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Living
Issue 15 Oct / Nov ‘11
FR EE
Welcome
Welcome Croeso 3-4
News
5
Letters Letters to the Editors
6
Local Charity Naked firemen
8
Biography Whitchurch’s Jack Petersen
12
Haunted Cardiff Ghosts and Ghouls of our City
16
Through Time Disappearing Landmarks
19
Readers’ Room Your Stories
22
Up for Grabs Competition and Voucher Deals
25
Pets’ Page Your questions answered
27
Policing Cardiff Local updates
31
Backlash Musings of the editor
Welcome to your late autumn edition of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living. After summer had its last fling with us, the autumn winds are now stripping the trees of the summer leaves and prompting us all to put the heating on! Just over a century ago, one of Whitchurch’s greatest exports to the world was born. His name was Jack Petersen, and he would go on to strike fear into the heavyweight boxing division for many years during the 1930s. Jack’s story is retold on page 8. We have the story of two North Cardiff firefighters who are planning an epic trip across the Atlantic in a row boat. The pair are looking to raise £100,000 for several charities and you can read all about them on page 6. As we draw closer to Hallowe’en, we’ve put together some of the spookiest stories to come out of Cardiff. From the grey ladies of our local hospitals, to the phantom coach that has been seen at Cardiff Castle, you’ll definitely be looking over your shoulder once you’ve read it. Steve Nicholas once again takes us back in time with his ‘Then and Now’ photos. North Cardiff has been home to many recongisable landmarks over the years. We chart the fall and rise of some of them on page 16. Our Readers’ Room on page 19 takes a look at pensioners, and how they’re getting to look younger and younger! We’ve got some tickets for a top show at the Wales Millennium Centre up for grabs on page 22, as well as some money-saving vouchers for local businesses. Chris Troughton answers more of your pet-related questions on page 25 and we’ve also got all the latest news from the area, including details on Whitchurch Community Centre’s first year anniversary. We’re now busy working on the Christmas issue which will be our last issue for 2011. We’ll then be entering our fourth year of publication. We are delighted to still be in a position to help local traders through these tough economic times via our advertising. Remember to support our advertisers, who make our magazines possible. See you at Christmas!
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Editors/Advertising: Patric Morgan & Danielle Dummett Address: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG Tel: 07772 081775 and 07974 022920 Email: editor@livingmags.co.uk Web: www.livingmags.co.uk Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 2
Patric and Danielle
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.
Advertising booking and copy deadline for Issue 16 Friday 4th November 2011. Issue 16 publication date - late November. Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is published 5 times a year. Front cover picture courtesy of Paul Hindmarsh www.paulhindmarshphotography.com
LOCAL MP DISMISSES CLAIMS AGAINST HIM Labour MP Kevin Brennan has come under attack from Liberal Democrat councillors, who have accused him of accepting free car parking from National Car Parks. Llandaff councillor and chair of the Cardiff West Lib Dems, Gareth Aubrey suggested that Mr Brennan had accepted parking worth £1,247 at Cardiff Central station. Mr Aubrey said that he had came across ownership of the free pass after looking up Mr Brennan’s entry in the register of members’ interests on the Houses of Parliament’s website. “I think Kevin Brennan’s constituents will be astonished that, at a time when they would have expected him to be standing up for them against NCP’s prices, he was actually taking freebies from them.”
But Mr Brennan has responded to the claims that he was taking advantage. Mr Brennan replied by saying that parking passes were available to all MPs for official travel to Parliament only and were not personal private use. He said: “I have strictly adhered to this on the small number of occasions when I have used it, and it is declared openly in the public register. “There is no cost to the taxpayer, which is probably why Lib Dem MPs have also accepted parking and rail passes. “I pay to park at all other times and I look forward to Lib Dem councillors offering to pay for the free parking they get at County Hall in Cardiff Bay.”
LLANDAFF LANDMARKS OPEN DOORS TO DAYS OF DISCOVERY Many of Llandaff’s historical buildings were recently the feature of a nationwide heritage day. The Open Doors event took place in September, allowing visitors to become familiar with the history and heritage of Cardiff’s landmarks. Among the places open to explore were The Cathedral School, Insole Court, Llandaff Cathedral, Rookwood Hospital and the recently-restored Melingriffith Water Pump. Organised by the Civic Trust for
Wales, over three hundred sites and five hundred events were featured in this year's programme, which were held throughout September. There were walks and talks, buildings and sites, exhibitions and activities throughout the month. Open Doors, supported by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, is Wales's contribution to European Heritage Days.
Llandaff’s Old Probate Registry took part in the event
NEWS HISTORIC DIARY MAKES IT WAY HOME
The journal of a “nouveau riche” Victorian gentleman has been returned to its Llandaff home – more than 70 years after being auctioned off. George Fredrick Insole belonged to the third generation of the wealthy coal-mining family who gave their name to Llandaff’s Insole Court. But George’s wife and children were the last of the dynasty to live there after George spent most of their fortune on maintaining a high life. George recorded his life of leisure – which included hunting, shooting, fishing, playing golf and parties – in a sporting diary kept between 1891 and 1898. But the journal left the house in 1937 and was auctioned when his widow moved to London. The diary, along with nine photographs, have now come to light after Avis Richards – whose grandfather bought it at the auction – came forward with it. She contacted The Insole Court Heritage Research Group two months ago after finding them on the internet, saying she wanted to donate it. The diary was presented as part of the Open Doors event. Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 3
NEWS GARETH BALE WINS FAW AWARD Whitchurch’s Gareth Bale has won the Football Association of Wales Player of the Year award for the second year running. The 22-year old has continued to impress the world of football, both at club and international level. He picked up his award at a ceremony at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff last month. "It's always nice to win an award, especially when you look at the names who have previously won this award. It’s great to be among them.” he told the crowd. Bale has scored 10 goals for Tottenham this year, which included a fantastic second-half hat-trick against Inter Milan in a
Picture courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
Champions League game. In his following game, he put on another dazzling performance to pick up a Man-of-the-Match Award in the return fixture at White Hart Lane. Although injury has meant that Bale has missed four internationals for Wales this year, he scored recently against
DERELICT HAWTHORN PRIMARY SCHOOL IS THROWN A LIFELINE Hawthorn Primary School in Llandaff North may have been given a lease of life when it was announced that the building could now be used as a Steiner school. The derelict Victorian school which was under threat of demolition, and has been abandoned since 2009 was under threat from developers who wanted to knock it down.
