Y O U R a w a r d - w i n n i n g MAGA Z INE
SWA NSE A
LIFE
Time to
shine...
236
trends to fall in love with
december 2019 £2.95
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Christmas Here comes
Comfort & joy
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Contents... D EC E M B E R
actiNG Editor Peter Slee | 01792 545559 peter.slee@reachplc.com PUBLISHER Lisa Cameron | lisa.cameron@mediawales.co.uk
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Photography Adrian White, Jonathan Myers, Hoosh Multimedia, Robert Melen Contributors Chris Peregrine, Lara Johnson, Dom Capel, Lesley Taylor, Sian Day, Joseph Atkin, Andrew Morgan, Dr Charlotte Jones, Chris Howells, James Richards, Marc White and Daniel Turner
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editoral designer Sandra Evans | sandra.evans@reachplc.com advertising For all advertsising inquiries, please call Debbie Roberts | 01792 545626 or email debbie.roberts@reachplc.com Swansea Life, Urban Village, High Street, Swansea SA1 1NW @swansealife
FASHION
BRIDE
16. WIN £200 Get a new Next wardrobe
38. A MATCH MADE IN ....MAGALUF! Join Swansea’s Gemma Evans and Cameron Robb on their big day
18. CHIC KIDS Stylish kids’ fashions they will love to wear 20.
THE POWER OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS How to turn heads and stand out from the crowd at your Christmas party
42. TYING THE KNOT ABROAD? Follow our tips to guide you expertly through 43. ‘TIS THE SEASON TO GET MARRIED Winter wedding ideas to inspire your own walk up the aisle
22. KICK BACK Party heels to dance the night away in
COVER IMAGE: Dorothy Perkins, Swansea
If we have published anything that is factually inaccurate, please contact the editor on 01792 545533, at postnews@mediawales.co.uk or at Evening Post, Urban Village, 220 High Street, Swansea, SA1 1NW and once verified we will correct it here as soon as possible. Swansea Life is part of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Ltd, a subsidiary company of Reach PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at Independent Press Standards
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Organisation, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London. EC4M 7LG. Website: www,ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Please go to www.reachplc.com/how-to-complain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Reach PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.
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121 HOUSE & HOME
SNAPPED IN SWANSEA TIME FOR YOU
54. IDYLLIC READER HOME Seaside living in Swansea
108. CHARITY FUND RAISER Thinking pink in support of breast cancer awareness
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NEED TO KNOW! Mumbles designer Lesley Taylor’s shares her top tips for on-point seasonal style
114. CELEBRATION DINNER Swansea Rotarians meet to mark a special centenary
76. DIGGING DEEP How to add wow to your mid-winter garden
121. TOURISM WINNERS The 2019 Swansea Bay Tourism Awards
85. COMFORT AND JOY Swansea Life picks its favourite baubles to dress your tree in this year
122. Ooh la la! Beaujolais Day in Swansea
Average net distribution 7,500 copies sold and distributed in Swansea, Gower and the surrounding South West Wales areas. Opinions expressed in Swansea Life magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or designer and the magazine is in no way liable for such opinions. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents are fully accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and late changes. No article, advertisement or graphic, in whole or in part, may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers. Prices correct at time of press.
132. GIFT GUIDE Your present shopping all wrapped up 136. LAPLAND SANTA We pay a magical visit to see Father Christmas 148. FROM BEER TO ETERNITY Hitting the ale trail in Mumbles
SWA NSEA
LIFE SWANSEA LIFE 5
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From the editor
I
love Christmas. Wrapping presents in that sparkly paper that somehow repels sticky tape; digging out those broken fairy lights and favourite baubles; family shouting, singing (and making a mess) all round the house; cracking open an icily delicious drink at any time of day to enjoy with a mince pie. I adore pretty much everything about it, apart perhaps from the washing up…
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There is nothing bah humbug about us here at Swansea Life either. But this issue we are asking you to pause for a moment, and think about having a (slightly more) meaningful Christmas. You don’t have to get sucked into thinking everything has to be excessive – Boxing Day doesn’t have to mean waking up to wrapping paper everywhere and those just-for-the-sake-of-it plastic presents no one actually asked for. Like charity, Christmas starts at home. When I was growing up, I always had a long list of things I wanted for Christmas. I’d start mentioning gifts I wanted in October, hoping that the news would make its way to Santa. When I got older, it didn’t stop. All the while, I’d ask my parents what they wanted. Their reply? Usually something along the lines of: “We don’t need anything. Save your money.”
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That always baffled me. How could someone not want a present? Especially when I wanted so many. I’m not exactly sure how it happened, but in the past couple of years, my wish lists have dwindled too. When anyone now asks what I want for Christmas, I stare blankly and reply with, “You don’t need to get me anything.” I understand my parents now. I guess I’ve finally crossed the threshold into that time of your life in which you’ve settled down and you can buy the things you need and save for the ones you want.
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So instead of material items, I want to spend time with my family and friends. For all the Insta-quotes online, there is one that resonates with me – don’t just buy presents, be present. Partly because you can be so busy getting the roast potatoes perfect you miss the fun of dinner itself. Partly because in some homes, with people attached to their smartphones, it can be a struggle to get anyone to listen. So what I’d really like, is just a day where everyone is fully present. So yes, I guess I lied. It turns out my wish list this year is pretty long. But it’s full of things money can’t buy. Enjoy your holidays, whether you’re gifting for others or for yourself. Until next month....
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PETER SLEE Acting editor Contact me at peter.slee@reachplc.com 01792 455559 Find us on Facebook @SwanseaLife
flashbulb! Our pick of the month’s best party get-togethers
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FASHION
Snazzy tights to party in!
STYLE
Collection Marl Star opaque tights, £8; Marks and Spencer, Swansea.
For years, threadthin, barelythere gold necklaces have dominated fashion but, for winter 2019, macro Gold necklace, versions £20; Accessorize, are taking Swansea centre stage. Chunky gold chains, last seen on Dior and Chanel runways circa 1991, were draped around the necks of models on the Bottega Veneta catwalk for autumn/winter – and now pretty much every jewellery brand is bringing out its own homage to the look from necklaces to bracelets.
GOLD!
luxe Velvet is the ultimate festive fabric; it always feels decadent and luxe without necessarily being expensive which makes it ideal as a party season fashion update. We spotted this Enchanted Valley top, £85, at Seasalt in Mumbles.
If you’re a little wary, it’s understandable: big gold chains have long been associated with Del Boy-style wheeler-dealers and hip-hop alpha males, and it’s still hard to shake the image of The A-Team’s Mr T. But go with it and you might just enjoy!
While some fashionistas have sworn off tights for good (no matter how cold it gets), others make a strong case for embracing hosiery with her latest red carpet appearance. You’ve probably already got a favourite little black dress and court heels in your wardrobe, so all you need is a pair of on-trend tights to complete the look. Hot hosiery is easy to find on the high street right now, with spots, stars and sparkly embellishments making them the perfect addition to your LBD for party season. Plus, if you’re feeling self-conscious about your pasty legs in winter (us too), patterned sheer tights give you a bit of coverage but are still subtly sexy.
love we
We love Charlotte Tilbury mascara. Why? Well, when it comes to mascara it's all about the brush and with this, it's the brush that we like so much! Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Red Carpet Red, £25; Debenhams, Swansea.
Headbands fit for any princess! We love this budget version from Primark in Swansea at under a fiver!
Headbands used to be part of the Sloane Ranger uniform, essential for parading with along with pashminas and pearls. But over the past couple of years the hair accessory has made a comeback, a trend bound to hit its peak as we approach party season.
lovely leather If the first thing that comes into your head when you see the words ‘leather trousers’ is Ross Geller from Friends, you’re not alone. But we’ve come along way from the tight trews of the 90s. So if you’re bored of jeans, a pair of paperbag waist black trousers are just as versatile teamed with a tucked in fine knit top or a chunky jumper and trainers. Cream cable jumper, £28; Black PU belted trousers, £28; Snake loafers, £28; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea and Black PU paperbag trousers, £22.40 (were £32); Miss Selfridge, Swansea.
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FASHION
Pleats a r e b a c k in v o g u e Gold pleat midi skirt; from a range at Dorothy Perkins, Swansea
We love pleated skirts. The freedom, the generosity of fabric (all those folds keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter; it’s like having your own built-in thermostat) and the sense that you’re not drawing attention to unloved lumps and bumps. Not for nothing have they been a consistent bestseller everywhere this year. Here is our choice of some of the best... 10 SWANSEA LIFE
Blush hoodie £7, black chunky trainer £12, pleated midi skirt £15; Primark, Swansea
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1. V-neck pleated long gold dress, £90; Laura Ashley, Swansea 2. Pleated dress, from a range at Miss Selfridge, Swansea 3. Pleated foil nude shell top, £16; F&F at TexcoExtra, Parc Fforestfach 4. Navy lace blouse, £29.50; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa 5. Collection skirt, £49.50; Marks and Spencer, Swansea 6. Plum pleated skirt, £22; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea 6 5
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COSY WINTER COMBOS KEEP IT COSY
Love a good funnel neck!
this season with the ultimate aviators
Aviator £70 Jeans £35 Jumper £32 Boots £50 Bag £62 Watch £36 Perfume £16 Lipstick £8 Nail Varnish £5
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Aviator £70 Jumper £26 Jeans £48 Belt £14 Boots £75 Bag £70 Hat £10 Watch £26 BB Cream £8 Perfume £14
Don ’t forg et your hat
Boots of drea ms
THIS COSY COMBO WILL BE A STAPLE IN YOUR TRANSITIONAL WARDROBE
All available at next.co.uk SWANSEA LIFE 13
Jumper goals!
THE TEMPERATURE IS DROPPING, LAYER UP WITH THE COSY KNITS 14 SWANSEA LIFE
Jacket £42 Pink Jumper £30 White Jumper £30 Jeans £32 Belt £16 Bag £40 Boots £66 Scarf £18 Perfume £14 Necklace £25 Brush £4 Nail Varnish £5 Illuminating Base Cream £6
Wrap up warm! All available at next.co.uk
KEEP OUT THE COLD AND MAKE A STATEMENT THIS WINTER Love these shades!
Fresh kicks for winter
Coat £62 Jumper £18 Dungarees £38 Bag £18 Shoes £32 Headband £6 Liquid Eyeliner £5 Mascara £10 Eyeshadow £7.50 Brush £3 Nail Polish £5 Perfume £8 Lip Gloss £5
SWANSEA LIFE 15
COMPETITION
WIN £200 TO SPEND AT NEXT*
Swansea Life has teamed up with Next to give one lucky reader the chance to win £200 to spend in Next Swansea stores. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is the following... TELL US WHY YOU DESERVE TO WIN A CHRISTMAS MAKEOVER Send your answers with your details and a daytime telephone number to Peter Slee: Next Competition, 220 High Street, Swansea SA1 1NW or email peter.slee@reachplc.com All entries need to arrive by noon on Thursday 19th December 2019
*Normal SWWMedia rules apply
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FASHION
Cosy up in festive
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pyjamas Whether you like to slip into yours the second you get in the door after work, or whether you prefer loafing around in them until just before lunch – one thing is for sure: Christmas is a time for pyjamas. From relaxing and watching films on Christmas Eve to enjoying the first Bucks Fizz of Christmas morning, festive pyjamas are one of the most popular go-to gifts for every age 4 3
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1. Christina check pyjamas, £39; John Lewis, Cardiff | 2. Contrast pyjama shirt, £25.99; Zara, Swansea 3. Polka dot pyjama set, from a range at M&S, Swansea | 4. Pyjama shirt and bottoms, £24.99; H&M, Swansea 5. B by Ted Baker, £25; Debenhams, Swansea | 6. J by Jasper Conran pyjama set, £35; Debenhams, Swansea
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FASHION
Make sure your kids look the part this Christmas ready for those treasured pictures on the big day itself
Christmas crackers
ÏÏMini mouse slippers, £8; Primark, Swansea
ÎÎGrey argyle pattern knitted romper, £16-£17, Hat, £5, both Next, Morfa Retail Park and Swansea Picture: Purecreations Photography
ÏÏAll-in-one £10; M&S, Swansea
ÏÏElf pyjamas, £7; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea
ÏÏ‘Santa baby’ set, £22; River Island, Swansea
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ÐÐBoden appliqué play set, £30
ÏÏChristmas jumper dress and tights, £13; Sainsbury’s, Swansea
ÏÏChristmas pudding hat and booties set by Anagibb, Notonthehighstreeet.com, £28,99
ÏÏPenguin scarf, £12.50; FatFace, Mumbles
ÏÏRed robin four-piece set, £16; Morrisons, Llansamlet
ÏÏChristmas sweater, £22.98; Zara, Swansea
Personalised script name christmas jumper, £20; Blueberry Boo Kids
ÏÏKids Santa jumper, £11; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea
Child’s hidden message mittens, £20; Notonthehighsdtreet.com
ÏÏBaby GOTS organic cotton Christmas tree romper and headband set, £18; John Lewis, Cardiff
ÏÏXmas pocket cardigan, £6; F&F at Tesco, Swansea marina
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FASHION
Black and gold lace pencil dress, £16.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa
Black embellished neck swing dress, £45; Wallis, Swansea
Mesh spot pussybow dress, £55; Oasis, Swansea
Tie back crepe dress, £45; Next, Swansea
Jadehigh neck dress, £110; Monsoon, Swansea
Black beaded dress, £145; JD Williams
Black crossover dress, £24.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa
Ruby ruffle dress, £80; Lipsy
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Black mesh bow flock ruffle mini dress, £39; Miss Selfridge, Swansea
Black tuxedo dress, £30; F&F at TescoExtra, Parc Fforestfach
Black mesh sequin trim shift dress, £25.99; New Look, Swansea
Sawyer dress, £199; Hobbs, Cardiff
Knit dress with organza sleeves, £49.99; Zara, Swansea
Black silver collar hem dress, £45; Evans, Swansea
Star by Julien Macdonald PU dress, £39; Debenhams, Swansea
Persona by Marina Rinaldi sleeveless sparkle dress, £265; John Lewis, Cardiff
The little black dress is a bit of a game-changer. It’s long been a fail-safe style for eveningwear, and still remains a timeless classic
THE
LBD FESTIV E S P EC IAL
From velvet to lace, sleeves to strapless – there’s a whole host of LBD’s to suit any body shape and every budget. Most will likely own, and heavily depend on their trusted LBD to take them through the party season and beyond. Check out the SL fashion team's edit of this season's best high street buys...
Lace tea dress, £39.99; Bon Prix, Swansea
Marmalade Bardot neck textured dress, £60; Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park
Black velvet glitter dress, £65; M&Co, Cardiff
Sequin dress, £85; River Island, Parc Fforestfach
Collection dress, £45; M&S, Swansea
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FASHION
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y t r a Pheels
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These showstopper heels were made for showing off your Christmas moves. The Swansea Life team picks out its favourite party shoes ready for those festive nights out!
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1. Wide fit Savannah block heel, £32; Miss Selfridge, Swansea | 2. Red barely there sandal, £39; Wallis, Swansea | 3. Heaven sent, £55; Office, Swansea 4. Pink rainbow toe heels, £19; George at Asda, Morriston | 5. Lola Skye spot print strappy heeled sandals, £35; Dorothy Perkins, Swansea 6. Dark red faux croc platform heels, £27.99; New Look, Swansea | 7. Black velvet platform shoe, £19; George at Asda, Gorseinon 8. Silver heel, £20; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea | 9. Black glitter point heel shoe, £18; F&F at TescoExtra, Llansamlet 10. Monterey sandals, £95; Dune of London | 11. Faith barely there platform sandal, £45; Debenhams, Swansea
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Celebrating a decade of
‘beautiful hair’
...
Bello Capelli celebrate a huge milestone of 10 years in business by throwing a party for all customers. Since opening its doors in 2009 by sisters, Lucia & Andrea Ismail, ‘Bello Capelli’ has gone from strength to strength. Recognising their Italian heritage, they named the salon ‘Bello Capelli’, which translates into ‘Beautiful hair’. “We’re over the moon to celebrating 10 years in business and we’ve seen significant changes to the business” says Lucia. “We’ve expanded the salon and doubled in size to make room to offer a wider range
of beauty treatments such as facial aesthetics, dermaplaning, chemical peels, microneedling, bio sculpture nails and spray-tans. It’s great to offer our customers the entire hair & beauty regime under one roof, including our new full-time professional make-up artist & brow expert” The dynamic team have also ensured that 90% of products are vegan friendly and none are tested on animals. The team continue to deliver a great service to all customers and look forward to the next ten years. They wish to express a huge thank you to all customers for their support and they look forward to seeing you again soon.
11 St Mary’s Square, Swansea SA1 3LP Tel: 01792 648928 bellocapellihair.co.uk
£10 OFF
ALL COLOURS DURING JANUARY 2020 *T&C’s apply. Booking essential
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM US ALL
38 Ravenhill Rd, 72 New Road, Swansea, SA5 5AW Skewen, SA10 6HE 01792 587444 01792 812858
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HAIR & BEAUTY
PARTY makeup to sparkle This is the perfect time of year to elevate your look with a bit of sparkle and shine THE EYES
Christmas party makeup means one thing and one thing only: sparkles, and lots of them. The great thing about glittery makeup is you can tailor it to your personality or how you’re feeling on the night. For one party, you might fancy a low-key shimmer, but the next, you could be looking for sparkly lips, eyes and cheeks – the whole shebang.
Backstage at Ashish
THE LIPS If you want the AW19 look, take inspiration from the Ashish fashion show, which accentuated models’ lips with a lot of red sparkles. It’s a bold look, but if you’re used to wearing a red lip, adding glitter is the perfect way to level up, even if it’s just for Christmas Day. If red isn’t your style, ease yourself into the trend with a paler shade that has a subtler shimmer. ÎÎBeauty Blvd glitter lips in ruby slippers, £8.99 ÐÐHaus Laboratories by Lady Gaga Le Riot lip gloss in venus, £17, Amazon
Rihanna at the launch of Fenty Beauty in London, wearing shimmery purple highlighter
Luckily, you need don’t to be a pro makeup artist to nail the glitter trend on your eyes, as the fashion is for fairly indiscriminate sparkles all over your lids. Many of us are scared of applying red eyeshadow – after all, you don’t want to look like you have a rash – but adding sparkles is the perfect solution. Pile fire-engine red glitter onto the lids without danger of it looking like you’ve got a skin condition. Gold and silver eyeshadow is appropriately festive too and can be taken up or down in intensity, depending on your preference. And for those who want the minimalist version of the trend, opt for lighter, pearlier shades, which will still be festive and subtly different from your day-to-day makeup.
