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RHIWBINA
Living
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Issue 32 Autumn 2015
Rhiwbina Bank Set To Close Popular Village Shop Welcomes New Owners Your FREE Award-Winning Magazine for Rhiwbina
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contents 3 News 5 Letters 8 Forest Farmy News 13 Communit age 16 Garden Villy News 21 Communit 25 Pets’ Page 26 Gardening ess 30 Local Busin 31 Column
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Welcome Croeso
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As the last of the summer sun continues to shine, STINGS AND LI M IU M E R P D N our attentions turn to the autumn months ahead. FREE A BLE ON OUR A IL A V A S Kids head back to school with new pencil cases, D IE IF S CLAS houses start stock-piling seasoned logs, gardens LINE DIRECTORY N O are tidied and summer furniture is packed away for another year. But that’s not to say that autumn doesn’t have its own perks. We know full well from when we’re out and about doing our deliveries that autumn is the best time of year to rustle up a hearty casserole! So without further ado, let’s delve into our autumn issue of Rhiwbina Living. lp local finding ways to he over n, ai ag We are delighted to publish photos of Forest Farm ce on sy bu We’ve been site attracts by Rhiwbina photographer John Lewis on page 8. nisations. Our web thought it was ga or d an es ss ne si bu month so we John got in touch when we were out delivering our dividual visitors a in y to help 00 ,0 10 summer magazines and we’d like to thank him for d an online director (and each te ea cr e w at th e about tim e optimised it his contribution to this issue. s. So we have. We’v Google rankings. er is rt ve ad r ou We’ve got a great feature about one of the local gems to help get up the by visiting individual listing) on our doorstep - the Garden Village. Rhiwbina’s or premium listing stering. ee fr ur yo d ad n ca gi world-famous housing continues to provide a You mags.co.uk and re ng vi .li w w w at te si snapshot of history. Find out how on page 16. our web We’ve also got all the local news wrapped up and an informative gardening feature from regular columnist Kevin Revell on page 26. Lastly, on behalf of ourselves and the Rhiwbina community, we’d like to thank Paul and Margaret ardiff from Serenade. As we’ve recounted many times, Paul ad, Rhiwbina, C Ro h c a tb n Pa 2 was the first person to say ‘Put us down for an advert’ A: 22 when we set up the magazines back in 2007. He has CF14 6AG / 07974 022920 advertised in every single issue of Rhiwbina Living T: 07772 081775 ags.co.uk m since then and has helped distribute the magazines in E: editor@living ags.co.uk m g his shop. W: www.livin publisher of the contents, the We will genuinely miss these two friendly faces who ing e the accuracyfor any way arisrigh sur in r en tte to ma de y ma an t en s be s, or contact any. copy ors or omission to err While every effortanha de for have been a constant throughout our tenure. It’s with ty ma bili en nsi be po s res on ha ati ort eff blic pt y ry pu l Eve ica ial. olit ter ap cannot acce ma blication ofdthis is an independent, that in mind, that we dedicate this Autumn issue of from the puitch an Llandaff Living e for holders. Wh urch d copy deadlin n a g n Rhiwbina Living to Paul and Margaret. ki o o b g vertisin . Patric and Danielle (editors) Ad 33 - Friday 26th October 2015 e Issu ber 2015. n date - Novem io at ic bl pu 33 Issue 2 es a year. published 4 tim Rhiwbina Living
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ALL SAINTS COLLECTING FOR FOOD BANK If you would like to donate food to Cardiff ’s Foodbank, you can do so at All Saints on Wednesdays or Sunday mornings.
WEDAL ROAD THREATENED
A threat to close North Cardiff ’s Wedal Road Recycling Centre has been postponed after Cardiff Council agreed to scrutinise the plans further. The news comes as Cardiff Council decided that the number of waste facilities should be halved from the current four, to just two. The Council were planning on developing two ‘supertips’ one in Rumney and the other in Leckwith. Cabinet member for environment, councillor Bob Derbyshire told the press: “We looked at the pros and cons of both sites in fine detail and took a number of factors into consideration before arriving at our recommendations. “One of those factors focused on traffic volume and noise levels. “At Wedal Road, residents raised concerns about the increased volume of traffic caused by more site users to the facility. “Operational noise was also raised by residents and I know from previous meetings that this is an issue which residents have raised before.” The Council has faced a public backlash against their plans.
news
LOCAL COMPOSER SCORES HIGHLY
A composer from Rhiwbina has been nominated for one of the world’s most prestigious international music awards. Former Glantaf student Ceiri Torjussen had two of his recent feature films nominated in the final at the International Music and Sound Awards. Ceiri’s two nominations, both in the shortlist of nine, were for The Siren Award for Best Composition in Feature Film. The International Music and Sound Awards is second in importance to the Hollywood Oscars for composers working on feature films. One of Ceiri’s two nominated scores was for the UK/Irish film, The Canal. A spine-chilling psychological thriller which premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival (New York), it has been a critical success worldwide. The other score was for the American film, Test, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2013 Los Angeles Outfest. Test is set in 1980s San Francisco, at the start of the AIDS epidemic, and features Ceiri’s retro-80s synth
GREENHILL SCHOOL PROPOSALS A new school could be built to replace Greenhill Special School in Rhiwbina if proposals due to go before the city’s council cabinet are approved.
score in addition to especially composed music for the film’s elaborate dance sequences. Ceiri (39) has lived in Los Angeles since 1998, where he originally went to study for a Masters in composition at the University of Southern California. He has created music for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters including Die Hard 4 (staring Bruce Willis), Terminator 3 (staring Arnold Schwarzenegger), and Repo Men (staring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker). Ceiri’s next project is a documentary feature film about Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe, directed by fellow Welshman Vaughan Sivell of Western Edge Pictures. Ceiri was beaten to the big prize by Alexandre Desplat’s music for The Grand Budapest Hotel. Ceiri, whose family live in Rhiwbina, studied at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf in Llandaff. He won the Composer’s Medal at Eisteddfod Yr Urdd on three occasions. The Cardiff Council proposal is to merge the site of the existing school on Heol Brynglas and the former landscape depot and then sell the site. The money raised by that sale would generate enough money to pay for a new school according to reports. 3
news RHIWBINA NATWEST BANK TO CLOSE
Natwest Bank have announced that they are going to close their Rhiwbina branch in October. The news has provoked anger within the community, as this would leave Rhiwbina without a bank. A recent meeting between bank representatives and local leaders facilitated points of view between the two parties. At that meeting, Natwest advised that residents would be able to do some of their future banking via the Post Office on Heol Llanishen Fach. The representatives from NatWest also advised of the protocol for access to banking which means that an impact statement will have to be undertaken within two months. Local councillors Adrian Robson and Jayne Cowan are seeking evidence of how the bank closure would affect residents.