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 4
But now it has emerged that Cardiff council’s executive has said it will consider a recommendation to dispose of the building to the Steiner School organisation, subject to funding confirmation. Based on the workings of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, Steiner schools stress the importance of playing, socialising and listening rather than reading and writing. Its education takes account of the academic, emotional and spiritual needs of a child, rather than a knowledge-based education. Negotiations are still taking place and a decision will be announced.
Montenegro and in the narrow defeat to England to leave Welsh football fans feeling optimistic about the future of their game. The Football Association of Wales Awards, was voted for by journalist and broadcasters, and covers the period from October 2010 to October 2011.
OFFICE THREAT Railway ticket offices at Llandaff and Radyr have been threatened with closure as part of Government costcutting measures, it was announced last month. As part of a number of train ticket offices across Cardiff and the UK threatened with closure, the offices would be closed and replaced with self-service machines. This has prompted fears over station safety. Passenger groups have criticised the plan, pointing out that travellers feel safer when staff are present, and that the self-service machines can be difficult to operate. Jobs may also be at risk.
LETTERS
Whitchurch Post Office Dear Editors This postcard was amongst my parents’ belongings when they died many years ago. After reading your magazine, I decided to send it to you, as you may have an occasion to make use of it. Although during my childhood, we lived in Llandaff, my parents lived for a short time in Whitchurch. My father worked for the G.P.O. as a telephonist at the Whitchurch telephone exchange. This was in old Church Road, which is why I think he kept this postcard Janet Friis Cae Newydd Close Cardiff
Whitchurch Post Office in days gone by
You’ve Bin Dumped Dear Editors I recently returned home from shopping, to find that a small brown bin had been delivered to my house. The bin had clearly been delivered to me by the Council. With it came a small booklet, advising me of the new changes afoot regarding waste collection. I also had some green bags delivered. There was a roll of the large green recycling bags, plus a roll of smaller, thinner bags, which, I have been informed, are for the brown bin. After half an hour or so of trying to get my head around the new changes, I decided to put my new bins into action.
The first thing that became apparent was that I needed more room in the kitchen to make room for the new brown bin. Not only that, but I also needed room for the green recycling bin. This is in addition to my normal usual ‘black bag’ bin. With space at a premium, I have had to place the brown bin on my worktop counter. This neither looks nice, nor smells nice when I have to open the thing to put my food waste in. I have also had the misfortune of trying to dodge emptied brown bins, left on the kerbside, on a very windy day. With the bins full, there is no problem. Yet once the bins are emptied, they
roll about all over the pavements, and even more dangerously, into the roads. In our recent heatwave, I even saw one being used to keep cool beers in on a picnic. I understand the need to help the environment, but I’m not sure if our Council have really thought this through. If the Council are willing to extend my kitchen, then I wouldn’t mind the new bins as much. Dylan Bailey Danescourt Llandaff Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 5
Local charity work 4 Charities 3000 Miles 3 Months at sea 2 Men 1 Boat 0 Items of clothing A firefighter based at Whitchurch Fire Station is attempting to raise ÂŁ100,000 for charity this winter, when he and a colleague will attempt to row the North Atlantic. Jamie Windsor and Ely-based John Haskell are raising money for four charities - the Fire Fighters charity, Breast Cancer Care, Help for Heroes and the WRVS. They will be leaving the island of La Gomera in the Canaries on the 4th December, and arriving in the Barbados region some 3 months later. The “0 items of clothingâ€? is causing the most interest and concern, not least for the crew. The reason for the prolonged nudity is that salt crystals form over the body during the trip, and these then chafe the skin during the row causing open sores. But nudity presents its own problems, mostly being sunburn and hungry seagulls.
Jamie told Living Magazines: “The two main aims of the trip are to raise money for the chosen charities, and not dying. The event is a serious undertaking. We will face 40-50ft waves, sharks, tropical storms, navigation, winds and currents. More people have been into space than have rowed the Atlantic!â€? The duo will row the 3000 mile trip, using a 2 hour rotating shift day and night burning 10,000 calories each day. There pair will be eating freeze dried food, and the occasional bit of fish. (They cannot fish too much as this will attract sharks!) The pair are also linking in with other organisations, principally to use the publicity they are gaining to promote fire safety and to talk with, and motivate young people, to do something interesting that helps others. John had the idea for the fundraising event after his wife recovered from breast cancer. Given the support he received from this charity, he wanted to give something back. Jamie has always supported the elderly as being a fire-fighter, he goes into many homes and sees great people in need of some support. The team will be raising money at various events locally: • Fireworks night at Whitchurch fire station. (Tickets will be available as usual at the station soon)
• Car Washes • Corporate sponsors (the pair desperately need more corporate involvement. If you can help please contact them. Details below) • Marathon Treadmill runs at supermarkets • Public donation If you would like to donate any amount it would be greatly appreciated by the team and this can be done by visiting www.atlanticdash.co.uk. Alternatively, you can contact John on 07920 045325 or Jamie on 07831 455605. There are also updates on YouTube. Search for ‘Team Atlantic Dash 2011’. You can also keep up to date with the duo’s progress on their Facebook page (search for Team Atlantic Dash 2011). We will also post updates on our Living Magazines website.