THE SKIN It’s not just your eyes and lips which can be the star of the show, you can also get in on the shimmery trend by being liberal with highlighter along your cheekbones. Or, if you want to step it up a notch and really get into the Christmas spirit, you can dot glitter artfully around your face. If you’re going to go all out in sparkles, now is undoubtedly the time of year to do it – after all, it is party season.
ÐÐNyx Lip lingerie glitter in nude pink glitter, £7, available from Nyx
ÍÍMilani gilded noir eyeshadow palette, £28.25, Boots
ÍÍMosaic glow blush, £31; NARS
ÎÎMAC Spellbinder shadow/starring you in stairs to the stars, £19 ÍÍFantasy gold glitter pot and fixing gel, £2, Superdrug
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ÏÏFenty Beauty Killawatt foil freestyle highlighter duo, £28, Harvey Nichols
ÐÐHuda Beauty matte and metal liquid eyeshadows in limelight and gold chains, £22, Harvey Nichols
HAIR & BEAUTY
TOP 5 FIXERS How to stop blonde hair from turning brassy
Every blonde knows, that of all the hair disasters likely to strike between salon appointments, developing unwanted brassy locks might just be the worst. Even if you shell out a small fortune getting the perfect creamy colour at the hairdressers, just a few short weeks later, your hair can often turn an undesired shade as your icy tone fades fast. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to both prevent and fix an attack of the brassy blondes. Why does bleached hair turn brassy? When your hair is lightened at the hairdressers, it’s usually bleached with a mixture of ammonia and peroxide. Even the most silvery of bottle blondes are left with some underlying pigment in the hair though, and as the artificial colour begins to fade, the warm tones start creeping back in. “People assume that if they leave bleach on their hair for long enough, it will go completely white, but there’s still some natural pigment that’s left inside of the cortex which never goes away,” explains Michael Shaun Corby, global creative director of Living Proof. This is why brassiness tends to strike in dark hair that gets dyed platinum or blonde. “Some people also have what I call a ‘pre-existing condition’ , which is when they previously had their hair tinted a darker shade or added some highlights between. This causes permanent staining that never goes completely light. “As hairdressers, we tone those away with pearl tones, violet tones and shades of blue. But when the blue molecules fade, you’re left with a sort of stained plastic look that’s brassy, yellow and orange.”
Tip 1: Shampoo the hair only once Lather, rinse, repeat. It’s a mantra that many of us follow in the shower, but all that double cleansing could be stripping your hair of its precious colour. “Keeping the beautiful work that your stylist created as long as possible starts with shampooing less,” says Corby. “I always advise shampooing only once, not twice, because you don’t need it.”
Tip 2: Dry hair immediately out of the shower You might think that leaving your locks to naturally air dry is the best way to keep your blonde in top condition, but experts say this is the first mistake many people make after leaving the salon. “The longer the hair is wet, the more the blue molecule is prone to fall out of the hair,” explains Corby. “Rather than waiting, get your hair dry straight out of the shower using a hairdryer, and spray in lots of heat protection.” Davines Melu shield heat protection spray, £26.10 for 250ml
Tip 3: Skip the straighteners It’s tempting to recreate those perfect loose curls you left the salon with, but if you want your blonde to go further, it’s a good idea to limit your use of heated tools, like tongs and straighteners. “Excess heat to the hair can cause blondes to go brassy, especially if your colourist uses a toner,” explains Katie Hale, head of colour at Charles Worthington. “The more heat used, the more it effects the cuticle,” says Hale Slipsilk hair scrunchies, £39 for a pack of three
Tip 4: Go for a colour refresh “Pop in to see your colourist for a ‘colour refresh,” says Hale. “This usually involves applying a glaze to remove any brassy tones and amp up cooler ashy tones.” Hair toner can help you correct or personalise your colour, to control brassiness and keep hair looking healthy. The blonde toners used by hairdressers usually come in a purple colour, since the violet reduces yellow tones and eliminates brassiness. A silver shampoo or home toner can help to keep your colour in peak condition between appointments too. Living proof colour care whipped glaze, £24
Tip 5: Change your shampoo game Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the build-up of pollution or product that coats the hair and makes it look murky or dull. Drying sulphates are chemicals used as foaming agents to form a lather in many shampoos, but they can strip your hair of their natural oils, so look out for sulphatefree options, which are kind to colourtreated locks. As a general rule, most experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days, and although opinion is divided on the matter, the overwhelming majority say washing too much can cause hair breakage. Bumble and Bumble gentle shampoo, £22.50
John Frieda sheer blonde lightening shampoo, £6.99
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Annie Cartwright Annie Cartwright MSc, RGN, IP advanced aesthetic nurse practitioner
Director of Skin and Face Clinics, Annie Cartwright, gives her advice on how to achieve fuller, natural-looking lips, and avoid that ‘inflated’ look
Simple tips for luscious lips
Q A
How do you get fuller lips and avoid the pitfalls of lip treatments that look false or overdone?
As the festive season approaches, it can be tempting to add a bit of extra sparkle to the Christmas celebrations by rejuvenating your look with fuller, more luscious lips. Let’s face it, the colder winter months can definitely take their toll on your skin and make you feel like adding a bit of extra glamour to refresh your look and give you a
Your practitioner should be able to offer you options and treatment that’s right for you
28 SWANSEA LIFE
real confidence boost. Lips can start to deflate after the age of 40, so plumping your lips can be a useful rejuvenating procedure to refresh your look. However, many women don’t take the plunge to secure that fuller pout because they think they might end up with oversized ‘Christmas Cracker’ lips that will leave them looking unnatural. The good news is that it doesn’t have to end this way if you choose the right practitioner, who uses the right product in the right way. Experienced practitioners will have a good artistic eye for shape and proportion and a sound understanding of anatomy and ageing, ensuring your treatment is not only safe but also gives you a good aesthetic outcome. The right treatment provider won’t try to give you copycat lips that you may have seen in a magazine, but will know they have to work with the anatomy of the surrounding areas of your own lips to make improvements. A good example of this is the way that teeth play an important part in determining the shape of the lower face. My top tips for ensuring you secure the fuller lips you are looking for and avoid that inflated look, or
worse still complications, include: ■■Treat it as a red flag if the person providing the treatment is not named on glamorous-looking clinic websites! ■■Before you book a treatment, find out the name of the specific practitioner who will be treating you, so you can look them up online and verify their level of experience and qualifications. Often lips are the first thing trainees with limited experience learn to do; ensure you know exactly who you are trusting with your face. ■■Avoid offers that draw you into payment schemes or incentivise you to have a treatment with friends for a discount. Ultimately, these are medical interventions and decisions should be made without pressure. ■■ Be realistic about the look you can achieve with the anatomy you have. ■■Depending on the look you are after, the quantity and choice of injectable product can play a part in the outcome. Your practitioner should be prepared to discuss this with you in detail and offer you some options. ■■ Treatment normally takes just 45 minutes and should be arranged with enough time to allow any potential bruising or swelling to settle down before a special party or event; I would suggest at least a week in advance. Cardiff’s skin and face expert Annie Cartwright is an advanced nurse practitioner in medical aesthetics. Call 029 2056 7096 to find out more or visit www.skinandfaceclinics.com
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HAIR & BEAUTY
REAL WOMEN, WINNING LOOKS W ITH
C H R I S
H O W E L LS
Swansea-based international make-up artist and winner of the National Federation of Hairdressing’s Welsh Make-up Artist of the Year award, Chris Howells, gives a Swansea woman a new seasonal look for December complexion exactly any of you have asked about how and one the same to achieve a tone, but two shades shows topping darker, to enhance party look. So the 3D of her killer with party season cheekbones. upon us here is I used the what I hope is some major flat-topped inspiration for you. foundation brush I started Lian’s makeup look and quickly buffed with skincare, starting with a fine the regular shade of mist of Caudalie mist followed by foundation over the Caudalie Premiere Cru moisturiser. whole face, taking On the eyes I applied Urban care around the eyes and also Decay Primer Potion to her eyes taking it down the neck and onto then followed with Bobbi Brown the décolleté. eye crayon in violet plum. Using Then a tiny amount of the the all-over eye brush from the darker shade and blending it Walford-Richards Designs Brush seamlessly around the hairline Collection I blended out the and under the cheekbones. I crayon across the lash line used Charlotte Tilbury up to the crease and concealer to erase any Use Code: out to nothing. Taking chris20 for a massive dark circles, blending the Urban decay it onto the skin with 20% off Electric Palette, I used everything site wide the concealer brush. www. the eye finishing Taking the powder walfordrichards brush to blend the brush, I applied Ben vibrant purple shade Nye glowing Banana over the crayon, Powder to set the base. concentrating on the whole Then Bobbi Brown powder of the lid, stretching it out to a soft blush in pale pink to give a tiny point on the outside of the eyes. flush to the apples of the cheeks Taking the smudge brush, and using the finishing eye brush blend a small amount of a much just as a transition to finish the darker purple shade gently into eyeshadow. the crease and on the outer Anastasia Beverly hills brow wiz corner of the lash line, then in dark brown shaped the brows blended Bobbi Brown Luxe and I used Bite Beauty lip pencil in shadow in high octane across the pale nude to line the lip and “ball” of the eye. You can wet this Amuse Bouche lipstick in shadow for a more foil like finish sugarcane, followed by lip gloss in too. Taking a black gel liner and a flat white just to the centre of the flat liner brush. lips. I pushed a tight line into the Taking the angled cheek colour underneath of the upper lashes, brush and Charlotte going from outer corner to inner Tilbury Film star Bronze corner avoiding the waterline. and Glow, accentuate Using the pencil brush blend around the hairline, under the electric purple into the lower the cheekbones, down the lash line, apply the Eylure Luxe Mink look lashes and to finish the neck and across the eyes run Bobbi Brown waterproof décolleté. Then taking Bobbi Brown kohl pencil into the lower lash Highlight in Afternoon line. Glow to the browbone, For the most gorgeous cupids bow and top of the complexion I used Tatcha Silk cheekbones and the canvas primer all over the base then Bobbi Brown silk foundation collarbone for that final va-va in two shades, one to match Lian’s voom.
M
30 SWANSEA LIFE
Before
All hair products by Show Beauty Photography by James Richards Makeup brushes from Walford-Richards Designs Makeup and hair by Chris Howells Makeup chrishowells_uk@yahoo.co.uk
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HAIR & BEAUTY
Makeover! W ITH
L ARA
JOHNSON
Stylist and Mumbles salon owner Lara Johnson shares her best insider tips in her monthly column
ter af
C o l o ur stateme n t Model: Abi Garrick Occupation: Student and model
abi says I have had long hair for ages which I bleach. The problem I have is that firstly I’m just a bit fed up of the look. I also have lots of breakage but don’t want to go shorter. I love what the team has done. I have had layers put through, which has evened it all up and makes it so much easier to style and do stuff with. I also love the colour, I wanted to keep it light but wanted something interesting. I nearly always wear my hair down as it is very thick, but I wanted a look with some of it up which the team showed me how to do.
Lara Johnson Lifestyle says We work to the ethos that the hair has to be an accessory. The style should compliment not only the look, but also the lifestyle of the person who is wearing it. Abi has a softness to her which we wanted to compliment. We feel that Abi suited being light but the whole style was a bit flat both in shape and colour. We started with the cut and created a shape that didn’t loose any perimeter length, but created shape and movement within the haircut. We then coloured Abi’s hair working with metallic tones layered on top of each other to help create texture and interest. To finish, we went for a dressing that Abi can keep plenty of length but it still has a ‘Christmas party’ bit of volume to it! Very Bardot.
32 SWANSEA LIFE
B e f o re ...
...
Step by step...
ish fin
Th e H a l f- U p B o u f fa n t This style is a perfect look for those whose hair generally falls flat, as it creates added volume and fullness. It works really well with straight and wavy hair and suits accessories. It looks great on mid-length and long hair and is a good choice if you prefer to leave some of your hair down. It can be dressed as a soft look or straight. Its a great one to put up quickly for those parties! Difficulty level? Can be done with some practice but work with a partner if you can. What you need? n A brush, pins or grips n Hair spray n Tongs or similar if you want it wavy
befor e
1
2
3
4
5
6
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Set the hair to create movement. We are going for a wave.
When full head is set spray with hairspray. This will help its dressing and with hold.
Brush out the set in sections of two or three curls.
Begin backcombing or brushing at the crown. Take horizontal sections and work forwards.
Brush and gather the hair back over your volume. Twist it tight.
Secure the twist against the scalp with a pin or grip.
SWANSEA LIFE 33
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Change your habits to beat winter tiredness No matter your age, a few simple lifestyle changes can help to combat sluggishness when the big chill sets in. Liz Connor hears four of the best
It’s a scenario that many of us are familiar with. No matter how much coffee you drink or how many motivational podcasts you blast through your headphones, you’re still yawning into the crook of your elbow all day and counting down the hours until bedtime. Whether it’s the lack of sunlight, the looming Christmas deadlines or bone-chilling temperatures, the winter months can often leave many of us feeling plagued by fatigue, tortured by sub-quality sleep and running on empty. It’s a major issue in the UK. Statistics show that one in five people feel unusually tired at any one time, and one in 10 have prolonged fatigue, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. If you’re over-caffeinating to get through the day and feel groggy most mornings, it might be time to intervene with some self-help. We spoke to experts to find a few simple yet effective ways to beat the energy crisis and have a natural flow of get-up-andgo.
Put sleep on your plate It’s no secret that sleep has a huge impact on energy levels during the day, and if you don’t get enough, you’re more likely to feel snoozy. For a great night’s kip, strive to eat a 34 SWANSEA LIFE
pattern of eating are equally important to maintain energy levels,” she adds. We tend to eat more during winter and opt for hearty meals such as pies, stews, roast dinners and other winter warming comfort foods, but it’s important to still maintain a good, balanced diet. “Focus on eating regularly and making every mouthful count by choosing nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day,” says Dr Arroll. balanced diet that factors in the amino acid tryptophan, which nutritionist Rob Hobson explains is “used in the brain to synthesise the sleep hormone melatonin”. Melatonin is a hormone made naturally by your body that signals that it’s time to hit the hay. “Tryptophan is found in foods such as turkey, soy, nuts, seeds, oily fish, beans and pulses,” explains Rob, speaking on behalf of Healthspan (healthspan.co.uk). Dr Meg Arroll, a leading psychologist specialising in behaviour and health change, also advises eating an evening meal that’s loaded with carbohydrates such as pasta or rice, as this helps with the uptake of tryptophan into the brain. “The quality of your diet alongside your
Get into the habit of trying something new every week Routine can be good, but repeating the same tasks can mentally add to that sluggish ‘same-old’ feeling during the winter months. “Just as eating a range of foods supports physical and gut health, stimulating the mind with diverse mental ‘nourishment’ boosts vitality and energy,” says Dr Arroll. Whether it’s finding a new exercise class, indulging in a new creative hobby or taking in some live music, breaking your routine can help to make the days feel more fulfilling.
after a long day at work and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. “Just 30 minutes could change your whole outlook on winter, even if it’s just a brisk walk,” he says. Dr Arroll reveals that almost half of all our daily actions are habitual – “in other words, we’re on autopilot 50% of our waking lives.” She adds: “Our autopilots unconsciously use information from our surroundings to guide behaviour, so increase your chances of successful habit change by tweaking your environment.” Want to stick to a routine? “Leave your trainers in plain sight to prompt that morning walk and put the healthy food at eye-level in the fridge, rather than tucked away in the chiller drawer. Little tweaks like this really go a long way,” she says.
Let there be light Sunlight doesn’t just keep us warm – it also plays a huge role in keeping us healthy and energised. “In the brighter months, it works as a natural alarm clock, waking us up gradually and leaving us ready to face the day,” says Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director for Bupa Health Clinics (bupa.com).
Trying something new doesn’t have to be expensive either. “You could even read a type of literature or material that you may not normally seek out,” suggests Dr Arroll. “If you’re a romance fan, try a crime thriller. If you like to read the financial pages why not challenge your brain and reach for a sci-fi book?”
Get moving “During the winter months it can be harder to find the motivation to exercise, but maintaining a regular regime can make you feel more energetic, strengthen your immune system and improve your mood,” says Dr Arun Thiyagarajan, medical director at Bupa Health Clinics (bupa.co.uk). Aside from keeping you in good shape, Dr Thiyagarajan notes that a workout has mental benefits – releasing a potent mix of the feel-good chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, which can help you de-stress
“As we approach winter though, we’ll often find ourselves getting up in the dark, making it harder to find that ‘get-up-and-go’ feeling. “In addition to the psychological effects of shorter days, sunlight also plays an important role in helping the body produce hormones called melatonin and serotonin.” The former is used to help regulate our sleep patterns and keep us feeling alert. Without it, we can find ourselves struggling to stay awake. “Similarly, serotonin is used to help regulate our mood – in laymen’s terms it’s the happy hormone,” says Dr Powles. “When we’re in short supply of serotonin, it’s more likely that we’ll feel gloomy or disinterested.” While a sunny holiday might sound like a nice way to increase our exposure to sunlight, the reality is that it’s not always possible.” Thankfully there are alternatives, and many of us will see some benefit just by taking a walk outside for as little as 20-30 minutes a day,” Dr Powles says. “Otherwise, you can also try using SAD lamps – plug-in, indoor lights which mimic the sun and are thought to boost levels of serotonin and melanin alike.” Although evidence around light therapy is still not 100% conclusive, Dr Powles says that it does look as though SAD lamps can deliver positive short-term effects. “This means it could be a helpful way to banish the winter blues until the days start getting longer.” That being said, if you’ve got conditions with your skin or eyes that make you sensitive to light, it’s worth checking in with your GP before using them. With a few healthy adjustments, winter doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
ASK
DR. CHARLOTTE
This month Sketty GP and Swansea Life doctor Charlotte Jones, focuses on the festive season as she prepares for Christmas with her invaluable guide to keeping friends and family healthy...
