimised it (a W . ve ha e wouldn’t exist. w So s. gs. er our advertis the Google rankin up t ge lp he We are always trying to think of new ways to help to g) by visiting individual listin or premium listing stering. ee the local community so we are now offering FREE fr ur yo d ad n ca gi You mags.co.uk and re ng vi .li classified adverts on our website. Head over to w w w at te si our web www.directory.livingmags.co.uk and click on Classified Ads. We will then splash your listings over our social media sites. We’ve also set up an online business directory for those businesses who want to reach other parts of ardiff Cardiff (and beyond!). Again, we showcase each listing ad, Rhiwbina, C Ro h c a tb n Pa 2 A: 22 through our social media outlets to make sure that CF14 6AG you’re seen by thousands of potential customers. 2920 1775 / 07974 02 08 2 77 07 T: We’ve got another cracker for you this month - all the mags.co.uk E: editor@living latest news, interviews, short stories, competitions ags.co.uk W: www.livingm too much to go on about here! publisher of the contents, the y way arisingt e the accuracyfor an sur in r en tte to ma de y ma an en Whatever you’re doing this summer, we hope it’s fun s be s, or ntact any copyrigh ors or omission While every effortanha en made to lco nsibility for err . effort has be pt y respo terial. Everyan apolitica publication cannot acce ma nt, de this and that it brings you lots of happiness. en of ep on ind ati blic is from the puitchurch and Llandaff Living fo e r holders. Wh See you in the Autumn. d copy deadlin n a g n ki o o b g in Patric and Danielle (editors) Advertis Friday 14th August 2015. 32 e Issu ber 2015.

ion date - Septem

Issue 32 publicat Rhiwbina Living

es a year.

is published 4 tim

g ht

RHIWBINA SUMMER FESTIVAL This year’s Rhiwbina Summer Festival takes place on Saturday 4th July, starting at 10am

RHIWBINA SET TO BE RENAMED UNDER BOUNDARY CHANGES

Rhiwbina’s official title is set to change under new Council proposals. The Council announced in March that many boundaries throughout Cardiff are set to change. ‘Rhiwbina’ is likely to be renamed. Details from the official documentation revealed that there was some initial disagreement: “At the start of the Community Review, three submissions were received requesting a change of name of the community to include the community of Pantmawr which was viewed as having a discrete community identity, yet being too small to be physically separated into a standalone community. “Upon review, officers could understand the validity of the proposal to make this change, and it was therefore proposed that the name choice of all respondents be adhered to, namely ‘Rhiwbina with Pantmawr’. However, this was altered after some further consultation: “At the end of the process, Ward Councillors consulted locally with residents, and agreed a final proposal to amend the name of the community to ‘Rhiwbina and Pantmawr’.

news GATEWAY OF INDIA SCOOPS TWO PRESTIGIOUS FOOD AWARDS Rhiwbina’s Gateway of India has scooped two prestigious awards at the inaugural Welsh Foods Awards. The event took place at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff, and with 25 categories, it celebrated the best of Welsh dining. But it was Rhiwbina’s muchloved eatery that took both ‘Best Takeaway’ as well as the coveted ‘Overall Winner’ award. Owner Moslaur Rahman told Living Magazines: “When I set up our business in Rhiwbina twenty years ago, I wanted to bring something special to the community. Ever since the Gateway has been in the village, we have made sure that each dish we serve is of the utmost quality. All our food is documented, from the moment it comes into the shop until the moment it leaves. We use only the very finest ingredients. My wife Ellen officially joined the team about eight years ago and she now creates something extra special and different most weekends on our deli counter.” Voted for by the Welsh public, The Food Awards are designed

to recognise the efforts of Wales Restaurants, Takeaways, Gastro Pubs, Hotel Restaurants, Cafes and Bistros, as well as shine the spotlight on the wonderful local producers who provide their delicious ingredients. Yasmin Mahmood of event organisers Creative Oceanic said: “After the great success of the Food Awards England and Wales which were held

in Manchester last year, it was apparent the Welsh food industry deserved a greater platform for recognition. “It was a fantastic evening and was a great pleasure to be amongst the top restaurants, takeaways, suppliers, manufacturers, specialists and many more attendees who were representing their businesses.” 3

news

STREETWORKS INFORMATION WEBSITE GOES ONLINE

A national website designed to inform residents of roadworks is now online at http://roadworks.org

RHIWBINA IN BLOOM DEDICATES AWARD

RHIWBINA SQUIRRELS CELEBRATE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR

This year’s Rhiwbina in Bloom will name a special award after a much-loved local police officer who died after being hit by a bus. Sgt Lucas, who was most recently based in Llanishen, was hit by a bus in Swansea in March. The award for Prettiest Hanging Basket will be named in her honour. The Rhiwbina in Bloom competition was set up after Rhiwbina councillors had news that Cardiff ’s Cardiff in Bloom competition will not go ahead due to lack of funding. Categories this year will include best shop, best front garden, best school or business planter/small garden area, younger persons’ garden planters and older persons’ front garden. Gardens will be inspected in July, with the awards ceremony taking place in September. Last year, Sgt Lucas served on the judging panel of the Cardiff In Bloom competition. 4

Rhiwbina RFC had another very successful year at senior team level, with the First XV finishing their first season in Division One East as runners up behind runaway Champions Penallta. After a hiccup mid season, they came back strongly with four straight victories to claim the second spot, with captain Brett Chatwin leading the way as top points scorer. The Second XV won the Cardiff & District Premier Division with Anthony Davies as their leading points scorer. During the course of the season, eight of the Seconds progressed to play for the First XV, showing that there is a clear progression route at Rhiwbina for young players who show the quality and aptitude required. The Squirrels are one of very few Cardiff clubs to run a Third XV, and they too had a successful season, both in the

league and cup competitions. Mini and Junior rugby is still as strong as ever at Rhiwbina, and things are also looking good at Youth level next season as young players progress through the age groups. The club has embarked on a five year plan of development on and off the field, and runs regular development sessions for its coaches and team managers at all levels under senior coaches Gareth Linton and Jared Lougher, who are both staying at the helm for next season. Please do come along to Caedelyn for yourselves to watch entertaining and enjoyable rugby at all levels. If you or a member of your family are interested in playing at any level, then please contact the club via their website http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ rhiwbina/

MAN JAILED FOR DISTRACTION BURGLARY IN RHIWBINA A 32 year old man has been jailed for three years for attempting a second burglary at the same Rhiwbina home in April. The burglar presented his elderly victim with a fake charity

sponsorship form. He then asked to refill his bottle of water and stole £20 from the victim’s wallet. He was caught red-handed when he returned to the same property two days later, unaware that a police officer was inside.