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100 years ago last month, Jack Petersen was born in Whitchurch. He became the first Welshman to win British and Empire Heavyweight Boxing Championships. His name has since become recognised as a ambassador of the sport, someone who never gave less than his all In the 1930s, a number of Welsh boxers were making headlines across the world. None more so than Jack Petersen, who has gone down in history as one of the greatest Welsh boxers. Born John Charles Peterson in Whitchurch on 2nd September 1911, Jack took up amateur boxing at the age of 18. He took to the sport like a natural, reaching the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association finals at both middleweight and light-heavyweight. At 6ft 1½ in tall, he was a well proportioned athlete. “I was brought up in a boxing atmosphere. My father was very interested in boxing, and was an accomplished boxer. I started in 1929, in the Welsh Amateur Championships. I lost to the middleweight, and I lost to the lightmiddleweight. Then I fought the heavyweight. Of the three, I won the heavyweight title.” In 1931, Jack turned professional under the name of Jack Petersen. His first professional fight was in September 1931 at the Holborn Stadium, London, against Bill Partridge. Petersen won the fight by a knockout in the fourth round. Petersen won his first sixteen fights, in one of which he knocked out Dick Power to win the Welsh heavyweight title. Petersen's 17th fight was for the British light-heavyweight title. It took place at Holborn Stadium in May 1932 and Petersen beat Harry Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 8
Crossley on points over 15 rounds to take his title. He later relinquished this title without defending it. Two months later, in July 1932, Petersen fought Reggie Meen for his British heavyweight title, in a bout held at Wimbledon Stadium, London. He knocked Meen out in the second round, becoming the first Welshman to be British heavyweight champion. He had accomplished this in a career lasting less than ten months. He had one more fight, scoring a knockout, and then defended his title against Jack Pettifer in January 1932. The bout was at Olympia in Kensington and Petersen scored a knockout in the 12th round to retain his title. Petersen had three more fights, winning them all, before defending his title again against Jack Doyle, a young boxer from County Cork. The bout, in July 1933, was held at the White City Stadium in front of a crowd of about 30,000. Doyle was an Irish singer, actor and boxer, and was affectionately known as Gorgeous Gael. Witnesses say that Doyle did most of his warm-up for the fight in a
nearby pub. As soon as he got in the ring, Doyle realised that he was in trouble against the formidable frame of Jack Petersen. Doyle repeatedly punched low, and within two rounds, Doyle was on his way back to the pub, having been disqualified. Jack faced a much sterner test in his following fight in his third title defence. “Having made the Lonsdale Belt my own, I lost to Len Harvey on points at the Royal Albert Hall - a decision I didn’t altogether agree with.” It was Jack’s first defeat in 25 bouts. He went on to win his next four fights, before a rematch with Harvey loomed in 1934. “I fought Harvey at White City Stadium. The referee stopped the contest in about the 10th round when he threw the towel in. I knew that Harvey was a very good boxer, and very good at close-quarter work. So I kept him at long-range and I hammered him pretty well with my right hand. I think I’d closed his eye, which was very swollen. Don’t forget that Harvey was one of the lightest men I ever fought. Only two I ever fought were lighter than me, Harvey being one of them. But I had three hard fights with Harvey. I lost the first on points. I won the second and I won the third.” Jack was to fell many of the heavyweights that were put before him over the next few years.
Local Legends But it was Germany's Walter Neusel - 'the 'Blond Tiger' - would prove to be his downfall. Neusel was two stones heavier than Jack and the two would duel on three occasions. “I started my boxing career in September 1931 and I finished fighting on the 1st February 1937. In that time, only three people beat me - one was Ben Foord, one was Neusel and one was Harvey. I had the pleasure of meeting Harvey twice afterwards and beating him, I’d beaten Foord before. Walter Neusel was the man who really hammered me. And unfortunately, he split my eye open on a few occasions and he damaged my retina and the specialists advised me not to box any more. Having succeeded as far as I could, I had to stop boxing.” At the age of just 25, Jack had been forced to retire. His time as a professional boxer had lasted just six years. But Jack wasn’t defeated. He took up the role of Physical Fitness Instructor in the RAF during World War II, and after the War, became involved with the British Boxing Board of Control, looking primarily after Welsh boxers and later became the President of the Board. In 1978, he was awarded an OBE for his services to sport. “It was something very special. The privilege, the honour of going up to Buckingham Palace, meeting the Queen and having her pin this medal on my chest was something absolutely wonderful. She was such a lovely lady. I tried to do my bit for sport. To be recognised - there were many people equally as worthy I’m sure - but I was one person to have that great honour.” Jack died in November 1990, at Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, after suffering from lung cancer. His memory lives on though in a commemorative plaque that was unveiled in this September in Cardiff City Centre. The plaque sits outside the Blacks shop at the top of The Hayes, and was unveiled by Cardiff's Lord
Mayor, Delme Bowen. Mr Bowen told reporters: "I am delighted that we are honouring a respected and victorious boxing legend who was such a great role model for Welsh men during the dark days of the depression of the 1930s. “This plaque will raise awareness of the achievements and success of Jack Petersen whilst adding historical value to the city." The building which now holds the plaque once housed the Lynn Institute Gym, owned by the Jacks's father, ‘Pa’ Petersen, who became his mentor and manager. The gym offered boxing training, fitness, massage and hot baths during the 1920s and 1930s and was used by sportsmen, including the Cardiff City football team who won the 1927 FA Cup. Jack Petersen's children had campaigned for a plaque recognising his public life success. The plaque is one of a series being erected in South Wales to remember famous people, events and places. Jack will always be remembered for his gentleman-like demeanour outside of the ring. Yet for many over the years, it was his bravery and fighting spirit in the ring that thrilled crowds across the world. Those memories are fading as the generations pass, but we are fortunate enough to have records of those heady nights. “On 15 May, 1933, Jack faced Germany's Heine Muller at Ninian Park. It was one of the greatest boxing nights I’d ever been to, and certainly one of the biggest staged in Wales at the time.
“
The honour of going up to Buckingham Palace and having her pin this medal on my chest was something absolutely wonderful
“Jack was the local boy, aged just 21, and was defending his title against a veteran of over 200 bouts who was renowned for his toughness. There were 40,000 there that night and if you were unfortunate to arrive late, you would have missed the fight. “After two minutes of the first round Petersen caught Muller with a left to the body, which was followed by a perfect right to the head. Muller just lay there over the ropes as if he’d been hit by a train. The crowd were left speechless.”
