Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 29 by Whitchurch and Llandaff Living

WHITCHURCH AND LLANDAFF

Living

Issue 29 August/Sept 2014

A Place In the Sun

COLLABRO: We’re Still Pinching Ourselves on our BGT win

Lazy days and long evenings: RAY QUINN: Whitchurch and Llandaff I’m coming to Cardiff simmer in the summer sun

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Welcome Croeso

contents 3 5 8 13 16 17 21 29 30 31

News Letters Francis Lewis Collabro l Canton Chape rs Rotary’s 50 Yea Ray Quinn ws Community Ne Recipes Guest Column

We’ve been on a bit of a healthy eating splurge IUM LISTINGS FREE AND PREM N OUR here at the office. One of these elements includes a AVAILABLE O juicer, which is a bit like a blender, but RY takes out all the fibres of anything you ONLINE DIRECTO pass through it and leaves you with all the goodness of the juice. So for breakfast this morning, we had [the juice of] kale, celery, lemon, ginger, apples and cucumber. All poured over ice. Sounds a bit rank but it’s all rather surprisingly tasty. As for lp local finding ways to he over n, ai ag ce the effects of it? Well, it means 20 minutes cleaning on sy bu We’ve been site attracts nisations. Our web thought it was ga the juicer every morning - a light workout before or d an es ss ne si e bu sitors a month so w getting some work done. That’s something I guess. 10,000 individual vi eated an online directory to help We’ve been privileged this issue to speak to winners about time that we cr nd each e’ve optimised it (a W . ve ha e w of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent - Collabro. They’re So s. gs. er our advertis the Google rankin up t ge lp he to heading to the city next year but before they arrive, g) by visiting individual listin or premium listing stering. ee fr X Factor runner-up Ray Quinn is visiting the capital. ur yo d ad n ca gi You mags.co.uk and re ng vi .li w Check out their interviews inside. w w at te si our web On page 8 is the remarkable story of Francis Lewis. Born in Llandaff, he went on to become one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. Keith Flynn OBE charts the history of Canton Chapel - built to serve worshippers in Llandaff who ardiff were finding the weekly trip to the city centre a bit too ad, Rhiwbina, C Ro h c a tb n Pa 2 much. Find out more on page 16. On page 17, we hear A: 22 CF14 6AG about the Rotary Club of Cardiff (Llandaff ) who are 022920 081775 / 07974 2 77 07 T: celebrating their 50 years this summer. mags.co.uk E: editor@living Chris Troughton, our local vet answers your pet ags.co.uk W: www.livingm questions on page 25 and on page 30, we’ve got some publisher of the contents, the ing e the accuracyfor any way arisrigh sur in r en tte to ma de y ma an t en s be s, or healthy, yet delicious barbeque recipes to fire up. contact any. copy ors or omission to err While every effortanha de for ty ma bili en nsi be po s res on ha cept y of this material. Every effort endent, apolitical publicati ac ot nn ca We’ll be back in the autumn now. Until then, enjoy blication d Llandaff Living is an indep from the puitch an e for holders. Wh urch d copy deadlin the sun (if we get any!) n a g n ki o o b g Advertisin 2014. Patric and Danielle (editors) 5th September y a id Fr 30 e Issu ber 22nd 2014. n date - Septem io at ic ar. bl pu 30 Editor’s Assistant: Joseph Odgers Issue 2 ed 5 times a ye Living is publish Whitchurch and

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NO 23 BUS MAKING A COMEBACK Cardiff Bus are bringing back the No 23 bus from September due to protests. It will run once an hour.

WHITCHURCH DADS RIDE FOR CHARITY Three years ago, a group of friends (connected only through their sons playing football for Whitchurch AFC) built a raft and entered the annual charity raft race in aid of George Thomas Hospice Care. They finished second to last but in adversity, a friendship developed, together with an ambition to raise some money themselves for the Whitchurch based charity. This year between 31st July and 3rd August, eleven of them (all but one non-cyclists) are cycling 220 miles from the most northerly pub in Wales (The Liverpool Arms in Amlwch) to the grounds of the Hospice in Whitchurch. This is a charity event they have organised and funded themselves. Pre-ride events have already raised £1340 but the Whitchurch Dads are hoping to raise a lot more and they are seeking sponsorship from individuals and local businesses. If you can make a donation there is a Just Giving site www. justgiving.com/gt220 or you can call Steve (07715 538854) or Ross (07813 276185) if you want further information. You can also follow the event via Twitter @ GT220crew.

news

GARETH BALE OPENS WHITCHURCH SCHOOL Football’s most expensive player has officially opened a Whitchurch primary school. Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale returned to his roots to unveil a plaque at the new Whitchurch Primary School in front of hundreds of delighted pupils. The school, Cardiff ’s newest primary school, was formed after his old primary school closed. He then spent two hours at the school and even attended a special assembly with Year 5 and

WRITER’S AWARD Living Magazines columnist and contributor Alice Morgan scooped the ‘Best Writing on a Blog’ Award at this year’s Wales Blog Awards. Alice picked up her award at Chapter Arts Centre, where awards were handed out to the creators and writers of the best blogs in Wales. Alice told Living Magazines: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win this award. My blog started life as a hobby and it’s great to know that it’s been recognised by the judges.” Alice has been contributing features and articles to Living Magazines since their creation in 2007. Last year, she won the South Wales Echo Short Christmas Story competition and has just finished her final year at Royal Holloway

6 pupils. He spoke to pupils and staff, visiting individual classes before signing two footballs and two football shirts for the school. He also raised the school flag during his visit. The school was opened after two English-language schools - Eglwys Wen and Eglwys Newydd, merged. Building work recently finished on the school which can house more than 600 pupils. University, London. Her ‘Best Writing on a Blog’ Award is the same prize that Living Magazines editor (and Alice’s big brother!) won at the last Wales Blog Awards in 2012. Judges were unaware of their sibling link until after the awards were announced. Warwick Emanuel PR set up the Wales Blog Awards in 2010 and organises them in conjunction with Media Wales. You can read Alice’s blog at www.alicemariarose. wordpress.com

