Rhiwbina Living Issue 55
Summer 2022 issue of the award-winning magazine for Rhiwbina.
Summer 2022 issue of the award-winning magazine for Rhiwbina.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
News | Home | Interviews | Lifestyle | History<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> <strong>Living</strong><br />
At the heart of the community<br />
<strong>Issue</strong> <strong>55</strong> Summer '22<br />
CRAFTED<br />
RHIWBINA<br />
IN<br />
IN<br />
CRAFTED<br />
Your multi award-winning magazine for <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>
Inside this issue<br />
People<br />
A tribute to<br />
Derrick Hassan,<br />
the first serving<br />
black police<br />
offi cer in the<br />
South Wales<br />
Police<br />
Resilience<br />
Creative ways to<br />
turn the negative<br />
events in your life<br />
into positive traits<br />
for your future<br />
Schools<br />
A look at<br />
Llanishen Fach<br />
Primary School's<br />
continuous<br />
development in<br />
primary education<br />
Plan a<br />
sabbatical<br />
How a sabbatical<br />
can help you take<br />
a step away from<br />
real life, travel<br />
the world, and<br />
recharge your<br />
batteries<br />
Autumn deadline:<br />
10th October 2022<br />
Published late October 2022<br />
a: 222 Pantbach Road,<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong>, Cardiff CF14 6AG<br />
t: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920<br />
w: www.livingmags.co.uk<br />
e: editor@livingmags.co.uk or<br />
danielle@livingmags.co.uk<br />
Distribution: 6,000 copies of <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> <strong>Living</strong> are<br />
personally delivered by us to every house in the<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> ward four times a year in line with the<br />
seasons. We also distribute to local shops<br />
While every effort has been made to<br />
ensure the accuracy of the contents,<br />
the publisher cannot accept any<br />
responsibility for errors or omissions,<br />
or for any matter in any way arising<br />
from the publication of this material.<br />
Every effort has been made to<br />
contact any copyright holders.<br />
Whitchurch and Llandaff <strong>Living</strong> is an<br />
independent, apolitical publication.<br />
No part of this publication may be<br />
reproduced without the express<br />
written permission of the publishers.<br />
Welcome / Croeso<br />
We're a little late<br />
with this summer<br />
issue. Alas, we're only<br />
human. As the saying<br />
goes, your health is<br />
your wealth!<br />
The good news is<br />
that we're still here<br />
and we're back<br />
bringing you some of<br />
the finest stories to<br />
come out of <strong>Rhiwbina</strong><br />
and beyond.<br />
We start this issue<br />
with a feature about<br />
a man who paved<br />
the way for so many<br />
others in the police<br />
force. We were<br />
honoured to meet<br />
the family of Derrick<br />
Hassan, the first serving black<br />
police offi cer in the South Wales<br />
Police. His remarkable story has<br />
inspired many others to follow in<br />
his footsteps.<br />
They say that tough times help<br />
build character and while there<br />
is some truth in that, learning<br />
the lessons of resilience is<br />
something we can be aware of<br />
and use to our advantage. We<br />
show you how you can convert<br />
those negative experiences into<br />
ones that will serve you better in<br />
the future.<br />
Of course, life isn't all plain<br />
sailing. The current cost of living<br />
crisis is something that's affecting<br />
us all and is likely to be with us<br />
for some time yet. With that in<br />
mind, we've put together some<br />
money-saving ideas to help you<br />
tighten your belt and get you<br />
through the worst of it.<br />
The kids going back to school<br />
doesn't necessarily mean the<br />
end of summer and we've got<br />
some little tricks to help you eke<br />
out as much summer as you can<br />
get before the autumn storms<br />
roll in.<br />
South Wales is peppered with<br />
wonderful waterfalls and if you<br />
fancy a day out looking at these<br />
wonders of nature, we've handpicked<br />
some of the best. And if<br />
you'd rather stay at home, we'd<br />
chosen a few books that you can<br />
chill out with in the last of the<br />
summer sun.<br />
Sabbaticals are becoming<br />
increasingly popular following<br />
the stressful days of the<br />
pandemic. We've given you<br />
the low down on how you can<br />
prepare and enjoy one - and<br />
what to expect when you finally<br />
take the plunge.<br />
We also take a look at summer<br />
gardening and detail a list of<br />
activities that will keep your<br />
green space in tip-top condition.<br />
While the sun still shines well<br />
into September, now is the<br />
perfect time to grab yourself a<br />
late summer barbeque. We've<br />
got some delicious recipes that<br />
you can share with family and<br />
friends.<br />
North Cardiff is bubbling with<br />
history and we've uncovered a<br />
story that might make you sit<br />
up and take notice. It involves a<br />
certain King Arthur and the local<br />
ties to the legend are pretty<br />
convincing.<br />
Finally, we've got a short story<br />
from our award-winning editor,<br />
Patric Morgan to sign off the<br />
summer with a smile.<br />
We've already started working<br />
on our Autumn issue and we'd<br />
love you to show our advertisers<br />
the support they deserve. Local<br />
businesses form the backbone of<br />
our communities.<br />
Enjoy the rest of your summer<br />
and we'll back in October with<br />
our Autumn issue.<br />
Danielle and Patric<br />
Editors<br />
@<strong>Rhiwbina</strong><strong>Living</strong><br />
www.facebook.com/rhiwbinaliving<br />
@livingmagazinescardiff
National 20mph speed limit to<br />
officially passed into law<br />
Speed limits in built-up areas will<br />
be reduced to 20mph in Wales<br />
from next year - a decision that<br />
has proved controversial to some<br />
motorists.<br />
Welsh ministers have argued that<br />
a 20mph speed limit will lower<br />
road collisions and noise, as well<br />
as encouraging people to walk or<br />
cycle.<br />
Trials of the reduced limit have<br />
been taking place in areas of north<br />
Cardiff over the last few months<br />
and have divided the motoring<br />
community. Road users have<br />
been complaining of signage<br />
confusion, congestion and stress<br />
on gearboxes. The complaints also<br />
include dangerous incidents where<br />
other motorists who aren't aware of<br />
the reduced limits have attempted<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> Hub on<br />
track to open<br />
Work on <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>'s Hub is reported<br />
to be going well, ahead of its<br />
expected re-opening in the autumn.<br />
The former <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> Library<br />
closed its doors back in April ahead<br />
of the refurb, which will have taken<br />
24 weeks to open if developments<br />
continue to go according to plan.<br />
to overtake the cars sticking to the<br />
new speed limits.<br />
The Welsh Parliament passed<br />
the law in a vote in July. The law<br />
was backed by Labour and Plaid<br />
Cymru but opposed by the Welsh<br />
Conservatives, who claimed that<br />
the blanket rollout was 'ludicrous.'<br />
Safety campaigners have argued<br />
that the chances of someone<br />
surviving being hit by a car at<br />
20mph rather than 30mph is<br />
seven times higher while stopping<br />
distances are almost halved.<br />
But some motorists have<br />
expressed frustration at the rulings.<br />
"How can we be expected to drop<br />
the kids to school on a bike?" said<br />
one angry motorist.<br />
Scotland is expected to follow suit<br />
with the speed limits in 2025.<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> roads<br />
struggle in heat<br />
Several road in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> were<br />
cordoned off in August after a<br />
heatwave caused parts of them to<br />
collapse.<br />
Temperatures reached 33°C in Cardiff<br />
during the heatwave, which lasted for<br />
over a week.<br />
Sections of Pantmawr Road, Heol-y-<br />
Deri, and Pantbach Road all suffered<br />
during the extreme heat, and were<br />
subsequently repaired by Cardiff<br />
Council.<br />
Councillor Jayne Cowan liaised with<br />
the council to arrange the repairs, and<br />
thanked members of the community<br />
for taking proactive actions to resolve<br />
the issues.<br />
Scientists have warned that<br />
heatwaves will become more<br />
common due to climate change.<br />
news<br />
Road repairs for<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong>'s<br />
Sections of a <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> suburb<br />
will begin undergoing road<br />
improvements during early autumn.<br />
Carriageway surface<br />
improvements will be carried out<br />
at Heol-y-Bryn and Heol-y-Coed.<br />
The work will be phased over two<br />
years due to the associated costs<br />
of the repairs. The first phase will<br />
be carried out in early September<br />
while the second phase is pencilled<br />
in to be resolved late 2023.<br />
Some properties will be left<br />
without vehicular access to their<br />
properties during the works,<br />
although the contractors have said<br />
that all work will be carried out with<br />
as little impact as possible.<br />
Messages of<br />
support for Rhod<br />
Comedian Rhod Gilbert has been<br />
inundated with goodwill messages<br />
following his announcement that<br />
he is undergoing treatment for<br />
cancer at Velindre Hospital in July.<br />
"As a proud patron of Velindre<br />
Cancer Centre, I've trekked the<br />
world, hosted chaotic quizzes and<br />
star-studded comedy nights," he<br />
said.<br />
"I wouldn't wish this on anyone...<br />
but who knows, maybe I'll come<br />
out the other end with a new standup<br />
show and a 40 minute rant<br />
about orange squash," he added.<br />
"Thank you everyone for your<br />
support over the last few weeks<br />
and months (and years). I'll be<br />
disappearing for a while and won't<br />
be commenting further, at least<br />
not for now, whilst I focus on my<br />
recovery."<br />
The Welsh broadcaster has been<br />
a popular presenter on national<br />
TV shows and was also a regular<br />
presenter on his own BBC Radio<br />
Wales show. Gilbert added he was<br />
working to reschedule his comedy<br />
tour Book of John for early 2023.<br />
ASBOs handed<br />
out for park louts<br />
Several ASBOs (Anti-Social<br />
Behaviour Order) were handed out<br />
in Caedelyn Park over the summer<br />
following complaints of annoying<br />
behaviour from youths.<br />
3
news<br />
Newly-planted<br />
trees damaged<br />
in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> parks<br />
Newly-planted trees in a<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> park have become<br />
the target of vandals over the<br />
last few months.<br />
Young trees worth several<br />
thousand pounds were<br />
snapped in half by mindless<br />
wastrels during the early part<br />
of the summer. The damage<br />
followed similar destruction<br />
to trees in Heath Park.<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> councillor<br />
Jayne Cowan said she was<br />
'absolutely disgusted' by the<br />
damage.<br />
"My colleagues Adrian<br />
Robson, Oliver Owen and I<br />
have been inundated with<br />
reports from local residents<br />
regarding the deliberate<br />
damage to trees in both<br />
Caedelyn Park and Parc<br />
y Pentre," she said. "The<br />
community is very angry<br />
that this is continuing to<br />
happen, and I urge anyone<br />
with information about this to<br />
contact 101.<br />
"The local parks and open<br />
spaces are so well used and<br />
loved by local residents and<br />
visitors alike; we need to<br />
ensure they are preserved<br />
and maintained for the<br />
future."<br />
Cardiff Bus<br />
announces<br />
changes<br />
Cardiff Bus has announced<br />
a change to a number of<br />
its timetables from early<br />
September.<br />
A statement said:<br />
"The new timetables restore<br />
the more typical service<br />
frequency seen before the<br />
school summer holidays. At<br />
the same time many routes<br />
will see new timetables, with<br />
many journeys re-timed to<br />
better reflect the level of<br />
congestion, which is often<br />
unpredictable, that we<br />
continue to face."<br />
The new timetable for the<br />
21 and 23 services include a<br />
later departure from Cardiff<br />
city centre to Whitchurch,<br />
Pantmawr and <strong>Rhiwbina</strong><br />
Mondays to Saturdays.<br />
4<br />
Land at Caedelyn Park could be<br />
part of council land swap plans<br />
A large section of Caedelyn Park has<br />
featured in potential plans for a land<br />
swap, as council officials identify two<br />
pieces of land in Cardiff that it could<br />
exchange to allow Maindy Park to be<br />
developed on.<br />
Cardiff Council is the trustee of<br />
Maindy Park, a charity registered with<br />
the Charity Commission. The Council,<br />
acting as Local Education Authority,<br />
has asked the Charity about releasing<br />
part of the land at Maindy Park to<br />
accommodate a proposed expansion<br />
of Cathays High School.<br />
The Council has proposed providing<br />
alternative land in its ownership that is<br />
not currently held in trust or subject to<br />
similar covenants in exchange for the<br />
charity land. The land offered for the<br />
proposed land swap includes an area<br />
of Blackweir and 7.38 acres of land in<br />
Caedelyn Park.<br />
The council approved plans to<br />
expand Cathays High School in<br />
October 2021. The expansion will<br />
see a replacement school built and<br />
the Maindy Velodrome cycle track<br />
moved. The development will allow<br />
for a modern school that can offer<br />
space for more students and sports<br />
pitches - something the school does<br />
not have now.<br />
A Council spokesperson said:<br />
“Two sites near to Maindy, which<br />
might be suitable to the Trust in any<br />
land swap, have been identified at<br />
Blackweir and Caedelyn Park. Both<br />
sites fulfil the required criteria in that<br />
they are green space of a similar scale<br />
and relatively close to the existing<br />
land and do not have existing trust<br />
designation."<br />
Calls for better Blue Plaque system<br />
The leader of the Welsh<br />
Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew<br />
RT Davies, has called for a ‘proper<br />
blue plaque system for Wales’.<br />
Currently, blue plaques in Wales are<br />
the result of different local schemes.<br />
Davies has said he wants to see a<br />
national scheme for Wales, following<br />
discussions with constituents who<br />
have struggled with the current<br />
system, which would fund and<br />
coordinate the placing of bilingual<br />
plaques across Wales.<br />
Commenting, Mr Davies said:<br />
“Blue plaques are a great way of<br />
fence posting our history. They remind<br />
us of the inspirational people who<br />
lived in our villages, towns and cities,<br />
and they inspire us to try and do great<br />
things.<br />
“The plaque system, as it stands,<br />
is fragmented, and people can find<br />
it hard to interact with. That’s why<br />
I’m calling for a proper blue plaque<br />
system for Wales.<br />
“If Labour ministers do listen to us,<br />
and set up this national body, I’ll be<br />
putting in an application for Derrick<br />
Hassan to receive a blue plaque.<br />
“Derrick was the first black police<br />
officer to serve in South Wales Police,<br />
and I think it would be wonderful<br />
to have that celebrated with a blue<br />
plaque on his house in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>.”