‘Tis the season... Headaches from too much sherry, food poisoning from the prawn cocktail, slipping on ice while delivering presents – or on the children’s new roller skates – Christmas may be a time of good cheer and fine feeling, but it has its own inevitable hazards Headaches from too much sherry, food poisoning from the prawn cocktail, slipping on ice while delivering presents – or on the children’s new roller skates – Christmas may be a time of good cheer and fine feeling, but it has its own inevitable hazards. Minor ailments and colds are very common over the festive season. So it is wise to be prepared. You don’t want to find yourself spending Christmas morning in A&E if you don’t have to. Yes, it is the season to be jolly. And for many, it is a wonderful special time of year. So how can you avoid some common festive problems? A kiss under the mistletoe Kissing can be good for your health with medical experts believing it to affect many brain hormones for the better leading to: n reduced stress and anxiety n increased happiness n improved immune systems n reduced blood pressure n lower pain perception. However, if you kiss someone with glandular fever or a cold sore then you could end up with more than your bargained for. Find out more on www.nhs.uk website. Diarrhoea and vomiting Eat healthily and sensibly sounds obvious, but we see a number of patients with stomach problems related to under-cooked foods (typically meats.) For most people the mainstay of treatment is to avoid dehydration and replace all the lost fluids and electrolytes. If you think you are becoming dehydrated or have severe tummy pain or have other serious medical problems (eg. diabetes, impaired immune system) or have blood in stool or vomit or are concerned you are not getting better then seek medical help. See www.patient.info for more information. A festive tipple or two…. Without wanting to spoil anyone’s fun, the risk of excess alcohol are well known – increased rates of falls and injuries (sometimes fatal), higher rates of
36 SWANSEA LIFE
unprotected sex, arguments etc. Binge drinking is as hazardous as regular excess alcohol and people are often unaware of the weekly limits. For more information on sensible drinking see www.drinkaware.co.uk. Stress “There ain’t no Sanity Claus” said Chico Marx ... that quote will resonate with many of us as we feel frazzled with everything there is to do in the lead up to Xmas. I like to-do lists and if you are anxious about money worries you can get excellent sensible advice from many sources, such as Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Money Advice Service. Your bank or building society is also a good place to get advice. Running out of medication You would be amazed at the numbers of repeat prescription requests coming through to the GP Out of Hours Service over Xmas. As the GP Out of Hours Service only issue a few days of medication to tide you over, and your chemist may not be able to issue a “tide over” emergency supply, I would recommend planning ahead and order your prescription at least 48 hours before you need it. Flu Flu is a truly horrid illness caused by the influenza virus – as anyone who has had it will tell you. It is typically more severe if you have underlying medical problems eg. chronic heart or lung disease, are elderly or have an impaired immune system It always advise having the flu vaccine if you are in the at risk categories (see www. nhs.uk vaccinations section). There are many myths around about the flu vaccine, but I can assure you it does not cause flu and is made up of strains of the virus that the experts believe are going to cause influenza this year. If you want a flu vaccine, and can’t have free of charge, then there are pharmacists and other organisations that can offer it for a fee – sadly, your own GP cannot offer you the vaccine privately even though they would like to be able to. Lastly, enjoy your festive season: eat healthily, drink sensibly and be merry.
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BRIDE
Gemma & Cameron It started off as a holiday romance. Six years later, Gemma Evans and Cameron Robb from Winch Wen in Swansea tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Fairyhill in Gower. Peter Slee talks to them about their big day...
38 SWANSEA LIFE
How did you meet? We met when we were both 18. I was on my first girls’ holiday to Magaluf (who’s first girls’ holiday wasn’t?) and Cameron was on his first boys’ holiday. The rest, as they say, is history! How did he propose? Cameron took us back to where it all began – Magaluf! He took me to Pirates, which is a dinner theatre show in Mallorca. It has acrobatics, gymnastics and dancing. After food, Cameron got on stage and popped the question! Where did you get married? We had a beautiful outdoor ceremony which was held at Fairyhill by Oldwalls, in Gower. What attracted you to the venue? We’ve been engaged for six years and I had always imagined, from being a child, married on a lawn, in front of a big beautiful house. I was open to getting married anywhere in the UK, but Cameron didn’t want to get married outside Swansea. We originally considered Fairyhill six years ago when it was a hotel and restaurant, but it wasn’t big enough for what we wanted. We searched for six years and just couldn’t find the right venue. So when we heard that the Oldwalls Collection had acquired Fairyhill we couldn’t wait to see the plans. The K room wasn’t built at that stage and all we saw was a virtual reality image of what the room would look like. But we fell so in love with the vision we booked on the spot! The first time we visited after the renovations and extension were complete we couldn’t believe our eyes, it was even more amazing than we could ever have imagined. What was special about it? Where do we begin? The grounds were beautiful and perfect for the outdoor ceremony that I had envisioned. We absolutely loved the K room and the unique combination of contemporary and traditional architecture. It was important that we had an exclusive venue that was versatile. We wanted to use different parts of the venue to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of our special day. It was also important to have a venue that allowed outdoor ceremonies and the setting at Fairyhill was just perfect for what we had in mind especially with the string quartet performing during the ceremony. SWANSEA LIFE 39
BRIDE
40 SWANSEA LIFE
What was your theme? I used inspiration from a handful of different themes. I wanted a banquet hall theme for the wedding breakfast with white table cloths, black napkins and gold cutlery. In the evening we included a gothic element with black candles to set the mood. Eve Francesca Designs did our flowers and she was amazing, I was so pleased with how she brought my vision to life. I wanted something unique from the floristry. We had all types of fruit among the flowers and pampas grass to create a chic and contemporary boho feel.
preforming outside on the patio and for the little ones (and the adults) we had footie goals, basketball and air hockey set up on the terrace. To top it off we danced the night away to the Soulskunks.
What did you wear? I wore a Jesus Peiro crepe dress from White Bride Wales. The exquisite gown was made to measure and had petal detail sleeves. My headdress was from Davina Lynch Hats. My bridesmaids wore Valdenize Soares’ versatile infinity dresses, in burnt orange, to complement the rich colour scheme. It was important for me to create a timeless, classic look with my dress and the groomsmen’s suits, so that when me and Cameron look back at our photos in 20 years time our wedding won’t look outdated.
What’s your recommendation to future couples getting married ? Try and spend as much time together, the day goes by so quickly! Enjoy it, hold hands and most importantly eat the evening food! We were so busy talking we completely forgot about the buffet, so we took a plate to the honeymoon suite but the kids got there before us!
How did you entertain your guests? We had singing waiters in the day as part of the wedding breakfast. They burst into song as dessert was being served which was a surprise to everyone and certainly got our friends and family off their feet! The food itself was entertainment! We had a lavish five-course wedding breakfast: imagine smashed duck spring roll, sirloin of Welsh beef with madeira jus and vanilla crème brulee. Fairyhill really does live up to its foodie reputation – even as a wedding venue! After our food we had guitarist, Wolfie,
Suppliers:
How did you feel on the day? I’d dreamt about this day for so long, I had no help and did everything by myself. I felt really nervous and overwhelmed. But after the wedding breakfast and speeches those feelings subsided and I was excited to spend time with everybody, chill out and take it all in.
Venue: Fairyhill by Oldwalls Photographer: Richard Savage Photography Florist: Eve Francesca Designs Dress: Jesus Peiro from White Bride Wales Videographer: Adam Lyduch Films
Image courtesy of Pippa Carvall Photography
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BRIDE
What you need to know about planning a
Wedding ABROAD A kiss at sunset in Greece, where the process to obtain a marriage certificate can take several weeks
More couples than ever are gathering their nearest and dearest for sun-soaked destination weddings – yet planning your day from afar can be daunting, and legal obligations can often be overlooked. Partner at law firm JMW Solicitors, Katie Lowe, said: “Year-on-year, we see an increase in calls from couples with issues relating to weddings abroad. They’ve had a wonderful wedding, then find out they were never married at all.” To ensure your wedding is bona fide rather than bogus, make sure these boxes are ticked.
Quirky customs
Have documents translated
If you’re jetting off to Mexico, don’t forget to arrange blood tests; both the bride and groom will need blood tests at a Mexican hospital before the wedding, witnessed by four people. Lowe advises: “Along with documents and paperwork, some countries do have very specific rules which can be somewhat left-field. Make sure you do your research well in advance to make sure you are comfortable with the conditions.”
Gathering the right paperwork is just the beginning; you’ll also need documents to be translated, including birth certificates, passports and a decree absolute if either of you is divorced. Make sure you have this done well in advance to avoid delays.
Gather the right legal documents
Check the residency rules
Certify certificates and keep them safe
Make sure you’re clear on the paperwork you need before booking your wedding. The rules differ considerably between regions, with some more onerous than others. Don’t leave it to your wedding planner – it’s not uncommon for couples to be married without the right paperwork. Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger’s exotic marriage in Bali is a famous example: It was claimed the priest who officiated the ceremony did not receive the right legal documents, there had only been one witness, and a letter of authority hadn’t been received from the British consul.
Those planning on heading straight down the aisle could find they need to spend some time in the country before saying, ‘I do’. In Croatia and Cyprus, for example, the couple must spend three days in the country before the wedding can take place legally; in Thailand you’re required to spend four days. Even more planning is required in Greece, where documents must be obtained from the local registrar at least 28 days in advance, and Italy has a few strange regulations: If you’re female and have been divorced or widowed in the last 300 days, you won’t be permitted to marry.
Make sure you keep marriage documents safe to avoid issues further down the line. Lowe says: “People often don’t get a certified copy of their marriage certificate on returning to the UK, assuming all the legal legwork has been done prior to the wedding. “The General Register Office will need to register it, which cannot be done if the original copy has been lost. “Where copies are lost, it’s difficult to get hold of new versions – and without them, those who want to divorce will find it difficult to move on. “If you’re getting married abroad, seek legal advice beforehand to make sure that the necessary requirements have been met – it could save an awful lot of heartache.”
In Mexico both the bride and groom will need blood tests
To get legally married in Bali you are required to have both a religious and civil ceremony
In Italy, couples are free to pursue non Catholic ceremonies but they’re not legally binding
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BRIDE
■ Photography: Richard Savage at Oldwalls
A wedding at christmas – What could be better? Navigate the winter wedding season in style with these key ideas from Swansea wedding PR specialist Shakira Obaid...
N
ot everyone dreams of a summer wedding. In fact there are some brides and grooms for whom moody skies and snow covered churches are the backdrops they’ve always dreamed of. They embrace the cold and dark days of winter and all that comes with the festive season. And it’s not just the romance of a winter wedding that’s so appealing. There’s something truly magical about a winter wedding. Here, I’ve compiled tips, tricks and ideas to make your wedding a winter wonderland and not a cold weather catastrophe. 1. Berry good... A rich palette of burgundy, red, raspberry and plum intertwined with seasonal green foliage, berries and acorns is a winner at this time of the year. This colour scheme is huge at the moment and really complements a baron winter landscape, creating a dramatic effect that will make your photos pop. 2. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas… Twinkling fairylights, lanterns, silver candelabras classic roses, acorns and foliage. I rest my case! 3. Ice queen... Unlike everyday fashion, the top wedding
dress designers only bring out one collection a year. Fear not, there are so many beautiful styles suited to a winter wedding this season. Think tailored and long sleeved with a hint of winter lace. Go for a long train for a touch of ■ Dress: Pronovias at Allison Jayne Bridalwear
drama. This Pronovias dress embodies the winter 2019/20 style! Floatier options can work well too, especially with the addition of a chic fur stole. 4. A festive feast... With summer weddings it’s advised to go light with the menu. But winter gives you the perfect excuse to offer a truly lavish wedding breakfast. Think cawl for starters, Welsh lamb for main and a decadent pudding for dessert – yum! If you’ve opted for a December wedding then you could go for a festive themed wedding breakfast. But I’d steer away from this cliché. A hint of Christmas in your menu is much cooler, you could incorporate into your canapes or even go for a festive inspired evening buffet. Imagine how delicious turkey and cranberry rolls with all the trimmings would taste after a day of quaffing mulled wine and champagne! 5. Wedding favours... Christmas is a time for giving and there are some great trends for festive wedding favours. Personalised Christmas tree baubles double up as a great gift while also serving as place cards. Mini selection boxes (not of the Cadbury kind!) can also be pretty kitsch too, Hotel Chocolat offer some stylish options. Or how about a shot of Baileys? After all, nothing screams Christmas quite like it! SWANSEA LIFE 43
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FOOD & DRINK
Drink Gifts Swansea Life rounds up the top tipples for Christmas
Let it Sloe cocktail (350ml), £10, M&S, Swansea and Parc Trostre A delicious fruity gin-based cocktail containing sloe berries, plums and orange peel. The perfect aperitif cocktail, which is ready to drink. Simply add to a cocktail shaker, shake and pour over ice.
Home
cooking
with Gorseinon’s Sian Day A delicious recipe for December
CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD
Maker's Mark Christmas Jumper Edition (70cl), £30, Asda, Gorseinon and Llansamlet
Make a batch of cute Christmas gingerbread and you’ll be everyone’s favourite person. Give them as gifts, or serve them in shapes at a festive afternoon tea.
A festive favourite, novelty Christmas jumpers are cosying up with the whisky market - and behold, we think this seasonal staple has really made its mark. A mellow, spicy bourbon, there's something magical about breaking open its signature red wax seal.
Grey Goose La Collection (5 x 5cl), £26.99, Amazon Pretty neat, Grey Goose has put flavour first with its mini collection of Cherry Noir, L'Orange, Original, Le Citron and La Poire flavoured vodkas. Best for budding mixologists, a grown-up secret Santa or last-minute stocking-filler.
M&S Château Barrail 2018, Bordeaux, France, case of six, £51, M&S, Swansea First class claret: Tick. Superb vintage: Tick. Receive and upcycle: Tick. M&S has it all wrapped up with its classic style of Bordeaux, presented in a neat gift box that can later be converted into a smart, five-bottle wine rack. Now that's what we call boxing clever.
The Welshiest G&T gift box includes a 5cl Cygnet Gin miniature, 200ml Llanllyr Source tonic water and a Cygnet Ginbranded balloon glass, perfect for any gin lover. RRP £15. Available online www.cygnet-distillery.co.uk There’s an actual science behind why gin and tonic tastes so good - the molecules are similar, which means the two parts are attracted to each other and are able to mix easily. When they’re mixed, the quinine and juniper flavours combine to create a flavour different from the individual flavour parts, which is why, even if you don’t like gin or tonic on their own, you may like them together in this Swansea-based combo!.
I love baking gingerbread. It conjures up lovely memories of when my three children were young. We would all huddle around the kitchen table along with some of their friends each Christmas time and build from scratch a gingerbread house and characters of Mr & Mrs Gingerbread and lots of other Christmassy shapes, stars, stockings, trees and of course Santa. The kitchen would get plastered in flour and dough, but hours of fun went by. With their creations made, which wouldn’t last very long, the gingerbread house would usually collapse into a pile of gingery rubble then all would dive in and demolish the biscuit heap until only a few crumbs would be left. Make up a batch of icing to have fun with and buy some Christmas sprinkles to add a little sparkle to your creations. ingredients ■ 225g plain flour ■ 2tsp ground ginger ■ 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon ■ 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda ■ 50g salted butter ■ 100g soft brown sugar ■ 100g golden syrupresh cream
or ice cream to serve
method Kraken Ceramic Limited Edition Spiced Black Rum (70cl), £35.90, Amazon With a mighty wish to save the seas, Kraken has partnered with Surfers against Sewage and will be donating £1 from every sale of this year's Salvage bottle to help protect our oceans and beaches. A delectably dark and sustainable way to drink merrily.
Place all of the ingredients into a good processor and mix into a firm dough.
Place onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1⁄4 inch thick and cut out your desired shapes. Place onto a lined baking sheet allowing a little room around each one as the dough spreads when cooking. Bake for 10-15 minutes In a pre-heated oven at 190c/170c fan or gas mark 5. Allow to cool then ice, decorate and enjoy!
! t i t e p p a n o B
FOLLOW SIAN’S DELICIOUS RECIPES on her blog page siandaydream.wordpress.com or Tweet her @SianDay SWANSEA LIFE 47
FOOD & DRINK
Cakes &Ale ‘A lovely cafe bar that’s not for food bores’
This Newton Road venue in the heart of Mumbles will satisfy locals and unpretentious day-trippers alike. Peter Slee has been to check it out....