Photograph courtesy of Steve Pope

news THE PLOUGH SINGERS: BRINGING PLEASURE AND RAISING FUNDS One of Cardiff ’s popular choirs, The Plough Singers, started life in the front room of The Royal Oak pub, Whitchurch, in 1991. Shortly after, they moved to The Plough Inn, a short distance up the road, adopting the name in the process and there they remained until the early part of 2009. Popularity and growth of the choir forced them to seek larger accommodation and they are now based at Whitchurch Rugby Sports and Social Club. They have one overriding ethos – ‘to give pleasure and have fun doing so’. Wales is renowned for its ‘male voice choirs’ much of which can be traced back to the early 1800’s and the influence of ‘chapel’, heavy industry and pubs. In those days the church and the local taverns were inextricably linked to a working man’s spiritual salvation. (There was the odd occasion, after work, when a man had a preference for either the church or the pub, but rarely both apparently!). The Plough Singers are a three part harmony choir comprising of tenors, 2nd tenors and bass. They don’t consider themselves to be a ‘male voice choir’, in the accepted sense. They are less formal with a varied repertoire that includes traditional Welsh songs such as Gwahoddiad, Calon Lan, Myfanwy and Men of Harlech and other popular ballads, folk songs and popular 4

music from the 60’s 70’ and 80’s. Such is their popularity that they also include a season of Christmas carol concerts towards the end of each year. They are a ‘not for profit’ organisation and provide entertaining concerts at weddings, wedding receptions, corporate functions, charity fund raising events, parties and other ceremonies. Their favoured charity is currently the Alzheimer’s Society (Wales) and over the years they have donated over £30,000 to the cause. They have appeared at some prestigious venues namely: Llandaff Cathedral; Millennium Centre (public area); Tredegar House (Newport); National History Museum; various Churches; Golf Clubs and Vale Hotel Golf and Country Club among many others. They have raised funds and performed for many other charities. If you are looking for a choir for a particular occasion get in touch with them, or better still… why not join them? They are looking for new members. Just turn up on a Monday evening. There’s no audition and there’s no need to feel embarrassed. You don’t have to be able to read music either, but it’s not essential. You can contact them via their website www.theploughsingers. co.uk or e-mail at ploughsingers@hotmail.co.uk

OWEN WILLIAMS MOVED TO ROOKWOOD Wales international Owen Williams has been moved to Rookwood Hospital after his serious spinal injury playing in Singapore

RESIDENTS SIGN PETITION CALLING FOR WELSHMEDIUM NURSERY Hundreds of families living in Llandaff North have signed a petition calling for the council to create a Welsh-medium nursery in the area. Nearly 900 residents have signed the petition, which Llandaff North councillor Dilwar Ali presented at a full council meeting earlier this month. Residents have suggested the nursery should be opened on the same site as Ysgol Glan Ceubal in Colwill Road. Coun Ali added that it would be beneficial for local families to have ‘everything under one roof ’. He pointed out that there had been an increase in demand for Welsh-medium education in the north of the city. He said that dozens of parents had approached him about the issue in recent months.

DANCE RECORD BID Dancers at this year’s Whitchurch Festival hope they have done enough to set a world record for the most people performing the Gangnam Style routine at one time. A grand total of 1,060 people at the festival did the dance, which became an internet hit after it was performed by South Korean pop star Psy. Organisers needed at least 1,000 to set a new official Guinness World Record.

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

letters

CROSSING QUERY Can someone please explain why there is only one zebra crossing, near Maltsters Arms, between Western Ave and BBC or Llandaff North petrol station, to service the whole urbanisation, plus all the extra student accommodation locally and those with pushchairs? STEVE WEST Chairman, Disabled & Aged Group Llandaff

COUNCIL DOES NOT LISTEN TO US

I regularly read in the press that the Local Development Plan that has been pushed through by the Council, has ‘the backing of the public’. Back in May, there was a referendum in the Fairwater ward which overwhelmingly rejected the plan. The Council promised a response, but it never

LLANDAFF BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN Your May/June issue refers to a facelift to Llandaff train station. The bridge over the line at the top of the hill has been rotting away for the last 20 years. There has been absolutely maintenance carried out in that time. I have tried to get the Health and Safety people involved two years ago and I am still awaiting for my call to be returned. The bridge is rusted and dangerous - not even a coat of paint in 20 years. As the most important infrastructure rots away, the bosses of Network Rail enjoy large bonuses. I wonder about all the other railway bridges in the city - there are many! A LOCAL RESIDENT Llandaff North

WILL THE NEW POST OFFICE DELIVER? I hear on the grapevine that Whitchurch Post Office is set to close and relocate near the library. If this is true, I simply cannot understand the logic of this

came. We have still yet to be made aware of how the water supply (and sewage disposal!) for the planned 41,000 homes will work. With the amount of rain we get in our winters, it should make interesting viewing to see how this impacts on the city’s infrastructure. Lord help us in time of summer droughts too! IAN PRITCHARD Fairwater

RIGHT TO TURN RIGHT?

decision. The Post Office, in its current location is absolutely ideal - it’s in the heart of the village, it has a free, large car park to the rear of it and brings much-needed trade to the village. With the recent changes to the bus routes, the people who are going to suffer the most are the elderly and infirm. I hear that the proposed site has just room for four cars - this is a joke! I just cannot understand that, with the survival of small villages such as Whitchurch (which still retains its lively and close-knit community) under threat, that the Post Office would decide to pull out. Whilst I understand that change is inevitable at times, there comes a point where change seems to be made simply for the sake of it - and in most cases, it’s totally unnecessary. S WILLIAMS Heol Pantycelyn Whitchurch