Your letters<br />
WE<br />
letters<br />
WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!<br />
We love to hear what you've been up to<br />
so send us your letters and photos!<br />
We'll do our best to print them all.<br />
editor@livingmags.co.uk<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> Civic<br />
Society latest<br />
The <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> Civic Society<br />
announces its programme for the<br />
rest of the year, as follows:<br />
20 September: The amazing<br />
Transporter Bridge – David<br />
Hando<br />
18 October: <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> – an<br />
Urban Village or just another City<br />
Suburb? – Ritchie Wood<br />
15 November: The Roman<br />
Conquest of Wales – Sarah<br />
Boyce<br />
13 December: Christmas quiz<br />
plus drinks and nibbles.<br />
Meetings are held in the Canolfan<br />
Beulah starting at 7.30 pm. For<br />
further information, please see<br />
our website or Facebook page –<br />
or phone 07811 509490.<br />
Roger Wright, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong><br />
How about a play?<br />
I am a published author and my<br />
books reference north Cardiff<br />
where the Steinberg family live.<br />
My first book, The Steinberg<br />
Diamonds, can be found on<br />
Amazon. I also write plays (again<br />
Cardiff or valleys-based) and I will<br />
have a play performed this year<br />
at the Grand Theatre, Swansea.<br />
Maybe the <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> Players<br />
would consider performing one?<br />
Proceeds to charity, of course.<br />
Marc Brosnan, email<br />
Author shock<br />
I was shocked to see you<br />
recommend a book by Jordan<br />
Peterson in your Spring issue.<br />
Peterson is a controversial<br />
right-wing figure, who has been<br />
accused of misogyny, fascist<br />
thinking, and contributing to the<br />
problem of 'toxic masculinity.'<br />
Your readers should be aware of<br />
whose book they are buying!<br />
Anna Lewis, email<br />
Did Mark Twain visit<br />
the Wenallt?<br />
I was wondering as to whether you<br />
were aware of the visit of Samuel<br />
Langhorne Clemens, ‘Mark Twain’,<br />
to Cardiff in the 1800s and his<br />
potential visit to the Wenallt,<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong>?<br />
I came to discover this from my<br />
girlfriend who lives in Missouri<br />
and made me aware of a location<br />
called Cardiff Hill in the City<br />
of Hannibal which was Twain’s<br />
boyhood home town, and is<br />
immortalised in ‘The Adventures<br />
of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of<br />
Huckleberry Finn’.<br />
Twain himself named this<br />
location as the vista which strongly<br />
resembled that of a visit to Cardiff<br />
in which he looked down our own<br />
city.<br />
My basic research has not<br />
narrowed down the dates of<br />
the visit, or more importantly<br />
the rough location where he<br />
stood looking down over Cardiff<br />
(although I would assume it was<br />
the Wenallt, or the Garth). As<br />
one who was raised and grew<br />
up in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>, and still walks<br />
the Wenallt, I am intrigued and<br />
tantalised by this connection<br />
between our city and that of<br />
Hannibal, Missouri.<br />
Stuart Bodman<br />
Penarth<br />
Wild flower<br />
anomalies<br />
Just received the latest edition,<br />
and delighted to see the feature<br />
on wild flowers. As a botanist, I'm<br />
always pleased when attention<br />
is drawn to the range of colours<br />
and shapes that flowers come in.<br />
However, I'd like to point out a few<br />
anomalies in your article.<br />
First, none of the wild flower<br />
books I have mention such a<br />
thing as a wild hyacinth. I think<br />
the illustration is of Camassia (or<br />
Quamash), which is more often<br />
grown as a garden pernnial.<br />
Next, the picture of the common<br />
dog violet is wrong. Violets are<br />
related to pansies and share the<br />
same flower structure. I think you<br />
may have picked up a picture of a<br />
bell flower (Campanula).<br />
Finally, you may have missed<br />
an opportunity to remind your<br />
readers that it is illegal to dig up<br />
any wild flower. Good to see you<br />
got the right bluebell, though!<br />
Lyn Owen<br />
email<br />
If you have anything you’d like our readers to know about, drop us a line at<br />
editor@livingmags.co.uk or by letter to 222 Pantbach Road, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>, Cardiff<br />
CF14 6AG. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter<br />
5
The Man Who<br />
Changed Everything<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong>'s Derrick Hassan was the first serving black police officer<br />
in the South Wales Police. This is his remarkable story<br />
There's an old saying that reads:<br />
'Before you judge a man,<br />
walk a mile in his shoes.'<br />
Back in 1972, Derrick Hassan was<br />
walking many a mile around the<br />
streets of Cardiff - and getting<br />
judged in the process for doing the<br />
job he'd only just started.<br />
But Derrick wasn't the sort of man<br />
to let the small voices of others<br />
deter him from his life goals. His<br />
voice was the one he listened to<br />
and by doing so, he not only helped<br />
keep the communities of Cardiff<br />
safe, but he also stepped in the<br />
history books forever.<br />
Derrick's story started in 1947<br />
during the worst winter snows for a<br />
generation - he had to be dug from<br />
his house before he could meet the<br />
world. The family was based in the<br />
docks area of Cardiff but they soon<br />
moved to Ely, where Derrick and his<br />
two younger brothers grew up.<br />
Wife Ceri recalls Derrick's early<br />
years as he tried to figure out what<br />
he wanted to do with his life:<br />
"He was very sporty and liked to<br />
6<br />
play cricket and rugby. After leaving<br />
school, he joined the Merchant<br />
Navy, travelling all over the world<br />
and visiting places like Africa and<br />
Asia. When he returned, he started<br />
a carpentry job, repairing houses for<br />
the council. He was 23 years old."<br />
But it was 1972 when Derrick<br />
decided to join the police force that<br />
changed his life and the lives of<br />
countless others who have followed<br />
in his footsteps forever.<br />
"Dad Moses was a leading member<br />
of the Somali community in Cardiff<br />
docklands," says Ceri. "Moses was<br />
on the Watch Committee, that also<br />
included some police officers and<br />
they were keen to recruit a broader<br />
diversity of officers."<br />
Moses asked Derrick and his two<br />
younger brothers if they would<br />
like to join the police force. Derrick<br />
agreed and on October 6th 1972,<br />
Derrick pulled on the famous<br />
uniform for the first time.<br />
"The early days were tough for<br />
him," says Ceri. "He did get a lot of<br />
abuse. Derrick was the first black<br />
officer to serve in the South Wales<br />
Police and as such, he had no one<br />
else to speak to about his worries<br />
or concerns. He had colleagues<br />
of course but insomuch as his<br />
situation, he was completely on his<br />
own - no one else had been in that<br />
position before."<br />
But Derrick took it all in his stride.<br />
"He had flak from the criminals and<br />
dare I say it, some of his own work<br />
colleagues at the time. But he stood<br />
up for himself.<br />
"In those days, things were a little<br />
different to the way they are now.<br />
If an offender was being sent to<br />
prison for a while, they'd turn to<br />
Derrick and say 'Can you keep an<br />
eye on the wife and kids while<br />
I'm away?' Police officers were<br />
respected by the crooks, even if<br />
they were breaking the law."<br />
Within the force, and even within<br />
Cardiff's criminal underbelly,<br />
Derrick quickly became liked and<br />
respected. He went on to join the<br />
CID, where he spent most of his<br />
police career, and where he made
He was firm<br />
but fair<br />
he was respected<br />
by those on<br />
both sides of<br />
the law<br />
some long-lasting memories.<br />
"He was out on the beat one<br />
day undertaking door-to-door<br />
enquiries when a woman opened<br />
the door, clutched her hand to her<br />
chest and let out a big gasp of<br />
shock," recalls Ceri.<br />
"Derrick asked her what the<br />
matter was and the woman<br />
explained that only a few months<br />
earlier, she had been to see a<br />
psychic medium who told her<br />
that she'd soon have a black<br />
policeman knocking on her door.<br />
At that point in time, there were no<br />
black policemen, which is why the<br />
woman thought that it was such a<br />
strange thing for a medium to say."<br />
While Derrick was building a solid<br />
reputation within policing circles,<br />
he also set about building his own<br />
family - a family he was always<br />
proud of.<br />
"Derrick and I were introduced<br />
at the police club that used to be<br />
situated up the stairs on Queen<br />
Street," says Ceri. "It was called the<br />
Blue Lamp and we never looked<br />
back."<br />
Derrick and Ceri married and had<br />
a son and a daughter together<br />
- Andrew and Aimee, who both<br />
attended Whitchurch High School.<br />
"We moved to <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> in 1995<br />
and have been here ever since. We<br />
quickly became integrated into<br />
village life and Derrick enjoyed<br />
company of friends, especially on<br />
the nearby golf courses."<br />
During his tenure with the police,<br />
Derrick became a leading figure<br />
in the Black Police Association<br />
(BPA) in the South Wales area,<br />
encouraging others from minority<br />
groups to become offi cers.<br />
"He also enjoyed playing cricket<br />
and was a member of the force's<br />
cricket team. He enjoyed that<br />
game for many years," adds Ceri.<br />
Derrick rose through the ranks to<br />
detective constable and through<br />
the years, became an icon for<br />
young ethnic offi cers.<br />
"Derrick loved his work. He was<br />
firm but fair, even allowing one<br />
man to finish his pint before he<br />
arrested him!"<br />
When Derrick picked up his Long<br />
Service medal, dad Moses told him<br />
that at first, he didn't think Derrick<br />
would stick it out. In fact, Derrick<br />
