Whitchurch and Llandaff Living issue 42

News | People | Features | Competitions | Lifestyle

Whitchurch &

Llandaff Living

At the heart of the community

Issue 42 Mar/Apr' 17

spring Spruce up your home for spring Win a 3 course meal for two Your multi award-winning community magazine

Contents

3-4 News 5-6 Letters 8 School News

All the latest 12 Phil Steele

Exclusive interview 16 Insole Court

The fall and rise of a

local landmark 20 Bishop of Llandaff

Dr Barry Morgan

reflects on his ministry 24 Home Interiors

Spruce up your home

for spring 27 Competitions

Win a meal for two

and Sam Bailey tickets 30 The Battle of St Fagans

Local history 34 Colours of Spring

Kevin Revell adds

colour to your garden 42 A-Z of the local area

People and places

that make our

villages special 45 Spring Greens

Asparagus soup 46 Spring Walk

Nant Fawr Woods Early summer deadline: 1st May 2017 Published 15th May 2017

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

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising from the publication of this material. Every effort has been made to contact any copyright holders. Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is an independent, apolitical publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers.

Winners at the 2014 UK Independent Magazine Awards 2

What’s on Mother's Day Afternoon Sunday 26th March Pugh's Garden Centre, Radyr Tickets £30 and includes creating your own springtime basket of flowers.

St Fagan's Easter Egg Hunt Thursday 14th – Monday 17th April 11am-2pm St Fagans Museum Solve the riddles and follow the trail around the famous museum. £2.50 per child.

Easter Medieval Weekend Saturday 15th April - Monday 17th April

Castle Coch, Tongwynlais Crafts and demonstrations of medieval life, and birds of prey to see.

Old Llantrisant Walk Friday 28th April, 6pm Llantrisant A guided walk hosted by Llandaff Society.

Meet at Llandaff High Street car park at 6pm.

Cardiff 5k Race Sunday 30th April, 7pm Whitchurch Village A race and fun run through Whitchurch, raising money for Cancer Research Wales.

Welcome / Croeso Welcome to your first Whitchurch and Llandaff Living of 2017.

Since our last issue, we've been delighted to hear that we've been shortlisted for a prestigious Wales Media Award. The awards are a celebration of the finest Welsh media in the country and we are absolutely thrilled to be among the finalists.

For our spring issue, we've brought you a great mix of interviews, news features and stories.

Firstly, we were honoured to speak to Dr Barry Morgan, former Archbishop of Wales and former Bishop of Llandaff.

Dr Morgan retired from both roles last month and we caught up with him as he reflected on his ministry.

With rugby season well underway, we spoke to rugby pundit Phil Steele who has recently published his autobiography. A well-known face around Whitchurch, Phil's book has been so well received that it's already on its second reprint - just two months after its launch.

One of the most remarkable transformations taking place in our villages is that of Insole Court. The former mansion house fell into disrepair many years ago but is now blossoming into new life thanks to Lottery and other funding, as well as the hard work of its staff and volunteers. We take a look at its history and its place now in our current life.

While we're on the subject of history, we've got a great feature about the Battle of St Fagans, that took place back in the 1600s. The clash was one of the biggest and deadliest battles ever to have been fought in Wales and cost 300 men their lives.

Local gardener Kevin Revell shows www.facebook.com/ whitchurchandllandaffliving

you how to bring a splash of colour to your spring garden and if you fancy stretching your legs and taking in the fresh spring air, we've got a great walk through Nant Fawr Woods to help you blow away those cobwebs.

Finally, we've got two great competitions for you this issue. First up, you can win a delicious meal for two and a bottle of wine at the Brook Bistro in Whitchurch. The bistro opened in September and is already a firm favourite of many locals. We've also got a pair of tickets to see X Factor winner Sam Bailey when she comes to Cardiff in May. Spring is traditionally a time of renewal and regeneration so we've put together a few ideas from our local advertisers to help you breathe fresh life into your home and to spruce up your home for spring!

As ever, we encourage you to please support our advertisers where and when you can. Local trade is at the heart of our communities and without it, our villages would not be the same.

See you in early summer!

Danielle and Patric Editors

@Whit_Llandaff

news

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Llandaff North shortlisted for prestigious award Hyb opens its doors to public

Both Whitchurch and Llandaff Living and its sister publication Rhiwbina Living, have been shortlisted for the Independent Community News Service of the Year Award at this year's Wales Media Awards.

The two magazines are up against each other and the Caerphilly Observer for the award, which is open to publications that are truly independent and not supported by any large commercial enterprise.

Rhiwbina Living was set up in 2007

by Dr Danielle Dummett and Patric Morgan when they moved to Rhiwbina and found it difficult to find out what was going on in an area which had tremendous community spirit. The immediate success of Rhiwbina Living magazine was followed by calls from the Whitchurch and Llandaff area to set up a similar publication for their community, and Whitchurch and Llandaff Living was established just a year later.

Dr Danielle Dummett said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for the award and it represents how far our magazines have come since we first launched our publications nearly ten years ago.

To be recognised as a finalist for this award is hugely rewarding.”

The awards evening is a major fund raiser for the Journalists’ Charity, and is a celebration of the very best of media talent in Wales.

The Awards will be presented at a prestigious black tie ceremony hosted by broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan at the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff on 31 March 2017.

Cathedral School heralds opening of new Llandaff Memorial Hall The new Llandaff Memorial Hall has officially re-opened following a £2.2m investment by the Cathedral School.

The original building has been replaced with a multi-purpose hall which will be used by the school’s Primary Phase as a dining space, gymnasium and performance/ assembly hall. Outside of school hours, the hall will be available to the local community as a venue for clubs and meetings, special events such as wedding receptions, birthday celebrations and for local dance/theatre groups, all on a notfor-profit basis.

The Most Revd. Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales and former Governor of the School, officially opened the building and was joined by governors, contractors, staff, pupils and representatives of the Llandaff community.

Opened originally in 1957, the Memorial Hall was established as a community facility to commemorate those from Llandaff who served and fell in World War II, amongst whom were 23 casualties who were former Cathedral School pupils.

Mrs Clare Sherwood, Head of the Cathedral School said:

“The Memorial Hall is a wonderful resource for the school and we are delighted to have restored it to its original purpose. The former Memorial Hall was erected for the benefit of the community, of which the Cathedral School is very much a part. Keeping its name was very important for us as a school.

“We were honoured to be joined by the Archbishop of Wales at the launch event and wish him all the very best for his forthcoming retirement.”

While blessing the new building, The Most Revd. Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales thanked those involved in bringing the project to fruition and asked guests to remember those in whose memory the hall was originally built.

The official opening of 'The Hub' in Llandaff North took place on Tuesday 28th February.

The Hub now has a café, a community hall, 12 public computers and a library. Hub users can also receive help with their benefit or council tax forms.

There is also a club to help people write CVs and search for jobs.

Llandaff North councillor Dilwar Ali said the Hub would make a real difference to community.

“It is a one-stop shop facility for all. My colleagues and I are pleased to have worked with the community to deliver this in my ward,” he said.

“I am impressed with everything on offer and the services which are now available to the local community,” he added.

Feedback from local residents has been positive since the Hub's opening.

Mother-of-two Jan Pritchard told Whitchurch and Llandaff Living: "I usually work from home during the day but I've spent most of the week there. I've also taken my children there to do their homework because it's a nice environment to work in."

The Hub has replaced the old library at a cost of £1.2 million.

“

It is a onestop shop facility for all 3

news

K2 celebrates 20th birthday

Llandaff restaurant K2 recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in the village.

Customers and staff joined in the celebrations with owners Kevin and Kim Geary on 24th February, who put on a complimentary celebration of canapés, wine and coffee.

Kim told Whitchurch and Llandaff Living: “It’s been an enjoyable 20 years.

We’d like to thank everyone who helped us celebrate our birthday and for all the lovely presents. We didn’t expect anything so it was a nice gesture.”

K2 first opened its doors in 1997 when Kevin and Kim bought what was then the Four Seasons café.

Since then, the restaurant has become a firm favourite for both locals and those further afield.

The licensed restaurant serves up homemade food, delicious cakes and piping hot coffee, as well as providing an outside catering service.

Bishop of Llandaff retires The Most Revd. Dr Barry Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff and Archbishop of Wales, has stepped down from public office following his announcement that he would retire.

Dr Morgan had been Bishop of Llandaff since 1999.

Dr Morgan said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Llandaff, and to do so during such a momentous era in Welsh life. Over the years I have seen Wales grow in selfconfidence as a nation and I now have every hope that this will be nurtured and enriched with the continued support of the Church in Wales."

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Llandaff groups look to renovate local building The Llandaff Over 50s group, with the support of the Llandaff Society have been offered use of the old toilet block on Llandaff's High Street.

The conveniences closed two years ago after budgetary cuts by Cardiff Council. The group have been offered a Community Asset Transfer and the Over 50s group are advancing the project to use the well-made building and adjacent courtyard.

Chair of the Llandaff Society, Geoff Barton-Greenwood told Whitchurch

and Llandaff Living: "The Over 50s group will be presenting an architectural scheme with a view to converting the building into a tourist information point and an accessible toilet, with space to run daily activities."

The added bonus of the proximity to the Bishop's Castle means that the space is ideal for gardening, boules matches, social events, fetes and historic interpretation.

Great-grandmother presents popular petition to City Hall

A great-grandmother, Betty Lewis, joined Cardiff North AM, Julie Morgan, to present a petition calling for access to public toilets in Whitchurch on January 26th at City Hall in Cardiff.

More than 800 people have signed the petition, calling on the Council to provide access to public toilets in Whitchurch after the last public loo closed late last year. They presented the petition to Councillor Bob Derbyshire outside City Hall.

Julie Morgan said: “The last public toilet in Whitchurch has closed and this is a serious issue.

Church in Wales' first woman bishop consecrated The Church in Wales' first woman bishop was consecrated at a ceremony in Llandaff Cathedral in January.

Canon Joanna Penberthy was consecrated as Bishop of St Davids at Llandaff Cathedral after being elected to the position by members of the Electoral College in November.

Some older people in particular do not feel happy to pop into a pub or café to use the toilet and will not come out if they know there is no loo, so it increases social isolation. It’s also very difficult for parents of young children.”

Betty Lewis, aged 82, and Julie Morgan, along with local supporters have collected 840 signatures, most of them collected on Whitchurch High Street in all weathers.

Betty Lewis said: “It’s important for elderly people to get out, for their physical and mental health, but if there’s not a convenient toilet to use then it’s impossible,” she said.

“People of a certain age tend to have weaker bladders and won’t go into shopping areas without a toilet nearby.

“But I’m not just thinking about myself. I’m also thinking about mums with young children.”

The 56-year-old said being made bishop was 'awe inspiring' and that she felt 'immensely humbled'.

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

Spring flowers will save lives Since 1985, when polio paralysed more than 350,000 children in 125 countries each year, Rotary International and its partners have been committed to eradicating polio from the world.

The job is almost complete with cases now in only three countries, and the aim is for them to be clear of the disease in 2018.

Rotary’s Purple4Polio campaign is raising the necessary funds to finish the job. As part of the campaign, Rotary is in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society to plant more than 5 million purple crocuses across Great Britain and Ireland.

The colour purple represents the colour of the dye which is placed on the little finger of a child on mass immunisation days to show that they have been treated.

