Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 44

News | People | Features | Competitions | Lifestyle

Whitchurch &

Llandaff Living

At the heart of the community

Issue 44 Aug/Sept '17

A Summer ofs Festival The best of this summer's festivals

G N I N N I W D R A W A R YOU

E N I Z A G A M Y T I N U COMM

Inside this issue 2nd Llandaff Scouts

The inspirational story of 2nd Llandaff Scout's fight for survival

Competitions

We've teamed up with St David's Hall to offer you the chance to win family tickets to see Oz with Orchestra this September!

Outdoor Living

Enjoy the last of the summer sun with these wonderful garden pieces from our advertisers

Erica Willmott

Local author Erica Willmott explains how 30 pairs of socks, an uncle and a washing machine inspired her to write her own children's books

Autumn deadline:

23rd September 2017 Published early October 2017

a: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG t: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920 w: www.livingmags.co.uk e: editor@livingmags.co.uk or danielle@livingmags.co.uk Distribution: 6,000 copies of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living are distributed to retail outlets and public places across Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North five times a year.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising from the publication of this material.

Every effort has been made to contact any copyright holders.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers.

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Welcome / Croeso Welcome to your late summer issue of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living.

Since our last issue, we've been ridiculously busy. In late June, we dressed up in our finest to attend the Cardiff Business Awards - and were thrilled to win the ICAEW Community Business of the Year Award. It was a great way to celebrate our tenth year of publishing, and was all the more rewarding after being put through a Dragon's Den type interview with seven eminent business people.

Our award followed a frantic few weeks as co-editor Danielle gave birth to her second child - a little boy. He's already been out and about meeting our advertisers - the newest member of the Living Magazines team!

We hope that you'll be enjoying the last of the summer sun and this issue celebrates all things summer, with a guide on where to go to make the most of the sunny days, and a look back at the fantastic local festivals that celebrate the community spirit of our villages.

We have plenty of stories for you to read about the inspirational people living within our community, kicking off with the remarkable story of 2nd Llandaff Scouts. They were faced with being 'homeless' after the church they were hiring their hall from decided to sell up. Their fight for survival was full of ups and downs.

We were also delighted to speak to local author Erica Willmott who has recently launched her own series of children's books. We find out where her inspiration came from - and what she plans to do later this year.

If you've visited our local hospitals, you may be familiar with Rookwood Sound.

Celebrating 30 years on the airwaves this year, we take a look back at its origins and history over the last three decades.

Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North are packed with local history. We show you some of the places that you may pass every day - but reveal the stories behind them.

Lastly, be sure to support our wonderful advertisers who make this magazine possible.

See you in the autumn!

Danielle and Patric

Editors

@Whit_Llandaff

www.facebook.com/ whitchurchandllandaffliving

What’s on Open Doors Monday 11th September - Saturday 23rd September Various places throughout Llandaff Visit some of Llandaff's most iconic buildings and unusual sites.

Mollie's Vintage Fayre in aid of George Thomas Hospice Saturday 16th September 10am Rhiwbina Baptist Church, Rhiwbina Vintage stalls, food, entertainment and raffle prices. With funds raised going towards supporting and caring for patients and families at George Thomas Hospice.

Nature Ramble Saturday 16th September 10am Forest Farm, Whitchurch A gentle ramble around the reserve to see and hear the wildlife. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Warden's Centre, Forest Farm Road.

Hailey Park Free Gym Day Sunday 29th October 1pm-4pm Hailey Park Forget weight machines, treadmills and exercise bikes. Improve your health and your local environment at the same time. Meet at the car park at the top of Radyr Road.

news

First families will Living Magazines named into new Community Business of the Year move 'Garden City' by the autumn

(l-r) Host Jamie Owen, Editors Patric Morgan and Dr Danielle Dummett, Martin Warren of sponsors ICAEW Living Magazines Cardiff has picked up a prestigious award at this year's Cardiff Business Awards.

The Rhiwbina-based business beat the likes of the Wales Millennium Centre and Tramshed Tech to win Community Business of the Year 2017.

Co-editor Patric Morgan said: "We are so thrilled to pick up this award, which recognises outstanding achievement in business in Cardiff. We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this November and winning this award is testament both to the popularity of our magazines, and to the amount of hard work we put in to keep them going. We genuinely didn't expect to win the award as we were up against such big names, but the judges said that our passion for our products and services came over in the judging interview. We were also recently

finalists in the Wales Media Awards so 2017 has been quite a successful one so far."

Rhiwbina Living magazine was launched in 2007 by Patric Morgan and Dr Danielle Dummett.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living followed a year later in 2008 and the magazines have gone on to win various national awards. Aside from the actual printing, everything is done by the pair - from the advertising, the features, the design, the distribution, through to the website and social media work.

Co-editor Danielle said: "When we first set up our magazines, we wanted to put the community at the heart of everything we do - 'At the heart of the community' became our slogan and we do our best to put our community first."

Insole Court opens its Ground Floor Insole Court Mansion reopened its doors to visitors for the first time in three years in late July.

Though conservation and restoration work is ongoing, the Ground Floor is now open to visitors including the beautiful Reading Room, filled with antiques and rare books.

Visitors can learn some of Insole Court's history, browse the new foyer shop and experience some of the ornate decoration that makes the house so unique.

The mansion was recently featured on the BBC One Wales documentary Hidden Cardiff. The show’s presenter, Will Millard summed up his visit, saying: "Going around Insole Court today, really has brought home how little we have left in Cardiff of the city’s

industrial past. That’s why it’s so important that the heritage of places like this carry on."

Saved by the community, the 160-year-old house has undergone essential refurbishments with the Stable Yard opening last year. Entry to the newly opened ground floor is free and the house is open every day.

Families are set to move into the new 'Garden City' in North Cardiff by the autumn.

The first phase of the £2bn development is now well underway. Eventually there will be 6,000 homes included in the development, which is being created at land bordering Fairwater, St Fagans, Danescourt and Radyr.

Up to 6,000 homes will be created on the site, which will become known as Plasdŵr. A new 420 place primary school will open in around three years.

A secondary school will also be built.

Redrow Homes said: "Plasdŵr will be Cardiff’s garden city, delivering the homes and community our capital needs, helping fuel its economic growth and creating a fantastic place to live, work and play."

The site will take over 20 years to complete. There were objections at the planning stage of the project from local residents and councillors.

Concerns included worries about wildlife, increased traffic, and questions over whether local services could cope with the large influx of new residents it would bring.

“

A community will be developed over the next 20 years– set over four distinct centres of individual character, each with a central square and primary school, shops, offices, health and leisure centres, pubs and restaurants 3

news

Whitchurch 'Apprentices' raise thousands for charity

It was a case of ‘You’re Hired’ for a group of Cardiff locals who recently staged an Alan Sugarstyle challenge to raise money for Cancer Research Wales (CRW).

Around 20 Whitchurch residents formed two groups to stage a series of fundraisers to try and raise more money than each other, much like the popular BBC show The Apprentice.

Events included a football match, a pool competition, a quiz, and a race night, and culminated in an auction at the Earl Haig Club in the village. The star prize of a Barcelona shirt signed by the striking trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar raised £1,500 alone.

The two teams raised a total of £12,700 for the Whitchurch-based charity.

Many of the fundraisers are also locals at the Maltsters pub in the village, and have become known for some unusual charity challenges over the years. In 2015, 25 of them had their heads shaved, raising £11,000 for CRW in the process.

The two teams were led by Mark Letman and Lisa Jane. Friendly competition helped spur the teams to raise the money.

“A lot of people got involved, donating their time and prizes for our auction,” said Mark.

Lisa said: “We are really grateful to everyone for all their support.

We enjoy the fundraising and are so pleased to have been able to raise almost £24,000 for Cancer Research Wales in the past 18 months.”

Liz Andrews, charity director of CRW, said: “This group of people have been truly phenomenal over recent years, raising so much for the charity."

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Whitchurch Garden Party raises £820 Cardiff and District Soroptimist International held a very successful garden party in aid of George Thomas Hospice Care in the attractive hospital gardens, Whitchurch in July. Members of various South Wales clubs and friends attended.

After a warm welcome from Christine Chandler, community fundraising officer for the hospice, and Soroptimist President Sandra Ajax, the Veterans Band Wales entertained with music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as some Glenn Miller numbers.

There was a tasty buffet followed by entertainment from the Sparkle's Hoop Troupe. Carmen Miranda antics were greatly appreciated.

A framed painting and other items were auctioned and there was also a raffle. Together with the entrance fee of £20, the princely sum of £820 was raised.

Christine Chandler and President Sandra Ajax thanked all concerned for their hard work in making it such a successful event.

Sun shines for Strawberry Tea

A Strawberry Tea, organised by Llandaff Society, was held in the Bishop’s Castle on Tuesday 4th July.

After a showery morning, the sun came out – as did a team of eager volunteers. The Llandaff Institute was the hub for making up the delicious strawberry scones (kindly donated

by Llandaff’s Co-Op stores) and the Pimms. A Llandaff Society bottle stall, Llandaff Surgery cake stall and a raffle were sited around the Castle grounds.

The event was held to celebrate the life of Norman Cunningham, former Llandaff Society Chairman and

Whitchurch gets ultrafast broadband Residents of Whitchurch will soon benefit from being one of the first people in the UK to have ultrafast broadband.

The new network is being constructed by BT Openreach.

Whitchurch is one of 26 locations

Archivist. There were photographs and examples of his work, and a consultation and survey was run by the Llandaff 50+ group about the proposed Visitor Centre and Community Room.

The tea and scones were served with panache by the team from K2 Coffee House, while the audience of 150 were entertained by music from the Cathedral School, Howell’s School and The Plucking Four Banjo Band!

It was an event reminiscent of those organised by Norman in the 1980s, and the Llandaff Society hopes that it will be the start of the Bishop’s Castle (Norman’s favourite place) being the centre of community activity in Llandaff.

Thanks must also be given to all the High Street Traders, Booker and Spar for their generous contributions – and for selling tickets. More than £1,000 was raised, which will go a long way towards ensuring that the High Street Christmas Lights will be switched-on on Wednesday 22nd November 2017. across the UK to pilot the latest latest G.fast technology, which allows them to deliver ultrafast speeds over existing copper lines of up to 330Mbps.

The announcement is part of the company's rollout of ultrafast broadband to 12 million homes and businesses within the next three years.

Your letters Plough Singers

We at the Plough Singers, were pleased to recently donate a cheque to Ty Hafan. It was gratefully received by Emma Sankey on behalf of Ty Hafan.

Emma read out a recent letter from the family of one of the people in their care and it really hit home. It makes us feel so, so proud to be part of The Plough Singers.