remained in the force for 30 years.<br />
In March 2002, Derrick formally<br />
retired from the police but<br />
continued to work at the Coroner's<br />
Offi ce until he was 62. He then<br />
moved to the Crown Court, where<br />
he finally retired altogether in 2015.<br />
After he retired, Derrick enjoyed<br />
his beloved game of golf and<br />
socialising with friends and family.<br />
"We sold the family house,<br />
downsized in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> and bought<br />
a property in Spain where we<br />
spent a lot of time together before<br />
Derrick fell ill," says Ceri.<br />
Sadly, Derrick passed away in<br />
April this year. Although he had<br />
been ill, it still came as a shock to<br />
his loved ones.<br />
His children were deservedly<br />
proud of the man they called Dad.<br />
"To us, he was just dad and it's<br />
only recently that we've started to<br />
understand the significance of his<br />
place in the world,"<br />
says Aimee.<br />
"After Dad had gone,<br />
we had neighbours<br />
and friends telling us<br />
that they had no idea<br />
that Derrick was the<br />
first black policeman<br />
in South Wales. He<br />
achieved a lot."<br />
Derrick was laid<br />
to rest in May, with<br />
full police honours.<br />
Friends and family<br />
attended the funeral<br />
but it was also<br />
livestreamed so that<br />
those who he had<br />
influenced further<br />
afield could pay their<br />
respects and say<br />
goodbye.<br />
But that's not where<br />
Derrick's story ends.<br />
Derrick's life paved<br />
the way for so many<br />
other black police<br />
offi cers, not just here<br />
in Cardiff, but across<br />
the UK and beyond.<br />
In later life, Derrick<br />
would say that it was<br />
the disillusionment<br />
of his young, black<br />
friends with the<br />
police that first<br />
inspired him to join<br />
the force in the first<br />
people<br />
place.<br />
"They were telling me stories<br />
about being harassed. We thought<br />
a black person should join the<br />
police and break down the barriers<br />
from within," he once said.<br />
It is then perhaps, testament to<br />
Derrick's tenacity and attitude that<br />
we now live in a fairer place than<br />
we did when he took his first steps<br />
on Cardiff's streets as PC Hassan<br />
- a time when race relations were<br />
practically unheard of.<br />
Today, there is positive talk about<br />
a blue plaque in honour of Derrick.<br />
"We are currently in talks with the<br />
right people. It'd be a lovely thing<br />
to do but it just means that I won't<br />
be able to live elsewhere!" laughs<br />
Ceri.<br />
Derrick leaves behind a legacy<br />
that will have positive implications<br />
for generations to come. During<br />
his life, he was encouraging and<br />
advisory, a mentor to many. But<br />
his pioneering work and attitude<br />
will serve to help countless others,<br />
both in their careers, and in their<br />
lives.<br />
Derrick's legacy will<br />
be felt for years to come<br />
7
THE MAZDA2 HYBRID<br />
AVAILABLE FOR £289 PER MONTH ON<br />
MAZDA PERSONAL CONTRACT PURCHASE<br />
NEW ENERGY FOR THE CITY<br />
SEARCH: VICTORIA PARK MAZDA<br />
Mazda2 Hybrid Select<br />
Mazda Personal Contract Purchase Examples<br />
5.4% APR* Representative over 4 years<br />
Monthly Payment £289.00 Total Amount Payable £28,895.93<br />
On The Road Price inc Metallic Paint £25,3<strong>55</strong>.00 Fixed Rate of Interest 2.79% p.a<br />
Mazda Deposit Contribution £500.00 No of monthly payments 48<br />
Customer Deposit £3,390.93 Duration of Agreement 49 months<br />
Amount of Credit £21,464.07 Annual Mileage 9,000<br />
Interest Charges £3,540.93 Excess Mileage Charge per mile 7.5p<br />
Optional Final Payment £11,133.00 % APR 5.4% APR* Representative<br />
Model shown: Mazda2 Hybrid 116ps Select 5 Door, £24,475 On the road. Model shown in Lead Grey. Optional Metallic paint £585. OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund<br />
licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European roadside assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available<br />
in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.<br />
Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles ordered between 01.07.2022 and 30.09.2022, registered by 31.12.2022 at participating dealers. T&C apply. *5.4% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase<br />
available on all new Mazda2 Hybrid models. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR.<br />
Victoria Park Motor Company Limited, trading as Victoria Park Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers<br />
and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. If you have any questions about commission please speak to the dealer.<br />
DRIVE TOGETHER
ALL-NEW MAZDA CX-60<br />
PLUG-IN HYBRID<br />
AVAILABLE FOR £529 PER MONTH<br />
Created by our Takumi craftsmen, the all-new Mazda CX-60 showcases the<br />
refined elegance of our KODO design language woven into the toughness of<br />
an SUV. Carefully curated materials like real maple wood, high-quality leather,<br />
Japanese textiles and chrome details are combined in perfect harmony in a<br />
car completely designed around its driver. If this is how we craft the details,<br />
imagine how it feels to drive the all-new Mazda CX-60. Crafted in Japan.<br />
SEARCH: VICTORIA PARK MAZDA<br />
Model<br />
All-new Mazda CX-60 327ps AWD Homura Auto<br />
Monthly Payment £529.00 Total Amount Payable £54,019.71<br />
On The Road Price inc Metallic Paint £47,450.00 Fixed Rate of Interest 2.79%<br />
Mazda Deposit Contribution £500.00 No of monthly payments 48<br />
Customer Deposit £7,292.71 Duration of Agreement 49 months<br />
Amount of Credit £39,657.29 Annual Mileage 9,000<br />
Interest Charges £6,569.71 Excess Mileage Charge per mile 7.5p<br />
Optional Final Payment £20,835.00 % APR 5.4% APR* Representative<br />
Model shown may not be UK specification.<br />
The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda CX-60 range: Weighted 188.3 (1.5)^. CO 2<br />
emissions (g/km) 33^.<br />
^Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO 2<br />
figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results,<br />
which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. All figures quoted are derived from the latest WLTP test cycle.<br />
T&C apply. Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles ordered between 01.07.2022 and 30.09.2022, registered by 31.12.2022. † £1,000 Mazda Loyalty Deposit Contribution can only be used in<br />
conjunction with Mazda PCP or Mazda Purchase Plan finance. *5.4% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all new Mazda CX-60 models. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may<br />
be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Channel Islands and Isle of Man excluded. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.<br />
Model shown: All-new Mazda CX-60 327ps AWD Homura Auto, OTR from £46,700. Model shown features Soul Red Crystal paint (£900). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road<br />
fund licence, first registration fee, 3-year or 60,000-mile warranty and 3 years’ European roadside assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print.<br />
Victoria Park Motor Company Limited, trading as Victoria Park Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers<br />
and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. If you have any questions about commission please speak to the dealer.<br />
DRIVE TOGETHER
Life can be extremely hard at times. But out of adversity will always<br />
come opportunity. You can convert your negative experiences into<br />
positive ones to help you through life. Here's how.<br />
Find a sense of<br />
purpose<br />
Finding a sense of purpose in<br />
your life might seem a bit of<br />
a luxury but it plays a more<br />
important role than we might first<br />
think.<br />
Life is hard, and with it comes its<br />
own set of challenges, pain, and<br />
perspectives. Your story will be<br />
different to most other people's<br />
but with that comes the unique<br />
opportunity to convert them into<br />
a sense of purpose.<br />
You may find that you want<br />
to help those who are going<br />
through similar situations to the<br />
ones that you have overcome.<br />
You can show them how you<br />
did it, and offer guidance and<br />
support. How you transform<br />
your pain into purpose is entirely<br />
down to you but it might help if<br />
you get involved with community<br />
causes or groups that you feel<br />
drawn to.<br />
Being connected to others<br />
helps you discover people that<br />
share similar values and interests,<br />
and working with them towards<br />
a common goal will reignite a<br />
reason for pushing forward.<br />
10<br />
Believe in yourself<br />
Having confidence to back<br />
yourself when times are hard is<br />
crucial to surviving them.<br />
The fact that you've come this<br />
far just goes to show that you<br />
already have great levels of<br />
resilience. But changing your<br />
perspective on how you deal<br />
with them will make things less<br />
stressful.<br />
The way that you view yourself<br />
underpins the success in which<br />
you deal with life's challenges.<br />
Reminding yourself that you can<br />
cope with anything on a daily<br />
basis will help you believe that<br />
you can. Give yourself positive<br />
affi rmations daily.<br />
Everyone is a critic so while<br />
people are entitled to air their<br />
opinions, that doesn't necessarily<br />
mean that you have no worth.<br />
How you can use your<br />
setbacks and pain to<br />
create a better life<br />
Maintain friendships<br />
Keeping your strains and stresses<br />
to yourself is always going to<br />
eat you up from the inside so<br />
it's important to maintain and<br />
develop a good social network.<br />
Being able to verbally express<br />
your problems can make you feel<br />
better but the beauty of talking<br />
to people is that they can think<br />
about your problems differently<br />
and possibly think of alternative<br />
solutions.<br />
Friends will more often than not<br />
also provide you with positive<br />
feedback. They will remind you<br />
that you are doing a good job,<br />
despite what you think. They<br />
can see things from an outside<br />
perspective and they'll be able to<br />
help talk you through the things<br />
that are weighing you down.