One resident said: “I’m very disappointed with this proposal - this branch is so very useful being so local - it is always so busy and will no doubt create problems for many of the elderly customers in this area. The staff there are so very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. It will be a real shame for this area if it closes. Why should they travel to Whitchurch or Llanishen who have numerous branches?” There is an online petition running to keep the bank open if you think that would be beneficial to the village. You can find it at: www.ipetitions.com/petition/ keep-rhiwbinas-natwest-branchopen
CAPTAIN SAM PICKS UP HONOURARY DEGREE Rhiwbina’s Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton picked up an honourary degree at Cardiff University in July. The former Whitchurch High School student joined broadcaster Susanna Reid, JoJo Maman Bébé founder Laura Tenison MBE and British novelist Philippa Gregory to receive the honours. Honourary degrees are awarded to individuals who have achieved 4
outstanding recognition in their field. Sam has been recognised for his outstanding sporting achievements - which include being the Welsh rugby team’s most capped – and second youngest – captain in history.
JUBORAJ SHORT-LISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD
Rhiwbina’s Juboraj restaurant has been shortlisted for a High Street Hero Award which celebrates the best of Welsh business
NEW POST OFFICE OPENS ON LLANISHEN FACH The newly-integrated Post Office and Spar shop on Llanishen Fach was officially opened in early August. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, along with MP Craig Williams and store staff, attended the opening. The new style store is just one of 8,000 branches that are being converted across the UK. Post Office Regional Network Manager for Wales, Adrian Wales, said: “We know how important the Post Office service is to the community and we feel sure that our customers old and new will welcome the longer opening hours and modern open plan format. This move will help secure Post Office services for the future.” The Spar is open 7 days a week and there are extended opening times for the Post Office. Resident Sally Jones told Living Magazines: “I was a bit sceptical at first about the new set up but I’m hoping that it’ll all be for the better. I run my business from home and the Post Office is my lifeline as I am there most days. I dread to think where I’d need to go if Rhiwbina never had a Post Office. Let’s hope it lives up to the hype!” You can follow the store on Twitter @SPARLlanishen and Facebook SPAR and Post Office Llanishen Fach.
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
CONGRATS TO BILL
letters
May I be permitted through your column to congratulate William (Bill) Farnham on his recent award of the M.B.E. A reward richly deserved for his dedication and long time service to Neighbourhood Watch, in Whitchurch, Cardiff and South Wales. Bill is renowned for setting up Neighbourhood Groups, attending operations with South Wales Police, by whom he is well respected. He recently spent his days during Neighbourhood Watch Week in supermarkets and libraries promoting the organisation as well as launching new groups in the evening. I speak for all Neighbourhood Watch coordinators when I say to Bill - well done we are all so proud of you. Yours John Munton Trustee/Director National Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (Neighbourhood Watch) Llanedeyrn Cardiff
BANK CLOSURE IS A JOKE So Natwest Bank have decided to close their Rhiwbina branch. Several years ago, I was a customer of HSBC, who you may recall, used to have a small branch where Morgan’s Estate Agents are now situated. In protest at HSBC’s closure several years ago, I took my custom to Natwest, who are now announcing the closure of their own branch.
NO MORE TREES PLEASE!
I’ve just read the article “More Trees Please”, by Kevin Revell, in your Summer issue. He cites the trees in Cardiff ’s avenues as being ‘a remarkable sight in Autumn’ which they doubtless are but, he seems to overlook the downside of these trees. I live in College Road, Llandaff North, with very large Sycamore trees along the section from the Gabalfa Library down to the River Taff. These trees are very hard work for the residents in that area, with the tons of seeds produced every year and the sticky stuff weeping over the cars’ windscreens plus other debris when it’s windy. The Sycamore seeds get everywhere, they block gutters and drains and cause backache to the gardeners that haven’t concreted or slabbed over the gardens and have to pull up thousands of potential Sycamore trees which, if left to grow, would undermine the very fabric of our community let alone the foundations of the houses. Mr Revell evidently has rose-coloured glasses for the The situation we now find ourselves in is a small and thriving village without its own bank of any kind. I find it inconceivable that these multi-million pound businesses have to close their local branches to save a bit of money. Why not start paying their fat cat bosses smaller bonuses for a start? As usual, it’s us - the small-fry - who end up paying the price. Natwest have kindly suggested that customers can ‘pay in’ via the new Post Office that has
blossoms and smaller trees in some areas but these nonindigenous monsters we have in College Road are not seen thus by its residents. I have written to the Council with the idea of ‘Pollarding’ said trees but, in this time of scarce financial resources I’m not holding my breath. I shall instead save it for this Autumn’s onslaught for seed gathering to keep the rest of my garden growing without the competition of a rash of young Sycamore trees. David Manning Email
been created at the Spar in Heol Llanishen Fach. It’s highly likely that their high-flying executives have never had to stand in a Post Office queue on pensions day and will never have to experience the painful process of waiting your turn. While our village has seen a rejuvenation in its fortunes, my fear is now that we could now start heading back to the dark ages when shops and businesses closed every few months. H Bird Beulah Road, Rhiwbina 5
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ucked away near the M4 in north Cardiff is a 150 acre reserve that straddles the River Taff and what remains of the Glamorganshire Canal. Forest Farm is a haven for wildlife - it’s noted for its many and varied bird life, flora and fauna, as well as a healthy population of insects. Established in 1967, it is maintained by Cardiff Council Rangers and Friends of Forest Farm. The majority of the woodland is Beech and Oak with several trees being over 200 years old. Other areas have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Its river banks and woodland habitats provide all that herons, kingfishers, sparrowhawks, coal tits, snipes and dragonflies need. Rhiwbina photographer John Lewis has been documenting Forest Farm over the last few years, and is always discovering new sights and sounds. “I’m at Forest Farm on a very regular basis as the area is well-