For those of us who are not able to enjoy six weeks off work, it’ll be up to people like myself to keep the economy ticking over while the schools are off. It is while these schools are off on their school holidays that us real workers benefit from the wonderful bonus that comes with the drive to work - that’s right - no school buses and definitely no trogs being taken to school in Mum’s Panzer tanks (that’s top-of-the-range 4x4’s to the rest of us). The main benefit is felt as we pass Howell’s School, where admittedly, there is a ‘No Right Turn between 8am-9am’ sign. During term time, this sign is mostly adhered to. However those pesky parents at Howell’s School have a little trick up their tweed sleeves to bypass this. They turn off left and pull into the school buildings opposite to drop their little Tarquins and Camillas off. Then they pull out and turn right - that’s right. They turn right - causing the same problem that we had in the first place. Ah. Wonderful summer. D DAVIES Llandaff North 5

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history

I rDeoby Heeclare D

Llandaff-born Francis Lewis was one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. This is the story of his eventful and historic life Francis Lewis was born 21st March 1713 in Llandaff. The only child of Rev. Francis Lewis, an Episcopal clergyman, and Amy Pettingal, the daughter of a clergyman, he was orphaned at the age 5. As a result, he went to live with his maiden aunt, who was described as ‘...an intelligent, compassionate woman of some means’. Francis studied in Scotland, where he learned the Gaelic language, and later on, he attended the prestigious Westminster School in London. After graduating, Francis found work as an apprentice in a London mercantile business. At the age of 21, he inherited some properties left by his father. Converting them to merchandise, he then set sail for New York City, arriving in either 1734 or 1735. Leaving some of his merchandise in New York to be sold by his business partner Edward Annesley, he took the remainder to Philadelphia, where he lived for two years before returning to New York. Involving himself in foreign trade and navigation trade, he made several trading trips across 8

the Atlantic, visiting several northern European ports, St. Petersburg, Scotland and Africa. Twice he was shipwrecked off the coast of Ireland and twice he survived. Francis married on June 15, 1745. His bride was the younger sister of his partner, Elizabeth Annesley. She would go on to bear seven children, four of whom would sadly die in infancy. Lewis’s business had supplied uniforms to the British during the French and Indian War - the war that was fought between the colonies of British America and New France. Both sides were supported by military units from their parent countries of Great Britain and France, as well as Native American allies. Lewis was also working as a clothing contractor for the British forces at Fort Oswego in August 1756. The fort had come under attack by French forces under the command of General Montcalm and their Indian allies. Lewis happened to be standing next to the fort’s commander, Colonel Mersey, when Mersey was killed during the battle. The fort eventually surrendered to Montcalm under his assurances

of safety, but no sooner had they surrendered, Montcalm allowed his Indian allies to select 30 prisoners to do with as they pleased. Lewis was among the 30 chosen. They faced either death or captivity. Fortunately for Francis, he found the Native Americans’ language similar to his own Welsh language and was able to converse with them. In turn, their chief treated Lewis with kindness and returned him to Montreal, requesting that Francis be returned to his family. However, things did not go according to plan and instead, Francis was sent to France as a prisoner. He eventually returned to the colonies in a prisoner exchange in 1763. The British government granted him 5,000 acres of land in New York as a way of compensating him for the seven years of his life that he had lost. Lewis decided to re-establish himself in business and he went on to make a large fortune. It has been estimated by the Encyclopedia of American Wealth that his wealth ranked him fifth among all the signers of the Declaration. His wealth enabled him to retire

from business in 1761 at the comparatively early age of 52. He was now free to focus on issues that concerned him and he became more active in public life. He became renowned as one of New York’s leading radicals - the issue of taxation without representation turned his loyalties from the Crown to the Revolutionary movement. He attended the Stamp Act Congress in 1765 - the first gathering of elected representatives from several of the American colonies to devise a unified protest against new British taxation. The Committee of Fifty, which was formed in New York in 1774 to protest the closing of the port of Boston, became the Committee of Fifty-One when Francis became the 51st member on May 16th. From 1774 onwards, the committee exercised effective control of New York City. In 1775, Francis moved his family and his belongings to an estate he had acquired in Whitestone, an area of New York. Elected as a representative in the First and Second Continental Congresses, in 1775, Francis signed the Olive Branch Petition which pledged American loyalty. Seeking to resolve the colonies’ disputes with the British government, he was effective in committee work. The committees appreciated his financial experience and business talent, as well as the wealth that he had acquired over the years. Letters dating from the winter of 1775 with other merchants reveal the history of his involvement in procuring clothing such as felt hats, buckskin breeches and coats for General Schuyler’s army. The letters reflect a strong attention to detail, accurate accounting and a fair approach in procuring the supplies. Benjamin Rush, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, described Lewis as ‘a very honest man’ who was ‘very useful in executive business.’ 1776 saw a growing enthusiasm for American independence. On July 2, 1776, Lewis Morris

and his fellow New York delegates sent an urgent message to the New York Provincial Congress asking for instructions with regard to American independence. Without clear instructions, Francis and the other members of the New York delegation were compelled to abstain from the votes for independence on July 2 and the

“

history

marker were unveiled there in 1947 by the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. His son, Morgan Lewis, went on to become an active player in the Revolutionary War. He graduated from Princeton in 1773. Later he helped found New York University. Francis Lewis Park is located

He became renowned as one of New York’s leading radicals

Declaration of Independence on July 4. Both votes were carried by a unanimous vote of the other colonies, 12 to 0. Within a few days the New York delegation received permission to join with the other 12 colonies, and on August 2nd, Francis joined with most of the other delegates of Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. He retired from public service in 1781 and served for as vestryman of Trinity Church between 1784-1786. During his retirement, Francis enjoyed reading and the company of his children and grandchildren. Twenty one years after his retirement, he died on December 31, 1802. He was 89. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard of Trinity Church, one of New York City’s oldest and most famous Episcopal churches. A bronze plaque and granite

on the site of Lewis’ former home at Whitestone. The Queens approach of the Bronx Whitestone Bridge crosses over the western side of the property. A high school in Queens is named after Francis Lewis. Francis Lewis Boulevard, which locals tend to refer to as ‘Franny Lew’, stretches almost the entire north/south length of the borough. A granite boulder engraved with the name of Francis Lewis is set in a memorial park, along with the other 55 signers, near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. In the Rotunda of the Capitol in Washington is the famous painting by John Trumbull, “The Declaration of Independence.” Francis is shown in a group of four background figures seated together near the right corner of the room—Francis is the second from the left.