Welcome change<br />
Change is an inevitable fact of life<br />
and the sooner we accept that<br />
fact, the easier life becomes as we<br />
move through it.<br />
Being flexible to change stops<br />
us from wasting energy trying to<br />
push back against it. Better still,<br />
change can also provide us with<br />
new opportunities that perhaps<br />
weren't there before. It could give<br />
you an opportunity to improve<br />
yourself or a situation. You can<br />
learn new things or develop new<br />
skills, even if it's the art of being<br />
more flexible and optimistic.<br />
For every negative event that<br />
happens, it will always contain<br />
a seed of opportunity to make a<br />
positive outcome.<br />
Remember that it is not life<br />
events that shape us. It's how<br />
we react and deal with those life<br />
events. We have the power within<br />
ourselves to affect the outcome.<br />
Think positively<br />
Maintaining a positive outlook<br />
on life, especially when it seems<br />
that everything is crashing down<br />
around us, can be very diffi cult.<br />
Thinking positively doesn't mean<br />
ignoring the problems of life,<br />
or daydreaming at the expense<br />
of practical solutions. It's about<br />
reminding yourself that whatever<br />
is going on is temporary, and that<br />
whatever the setback is, it can be<br />
fixed. Even in some of the most<br />
darkest days, there is always hope<br />
that there are better days ahead.<br />
A good way to start thinking<br />
positively is to accept your past<br />
mistakes for what they were, and<br />
leaving them in the past. Mistakes<br />
happen and while we can learn<br />
from them, dwelling on them<br />
does no good to anyone.<br />
Try and view obstacles and<br />
setbacks as opportunities to learn<br />
new things. Identify the situations<br />
that trigger you negatively, and try<br />
to look at them from a different<br />
angle. Instead of telling yourself<br />
that you 'have to', tell yourself that<br />
you 'get to'. This will help bring a<br />
sense of gratitude to your life, and<br />
equip you for other challenges.<br />
Look after yourself<br />
Because your physical wellbeing<br />
is so closely linked to your mental<br />
wellbeing, taking care of yourself<br />
physically can help you get through<br />
life's toughest challenges. And it's<br />
not just exercise that helps - you<br />
may want to explore how your diet<br />
affects you. Improving your diet<br />
can give you more energy, lift your<br />
mood and help you think more<br />
clearly.<br />
Keep hydrated by drinking plenty<br />
of water and keeping caffeine and<br />
alcohol to a minimum. Nourish<br />
your body with the vitamins and<br />
minerals it needs and it will reward<br />
you with more positive moods. Also<br />
get the sleep that you need. Both<br />
your body and mind need it.<br />
Problem solve<br />
Taking the time to solve a problem<br />
will give you the confidence to deal<br />
with the next problem that comes<br />
along.<br />
When a problem does arise, count<br />
to ten to avoid going into panic<br />
mode. Then reassure yourself that<br />
you can deal with the problem,<br />
even if the solution doesn't present<br />
itself straight away.<br />
Look at the problem logically,<br />
without emotion. Then break it<br />
down and apply solutions for each<br />
piece in a timely manner.<br />
wellbeing<br />
Set and achieve goals<br />
To begin with, it might be a good<br />
idea to set yourself a personal vision<br />
statement, in which you can identify<br />
core values and aims in life. Doing this<br />
will help you create a basic roadmap<br />
for the next few years, allowing you<br />
to visualise and aim for medium and<br />
long-term goals.<br />
It will also help allay your stress<br />
since you know exactly where you're<br />
headed, even if temporary setbacks<br />
creep up in the meantime.<br />
You'll also feel a great sense of<br />
achievement when you stop to look<br />
back at what you've accomplished.<br />
Improve yourself<br />
Life shouldn't be about just getting<br />
through it. It should be about feeling<br />
fulfilled and making the most of your<br />
experiences.<br />
Continuous self-improvement goes<br />
a long way towards that because it<br />
enlightens you to new possibilities<br />
and opportunities. Whether it's<br />
trying out a new hobby, creating an<br />
inspirational room, or even starting<br />
that educational course you've always<br />
wanted to do, improving yourself<br />
will give you more confidence to<br />
overcome the challenges of everyday<br />
life.<br />
One clever trick is to write a letter to<br />
your future self, outlining where you<br />
want to be and what kind of person<br />
you want to be. Date and seal the<br />
letter, and then set about aiming to<br />
achieve all those self-improvements<br />
that you've included in the letter.<br />
11
Northwood:<br />
home of<br />
worry-free<br />
landlords<br />
All the benefits of being a<br />
landlord, with none of the risk.<br />
Our Guaranteed Rent Scheme<br />
gives you a guaranteed monthly<br />
income, paid into your account<br />
on the same day every month.<br />
Even if your property is empty.<br />
Pop in and speak to a member of the team to find<br />
out more about how our Guaranteed Rent Scheme<br />
will revolutionise your landlord experience.<br />
northwood<br />
Over & Above<br />
The UK’s Number One Provider of Guaranteed Rent*<br />
*See northwooduk.com/no1<br />
02920 301141 northwooduk.com/cardiff<br />
02920 301141 | northwooduk.com/cardiff<br />
Northwood Cardiff, 23 Northwood Whitchurch Cardiff, Road, 1a/1b<br />
Heol Y Deri, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>, Cardiff Cardiff, CF14 3JN CF14 6HA
20 Years In The Making<br />
Northwood Cardiff of <strong>Rhiwbina</strong><br />
Village recently celebrated a<br />
fantastic 20 years in business in<br />
May 2022, having had a home in<br />
North Cardiff since the company<br />
was launched.<br />
The team celebrated by holding<br />
a birthday party to raise money<br />
for local charity Hollibobs with<br />
several competitions and games<br />
being run – highlights being a<br />
This is a sponsored post<br />
golden ticket hunt in the village.<br />
Flossy’s facepainting was on hand<br />
for the kids with cakes from Dotty<br />
Cupcakes also being given out.<br />
This family-run estate and letting<br />
agency was established in 2002<br />
on Whitchurch Road and has<br />
offered full management services<br />
and guaranteed rental incomes<br />
for landlords in Cardiff and South<br />
Wales from the start with the<br />
business<br />
expanding<br />
into<br />
Residential<br />
Sales in 2014.<br />
Following<br />
continued<br />
growth and<br />
acquisition,<br />
Northwood<br />
moved into<br />
their current<br />
premises<br />
on Heol-y-<br />
Deri in 2019<br />
and is now<br />
led by local<br />
husband and<br />
wife team Ben and Kate Gwinnutt.<br />
You can find more about the work<br />
Hollibobs carries out in the local<br />
community on their website<br />
www.holibobscharity.org.uk. You can<br />
see more from Northwood Cardiff<br />
on their website or social media<br />
channels or get in touch in person<br />
or on the phone for a free lettings<br />
or sales valuation.<br />
1A & 1B Heol Y Deri, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>,<br />
Cardiff, CF14 6HA<br />
02920 521400<br />
www.northwooduk.com
Extending horizons<br />
at Llanishen Fach<br />
Primary School<br />
The retired teachers amongst the<br />
readership may well remember the<br />
introduction of 'Baker days', now<br />
more correctly termed in-service<br />
training or 'INSET' days. While<br />
such days are a well-established<br />
part of school life and a valuable<br />
tool for school management, they<br />
are sometimes misunderstood by<br />
some, being seen as an unwelcome<br />
interruption to the school term.<br />
14<br />
Here at Llanishen Fach Primary<br />
School, INSET days are far from<br />
a disruption, providing valuable<br />
time for our teachers and teaching<br />
assistants to continue to improve<br />
and develop our practice and stay<br />
abreast of recent thinking and<br />
developments in primary education.<br />
Such training opportunities have<br />
never been more valued as now,<br />
as we emerge from a difficult time<br />
for schools and look to the future,<br />
certain in the knowledge that our<br />
professionalism is more than ever<br />
vital to the lives and prospects of<br />
our pupils.<br />
Outdoor learning<br />
For many years now, outdoor<br />
learning has been a mainstay<br />
of our curriculum, with pupils<br />
spending one day a fortnight<br />
totally immersed in the outdoor<br />
environment, come rain or shine.<br />
So, when March saw schools across<br />
Wales celebrate the potential and<br />
benefits of taking learning outdoors,<br />
we were eager to get involved. We<br />
decided to mark ‘Wales Outdoor<br />
Learning Week’ by setting aside a<br />
sizable part of our spring’s two day<br />
INSET programme to exploring<br />
teaching and learning opportunities<br />
for our school community.<br />
Taking the lead from the many and<br />
varied outdoor resources we have<br />
access to, staff considered how to<br />
extend their teaching using these<br />
resources as a focus:<br />
“Lamby Way” – our investigation<br />
and exploration area<br />
• chicken coop<br />
• ancient varieties apple orchard<br />
• raised planting beds
• thriving apiary and other<br />
pollinators found on site<br />
• willow circle and hazel grove<br />
previously planted by pupils<br />
• extensive British native trees,<br />
both mature and recently<br />
planted<br />
• pond (we received a grant to<br />
establish)<br />
As our staff bounced ideas off each<br />
other, new and exciting teaching<br />
and learning opportunities began<br />
to take shape and develop into<br />
proposals to be developed in the<br />
summer term.<br />
Busy bees<br />
With the arrival of the summer term<br />
our returning pupils, fresh from their<br />
Easter break, were quickly engaged<br />
in a range of exciting activities. Our<br />
Year 5 children got busy thinking<br />
about both the honeybees we have<br />
on site and the bumble bees that<br />
visit our grounds. They researched<br />
the hives and created graphs to<br />
depict colony size while in the art<br />
room they made paintings of some<br />
of the different bumble bees they<br />
observed around the school. Pupils<br />
also used Google maps to gain a<br />
better understanding of the school<br />
grounds and their place in the wider<br />
community.<br />
The Year 6 pupils conducted an<br />
extensive and meticulous survey of<br />
pondlife found in our 5mx3m pond<br />
which, as you can imagine, took<br />
some doing!<br />
At the younger end of the school,<br />
the Reception age children have<br />
been learning about plant growth<br />
and cultivating their own garden<br />
while the Year 1 pupils learnt about<br />
insects, creating homes for them,<br />
and pollinators which they surveyed<br />
at different locations around the<br />
school grounds.<br />
Nocturnal visits<br />
In Year 2 the pupils used their<br />
interaction with our chickens<br />
to inspire their creative writing<br />
with the odd exclamation mark<br />
to emphasise their delight and<br />
excitement. It isn’t just insects that<br />
we have in abundance, we also<br />
have regular visits from a range of<br />
nocturnal mammals. How do we<br />
know this? The children in Year 4<br />
have been using a motion-activated<br />
infrared night camera. Taking the<br />
lead in their learning, once they<br />
had discovered the existence of<br />
these visitors, they wanted to find<br />
other ways of recording their nightly<br />
visits and set footprint tracking<br />
tunnels along the routes they had<br />
discovered and mapped.<br />
Minibeasts<br />
As well as being integrated into our<br />
mainstream classes, our Specialist<br />
Resource Base (SRB) pupils have<br />
been using the grounds within<br />
their own curriculum. The younger<br />