If you’d like to get in touch, you can find our address on the inside front cover. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@livingmags.co.uk

letters

DON’T BRING FOX HUNTING BACK

In the end, this year’s election wasn’t the close-run thing we all thought it would be. Poor ‘ol Ed ended up flying off to Ibiza to lick his wounds while I don’t think anyone has heard from Nicholas. I don’t think even Dave could have imagined the ease at which he sailed back into Downing Street. But for all the hoo-hahs created by such people as Charlotte Church about the austerity measures, the Tories seem to have been able to slip something under the door while we were all out moaning. So all joking aside, let’s look at one of the horrors that the UK may see under a new Tory rule - that of the return of fox-hunting. Hunting wild animals with dogs for sport was banned in Scotland in 2002 and England and Wales in 2004 - a ‘sport’ that the majority of the UK’s residents were glad to see the back of. However, tucked away near the back of the Conservatives’ election manifesto was the promise of a free vote to bring it back. While Rhiwbina isn’t a totally rural setting, we are at least, more

RHIWBINA’S A BLOOMING TREAT The last year has seen Rhiwbina really blossoming as a village. After a pretty tough recession, it’s good to see the empty shops filling up with colour and life. There are so many small wonderful boutiques and coffee shops, that Rhiwbina is quickly becoming the envy of Cardiff!

familiar with the countryside than some parts of Cardiff. What I don’t accept however, is the claims by some that hunting with dogs is ‘the most humane method’ of dealing with foxes. As summer turns to autumn, traditional fox hunts turn to the practice of cub hunting. Fox hounds are not natural killers. Instead, they are taught how to do so. Fox cubs that will have been born in March will be flushed out from their families and killed by the hounds as they practice the art of killing. Figures estimate that 40% of all foxes killed by hunts take place during the cub hunting season. We cannot allow this to be reintroduced this year. If this isn’t horrific enough, hunting adult foxes is just as cruel. With their ground holes filled in, the foxes are chased until completely exhausted. The pro-hunting clan will of course tell you that foxes are killed by the first hound that reaches the fox - ‘a quick nip to the neck’ is their usual choice of phrase. The truth is that these beautiful creatures, which are very similar to any dog that you or I may love as a pet, are torn to pieces while still alive. Pro-hunters’ claims that it’s all to maintain the fox population

does not stand up. Why all the pomp, ceremony and utter drawn-out cruelty? Surely a quick bullet to the head would be considered more ‘humane’? Who are they trying to kid? There is absolutely no justification for bringing back a ‘pastime’ for the rich few who’ve got nothing better to do than torture animals to make themselves feel better about themselves. I would ask anyone who has some sense of humanity about them to prepare to stick up for foxes when the time comes for the vote. More information on how you can get involved is available at www.league.org.uk. B O’Brien Rhiwbina

I think a lot of this has to do with the bravery of locals who have had the get-up-and-go to try something new instead of sitting around on their hands. It’s true testament to what people can achieve when they put their minds to it. I now look forward to visiting the village and trying out all the new shops! Elizabeth Williams Pantmawr 5

Gateway of India

Celebrating 20 Years in Rhiwbina

A Personal Message from Mr Rahman as Gateway of India celebrates its 20th Anniversary My commitment now, and has been for the last 20 years, is to provide the people of Rhiwbina with the best quality food available. My wife and I have a real passion for cooking. We are committed to bringing you, the people of Rhiwbina, the true flavours of Bangladeshi cooking, which is both very tasty and very healthy! Cleanliness is our top priority and our business ethos has always been to go that ‘extra mile’ and to put our hearts and souls into all that we do at Gateway of India. Our cooking has changed to adapt to the British way. But Gateway of India has been working on introducing the real Bengali cooking to Britain for the last 8 years. We have slowly changed our way of cooking and now feel so proud that it has become a very popular way of eating in North Cardiff. The full credit goes to my wife who has nagged me on and on to keep evolving the style of cooking that we undertake here. She is a genius cook and is very creative! Every weekend, she cooks complete authentic Bengali cooking, recognised with a Gold Award for its healthy options The quality of our food is of utmost importance. Unlike some other takeaways who use imported chicken, we use only the finest farm-assured meat from the UK. Our lamb is premium fresh Welsh lamb and we only use Grade One onions, which serves as the basis of all that we do well here. Our delicious Heat and Eat concept boasts all you need for a quick, easy and authentic Indian fix! Main dishes (which include lamb, chicken and vegetarian options) are teamed with complementary rice and snacks to provide a complete and hassle-free meal in minutes — making it the ideal speedy mealtime solution.

Best Takeaway in Wales 2015 Wales Food Awards 236 Pantbach Road, Cardiff, CF14 6AG Phone: 029 2052 9029 www.gateway-of-india.co.uk

This is Sarah. She’s busy cleaning her oven...

Sarah called the domestic oven cleaning specialists, so she could relax and enjoy a coffee while it’s done!

Clean Oven The

• Ovens • Agas • Grills • Hobs • Extractors • BBQs • Microwaves •

CALL Y TODA

Cardiff

Newport & East Wales

02920 990 287 or 01291 427 244 www.thecleanovenco.com

Clever Sarah!

Put the sparkle back into Your kitchen today!

O’Brien Lewis & James offers a complete range of specialist legal services for businesses and individuals * CONVEYANCING/REMORTGAGING * INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING * REPOSSESSIONS/HOUSING MATTERS * LEASE EXTENSIONS * FREEHOLD LEASE PURCHASES * COMMERCIAL PROPERTY * COMMERCIAL LITIGATION * COMPANY LAW * EMPLOYMENT LAW

* COURT OF PROTECTION APPLICATIONS * WILLS * PROBATE * LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY * PERSONAL INJURY * DEBT RECOVERY * DIVORCE/CHILDREN * COHABITATION * CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

2 HEOL Y DERI, RHIWBINA, CARDIFF CF14 6EF TEL: 029 2061 1471 Please contact Sarah James or Rachael McCarthy Sarah James: sarah.james@oblj.co.uk Rachael McCarthy: rachael.mccarthy@oblj.co.uk

If Bridget Jones Had MS, This Would Be Her Diary Patric Morgan speaks to Whitchurch writer Barbara Stensland about her life, her blog and her new book

“

It’s been a labour of love!” Whitchurch writer Barbara Stensland hands me a copy of her new book, ‘Stumbling in Flats’. It’s a heavy book, both in weight and as I soon find out, in content too. “In 2011, I woke up one morning unable to talk or walk properly. I was petrified and thought I was having a stroke. Soon after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I had never been surrounded by so many people (usually of the medical variety) yet never felt so utterly alone. Being stamped with an indefinite diagnosis however, permanently removes you from normal society, whether you like it or not. I felt a sense of shame ‘admitting’ my diagnosis to friends and family and was often upset at their awkward, embarrassed reactions.” Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system. In MS, the coating around nerve fibres (called myelin) is damaged, causing a range of symptoms. More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS. Symptoms usually start in your 20s and 30s and it affects almost three times as many women as men. Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms. It took 10 months for

Barbara to get confirmation that she was one of those 100,000. “It’s completely altered everything in my life. I went from being a trusted colleague in work - who was very good at my job – yet as soon as my potential diagnosis came in to play, a year-long systematic bullying campaign took off. It was very well organised, and I was basically bullied out of my job, culminating in me being sacked purely for having MS, and told I should live on benefits. “I got in touch with an author who was featured in the Observer Review a couple of years ago, who wrote a beautiful article about her MS. We were emailing back and forth and she said my emails were so hysterically funny about MS that I should start a blog. So I did. “The blog was an outlet for my thoughts and feelings. It helped me through the grieving side of things. At times when I’m unable to speak or get words out the way I want them, the blog has been there to express my thoughts. Better still, it’s opened up a whole new world for me thanks to those who have followed and responded to my posts. When people started getting in touch to say that I had inspired them in one way or another, it made me realise that what I was doing was all worthwhile.”