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The Britain’s Got Talent Winners are coming to Cardiff they speak exclusively to Living Magazines

“

This time last year, I had just started work in a petrol station. I was a sales assistant and shelfstacker.” says Michael Auger, one-fifth of Britain’s Got Talent Winners, Collabro. “I’ve always loved musical theatre and had been for a few auditions in the West End late last year. I was lucky enough to be narrowed down to the final two for a Christmas show there but sadly lost out to someone else. It was at that point that I decided that really wanted to go for it.” It was in June this year that Michael, along with Richard, Jamie, Matt and Tom took the coveted Britain’s Got Talent crown, pulling in 26.5% of the votes. “Life has changed so much for us. We’re still in a whirlwind. As we’ve not known each other that long, we’re still finding things out about each other, never mind learning about the music industry itself! We’re picked up in cabs and whisked away to an exciting new adventure every day and we love it!” Working as a group (the name Collabro is shortened from the word ‘collaborative’ in case you hadn’t guessed!) has proved a real recipe for success. “The good thing is that there are five of us, so we always have a vote and someone’s always going to win.” Matt explains. “Everyone’s happy in the end.” “You put five guys who are sort of performers in a small sense in their own right together and you’re likely to have friction. But we’re now in a place where we get on really, really well and we’ve grown really close.” adds Jamie. Collabro formed in January 2014. With the boys working as a labourer (Richard), a finance assistant for the NHS (Jamie), a petrol station sales assistant (Michael), a kitchen

salesman (Matt) and Tom working in a Japanese restaurant, it was Matt and Jamie who spearheaded the project. “Matt and Jamie already knew each other another and decided that they wanted to try and do something as a group.” says Michael. “So they spread the word on social media to find three additional singers to complete the band’s line-up. I auditioned and this time, I was successful! It just goes to show that social media is a powerful thing!” he says. “Our audition was back in February and the live shows weren’t until May. In between that time, Britain’s Got Talent allocated every act a researcher. They were there if we had any questions and to guide us in the preparations for the live shows. We had lots of dress rehearsals so when it finally came to the live shows, we all knew what we were doing. There was a great family feel to the show, especially towards the end – we all wanted each other to do well.” Since winning the show, the boys have signed a record deal with Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Music. Their debut album will be launched later in July and they’ve recently announced that they will

be going on their first ever tour, along with runner-up Lucy Kay, in 2015. “The forthcoming album is called Collabro Stars and it will feature a lot of musical theatre, which is what we’re all passionate about. We’ve also included some recent pop songs and added a Collabro twist to it – five part harmonies to songs that were originally released with a solo artist – that kind of thing.” The boys will visit Cardiff St. David’s Hall on Wednesday 4th February 2015. “I used to study at the University of Bath so I had a lot of friends from Cardiff and also one from Newport too.” says Michael. “We’re so excited that we’re visiting Wales – it just goes to show how far and wide our support reached across Britain.” Tickets are on sale now from

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The moment the boys won this year’s Britain’s Got Talent

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CANTON CHAPEL A Brief History

852 was a remarkably wet year with rainfall breaking previous records in all parts of the country and Cardiff had its fair share. So it was, that on the evening of Thursday 30th September, a number of members of Tabernacl Welsh Baptist Church braved the weather and made their way to the Church in the Hayes, where an important meeting of the congregation had been called ‘to discuss a proposal’. It was a suggestion that had been made at a previous Church meeting by William Owen, a Deacon of the Church, who had received a request from the few Church members who lived in Canton and Llandaff, some five miles away from the city centre. This was not an unreasonable request since the time taken to travel from Llandaff to Cardiff city centre and back by pony and trap on the unmade roads was considerable. Owen was determined to resolve the problem. At the meeting on the evening of September 30th, as members waited in anticipation of what was to be expected to be a discussion of an event of momentous change, the Minister, Reverend David Jones, opened the meeting with prayer and proposed that a chapel be built in Canton ‘...value £300 or thereabouts.’ During the autumn and winter of 1852, final work was carried out in the chapel and plans for the establishment of the new Baptist Church and the inaugural services were discussed. It was expected that the building would be completed by the middle of May 1853. It was at the end of April that year that the building was completed. It had taken

eight months and was virtually paid for by the end of May. A remarkable achievement. In 1821, gas street lighting was replacing oil lamps, although the improvement didn’t reach the main thoroughfares of Canton until 1870. Within 20 years of the building of Canton Chapel, the urban structure of Canton that is familiar today would have been easily recognisable , although in 1853, Llandaff Road was still a largely underdeveloped country road. Concerns were expressed that the somewhat isolated position of the new chapel would affect the hoped-for attendance. The concerns melted away in the hot sun of the 25th May when the Chapel filled and remained so for two days. On both days, ponies and traps lined the length of Llandaff Road from Penhill to Cowbridge Road. By 1882, the same year that the Cardiff Coal Exchange had opened (and could boast 20 millionaires among its members!), the members of Canton Chapel still had to grapple with financial problems that had seemed to settle on them. By 1883, there was some talk of closing the Church but at the eleventh hour, the intervention of Mrs Martha Williams of Pembroke House in Conway Road, saved the situation. Around the same time, it was proposed ‘to have a service in English’, partly as a fact that members were beginning to leave for the Hope English Baptist Church. By the 1900s, the chapel was

always full on Sundays and active during the weeks. But by the 1960s, many churches were finding it increasingly difficult to fill not only their pews, but their pulpits, a situation exacerbated by the falling number of men and women training for priesthood. By the 1990s, it had become clear that the uniting of Canton Chapel and the New Trinity Chapel was possible. It was to be called Canton Uniting Church and the new building was opened on Cowbridge Road in 2000. The decision to dispose of Canton Chapel was endorsed by the Trustees but before the building was advertised for sale, the treasurer of the Church was approached by the chairman of the Cardiff Chinese Christian Church, who asked “Is it true that you have a church building for sale?” Thus 140 years after it had opened for worship in Welsh, Canton Chapel began to proclaim the Christian message in Mandarin and Cantonese. Adapted from ‘Canton Chapel’ by Keith Flynn OBE