The Rotary Club of Cardiff Breakfast has committed to planting 2,500 crocuses, and 500 of these have been planted in the church grounds at St Michael's Church, Tongwynlais - some in the flower tubs and some in the flower beds. Rotarians Pauline Owen and Canon Neville Jones were helped by two Tiny Tots on their way to their weekly morning in the church hall,

Should trolley buses be a tourist attraction?

Following on from the article published in your last issue, I have an interest in the development of electric vehicles and Cardiff trolley buses are an important part of transport history.

I was born in Cardiff and I travelled on the Cardiff trolley bus system many times; I have fond memories of the experience. I am mindful of their many advantages over diesel

assisted by the church verger Michael Griffiths who had prepared the ground beforehand.

Another batch has been planted in the Rotary Centenary Garden at the Whitchurch Library and yet more were donated to the George Thomas Hospice in Whitchurch, which were planted by some of their volunteers in the gardens used by patients and their families.

The Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7.30am in the Whitchurch Golf Club. Visitors are always welcome.

More information about the Club can be found at www.cardiffbreakfastrotary.org

Tony Edwards Rotary Club of Cardiff Breakfast

Plough Singers raise vital funds You have kindly printed some material in the past regarding our activities with the Plough Singers, Whitchurch's local community choir. When you do kindly publish our news, we do see a noticeable rise of traffic to our website.

With that in mind, I have attached some recent photos which I hope will be of interest for your next issue of the magazine.

They are showing a cheque presentation to Alzheimers Society (Wales), one of our favoured charities. We will also be donating a substantial cheque in the coming months to Tŷ Hafan and in time will donate to Velindre Hospital.

We are a not-for-profit male choir, donating our money to various good causes and charities. Formed in 1991, we sing in a three-part harmony and have performed at many prestigious locations around Cardiff.

We rehearse every Monday evening above Whitchurch Rugby Sports and Social Club between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Our members come from all walks of life, with all sorts of abilities and we all have a laugh. New members are always welcome.

Terry Chard Plough Singers, Whitchurch

powered vehicles. I believe that the restoration of a vehicle and a short demonstration route in Cardiff is a wonderful idea. This would be a great novel tourist attraction for Cardiff, whilst celebrating a part of Cardiff's heritage and demonstrating to a new generation how amazing those trolley buses once were. If possible I would like to be kept informed of any developments.

Kind Regards

Stephen Hunt Electrical Engineer (retired) 5

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

Robin Redbreast is out to cause trouble Dear Editors, I noticed a possible first for Whitchurch and Llandaff Living in Issue 41 - a letter from a Mr Redbreast, berating cats, all cats he says, simply for being cats. A tirade against cats who cannot help being cats. Racist! Felinist! What if he had written about gentle donkeys, people born in the Rhondda Fach, cyclists wearing lycra, or chaps who go to Porthcawl and wear socks with their sandals in case it turns cold later on? There would be an uproar.

Mr Redbreast’s letter became a real talking point for us cats and while we were pondering what action to take, I had a letter, addressed to me and clearly marked, “Very Personal and Confidential” from a Mr Tiddles Thomas of Tongwynlais, asking for my help. He had composed his letter of outrage to your magazine but had only managed to write, “Deah Editors” and he had signed it at the bottom, "Youares, Tamping – Mad of Tongwynlais". I telephoned him at night when his people would be asleep to find out more and offer my services.

Let's make the most of our time together Dear Princess Jasmine, To begin at the beginning, as I heard a human say, I address your queries from the top; your fears I must allay.

To reply in verse, though somewhat terse, is a scarce feline ability, But the great prowess which I possess, is literary agility.

Bemused by question number one, I guess you must be jesting, Only Pedigree/Regal cats like you have fathers who've been for testing.

Common cats know not their source of genes, let alone their dad's occupation; It's the females who matter, who

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He explained to me that the rude Mr Redbreast’s letter from a ‘wild’ bird who clearly had never been to Sunday school, or sung All Creatures Bright and Beautiful was a travesty of truth. Robins are not vegetarians. Far from it. They eat worms. Non-stop. Innocent garden worms who have never done anyone any harm, but plenty of good. They eat worms who are on earth to aerate the soil and do their bit for gardens and mankind. That is the thanks they get. They end up mashed to a pulp in someone’s beak. In the end, I suggested that I included his comments in my letter to your magazine, otherwise I would have been on the phone all night.

And, the way he was carrying on he was only upsetting himself further.

I must report that I had a delightful afternoon visiting the Library Park with Kato (see Issue 40) who called for me one day when the weather was clement. It was my first visit and Kato pointed out the sights to me. He carefully avoided the small persons play area and explained that going in there was dangerous, but we could go on a visit when the nights were warmer. At present, it would be too cold under paw. We sat on a bench, close, but not too close and counted the jackdaws.

Kato explained what they were

saying and wondered if they also spoke Crow, which was also a native North American language. He also told me impressive tales of being a barge cat as opposed to a ship’s cat, during his early years.

On the way home, we played a game which was counting how many doors had been painted in Farrow and Ball colours; I should never leave home without my paint chart in my paw!

Oh! I almost forgot to mention. Mr Macaroon Kavendish telephoned to ask if I should like to appear in his new musical comedy, Oh! Fellas. He wants me to play Desdemoanalot, the lead – of course. He even sent a sketch of the costume for Act One. The sketch is enclosed but I must rush as I have an appointment for a pawdicure in Whitchurch. The staff are very good and always ask, Blunt? Bit sharp? Murderously long?

About my claws of course!

Felicitations,

Princess Yasmin of Whitchurch

help us get fatter, and are subjects of our fascination.

They hold the curious notion one needs water to get clean!

Now moving on to question two, though my rivals I won't malign, I see your cunning mind at work, when you ask of my star sign; Maybe Pixel, Beaumont and YinYan discuss things so terrific, But you and I, Yazz my dear, have minds more 'scientific'.

Finally comes question six; is this the coup-de-gras?

I know you know the answer as you've sniffed me from afar.

You ask of sterility, to test my virility, And so I confess to a lack of fertility...

For question three, I'm blood group B, And then we come to question four; I'll eat and drink most anything, If it is fed me from YOUR paw.

Question 5: my interests lie in you my dearest one, But to pass the time I like to watch my humans having fun.

They're clumsy, noisy, active-types, they don't know how to preen;

But, [to quote Tom Lehrer]: "let's act with agility, While we still have the facility, For we'll soon reach senility And lose the ability."

As a final word, I won't be coy, I'll get in quick - before Boo Boy, I'll say it loud, I'll say it now, Princess Yasmin, MEEEEEEOOOOOWWW!

Your Kato xx

Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir & Orchestra

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Bishop of Llandaff students make their mark Last term, the students of The Bishop of Llandaff High School, alongside other young people in Cardiff, took part in the Make Your Mark Ballot.

The campaign, intended to find young people’s priorities to improve their city, was massively successful with a total of 9,860 ballots submitted from schools and youth services across Cardiff.

The top three priorities identified were: developing a curriculum to prepare young people for life, tackling racism and religious discrimination, and First Aid education for all young people.

David, a Bishop of Llandaff Sixth Form student, has been heavily involved in this project, and said: "Since the results were announced, the Youth Council has been hard at work setting up work groups and projects with goals especially intended to tackle the top three priorities.

These combined add up to almost half of young people’s priorities to improve the city. Cardiff Youth Council is keen on getting projects started to see some positive results - and we’re already underway!

"Our ‘Curriculum4Life’ group is well ahead of the curve after being voted a top priority for the third consecutive year. In past years, the group has conducted surveys to find relevant information and built the first draft of a website they’re continuing to develop this year."

He added: "Our group tasked with focusing on tackling race and religious discrimination has started finding their feet with a Cardiff-wide survey they plan on releasing very soon. Information gathered from this survey will help them find out how discrimination takes shape in the lives of young people, and will benefit them in finding the best way in eliminating discriminatory behaviour.

"And finally our ‘First Aid’ group has been gaining massive momentum by joining with the charities British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance to deliver first aid awareness courses to Sixth Form students across the city. Following a pilot project, the group will continue working with the charities to roll out the courses."

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Schools The Bishop of Llandaff seek to improve their city, score a great success at a prestigious competition and even try their hand at gymnastics

News In Brief · Our Year 7 and 8 boys’ team came second in the whole of Wales in novice gymnastics – an amazing achievement considering none are in gymnastic clubs outside school. · At the end of the Autumn Term, the Welsh Baccalaureate Christmas Fair raised over £1,400 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. A great achievement and a big thank you to all who supported the event. · A group of budding Sixth Form engineers participated in the EESW University Workshop Day, supported

by STEM Cymru, Welsh Water and the University of South Wales. · The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association put on their first ‘Curry and Quiz’ Night – a great evening of entertainment. · Our PE Department have been commended by Sport Cardiff West for their continued commitment to developing rugby in the school.

Bishop Business students rise to the challenge Bishop of Llandaff Business Studies students scored a significant success at the National Finals of the Real Business Challenge in February.

This competition is a very prestigious competition for Business students run by Coca-Cola, with over 4,000 students entering from Wales alone!

To get to this final stage of the competition, students had to develop a healthy sports drink that could be used to promote The Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB).

SOGB is a charitable organisation and is the largest provider of a yearround, all ability sports programme in Great Britain, supporting over 10,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

In the final, students had to come up with an idea for a fund-raising activity and a radio advertisement to raise awareness of the Special Olympic Games which will be held in Sheffield this summer. The posters that they designed will be displayed on bus stops around Cardiff.

News

Whitchurch High School visit Aston Martin, play Boccia and raise money for charity

Aston Martin visit

A group of very lucky Whitchurch pupils got the chance to have a VIP tour of the Aston Martin Headquarters in Warwick. The prize was generously awarded by Aston Martin to the winning teams of this academic year's Diva Derby.

The pupils arrived at the Technical Academy where apprentices are learning their trade, before they move on to manufacture these beautiful machines.

After meeting the apprentices, the pupils had a guided tour of the entire factory, exhibiting textile skills for the interior of the cars, engineering skills on the assembly line and product design skills in the CAD (Computer Aided Design) suite.

Aston Martin's new factory will be opening at St Athan in 2018, where they plan to manufacture their newest model, the DBX. It will be a four wheeled drive SUV to take on the likes of Porsche and Land Rover.

With hard work and determination, it's possible that there will be Whitchurch High School pupils working there in the future!

Whitchurch High School and its visiting pupils would like to thank Aston Martin for being such wonderful hosts and for inspiring the pupils into the world of Design and Technology.

Boccia Competition

Key Stage 3 Special Resource Base students had an amazing day with Sport Wales in a 'Boccia' competition held in Cardiff with schools from across South Wales.

Boccia is a precision ball sport and is part of the Paralympic Games.

Whitchurch High School came away with several medals and were placed in the top 3 of the competition.

schools WHS Rugby Academy shave heads for Dylan Members of Whitchurch High School Rugby Academy shaved their heads to raise money for Cancer Research in January. So far they have raised an incredible £4,500.

They decided to help raise money after player Ruari O'Flynn's small brother was diagnosed with a form of cancer.

Ruari said: “Many of you might know my little brother Dylan. He's basically a 6 year old superhero! I am in awe of him every day. He's so strong and so brave and also very, very funny!