So the book. “Ah yes, the book. It took me 14 edits and hours and hours of corrections. It’s not something I’d do again! But now that it’s in my hands, I’m very proud of what I have achieved.” The book, like the blog, charts Barbara’s life since her diagnosis – coming to terms with the condition, being bullied out of her job, and bringing up her teenage son, who she dubs The Teenager. Its foreword has been penned by Janis Winehouse, Amy Winehouse’s mother and a fellow MS sufferer. “We follow each other on Twitter and she’s always been an inspiration as a campaigner for MS issues. I thought I had nothing to lose in asking her if she’d help out and she replied straight away to say that she’d be honoured to. As for The Teenager – well he’s had to come to terms with things too. But he’s coped amazingly well. “I’ve dedicated the book to my late father. He had primary progressive MS, and of course there weren’t even any MRI scans back in the 1970s. There was no treatment apart from painkillers. He died in 1978. “The condition has completely altered everything in my life. I do more now with MS than I ever did before. I’ve started a Masters

in Creative Writing and English Literature at Cardiff Metropolitan University, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. Alright, so I can’t go partying or walking in high heels – but facing up to MS, living through a year of bullying at work and putting up with Alemtuzumab chemotherapy treatment has taught me that I can do anything within limits.” The book has already attracted glittering reviews from its readers. “To deal with something like MS, you have to have a sense of humour. The book isn’t therefore full of doom and gloom. Some people like all that side of it but the book, with all its ups and downs, will make you laugh.” Sales of the book have taken off but for Barbara, it’s not about making money. It’s about the positive impact that the book can bring to people’s lives. “Every now and then I get an email thanking me for writing the blog or the book, telling me I’ve put into words just how MS feels. “Going through the long diagnostic process has made me think about the possibility of writing my second book, which I’m planning to write over the summer. It’ll be more of a selfhelp book than anything. People who are in MS Limboland, waiting for a diagnosis (or not) will be able to pick it up and

will hopefully be able to make a bit more sense about what is happening to them.” For now though, Stumbling in Flats is the book that’s brightening up people’s lives where perhaps there is darkness. “It’s a book with a very strong niche but that’s a good thing - those who read it will totally empathise with my stories of everyday life.” The book also acknowledges the hard work of the MS Team at the Heath Hospital. “The staff at the Heath Hospital are amazing.” says Barbara. “They’ve given me the best possible care – they’ve been brilliant.” Stumbling in Flats by Barbara A. Stensland is available from Amazon priced at £9.56 or £3.34 for Kindle. You can also follow Barbara’s blog at www.stumblinginflats.com

Amazon Reviews “Having MS isn’t always fun and games but I love how Barbara is so articulate and funny about some of the really annoying symptoms - and how they affect everyday life as well as treatments and sideeffects. It should be on the reading list of everyone with Multiple Sclerosis - and also for their own ‘teenagers’ who need to know that there are other young ‘carers’ (Barbara’s son would probably hate that description) coping with the unpredictability of MS and how it affects them too. A cracking book.” “Fantastic read. Thoughtfully written with the right amount of humour. If you have MS or know somebody with it you will recognise many scenarios.” “Brilliantly written account of a journey in a new land... the world of MS. If you love her blogs then you’ll love this book too.”

Creative Kitchens and Bedrooms â&#x20AC;&#x153;96% of our work comes via recommendationâ&#x20AC;? SPECIAL OFFER Special Offer FREE FITTING with

Free hob, oven every kitchen & extractor with every ordered kitchen For a limitedordered period only Visit our showroom and see our quality ranges on display. We have styles and prices to suit all budgets

(029) 2052 2789 Showroom 111, Heol Llanishen Fach, Rhiwbina

Complete fitting service from design to completion

Come Wind, Rain or Shine

Only Colourfence is guaranteed to survive

GRACE YOUR GARDEN WITH A FABULOUS NEW FENCE THAT COMES WITH A 25 YEAR WARRANTY If you own a timber fence, you’ll know the problems. Every year they need costly time consuming maintenance and repair. Available in a range of colours, with or without a trellis finish, Colourfence is a revolutionary permanent solution that saves you money, year after year. Colourfence is capable of withstanding timber paneldestroying wind speeds of up to 130 mph and is guaranteed not to rot, warp or peel for 25 years. For those of us who love our gardens, Colourfence promises a life time of hassle free enjoyment. For more information or to arrange a no obligation site survey and written quotation contact Cardiff 02921 660311

Call Cardiff 02921 660311

Email jon.angle@colourfence.co.uk. www.colourfencecardiff.co.uk

Serenade Cards and Gifts

• • • • • •

Quality Greetings Cards Gifts for all Occasions Large Selection of Soft Toys Demdaco Willow Tree Party Balloons Terramundi Money Pots

13 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6HA Tel: 029 2052 2424

St John’s College, Cardiff

A leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3–18 Choir School to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral

Top Academic School in Wales in The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ - 2015

Years 7 & 8 Music Scholarships for Orchestral Players with Good Academic Ability for September 2015 Nursery & Infants

Juniors

Seniors

Sixth Form

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:

Tel: 02920 778 936

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Charity No. 701294

Nathan’s Decorating Service Clean Tidy & Reliable

Nathan Moore

Painter & Decorator Rhiwbina Cardiff Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken Fully Insured Free Estimates

07807 752895 • 02920 624724 nathmoo@hotmail.co.uk Home Clean 2015 Advert 85x55_Layout 1 16/03/2015 16:18 Page 1

HEATH W I N D O W S & D O O R S

WHERE SERVICE & QUALITY COME AS STANDARD!