The Canton Uniting Church

n the 30th June 1964, the Rotary Club of Cardiff – City of Llandaff, was presented with its Charter of Membership in Rotary International. An important component of any club is its venue and its location within the community that it serves. During the first year of its existence, the Club was based at the Llandaff Hotel (now Churchills), which was at the heart of the community. After one year, the Club moved to the Plymouth Arms Hotel in St. Fagans, then to Ellincliffe Hotel in Cathedral Road, before eventually returning to the Fairwater Conservative Club, which was its base from 1989 to 2010. In March 2010, the Club returned to Churchills Hotel – the place of its birth. Equally important to any Club is its membership and here records show an everchanging picture with 23 founder members, a membership that reached 38 in the 1990s before returning to 22 members in the current Rotary year. The Club has enriched its membership through the election of honorary members, which include the Bishop of Llandaff and Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards, recently retired Lord Lieutenant for South Glamorgan. As is the case with many organisation, there are some members who, through making outstanding contributions as individuals, and as members of the Club, are identified as worthy of recognition. Such recognition results in the Rotarian being awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship – one of the highest awards of Rotary International. Over the last fifty years, twelve members have been awarded this fellowship. In terms of organised events

ROTARY’S 50 YEARS over the years, the Club can be proud of an extensive list including the Christmas Parcel Project, when over a hundred parcels are distributed to the needy of the local community; the Annual Carol Service at Llandaff Cathedral when the other seven Rotary Clubs in Cardiff, together with the local community, join together to celebrate the festive season; the International Evening when selected overseas students studying at Cardiff ’s Universities are invited to a black tie/National costume dinner; the Junior Sports Day, when in association with Cardiff ’s Sports Council, pupils from local primary schools are invited to football and netball competitions; the Young Musician Competition, Youth Speaks Competition and Young Photographer Competition, all of which are open to secondary school pupils and youth organisations; and the Youth Leadership Awards, where the Club sponsors young people to attend organised residential weekends in the Brecon Beacons. In addition, the Club organises a series of Speaker Evenings covering a range of topics. Such guest speakers have included many distinguished persons including George Thomas, at that time Secretary of State for Wales and later Speaker of the House of Commons, Lord Gordon Parry – chairman of the Wales Tourist Board, Wyn Clavin of pantomime fame, Roy Noble OBE of the BBC, and Roy Thomas of the Kidney Wales Foundation. Over the years, the average annual contribution to charities supported by the Club is of the order of £2,500. Charities that have benefited include Tenovus Cancer Research, Kidney Wales Foundation, Leukaemia

Research, Stroke Association, Holm Tower Hospice, Heart Foundation, University of Wales Children’s Hospital, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Research, Cheshire Homes, RNLI, Bobath Cymru, The British Diabetic Association, the King George’s Fund for Sailors and ChildLine. International projects that have gained Club support over the years include the Katagata Water Scheme, the Eradication of Polio Campaign, Children of Chernobyl, the ShoeBox scheme (to ease the effects of natural disasters), Doctor Bank (which sponsors doctors serving overseas) and Convoy of Hope to Croatia. The most recent example of such support was a donation of £1,000 in aid of the 2013 Philippine disaster. In addition, over the years, the Club has hosted numerous Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, who through their choice of studies, are based in one of Cardiff ’s Universities. The Club itself has also engaged in international exchange, having been involved in fourteen years of annual exchange visits with the German Rotary Club of Siegen Schloss. For the Club’s outstanding participation in the Four Avenues of Service, it was awarded a Rotary International Presidential Citation in 1997 and 1998, for showing that ‘Rotary Cares – for the Community, for the World and for its People.’ Based on its contribution to individuals, organisations both local, national and international over the last fifty years, it is fitting that the Club should be congratulated on its work and wished well for the future – and to the next fifty years which will commence on the 1st July 2014. Rotarian Dr John Marsden PHF 17

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Using a wood burner can lower heating costs of the average family household by ÂŁ400 a year. Wood burning stoves are highly efficient, running at up to 87% efficiency compared with up to 25% for a traditional open coal fire. Heating a room or supplying hot water have always been options but more and more people see wood burning stoves as a lifestyle choice too. Picking a stylish stove can transform your living space. Whether you live in a compact urban home or a cosy country cottage, both traditional and contemporary stoves work equally well in either. We offer a bespoke design and fitting service for all types of log burners by trained professionals to ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Why not visit our in-store bathroom displays when you visit and chat to us about the design service that we offer. We even have all our own qualified team of carpenters, electricians, and plumbers on standby to help create your dream room! Living Life Unit 7, Freemans Parc, Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8TW Telephone: 029 2023 1300 | Online at www.livinglifecardiff.co.uk