"Just before Christmas, he was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a rare but treatable form of cancer. He has been poked, prodded, scanned and tested for everything for weeks.

He has to have a lumbar puncture every week and is now on a vigorous course of chemotherapy.

"The consultants, doctors and nurses at The Children's Hospital for Wales have worked tirelessly to set Dylan up on the best possible course of treatment and their dedication and expertise have been incredibly humbling.

"Dylan is responding really well to his treatment but I know that this is down to the research and hard work of some very clever people who are on a continued quest to beat cancer.

"I never imagined our lives would be affected by such a terrifying event; one day everything is normal and just in the blink of an eye the next day life is turned on its head. Any one of us could be affected by cancer at some point in our lives, it's a frightening situation to deal with at any age, let alone when you're 6.

"Please donate whatever you can and help fight this terrible disease."

If you would also like to donate please follow the link: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Ruari-O-Flynn

Black Belt

Congratulations to Caitlin O’Shea of Year 9 on achieving Second Degree Black Belt at her Taekwondo grading after three years of practise - and having to wait until she passed the age of 14 years, the minimum age for this category.

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Outstanding School for Boys and Girls ages 3-18

Take your next step

at the Cathedral School “Excellent� - Estyn Inspection

Senior School Open Morning (Years 7-13) Wednesday 29th March 2017, 9.30-11.00am All warmly welcome Seniors

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The brook bistro Brunch - lunch - dinner - Sunday lunch Join us at our new independent family bistro in the heart of Whitchurch village

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Phil Steele Broadcaster and public speaker Phil Steele has recently published his autobiography which charts his career and his fight with depression Among the mums, prams and coffees of Whitchurch’s Fino Lounge looms a giant of a man.

Instantly recognisable, Phil Steele makes his way over to the table and places two piping hot coffees down.

"It was black you wanted wasn't it?" he asks.

The broadcaster is promoting his autobiography which was published in December. Such has been the success of the book that it's already gone for a second reprint.

"Where do you want to start?" he asks. "I was born in Ely in 1961 into a staunch Catholic family. I went to Archbishop Mostyn Secondary Modern and left school with 4 A Levels – Geography, Geology, Biology and Guilt!

“I remember watching Wales playing for the first time on an old black and white TV with my Dad in 1968. Bill McLaren was commentating and it was an 11-11 draw against England at Twickenham. I was hooked.

"As a kid, I played rugby in school and regularly went down to watch Cardiff. At the age of about 12, I became a ball boy for Cardiff RFC. I loved everything about it – watching my heroes playing and

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that winter-greenish smell of the turf and the Deep Heat."

Phil's earliest memories of the game were to have a lasting effect on his career in later life.

"I saw my first Welsh game live in 1973 at Cardiff Arms Park. I was over on what was then the West Terrace.

I’ll always remember it – England came sprinting out first and then there came this overwhelming, rolling crescendo throughout the stands as we waited for Wales. It was almost as if the crowd’s roar was sucking the Welsh players out of the tunnel. And then they appeared in these scarlet jerseys and pristine white shorts. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

"The second game I went to was THAT Baa Baas game against New Zealand. I’ll always remember it – my ticket was just 30p!”

Phil’s love for the game took him to some of the European capitals that featured in what was then the Five Nations tournament.

“My dad used to work on the railways. I remember getting a train up to Holyhead and a ferry over to Dublin to watch Wales beat Ireland in 1978 to win the 'triple' Triple

Crown. I was still only a teenager then. After the game, among the buzz of the fans, I walked onto the pitch. I walked over to the piece of turf where JJ Williams had scored and picked up a clump of grass.

“The following year, I jumped back on a train and went all the way to Paris. Memories like that stick with you.”

Soon Phil turned from spectator to participant by joining his local club.

“I played rugby for Glamorgan Wanderers Youth and was honoured to win the esteemed Glamorgan Wanderers Youth Tie which you only got if you played 15 games. Money can't buy things like that! We went on a combined tour with Llandaff Rugby Club to Canada.

Here we were, just kids, wearing our blazers and climbing aboard a Jumbo Jet. We thought we were the Lions!

“I had ambitions to play for Wales.

I’d watched the greats playing – the JJs and the Gareth Edwards – and I wanted to be part of that. I went to study Physical Education at the famous Cardiff College of Education in Cyncoed because Gareth, JJ, and many other internationals had gone there. I played through college

people and played against Newport at Christmas 1982 and we had a right drubbing. I think the score was something like 55-15 but I really enjoyed playing at full-back. I ran the ball whenever I could though in hindsight, I probably lacked that killer instinct. I came off thinking that I’d thoroughly enjoyed myself when I should have been beating myself up for the scoreline.

"But one of Newport’s committee came over to me and asked me if I’d like to play for them the following season and I agreed."

Phil sits back in his seat with a big smile on his face.

"There was a captain there by the name of Mike 'Spike' Watkins.

He played for Wales four times at hooker and if there was some way of bottling what inspiration he gave to me, my life would have been a lot easier. He's the only person I've ever met who 'got me'. He understood my personality and knew how to motivate me."

Not long after Phil had joined Newport, he was picked for the Wales B squad. Unfortunately for Phil, he was struggling with a groin injury that seemed to be getting worse.

"We'd not long had the Adidas scandal of the 70s where the company illegally paid some of the game's top stars to wear their boots.

For the Wales B squad, I had to be measured up by Adidas for a kit that would have only ever fitted me. It was a great-looking kit too.

"The day came for us to collect our kits but my injury was worrying me. Spike told me to take a few Ibuprofen, run it off and to go and collect my Wales kit. But my conscience got the better of me. I told them that I was injured and so they refused to give it to me. I felt like I was being too honest. I saw my kit on the table but I ended up skulking away. I never got my kit and I never knew what happened to it."

The injury kept Phil out of action for an entire season but he returned

Iconnect like to to my audience through

empathy

a year later to score a try on his first game back for Newport. Then a couple of months later against his old team Glamorgan Wanderers. more bad luck struck as Phil heard a tearing noise and found out that he'd injured his knee in the seventh minute of injury time.

"I was sent to see the doctor and in those days, they just put you in plaster. I remember waking up at 2am and panicking that I couldn't get the plaster off. It felt like I had a python wrapped around my leg and I phoned my then fiancée and broke down in tears.

"I didn't realise it at the time but I'd suffered a panic attack and went on to suffer deep depression while in recovery. I eventually got back into the game but I was never the player that I was before the injury."

Today, most people will recognise Phil for his jovial pitch side banter on TV and radio. But behind the affable exterior, Phil has struggled with anxiety and depression for over 20 years.

"I was a teacher at the point in my life when I was injured and I remember going to church once and thinking that the priest had a nice life. I decided that I'd become a priest but then started battling with the idea in my head. These conflicts in my mind were driving me crazy and I was eventually put on tablets before I decided to flush them down the toilet.

"I married my first wife Liz in 1985 but I was still struggling with my mental health. They say that when it comes to fear, number three on the list of people's biggest fears is financial ruin. Number two is dying, and number one is public speaking.

More people are afraid of speaking in public than they are of dying. I have done both at the same time and that’s worse!"

Phil's battle with depression has now been documented in his new book, Nerves of Steele, which has already drawn praise from both readers and critics.

"I was approached by St. David's Press to write my autobiography and the first thing I thought was why anyone would want to read a story about me. But then I realised that I had a story to tell - my battle with depression is not an isolated case, and I thought that if the book could help at least one person with their problems, then I would have done something to help."

Phil's book, that was co-written with Merthyr author Anthony Bunko, has already received rave reviews.

Phil takes out his phone and

shows me a message he's recently received from another rugby player who'd read the book and had been inspired by it.

"That makes me very proud," he says beaming.

Phil celebrates his 23rd year as a freelance reporter and public speaker this year. He regularly features on Scrum V and BBC Radio Wales and his style is one that has endeared him to the nation's heart.

"I talk about this a lot in the book but my style is just the way I am.

I don't fear the broadcasting side of things because as far as I'm concerned, I'm only speaking to one person and that's the camera operator. I like to connect with my audience through empathy.

As a former player, I've got an understanding of what their thought processes are. I'd never go ripping into a player who's had a shocker of a game because I know exactly how that feels. I still have that passion for the game that I had all those years ago and I feel that my broadcasting and public speaking is a way for me to feel validated as a person. It makes me feel a bit more in control of my life."

Tragedies in Phil's life have been enough to challenge anyone.

“I lost my mother on Christmas Day in 1985 and then my dad was killed in a road accident in 1988,” he says.

“I also lost my sister to alcoholism when she was just 37 in 2002. Then in 2009, I lost Liz my wife of 24 years to a brain tumour - she was ill for just 6 weeks before her death."

Despite this, Phil now feels more at ease with life: "I consider myself happy now.

I've been well for the past 12 years or so. I met my now wife Kate just before Christmas in 2011 and we got married in 2013. Kate loves her rugby too and we went on the Lions tour for our honeymoon.

"I'm very much blessed."

Nerves of Steele is available from www.ashleydrake.cymru

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Owners Kevin and Kim Geary outside Llandaff's K2 Restaurant

It takes a very special kind of establishment to still be in business two decades after opening its doors. But recently, one of Llandaff's favourite eateries celebrated its 20th anniversary.

"We originally met 24 years ago in Kiwis bar in town and over the next few years, set up our own catering business before deciding to get married," says Kim. "I’d been head chef at BT’s Stadium House up until then. Originally from Ely, I trained at Barry College which gave me experience to set up my own business.”

Meanwhile husband Kevin from Llandaff, had previously trained at the catering college at Colchester Avenue. Cooking played a big role in his family as he was growing up, and he often helped in the kitchen.

It was clear that catering would be Kevin's calling.

"Kim and I had just finished a business course in the Bay when we walked past a shop window and saw that the Four Seasons café in Llandaff was up for sale,” says Kevin. “The place needed some work but we saw the potential in the property. We took over the lease in December 1996."

But what about the name?

“Ah yes, the name," says Kevin. "It’s surprising how many people still don’t make the connection. They think of Himalayan mountains but it simply comes down the fact that our two names start with the letter ‘K’. It just seemed right and we had been using the name K2 for our outside catering business in any case. It was logical that we'd give our new venue the same name."

K2 quickly became one of the most popular eateries on Llandaff’s

K2 RESTAURANT celebrates 20 years in llandaff

High Street. Twenty years later, and the restaurant is still going strong.

So what's the secret to their success?

“We’re a family-run business serving up good old-fashioned home cooking,” says Kim. “The two of us are always here on the premises and our sons Conor and Ellis are also involved in the business. Speed of service is important as we realise that a lot of our customers are on a lunch break. We’re keen to use small, independent and locally-sourced suppliers and we make our own delicious homemade cakes. As a licensed restaurant, we can even offer you a nice tipple with your meal!”

We’re a family-run

business

serving up good old-

fashioned home cooking

The restaurant's community focus is a big draw: "K2 offers a great atmosphere that's warm and comfortable for everyone. Local sixth formers are just at home here as our other guests, so our community spirit really does have appeal.”

Working together as a couple has really paid dividends, although Kevin jokes that throughout the day they are separated by the kitchen wall!

The last 20 years have allowed the couple to meet people from all walks of life:

"As well as our loyal and wonderful customers, we’ve had some wellknown faces in through our doors over the years – David Cameron, James Corden and we even had Van Morrison in once!

