WHITCHURCH AND LLANDAFF
Living
FR
EE
Issue 25
Oct/Nov ’13
Autumn Nights: Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness
E N I Z A G A M E E R F YOUR F F A D N A L L , H C R U H C T I H W R O F H T R O N F F A D N A AND LL
!
4 7
16
www.facebook.com/livingmagscardiff
@LivingMags
Welcome Croeso
20
contents 3 News 5 Letters n 7 Competitio 10 Gardening ort 15 Local Transp ws 16 Ernest Willo 20 Short Story 25 Pets’ Page y News 27 Communit 30 Recipes 31 Column
Autumn brings so many mixed emotions. Sadness S CARDIFF E IN Z A G A M G LIVIN at the end of long summer days but excitement UK AWARDS P TO R O F D TE IS at the onset of ‘nesting’ as the nights lengthen SHORTL and the temperatures drop. It’s the time of year to ortlisted ff were recently sh di ar C es in az snuggle up with a warm cup of tea or coffee, a few ag M K’s Best Living ds, including the U ar aw us io tig es t pr biscuits and a copy of Whitchurch and Llandaff e for thre is year’s Independen th at e, in az ag M Living. Community rs Awards. Our autumn issue is full of delights. As well as Magazine Publishe n said: all the latest local news, we’ve teamed up with St Editor Patric Morga have been shortlisted. It’s great to David’s Hall on page 7 to give you the chance to see “We’re really proud from industry experts.” on the world’s top ELO tribute show - ELO Again. to get the recogniti st launched in 2007 to give local fir es in Caerphilly Garden Centre’s Kevin Revell discusses ork. The Living Magaz to promote their w rm fo the benefits of growing your own fruit on page 10. If businesses a plat you’ve ever used the local bus, resident Berwyn Prys magazines have been lauded d copies Jones brings back memories for some readers on by The Guardian an in the ed page 15. On page 16, we chart the remarkable story have even been plac ales, W of y of one of Cardiff ’s unsung heroes - Ernest Willows. National Librar considered g A pioneer in the field of powered flight, his work Aberystwyth, bein ical value’. or with airships paved the way for air travel as we know ‘of cultural and hist it today. As Hallowe’en approaches, local writer MJ Beasley pens a short story based in Llandaff that’s sure to send shivers down your spine. Local vet Chris Troughton answers your pet questions on page 25 and on page , Cardiff 27, there’s the Community News page, written by our Road, Rhiwbina h c a tb n Pa 2 22 A: readers. CF14 6AG If you find comfort and succour in food, our 022920 081775 / 07974 2 77 07 T: autumnal recipes on page 30 will warm both your belly mags.co.uk E: editor@living and your soul. And on page 31, you’ll find the usual ags.co.uk W: www.livingm ‘grumpy man’ column by editor, Patric Morgan. , the publisher y of the contents any way arising sure the accurac in r en tte to ma de y ma an en for or be s We’ve got one more issue left in 2013 - that’ll be our issions, made to contact any copyright While every effortanha for errors or om ty bili en nsi be po s res ha y effort pt ical publication. cannot acce material. Eveisryan Christmas issue due out at the end of November. independent, apolit blication ofdthis ng Livi aff from the puitch nd Lla an h e for holders. Wh urc d copy deadlin See you then! n a g n ki o o b g 13. Advertisin Patric and Danielle (editors) 8th November 20 r 2013. y a id Fr 26 e su Is ovembe ion date - late N year. Issue 26 publicat 2 ished 5 times a bl aff Living is pu Whitchurch and
Lland
Rare Bats Found at National Museum of Wales Two roosts of Nathusius’ pipistrelle bats have been found in buildings at St Fagans National History Museum – doubling the known number in Wales.
WHITCHURCH POLICING TEAM Whitchurch and Tongwynlais Neighbourhood Policing Team have recently been introducing themselves to the local community after relocating to the Fairwater Police Station. PCSO Gary Dunning told Living Magazines: “We are working with the public and other agencies to create confident, safer and secure neighbourhoods, where Police and partners understand the issues that matter most to local people and are able to tackle them together by providing communities with access to Policing or Community Safety through a named point of contact. “Neighbourhood Policing Teams will work with the public and partners to tackle local priorities identified by local people. A recent example is the issue of speeding along Heol Don, where officers have carried out operations with the Speed Camera and fined several drivers for excess speed.” The team consists of two Police Officers, PC Stuart Cozens and PC Paul Tebbutt, who are the Neighbourhood Beat Managers; and three Police Community Support Officers, PCSO Gary Dunning, PCSO Natalie Evans and PCSO Bethan Taylor. There is also a 24 hour Response Team and CID based at Fairwater. Follow them at their website www.ourbobby.com, on Twitter - @swpeast or at one of their PACT meetings.
news
ROW ERUPTS OVER PLANS TO BUILD ON LLANDAFF MEADOW
A dispute has erupted after plans by Cardiff Metropolitan University to build sports facilities on Llandaff Meadow, near Llandaff Cathedral, were recently announced. The institution is seeking to drain and level it for a football pitch and possibly a sports complex, according to Save Llandaff Meadow, a protest group set up to save the meadow. But Cardiff Met has said the plan was part of its ‘ongoing development of sport, health and wellbeing.’ A spokeswoman told the press: “The university has decided to investigate the potential of reinstating the football pitch on a parcel of land beyond the existing rugby pitch on the playing fields at the rear of the Llandaff campus. “Following a pre-planning application and consultation with Cardiff Council, the estates and facilities department has been carrying out tests and surveys to determine the ground conditions and to record the
ecological footprint of the area prior to any work being carried out. “The area concerned has a historic use as playing fields, which have been discontinued for some time and the site has become overgrown. This work will bring the area back to its former use, making it beneficial to student sport once again.” But local residents have taken up the battle to save the meadow. “The Llandaff Wild Meadow is a unique stepping stone for plants and animals, providing a rare habitat between the woodlands, the river, and the city of Llandaff. “Such insensitive urbanisation would destroy this unspoilt wildlife haven within the Taff Green Corridor, which provides a timeless setting for the thousand year old Cathedral.” said a spokesperson.
BALE’S WORLD RECORD FEE Former Whitchurch High School pupil Gareth Bale moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham in September, and in doing so, became the world’s most
expensive football player. Real Madrid paid the asking price of £85.3m to land the former Cardiff Civil Service player. 3
news
DR WHO SIGNS OFF IN GABALFA
Photograph by Leanne Roberts
Dr Who star Matt Smith signed off from his time-travelling duties by filming his last episode in Gabalfa. Sharp-eyed observers caught sight of the Doctor and his sidekick Clara Oswald, played by actress Jenna-Louise Coleman, outside Lydstep Flats. The episode will be Smith’s last one as the 11th Doctor and will feature as the Christmas Special for this year. The Thick of It star Peter Capaldi will make his first appearance in the same episode as Smith’s successor, the 12th Time Lord. Matt Smith had to wear a wig on set, having shaved his hair off
for a role in Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut. At the recent GQ Men of the Year Awards, Smith lamented about his current hairpiece: “I cut my hair for a film, but it means I have to wear a wig in Doctor Who, which is a nightmare. “It’ll be sad - the end of a wonderful era!” Matt Smith has played the part of Dr Who since 2010. The show, produced by BBC Wales, regularly uses Cardiff locations for its filming. Dr Who fan Dale Sharp told Living Magazines: “It’s great to have such an iconic show produced right here in Cardiff. My friend and I regularly keep tabs on the show’s filming locations so that we can head down and get a look. Matt was great down at Lydstep Flats - he took time out after filming to chat to us fans and to sign autographs. I can’t wait to see the episode in its entirety!” Doctor Who will return to BBC One for its 50th anniversary special on Saturday, 23rd November.
SMOKE BOMB ACCIDENTALLY LET OFF IN SCHOOL A Year 11 student accidentally let off a firework on his way into school. He was taken to hospital.
Historic Listed Bridge Reopened The newly repaired, Grade II Listed ‘Prichard’ footbridge near Llandaff Cathedral was officially opened on Friday 13th September after a year of painstaking restoration work to remove it from the Council’s register of Listed Buildings At Risk. Part-funded by the Landfill Communities Fund, the restoration project was undertaken by Keep Wales Tidy and Cardiff Council. This historically important bridge has now been restored to its former glory for current and future generations to enjoy. Some of the litter picked up by the 54 volunteers dated back over 40 years.