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used by photographers. I’ve met people as far afield as Swansea and Bristol, who have come especially to see and photograph the wildlife there. Of course, the area is also used for bird watching, dog walking or even just for a casual stroll alongside the canal or River Taff.” John has been interested in photography for the last ten years. “I’m a member of the Whitchurch Camera Club. The club meets every Tuesday evening at 7pm in Whitchurch Community Centre on Old Church Road. It’s a very relaxed and informal club that aims to promote photography as a hobby. We are always welcoming new members of all abilities!” 2015 sees the 25th anniversary of the Friends of Forest Farm. They have an Open Day on Saturday October 10th at the Wardens Centre. They’re also running a photo competition which ends Sept 30th which is for their anniversary. More details at www.forestfarm.org.uk
The Walk The walk starts at the small Car Park on Forest Farm Road Whitchurch, which can be found by following Velindre Road from the Whitchurch Library Roundabout. You will enter the reserve by two slopes - the slope on the right has a gentler slope and has the benefit of a handrail. One of the first things you will see is two watercourses. The watercourse on the left is a feeder from the River Taff at Radyr Weir that was used to provide water for the Melingriffith Tinplate Works. The watercourse on your right is the only remaining part of the Glamorganshire Canal that remains in water. Started in 1790, it linked the Ironworks of Merthyr at a height of 568ft to the sea at Cardiff - a distance of 25.5 miles that included 52 locks. This part of the canal finally closed in 1943 although north of this location, it had been in disrepair for many years previous to this. All photographs: John Lewis
Forest Farm
The first bridge you will cross in known as The Sunny Bank Weir bridge and dates from 1851. The rounded side of the bridge enabled the ropes from horse drawn barges to pass over the bridge which was built to allow overflow from the canal to pass to the feeder to supply works and conserve water. As you walk north, after 50 metres you will see a stone wall. This is the site of the threestorey Sunnybank cottages that originally provided housing for the workers of the nearby Melingriffith Tinplate Works. The works stood on the site of the modern housing estate on the left hand side of Forest Farm Road. As you continue on you walk, there is a branch where one path follows the Melingriffith feeder and one path follows the canal keep the canal on your right. You will find a gentle slope where you will approach Forest Lock. A capstan (mooring post) shows where barges moored waiting for their turn to head north. Again following the canal on your right, continue north towards middle lock. As you continue along the canal, you will find remains of Middle Lock cottage on your left. On your right hand side is a large beech wood which is part of the Long Wood SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Above the tree line, you may be lucky to see buzzards circling on thermals often being chased by the local crow population. On the left hand side is a recently planted wood that has been established to increase the different bird populations. There are two route options here - route one includes a sharp climb to Longwood Drive by crossing over the canal as it appears from a culvert. Route two replaces the steep climb by turning left at the end of the canal following the embankment to your right and crossing Longwood Drive to join the footpath almost directly opposite. If you wish to follow the steeper route, pass over the canal as discussed. The climb includes a number of steps cut into the hillside but they can be slippery when wet and in autumn. At the top of the hill, turn left onto Longwood Drive, noting the remains of the Cardiff Railway in the cutting. After carefully crossing Longwood Drive reenter the reserve following the signposts. As you re-enter the reserve you will descend another set of steep steps into part of the reserve that is maintained by the RSPB’s volunteers to encourage different species. As you descend, you will see the remains of the Cardiff Railway Bridge as it passed over the Canal. Longwood drive now runs in
front of what was the railway bridge. You will shortly be arriving at the Taff Trail that is part of the Lon Las Trail developed by Sustrans it connects North and South Wales. By turning left you will join a well surfaced path following the east side of the River Taff. As you walk south, you will approach Radyr Weir, which was built in 1769 to provide water for both supply and transportation for the Mellingriffith Tinplate works. On the left of the footpath is the start of the feeder that was seen at the beginning of the walk. Following the footpath for another 500 metres, there is a small ascent over the flood defences where we will turn left towards Forest Farm following the signs. There is also a footbridge at this point which links the reserve to the West Bank of the Taff for Radyr and Radyr Station. As you pass over the feeder, turn right keeping the feeder on your right which you will follow until the end of your walk. Following the feeder to your right, the next hide area is LlynY-Gamlas. Finally after passing through the large gate return to the start of your walk. A more detailed description of the route can be found at www.forestfarm.org.uk 9
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News from the Community VOCAL HARMONY SING UP If you enjoy singing, you may be interested to know that you can be part of a new choir that’s coming to Whitchurch in September. Vocal Harmony was set up in 2012 by local musician Bobby Cole. Wanting to create a fun and exciting choir format, Bobby started the first choir in 2012, opening it up to anyone and everyone. There are Vocal Harmony groups that meet in Swansea and Llanelli, with two brand new groups opening up in Cardiff and Bristol. The choir has a policy of no auditions, no need to read music, and at no point will you have to sing on your own – it’s a very fun and relaxed choir open to everyone! Weekly rehearsals take place in school halls and community centres leading up to an end of term and end of year concert that is completely optional for choir members. The choir runs three terms each year, and at the end of the year they put on a large showcase concert, bringing together the Vocal Harmony groups from neighbouring cities. Our big dream is to be able to book out a large space within Cardiff and bring all the Vocal Harmony groups together for one night! The very first Vocal Harmony group has sung at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, performed flash mobs in shopping centres, and even performed in museums and train stations! Vocal Harmony leaders
can also provide corporate and staff building workshops for local businesses! Each Vocal Harmony is set up and partnered with a local charity. Both the Swansea and Cardiff branches support Ty Hafan, with the Llanelli choir supporting the Alzheimer’s society, and the Bristol choir supporting St Peter’s Hospice. Money raised from the end of term / end of year concerts goes towards the amazing work that these charities do. Vocal Harmony is quite different to many other choirs. They teach by call and response (so each line is played and sung to a section and they repeat it until they have got it) which means there is no complicated music to read. They also sing modern and contemporary music, so no traditional choral arrangements and no hymns. Over the last two years they have sung tunes by Michael Jackson, Take That, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac and many more! Vocal Harmony is a very relaxed and fun choir, open to everyone. We have all ages, both male and female, and we pride ourselves on making singing fun, relaxed, and a great way to spend an evening. Head to Whitchurch Community Centre, Cardiff on Tuesday 22nd September at 7:30pm. For more information, contact Isabel – 07722 180 578 / isabel@ vocalharmonychoir.co.uk For more details check out www.vocalharmonychoir.co.uk