Terry Chard, Whitchurch

Bridge Success

A team from Rhiwbina Bridge Club representing the East Wales Bridge Association won the Welsh Bridge Union's President's Cup over a weekend in a recent tournament held near Llandudno.

It made the almost 400-mile round trip worthwhile! Many of our team are from Whitchurch.

Roger Wright, Rhiwbina

Caedelyn Park

This is Caedelyn Park, Whitchurch, as it used to be.

Name and address supplied

letters WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We love to hear what you've been up to so send us your letters and photos!

We'll do our best to print them all! editor@livingmags.co.uk

Open Doors

Many things happen every September – the kids go back to school, evenings start drawing in – and blue and orange posters appear all over Llandaff, advertising Open Doors heritage days.

Originally set up by the Civic Trust for Wales, Open Doors gives access to some of the more interesting places in Wales – at no charge. Overseen by Cadw, the Llandaff ‘cluster’ is organised by a small team of volunteers, predominantly from the Friends of Llandaff Cathedral, Llandaff Society, Howell’s School, St. Michael’s Centre, and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Planning begins in October with a scratching of heads to come up with new buildings to visit and opportunities to enjoy. Regular meetings bring together all the events until the programme is produced in late August. It seems to grow each year and, because the 2016 event included so many activities, it was a challenge to squeeze everything onto the A4 leaflet. There will therefore be a new design for 2017.

The first event is on Monday 11th September when Cardiff Metropolitan University will be offering an invitation to view the Masters show. On Tuesday, the University will have a tour of its School of Art and Design.

There are two new events on Wednesday 13th - the chance to view the proposed Visitor Centre and 50+ Centre next to the Bishop’s Castle, and then an invitation to take lunch at Fairwater Conservative Club and learn more about the history of the building. In the evening, Llandaff Society will be running its popular Roald Dahl Walk.

Howell’s School will be holding

tours on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th sees the Friends of Llandaff Cathedral running its annual schools’ drawing event.

The Friends will also be running events on Saturday 16th, which will be a busy day with a ‘tours and Llandaff archive’ morning at St. Michael’s Centre, the opening of Insole Court, and riding lessons and grooming advice at the Cardiff Riding School.

Sunday lunch and tours will be available at St. Michael’s Centre on the 17th, and then on Tuesday 19th, Ysgol Pencae will hold tours of the school, with entertainment from the pupils. Also on this day, Llandaff Society’s history tour will take place in the village.

There’s a chance to tour BBC Cymru Wales on Saturday 23rd and we’re hoping that Llandaff Croquet Club will be running an open session in Llandaff Fields.

So, a busy fortnight of events in Llandaff, all organised by volunteers for you to enjoy. Please come and visit! More information can be found on www.llandaffcity. co.uk and on the Open Doors section of the Cadw website.

Donna Howard Llandaff

If you have anything you’d like our readers to know about, drop us a line at editor@livingmags.co.uk or by letter to 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter

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l a v i t s Fe Fever

at festivals re g e m so h it w d e ss le b North Cardiff has been ge dance halls and live music this summer. From vinta quiz nights, these are some of nd through to duck races a e summer festival scene the highlights of th VINTAGE FOR VICTORY

Vintage for Victory returned to the Library Gardens in Whitchurch village over the weekend of the 15th and 16th July.

After its successful inaugural year in 2016, the organisers promised an even bigger and better event this year - and they didn't disappoint.

The area around Whitchurch Library was adorned with multicoloured bunting and flags, with the local traders all entering into the spirit by decorating their windows in the vintage style.

Set in the past, ticket holders were

encouraged to dress in either 40s/50s/60s attire and drift back in time to enjoy an array of high quality musical entertainment in the massive NAAFI Big Tent. Entering the park, marquee-covered seating areas, deck chairs and picnic benches provided ample seating for all, and picnicking was the order of the day to really add to the relaxed family atmosphere.

The Vintage Fun Fair attractions and a host of vintage-inspired retailers from hairdressers, clothing boutiques and retro furniture stores, all formed the backdrop to the wonderful sight of full size replicas of a Spitfire and a Hurricane and a collection of period vehicles. Period re-enactors were also on hand to give revellers a real glimpse of life back in time.

The dance lessons in the Valley Jive Dance Hall really added some great fun participation, even for those who had never tried it before.

The Spitfire Bar, The Aero Club and the many different food and drink retailers made it feel like the real deal in the heart of the village .

If you missed it, you missed out be sure to put it in your diary. Here's to the next one!

festivals

WHITCHURCH & TONGWYNLAIS FESTIVAL The 2017 Whitchurch & Tongwynlais Festival started with a Sunset Fayre in Tongwynlais along with a very popular cycle challenge from Castell Coch to Forest Fawr.

St Marys Church hosted the Grand Concert, which this year featured Cardiff City Brass Band, the Castell Coch Choral Society, and Jane Sinclair on violin. The fantastic Whitchurch High School

LLANDAFF NORTH FESTIVAL

This summer, the Llandaff North Festival celebrated its most successful festival weekend so far.

Despite the wind and rain on Friday evening, the festival got underway with a Blues and Barbecue evening in Hailey Park.

The live music event was a great opportunity to showcase local musicians in an intimate venue.

Saturday morning brought warmer weather and with it came a record crowd. The park bustled with a wide array of stall holders setting up and soon trestle tables were filled with a good selection of locally-made produce.

A number of family favourites were back by popular demand, including the small animal petting zoo, the majestic low-swooping

Chamber Choir also sang and also performed solos.

Every year, the primary schools sing in a concert. This year, the concert was held in Ararat Church with Linda Morgan conducting. The little ones also attended story time sessions in Whitchurch Library while senior citizens had afternoon tea in Tongwynlais.

There was a dog show and sports on the common and there was even a duck race.

The walking family treasure hunt proved to be very popular - it’s a great way to learn about the village.

Another popular event was the Teddy Bear's Picnic. The children really enjoyed themselves and the weather was very kind to them.

The Festival Fete is the last event in the festival calendar and around the field, there were stalls, musicians, puppet shows, pony rides, inflatables, food and drinks.

Nicola Callan, one of the organisers of the festival said:

falconry display and the mouth-watering Bake Off tent.

The family bike ride to Cardiff Bay was popular with those wishing to tire out the children, whilst the Tongwynlais Temperance Band was the perfect focus for those who wanted to perch on a straw bale and enjoy a craft beer. As the afternoon progressed, the Llandaff North RFC Mini & Junior players showcased their ball skills while the central arena was filled with wagging tails and sausage-catching dogs taking part in the Friends of Hailey Park Fun Dog Show.

The festival came to a close as it started - with a session of live music to round off the night. While the summer festival is the highlight of the year, the community volunteers organise a variety

"We are a small committee. We don’t necessarily need to expand the festival but we do need help!

It’s a huge task coordinating, preparing, hosting and advertising the festival. For example, we need people to put out brochures around the villages, or put up extra advertising.

"This festival is run off sponsorship, our time and our energy so there is no offer of help that is too small!" she added.

You can find out more about the festival, and how you can help at www.whitchurchtonfestival.uk

of events throughout the year, including a winter BookFest, local music events and quiz nights.

To stay up to date with news of events or opportunities to volunteer, simply sign up to the Festival e-News mailing list. As a thank you, the organisers will enter all new subscribers into a September prize draw to win a bottle of Prosecco. Simply type http://eepurl.com/b7jF-z into your address bar and leave your details.

Constituency News with Julie Morgan AM

I’m delighted to announce that the group behind the Whitchurch Community Garden project has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Community Award by Keep Wales Tidy. The awards recognise exceptional parks and green spaces that are managed by volunteers. Well done to all on the team and I look forward to seeing the green flag flying soon!

Welsh Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has announced £850,000 to build a Maggie’s Centre on the site of the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. I have been campaigning for a Maggie’s in Cardiff and this is great news! Maggie’s Centres do excellent work in providing professional support and advice for those with cancer and those whose lives have been touched by the disease.

The centre will provide emotional and practical support for patients and families in South East Wales, with a new permanent Maggie’s Centre to be opened in 2022 as part of the new Velindre cancer hospital development.

In July, my colleague Jenny Rathbone AM and I met with the Save Womanby Street campaigners to share the good news that the Welsh Environment Secretary, Lesley Griffiths, has agreed to change planning law in Wales so that existing music venues can’t be forced out of business by new residential developments (the ‘agent of change principle’).

The Cabinet Secretary has also agreed to allow designated areas for music with Local Development Plans. Cardiff Council now needs to ensure that the LDP is updated to protect Womanby Street as an area vital to the cultural night-time economy of our city.

On July 11th, the UK Government finally announced a public inquiry into the contaminated blood scandal, one of the biggest ever health tragedies.

Contaminated blood given to haemophiliacs and in blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in the deaths of 70 people in Wales and 273 people were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C. I have been campaigning on this issue for many years and I hope that the families will get the answers that they need.

How to get in touch If you have any concerns or issues please contact my office on 029 2061 4577. I can also be contacted via Twitter @juliemorganlab and email julie.morgan@assembly.wales.

SCHOOL SHOES at

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kids

What we did in our Summer Holidays James aged 7

What have you enjoyed most about summer?

I've enjoyed spending time with my family.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

Caedelyn Park, because I learned to ride my bike!

How do you feel about going back to school?

I feel nervous and kind of excited about my new teacher and making new friends.

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

Bonfire Night and Halloween.

The summer holidays are time to create everlasting memories.

Here's what some of our younger readers got up to during their summer break

Lily aged 6 What have you enjoyed most about summer?

Granny and Grandad coming to visit. I love them.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

Going to the park and riding my new bike around.

How do you feel about going back to school?

I feel really happy because I like learning.

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

Collecting conkers from the ground.

Evie aged 6 What have you enjoyed most about summer?

Spending time with Mummy.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

Going to Dyffryn Gardens and Roath Park.

How do you feel about going back to school?

Happy because I get to see my new teacher.

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

Seeing the different coloured leaves and having a Halloween Party.

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Rosie aged 6

What have you enjoyed most about summer?

Playing in the long grass.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

To the shops and the fairytale castle (Castle Coch).

How do you feel about going back to school?

Cross. Because I like playing!

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

I'm very excited because it's Halloween.

Giacomo aged 4

What have you enjoyed most about summer?

Lying in the sun, watching telly and going in the paddling pool.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

Going to Lewis's house and Castell Coch.

How do you feel about going back to school?

I don't like it because they don't have the correct toys.

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

Playing in leaves and picking blackberries.

Elizabeth aged 9 What have you enjoyed most about summer?

Going swimming with dad and swimming in the freezing cold outdoor pool on holiday in Shrewsbury!

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

To the cinema and Cardiff Museum to visit the dinosaur exhibition.

How do you feel about going back to school?