W
ere there an exam called The Knowledge on the subject of beer I have a friend who would get honours. So I take him to Cakes & Ale in Mumbles as my understanding of beer could do with, shall we say, expanding! I want to know if owner Laurence Winmill is producing the goods at his new, Newton Road outpost: an independent cafe bar in the heart of the village serving locally-sourced fresh food, wines and cocktails, coffee, fabulous cakes and a classic selection of real ales. After one pint of Gower Gold – and then another just to check – the connoisseur pronounces it bright, fresh and showing evidence of excellent conditioning. Apparently, this type of beer demands skill to keep it well. So too, one of its guest ales, Go Reds from the Evan Evans Brewery in Llandeilo. 10/10 for both, he declares! The building, formerly Mad Hatters, is now a
48 SWANSEA LIFE
couple of months into its re-birth. The makeover has been thorough, rusticity with a capital R. It’s not big. But it is the sort of place I like to while a couple of hours away in. Everything has been expensively stripped then dressed and distressed. It is notably warm in atmosphere and with people at its bar and tables I want to keep company with. The kitchen is at the back to one side of the
bar. At the front, a nice mix of tables and chairs to relax in. When my pal and I arrive for dinner, two other friends are already making merry with items from a pretty extensive menu. On it, lots and lots of nice looking things including wild mushroom risotto cakes with an impeccable, light, crisp crumb coating, a vegan mushroom, chestnut and cranberry wellington (£12.95) which almost gets my vote and homemade beer battered cod. Somebody on a table alongside has it and it looks top notch. They also go for a Cumberland sausage ring – much liked according to my useful eavesdropping – and which comes with garlic mash, onion gravy and petit pois peas. We are very pleased to have them nearby! But our friends have been before and instead recommend a Christmas grazing board at £14.95 for two people. On it, sliced bacon wrapped and stuffed turkey breast, cranberry stilton, pigs in
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
“Here is something joyful, warm-hearted and future-facing without being pretentious”
blankets, potato wedges, red onion chutney – all served with some assorted dips and flatbreads. This is amazing value and an offering I heartily recommend in the run-up to Christmas. From a punter’s point of view, I am pleased to be in a place imbued with this sort of quiet confidence. As my chum remarks: “ The food is recognisable, nothing too fancy, and the kind of stuff everyone wants to eat. It isn’t for food bores.” He’s right too! There is plenty going on in the Mumbles restaurant and drinking world at the moment. Not sure? Almost all conversations kick off with “Have you been to…” some new gaff, of which, at the moment, there is no shortage in the village. New places are seemingly opening or getting a makeover all the time. Immediate judgements can vary between
the harsh or widely enthusiastic without being altogether objective. But from all sorts, I hear nothing but warm words about Cakes & Ale. A different grazing board for two with everything on it from cured meats to hummus, olives, feta, beef coleslaw and dips with a glass of Grigio or Sangiovese on offer at its Friday night drink and food club at just a tenner is picture-perfect: the sort of vision you might have if pining for somewhere to go at the end of a hard week in work. There are memorable cakes that are also sternly irresistible. Or perhaps, try one of its breakfasts from first thing at £6.95. Cards on the table: if you’re an ardent food bore in search of ground breaking uses of puzzling ingredients, don’t bother. This is not a place for sous-vide machines, dry-ice emitting from cloches or serving staff
droning through the curriculum vitae of the mutton. It’s just a friendly, tastefully hewn venue with local people ferrying out plates and drinks from early morning ‘til late. Declaring in print that any new joint is a blissful find is probably a spurious blessing. But lots of people have already found this place so I don’t feel too guilty! If you are out to either eat or drink (or both at the same time) in Mumbles, then this is bang on the money. I loved Cakes & Ale very much and for no reason more profound than it’s just a good place for a drink or two sitting among like-minded people and without it being star-chasing or anything too pretentious. Here is something joyful, warm-hearted and future-facing without being pretentious, and I, for one, very much support it.
www.cakesandale.wales • 29 Newton Road, Mumbles SA3 4AS • 01792 363838 Christmas bookings now being taken • Evening menu available • Wednesday drink club offers • Poem and pints evenings • Wednesday and Friday food offers, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm • Music nights every Friday from 8pm and Sunday from 5pm SWANSEA LIFE 49
BELLENDAINE, MIDDLETON, RHOSSILI, GOWER
OAKDALE, SOUTHGATE, SWANSEA
Stunning countryside & sea views with approx 1.8 acres. There is also an attached 2 bed annex which could be used as extra space or create additional income as a potential holiday let. The main house offers 2 beds, 2 receptions. Ample parking, large garden & large paddock. EPC E
Oakdale is an absolute joy of a family home which is tucked away and perfectly private. This beautiful detached family home has 4 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms and generous integrated triple garage. EPC D
Offers Over £699,950
Offers In The Region Of £1,150,000
Regionally 18 offices throughout the region Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world
320 MUMBLES ROAD, WEST CROSS, SWANSEA
TREFFOS, REYNOLDSTON, GOWER
This delightful, traditional, 1904 Edwardian property is superbly positioned on the famous Mumbles road. This semi-detached family home offers 7 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms and fabulous views of Mumbles and Swansea Bay . EPC D
This fantastic family home is idyllically situated overlooking the beautiful lower village green in Reynoldston. This 4-bed detached home is a stones throw away from the Gower countryside. offering 3 receptions & 2 bathrooms. EPC E
Asking Price £695,000
Offers Over £600,000
SOUTHRIDGE, REYNOLDSTON, GOWER
52 BEAUFORT AVENUE, LANGLAND, SWANSEA
This much-loved family home is beautifully located in the fabulous community focused village of Reynoldston. This tranquil position offers exquisite farreaching views, 4 beds, 2 receptions, 1 bathroom & attic room. EPC F
A truly stunning home set on a quiet street in the waterside location of the highly desirable Langland. This beautiful, modern, extended and extremely well finished family home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 receptions & 2 bathrooms. EPC D
Asking Price £595,000
Offers Over £900,000
Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com
Regionally 32 offices throughout the South West Nationally 225 offices across Great Britain
SALTHOUSE COTTAGE, PORT EYNON, SWANSEA
THE TITHE BARN, ABERDULAIS, NEATH
Salthouse Cottage will make any dream to live by the sea a reality! A truly unique, utterly mesmerising location precisely on the beach of Port Eynon. Offering 2 beds, 1 reception & 1 bath. EPC F
The Tithe Barn is perfectly situated to encompass all that is special about this area of South Wales. This superb barn conversion offers 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms, a single garage, glorious grounds and annexe. EPC F
Offers In The Region Of £450,000
Asking Price £597,000
63 PWLLDU LANE, BISHOPSTON, SWANSEA
SUMMER HOUSE, THREE CROSSES, SWANSEA
Just a few minutes walk from Pwlldu Bay and Brandy Cove, this prime location really is a dream. A modern, substantial detached home with 3 receptions (incl open plan living room/kitchen/breakfast room), 5 beds, 4 baths and family friendly garden. EPC C
A superb family home set in idyllic countryside & beautiful gardens on the outskirts of Gower. Offering lovely living spaces, 4 beds, garage & a generous peaceful garden. Summer House also has stunning views towards the Devonshire coastline, Bristol Channel & rural scenery. EPC E
Offers Over £750,000
Offers Over £625,000
WILDFIELD COTTAGE, CAE GWYLLT, KIDWELLY
ROSEMEAD HOUSE, LLANRHIDIAN, NORTH GOWER
A substantial and beautifully presented detached family home set within approx. 4.5 acres of fantastic, private grounds. This registered small holding overlooks the gorgeous countryside, Ffos Las racecourse and Pembrey beach and offers 2 receptions, 3 beds & 3 baths. EPC C
Perfectly private extended farmhouse surrounded by the most spectacular North Gower countryside views & set among approx 5 acres. Presenting generous accommodation of 5 beds, 4 receptions & 2 bathrooms. Glorious gardens & grounds. EPC D
Offers Over £450,000
Offers Over £725,000
Internationally Plus 75 offices globally 5000 professional associates all around the world
Fine & Country Swansea 77 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: +44 (0)1792 367301 | Email: swansea@fineandcountry.com
HOUSE & HOME
COASTAL STYLE Want an individual look? Then perhaps take your cue from this Langland waterside beauty. Peter Slee reports...
54 SWANSEA LIFE
W
e all long to live in a house that delivers on real impact. But it can sometimes be easier said than done. Step forward then 52, Beaufort Avenue in Langland. A truly stunning home set on a quiet street not too far away from the sea. Not only is this five-bedroomed home beautiful, modern,
extended and extremely well finished but the location is perfect for almost instant access to Langland and Rotherslade bays as well as nearby Mumbles. Beth Evans at Fine and Country’s Mumbles office says the property is “a very well thought out extensive, detached fivebedroom family home with a mix of modern sleek lines and warmth from its various different wooden elements.
“With the glorious façade and curb appeal, this home will impress at first sight!” She’s right too! Walk along its driveway through a five-bar wooden gate and onto the very generous parking driveway which easily provides parking for four cars, and you’ll immediately be impressed by its attractive and modern external façade, married with the rustic oak pillars over its front door. SWANSEA LIFE 55
HOUSE & HOME
The extraordinary atrium entrance gives an instant wow factor. You are met with a modern, bright space with a full height ceiling, galleried landing and feature window. It boasts a floor laid with high gloss white marble effect porcelain tiles and a light oak, double-height feature wall which sits opposite the oak staircase with glass balustrade leading up to a gallery landing. The ground floor is home to a cloakroom. But it is its open plan lounge/dining room/ kitchen with its impressive 30’ bi-folding doors which open up the entire space to the beautiful garden and patio area, which really turns the place into a real showpiece. At one end, a lounge area opens into a vast space with its own media/display feature wall. This wall houses recesses to display personal items on glass shelving and a central recess with room to house a flat-screen TV. You also have a built in modern
56 SWANSEA LIFE
electric fireplace perfect to create a cosy atmosphere. “The kitchen area is very special indeed,” adds Ms Evans. “Boasting a striking design mix of blue teal and old ash units topped with a marble work surface and slate effect floor tiles, it also has a range of integrated Neff appliances including; an oven with retractable door, warming oven, microwave, coffee machine, five ring halogen hob with extractor over and an integrated tall fridge.” Elsewhere, walk through a separate, large utility room sitting off the kitchen, dining area, office and sitting room, a private,room set away from the open plan living space to create a cosy retreat. Upstairs and off a galleried landing, a wonderfully light space thanks to a feature window fitted with an automatic electric blind, there is a glass balustrade creating a
modern, stylish focal point. From the landing you have access to all five bedrooms over two floors, including a master suite with a Juliet balcony and dressing room. Outside, a fantastic, low maintenance garden and expansive patio perfect for relaxing, entertaining or allowing children to play. Aesthetically, the garden is very pleasing due to the landscaping but, also very low maintenance thanks to the expansive patio running the entire length of the rear of the home and the level lawn laid with artificial grass. Interiors expert Sue Kirk says it is the attention to detail and high levels of finish that really singles the property out . “It is very much a 21st-century house,” she adds. “A light and airy home where the space flows and where everything is very beautifully designed.”
the details: Offers over £900,000 Agents: Fine & Country, 77 Newton Road, Mumbles SA3 4BN Tel: 01792 293107
SWANSEA LIFE 57
Blinds VERTICAL BLINDS
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Spread the Cost. Ask for more information Spread the costs of all Blinds and Shutters across 6, 9 or 12months at 0% Interest when you spend £600 or more with a minimum 25% deposit. Representative Example for: Window Blinds Purchase Price £1000 Minimum Deposit (25%) £250 Amount of Credit £750 12 Monthly Payments £62.50
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Payment plans are offered by Close Brothers Retail Finance. Close Brothers Retail Finance is a trading name of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Finance is only available to permanent UK residents aged between 18-75, subject to status, terms and conditions apply.
CHILD SAFETY NEW 2017 FREE HOME FABRIC CONTROLS TO SELECTION FREE design advice and an RANGE ALL BLINDS obligation FREE quotation.
Tel: 01792 896531
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Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ
A family business celebrating 27 years in business with over 60,000 customer orders completed ELECTRIC CONTROL
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Tel: 01792 896531 Unit A2 & A3 Kingsbridge Business Park, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4HJ
For more information visit out website www.chicblinds.co.uk Email: sales@chicblinds.co.uk or visit our 3 showrooms
HOUSE & HOME
It’s cold outside and it’s time to hibernate at home. Gabrielle Fagan hunts the hottest buys to warm up your rooms ready for Christmas
Y S O C UP Our homes really need to be snug sanctuaries at this time of year, so we can retreat, relax and escape the cold. So, shake up your style to suit the season, splurge on a few treats and you’ll banish the winter decor blues and create a haven where you can rest in comfort.
2
Tell a texture story
You don’t have to abandon glamour in the bedroom when the temperature drops – instead, layer with soft fabrics, from fluffy sheepskin cushions to silky throws. They won’t just be a visual treat, and are essential in a muted scheme, decorated in neutrals that could otherwise look bland.
1
Bag a high-street hero
Supermarket homeware ranges are such a high standard now (and trend led) that you’re missing a decor trick if you don’t check them out. A trolley full of purse-friendly bargains can refresh a room without breaking the bank. Woodland fox lamp, £17, ochre country checked throw, £18 and orange knitted cushion, £12; all Morrisons
Cosy chunky wool throws, a string of lights and a selection of lanterns conjure a look that says stay in and snuggle ÏÏBlenheim upholstered bed frame, £399-£439, Monroe crystal fitting chrome, £219; Dorma Acanthus jacquard duvet cover, £70-£100 and bedspread, £150-£170; Dorma Ophelia ginger bedspread, £100-£120 and continental square pillowcase, £20; (centre) Dorma Arabesque cushion, £30; Dunelm
3
ÏÏCasper charcoal and orange geometric shaggy pile cushion, currently reduced to £35 from £70; Habitat
Be costconscious and cosy
It’s all about setting the scene with a cosy focal point at this time of year. If you’re lucky enough to own a fireplace, this is the perfect time to take advantage of it and enjoy that beautiful wood smoke smell and orange glow – it’s pure winter joy. 62 SWANSEA LIFE
ÏÏPaloma orange knitted cotton throw, £45, Habitat ÍÍLantana orange curvy lamp with black drum silk shade, £115; Habitat
4
Raid nature’s colour palette
Embrace the warmth of winter colours as an antidote to the chill in the air. Rich reds and russets star on the hedgerows and trees, and adding those hues in accessories will have the same effect in a room.
5
Add some va-va-velvet
Velvets are one of the biggest ongoing trends in interiors. Pair their touch-me textures with a rich colour – orange and green are this season’s front runners – for a winning winter combination. ÎÎLangham Saxony carpet in storm, £27.99m2, Carpetright; wall painted in off black, Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com
6 7
Harvest some style
8
ÍÍJoan Baa sheepskin dressing table stool, brown, £265, Limelace; Super soft merino throw, £132, Lime white and Siberia faux fur bean bag, £99.99, Bean Bag Bazaar
Chilled out Scandi-style, with its neutral palette, endures because its classic good looks never date and it’s easy to add subtle new touches to suit a new season. The addition of a sheepskin rug (pampering for the toes), a throw, and plenty of cushions covered in tactile fabrics like velvet or wool, are all that’s needed to create a cosseting winter sanctuary.
Treat yourself to accessories that are all about chic comfort, which you can move around to suit your mood and the temperature. Think furry pouffes and fluffy beanbags.
Lighten the mood
Lighting is key in the dark, winter months, and table lamps illuminating focal points and areas in a room will make it look interesting and inviting. Show off your playful side and introduce quirky lights, which will make you smile and turn a neglected surface into a feature.
Go pale but interesting
ÏÏWooden frame chair, grey, £229; Damien arc floor lamp, £79; sheepskin rugs from £35; all Dunelm
9
Change the view
There’s nothing like a bleak, boring view to lower the spirits, especially in winter, but window film or blinds can work wonders on that outlook. Both can make a feature out of an otherwise dull window and ensure you feel boosted, even on dark days.
ÎÎGold mouse lamps, standing, lying and sitting, £73 each; Graham & Green
ÏÏPalanga window film, from £11.50 for a 25x50cm rectangle, Purlfrost
10
Add some fur-fabulous accessories
Go wild with faux fur, but keep it feminine with a blushing pink theme. It looks fabulous on moody black or blue bed linen, or go ÍÍNew Zealand sheepskin beanbag chair, for a full-on ice-maiden effect with a snowy white set. ÏÏGeorge Home pink faux fur throw, £16, and pink faux fur cushion, £7, Asda
Rosa, £895; Sweetpea & Willow
SWANSEA LIFE 63
www.pablack.co.uk
01600 717 040
black
black
www.pablack.co.uk
www.pablack.co.uk
Prestige homes from Peter Alan Ltd
Heol Las, Maudlam
Mayals Road, Swansea
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
Porthcawl 01656 771600 O.I.E.O £800,000 Bethany Lane, West Cross,
For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481
£550,000
4 Bedroom Detached property Victorian character features Driveway / Off road parking Sea Views Sought after location Catchment for well regarded schools EPC - F
Swansea 01792 641481 Eaton Crescent,
£750,000
£350,000
For sale with pa black Swansea 01792 641481
Oxwich, Swansea
Western Lane, Mumbles
Heol Croes Faen, Porthcawl
• Pablack Swansea are delighted to offer to market this cottage located in Stcharacterful Annes, Mumbles, the sought after location of Oxwich Village and approximately 500 yards to Oxwich Bay.
• Contemporary 2 double bedroom penthouse apartment benefiting from spaciousView, open plan living accommodation Dylans Uplands, with full height ceilings that include the roof space, and glazing to the gable end. Private landscaped gardens with panoramic views over Swansea Bay.
• 3/4 Bedroom Detached • Ground Floor Shower Room •Gower 2 En Suites to First FLoor Road, Sketty, • Open Plan Kitchen Dining • BI FOLDING Doors to rear Garden • Utility Area and Garage • Off Road Parking, Enclosed Garden
Swansea 01792
For sale with pa black Swansea 641481 01792 641481
Cardiff Monmouth Penarth Porthcawl Newport
£485,000 £320,000
Swansea 01792
£475,000
For sale with pa black Swansea 641481 01792 641481
£450,000
Porthcawl 01656
£400,000
For sale with pa black Swansea 771600 01792 641481
Delivering exceptional service for exceptional homes
£395,000
©LW
5 Bedroom Detached Family Home Attached 2 Bedroom Self Contained Annex Open Plan Family Kitchen Area High Specification Throughout Underfloor Heating Nature Reserve and Coastal Views Triple Garage
SAVINGS
FOR OVER
120 YEARS EST. 1897
Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk
from Leekes
Complete your room with our sensational collection of accessories and lighting.
Your Living Room Winter is the perfect opportunity to update your home and at Leekes we have seasonal savings for every room in your home. Visit us in store or shop online at leekes.co.uk for more inspiration.
Find us on
Shop online at leekes.co.uk | Share your pictures with #loveleekes
4.7/5 rating on
TRUSTPILOT‥
Your Dining Room Select from over 50 dining sets in wood, glass or marble to dine in style and complete your look with co-ordinating occasional furniture.
FOR OVER
120 YEARS EST. 1897
‥
Checked 19th November 2019.
Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU
Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk
Make the most of your space with built in storage options.
Your Kitchen From high gloss to painted finishes, be inspired by our in store kitchen studios with a style to suit every home.
Find us on
Shop online at leekes.co.uk | Share your pictures with #loveleekes
Why Choose Leekes Expert advice from our experienced in store designers Free 3D professional design service using the latest software Free pre-fit survey with an approved independent installer We won’t be beaten on price✝ on any like for like proven quote
Your Bathroom From a family bathroom to a compact cloakroom or luxury en-suite, the 50 bathrooms displayed in store will provide plenty of design ideas to help create your dream bathroom.