“We continue to provide a busy outside catering service, most recently for Pritchard Court and Cwrt Pegasus,” says Kevin.

Kevin and Kim also play a crucial role in the Llandaff Traders’ Association.

“We hold the Traders’ Meetings here at K2 and are always involved in local events such as fundraising for the Christmas Lights. We are keen to put on more events to raise money for the lights this year," says Kevin.

Looking ahead, Kevin and Kim are planning some themed evenings for their customers and they've also recently introduced a loyalty card scheme.

"For now, our focus is to maintain the quality of service and food that we have provided for the past 20 years as that is what has made our loyal customers happy."

Address: 23 High Street, Llandaff Phone: 029 2056 3637 Email: k2caterers@aol.com

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Insole Court Tucked away in a quiet corner of Llandaff, a remarkable restoration project has been taking place to transform a former mansion house into a new heritage attraction and community hub for generations to come

F

or generations, the house and gardens at Insole Court have been a much-loved community resource.

Originally built over 160 years ago

by James Harvey Insole, a young industrial entrepreneur, the house developed over the following decades, becoming much larger and more elaborate in line with the fortunes of the Insole family.

After being purchased by Cardiff Corporation in the 1930s, the house would go on to become a library and a community centre, yet it has faced long periods of uncertainty.

Though architecturally and historically important, parts of the house would eventually fall into disrepair, despite the best

efforts of the local community, who have been instrumental in securing its future. Beginning with the Insole Court Action Group in 1988, committed residents began volunteering, fundraising and campaigning, culminating in 2011 with the creation of a charity, the Insole Court Trust. This led to significant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

Insole Court closed to the public in October 2014, and an extensive refurbishment began of both the house and the derelict stable buildings. In September 2016, after three decades of campaigning, Cardiff Council transferred the lease to the Insole Court Trust. Alongside this, new facilities for community, business and private hire opened in the Stable Yard as well as a new café in the former potting sheds.

History

The Insole family were pioneering coal-shippers and mine-owners, railwaymen and docksmen during the three generations of Welsh steam coal’s dominance of world industry and their story mirrors

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The Visitor Centre

Cardiff’s rise and decline during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

The family reached the height of its prosperity in the late 19th Century, having acquired large land holdings, central to which was their home, now known as Insole Court. James Harvey Insole started building a modest double-fronted family home in Llandaff in 1856.

He extended his house in the gothic revival manner, aspiring to emulate William Burges’ work for the Marquis of Bute at Cardiff Castle. In the 1880s, he acquired the hallmark of gentrification by converting the farmland surrounding his gardens into a fine ornamental park.

From 1905-09, James' son, George Frederick, at the height of Edwardian prosperity, doubled

feature

Carriage House Hall the size of the house once again, but after the First World War, the family's fortunes weakened in parallel with those of South Wales’ coal. In 1932, Cardiff Corporation acquired the estate to make way for Cardiff's orbital road system (Western Avenue); the ornamental park was sold for housing and the streets given the Insole names they carry to this day.

During World War II, Insole Court was an ARP (Air Raid Precautions) HQ, and also housed the Royal Observer Corps and the Auxiliary Fire Service. The house was used as Council offices over the following decades, as well as being a technical college, traffic police headquarters and residential flats.

In the process, it became a muchloved local community centre.

The restored clock tower and Visitor Centre

Restoration and Conservation

The first phase of the restoration project has been the transformation of the Stable Yard from a derelict ruin to a popular and versatile room hire facility. Each of the seven spaces has been named from their historical use, such as the Motor House and the Dairy. The former potting sheds have undergone one of the most dramatic transformations.

Previously completely overgrown, the Potting Shed is now a vibrant and cosy café. Also, a new Visitor Centre now welcomes guests and offers information on the history and restoration project, as well as information on classes and activities hosted.

What’s next?

With the Stable Yard complete, attention has now turned to the house itself where conservators have uncovered decorative features not seen for decades, with many dating back as far as the 1870s.

Though the discoveries offer a fascinating glimpse of the house as it once was, each has brought with it further delays - consequently the house will not open until later in 2017.

Once work has been completed, a new exhibition will tell the story of the house and the Insole family, as well as South Wales’ industrial past and the community fight to save the Court. The house and the Stable Yard will also be hosting regular concerts, talks and performances, as well as outdoor family events designed to establish Insole Court as a heritage, a cultural and a community destination.

A new chapter

The reopening of the house later this year will mark the end of a 30 year journey and the beginning of another. Though much of the house has been restored, the project it is still not complete, and further funds and work will be needed to restore parts of the house and grounds to their Edwardian heyday. Yet with Insole Court now in the hands of a charity set up to protect it, its future is more assured than ever.

The Motor House before restoration

The Motor House after restoration

For information on Insole Court visit www.insolecourt.org or call the Visitor Centre on (029)21 167920

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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (left) with the Archbishop of Armagh, Richard Clarke (centre) and the former Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan (right)

Bishop of Llandaff

Dr Barry Morgan was the longest serving archbishop in the Anglican communion. The former Bishop of Llandaff speaks to Whitchurch and Llandaff Living about his tenure Until January this year, he was the longest-serving archbishop in the worldwide Anglican communion.

For 17 years, he was also the Bishop of Llandaff. For Dr. Barry Morgan, a life dedicated to the Church was always something that was more than a possibility.

“I was born into an Anglican family in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, near Neath.

Our nearest church was three miles away and my mother and grandmother would take me there for Evensong. However we attended chapel for the morning service as there was one close to our house.

"My family will tell you that I always wanted to be ordained but there was a time when I wanted to drive a double decker bus."

After leaving school, Barry studied History at University College London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969.

“During my first year at university, I didn’t attend worship at all. It was only in the second year that I visited the university chapel. From then on, it was a gradual realisation that I was running away from the calling

20

by not attending church.”

Barry was ordained as a deacon into the Church of Wales in 1972.

He became a priest the following year in 1973, becoming a curate in the parish of St Andrews Major with Michaelston-le-Pit. From 1977-84 he was chaplain and lecturer at the University of Wales, Bangor, and Rector of Wrexham for two years before being appointed Archdeacon of Merioneth in 1986.

“I was made Bishop of Bangor in 1993 before being translated to Bishop of Llandaff in September 1999. I became Archbishop of Wales in 2003. Of course, there were challenges in doing the two jobs at once. There was a lot of juggling and I had to work hard to give the two roles the justice that they deserved. It was very demanding because as Archbishop, I was asked to do a lot of other things internationally."

During his tenure as Archbishop, Barry has championed many changes throughout the Church in Wales, including a change in its law to enable women to be

ordained as bishops. He also oversaw the implementation of a radical strategy, 2020 Vision, which aims to help the church grow and prosper in the approach to its centenary year. In public life, he has also campaigned for various causes, most notably for a fair devolution settlement for the Welsh Government, and speaking out on matters of moral concern.

“Being in such a public role also challenged me in certain aspects, especially when it came to my personal opinions on current affairs.

Giving the official viewpoint of the Church was something I had to maintain but sometimes I felt that I had to lead the way on certain topics.”

Barry announced his retirement last year after more than 17 years as Bishop of Llandaff.

“I was supported through the challenging times by my wife Hilary, who I sadly lost to cancer last year.

Without her, things would have been much more difficult.

“The role brought me great joy at times though. I’ve been very

people

privileged to meet lots of people I would never have met, and I have been to places that I would not have visited, had I not taken on these very special roles. Two days have never been the same because the job was so varied."

Llandaff is one of six dioceses that cover Wales, and one that covers most of Glamorgan.

“Llandaff will always be a special place for me as that’s where I was first ordained as a deacon back in 1972 and where I finished my career many years later. It’s such a compact area geographically but it’s a very important area because nearly half the population of Wales lives within the Diocese of Llandaff- well over a million people. It's the most densely populated and industrial area of the Welsh dioceses.”

Shortly before his official retirement, the Church In Wales made history by electing its first female bishop. Canon Joanna Penberthy was consecrated as Bishop of St Davids at Llandaff Cathedral in January.

“I’m enormously proud that we have elected a woman bishop," says

LLANDAFF

WILL ALWAYS BE A SPECIAL PLACE FOR ME

Barry. "It’s something that’s actually been possible since 2013 but hasn't happened until now. Bishop Penberthy has got there on her own merit. The great thing about our women clergy is that they did not give up or become cynical or bitter.

They dared to trust and dared to hope and so are part of a long and distinguished company of people in the Old and New Testaments who trusted in God's promises and hoped against hope that all would be well. What matters is not gender but suitability, character, gifts and that was why Joanna was elected as bishop."

With Barry now retired, the search is on for the next Bishop of Llandaff.

"As for the next Bishop of Llandaff – well, I for one won’t be offering any advice. Every person who takes on the role is different and will bring their own qualities to the job.”

As Barry heads into retirement, he reflects on what has been and also what could have been: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Llandaff and to do so during such a momentous era in Welsh life. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but all along I have been sustained and inspired by the people I meet, day in day out, who live out God’s love in every part of Wales through their commitment and devotion to their churches and communities.

"Retirement will be more difficult than I imagined as it won’t be the one I was expecting without my wife Hilary. I’ll make the most of seeing my children and my grandchildren though.”

Reflecting on Barry's ministry, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said Barry would be deeply missed.

“Barry was one of those on the interviewing panel for my appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury, and was notable for the quality and courtesy of the questions he asked. More than that, his follow up and every contact since has been gracious, encouraging and full of the presence of Christ. Caroline [Justin's wife] and I stayed with him and Hilary about two years ago and we realised the depth of their partnership, the contribution she made to his ministry and the deep loss he has felt since her death.

Barry has been an extraordinary servant of those places where he has ministered, of the Church in Wales and of the whole Anglican Communion. We will miss him very deeply indeed.”

21

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Tucked away in a quiet corner of Llandaff, St. Michael's Centre is fast becoming the international conferencing centre of choice.

With its unique historical setting, upto-date conferencing facilities and quality accommodation, St Michael's Centre really can offer the complete package Llandaff is full of surprises but none more perhaps than St Michael's Centre, nestled quietly within the familiar buildings of the village.

Owned by the Church in Wales, this Grade II listed building is fast-becoming an international destination for groups looking for a unique meeting and conference venue.

The St Michael’s site in Llandaff has historically been the centre of residential ministry training for the Church in Wales. However, on 1st July 2016, following broad consultation across the Church in Wales, the St Padarn’s Institute, a new Training Institute to lead all ministry training in the Church in Wales, was formed. At the same time, the St Michael’s College site at Llandaff transformed to become the St Michael’s Centre, offering conferencing, meeting, hospitality and accommodation facilities to the wider market.

Although the St Padarn’s Institute continues for the time being to have a base at St Michael’s Centre, their footprint is much reduced and increasing elements of their training previously based there are now delivered at a local level across Wales, making available the wide range of facilities in the truly unique setting of the Llandaff site.

The Centre is proving popular with international guests and in the next few months,- it will host groups from the US, Sweden and New Zealand. It recently hosted a celebration lunch following the historic consecration of Joanna Penberthy as the new Bishop of St David’s.

