Whitchurch and Llandaff Living issue 40 by Whitchurch and Llandaff Living

News | People | Features | Competitions | History

Whitchurch Living and Llandaff

At the heart of the community

Issue 40 Oct/Nov â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16

Leaves are falling Autumn's calling From Whitchurch to Rio and Olympic Gold

Autumn Home DĂŠcor Ideas

Your multi award-winning community magazine

Contents

3-4 News 5 Letters 6-7 School News 10 Llandaff's Great Roald Dahl Celebration Llandaff salutes the world-famous author 14 Judith Owen An interview with the singer-songwriter 18 Halloween Party Fun and games 21 Shakin’ Stevens Cardiff’s legendary musician 24 Autumn Décor Cosy home ideas 28 From Whitchurch To Rio Owain Doull and Olympic Gold 32 The Greatest Raid Of Them All Local history 36 Gardening 39 Competitions WIN! WIN! WIN! 40 Autumn Crafts 45 Pet Questions 50 Autumn Warmers Tasty autumn recipes 54 Autumn Soup A Short Story

Winter Issue deadline: 14th November 2016

Published 2nd December 2016

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.

Winners at the 2014 UK Independent Magazine Awards 2

What’s on Free Creative Writing Workshop Whitchurch Library Wednesday 19th October 2pm-4pm Call 029 2062 8951 to book your place Roald Dahl 'A Llandaff Boy' Carriage House Hall, Insole Court Thursday 20th October 7.30pm Tickets £5 Call 07966 487711 to book Awen: Author’s Talk Whitchurch Library Wednesday 9th November 7pm Local author Rosemary Chaloner talks about her book, The Balloon Girl. Admission free. Refreshments available

Armistice Day Open Air Service on Cathedral Green at the Llandaff Memorial Friday 11th November at 11am Christmas Lights Switch On Whitchurch Merthyr Road, Whitchurch Sunday 20th November 7pm Christmas Lights Switch On Llandaff Llandaff High Street, Llandaff Village Wednesday 23rd November 6.30pm Christmas Lights Switch On Llandaff North Station Road, Llandaff North Thursday 24th November 6.30pm

Welcome / Croeso Autumn arrives and nowhere is this wonderful season more keenly felt than in our lovely villages here in North Cardiff. Our greenery turns into a blaze of reds, oranges and golds and there’s always the smoky aroma of log fires drifting through the air. To celebrate all things Autumn, we have put together an issue which reflects the wonder of the season and enables us to really savour this time of the year. The evenings are already darker and there is a distinct autumn chill in the air. If you are looking for inspirational ideas to make your home cosy this autumn, head to our Autumn Décor feature and bring some warmth into your home. Llandaff recently celebrated the 100th birthday of its most famous son, Roald Dahl. The Llandaff Society was instrumental in the day of celebrations which saw no less than four new plaques being unveiled throughout the village. It capped off a fine summer of city-wide celebrations that took place in Cardiff. Talking of the summer, Team GB put in such a performance at the Rio Olympics, that we ended up coming second in the Gold Medals table. That cause was helped along by one young man from Whitchurch by the name of Owain Doull. Along with Sir Bradley Wiggins, Steven Burke and Ed Clancy, he picked up Wales’s first gold medal of the Games - and we got to chat with him afterwards. Read our exclusive interview with him and discover how Whitchurch played a part in his journey to the Games. We spoke exclusively to 80s heartthrob, Shakin’ Stevens. Shaky has just launched his latest album and he spoke to us about his music - and

www.facebook.com/ whitchurchandllandaffliving

about growing up here in Cardiff. We were also fortunate to speak to Welsh singer-songwriter Judith Owen. She now lives in the US but is returning home this autumn for a concert in Cardiff. Her story is an inspirational one! As the kids start a new school year, both the Bishop of Llandaff High School and Whitchurch High School highlight all their latest news and successes. To keep the kids entertained now that the warmth of the summer sunshine is a distant memory, head to the Autumn crafts page that we have put together to enjoy some quality time creating together. And with Halloween fast approaching, if you are thinking of throwing a party, take a look at our party feature for all kinds of ghoulish games to incorporate! For history buffs, there’s a feature about local hero Bill Pritchard. He took part in what is considered the greatest raid in World War 2 and he has gone down with his comrades in history for his bravery. Local gardener Kevin Revell shows you how to make the most of your garden’s autumn colour and if you fancy winning some tickets to top events, we’ve got two excellent competitions for some lovely prizes in this issue. Finally, with our Autumn Warmers and a short story, this issue should keep you busy for a while. So make yourself a hot drink and snuggle down to read our biggest and cosiest issue yet! As always, we’d encourage you to shop local and use the services of our advertisers who continue to support our community life.

Danielle and Patric Editors

@Whit_Llandaff

news

Calls for help with this year's Camera Whitchurch Christmas lights installed on Following on from last year’s success, the big Christmas light switch on in Whitchurch is going to have even more of a traditional Christmas feel this year. Mark the 20th November in your diary, because Whitchurch village will be host to Santa and his real reindeer, Christmas craft stalls, a small funfair, a choir and a lantern parade. There will of course, be the grand switch on of the lights at 7pm, followed by fireworks and live music to fully make the most of this special community occasion. Tom Champ of The Playloft is the main organiser of the event, with the help of Jason Lewis of Autocraft, Cardiff. Tom is appealing to the community and businesses of Whitchurch to become involved in helping to ensure that this year’s event is the best one

busy Llandaff hot spot

yet. “We would encourage businesses to get in touch and contribute towards the financial costs of updating the lights and putting on the event. I think this is a great way to thank our customers for their support and business over the year, as well as bringing more people into the heart of Whitchurch village for the festive celebrations," he said. Anyone who wishes to contribute can pop into The Playloft or can contact Tom on 02921 321730

Rain fails to dampen Llandaff spirits at Insole Court’s Roald Dahl picnics A series of picnics celebrating the work of Roald Dahl has raised over £600 to support the regeneration of Llandaff’s Insole Court. Every August, the businesses on Llandaff High Street come together to support these community picnics, enabling residents of Llandaff to enjoy the events free of charge. This year the picnics had a Roald Dahl theme and locals enjoyed ‘James and the Giant Peach’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ events. Born on Fairwater Road, two minutes from Insole Court, Roald Dahl is considered Llandaff’s most famous son and as such, locals were keen to celebrate the centenary of his birth. As well as plenty of food, the picnics, organised by the Friends of Insole Court, involved live music and entertainment. Music was provided by the Melingriffith Community Band, and thanks to a grant from Literature Wales, Llandaff’s ‘Firefly Press’ brought children’s authors Eloise Williams, Dan Anthony and Huw Davies along to read Dahl classics to the group. John Prior-Morris, Secretary of Friends of Insole Court, said: “We are enormously grateful to the traders of Llandaff’s High Street for their ongoing support in putting on these events each summer. They

work so hard to ensure that the Llandaff community continues to thrive and continue to offer one of the finest shopping experiences in Cardiff." Insole Court closed to the public in 2006. The gardens have remained open for community events however. Visitors were the first to see the long-awaited redevelopment of Insole Court and visited the new Potting Shed Café ahead of its formal opening on 15th October. Insole Court will be fully operational by the end of October when the leases have been signed and the management has been transferred from Cardiff Council to the Insole Court Trust. Meanwhile the new website has been launched. Keep up with the news at www.insolecourt.org

A camera has been installed on a busy Llandaff road after several accidents and near misses. The equipment is designed to stop people using the bus lane that was built as part of a £1.9m transport package last summer. The Council’s Highways department met with the BBC after members of the corporation’s staff expressed concern at the layout. Some of the near misses are believed to have been caused by motorists using the bus lane to turn left onto the A4054 towards Llandaff North. A Council spokesman said: “Following a number of incidents last year, the new bus lane camera on Llantrisant Road has been installed to help keep Cardiff moving, improve drivers’ behaviour and ensure bus lanes are kept free for public transport. “As with all our cameras, any income generated by the new camera will be ring-fenced for transport and highway improvements. We would anticipate the camera becoming operational later this year."

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As with all our cameras, any income generated by the new camera will be ring-fenced for transport and highway improvements 3

news

Wedal Road Closure

North Cardiff residents have expressed concern that Wedal Road Household Waste and Recycling Centre could be closed by the end of October. Despite large opposition from local residents, Cardiff Council have earmarked the Roath site for closure, despite the Council not being able to give a definite date. The Council did announce that the closure is dependent on work being completed to increase capacity at Lamby Way in Rumney. Along with Bessemer Road, these are the two sites that the Council want to convert into ‘super sites’. Cardiff North MP Craig Williams said: “Cardiff Council’s Cabinet have voted unanimously to close the Wedal Road Household Recycling Tip, against the views of thousands of residents from Cardiff North who signed petitions, wrote in to the Council and made representations. “I think this is absolutely the wrong decision.” Councillor Jayne Cowan, along with ward councillor Adrian Robson and Craig Williams held public meetings against the plans. Councillor Cowan said: “I feel really aggrieved that the Labour cabinet failed to listen to the people of Cardiff who spoke strongly about the closure of the Wedal Road Site. “This site is well used by residents in Cardiff North and when it is closed in a matter of weeks, it will prove hugely problematic. Even at this final hour, I’m urging Phil Bale’s cabinet to think again and listen to the hundreds and hundreds of people who signed a petition, attended a public meeting and made their views known,” she said. Liberal Democrat councillor (Gabalfa) Ed Bridges said: “This has confirmed what residents had been expecting for months. Those of us in the north of the city will lose our local tip.”

Plaque unveiled to remember local WW2 hero Bill Pritchard A plaque has been unveiled at Pritchard Court in Llandaff to honour a former resident who helped orchestrate a daring World War 2 raid. Capt. WH (Bill) Pritchard took part in the famous raid on St. Nazaire in 1942. He was instrumental in the planning and the training for the raid, which helped turn the tide for British forces during the war. Geoff Barton-Greenwood, Chair of the Llandaff Society told Living Magazines: "McCarthy and Stone approached us when they were building what we now know as Pritchard Court on Cardiff Road. They asked us to provide some names of local people of merit and they decided on Bill. He lived in Mill House which

Nick Beattie (right) is the Honorary Chairman of the St. Nazaire Society, and son of Lieutenant-Commander 'Sam' Beattie, who also took part in the daring WW2 raid

is where the WJEC building now stands. "During World War 2, he was asked to plan a raid to put a French dry dock out of action. The raid meant that the giant German battleship Tirpitz was not able to be deployed in the Atlantic." The unveiling of the plaque took place on Wednesday 21st September at noon and was attended by Nick Beattie, son of Lieutenant-Commander 'Sam' Beattie, Barbara Jones, first cousin of Bill Pritchard, and other family members. Residents of Pritchard Court were also present along with members of the Llandaff Society. The plaque was dedicated by Canon Graham Holcombe of Llandaff Cathedral before attendees retired for a reception. Catering was provided by K2 of Llandaff. "There were family members present who hadn't seen each other in years. A gathering was held in the Resident's Lounge where speeches were made. Concluding remarks were made by Nick Beattie, who is also the Honorary Chairman of the St. Nazaire Society," added Geoff. Bill Pritchard was brought up in Llandaff. His father was the Docks Master at Cardiff Docks and Bill's engineering background gave him the insight and knowledge that was put to good use during the famous raid.