pupils in Dosbarth Enfys 1 spent an<br />
enjoyable morning washing ‘Incy<br />
schools<br />
Wincy Spider’ down the waterspout.<br />
In Dosbarth Enfys 2, the pupils<br />
wanted to spend more time looking<br />
at the ‘minibeasts’ found around the<br />
school, which they did with great<br />
thoroughness!<br />
So, following our ‘Wales Outdoor<br />
Learning Week’ INSET we now ask<br />
the question, when planning our<br />
future teaching, ‘What is it about<br />
this activity that requires it to be<br />
done indoors?’ As a result, we now<br />
TAKE THE LEARNING OUTDOORS<br />
whenever we can.<br />
15
How do you clean your ears?<br />
In my years of being a Hearing<br />
Audiologist, I have been told many<br />
stories about what people clean<br />
their ears with - from the everyday<br />
cotton swabs to pens, paperclips,<br />
hair grips, glasses arms, and car<br />
keys. I’m sure nearly everyone is<br />
guilty of sticking something in their<br />
ears they are not supposed to so I’m<br />
going to explain why the old wives<br />
tale ‘nothing smaller than your<br />
elbow’ is so true.<br />
Our ears are designed by nature<br />
to be both self-cleaning and selfprotecting<br />
and that’s why by using<br />
the wrong cleaning methods, you<br />
risk causing injury to the ears,<br />
damaging your hearing, or even<br />
cause infections.<br />
Earwax (also called cerumen) is<br />
necessary for the ear’s self-cleaning<br />
mechanism to work properly.<br />
Earwax is manufactured by glands<br />
in the skin of the outer ear canal, the<br />
hole through which sound travels to<br />
the eardrum. Earwax serves several<br />
important functions. It coats the skin<br />
of the ear canal, repelling water and<br />
helping to protect it against injury<br />
and infection. It also helps to keep<br />
the skin inside the ears from getting<br />
dry and itchy.<br />
In addition, earwax traps dust and<br />
germs, keeping them from reaching<br />
the eardrum. Usually, you don’t<br />
need to do anything to help this<br />
natural cleaning process unless you<br />
suffer from an impaction that may<br />
have to be removed.<br />
Trying to forcibly remove the ear’s<br />
protective wax layer or stop an itch<br />
can damage the delicate skin of the<br />
ear canal or puncture (put a hole<br />
in) the eardrum. This can increase<br />
your risk of infection and lead to a<br />
permanent hearing loss needing<br />
either surgery or a hearing aid to<br />
correct the impairment. So it is<br />
best to leave the inside of your ear<br />
alone and not disturb its natural<br />
environment. This means no cotton<br />
swabs, no fingers and certainly no<br />
sharp objects!<br />
The ear canal is narrow and<br />
curved, consequently some<br />
people are susceptible to getting<br />
blockages of wax, skin, foreign<br />
objects, debris from infection. If a<br />
blockage is present, you may notice<br />
your hearing seems, dull, there may<br />
be a ringing sound in your ears,<br />
your ears may feel full become<br />
itchy or ache. If this is the case, you<br />
will need to have it professionally<br />
removed. Microsuction is renowned<br />
as the most efficient and the safest<br />
way to remove blockages.<br />
It is highly recommended by GPs,<br />
audiologists and ENT consultants.<br />
Microsuction of an ear canal is<br />
performed under direct vision<br />
using a microscope. The ear canal<br />
is cleared using gentle suction,<br />
proving to be the most effective<br />
way to clean the ears reducing all<br />
risks of infection.<br />
Micro-Suction and<br />
Ear Health Check Day<br />
Thursday 11th August<br />
Your hearing<br />
specialists in<br />
Whitchurch<br />
Normal cost £<strong>55</strong><br />
Call today as there are<br />
limited spaces<br />
... introducing Micro-Suction<br />
The safest way to clean your ears<br />
Viney Hearing Care hearing centre in<br />
Whitchurch, Cardiff offers Micro<br />
Suction, the SAFEST way to remove<br />
wax. No more ear syringing<br />
necessary, as there is no<br />
longer any need to pump water into<br />
the ear to remove wax. It is performed<br />
under direct vision using a microscope<br />
using gentle suction and instruments to clean the ears. The ear<br />
canal is narrow and curved and can become blocked with: wax, skin, debris from<br />
infection and foreign objects. This can cause your hearing to become dull and the<br />
quickest relief is microsuction. If you are having problems and dull hearing, itchy<br />
ears, blocked feeling, it could be wax blocking your ear canals.<br />
Come and have a FREE ear health check to determine if wax is the problem.<br />
We will use a fibre optic camera to view and assess the condition of the<br />
ear canal and ear drum. If we find that the ears are blocked<br />
with wax, microsuction is the safest way to remove it.<br />
iney Hearing Care 02920 250121<br />
66 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 6DJ<br />
www.vineyhearingcare.co.uk
Guiding<br />
you home<br />
Our Specialist Property Solicitors will<br />
lead you through any complications<br />
during your property transaction giving<br />
you valuable advice and ensuring there<br />
is always light at the end of the tunnel.<br />
Relax and let us do the hard work.<br />
Navigating your way through the<br />
complexities of a property transaction can<br />
be stressful but our experienced, accessible<br />
and caring team of lawyers take the time to<br />
successfully guide you every step of the way.<br />
Our services include:<br />
• Residential Property<br />
• Commercial Property<br />
• Landlord + Tenant<br />
• Wills and Estate Planning<br />
• Estate Administration + Probate<br />
• Lasting Powers of Attorney<br />
1 Heol-y-Deri, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>,<br />
Cardiff, CF14 6HA<br />
Monday - Friday<br />
9.00am - 5.30pm<br />
And on Saturdays<br />
10.00am - 4.00pm<br />
emyrpierce.co.uk<br />
Call us today for a detailed Quote;<br />
02920 616 002
eat the<br />
cost of living<br />
The current cost of living crisis is already starting to impact on our<br />
personal finances. Here are a few ways to help protect against its<br />
worst effects and to help you navigate your way through it<br />
Keep track<br />
Possibly the best place to start<br />
is by setting some time aside to<br />
see where you are currently with<br />
your income and outgoings. It's<br />
often surprising how much is<br />
actually going out of your bank<br />
account every month once you<br />
sit down and add it all up.<br />
It can be daunting facing up<br />
to the realities of your finances<br />
but even taking the first step of<br />
actually figuring out where you<br />
are will give you some sense of<br />
achievement and purpose.<br />
The first thing to do is to figure<br />
out whether you're earning<br />
more than you're spending, just<br />
about breaking even, or sliding<br />
into trouble. If you are spending<br />
more than you're earning, the<br />
first place to start is to cancel any<br />
outgoings that you don't use or<br />
can do without.<br />
Also check what your food<br />
cupboards are looking like<br />
before you go shopping. Many<br />
of us head to the shops without<br />
checking what we already have<br />
and end up throwing away items<br />
in our cupboards that we've<br />
never used.<br />
18<br />
Plan a weekly menu<br />
Setting a budget for the week<br />
ahead will help you feel more in<br />
control and provide you with the<br />
ability to save money by using food<br />
more sparingly.<br />
You'll need to plan all the<br />
ingredients of each meal so<br />
that you can take a list to the<br />
supermarket or order it online. Try<br />
your best to stick to what's only<br />
on the list as any little extras will<br />
soon add up. Don't be afraid to<br />
give yourself a treat, as long as it's<br />
included in the weekly menu.<br />
Vegetables are generally<br />
less expensive to buy than<br />
meat and you can bulk out a<br />
healthy casserole by using more<br />
vegetables and less meat. Batch<br />
cooking base sauces also means<br />
that you can use them for different<br />
dishes throughout the week.<br />
Use your freezer<br />
Food wastage costs the<br />
average UK household around<br />
£700 a year, according to the<br />
sustainability charity, Wrap.<br />
If you have a freezer, or better<br />
still a chest freezer, you can<br />
stock up on meals for weeks and<br />
months ahead. Freezing food<br />
that's also approaching its useby<br />
date will also save you from<br />
throwing it in the bin.<br />
While most foods are freezable,<br />
thawing them may not present<br />
them in the form that they were<br />
frozen in so you may need to<br />
think outside the box when it<br />
comes to using them.<br />
Batch cooking and then<br />
freezing your meals will also<br />
make the most of bulk buying,<br />
especially when it comes to<br />
things like meat and vegetables.
Shop differently<br />
Savvy shoppers are the ones that<br />
head straight for the Reduced<br />
Items section in the supermarket,<br />
often picking up things that they<br />
actually need instead of paying for<br />
full price versions.<br />
After the reduced aisle, head<br />
to the frozen and tinned aisles<br />
next. Goods here tend to be<br />
less expensive than their fresh<br />
counterparts and are often<br />
packed, tinned, or frozen within<br />
hours of being picked.<br />
Sell unwanted stuff<br />
If you take a quick look around<br />
your home, there is likely to be<br />
a range of things that no longer<br />
serve you and can be exchanged<br />
for cash with someone who needs<br />
them more than you do.<br />
Social media market places are<br />
a good place to sell a lot of stuff<br />
locally, giving you space and<br />
funds at the same time.<br />
Walk where you can<br />
The rise of fuel costs is something<br />
that can't be ignored so if<br />
possible, walk to places instead<br />
of using the car, especially if it's<br />
local. Walking is a lot healthier for<br />
starters, plus you'll be saving on<br />
both fuel, and the wear and tear of<br />
your vehicle.<br />
Dining out<br />
It's perhaps too easy to suggest<br />
a blanket ban on eating out,<br />
especially since many of our local<br />
eateries rely on our custom to<br />
keep their doors open.<br />
But you can save money when<br />
going out by working with your<br />
favourite venues. Join their mailing<br />
lists to receive their latest deals.<br />
Ordering takeaways directly from<br />
your local restaurant can also<br />
save you money on the third-party<br />
companies that cream off a small<br />
profit for organising a delivery.<br />
If you also find that you've overordered<br />
at the restaurant, most<br />
venues will be more than happy to<br />
provide a doggy bag - giving you<br />
leftovers to munch on later.<br />
Buy second hand<br />
Millions of Brits are turning to<br />
buying second hand clothing<br />
(Confused.com, 2022) as the cost<br />
of living crisis bites into day-to-day<br />
living.<br />
Buying second hand doesn't<br />
just save you money. It helps the<br />
environment by reducing the need<br />
to create new goods. The fashion<br />
industry is notorious for sending<br />
unwanted items to landfill sites, in<br />
addition to the costs and energy<br />
used to create the garments in the<br />
first place.<br />
If you have little ones, buying preloved<br />
toys means that you extend<br />
the life of that toy - and provide<br />
your youngsters with a good<br />
example of recycling.<br />
Second hand goods can be found<br />
in charity shops plus online listings<br />
and social media.<br />
Find a new income<br />
stream<br />
Converting your knowledge and<br />
expertise into an income is a great<br />
way of boosting your salary.<br />
If you have any particular skills<br />
that are needed locally, why not put<br />
them to good use and generate an<br />
income from it?<br />
The internet also provides a great<br />
way to top up your wages, whether<br />
it's selling goods or services<br />
online, or even offering courses in<br />