Photo courtesy of Keep Wales Tidy
NORTH CARDIFF ESTATE AGENTS LEADING THE WAY North Cardiff estate agents Cardiff Residential Estates are creating a new positive brand of business in the community by supporting local causes. Owner and local resident Lee Bryce told Whitchurch and Llandaff Living: “We’re donating 10% of all our sales fees to the Children’s Hospital For Wales. We have supported the Children’s Hospital for the last four years and really want to get the Cardiff 4
community to actively engage with us. “We have also sponsored Heath Park Rangers Under 10s football team. It’s a mixed team of boys and girls so we thought that this was a good way to continue our support for the community and promote an active lifestyle for the youth of today. As a family business with a young child of our own, these causes are very close to our own hearts.” Charity Director Suzanne
Mainwaring told Living Magazines: “Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity welcomes the support of Lee and the team. 100,000 vulnerable babies and children across Wales need specialist medical care each year. We rely on groups and companies like Cardiff Residential Estates to help us raise vital funds to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment and pioneering treatment.”
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
UNIFORM DEBATE CONTINUES
I agree entirely with the comments made by John McCarthy (Issue 24, Aug/Sept 13) regarding the introduction of a new school uniform at Whitchurch High School and share their concerns about the validity of the consultation. I have seen the results of the survey - obtained after repeated requests as they were not made available on the school website - and they certainly do not demonstrate support for the proposals, contrary to the claims of the Chair of Governors. According to the results, the majority of respondents disagreed that the uniform should change to a school blazer and tie (60% of pupils and 62.5% of parents). Furthermore, the majority of those who responded agreed that
MORNING GRIDLOCK
Every weekday morning, I have to run the gauntlet of driving to town, through Llandaff from Llandaff North. And every
the current uniform is smart and fit for purpose (72% of pupils and 73.7% of parents) and represents good value for money (61% of pupils and 65.2% of parents). It is also worth noting that less than a third of the 2248 pupils and only 296 parents completed the survey - a response rate of 13% (allowing for one parent survey per pupil). Asked to justify the Governors’ decision to ignore the survey results and enforce the change anyway, the Chair replied that they also took into account the views of those who had not responded who were assumed to be either supportive of the proposal, or would not mind either way. This is an interesting twist on the democratic process, but I think in general it is unwise to assume that if someone does not vote for something they are actually in favour of it. It seems that once the
Governors had convinced themselves that blazers and ties are a good idea (and who else apart from them does?), then there was little that could be done to stop them imposing this change. My concern, like most parents, is primarily for the pupils who are now forced to wear an outdated, impractical and uncomfortable uniform, while parents have to bear the extra cost and additional burden of maintaining such uniforms, which most sensible people believe have no place in a modern 21st century school. Dr. Matthew Waring Whitchurch, Cardiff
morning, I hit the same problem at Howell’s School, where there is a ‘No Right’ turn allowed into the school between 8am and 9am. Instead, parents turn off left into the adjacent property opposite, and then double back on themselves, turning right
and then left, blocking traffic and effectively causing the same problem for us motorists as if they were turning right in the first place! Can something be done about this please!? KYLIE WARNE Llandaff North
words matter use the right ones print copywriting online copywriting pr & press
www.beacon-media.co.uk 5
ELO Again Here’s your chance to win tickets to see a top show at St David’s Hall Whitchurch and Llandaff Living have teamed up with St David’s Hall to give you the chance to see The Best of Electric Light Orchestra Tribute Show this November. The Electric Light Orchestra epitomized the 70s with their unique symphonic rock style and unforgettable classics. Now you can re-live the amazing sounds of the Electric Light Orchestra in the form of the Worlds No 1 tribute show
ELO Again. They accurately perform the great ELO classics that are still dear to millions of music lovers worldwide. No doubt about it, the music of the Electric Light Orchestra has stood the test of time...and now you can re-live that classic sound again with ‘ELO AGAIN’. All you need to do is answer this simple question: What do the letters ELO stand for? Email your answers to
editor@livingmags.co.uk by Thursday 31st October at the latest. Winners will be informed by email on November 1st. If you don’t win, you can still get tickets from the box office. Tickets are available online at www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or at the box office on 029 2087 08444. Prices for adults start from £15.50, plus a booking fee of £1.50 each ticket for card payments. The show starts at 7.30pm.
Elvis & ELO - Oct Half page:Layout 1 09/10/2013 13:57 Page 1
Coming Soon to St David’s Hall...
ELO Again
Thursday 7 November, 7.30pm
Elvis: The Ultimate Performance Thursday 14 November, 7.30pm
Professional footcare in the comfort of your own home by Helen MAFHP MCFHP Nail trimming, treatment of corns, callus, verrucas, ingrown & thickened toenails. Diabetic, elderly and general patients catered for. CRB checked & fully insured.
Call Helen on
07794 666815 Home Clean 2013 Advert 85x55_Layout 1 24/01/2013 18:46 Page 1
Reliable Cleaning Services supplied across the whole of Cardiff Weekly Cleans only £10 per hour (minimum 2 hours)
One-off Cleans only £13 per hour (minimum 4 hours)
All cleaners carefully vetted and fully insured Call 029 2025 5665 or 07785 267 409 or email sales@homecleancardiff.co.uk Further information and rates can be found on
www.homecleancardiff.co.uk
DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS (WOOD, UPVC, ALUMINIUM)
24 Hour Emergency Service Available • Domestic & Commercial • Additional Lights • Additional Sockets • Full/Part Rewires • Showers
• New Consumer Units/Fuseboxes • Faults • Smoke Alarms • Free Estimates • No Job Too Small
“Sonik Electrical are hardworking, reliable and friendly. This was the first time I have ever dealt with the company for a domestic electrics problem and I wouldn't hesitate to call them again. Knowledgeable about electrics and excellent value.”
“First class service - came out on a Sunday evening and was here in 20 mins. Courteous and professional and very reasonable considering the time of the call-out. A very stress-free experience, quickly sorted without any drama. I will use again in the future.”
Google Plus Review
Google Plus Review
0845 003 6856
enquiries@sonikelectrical.co.uk www.sonikelectrical.co.uk
* Broken Glass Replacement * Repair/Replace Misted Glass * Faulty/Broken Hinges, Locks, Doors, Handles * Patio Door Problems * Draughty/Leaking Windows, Doors, Conservatories * Catflaps, Letterboxes, New Door Panels
* Stained Glass Repairs and Replacements * Glass/mirrors of all types cut to size * uPVC New Windows/ Doors Installed * Upgrades to Locks and Handles * Fascias, Guttering, Cladding * Shop Fronts
Fensa Registered Company No: 31498
For a Free Quotation by a Reliable Competitive Company
Telephone Decorative Glass on
02920 566694 / 07950 027826
Decostains@aol.com www.doubleglazingrepairscardiff.co.uk 306 Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2BG
St John’s College, Cardiff A leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3-18
No. 1 in The Sunday Times list of Top Schools in Wales - August 2013
A Level Results 2013 A*/A 71.5% A*/A/B 93.1%
Pass rate 100%
Top School in Wales at A Level for the 14th Successive Year
Kris Hicks Electrical LTD “The quality of teaching is an exceptional feature of the school’s work. Pupils are highly engaged, well-motivated and very effective independent learners.” Estyn Inspection Report (Crown Copyright, 2012)
Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit
Tel : 02920 373665 Mob : 07772 177158
02920 778 936
www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com
Charity No: 701294
Wedding Acrylics RETAIL TRADE WHOLESALE
CUPCAKE STANDS
CAKE DECORATING
Electrical Rewires, Alterations and Additions. 24HR Breakdown Callouts, Fault Finding, Fuseboard Upgrades, Fire/Security Alarms, Garden Power and Lighting, Telephone/Computer Networking, New Sockets, Showers and Lighting
Kris Hicks Electrical is Registered with the NICEIC.
Stands for Every Occasion
Apply f or your Trade A ccount Today!