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 9
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Haunted Cardiff
ardiff’s dark history stretches back to Roman times so it’s little wonder that a lot of folklore, myths and legends have been handed down through the mists of time. With all our castles, it falls to Cardiff Castle to claim the title of Cardiff’s most haunted building. The Second Marquis of Bute's family owned the castle for six generations and it was here that he died. His ghost is said to haunt the area where he died - a small chapel located behind the library. A bust in his honour stands at the very spot where he died. Most often, his ghost is spotted in the library. He appears as a man in a long coat. There is also an unknown ghost roaming about the castle. A young woman has been seen floating about, but nobody is quite sure who she is. A coach also has been said to
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Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 12
haunt the castle. Mostly in the 19th and 20th centuries, reports of a phantom coach were recorded. People said they could both see and hear the coach. The ghosts of Cardiff Castle seem to be rather friendly though. The phenomena is usually limited to catching glimpses of the ghosts and unexplained locked doors and moving furniture. Nearby, Cardiff Museum boasts its own ghosts - mainly those linked to the construction of the building itself. The ghost of Dunbar Smith is said to have been brought back to earth after his ashes were removed to make room for a public toilet - Smith was the architect of the building. A statue of Lord Ninian CrichtonStuart stands in Gorsedd Gardens near the museum. He was the second son of John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute. In 1912 he took command of the 6th Battalion, the Welsh Regiment. He was killed in
action on 2 October 1915, while leading the 6th Welsh in a night attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt, near La Bassée, aged 32. Lord Ninian, who was an MP, is said to come out on election nights. Near Cardiff Market is the site of the county jail where Dic Penderyn was hanged. Dic was a Welsh labourer and coal miner who was involved with the Merthyr Rising of June 3, 1831. In the course of the riot, he was arrested alongside Lewis Lewis, one of the primary figures in the uprising, and charged with stabbing a soldier with a bayonet. The people of Merthyr Tydfil doubted his guilt, and signed a petition for his release. However, he was found guilty and hanged on August 13 the same year. His last words were: "O Arglwydd, dyma gamwedd" or "Oh Lord, here is iniquity." Legend has it, that if you listen hard enough you can hear him shout 'I'm innocent', on a windy day.
Haunted Cardiff Cardiff Friary, now a busy part of cosmopolitan Cardiff, is as the name suggests, built on the site of an old Friary. The area contains a burial ground for many of the monks who lived there. Since the Friary was demolished, there have been many sightings of monks walking around the area in their grey robes. But across town, the Victorian towers of Cardiff Royal Infirmary are home to plenty of ongoing supernatural stories. A security guard at the hospital came face to face with such a spectre one night on a CCTV camera. The guard, who was just yards from the camera in question looked to see what was looking into the camera but there was no-one there. Looking back at the camera, the ghostly figure simply turned and walked away. Three ghosts are reported to haunt the main corridor. One is of a World War One soldier, an old lady, and a woman referred to as the Grey Lady. Members of staff have been tapped on the shoulder, and even had their ankles grabbed. One of the security officers, who was over 6 foot and well-built, was knocked over by something that went past him. He spun around to find that there was no-one there. Cardiff Royal Infirmary, with over a century of history, illness and death within its walls, is perhaps a more likely place to find apparitions. Yet, even after the building was closed as a working hospital, the buzzers could still be heard. In the suburbs of Cardiff, there is a still a rich vein of creepy stories. Take for instance, the ruins of a house not far from the Maenllwyd Inn, Rudry. Back in the 1800s, there apparently lived a witch. One local, who says that his family were cursed by the witch, has visited the area twice to take a walk through the woods. On both occasions, when he made the journey back, a mysterious visitor had placed flowers on one of the stiles that he’d crossed. Glan Ely High School, now known as Michaelston Community College, also has a tale to tell. At the back of
the school was a swamp. A few years ago, a pair of pupils were heading back to lesson after a break, heard a noise and happened to look back. What they both saw was the dark shape of a man hanging from one of the trees overlooking the swamp. The school was also reported to have a ghost in the girls’ changing rooms at the end of a long corridor. Two other pupils opened the changing room door when a little boy ran into the showers. One of the pupils chased the boy, but when they got to the showers, there was no-one there. The only other exit was the unlocked door, where the other pupil had remained but saw nothing. Not far away, the open-air museum of St Fagans has such a spooky history that it runs its own ghost tours. A Victorian-looking girl was once spotted sitting in one of the houses clutching a teddy bear. There are also reports of young children refusing to go upstairs in the Red House. No-one knows why. Further afield, heading out of North Cardiff on the A470, a man dressed in a black hat and a black coat is rumoured to wander the carriageway. Known as the Black Wanderer, legend has it that a man ran out into the road to kill himself. Caerphilly Castle is also the focus of a lot paranormal activity. Once owners of the building, the de Clares family were haunted by a gwrach-yrhibyn (similar to a banshee, this was a hideously ugly woman), warning them about an imminent death in the family. The ghost of the old woman is still seen - drifting towards the castle only to disappear once she enters
the ruins. A figure dressed in red also haunts the castle. Morgan Jones Park, also in Caerphilly, was the scene of a vanishing phantom family. Two friends walking home in the early hours of the morning spotted the silhouettes of a man, woman and child walking towards them along the same path, around one hundred yards away. As the distance fell to fifty yards, the family faded and vanished. Back in the 1970s, two men were also making their way home over Caerphilly Mountain after their usual visit to the pub. Before long, they noticed the dark, silent shape of a World War II Lancaster bomber heading for them. The shape got nearer and eventually passed over the two, but at a very low altitude. Strangely, there was absolutely no sound, and the plane disappeared behind the mountain. Taffs Well too, is said to be haunted by a grey phantom lady, who wanders the area. The waters of the well were once used to cure rheumatism and are said to have been in use since Roman times.