PROBUS CLUB WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS The Probus Club of Cardiff West (Retired Professional and Business Men’s Club) was founded in 1981 to provide a meeting point for those men who are retired or semi-retired from professional and business life, where they might maintain contact and fellowship with persons in similar circumstances. We meet at Radyr Golf Club on the first Thursday of the month at 10.15am. There is an informal get-together for a chat among the members over a cup of coffee. At 10.45am, a Guest Speaker will give a talk on all sorts of interesting subjects. Other events are the President’s Dinner which is normally held in November with a Guest Speaker or a form of entertainment. Wives or partners are also invited to this formal dinner. Day trips to various venues are organised from time to time, as well as a four or five day break to interesting parts of the UK, again with wives or partners. Our membership consists of architects, surveyors, engineers, teachers, scientists, doctors and other professionals. Probus is a worldwide organisation which is nonpolitical, non-sectarian and is non-profit making. All members are made very welcome (transport can be made available). The annual subscription is £15pa. Our secretary is Mike Thomas (Tel: 02920 408056 or email: m.thomas29@ntlworld.com). We have many members of the club from North Cardiff so do come and join us to see who you know! 13
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Conservation & Preservation Rhiwbina’s Historic Garden Village has been recognised around the world for its unique history and architecture. But what does it take to keep the village looking like it did over 100 years ago? The Garden Village movement began in the 1890s in response to the industrial revolution’s side-effects of slums and poor living conditions. Its rhetoric championed better living conditions for the working class as well as the middle class, and by the turn of the century several Garden Villages existed in Britain. Its principle of co-operative ownership appealed to many and in 1911, a group of Cardiffians met to consider the idea of their own Garden Village. It has since gone on to become the village that all Rhiwbina residents have come to call home. The main objective of the Rhiwbina Garden Village Ltd. was the provision of modern houses located in pleasant and healthy surroundings in the Rhiwbina 16
area. They bought 110 acres of land from the Pentwyn Estate, at £200 per acre, and by Christmas 1913, 34 houses had been built. Each house was fitted with running water and gas for lighting and cooking, a boiler, a water storage tank and even a dustbin. Hedges and fences were put up and paths were laid. The village continued to grow and by 1920, tenders were accepted to build 83 more houses. Business during the 1930s eventually recovered from a mixture of a sluggish economy and flooding. Events took an unexpected turn in 1939 though with the outbreak of war. The Wendy Hut suddenly became an Air Raid Warden’s post and the village also accepted a lot of evacuees, the village being considered a safe place to be. Stories abound that the children viewed the air raid sirens as welcome breaks to school lessons. Their ignorance seemed justified as no bombs ever fell on Rhiwbina. For the Garden Village Ltd though, their position was strengthened by the fact that all of their houses remained intact. Post-war, Garden Village Ltd. found themselves with increasing costs. By 1947, production costs
had risen to four times the level they were pre-war. Maintenance works were kept to a bare minimum. Rhiwbina Village was no longer in a position to develop. In fact, by 1952, the only way that the village could keep up with maintenance was to sell some of their houses. By the 1960s, Welsh Town Planning was urging the Rhiwbina Village company to pay back the capital that had been borrowed to pay for the construction. Since the company was a non-profit making organisation, they had cleared their debts and held substantial assets in the form of the property they had built. A special AGM was called in September 1968 where the chairman announced to the unsuspecting tenant holders that they could buy the leasehold to their properties on very favourable terms. Tenant holders were seen running to the office the following day to take up the company’s excellent offer. By 1978, it was decided to dissolve the company since it had served its purpose. In 1981, the committee announced that all company assets had been disposed of, but had a surplus
of £6,742. Under the rules of the company, no one person was allowed to profit and so the surplus money was distributed to local charities. The Garden Village had proved to be a popular and pleasant place to live in. To this very day, Rhiwbina is still considered one of the most desirable places to live in South Wales. Y Groes is still perhaps considered the hub of the Garden Village. The 1977 Conservation document said of the square: “This is the central core of the Garden Village and contains the village green, surrounded by houses of character. Little alteration to the buildings is visible and the original features have been maintained including a sundial which is mounted on the front façade on one of the dwellings.” In addition to the houses and buildings, the village has managed to keep its pathways and lanes that connect some of the streets. Out of sight is the garage complex - one snapshot of history that is perhaps often overlooked by locals. By 2001, most buildings within the Conservation Area were listed by Cadw for their special architectural and historical interest. Listed Building Consent (LBC) is now needed for any demolition, any alteration or extension which would affect the character if the building is one of architectural or historic interest. This applies to all parts of the building including objects and structures, interior or exterior, whether or not the feature is mentioned in the list description prepared by Cadw. Due to the nature of preservation, Cardiff Council have issued advice for anyone living in the Garden Village:
Restoration
If you plan to restore original details that have been lost prior to controls being in place, original plans of many houses are available together with typical joinery detail plans.
Roofs
Original roofing materials should be maintained and repaired rather than replaced. Two sizes of slate are used on roofs in the Conservation Area. The earlier houses have an unusual 7”x14” slates, whilst 10”x20” slates were used on the houses built between 1919-23. If re-roofing is essential or for new work, it is important to match the size and quality of the original and to follow the gauge and layout of slate coursing.
Chimneys
The original stacks are an integral part of the design of buildings. If these become unsafe and require repair, they should be rebuilt to the original height and design, even if no longer in use.
Dormers & Roof Lights
The addition of dormer windows or rooflights is unlikely to be supported where they would be visible from the street. On listed buildings it is unlikely that roof lights would be supported as they do not preserve character or appearance.