BAKING EQUIPMENT
TIN HIRE
A Huge Range of Decorations
10%
Equipment to Help You Create
DISC O UN T * A VAILABLE IN-ST ORE ONLY
PME
WILTON
CULPITT
SUGARFLAIR
RENSHAWS
SQUIRES
RAINBOW DUST
PATCHWORK CUTTERS
www.weddingacr ylics.co.uk Cake Decorating Workshops
We offer a full range of decorating classes for every level of student. Visit our website for details.
Our Shop
*Discount on full price items in our retail unit only. Customers must present this advert at the checkout. Offer ends 31/08/2014. Cannot be used with any other discounts and only once per customer. Other Terms & Conditions apply.
Telephone:
The Glass House, Garth Works Estate, Taffs Well, Cardiff CF15 7RN Freephone 0800 9171419
Email:
sales@weddingacrylics.co.uk
Address:
twitter.com/weddingacrylics facebook.com/weddingacrylics
gardening
Core
Values
In Praise of Home Grown Fruit
T
here can be few more pleasurable experiences than the harvest of home grown fruit. It just feels so right on so many levels and after the initial investment in the tree and occasional expenditure of energy in pruning, the rewards are great. In uncertain times of rising prices and domination of the food markets by supermarket buyers and speculators, self determination and a free reliable harvest are reassuring. Food miles are a concern to those who like to buy locally sourced food but are absent altogether in the garden or at least reduced to a few yards. The provenance of food is important and the confidence gained from eating organically grown fruit, untainted by chemicals is comforting. Freshness is everything and to eat something within minutes or hours of picking rather than days or weeks is bound to impact on the nutritional benefits as vitamins are quickly degraded. Some heritage varieties of fruit will have originated locally and are not available in supermarkets or even farmers’ markets so home grown is often the only way. These trees will perform better in your locale rather than the orchards of southeast England or France, where uniformity and reliable harvests are the order of the day and any variety remotely unusual treated with suspicion and grubbed out at the first opportunity (usually with EU funding). Considering that top fruit such as apples, 10
pears and plums do so well in this part of the world, it is disappointing that more people do not take the trouble to grow them. Perhaps we have all been brainwashed and conditioned by the allure and perfection of twenty four hour supermarket availability. Home grown fruit is a treat for all the senses - from the sight of bloom-dusted juicy orbs of plums and damsons to the reassuring crunch of a fresh picked pear as the abundant sweet juice runs down your chin to spoil your best shirt. The temptation to touch a just-ripe apple is great and over the centuries has become associated with many creation myths around the world but its proximity and smell are what tells you it is ripe. To taste a green gage picked fresh from the tree, warmed by the summer sun is to die for and raises serious questions about the relevance, provenance and nutritional content of refrigerated, unripe shop bought fruit obtained from who knows where? Fruit is sourced by supermarkets all year round for our convenience but we have lost the seasonality and sense of urgency to take advantage of it while it is at its best. We have come to seek cleanliness and uniformity when buying fruit but this is so wrong when the individual qualities of different varieties are enhanced by the varied shapes and individual qualities of home
by Kevin Revell
grown fruit. Like us, they are all different and this diversity should be celebrated, pests and diseases can be tolerated for they are rarely fatal, usually cured by cultural means, and in turn attract predators which bring the garden to life. Wastage is all but eliminated as the slightest bruise or blemish can be cut out and the fruit eaten rather than left on the shelf to rot. Waste and excessive purchasing seem synonymous with present day society, which is ironic considering the austere times we allegedly live in; the supermarkets and their shareholders have never had it so good. Even the occasional speck of dirt is rarely fatal and is more likely to boost immune responses of children should they be exposed to an occasional dose of the reality that is outside the back door. The upright growth of this season’s one year old adventitious pear wood stands to attention
on a cold winter morning - a reminder of my failure to summer prune earlier in the year. The pears seem largely unaffected and crop hugely regardless, although some are becoming somewhat inaccessible, so the trees will have to suffer the removal of some of the more
gardening mature wood to reduce the overall height and encourage lateral growth into fruiting spurs. Unfeasibly heavy crops of small pears suggest that removal of alternate branches would not be a huge loss but would probably encourage better individual fruit quality and allow greater air movement and light penetration to improve ripening. The occasional appearance of the disease canker in some of the older growth is easily removed and allows the succession of replacement growth to maintain the vitality of the tree. The peaceful calm of a winter’s morning is disturbed only by the perpetual motion of sparrows and bluetits, ever present in the trees, racing up and down the trunks finding hidden treats under flaking bark all year round; rendering unnecessary the formerly ‘essential’ winter wash of tar oil. The billowing blossom of the damson heralds the start of spring to be swiftly followed by plums, pears and apples often the equal of ornamental trees. Bad weather at this stage can damage the crop - it is rarely a good year for all forms of fruit so it is wise to grow a good number. Some self-fertile varieties produce an abundance of blossom which not only looks wonderful, but flowers over a longer period and thus stand a better chance of avoiding inclement weather. There can be no easier crop to grow in the garden than blackcurrants - seldom is so much provided by so few for so little input from the gardener
other than an occasional prune, thinning the branches in winter. They even grow perfectly well in a touch of shade so many gardens will have potential sites for them. That a fruit so recognisable to generations of children in the form of Ribena, it is surprising that they are so rarely available to buy in the shops and only occasionally found in gardens. They are a mainstay of the allotment at least, and should be more widely grown at home. Redcurrants and whitecurrants are similarly productive and open up many culinary opportunities in dealing with the resulting gluts of fruit. All are high in vitamins and anti-oxidants and offer a fresh, local alternative to exotic fruits imported from abroad. Gooseberries too are an old fashioned sort of fruit now very much back in vogue with celebrity chefs serving up pies, crumbles, fools and sauces. The bushes can turn into a prickly thicket to make harvesting rather dangerous but careful pruning into cordons or a wine glass shape will save unnecessary bloodshed. The sheer abundance of well pruned fruit trees and bushes leads to a harvest on a near industrial scale and requires a large family or circle of friends to deal with it. Offering home grown food is a wonderful way to meet the neighbours and build links with the local community, if they too have fruit trees, the shared bonanza is prolonged for all. Fresh fruit is the best of course, but it can
be converted into all manner of jams, pickles, pies and crumbles. A large harvest can soon be juiced or converted to wine and cider to prolong the period of enjoyment into the New Year. Given a selection of carefully chosen varieties the harvest can be extended form midsummer to late autumn. Some fruit can then be stored into the New Year to eat fresh or use in cooking. The seasonality of nature’s abundance is a valuable lesson for children who need to be aware of when and where food comes from.
We all have a great capacity for change and sometimes all we need is caring guidance for that change to take place. Hypnotherapy offers you that opportunity. For a Free initial consultation
T: 07591 029735
www.insightsfromwithin.co.uk info@insightsfromwithin.co.uk The Whitchurch Clinic, 1st Floor, 2 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff. CF14 1DG
11
Repairs Upgrades New System Builds Virus Removal Broadband Installs Tuition Wired / Wireless Home Networks All Work Carried Out In Your Own Home
07798 704141
No Call Out Charge Established 2004 Many Local Clients
www.professorpc.co.uk
House Clearances
The All Round At Home Computer Service
2nd
time around
2nd Time Around specialise in house clearance We provide a professional and friendly service for full or part clearance, attics to cellars.
We also offer the following services: • Reports for probate purposes • Valuations & advice on selling at auction • Auction service • Cleaning service • Sympathetic handling of deceased’s estates • Small removals & deliveries, nationwide • Rubbish removal • Recycling We comply with current legislation; we are waste management registered and have public liability insurance.