Application is made for a drivethru Starbucks in Whitchurch A application has been submitted for a new drive-through coffee shop to be built north of Whitchurch. The application was made for land at Longwood Drive in Whitchurch, near Asda superstore. The submitted plans show a shop with a floor totalling 169 sq m, as well as lanes for cars to drive through. The drive-thru area would include two service windows, and additional outdoor seating would also be provided.

letters

Your Letters

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 our postal address which can be found on the inside front cover

Princess Jasmine: Please give me one chance Dearest Princess Yasmin, When my servants (who, amusingly, refer to me as THEIR cat!) read me your letter in issue 39 of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living, I realised that this could be my opportunity. Unlike you, I am no oil painting; my whiskers are crimped from an incident with a log-burner years ago; my pink bits (lips, nose, private parts) are spotted with freckles, and I do carry a heavy undercarriage. In short, I may be described as a furtive and wily old ginger Tom. But, no more self deprecation, I know that self confidence is attractive to you young lady cats. I never imagined that I would fall in love or meet a cat like you. I have been around the block many times, taken my share of knocks and scrapes, I even fell into the river a few times when I lived on a narrow boat. This has all made me a wise and thoughtful old cat. I thought I'd seen it all. When I received your postcard from out West saying that you were coming to live next door in Whitchurch, I barely raised an eyebrow. But then you arrived. I heard your mellifluous voice and was spellbound. Ever since your arrival, I

have watched your every move, from the shadows. I fear your rebuff. I must confess to a touch of schadenfreude when I saw you putting that Pixel in his place for his bold advances. You have so many potential suitors, even just here in Whitchurch. But perhaps, if I could, by means of this letter and with some assistance from our humans, express my sentiments, I hope that you may consider giving me your paw. This is where I triumph; allow me to woo you with the written word. Might you, one day, give me the pleasure of a nose rub? Your ever loving and totally smitten

Kato

P.S. you can call me "K"

Calls for Taff Trail speed limit to be introduced for cyclists Calls have been made to impose a speed limit on the Taff Trail as walkers have claimed that some cyclists have become aggressive. At present, there is no speed limit on the Taff Trail and some cyclists have expressed doubts as to how a limit would even be imposed. One walker said: “The cyclists seem to think that they have a God-given right to the path as a cycle path but the fact is that the path is for all – walkers, joggers, the elderly, the disabled and everyone else. Some of the speeds that they come through are ridiculous and if you don’t get out of their way quick enough, they are quick to tell you

that you are in their way.” One cyclist told Living Magazines: “It’d help if some of the dog walkers actually kept their dogs under control. It makes it dangerous for us as we can’t predict where the dogs are going to run.”

Scout Hall Memories I follow with interest the news about the 2nd Llandaff Scouts. The current Scout Hall was originally a temporary bank, situated on what is now a Park and Ride in Llandaff North. This was built to enable a permanent bank to be constructed. The bank manager at the time was a Mr Davies. I believe he still lives in Llandaff North. The members of the 2nd Llandaff Scouts, after many meetings, decided to raise the funds of £500 with raffles and bingo, to purchase the said building, on the promise to dismantle and reerect on the present site. The members dismantled the building on a Friday and transported it to erect on the following day. Unfortunately, at the time, we had no satellite weather forecast and it rained all day (talk about drowned rats!). Members included Brian Marshell (plus his wife and children), Keith Marlowe (plus his wife and children), Reg and Winnie Phillips, Pat and Don Marsh (and family). The reason I became involved was because my son Richard belonged to the Cubs.

Pam & Ron Parker Danescourt

Police seek Llandaff North church burglars Churchgoers in Llandaff North were shocked to find their church had been broken into when they arrived for Sunday morning service in late September. Thieves broke into All Saints Church in Llandaff North and a lot of damage was caused. The church has recently been struggling to afford the cost of repairs to the building. Cupboards containing nursery toys, craft supplies and theatre costumes were destroyed during the break in. A door was also broken. Anyone with any information is urged to call 101, quoting reference 369584.

Double recordbreaking results for GSCE and A Level students

School News

All the latest success stories from The Bishop of Llandaff An outstanding year for A taste of success for ECDL students sport at Bishop The Information and Communications 2015/16 proved to be an outstanding academic year of sporting success with students taking part in 200 sporting fixtures, including rugby, football, netball, hockey, gymnastics, cross country, swimming and athletics. Not only did our teams and individuals compete well, but they went on to win 12 regional and national competitions. Our Year 7 boys’ football team won the Welsh Schools’ Football Association U12 National Cup. With over 180 schools entering the competition, winning the final 7-1 against Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen (Caernarfon) was an exceptional achievement!

Making Cardiff a better city David of Year 12 writes… This summer, I had the privilege of being voted into position of Vice Chair of the Cardiff Youth Council. This has already led to some great opportunities, such as meeting Nick Batchelar, Director of Education for Cardiff, to discuss ideas for raising the standards of schools over the coming years. That’s all work in progress however. Looking ahead, there’s much to be excited about as a Youth Council member in 2016! There are many projects coming up, such as ‘Child Friendly City’ in association with UNICEF UK, discussions with the Welsh schools’ inspectorate Estyn on a ‘Curriculum for Life’, and plenty more.

Technology Department has recently introduced a new ICT Qualification for students in Year 10 and 11. The new qualification was a resounding success with all students passing the exam, with 86% at A or A*. Students found the exams challenging, but learnt new ICT skills. The qualification provides each student with evidence of the digital literacy skills required in the world of work. The qualification includes four units – word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and application. The units are tested online with students achieving instant results. Joab, a Year 11 student, completed his ECDL exams in the summer this year and achieved an A* (Distinction). Year 9 students will be taking the ECDL qualification this academic year to give them an extra GCSE A*-C going into Key Stage 4.

Where are they now?

Every year when we say ‘goodbye’ to our departing Year 13 students, we have mixed feelings – we will miss them, but we know they are moving on to an exciting new phase of their lives. We have always been proud of our track record of success in sending students to the world of higher education, and 2016 was no exception. All students who applied for a place secured one, with a total of 97 students progressing to university this Autumn. We are always glad to hear of the successes of our past students: if you are a past student of ‘Bishop’, or know one, then please get in touch on (029) 2056 2485.

Parents, students and staff at The Bishop of Llandaff High School celebrated two sets of record-breaking exam results this summer. On 18th August, A Level students recorded record-breaking A Level results for the second year in a row, with 63% of all grades at A*-B and 86% at A*-C. Most students gained their preferred university places, with around 50% leaving to join one of the top ‘Russell Group’ universities. Top performing students included Rebecca, who achieved a remarkable 5 A* grades and intends to read Mathematics at Warwick University; Cameron, who gained 3 A*s and 2 As and will read Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London; Lucy, who achieved an A* and 3As and will go on to study History at Cardiff; and Joshua, who achieved the same results and will follow Religion and Theological Studies at Cardiff. Headteacher Marc Belli said: “This is fantastic news for our school community. I should like to congratulate our staff who have worked tirelessly to support the students throughout their time in the sixth form, and I wish all our departing students great success in the future.” Exactly a week later, the school’s Year 11 students proved that they can break records too by achieving the school’s best ever GCSE results, with a staggering 99% gaining 5 or more A*-C grades, with 89% including English and Mathematics – an increase of 6% on last year. Notable achievers this year included Hayoung and Steffan, who each collected 10 A* grades, along with another twelve students who all achieved at least 3 A*s. Sarah now has 12 GCSEs to her name including 7 A*s and 5As, and Maddie scored 9 A*s and 3 As. Some of the most pleasing performances however, were from those individual students who have overcome significant challenges and have persevered in order to reach their full potential. “The grades achieved this year will remain with our students for the rest of their lives and are a reflection of their hard work, effort and commitment,” added Mr Belli.

Hopefully we will see Arwen competing in the Olympics in a few years!

Gymnastics Gold

The latest news from Whitchurch High School Newly-elected Head Girl Catrin McCarthy and Head Boy Angus Robertson bring you the school's recent success stories Our school has seen exemplary contribution to sport from people in a range of year groups. Whitchurch High School is proud to have such inspiring and hardworking individuals within our community. At Whitchurch, we encourage our students to excel and strive in whatever they do; the talent and excellence that pupils have shown is outstanding.

Rhodri breaks three Welsh records

We would like to give a huge congratulations to Rhodri Beynon of Year 13 who broke three Welsh records at the U17â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s European Weightlifting Championships in Poland. What a fantastic achievement Rhodri! He has the potential to go on and do many great things.

Another wonderful achievement was completed by Latalia Bevan of Year 11, who is part of the Welsh Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gymnastics team that took part in the UK School Games in Loughborough. She managed to bag herself not one but two gold medals! Congratulations to Latalia and the team!

Race For Life

Millie, Grace, Ella, Phoebe and Becky are amongst our Whitchurch stars who took part in the Cancer Research UK Race For Life to raise money to support cancer patients and their families. Well done to the girls for their amazing efforts and motivation to support such an exceptional cause.

Kiran bowls them over at Northampton

One of our former pupils at Whitchurch, Kiran Carlson has also made an incredible breakthrough with his contribution to cricket - he even made BBC headlines! The 18-year-old enjoyed a dream Championship debut for Glamorgan, claiming five wickets with his spin, as Northants stumbled to 269 all out. Fresh from his A-levels, Kiran bowled top-scorer Ben Duckett for 80 with the ball before lunch, and later ran through the lower order, finishing with 5-28.

Triathlon stars

Lewys John of Year 11 came 6th out of an incredible 356 participants in the Saundersfoot Triathlon. Arwen Stephens of Year 7 also won an astounding 11 gold medals at Cardiff swimming clubs Championship Gala. So much talent by such a young individual shows that motivation and hard work is the key to success.

BrainBee win for Jack

Jack McCormack of Year 13 has been crowned the champion of the Welsh Brainbee 2016! This is an annual competition where students are put to the test on their knowledge on neuroscience. The event is based on The International Brain Bee, a not-forprofit neuroscience competition funded by Dr. Norbert Myslinski. This is the third consecutive year in which the school has won the competition. Congratulations Jack!

Life Sciences Challenge

Finally, a big well done to Anna, Daniel, Raihaan, William and the rest of the team who won the Life Sciences Challenge. They beat Y Pant Comprehensive School 6340. We hope to continue watching each and every one of them flourish and develop in the upcoming years in whatever path they wish to take. They have made all made their families and the school extremely proud!

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Unit 3 Hollybush Est. Coryton Cardiff CF14 7DS

As the nights draw in, nothing can make your home more cosy than a fire or wood-burning stove. Deco Heat’s spacious store showcases their fuel-efficient fires and stoves, as well as offering design and fitting services Deco Heat has been established for 20 years and specialises in wood burning stoves, multi fuel stoves, and gas and electric fires. Manager of the Tongwynlais shop, Beth Llewellyn explains: “The fireplace is the focal point of a room, whether that be a lounge or a kitchen, and it instantly makes the room more cosy.”