FOR OVER
120 YEARS EST. 1897
‡
Leekes Cross Hands, Business Parc, Carms. SA14 6RB Leekes Llantrisant, Cowbridge Road, RCT. CF72 8XU
Tel: 0800 038 3050 | Online: leekes.co.uk
Checked 19th November 2019.✝Terms and conditions apply. Ask in store for details.
4.7/5 rating on
TRUSTPILOT‡
HOUSE & HOME
1 L E S L E Y
TAY LO R
Seasonal style
LESLEY TAYLOR SHARES HER TOP TIPS FOR AN ON-TREND TREE THIS YULETIDE
2
1. Why not try crafting your own table centrepiece this yuletide? 2. Nature is at the heart of Christmas décor for 2019 3. Like all seasons, Christmas styling evolves so don’t throw any unused decorations out – simply store them until you want to use them again 4. Broste Copenhagen has some stunning snow-inspired decorations
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70 SWANSEA LIFE
A
s Andy Williams sang: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” and I for one, agree. I love Christmas. Absolutely adore it. And why not? It’s the perfect excuse to get together with your nearest and dearest; to eat, drink and be merry and from a purely aesthetic perspective, Swansea never looks prettier. Being an interior designer, I go all out for festive décor, with every room given its own yuletide makeover which, I might add, is planned months in advance. You see, just like autumn/winter and spring/summer, Christmas brings with it its own seasonal trends. And this year is no exception. Without doubt, the biggest trend this Christmas is inspired by nature. Which means, bright ornaments and colourful lights are relegated to the loft. Instead, warm white lights serve as a beautiful backdrop for woodland-inspired creations. Sustainability is at the heart of this look and I would urge everyone to have a go making their own decorations this year, be it a wreath for the front door, a table centrepiece or even a bauble or two. There are plenty of online tutorials showing you how to make your own yuletide decoration; plus, it’s a brilliant activity for the whole family. Simply head to your favourite park and get foraging for good-looking twigs, sticks and greenery then head home, serve up some hot chocolate and get crafting. It could become your new festive tradition. If you did want to invest in some new pieces, there are lots of beautiful
woodland-inspired decorations to bring your tree to life, from cute creatures to adorable avians. After all, nothing quite says Christmas like a robin perched upon a Christmas tree. Another hugely popular look for Christmas 2019 is snowscape. Snowscape takes the rustic charm of the natural theme and combines it with the playfulness of a white Christmas. Combine warm white lights with off-white baubles and trinkets to decorate your tree and add texture. Use thick church-style candles to create centrepieces around the rest of the home and if you really want to throw yourself into the trend (and don’t mind a bit of mess), use fake snow around your windows and mirrors as a finishing touch. If you’re making your own decorations, lashings of white glitter is essential to give a frost-like finish.
Lesley Taylor is a full member of the British Institute of Interior Design. She is the author of 10 books on Interior design and has been a regular contributor on many network interior design programmes. She is lead designer at EDIT Home and Design in Mumbles.
Your local online tile specialist!
UPDATING YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? Don’t forget we offer local residents 20% off our wonderful tile ranges
www.bakedtiles.co.uk Call us on 01792 439239 512B Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4BU Technical and design advice just part of the wonderful service. Showroom service with on-line prices…call in to see us we would love to help!
• Bespoke furniture and furnishings • Spatial planning • Bathroom design
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EDIT your home to perfection
this Christmas... Beautiful home furnishings and full interior design services for all areas of the home. Call in to our Swansea showroom to view our full collection and for free, in store consultations. 512B Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU | 01792 439119 | www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk
orial
ADVICE + INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME
Why use an interior designer? One question people often ask is why should I use an interior designer? Another being, will it cost me more to engage a designer to help me with my house?
There is one simple answer, a designer should assist you in taking your dreams for your home and turning them into reality, whilst keeping an eye on your budget and ensuring you get the very best impact from your investment. Choose your designer well and they will know where to source the right product to create a certain look within your home and their expertise should ensure you avoid costly design mistakes. Plus when you set a budget for them, then they can cost everything prior to purchase so you know your finances are on track. Furthermore, it is always in their interest to make your finished room look as amazing as possible, after all, any designer is only as good as their last project.
family bathroom transformation - a place to truly relax and refresh
So when home owner Alex went looking for a bathroom, she decided to enlist our help, the design team at EDIT Home and Design in Mumbles. Our client had a great sense of style and had a good idea of what she wanted her room to look like, so together we set about turning that concept into an actual hardworking and beautiful room. 3600 400
1050
300
125
235
1930
400
The process started with a house visit and survey. On this particular project the two existing rooms, one home to a bathroom and the second the separate WC, were to be knocked
1235
• Bespoke furniture and furnishings • Spatial planning • Bathroom design 400
300
• Home furnishings • Retail showroom • SS20 collections now available 900
existing bathroom
artist impression
though to create a beautiful family bathroom, ideal to serve this lovely family of 4. Megan, one of the qualified interior design team at EDIT, presented a number of layout options and product specifications for the client to consider. These were presented together with 3D visuals of how the concepts would look on completion. After due consideration, the products were selected and EDIT created working drawings to accompany the plans, elevations and visuals. Following a briefing meeting with the installer, the goods were delivered to site and the transformation began. This beautiful room, which was completed a few months ago is giving our client and her family a great deal of joy, it is no longer just a utility space, but a place to truly relax and refresh.
Edit Home and Design offer a full interior design package for every area of the home. They can assist you with spatial planning, lighting and electrical layouts, the supply of all decorative materials and colour scheming. Why not call into their beautiful showroom in Mumbles and meet the friendly team, to see how they might be able to help you.
layout options and product specifications
www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk
Beautiful home furnishings and full interior design services for all areas of the home. Call in to our Swansea showroom to view our full collection and for free, in store consultations. 512B Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BU | 01792 439119 | www.edithomeanddesign.co.uk
HOUSE & HOME
Hydrangea aspera
Bringing poise and elegance to a December garden With Joseph Atkin, head gardener at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire Mid-winter is probably the hardest time to bring colour and interest to the garden but there are some wonderful options that will bring a touch of class and cheer to the darker months. The wonderful thing about these plants is that they look too elegant and delicate to cope with the harsh winter, but they will do absolutely fine.
Galanthus elwesii ‘Mrs McNamara
Hamamelis ‘Westerede’
(early snowdrop)
All the witch hazels make excellent winter flowering shrubs and this particular variety comes into flower just that bit earlier making it great for December interest. The golden yellow flowers are slightly scented, and the strong colour shows up well in the low winter light. When the sun comes out it really comes to life and cheers up the entire area. Like all its relatives it also has excellent autumn colour and is relatively slow growing. Westerede also has a slightly different growth habit being more open than other varieties which can be very useful as it allows light to pass through it and does not create too much shade or take up too much room in the summer. The only drawback with this plant is that it can be somewhat hard to find but well worth the search.
Most snowdrops flower from Christmas onwards but this little gem comes into flower in early December. At Aberglasney we joke that it is the first sign of spring but that is hardly the case. Fully hardy and very reliable this snowdrop is one of the best plants to grow in a small garden where you need winter interest. It is nearly twice the height of normal snowdrops which is also a great benefit as it makes the plant much more eye catching. We grow this between small evergreens in a slightly shady spot and it seems happy enough flowering every year without fail. Like all snowdrops it is slow growing which also makes it low maintenance. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Height = 20-30cm Spread = 20cm Position/aspect = sun or shade in a small space Soil = Any fertile free draining Pest and diseases = No real problems Style = Woodland, winter garden, herbaceous border, rock garden
Cardiocrinum giganteum
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Height = 3m maximum Spread = 2m maximum Position/aspect = Sunny is best Soil = Any fertile soil is fine Pest and diseases = No real problems Style = Woodland edge, mixed border, winter garden, specimen shrub, shrub border
(seed pods)
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■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Height = 3m maximum Spread = 1m Position/aspect = Sheltered woodland Soil = Moist but free draining with plenty of mulch Pest and diseases = Lily beetle can be a problem but less so than lilies Style = Woodland, herbaceous, exotic or feature plant
Photo: Nigel McCall
Photo: Nigel McCall
This wonderful lily relative is an absolute must for the summer with wonderfully fragrant white trumpets that are one of the most spectacular sights in Aberglasney. In the winter this plant also produces a wonderful display of seed heads that last right through to the spring. The huge pods are held on stout stems that resemble venus fly traps as they open. Being between one and three metres tall makes them a really imposing sight and a wonderful source of interest. Each winter we get hundreds of enquiries about them from visitors.
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ENTERPRISE 2000 AND DIRECT SUPPLIES PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
Open seven days a week and there’s ample FREE parking
For over 40 years Direct Supplies had been supplying spare parts and repairing domestic appliances from its base in Skewen - but this year it has dramatically upped its game for a very good reason. In January owners Ian and Debbie James expanded their business by taking over the well-established Enterprise 2000 in Swansea Enterprise
Park, bringing the sale of domestic appliances into play - from fridges and freezers to ovens and hobs, and everything in between. “So under one roof we have got a large retail store and an extensive parts department working alongside a team of engineers carrying out home repairs,” said Debbie.
A family affair three generations work within the business
“We do anything from budget right up to high end, and we work with all the leading manufacturers.”
Want a particularly good deal? Enterprise 2000 sells graded items new appliances which may have a little cosmetic mark or missing packaging. The items are sold at a reduced cost, but all still come with a one year warranty. Graded stock increases options for customers and gives them a much better deal.
High end is getting higher end There is no standing still in this industry and Enterprise 2000 staff are continually training to keep ahead of the game. Smart technology means a fridge is no longer just a fridge. Its capabilities are endless, from showing you the contents of your fridge whilst out shopping to even ordering your shopping for you. Its contents can also stay fresher for longer
Check out the Facebook page for monthly FREE giveaways - December’s prize is a beer fridge, perfect for your Christmas party!
SOUTH WALES TRUSTED APPLIANCE RETAILER • Large range of items in stock • Benefits of price matching • Excellent customer service • After sales care offers reassurance • A company with 40 years experience • Free car parking • Open seven days a week • Delivery and installation service
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to guide you to the right choices. Many items are in stock ready for delivery or to be taken away.
See the latest technology in action
Continually evolving
At Enterprise 2000 they have over 400 appliances on display, as well as demonstration stations where customers can experience the full functionalities of these amazing products, which you can’t get if you buy online. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer free expert advice on all appliances
• Recycling of old appliances
They now offer extended warranties on all new appliances, which include accidental damage, so you can protect your purchase for longer. In the new year they will be introducing easy finance options for customers who want to buy now and pay later. Check out the Facebook page for updates on new arrivals and announcements, including instore cookery demonstrations, which are coming soon!
The parts and service team at Direct Supplies
Castell Close | Llansamlet Swansea | SA7 9FH
Castell Close | Llansamlet | Swansea | SA7 9FH
Telephone: 01792 516000
Telephone: 01792 813493
Visit: www.enterprise2000.co.uk
Visit: www.directsuppliesskewen.co.uk
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HOUSE & HOME
ÍÍBlue and white glass street scene tea light holder, £3.49; The Contemporary Home ÎÎChalk paint in Napoleonic blue and Oxford navy, £19.95 for one litre; Annie Sloan
Party balloon dog, £5, and feathered gem, £7; John Lewis
ÎÎIce blue nutcracker decoration, £15; Debenhams
Dark blue glitter fern wreath, £39; Gisela Graham London
Create your own winter wonderland with moody navys, aquamarine and relaxed grey-blues
BLUE BLUE
Christmas
ÏÏChristmas crackers, £35 for six; Nancy & Betty
ÎÎLarge blue glitter bristle tree, £9; Gisela Graham
ÐÐSet of four tea light holders, £19.95; Annabel James
ÍÍNeon baubles, £5 each; John Lewis
ÐÐDark blue glitter fern garland, £24; Gisela Graham London
ÎÎMikasa gourmet round dinner plate, £5; Kitchen Craft
ÎÎMoroccan-inspired Christmas stocking, £48; Penelope Hope
Milano classic velvet bean bag, £59.99; www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk
80 SWANSEA LIFE
ÍÍEmma Bridgewater reindeer in the sky mug, £19.95; Daisy Park
Tel: 01792 896523
E: theflo ringstudioltd@btcon ect.com Visit: www.theflo ringstudio.biz
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HOUSE & HOME
STYLE Gabrielle Fagan reveals simple ways to do the decor maths and ensure your rooms have all the right angles
Top to bottom: Mura woven cushion, £25, Habitat; Geo cushion, reduced to £5 from £6, George Home, Asda and Miro neutral multi-coloured cushion, reduced to £10.50 from £15, Habitat
Adina square coffee table, £175, Habitat Geo duvet cover, £10, George Home
82 SWANSEA LIFE
Shape up if you want stylish rooms this winter. Geometrics are figuring on designs for everything from wallpaper to carpets right now, and are set to be the most fashionable way of bringing pattern into rooms this season. Even if you hated maths at school, working this style in your home is, thankfully, easy-peasy (no calculator required). You can be playful and introduce bold and stimulating colourful shapes – take your pick from triangles to eight-sided octagons – or keep it elegant, with just a few touches sporting the barest hint of the pattern. “Geometric pattern came to prominence in the 1920s and became synonymous with the Art Deco movement,” explained Tom White, design director, Parker Knoll. “In a decade renowned for its opulent and sophisticated style, geometrics challenged traditional design, with sleek and elegant motifs which came to symbolise wealth and status.” Now they’re back, thanks to our renewed passion for pattern and more decoration in our homes. “Geometrics boast a breadth of choice in shape, colour and scale, so can be adapted to suit a vast range of tastes and styles,” promises White. Here’s 10 ways to do your decor sums and ensure your home measures up in the style stakes... 1. Check out all the angles “For me, geometric shapes will always have a universal and timeless appeal,” enthuses Martha Coates, surface and pattern designer for Habitat. “Minimalist, contemporary and familiar in their structure, geometric patterns complement existing lines and shapes within the architecture of practically any room. Their structured balance will allow you the freedom to be braver with colour and texture.”
2. Divide and rule on the wall Get creative and paint your own geometric shapes on a wall. Simply stick strips of masking tape to the surface to create triangle, trapezoid and rhombus shapes. The more tape you crisscross, the more shapes you’ll create. If you paint the entire wall with the tape in place, you’ll have stripes between the shapes when you remove the tape. If that feels too brain-bending, Wallsauce has a brilliant selection of made-to-measure geometric-style wall murals, starting from £32 per sqm. 3. Make a party point Join the geometrics party by investing in an Art Deco-style drinks trolley or drinks cabinet. Both items have enjoyed a revival in homeware, as they add a sense of occasion to entertaining.
Golden drinks trolley, £485, Audenza
4. Statement equals style You don’t have to overdose on this look – just estimate how much you need to add to make an impact and burnish your style credentials. Give one punchy piece some space and a plain backdrop and it will undoubtedly become a star talking point.
Geometric prints, from £11.50 each, Latte Design
5. Arty calculation Make those shapes work on the wall with colourful geometric artwork that will show you know a right-angle from a rhombus. 6. Break the rules Sometimes, you can throw caution to the wind, ignore the ‘less is more rule’ and indulge in a pattern-fest. Just make sure you balance more decorative geometric repeating patterns with other simpler designs. This will prevent the whole effect from being overpowering. 7. Step up to the style Back away from the bland! A striking geometric carpet runner can transform a staircase into an eye-catching feature. Playing up the angles with an above-the-skirting stripe in a complementary shade is a master stroke in this hallway.
Prism wallpaper and, right, Milan, both £15.99 a roll, at Cult Furniture
8. Pattern to the power of two “Boasting timeless allure and contemporary flair, geometric designs work well in period and modern homes alike,” says Parker Knoll’s Tom White. “For those looking to emulate the exciting and influential 1920s pair geometric patterns with luxurious gold accents, rich tones and spherical accessories.” 9. Make it monochrome “Typically considered an intimidating option, a bold geometric floor can add an element of design to a space and is a surprisingly versatile option,” says Anna Del-Molino, buyer, Carpetright. “Larger spaces allow for more experimentation and for a truly daring look, consider a style with multiple colours.
Grosvenor Wilton Inigo runner in amber, £150 per linear metre
Mardi Gras 97 Cubes vinyl, £15.99 per square metre, Carpetright
“Geometric patterns don’t need to be solely linear shapes,” she adds. “Look for florals and patterns which repeat without being too overbearing.”
10. Measure up with metallics Pair a classic geometric design with metallics (gold and copper are hot choices) to play the glamour card. This combo won’t just add a winning touch of opulence, but a repeating angular pattern is easy on the eye and helps create a visual sense of order. The effect is good for spaces where we want vase, £6, to rest and relax, like a bedroom Hurricane available from or chill-out lounge. George Asda One word of advice: Make sure the size of the pattern you choose works with the size of the room. The only exception is if you opt for a statement wall of pattern, where you could be bolder and size up. For inspiration, take a look the super range of geometric Gold papers, including brushed Prism geometric metal LED wallpaper (pictured decorated wall above) £15.99 a roll, at light, £275, Habitat Cult Furniture.
SWANSEA LIFE 83
HOUSE & HOME
ÏÏAbigail Ahern ladybird object, £25, Debenhams
ÏÏBee photo frame, £15, Athomeinthecountry.co.uk
ÏÏGold beetle corkscrew, £23.50, Audenza.com
BUGSlife
ÏÏMoth and butterfly magnets, £3.95, sianzeng.com
The high street is buzzing and all in a flap about insect-inspired homewares
ÏÏBeaded bee coasters, £16.50 for set of four, Oliver Bonas
ÏÏBees patterned porcelain nibbles bowl, £5.50, SophieAllport.com
ÍÍAbigail Ahern insect cushion, £45, Debenhams
ÎÎButterfly framed on stand, £7.99, Homesense
ÏÏBeetle plate, £4.99, TK Maxx
ÐÐRustic metal bee garden wall art, £8.99, Thefarthing.co.uk
ÏÏBee Happy mug, £12, Oliver Bonas
Vintage gold butterfly wall mirror, £92.95, Melodymaison.co.uk ÏÏNine Schools oriental decorated blue small cabinet (60cm x 35cm x 40cm), £209, woodenfurniture-store.co.uk
84 SWANSEA LIFE
ÐÐSTYLISH Two-pack matte star baubles, £6; Marks and Spencer, Swansea
ÏÏBurger bauble, £3.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa
ÏÏWOODLAND Toadstool bauble, £2; George Home, Swansea ÏÏCat with hat, £4; Paperchase, Parc Morfa
ÏÏTRADITIONAL Father Christmas bauble, £2,99; HomeSense, Parc Fforestfach
All things bright and beautiful Sometimes the simple things in life can be the most beautiful and this is certainly the case with these fantastic Christmas tree baubles...