House Clearance Specialists www.2nd-timearound.co.uk
Contact: Jan Richards T: 02920 692704 M: 07715 622406 E: janrichards4@hotmail.co.uk
Fire & Stove Warehouse
2012 Flooring Leading The Way In Customer Service
Wood and Multifuel Stoves Gas, Electric and Bio Ethanol Fires Slate, Granite & Fire Surrounds Full Installation Packages Available
Keep warm this winter with Parkray & Cleanburn Demo Saturday 21/09/13 9am –5pm
Unit 11, Swift Business Park, Keen Road, Cardiff CF24 5JR 02920 492131 www.warmfrontfires.com sales@warmfrontfires.com
In the four years that local flooring firm 2012 Flooring have been trading, they have turned what looked like a bad situation into a winning business. In 2009, owner Chris and his colleagues at Bridgend’s Allied Carpets discovered they were about to be made redundant. Not wanting to waste 20 years of carpet-fitting experience, and with a young family to support, Chris took the decision to set up his own business with his wife Michelle. With little more than a van, a determination to succeed and bucket full of optimism, they set up 2012 Flooring. Twenty years of listening to customers while he was fitting their carpets had equipped Chris with priceless experience of customers’ needs. Consequently he’d developed plenty of great ideas about improving the process of buying flooring. And now he found himself in the unique position of being able to integrate these ideas into his new business. Customers can narrow down their preferences from the company’s website. Chris will then take suitable samples to their homes for them to see them next to their own furniture, colour schemes and lighting. There’s never a hint of sales pressure from the team and their good reputation is driven by Michelle’s ‘three Ps’ work ethic - professional, polite and punctual. Chris also relies on his former Allied Carpet team’s expertise daily to help him deliver the excellent service associated with 2012 Flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Tile • Laminate • Wood • Carpet • Vinyl • Rugs Forget heading out of town to visit large carpet showrooms - we’ll come to you! Selecting your new flooring with 2012 Flooring has never been easier. We’ll visit you in the comfort of your own home with flooring samples so you can see what suits your rooms best. When we visit to lay your flooring, our team will move your furniture, lift your current flooring, fit around cupboards, lay your new flooring efficiently and tidy up after ourselves. We go that extra mile because we are a family run business. We offer free no-obligation estimating, and we won’t pressurise you into buying anything you don’t need or want. We now specialise in woollen carpets and new-generation, hard-wearing laminates.
Tel: 0800 610 2012 W: www.2012flooring.co.uk Mobile: 07883012080 Email: info@twenty12flooring.com
VIBRANT GARDENS
AccurateAerials improving reception since 1979
Garden Maintenance Service
For the design, supply and installation of aerial, satellite and internet TV services, call your local Registered Digital Installer (RDI)
Local • Trustworthy • Fully Insured
Mark Jones 07836 265259
Qualified to National Diploma in Amenity Landscape Horticulture, we aim to provide you with the highest standard of garden maintenance possible. Regular lawn mowing • Garden maintenance • Garden clearance • Lawn care treatments • Hedge trimming • Planting and complete plant removal • Fencing • Tree work • Autumn leaf removal
ID: 18266724
Call Stuart on 07779 132149
for a FREE quote
www.vibrant-gardens.co.uk
18 Twyn Y Fedwen, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1HU
www.accurateaerials.com
Tel: 07836 265259
Email:accurateaerials@gmail.com
Exceeding Expectations...
Getting Divorced?
Ydych Chi’n Ysgaru?
There is another way... resolving disputes constructively.
Beth am ddatrys pethau yn defnyddio dull ymarferol.
Our specialist team can advise on all aspects of a relationship breakdown.
Gall ein tîm arbennigol gynhori ar bob agwedd o dor perthynas.
Divorce Unmarried couples Separation agreements Financial settlements Residence/contract arrangements for children Change of name deed Living together agreements
029 2115 4313
www.watkinsandgunn.co.uk
Ysgariad Cyplau di briod Cytundebau gwahanu Cytundebau ariannol yn sgîl ysgariad Trefniadau ar gyfer plant wedi ysgariad Trefniadau cyd-fyw Gweithred newid enw
46-48 Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. CF5 2DT
All Aboard “This is how Mummy and Daddy used to go to school, darling.”, “When did they stop painting them orange?”, “This really brings back the memories!”, “I remember these before they were painted orange.”, “How wonderful that this has been kept!”, “I used to drive these!”, “Is this a Guy?” Those – all except the last one, perhaps – are the kind of comments and questions you’d expect to hear when the Cardiff Transport Preservation Group brings one of its 40-strong collection of vintage buses along to events such as this year’s Rhiwbina Festival. The bus in question was the obvious choice for a beautifully sunny day. Former Cardiff Corporation Guy Arab V opentop double-decker 434 (ABO 434B) with a Neepsend (East Lancashire) body is now almost half a century old. Shorn of its roof, everybody who went upstairs was able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while those of a certain age could fondly reminisce about the days when a fleet of similar buses (but with their roofs firmly stuck on) used to ply the streets of Cardiff, regularly venturing out as far as Rhiwbina on services 21 and 23. Even when new in 1964-66, they were rather old-fashioned buses. The modern one-personoperated bus has its engine at the back and its door at the front. Not 434. Its entrance – no door, just an open platform – was at the back. The driver drove in splendid isolation at the front, having no contact with that terrifying breed known as passengers. That was left to the conductor who’d collect the fares, issue the tickets and ring the bell to tell the driver to stop or move off. Sounds familiar? Yes, exactly like on the London Transport Routemaster! This Guy was Cardiff ’s equivalent of London’s famous icon. Taking 434 anywhere evokes a host of responses and they’re fascinating to see. Some people
just pass by, ‘seeing’ nothing unusual. Others look slightly puzzled: they know they’re seeing something unusual but can’t work out what it could possibly be. Others immediately recognise a cherished part of their childhood, or a more recent visit to the seaside complete with a ride on an open-topper. They’ll then smile broadly at the memory and start waving! It’s a reaction anyone with a vintage vehicle will have seen and enjoyed many times. Those of us who stood around 434 at the Rhiwbina Festival may have heard most of the comments before, whether made to us or (more enjoyably still!) overheard. But they’re always a joy to listen to because you know that the efforts of the volunteers down at the Group’s Barry depot have achieved their important and immensely satisfying aim of putting people in touch with part of their – and Cardiff ’s – history. So many other vehicles have been scrapped and left no trace of their existence except in photographs that may be fading fast. But there was one question we didn’t expect and you can’t accompany an old bus anywhere without expecting the occasional surprise. The unexpected question this time was ‘Is this a Guy?’, asked by a lady. Now Guy Motors produced bus chassis in Wolverhampton and the
chassis ordered by Cardiff were then driven (with the drivers, poor dabs, ensconced in just a small shed-like affair to protect them from the elements) all the way to Sheffield to the works of bodybuilding company Neepsend, a branch of the then well-known bus bodybuilder East Lancashire. We’d never expected there to be any connection between Wolverhampton and Rhiwbina, but then the lady questioner explained that her father had worked in a senior position for Guy Motors and that she still had photographs and documents from his time there. Would we be interested? We most certainly would. So a few days later two of us visited the lady and her husband in Rhiwbina to find that they had a treasure trove of material about Guy Motors unlike any to be found anywhere else in the world. So the moral is: if you take a vintage bus out anywhere, you never know what you’ll find! The Cardiff Transport Preservation Group holds monthly meetings, organises two very successful annual rallies and attends others. Its website is www.ctpg.co.uk. Volunteers are always welcome. Berwyn Prys Jones
Photographs by Berwyn Prys Jones and Paul Hamley
people
Ernest Willows
Born in Cardiff, Ernest Willows became one of the world’s pioneers in powered flight. His work was a foundation on which others were to build and earned him a place in the history of air travel
One of the greatest human achievements during the 20th century was the invention of powered flight. Yet one of its greatest pioneers was born here in Cardiff. Ernest Thompson Willows was born on Newport Road on 11th July, 1886. He was educated at Clifton College Bristol, entering the school in 1896 and leaving in 1901. When he left, aged 15, he was hoping to train as a dentist. But within four years, with the help of his father, he’d already built his first airship. He was just 19 years old. Willows took the airship, which he called Willows No.1, up from East Moors on 5th August 1905, the flight lasting 85 minutes. The No.1 was a small semi-rigid airship of 12,600 cubic feet. The 74ft long and 18ft diameter envelope was made from silk; and suspended beneath the envelope was a framework gondola. At the rear of the framework was a twin-cylinder 7hp Peugeot motor-cycle engine fitted with a two-bladed 10ft pusher propeller. The Willow 16
No.1 went on to take six flights, the longest of which lasted two hours. Looking to improve on his first attempt, he built Willows No.2, which he first flew on 26th November 1909. No.2 was 86ft long and 22ft in diameter. It was over twice as large as his first attempt with a 29,000 cubic feet volume. On 4th June 1910, Willows landed the No.2 outside of Cardiff City Hall and later flew back to his shed at East Moors. One month later on 11th July, he flew from Cheltenham to Cardiff and on the 6th August 1910, he flew from Cardiff to London. The 122-mile flight was a record for a cross-country flight in Britain. In doing so, Willows became the first aviator to cross the Bristol Channel in a powered aircraft. No.2 was powered by a JAP 30hp air-cooled V8 engine. Two swivelling propellers mounted either side of the suspended car propelled the craft in the air, and for directional control, it was fitted with a rudder.