Pure Vision 5 in a limestone suite She continues: “A lot of people think they need a chimney to have a gorgeous fire or stove, but we have a motto here at Deco Heat which is ‘No chimney, no problem!’” Deco Heat can get around this problem by installing a flue system within or outside the house. Alternatively, customers can choose from their vast selection of gas or electric fires and stoves, which don’t require a chimney. “We have so many different choices of stoves and fires so

customers are sure to find something that will suit their needs.” Furthermore, while the company has been long established in Tongwynlais, it also operates from the Pumping Station in Penarth Road and from the old Brecon Garden Centre in Brecon Town. Deco Heat started almost by accident 20 years ago, when during his travels, the company’s owner came across a few multi fuel stoves in a reclamation yard in Antwerp. He brought them back to Wales in the van and fitted one into a house that he was developing, and the remaining stoves were advertised for sale. He had so many phonecalls he could have sold them 10 times over, so decided to go back for more. Having a background in the building and roofing trades, he was able to offer the full installation package to his customers. This resulted in recommendations from happy customers which built a solid reputation and so Deco Heat was born. Deco Heat became the first and only stockists for a Caerphilly based manufacturer, Chilli Penguin stoves. The companies soon joined forces and have since grown into one of the UKs leading stove manufacturers. The Chilli Penguin stove is now available across the UK

Chilli Penguin 88 from selected stove shops. Deco Heat’s three showrooms have these fantastic Welsh-made stoves on live display along with most other UK leading brands. The Chilli Penguin stove is the most efficient multi fuel stove manufactured in the UK. All models are available with an optional top oven and have a sleek, contemporary design. But what makes them extra special is that they continue to be hand built here in Wales today. Despite the success story, Deco Heat continues to pride itself on its friendly and relaxed approach to customers. There is no pressure selling and the team, with their knowledge and expertise, strive to make each and every one of their customers happy. “With each branch independently managed, we continue to be a small, hands-on company. All of our fitters work for us, some of our fitters have been with us for 15 years and we don’t use subcontractors. “We all play a part in making our customers happy and this is how we get constant recommendations.” Beth believes this is what makes Deco Heat so successful. Perhaps it is fair to say that customers will feel the warmth as soon as they step through the showroom door. Merthyr Road, Tongwynlais, CF15 7LF Call: Beth and Mat 02920 811478 St Mary’s Street, Brecon, LD3 7AA Call: Bernadette and Tony 01874 622088 The Pumping Station, Penarth Road, CF11 8TT Call: Helen and Terry 02920 230400

www.decoheat.co.uk Chilli Penguin 8

LLANDAFF'S Great

Roald Dahl Celebration

To mark 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl, the Llandaff Society organised a day of celebrations throughout the village, unveiling four new plaques at various places significant to the writer's life

Celebrations began at Villa Marie, birthplace of Roald Dahl

o celebrate 100 years since the birth of Llandaff's worldfamous story-teller, four commemorative plaques were unveiled in one day in September to complete the new Roald Dahl Trail. The Llandaff Society had been planning this event for around 12 months and the Society was delighted when Minister Ms Ragnhild Imerslund from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, accepted the invitation to carry out the unveilings. Back in 2009, a blue plaque was placed on Mrs Pratchett's Sweet Shop, and unveiled by Felicity Dahl, Roald Dahl’s widow. Felicity Dahl came from Llandaff herself and was the daughter of a hospital consultant.

“We always wanted to put up a plaque on Roald Dahl’s birthplace - Villa Marie," said Geoff BartonGreenwood, Chair of the Llandaff Society. "Eventually, to coincide with the start of the centenary year, the owner of Villa Marie thought it was about time to do it. This coincided with The Llandaff Society and Radyr and Morganstown Community Association’s launch of the Roald Dahl Trail on May 1st. They thought it was a tangible way of marking the route with blue plaques. The Radyr

and Morganstown Association put one up on Ty Mynydd, Roald's childhood home at their Festival in May. “We decided upon four more locations for further plaques: Roald's birth place at Villa Marie; the entrance to Cumberland Lodge (which is now the grounds of Howells School and which was the last place in Cardiff that the Dahl family lived before they moved to London); the site of the Old Cathedral School at the Green, which is where Roald Dahl went to school and which features in the Great Mouse Plot, and the site of Elm Tree House, now Palace Road, where Roald went to Kindergarten." Half way through the day, the contingent were invited to a 'Dahlicious' lunch at Howells School, Llandaff where the Year 3s also provided entertainment by singing tunes from Matilda the Musical. From there, they went to St. John's Church graveyard in Danescourt and showed the Minister the grave of Roald Dahls parents, Harold and Sofie, and also their daughter Astri who died at the age of 7. The Minister laid a bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums, emulating what Roald said he had once done himself at the graveyard in a letter to his mother. Harold had originally come to Cardiff to set up as a ship broker in connection with the reciprocal trade with Norway. Finally, the group then went to the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay where they were greeted by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff and entertained to afternoon tea by members of the Welsh Norwegian Society. "During the day, the Norwegian Minister asked us why our cathedral wasn’t built on top of a hill and I told her it was because of an even longer standing relationship with Norway when we had to hide our cathedrals from the Viking raiders

coming up the Bristol Channel. She thought it was very amusing!” said Geoff. To get the plaque organised for Roald Dahl’s birthplace, the Llandaff Society worked with the Welsh Norwegian Society, which is a longestablished organisation because of the reciprocal trades between Wales and Norway. The flags of Norway and Wales are crossed on the plaques. When unveiling the plaque at Roald's birthplace, a Guard of Honour was provided by the RAF Air Cadets from 3OF (City of Llandaff) Squadron Air Training Corps. You can find details of the Roald Dahl Trail at www.livingmags.co.uk

Celebrating 20 years

Kev and Kim welcome you to one of the longest established restaurants in the heart of Llandaff village

Llandaff’s Handy High Street has so much to offer

Shop in ancient Llandaff’s handy High Street! Our great little village has the most compact shopping centre in town!

Fresh home-cooked food served until 4.30pm weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays. Fully licensed, so pop along for a glass of wine or simply enjoy one our handmade cakes with a cup of our famous coffee. Catering available.

23 High St, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DY 029 2056 3637 K2caterers@aol.com

Baked @ 88 Fresh Artisan Cakes and Bread

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Park for two hours free of charge – and within a short walk, you have a late night convenience store, 10 eateries, 5 coffee-houses; 4 pubs, two banks, a Post Office, a surgery and a pharmacy! You can buy your gifts, cards, hair-dressing, beauty treatment, eye-tests and stationery! You can bank, post, choose a house, get financial and legal advice or sort your mortgage! Or you can simply eat, drink and talk with friends.

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judith Owen

Welsh singer-songwriter Judith Owen is returning to Cardiff this autumn. She talks exclusively to Living Magazines about her upbringing, her music, and the love of her well-known husband "I've got very vivid memories of Castell Coch. I was brought up in Kidwelly in West Wales but before long, we all upped sticks to live in London. Dad was an opera singer, plying his trade at Covent Garden. Quite often, we'd head back down to West Wales and from the back seat of the car, I'd look out, see Castell Coch, and know that we were not too far away from the place we called home." Critically-acclaimed singersongwriter Judith Owen now lives in the USA, but life wasn't always like

my mother was the reason

IMysing father was the reason

i could sing

that. "I guess my childhood had a lot to do with what I do now as an adult. I always say that my mother was the reason I sing, and my father the reason I can sing. My mum's depression was something that no one spoke about in the family. I spent a lot of time with my father while he worked - I often found myself back stage at the opera or playing around on the piano. I got to play the piano from about 4 years of age, and although I was never going to be a concert pianist, I found that I could express things I couldn't do otherwise, especially as I struggled with dyslexia. I found my joy sitting at that piano." She was 15 when her mother committed suicide and it was an event that changed Judith's life forever. "How does anyone get over anything like that? I turned to music to express my grief and sadness. For me, music was a form of escape from the guilt, the shame and the pain. I'll spend the rest of my days with that sadness in my life."

It was while Judith was going through some of her darkest days that she received a blessing: "I was singing in a jazz bar in London. At that time, I was terribly depressed. I'd just finished my set when I looked down and saw Harry Shearer from the movie Spinal Tap. He was stood there, applauding along with Christopher Guest and Michael McKean. They'd just finished some gig and beckoned me over - they were still in full costume. Harry asked if he could be excused to go change and when he came back, he looked exactly the same!" Judith and Harry got talking. Three weeks later, she was flying out to live with him. "Meeting Harry was a life-saving experience for me. It was certainly one of those ding-dong moments that happens to people on very rare occasions." The pair set up home and a record label, and she launched her first North American album, Emotions on a Postcard, in 1996. Five albums later, and Judith is once again Main photo: Susan Flood

the thought of

wales makes me

tremble

with joy launching a new album - and this time, it's a more reflective piece of work. "I was crossing the street in New York not too long ago when this woman caught my eye. She was a homeless woman and the only thing she had to keep her feet warm were plastic bags. It was a freezing day and like most people, I just carried on past as if I hadn't seen her. The image of that woman stuck with me and I began to feel a little ashamed of myself. It got me thinking that this was somebody's child sat there on the street. Harry and I don't have children but the thought of it kept coming back to me. It made me think about the bigger picture of life and it was as if I was suddenly woken up to the reality of the world around me. "My new album is called Somebody's Child. It's an album about what matters in life. We all tend to rush through life but miss out on the really important things. If something affects me, or moves me, I try to work it all out with music, as I always have done. This Photos: Greg Shappell & Susan Flood

album is me outside of myself." Judith has amassed a huge fan base in the US, with her albums and tours being lauded by The New York Times and the LA Times among others. But it's here in Wales that Judith considers home. "Even the thought of Wales makes me tremble with joy. If I think now of heading back down the M4, past Castell Coch and down to the west, it makes me yearn so much. I think it must be the Welsh hiraeth in me! There's nothing better than the green, green grass of Wales." And what does Harry think of her mother country? "Harry loves it. I brought him back once and took him to visit Llanelli Market. I was hoping to show him the real sense of atmosphere by getting some Welsh cakes in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We sat down next to a group of women, who were all talking over each other, and I just told him to listen to them. He said that they sounded like a tree full of birds. "We then drove across Wales and Harry was attempting to read some of the place names. He did okay on some but he's yet to prove that he can do a good Welsh accent." Judith will be heading home in November as she stops off in Cardiff on the latest leg of her UK tour. She will be accompanied by her legendary cohort bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Phil Collins) and world class percussionist Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house drummer). "I urge people to come along. My shows are always a bit of a roller

coaster, as much of it is rather serious but then we do have a laugh in between songs. It'll be a time to relax, switch off and just enjoy yourself. "Some of my songs, like a large percentage of Welsh songs, are written in a minor key. It adds a sense of sadness and yearning to them. I like to think that my audience feel great emotion during my concerts but that's a good thing because we are all emotional being aren't we?" Judith's music reflects her Welsh roots and her family upbringing. "We can find great sadness in music but at the same time, we can find great joy. I still suffer from those depressive feelings that I've battled with all my life and the anxieties that it brings. But through music, I have been able to find myself, express myself, and hopefully entertain others." The fact that her show will be in her native country will mean that it has special meaning, both for the audience, and for Judith herself. Judith will be appearing at The Gate, Keppoch Street in Roath on November 17th. Husband Harry also provides many of the voices for The Simpsons, including that of Mr Burns and Ned Flanders