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 13
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Whitchurch: 0800 6527383 Llandaff: 0808 1414640 Radyr: 0808 1414641 Taffs Well: 0808 1414642 Bridgend and Surrounding Areas: 0808 1414643 24 Hr Emergency Call Out: Head Office: 01656 648271 Mobile: 07877 691563 / 07578 185754
Look us up at www.cgfroofing.co.uk and www.ratedpeople.com
shades of Cardiff
At Shades Hair and Beauty Salon, Whitchurch, you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that our experienced stylist will help to create the look that's right for you
Welsh - go for it! NEW Welsh courses starting in September
www.learnwelsh.co.uk 029 2087 4710
• Colour Specialists • Precision Cutting • Late nights Wednesday & Thursday 9.30-8pm • Wedding Specialist • TIGI hair, make up & bodycare
029 2061 3003 6 Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1AE
The Bishop of Llandaff Church-in-Wales High School
Rookwood Close, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2NR
Tel: 029 2056 2485
Open Evening for New Applicants to Year 7 (September 2012) Thursday 13th October 2011 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Advertorial
Bishop of Llandaff Open Day The staff and students of the school wish to invite you to an informative evening of talks, tours and activities, where you can meet members of our school community and see what we can offer you and your family. Our school prides itself on being a positive, caring and inclusive community with a distinctive Christian ethos. Standards of conduct and achievement are high. We strive to develop each student’s unique talents and At feel Shades Hair and Beauty abilities and ensure that they happy and secure, Salon, Whitchurch, you can enabling them to develop their potential in all aspect sit back and relax in the of the curriculum. knowledge that our experienced stylist will help We look forward to meeting you, answering your to create the look that's right questions, and helping youfor to you make an informed decision about your child’s education. Admissions We have 150 church and 30 open places. Accessibility Main parts of the building do have ramp access. Please contact us if you require parking near to the building, need assistance on the evening or have any specific requirements or questions. If you are unable to attend the Open Evening but still wish to visit the school, please contact us to arrange a visit.
shades of Cardiff
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Changing Landmarks of North Cardiff
In a recently published book, local historian Steve Nicholas charts the story of our local communities. Excerpts from ‘Whitchurch and Llandaff North Through Time’ continue to be serialised here
Jupps Sweets
Established by Charles John Jupp, the factory became operational in 1921 after an outlay of £2,000. I was closed down in 1966.
Forest Hall
The building was situated in the grounds where the present-day picnic area is situated at Forest Farm. At one time, the works manager of the Melingriffith Tinplate Works, Mr Bert King, lived in the building.
Eglwys Newydd Boy’s School
Built in 1855, it was eventually closed in the 1970s Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 16
Then and Now The Grange
Originally, this house was known as Velindre, and was once the home of the Booker family, who owned the Melingriffith Tinplate Works. Demolished in 2010.
Whitchurch Police Station
Built in 1908 and demolished in 2003, Whitchurch Police Station was acquired by housing developers who turned it into flats in 2007.
Whitchurch Rugby Club
The rugby club seems from its start, to have been centred in and around the Fox and Hounds. The land and the clubhouse was purchased in 1967 but sold to housing developers in 2005, on the condition that a new clubhouse was built on the site This captivating collection of 192 past and present images focuses on the land, streets and buildings in the communities of Whitchurch and Llandaff North, capturing the changes that have occurred in the last century. Published by Amberley Publishing (www.amberleybooks.com), the book is also available from local book shops priced ÂŁ14.99 Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 17
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LLANDAFF INSTITUTE ESTABLISHED 1866
A PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB
Become a member of the exclusive Llandaff Institute and become part of its proud heritage. Join us at exclusive ticketed events, cue up with friends in the beautiful Snooker Room, or simply relax in the Members’ Lounge at your leisure. SNOOKER ROOM Our Tudor Room is also available to hire for parties for non-members. CALL 02920 564706 to arrange a visit. MEMBERS’ LOUNGE
Photographs Š Llandaff Society 2010
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 3 vegetable plants and flower bags of plants. We also stock loose compost seeds, award-winning for £ 10 hanging baskets, a full range of composts, greenhouse glass and perspex, perennials, shrubs, fruit tress and much much more.Visit our website for more details or call. Bring your children to see our army tanks!
www.greenmoornurseries.co.uk Greenmoor Nurseries St. Brides, Wentloog Newport NP10 8SQ TEL: 01633 680572
m o o R s r e Reieas dfrom the pens of readers Stor
Pensioners
by Elizabeth Cunningham Not so long ago, the word ‘pensioner’ would evoke the picture of a little old lady (she was always little); be-shawled, be-spectacled and at times, be-wildered. Her male counterpart was illustrated as a shuffling, generally bowed, almost pathetic little man. As for clothing, there has not been much change for elderly men, as if a fashion moratorium has been clamped on their apparel. What a contrast for the mature ‘grande dame’; there has been a stylish explosion. From the former accepted garb of a female pensioner ie. shapeless black garments, to the contents of a gargantuan Pandora’s Box of elegant colourful rainment. Nowadays, we are an important part of this manufacturing industry, and there are specialised firms which cater for the well-seasoned matron. The transition has not stopped there either. I am thinking of we oldish females’ opinions of female cosmetics. Remember the novelist Barbara Cartland? Once, when giving a TV interview (she would have been over 90 years of age), we were told that the start of her day began with the beautician applying make-up. At the time, I would have been in my seventies. I was surprised and shocked at this revelation. I am not now. Oh no. I find myself getting interested in these artificial aids to beauty, and even giving these wondrous potions a ‘go’. Heigh ho. Times marches on. With the current bonhomie towards pensioners, has the pendulum swung too far?