Nervous and excited. I'm looking forward to new topics - they look interesting and fun!

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

Cosy evenings in and crunching the leaves in Caedelyn Park.

Maita aged 5 What have you enjoyed most about summer?

I've liked having playdates with my friends and going on holiday with my family. I loved playing in the pool on holiday with my brother Kundi.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

I liked going to Mountain View Ranch with my family and friends and my dad taking me to Go Air. How do you feel about going back to school?

I'm excited to see my friends and I'm happy that I have Mrs Brown as my teacher. Kundi says she's really nice.

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

I'm looking forward to the leaves falling so I can make homes for hedgehogs.

Eve aged 6 What have you enjoyed most about summer?

My holiday to Woolacombe because I loved going in the outside swimming pool.

Where have you enjoyed going to locally?

I liked going to the theatre to see Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom and Cardiff Castle to see the knights.

How do you feel about going back to school?

Really excited because I like school. I am excited to start my new class with my friend Holly.

What are you looking forward to about autumn?

Making pictures and a wreath from colourful leaves like we did last year.

11

This is Jane. She’s busy cleaning her oven!

Outstanding School for Boys and Girls ages 3-18

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Take your next step

at the Cathedral School “Excellent” - Estyn Inspection

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Saturday 7th October, 10:00-12:30, Nursery to Sixth Form Opportunities for everyone. All warmly welcome.

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Nursery

Win tickets to oz with orchestra

Win a Family Ticket to this unique show at St. David’s Hall

WNO celebrates the magical movie The Wizard of Oz with a stunning live accompaniment at St David’s Hall on Sunday 10th September.

Forget scratchy soundtracks – this is the chance to hear Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and all your favourites in vivid orchestral technicolour complete with original vocals.

In partnership with the National Concert Hall of Wales and Chapter, Welsh conductor Grant Llewellyn leads a 65-strong orchestra,

who will play alongside an entire screening of the family favourite that is ideal for all ages.

Before the concert at 3pm, there is a host of free family-friendly activities throughout the foyers of their own Emerald City from 1pm.

Why not try out an instrument with members of the WNO Orchestra, or help find the Tin Man’s heart in the treasure hunt?

To be in with a chance of winning a Family Ticket, all you need to do is answer this very simple question:

Who played Dorothy in the original Wizard of Oz movie? a) Judy Finnigan b) Judy Garland c) Judge Judy Please email your answer to SDHpress@cardiff.gov.uk with your full name, address and a contact number. Alternatively, please write to St David’s Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AH. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 6th September.

Scouting for a home: the incredible story of 2nd Llandaff Scouts In the winter of 2015, 2nd Llandaff Scouts were facing the end of the line. The neighbouring church, of which the Scout Hall was a part, was put up for sale so they would have to leave. This is a story of a team of amazing people that saved the 2nd Llandaff Scouts

I

t's been a long, hard year and a half for 2nd Llandaff Scouts.

In November 2015, the scout group were contacted by the Christchurch Methodist/URC Church, who told them that they had a year to move out of their hall.

This was a huge blow for the group, founded in 1925.

Assistant Group Scout Leader

Abbie Gibbins, says the Scouts faced a huge challenge.

"December was a very busy month because we do Scout Post," says Abbie, "so we got together after that. We sat down and had a talk. Rather than accepting defeat, we came up with the idea of buying the church.

"We had a group meeting and decided that we were going to give it a go. We identified a few things that we thought that we could do.

We knew that local fundraising was never going to be the answer as we knew we had to raise too much money. At the time, we came up with a target of £250,000."

Behind the scenes, the group split into separate teams, each with a specific task to concentrate on. There was a Grants Team, who wrote endless letters to organisations and bodies, and there was a Fundraising Team who focused on getting the vital funds in. The day-to-day running of the Scouts group was taken care of by the Support Group who ran the Scout programme.

"We decided to do Big BobA-Jobs. We identified a few companies who we knew would be receptive to us.

"We held our first cake sale at Eversheds and raised nearly £1,000!" Abbie smiles as she recalls how so many kids turned up on bikes with their rucksacks full of cakes to sell.

"We then held a raffle at Hamley's which raised £1,500, which

is amazing for a raffle! Gareth Bale's mum had kindly donated a signed shirt to auction and we had a football jersey signed by all the Welsh players. This was at the time of their success at the Euros.

We had one coffee morning that raised £900 and all of these things together really helped us."

By March 2016, the group were in touch with the National Lottery and had passed Stage 1 of their application process to secure funding. The group was given the impression that the money was more or less assured, being a small request compared to some of the others.

The Scouts then wrote to the Moondance Foundation, a charity foundation set up by the owners of Admiral Insurance.

"We had a letter back from them which said that they'd pledge £50k if we reached our target," says Abbie. "This was hugely motivating."

The cause was getting a lot of local press and as a result, muchneeded money was now coming in.

By July 2016, the group was ready to submit its offer to the church.

"It was a sealed bids process so we had no idea whether we were likely to win. We were convinced that we would be outbid. I was on the escalator in a supermarket when I got the email to say that we'd won." Abbie pauses as her eyes fill with tears. "We were so happy!"

But the group's bid still relied on the large sum of money from the National Lottery - and they weren't due a decision on whether they would receive it for a few months.

"They kept reassuring us that we'd be fine and that we'd get the money but then they did finally come back

community to us, and it had been rejected."

The group's bid for Lottery funding had failed. Although the Scouts had raised a significant amount of money, they now faced a dilemma to walk away or to raise the remaining money that they were relying on from the Lottery to fund the bid that they'd won.

"We'd been banking on it," says Abbie. "We had spent hours filling in all the forms and working on our submissions. We were reliant on that money coming in for the offer that had been accepted.

"We took a break at Christmas as we were all a bit broken at that point. We resubmitted our application to the National Lottery but it was rejected instantly.

"After Christmas, we picked ourselves back up. I remember looking at a card that I'd had from one of the kids, thanking us for all the hard work. That made me think that we could do it. We needed a new approach and it was at that point that we re-invented ourselves.

"We set ourselves up as a community interest company. This allowed us to ask people to lend us money and to pay them back later. Eversheds kindly did all of the paperwork on this for nothing - we were very grateful to them."

The group subsequently received big pledges - 25k from Garfield Weston and £10k from

Amazingly, the Scouts reached their magic number without the Lottery funding.

"We are now running things more as a business. We have lots more space here now so we will rent the church and hall out – for parties, groups and classes, that kind of thing."

The group has gone from running cake sales to running a business.

But it wasn't an easy ride.

"We've had so many knock backs but we have an amazing team. Everyone has really pulled together – the driving force has been the kids – it makes you remember why you’re doing it. The kids feel that they have achieved something big too and their success also allows them to bring their kids here when they grow up.

"Our key objective now is to deliver our programmes that focus on life changing skills and adventures - things that many kids would not normally be able to do. We've also suddenly ended up with two halls and had

Bernard Sunley - both charitable foundations. People ran marathons and someone did a parachute jump.

"We publicised our mission on social media and pledges started coming in from all over the country.

We said that we would pay them back in 15 years time but we were also getting anonymous donations from people who didn't want the money back."

just a few weeks to get them ready.

"We sent out a DIY SOS to the community and have had help coming from all kinds of places – Costa Coffee with supplies and cake, floor and wall coating volunteers that have fixed our floors and painted the walls. Whitchurch Builders also gave us all the wood we needed."

Abbie has really followed her

heart: "I was the first female scout in Wales - that's my claim to fame.

Through scouting, I've made the best friends ever; I've done some wonderful things and being able to offer the same to the kids now is great.

"There are lots of opportunities for sport in Llandaff North but if you’re not sporty, the Scouts can offer other things for you. The boys and girls here get along very well – some girls want to climb trees and some boys want to do stuff in the kitchen, and we encourage them to do whatever they want to do. Our badge work also gives a real sense of achievement. We have just awarded four of our scouts with Chief Scouts Gold Awards.

They will pick up their awards in City Hall in September. It's this sense of personal growth that's so rewarding."

Looking ahead, Abbie is feeling positive about the group's future: "We can now offer more for the kids to do but we are desperate for leaders and more assistants.

It's only 2 hours a week for the group and you get all your training provided. It looks great on a CV and doesn't have to be every week - it can be once a month or once a fortnight!

"We are now looking to take our scouts to different places. I was recently part of a team that took 130 kids to Holland for a week.

Every single one of them came back a bigger and better person.

We had one scout who was very teary when he left. He had his nose in a book and didn't really want anything from us apart from a few cuddles. By the weekend, he was walking around a theme park with a gold sparkly jacket on! Next summer, we’re going to do a big summer camp. Then I want to look to be able to take the kids abroad."

Words perhaps that the Assistant Group Leader only dared to dream of saying two years ago.

We had kids turning up on their bikes with their rucksacks full of cakes to sell

The long-awaited set of keys

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Loft Pro are changing the landscape of South Wales one roof at a time After discovering I was pregnant and expecting our second child, we quickly established that we would need to create more room in our 3 bedroom semi-detached.

With two double bedrooms and a smaller 3rd bedroom, we decided to make use of the attic to create a master suite in the loft. A perfect excuse to treat ourselves to a luxurious space whilst also improving our home and adding value!

Before

Loft Pro discussed our needs and in collaboration, plans were drawn up for a rear dormer the width of the house, to encompass a large bedroom, bathroom and attic storage space. The project was given a 7 week timescale and Loft Pro wasted no time in setting a date for the work - we had a natural deadline of a baby arriving and so it was all systems go very quickly!

Week 1 The scaffolding went

up and a huge piece of steel arrived at the house on a crane, which was to become the back bone of the loft - providing the structure from which to build the new independent loft floor.

A 6.5m long piece of steel was used to prop up the existing roof at the front of the house. Following this, the floor joists were laid to construct the floor for the

bedroom, bathroom and aperture for the stairs.

Week 2 A new ridge beam

was formed and the exciting work of constructing the dormer began.

It suddenly all felt very real to see the old roof being stripped off to build the new dormer around it.

Loft Pro had told us that the space

sponsored feature Week 5 All the new work was

was going to be big and this had been hard to imagine, but seeing the dormer being constructed gave us our first real insight into just how much space we were gaining.

The dormer was covered with a rubber roof system, which is more long-lasting than glass fibre and will expand and contract without creating cracks over time.

Aesthetically, the rubber roof also looked amazing!

Week 3 Now that the structure of the loft had been created, the first fix of the electrics was done, which involved getting feeds up into the loft and loosely arranging the lights and electric mounts.

The rooms were set out, with internal walls constructed, and this gave us a real sense of our new luxurious space. Wow! The small, dusty attic had been transformed into a beautiful, open and airy space already. And the views were fantastic! We decided to go for patio doors, rather than a window, and to have a juliette balcony to really make the most of the views over the lovely Rhiwbina gardens.