Community Learning Wales Addysg Cymunedd Cymru

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE

Achieving accredited qualifications in British Sign Language can open up a whole new world of opportunities. The skills you learn will help you in your journey to an exciting and fulfilling career. You may choose to become a communication support worker, work with deaf children or register as an interpreter or translator. We deliver courses in or near your area Contact Judith on 07773 790027 or at bsl@myclw.org or visit us at www.myclw.org www.facebook.com/ myclw2010

@CommLearnWales MBH Rhiwbina Living ad 140916 14/09/2016 15:32 Page 1

28 30 OCTOBER 2016 At City Hall, Cardiff

3 days Shopping from 135 makers Pottery Showdown Workshops, masterclasses and demonstrations in the heart of Cardiff For details and ticket prices, go to Am fanylion a phrisiau tocynnau, ewch i

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Pughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Shop open 15th October

Our Christmas shop will be opening its doors on Saturday 15th October and promises to be a truly magical shopping experience. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve travelled far and wide throughout the year to offer our loyal family of customers the very best selection of lights, beautiful baubles, Christmas Trees and decorations to give your Christmas some extra sparkle. With hundreds of Christmas gift ideas for even the trickiest of family and friends, you can spend less time trawling the shops and more time enjoying yourself in one convenient location. Our Preview Evening takes place on 13th October where Garden Club members can enjoy 10% off on selected Christmas Shop items when they bring their Garden Club cards (or pick one up in store!)

Tynant Nurseries, Morganstown, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8LB

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For a fright night in! Halloween is the perfect excuse for a party

KIDS

The Really Horrible Feely Game The Bubbling Cauldron

Setting the Scene

You can’t be expected to recreate the set from Thriller but reserving one room of your house and putting in a bit of planning can pay dividends. You’re probably best turning the ‘big lights’ off and carefully making use of lamps. Coloured bulbs especially can add a great sense of creepiness and this can be extenuated by placing the lamps behind furniture or on the floor. Creating shadows is one thing you’re looking for and this can be aided by a combination of lights, furniture and plants.

The Jack O’ Lantern

If there’s one thing you need at a kids’ party, it has to be the Jack O’ Lantern. When cutting the lid, cut into the pumpkin at an angle as opposed to simply slicing it straight off. This will stop the lid constantly falling off. It’s also useful to cut a small hole in the lid to allow smoke to escape. If you’ve got an ice-cream scoop, set the kids to work with it, scooping out the pumpkin seeds. They’ll need to leave the pumpkin wall about an inch thick. Next, it’s probably best to take care of the carving yourself. Draw an outline of the face you want onto a piece of paper and tack it on to the side with some tape. With a pin or a nail, poke holes all along the lines of your template. Remove the paper and using a knife, carefully carve out the face. You can use a traditional tea light to drop inside but battery-operated tea lights are now also available and are probably much safer.

Grab a large bucket or container (as cauldronlike as you can find, or try painting a large bucket black). Add in baking soda, vinegar, washing up liquid, food colouring (red or green are good choices) and some warm water. The cauldron will start to bubble and overflow so make sure it’s in a suitable place (outside is usually the best place). Add in plastic spiders, snakes and anything else that takes your fancy, and with a large wooden spoon, get the kids to take it in turns creating spells!

Worm Pie

You will need a large bag of jelly worms, some bowls and some spray cream for this game. Be warned - this game gets messy! Place several jelly worms in each bowl and then cover with spray cream. Contestants then have to catch all the worms from their bowls without using their hands. First player to catch all their worms is declared the winner.

Everyone’s favourite game from childhood. Line up five plastic dishes and cover them all with a black cloth. Each player must stick a hand in each dish, under the cloth so that the contents can’t be seen. The aim of the game is to try and guess what is under the cloth. You can tell the guest that the first dish holds eyeballs (really peeled grapes) and see what he or she guesses. The second dish is said to hold brains (damp coarse sponge). The third is said to hold veins (cold, cooked spaghetti). The fourth is said to hold cut-off fingers (cocktail sausages) and the fifth to hold skin (pieces of a soft flour tortilla). The person who guesses the most actual contents wins.

Sleeping Zombies

After what has probably been a hectic evening, this game is one to wind the kids down. All the kids need to lie perfectly still on the floor like sleeping zombies. Anyone who moves is out. Last person remaining wins.

BIG KIDS Why should the little ones have all the fun? Horror Movie Remake

Murder Mystery Game

This is a great way to spend the entire evening, especially if you are hosting a dinner party. There are many board game versions of this but you can also get free downloads from the internet. You’ll need to let your guests know in advance which character they will be playing so that they can turn up in fancy dress. Most games come with costume suggestions that you can pass on to your guests ahead of the event. It’s also great fun if you and your guests remain in character until the end of the game.

Jinx

This game isn’t as easy as it sounds. Firstly, draw up a list of words that are to be ‘banned’ for the duration of the evening and hand a copy of the list to each guest as they arrive. As it’s Halloween, you may want to pick words such as ‘ghost’, ‘creepy’ or even ‘Halloween’ itself. The rule of the game is that guests are not allowed to say any of the words on the list. If they do, the person who hears them saying the word calls out ‘Jinx!’ and their list is taken off them and they are out of the game. The offending guest then has to pay a penalty (of your choice). You can make the game tougher by sticking a label to each guest’s back with their own individual forbidden word. The winner is the last person holding a list.

If you have a mobile phone, it’s very likely that you’ll have the technology to record a small 5 minute movie. Get yourself into small groups and the idea is to recreate famous horror movie scenes with your team mates and any props that you are able to find. Alternatively, get your guests to create short original movies ahead of the party based around Halloween. If you have the technology and the know-how, you can show the series of movies in one sitting on your TV. The more movies there are, the better!

Balloon Pop

Fancy being a kid again? Here’s a simple game that’s likely to leave you gasping for another drink. All players must tie Halloween balloons around their ankles. On the word ‘Go’, each player must try to pop the balloons belonging to the other players. The person who has the last remaining balloon wins. Just be careful to watch your toes!

Witch’s Brew 500ml dark rum I litre apple cider 150ml ginger liqueur 1 litre diet ginger ale 250ml sparkling water (optional) Food grade dry ice, for special effects DIRECTIONS Make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned your cauldron with soap and water. If serving directly from the cauldron, place your food grade dry ice in the cauldron. Pour the ingredients in over the dry ice. IMPORTANT: Make sure your punch ingredients are room temperature! If you pour in cold ingredients over dry ice, it could crack and break the cauldron. If serving from a punch bowl, place dry ice in the cauldron, and pour water over the dry ice. Place the punch bowl inside the cauldron, and pour all the ingredients into the punch bowl. Stir, and serve into cups with a ladle. Makes: 10-12 servings

October Half Term Fun Come down to Jump during October half term for some spooky fun and games. Holiday tariff applies

o c s i D n e e w o l l a H

r e b o t c O h t 8 2 y a Frid

Prizes to be won Colouring Competitions

6.30pm-8.30pm

Halloween Games

Join us for our spooktacular disco, enjoy our fancy dress competition, freaky face paints and tricky treasure hunts!

Free

entertainment

Call 02920 747300 for more information Standard terms & conditions apply. Tickets to be purchased at reception only

Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5DU www.123jump.co.uk 02920 747300 ku.oc.pmuj321.www

www.123jump.co.uk

In the heart of Whitchurch village, great tasting food, fantastic Coaltown coffee, fabulous home-baked cake and a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Mike and Sue

10% off bespoke cake orders

when presenting this advert in the shop before 7th November

“I recently tried Sue’s cakes and they were utterly amazing.” Danielle “Amazing quality cakes, baked by the proprietors who show their clear, genuine enthusiasm for their products.” Herm “If you want home-baked deliciousness, this should be your cake shop.” Laura

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02920 626424

people

shakin

stevens

Living Magazines meets Shakin’ Stevens as he releases his new album He was the heart-throb of the 1980s and his name still brings a smile to those who used to dance away to his hits. Michael Barrett, or Shakin’ Stevens as he’s known to millions, was born in Ely, Cardiff. “Things are very different now. We used to play cricket in the streets on Marcross Road where I was born. Everything seemed bigger back then. There was a large area of scrub land that we’d play on with our bikes that we’d have made ourselves from old bike frames. “On Saturdays, we used to go to the Empire Pool in Cardiff city centre and dive off the top boards. We were invincible - we’d make mock gold medals and award them to each other and then go to Astey’s café afterwards. “Then on hot summer days, we would head up to the Drope and swim in the River Ely to cool off. We’d dry ourselves off by lighting a fire and watching the sun go down. On the way home, we’d stop off at a farm house that was up one of the lanes and ask for a glass of water because we were always thirsty.” Shaky’s trip down memory lane serves to remind him of the role his childhood played in his career later in life. “I went to the New Theatre once to watch Morecambe and Wise. I also went to watch Emile Ford which was great, especially when I ended up covering his song What Do You

Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? years later. “My mum was wonderful – she had 11 children and all 13 of us lived in a tiny 3 bedroomed house. My school, Hywel Dda, was a good school. I was there a few weeks back and found out that the place had been burnt down, which was very sad.” Shaky’s journey into music started at a young age. “I’d always wanted to sing and I’d stay behind in school after all the other kids had gone home to work on it. I got myself into a few school shows. After leaving school, I was in a band called Shakin’ Stevens and the Sunsets. We’d play at the New Moon Club and there was another one called the Kayak Club during the 1960s.” Shaky’s career blossomed in the early 1980s after going solo. He scored his first UK chart-topping number 1 with This Ole House and would follow up with ten more songs reaching the top five, including three number 1 hits with Green Door, Oh Julie, and Merry Christmas Everyone, while You Drive Me Crazy and A Love Worth Waiting For reached number 2 in 1981 and 1984 respectively. But it’s his new album that Shaky wants to talk about. “The new album is called Echoes of Our Times and people who have already listened to it don’t recognise the fact that it’s me. It’s

quite a bluesy album, a style myself and my band have been doing for quite a while. Not too long ago, we decided to get ourselves into a studio and get some of it down and this album is the result of that. “The story behind it was actually inspired by my family. I had got to a point in my life where I realised that I knew nothing about my ancestors. Within families, you’re always going to get those secrets that no one is allowed to talk about. We had them in ours and the songs on the album reflect that. The song Down In The Hole is about my grandfather who used to be a copper miner. I saw the photos of the hole that he’d go down into from the age of 10 – there was no health and safety in those days and he’d literally be lowered down this huge hole on a piece of rope. Conditions were horrific. “I also found out that my grandmother, who used to play the squeezebox and banjo, used to help out with the Salvation Army. There’s a song about her on the album too. We’ve used similar instruments to the ones that she played on the album. “It’s a very personal album for me. Time goes so quickly.” Time may go quickly but Shaky’s memories of home are as vivid as ever. Echoes of Our Times is available from amazon.co.uk

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KEY LOOKS FOR

AUTUMN

Curtain Raisers in Whitchurch showcase the classic to the contemporary

“

soft blush and charcoal timelessly elegant

Fresh from the London Design Week 2016, held at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, Jan Bezant of Curtain Raisers reviews the latest interior styles and ideas that she’s brought back to Whitchurch

“

3 OF THE BEST TRENDS

Woven perfection with a global influence. An exciting departure from the classic, timeless in its aesthetic value. Suitable for curtains and upholstery.