I was in a queue at the local Post Office recently. The young woman who had just been served suddenly remembered that she had forgotten her purse. The parcel she was posting had already been franked, so the clerk told her to go and get her purse, and that he would put the parcel aside until she got back. I had reached the head of the queue when the lady returned to pay the postage. Suddenly, a mighty roar erupted: “GET TO THE BACK OF THE QUEUE! WE’RE WAITING FOR OUR PENSIONS! GET IN THE QUEUE!” My remark that ‘this lady has already queued’ did not cut much ice, as this hostile army of ancient warriors continued their onslaught. Oh dear. Perhaps the clerk should have been more informative, and explained that there had been no queue jump at all. Sometimes I wonder whether our children have lost out with the disappearance of the picture-book granny. Has our quest for eternal youth killed off the cuddly amplebosomed old grandmother? My own grandmother was one such lady. All my problems would be solved with a bear-like hug, and “well, love - if we can’t get over it, we’ll get under it”. It was her well-known philosophy. Though would today’s youth like to be cosseted in such a manner? She was the epitome of ‘The sun is shining, the birds are singing, God’s in His heaven, all’s right with the world’. Would those words hold such sway in the present day universe? Witness now the school-gate crowd. There are so many, perhaps even more grand-parents collecting
children that parents. Yeah, but who can tell the difference? Those magic cosmetics are working. How many women with outside-the-home jobs would be able to maintain their lifestyle without the help of this section of society? Another turnabout is the employment of pensioners in the retail trade. I recently read of a 95 year old, employed in a well-known DIY supermarket. One boss, when interviewed was quite convinced that his older employees were more dependable, with almost nil sick absenteeism, than his younger workforce. Nowadays, with ongoing medical research and those clever scientists, the former life span of three score years and ten has disappeared. We are told, accompanied by a thinly veiled ‘the economy cannot afford all you oldies’. Surely the scales must balance evenly with our contributions a ‘babysitters’, ‘child collectors, ‘callupon-in-an-emergency’ family members. Yes, all you young citizens, look upon us with gratitude and when needed, a little patience. Remember - As you are, I was. As I am, you will be.
Do you have a story to tell? We’re looking for writers of all ages to contribute to our pages. Please send them (preferably in an email) to our address on the inside front cover Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 19
Are you ready for the Welsh carrier bag charge? The Welsh Government wants to drastically reduce the number of bags given away in Wales. So from 1 October 2011, you’ll pay at least 5 p for all single use carrier bags. The carrier bag charge will apply in all shops including clothes stores, take away food outlets and restaurants, corner shops and market stalls. It will also apply when you have goods delivered in Wales, such as dot.com groceries. You can avoid the charge by taking your own bags shopping with you. What bags are included in the charge? All single use carrier bags are included in the charge.This includes bags made of plastic, paper and degradable material. What bags are not included in the charge? Only bags used in certain circumstances, such as ones used for unpackaged food like meat, vegetables or poultry are exempt. Bags used to carry free prescriptions or other items which are supplied free on the NHS are not included in the charge. Any bags that are intended to be reused for example ‘bags for life’ and those made from cloth, jute, or cotton are also not included in the charge. Why take action on carrier bags? During 2009-10, in Wales we took home an estimated 350 million carrier bags from the major supermarkets alone. Bags are bad for the environment as they are a waste of resources, create litter and harm wildlife. For more information you can visit www.carrierbagchargewales.gov.uk email: carrierbagcharge@wales.gsi.gov.uk or Phone 02920 826230
Mynd i siopa? Cofiwch eich bagiau O 1 H y d r e f 2 0 11 bydd rh ai d i ch i d a lu o le ia f 5 c am fa g y n si o p au C y m ru i I gael gwybod mwy, ewch
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Going shopping? Remember your bags From 1 Oc t o b e r 2 0 11 you ’ll be charged at least 5p for a ba g wherever you shop in Wales To find out more visit
www.carrierbagchargewales.g Š Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright 2011
WG 13004
ov.uk
! s b a r G r o f Up
tre n e C m u i n n e l i M s Wale e h t t a w o h s p o t a Win tickets to see
shades
This November, Wales Millennium Centre welcomes the return of Cirque Éloize with their new show, iD. Set in the heart of a futuristic city, it combines circus, hip hop and urban dance with rock and electronic music to explore identity and individuality. The sixteen athletic performers use anything they can get their hands on to show off At Shades Hair and Beauty their skills. As well as theSalon, standard circus fodder Whitchurch, you such can as juggling and hula hoops you can catch the sit back andalso relax in the knowledge that our company jumping between high platforms on bikes and dodging traffic cones on experienced roller skates. stylist will help to create the look that's right As one of the very first companies to perform on the for you Donald Gordon Theatre stage in 2004, Cirque Éloize hold a special place in the history and heart of Wales • Colour Specialists Millennium Centre. Now this French-Canadian company • Precision Cutting are returning with a new show that has a playful and energetic feel to it,Wednesday creating an electric atmosphere and • Late nights leaving audiences inspired. We think you'll leave the & Thursday 9.30-8pm theatre feeling younger than when you went in. • Wedding Specialist Living Magazines have teamed up with the Centre to • TIGI makethe upopportunity & offer one hair, lucky reader to win a pair of tickets to see the show on opening night, Thursday 10 bodycare November.
of Cardiff
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Fencing Decking Lawns Returfed/Mowed Patios 6 Old Church Road, Trees Removed Hedges Trimmed Pruning / Lopping General Maintenance
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Call for a FREE quote on 02920 650907 or 07917 440856
To win, simply tell us how many performers take to the stage in iD. Answers on a postcard to our address on the inside front cover, or email to editor@livingmags.co.uk. Entries to reach us by Friday 4th November 2011. Cirque Éloize's iD runs at Wales Millennium Centre from 10 – 12 November 2011. For more information or to book tickets call the Ticket and Information Office on 029 2063 6464 or visit wmc.org.uk.
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shades of Cardiff
At Shades Hair and Beauty Salon, Whitchurch, you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that our experienced stylist will help to create the look that's right for you
10% off decking and fencing with this voucher supplied and fitted by us during October and November 2011
Shades Hair and Beauty, Whitchurch
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Pets
I have a lot of frogs in my garden. Is it possible to bring them indoors to keep as pets, providing I supply them with adequate facilities for them? NO! Although legally you are allowed to keep a wild frog in captivity, morally this totally wrong. This is a wild creature which is used to going where it pleases, hunting for food and having the company of other frogs. In a captive environment, you will not be able to provide these opportunities. Wild animals and birds brought into captivity suffer great stress and frequently succumb to illness and die. Captive bred frogs can be kept more successfully in a vivarium. Here, you need to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This includes regulating the temperature, daylength and humidity, and providing suitable terrain, food & water. Amphibians are difficult animals to keep as pets, as the moist environment they need makes bacteria and fungi grow easily, which then cause disease. They are probably best left to live in the wild where they belong.