Having a space which was warm in winter, cool in summer and above all, able to reduce the noise on a busy road was important to us; and so top end insulation was fitted throughout the walls and ceilings, and a sound proofing system installed. At the end of the week, the plumbers arrived to do the first fix of plumbing, in readiness for installing the bathroom. The speed at which this project was coming together was impressive.

Week 4 To make room for

the new stairs, the wall to the 3rd bedroom was knocked down.

Thankfully, we only lost 300mm of the bedroom to accommodate the stairs which was pleasing, as

the bedroom could still be easily used as a decent sized single room. This was a messy part of the project - being a 1930s property, the walls contained black ash mortar, a fine black dust that seems to have the propensity to travel and come back even when cleaned up! The carpenters were fantastic at minimising the mess and when I arrived home from work, the new stairs were in existence, in all their glory and a new wall to the bedroom had been built!

Outside, work began on cladding the exterior dormer with hanging slate- a beautiful option for giving the dormer the wow factor and ensuring it looked sympathetic to the style of the property, something that was hugely important to us. Inside, Velux windows were fitted to the front of the house to the bedroom and new stairwell, creating the most striking spaces filled with light and affording wonderful views over Rhiwbina and beyond, stretching all the way to the Principality Stadium! Having light flowing through the entire space from front to back created a real sense of space and openness.

plastered and the existing landing and 3rd bedroom was made good, with picture rails and skirtings returned.

The bathroom was tiled and suite fitted, creating a luxurious and impressively large space - bigger than our existing family bathroomto showcase a beautiful roll top bath and large glass shower. This was to be a 'grown up' space, a real haven for relaxation and luxury!

We chose a solid oak floor and within no time, the space had been once again transformed to another level of beauty. Skirtings were fitted and the space was decorated to an exceptional standard.

Weeks 6-7

The electrician and plumbers returned for the second fix to bring everything to working order.

New oak doors were hung and the new stairs were lavished with spindles and handrails that had been carefully chosen to link sympathetically to the existing stairs, keeping the integrity of the traditional 1930s facade. New oak doors were hung and finished with beautiful glass doorknobs.

Outside, the rainwater goods were linked to the existing system.

Finally, the crowning moment arrived in the form of the juliette balcony - made of striking wrought iron to compliment the grey slate and black rainwater system and to proudly showcase the new structure.

In just 7 weeks, our 3 bedroom semi-detached has been completely transformed, creating a luxurious and spacious suite at the top of the house, a real haven of tranquillity and beauty.

A: 107 Caerphilly Rd, Cardiff CF14 4QA T: 029 2062 8387 W: www.loft-pro.co.uk 17

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Amatsu Therapy:

The non-invasive treatment that empowers the body to heal itself

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I first encountered Amatsu as a result of a fall which subsequently led to a frozen shoulder. In chronic pain, unable to work for 6 months and after seeking help from seven different health professionals, I eventually discovered Amatsu. After two sessions, my symptoms were significantly relieved and finally I saw light at the end of the tunnel.

I became fascinated by a treatment that was so effective and addressed my whole body rather than just my shoulder. Amatsu enabled me to live my life without pain, to feel energized, breathe more deeply and eventually drive my car and return to work. After working for many years as a Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS, I made the life changing decision to give it up and focus all my energies on practising Amatsu full time.

Amatsu is a little known physical therapy originating in Japan from the martial arts tradition. In 1986, three osteopaths went to Japan to study this therapy. On his return to the UK, Dennis Bartram studied osteopathic and chiropractic research, combining it with the principles of biotensegrity (the interconnectedness of the body) to develop Amatsu as it is practiced today.

It is this blending of Japanese physical therapy and Western principles of research that makes Amatsu a unique combination of East and Western concepts.

The therapist uses the principles of natural body movement to effect change in the client through mobilizing the body’s soft tissues. It restores balance to the body, empowering the body to heal itself. The treatment is gentle and non- invasive and is performed fully clothed and does not involve any cracks or crunches.

Sue’s story

Sue suffered from migraine for 25 years. They came every two to three weeks, sometimes for days at a time. They were a major part of her adult life. She saw Sarah for a series of Amatsu sessions and now says: “For the first time, I really feel that I might see a future with far fewer migraines thanks to Sarah. I didn’t have high hopes - that is what life is like as a migraine sufferer. You just take the medication and find a dark, quiet room. Thanks Sarah!”

A Level Results 2017 A*/A - 83% A*/B - 98% 100% pass rate

Amatsu can help people with chronic pain, back ache, joint pain, sprains and strains, anxiety and stress, chronic fatigue, migraine and headaches, digestive problems, and sciatica.

Sarah Barnes Amatsu Therapist runs clinics in the Natural Health Clinic on Cathedral Road and the Amatsu Space in Splott.

w: www.amatsu-sarah.com e: amatsu-sarah@outlook.com t: 07910 044835

Books to knock your socks off

Local author Erica Willmott tells Living Magazines how a Christmas present for her uncle inspired her to write for children

O

ften, the best ideas come when you’re least expecting it.

For local writer Erica Willmott, it took 30 pairs of brightlycoloured socks, one uncle and one washing machine to come up with the idea for a series of fun children’s books.

“I loved to write as a youngster,” says Erica. “I loved studying English at school and I was a very big reader. I was a fan of the Sweet Valley High books and I also loved reading Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl.

They always made me want to write my own stories.

“I’m from Rhiwbina originally and went to Llanishen Fach Primary. I left school after getting my GCSEs and started in the world of work at the age of 18. In 2003, I had my daughter and I was back in work by 2004.”

A career in the world of insurance beckoned but it was Erica’s creativity that kept coming to the fore.

“I hated Maths but I had ended up working in finance. I was employed by several commercial companies

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and ended up working in their marketing departments, writing all their blogs. I very much honed in on my writing and I remember working out a bucket list when I was working there - on that list was ‘writing a book’.

“I’ve always been creative. I did a degree in Interior Design as a mature student as I felt that’d be a great outlet for my creativity. I found that the thing I enjoyed most was writing my dissertation.”

Erica’s eureka moment for her first children’s book was unexpected as much as it was brilliant.

“The idea of Sockz came to me several years ago when it was my uncle’s 60th birthday. I bought him 30 pairs of brightly coloured socks and not too long after, I had an email from him saying that the socks had been creating a lot of

attention but that he didn’t have any matching pairs left. It was like they had gone into the washing machine and never came out. We laughed about it and said that it’d make a good idea for a children’s story.

“I came up with the idea of a main character called Sockz who gets put into the washing machine at the start of each story and ends up somewhere different each time. I sat down and wrote up a first draft and before I knew it, I had written my first book. It was set in Paris as it’s one of my favourite cities.

They say that Paris is the City of Love and I wanted my main character Sockz to find his true love there! I then wrote a second one, set in New York – another of my favourite places. Here, he meets a hot dog called Henry who shows him all the sights of the city.”

I remember working out a bucket list - and one of the things on that list was writing a book

Erica Willmott

Both books have been published locally and have already been earning rave reviews from both parents and their children.

“I’ve tried to make both books educational. Children can learn some French phrases in the Paris book and in the New York book, they can also discover some of the famous buildings and locations there. I love to travel and I want children to experience the wonderful world that’s out there.

“There is a third book in the pipeline. It’s a Christmas book and will be out in November. The Christmas edition is based on my love of the film Santa Claus: The Movie. I am a massive fan of Christmas. I love all the build up, excitement and magic. I wanted this to come across in my book.

The great thing about Sockz is that I can place his character in any setting I want, and in any point in time. I can write books set in the past or in the future, or anywhere in the world or beyond!”

So far, the children have been more than enthusiastic about the books: "The best judges of character are the children themselves and I have been fortunate enough to have a great response from the

readings I've been to. If I had written five books, the children would have had me read them all. Their favourite book seems to be the New York one and their favourite scene seems to be the one where the baby penguin is born!"

The books have also been endorsed by people like cricketer Freddie Flintoff and Radio 1 DJ Charlie Sloth.

Erica has used her first-hand experience of being a parent to help market the books.

“Writing as a single mum, I’m aware that some publishers like to produce entire box sets to encourage parents to buy the entire lot. My books are different to that in that each book works perfectly well as a stand-alone book in its own right.

“I felt that self-publishing was the way to go to publish my stories. The children’s fiction market is such a large one and competition is huge. I do most of the marketing myself which is very much a learning curve for me and it’s a lot of work.

Ultimately, I’d love to be able to make a living from my books.

“Going forward, I’m also looking to write some adult fiction later in the year. I have an idea that’s based on true events and it’ll be

a case of doing a lot of research and working on storylines. I always carry a notebook with me in case any ideas come to me while I’m out of the house!”

There’s a lot more to come from Erica. And if you find that one of your socks has gone missing, you could find it making an appearance in one of Erica’s next books.

Erica will be reading her books at Rhiwbina Library on 31st August at 10am.

They can be bought from www.rowanvalebooks.com and Amazon priced £5.99 each.

Erica 21

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Property Advice with Chambers Estate Agents Advice on the Rent Smart Wales Scheme from Kathy Challinor, Lettings & Property Management Consultant at Chambers Estate Agents.

You may, or may not, be aware of new legislation that has recently been imposed by the Welsh Government for landlords who let their properties in Wales that became fully licensed by the 23rd November 2016.

What do I do if I rent a property out in Wales?

Before

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You need to determine whether you simply need to register with Rent Smart Wales, or whether you need to register and be licensed.

What’s the difference between registration and a licence?

If you already use a managing agent for your property, then you simply have to register yourself and your property, which is a simple process and if done online will cost you £33.50, or £80.50 if via a paper application form.

If you find tenants yourself and manage the day to day running of your properties however, then you will not only have to register, but become a licensed landlord too.

You will, if you haven’t done so already, need to undertake a Landlord Training Course before being granted a licence. There are many training days still available, as well as online training via the Rent Smart Wales website.

The Landlord Licensing Fee is £144, if done online, or £186 if via a paper application form. This licence lasts for 5 years.

Require further information or advice?

Chambers Estate Agents have been in business for over 25 years and have tremendous experience in the private rental sector. I personally have many years experience in all aspects of the rental market and will happily advise you on your rental portfolio, as well as your ongoing obligations in order to comply with the new legislation.

Please feel free to contact me on 029 2052 2106 or via email kathy@chambersestateagents.co.uk

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OUTDOOR LIVING 1. Table and chair set £129.99 A high quality set of table and chairs made from sturdy metal and finished in a beautiful summer blue. The perfect setting for evening drinks in the garden.

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2. Big Green Egg BBQ from £599 The 'Egg' can be used as an outdoor oven for great food, including low and slow roasts.