The centre owes its existence to the generosity of the Talbot Family of Margam. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot JP, had sufficient estate derived from his ancestors to enable him to bequeath several million pounds in property and stocks to his three daughters. It was his disabled daughter Olivia who as a major benefactor of the Anglican Church in Wales, had the idea for the creation of a theological College in Wales in the Diocese of Llandaff and donated a substantial amount of money for its creation and its running costs.

On St David’s Day 1892, the college was opened by the then Bishop of Llandaff, Richard Lewis.

Today, the venue offers a unique atmosphere among a mix of historic buildings. Behind the façade is a tranquil site that offers beautiful architecture and up-to-date technology.

The Centre holds 6 conference rooms and can facilitate anything from short meetings to residential

conferences. There are 32 en-suite bedrooms available too, including double, twin and family options. All rooms are serviced daily and have wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, towels and bed linen.

On site catering can offer guests continental breakfast in the mornings through to buffets and three-course meals throughout the day. St Michael's seeks to use local supplies where possible and is proud to support the Fairtrade Foundation.

St Michael’s has been part of the Llandaff community for over a century and they already welcome local community groups and host family events at the centre. The venue can be hired for a one-off meeting, or can be booked for regular events over a period of time.

And if it's a bit of peace and quiet that's needed, step out into the tranquility of the beautiful gardens, where the central lawn is bordered by well-tended flower beds.

The Centre is on direct transport routes from Cardiff city centre, located near the M4 and also has free on-site parking.

Above all, versatility and diversity are the key aspects of the venue, with the ability to cater for anything from birthday parties through to full conferences. Its distinct atmosphere and environment make St Michael's Centre a true sanctuary where events and business can be impeccably accomplished.

A: 54 Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YJ T: 02920 563379 W: www.stmichaelscardiff.co.uk E: info@stmichaelscardiff.co.uk

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by Julie Ashfield £145 This original painting by local artist Julie Ashfield depicts the ancient woodland that is the Wenallt and would look great on any wall.

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Whitchurch’s favourite Play Centre with cafe and toddlers area, plus soft play and slides for bigger kids!

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Win a threecourse meal and a bottle of wine at the Brook Bistro The Brook Bistro opened in September last year and has already earned itself a reputation for great food and fantastic service.

The independent restaurant in Whitchurch is open Tuesday to Sunday, serving up hearty brunches and lunches until 3pm and a mouth-watering evening menu from 6pm to 10pm.

Their evening menu offers everything from 8oz 28 day aged Welsh fillet steaks, through to panko breaded fillet of hake with sea salted thick cut chips, minty mushy peas and chilli tomato

sauce. Sunday lunches have proved very popular among locals and visitors from nearby villages too.

Vegetarians are also catered for with great options across all of their brunch, lunch and evening menus.

The Brook Bistro have teamed up with Whitchurch and Llandaff Living to offer you the chance to win a delicious three-course meal for two and a bottle of wine.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this delicious prize is to answer the following question:

When did the Brook Bistro first open its doors?

Email your entries to competitions@livingmags.co.uk by midday on 14th April. You can also enter by post by sending a postcard with the correct answer to our address on the inside front cover of the magazine. Remember to include your contact details!

Offer is for a three-course meal and a bottle of wine for two people, to be taken on a Tuesday-Thursday. www.thebrookbistro.com Good luck!

Win tickets to see sam bailey in concert at st davids hall X Factor winner Sam Bailey is heading to Cardiff this May when she brings her latest tour to St David's Hall.

Before she stole the hearts of the nation by winning the tenth series of The X Factor at Christmas 2013, Sam worked as a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree.

Speaking exclusively to Whitchurch and Llandaff Living, Sam said: "I actually auditioned for the X Factor in 2007 and never even got past the first audition. In 2012, I was watching the show and applied on my iPad while my husband popped out of the room to make a cup of tea."

Following her triumph, Sam's debut single, Skyscraper reached the Christmas number 1 and her

debut album, The Power of Love stormed to the top of the UK album charts in 2014.

"The new album Sing My Heart Out has 7 tracks on it that have been written by myself. The tour that we will be bringing to Cardiff is going to be great because we will be showcasing local artists as part of the show."

Over the past few months, Sam has been running competitions to search for local talent to support her on her tour, by inviting singers in each area to apply to be her special guest for one night. Stevey Gee has been selected by Sam to perform at St David’s Hall.

"I'm also delighted to be joined on stage by community choir Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal when I visit," she says.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living has teamed up with Sam to offer you the chance to win a pair of tickets for her show on 18th May. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: What was the name of the reality TV contest that Sam Bailey won in 2013? a) The Voice b) I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! c) The X Factor Closing date for entries is Monday 1st May. Entries should be emailed to SDHpress@cardiff.gov.uk and will need to include the entrant’s full name, address and a contact number.

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Caerdydd

A real voice for Cardiff’s older citizens

Are you 50+?

Do you want your voice heard?

Do you want to influence services in your area?

If yes, come to a Cardiff 50+ Forum Meeting For details contact: Andrew Lucas Tel: (029) 20 872 536 Or email: alucas@cardiff.gov.uk

House Clearances

+ 50 Cardiff

2nd

time around

2nd Time Around specialise in house clearance We provide a professional and friendly service for full or part clearance, attics to cellars.

We also offer the following services: • Reports for probate purposes • Valuations & advice on selling at auction • Auction service • Cleaning service • Sympathetic handling of deceased’s estates • Small removals & deliveries, nationwide • Rubbish removal • Recycling We comply with current legislation; we are waste management registered and have public liability insurance.

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

Recliner Chair Centre

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

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

Unfortunately, for many of us, there comes a time in our life when our favourite chair no longer gives us the support we need. That's where the Recliner Chair Centre in The Heath can help For more than 40 years, the Recliner Chair Centre has been providing the UK with the highest quality electric and leather recliner chairs. The story behind the business reveals the true extent of its first-class customer service.

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

“I was always interested in going into a business that would utilise my knowledge and love of engineering, as that is what I studied for my degree. Mechanical furniture is a combination of art and engineering as the mechanisms are so precise."

Alun started the business by using mail order, advertising in publications like Country Living and Farmer's Weekly, and drove all over the country delivering to his customers. " I was one of the first to bring rise and recliners into the UK and helped develop this product for a number of manufacturers in Wales

and England. Our experience and knowledge has resulted in us claiming to be the UK's leading showroom retailer of the vast differences and ranges of actions used on this type of chair."

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

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

But in 2002, the team were dealt a huge blow when during work on an extension to the roof, a gable wall collapsed onto the joists of the first floor.

"We had no support from our insurance company and were told to take the building down to its bricks and mortar. We had received permission for our extension but now needed permission to demolish and rebuild the entire property!"

Despite the adversity, Alun and his team were determined not to be defeated and found ways of keeping customers happy.

"We traded out of portacabins at the front of the building. The rebuild took two years but ultimately enabled us to showcase more products," says Alun reflectively.

The floor area is now able to showcase over 100 products and more lift and recline chairs than anywhere else.

"We used the opportunity to move to major brands. We embraced Parker Knoll, Sherborne, Celebrity and Cintique, but stock all major brands for optimum choice."

Every chair on display has to 'earn its place' by showing a different

31 St Anthony Road, Heath Cardiff, CF14 4DF

variation of size and mechanisms.

"Lift and recline chairs now account for over 80% of our business and over the last six years, we have also sold the wonderful Sherborne motorised bed in all its variables. The bed essentially uses the same generic type of linear motors on which our expertise is founded - crossing the disciplines of engineering and upholstered furniture. I think this is why any new customers usually give us a pyramid of recommendations and therefore further sales," says Alun.

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

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

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

029 2052 0808 www.reclinerchaircentre.co.uk

The Battle of St. Fagans T

he English Civil War broke out fewer than forty years after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Her death in 1603 saw the accession of King James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England and Ireland from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24th March 1603 until his death.

Both Scotland and England were individual sovereign states with their own parliaments, judiciary, and laws, though both were ruled by James in personal union.

Almost straight away, James faced the constraints of the English Parliament which were stronger than what he had been used to north of the border.

When James's son Charles succeeded the throne in 1625, there had been relative peace between the three countries of England, Scotland and Ireland. Charles was hopeful that it would stay that way to honour his father's wish of a unified country.

But there was unease at this plan among the Parliamentarians. They were worried that setting up a new kingdom might destroy the old English traditions which had bound the English monarchy. They were also concerned about Charles'

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It was one of the largest battles to ever have taken place in Wales. Over 300 men were killed and over 3,000 taken prisoner. The events of 8th May 1648 in fields near St Fagans played a major part in the history of the UK

marriage to the Roman Catholic, French princess Henrietta Maria.

Friction between Charles and the Parliamentarians grew, both over the nation's financial matters and over military strategies. Charles also attempted to implement his own brand of High Anglicanism throughout the land. Those who objected faced arrest and even violence. When Charles attempted to introduce his brand of religion in Scotland, they were having none of it. Charles eventually backed down and promised not to meddle in Scottish religion again.

But in 1640, Charles attempted to suppress the Scots without Parliament's backing. His armies were repulsed several times, leaving Charles with no option but to recall Parliament to finance the suppression.

Charles and Parliament clashed on many topics and in January 1642, Charles and 400 soldiers set out to arrest 5 members of the House of Commons on the grounds of treason.

The attempt failed and when the group arrived at Parliament to find the five, the Speaker told Charles

that his loyalties lay with Parliament and not with him as King.

After the failure to arrest the 5 MPs, and fearing for his safety, Charles fled to the north of England.

Negotiations between the King and what became known as the Long Parliament proved fruitless, and towns and villages across the country began proclaiming their support for one of the two factions. During the summer of 1642, Charles attempted to acquire arms from Kingston upon Hull.

Sir John Hotham, the military governor appointed by Parliament the previous January refused, and sent Charles and his men scurrying.

history Violence began breaking out in several towns and deaths were beginning to be reported.

The Civil War began to make its presence known in all parts of society. Following his humiliation at Hull, Charles took his troops to Nottingham and raised the royal standard. His supporters began building a large army around it.

Before long, Charles and his army headed south-west towards the Severn Valley where support was believed to be strongest.

At first, things went well for the Royalist cause. They won the Battle of Adwalton Moor and took most of Yorkshire. Then they won the Battle of Powick Bridge in Worcester. They also took a large part of the West Country.

But by the autumn of 1643, the tide began to turn. With the help of the Scots, Parliament won at Marston Moor gaining York and the north of England. Oliver Cromwell's conduct in this battle proved decisive, and demonstrated his potential as both a political and an important military leader.

In 1645, Parliament reaffirmed its determination to fight the war to a finish. It passed the Self-denying Ordinance, by which all members of either House of Parliament reorganised its main forces into the New Model Army, under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Cromwell would be his secondin-command and LieutenantGeneral of Horse. In two decisive engagements - the Battle of Naseby on 14th June and the Battle of Langport on 10th July the Parliamentarians effectively destroyed Charles' armies.

Charles was eventually handed over to the English Parliament by the Scots and was imprisoned, marking the end of the First English Civil War in 1646.

However, a series of Royalist uprisings throughout England and a Scottish invasion occurred in the summer of 1648.

Here in Wales, Parliamentarian troops were also feeling aggrieved that they had not been paid for several months. Furthermore, they were feeling uneasy that Parliament was ringing the changes in leadership. The troops feared that they would be disbanded without pay. These fears soon became realised and in April 1648, they staged a Royalist rebellion under the command of Colonel John Poyer, the Governor of Pembroke Castle. He was supported in his cause by Major-General Rowland

Laugharne, his district commander, and Colonel Rice Powell.