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The Mighty Quinn The term ‘all-round entertainer’ is one rarely used these days. But for actor, singer, dancer (and ice-skater!) Ray Quinn, it’s a term that fits perfectly. Ray first shot to fame whilst appearing in popular Channel 4 soap, Brookside as the long suffering Anthony Murray between 1999 and 2003. Whilst there, he won various Awards, including Best Storyline and Best Dramatic performance at the British Soap Awards (2002),Best Young Actor in the Inside Soap Awards (2002), and Best Performance in a Network Soap at the Royal Television Society Awards (2002). Ray was also a contestant on popular reality series the X Factor (2006), in which he came second. In 2009, Ray became Dancing On Ice Champion, skating alongside Maria Fillipov, to win the coveted title. In 2014, Ray achieved his second coveted Dancing on Ice title, when he became Dancing on Ice Champion of Champions, once again alongside skating partner Maria Fillipov. “Before X Factor, I had spent two years in college. The X Factor was the catalyst to everything I’m doing now. It’s given me a platform which I have never taken for granted. It’s given me the opportunity to do what I’m doing now. It’s given me a vast and varied career on such a big scale. But my focus on music has never been lost.” Born in Liverpool, Quinn is the youngest of three boys. “My parents have been a massive inspiration to me. They’ve been behind me all the

way. My dad’s been unwell this last year or so and to see how he’s still been pushing me and supporting me has been amazing. I’ve also got a great manager – he’s so driven that it rubs off on me. In terms of the arts, I’m in awe of what people like Ed Sheeran and James Arthur are doing. There has been a real array of talent that has come from the X Factor too.” This September, Ray visits Cardiff for the first time as part of his pre-album tour. “I’ve never been to Cardiff before. Being brought up in Liverpool meant that we had lots of trips to the ice rink in Deeside mind and I’ve always had a soft spot for Wales. But I’m really looking forward to coming to the Welsh capital – I owe it to my fans there to come see them!” Ray is currently recording his brand new album featuring tracks written by Linda Lewis. Ray will also be working with American Bassist and Producer David Finck. “I’ve just got back from New York where I’ve laid down two tracks. I’m really going for a signature sound musically with this album– I want people to hear one of my songs and say to themselves ‘That’s Ray’. My producer, David [Finck], is a total legend. He’s worked with people like

George Michael, Rod Stewart and Carly Simon – he’s one of the most sought-after musicians in Manhattan. I’ve done the whole big band, Bublé thing but this album will bring more jazz and soul to the table. It’s the kind of music I want my two year-old son Harry to listen to when he grows up. And it’s not the usual ‘Mac the Knife’ stuff either. Listeners will be familiar with some of the words but musically, they may not recognise it. We’re really constructing something new out of some old songs.” His tour reaches Cardiff on Monday 15th September. “I’ve got a small backing band and we’re going to do some acoustic stuff in our shows. We’re looking to bring some intimacy to the show. There’ll be a new single just before Christmas too – there’s a lot of work ahead but I’m really looking forward to it.” Tickets for An Evening with Ray Quinn are available from www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or the Box Office on 029 2087 8444

Wiltshire Foods Serving Up Healthy and Tasty Meals Across Cardiff Healthy and tasty meals coupled with award winning service, a recipe that has seen Wiltshire Farm Foods (WFF) become a firm favourite across Cardiff and the Vale. Now in its 23rd year, Wiltshire Farm Foods prepares all its dishes in its own kitchens in Trowbridge, Wiltshire where its trained chefs work in partnership with its customer tasting panels to put together a range of mouthwatering meals. The meals are then adjusted by WFF’s full time dietician Helen Blunt before being approved for addition to the range, ensuring that they are not only healthy but that they meet NHS guidelines for a healthy meal. Only the

best ingredients are used with preference given to locally farmed produce. The company also has its own butcher on site, with DNA checks undertaken on all meals and an external laboratory used to clear meals fit for consumption. Wiltshire Farm Foods is also widely recognised for the breadth of its ‘Free From’ range which includes more than 30 gluten free meals and a wide selection of low and reduced sugar desserts. All meals produced by WFF are suitable for consumption by diabetics as part of a healthy diet. For those requiring a more specialist diet and especially those who have difficulty in chewing or swallowing, WFF offers fork mashable (extra tender), soft and pureed meals. Often referred to by health professionals, friends and family as the best kept secret, Wiltshire Farm Foods really excels when it comes to its service. Locally that is provided by the McLarenKennedy family who as the local franchisees ensure with the help

of their team, that the needs of their customers are met. Delivery is free irrespective of how much customers order and it includes packing of the meals in your freezer. You also get the same driver week in week out meaning you to get to know them and they you, but more importantly they are able to look after even the frailest and most vulnerable of customers with all staff appropriately trained and cleared by the DBS (CRB). Wiltshire Farm Foods is not only a favourite with its customers, families love them too as the service ensures their mums and dads are being looked after with the company able to set up standing delivery orders and to provide feedback on what is and isn’t being eaten. It’s not just families though, WFF is widely recommended by health professionals and social services across Cardiff and the Vale.

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Enjoy our delicious summer menu and forget about the shopping and chopping. FREE pack of Chocolate Éclairs worth £3.00 with every Summer Menu Pack

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To get started, simply take a look at our FREE brochure and order over the phone or online. Making the most of summer couldn’t be easier. TRY OUR SUMMER MENU PACK - £29.95 7 Main Courses with vegetables: Breaded Fish & Chips Steak & Mushroom Casserole Chicken & Summer Vegetable Casserole Sausages in Barbecue Sauce Chicken & Somerset Cider Pie Chicken & Bacon in Barbecue Sauce Lamb Steak with Garlic & Rosemary Potatoes.

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Home Clean 2013 Advert 85x55_Layout 1 28/03/2014 16:19 Page 1

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Millennium Blinds Wales Millennium Blinds Wales opened in 2007 and 18 months ago, moved to larger premises at Merthyr Rd, Whitchurch Village. Brent and Martin, our two directors have over 35 years experience in the blind and awning industry. We oﬀer a free at home no obligation consultation, at very competitive prices. As well as our extensive range of blinds, we oﬀer ready made curtains and a large selection of fabrics Vertical • Rollers • Roman • Wooden for madeVenetian • Perfect Fit • Conservatory to-measure NEW! Plantation Shutters • Ready- service. With spring Made & Made-to-Measure Curtains approaching, our patio awnings also are increasingly popular.

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

IF YOU HAVE ANY PET-RELATED QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CHRIS TO ANSWER, PLEASE EMAIL US AT EDITOR@LIVINGMAGS.CO.UK AND WE’LL PASS THEM ON. We have an eight year old cat but we are considering getting another one. At the moment, we are toying with the idea of getting a kitten but we’re not sure how this might impact on our current cat.