Reliable Cleaning Services supplied across the whole of Cardiff

WINDOWS DOORS

Weekly Cleans only £11 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

CONSERVATORIES

Fortnightly Cleans only £13 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

Mobile Wood-Fired Pizza Oven Something different for your wedding, party or other special occasion! www.pizza-wheels.co.uk facebook.com/pizzawheels 07773 734419

BUDGET GARDEN SERVICES LLANISHEN Is your garden too much work for you? Get help now before things start growing! • • • • • • •

Hedge cutting Strimming of bush Lawns cut Borders weeded/ dug over Economical costs Personal service by local resident Garden waste taken away

Contact Nick Harper on 07724 051968 / 02920 753546

OUT T CK N CHE CELLE X E ER R M U O O T CUS WS ON K .U IE REV CKED.CO ALL

CHE

ROOFLINE

TELEPHONE: 02920 650 854 www.heathwindowsltd.co.uk enquiries@heathwindowsltd.co.uk

The Unexpected Guest A Short Story It had been a hot day at the Rhiwbina Summer Festival. For Megan and her mum, the day had been especially busy riding on the donkeys, getting their faces painted and spinning around on the rides. It had been fun but Megan was now feeling very tired. She needed to be fed and put to bed. But as the pair made their way home in the village, they came across a small fluffy thing on the pavement. There, lying on the ground was a little purple teddy. “What’s he doing lying there Mummy?” asked Megan. Mum didn’t answer. Instead, the pair looked down at the teddy. He was looking a little worse for wear - one ear was hanging off, his eye was all wonky and he had a large hole in his tummy that showed his stuffing inside. “He doesn’t look very well Mummy.” “No. Not at all.” said Mum, looking around for a possible upset child. But there was no one around. “Shall we take him home?” said Megan. “I think we’ll put him on the side in case someone comes back to look for him.” replied Mum. “But what if he gets eaten by a monster?” asked Megan. She always had an answer for everything. Ten minutes later, and the little purple fellow was sat in front of Megan as she sat eating her tea. Daddy had come home from work and was busy seeing to the pots and pans on top of the cooker.

“Maybe we’ll put some posters around the village.” said Dad. “That’s a good idea,” said Mum “Then we can reunite him with his owner.” Megan offered him some of her food but he blankly refused it. He just sat there with his ear hanging off, his wonky eye and a hole in his tummy that showed the stuffing inside. “I think he needs to be fixed,” said Megan “He can’t be feeling too good.” “Hurry up and eat your tea lovely girl.” said Mum. She was keen to get her little girl to bed early so that she could relax with the chilled glass of Pinot Grigio she’d been thinking about all day. Half an hour later, and the pair were climbing the wooden stairs to bed. Megan’s loved coming to her bedroom on summer evenings. Lit up by the yellow evening sun, the room felt airy and light. In her newly-laundered pyjamas, Megan pulled back her blankets to reveal six or seven teddies of all shapes and sizes lying in her bed. “We can’t have all these in here,” said Mummy closing the open windows for the night. “There just isn’t room.” But Megan was insistent. “There is.” she retorted, moving the teddies to the sides of the bed and leaving a space for herself in the middle. Finally, she crawled into bed and pulled her blankets up. Mum had put some new bedding on and Megan took in a big sniff of the clean fresh smell. “Oo. This smells lovely Mummy. Thank you.”

“That’s ok darling. Now settle down so I can read you your bedtime story.” Megan heard Mummy’s tummy rumbling and knew that she was probably wanting her tea that Daddy was keeping in the oven downstairs. But as Mum read out the story, Megan couldn’t help notice the purple teddy sitting across the other side of the bedroom on his own. He looked very sad and in need of some love. Megan wondered whether his owner would ever be found. When Mum had finished the story, she closed the book and put it back on the shelf while Megan settled herself down for the night. “Sleep tight darling.” said Mummy. She got to her feet and looked down at the teddy sitting on his own on the floor. “He’ll be ok there.” she said “N’night.” Then she stepped out onto the landing and pulled the door shut. She had only descended about three steps when she heard a small commotion going on in Megan’s bedroom. Instinctively, Mum climbed the last three steps, opened Megan’s bedroom door and popped her head around to see what was going on. There, lying in bed, snuggled up with Megan, was the old tatty teddy. “Are you sure you’ve got enough room in there Megan?” said Mum. “There’s always room for one more.” was Megan’s reply. And with that, she snuggled up with her new friend and wished her mother a goodnight. 13

Trace Your Family Tree



      Have you always wanted to trace your family tree but don’t know how, or feel that you have not got the time? Let me do it for you. Maybe you would like to give the gift of a family tree as a special present to mark a birthday, anniversary or retirement. Family History Presents provides a comprehensive family tree service. Everything will be backed up by documentary evidence, printed on archive quality paper, and presented in a lovely spring-back binder so you can add photos etc if you wish. Trace your paternal side to at least 5 generations £145 Trace your maternal side to at least 5 generations £145 Trace both sides to at least 5 generations £280 Whole family tree with all siblings etc £395 Any birth, marriage, death certificate or will £10

www.familyhistorypresents.co.uk 02920 830004

AccurateAerials improving reception since 1979

● Interior Painting ● Wallpaper Hanging ● Clean & Tidy Workmanship ● FREE Advice & Estimates

For a friendly and reliable service from a locally-based decorator, call Hannah

Mobile: 07900 431229 Email: hannahcmoody@btinternet.com

Come and see our fantastic range of Log Cabins & Sheds

For the design, supply and installation of aerial, satellite and internet TV services, call your local Registered Digital Installer (RDI)

Mark Jones 07836 265259

EX DISPLAY BUILDINGS & PATIO KITS NOW ON SALE GRAB YOURSELF A BARGAIN!!

ID: 18266724

APEX SHEDS 6’ X 4’ - £329 • 7’ X 5’ - £379 • 8’ x 6’ - £429 Prices include VAT and local delivery. While stocks last. Installation only £95 (locally on your prepared base) Need a base? Want your old shed taken away? We are happy to quote for the work! Also available: SHEDS - SUMMERHOUSES GREENHOUSES - PLAYHOUSES - POTTING SHEDS

18 Twyn Y Fedwen, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1HU

www.accurateaerials.com

Tel: 07836 265259

Email:accurateaerials@gmail.com

Opening Times: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm, Sundays 10.30am - 4.30pm

Tel: 02920 591000

Wenvoe Garden Buildings at Style Gardens Centre, Port Road, Wenvoe, Cardiff, CF5 6AD

We look forward to seeing you! Download our cabin brochure at www.wenvoegarden.co.uk

Your Local Window & Door Specialists

Bringing the Best to Your Home We install a wide range of beautiful, secure, quality made composite doors.