your specialist area. Either way, if<br />
you can't do anything about your<br />
outgoings, the only way you're<br />
going to balance it out is to level up<br />
your income.<br />
finances<br />
Save on energy bills<br />
In normal times, experts would<br />
be recommending that you look<br />
around for the best deal when it<br />
comes to your energy bills. The<br />
problem that we are all facing is the<br />
unprecedented rise in costs, with<br />
more rises predicted in October.<br />
As a result, most energy companies<br />
have withdrawn their special offers,<br />
leaving some households in the<br />
lurch as we head into autumn.<br />
If you do foresee trouble ahead, it's<br />
always best to contact your energy<br />
company as soon as you can so that<br />
you can come to some solution.<br />
Around the home, there are actions<br />
you can take to help save on your<br />
bills - turning off unnecessary lights<br />
and appliances is a good start.<br />
Making sure that your house is<br />
properly insulated for the winter will<br />
also go some way to reducing your<br />
reliance on energy. Leaky windows<br />
and poor loft insulation are often<br />
the main culprits when it comes to<br />
higher energy bills.<br />
Save on phone bills<br />
Most us have mobile phones these<br />
days and these can be an expensive<br />
drain on our financial resources. With<br />
that in mind, it's worth checking your<br />
current deal to see if you're paying<br />
over the odds, and to see if there are<br />
any savings to be made.<br />
Phone companies are used<br />
to customers haggling as most<br />
companies would rather throw in a<br />
few goodies or reduce a monthly<br />
tariff if it means that you stay loyal<br />
to them. Be careful too that you're<br />
not paying over the odds for internet<br />
data. Paying for unlimited metering<br />
when you mostly use Wifi is a classic<br />
example of customers paying<br />
through the nose for something that<br />
they don't need.<br />
The technology used in mobile<br />
phones also means that in some<br />
cases, the specs on some phones<br />
come close to matching those of the<br />
more expensive, high-end versions.<br />
Finally, check to see if you have any<br />
useful perks in your contract, like<br />
data rollover.<br />
19
Your Home,<br />
Only Better<br />
Cardiff-based adaptation specialists who are dedicated to creating<br />
safe and stylish homes for people to enjoy for years to come<br />
Our range of products are the<br />
stylish choice in home adaptions<br />
and are perfectly designed to give<br />
you the help you need around the<br />
house. Our home should be our<br />
haven; a place that’s been designed<br />
just for us where we can feel both<br />
confident and comfortable.<br />
We believe everyone should feel<br />
safe and worry-free within their<br />
own home, so from consultation<br />
to installation, Adaptmyhome will<br />
be with you every step of the way<br />
until you have your perfect haven.<br />
Throughout our life, we may need<br />
to make changes to our home to<br />
continue with independent living.<br />
Our aim is to provide you with the<br />
adaptations you need to continue a<br />
comfortable life at home. Our focus<br />
is to deliver practical solutions that<br />
don’t compromise style and is in<br />
keeping with your home’s interior<br />
design. So, whether you are looking<br />
to replace a bath with a walk-in<br />
shower, or if you’re curious about<br />
home lift solutions, we can provide<br />
design and style options that go<br />
beyond just functionality.<br />
Our business has been built<br />
on years of understanding the<br />
importance of peace of mind<br />
and trust. We want your home to<br />
continue working for you, so we<br />
offer a no-obligation face-to-face<br />
consultation where we can listen<br />
to your needs and provide stylish<br />
solutions to get the most out of<br />
your home.<br />
We are Cardiff-based and have<br />
over 30 years of expertise in<br />
adapting homes across South<br />
Wales and the rest of the UK. We<br />
provide free no-obligation quotes<br />
and offer a first-class service to all<br />
our customers. Get in touch today.<br />
Stay proud of<br />
your home with<br />
Adaptmyhome<br />
> 5 Year Warranty<br />
> Consumer Promise<br />
> Minimal Disruption<br />
hello@adaptmyhome.co.uk 029 2061 1277<br />
160 Heol Llanishen Fach, Cardiff CF14 6RG
Up to<br />
50% OFF<br />
all SS22<br />
collection Autumn has arrived<br />
Independent Boutique in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong><br />
Find us in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> village<br />
Park outside the store in Lon Fach Shopping Mews<br />
9-11 Lon Fach<br />
Rhiwbeina<br />
CF14 6DY<br />
www.calonrhiwbeina.com<br />
tel: 07929 239012<br />
email: info@calonrhiwbeina.com<br />
Serving your<br />
local community<br />
cardiff bed &<br />
furniture centre<br />
Your local furniture store<br />
Beds • Sofas • Dining Sets • Home Delivery<br />
• Two floors of beds and furniture • We will collect and dispose of replaced items<br />
Choice of<br />
● Beech<br />
● Dusk Grey<br />
● Light<br />
Lakeland<br />
BEDROOM<br />
TRIO<br />
PACKAGE<br />
£399<br />
4’6” DIVAN SET +<br />
HEADBOARD £449<br />
Other sizes +<br />
30 colours available<br />
47 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DB<br />
02920 615719 info@cardiffbedcentre.co.uk<br />
Last few sets remaining!<br />
Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm<br />
www.cardiffbedcentre.co.uk
msegrah<br />
ORDER<br />
DIRECT<br />
from www.juborajgroup.com<br />
Serving the local community for over 32 years<br />
DIRECT<br />
ORDER<br />
ONLINE<br />
PAY ONLINE<br />
or call 029 2062 8894<br />
SAVE a whopping<br />
30% *<br />
Juboraj <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>, 11 Heol Y Deri,<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong>, Cardiff CF14 6HA<br />
EARLY EVENING MENU** EAT IN ONLY<br />
5-6.30pm Mon-Thu ONLY £14.95 for two courses<br />
**Terms and conditions apply with some limitations to the menu. See website for details.<br />
*On average compared to making an order on<br />
Just Eat, Deliveroo, UberEats etc.<br />
Taking into account all relevant charges<br />
Shop Local<br />
from your independent electrical retailer<br />
Price Match Guarantee | Super Service | Expert Knowledge | Contact-Free Delivery<br />
1 gk7 nipS 04<br />
W enihcaMgnihsa<br />
W BG8 082JA<br />
B nevOelgniS nI tliu<br />
H B0RB311FH<br />
C muucaV sseldro 5 erF tsorF mc5<br />
F rezerF egdir<br />
C renael<br />
K GAFLN72NG<br />
B BGTEP3HB<br />
1 gnitteS ecalP 2<br />
D rehsawhsi<br />
S G81XTI2VM<br />
1 dnaH & tratS 6 yaleD :cnI margorP sem 4 nevOnaF noitcnufitluM )teN( B sertiL6 sselga<br />
1 yticapaC sertiL 5 48 / 17 ocE cnI<br />
W hsa<br />
3 fo noitubirtsid 5 esimitpO emiT egrahCnuR ruoH ,gnikoC F riatoH D<br />
niB dalaS 1 & sevlehS C 3 :egdir teksaB yreltu<br />
B yalpsiDDEL ,lortnoC laiD/nottu h tae<br />
5 emiT nuR etuniM5 F revliS- D swarD tnerapsnarT tratS 4:rezer yale<br />
R noitcnuF daole I remiT 2 elbamargorP retliF , l D l elbahsaW irG ,sleveL largetn<br />
rewoP mc 5Dx 5Wx281H D :snoisnemi mc5Dx8.95Wx5.18H :snoisn<br />
D mc6.45Dx8.95Wx8.48H D :snoisnemi mc8.45Dx4.95 Wx9.95H :snoisnemi 2 Y ytnarraW rae<br />
2 Y ytnarraW rae<br />
2 Y ytnarraW rae<br />
2 Y ytnarraW rae<br />
2 Y ytnarraW rae<br />
F gnitaR ygrenE E gnitaR ygrenE<br />
D gnitaR ygrenE A gnitaR ygrenE<br />
O yln<br />
O yln<br />
O yln<br />
O yln<br />
O yln<br />
0 0<br />
0 0<br />
9 9<br />
0 0<br />
9 9<br />
£ 3 96 £ . 3 92 . £ 1 97 . £ 4 92 . £ 4 93 .<br />
B lacirtcelE du<br />
1 daoR , B yl evorghcri<br />
, C l , ihpreaC ffidra<br />
C 41F GQ4 021-8<br />
0 682196 w 0292 ku.oc.ygrenedub.w<br />
* noitallatsnI & yrevileD .tsal skcots<br />
c C 2 scinoruEthgirypo .ylnosesoprupnoitartsulli . mI 120 rof .sliated sega lluf &E2 EO . rof 120 erotsnieS snoisulcxEylp aya Rdna p Asuid .ylp a<br />
SHOP LOCAL L A4 v1.indd 1 09/11/2020 14:51
HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT IN<br />
THE GARDEN<br />
There's something<br />
special about watching<br />
a movie outdoors and<br />
late summer gives you<br />
the perfect mix of warm<br />
weather, darkening<br />
nights and the chance<br />
to catch up with friends<br />
and neighbours who'll be<br />
back off holiday.<br />
Project your movie onto<br />
a simple screen and add<br />
sound and drinks!<br />
EXTEND your summer<br />
As Autumn approaches, it's easy to switch off from the summer vibes.<br />
Here are a few ways to make that summer feeling last a little longer<br />
KEEP SUMMER ON YOUR PLATE<br />
Summer doesn't have to be a<br />
season - you can also find it on<br />
your plate.<br />
Keeping your meals light and<br />
nutritious will also help stave off<br />
those sluggish feelings you get<br />
after eating heavy meals. Eating<br />
fruits and vegetables that are rich<br />
in beta-carotene and antioxidants<br />
will also help keep your tan and<br />
also help keep your skin hydrated<br />
from the inside.<br />
VISIT THE BEACH<br />
Perhaps the best time<br />
of year to visit the beach<br />
is just after the kids go<br />
back to school. You<br />
still get the gorgeous<br />
weather but the beaches<br />
are a lot quieter.<br />
Grab a portable<br />
barbeque and a cool box<br />
of drinks and spend a<br />
few hours watching the<br />
sun go down. The perfect<br />
way to make more<br />
summer memories.<br />
GARDEN READING<br />
Getting lost in a good<br />
book is a great way<br />
to while away a<br />
sunny afternoon<br />
when there's no<br />
one around.<br />
The garden is<br />
an ideal place<br />
to pack away<br />
your troubles,<br />
put your feet<br />
up, and to<br />
forget about<br />
the world for a<br />
moment.<br />
24
wellbeing<br />
PACK A PICNIC<br />
The cooler days of late<br />
summer are the ideal times to<br />
pack a picnic - no sunburn, less<br />
bugs, but all the gorgeousness<br />
of the bright weather. Just<br />
remember to pack a cardi - just<br />
in case!<br />
SWIM IN THE SUN<br />
Swimming in the<br />
sunshine shouldn't<br />
only be reserved for<br />
holidays. If you can get<br />
the chance, and while<br />
the summer sun is<br />
still shining, aim to get<br />
swimming outdoors.<br />
Not only does it help<br />
promote better sleep<br />
and improve circulation<br />
and metabolism, it also<br />
helps creates a sense<br />
of happiness and helps<br />
improve mental health.<br />
As we move into<br />
autumn, cold water<br />
swimming can boast the<br />
same benefits.<br />
PLAY OUTDOORS<br />
Going back to school<br />
doesn't mean that<br />
playtime at home should<br />
switch to indoors.<br />
The start of the school<br />
year isn't overloaded<br />
with homework and<br />
coursework so let the<br />
kids play outdoors. It'll<br />
help them sleep better!<br />
HOST A GARDEN PARTY<br />
Make the most of the evenings by hosting<br />
a late summer garden party. It'd be a great<br />
opportunity to catch up with friends and family<br />
before we roll into the darker days of autumn<br />
and winter.<br />
GET ON YOUR BIKE<br />
This is the perfect time of<br />
year to get on a bicycle<br />
and visit new places. The<br />
fierce heat of the sun<br />
will be a little tempered<br />
by the cooler winds but<br />
the rumbles of the rough<br />
autumn storms are still<br />
some way off.<br />
Do plan for your journey,<br />
especially if it's going to<br />
be an extended one. Make<br />
sure that you stay hydrated<br />
and use sunscreen if it's<br />
a sunny day. Lightweight<br />
clothing offering plenty of<br />
ventilation will also help in<br />
the late summer heat.<br />
25
Water<br />
features<br />
South Wales is rich in<br />
waterfalls. Slip on your walking<br />
shoes, pack a flask, and take<br />
time to admire these calming<br />
wonders of nature for free<br />
Melincourt Falls<br />
Situated in the Vale of Neath,<br />
Melincourt Falls sits at the end of a<br />
short walk from the car park.<br />
It has been drawing visitors to the<br />
site for over two centuries, and it has<br />