Comes in various sizes and with different stands.

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3. Flintshire Mini Casual Dining Suite £799 This tailor-made range has been professionally hand-crafted from completely environmentally friendly, recycled materials.

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4. R2D2 Log Burner £450 Everyone's favourite R2 series astromech droid has been hand-crafted from metal. Without doubt, this log burner will be the talking point of your garden party from the very start.

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Make your home feel bigger and create some new memories by making the most of your garden in late summer 5. Tub Tub from £3,995 A fun and easy way to enjoy a wood fired hot tub in your garden.

Simply fill with water, then light the fire and hey presto. You can even water your garden with it afterwards!

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6. St David's Sofa Suite £899 Working closely with one of the world's largest furniture manufacturers, Pugh's have hand-picked a brand new furniture range totally exclusive for you this summer.

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7. Design Toscano Biker Gnome £40 This guy is bad to the bone - a genuine class Gnome Biker with attitude. He has a tattoo, shades, a black gnome crumpled lid (helmet) and of course a big, bad bike.

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8. VW Bus Log Burner £650 (painted) The attention to detail on these log burners is incredible. From its iconic split screen to its VW badge, this burner even comes with its very own roof rack.

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25

Last of the Summer Sun The Summer may be nearly over

but this time of year usually brings with it some gorgeous sunshine. Here are some local places to make the most of the last of the summer sun

S

ummers are often best remembered for times spent out in the great outdoors.

Whether it's a summer barbeque or a visit to the beach, these memories stay with us - and keep us going during the long hard winters. Summer after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen. For those few months, life seems free and airy - and late summer often presents us with the perfect opportunity to create those memories.

Summer seems to keep its best weather for last - it sometimes seems odd to be sending the kids back to school for the Christmas term when they're still in shorts and T-shirts. There are plenty of things to do in and around our city to keep both kids and adults busy during the late summer months.

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Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is home to a number of attractions such as the Techniquest Science Discovery Centre, Craft in the Bay, The Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Butetown History and Arts Centre, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and the Wales Millennium Centre.

The boardwalk at Mermaid Quay offers a wide range of bars and restaurants and when the sun's out, the terraces are full of diners and sun-worshippers. It’s a perfect place too for a cheeky coffee or a lazy lunch and the traditional carousel ride outside the Pierhead Building is also the ideal way to keep the kids happy.

There's an easy walk around the bay across the sea barrage to Penarth Marina. There's even a kids' playground on the way there.

And if you're feeling very adventurous, why not hop on one of the boat trips that leave from Mermaid Quay? A great way to see out the summer of 2017.

Glamorgan Canal Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve, situated in Whitchurch Cardiff, was formed in 1967 and straddles the last remaining stretch of the former Cardiff to Merthyr canal which still holds fresh water to a quality good enough to provide a good hunting ground for Kingfishers, Herons and many others species. The majority of the woodland is Beech and Oak, with several trees being over 200 years old, and the part called Long Wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Located on the banks of the Taff just south of the M4 motorway, nearby Forest Farm is also full of surprises. Sections of the former Glamorganshire Canal still survive here as well as a wide range of habitats including woodland, scrub, hay meadow, ponds and marshland. The Taff Trail runs through the site and to the south is the recently restored Melingriffith Waterpump – a relic of the industrial past of the area.

days out Cosmeston Lakes

Victoria Park

The country park has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, with some areas designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protecting the rare and diverse plant and animal species.

The 12 hectares of open water attracts large flocks of waterfowl which include impressive numbers of mute swans, mallards and diving birds.

This Grade 2 listed park is situated in the western suburb of Canton and its colourful flower borders and wide range of facilities have year-round appeal to all ages. The cast iron bandstand was originally installed in February 1897, with a recast replica being installed in 1996.

The recently-opened Splashpad also includes sprays, jets, a tipping water bucket and a tunnel.

Penarth Pier

Situated within the country park is a reconstructed 14th century medieval village where costumed guides show visitors around the period furnished buildings.

The fully restored Art Deco Pier Pavilion is a multifunctional building housing a gallery, cinema, cafe and restaurant and is a perfect place to meet friends for a late summer's evening.

Originally opened in 1898, the pier instantly became a popular seaside attraction. The 1929 Art Deco designed Pier Pavilion, opened in 1930 by the Council, was used as a venue for traditional seaside entertainment, as well as a concert hall. As it lacked heating, the hall was greatly under utilised in the winter, although it was used at different periods as a cinema, a dance hall (the Marina ballroom) and a nightclub.

Penarth Pier is also the place where you can pick up a late summer cruise around the Bristol Channel aboard MV Balmoral, which is the only surviving ship of the famous P&A Campbell fleet.

Cycle the Taff Trail

The route itself runs from Cardiff Bay all the way up to Brecon but you don't have to do the entire length. Starting in Llandaff, you can either head south down past Blackweir, around the outskirts of the bustling city centre and on to Cardiff Bay for a spot of lunch. Alternatively, you can head north, up through Llandaff North and Melingriffith and up towards Castell Coch.

Either way, you're guaranteed to discover rich wildlife, awesome backdrops and historical castles - all from the comfort of your saddle.

Cardiff Spy Mission Treasure Trail

This Trail consists of a 2.5 mile walk around Cardiff Bay, highlighting the best scenic and historical sights.

While you and the kids are out exploring in the fresh air, you'll have to keep your eyes peeled if you want to solve the 20 questions to crack the code.

Download the Trail from www.treasuretrails.co.uk for just ÂŁ6.99

Dyffryn Gardens

The magnificent Edwardian gardens flow from grand vistas to intimate spaces overlooked by the large mansion. With over 55 acres of formal and informal gardens, Dyffryn really is the place to soak up the last of the summer sun.

2017 marks 100 years since the gardens were turned over for fruit and vegetable production in World War I. By late summer, borders and beds will be filled with produce and a gourd tunnel created in the Australasian garden will mirror the 1917 war effort.

Dyffryn Gardens is situated off the A48 near St Nicholas.

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Why a Mortgage Valuation is NOT a Survey with Jones Battye

Retired Police

Handymen & Electricians

“I don’t need a survey if the bank has already sent round a valuer for my mortgage, do I?” That’s a question many people ask when going through a house purchasing process and it’s easy to see why.

Buying a house is an expensive business and it’s tempting to try to save as much as possible. But, is it wise to forget about getting a proper survey and to hope for the best? ComRes research on behalf of the RICS calculated that on average, home buyers spend £5,750 on repairs once they have moved into their new home and this is often down to not commissioning a proper home survey.

So why isn’t a mortgage valuation a ‘proper’ survey?

If you apply for a mortgage, the lender will commission a valuation of the property, rather than a survey, to answer three key questions. Firstly, does the property actually exist(!), secondly, how much is the property really worth, and thirdly, is it going to fall down any time soon? It is important to remember that the valuer carrying out this inspection is working solely for the benefit of the mortgage provider and not for you.

During a mortgage valuation, the valuer will carry out a brief inspection, usually lasting less than 20 minutes.

You may, or may not, see a copy of the valuation report and usually you would not be able to speak directly with the valuer who carried out the inspection.

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Become a Volunteer and brighten someone’s day

How is a survey different?

In contrast, if you commission an RICS Home Survey, your surveyor will carry out a detailed inspection and produce an in-depth report on your behalf. This report may identify issues which could help you to negotiate a lower offer, plan for any necessary repairs or even to back out of an unwise purchase.

Jones Battye offer several different levels of RICS Home Survey depending on the age and condition of the property, which can be tailored to answer any specific worries or concerns you may have. As an independent surveying practice, who does not work for banks or building societies, Jones Battye is completely on your side and our surveyors are available to answer as many questions as you may have.

In the long run, having a home survey could save you a lot of expense and will provide you with peace of mind and a thorough knowledge of what you are getting into.

For professional advice, property valuation and RICS Home Surveys, give us a call on 02920 625433, visit www.jonesbattye.com or pop in to see us at 5 Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff

Contact Joanne for more information on: 029 2240 0030

or joanne.king@ageconnectscardiff.org.uk

We can’t do it alone.

sponsored feature

James & Jenkins Garages James & Jenkins are celebrating more than 35 years in Llandaff North. Providing vehicle sales, MOTs, servicing and vehicle hire, they have everything under one roof

James & Jenkins has been synonymous with Llandaff North since the early 1980s.

Since their opening over 35 years ago, the well-respected car dealer has evolved into something much more, and can now boast a wide range of services for the local community. The recent opening of the nearby Lidl store is also helping the business to thrive.

“The new store is giving our fuel and car sales a good upturn. We are finding that people are visiting Llandaff North because of the new store - and also taking advantage of everything that we’ve got to offer here too,” said Director Mark James.

“The new Lidl store offers over 100 car parking spaces and is ideally placed for us to provide shoppers with their fuel, National Lottery, free cashpoint and airline needs.

“Of course, we can also provide everyone with their motoring needs as we have done for many years - we’ve got nearly new and used Vauxhalls to suit all needs and budgets. We also stock Fords, Fiats and Renaults too.”

But perhaps the icing on the cake is the fact that James & Jenkins are celebrating their first year as the only Subaru dealer across the whole of the capital, Cardiff; indeed now the only main dealer all along the M4 corridor in South Wales.

“We are the first Subaru main dealer to be found in Cardiff for more than five years,” says Mark.

“We can offer motorists access to all of Subaru’s cars, including the latest-generation Forester, Outback, XV, WRX STI, and much more.

We recently attended the Vale of Glamorgan Show as well as the

Royal Welsh Show with the brand.”

Customers will also find a great choice of Subaru vehicles among their Approved Used stock: “We thoroughly assess all preowned examples before they go on sale, so you can purchase with complete confidence. We are also taking advance orders for all the new registrations of all makes on September 1st.

“Our showroom is filled with friendly and attentive staff who will offer you a completely personal service whatever your motoring needs are. With have a long list of finance options available, and affiliations with leading financiers such as Black Horse and Motonovo to make sure that you drive away happy and with the best possible deal.”

Their servicing workshops at the rear of the showrooms are constantly busy: “Our workshops are ready to help you and your car whatever make or model,” says Mark. “Use our Wifi while you wait, enjoy our fresh tea and coffee or simply browse in the showroom - we look forward to welcoming you soon.”

James & Jenkins also pride themselves on the other services that they provide for the community.

“We’ve got everything under one roof. We are always raising the standards in vehicle sales,” says Mark. “Our after-sales care is also second to none and we are always evolving with the times to give our customers the best service they can get.”

Be sure to pop over to James & Jenkins and see what they’ve got to offer - you won’t be disappointed.