The sheer beauty of minimal tone-ontone patterns and the refined sense of style of mid-century glamour create the sophisticated allure of these wallpapers.

2 Kelston Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 2AJ www.curtain-raisers.co.uk

Sleek, smooth, sateens with rippling raised stitch detail and embossed architectural designs, blend together from pure milk hues, dusk rose to lake blues.

02920 614966

2 1

Autumn Decor 1. Chilli Penguin ‘88’ Stove £2090 This is 8 kW of warm glowing chilli-hot heat. The generous clear glass window offers a huge view of the fire and it takes logs measuring up to 430mm. Made in Wales too!

2. Sian o’Doherty Cushions from £62 Sian O’ Doherty is an award winning textile artist and designer located in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. She will be featuring her work at the Made by Hand event.

3. Glosters Handmade Pottery Glosters is the venture of Tom and Myfanwy Gloster; located in the seaside town of Porthmadog, and will also feature in the Made by Hand event.

From Decoheat.co.uk

From sianodoherty.co.uk

www.glosters.co.uk

4 It’s time to batten down the hatches, cwtch up and get cosy. Here are some great products for your home to help you do just that

4. Scented Candles from £4.99 Brighten up your home with these beautifully-scented candles. These candles come in various sizes and with various scents. From Flower Lodge Prices from £4.99

5. Welcombe Chunky Hand Knitted Throw £280 Hand made in Devon on gigantic knitting needles, this super chunky blanket is cosy, stylish and a real talking point. From laurenastondesigns.com

outdoors décor

7 10 8

6. Parlane Hand Carved Wooden Mirror £150 Exquisitely ornate hand-carved wooden mirror, made in Bali. This huge wooden mirror will produce a stunning focal point to a room. From Next

7. Romo Damaris cushions from £22.50 per metre Inspiring a slower pace of living, the Damaris collection offers a subtle use of design and layers of texture, creating a haven of calm. From Curtain Raisers, Whitchurch

8. Copper and Slate Candle Holder £22 A stunning candle holder with a solid copper cup fixed to a piece of their hand-crafted slate. The illumination and shadows created by the copper when lit are amazing.

9. Casablanca Pendant Light Rose Gold £99 A stylish, contemporary pendant light that would suit any modern country interior, finished in a beautiful rose-gold brushed metal.

From notonthehighstreet.com

10. Plum Crackle Glass Table Lamp £32 Stylish table lamp designed with a decorative glass base. This beautiful lamp will add autumn warmth and colour to any home. From Next

From Whitchurch to Rio Living Magazines talks to the man who took Gold and became the first ever Welsh speaking Olympic Champion

12th August 2016. A date that Cardiff’s Owain Doull

will never forget, as he took Olympic Gold in the Team Pursuit in Rio alongside his teammates Sir Bradley Wiggins, Steven Burke and Ed Clancy. It was a dramatic final against the Australian team that gave Owain his first Gold medal at the age of 23 at his very first Olympic Games. But how did it all start for the former Glantaf pupil, who lived in Whitchurch until he was 11 before moving to Llanishen. “I used to play quite a lot of sports in Whitchurch and Llandaff as I was growing up; I used to play tennis down at Whitchurch Tennis Club, but I always knew I would ride my bike. Luckily for me, I got started at the Maindy Flyers when I was around 14, got half decent and enjoyed it enough that I thought I

would like to make a career out of it if I could, and I went from there.” In less than 10 years since starting at the Maindy Flyers on the outdoor track of Maindy Leisure Centre, Owain has become an Olympic Champion. “I came into cycling relatively late. A lot of people have been racing all over the country since they were 6 or 7.” He credits much of his progression to the Welsh development system and his old club in particular. “There are a lot of good clubs like Maindy Flyers that can help you out massively. I owe a lot to them.” As for his initial interest in cycling, Owain recalls family days out on their bikes cycling around Cardiff: “We used to do mountain bike rides and cycle on the Taff Trail and it went from there that I thought I would like to give it a bit more of a go.” Once Owain had made the decision to focus on cycling as a career, his parents were massively

supportive. “I remember we did one cycling holiday where we cycled all over France,” Owain laughs as he recalls the memories. “My brother and sister weren’t too happy about it, but my Mum and Dad enjoyed it!” Owain’s dedication to cycling seems to have fuelled his family’s passion for cycling. “Now my Dad’s got the bug, my Uncle’s got the bug and all their mates too, they’ve got their own group and go out on a Sunday. It’s really nice to see cycling growing in popularity.” After years of training, Owain secured a place to go to Rio, his first Olympic Games. So what did the man from Cardiff anticipate was going to happen? “Going in, off the back of training and everything we had been doing, we knew we were in really good shape. We broke the World Record a couple of times in training, so we knew that we were in peak physical

condition, but obviously you never know what the other team is going to do. It was more excitement than nerves. We knew that we were in such a good place that we just wanted to get out there and perform and luckily for us, we won!” On the evening of the final, there was a lot of expectation for the foursome, including an added anticipation that Sir Bradley Wiggins was going to take his fifth Olympic Gold medal and eighth Olympic medal in total, which would put him ahead of Sir Chris Hoy’s tally of seven. But did Owain really expect them to take the gold? “A couple of weeks before, we thought someone’s going to have to do something pretty special to beat us here, because we knew from the times and the data we were producing that we were in for the ride of our lives across the whole team.” Despite this confidence, Owain asserts “You never take it for granted though, not for one second. We always knew it was going to be us and Australia in that final and we always knew it was going to be close, and in the end it was.” The team from GB ended up finishing in just under a second faster than the Australians, securing a new World Record in the process. “I think we would have preferred to have had a bit more of comfortable margin, but a win is a win so we can’t complain too much!” There wasn’t much to complain about, as Owain and the team broke the World Record twice that night, beating the World Record just ninety minutes beforehand in the semi-final as well. “It’s nice to win but to get the World Record too; it’s another bonus to know that the four of you are the best four in world and the quickest that anyone has ever been.” It’s hard not to ask what it was like to win gold alongside Sir Bradley Wiggins himself: “It was crazy, a lot of people asked me beforehand ‘do you feel pressure?’ Obviously having Brad in the team, everyone assumes that Brad is going to win. So it’s the opposite really, because when you’ve got people of Brad’s calibre, and Ed Clancy and Steven Burke, and they’ve all won the event before, you don’t really feel pressure. It gives you confidence more than anything, because you know you’re lining up with the best three guys in the world at what they do, so you think, ‘I’d rather have

these guys in my team than anyone else’. It’s nice to know they’ve got your back, so across the board it’s a pretty special experience.” And as if an Olympic Gold medal and world title wasn’t enough, Owain also won Wales’s first gold medal of the Games. “I managed to sneak it first, which was quite nice! Obviously, Wales did unbelievably well at the Games anyway, but it was nice to get the ball rolling.” It’s clear that succeeding for Wales means a lot to Owain. “Someone actually told me afterwards that I am the first ever Welsh speaking gold medal winner. That’s makes me really proud!” Team GB had unprecedented success in the cycling in Rio. Owain explains: “They’ve got a tried and tested template which they’ve repeated over the last Games from Beijing to Rio, so it’s 12 years of dominance. Everything is geared towards the Olympics. We’ll happily sacrifice World and European Championships just to make sure that when it comes to those Olympic Games we are the best we can possibly be. I think that’s a concept which is quite hard for a lot of other nations to understand. A lot of their funding comes off the back of the World Championships but ours is funded off the Olympics, so we are in a fortunate situation where the Worlds aren’t as important. They still hold a big place obviously, but the focus is always on the Olympics.” So what does Owain’s family think of his success? “I don’t think it’s really sunk in for any of us. I was very lucky that my Mum, Dad, sister, brother, aunty and uncle were out in Rio so they were there on the night, so I got to see them minutes after winning. I think we were all as shocked as each other. It was a really special moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and I don’t think they will either.” Owain recently completed the Tour of Britain which brought him back through Wales and gave him an opportunity to see his family again. “My Mum loves cycling so she had most of the week off. She booked it off specifically so she could watch most of the racing around the UK. She had her own Tour of Britain as it were! So it was nice to see her after most days. The reception I got from everyone in Wales during the tour was a lot more than I

“

I’ve got a lot of fond memories of after school, tearing around on our bikes around Rhiwbina near the tennis courts

expected. Loads of people were queuing outside the bus for photos and signatures, and everyone was shouting my name as I was riding along - it was a bit surreal but it was nice.” Owain signed for Team Sky in May and now plans to focus on switching from the track to the road. “That’s what I’m going to focus on for the next couple of years, and then leave that for a few years and potentially come back for Tokyo. The next couple of years I want to try and do as much I can on the road - follow what Geraint Thomas has done in the team.” An Olympic Gold and World Record has not done anything to dampen Owain’s ambitions: “I’m looking forward to stepping up and racing the biggest bike race in the world on the road and looking forward to fulfilling ambitions of riding certain races and trying to do well in them.” Not bad for the boy who used to cycle around Rhiwbina on his bike. “When I was growing up, a lot of my friends lived in Rhiwbina so I’ve got a lot of fond memories of after school, tearing around on our bikes around Rhiwbina near the tennis courts, not far from where my Mamgu lives.” He reflects on his memories of the village: “Most days after school we’d go back to my Mamgu’s. It’s a really nice area and I’ve got a lot of fond memories of growing up there. What I loved about Rhiwbina was the general relaxed feeling; I was always a bit jealous living in Llanishen to be honest, as all my friends in Rhiwbina lived so close to each other and it is such a relaxed place.” After living in Manchester for the past six years, Owain is now looking forward to returning to live in Cardiff in November. “I miss seeing friends and family it’s the little things.” After his travels to the other side of the world, Owain appreciates even more what Cardiff has to offer. “Cardiff is great as there is enough going on but it’s still small enough at the same time.” There will be a welcome waiting in the hillside for him, we’re sure.