ÐÐSNOW WHITE Snow globe bauble, £5; Debenhams, Swansea
ÏÏGORGEOUS Glass deco holly bauble, £8; John Lewis, Cardiff
ÏÏIN THE RED Red and white Santa tree topper, £4; B&Q, Parc Morfa
ÏÏGlass penguin family, £8; Paperchase, Parc Morfa
ÍÍBumble bee bauble, £3.99; Dobbies, Llansamlet
ÏÏSWEET Grandfather clock hanging decoration, £2.50; Sainsbury’s Home, Swansea
SWANSEA LIFE 85
Quality made truly affordable
Electric, gas & wood burning fires Stone, wood & marble fireplaces
Gorseinon Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 9GG Tel: 01792 892357 | www.brisco.co.uk
RATED 4.9 / 5
Find your dream kitchen in The Big Winter Sale. Proudly manufacturing Award Winning Kitchens in Wales since 1975. Visit sigma3.co.uk to find out about our latest offers, order a copy of our brochure or book an appointment to meet a designer.
FIND YOUR NEAREST SHOWROOM Abergavenny 01873 850911 | Cardiff East 02920 485888 Cardiff West 02920 593969 | Newport 01633 252187 | Swansea 01792 790088
HOUSE & HOME
Gloss marble-effect tile, £13 pm2, B&Q
ÍÍVictoria chequer tile, £74.99 pm2, Topps Tiles
ÏÏPadstow stripe wallpaper, £25, John Lewis
Aimee mirror, £89, Habitat
Rustic shelf, £46.95, MelodyMaison.co.uk
Chunky framed mirror, £88, NotOn TheHigh Street.com
hall of fame Hallways are too often forgotten corners piled with too many coats and grubby wellies. Give yours the love it deserves, whatever your style
Star light, £79, Furniture Village
Eye mirror, £49.95, Rose & Gray
Dulux Sumptuous Plum emulsion, from £15, DIY stores Birds on a wire, £189, Lime Lace.co.uk
ÍÍStation wall clock, £12, Wilko
ÎÎPalm pendant, £215, Audenza. com ÍÍEngineered wood honey oak, £17.50 pm2, Homebase
ÏÏVintage bench, £395, LiveLaughLove.co.uk
88 SWANSEA LIFE
ÏÏSkyline hooks, £26, Red Candy.co.uk
Dulux Once in teal tension, from £26, DIY stores
Jolly B ri ghts Your guests will have dressed up so make sure your Christmas dining table is properly attired too. It’s all about clever accessorising...
ÍÍFelt gold acorn, £1.99; Dobbies, Llansamlet ÎÎReindeer bowl, £3; Matalan, Cwmdu
ÏÏChristmas cottage candle holder, £4.99; TK Maxx, Parc Morfa
ÎÎGift bag with elf legs, £7.99; Dobbies, Llansamlet
ÐÐChristmas star twig wreath from a range at Next, Swansea
ÏÏChristmas rose gel candle, £18; Laura Ashley, Swansea
ÎÎHandmade felt reindeer decoration, £4; M&S, Swansea
ÏÏSnowglobe, £6; Wilko, Swansea
ÍÍNutcracker, £20; House of Fraser, Cardiff
SWANSEA LIFE 89
MOTORING
New Juke to continue Nissan success
I
t’s a Marmite car in every way but for the past nine years the Juke has been a soar away success for Nissan, writes Chris Russon. More than one million have been built at the Japanese car maker’s UK factory in Sunderland and of those more than a quarter have been sold in Britain. There’s a new Juke on the way – the second generation of the pioneer of the compact crossover craze has hit the streets. It’s still radically styled – no-one can miss a Juke on the road – bigger than before and priced from £17,395 it is slightly more expensive. Only one engine is available in the new model and that is a three cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol developing 117ps. There is no diesel nor four-wheel-drive option. What is new is a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission available on all but that basic model and priced from £20,395. The range tops out at £25,395 for a Premiere Edition model, complete with the DCT transmission. The whole of the line up comes with a six-speed manual box and fuel economy is rated at 47.9mpg at best for that version and 46.3 for the DCT. Emissions are 112 and 110g/km respectively, giving the manual Juke a benefit in kind tax rating of 26% for business users and an annual road tax bill of £150. The new Juke has retained its distinctive looks – love them or loathe them – but now comes with LED headlights, a fresh treatment for the grille and a chiselled front air dam. The wheelbase is more than four inches longer than before and the car has grown 90 SWANSEA LIFE
some three inches in length, creating extra room inside and a bigger boot. Rear legroom is up by more than two inches and luggage capacity has grown by 20% to 422 litres, with a movable boot floor for added flexibility. Inside, the Juke has kept its funky feel and on the top-grade model it is possible to specify two-tone trim finishes including a bright orange treatment. The transmission tunnel is still a major feature at the front of the cabin, but instead of taking on the look of a motorcycle fuel tank as before, the design is a little more conservative with soft-touch finishes. The central display touchscreen is larger at eight inches, while the instrument panel has also been restyled and incorporates an information screen between the dials. On the road, the Juke has lost some of its dynamism, but is still good to drive and can manage 0 to 60 in 10.4 seconds with a top speed of 112mph. The manual was the pick of the two powertrains returning a splendid average of 54 to the gallon on our run, compared to the 35mpg for the DCT version which seemed to be a little reluctant at low revs unless the paddle shifters were brought into play to extend lower gear time. Overall, it makes a fist of the job but at motorway speeds there is noticeable wind noise from around the door mirrors which are positioned in such a way to cause a slight blind spot for shorter drivers. On the technology front, Nissan has used plenty of kit to make the Juke the most
connected car it has created so far and the new model is fully smartphone compatible, will have full Internet connectivity and on higher grade models there is a Bose sound system with eight speakers for a full surround-sound experience. On the safety front, the Juke comes with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning as standard while the likes of blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alerts and traffic sign recognition were fitted to the cars we tried. There is also a 360-degree camera set up to help manoeuvring and Nissan’s semiautonomous ProPilot drive system is available on automatic versions – a handy feature either in traffic or when cruising. For Nissan the Juke has always been about trend in motion and its customer base is relatively young. The new model is still British to the core – it’s designed in London and engineered in Bedfordshire as well as being built in the north east – and looks set to continue the success for Nissan on the crossover scene.
The Next Generation Nissan Juke Will be at our showroom at the end of November
Join us at Bassetts Nissan Swansea Test drive or order the New Generation Nissan Juke.
BASSETTS SWANSEA 01792 310800 | www.bassettsgroup.co.uk/ Neath Rd, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6JE
MOTORING
£1.75m Volvo investment under way in Swansea
W
ork has begun on a multimillion pound refurbishment for a Welsh Volvo dealer. The new showroom, on Valley Way, Swansea, for FRF Volvo Swansea, represents an investment of £1.75m to improve facilities for customers and the new generation of cars coming through. FRF Volvo Swansea’s new site will feature Volvo’s signature large lounge area, complete with scandi-style furniture and Swedish cakes and coffee. Large panoramic glass walls will allow customers to see all activity in the new workshops from the comfort of the lounge, where they can enjoy a Swedish ‘fika’ coffee 92 SWANSEA LIFE
break and free wi-fi. As well as relocating, the Swansea-based retailer is also expanding with a larger showroom, including a greater display of Approved Used Volvo Selekt models on the forecourt and increased customer parking. FRF Volvo Swansea will also be offering the Volvo Personal Service, which means that technicians will liaise with the customer from the point of booking, right through to explaining the services – which the technicians themselves will have carried out. Two personal service technicians work together on each car, reducing waiting times for customers. Dominic Hall, sales manager at FRF
Volvo Swansea, said: “We are delighted work has begun on the new site in Swansea, not least because this impressive development reflects our commitment to improving customer experiences and efficiency. “This investment isn’t just about a change of furniture, it’s designed to make our customers feel relaxed and at ease in an environment that provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas. “The launch of our new Volvo Personal Service will help to connect our customers with their technicians, for a smooth and efficient experience. Our focus is always on putting the customer first and also giving them a high-quality service, so we can’t wait for the completion.”
The Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine At FRF Volvo
Our plug-in hybrid compact SUV available to order now Improved efficiency, lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint for your business. Get all of this with the first plug-in hybrid version of our multi award winning compact SUV. The XC40 T5 Twin engine - now available to order, with deliveries beginning in January 2020. Discover everything it can offer and explore our full range of hybrids.
The Volvo Centre
Valley Way, Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA6 8QP
Call 01792 310999
MOTORING
New Korando has mighty ambitions
Y
ou can’t argue with SsangYong’s ambition, writes Ian Donaldon, fuelled by cars like the latest version of its Korando medium-sized SUV. This year the UK arm of the South Korean car maker expected to sell around 3,500 cars, with the Korando top of the pile. It makes a convincing case for at least a stroll to your nearest SsangYong dealer if you have ‘smallish SUV’ on your shopping list. It’s not a competitor for something with a posh German badge on the boot (and costs a lot less anyway) but is aimed at something lower down the automotive pecking order and perhaps called Kadjar (Renault), Tucson (Hyundai) or Sportage (Kia). Nicely priced too, starting at £19,995 for an ELX, a grand more than before but for a better equipped car, with 1.5-litre petrol engine, manual transmission and frontwheel drive and a goodies count that includes alloys and cruise control. SsangYong doesn’t reckon to shift many of
94 SWANSEA LIFE
them, confidently expecting the furthest reach of the price list to do the heavy lifting with the Ultimate range that starts at £26,495 for a 1.5-litre 161bhp petrol two-wheel-drive (2WD) manual and tops out with a 1.6-litre 134bhp diesel automatic and all-wheel drive at £31,995. In a necessary nod at the need for lower tailpipe emissions the new diesel is dramatically downsized, from the old 2.2-litre unit and produces a bit less power. The caravan-towing Korando prospective purchaser – a frequent visitor to SsangYong showrooms – should be reassured that the new one tows the same 2.0 tonnes as before, while using less fuel. The new smaller diesel measures an official 48.7mpg average for the two-wheel drive model and 43.5mpg with four-wheeldrive (4WD) and 152g/km and 171g/km of CO2 respectively. Slipping into a bells and whistles Ultimate diesel, first impressions are of a neat cockpit
with a distinctly European feel. There’s plenty of space up front, and room in the rear for a six-footer to sit behind himself (if you follow the logic) and there’s a useful boot too, with 407 litres of load space with the rear seats upright (1,104 litres with them folded) in lesser Korandos with a confidence-inspiring space saver spare wheel on board and still more (551/1,248 litres) in the Ultimate which ditches the spare in favour of a can of repair gloop. You won’t lack for goodies with leather trim, heated front seats, dual zone air con, 19-inch diamond cut alloys, 9-inch touchscreen with TomTom navigation, DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, power tailgate on auto models,LED headlights and a suite of safety features. The clincher might be the extremely generous warranty, all of seven years or 150,000 miles. Take that, all those three years/60,000 mile meanies out there.
The Honda Jazz is a car of contradictions T
he perception has for years been one of little old ladies and sedate suburban driving, the reality is something rather different, writes Mike Torpey. In fact you could make a strong argument to suggest that the blue-rinse brigade are the last group of people you would expect to find in a model as jazzy as the new Jazz. Sleek, swept back and road-hugging, it looks like a proper driver’s car and even if the performance figures and throaty soundtrack aren’t there you could be fooled into thinking there was some seismic activity going on beneath the bonnet. Of course our tested model, the Jazz 1.5 i-VTEC petrol variant in top spec Sport Navi trim, goes the whole hog with its coollooking Berlina black alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. It has got as much safety, technology and entertainment kit as you could realistically cope with too, plus an engine that’s new to the Jazz if not Honda.
It’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit from the Japanese brand’s Earth Dreams shelf and while 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds isn’t going to break any acceleration records, it does actually give an impression of speed when driven enthusiastically. Handling around country lanes is quite taut as well, the damping is satisfactory over broken surfaces and most folk won’t grumble at the average fuel return of 47.9mpg – realistically closer to 42mpg. As for transmission, a CVT automatic gearbox is available but the standard six-speed manual is the one to go for. Various rivals may make claims about class-leading cabin space and how they boast the Tardis factor, but the Jazz remains the player that calls the tune – courtesy of its roominess and versatility. It comfortably seats five adults with ample room in the boot, while the company’s Magic Seats allow the driver to create extra load space just by folding them
down or flipping them up in a single movement. So much so that there are four modes – Utility, Tall, Long and Refresh. The amount of safety gear is reassuring too, with the likes of autonomous braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and high-beam support all present. As the name Sport Navi suggests there’s Garmin navigation as part of an internetenabled infotainment set-up along with seven-inch touchscreen with Honda Connect. The latter has an app-based interface you can pinch, swipe and tap like on a smartphone and gives access to web browsing, traffic info, news, weather, social media and internet music stations. It adds up to a smart and sophisticated small car – prices aren’t cheap but the quality, reliability and refinement are all there in a supermini with a real touch of class.
Jazz Range from £165 a month £165 deposit
Civic Range from £245 a month £245 deposit
HR-V Range from £259 a month £259 deposit
Service PlanS available
SavingS of uP to £5,800
call now for Huge SavingS
baSSett HonDa, Valley Way, The Enterprise Park, Swansea SA6 8QX Call 01792 310700 or visit www.honda.wales SWANSEA LIFE 95
The Wheel Specialist ALLOY WHEEL REFURBISHMENT & CUSTOMISATION
25% OFF
FULL SETS BOOKED IN DECEMBER & JANUARY
HE Wheel Specialist has redefined the wheel refurbishment industry with over 30 years’ experience making us the largest wheel refurbishment and customisation business in the UK, with 27 branches covering England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, having built an enviable reputation serving both private vehicle owners and trade customers.
T
We follow precise routines and processes that have been developed over the years, building teams of highly motivated and technically proficient technicians who manage every element of the process with quality and precision at every stage. We have invested heavily in state of the art equipment and products to ensure that your wheels meet the exacting standards we set ourselves, delivering wheels that you will be proud to have on your vehicle. We are experts having invested in state of the art Diamond Cutting CNC lathes to ensure we keep up with the industry now fitting Diamond Cut wheels to prestige and standard vehicles.
In most cases your wheels will be stripped of existing coatings, damage removed and wheels carefully hand prepared for the three coating stages, starting with powder coat primers to protect the alloy, wet spray your colour choice or the original OEM colour, finished with a powder coat lacquer which is both hard and durable, making you wheels very easy to keep clean and looking their best for years to come.
Llansamlet in the heart of the Swansea Vale area within easy reach of Junction 45 or 44 and 2 minutes from ASDA Superstore in Morriston.
We are unique within the industry having perfected our processes to deliver the one day turnaround for standard finished wheels and two days for Diamond Cut wheels which our competitors aspire too, but have yet to achieve.
Thank you
We are ideally placed in
Mark Allcott
01792 700 110
It matters not if you drive a Fiesta or Ferrari, Beetle or Bentley your wheels will be refurbished or customised to the same exacting standards. If your wheels are not looking their best and would like a quotation, please pop into the showroom or give me a call.
t o c l l A k r a M
Ashmount Business Park (Unit 9B), Upper Fforest Way, Swansea Enterprise Zone, Swansea, SA6 8QR
HOLIDAYS
Centre Stage WITH EDWARDS
THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER 14th Dec | 1 NIGHT 4 Hilton London Metropole Hotel ONLY £169 Bed and full English breakfast Ticket for the evening performance at Cadogan Hall Free time to explore London
COME FROM AWAY 25th Jan | 1 NIGHT 4 Hilton London Metropole Hotel ONLY £229 Bed and full English breakfast Ticket for the evening performance Free time in London
LES MISÉRABLES JANE MCDONALD IN BIRMINGHAM 20th Dec | 1 NIGHT 3 Hallmark Strathallan Hotel ONLY £169 Bed and full English breakfast Transfers to Arena Birmingham Ticket for the evening performance Free time in Birmingham
25th Jan | 1 NIGHT 4 Hilton London Metropole ONLY £229 Bed and full English breakfast Ticket for the evening performance Free time in London
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 21st Dec | 1 NIGHT 4 Hilton London Metropole Hotel ONLY £249 Bed and full English breakfast Transfers to Olympia Ticket for the evening show Free time in London
25th Jan | 1 NIGHT 4 Novotel London Paddington ONLY £229 Bed and breakfast Ticket for the evening performance at the Royal Albert Hall Free time in London
& JULIET STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE 18th & 19th Jan ONLY £119 DAY TOUR Tickets for the matinee performance at Arena Birmingham 3 Hallmark Strathallan Hotel 16th Jan ONLY £179 17th Jan ONLY £189 18th Jan ONLY £195 3 Hampton by Hilton City North 17th Jan ONLY £189 18th Jan ONLY £195 Bed and full English breakfast Return transfers to Arena Birmingham Tickets for the evening performance Free time in Birmingham
The Perfect Gift
8th Feb | 1 NIGHT 4 Hilton London Metropole ONLY £229 Bed and full English breakfast Ticket for the evening performance Free time in London
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 8th Feb | 1 NIGHT 4 Hilton London Metropole ONLY £229 Bed and full English breakfast Ticket for the evening performance Free time in London
For more information visit your local Travel Shop today!
Come and see us in your local travel shop or book online at edwardscoaches.co.uk Blackwood 01495 222272 | Cardiff 02920 348811 | Llansamlet 01792 274444 | Llantrisant 01443 202048 Merthyr Tydfil 01685 387877 | Pembroke 01646 683143 | Swansea 01792 456600 All coach tours include return executive coach travel. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Prices for all tours correct at time of printing and are per person based on two people sharing.