No.2 was eventually re-built as No.3 which he named the City of Cardiff. He flew the airship from London to Paris in 1910. He achieved a few ‘firsts’ - the first airship crossing from England to France and the first airship crossing of the English Channel at night among them. It was on 11th November that he flew the City of Cardiff across the English Channel, heading for Paris with his mechanic Frank Godden.
But the journey was not without incident. There was thick fog over the channel causing visbility problems. Next, there were mechanical problems, requiring Willows to climb out on to the balloon envelope to fix it in the dark. Petrol froze in the engine and then Godden dropped their maps over the side and into the sea. Eventually the airship came down at Corbehem because of a problem with the envelope. When they did land, French customs tried to charge him £30 import duty on his fuel. With the local French aviator Louis Breguet coming to the rescue and repairing the airship, Willows eventually arrived in Paris on 28th December 1910, nearly eight weeks after setting out. He celebrated New Year’s Eve with a flight around the Eiffel Tower. On the 2nd January 1911, he flew it round the Eiffel Tower again to demonstrate the control which he had over the airship on. This was a feat impossible in traditional balloons that were being developed by the French among others. He returned by road to Cardiff with his balloon. The drama had taken its toll but it’s said that Willows was also attempting escape customs officials.
Willows moved to Birmingham to build his next airship, the Willows No.4. First flown in 1912, it was sold to the Admiralty for £1,050 and it became His Majesty’s Naval Airship No.2. This was after the Army had rejected it. It was slightly smaller than No.3 but was more streamlined. It had a 24,000 cubic feet capacity and a length of 110ft. A 35hp Anzani engine driving two four-bladed steerable propellers powered the airship. Below the keel was suspended a two-man gondola. In 1913, the airship was upgraded. Its capacity was increased to 39,000 cubic
feet and by 1914, the original gondola was replaced a threeseat version. Its dual controls were revolutionary but the ship only made one flight in this configuration. However, the ship was used as a prototype for the very successful SS class blimp. These were used for anti U-boat activities during World War I. With the money earned from the Navy, Willows set up a spherical gas balloon school at Welsh Harp in Hendon. Even so, he went on to build Willows No.5 in 1913. This four-seater airship was designed to give joy rides over London. It featured a rubberised fabric and a volume of 50,000 cubic feet. First flown on 27th November 1913, the 130ft airship had a gondola which could carry four people. It made a number of flights from Hendon over central London in February 1914. During the First World War, Willows had headed back to Cardiff to work on kites and barrage balloons. These were large balloons tethered to the ground with metal cables. They were mostly used to defend against low-level aircraft attack by damaging the aircraft on collision with the cables, or at least making the attacker’s approach more difficult. In 1916, Willows created a barrage balloon that flew at 10,000ft to replace earlier versions that only flew at 4,000ft. Work took place in Westgate Street and Llanishen. His exploits in ballooning made him little money however. With large-scale success eluding him, by October 1921, he was living on a decaying river boat on the River Thames. Willows would have had no choice but to follow the exploits of other balloon pioneers from a distance. In 1926, shortly before Willow’s death, the airship Norge flew over the North Pole. The expedition was the brainchild of polar explorer and expedition leader Roald Amundsen, the airship’s designer and pilot Umberto Nobile and American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, who along with the Aero Club of Norway, financed the trip. In contrast, Willows was
people
reduced to flying tethered balloon flights at fairs. Sadly, this is how Willows died. On 23rd August 1926, at a flower show in Hoo Park Kempston, Bedford, Willows was running aerial balloon rides. The net covering the balloon suddenly tore away and the basket plunged to the ground, killing him. His four passengers were also killed. Willows achieved many feats during his short life. He was the first person in the United Kingdom to hold a pilot’s certificate for an airship. The Royal Aero Club awarded him Airship Pilots Certificate No. 1. Considering that back in the early 20th century, there were no hi-tech directional aids, Willows’ achievements were all the more remarkable. His biographer, retired journalist Alec McKinty points out that “He had to come down close to the ground and shout to people through a megaphone.” He also left a legacy for the city - the Ernest Willows pub and Willows High School both pay homage to the man. The house in which he was born on Newport Road is still in use today as a university building. His achievements are also recorded on a clock face in Cardiff Bay but his grave lies neglected and overgrown in Cathays Cemetery.
“Your local clinic for PHYSIOTHERAPY, SPORTS MASSAGE and KINESIOLOGY TAPING” Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1AA
029 2062 8365 www.searyphysio.com
Seniors • Juniors • Infants • Nursery
Outstanding School for Boys and Girls aged 3-18 Top co-educational school in Wales at GCSE 2013 “Excellent” - Estyn Inspection 2012
Open Morning Saturday 5th October 10:00-12:30 029 2083 8504 registrar@cathedral-school.co.uk www.cathedral-school.co.uk
Looking to lose weight?
At Ideal Weight we see things differently. We believe that losing weight isn’t the hardest part – it’s keeping it off that’s tricky. That’s why learning the skills for long term weight management is at the heart of what we offer. Unlike most weight loss plans, we don’t believe ‘one size fits all’. We offer a range of eating plans to kick start your weight loss journey, combined with weekly weight management sessions with one of our Ideal Weight coaches. This means that when you reach your ideal weight you’ll have all the tools and skills you’ll need to stay there. We know the only way to successfully maintain your ideal weight once you’ve reached it, is to change your relationship with food. That’s why our trained Ideal Weight coaches are there to support and guide you. So when you lose weight with us, you’ll know how to keep it off! Come along to The Whitchurch Clinic, 2 Merthyr Rd, Whitchurch on a Tuesday at 5.30pm or contact Bernadette on 07800 582518 www.idealweight.co.uk
Get it off. Keep it off.