It all depends on the nature of your current eight year old cat. If he is a sociable kind of cat, the company of a new cat could be a good thing for him. Do bear in mind though, that a tearaway young kitten tormenting him may well be different to the companionship of an older cat. At eight years old, he should be able to deal with it - he is, after all, only entering late middle age! Cats are naturally solitary animals and in ‘wild’ situations, live alone or in small family groups of individuals who have known each other from birth. Even when you look at the behaviour or cats who do live in the same household, they don’t interact to a great extent. Introducing a kitten to a cat that has been brought up in this way could be stressful for the older cat as the kitten may want to play all the time. If you do decide to go ahead with getting a kitten, introduce the two cats carefully with each cat being held carefully. Give both cats reassurances and don’t go leaving them alone until they are both used to each other. Make sure that your older cat has a retreat that they can head to if the kitten pesters him. Also make sure that you have two separate areas for food, water, sleeping and littering as this will reduce any competition between the two.

I’ve heard that worms can be picked up from our local parks. How can we reduce the level of infection in our dogs and in these public places? I’m often scared to take my dog out.

There are three main types of worms that affect dogs in the UK: tapeworms, roundworms, and the (new) lungworm. To become infected with tapeworm, dogs have to eat a tapeworm cyst inside another animal, the ‘intermediate host’. In the UK, intermediate hosts for tapeworms can affect dogs are rabbits, sheep, horses and fleas. So there is no risk of your dog picking up tapeworms from the local park. Roundworms are a different matter. The eggs of roundworms are directly infectious to other dogs, and can also affect children on very rare occasions. Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511

So contact with dog faeces or soil contaminated with faeces carries a risk of picking up roundworms. You should worm your dog at least every three months; not only does this protect him against worm infestation, but it also protects other dogs and children by reducing the level of contamination of our parks and other public places. Quite recently, a new worm has become a problem in the UK. This is the lungworm, called “Angiostrongylus”. Infection causes lung disease, sometimes bleeding problems, and can easily be fatal. Angiostrongylus is a roundworm, but requires an intermediate host, in this case slugs and snails. The disease has been seen in areas of West Wales and Southwest England for several years but recently it has spread to other parts of the country. The first case I have seen was diagnosed in a dog which had never left Cardiff, so unfortunately it looks as though Angiostrongylus is now in our area. Fortunately, there are several very good deworming products available. The best ones are only available on prescription, so you should get them from your vet. Many of the pet-shop wormers are only partially effective against round and tape worms, and none of them work against lungworm.

SEASONAL TIPS We always see lots of dogs with upset stomachs during the barbeque season. I think this is due partly to them scavenging dropped food, but mainly to owners (and their guests) overindulging the pets in the relaxed party atmosphere. Barbeque food is often quite spicy and not what the dog is used to- and unfortunately is not always well cooked! So think before you treat! Of course, it goes without saying that you should NEVER give the chop bones to the dog - these are the ones which get stuck in the throat and cause very serious problems.

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Are you struggling with a complicated form or letter and need help? Then contact us now for a free chat about our £10 fixed fee service. We are based locally and can come to you and sort any form or letter related problem you may have.

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More Than Just a Garden Centre All-weather shrub area now brimming with perennials, annuals, bedding plants, Italian specimens, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, troughs & pots NEWLY EXTENDED Sundries department boasts even more gardening tools, equipment & accessories NEW IN Exclusive range of Garden Furniture, Chimeneas & BBQs BRAND NEW Fresh food & drink at The Watering Can | Unbeatable range of house plants, cacti & fresh flowers FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE at the Ty Nant Farm Shop. Unique Garden Village concept housing a range of concessions EXCLUSIVE GARDEN CLUB rewards and discounts

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Local News

News in the Community NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH With Bill Farnham Since the last issue, we have been very busy on the Neighbourhood Watch scene. Our General Meeting on 20th May, at which Mr Peter Vaughan, Chief Constable, South Wales Police, was our guest speaker went very well indeed with Mr Vaughan explaining how the Budget cuts are affecting policing in South Wales. He also explained how this is having an impact on staffing levels and how South Wales Police are striving to overcome these problems. I have launched eight new watches in various parts of the city, five in Llandaff, one in St Mellons, one in Riverside and one in Pontcanna with more in the pipeline. We manned a stand at the Radyr Fete in May which was very successful with much interest being shown in Neighbourhood Watch. I manned a stand at the Pentwyn Leisure Centre Community Fun Day which again was very successful and there are some positives re new watches in that area as a result. I took part in an Operation Perception with the Fairwater Neighbourhood Policing Team in the Llandaff area (in the pouring rain which was fun but worth it). Neighbourhood Watch is really taking off in that area which makes it all worthwhile. I also did an Operation Perception in Pontprennau which was very interesting and resulted in a definite for a new watch being set up very soon and some very positive interest for others in the future.

National Neighbourhood Watch Week this year was from 14th to 22nd June and we had planned to have a ‘Pre Launch’ event in St David’s 2 shopping precinct on the 13th but unfortunately we were let down by management in St David’s 2 so we were unable to hold that event. However, in order not to waste the day, we arranged for us to spend the day with the South Wales Police Mobile Station in Heol Trelai, Caerau in the morning and then in Grand Avenue, Ely in the afternoon which went very well and was very positive. We took part in a further eight events over the rest of the ‘week’ in various parts of the city which were Whitchurch, Cyncoed, Pontprennau, Rhiwbina, Llanishen and St Mellons. On one of these events, I gave a talk on Neighbourhood Watch to the Beulah Women’s Institute in the Beulah Rooms, Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina which went very well with a lot of interest shown by the ladies in the audience. Our ‘Big One’ of the ‘week’ was when we took part in a

joint venture with the Llanishen Neighbourhood Policing Team and ran the Llanishen Leisure Centre Community Fun Day together, which went very well indeed with almost £600 (and still counting) raised for Breast Cancer Wales which made it very worthwhile. I have just received notification of an event to be held at St. Fagans Castle on Sunday 3rd August, 2014. This will be a day organised by the Fairwater Neighbourhood Policing Team and will cover many aspects (I do not have the full agenda at the moment) but it will be a very interesting day and we will be manning a stand at this event so please come along and have a chat with us. The timescale for the day is that the event will be open to the public from 11am until 5pm. If anyone is interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or contact our office on 02920 527301. Bill Farnham Chairman

recipes

Summer Garden Party

Invite some friends around, head out into the garden, and serve up these delicious and healthy recipes on the barby!