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HMS Campbeltown wedged on the dock gates

Llandaff's Bill Pritchard was one of 622 men who took part in an extraordinary raid on a German-held port during WW2. This is the true story of how a group of men turned the war

THE GREATEST RAID OF THEM ALL 28th March 1942 00:30 hrs

Under the cover of darkness, the British destroyer HMS Campbeltown and a convoy of 18 small craft slowly and quietly swept up the Loire estuary, deep in enemy territory. Its target was the heavily defended Normandie dry dock at St. Nazaire in Germanoccupied France. In spring 1942, German U-boats were wreaking havoc in the Atlantic and the English Channel, while out in the North Sea, the giant German battleship Tirpitz, was waiting to be unleashed on Atlantic shipping convoys. St. Nazaire was the only Germanheld port large enough to service her on the Atlantic coast. And so it fell to a group of brave men aboard HMS Campbeltown and the small ships, to put the dry dock out of service for good. Commanding the Campbeltown was Welshman Captain Beattie. And in one of the smaller boats, sat a man from Llandaff. His name was Bill Pritchard. The convoy was less than two miles away from its target when its cover was finally blown. The following events went down in history as the Greatest Raid of Them All.

William Henry Pritchard was born on the 22nd October 1914. His father, Captain William Edward Pritchard MBE was Dock Master at Cardiff Docks and the family lived at Mill House, Mill Lane in Llandaff Fields. After completing his schooling, Bill served an apprenticeship with the engineering branch of the Great Western Railway and was based at Cardiff Docks. Soon after, he joined the Territorial Army and was commissioned to the Royal Engineers: 246 (Cardiff) Field Company RE. It was in early May 1940 that Lt. Pritchard was sent to Belgium where he led two reconnaissance parties, preparing for an Allied advance. Not long after arriving there, Bill was put in charge of blowing up a bridge, but before he could blow it up his group came under intense fire from German forces. Bill managed to achieve his aim of blowing the bridge up but within a few days, the situation in Belgium had become hopeless. On 26th May, Bill and his group learned that they were to be evacuated back to the UK. They had to get back to the French coast with immediate effect where they would be collected. With the Germans hot on their tails, 246 carried out vital acts of demolition and built relief bridges to help relieve traffic congestion from retreating

forces. The Company’s transport was sent to the coastal town of La Panne where the Group drove their trucks into the sea one after the other. This created a jetty that the retreating men could walk along to the waiting ships. Bill’s escape from the Dunkirk beaches was extraordinary in itself. By sheer chance, Bill was picked up by a boat that had been provided by his next door neighbour, Jack Neale. Upon arriving back in England, Bill was sent to Colston’s School in Bristol to reorganise. There, he was pleased to bump into his younger brother, who happened to be a pupil there. After Dunkirk, Bill was promoted to Captain. He expressed regret that the French docks had not been destroyed before the evacuation. As such, the Germans had access to several key ports which gave their navy free reign to their

British Commandos 1942

history warships in the Atlantic. While on leave back in Cardiff, Bill made a study of German air attacks on Cardiff Docks, and came to the conclusion that placing explosives on vital equipment would be much more effective than blanket bombing. In January 1942, Bill was ordered to report to Combined Operations Headquarters where he was instructed to plan an attack on St Nazaire and to train the commandos who would take part in it. It would be called Operation Chariot. Its aim would be to ram a destroyer packed with four tonnes of explosives into the gates of the dry docks at German-held St. Nazaire, destroy the facilities, and get back home again. It seemed an impossible task. Training took place in Rosyth, Southampton, Cardiff and Barry. On one occasion, security at Cardiff Dock had not been alerted to the training and as the men with blackened faces started swarming the girders, the local policeman ordered their arrest. After a meal at the Angel Hotel, the commandos assigned to the demolition work left for Falmouth. While waiting for their train at Cardiff General, Bill overheard one of the commandos guessing out loud that he thought they were headed for St. Nazaire. Afraid of a breach in security, Bill had the commando arrested on the spot. HMS Campbeltown set sail at 2pm on 26th March 1942. It was accompanied by 18 small craft, and in its forward compartment was concealed four and half tons of high explosive encased in concrete. If the mission was to be a success, the ship had to hit the dock gates perfectly at just the right speed and at just the right angle. Capt. Beattie, commanding the Campbeltown, had so far managed to guide the convoy into France undetected and was just eight minutes away from his target. Suddenly, the entire convoy was illuminated by the combined searchlights from both sides of the estuary.

The Germans demanded identification and still aiming to deceive them, the British replied with a coded response stolen from a German trawler that they had apprehended in an earlier raid. It bought them very little time before every German gun opened fire. With a mile still to go, the German flag that had been raised aboard HMS Campbeltown was lowered and the British battle ensign was raised. The ship was taking huge punishment but Capt. Beattie ordered the speed to be increased. Caught in the gunfire, the helmsman was killed outright and replaced by another, only for the replacement to be shot and killed too. Up stepped another replacement - it was Nigel Tibbits, the commando who had designed the bomb aboard the ship. Blinded by the searchlights, Beattie gave orders to Tibbits who steered the Campbeltown. The ship narrowly avoided a collision with a harbour wall, cutting through anti-torpedo netting strung across the entrance to the dock gate before Tibbits drove the ship up 33 feet (10 m) onto the gates. With gunfire streaming into the bridge, Capt. Beattie looked at his watch and looked up. With a wry smile, he said: "Well there we are. Just four minutes late." The commandos then hurried to disembark and tackle their individual tasks. The key targets - the pumping station, lock gates, bridges, and other key buildings were destroyed. Bill's tasks were to control the timing of the demolitions and to attack targets of opportunity. These included two tugs that were berthed side-by-side. Bill and his corporal lowered charges between the two, sinking both of them. But as dawn broke, it became apparent that the small ships that were to provide passage back to the UK had been destroyed. The raid was well and truly over and 168 commandos were dead. The sight of the Campbeltown riding high over

Capt. Bill Pritchard

the dock gates, still intact, drew crowds and souvenir hunters. The bomb had not gone off. With no means of getting home, over 200 commandos were taken prisoner by the stunned German forces. By 10am, Capt. Beattie was being held in a nearby hut. His German interrogator had tried belittling him and remarked: "It's no good ramming a stout caisson like that with such a flimsy ship." At that moment, there was a huge explosion. The bomb inside the Campbeltown had finally exploded. The dock was put out of action for the next 10 years. As for Bill's fate - his story only came to light a few years later. Making his way to his target, he turned a sharp corner and collided with a German soldier. Bill immediately fell backwards, most probably bayoneted. Corporal Maclagan, who was with him, shot the German and breathing heavily, Bill said: "That you, Mac? Don't stop for me. Go straight back and report to HQ. That's an order." The Corporal reluctantly followed orders but on arriving at HQ, was told that any help for Bill was out of the question. Bill's remains were buried in Escoublac, some ten miles west of St. Nazaire. On his headstone are inscribed the words "Loved by all who knew him". Pritchard Court in Llandaff now bears his name and a plaque was recently unveiled to commemorate his part in the raid.

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gardens

Autumn Colour

With the cool smell of autumn on the winds, Kevin Revell shows you how to capture the colours of the season

utumn flowers are few and far between, but colour is provided in the garden by the changing tapestry of autumn foliage colour which intensifies as the season advances. This annual show is as eagerly anticipated as the first flower of spring by many keen gardeners and garden visitors. The ‘New England Fall’ colours are typified by larger trees such as Maples, Liquidambar and Rowans. There are nevertheless, a range of smaller shrubs which are easier to accommodate in our modern gardens, where everything has to justify its place and not outgrow its welcome. The changing foliage colour is caused by pigments in the leaf used for protection from ultra-violet light being revealed by the breakdown of the

chloroplasts. These contain the green pigment chlorophyll, a valuable molecule for the plant, the constituent parts of which are reclaimed and stored through winter. This reveals the anthocyanins and carotenoids within the leaf which gives us the familiar autumn colours. The season can be frustratingly short as the colour exhibited by the fading foliage can be lost to an overnight storm. The autumn display is vital in marking the turn of the seasons; a careful choice of plants can extend the season over several weeks. Occasionally a long spring followed by a warm summer will lead to a wonderful show where the autumn colour goes on and on. Japanese Maples are the epitome of good autumn colour and to see them at their best, it is worth visiting local parks, stately homes and arboretums to see a display which is impossible to replicate in our own modest circumstances. Plant combinations can be

copied and a little bit of Westonbirt brought home can add to the seasonal interest of our own gardens.

Top Five Shrubs for Autumn Colour Acer palmatum – Japanese Maple Although perhaps regarded as a small tree, these plants are a varied bunch and many of them are extremely slow growing and multi-stemmed, making them at least nominally a shrub, for a few years at least. Even fully grown they rarely exceed 4m and the weeping types with the dissected foliage are a lot more manageable at less than 2m. Fallen leaves reveal the tortured, twisting tracery of branches which make an attractive sculptural feature through winter. The green form Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ exhibits the greater change in colour as the apple green leaves

turn orange and red, while the upright form ‘Osakazuki’ turns from green to cerise pink. Best left unpruned to prevent disease getting into the wood, they rarely outgrow their allotted position and are happy in pots and containers which will also restrict their height, rather like a bonsai tree. A sheltered, partshaded position is ideal both to prolong the autumn display and to protect the emerging foliage in spring which can be scorched by wind and strong sunlight.

summer progresses before turning shades of orange and red in autumn. Although compact growing, it is capable of reaching 2m if left alone. With hard pruning in autumn or winter, taking the stems below 50cm, its size can be restricted to less than 1.5m and the foliage colour and leaf size will be enhanced. The smoke-like haze of wispy red inflorescences are produced on mature growth, being absent from hard pruned plants. With a range of attributes from bright foliage colour to good, autumn colour, this is a highly recommended shrub which gives a welcome alternative to the usual green palate of garden colour.

Amelanchier lamarckii – Snowy Mesphilus A useful all-round shrub in the garden, with three seasons of interest between the spring flowers, summer fruit and rich autumn foliage. It is also an attractive plant for wildlife and a good indicator of warmer spring weather approaching when it erupts into a cloud of blossom which fades to reveal the emerging coppery new foliage which itself matures to mid green. Usually grown as a large shrub of 2-3m, it can also be grown as a small, single stemmed tree where it will eventually reach 4-5m. A low maintenance plant, no pruning is necessary and little feeding required, it has a rather untidy habit which is usually disguised by the abundant cloak of summer foliage.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Ruby Glow’ – Smoke Bush A new compact variety of this superb deciduous shrub which starts the year olive green, the new shoots becoming suffused with ruby red as

Euonymus alatus ‘Compacta’– Winged Spindle While Euonymus is best known as an evergreen groundcover plant, there are a number of deciduous forms which display excellent autumn colour. The large growing native spindle Euonymus europaeus has bright red autumn colour but the smaller winged spindle goes a shocking cerise crimson which in a sheltered spot, will persist for a number of weeks. They may be accompanied by shocking coloured pink fruits which split to reveal bright orange seeds. A further benefit is provided by the corky winglike structures which develop on the bark as the stems mature, giving winter interest to the mature plant. This is another low maintenance shrub which requires no pruning and should not exceed 1.5m.

Although attractive to look at, care needs to be taken with placing this shrub as all parts are toxic.