Satellite Dishes
Satellite dishes require planning permission where they are visible from a highway (fee payable). They also require Listed Building Consent if proposed to be attached to a listed building. They are unlikely to be supported if attached to a listed building or visible from a highway.
Enclosures
Hedges surrounding front or side gardens should be retained and not replaced with uncoordinated varieties of brickwork, blocking or fencing. Most new fences or walls will require planning permission. The Council’s Tree Protection Officer can offer advice on suitable hedge species for new or reinstated hedgerows.
Wall Surfaces
The covering of brickwork/ stonework with any artificial stone facing, render or other surface treatment requires planning permission (fee payable) and possibly listed building consent. Rerendering to the same appearance may not require permission, but you should check first. Care should be taken when repointing to avoid damaging the appearance of brickwork.
Painting
Planning permission is required for the covering of original walling material by painting and the changing of the colour of existing painted exterior walls, masonry or windows where they front a highway. The painting of brick properties will not be supported.
Porches
Original porches, canopies and openings should be retained or renovated where necessary using materials to match the original. The loss of original features will require Listed Building Consent and is unlikely to be supported.
Hard-standings
The provision of new hard surfaces requires planning permission. If these are within the curtilage of the Listed Building, such applications will incur a fee. 17
Recliner Chair Centre
An award winning, family firm,established for over 30 years We all have a favourite place to sit in our homes, whether it’s our seat at the dinner table, our spot on the sofa, or the plush chair in the living room. Unfortunately, for many of us, there comes a time in our life when our favourite chair no longer gives us the support we need. There are 3 main questions to ask yourself if you feel your favourite chair is no longer sufficient: 1. Are You Sitting Comfortably? If comfort is an issue when you are trying to sit and relax it could be a sign your chair is offering you insufficient support. 2. Do You Sit In Your Chair For Extended Periods? When your mobility needs change you can find yourself spending long periods of time in the same chair. If this is the case you need to ensure your chair is giving you the maximum support possible. 3. Do You Find It Difficult To Sit And Stand? Sitting and standing eventually becomes a problem for the majority of people, and it can cause individuals to find themselves restricted and dependent on help. A rise and recline chair can help you retain independence by easing your mobility. How A Rise And Recline Chair Can Help Rise and recline chairs give you support when and where you need it most. The right chair should support your entire back and neck, so you are sitting comfortably when you are in the chair for an extended period of time, and help you to sit and stand. • Rise – There will be a button located on the hand control which raises the whole chair upwards. When you are sitting the chair will ease you into a standing position, and when you want to sit you simply position yourself on the raised chair and press the button which will ease it down slowly. • Recline – The recline function allows you to get into more comfortable positions when you’re sitting so you can avoid soreness and pain. They also allow you to put your feet up and lie back, which can relieve pressure and allow you to rest without having to go to bed. At Recliner Chair Centre we have a wide range of premium quality and stylish rise and recline chairs that are ideal for any environment. We have been providing excellent mobility solutions in South Wales for over 30 years, and our dedicated and experienced team are always on hand to offer you impartial advice and fantastic products.
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Jim Davidson
The Robert Cray Band
Richard Thompson
Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra
Dresden Philharmonic
Welcome to Night Vale
Steve Hackett
Stewart Francis
The Ultimate Eagles
Monday 12 October Dydd Llun 12 Hydref
Friday 16 October Dydd Gwener 16 Hydref
Tuesday 22 September Dydd Mawrth 22 Medi
Tuesday 6 October Dydd Mawrth 6 Hydref
Wednesday 7 October Dydd Mercher 7 Hydref
Friday 30 October Dydd Gwener 30 Hydref
Tuesday 15 September Dydd Mawrth 15 Medi
Friday 25 September Dydd Gwener 25 Medi
Thursday 8 October Dydd Iau 8 Hydref
AccurateAerials improving reception since 1979
For the design, supply and installation of aerial, satellite and internet TV services, call your local Registered Digital Installer (RDI)
Mark Jones 07836 265259 ID: 18266724
18 Twyn Y Fedwen, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1HU
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Tel: 07836 265259
Email:accurateaerials@gmail.com
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ST JOHNS COLLEGE PRODUCES BEST A LEVEL RECORD IN WALES St John’s College is once more delighted to sustain its record over 16 years as the best performing school in Wales at A level and has also frequently been ranked top school in Wales in The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ based on combined GCSE and A Level performance. A Level Results 2015: A*/A - 76.6% A*/A/B - 96.8% Pass Rate - 100% Its students, including a significant number with 4 A*/A grades, are proceeding to top Russell Group Universities, including Oxbridge and Medical and Dental schools. The college’s most recent Estyn inspection report graded the school “Excellent”, including the enviable and seldom awarded “Excellent” grade for quality of teaching, stating: “The quality of teaching is an exceptional feature of the school’s work.” The strong, close-knit family atmosphere ensures that pupils receive the care necessary to develop their full potential. The girls and boys achieve beyond their predicted grades. The school is also proud of its outstanding musical reputation – a remarkable number of its most successful maths and science students proceed to medical school and
The Best A Level Record in Wales over 16 Years
the most competitive university courses, and are also diploma standard musicians. Estyn Inspectors observed that “Throughout the school, there is a very strong sense of purpose, and a collective ownership and commitment to shared values and aims. The relentless emphasis on high expectations, particularly in the quality of teaching and learning has led to exceptional outcomes for pupils of all abilities”. (Crown Copyright, 2012).
SQUIRRELS PREPARE TO DO BATTLE After finishing a creditable second in Division One East last year, Rhiwbina find themselves in Division One East Central this season, after a re-structuring of the SWALEC Leagues by the WRU. Rhiwbina prepared for the season with two tough pre-season friendlies against Premiership side Bedwas and Championship side Bargoed, followed by games against Readingensians and Gwernyfed. The Squirrels face a tough start to the league season, facing Ystrad Rhonnda at Cae Delyn on 5th September, followed by a visit to city rivals Rumney the following Saturday. Rhiwbina kick off their SWALEC Plate campaign with a home game against Pontyclun on 17th October, looking to repeat their 2014 journey to the final.