A: 14 Station Road, Cardiff CF14 2FF T: 029 2030 4020 W: www.jamesandjenkins.co.uk

Find us on Facebook and Twitter

30 Years of

Rookwood Sound -

filling the airwaves with music and pleasure

Rookwood Sound has been a bedside companion to hospital patients, visitors and staff for the last 30 years. This is a story of dedication, determination and devotion

A stay in hospital can be a very lonely time for patients but hospital radio has proved to be beneficial, lifting patients’ moods and aiding recovery. Here in Cardiff, Rookwood Sound has been entertaining and informing patients, staff and visitors for 30 years. Its creation came about through a lot of hard work by a group of volunteers.

By the late 1980s, a radio station at the University Hospital Wales at Heath already existed but it was felt that Rookwood needed its own station. Part of this decision was based on the specialist needs of the patients at the hospital.

The volunteers were faced with the daunting prospect of having to raise £30,000 to set the station up from scratch. This was achieved through local fundraising - anything from attending school fêtes to obtaining company sponsorship. By

far, the biggest fundraising effort ever undertaken by the station was to hire Concorde for the day.

This event brought in a substantial amount of money to the fundraising effort. Some volunteers even remortgaged their homes to help donate vital funds.

After three years of hard fundraising and obtaining the relevant permissions from the hospital authorities, the station finally hit the airwaves on 31st October 1987, with founder member Julian Brinkworth in the hot seat.

BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce, who is now an ambassador of the Hospital Broadcasting Association, was on hand to open the station.

After the opening, the service grew and developed and the station was requested by the Health Authority to extend the service to Llandough Hospital. At the time, Llandough

Rookwood Sound also broadcast live from Cardiff City games 30

feature Rookwood Hospital

was a specialist centre for chest conditions. Nowadays of course, it is a General Hospital and was recently renamed the University Hospital Llandough.

In 2002, Julian was on hand to oversee a new era at Rookwood when programmes began broadcasting 24 hours a day. As part of the launch, Rookwood Sound invested in a play out system which broadcasts shows, songs and jingles direct to hospital bedsides.

There was also the opening of a new studio called The Julian Brinkworth Studio. Until his death in July 2004, Julian remained Vice President of the station and a valued member of the Rookwood Sound team.

2002 was also the year that the website was first launched.

Initially created by Graham Allen, and looked after since by Neil Bailey, the website now offers all sorts of information and news for listeners at home and in the hospitals.

The original studio was refurbished in 2006, with the latest broadcasting equipment installed and in June 2011, the new two-studio complex at Llandough Hospital was opened.

With the impending closure of Rookwood Hospital, the station has been based at Llandough for the past three years.

Radio 1 presenter Huw Stephens started his career at the station: “I didn’t get paid but I was doing what I loved. I was told not to play anything gloomy or depressing they wanted their patients to be uplifted and kept happy,” said Huw. He crafted his art for two years

at Rookwood, before managing to land the position of Radio One presenter - at the age of just 17.

Programme Controller Sybil Fowler highlights the great benefits that Rookwood Sound provide: "Working here is actually a stressbuster. We take lots of requests but we as presenters also get to play a lot of music that we personally like. We try to keep the station similar to Radio 2 because that seems to be the most popular style. We take pride in doing what other stations cannot do - things like visiting patients on the wards and playing requests and dedications, normally within a few hours of actually meeting them. We try to stay away from morbid and depressing songs. For some reason, we get a lot of requests for Stairway to Heaven. We obviously avoid any music that's going to offend anyone too!

"Our philosophy is that when you are home feeling well, you have your own choice of radio station to listen to. Our aim at Rookwood is to be as good as your normal radio station, and to try and surpass it where possible. We understand that being in hospital does not stop you from wanting the same things. Time lays heavy when you're a patient in hospital so we do our best to help pass the time of day in an entertaining and informing way."

We get a lot of requests for Stairway to Heaven

Patients can tune into Rookwood Sound via headsets but you can also listen in via the TuneIn app that can be downloaded to your phone.

Rookwood Hospital was built in 1886 by a coal trader named Colonel Sir Edward Hill for his own occupation until 1917.

Lady Hill was brought to see the building as it was being constructed and was asked to find a suitable name. While visiting the property, several rooks flew overhead, leading her to think of the name ‘Rookwood’.

Since then, the property has had a various roles - in 1918, it became a convalescent home, at the end of the First World War. It was presented to the Ministry as a home for Welsh Paraplegic Pensioner cases, and was later used by the University Hospital of Wales. In 1932, it was used as a General Hospital and used during the Second World War for injured service personnel.

Over the years, Rookwood’s wards have been used to care for people with spinal injuries, amputees, brain injuries, strokes, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease to name a few. Rookwood is a long-term rehabilitation hospital and the only specialist centre in South Wales dealing with artificial limbs and appliances.

Not many people are aware that the hospital boasts to have within its beautiful grounds, a selection of trees from every part of the world.

Rookwood Sound founder Julian Brinkworth 31

House Clearances

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House Clearance Specialists www.houseclearancecardiff.com Contact: Jan Richards T: 02920 692704 M: 07715 622406 E: janrichards4@hotmail.co.uk W: www.houseclearancecardiff.com

Recliner Chair Centre

An award-winning, family firm, established for over 40 years

We all have a favourite place to sit in our homes, whether it’s our seat at the dinner table, our spot on the sofa, or the plush chair in the living room.

Unfortunately, for many of us, there comes a time in our life when our favourite chair no longer gives us the support we need. That's where the Recliner Chair Centre in The Heath can help

look for a showroom.

"We finally found our spot here in Heath after I visited someone in UHW and saw a For Sale sign on the building. It was exactly what we were looking for and gave us a presence in the local community."

The floor area showcases over 100 products and more lift and recline chairs than anywhere else.

"We used the opportunity to move to major brands. We embraced

For more than 40 years, the Recliner Chair Centre has been providing the UK with the highest quality electric and leather recliner chairs. The story behind the business reveals the true extent of its first-class customer service.

“We’ve been in these premises for 35 years and been in business for 40,” says owner Alun Williams proudly.

"I was one of the first to bring rise and recliners into the UK and helped develop this product for a number of manufacturers in Wales and England. Our experience and knowledge has resulted in us claiming to be the UK's leading showroom retailer of the vast differences and ranges of actions used on this type of chair."

At first, the chairs were made in Talbot Green but as it wasn’t deemed a safe place for their customers to visit, Alun decided to

Parker Knoll, Sherborne, Celebrity and Cintique, but stock all major brands for optimum choice."

Every chair on display has to 'earn its place' by showing a different variation of size and mechanisms.

"Lift and recline chairs now account for over 80% of our business and over the last six years, we have also sold the wonderful Sherborne motorised bed in all its variables. The bed essentially uses the same generic type of linear motors on which our expertise is founded - crossing the disciplines

31 St Anthony Road, Heath Cardiff, CF14 4DF

of engineering and upholstered furniture. I think this is why any new customers usually give us a pyramid of recommendations and therefore further sales," says Alun.

Their genuine commitment to customer service is backed up with the fact that members of staff don't receive commission on sales.

"We have heard terrible stories about people buying chairs at obscene prices or with a free offer of a bed, but if something goes wrong, there's often no ongoing support. Our team can offer their extensive knowledge about the products we display including the variety of rise and recline chairs available. Sue has been here for 20 years and Chris for well over a decade.

"It’s in our nature to look after our customers. We've been here for such a length of time that we see people again and again over the years. It's lovely to deal with people and have that ongoing relationship with them."

02920520808

www.reclinerchaircentre.co.uk

Real History The villages of Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North are crammed with history, both ancient and modern

Llandaff Cathedral

The present building dates from the Norman period, around 1120 under Urban, bishop from 1107 to 1134, a Welshman, and was extended in the early thirteenth century. Further additions and modifications were made in the later Middle Ages.

The Cathedral has undergone three major upheavals and restorations. In the eighteenth century, when the nave was roofless, the architect John Wood of Bath, built a ‘temple’ style church in the choir and part of the nave.

The devastation of the Cathedral on 2nd January 1941, caused by the explosion of a German landmine outside the south aisle was addressed in the 1950s under the architect, George Pace, with a repaired and refurbished cathedral and the addition of the St David, or Welch Regiment Chapel.

34

history Whitchurch Library

Whitchurch Library Gardens was acquired by the Parish Council in 1899, following which the Council approached the Carnegie Trust for a grant to build a public library on part of the site. The application was successful and the library building was completed in late 1904. It was designed by Messrs. R.& S. Williams and built at a cost of £2,000 by Mr. W.T. Morgan.

Whitchurch Common

Until the mid 18th century, the population of the district was probably no more than 300 people, living in about 50 small farms and cottages. Tenants were free to graze their animals on Whitchurch Common.

During World War II, the Common was used as a camp for American soldiers. The soldiers virtually vanished overnight - all sent to the beaches at Normandy and the D-Day landings.

Before they left, they planted the avenue of trees that still lines the Common today. A plaque commemorates their time in Whitchurch, and the gratitude that they had for the locals.

Bishop's Palace, Llandaff

The Old Bishop’s Palace was probably built by William de Brewse, bishop between 1266 and 1287.

After Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion against Henry IV, the building was superceded as the Bishop’s residence by the Palace at Mathern. The building also provided refuge for the people of Llandaff during a violent dispute between local families in 1597.

The enclosing wall and corner towers remain to this day, the gatehouse showing great similarity to parts of Caerphilly Castle. On the wall to the left of the entrance can be seen the sloping roof of the Bush Inn, which stood against the gatehouse and was still inhabited in the 18th century.

Castle Coch, Tongwynlais

The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle.

He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, overthe-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied.

Colleagues faithfully continued work on the interiors for another ten years after Burges’s death in 1881. The castle was not suitable for, nor was it intended to be, a permanent residence and the family’s visits were infrequent.

The castle rests on ancient foundations.

The Old Probate Registry, Llandaff

Built in 1861, the Probate Registry was built by Thomas Williams of Canton, who was later responsible for overseeing the creation of the Cathedral’s spire. The Registry was built at a cost of £1,000 to house the civil administration of Probate, which up until 1857, had been an ecclesiastical duty.

Melingriffith Water Pump

Melingriffith Water Pump is a water-driven water pump that was built by Watkin George, of Cyfartha, around 1793, to return precious water from the Melingriffith Tin Plate Works to the Glamorganshire Canal.

The water pump is a scheduled monument and has been restored twice since it ceased operation in the 1940s.

The most recent restoration work, costing £100,000, was funded by Cadw and Cardiff Council. The nearby tinplate works were demolished in the 1980s and replaced by a housing estate.

35

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pets

Your pet questions answered

Chris Troughton is clinical director of Heath Vets. He’s here to answer all your pet questions. If you’d like to ask Chris a pet-related question, drop us a line A friend of mine has a French bulldog that I’ve been dogsitting for over the summer. I’ve noticed that the dog struggles to breathe at times. Is this normal as I don’t want anything bad to happen while the dog is in my care.