We don’t believe one size fits all; so we offer a range of eating plans to suit your lifestyle. To find out more call Bernadette on 07800 582 518 or visit The Whitchurch Clinic, Merthyr Road, Whitchurch on Tuesdays at 5.30pm
www.idealweight.co.uk IW_Bernie_184.6x130.indd 1
idealweightuk
@idealweightuk
07/10/2013 10:19
the watchers
by MJ Beasley When a young woman moves into an old house in Llandaff, little does she know that she’s sharing the house with the souls of those who have lived there in years gone by... Beth is lying in bed. In the dark. The rain’s been hammering at the window for the last hour and shadows drape their thin fingers across her bed. She rolls over to look at the digital clock. 3.43. Only three hours until she has to get up for work. It’ll still be dark at that time. Summer has long gone and the autumn storms are rattling the old Llandaff house. The wind roars round the wet roofs outside, raging through the trees and off down the dark roads. It comes rumbling and tumbling down the chimney and past the bricked up fireplace in the corner of Beth’s room, down into the old kitchen below. And she can’t sleep. She’s thinking of the 20
generations before her who have lay sleeping in the same lightless room, listening to the same storms raging outside. Those old men with their Victorian moustaches. Those old women that you see in the old daguerreotypes, wearing their black gothic dresses and hats. The old photographs she had found when she moved into the house a few days ago has got her thinking. Finally, she pulls back her duvet and sits up. Can’t sleep. The floorboards are cold to the soles of her feet. She slides her feet into her slippers and stands. Then she takes her dressing gown from the back of her bedroom door. Puts it on. Heads out of her bedroom and down the dark staircase. Arriving at the kitchen, she flicks the switch. The strip light fizzes and flickers into
life. The air feels cold. Beth shuffles over to the window. Fills the kettle with some water. The old Victorian taps grind and groan. Switches the kettle on. With a yawn, she picks up one of the old photographs from the box that she’d found a few days ago. The asthmatic kettle snorts and breathes. Beth holds a photograph closer to her face. Two adults sit either side of a young woman on a bed. The parents look slightly blurred, each wearing dark heavy clothing. They look concerned. The young woman, face crystal clear looks into the distance. Her eyes look glazed and ahead, her head tilted slightly. Her hands are clasped tightly in front of her. And behind them sits some kind of cabinet,
short story draped in a heavy white sheet. Beth drags her eyes across every detail in the photo. From the embroidery on the blanket that covers the young woman’s bottom half, to the blur in the older man’s eyes. It’s a strange photo. Then, without warning, there’s a warm breath on the back of Beth’s neck. She gasps. And spins around. The letters on her pinboard stuck on the wall rise and fall. Nothing there. She grasps the back of her neck and runs her hand down her nape. It tingles right down the base of her spine. Kettle whistles and Beth moves towards it, still roving her eye around the kitchen. Places the photograph on the work surface. Then plops a teabag into a cup. Pours on the boiling water. Pulls her mobile phone out from her dressing gown pocket and dabs her thumb on the screen. And for a moment, she loses herself in the world of Facebook foreigners and insomniacs. She clicks on a photograph of her friend Sarah with her parents on holiday in Mexico. Beth smiles. Sun. Beach. Cocktails. Wishes she was there. What Beth doesn’t notice is the ghostly pale face of a young woman peering over her shoulder at the phone. There’s a sudden clatter from the back door. The noise startles Beth and goosebumps fizz down from the crown of her head to the ends of her toes. She slips her phone into her dressing gown pocket, clasps the collars together and steps over to the back door. Sounded like lid of the metal bin. She decides to leave it. Probably get wet. The tea has stewed in her mug. Beth opens the drawer, takes out a small spoon. Dips it in the mug and drags
the hot teabag out. With a flick and a clunk, the bag disappears into the bin. She scoops up the handful of old photographs and sits at the old wooden table with her black tea. Picks another one up. And looks closely. A young boy. About ten years of age. Lying in bed. Asleep. He looks peaceful. Like the others, he wears heavy black clothes. In bed. His white shirt collar is buttoned up tight to his chin. But he doesn’t look in any discomfort. The next photo. Two parents. In black. And a sleeping baby nestled in a huge nest of white shawls. Next. A old man with a beard. In a wooden chair. Head to the side. His eyes look white. Like he’s wearing contacts. Weird. Why all these photos of people asleep? The kitchen window rattles violently. Beth turns to see. Out in the dark, the trees arch backwards, throwing their skeletal limbs wildly. Beth turns back to the photos. At the window, another ashen face, with a faded grey beard, steps up and stares in. Beth shivers with the cold. The kitchen is not the place to be this time of night. What was she thinking? Bed was so warm. She stands. Picks up the photographs and heads out of the kitchen. Turns the light out. The face at the window still peers into the dark kitchen. Beth climbs the stairs. Carefully. She once slipped carrying a cup of tea and scalded her leg. Reaching the top of the stairs, she flicks off the light downstairs and shuffles to her bedroom. At the foot of the stairs, silently looking up from the darkness, stand a man and woman. The woman carries a sleeping baby in her
arms. Beth takes off her dressing gown and hangs it on the back of her bedroom door. She places her tea on the bedside table and quickly scrambles into bed. Sits up and pulls the blankets up tight under her arms. In front of her, she holds the photos. She’s still intrigued. Something’s not quite right about them. Her eyes linger on them. Lingers on the awkward poses. The heavy clothes. The strange expressions. None of them smile. She places them to one side of the bed and picks up her tea. Warms her hands on the mug. Stares ahead. Mind wanders to work tomorrow morning. Takes a sip and places it back on the bedside table. Nestles down into her bed. It’s only a matter of minutes before her eyelids close. The photographs fall and scatter on the floor face down. The brief flutter stirs Beth, but not enough to wake her. In faded grey handwriting, on the back of one photographs reads the words. ‘Helen 1872-1898’ The next photo: ‘Walter 1864-1874’. Another: ‘Esther 3 months old’. And the last one: ‘Charles Born 1846. Died 1891’ Outside, the dark rain clouds scuttle quickly across the night sky and move on to another sleeping town. Inside the house, Beth briefly rouses then slinks down under the duvet. She rolls over to face the window. In the dark corner of the room behind her, among the shadows, stands the figure of a young boy. Heavy black clothes. White shirt collar is buttoned up tight to his chin. He’s watching. 21
vegboxes, meat & more to your door
grown on our farm for freshness & flavour
try a box today
call your friendly local vegman & lady Jon & Janet on 01633Â 867661 or visit www.riverford.co.uk
n
1 o.
If you have a caring nature, time, energy and a spare bedroom, you could give a young person a happy home. TACT provide foster carers with 24/7 support, tailored training and a generous fostering allowance. As a charity, our surplus income is ploughed back into service provision for our carers and young people.
g in er 3* st 01 fo 2 t es en l d wa en y, ep c d en in ag
Have you got what it takes to transform a young life?
fdrelieveery
For more information call 01639 622320 or email cymru@tactcare.org.uk
* Children’s Commissioning Consortium Cymru
WALES_POSTER_and_AD_131010_AW.indd 2
10/10/2013 15:22:04
South Wales’ Premier Bathroom And Tile Centre. Everything you need to make that room feel special Our NEW showroom is now open to the trade and public. We currently have over 30 displays of bathrooms and shower enclosures from some of the leading manufacturers in Europe. We also have on display a large range of Porcelain and Ceramic wall and floor tiles. Our shower displays range from small enclosures to large wet rooms and we are confident we can accommodate your needs. We are conveniently located just off Ocean Way in Regents Trade Park and are open 6 days a week. Unit 4 Regents Trade Park Galdames Place Cardiff CF24 5PS
Tel: 029 2046 4234 Opening Hours Mon – Friday 10 - 5 pm SAT 9 – 4PM
St Michael’s College Cardiff FRIENDS OF ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE ANNUAL LECTURE MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 7.00pm
BARONNESS MORGAN OF ELY “Living in the Vicarage – An Ideal Preparation for Public Life” Open to the public, admission free, refreshments If you are interested in attending please contact St Michael’s College
The SERVERY Open every Friday 12.00– 2.00pm Serving Light Lunches & Refreshments (menu changes weekly)
Also available for bookings. For details please contact St Michael’s College
For further information Tel: 029 2056 3379 www.stmichaels.ac.uk St Michael’s College, 54 Cardiff Rd, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YJ
Serenade Cards and Gifts • Quality Greetings Cards • Gifts for all Occasions • Large Selection of Soft Toys • Demdaco Willow Tree • Party Balloons • Terramundi Money Pots
Demdaco Father and Son
Tatty Teddy inside a balloon
A bottle of wine inside a balloon
13 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6HA Tel: 029 2052 2424
petspage
Pet problems CHRIS TROUGHTON OF HEATH VETS ANSWERS YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS
IF YOU HAVE ANY PET-RELATED QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CHRIS TO ANSWER, PLEASE EMAIL US AT EDITOR@LIVINGMAGS.CO.UK AND WE’LL PASS THEM ON. I have a house rabbit who is nearly four years old. Her teeth grow spurs which so far have had to be removed twice and she has been given a general anaesthetic for this to be done. It is well under a year since the last time and will need it to be done again before long. I have heard of several rabbits who have died whilst under anaesthetic. I am wondering whether it would be possible and practical for this procedure to be carried out by giving strong sedation only and therefore causing less of a risk? I’m sorry to hear your rabbit has dental problems, as I’m afraid this will mean a lifetime of dental attention. As you probably know, rabbits’ teeth growth continuously all their lives, and are kept short by wearing against the tooth opposite. Dental spurs are very common in middle-age and older rabbits and are caused by misalignment of the top and bottom teeth, so the wear is uneven. Long sharp spurs develop on the inside edge of the lower teeth and the outside of the uppers, causing sores on the cheeks and tongue. This is painful and interferes with eating; the pain can also cause intestinal problems. It is impossible to correct the misalignment of the teeth, so it is inevitable that the spurs will regrow – they can need filing down as often as every three months. Make sure that the vast majority of your rabbit’s food is grass and hay. This provides a great deal of chewing exercise and will help to wear the teeth down more. Nuggets or muesli food should be a very small (about 5%) part of her diet. A general anaesthetic is essential for filing the back teeth – a sedative does not relax the patient sufficiently, and the last thing you need is the tongue moving about and getting injured by the drill. Unfortunately, anaesthetics are not 100% safe in Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511
rabbits, nowhere near as safe as in cats and dogs, but with modern drugs and the better understanding we have now of what we can do to aid recovery afterwards, they are much better than they used to be. One way of reducing the risk is making sure your rabbit is as healthy as possible when she has the anaesthetic – ie not waiting until she is desperate before taking her to the vet. I would recommend you have her mouth examined by the vet at least every 6 months In between checkups, you should weigh her and record her weight. If she starts to eat less, you may not notice it but she will lose weight, and this will be a sign you need to get her checked.