VERY LARGE COFFEE MORNING
A Level Results 2015:
A*/A - 76.6% A*/A/B - 96.8% Pass Rate - 100%
Macmillan Wales would like to invite all our readers to take part in our World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 25 September – the 25th year of the event. Last year, more than 10,700 coffee mornings were held in homes and workplaces all over Wales, helping to raise an amazing UK-wide total of just over £25 million to help us support people affected by cancer. We think that cake tastes better together so why not organise a coffee morning with family, friends or colleagues and enjoy cakes and a coffee? It’s a delicious way of raising money and will help us reach more people affected by cancer. It isn’t too late to register for your free Coffee Morning Kit. Simply visit www.coffee.macmillan. org.uk, call 0845 602 1246 or text SEPT to 70550. Don’t forget to tell them about your coffee morning plans. Tweet @MacmillanCymru or message them at their Macmillan Cymru Facebook page. 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.
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Tel:: 02920 863536
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We are a small friendly bike shop that supports bikers
St John’s College, Cardiff A leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3-18 Choir School to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral
Gala Concert
Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Tuesday 15th September 7.30pm Tickets: £5/£3 Box Office: 02920 391391 boxoffice@rwcmd.ac.uk www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com
Charity No: 701294
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
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bespoke bedrooms, bathrooms & log burners
Serving: Hot and Cold Drinks Loose Leaf Teas Baguettes and Paninis Cakes and Afternoon Tea Ice Cream Sundaes
House Clearances
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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. My dog has suddenly taken a dislike to travelling by car. We often take her out in the car so that she can have nice long walks and up until now, she’s been totally fine with the car. I now have to sit in the back with her, with her head out of the window. Is there anything else you can suggest? For your dog to suddenly take a dislike to car travel, she must have experienced some sort of adverse event. If your dog is showing signs of nausea, with drooling, restlessness and maybe even vomit, true motion sickness may be at the root. There are a variety of ‘herbal’ type remedies available in pet shops, and they may help in mild cases. There are also some very effective and safe drug treatments, and your vet will be able to advise you about these. However, judging from your description, the most likely cause of your dog’s behaviour is fear, rather than nausea. Again, there are several herbal remedies that may help her, and an interesting approach uses a tight-fitting shirt-type garment which seems to calm many anxious dogs. Several brands are marketed – Google for ‘anxiety shirts for dogs’ or talk to your vet. To overcome her fear, you need to get your dog to associate the car with pleasant experiences, such as feeding. You could start to give her meals in the car, with all the doors open and the engine switched off. Reward and praise her only when she is behaving calmly. Move on to meals eaten with the doors closed. When she has learned that the car is a nice place to be, you can progress to just sitting with her (not with a meal) and rewarding her calm behaviour. Then start the engine but don’t go anywhere. Lots of very small steps over a period of time will overcome her fear, and you will be able to travel again without distress. During this learning period, it’s important to avoid going anywhere in the car, as a negative experience (ie. her fear) will undo all the positive experiences you’ve worked hard to give her. If you need professional help, your vet will be able to recommend a local behaviour expert to assist. It’s important to remember that it is very dangerous to travel with your dog’s head out of the car window – serious eye injury could easily happen.
Do cats get arthritis? My 11 year old cat has had an active life but over the last year or so, she’s slowed down a lot. I appreciate that everyone slows down as they get older but my cat has spent most of this summer lying in the sun (not that I blame her of course!). I just wondered if there may be an underlying issue that might need attending to. Cats certainly do get arthritis, and 11 years is not too young to see this condition. Unlike in dogs, where the commonest sign would be limping and stiff joints, cats often adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the disease. They become more sedentary, so lameness and stiffness is often not observed. However, a number of other illnesses could make her less active, so it’s important not to assume the diagnosis. Your vet will be able to examine her joints and assess the likelihood of arthritis, but I often find that the best way to see if your cat is suffering in silence is to try a course of one of the very effective anti-inflammatories which are now available for cats. (Please note that human anti-inflammatories and painkillers can be lethal to cats and you should never try home treatment)
Are there non-surgical options for spaying or neutering a pet? We are considering getting a puppy for our family and we are considering our options. Thanks.
Neutering pets is done for a number of reasons, the obvious one being birth control. However, there are several long-term medical benefits to neutering, which are not gained by non-surgical control of fertility, so this factor should be taken into account when making your decision. There are a few hormone treatments which temporarily prevent breeding in dogs. For males, an implant which lasts 6 or 12 months is used. This is highly effective and safe, but must be replaced regularly. For bitches, an injection lasting a few months is available, or there are tablets. These are not as safe as the male’s implant. These treatments need to be given for the whole of the pet’s life and over that time will cost considerably more than neutering. There are no drugs which can safely be used for long-term breeding control in cats. Surgical neutering is a very safe procedure that causes little discomfort to the patient, who recovers fully in a few days, and is recommended in all but a very small number of individuals. Most vet surgeries will do this for their patients. It’s probably best to leave it to an expert. Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511 25
gardening
Climbing the Walls by Kevin Revell
Climbers are a versatile group of plants - use climbing plants to cover fences, walls, trellis, arches or obelisks. Llandaff’s Kevin Revell talks you through your options
Using Climbing Plants in the Garden
When there does not seem to be any space in the garden for any more plants, raise your eyes from the ground and have a good look around. There will undoubtedly be a number of vertical surfaces available, either on the house itself or on outbuildings and perimeter walls and fences. Perhaps doorways and seating areas would benefit from purpose-built structures such as pergolas and arbours which can be clothed with a profusion of verdant growth to provide shelter - and at certain times of the year be festooned with a mass of blossom too. Even if no 26
boundaries are available, it may be possible to use obelisks to add height to planting or partition areas of the garden with trellis panels to create discreet garden rooms. These too can be clothed with climbing plants. The bare stone or brick wall of a house can present a sterile, uninviting picture, particularly if the concrete driveway is taken right up to the walls of the house. See how the view is enhanced when beds are left within the paving so that vegetation or perhaps a tree is able to soften the starkness of the surroundings and provide a cool refuge from the baking sun. See too, how much better it looks when a climbing plant is trained on wires to garland the house and frame the doorways and windows. This will also perform a role in regulating the temperature of the house providing summer coolness and winter warmth - a factor seized upon by nesting birds and overwintering wildlife.