OUT & ABOUT
A N D R E W
M O R G A N ’ S
SWANSEA BAY WALK Join Andrew as he leads us on a Swansea Bay walk
Start/finish location .......... Gowerton Car Park on B4295 just west of Commercial Inn Distance ..................................... 4 (+4) miles (2+2 hours) Level ............................................. Easy/moderate Parking ........................................ At side of road
Festival of winter walks: Try out a New Year’s Day walk
It’s New Year’s Resolution time so come for a stroll with Swansea Ramblers who will be walking all over Christmas and New Year during our festival of winter walks. Have a look at our website for the full list of walks over the holiday period and try out one of these or any of our other walks to discover the countryside around you. Bob will lead a three-mile walk on the last Saturday before Christmas, so if you want to get away from the shopping frenzy head down to Parkmill for a walk then join him for a pub lunch. If it’s a longer walk you fancy then Bob will be out again on Sunday to lead a 10-mile walk in North Gower. On Boxing Day, Clive is leading his annual stroll from Bracelet to Caswell. But if you’ve indulged too much the day before, you can get up a little later and meet him in Langland for the shorter, middle bit of the walk. You can even watch the mass Boxing Day dip in the ice cold sea! On Saturday, January 4, Christine will lead another easy four-mile walk exploring the Tawe path to the Copper works at Morfa. On Sunday, January 5, Tim takes us on a strenuous nine-mile walk from Parc Slip Nature Reserve, north of Bridgend. The following Monday, Colin and Delyth bring the festival to a close with a moderate walk in the area near the Liberty Stadium.
On New Year’s Day, Peter will be leading two walks as one figure-of-eight stroll. This means you can come along in the morning for a four-mile walk, or come along in the afternoon for a four-mile walk or stay all day to do both walks of around eight miles. Perfect if you’ve been celebrating New Year’s Eve and don’t feel up to joining us for the morning walk! So if you’re thinking of making a New Year resolution, why not start as you mean to go on by joining Peter on January 1. Meeting in the car park west of the Commercial Inn, he’ll take us along the cycle path and into the surrounding countryside for a short walk that returns to the car park for lunch. The beauty of this walk is if you’ve enjoyed the morning walk, you have the option to continue walking in the afternoon and if you couldn’t get to the morning walk, you can still join Peter for the afternoon walk which will explore even more countryside close to Gowerton. Peter will set off on the second walk along a mixture of urban and rural paths to discover more walking opportunities in the area. Join us for this or one of the other great walks we’ll be doing over the holiday period.
Upcoming Walks december 2019 Wed 05 Rhossili Down (9 miles). Strenuous. Meet 10am Rhossili N.T. CP Sat 07
Sun 08 Neolithic and Medieval Gower (12 miles). Strenuous. Meet 9am Parkmill: Park Wood Car Park Tue 10 Goytre to Bryn (Linear) (5 miles) Moderate. Meet 9.50am Quadrant: Stand G: 10am X3 bus Sat 14 Bishopston Valley (6 miles) Moderate. Meet 11am Kittle: Beaufort Arms Sun 15 Hills behind Port Talbot (11 miles) Strenuous. Meet 9am Francis St Wed 18 Kilvey Hill (8 miles) Easy/moderate. Meet 10am Fendrod Lake Sat 21
Pub Lunch Walk (3 miles). Easy. Meet 11am Parkmill: Gower Inn
Sun 22 North Gower (10 miles). Moderate. Meet 9.30am Gowerton car park off B4295 Thu 26
Transport: Traveline: www.traveline-cymru.info • 0871 200 22 33 or BayTrans: www.baytrans.org.uk/
Penllergare (6 miles). Moderate. Meet 10am Penllergare Valley Woods CP
South Gower Beaches (The whole walk)(6 miles). Easy/ moderate. Meet 10.15am Bracelet Bay: CP area near Limeslade
Thu 26 South Gower Beaches (Middle of above walk) (3 miles). Easy/moderate. Meet 11.15am Langland Bay: Lifeguard Hut Sat 28
Trallwn Walk 1 (6 miles). Moderate. Meet 11am Fendrod Lake
Visit our website: www.swansearamblers.org.uk SWANSEA LIFE 99
WHAT’S ON
December
eight good things to do...
LES MISERABLES WHERE? Wales Millennium Centre WHEN? Until January 4 Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Les Miserables takes to the stage for the centre’s Christmas 2019 show. Guaranteed to be another big crowd puller, this production inspired the hugely successful movie version starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne and is seen very much as a Les Mis for the 21st century. Box Office: 029 2063 6464 www.wmc.org.uk www.lesmis.com/uk-ireland-tour
WINTER FAIR
PETER PAN PANTOMIME WHERE? Grand Theatre, Swansea WHEN? December 13 - January 12 Coronation Street’s Tristan Gemmill will lead the cast in the role of the evil Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Grand in this year’s Christmas panto. Based on the story by JM Barrie, it tells the adventures of a free-spirited and mischievous young boy who can fly and never grows up. Gemmill’s role comes just as his Corrie character Robert Preston leaves the soap in a major Christmas storyline. He will be joined in a show which promises what are said to be jaw-dropping flying and special effects, by prolific performer Kev Johns as Mrs Smee in what will be his 21st consecutive pantomime at the Grand as well as Britain’s Got Talent star Ricky K. Tickets: 01792 475715
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WHERE? Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire WHEN? December 1 Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Aberglasney’s annual winter fair. More than 60 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts as well as everything from decorations to fine art, floristry, jewellery and toiletries are on offer for a three-day event which ends on December 1. Another 30 or so stalls will offer a range of artisan food and drink and sweet treats from fudge to Christmas essentials, such as smoked salmon, gin and coffee. Outdoors, warm up with a hog roast or beef burger. Music and dance performances are also planned as well as an inside grotto with Santa! Tickets: Normal prices apply. Phone: 01558 668998 www.aberglasney.org
Ed Byrne If I'm Honest... WHERE? Grand Theatre WHEN? December 5, at 8pm Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits that are worth passing on to his children. Ed Byrne presents his new masterclass in observational comedy hot on the heels of his 17/18 touring hit, Spoiler Alert!
Santa Run WHERE: Rhossili WHEN? December 21 If you fancy something just a little bit more strenuous than eating mince pies to kick-start your festive break, this family-friendly Santa run could be it! You can run, jog or stroll the scenic 2k-route out towards Worms Head before returning for a Christmassy treat. Organisers say booking is essential. Phone: 07917 557811
TICKETS: 01792 475715
Swansea Philharmonic Choir 60th Anniversary WHERE? Brangwyn Hall, Swansea WHEN? December 8 at 7.30pm Join Swansea Philharmonic Choir's celebration of their 60th anniversary with Bach's B Minor Mass, featuring soloists Daisy Walford, Keiron Connor Valentine, Gareth Treseder and Michael Lafferty. This year, the choir has been paired with Nathan Dearden a Welsh composer and conductor, as part of Making Music's prestigious Adopt- a- Composer scheme. Nathan is composing three 'postcards' which the choirwill perform in this, their anniversary year. Tickets: £20. Tel: 01792 475715
Tea Dance WHERE? Brangwyn Hall, Swansea WHEN? December 18 at 1.45pm Why not indulge your twinkling toes and join Phillip and Gaynor Evans at the Brangwyn tea dance? Phillip and Gaynor are professional dancers based at the established dance school ‘Dance Kingdom’ in Llanelli and currently compete as professionals for Wales. They are former Amateur Welsh National Ballroom and Latin champions, British Open Modern Sequence finalists, Latin Sequence Vice champions and more recently, UK Closed Professional 10 dance finalists. Join them for an afternoon of music, dance and cake! Tickets: £7pp including tea and cake (booking essential). Tel: 01792 475715
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) WHERE? National Waterfront Museum, Swansea WHEN? December 14 at 2pm Everyone's festive favourite film is being screened in a free event in Swansea. The heart-warming classic kicks off with an introduction from film Historian Anthea Symonds. Set on Christmas Eve and starring James Stewart as George Bailey, this life-affirming Christmas classic where Frank Capra’s triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement, is always a winner. Tickets: Free entry. Tel: 0300 111 2 333
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It would be a SIN – to miss this outrageous Ball of a Production!
OVER
18 S ONLY Join us for a festive night of fun and frolics FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER • 7:30PM FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER • 7:30PM
Princess Royal Theatre 01639 763214
WWW.PRINCESSROYALTHEATRE.COM
FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER • 7PM
The Lyric Theatre 0345 226 3510
WWW.THEATRAUSIRGAR.CO.UK
FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER • 7PM
The Ffwrnes Theatre 0345 226 3510
WWW.THEATRAUSIRGAR.CO.UK
For further enquiries or to discuss your bookings please contact our team on
01792 458855
or email: admin@jerminproductions.co.uk @JERMIN_PROD JERMIN PRODUCTIONS JERMINPRODUCTIONS #CINDERELLASOUTHWALES
www.jerminproductions.co.uk
Orchard Street | Neath | SA11 1DU | Tel: 0300 365 6677 | www.gwynhall.com
|
Proudly sponsored by
re cordially invited to ’ u o Y l ball of a Pantomim e! roya
29th Nov - 24th Dec 2019 For further enquiries or to discuss your bookings please contact our team on
01792
BOOK 458855 NOW
or email admin@ jerminproductions.co.uk
The Lyric Theatre
Princess Royal Theatre
WWW.THEATRAUSIRGAR.CO.UK
WWW.PRINCESSROYALTHEATRE.COM
0345 226 3510
01639 763214
www.jerminproductions.co.uk
The Ffwrnes Theatre
0345 226 3510 WWW.THEATRAUSIRGAR.CO.UK
@JERMIN_PROD JERMIN PRODUCTIONS JERMINPRODUCTIONS #CINDERELLASOUTHWALES
SOCIAL DIARY
going out... 27 pages of people and parties in swansea
CHARITY SUPPORT WHere: Langland Brasserie Tell Me More: Solo Fashion of Mumbles staged a fashion show in support of The Pettifor Trust charity. PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia
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CHARITY CATWALK WHere: Manor Park, Clydach Tell Me More: A fashion show to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer charity with clothes for the catwalk coming from local boutiques and shops. photography: Jonathan Myers
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FUNDRAISER WHere: King Arthur Hotel, Reynoldston Tell Me More: A ‘Wear it Pink’ event raising £7,679.90 in memory of Lucie Summerfield for the charity Breast Cancer Now. photography: Robert Melen
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LITERARY LUNCH WHere: Great Hall, Swansea University Bay Campus Tell Me More: Save the Children Swansea Literary Lunch celebrating 100 years of Save the Children. photography: Nick Treharne
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Ladies Soiree WHere: Maggie’s Centre, Swansea Tell Me More: A fundraising ladies night in collaboration with DWJ Wealth Management.
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CELEBRATION DINNER WHere: George Hall, Swansea Tell Me More: Rotarians from across South Wales attended Rotary Swansea’s 100-year Charter Celebration Dinner. Former Swansea City player Leon Britton, who is now sporting director of the club, was the guest speaker as well as Donna Wallbank, the President of Rotary for Great Britain and the island of Ireland. Cliff Evans from Langland was presented with a certificate commemorating his 50 years club membership with centenary president Maggie Abbett presented with a certificate for the club commemorating its 100-year membership of Rotary Great Britain and Ireland. pictures: Raul Rucarean
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EMBRACING BEAUJOLAIS DAY WHere: Old Havana Cuban Bar
and Restaurant, Swansea Tell Me More: A party to mark
Beaujolais Day 2019. The venue was one of scores across the city to raise a toast to the first wine of the season made from the first harvest of grapes in the Beaujolais region of France.
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FUNDRAISER WHere: Marriott Hotel, Swansea Tell Me More: A charity fundraiser organised by Rowberry’s in Swansea raising funds for the city’s Ty Olwen Hospice. Pictures: adrianwhitephotography.co.uk
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SPORTING lunch WHere: Morgans, Swansea Tell Me More: A post-RWC lunch with Gareth Anscombe and Hadleigh Parkes hosted by Rupert Moon with Cancer Research Wales, the event’s charitable partner. PHOTOGRAPHY: Riley Sports Photography
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AWARDS CEREMONY WHere: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Tell Me More: Businesses from across Swansea, Mumbles, Gower, Neath and Port Talbot competed for the 2019 Swansea Bay Tourism Awards first established in 2006. This year, as in 2017, the awards were organised in partnership with Swansea Council. PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia
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Beaujolais Day WHere: Old Havana, Swansea Tell Me More: Howells Legal hosted a Beaujolais event raising money for the Dreams and Wishes charity for seriously ill children.
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SALUT! WHere: Juniper Place, Swansea Tell Me More: A major highlight in the venue’s calendar with hundreds joining its day-long Beaujolais event.
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CHARITY SUPPORT WHere: Parc y Scarlets Tell Me More: An evening with former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton, sponsored by RW Learning and organised by 218 Events.
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CENTENARY DINNER WHere: National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Tell Me More: Parents, staff, past pupils and friends of Swansea’s Oakleigh House independent primary school celebrated at a dinner which raised £3,700 for the school’s nominated charities, Maggie’s and Latch Children’s Cancer Charity.
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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS WHere: Mansion House, Ffynone Tell Me More: Community groups representing organisations from across Swansea have joined in special celebrations to mark the city’s 50th anniversary as a city.
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AWARDS NIGHT WHere: Brangwyn Hall, Swansea TELL ME MORE: More than 500 people attended the Welsh National Wedding Awards organised by JR Events & Catering which recognised industry leaders from across Wales. PHOTOGRAPHY: Hoosh Multimedia
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TIME FOR YOU
ÐБMum We All Know I’m Your Favourite’ mug, £2; Sainsbury’s, Swansea
ÏÏFluffy Llama wash bag, £5; Dunelm, Swansea
ÏÏMood by Jon Richards earrings, £14; Debenhams, Swansea
ÎÎGoogle Nest Mini, £49, John Lewis, Cardiff
ÏÏCath Kidson Button spot twill shoulder tote, £75; Oyster Gallery, Mumbles
PERFECT PARCELS Gifts for Her Who says women are hard to buy for? Snap up one of these gorgeous gifts and she'll love you for it
ÏÏBobbi Brown nourishing lip colour, £24.50; Debenhams, Swansea
ÏÏChanel Coco Mademoiselle, £57 for 35ml, The Perfume Shop, Swansea
ÏÏFelt Labrador (Golden), £30; National Trust Shop, Rhossili
ÏÏDreaming slippers, £45; Seasalt, Mumbles
ÐÐRevolving Christmas tree, £22.99; British Heart Foundation, Swansea
ÏÏLuna velvet top, £59.95; White Stuff, Mumbles ÏÏSplash style vase, £55; Laura Ashley, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park ÏÏFresh ‘n Rebel clam bluetooth headphones, £79.99, Amazon.co.uk
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ÍÍChristmas pudding truffles; from a range at Hotel Chocolat, Cardiff
ÐÐSoaper Duper deluxe shea butter gift set, £10, Boots, Swansea
ÎÎThree shell cacao almond and coconut body scrub, £14, Hotel Chocolat, Cardiff
ÏÏSet of six Eau De Toilette tin, £12; Next, Swansea
ÍÍSet of six Eau De Toilette tin, £12; Next, Swansea ÍÍSnow Fairy body spray, £20; Lush, Swansea
ÏÏMusic box quiz, £8; Marks and Spencer, Swansea
ÏÏDouble rose gold charm, £36; Kindle House, Ystradgynlais
ÏÏPlatinum 1.02ct cushion cut ring, £9,995; Stephen Hughes Jewellers, Swansea
ÏÏBespoke Oyster Mumbles Christmas candle, from a range at Oyster Gallery, Mumbles
ÏÏThe Pamper Hamper (containing moisturiser, toner and hot cloth cleanser, luxury collection candle, chocolates and Prosecco), £39.99, Aldi, Gorseinon
ÏÏVelvet chain strap shoulder bag, £25; Marks and Spencer, Swansea ÏÏHadlow hiker boots, £75; Fat Face, Mumbles
ÏÏPersonalised gin goblet by Becky Broome, £25.79; notonthehighstreet.com
ÐÐBrushed gold double-walled metal water bottle, £15; Accessorize, Swansea
ÏÏSelfie light, £9.50; Marks and Spencer, Swansea
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TIME FOR YOU
ÍÍ Brookfield 30th anniversary polo shirt, £59.95; Joules, Mumbles
ÏÏSwans 2020 calendar, £8.99; Liberty Stadium Swans shop ÏÏWhisky lovers playing cards, £10; White Stuff, Mumbles
ÐÐXiaomi Mi M365 electric scooter, £399, Halfords, Swansea
ÏÏSmall beard grooming kit, £8; Marks and Spencer, Swansea ÐÐSwans Pro-Tech rucksack, £29.99; Swans Shop
PERFECT PARCELS Gifts for Him ÏÏHarris Tweed hip flask, £130; available to order at Sainsbury’s, Swansea ÍÍMade in Italy cashmere blend fair isle socks, £25; John Lewis, Cardiff
ÏÏRacing pigs in blankets, £8; Paperchase, Parc Morfa
ÏÏGPO Bermuda record player, £159; Cuckooland. com
ÍÍDior Sauvage Parfum, £74 for 60ml, The Perfume Shop, Swansea
ÏÏLeather brogue boots, £38; Matalan, Cwmdu
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ÏÏDark brown leather-look strap watch, £30; River Island, Swansea
ÏÏApple 11 iPad Pro (2018) - 64 GB, space grey, £730; Currys, Parc Morfa
ÍÍThe Original Den Kit, £40, MuddlePuddles.com
ÍÍKids Eda moose rocker, £121.95; Cuckooland.com
ÍÍChildren’s explorer binoculars, £10; National Trust shop, Rhossili
ÎÎCaptain Marvel costume, £15; Tu at Sainsbury’s, Swansea
PERFECT PARCELS Gifts for Kids
ÏÏReindeer slippers, £10; Marks and Spencer, Swansea
ÏÏLearning Resources Artie 3000 drawing coding robot, £69, John Lewis, Cardiff
ÎÎSymphonisk table lamp with wi-fi speaker, £150, Ikea, Cardiff
ÏÏWooden dolls’ house, £15; George Home, Swansea
ÐÐPlush unicorn - £79.99, Dobbies, Llansamlet
ÐÐLOL Surprise 2-in-1 glamper fashion camper with 55 surprises, £100, Argos, Pontarddulais Road Retail Park
ÏÏPolaroid Pop 2.0 instant print digital camera, £164, Amazon.co.uk
ÏÏFurReal Lion King Mighty Roar Simba, £119.99, Smyths Toys, Llansamlet
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TIME FOR YOU
I n s e a r c h o f S a n ta i n
Lapland Father Christmas is alive and well in Lapland. Claire Spreadbury pays him a visit...