French bulldogs are what is known as a brachycephalic breed – that is, they have a flattened face with a squashed nose. Many dogs with this shaped skull have breathing difficulties and this is a major welfare issue. So while it is not ‘normal’, the struggle to breathe is so common that many owners think it is normal! I would strongly recommend that your friend gets the dog seen by his vet as there are several aspects of the problem that can be improved with surgery, and leaving the dog unable to exercise and enjoy life is not fair.

Also, these dogs have difficulty panting, and as this is the only way they can keep cool (they don’t sweat at all), they are at risk of overheating. So when you are looking after him this summer, make sure he is never allowed to get too hot, either through exercising too much or from being in a hot environment.

Heat stroke can be rapidly fatal in these dogs – indeed, I have known it happen during a car journey with the owner.

I need advice on getting my Labrador spayed. She’s coming up to six months old and some of the experts on the internet say that I should wait until she’s had her first season and some say to get her done asap.

What’s your best advice?

There is certainly a lot of controversy about the best age to spay dogs, and there are many factors to consider when deciding. Studies have shown that malignant mammary cancers do not develop if a bitch is spayed pre-puberty.

As mammary cancer is one of the commonest malignancies in bitches, that is quite a strong reason. However, some other cancers, particularly bone cancer, are more common in neutered dogs, and probably even more so in those neutered very young. Urinary incontinence occurs in many older spayed bitches, and there is weak evidence that the incidence is higher in those spayed before puberty. The risk is higher in larger breeds, and being overweight is also a strong risk.

However, the incontinence is usually easily treated.

Young dogs get over surgery much quicker than older ones, and the recovery time for a bitch spayed at 6 months of age will be very short. Waiting until after her first season means she will be that much older and bigger and the surgery will have a little more effect on her. Some dog behaviourists believe that early neutering can be detrimental, especially if the individual is very immature, over-attached or anxious, so if your dog has that sort of personality, it may be better to wait.

On balance, we believe that for most dogs, 6 months of age is the best time for neutering, but you need to make up your own mind having considered which risks you are most comfortable with.

I have a 3 year old cat who seems to be sneezing a lot over the last few months. He’s never had any problems before and at times, he seems to have a stuffy nose. He doesn’t seem to be in any distress but I wondered what could be causing him to sneeze so much?

The most common reason for cats to sneeze is cat ‘flu. This is a viral infection and is one of the diseases covered by the annual inoculations, so if your cat always gets his yearly shots, that’s less likely. Chronic rhinitis can also be seen, but it is usually started by a bout of acute cat ‘flu. This often responds to long courses of antibiotic treatment but may relapse. Allergic rhinitis is very uncommon and is often related to pollen; it can also be caused by cigarette smoke or aerosols (air fresheners) etc.

Alternatively, your cat may have a foreign body in his nasal passages. Cats often eat grass and then vomit it; sometimes when this happens, a blade of grass can go up the back of the nose and cause chronic irritation.

Other causes of nasal problems include polyps and tumours.

A veterinary examination will help to identify what is causing your cat’s sneezing, but some further tests may be needed to diagnose it. Because some of the conditions are quite serious, I recommend you book an appointment as soon as you can.

gardening

seaside shrubs Gardening doesn't have to be the preserve of the landlubber. Kevin Revell shows how to maintain a garden for those who live near the sea

A

t a time of year when many of us are considering trips to the seaside, spare a thought for those who try to garden in this challenging environment.

Inlanders travel to the seaside and behave as though they are visiting another country; in gardening terms, it might as well be.

Gardening conditions found at the seaside are similar to those in dry, sunny inland areas in that plants have to be tough to endure the near constant sea breeze and occasional salt-laden blast. Deciduous leaves are vulnerable when they unfurl in spring and will be burnt, so seaside shrubs are usually tough and evergreen, or have developed some survival strategy such as narrow or hairy leaves to reduce surface area. Mediterranean herbs such as lavender, sage and rosemary do well, as do silvery leaved

38

plants covered with tiny hairs that conserve moisture and also protect against salt particles.

The relatively mild sea air means that frosts are rare compared to inland areas and sub-tropical plants such as palms can often thrive.

Soils are usually thin over bedrock close to the surface, or sand and shingle which is fast-draining, making plant establishment difficult. Soil conditions can be improved by the addition of copious amounts of organic matter and exposed positions can be ameliorated by providing shelter in the form of trees and hedges. Of course, the sea view and access to the reflected light is probably the reason for owning the property, so care needs to be taken to avoid overplanting with large growing trees and shrubs.

There are those who try to create a seaside garden on an inland plot, perhaps in homage to a seaside holiday or to make use of the pile of driftwood and seashells that the children have collected.

It is possible to simulate the bright conditions of the seaside with mulches of

light-reflecting shingle and cobbles which may help alleviate the winter blues. Clumps of bamboo and tall grass will rustle in the breeze and simulate the sound of the sea to the imaginative and hard of hearing too.

Top Five Shrubs for the Seaside Arbutus undo – Strawberry Tree Cinnamon-coloured peeling bark, glossy dark green foliage, white bell-shaped flowers and curious but inedible strawberry-like fruits are features of this fine evergreen shrub which makes a good specimen plant, or as a backdrop for other shrubs in the garden.

Native to southern Europe, it is also found growing wild in southern Ireland where it is known as the Killarney strawberry tree. Pruning is not necessary other than to control size but it is best left to develop its own natural form.

Where given sufficient space, it will attain a height of over 5m in time.

It has proved to be well suited for screening in seaside areas, and an open, sunny position is ideal.

Cytisus x praecox ‘Warminster’ –Broom

This shrub is highly regarded for its display of highly fragrant, primrose

gardens

yellow, pea-like blooms in spring, which erupt from bare green stems and act like a magnet to bees as a cloud of spicy perfume envelops the garden. This is a short-lived shrub which, like many of this type, responds well to pruning immediately after flowering, but eventually it collapses under its own weight and will need replacing.

The small pea-green leaves arrive after the flowers have faded but offer little to the garden, so it is best positioned close to a more showy specimen for the bulk of the year.

It will perform best in lean, sandy seaside soils – the richer pickings of improved garden soil will cause too much soft growth and a shorter lifespan. Other varieties such as the white ‘Albus’ or the bright yellow ‘Allgold’ are equally popular.

Escallonia spp. – Escallonia This superb glossy, evergreen shrub can be trained on walls, grown as a specimen or clipped to form a wonderful, flowering hedge.

The flowers come in a main flush in late spring but are produced sporadically throughout summer into the autumn, making this one of the longest lasting flowering shrubs available for the garden. As a result, they are much loved by bees. The white ‘Iveyii’ or pink ‘Apple Blossom’ are popular varieties with the large glossy green leaves of the former virtually hidden by the profuse flowers in late spring. No pruning is required unless it is to be clipped for hedging, which should be done after flowering. New compact varieties such as ‘Red Knight’ and ‘Red Dream’ are well suited to container growing.

Lavandula angustifolia – Lavender Lavender has been the mainstay of British gardens for many centuries now. Introduced by the Romans, cultivated by Medieval monks, it is now as popular as ever. Much loved by bees, its unique fragrance is present in both the flowers and foliage. It is ideal for container gardening or growing in gravel or shingle where it will happily set seed. After a few years, it becomes straggly and is best discarded; a light clip after flowering will help delay the inevitable. Very little feeding is recommended to prevent too much soft growth and equally unduly rich or heavy soil should be avoided. Such conditions can be alleviated by adding grit to the soil and planting over rubble to encourage free drainage - the conditions encountered at the seaside are ideal.

Tamarix tetrandra – Tamarisk This plant looks as if it belongs on the pages of a holiday brochure but has been grown in this country for a number of years. It has actually escaped from cultivation to become established in a number of places in southern England, particularly in maritime areas where it is the archetypal low maintenance plant.

It is well adapted to harsh environments; the leaves are reduced in size and surface area to control water loss and the flowers are individually insignificant but en mass, they produce a pink haze over the plant. It can become a substantial shrub or small tree in time at 2-3m but little pruning or feeding is recommended. Tamarix tetrandra flowers in May while Tamarix pentandra flowers later in August.

39

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Calling all Over 60s Keep Fit and Flexible with Rubicon Dance

Photograph taken by Sian Trenberth

After a recent successful taster session initiated by Julie Morgan, Rubicon will be running weekly dance sessions for over 60s.

Where? Whitchurch Community Centre (Old Church Road) When? Every Monday from 1.30-2.30pm (term time) Gentle exercise to music for £3.50 per session.

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Improve your health with 80% off Practitioner Anna brings Shiatsu and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to Whitchurch Clinic EFT is a simple yet strong healing tool that will enable you to overcome physical and emotional obstacles, fears, phobias and addictions you may have by tapping on specific points on the meridian channels whilst thinking about the negative emotion to resolve the issue.

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feature

A-ZSummer

An

of holidays

Coloured deck chairs, a 99 in one hand and a stick of rock in the other?

Or lying in a leaking tent, wishing you'd booked that short break to Greece?

Here's a look back at the things that we'll remember about our holidays

Ants

Big ones, little ones, ones that casually take a stroll across your picnic, ones that come out of the ground and GROW WINGS AND FLY! What kind of horror movie is this?

Back to School

As a kid, the very first day of the Summer Holidays was the day you'd been looking forward to for months. A quick visit to the High Street would soon see to that though because every shop window would be stuffed with 'Back to School' paraphernalia.

Camping

More commonly known as Divorce in a Bag, camping can either go one of two ways - the romantic/ like it is in the movies/never going to happen in real life kind of way.

And the other way. The one with the leaking tent, the bad back from sleeping on the floor and the longing for your own bed.

Droughts

A little less common these days, but back in the day, we all loved a good old drought to moan about didn't we? Oh we had some beauties.

Egg sandwiches

The summer holiday is the perfect time for getting out in to the garden, pulling up the weeds, mowing the lawn and...oh forget it. I'll pay someone else to do it. There's a bottle of white in the fridge and it's got my name on it.

Holiday

The highlight of the erm...holiday.

That's right - the official holiday.

And no, not the one you spent thousands on - the one you need when you get back from the one you spent thousands on.

Ice Cream

Whether it's picnics or school trips, warm egg sandwiches are guaranteed to make you the least popular member of the party.

No summer holiday would be complete without an obligatory ice cream. Nothing more satisfying than sitting in a deck chair, downing a 99 is there?

Flip flops

Jelly

You know it's summer when grown men take to wearing these grisly pieces of footwear. Who wants to see gnarly toenails when you're trying to eat your egg sandwiches?