WINDOWS | DOORS | BI-FOLDING DOORS T: 02920 692690 E: info@cardiffwindows.com

www.cardiffwindows.com

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Taking A Walk In The Wenallt

Summer is the perfect time of year to get your walking boots on and explore the local area. The Wenallt offers many varied and interesting glimpses of times gone by History The Wenallt is an area of semi natural ancient woodland to the north of Rhiwbina. The land extends into other woodlands to the north west – Cwm Nofydd, designated as a Local Nature Reserve and Fforest Ganol – a Site 16

of Special Scientific interest. Much-loved by locals, the Wenallt has always been considered a beauty spot and is often frequented by those wanting a picnic. Famed for its stunning displays of bluebells in the spring, the Wenallt comes into its own during the summer months as the woodland becomes something of a destination for walkers and nature lovers. Within Coed-y-Wenallt Woods lie the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, known as ‘Wenallt Camp’. It has been dated sometime between 700BC and AD74. Its original structure was made from timber and stone, a status symbol of power, possession and control in the area. Its location on

the south end of a spur afforded it extensive views over the plain of Cardiff. Today, the visible remains include an entrance, that can be seen as a gap in the defences to the south-east and large blocks that form part of a retaining wall. Near the centre, a roughly levelled terrace can be seen. And in a hollow to the south west are thought to be the remains of a roundhouse. Back in 1980, a metal detector search of the area led to a significant discovery of 102 medieval silver pennies. These can now be seen at the National Museum and Gallery in the city centre. The coins were most certainly minted in Cardiff, and were buried in the ground around 1140AD. Rhiwbina Farm House is a Grade II listed building, dating back to the late 17th to early 18th century. It’s situated above Greenmeadow Wood. It still retains most of its regional stone fabric, which includes a Welsh slate roof and a pebble-dashed front. The property also includes a stone walled-enclosed garden. Wenallt Wood was purchased in 1924 by Councillor RGH Snook, the Chairman of the Parks Committee. He envisaged the land being developed as a public park, possibly as a golf course. He offered to sell the 113 acre plot to the Council for the same price Photograph: Lewis Fackrell

that he paid which was £1,100. The Council accepted his offer on the recommendation that the land be maintained for the most part in its existing condition. As such, the golf course idea was dropped. The purchase was completed in January 1925, and funds were then allocated for the improvement of the footpaths, and the placing of rustic seats along the paths. By 1930, Snook had become Lord Mayor of Cardiff. He gifted the city of Cardiff a further 26 acres of land at the Wenallt which had remained in private ownership. The Parks Committee decided that a plaque should be placed on the entrance gate in Wenallt Lane, recording the fact that the wood had been secured for the public by the Lord Mayor. The inscription was reported in the Western Mail, stating that ‘This park was secured for the recreation and enjoyment of the public by the foresight and generosity of Alderman R.G. Hill Snook, Lord Mayor of Cardiff, 1930-31.’ In more recent times, it has been used by BBC Wales to record a scene for a 2007 episode of Dr Who. The Cardiff War Room was located at the rear of the Wales and the Marches Telecom Board HQ near the Wenallt, close to Junction 32 of the M4 motorway. Cardiff sub control Coryton was one of 13 Regional War Rooms built in 1952 to house the regional administration for Wales in the event of a devastating nuclear attack on Whitehall making central government impossible. It remained operational until approximately 1958 when the network of Regional War Rooms were replaced by the Regional Seats of Government; Coryton being replaced by RSG 8 at

Brecon. The old war room was retained as a training centre for RSG personnel until 1965 when it was reactivated as the Cardiff Corporation Main Control Centre. It performed this function until the disbanding of the Civil Defence Corps in 1968. With the formation of South Glamorgan County in 1974, it was reactivated as the South Glamorgan County Control and later South Glamorgan Emergency Centre remaining in use until the end of the Cold War in 1991. After that date the building was abandoned and once the ventilation plant was switched off the bunker deteriorated quickly. The building was of the standard Regional War Room design with one floor above ground and one floor underground. The other war rooms were at Tunbridge Wells, Reading, Cambridge, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, Belfast, Birmingham and Bristol. Geology Cardiff offers those interested in geology a diverse sequence of rocks. All the rocks in the city are compacted sediments of mineral, animal and plant remains shaped by glacial activity. The Caerphilly ridge area has two distinctive rock formations of sandstone and limestone, providing a dramatic and recognisable backdrop to the city Cardiff. The sandstone formation at Tongwynlais comprises Old Red Sandstone which includes red mudstones and sandstones deposited during the Silurian and Devonian geological periods. Limestone was quarried for aggregate and dolomite and used in the steel industry. Rocks from this area have also been

used for building stone and there are still a number of small disused quarries visible to the north of the walk around the Wenallt and surrounding woods. The Walk and Its Features There is a designated walk around the Wenallt, passing through two woodlands, scrubland and lowland hill farmland. This circular route is 3¼ miles in length and should take between 2 ½ and 3 hours to complete. There are a number of routes available in this area, but the way-markers for the main circular walk are marked as a ‘promoted route’, with red bands. The woodland on the walk is semi-natural ancient woodland, dominated by Oak and Birch. Oak and Hazel trees grow in the lower part of the woodland but the upper reaches have been replanted with Beech. The ground covering comprises of many varieties, including Scaly Male Fern, Goldilocks Buttercup, Common Bistort and Great Wood-rush. The woodland is famed for its varied biodiversity, including badgers, buzzards, great spotted woodpeckers and wood warblers. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can often be heard hammering dead trees, as well as buzzards and ravens in the skies above. At night, both badgers and dormice have been spotted along the walk, foraging for food. The woodland also provides an ideal place for adders to soak up the sun during the mornings. Its distinctive zigzag pattern on its back will set it out from any other slithery creature. It is our country’s only venomous reptile but it is unlikely to attack unless provoked. 17

Competitions

Win Tickets To This Year’s Welsh Proms at St David’s Hall Experience the 30th Anniversary of the Welsh Proms at St David’s Hall! THE Welsh Proms is set to take St David’s Hall by storm again this summer, but this year’s series marks the 30th anniversary of the classical extravaganza! Throughout a week-long residency at the National Concert Hall of Wales (18-25 July), the 2015 Proms will include breathtaking performances from world class orchestras across a diverse and exciting programme. Opening this incredible season is the Philharmonia Orchestra (Saturday 18 July) with a repertoire including some of the most dramatic music ever composed from Star Wars to Swan Lake.