Poyer refused to hand over his castle to his successor Colonel Fleming, publicly declaring his loyalty to the King. He claimed that he had personally helped finance the defence of Pembroke, and that his claims for reimbursement had been met with silence.

Poyer refused to hand the castle over until the arrears were paid. Early in March, Parliament passed an ordinance declaring that Poyer was to be considered a traitor unless he surrendered the castle to Fleming. Encouraged by Royalist agents, Poyer's response was to attack and rout Fleming's forces. His action led to widespread opposition to disbandment among the Welsh troops and encouraged a Royalist insurrection in South Wales.

Eventually, the Parliamentary commander in South Wales, MajorGeneral Laugharne, also switched sides and took control of the rebel army.

Parliament faced a major rebellion.

It was decided that Sir Thomas Fairfax would dispatch around 3,000 professional troops and cavalry, under the command of Colonel Thomas Horton to South Wales.

Laugharne’s army meanwhile had swelled to 500 cavalry and 7,500 volunteers. Most of these were just armed with clubs and billhooks.

Laugharne began his march on St Fagans. What he didn’t know was that Horton had got there before him and was awaiting reinforcements from LieutenantGeneral Oliver Cromwell. Laugharne was keen to defeat Horton before backup arrived and after a short skirmish, Laugharne decided to launch a surprise attack on May 8th.

Shortly after 7am, Laugharne sent 500 of his infantry to attack the Parliamentary outposts. The infantry were easily beaten back by the well-drilled Parliamentary soldiers.

The battle soon descended into guerrilla fighting with Royalist troops attempting to ambush their enemy. Before long though, the

A portrait of Oliver Cromwell superior training and numbers of cavalry in the Parliamentarian ranks soon told and they began advancing at the Royalists. Panic set in among the Royalist camp.

A last ditch attempt to rally the Royalist forces – a cavalry attack led

by Laugharne himself – failed and within just two hours, the Royalist army had been routed. 300 Royalist troops had been killed and over 3000 taken prisoner, the remainder fleeing west to Pembroke Castle with Laugharne and his senior officers. Here they endured an eight week siege before surrendering to Cromwell’s forces.

The Site today The Battle of St Fagans between Parliamentary and Welsh Royalist forces took place on 8th May 1648 'on the rising ground at the west side of the Rhydlaver brook, where it bears the name of Nant Dowlais and crosses the road which leads from St Fagans to St y Nyll, the little bridge over the brook.'

The present bridge is at grid reference ST 10440 77910; an earlier bridge, shown on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey 25in map, was some 30m to the north east at ST 10466 77928.

Several skeletons, some small cannon balls, and a pike have been uncovered in the area.

Nearby mounds are also said to be related to the battle.

31

Property Advice with Chambers Estate Agents Tax Relief Changes for Landlords in 2017 During the 2015 Summer Budget, then Chancellor Osborne announced changes to mortgage financial relief that directly affects buy-to-let landlords.

As well as changes to the mortgage financial relief, George Osborne also announced the removal of wear and tear relief and an increase in stamp duty for landlords buying an investment property. The purpose of these changes is to put first-time buyers in a more advantageous position when competing with investors over property.

What will change?

Firstly, the new tax rules will see a 20% flat rate of tax relief introduced for mortgage and finance interest.

Currently, landlords can deduct the interest generated from their mortgage along with other costs before calculating their taxable profit. The profit is then taxed at a marginal rate, the standard rate being 20%, the higher rate of 40% and an additional rate of 45%.

From the 6th April 2017, landlords will no longer be able to deduct mortgage interest costs, but all landlords will be able to deduct 20% of tax relief regardless of what marginal rate they currently pay. Finance interest on loans and overdrafts will be taken into consideration.

Who is affected?

All buy-to-let landlords, home and abroad, will be affected by the tax relief changes. The new scheme will affect all landlords who are paying tax in the UK and rent property in the UK or abroad, and it will also apply to ex-pat or foreign landlords who are letting property in the UK, even if they are managing the property from abroad.

There are investors who will not be tied to these tax changes and they include property companies, commercial landlords, and landlords who manage holiday let businesses.

If you are a landlord who has a portfolio that contains both residential and commercial properties, then it will be your responsibility to split the interest between the categories fairly.

HMRC guidelines for the new tax relief...

The HMRC guidelines for the new tax relief scheme state that finance costs will not be used to calculate taxable property profits. Instead, the new system will first see income tax on property profits along with other income sources being assessed. Following this, any income tax liability will be reduced by a basic rate tax reduction.

This means higher rate tax payers are more likely to have to pay more tax on their property profits, while basic rate tax payers may not see as sharp an increase, if any, though they should have a good understanding of the tax changes.

Chambers Estate Agents have been situated in the heart of Whitchurch village for 25 years and have been managing properties and portfolios for clients since we first opened our doors all those years ago. For expert advice, please contact our property management team on 029 2052 2106 or via email – info@chambersestateagents.co.uk. If you are a Landlord and you are looking for advice on how to increase your portfolio then please pop in and see us. We have a selection of properties available and can advise on likely returns and margin for growth.

Chambers Estate Agents

35 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DB 02920 522106 www.chambersestateagents.co.uk

In Whitchurch village All your business needs We are your local accountants Huw Llewellyn FCCA

Codas House, 52-60 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DJ t: 02920 624230 m: 07970 272812 e: huw@llewellyns.co.uk

Retired Police

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Spring is in the air and we’re so excited, we’ve wet our plants!

Get ready…. Get set….

It’s March and gardeners everywhere are poised on the starting blocks, ready to launch into a positive whirlwind of seed sowing, planting, growing and tending, as spring arrives at last. With a visit to Pugh’s, you’ll not only get new season inspiration from the Garden Centre but we also have over 10 additional concessions where you can find just about everything you need for your home, garden and outdoor living in one convenient location.

Set your egg timers – Easter is coming!

Hatching up a plan for the Easter holidays? Make sure to check our Workshops and Events listings on our website as we’ll be running both children’s and adult workshops during April. Visit www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk/workshops-events. If you’re on the hunt for some egg-ceptional Easter gifts, then make sure to pop by our Ty Nant Farm Shop which is currently brimming with treats and gifts for the Easter Holidays, as well as Fresh Welsh Farmers Market Eggs and other fresh local produce.

Open 7 days a week | Pugh’s Garden Village, Ty Nant Nurseries, Morganstown, Radyr CF15 8LB

02920 848 000

colours

of spring

Splashes of garden colour are usually associated with autumn.

Kevin Revell explains why we don't have to wait until then

T

he arrival of spring in the garden is epitomised by the blossom-laden, bare branches of trees and shrubs. But something else stirs; the arrival of fresh new foliage is another notable spring event. The fresh apple-green of the hedgerow hawthorn is mirrored in our gardens by an ever-changing verdant tapestry in a rich palate of shades of green, played out day by day before our expectant eyes. So far so green; it is undoubtedly the dominant colour in the countryside and garden and it may be a restful, calming colour. Occasionally though, it is nice to see a flash of gold in the sun, or a dash of purple adding weight to a familiar view.

Many variegated plants such as holly, Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ or spotted laurel Aucuba japonica ‘Gold King’, can brighten a shaded corner and give some light relief to the overwhelming dull green twilight.

Of course, some will maintain that green is the natural colour of plants and that anything else is garish or unnatural. While it is true that most are derived from the propagation of chance mutations of unusually coloured shoots of more normal looking parent plants, these unruly offspring can be unstable and

34

the coloured plants often revert back to their original green colour.

Admittedly the garden should be predominantly green – any attempt otherwise would just seem tasteless and odd, but variety is the spice of life and some coloured plants will provide the counterpoint by which other greens are judged.

Many plants exhibit colourful foliage changes in the autumn but why wait until then? There are a number of plants which offer bright foliage from spring through the summer, and often into the autumn too. The finest of these are listed below, having stood the test of time and found to be good garden performers all in the best possible taste.

Top Five Plants With Colourful Spring Foliage Berberis thunbergii ‘Orange Rocket’ – Barberry

Many of the deciduous barberries exhibit attractive foliage colour, from the purple ‘Atropurpurea’ to the golden ‘Maria’ but the everchanging tones of ‘Orange Rocket’ along with its compact, upright habit make it a must for any garden.

It also makes a good choice for

growing in a pot. The brightness of the early orange foliage in spring gradually becomes suffused with burgundy, before turning shades of cerise in autumn - this really is an essential shrub for any garden.

The pale, yellow flowers, although not showy, are borne in profusion and are attractive to bees. The resultant small, flask-shaped red berries in autumn are attractive to birds and festoon the bushes like tiny Christmas baubles, but the blackbirds rarely wait for Twelfth Night before removing them.

gardens Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegata’ – New Zealand Lemonwood

Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ – Mexican Orange Bright golden evergreen foliage is at a premium in the garden but this increasingly popular plant has it in spadefuls. Aromatic foliage which smells of orange blossom, and fragrant white spring flowers are another reason to select this plant.

Slower growing than the original green form, this variety rarely gets too large but can be controlled at 1.5 metres. A sheltered, sunny position is preferred as the tips can be nipped by frost and scorched by strong sun, but a light clip will soon result in fresh regrowth. This is an excellent plant to contrast with other evergreen plants in shades of green and makes a cheerful subject for a large patio planter or pot. Try teaming it with one of the coloured forms of Berberis for a dazzling display over a long period of time.

Photinia fraserii ‘Red Robin’ – Photinia This may be a common sight in many gardens but the sheer audacity of new foliage in spring is hard to beat. New foliage erupts in a blast of molten red, only to cool and return to the dull green later in the summer. The plant can be tricked into a second spring if the foliage is cut back as soon as it fades.

Usually found lurking at the back of borders, it deserves to be given a more prominent spot and is also an ideal plant for hedging and screening, achieving a substantial 3-4 metres in height. It will need cutting back several times a year to keep it in check though. A good mulch with organic matter and a dose of fertiliser in spring will ensure that it remains in top condition year after year.

A relatively uncommon plant in our gardens but one that should be planted more widely. The regular forms inject a note of sea green into the garden but the bright variegation of this form makes it an excellent choice alongside solid greens such as viburnums or laurels. It is at its most intense in early spring when the newly emerging leaves sing out to announce their arrival. Small purple-brown flowers have to be sought out but you won’t miss their honeyed scent as it drifts on the early summer breeze. A relatively tall, narrow shrub at 3-4 metres, smaller forms such as the purple ‘Tom Thumb’ and olive green ‘Golf Ball’ are a more modest 1 metre high and more suitable for planting in tubs and containers, having equally interesting coloured foliage.

Spiraea bumalda ‘Magic Carpet’ – Spiraea

Orange is an uncommon foliage colour in the garden. This is a dwarf form of Spiraea that bears reddish new growth that fades to orange before turning acid yellow later in the year. The ever-changing spectacle makes it one of the most popular plants in garden centres and also displays good autumn colour. At less than 30cm high, this compact form is ideal for pots and containers having a long season of interest, and will not swamp other plants if grown in the border. Even the dormant stems in winter have a twisted sculptural form; this is truly a plant for all seasons. Hard pruning will keep the foliage fresh, although this is one plant which will not grow too big for its surroundings.