42

Gardening

Sunday teatime dessert. With a plate full of blancmange. Going to bed when it's still light outside and knowing that even though it's Monday the following day, there's no school. Magic.

feature Kite-flying

There's something therapeutic about holding on to the string of a kite and reaching for the summer sky.

Luggage

When it comes to going away, Dad will pack a pair of shorts and a few t-shirts; the kids will pack all their favourite toys; and Mum will pack her entire wardrobe.

Memories

Summer holidays are all about memories. If it's not the stretch of neon lights and ice cream parlours of Barry Island on a gentle summer's evening, maybe it was feeling like you were on top of the world when Dad put you on his shoulders when you were out walking.

Navigation

Theoretically, it should all be a lot easier now that we have Satnav. But it wasn't always that way. Do you remember physical maps? Ones that you actually held in your hand?

You know the ones - the ones that Mum couldn't read and Dad said he didn't need. Some people still actually use them.

Outdoors

What summers are all about. Just ignore the bugs. And the noisy kids.

And next door's barbeque smoke.

Postcard

We've got a good chalet. Plenty to do here. Thousands of people here and the sands are packed. Jack says the beer is weak. Wish you were here?

Love Us xxx.

Sent on a piece of card with a picture on the front. By post.

With a real stamp stuck on it and everything.

Questions

Are we there yet? How long are we going to be here for? The questions are relentless.

Rain

In the weeks and months leading up to the summer holidays, you won't see a drop of this stuff. But come the first day of the holidays, you'll see a year's worth. It'll linger for about 6 weeks and disappear again when the kids go back to school. Guaranteed.

Sunburn

If, perchance, the sun doth shine, there is a high chance that it'll catch you off-guard. And if this does happen, there's a very high chance of you getting burnt. Should you find yourself in this position, feel free to moan about it to your friends with the following traditional phrase: "I was only out there for 10 minutes."

Teletext

Walk up to a group of kids these days and say the word 'Teletext' and you'll get a load of blank stares back at you. If you have children, or even if you know children, it is your duty to educate them about how we used to book our holidays.

Umbrella

See Rain. Or Camping.

Vacation

You have our permission to scold anyone who refers to their holiday as their vacation. It has been heard in and around our villages on a few occasions and these episodes have been reported to the relevant authorities. Be vigilant.

Walkman

An essential piece of kit for any respectable holiday-maker. You may know someone, or even be that someone who would make their own personal Mix Tape, usually taken from the Radio 1 Top 40 on a Sunday evening.

X-Factor

The one thing that heralds the end of summer and the run-up to Christmas.

Year

Yes. Another one gone. Another year older. Hurrah.

Zombie

This is, in effect, what you'll feel like by the end of the school holidays. If you time it right, you may be able to audition for The Walking Dead.

43

walks Taffs Well to Garth Starting point Taff's Well Railway Station Nearest Postcode CF15 7YF Distance 8 km (5 miles) Difficulty Strenuous

walking on sunshine This walk climbs Cardiff’s own mountain, which inspired the film The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain.

In a short space of time, one climbs 300m from a modern urban area to the ancient past on top of The Garth.

On the way, it passes through a nature reserve, Coed-y-Bedw, and an ancient broad-leaved woodland owned by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

On top of The Garth are five tumuli, one of which has the OS trig point on its topmost point.

This gave rise to the myth that the top was deliberately raised to ensure that The Garth was classified as a mountain. At the end of the walk, you can visit the site of an ancient spring which gives Taff’s Well its name.

F

rom the newsagent alongside the Cardiff Road (A4054) entrance to the railway station, cross the road via the zebra crossing for the footbridge across the River Taff.

Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right and along a path until it curves left after passing some garages. Go straight ahead to reach Main Road. Turn right and forward along the pavement, then take the second right (which is still Main Road) to enter Gwaelod-yGarth. Turn first left into Nant-yGarth and walk to the end of the cul-de-sac.

44

Go up the path to the right of the garage ahead to reach a gate. Go through the gate, turn left and up to reach a T junction. Turn left, passing a single line of houses on your left, through a kissing gate and forward along the path into a wooded area.

After the path crosses a stream, go through another kissing gate and continue on the path with a stream on your left to reach a stile that leads into Coed-y-Bedw.

Cross the stile and where the path soon forks, go right, keeping the stream on your left. Stay on the main path, going upstream in a westerly direction as it undulates, twists and turns. It then crosses and recrosses the stream to reach a stile to exit Coed-y-Bedw. (If you reach a bridge with handrails on both sides, you have overshot the nature reserve. Retrace your steps by approximately 25 metres and go left over the railway-sleeper bridge to the exit stile). Cross the stile and turn left, and left again to reach the gate with the stile alongside it.

Cross the stile and after 15 metres on the track, turn 90 degrees right and head for the faint path leading to the stile visible just below the skyline.

Cross the stile and cross the field, making your way diagonally uphill to reach a stile to a third field. Go forward across this field, aiming slightly diagonally right and towards the stile/finger post in the opposite hedge that soon becomes visible.

Cross this stile and turn right on the road and within a few metres uphill,

there is a road junction.

Turn right here and continue uphill, passing a cattle grid. Where the road forks, go left taking a track marked 'Residents Access Only'. Where the road curves left, continue straight ahead, on a clear track to ascend to an information board and then the trig point – the highest point of the walk and the best views of Cardiff and the surrounding area.

Facing the path you have climbed to reach the trig point, go left in an easterly direction along the ridge on a well-defined path, passing further tumuli to the eastern edge of The Garth. On reaching a T-junction of paths, turn left and then right when the path soon forks, to descend on a clear path through a gate to a track.

Turn sharp right and down along the track. Where it turns very sharply left, continue straight on a smaller path to meet a road. Turn left down to Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn. At the inn, turn right and go down to the left-hand pavement that is opposite a white house called The Eyeries.

Within 15 metres, steeply descend down the footpath to reach a subway, leading to a footbridge over the River Taff to reach Cardiff Road. Turn right onto Cardiff Road (A4054), past Taff’s Well Inn and shortly after, there is a park on the right which contains Taff’s Well worthy of a brief there-and-back visit. Continue along the road to reach Taff’s Well station.

Please take appropriate steps to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. This includes wearing the clothing suitable for the environment and familiarising yourself with the Countryside Code. Living Magazines is not responsible for your safety. Route courtesy of Ramblers Cymru.

Elaine Paige in Concert 04.10.17

The Overtones 22.09.17

Whitney Queen of the Night 17.09.17

Justin Hayward The Wind of Heaven 02.10.17

An Audience with Katie Price 08.09.17

Superstars of Welsh Wrestling 02.09.17

Jon Richardson Old Man 28.09.17 & 01.10.17

ELO Again Return to the Blue 23.09.17

Miranda Sings 25.09.17

Just the tonic Take the afternoon off, head out into the garden and pour yourself a refreshing Gin and Tonic.

Here are some delicious variations on the old classic to help you unwind and relax

G&Fizz Cocktail 20ml gin elderflower cordial fresh mint sprigs and/or cucumber slices Prosecco

Watermelon & Basil G&T

· Pour a dash of elderflower cordial and 20ml of gin into a glass and simply fill with cold Prosecco.

Decorate with a sprig of fresh mint or slice of cucumber if you wish.

The Juliette 30ml gin 60ml tonic water 4-5 cardamom seeds 4-5 raspberries ice · Chill a cocktail glass. · Add the cardamom seeds, raspberries and ice to the glass.

Pour in the gin and tonic. · Garnish with a slice of lemon.

46

1/4 seedless watermelon, cut into chunks 1 tbsp white wine vinegar ice cubes, gin, soda water and basil leaves, to serve 110g caster sugar handful of basil leaves · To make the basil sugar syrup, combine 250ml water and the sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and stir in the basil. Set aside for 2 hours to cool and infuse. · Strain the liquid, discarding the basil leaves. Pour the liquid into a warm sterilised bottle. · Place the watermelon, white wine vinegar and 60ml basil sugar syrup in a blender and purée until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve set over a jug to remove any pips and foam. · Fill a glass with ice. Fill one-third full with cordial, add gin to taste, then top up with soda water and garnish with basil. · Serve immediately.

Grapefruit, Fennel and Black Pepper 170ml gin 1/4 sliced fennel 230ml chilled tonic water 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns 2 slices grapefruit, to garnish 2 slivers of fennel, to garnish ice · Add the gin and fennel to a glass container and leave the gin to be infused for at least 8 hours. · Combine 85ml gin, 115ml tonic water, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, a grapefruit slice, and a sliver of fennel in each glass. · Top with ice and serve immediately.

Sapphire Blue 60ml Bombay Sapphire gin (or other premium gin), frozen 2 dashes blue curaçao 2 dashes dry vermouth lemon twist for garnish · Chill a cocktail glass. · Add a couple of dashes each of the dry vermouth and blue curaçao to the glass. Pour in the gin. Garnish with the lemon twist. · Alternaively, stir the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and strain it into the frozen glass.

Cool Cucumber 3 tbsp of gin 4-6 cucumber slices 1/4 lime, sliced 115ml tonic water 6 mint leaves 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Blackberry and Lemon G&T

Cranberry & Thyme G&T 150g fresh cranberries 50g white granulated sugar 110ml cup water splash of orange juice 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract fresh thyme leaves gin of choice tonic of choice

· Add the mint, lime, gin, sugar (if required) to a shaker and muddle. · Add the cucumber slices to the shaker and shake vigorously. · Pour the mixture over the glass filled with ice and top with tonic water. · Stir and let the drink set for a few minutes for the flavours to enhance before enjoying.

12 blackberries 20 fresh mint leaves 2 lemons 55ml simple syrup 340ml good quality gin tonic water ice · Make a syrup by stirring the sugar with the boiling water until it's dissolved, then steep the mint sprigs in it until it is cool (about 15 minutes). Discard the mint. · Cook the blackcurrants in the syrup for about 5 minutes until the fruit is soft. Whizz in a food processor, then strain into a bowl through a sieve to remove the pips. Stir in the lemon juice and cool. · Freeze in an ice-cream machine until it becomes a thick slush, then scoop into a freezer container and freeze (or pour into a shallow freezer container beating 3 or 4 times as it freezes). Allow to thaw and soften for about 10 minutes and serve with sprigs of mint.

· In a small saucepan, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, the splash of orange juice and the vanilla extract. · Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, pressing the cranberries with the back of your spoon until they pop. · Add the fresh thyme and smash them with the back of your spoon to release its aromatics.

Note: The mixture should be much looser than traditional cranberry sauce. · Pour the mixture through a strainer, discarding the solids, and reserving the cranberry syrup. · To assemble the cocktail, add about 30ml of syrup to each glass.

Top with a few cubes of ice, 60ml of gin and then top with tonic. Mix and garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme.

47

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