Win Tickets To See Speedway

One of the most eagerly awaited events of the British motorsport calendar - the British FIM Speedway Grand Prix - will return to Cardiff ’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday July 4 and we’ve got a pair of tickets up for grabs! This year’s epic show promises more high speed thrills than ever with last year’s British GP winner and current world champion, American, Greg Hancock, hoping to make his ‘4th of July’ one to remember by maintaining his

This summer, St David’s Hall hosts this year’s Welsh Proms featuring breath-taking performances across a rich and diverse programme

The Tiddly Proms (18-25 July) offers something special for the kids too. Cherry Pie’s Holiday Adventure is a magical musical journey of seasides and safaris that is guaranteed to delight tiny tots. Likewise, the Family Prom (19 July) is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones as St David’s Hall is transformed into ‘A Night at the Oscars’ with Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Michael Bell and compered by Wynne Evans, this rollercoaster ride along the red carpet features the world’s most memorable movie themes. You don’t have to miss the stunning 30th anniversary of the Welsh Proms at St David’s Hall! We’ve teamed up with St David’s Hall to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Family Ticket (2 title, and fending off competition from former world champions Tai Woffinden (Great Britain), Nicki Pedersen (Denmark) and Chris Holder (Australia). More than 40,000 speedway fans flocked to the Welsh capital to watch last years’ nail-biting Grand Prix which saw Woffinden just miss out on top spot to Hancock. The event – which sees riders reaching 70mph on 500cc bikes with no brakes - never fails to set pulses racing and induce some heart stopping moments for stadium spectators; both super fans and families alike. The 4th of July fun will begin during the day in the Fanzone in the city centre and the British FIM Speedway Grand Prix will start at 5pm, finishing with its popular firework display. We’ve teamed

adults & 2 children) to the Family Prom on Sunday 19 July. To be in with a chance of winning, please answer the following question: What anniversary is the Welsh Proms celebrating this year? Please email your entries to SDHpress@cardiff.gov.uk with your name, address and contact details by Friday 3 July.

up with the 2015 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix organisers to give you the chance to enjoy this afternoon of nonstop sporting action and all you have to do to put yourself in the running is answer this simple question: Q: On what date does this year’s British FIM Speedway Grand Prix take place? Send your answer, along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to 2015 British FIM Speedway Grand Prix competition, at editor@livingmags.co.uk or to our address on the inside front cover. The deadline for entries is Friday 26th June. Terms and conditions apply. If you’re not lucky enough to win, tickets for the SGP can be purchased online via www. speedwaygp.seetickets.com or telephone 0844 858 8879.

Jazz Prom - An Evening of Sinatra Thursday 23 July

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra American Night - Saturday 4 July

That’ll Be The Day Saturday 27 June

Elvis Costello Thursday 25 June

The Overtones Tuesday 7 July

Amy Wadge & Pete Riley Friday 26 June

Family Prom - Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra & compère Wynne Evans Sunday 19 July

9Bach Monday 6 July

The All Round At Home Computer Service       

Repairs Upgrades New System Builds Virus Removal Broadband Installs Tuition Wired / Wireless Home Networks All Work Carried Out In Your Own Home

07798 704141   

No Call Out Charge Established 2004 Many Local Clients

www.professorpc.co.uk

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS (WOOD, UPVC, ALUMINIUM) * Broken Glass Replacement * Misted Glass Replacement * Faulty/Broken Hinges, Locks, Doors, Handles * Patio Door Problems * Draughty/Leaking Windows, Doors, Conservatories * Catflaps, Letterboxes, New Door Panels

* Stained Glass Repairs and Replacements * Glass/mirrors of all types cut to size * uPVC New Windows/ Doors Installed * Upgrades to Locks and Handles * Fascias, Guttering, Cladding * Shop Fronts

Fensa Registered Company No: 31498

For a Free Quotation by a Reliable Competitive Company

Telephone Decorative Glass on

02920 566694 / 07950 027826

Decostains@aol.com www.doubleglazingrepairscardiff.co.uk 306 Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2BG

Local News

News in the Community NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH With Bill Farnham Neighbourhood Watch suffered a devastating loss with the tragic death of Sgt Louise Lucas, Station Sergeant at Llanishen Police Station. Louise was killed in Swansea in a collision with a bus on 31st March, 2015. She was a great source of help and advice to us in Neighbourhood Watch; her enthusiasm was infectious and she was always willing to assist us in any way she could. Louise was a lovely lady, a great police officer, an avid supporter of Neighbourhood Watch. She was also a very good friend. We send our deepest sympathy to her family and hope that our thoughts and prayers will reach out to them and comfort and support them at this very sad time. We will miss her very much. Our next General Meeting is on Tuesday 19th May, 2015 at the Whitchurch Rugby Club, Samuels Crescent (bottom of Velindre Road), Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2TH, starting at 7pm. Our speaker is Professor Jonathan Shepherd, Director of Violence and Society Research Group, Cardiff University, who will be talking about ‘Tackling Violence Together’. Although this is a Neighbourhood Watch meeting, members of the public are invited to attend and will be made very welcome. Please don’t forget ‘The Big Lunch’ event which this year is on 7th June, 2015. The Big Lunch has been an excuse for many to make that first step to get to know their neighbours better and get more involved locally. It’s helping to feed community spirit, encouraging friendlier, safer neighbourhoods and celebrating local living and sharing - from

ideas and conversation to skills and resources. To order your Big Lunch Pack please visit www.thebiglunch.com National Neighbourhood Watch Week this year is from 20th June until 28th June and we are very well advanced with organising our events for the week. Details of these will be announced nearer the date and will be sent

Wales rugby captain (and Rhiwbina boy) Sam Warburton was on hand in May to officially open the new Number Eleven coffee shop, run by Whitchurch based Charity Bobath. A small crowd gathered to watch the Welsh hero cut the blue ribbon before everyone

Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choristers Win CSA Football Tournament On Wednesday 4th March, boy and girl choristers from across the west of England and Wales attended the annual Choir Schools Association Sports and Evensong Day, this year hosted by Hereford Cathedral.

via Mail Chimp (this is our new messaging service), South Wales Police Community Messaging Service and the local press. If anyone is interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Group, please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or call our office on 02920 527301. Bill Farnham, Chairman

piled inside for coffee and cakes. Sam was joined by local councillors Jayne Cowan, Adrian Robson and Eleanor Saunders The shop is situated in Rhiwbina at the Thornhill Road / Beulah Road crossroads.

Particular congratulations go to the choristers of Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral. In the hotly contested Football Tournament, the boy choristers were crowned overall winners, seeing off competition from the Cathedrals of Bristol, Gloucester, Hereford, Llandaff, Truro, Wells, Winchester and Tewkesbury Abbey. Girls’ Netball came third. 21

PEE GEE MOTORCYCLES MOT and Service Centre for Motorcycles

Specialised in servicing and repairs for all makes of bikes for over 30 years. Very competitive rates on Parts, Tyres and labour costs. Insurance approved and all work undertaken to a high standard. We can also arrange collection and delivery of your bike if required.