Which pet would be most appropriate for my 9 year old son for Christmas? Well, what does he want? It’s essential that your son is involved in the choice; if he’s not, he may not like what you have chosen, and the poor animal will have a miserable existence. I would even go so far as to say that pets should never be given as surprise presents. Remember the Dog’s Trust slogan “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas”
Pets’ Page Resident vet, Chris Troughton is happy to answer any of your pet-related questions. Drop him a line at editor@livingmags.co.uk – it applies equally well to other pets. Having said that, you need to consider many factors when choosing a child’s pet. How much space do you have? Will the pet live outside or in the house? Many of the small animals kept as pets are social creatures who should live with companions to be happy. There is nothing more sad to see than a single rabbit or guinea pig alone in a hutch at the bottom of the garden, so if you buy a single rabbit or guinea pig, it should really live in your home so it has constant human companionship. Often, parents end up having to do much of the cleaning and feeding chores – do you have the time? Consider the potential lifespan – will the pet outlive your son’s interest? Rabbits can live 10 or 12 years, whereas a mouse’s lifespan is only 18 months. Would your son like an animal he can groom and pet and which responds to him (ie a mammal) – or would something more unusual stimulate his interest, such as tropical fish or a stick insect? Be aware that most of the so-called “exotic” pets - reptiles, chinchillas, degus, etc - can be quite demanding to look after and are not suitable for children. At nine years of age, many children are ready to take on the responsibility of owning and caring for a pet (with adequate parental backup) and doing so can be a very rewarding and educational experience.
I feed a lovely cat that comes to my garden, and who sometimes takes up residence on my sofa. Clearly he or she belongs Pets’ Page is sponsored by the Heath Veterinary Group
to someone else. Why do cats go from one person to another. He/she is always finding socks and leaving them outside for me as a present. Is this because his/her owners aren’t caring for him/her? Cats look out for themselves, and will go wherever they please to get food, shelter and kindness. They are very independent creatures and will often have several ‘friends’ other than their owners who feed and pet them. If you feed a cat in your garden, you can be sure she will start to visit you regularly, and may even decide your house would be a better bet than her current one and take up residence. So unless you are sure a cat is a real un-owned stray, it is better not to feed her at all, because you may end up ‘stealing’ her from her real owner. Just because she hangs around your garden doesn’t mean she hasn’t got a loving owner somewhere, fretting about where she is. I expect she brings you socks as gifts as a mark of her respect for you. So that’s why I’ve got a drawerful of odd socks!
(029) 2062 1511 Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 25
Your Local Community
Whitchurch Community Centre is celebrating its first year this autumn. It really has become a focal point for the community, but is also available to hire for local groups, organisations and businesses. Whitchurch Community Centre has recently celebrated its first anniversary of opening. The centre opened its doors on the site of the old community centre back in 2010. It has been completely rebuilt at the corner of Old Church Road and Tyn y Pwll road. The Community Centre Association is its own registered charity, with no funding from the Council. The Association has also had to rise to
the challenge of clearing substantial debts from the old Community Centre. The first twelve months has been a learning curve for the management committee of volunteers and local councillors. But now it is home to many community groups such as Whitchurch Community Playgroup, Slimming World, Popstars Dance School, Quilters and Weight Watchers. It is also popular with exercise groups with various zumba, dance and fitness classes all organised by outside people or companies. The Community Centre encourages new community groups to use the facilities, and they have special rates for non-profit bookings. There are three rooms available for hire with a fully equipped kitchen and free wireless internet available. Moving forward, the Association would like to provide something for
This Time Last Year.....
with former Whitchurch councillor and Chairman of the Community Centre, Winston Griffiths, being presented with a portrait. The picture will be mounted in the foyer of the building as a way to say thank you to the head work and dedication that Winston has devoted to the community for over 30 years. Jonathan Morgan also shared his memories of the old Community Centre with the gathered crowds before cutting the ribbon.
September 2010 “On Saturday, the official opening ceremony for the new community centre in Whitchurch took place, with our resident Assembly Member Jonathan Morgan cutting the ribbon and welcoming the community to its new centre. It was great turn out with many community leaders and users of the centre invited to the event. There was a bridging of the generations Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 26
the older generation during the daytime and possibly something for kids to do after school hours. If you would like to find out more or if there is something you can help with please call 02920 522231 or visit the Centre which is open most afternoons and early evenings or visit the website at www.whitchurchcommunitycentre.org.
If you would like to set up a group, the centre is here for everyone in the community to use. Whatever your pastime, Whitchurch Community Centre is here for you to make use of.�
Policing
Policing I
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UPDATE with Billl Farnham
In the last issue, I said that I would update you on our July meeting. As a result of that meeting, and also an EGM held on the 15th August, it was agreed unanimously by the members present, that we will cease using the title “Cardiff West Neighbourhood Watch Association” and adopt the title “South Wales Neighbourhood Watch Association Cardiff”. So henceforth, this will be our new name! This change of title is fully supported by the South Wales Police, who are encouraging people to join us via existing watches or to set up new ones. It was also agreed that we take our
meetings around the whole of Cardiff and also that they be held every two months. This will come into being during 2012. We also agreed that we formed sub-committees who would take action on such matters as fundraising and publicity etc. The format of our meetings will also change and we are looking into this as we write. We are in the process of moving our office from Canton Police Station to Llanishen Police Station. Our email address will change to cardiff@crimeprevention.co.uk. We are trying to keep our telephone number (02920 527301) but might have to change it. I will of course, keep you informed. The community messaging service is going from strength to strength and anyone who is interested in joining this is advised to contact PC Tony Parker at Cardiff Bay Police Station on 02920
338407. Anyone joining the messaging service will receive emails containing information relating to any incidents in their area, as well as dates of meetings etc. Having already held two area coordinators meetings for Whitchurch and Tongwynlais, I intend to hold a third one in the near future. Therefore I shall be writing to all the co-ordinators to confirm the date, time and location shortly. I have been informed that a new watch is imminent in Llandaff North and I am just waiting for confirmation of the date. I will then attend the launch and help set it in motion. Our AGM will be held on 21st November at the Fairwater Conservative Club, Ely Road, Llandaff, starting at 7pm. All co-ordinators and Watch members are invited to attend the meeting.