been said that the falls inspired the<br />
artist JMW Turner to paint them. At<br />
over 80 feet high, the falls certainly<br />
catch the eye as they plunge off<br />
Melin Court Brook, a left-bank<br />
tributary of the River Neath.<br />
Considered one of the easier of<br />
the Welsh waterfalls to visit, the<br />
experience is further enhanced by a<br />
gentle stream that gurgles through<br />
the vegetation.<br />
The falls can be accessed from the<br />
public footpath that sits on the B4434<br />
Resolven to Tonna Road. It's situated<br />
about a mile south of Resolven.<br />
Henrhyd Falls<br />
The path leading to the highest<br />
waterfall in South Wales is<br />
maintained but even so, it is best<br />
to treat it with caution as it does<br />
get hilly and wet in places.<br />
Its 90 feet drop marks it out<br />
as one of the finest in what is<br />
considered 'Brecon Beacons<br />
Waterfall Country.' The falls<br />
occur where the small river Nant<br />
Llech drops over the faulted<br />
edge of a hard sandstone known<br />
as the Farewell Rock.<br />
The area was surveyed<br />
by the Canadian geologist<br />
William Logan in the 1800s. He<br />
discovered early fossilised trees<br />
that are now on display outside<br />
Swansea Museum.<br />
If you're a fan of Batman, you<br />
might also recognise it from the<br />
2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises,<br />
staring Christian Bale, Anne<br />
Hathaway, and Tom Hardy.<br />
Sgwd yr Eira<br />
Translated from the Welsh,<br />
meaning Waterfalls of Snow,<br />
Sgwd yr Eira is one of the most<br />
well-known waterfalls in South<br />
Wales.<br />
It is located on the Afon<br />
Hepste and is part of the Four<br />
Falls Walk that sits between<br />
the villages of Ystradfellte and<br />
Pontneddfechan.<br />
The falls are famous for having<br />
a footpath that leads behind the<br />
falling water, although this can<br />
be closed after periods of heavy<br />
rain.<br />
You can take a 2.5 mile walk<br />
from Pontneddfechan to the<br />
falls, passing through woodland<br />
on a series of footpaths with<br />
some moderate climbs on the<br />
way.<br />
26
Caerfanell Falls<br />
Along the upper reaches of the<br />
Caerfanell River, and its tributary<br />
Nant Bwrefwr can be found a<br />
series of around 20 waterfalls<br />
over a two-mile stretch.<br />
Caerfanell Falls is one of the<br />
largest in the vicinity, and is easily<br />
accessible from one of the area's<br />
offi cial car parks. The river and<br />
the surrounding cascades are<br />
renowned for their clear waters.<br />
The falls are also a popular<br />
destination for visitors and<br />
walkers all year round.<br />
Sgwd Ddwli Isaf<br />
Meaning 'Lower Gushing Falls'<br />
in Welsh, Sgwd Ddwli Isaf is a<br />
pretty waterfall on the Nedd<br />
Fechan in Brecknockshire,<br />
and one of several celebrated<br />
falls on that stream.<br />
Located in the famed<br />
Waterfall Country, these falls<br />
drop about 30ft in two tiers,<br />
and are sometimes referred<br />
to as the Rainbow Falls,<br />
due to the rainbows that<br />
sometimes appear when the<br />
Sgwd Einion Gam<br />
outdoors<br />
Also known as ‘the fall of the crooked<br />
anvil’, Sgwd Einion Gam is located deep<br />
in the heart of Waterfall Country. And<br />
with a 70ft drop, it is the second-highest<br />
waterfall in South Wales.<br />
Its location is challenging to get to,<br />
meaning that it's one of the lesser<br />
visited waterfalls in the area. You can<br />
leave the car at the visitors centre at<br />
Pontneddfechan and follow the Elidir<br />
Trail Route to the falls.<br />
conditions are right. Fossils of<br />
ancient plants can also be made out on some of the smoother rocks but<br />
these can become dangerously slippery when wet so take care.<br />
Visitors can make their way to the falls from the Waterfall Centre, which<br />
has plenty of parking and provides a great base for hiking and walking in<br />
the area.<br />
Blaen-y-Glyn<br />
While not the biggest of<br />
waterfalls, Blaen-y-Glyn near<br />
Tredegar, still has the power<br />
to impress those that visit it.<br />
The trail to the falls can be<br />
a challenge and should only<br />
be attempted on drier days<br />
when the rocks aren't as<br />
slippery. The walk starts near<br />
the north end of Talybont<br />
Reservoir below Cerrig<br />
Edmwnt, and takes about two<br />
hours to complete.<br />
Clydach Gorge<br />
The River Clydach flows from the<br />
southern slopes of Llangattock<br />
Mountain to the River Usk near<br />
Gilwern, a journey of around six miles.<br />
About two miles of this is what's<br />
known as Clydach Gorge, a deep<br />
valley steeped on either side by<br />
wooded slopes. The area contains a<br />
number of caves as well as a handful<br />
of waterfalls.<br />
Walkers will also encounter disused<br />
railway tracks and abandoned<br />
buildings, a nod to the area's industrial<br />
past.<br />
Pistyll Rhaeadr<br />
Pistyll Rhaeadr is an enchanting<br />
waterfall in the Berwyn<br />
Mountains, just inside the<br />
Welsh border, west of Oswestry<br />
and Shrewsbury if you fancy<br />
a day trip. And at 240ft high,<br />
it is Britain's tallest singledrop<br />
waterfall and has been<br />
captivating those that visit it for<br />
generations.<br />
The falls are a great excuse<br />
to explore the surrounding<br />
Berwyn Mountains and the falls<br />
themselves have selection of<br />
nearby amenities, including<br />
tearooms and accommodation.<br />
27
MARTIN BAYFIELD’S<br />
RUGBY LEGENDS<br />
07.10.22<br />
BOYZLIFE<br />
Old School<br />
02.10.22<br />
NOEL FITZPATRICK<br />
The Supervet<br />
10.11.22<br />
NEIL WARNOCK<br />
Are You With Me?<br />
06.09.22<br />
VARNA INTERNATIONAL BALLET<br />
Coppélia, The Nutcracker & Swan Lake<br />
17.12.22 - 31.12.22<br />
DON MCLEAN<br />
American Pie 50 th Anniversary<br />
11.09.22<br />
QUEEN MACHINE SYMPHONIC<br />
feat. Kerry Ellis<br />
18.09.22<br />
MILKSHAKE LIVE<br />
12.30pm & 3.30pm<br />
26.10.22<br />
KIM WILDE + CHINA CRISIS<br />
Greatest Hits<br />
22.09.22<br />
OMID DJALILI<br />
Good Times<br />
09.09.22<br />
WOMAN TO WOMAN<br />
feat. Rumer<br />
11.11.22<br />
AN EVENING WITH<br />
MONTY DON<br />
24.11.22
THE PAPER PALACE<br />
On a perfect August morning, Elle<br />
Bishop heads out for a swim in the<br />
pond below 'The Paper Palace' - her<br />
family's holiday home in Cape Cod.<br />
As she dives beneath the water she<br />
relives the passionate encounter<br />
she had the night before, against the<br />
side of the house that knows all her<br />
darkest secrets, while her husband<br />
and mother chatted to their guests<br />
inside.<br />
So begins a story that unfolds over<br />
twenty-four hours and fifty years, as<br />
Elle's shocking betrayal leads her to<br />
a life-changing decision.<br />
Tender yet devastating, The Paper<br />
Palace has been described as<br />
'a masterful novel that brilliantly<br />
illuminates the tensions between<br />
desire and safety; the legacy<br />
of tragedy, and the crimes and<br />
misdemeanours of families.'<br />
SUMMERbooks<br />
If you're looking for engaging books to read<br />
while you sit in the sun, here's our handpicked<br />
selection for this season<br />
books<br />
FOUR THOUSAND WEEKS<br />
An uplifting, engrossing and<br />
deeply realistic exploration of the<br />
challenge of making the most<br />
of our time. Rejecting the futile<br />
modern obsession with 'getting<br />
everything done,' it introduces<br />
readers to tools for constructing<br />
a meaningful life by embracing<br />
rather than denying their<br />
limitations.<br />
THE LIDO<br />
This Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller centres<br />
around a woman called Rosemary, who has<br />
lived in Brixton all her life - but everything she<br />
knows is changing. Only the local lido, where<br />
she swims every day, remains a constant<br />
reminder of the past and her beloved<br />
husband George.<br />
But when the lido is threatened with closure,<br />
local journalist Kate decides to help.<br />
MENOPAUSING<br />
Menopause<br />
affects every<br />
woman, and<br />
yet so many<br />
approach it with<br />
shame, fear,<br />
misinformation or<br />
silence.<br />
This groundbreaking<br />
book<br />
will equip women<br />
to make the<br />
most informed<br />
decisions about<br />
their health and<br />
their lives.<br />
HOW TO BE CONFIDENT<br />
Now, more than ever, we are<br />
so often lost within a cycle of<br />
negativity – from comparing<br />
ourselves to others and<br />
doom scrolling on social<br />
media, to a paralysis<br />
of choice and chasing<br />
external gratification that<br />
does nothing to nurture<br />
authentic happiness. We<br />
need confidence to master<br />
our true ambitions, realise<br />
our genuine strengths, and<br />
achieve the life we need,<br />
but might not know we<br />
want. Here's how.<br />
29
Plan your sabbatical<br />
With some careful planning, a sabbatical can be a life-affirming and<br />
soul-nourishing experience. Here are some useful tips<br />
Defi ne what success looks like to you<br />
Taking yourself away from your current life is a big deal so you'll want to<br />
have some sort of definition of what you're looking to achieve by taking a<br />
sabbatical.<br />
Are you looking to heal from something? How would a sabbatical play a<br />
part in that? Are you looking for inspiration in some form? Maybe you're<br />
seeking a purpose in life. How will a sabbatical help you on your return?<br />
Think about what you'd like to come back with in terms of personal<br />
development. Try and put into words what success might look like to you.<br />
It'll help with your planning and post-sabbatical reflection.<br />
30<br />
Think about why<br />
you'd like to take a<br />
sabbatical<br />
Planning something as big and<br />
as important as a sabbatical<br />
will take some thorough<br />
planning. And while there are<br />
some general steps to follow,<br />
remember that you have<br />
different needs to those who<br />
have perhaps gone before you.<br />
Start by thinking about the<br />
reasons why you are wanting to take a break. These reasons can help<br />
underpin your entire experience and help shape your time away.<br />
Are you wanting to get away from your current life? Are you looking to<br />
recharge your batteries? Or are you wanting to return to your life with a<br />
fresh new perspective on everything?<br />
Whatever your reasons, get them down in black and white so that you can<br />
start formulating your sabbatical.<br />
Make a wish list<br />
This is the part where you can really let<br />
your hair down and decide what sort of<br />
things you'd like to experience.<br />
It's often a good idea to catch up on<br />
travel documentaries or do some travel<br />
reading. You can even spend time online<br />
discovering potential places to visit and<br />
things to do - and creating a Pinterest<br />
board if that works for you.<br />
Whatever you decide, make the list as<br />
long as you like. You can always trim it<br />
later.<br />
Create a sabbatical<br />
fund<br />
None of this sabbatical will be<br />
possible without the ability to<br />
fund yourself while you are away.<br />
You may need to look at your<br />
current financial circumstances<br />
and figure out how it is going to<br />
be possible. You may need to<br />
consider renting out your house<br />
on a short-term deal if you don't<br />
have the funds up front.<br />
There will also need to be an<br />
element of financial planning<br />
to ensure that you are able to<br />
support yourself for the duration<br />
of the sabbatical. The last thing<br />
you want to do is stress about<br />
money when you're attempting<br />
to develop yourself.<br />
With this in mind, creating a<br />
budget should help you on your<br />
way. Things to consider are travel<br />
costs, accommodation costs,<br />
food and drink, as well as day-today<br />
living expenses.<br />
Come to a figure for a daily<br />
budget and you can bear that in<br />
mind while you are away.