245 Bedwas Road, Caerphilly CF83 3AR

Tel:: 02920 863536

www.peegeemotorcycles..co..uk email: easyriderwales@@gmail..com

We are a small friendly bike shop that supports bikers

st ce C

i o h

• • • • • • • • • •

Painting & Decorating Specialists City & Guilds Qualified (4 Year Apprenticeship)

Building & Property Maintenance Interior & Exterior Painting Wallpaper Hanging Carpentry & Decking Patios Plumbing Varnishing Small Building Work Tiling UPVC Gutters & Downpipes cleared (of all rubbish, debris, moss etc)

Call Gary on 02920 259643 or 07717 154011

Efficient and warm

Using a wood burner can lower heating costs of the average family household by ÂŁ400 a year. Wood burning stoves are highly efficient, running at up to 87% efficiency compared with up to 25% for a traditional open coal fire. Heating a room or supplying hot water have always been options but more and more people see wood burning stoves as a lifestyle choice too. Picking a stylish stove can transform your living space. Whether you live in a compact urban home or a cosy country cottage, both traditional and contemporary stoves work equally well in either. We offer a bespoke design and fitting service for all types of log burners by trained professionals to ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Bathrooms | Stoves | Fireplaces | Tiles |Kitchens Bespoke Lighting and In-House Controls We offer the full works from the planning stage of any building works or extensions and then design to build and fit. Living Life Unit 7, Freemans Parc, Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8TW Telephone: 029 2023 1300 | Online at www.livinglifecardiff.co.uk

Living Life

bespoke bedrooms, bathrooms & log burners

Going on Holiday?

Why not let somebody else do the driving to the airport or cruise terminal so you don’t have to worry about leaving your car and paying high car park charges. Local Shuttle Services can supply vehicles up to 6 seats including luggage at a competitive price. In fact, wherever you want to go, our service will make your journey a pleasant one. You can trust us to get you there and back safe and sound.

Nail trimming, treatment of corns, callus, verrucas, ingrown & thickened toenails. Diabetic, elderly and general patients catered for. CRB checked & fully insured.

Call Helen on

07794 666815

House Clearances

For a quotation please contact one of our team on: 02920 881529 or 0781 380 3240 www.localshuttleservices.co.uk

Professional footcare in the comfort of your own home by Helen MAFHP MCFHP

Graphic Design, Digital & Litho Printing, focused solely on delivering a quality service..

2nd

time around

2nd Time Around specialise in house clearance We provide a professional and friendly service for full or part clearance, attics to cellars.

We also offer the following services: • Reports for probate purposes • Valuations & advice on selling at auction • Auction service • Cleaning service • Sympathetic handling of deceased’s estates • Small removals & deliveries, nationwide • Rubbish removal • Recycling We comply with current legislation; we are waste management registered and have public liability insurance.

House Clearance Specialists

www.houseclearancecardiff.com

Contact: Jan Richards T: 02920 692704 M: 07715 622406 E: info@houseclearancecardiff.com

petspage

Pet problems CHRIS TROUGHTON OF HEATH VETS ANSWERS YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS

IF YOU HAVE ANY PET-RELATED QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CHRIS TO ANSWER, PLEASE EMAIL US AT EDITOR@LIVINGMAGS.CO.UK AND WE’LL PASS THEM ON.

I was recently talking to a friend of mine and her dog seems to have picked up kennel cough. Her dog doesn’t mingle too much with other dogs. How contagious is kennel cough and is there anything I can do to prevent my dog getting it? I’m presuming that (rightly or wrongly if you are able to clear it up!) that prevention is included in the jabs my dog gets every six months.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious illness, the symptoms of which are a loud honking cough, sometimes with some sneezing and discharge from the nose in the early stages. Although the amount of coughing is alarming, dogs are not usually poorly with it, although on rare occasions, it can be more serious. Infection is passed from one dog to another by droplets in the air, so reasonably close contact between dogs is needed. Indoors (without wind to disperse it), the infection spreads very quickly between dogs – hence the name ‘kennel cough’. Kennel cough is actually a syndrome which can be caused by infection with a number of different bacteria and viruses, all producing the same symptoms. Some of these are protected by your dog’s annual vaccinations, for example adenovirus or parainfluenza virus. Another (common) cause is Bordetella bacterial infection. There is a vaccine against Bordetella which lasts a year and may be given when your dog has his routine shots if you ask. It is given as nasal drops, which many dogs object strongly to! Because of this, we usually only use it for dogs at high risk of infection – eg. in boarding kennels, at dog shows, or with dogwalkers – or those for whom a dose of kennel cough could have serious consequences – elderly small breed dogs with weak chests.

Over the last few months, my nine year old cat has started missing her litter box and urinating outside it. She’s never had a problem before and at present, it’s not a huge problem. I’m just a bit concerned as I don’t know whether it’s behavioural or whether there might be something more sinister behind it. Any comments would be gratefully received.

There are many reasons that a cat may start to dirty outside her litter box. Medical problems such as cystitis can cause it, as can arthritis leading to discomfort climbing into the box and thus avoidance. Senile behaviour changes can also be involved, and stress is a well-known cause of inappropriate urination in cats. Sometimes, a change of litter might have caused her to avoid the box. The texture underfoot can put some cats off, and some cats don’t like particular scents. If you have recently changed brands of litter or the litter box itself, try reverting to the original. If there are any signs your cat may be unwell, or suffering stress (for example, hiding away, avoiding going outside, vocalising more), it’s best to get her checked over by your vet. If nothing seems to help, you could try a litter box with a hood, which will force her to urinate inside the box.

I take my dog to the groomers and ask them to clip his nails but they never seem to be cut. Do dogs’ nails need to be cut right down and if they can’t do it, do vets do it? Whenever my dog tries to run through our kitchen, he ends up running on the spot like Tom and Jerry! Most dogs wear their nails down naturally during exercise and never need them cut, but some seem to grow faster than they wear and do need to be trimmed. You can buy nail clippers and try it yourself. The problem with many dogs’ nails is that they are often black in colour, so it is hard to see where the live quick is. Cutting the quick will hurt and cause bleeding but is not dangerous. I’ve found that most dogs don’t like having their feet handled – perhaps they’re ticklish? This is another reason to get a professional to do it for you. Groomers are certainly able to cut dogs’ nails, and most vet surgeries will do this for their patients. It’s probably best to leave it to an expert unless you do it very frequently so you learn exactly where to cut, and your dog learns to accept it without fuss. Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511 25

gardening

More Trees Please by Kevin Revell North Cardiff is famed for its greenery and beautiful parklands. Kevin Revell plants the idea of more trees for our villages

Securing a Stake in the Future

There are many reasons to plant a tree or two in your garden but few excuses not to. They are easily lost from the landscape but slow to grow back so time is of the essence. Aesthetically, they give solidity and a sense of permanence to a planting scheme, making use of the vertical space above, screening neighbouring houses or blocking the view of a road. A tree will act as a focal point, breaking the monotony of a row of identical houses, a reference point on a long walk home as the tracery of branches reaches for the skies. They moderate the city heat as the sun beats down on hard concrete and tarmac surfaces, providing welcome shade in the heat of the summer, the transpired water vapour cooling the air. In season, they will provide colour from their blossom, foliage or fruit. 26