Kevin Revell is Plant Area Manager at Caerphilly Garden Centre

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greenmoor nurseries

suppliers of top quality plants throughout the year

South Wales’s largest grower and supplier of home-grown plants for your garden.

We have a large range of vegetable 3 plants and flower plants. We also ba g s o f stock loose seeds, award-winning c ompos t fo r hanging baskets, a full range of £1 2 composts, greenhouse glass and perspex, perennials, shrubs, fruit trees and much much more. Visit our website for more details or call. Bring your children to see our army tanks!

Toughened greenhouse glass now in stock!

www.greenmoornurseries.co.uk Greenmoor Nurseries St. Brides, Wentloog Newport NP10 8SQ TEL: 01633 680572

Come Wind, Rain or Shine Only Colourfence is guaranteed to survive

Low-maintenance garden fencing with a 25 year guarantee *

If you own a timber fence, you’ll know the problems. Every year they need costly time consuming maintenance and repair. Available in a range of colours, with or without a trellis finish, Colourfence is a revolutionary permanent solution that saves you money, year after year.

Colourfence is capable of withstanding timber paneldestroying wind speeds of up to 130 mph and is guaranteed not to rot, warp or peel for 25 years. For those of us who love our gardens, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle free enjoyment.

We firmly believe that Colourfence is the best general garden fencing product on the market today, and not only is our product great, our service is too.

Our goal is to give you

fencing that is attractive and remains fit for purpose without costly and time consuming annual treatments.

Furthermore, you get full peace of mind as Colourfence is guaranteed for 25 years. * full details available on request

We cannot and do not try to compete on price with inferior lap panel installations but a Colourfence fence can cost you less than you might think and is remarkably good value when you consider there are no ongoing maintenance costs.

We offer a free, no obligation design, installation & quotation service. We do not employ high pressure sales tactics but leave you time to consider the prices we have quoted at your leisure.

GRACE YOUR GARDEN WITH A FABULOUS NEW FENCE THAT COMES WITH A 25 YEAR WARRANTY

Call Cardiff 02921 660311 Email jon.angle@colourfence.co.uk. www.colourfencecardiff.co.uk

pets

Your pet questions answered

Chris Troughton is clinical director of Heath Vets. He’s here to answer all your pet questions. If you’d like to ask Chris a pet-related question, drop us a line I was shocked to find out that a colleague of mine feeds raw chicken wings to her dog. I’d consider that dangerous on several levels, but she assures me that she's been doing it for years without any problems.

Who’s right?

Feeding raw meat to dogs is a subject that provokes great controversy among animal health experts and pet owners.

Advocates of the practice claim it is natural and that some of the 'goodness' of the meat may be damaged by cooking. On the other hand, others are very concerned about the health risks.

One of the reasons for cooking our food, particularly chicken, is to sterilise it: cooking kills the bacteria on the surface and in the meat. Without cooking, bugs such as campylobacter and salmonella are present which could cause illness in anything - human or animal that eats it. Remember that raw meat is not fresh (as in recently killed) but has been slaughtered at an abattoir, then passed through a distribution supply chain to arrive in the shop. This provides many opportunities for contamination.

So when giving raw chicken to a dog, you are hoping that it is not contaminated, or that his digestive system is able to cope with any bugs present. However, dogs are no more resistant to campylobacter or salmonella than people, and we do see them with these illnesses from time to time.

In addition, having eaten raw chicken, the bacteria could be present in the dog's mouth,

and could be spread over his coat when he's licking himself.

Humans can then be infected by simple social contact with the dog. This is particularly a risk with children, elderly people and anyone with a poor immune system (for example, chemotherapy patients).

So I would be very cautious about feeding raw chicken or any other raw meat, and just because an incident has never yet happened to your colleague, it doesn't mean it never will!

I’ve been treating my dog for the last six months for ear mites but I’m concerned that nothing seems to be happening to make it any better. What else could it be?

Ear mites are tiny parasitic spider-like creatures that infect the ear canals of dogs and cats.

Symptoms are usually itchy ears with a profuse dark, dryish waxy discharge. Often in longstanding cases there will be secondary infection with bacteria or yeasts.

It's usually quite easy to get rid of ear mites, if proper prescription medicines are used.

So the first thing to do is get your vet to check the ears and see if there really are ear mites present, or if there is some other ear problem going on.

If they are there, the vet will be able to give you effective treatment, but there are a couple of potential pitfalls to avoid: • Firstly, ear mites lay eggs which take about 4 weeks to hatch out. The eggs cannot be killed, so it's important to continue treatment until all the eggs have hatched and

the mites killed - in other words, at least 4 weeks of treatment is needed.

• Secondly, ear mites can easily pass to other dogs and cats in the home if they spend time close together, so all the pets in the house need to be treated simultaneously, even if they aren't showing symptoms.

Is it possible that cats can get heart disease? I had a cat a few years back who just fell asleep one day and never woke up. My vet at the time said it could have been heart disease and I’ve always wondered how much truth there was in what she said.

Cats certainly do get heart disease, and on rare occasions this manifests as sudden death. Cats are very good at hiding signs of ill-health by modifying their lifestyle, so a cat with covert heart disease might become more inactive so that he doesn’t put any strain on his heart. You could easily have missed that symptom, particularly if he was getting older. Look on the bright side – that was a peaceful way to go!

q

Welcome to the 'most luxurious care home in Cardiff ' A luxury residential care home which includes a spa, a gym and a home cinema, as well as offering five-star accommodation and superb facilities on an ‘all inclusive’ basis, has opened in Cardiff.

The multi-million pound development at Tŷ Llandaff is situated in the quiet, leafy suburb of Pontcanna, close to Llandaff village.

It will create more than 80 jobs in the local area.

Tŷ Llandaff has been built to a high standard across three floors with 72 luxurious en-suite bedrooms, and has been created to provide exceptional levels of care in an ‘all-inclusive’ luxury environment.

It is close to the large Conway Methodist Church and Romilly Park, as well as a number of restaurants.

But unlike many other care homes in the UK, residents at Tŷ Llandaff in Conway Road are able to access all that the care home has to offer without any additional charges.

Facilities include a home cinema, piano bar, hair salon, luxury spa, therapy rooms, gym, on-site chef, fine dining, accessible beautiful landscaped gardens, and a celebration room which can used for private family occasions.

Tŷ Llandaff has its own dedicated activities co-ordinator who provides a varied programme of entertainment and activities on a daily basis. There is even a concierge and chauffeur service with a Mercedes-Benz ready to take residents into town which is all covered by the weekly fees.

The home is ideally situated for visitors too with buses running every 10 minutes to Cardiff city centre and the bus stop just 100 yards away. The M4 is a four-mile

drive, Cardiff Central station is three, while Ninian Park train station is one mile away.

Registered Manager Janice Evans, who has more than 30 years of experience managing care homes and is a registered nurse, said: “My approach is to provide high quality care to all residents, understanding their needs and respecting their choices, while working closely with relatives to be open and transparent at all times.

“When you’re choosing a home for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to know all of the facts before you make such an important long-term decision.

“We want our residents to be able to enjoy all that Tŷ Llandaff has to offer, which is why we provide all-inclusive living. It allows our residents to live life to the full and take advantage of all our facilities and activities without having to worry about additional costs.

“So whether you’d like a new hairstyle for a family get-together,

afternoon tea in the garden or a trip to our cinema, you can enjoy them knowing it’s all included.

“In total, we expect to create over 80 jobs in the local area – with the recruitment process well underway.

If you are interested in a career at Tŷ Llandaff please don’t hesitate to contact me – I’d be delighted to chat more with you.”

For more information call Jan on 02920 600 100, email info@tyllandaffcare.com or visit www.tyllandaffcare.com

5 Easy Ways Your Garden Can Increase the Value of Your Home with Jones Battye

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

Photograph taken by Sian Trenberth

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

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

All over 60s Welcome! Contact Sharon Teear:

Tel: 07868 258605 / 02920 491477

info@rubicondance.co.uk / www.rubiconcdance.co.uk

You may be surprised to learn that about 30% of all defects we discover during home surveys are in the garden. Well-maintained outside space can increase the value of your home by as much as 20%, or £60,000 based on the average UK house price, and yet it is often the most neglected and forgotten part of our homes. There may be many reasons for this, but there are a few easy things you can do to increase value and more importantly, to increase your own enjoyment of the space.

1. Keep things simple – it doesn’t have to be fancy and you don’t need to be the next Alan Titchmarsh to make a real difference. Most of us lead hectic lives and a lowmaintenance garden is very appealing.

2. Consider the balance between your house and garden. As an example, family homes need family friendly gardens and generally that means lawn to play on and no ponds or dangerous steps or drops. A safe garden is high on the list of requirements for parents with young children. In contrast, young professionals generally don’t want the bother of a lawn but are looking for attractive seating areas and entertaining space.

3. Get the main structures right before all the pretty bits. Wonky garden walls, rotten fencing, over-grown hedges and cracked retaining walls are all common defects and can be very off-putting to potential purchasers.

4. Sheds are now officially cool and a well-cared for one is much in demand. Out-buildings offer valuable additional living space and increasingly are not just for storing the lawn mower, but have a variety of lifestyle uses including home offices, teenage dens and outdoor kitchens.

5. Everyone loves a well-designed terrace that extends the living area of the house outside. So, keep your paths and terrace weed-free and in good order, grow easy, attractive evergreen plants, such as buxus, in pots and consider paving instead of decking as it has a much longer lifespan.

So, whether you are selling or staying this Spring, or if your outdoor space is large or small, as the weather improves, perhaps it’s time to consider rediscovering the hidden value in your home.

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

JaspersTea Rooms

Located in the heart of Llandaff, Jaspers Tea Rooms are now offering Children’s Afternoon Tea. Great for parties and tailored to suit the age of your child.

Teas - Coffees - Light Lunches - Partie s - Breakfast - Events 02920 566 602 6 High Street, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DZ www.jasperstearooms.com

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Constituency News with Julie Morgan AM

It has been a busy few months in Whitchurch and Llandaff North and I visited as many schools as I could during the run-up to Christmas to attend Christmas concerts and fairs.

In January, I visited the newly-opened Hyb and revamped library in Llandaff North on the site of the old library.

I have been working closely with Councillor Dilwar Ali to press for the much-needed facility. The library space is bright and welcoming – and there is a quiet area as well as space for children’s events. The housing and benefits advice available at the Hyb will be invaluable as well as facilities including meeting rooms for community groups, a community café, free access to the internet and computers to access online services (training help is on hand). This is becoming increasingly important as there are moves to make benefit claims paperless.

At the station in Llandaff North, work is still ongoing to improve the station facilities. The lifts were finally in service at the end of the year and a new ticket office is planned, along with improved parking facilities. I continue to keep in regular touch with Network Rail over the improvements which are scheduled to finish this spring.

Velindre Hospital is set for a transformation as the new £200m cancer centre moves a step closer. The project planners have worked closely with local groups, including the Friends of Forest Farm, as new plans look set to include land at the top meadows to give access to the new hospital via Coryton roundabout.

This will offer better access to patients who come from all over South East Wales and will also alleviate problems from hospital traffic at the current site in Whitchurch Village.