Viburnum plicatum ‘Maresii’ Viburnum That few viburnums have acquired a common name perhaps explains their relative unpopularity, but they are surely one of the best groups of plants for the garden. This one is a real winner, having attractive ribbed, oval green leaves on evenly tiered branches which fill out over time to 1.5m-2m. Complex flower heads like mini lacecap hydrangeas add to the interest in early summer which turn to bright red berries by late summer. The highlight is surely the red and purple hues of the winter colour which is extremely persistent and is only lost with the extreme storms of early winter weather. Other varieties such as ‘Pink Beauty’ are equally garden worthy, having a pink blush to the fading flowers and a stronger red tinge to the autumn colour. Kevin Revell is Plant Area Manager at Caerphilly Garden Centre

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WIN tickets! Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra are set to open their most exciting season yet with a helping hand from a Hollywood A-lister! Iconic Welsh actor and director Michael Sheen OBE will be the special guest narrator in Concert of Unexpected: A Celebration of Roald Dahl at St David’s Hall on Friday 21st October. Michael will narrate the World Premiere of a work entitled Mr Dahl, which is based on the legendary author’s wonderful and whimsical life. The captivating piece is written by respected Welsh composer Bernard Kane Jr, who has collaborated with the likes of Manic Street Preachers, Bryn Terfel, Sir Karl Jenkins and Catrin Finch to name just a few. This magical family concert has been preceded by Cardiff’s City of the Unexpected festival, which celebrated 100 years of Dahl who was born in Llandaff in 1916. The rest of the programme outlines Dahl’s war years as a pilot (Walton’s Spitfire, Prelude and Fugue); his Norwegian roots (Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite) and one of his most popular tales (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). You could be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to this unique concert. All you need to do is answer the following question: What is the name of the Hollywood star who will be the special guest narrator for the World Premiere of Mr Dahl?

WIN a pair of tickets to Made By Hand Wales Craft Fair at City Hall, Cardiff Spread across three days in the heart of Cardiff in the historic and prestigious City Hall, Made by Hand brings together a handpicked selection of leading makers from all over Wales and the UK. The highly selective collection includes jewellers, potters, furniture makers, textile artists, glassmakers and many more, all selling directly to the public. New this year, following the huge success of The Pottery Showdown in June at The Contemporary Craft Festival, Made by Hand will welcome the potters from the BBC’s hit TV show to Cardiff. You can meet Matt, Tom, Sally-Jo and Jim throughout the weekend, buy the ceramics they make and challenge them in the Made by Hand Showdown. To win a pair of weekend tickets to the fair, simply answer this question: How many makers will be displaying at the Made by Hand Craft Fair? (answer located within this magazine). Send your answer, name and telephone number to competitions@livingmags.co.uk, or by post to our postal address on the inside front cover of our magazine. Entries must reach us no later than 21st October. The fair runs from 28th - 30th October. madebyhand-wales.co.uk

a) Martin Sheen b) Charlie Sheen c) Michael Sheen Send your correct answer, along with your name, address and telephone number to sdhpress@cardiff. gov.uk by Friday 14th October at the latest. To guarantee your seats, please visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on 029 2087 8444

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Autumn crafts

Leafy Jars

These autumnal jars look great when finished but are so easy to make. Pick up some Mod Podge from your local hobby store. It’s a type of glue. Dab your brush into the Mod Podge and apply a thin layer on to a clean jar. Ensuring that your leaves are clean, start applying leaves to the outside of your jar. Finish your jar by adding a ribbon or rafia to complete your look. Lovely!

Leaf Monsters Acorn Owls

Acorns will often be found at the base of large oak trees. Scoop them up and once home, give them a good clean to remove any mud or dirt. You may want to bring home a small twig on which to set your acorn owls. Arm yourself with some scissors and glue and set about cutting out beaks, wings and eyes from pieces of felt. These will need to be fairly small to take into account the size of your acorn. Take your time glueing your bits onto your acorn. Feel free to play around with different shapes to give each acorn a different character.

40 40

Here’s a quick and easy way to bring those dead leaves back to life! You’ll need some googly eyes that are available from any hobby stores. Simply glue your googly eyes onto your leaves and leave to dry. Once dry, glue your leaf monsters onto a piece of paper or card and leave to dry. Which monster is your favourite?

Autumn Mobile

The great thing about mobiles is that you can put almost anything you want on to it. You’ll need a circular piece of wood for a traditional look, although it can be any shape you want. With some fishing wire, start hanging your autumnal goodies from the ring. These can be natural items such as pine cones or leaves, but you can also add anything you may have made - cut out felt leaves for instance. These will last longer than natural leaves. Once you have finished, hang it up and admire your work!

crafts

Apple Print banners

Autumn Leaf Garland

You’re most likely to have plenty of canvas shopping bags hanging around your house and you’ll need a few of these to create your banners. Cut out 8-10 squares from your canvas bags. Try and keep them all a similar size - a template can help. Cut some apples in half, dip them in paint and apply to the canvas. Allow to dry before finishing off any detailing with a marker pen. Attach each square to a piece of string with some metal jump rings.

Here’s a very quick and easy way to add autumn colour to your home. Cut out leaf shapes from pieces of felt. You can either attach the leaves at one end, or using a jumbo needle and some thread, stitch the leaves together using thread long enough to include all the leaves. Tie a knot in the ends and hang in your house, wherever it can be fully appreciated.

Window Display

You can use folded up coffee filters as leaves in this wonderful window display. You’ll need to paint them (you can do this a number of times to achieve depth of colour). Cut out the shape of a large tree from a roll of brown paper and stick it to your window with double-sided sticky tape. Then take your time to add the colourful leaves which will shine lovely colours when the autumn sunshine shines through them.

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Your pet questions answered

Chris Troughton is clinical director of Heath Vets in Rhiwbina. He’s here to answer all your pet questions. If you’d like to ask Chris a pet-related question, drop us a line I give my dog a worming tablet every month but my dog has never got used to taking a pill. Are there any easier ways of administering his monthly tablet? Vets make it look so easy. There are lots a ways to hide a pill, and I expect you’ve tried most of them – in a sandwich, encased in a bit of soft cheese, in the toffee in the middle of a Rolo etc. Many newer wormers have flavouring added and some are like tasty chews. Most dogs will take these voluntarily, but some are very suspicious and can’t be hoodwinked! If you are really struggling, there is a great spot-on medicine for dogs which treats roundworms, lungworms and fleas in one go. I recommend asking at your vets for advice, because the most effective medicines are prescription-only so you won’t get them in the pet shops. My cat’s teeth seem to be accruing a lot of tartar. In the past, I’ve attempted to clean his teeth with a feline toothbrush but I don’t

seem to be able to remove the hard stuff. Is there a procedure that you can do to help? Plaque is a soft whitish coloured material that forms continuously on teeth from the effects of normal bacteria in the mouth. When minerals in the saliva are deposited in the plaque, it forms hard tartar which is a yellowbrown colour. You can remove plaque by daily brushing and other oral hygiene procedures, but the hard tartar can only be removed with a hard scraper or an ultrasonic scaler. This is NOT just a cosmetic procedure. If left on the teeth, tartar will cause gum disease, leading to pain and inflammation and eventual tooth loss. General anaesthesia is essential to allow removal of the tartar in the tiny spaces between the teeth and close to the gum – the areas where it does most harm. It takes 24-48 hours for plaque to begin to harden into tartar, so to be effective you need to brush your pets’ teeth every day, using a toothpaste specially for pets, and a suitably sized and shaped brush. There are lots of chews, foods, toys and devices designed to help keep pets’ teeth clean and they can be useful aids, but there is nothing better than a daily brush. However, in spite of everything you do, it is inevitable that tartar will accumulate and almost all dogs and cats need professional dental scaling from time to time to keep them in good health. I read on the news that there is a nasty virus that kills

rabbits within days and has no UK vaccine. I’ve read it’s called rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD2) and wondered if you had any information or advice. We have had rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in the UK for many years now. It is a very nasty illness which strikes very rapidly and is usually fatal. Fortunately there’s a good vaccine which protects against RHD and also myxomatosis, and this should be given to all bunnies every 12 months. Recently a new strain of RHD, known as RHD2, has been recognised in Europe, and it has now spread to the UK. RHD2 is actually less virulent than the original virus but is still often fatal, with 20-50% of affected rabbits dying. It is very difficult to find any hard facts about the incidence of the new infection and I suspect it is quite rare in South Wales. However, that could easily change and we should not be complacent. Unfortunately, the vaccine we have in UK against RHD does not give protection against the new RHD2 strain of the virus. However, there are vaccines available in Europe, and vets are getting special import licences to use these but supply is a bit erratic. The new vaccine needs to be given in addition to the conventional 2-in-1 dose, and cannot be given at the same time. A: 123-5 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6UH T: 02920 621511 W: www.heathvets.co.uk

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Constituency News with Julie Morgan AM

There is good news for rail users this autumn as the station improvement works at Llandaf are nearing completion. At the time of writing, the long awaited lifts have become operational. I’ve campaigned for many years for better access, and supported by local councillors, this has come to fruition. In August, the Whitchurch Community Garden project received a boost with a new noticeboard being donated by the Principality. This has now been put up and thanks to a band of volunteers, the garden is bringing a bit of colour, produce and providing a habitat for wildlife. In September, I attended a stakeholder meeting at Velindre Cancer Centre to discuss plans for the new hospital. It’s hoped it will be built on meadowland north of Whitchurch Hospital with access via Coryton roundabout. There is currently planning permission for houses on the site which has been strongly opposed by local residents and myself – the hospital plan is preferable and would prevent increased traffic on Park Road. My team and I began September with a ‘Dementia Friends’ training session from the Alzheimer’s Society. It was very enlightening and I’d encourage community groups and people who deal with the public to join the 40,000 other Dementia Friends in Wales. We need many more to help raise awareness and support those living with dementia. The training is free and the Alzheimer’s Society will come to you – please contact me and I can put you in touch with them. STOP PRESS: My 16th annual Macmillan Coffee Morning took place on October 7. See my website for news about how much we raised. You can drop in to my surgeries on Mondays from 10-11am at 13a Llangranog Road, Llanishen and Fridays from 3-4pm at 17 Plasnewydd, Whitchurch. Call my constituency office on 029 2061 4577 or email me Julie.morgan@ assembly.wales

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With this season comes misty nights and autumn storms. Time to shut the world out and hunker down with these wonderfully warming recipes

welsh cakes By Pearl McCabe 1 lb of plain flour 1 heaped tsp of baking powder 10oz of good quality butter 6oz of sugar Pinch of salt 6oz of currants or sultanas (sultanas are softer and juicier) 1 heaped tsp of cinnamon I egg 2 tbsp of milk (three if you only have a small egg)

Autu mn

warm ers ☐ With freshly washed but cool hands, mix

together the flour with the baking powder and the salt. ☐ Rub in the butter, cupping your hands about six inches apart with fingers facing each other and passing the mixture over your fingers but under your thumbs. Do this until it feels like fine breadcrumbs. Be patient. ☐ Add the sugar, cinnamon and sultanas; mix all these dry ingredients together evenly. ☐ Mix the egg and milk separately in the small bowl and stir thoroughly with a fork. ☐ Add the liquid just mixed to the dry ingredients stirring initially with a fork, then mixing with your hands (this is the only bit that needs a little practice). Gather the dough into your hands and knead gently to achieve the overall consistency of modelling clay. This will need a few minutes to get right. If your mixture is too wet to stick to itself, add a sprinkle of flour. If your mixture is too dry and crumbly add a tiny amount of milk. ☐ Heat the bakestone or griddle on the top of your cooker on the largest ring at the highest setting. After a few minutes, place your hand over the centre of the bakestone (about three inches above it), then when it feels very warm to hot, turn

the regulo down to maintain the heat.