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 27
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Rhiwbina ● Whitchurch ● Llandaff ● Llandaff North ● Danescourt ● The Web
1. Our magazines are produced locally
We live in the area. We know what’s important to local business, and to local readers. How many of the regional publications can comfortably say that?
2. Our magazines are actually read
93% of our readers rated the content of our magazines as ‘Very Good’. 72% of readers keep their magazines, and on average, 3.3 people read each copy.* Positive feedback we’d say.
3. Lots of FREEBIES!
We offer FREE design service, FREE distribution, unlimited FREE editorial on our popular website, and FREE editorial in our magazines for long-term advertisers. Who else offers this? 4. We absolutely guarantee distribution
Our distribution is guaranteed. How do we know? We do it ourselves. Having learnt the hard way of trusting someone else to deliver our magazines, we now hand-deliver each and every copy to where we say we’re going to deliver it to. 5. We’re leading the media revolution
‘Hyperlocal’ is the new term for news within the community. Regional newspaper closed down? Local TV on its way? Hyperlocal media is produced by communities for communities. It’s what we’ve been doing best since 2007. And it’s the way of marketing that advertisers are coming around to. Why pay for expensive adverts in regional publications that miss most of your geographical area? We offer precision penetration within a geographical area. Working smarter for your money don’t you think? 6. Value for your money
Looking for value for money? We don’t claim to be the cheapest when it comes to advertising. But we do claim to be superb value for money. We do all we can to turn your investment in an advert, into a return. Why? Quite simply, it means that you’re more likely to advertise with us again. About 40% of our advertisers are repeat advertisers. Our magazines are clearly doing it for them .And you don’t pay VAT on our rates either. Lovely. 7. Local, relevant content - written by professionals
As well as contributions from locals, our magazines are written by professional writers. We’ve written for national newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, WM magazine, RedHanded magazine, Your Wedding and even Americymru, a US website for all things Welsh. 8. We’re on the web - and more!
We’re embracing the digital revolution. We currently upload our publications to the web for international readership. But we’re also exploring new ways to get our digital issues onto people’s PCs, laptops and even their phones. From our little village, we’re helping lead the way in publishing from the grassroots.
9. 53,600 magazines a year
53,600 of our magazines are printed (on high quality paper) and distributed by us every year. Remember that figure of 3.3 readers per magazine we mentioned earlier? How many people are going to see your advert? Well…work it out for yourself! .10. All of the above
Call 07772 081775 or visit www.livingmags.co.uk * Readers’ Survey 2011. 42 returned forms
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 30
Column
WARNING: If you have no idea what Facebook is, or how to use it, this article will make no sense to you whatsoever. By the time this magazine has been published and snatched from our stands around North Cardiff, I shall be a married man. Quite literally. (Sorry girls) Just over a year ago, I was getting my shelf ready for a lifetime of singleness and meals for one. Across town, my fiancée to be was doing just the same. It was a by pure luck that we recognised each other when we both made a comment on a mutual friend’s Facebook page. Facebook has brought a lot of good to my life. Apart from the ‘biggie’ of a wife, it has kindled new friendships across the world. It has allowed me to showcase creative work, and share stories and adventures that otherwise would have never seen the light of day. I even installed the application on my phone to keep me in touch while I was on the move. Yet recently, Facebook has been making me feel uneasy. This all started when they started making changes to it. I was quite happy with the way it all worked. I knew where I was. Yet, as soon as I got to grips with things, they changed it again. Now I’m all open to change. It annoyed me but I got used to it. Then they started playing around with the privacy of it all. As a rather private person, I’d rather not have all my washing aired to anyone other than my friends. Then it emerged that Facebook may be tracking your internet use even after you logged out. Not that I look at anything unsavoury I may add. But even so, it’s not nice is it? So I came off Facebook. Well, not
entirely. In fact, not at all. I simply told myself that I won’t go on there again. But I have. I suddenly realised that all the friends that I do have are on Facebook. And that the only point of contact I have is through the site. With a big huff and a puff, I invited my friends to our wedding party. A few replies came back. Some were apologetic about not being able to make it. And others, quite surprisingly, said that they’d be honoured to come. Which made me then fret that quite possibly, I’d be meeting my friends for the first-ever time. And this brings me onto the whole point of Facebook friending. Are they real? For those of us who live out our lives on the pages of an internet site, messages and notifications are part of our every day routine. Very much like running down to check the post every morning (something I’ve gone off since I had to start paying bills and all that), having a look to see if someone has got in touch is an acknowledgement that I do indeed exist. Several months ago, I got a friend request from a female that I knew by proxy. She was a friend of a friend and like a lot of my Facebook friends, I hadn’t actually met her. Things were going fine until she started telling me not to ‘be so happy as some of us on here are single’. Things sort of went downhill from there. I got accused of being an unholy human being. And worse. It reminded me of someone else (another ‘friend’) that I met once online when Facebook had only just taken off. She was an American woman. Married but no kids. We got chatting about writing. She was writing screenplays, radio plays and so on.
At that point in time, I was trying my hand at that sort of thing and was keen to network with others. Within several months, and after several ‘arguments’ (of which I had done nothing wrong!), she had packed a bag and told me that she in love with me, and was heading to the UK with her husband. Alarmed, I didn’t know what to do. I cut all ties and I think she got the message. I didn’t hear from her again. Thankfully. It got me thinking though about how friendships, and even loveships can be made or broken without even ever meeting. Like the man who turned up at a restaurant to meet his online date, and found that all the pictures she’d put up on her profile were of some exotic model, do you ever really know what you’re going to get when you meet someone online? Social networking has changed the way we run our lives, even the way we think. Something momentous happens - we post the story for everyone to see. The cat lifts his leg and farts - we post the story for everyone to see. Saying that, I’ve now created an account on Google+, which at the moment, is like an oasis of calm. No silly nonsense. No request for sheep on Farmville, no ticker-tape rubbish about who likes what and no odd emails from ladies. And that’s because there’s no-one I know on there. It’s wonderful. A social network with no-one I know on it! Genius! So, think of me nervously meeting old friends who I’ve never met at our wedding. I’ve set myself a challenge of speaking to them and not mentioning the word ‘Facebook’. It’ll be a tough ask.
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 31
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