It is expected that the team will put in for planning permission this spring. I have also kept in close touch with the team at Maggie’s, which offers a patientcentred cancer support service. It has funding in place and work will start on a Maggie’s building for Cardiff in the grounds of the existing Velindre hospital.

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

A-Z OF

WHITCHURCH LLANDAFF &

LLANDAFF NORTH Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North are places that are steeped in both history and folklore. This is an A-Z of the people and places that make our villages unique and special A470

Not the most inspiring of starts, granted. That major long-distance trunk road that some of us spend months on trying to get to and from work is over 180 miles long, yet most of its users seem to sit between Coryton and the city centre, looking at each other.

BBC Cymru

Alas, make the most of it because the studios will soon be gone to make way for a housing development that will see our friends at the BBC heading to the bustle of the city centre.

Cow and Snuffers

Now a small block of flats, this former pub opened in 1812, when Llandaff was a village distinct from the city of Cardiff. Its name is thought to derive from the Irish ancestry of the man who built it, Sir Robert Lynche-Blosse, and the Irish phrase 'An cu Ar Sndmh', which means 'The Swimming Dog'.

Benjamin Disraeli reportedly drank there before becoming Prime Minister.

42

Daleks

Believe it or not, the infamous Daleks can stake a claim in Llandaff, having been created by Llandaffborn Dr Who writer Terry Nation.

Starting out as a comedy writer, Nation rose to fame after being hired to write for the popular sci-fi series in the early 1960s. Nation was also the creator of two series for the BBC - Survivors and Blake's 7.

Eglwys Newydd

Which translates into Welsh as New Church. But Whitchurch probably got its name from a 12th-century chapel – or 'white church', which was built where Old Church Road now stands.

Francis Lewis

Legend has it that this chap, who was born in Llandaff, signed the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New York. However, historians can't be too sure whether he was actually born in Llandaff because he may have been born in the diocese of Llandaff, which is a rather larger than the village itself.

Gareth Bale

Arguably Whitchurch's finest export of recent times. The local lad has made his name and talents known globally, but he has never forgotten where he has come from.

Hailey Park

The name Claude Hailey might not ring any bells with you. He won the South Wales Tennis Championship three times. Golf, cross country running and billiards also appealed, so it was obvious that fresh air and recreation were considered vitally important to this office-bound administrator. Oh - and he was also

BENJAMIN

DISRAELI REPORTEDLY

DRANK THERE, BEFORE BECOMING

PRIME MINISTER

H

the chap who kindly donated the land that we now use as Hailey Park.

now a scheduled monument and has been restored twice since it ceased operation in the 1940s.

Insole Court

Northern Avenue

Once a very posh mansion, and then almost an abandoned ruin.

Happily, Insole Court is now in good hands and looking better by the day.

Jacob Epstein

Born in the United States, he moved to Europe in 1902, becoming a British citizen in 1911. His greatest legacy to Llandaff is his sculpture Christ in Majesty at Llandaff Cathedral.

See A470.

Owain Doull

“I used to play quite a lot of sports in Whitchurch and Llandaff as I was growing up, but I always knew I would ride my bike," Owain Doull

feature UWIC

University of Wales Institute Cardiff as it used to be known, started life in 1954 when it was opened as Llandaff Technical College on Western Avenue. The Llandaff campus is joined by the Cyncoed campus to form the retitled Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Violet Place

An unassuming residential street these days but a scene of carnage in January 1941 when it took a direct hit from German bombers. Several people were killed outright.

Whitchurch Common

told Living Magazines last year. He'd just won Olympic Gold in the Team Pursuit in Rio alongside his teammates Sir Bradley Wiggins, Steven Burke and Ed Clancy.

With a history that dates back to ancient times, Whitchurch Common was more recently the final place where some American GIs took up camp before heading to the beaches in Normandy on D-Day. The trees that you see lining the road were planted by them as thanks to the people of Whitchurch for their hospitality.

Pritch

K2

Celebrating 20 years on Llandaff High Street, K2 has become synonymous with the village. Even its owners, Kevin and Kim begin with the letter K.

Lidl

Llandaff North will see a new supermarket opening this spring.

The James and Jenkins garages have made way for the new Lidl.

Will it bring more people to the village or will it put pressure on small businesses? Only time will tell.

Melingriffith

Once a throbbing hub of industrial activity. 100 years later, it was all gone apart from a derelict wooden water pump. The water pump is

“The only thing school gave me was a second floor window to jump out of." Matthew Pritchard, professional skateboarder and former star of MTV’s Dirty Sanchez recalls his youth in school in Llandaff North.

He's more mellow these days, carrying out gruelling endurance challenges in the name of charity.

Queues See A470.

Roald Dahl

X

St Mary's Church

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf

Taff Trail

Z

The world's greatest story-teller.

Brought up right here in Llandaff.

Honestly, what more could the village give to the world?

Sometimes considered the centre of Whitchurch, this parish church is not so old as it looks. St Mary’s was built in 1884 but there has been a church on or near the site since the 14th century.

The popular Cardiff path where cyclists berate walkers and walkers berate cyclists. Still, it's better than being sat in traffic (see A470).

Erm. Nope. Can't think of anything.

Of the three Welsh-medium secondary schools serving Cardiff, it was the first to be established.

Glantaf has schooled many famous names such as Ioan Gruffudd, Iwan Rheon and Matthew Rhys.

Nope. Nothing here either. No idea why we even thought an A-Z would be a good idea. Maybe we'll do a Puzzles Page next time.

43

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SPRING spring GREENS

recipe

treats Make the most of the fresh spring vegetables on offer and cook up some healthy and tasty meals

Cream of Asparagus Soup 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced 3 bunches of asparagus, chopped into thirds (reserve a few of the heads for garnish) 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets

1.4l vegetable broth (low sodium, if possible) 475ml water juice of 1 lemon 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 2 tablespoons soy creamer (optional) salt and pepper to taste 5–6 shallot bulbs, very thinly sliced olive oil spray 100g raw hazelnuts

· Heat the olive oil in a large

pot over a medium heat for one minute. Add the fennel seeds and fry them, stirring occasionally until darker in colour. · Add the garlic and sauté for about one minute before adding the leeks. Sauté the leeks for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add the asparagus, parsley, and rosemary. Mix to combine. If it begins to stick to the bottom of the pan, add a couple of tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, vegetable broth, and water.

Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once it is boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and leave the lid partially off to let the steam escape. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender. · While the soup is simmering, if you reserved any asparagus heads to garnish the soup with,

put them in a microwave-safe container with a 1/2 teaspoon of water, cover and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Remove from the microwave, uncover and set aside. · Once the soup is done cooking, remove the soup from the heat. Add the lemon juice and nutritional yeast. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth.

Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches in a standing blender, being mindful of trapping too much heat in the blender and causing it to burst. · Once the soup is smooth, add the soy creamer (if using) and add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with toasted hazelnuts, asparagus heads, and crispy shallots. Serve warm.

· For the crispy roasted shallots, preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a small baking dish with parchment paper. Place the shallots in the baking dish.

Lightly spray with olive oil, then top with salt and pepper. Roast the shallots for 18-20 minutes, stirring about 3 times to prevent overcooking.

· For the toasted hazelnuts,

place the hazelnuts in a small pan and heat at a low-medium heat. Toast the nuts, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

45

walks

A spring in your step Nant Fawr Woods Starting point Wild Gardens Road Roath, Cardiff Nearest postcode: CF23 5QX

S

tarting off at the bottom of Wild Gardens Road and facing Roath Park lake, go left and head to the end of the road where it meets Lake Road East. Turn left and make your way up to the roundabout.

Go over the roundabout and onto Llandennis Road, making your way past Cardiff High School on your right. Before you reach the 'oval', you will see a tarmac footpath on the right. Take this path. The school will now be on your right and Nant Fawr will be on your left.

Where a path crosses, continue straight ahead into Wood’s Covert (part of the Nant Fawr Woods) and follow the broad unmade path as it goes through the wood to reach Rhydypenau Road.

Take the kissing gate that is on the opposite side of the road but slightly to your left, and follow the path to a T-junction. Turn right here onto a path that leads into Nant Fawr Woods. Follow this path to a further kissing gate.

Go through this and take the kissing gate opposite which allows access to a path following the perimeter of the reservoirs. The straight path goes down a dip, which in wet weather can be a deep lake, so an alternative path through a grove of trees has been created.

Follow the path along the reservoir side (about halfway along there is a viewing platform giving a fine panorama over the water to the Graigs, north of Lisvane) to reach a stile.

Cross the stile and go straight over the field to reach a further stile at the far end which gives access to a sunken lane. Turn left and follow the lane to reach a field, over a stile and keeping field boundaries on your

46

left. Continue through another two further fields to reach a kissing gate giving access to a lane. Turn left and almost immediately come out at a mini-roundabout just below Lisvane Church and the Griffin Inn. Turn left and follow Lisvane Road to the railway bridge by Llanishen Station. On the other side of the bridge, immediately turn left down a lane that after about 100m reaches open ground. Follow the track between the open area and the railway to reach Fidlas Road.

Turn left under the bridge and turn left after Yapps Garage into Usk Road. After 150m, this swings round to the right and becomes Towy Road. This too swings to the right (becoming Ewenny Road).

Look here for a concealed path on the left which provides access to Rhydypenau Park.

Follow the path down towards Nant Fawr Woods and the kissing gate onto Rhydypenau Road.

To retrace your steps back to Wild Gardens Road, cross the road, veering slightly left to reach the path through Woods Covert. Follow the path to reach Llandennis Road.

Turn left and follow the road to the roundabout which marks the top end of the Wild Gardens and proceed through the Wild Garden to reach your start point in Wild Garden Road.

Llanishen Reservoir before draining

Llanishen Reservoir is a Victorian construction and one of the reservoirs created as part of the Taff Fawr scheme for supplying water to Cardiff. It was completed in 1886. It forms part of the Nant Fawr Corridor from the top of Roath Park to the countryside beyond Cyncoed.

The reservoir was used for water supply until the mid-1970s when it became redundant. It was then used for leisure activities and for 'topping up' the adjacent Lisvane Reservoir until it was drained completely.

After buying Hyder plc, its new owner Western Power Distribution (WPD), proposed to redevelop the reservoir site, but after a series of objections from national governing bodies, the County Council, local residents and both local and national politicians, this was blocked. In 2013, WPD sold both Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs to the CELSA Group.

In January 2016, Welsh Water acquired both Llanishen and Lisvane reservoirs from the CELSA Group on a 999-year lease, which allows Welsh Water to use both reservoirs for water supply and recreational purposes, while also allowing CELSA UK to continue to take its water supply from the Lisvane reservoir.

Welsh Water began work to repair the reservoir and to bring it back up to a high standard in July 2016.

Their work includes tree clearance and replacing the boundary fence, which has been eroded or vandalised over time.

You can keep up to date with the regeneration at: www.reservoir-action-group. blogspot.co.uk

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

Gino’s Italian Escape 01.05.17

Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam 07.03.17

Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra 01.04.17

Lee Nelson Serious Joker 12.03.17

Naomi’s Wild & Scary 21.04.17

An Audience with Joe Calzaghe 11.03.17

Richard Herring The Best 02.04.17

Killer Queen 10.05.17

Omid Djalili Schmuck For A Night 11.05.17

Unit 8, Fieldway, Heath, Cardiff, CF14 4HY