☐ Split the dough into three and roll out one

portion at a time on a well floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use the cookie cutter to cut out as many cakes as possible, then gather up and re-roll the dough, cut out more and so on until all the dough is used up. ☐ By now your bakestone should be ready. Carefully lay a test cake in the centre with the help of a palette knife, it should make a gentle ‘sizzle’ sound. If it does not ‘sizzle’, turn up the heat and try a minute or two later. The smell of burning indicates the opposite! Cook for a few minutes on each side, trying to achieve the traditional ‘sandy’ texture. ☐ Lift off the cooked cakes and let them cool, replacing them with the uncooked ones until you have cooked them all. Sprinkle with sugar while they are still hot. ☐ Serve with good quality tea and enjoy. They can also be spread with butter, jam or honey and should be stored in an air-tight container and can stay fresh for several days. COOK’S TIP: Replacing fruit with grated lemon or orange rind is just as delicious!

marshmallow 250g icing sugar, mixed with 250g cornflour for dusting 2 tbsp agar powder 200ml water 200g granulated sugar 100g glucose syrup 3 free-range egg whites 1 tbsp guar gum 1/4 tbsp cream of tartar 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste

☐ Line a 20cm square baking tin with cling film and dust in a small portion of the 50/50 sugar/ cornflour mix. Dissolve the agar powder in 120ml of water in a small saucepan and put to one side. ☐ Mix the sugar, glucose and 80ml water in a pan and bring to the boil to make a sugar syrup. Cook the mixture until it reaches 120°C on a sugar thermometer. ☐ Put the dissolved agar mixture on the heat, bring it to the boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. ☐ Combine the egg whites, guar gum, cream of tartar and vanilla and whisk in a whisker until it is stiff. This usually takes about 4 minutes. Gently pour in your sugar syrup, keeping your mixture on a medium setting. Increase the speed and whisk for another 2 minutes. Add in the cooked agar mix and beat for a further 12-15 minutes at full speed. The mixture should be stiff and able to produce firm ribbons. ☐ Leave to set by pouring into your tin, smoothing over with a damp palette knife and leaving to set overnight at room temperature. ☐ Once set, prepare a work surface by dusting

recipes it with some of the dusting mixture. Tip the marshmallow slab out of the tin, using the cling film to give you some leverage. Dip a sharp knife into hot water and warm it up. Then trim neatly around the edge of the slab before cutting it into squares. Roll the squares in the dusting mix and leave to dry for 24 hours.

Choc Chip Cookies 125g butter, softened 100g light brown soft sugar 125g caster sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 225g self-raising flour ½ tsp salt 200g chocolate chips

☐ Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. ☐ Cream the butter and sugars. Once creamed, combine in the egg and vanilla. ☐ Sift in the flour and salt, then the choc chips. ☐ Roll into walnut size balls for a more homemade look, or roll into a long, thick sausage shape and slice to make neater looking cookies. ☐ Place on ungreased baking paper. If you want slightly gooey cookies, then bake for just 7 minutes until the cookies are just setting - the cookies will be really doughy and delicious. Otherwise cook for 10 minutes until just golden round the edges.

ultimate hot chocolate 2 pints of semi-skimmed milk 2 tbsp Horlicks 2 tbsp cornflour 3 tbsp icing sugar 4 tbsp quality organic cocoa 100g good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), finely grated 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch sea salt

☐Pour the milk into a large pan, and bring almost to the boil over a medium heat. Meanwhile, add all the chocolate mix ingredients to a large jar and give it a good shake to combine. You need around 10 heaped tablespoons of the chocolate mix for this amount of milk. Simply spoon the chocolate mix into the hot milk, give it a good whisk and leave to bubble away for a few minutes before serving. 51

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Exciting things are taking place in North Cardiff. In a short space of time, Michelle Marshall Salon has not only firmly established themselves within Cardiff, but they’ve scooped a host of national awards and accolades. After picking up an award at the 2016 Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards, the Rhiwbina-based salon has recently been shortlisted for the Cardiff Lifestyle Awards, a prestigious event (produced by Made in Cardiff TV) which will be held on 9th November at Portland House in Cardiff. The salon is among the finalists for the Best Cardiff Hair and Beauty Salon. Salon director Michelle Marshall said: “We’ve also been shortlisted in the National Hairdresser’s Federation ‘Welsh Awards’, which will be held on 6th November. We’re up for Salon Team of the Year, which makes us very proud as earlier this year we were recognised for our team service when we won the Welsh Hair and Beauty Award for Best Team Service. “We’ve had such a busy year. Back in July, we styled all 30 contestants of the Miss Universe Great Britain competition which was held at Newport Waterfront. We will also be working on Cardiff Fashion Week in October, as we have in previous years.” Michelle will head up the styling team for 30 models at Cardiff Fashion Week, a much anticipated event being held at the iconic Cardiff Masonic Lodge in Churchill Way. The event will showcase runway shows from new and emerging designers from all over Wales, along with students from the University of South Wales and other colleges. High street labels and local boutiques will be featured

Pictures by sarahbarnesphotography.co.uk

and styled by fashion stylist Wenda James Rowe. But it’s not all about awards and runways. Providing the Michelle Marshall experience to the Cardiff public is at the beating heart of the salon. “Although we are firmly established in Rhiwbina village, we have guests who travel from all over to come here. As well as guests from Cardiff, we have guests who travel from as far afield as West Wales and London. We believe that the service we provide is the reason why people keep coming back - we take more time and care to provide them with our unique experience. “We offer a range of specialist services here at the salon including Balayage. This is hair painting without foils to place contour and add light in a natural looking way to hair. It’s a unique technique with French origins (balayage is the French word ‘to sweep’) and transforms hair by actively painting with colour like an artist would paint a canvas. This creates light and shadows to enhance the natural characteristics of your hair.” Michelle believes the salon’s success is in part due to them always seeking to offer something different: “I want the salon to be innovative and to push boundaries. Training in New York really inspired my passion for cutting edge approaches and techniques.” Michelle has been a Redken certified hair colorist for the past 12 years and believes that

education and training is the key to keeping the team at the forefront of hairdressing. “Most recently being awarded the 1st Colour specialist in Cardiff from the Good Salon Guide, has cemented what we do and how we do it. “We are now offering Great Lengths Hair Extensions and Kerastraight, a smoothing treatment that lasts for three months and eliminates frizz, bulk and defines curls. We are one of the first salons in the UK to have launched the revolutionary pH bonder which protects, bonds and balances the pH level of the hair, while preserving the hair fibre and integrity during colouring.” The salon continues to build a following across social media and can be followed on Instagram @michellemarshallsalon and their Facebook page. To experience their award winning team, call the salon today to book in for your FREE consultation. A: 12 Beulah Rd, Cardiff CF14 6LX T: 029 2061 1566 W: www.michellemarshallsalon.co.uk

short story

Autumn Soup

A short story by Alice Morgan

he school bell rang and Miss Lipman shouted over the babble of the children as they packed up their things. ‘Thank you for a wonderful first day, Year Three! Make sure you’ve got your bags to go home with.’ Alex pulled on his new coat that Mum had bought him and rolled up the sleeves that were too long. He hadn’t wanted to go back to school after a long, lazy summer spent at the beach, in the park and on the sofa. He’d thought about all the jobs he could do as a grown up that meant staying home every single day. Maybe he could be a writer. He pulled his backpack on to his shoulders and started to line up with his friends. Miss Lipman let them out one at a time. Alex could

They walked

back home together through Caedelyn Park and Mum stuck

to the path while

Alex ran through

the huge piles of leaves that were under

the trees

see Mum waiting with her blue anorak on and he shouted a quick ‘See you tomorrow!’ to his friends as he ran over to her. ‘Hello you!’ Mum said as she bent down to hug him. ‘How was your first day back?’ ‘Good,’ smiled Alex. ‘What did you get up to?’ Mum asked as they walked towards the school gates together. ‘Not much.’ ‘Always the same,’ Mum laughed. They walked back home together through Caedelyn Park and Mum stuck to the path while Alex ran through the huge piles of leaves that were under the trees. They crunched under his feet and he kicked them up in the air so they fell like a red and gold shower around him. ‘Look Mum!’ he called. ‘Look at my leaf shower!’ She smiled and beckoned him over to her so he kicked one last time and ran back to the path. ‘Do you know that those trees have been there since before Nanny was in school?’ Mum said. ‘Have they?!’ asked Alex, in disbelief. ‘Yep. They’ve been there for a very long time.’ ‘Wo-o-ow!’ Alex said, marvelling at the old trees that surrounded the park. Maybe I could be a park-keeper when I’m older, he thought, and look after all the old trees. ‘We’ve got soup for tea tonight,’

Mum said. ‘Ohhh, I didn’t want soup!’ ‘I guessed that so I bought us some chocolate fudge cake to have as a treat for afters.’ ‘Yessss!’ Alex said, hugging Mum tightly. As they walked through the front door of their house, Alex noticed his dad crouching down in front of the fireplace. ‘What are you doing, Dad?’ he asked, throwing his school bags down on the floor. ‘Lighting the fire, son. There’s gonna be a storm tonight,’ Dad said, with excitement in his eyes. As he watched the flames dance in the grate, Alex made a very big decision. ‘I’m going to be a fireman when I grow up,’ he said, proudly. ‘Are you?’ Mum asked. ‘I thought you wanted to be an astronaut, a vet, a sailor, a policeman and an archaeologist.’ ‘I do but now I want to be a fireman too!’ Mum laughed. ‘Well, whatever you’re going to be, just make sure you’re still my Alex,’ she said, kissing his head and ruffling his hair. ‘Now, who wants some soup?’ Alice Morgan is an award-winning writer and blogger. You can find more of her work at www.alicemariarose.com

Josh Widdicombe Saturday 22 October Sadwrn 22 Hydref

The Bootleg Beatles Tuesday 6 December Mawrth 6 Rhagfyr

Philharmonia Orchestra Friday 18 November Gwener 18 Tachwedd

English Chamber Ensemble with Miloš Karadaglić Thursday 8 December / Iau 8 Rhagfyr

Christmas Ballets Tues 20 December - Mon 2 January Mawrth 20 Rhagfyr - Llun 2 Ionawr

John Wilson & The John Wilson Orchestra

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Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes Wednesday 2 November Mercher 2 Tachwedd

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