The Local Scene
The choice is vast; the only limit is your imagination with country cottage favourites such
as climbing roses, wisteria honeysuckle, jasmine and clematis all popular selections. All require support and perform best in a sunny or part shaded position. Others such as ivy, climbing hydrangea and virginia creeper are self-clinging and can race up to great heights if not checked, finding their way into gutters and chimney stacks, so keep an eye on them. Plants that require support are more easily contained and can be easily removed if access for maintenance to the wall or fence is required. Ivy is ideal for a shaded position and will only damage old, poorly maintained masonry, contrary to popular belief. Climbing hydrangea is another self-clinging shade lover, garlanded with cream lacecaps in midsummer. Plants trained in two dimensions will grow taller than when allowed to be self-supporting in three dimensions; display their flowers better and will be less inclined to produce woody voids typical of the internal canopy of a tree, which is fine in the right place but many gardens lack the luxury of space to allow this. Because of their potentially large
size, few climbers will perform well in pots unless tended to on a daily basis, which will restrict your opportunities for taking a holiday or going away for a weekend. Should there be no alternative however, be sure to choose as large a pot as possible and use a free-draining loam based compost which is fed and watered regularly. Once access to the ground is achieved, you can forget about most climbing plants as they exploit the moist soil found under paved surfaces. They will need no additional watering once established, so it is well worth lifting the odd paving slab or cutting a hole in cast concrete. You will not regret the initial cost in time and labour which enable the plants to reach their full potential.
Social Climbers
Many climbers work well together, one using the other for support, some flowering early such as clematis, romping through a stronger woody plant such as a summer flowering climbing rose or clambering through an old tree. Summer flowering clematis is good for covering the bare legs of a climbing rose and pleasing colour combinations are easily achieved. Honeysuckle can seem a scrawny specimen when grown in isolation on a trellis panel but it really comes into its own when allowed to clamber through other plants and is best not pruned. Few plants will change the character and feel of an area the way climbers do, whether it is the
chocolate box country cottage conversion of climbing roses trained around doors or windows, the creation of a fragrant arbour of jasmine and rambler roses or a lush jungle created by the exotic passion flower or trumpet vine. Don’t be restricted to flowers as some of the more vigorous climbers are grown for their foliage such as ornamental vines or the brilliant autumn colours provided by Boston ivy or virginia creeper. Grape vines can give a Mediterranean feel to any garden.
Kevin Revell is ‘Plant Area Manager’ at Caerphilly Garden Centre 27
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
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RHIWBINA SAYS FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO TWO COMMUNITY STALWARTS Two of Rhiwbina’s most recognisable faces are to bow out of village life this autumn. Serenade’s Paul and Margaret have been two stalwarts of the local community for 15 years after taking over the card shop that was then known as Cascade. But September will see them make way for new owners of the greetings card shop that has been one of the hubs of Rhiwbina for many years. “It’s with a heavy heart that we are packing up and heading into
semi-retirement. We have very much loved being a part of the Rhiwbina community and we are sad to leave. The good news is that Serenade will remain ‘in situ’ – in fact, the shop has been sold to a local family - we’re sure it will be in good hands. Charlotte and Joanna will be taking over the reins and I’m sure that they will add their own stamp to the place.” Living Magazines co-editor Dr Danielle Dummett said: “Paul and Margaret have been part of village life since I moved here nine years ago. As well as our business dealings with Paul and Margaret, the pair have, through their kindness, brought a smile to mine and my daughter’s face. They have helped provide me with balloons for many occasions and have always done so with a smile and a kind heart. They will be missed.” Councillor Jayne Cowan said: “Mags and Paul are terrific people and are so widely regarded and respected
throughout Rhiwbina and beyond. They are very community focussed and help so many people, charities and organisations. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they really go the extra mile. They have run a very beautiful shop with an exceptional selection of cards and gifts.” Paul and Margaret have always had input into village life behind the scenes too. Paul added: “We’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of our customers throughout the years. It’s been a pleasure serving you and serving the community. We’d also like to wish Charlotte and Joanna the very best of luck in their new venture.”
GCSE ENGLISH REVISION Starting Autumn 2015 for 2016 English Language GCSE
• Exam Techniques • Proven Results • Ongoing Support • Small classes We are currently putting together our 2015/16 GCSE English Language Revision timetable. The classes will take place in Rhiwbina and are designed to equip your student with the skills and confidence to achieve their GCSE aims. Patric Morgan is a multi award-winning writer and publisher. He is also a former English teacher with 10 years’ experience of helping students achieve their GCSE potential. Our small classes will allow for personal tuition in a relaxed and informal setting. Email hello@patricmorgan.co.uk for details of this year’s timetable and rates/discounts.