Our cat keeps bringing us ‘gifts’ of dead mice and birds. Is there any way to stop this?
No matter how gentle and ‘domestic’ your cat is, he will almost always still have that ruthless hunter instinct in him, and it is very upsetting to see the results deposited in your home. The catch and kill behaviour is completely independent of need, as most domestic cats are so well-fed (even over fed!) that they have no need to consume their catch. Cats often bring home their prey, both alive and dead. This may be because they instinctively prefer to eat in the safety of the den, where they are unlikely to be disturbed. Sometimes dead prey are deposited in a particular place, perhaps near the door, which is interpreted as being a gift for you, the head of the family. Most of the small animals which are prey for the cat are nocturnal, so most hunting is done at night. By shutting the cat-flap, you will reduce the toll on the wildlife. It seems that most cat fights and road traffic accidents happen at night too, so keeping the cats in at night will also reduce the risk of them being injured. On the other hand, by preventing them from going out and fulfilling a natural instinct, you may put them under a great deal of frustrated stress. You have to decide!
FUNDRAISING FOR DEFIBRILLATORS THROUGHOUT WALES
7KH *UHDW &DUGLŦ %D\
FREE N RATIO REGIST LEAF OVER
Santa & Elf Dash
Have fun this Christmas and join hundereds of other Santas and elves for the Welsh Hearts EPP ;EPIW PMJI WEZMRK O [EPO NSK SV HEWL EVSYRH 'EVHMJJ &E] +IX ]SYV LIEVXW FIEXMRK JEWXIV [MXL XLMW KVIEX IZIRX [LMGL [MPP FVMRK XLI [LSPI GSQQYRMX] XSKIXLIV XS LIPT WEZI ;IPWL PMZIW
Under-16s encouraged to dress up. Prizes for XLI FIWX HVIWWIH 7TSRWSVWLMT JSVQW EZEMPEFPI SV WIX up your own online sponsorship TEKI SR .YWX+MZMRK GSQ -X´W IEW]
Sunday 8th December 2013 Meet at the Oval Basin, Cardiff Bay in front of the Wales Millennium Centre Warmup - 10:30am Start - 11am
This family festive fun event is open to everyone and is suitable for all ages. Fill in the free registration form overleaf to book your place - why not get your family and friends together and join as a team!
Part of Christmas in the Bay (6-8 December) - markets and entertainment for all the family visitcardiffbay.info /WelshHearts
;IPWL ,IEVXW EVI GSQQMXXIH XS VEMWMRK JYRHW XS TVSZMHI HI½FVMPPEXSVW throughout Wales. For more information call 01633 681 788
@WelshHearts
visit welshhearts.org or email fundraising@welshhearts.org
Are we Cardiff’s “Best Kept Secret”? Whether you are looking for a set of period solid brass fingerplates for a country mansion or a modern scandinavian classic for a city apartment, we have the largest selection of architectural ironmongery available anywhere in the UK. These high quality fittings, specified and installed on some of the country’s most prestigious period and modern buildings, are now available to trade and public customers. Visit our Cardiff Trade Centre on Pacific Business Park - Open Monday to Friday.
1
3
2
4
Find Us at: Unit A2 Cook Court Pacific Business Park Cardiff CF24 5HJ Tel: 029 2047 1808 Open Mon-Friday 8.30 - 5.00pm
ings
Wa y
Bring this Ad with you and get 15% off your first order
l Sid
Ro ver
Splott
Tida
d
R or
mo an rtm Po an W ay
ver
Oce
Ro
an W ay
Wa y
Oce
Local News
News in the Community NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH With Bill Farnham Further to my comments in the last issue regarding National Neighbourhood Watch Week (15th to 23rd June) and the fact that we took part in 14 events during the ‘week’, I have received a congratulatory e-mail from National Neighbourhood Watch who are based in Leicester, informing me that we were voted the most active Neighbourhood Watch Association in England and Wales for all that we did during the ‘week’. As a result of this I have been awarded the prize that was to be awarded to the best Association, namely a signed copy of the book “Dead Man’s Time” written by the popular crime writer Peter James. (Very appropriate for Neighbourhood Watch) Since the last issue, we have launched a further four new watches and have attended two Operation Perception exercises in Gabalfa and Heath, during which I worked in conjunction with members of South Wales Fire Service which was very interesting indeed; and in Llandaff City which has resulted in a meeting to be held at Insole Court later this month at which it is hoped to launch another five new watches and carry out a relaunch of another one. I have recently attended two community Fun Days in conjunction with South Wales Police, firstly at Pontprennau Community Centre and then at Llanishen Leisure Centre with quite a lot of interest expressed regarding Neighbourhood Watch at both events. We are worked very hard on our Personal Safety Day on 14th October which was organised
by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and at which we will gave our total support for such a worthwhile cause, and also what we are calling Operation Christmas Spirit at which we aim to make people aware of the values of security marking of their property and gifts in the lead up to Christmas. We are hoping to hold this event in Queen Street during December so, as they say, watch this space for further details. I am also working on a project that I have taken on board and have named Worship Watch in which I am aiming to involve all religious premises in Cardiff and bring them up to date with security of their premises and the safety of everyone associated with these premises. Again, as they say, watch this space. On Thursday 31st October I shall be taking part in an interview on the Cardiff in Action Radio Show at 3pm at which I intend to promote Neighbourhood Watch and all the associated benefits of being a member of a watch. Neighbourhood Watch is continuing to grow very rapidly and I have several meetings arranged for the near future at which new watches will be launched as I have received firm commitment from the people who will be attending these meetings. If you are interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Group in your locality please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or contact us on 02920 527301. If I am not in our office when you call, please leave your contact details.
SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE Llandaff Cathedral Choral Society presents the second major concert of its 2013 season with a performance of the Monteverdi Vespers at the Cathedral on November 16th. The year is a notable one for the Society, being the 75th anniversary of its foundation. Initially established to perform larger scale choral works that were beyond the resources of the Cathedral choir, the Society gave its first performance with 56 members. It now has over 120 singers and continues to perform three major works at its spiritual home each year. Few choral societies in Wales can claim such continuous activity over such a prolonged period, and this proud milestone was celebrated with an Anniversary Dinner in February. Two of the Society’s patrons include the Most Reverend Dr. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Llandaff, and Sir Norman Lloyd-Edwards. Both men have recently acknowledged the significance of the anniversary. Tickets are priced at £12 and £15 and can be obtained from Garlands of Llandaff or via tickets@ llandaffcathedralchoralsociety. org.uk
Bill Farnham Chairman 27
Kingstown Bedroom Range
25% OFF
Cardiff Bed & Furniture Centre 47 Merthyr Road Whitchurch Cardiff CF14 1DB Tel: 02920 615719 www.cardiffbedcentre.co.uk
Find us on Facebook
Appointed stockists
4’6” Pocket sprung Display Clearance divan set with 2 drawers
Was £699 now £499.
Adjustable beds from £699
Up to 20% We also stock Sealy, off selected Silent Night, Rest Assured, stock items Sweet Dreams etc
Looking For An Alternative?
Neck Pain • Back Pain • Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder • Sports Injuries • Muscle/Joint Pain • Sciatica • Herbal Medicine Headaches • Phobias • Depression • Anxiety • Smoking Cessation • Motivation/Confidence Issues • OCD • IBS www.thewhitchurchclinic.co.uk Tel: (029)20 617700 The Whitchurch Clinic, First Floor, 2 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1DG.
What’s On at TWC Herbal Cosmetics Workshop Saturday 16th November 10am -2pm Create your own Christmas gifts! Contact Laura Carpenter to book.
George Thomas Hospice Ladies Pamper Evening Monday 18th November. TWC will be supporting by providing free treatments at the Hilton Hotel Tickets £10 Free Health Checks & Mini Consultation Saturday 23rd November Book with the practitioner of your choice and have 25% off your next appointment with them if you book on the day.