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Anyone who has children dreams of taking them to see the big man at Christmas. We might have some pretty amazing grottoes and experiences over here, but nothing beats seeing Santa in his homeland. It is, without doubt, the most magical trip every family wants to make – but it’s not always an easy one. Here, we reveal the secrets you really should know before heading to the snowy lands to hunt down Father Christmas...
1. Spend as much as you can possibly afford on your trip Taking the family to Lapland is one of the most expensive getaways you’re likely to take. But people do. And it’s not just those who have cash to splash – people save up for years to scrape the money together and you’ll discover a real mix of people of there – from your so-called ‘average’ families, to Christmas-crazy couples, and lots of grannies and grandpas making memories with their grandchildren. There are cheaper (yet still expensive) and more luxe options available, and I would advise families to spend as much as they can. The uber-special extras can make an enormous difference to your trip of a lifetime. And even the basics can be game-changing.
barking and sniffing everyone out from the safety of their lock-ups. After saying hello to the fierce fluffballs, we head into the nearby lodge and warm our insides by slurping warm berry juice next to the roaring fire, before being called for our rides. My body feels like it’s completing some sort of lower-body workout. My glutes have gone from feeling tight to being completely numb, and my inner thighs pang like I’ve been on the abductor machine. If it wasn’t for my ice-cold toes and the fact I have two children sat in between my legs, I’d have sworn I’d been to the gym. But this is the sort of workout you only get in Lapland. Icy snowflakes land on my face and the
5. It’s easy to forget the real reason you’re here
2. Prepare yourself for an action-packed schedule It’s likely you’ll need to wake the kids up in the middle of the night to get to the airport in time for your flight. It’s certain they’ll be absolutely shattered when you arrive, and possibly really hungry because there hasn’t been a chance to eat for ages. You might find a window to grab some food after being kitted out in suits and boots, but then find the evening dinner is only two hours later. Small tired folk can be pretty challenging, especially after throwing themselves down toboggan runs, attempting to learn how to use a kick-sled and building at least three snowmen. Lower your expectations of this being a perfectly perfect trip. It will be fraught at times, but still amazing. Don’t ruin it by letting yourself get uptight.
3. Everyone loves the huskies Having a husky ride is most people’s favourite part of the trip. If you’re not a dog fan (like me), you might find them loud, yappy and a bit scary, but there’s no denying the beauty in those piercing ice-blue eyes, and the ride itself is so much fun. On my trip, we’re up and out to the husky farm – a big, snow-covered fir tree expanse – super early. The dogs are leaping and
And that last encounter left myself and my then-six-year-old-daughter Rosie at a 45-degree angle fearing for our lives, before she stormed off refusing to get on a skidoo with me ever again. I completely understood, and never wanted to get on one again either. This time, after getting kitted out with balaclavas and helmets, we’re given some short instructions about how to drive a skidoo and some long explanations about how we’ll have to stump up the best part of a grand if we crash the vehicle. Anyone not put off by the crash fee or course seems to have a whale of a time, but myself and several other parents decide to join the little ones in the skidoo-pulled sleigh, which is super fun when we zip through a tunnel at a decent speed.
wooden sleigh creaks and waggles as it’s dragged along behind six fluffy little husky bums. Any pain I feel as we slide over rocks, skid passed trees and even take flight as we hurtle over a bump melts away as I hear the sound of my two daughters, six-year-old Poppy and nine-year-old Rosie, explode in to a chorus of cackles. Slicing through the icy tracks, we get thrown to the left, bumped to the right and it’s everything Lapland dreams are made of.
4. Skidoos can be exciting but scary I’ve had a couple of experiences with skidoos, and neither of them have been great. I should put my hands up here to explain I’m not a confident driver, so ploughing though snow on a machine that’s fairly fast and dangerous doesn’t appeal to me as much as it might my husband. The first time I drove one, I got stuck. Twice.
*How to plan your trip Santa’s Lapland (santaslapland.com; 01483 938 483) offers three or four-day breaks to Saariselka in northern Finland, departing from 19 UK regional airports, from Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24, 2019.
You came to see Santa. But since arriving, you’ve been so busy admiring reindeer, throwing yourself around on the ice, doing activities and making memories, it’s easy to forget about him. When the time comes though, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation that fills your heart, and the nervously excited glances in every child’s eyes. We’re busying ourselves trying out tandem skiing, kick-sleds and mini skidoos kids can drive in a small circles, harnessed to a tree, while gobbling gingerbread biscuits dunked into hot juice when our names are called. We climb into a proper wooden sleigh, pulled by a slow and beautiful reindeer. We’re gently pulled towards a little wooden hut, climb out and are greeted by elves. Their strangely infectious, high-pitched little language has the girls in stitches, before Poppy looks and listens hard to work out what they’re saying. In the end, she shakes her head, flummoxed, and concludes they’re “very, very weird”. As we make our way round to the big wooden door, Rosie and Poppy are invited to knock as hard as they can on it. Eventually, an elf creaks it open and we venture inside. There’s a roaring fire and colourful Christmas decorations inside a snug little sanctuary. Father Christmas sits, belly undulating, in his chair, clutching two letters written to him – one from Rosie and one from Poppy. The girls become remarkably quiet and self-conscious as they take a seat next to him, and he asks them to read their letters aloud. After a short chat and some family snaps, Santa hands over two wrapped up parcels containing soft, snuggly reindeer toys, and we say thank you before heading out into the snow. The girls smile silently, beaming at each other in disbelief. Magic? You bet!
The Santa’s Aurora programme includes a pre-departure personal letter to Santa Claus, return flights and transfers, accommodation on half board, thermal clothing, winter activities and a private family meeting with Santa. A three-day break, departing from London Gatwick on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, costs from £4,756 per family (based on two adults and two children sharing) staying in the four-star Star Arctic Hotel. SWANSEA LIFE 137
Women’s jumper - £40 - River Island
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Sara Plant, partner and head of family law at Peter Lynn & Partners Solicitors, talks this month about what not to do when considering a divorce
140 SWANSEA LIFE
TIME FOR YOU
What Not To Do When Considering a Divorce Applications for divorce surge in January, especially the first week after the New Year, as people decide to start the new year with a clean slate after what can be a very stressful Christmas holiday. Being with your partner for many days when a marriage is already experiencing problems is an issue but add the pressure of in-laws and putting on a “happy face” for visitors and it can quickly reach breaking point. Sara Plant, partner and head of family law said: “Christmas for some couples can be fraught with lots of tension, emotion and financial issues which can expose the fractures in an already strained relationship. We see this reflected in the volume of divorce applications we receive in the New Year.” While Christmas can mean a breaking point for some, applying for divorce through anger can also cause many issues. Ms Plant continued: “You need to protect yourself, your children and your assets so making such a big decision when emotionally charged can cause problems further down the line”. From a financial point of view, divorce is one of the most significant decisions you will make and handled incorrectly, can have devastating results on your finances, especially if your partner earns more money or you are forced to sell your home.
To that end alone, it is imperative you seek legal advice before making any announcements. “Don’t rush and think about the end game,” advises Ms Plant. “Many people apply for divorce quickly and sometimes out of anger, especially if there has been infidelity, but it is better to be strategic.” In situations where high-value assets are concerned, obtaining financial records first before announcing the divorce will save time and money in the future, especially if your partner has the ability to try and hide assets. Ms Plant continued: “We use a variety of resources from property valuers to forensic accountants and even antique valuers, and while we have the means to identify and locate assets, it saves time and money if the documentation relating to assets is provided at the outset.” For expert advice on matters relating to divorce, contact Peter Lynn & Partners. It has one of the largest, and arguably the best divorce and family law teams in the region and offers a sympathetic yet professional service in a confidential manner. To arrange a meeting with the team, call 01792 450010 or email Divorce@plandp.co.uk
To arrange a free initial meeting, call 01792 450010 or email Advice@plandp.co.uk Preventing legal problems
Christmas in Mumbles
e s a h c r u p o Looking t ome but h your next ? s r u o y d l haven’t so
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The Christmas feelgood factor As featured at the One Size Fits All Roadshow
Goose Island owner Karen Hutchings' love of great clothing that is comfortable, affordable and stylish has allowed her to develop a brand at her Newton Road, Mumbles store that is on trend with its brilliant mix of relaxed, layered styles with intricate fabric combinations, beautiful prints and elegant feminine shapes as well as knitwear and unique accessories to compliment any occasion.
Fashion | Accessories Christmas Gifts & Vouchers 23, Newton Road, Mumbles, SA3 4BL | Tel: 01792 363723 | www.goose-island.co.uk | Also stores in Cowbridge and Llandeilo
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Plan for your future Contact us for your free initial consultation – Wills and Lasting Power of Attorneys We understand Wills and LPA’s are not at the top of everyone’s ‘to do’ list. To help you, we are offering a free consultation for 30 minutes with an Estate and Trusts Solicitor, based in our Mumbles Office. During your consultation, we can determine your options and the most suitable solution. Please feel free to call in to our office to book an appointment, or alternatively, your consultation can be over the phone. We look forward to hearing from you!
To Swansea
Oystermouth Castle
B4593 Newton Road
67 A40
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Amy Cooper-Davies SOLICITOR Email: alc@djm.law.co.uk
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Chelston House, 103 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Tel: 01792 304090
Christmas Party Bookings Available
Merry Christmas from our family to yours
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Book online at www.laparrilla.co.uk or call 01792 360 090
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TIME FOR YOU
MUMBLES PU TS THE LO C AL BO OZER BACK ON THE MAP Peter Slee hits the ale trail in Mumbles to savour the fruits of a renaissance in local brews
T
he days of the Mumbles Mile with its challenge to sink half a pint at each of the 21 pubs dotted along the seafront are (thankfully for those who live there) long gone! In its place is a more discerning option, the Mumbles Ale Trail, which owing to the hard work of six couples, is keeping ‘the great British pub’ very much alive and well in Mumbles. The Pilot, Ty Cwrw, The Park, the Mumbles Ale House and the Beaufort Arms are all privately owned public houses each with their own offer and identity. What this collection of independent boozers all share is a passion for real ales and craft lagers with one, The Pilot, even brewing its own! There are plenty of other decidedly drinkable options available along an easily walkable route stretching from Norton to Knab Rock (if you start at The Beaufort and finish at The Pilot). The ‘crawl’ will take you through the winding backstreets of Mumbles and depending on which day you choose, expect quiz, comedy and poetry nights, pop up kitchens, book clubs, darts competitions and live music. None ‘does food’; all are very much wet pubs with a warm welcome, community spirit and a chance to chat to locals and visitors alike (if you want to). With more than 25% of pubs in the UK having closed in the past decade (as many as 13 a week in 2018), it seems real-ale loving publicans in Mumbles are halting the ‘stay at home to drink’ tide. All have taken on their new ventures during the noughties, some within the last couple of years, and through commitment and creativity coupled with a sense of ‘we’re all in this together’, the Mumbles Ale Trail is helping to put Mumbles pubs nicely back on the map once again!
148 SWANSEA LIFE
The Beaufort Arms
Ty Cwrw
Darren and Paula Jones bring more than 20 years of pub running experience to the Beaufort Arms in Norton, a charming 18th-century pub, tastefully renovated and complete with log fire as well as a pub garden out back. Stocking traditional cask ales as well as lagers and a full bar, a dartboard and a separate room for functions. It’s not far from the seafront (simply head up Norton Road for a couple of hundred yards) and expect a warm and friendly welcome.
Ty Cwrw is the newest addition to the Mumbles real ale pub scene located 200 yards along from the Pilot, opposite Southend Gardens (next to the Carlton Hotel). Boasting lovely sea views, it has a cool vibe given its co-owners Rhys Stephens and Stuart Williams, Jade Rees and Richard Colwill are relatively young! It’s a true micro pub both in stature (it’s tiny) and in the real ales and craft lagers it stocks all sourced from a good mix of micro-breweries.
Open daily, find it at 1 Castle Road
Open daily, find it at 650 Mumbles Road
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ALE TRAIL
The Park Inn
The Pilot
Mumbles Ale House
Kevin Martin and Sam Davis are the keepers of this cosy backstreet pub which blends into a neat row of terraced cottages at the top of a hill, just up from the library. What lies beyond its pretty Dickensian double frontage are painted wood panels, a roaring fire plus tasteful pub memorabilia as well as a good mix of traditional and craft ales, lagers, ciders and full bar.
Richard and Jo Bennett took over this traditional pub overlooking the sea at Southend back in 2012. It has its own brewery, has been spruced up with nautical styling throughout, and scooped a number of accolades including Swansea CAMRA Pub of the Year 2018. As well as its own beers, it boasts a full bar, hot drinks, daily newspapers and free wi-fi.
The Mumbles Ale House was Wales’ first micro pub which first opened its doors in 2014 in a tiny space at the bottom of Dunns Lane. Earlier this year, its owners Gerrard and Bron Armor moved lock, stock ‘and barrel’ into the building and pub formerly known as The Victoria Inn. It was a chance to expand its offer of real ales, lagers and Welsh Cake Stout served in a cosy space, complete with comfy sofas and quirky design features such as vintage cinema seats and bowler hat lights and 150-year-old well.
Open daily, find it at 23 Park Street
Open daily, find it at 726 Mumbles Road
Open daily, find it at 21 Westbourne Place SWANSEA LIFE 149
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TIME FOR YOU
The best new books to add to your december reading list
A good book by your side is surely an essential... here’s Swansea Life’s pick of the best
Pursuit
by Joyce Carol Oates is published in hardback by Head of Zeus, priced £18.99 (ebook £5.03). Available now Joyce Carol Oates is back on familiar territory, pitting toxic masculinity against a trembling, fragile female protagonist in this gripping and gruesome novel, form the legendarily prolific novelist. It’s a slim volume, just a couple of hundred pages long, but it’s packed with the unrelenting, won’t-let-go intensity that characterises all Oates’ work. Delicate, mysterious Abby has only been married for a day when she suffers horrendous injuries after
stepping into the path of a bus. What made her do it? New husband, devout Christian, Willem, is determined to find out. As Abby slowly recovers, she recalls her fractured childhood and the truth behind the disappearance of her parents when she was five years old is gradually revealed in all its nightmarish horror. Fans will enjoy this book, and if you’ve never read anything by her before, it is a good introduction to the strange, unique landscape that is Oatesland.
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger is published in hardback by Headline Review, priced £18.99 (ebook £7.99). Available now Written in the wake of the college admissions scandal that saw rich, connected parents across the United States buying their kids into college, The Gifted School is both relevant and deeply relatable. Focused on a seventh grade, slightly less extreme, version of events, when an exclusive school opens in the privileged community of Crystal, Colorado, four friends will do anything to guarantee their kids a spot. The novel flits between six main narratives, each
person hiding a secret. Although the secrets are not as biting as you would hope, they are very human. However, Holsinger stumbles by not giving a voice to all four friends, with some feeling like they only exist to advance the plot rather than providing any real insight into events. The Gifted School is an absorbing novel, if a bit predictable at times. Yet it remains a race through the pages to reach a sweet, satisfactory conclusion.
Grand Union
by Zadie Smith is published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £20 (ebook £20). Available now With all of Zadie Smith’s work, it’s hard not to appreciate it, to recognise its brilliance and importance. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean every carefully constructed sentence is totally enjoyable. And so, this selection of short stories offers an array of moments – ones of escape and humour (Escape From New York), others of devastation and loss, of unfairness and inequality (Miss Adele Amongst The Corsets), danger and everyday
ordinariness (Kelso Deconstructed). Some stories you’re in the middle of them before you have any idea what is going on (Meet The President!), many carry a creeping sense of dread that makes you want to skip to the next tale. Grand Union, as a collection, doesn’t always feel coherent (perhaps because some are brand new stories, others published previously). While Smith’s sharpness is fully intact, but it’s quite hard to get stuck in.
She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey is published in hardback by Bloomsbury Circus,
priced £20 (ebook £9.49). Available now It would be easy to pass on She Said, a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey about their efforts to uncover film producer Harvey Weinstein’s alleged abuse of women – charges he denies. After all, the world devoured the news as it broke in 2017, and watched as the #MeToo movement exploded from there. However, there really is a lot more to it than what we read in the
papers, and She Said gives a fascinating insight into the in-depth investigative journalism behind the story. It’s essentially a real-life detective novel, with Kantor and Twohey hunting down sources and trying to convince them to talk – no mean feat considering Weinstein’s power in Hollywood. It is also a thoughtful reflection on the impact of the Weinstein revelations, and what it means for women today.
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE MONTH
Madame Badobeda
by Sophie Dahl, illustrated by Lauren O’Hara is published in hardback by Walker Books, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.96). Available now Telling enthralling stories is clearly in the blood for Sophie Dahl, whose first foray into children’s books sees her follow in the footsteps of her grandfather and literary genius, Roald Dahl. But where Roald Dahl made an artform out of creating characters that delight and disgust in equal measure, former model Sophie sets herself apart with warm-hearted and almost poetic prose. In her children’s debut, she introduces the fabulous Madame Badobedah – a mysterious old lady and guest of The Mermaid Hotel, 152 SWANSEA LIFE
who captures the interest of the seaside bed and breakfast’s young resident Mabel. Determined that she is a super villain, Mabel sets out to spy on the hotel’s newest guest, who arrives with two dogs, two cats, a tortoise, 23 bags and a dressing table. As an unlikely friendship develops, they soon embark on exciting adventures by the sea. It may not be an action-packed tale, but Dahl’s engaging style – teamed with Lauren O’Hara’s gorgeous and perfectlysuited illustrations – make it a book to remember.
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