Many have attractive textured ornamental bark extending the season of interest; some are evergreen and provide permanent screening. They don’t even have to be green, as demonstrated by the huge purple forms of copper beech or purple plum, familiar to readers around Llandaff and Whitchurch. Others light up the garden with blazing autumn colours and provide the useful resource of fallen leaves which can be converted into leaf mould used to improve the soil fertility and structure. Even the smallest garden can accommodate a small tree planted in a large container or a small copse of trees which can be cut back on a regular three or five year rotation to prevent them becoming too big. Trees provide a vital resource to wildlife, providing roosts for shelter, nesting sites and hiding places from predators. They supply food to a wide range of birds, mammals and invertebrates. A large tree is more than capable of withstanding an attack of caterpillars or aphids, the birds will come from far and wide to feast on them as will wasps, ladybirds and hoverflies. A fruit tree will give a welcome

harvest of fresh nutritious fruit for many years and also provides welcome blossom in the spring. The simple act of planting a tree will take a few hours planning, deciding which type to plant but has ramifications spanning decades and perhaps even centuries so it is not a decision to take lightly. Your decision projects your thoughts and gives you a stake in the future. Whether this is considered to be a good thing by those who come to inhabit your house and garden in future generations is a moot point but if planted in the right place, it can be a thing of beauty, enhancing the garden at certain times of the year. Alternatively, it may become a looming, hulking stealer of light and water, so choose carefully! Blossom on trees is an indicator of spring from the early winter cherry, Prunus subhirtella ‘Autmnalis’ and purple plum Prunus ceracifera to the later Japanese flowering cherries such as the great white cherry, Prunus ‘Tai Haku’. Crab apples (Malus spp.) provide interest beyond this by providing ornamental fruit and are festooned with them long into autumn and in the case of the variety ‘Red Sentinel’ right

through the winter or until a flock of hungry redwings or fieldfares chance upon it. ‘Golden Hornet’ is a bright yellow form while the orange striped ‘Evereste’ is always popular. Rowan trees bear berries in a range of colours; the familiar Mountain Ash or Sorbus aucuparia bears clusters of bright red fruit in late summer but the yellow variety ‘Joseph Rock’ makes an interesting change. The more adventurous gardener might try the shocking pink ‘Pink Ness’ or the white Sorbus cashmiriana. Cotoneaster is really a shrub but can attain tree-like proportions and some such as Cotoneaster fridgidus Cornubia are evergreen whose weeping branches are spangled with berries long into the winter.

The Local Scene

North Cardiff is fortunate in having many roads with substantial front gardens which lend amenity to the whole area when properly cared for. Heol Don or Church Road in Whitchurch and Palace Road or in Llandaff are well worth a visit during March and April. We owe a debt of gratitude to previous owners who had the foresight to plant a selection of trees and shrubs which chart the passage of spring. This floral patchwork is revealed daily in subtle changes as billowing ornamental plums herald stately magnolias; blizzards of cherry blossom drift into the

fragrant confetti of crab apples; and finally dusky pink hawthorn gives way to golden chains of laburnum. In an ideal world, any one garden would contain a number of these components but realistically, each will only contain one or two trees which make it worthwhile borrowing the landscape of a neighbouring garden and planting trees to extend the season of interest rather than just keeping up with the Joneses. Seek out more unusual varieties to add interest and diversity. Of course, all this could be going on in back gardens across the city but it is in our front gardens that we share the view with our neighbours and passers by on their daily commute or walking past casting admiring glances on the way home. Many roads in Cardiff are well furnished with street trees and it is to the

council’s credit that these have been maintained and replaced over the years. Whether this level of care is continued during this time of austerity remains to be seen. The venerable cherry trees of Tynewydd in Whitchurch are worth a look in spring while a local favourite of mine is the avenue of Liquidamber trees along Aberporth Road in Llandaff North. This is a remarkable sight in autumn as they take on fiery hues over a period of six weeks. Some of the trees are quite substantial and seem incongruous in their modest surroundings but young trees have been planted to replace some of the older ones so future generations will be able to enjoy this seasonal display. Kevin Revell ‘Plant Area Manager at Caerphilly Garden

10 Reasons to Advertise with Living Magazines Cardiff 1. WINNERS at the UK Independent Publisher Awards 2014 We scooped both Best Website and Best Editorial awards at a glittering ceremony in Coventry. Judged by a panel of industry experts, our magazines were recognised as ‘exemplary’ and ‘outstanding’. We publish editorial and news that readers can really relate to – spending more time with our magazines means that our readers spend more time with your advert! It’s a simple equation. 2. We have helped promote over 1,000 businesses and organisations since 2007. Our magazines were specifically created to provide a neighbourly and costeffective platform for local trade. Our testimonials prove that advertising with Living Magazines can have a positive effect on your business balance sheets. 3. We take pride about our distribution. After all, what’s the use of keeping boxes of glossy magazines in storage? After getting our hands burned when FR EE we first started, ! we trust no-one RHIWBINA Living but ourselves At the heart of the community to get the job done properly. We deliver Rhiwbina Living, door-to-door, to 4,400 homes in S Rhiwbina each R A issue (covering E Y 1,000 miles a Rhiwbina year on foot in brates ion Edit Centenary Cele ry the process!). tena Cen We also make sure that 6,000 copies per issue of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living get everywhere in Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North, five times a year!

0 0 1 Issue 22 Spring 2013

4. No VAT to pay and a 15% discount for yearly bookings every penny you invest in an advert goes into getting a return on it. Without advertising, our magazines won’t exist so we’ve got an added incentive to make sure that your advert works.

each advert booked. Our website is visited by over 150,000 individual visitors a year. And with each issue of our magazines uploaded to our website, your money really does go a long way. 7. Our magazines have been lauded by The Guardian and even the National Library of Wales Aberystwyth has requested copies, deeming them ‘of significant cultural importance’. Why advertise elsewhere?

We do all the door-to-door deliveries ourselves to guarantee distribution - and with a pedometer and GPS, we’ve discovered that we cover 1,000 miles a year on foot doing it!

5. Our content is reader-led. We don’t pump our pages with free but generic copy from national copywriters who have probably never even been to Cardiff. We write about the people, the places and the stories that North Cardiff people know and care about. And if we don’t write it ourselves, our readers do. In fact, our magazines have become such a well-loved publication that over 50% of our content is written by readers, professionally edited and published by us. 6. We offer FREE design service, FREE unlimited editorial on our popular website and even a FREE online directory listing with

8. We harness the power of social media to help our advertisers. Want to get your news story, offer, or details of your latest products/services to thousands of our followers in an instant? They’re all there waiting to hear from you. And as long as you’ve paid for your original advert, we won’t charge you a penny for splashing it all over the web. 9. Over 50% of our advertisers have been advertising with us since 2007. Repeat business is always a good sign that we’re doing it right. 10. Our magazines are full A4, full-colour and printed on 130gsm paper. It’s a proper read.

Email us at editor@livingmags.co.uk or call us on 07772 081775