Dandelion & Burdock Each day, as I say good morning to my fellow traders on Beulah Road and put the key in the door to open my shop, I feel lucky. ‘Dandelion & Burdock’ has been my dream for the last 10 years. I have a real passion for natural health - I have worked as a reflexologist with women improving their natural fertility or preparing their bodies for IVF treatment, studied homoeopathy and also worked for Neal’s Yard, possibly one of the most recognised and respected names in natural beauty and health care – it is such a vital part of me. I wanted ‘Dandelion & Burdock’ to offer beautiful natural products, handmade by small carefully selected producers who, in addition to creating the best products, could demonstrate integrity, passion and responsibility. I offer organic skincare by award winning Herbfarmacy which is packed with the freshest antioxidant and healing ingredients. Body care comes from a company called Laughing Bird – recently featured in Country Living. Produced on a small farm in North Wales, their delicious Patchouli & Lime Body Wash has quickly become a favourite. Alongside my fertility reflexology practice I provide ‘food state’ nutrients specifically blended at ‘Wild Nutrition’ to support women seeking to conceive or are already pregnant. These are not synthetic vitamins and minerals but are easily recognised and absorbed by the body and are therefore effective and their benefits long lasting. Also available are individual Superfoods such as Goji Berries, Baobab, Wheatgrass, Ashwaganda and Spirulina. These provide a rich resource of nutrients in powder form, giving the body what it needs for optimal health and vitality even during the most stressful times of our lives. Nature is intelligent, it offers us so much and by using its powerful resources wisely and responsibly I believe it can support our individual health, wellbeing and happiness. Helen Bowen Dandelion & Burdock Remedies & Therapies 14a Beulah Road, Rhiwbina 02920 529363
EMBRACE EVERYDAY CIRCUMSTANCES Aro Ling Cardiff is a small Buddhist Centre in the heart of Whitchurch Village. It is run by Nor’dzin and ’ö-Dzin, a married teaching couple of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. They are ordained as a ngakma and ngakpa, authorised to teach, and have extensive practical knowledge and experience of applying Buddhist teachings to everyday life. Ngakma Nor’dzin is the author of Spacious Passion and Relaxing into Meditation (Aro Books worldwide, 2006 and 2010). Illusory Advice (2015) is their first jointly written publication, and is a compilation of question and answer sessions with their students. The Aro gTer Lineage is a small Nyingma family tradition. Based in Vajrayana, the methods of practice offer a practical means of understanding how our lives work. The methods of transformation enable us to live as good-natured and goodhumoured individuals, respecting everyone and everything in our environment. A hearty enjoyment of life is encouraged and a sense of humour, whilst focusing on developing kindness and awareness. This form of Buddhism is ideally suited to those who wish to embrace their everyday circumstances as the path to realisation. The Cardiff Aro Ling Centre is an extraordinary room, decorated in the traditional style of a Nyingma temple. It offers a range of events and courses presenting Vajrayana Buddhism in a friendly and open manner using ordinary language. Questions are invited and answered with an emphasis on the practical application of the teachings to our lives. Regular weekly events include meditation groups and classes, and sKu-mNyé (Tibetan yoga). Once a month, there is a Saturday morning introduction to meditation and the Aro gTér Lineage, plus a weekend event. Weekend events include Buddhist teachings, and symbolic arts and crafts. You are assured of a warm welcome. Aro Ling is funded by donations to cover running costs. Any profit is donated to the Buddhist Charity Sang-ngak-chö-dzong (#1019886) which is currently fundraising to establish a residential retreat centre in Wales. Aro Ling Buddhist Centre, rear of 35 Merthyr Road, Cardiff CF14 1DB http://aro-ling.org/cardiff 07875 716644 aro.ling.cardiff@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/arolingcardiff
PATRIC MORGAN
A travelling salesman, an unexpected invitation and an unhappy new customer I was recently up at Asda, Coryton. Going shopping in Asda is possibly the highlight of my week. On the way out, I got stopped by a man trying to sell me AA breakdown cover. I half recognised his face, namely because I used to do the exact same job back in the early 2000s. We got talking and it was soon apparent that we used to work together. It was nice to see a familiar face, even if it was a little more craggy and weatherbeaten that I remembered. We got talking about the ‘good old days’. Names I hadn’t heard of came bouncing back at me, although I struggled to put names to faces. “Remember Vic Foster? From Gloucester?” “Was that his real name?” “Yes,” said the AA man. “He owned an antique shop.” “God yes. I remember. Irish fella?” “That’s him.” “Yeah. I remember now. Lovely guy.” “Dead.” “Oh.” There were some great adventures working as a travelling salesman. One of my first outings was at a balloon festival in Hampshire. I had a phone call to say that two girls would be working with me. What I wasn’t expecting was two gorgeous ‘grid girls’ (the ones that stand on the grid of a racetrack at the start of a race), in skin-tight jump suits that were unzipped to the belly button. Naturally, the male visitors were drawn to my sales stand by the two girls, and I was able to stand back, let them do the talking, and simply sign the men up when they’d been sufficiently hooked. There was the motorcyclist who asked whether the AA was able to get his Harley on the back of a recovery vehicle. I told him that the lorries took up to 3.5 tonnes, and asked whether that would be sufficient for his needs. His reply was: ‘Depends if the
missis is sat on the back.” Then there was the man who had a puncture. I called for assistance on his behalf. His name? Oh - Mr Condom. Yes, really. One of the best things about the job, was the variety of people I got to meet. I got chatting to a very dapper chap once when I was manning my stand in the Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham. He looked well-fed and he wore one of those green Tweed jackets with the purple leather elbow patches. He talked so posh that he could hardly get the words out of his mouth and he seemed to hang around a lot longer than I was hoping. After about half an hour, he stepped back and looked me up and down. Then he asked me this question: “I hope you don’t mind me asking this, but are you openminded?” I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully understand the nature of his question. I like to think of myself as a fairly liberal person and never judge anyone until I get to know them pretty well. Unfortunately for me, it was only afterwards that I realised that this chap was hoping I’d get to know him a bit better - in more ways than I was bargaining for. “Yes,” I said without thinking. A slow, wide smile spread across his face - the sort of smile that made me feel instantly nervous. He reached into the inside pocket of his Tweed jacket and pulled out a business card. He handed it to me and said: “Give me a call sometime Patric. Let’s find out how open-minded you really are.” Then he winked at me, turned on his leather soles and clip-clopped out of the shopping centre. I stood there for a full minute with his business card in my hand before I quickly placed it in a nearby bin. I worked quite regularly with an older man called Mark. A Bristolian, he always arrived on
venue late because he deliberately drove slow wherever he went. He was on his last three points of his driver’s licence. One day, we were working at Cribbs Causeway, the large shopping centre just off the M5. I’d gone to get coffees and by the time I’d got back, he’d disappeared. I found him outside, chainsmoking. His face was as white as a sheet. Eventually, he told me what had happened while I was away. A middle-aged man and a young boy had approached Mark and enquired how much it was to join the AA. Mark gave them details and the man decided to join. Mark jotted down the man’s details on the joining-up form and then asked for payment. To Mark’s surprise, the young boy took out his wallet, pulled out a credit card and placed it on the counter. “That’s handy,” said Mark. The man and the boy looked at each other confused. “I’m sorry,” said the man. “I said that’s handy,” replied Mark “You know - your son paying for your AA membership.” The man and the young boy looked at each other again, still confused. Mark sensed that something was not quite right. Nervously, he quipped: “Sorry. Not your son no?” The boy finally spoke up. “No. I am not his son.” “Sorry. Brother. I was saying how handy it was having your brother pay for your AA membership.” The young boy leaned forward, right over the desk and into Mark’s face. “Try wife,” she growled. 31
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