Jerk Chicken Kebabs with Mango Salsa 2 tsp jerk seasoning 1 tbsp olive oil juice of 1 lime 4 skinless chicken breasts, chopped into chunks 1 large yellow pepper, cut into 2cm cubes 100g bag rocket leaves, to serve

For the salsa 320g pack mango chunks, diced 1 large red pepper, deseeded and diced bunch spring onions, finely chopped 1 red chilli, chopped 1. Mix together the jerk seasoning, the olive oil and the lime juice. Place the chicken in it and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. 2. Make the salsa by mixing all the listed ingredients together with some seasoning. 3. Heat the grill or barbecue on a medium heat. Thread the chicken onto eight metal skewers divided by the yellow peppers – it’s good to aim for 3 of each per skewer. Cook for 8 mins each side until cooked through and lightly charred. Serve with the salsa and rocket leaves.

Spicy Mushroom Burgers

8 large field mushrooms 4 tbsp olive oil 2 small red onions, finely chopped 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 1 tsp ground cumin Good pinch ground coriander 180g baby spinach 2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped Grated zest of 1 lemon 120g feta, crumbled

6 flatbreads and Greek yogurt, to serve 1. Light/preheat the barbecue. Brush the mushrooms all over with 3 tbsp of the olive oil, and then season. 2. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a low heat and gently fry the onions and garlic for 5 minutes until softened. Add the spices and cook for 2 minutes more, then transfer the onion to a bowl. 3. Put the spinach in a colander, pour over boiling water from the kettle to wilt, refresh under cold water, squeeze dry, then roughly chop. 4. Stir the spinach, chillies, lemon zest and feta into the onion mixture and season to taste. 5. Barbecue the mushrooms for 5 minutes, flat-side up, place to one side, turn over and divide the filling between them. Place back on a medium-hot part of the barbecue for a further 10 minutes until cooked through and the filling is hot. 6. Toast the flatbreads on the barbecue for a minute, then use to wrap.

Pimm’s Royale

Pimm’s No.1: For a glass use 50ml Pimm’s, 75ml orange juice & 75ml cranberry juice (1.3 UK units), For a jug use 200ml Pimm’s 300ml orange juice & 300ml cranberry juice (5.2 UK units) Orange juice Cranberry juice Sliced orange 1 strawberry 1. Mix 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 with 1.5 parts of orange juice, 1.5 parts of cranberry juice and garnish with a slice of orange and a strawberry.

Column PATRIC MORGAN

LAZY SUMMER DAYS, OLD TRAINS AND CARNIVAL FLOATS

It wasn’t so long ago that summers used to be hot and endless. That’s the way it seemed to me as a youngster growing up in the 1980s. When that final bell of school tolled, it heralded the arrival of six sunny weeks ahead, with nothing to do except play, play, play. I’m sure Mum was dreading it. With Dad working long, hot hours, it was left to Mum to entertain four kids for over 40 days and 40 nights. The holidays would invariably start with a train ride to Barry Island. As I wanted to become a train driver as a child, the train journey itself was the best bit for me. These were the days when Class 116s used to ply the lines between Cardiff Central and Barry Island. I’d stand behind the glasspartitioned cab to watch the driver pushing and pulling all the levers. There was one occasion where the driver let me in to drive the train myself. Not entirely sure that’s something that would happen these days. There’d be plenty of others on the train heading to the beach of course, laden with plastic buckets and spades. Arriving at the beach, we’d weave our way through the smattering of deck chairs, windbreakers and sizzling bodies. “Meet us by Number 6.” would have been our instruction from Nan. She would have been referring to the large numbers painted on the stone walls of the promenade. We’d find her, complete with flowery swimsuit and swimming hat, probably about to tuck into a withering blob of ice-cream. Other aunties would join us during the afternoon, each one bringing with them their own blankets, which they’d spread out

as if claiming a patch of land. On Sundays, we’d be sent to the Sunday School classes that magically appeared on the beach. It was an excuse really for Mum and her sisters to have a quiet half hour and maybe a warm cigarette. Dad came with us one day on one of his rare days off. As we pulled into Barry Island train station, Mum turned to Dad and told him that she couldn’t remember if she’d shut the kettle off (these were the days when you boiled them on the hob). Dad had to stay on the train and head back home. A few hours later, he arrived, just as we were packing up. She had shut it off. Other times, we’d get off the train at Barry station and walk the mile or so to Barry Island. In between, on a dry, dusty plain lay Dai Woodham’s Engine Graveyard. We’d weave our way through the sleeping giants, and if we were feeling brave enough, we’d climb aboard their rotting hulks and pretend that we were steaming to Weston-Super-Mare for the day. There were often holes in the floor plating and we had to be careful not to fall down them. I was always scared that the trains would somehow come back to life as we walked between them. One by one, they would eventually breathe fire and steam once more

but not before we had chance to run among their ruins.

Barry Carnival always took place at the end of July. We’d ‘get there early to get a good viewing position of the floats’. It’d be a few hours before they turned up but I’ll always remember the fizz of excitement when we could hear the jazz bands’ drums approaching in the distance. The big sweaty bass drum player always seemed to thud his drum harder as he passed - a sound that would thump down through my small body. Back then, it was a proper town affair. As hot afternoon seethed into a cobalt summer’s evening, laughter would spill from the open pubs doors and windows. Summer magic. 31

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