Hypnotherapy Karen Thomas HPD., graduated with her Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma from the renowned Clifton Practice in Bristol, an accredited nationwide teaching body, that provides Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Courses. She lives and practices in Cardiff as a Hypnotherapist/ Psychotherapist and is passionate about helping people overcome many issues including depression, weight-loss, smoking cessation, anxiety, stress, public speaking, child birth, phobias, OCD, trauma, sleeping disorders, relationship/marital problems, low self esteem, confidence building and many more! Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for reinforcing positive messages.
karenthomas09@hotmail.co.uk
NEW TO TWC! Medical Herbalist Laura Carpenter graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine from the University of East London. She is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the regulating body for medical herbalists. She completed her clinical training at the Stratford Herbal Medicine Clinic and the Dermatology department of Whipps Cross Hospital in London, completing over 600 hours of clinical training. Laura’s interest in herbs is from both scientific research and traditional British herbal medicine perspectives. She has a keen interest in using British plants. She prescribes are organic where possible. Herbal medicine can help with allergic conditions, skin problems, low energy, sleep problems, stress and anxiety, digestive and gynaecological problems.
www.lauracarpenter.co.uk
Chiropractic Cardiff-raised Andrea Howell graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, followed by two years post-graduate study. She started her career working with the longest practicing chiropractors in South Wales. Andrea established The Whitchurch Clinic early 2013. She is passionate about the benefits of chiropractic treatment, finding great satisfaction in helping people out of pain, and improving the quality of their lives. Chiropractic specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions related to joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves such as back pain, neck pain, migraines, repetitive strain injury, osteoarthritis pain, general tension and postural problems.
ahowell.chiro@gmail.com
recipes
e c n a d n u b A n Autum There’s nothing quite like heading home from work on a misty autumn evening and knowing that a bubbling pot of casserole is waiting for you. Here are a few recipes to welcome you home and give you a big warm herbal cwtch as you step in from the darkening nights.
Slow cooker beef bourguignon 4 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 750g stewing steak, diced in to large chunks 5 tbsp vegetable oil 12 shallots 1 carrot, chopped 225g mushrooms, quartered 1 cube of beef stock 300ml red wine 1 tbsp tomato purée 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp dried thyme 2 bay leaves Serve with mashed potato and green beans. 1. Preheat the slow cooker to low. In a large frying pan, add the streaky bacon and cook until slightly crispy then place in the cooker. Toss the beef in the flour. Heat the oil in the frying pan, and cook the floured beef in small batches to colour slightly, add to cooker. 2. Lightly colour the shallots and carrots in the frying pan then add to the cooker along with the mushrooms. Mix together 400ml boiling water with the stock cube, red wine, tomato puree, garlic, thyme and bay leaves and pour over the meat. 3. Season well with salt and pepper and place the lid on to cook for 5-6 hours or until the beef is tender. If you need to thicken the sauce slightly, mix cornflour with a little water to make a paste then add to the dish and stir through. Heat on high for a few minutes to thicken. 4. Serve the beef with mashed potatoes, green beans and the rich sauce poured over the top.
Slow-baked Sausages 8 plump pork butcher’s sausages some oil 2 large onions a thick slice of butter 2 lightly heaped tbsp of flour a heaped tsp soft brown sugar 400ml of beef or vegetable stock 200ml dark beer Serve with mashed potato. Serves 4. 1. Set the oven at 160C/gas mark 3. 2. Fry the sausages using some oil in a non-stick pan over a moderate heat till lightly coloured on all sides. Remove from the pan. 3. Peel the onions and slice them thinly into rounds. Melt the butter in a pan over a moderate heat, add the onions and let them colour lightly. Stir in the flour. 4. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring from time to time, then add the sugar, stock and beer and bring to the boil. 5. Let the mixture boil for a minute or so, then cover with a lid. Bake for 50 minutes, then serve with mashed potato.
PATRIC MORGAN
JAMIE OLIVER, X FACTOR AND SHOPPING TROLLIES
I
don’t know about you but I’ve never been a Jamie Oliver fan. I think it’s because he’s always been far too enthusiastic about things - always jolly and happy. As a rule, I don’t like people like that - I feel that I’m missing out on something. But Mr Oliver did pop up on the news recently pointing out that some British workers like to whinge and don’t work hard as their European counterparts. “British kids particularly, I have never seen anything so wet behind the ears!” he said. He told Good Housekeeping magazine: “I have mummies phoning up for 23-year-olds saying to me, ‘My son is too tired’. On a 48-hour-week! Are you having a laugh?” Back in 2008, I interviewed Rhiwbina resident and star of screen and stage, Stan Stennett. I always remember him telling me that to succeed in something, you HAD to put the hours in. Stan would get up at 5am to work throughout the day, then pack up his guitar and trumpet to play the clubs till 3am. Then he’d do it all over again the next day. That was something that stuck with me during 2008 because at the time, Rhiwbina Living was a fledgling publication. We’d had trouble with deliveries of our second issue thanks to the ‘professional delivery team’ that we’d paid and entrusted. I was working five jobs which totalled to between about 80 and 90 hours a week. And the reason I was doing it was to clear the debt I had amassed being a lazy-arsed slob during my 20s and early 30s. So Jamie Oliver’s comments struck a chord with me. It reminded me of the time I was working in the Deri Inn in 2008.
More at www.patricmorgan.co.uk
Every one who worked there worked very hard. Apart from one lad who worked part-time. We were struggling one day as a few members of staff were ill and we had a phone call from this lad’s mum, telling us that he couldn’t come in today as he’d ‘only had nine hours’ sleep’. At first, we thought she was joking, and it took us a while to realise that she wasn’t. She was for real. I was teaching that year too and I was very frustrated by the culture of entitlement that a lot of children relied on. From little things like not bringing in their own pens (“You’ll have some sir.”) through to kids assuming that they’re were going to walk straight into a job the day they leave school (“My dad’s giving me a job.”) Needless to say, a lot of ‘dads’ found their businesses up against the wall themselves, and I’d give the knowing look of ‘told-youso’ to my former students as they scanned my chicken kievs through the checkout at Tesco at 2am in the morning. This culture of entitlement reaches to all parts of life. X Factor has recently returned to our screens. I admit that I used to be a big fan of Saturday nights in front of the show. I’m not sure whether it’s me turning into a grumpy man, or whether it’s the realisation that these kind of things are there to pamper to the ‘get rich quick’ mentality. As Simon Cowell said at the launch of this year’s show, “I’d like to thank you all for making me rich.” Or words to that effect. But the fact remains that Mr Cowell did not become rich overnight. He worked hard, did some jobs he’d rather forget and then hit on an idea that made him rich. For most of us, success comes only as a result of hard work.
So what is it that has made some of the younger generation think that they can take from society without thinking too much about putting back in? Is it our parenting skills? Are we shielding our kids from the realities of life for too long? Or are kids these days just a little bit more selfish than those of past generations? I was in Tesco (I’m always in Tesco) last year. It was October. The new university students were pouring into the store, stocking up on their Pot Noodles and beer. Stood in the long queue for the checkout, there was a student stood in front of me with his parents .His trolley was groaning with goodies. Dad turns to son and says: “Do you need beer?” (Need. Not want.) The lad nodded his head. Dad disappeared and came back with three slabs of Stella. He could hardly carry it. Dad paid. £400 worth of stuff. And did the son thank Dad? No. It was expected that Mum an Dad would pay. I overhead Mum fretting as Dad struggled to push the trolley out the door. “Shall I buy you a mobile phone that you can take to lectures in case you need to contact me urgently?” “Erm. No mum. I have two phones already and I’ll have to switch them off in lectures.” “Shall I make you sandwiches?” That was the last I heard from that family. As I get older, I’ve started thinking to myself ‘When I was a lad...’ more and more. And it’s made me realise why the generation above us always like to remind us of how they did things.
Self Drive Hire Cars & 4x4s of all sizes
Vans to help you out business or pleasure Got people to move? 7/9 & 17 seaters Prestige MPVs
CHARTER Vehicle Hire www.cvhl.co.uk
Part of the James & Jenkins Family
Daily, Weekly, Monthly. You choose. Bridgend Cardiff Pontypridd
FREEPHONE 0800 975 2945