lifestyle<br />
Plan the best times to travel<br />
Now that you've got some ideas together, it's time to<br />
start planning in earnest. One of the first things you'll<br />
need to factor in is when you're looking to travel. What<br />
season will the places you want to visit be experiencing?<br />
Are there any local weather phenomenons that you need<br />
to be aware of?<br />
Be aware too that seasonal factors also play a part<br />
in cost as the busier places are, the more places can<br />
charge for accommodation. You may want to travel<br />
outside of peak season if you don't want to feel crowded.<br />
If you are planning to visit a few locations, try and plan<br />
your travel there too. You don't want to be left stranded.<br />
Book your time off work<br />
Planning early is key here and the earlier,<br />
the better.<br />
Broaching the subject with your employer<br />
is something that you will need to do and<br />
getting them onside is something that<br />
you'll know best. Some businesses need a<br />
few weeks or even a few months to sign off<br />
a sabbatical so work with them on this.<br />
Once you do book the time off, that's the<br />
moment that your sabbatical will start to<br />
feel more real as you'll have made that<br />
commitment.<br />
Start your travels<br />
Finally, you can start to live<br />
the dream that you've been<br />
imagining in your head.<br />
With careful planning, your<br />
sabbatical can be a life-affi rming<br />
and rewarding experience.<br />
Try and keep in mind the<br />
reasons you laid out for taking<br />
this break - and enjoy yourself.<br />
Pulling it all together<br />
Getting the green light from your employer is when you can start firming up<br />
your plans and making definite arrangements.<br />
Start to keep all your bookings in one place - you may want to start a<br />
folder when you can keep all your travel documents and bookings. Don't<br />
forget to look up travel insurance too and keep these documents safe.<br />
You'll have some idea of the structure of your plans so it's always worth<br />
booking the main elements first as some travel experiences may need to<br />
be booked well in advance. Flights and accommodation should be the first<br />
planks of your sabbatical that you'll want to lay down.<br />
Once your main elements are booked and confirmed, you can start<br />
creating an itinerary and populating all the dates and times with the things<br />
that you've booked. Any other smaller activities can then be slotted in<br />
around the main parts.<br />
If in doubt, it's often worth speaking to a travel specialist, who will know<br />
the ins-and-outs of the logistical challenges.<br />
31
The Glassmith Wales are transforming local homes with their stunning splashbacks.<br />
We spoke to owner Dez Foster about how glass is proving to be the king of kitchens<br />
Home owners around Cardiff are<br />
discovering that glass is adding<br />
a dazzling touch of class to their<br />
kitchens and bathrooms.<br />
Dez Foster, owner of Glassmith<br />
Wales, says that glass is becoming<br />
a popular feature in kitchens and<br />
bathrooms for both splashbacks,<br />
wallcoverings and worktops - and<br />
for more than one reason.<br />
“Apart from the fact that they look<br />
absolutely fantastic when installed,<br />
there are other great reasons why<br />
glass is becoming the product of<br />
choice.<br />
“Granite and tile surfaces allow<br />
mould, bacteria, and mildew to<br />
thrive. Glass on the other hand,<br />
is naturally resistant to bacteria<br />
and water, promising a safe and<br />
hygienic environment for you and<br />
your family.”<br />
32<br />
We can create a new<br />
look for your kitchen<br />
As well as the hygiene benefits of<br />
using glass in your house, Dez also<br />
highlights the practicalities of using<br />
glass in the family home.<br />
“Food splashes in the kitchen can<br />
be cleaned up effortlessly; likewise<br />
soapy tide marks and toothpaste<br />
smears can be wiped away easily in<br />
the bathroom,” he adds.<br />
Unlike tiles, glass does away with<br />
annoying grout lines that need to be<br />
repeatedly cleaned and maintained.<br />
Glass offers a continuous smooth<br />
surface with the ability to cover up<br />
to 3.6m lengths in one piece.<br />
“You can let your imagination run<br />
wild with colour and can even have<br />
images, patterns or texture added<br />
to the glass,” says Dez.<br />
“Made of toughened glass, the<br />
splashbacks are five times more<br />
resistant than any other splashback<br />
material, which is great news<br />
when it’s being used around a heat<br />
source, or with heavy pots and pans.<br />
“Their resistance to moisture is<br />
also a big bonus when being used<br />
in the bathroom. They make great<br />
splashbacks for the sink or fantastic<br />
shower panels,” says Dez.<br />
Dez is particularly proud of the<br />
products he and his team are<br />
installing in homes across Cardiff:<br />
“Having worked installing bespoke<br />
kitchens for twenty years, it became<br />
obvious that there was a gap in<br />
the market for people wanting to<br />
spruce up their kitchens without<br />
having to spend a small fortune on<br />
renewing the whole room. I realised<br />
that glass created a fantastic<br />
Perfect for kitchens,<br />
utilities and bathrooms<br />
feature and could be installed<br />
seamlessly into existing kitchens.<br />
“I knew that I could help people<br />
fall in love with their kitchens again.<br />
Starting off surveying and installing<br />
myself, I now employ a small team,<br />
all based locally, and my wife also<br />
works alongside us, whilst caring for<br />
our five young children.<br />
“We are a family business, taking<br />
pride in customer service, helping<br />
our clients achieve the feature<br />
they’re looking for whilst sticking<br />
to their budget and providing an<br />
exquisite finish.”<br />
And you don’t have to take Dez’s<br />
word for it either. The Glassmith<br />
Sponsored feature
Wales are consistently rated<br />
‘excellent’ on Trustpilot, the trusted<br />
review platform that provides<br />
genuine feedback on local<br />
businesses.<br />
A recent customer reviewed The<br />
Glassmith Wales on Trustpilot,<br />
saying:<br />
“We are so happy with our<br />
mirrored splashback, it has<br />
totally transformed our kitchen<br />
and we have received so many<br />
compliments! We would 100%<br />
recommend, as the service has<br />
been amazing!”<br />
The business has gone from<br />
strength to strength since its<br />
launch, and Dez hopes to be given<br />
the opportunity to showcase his<br />
team’s craftsmanship in more<br />
homes across Cardiff.<br />
“Since founding the business, we<br />
have diversified into installing glass<br />
worktops, bespoke glass shower<br />
enclosures, glass balustrades and<br />
even glass partitioning,” says Dez.<br />
“Glass splashbacks are often the<br />
stand-out feature in a kitchen and<br />
are real conversation starters.<br />
“Whether our customers fancy a<br />
flat colour, a tinted mirror, a textured<br />
finish or even an image printed on<br />
the glass, they can let their creative<br />
streak go wherever it takes them<br />
- and we’ll happily run alongside<br />
them. So, whether we’re revitalising<br />
an existing kitchen or helping finish<br />
off a kitchen re-fit, we handle both<br />
our glass and our customers with<br />
care.<br />
“All-in-all, glass, with its natural<br />
resistance to almost anything and<br />
its incredible strength, will offer<br />
superb, long-lasting protection for<br />
your home,” adds Dez.<br />
If you’re interested in receiving a<br />
quote or learning more about what<br />
we do, please email us at<br />
enquiries@theglassmithwales.co.uk<br />
or visit our website<br />
www.theglassmithwales.co.uk<br />
We create bespoke<br />
shower enclosures<br />
What the customers say...<br />
get in touch<br />
........................................................................<br />
t: 07791 415772<br />
w: theglassmithwales.co.uk<br />
e: enquiries@theglassmithwales.co.uk<br />
We are the suppliers<br />
and fitters of choice for<br />
several kitchen firms<br />
across the UK<br />
33
Arthur<br />
Did King Arthur<br />
walk our land?<br />
The legend of King Arthur has fascinated generations of historians.<br />
But is there any truth in the myth of the man and his kingdom?<br />
In the sacred stone walls of Llandaff<br />
Cathedral sits a large stained glass<br />
window. The window is a three-light<br />
window with standing figures of<br />
each saint, with scenes below. But<br />
on closer inspection, the scenes<br />
depict someone you'd probably not<br />
expect to see.<br />
The windows depict scenes of<br />
King Arthur, the legendary leader of<br />
the Celtic Britons in battles against<br />
Saxon invaders in the late 5th and<br />
early 6th centuries.<br />
The question remains - why is he<br />
depicted in a Cardiff cathedral?<br />
The answer could lie several miles<br />
from the iconic cathedral. Just north<br />
of the city lies a field and its history<br />
could hold an astonishing secret.<br />
Still popular today, the Arthurian<br />
legend came out of South-Eastern<br />
Wales into France, via the Normans,<br />
in the 12th century. The depiction<br />
of Arthur still resonates - romantic<br />
visions of knights sitting around<br />
Round Tables, dashing around and<br />
rescuing damsels in distress.<br />
Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia<br />
Regum Britanniae, completed in the<br />
early 12th century, provides the first<br />
narrative account of Arthur's life and<br />
introduced him to the world.<br />
Geoffrey had been commissioned<br />
34<br />
to write his account by Robert<br />
of Gloucester - the book is even<br />
dedicated to him. Having been<br />
commissioned to write the book, it<br />
was inevitable the Geoffrey wanted<br />
to please his patron.<br />
And so Arthur and the stories that<br />
surrounded him soon filtered down<br />
into society. For many centuries,<br />
Geoffrey's book was accepted as<br />
fact without question. It has only<br />
been more recently that it has<br />
come under more scrutiny.<br />
With the narrative came a place<br />
that will forever be associated with<br />
King Arthur - Camelot - a mythical<br />
place where chivalry and honour<br />
went hand in hand with peace and<br />
social justice. Absent in the early<br />
Arthurian material, Camelot first<br />
appeared in 12th-century French<br />
romances and, eventually came<br />
to be regarded as the wonderful<br />
capital of Arthur's kingdom and a<br />
symbol of the Arthurian world.<br />
The stories that revolved around<br />
Camelot place it somewhere in<br />
Great Britain although its exact<br />
location was never revealed.<br />
In more recent times, scholars<br />
have dismissed Camelot as a work<br />
of fiction, its deliberately vague<br />
details seemingly perfect for
history<br />
romantic writers of the time.<br />
However, work by local historians<br />
in recent years have stumbled<br />
across a site that could give<br />
credence to the idea that Camelot<br />
did exist - and that it was right here<br />
in north Cardiff.<br />
In 1995, a documentary called<br />
Wales: History in Bondage was<br />
released, focusing on what<br />
they described at 'the English<br />
destruction and cover-up of Welsh<br />
history.'<br />
The documentary was headed<br />
by Professor Lee Pennington,<br />
President of the Ancient Kentucke<br />
Association in the United States.<br />
It also included footage from the<br />
Welsh historian, Alan Wilson, who<br />
had spent decades researching<br />
Arthurian legends.<br />
The film delved into very real<br />
possibility that Camelot did exist -<br />
and what's more - it was situated<br />
in what is now a field just north of<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong>.<br />
The site's location would have<br />
given the King of Glamorgan an<br />
ideal position within the kingdom,<br />
having extensive views over the<br />
Bristol Channel and England, as<br />
well as Ynys Rhonech (Steep Holm)<br />
and Ynys Echni (Flat Holm). The<br />
panorama stretches all the way to<br />
Penarth (is Penarth Head 'Arthur's<br />
Head'?). They would have been<br />
able to see any threat coming from<br />
the English side from miles away.<br />
Inland, the site would have been<br />
protected too, having not been far<br />
from Caerleon, and to the west, the<br />
there was<br />
english<br />
destruction<br />
and a cover-up<br />
of welsh history<br />
dense woods of Cefn Mably.<br />
Surrounding what would have<br />
been a castle was a series of forts,<br />
encircling the main construction.<br />
It's very possible that castle stood<br />
at the centre of the site.<br />
As Alan Wilson points out in the<br />
documentary:<br />
"There was definitely a marriage<br />
here in 1453 so the castle was still<br />
standing then. Below the castle<br />
was Yellow Wells Farm, so-called<br />
because of the sulphur springs<br />
there.<br />
"It is well-known in Welsh history<br />
that this site was the number one<br />
place for the Glamorgan kings," he<br />
adds.<br />
The name Camelot could derive<br />
from the Welsh word Caermelin,<br />
meaning Yellow Fort. This backs<br />
up what Alan Wilson is referring<br />
to when he talks about the nearby<br />
Yellow Wells Farm.<br />
And Arthur's links to Wales<br />
don't end there. Further regional<br />
archaeological evidence exists<br />
to support the notion that Arthur<br />
did exist. Caerleon's Roman<br />
amphitheatre has been known as<br />
the site of King Arthur's court since<br />
the 12th century.<br />
In 1405, it was the French Army<br />
that landed at Milford Haven<br />
to support Owain Glyndŵr in<br />
his uprising against the English<br />
Crown. The army marched to<br />
Caerleon, where according to the<br />
anonymous historiographical text<br />
Chronique Religieux de St Denys,<br />
they visited 'The Round Table'. The<br />
Round Table in fact would have<br />
been the Roman amphitheatre<br />
of the legionary fortress of Isca in<br />
Caerleon.<br />
Geoffrey of Monmouth had<br />
identified Caerleon as the court<br />
of King Arthur in his fictional epic,<br />
the History of the Kings of Britain<br />
in 1136. This identification, not far<br />
from the area where he grew up,<br />
has been described as 'the fruits<br />
of a lively historical imagination<br />
playing upon the visible remains<br />
of an imposing Roman city'. Some<br />
parts of Roman Isca was still<br />
standing in the 13th century.<br />
Some half dozen Welsh Stone<br />
Age megaliths are called 'Arthur's<br />
Stone', and his name has also<br />
been given to an Iron Age hillfort<br />
on the Clwydian Range, Moel<br />
Arthur, near Denbigh. According to<br />
one tradition, King Arthur and his<br />
knights lie sleeping in a cave below<br />
Craig y Ddinas, Pontneddfechan, in<br />
south Wales.<br />
Whatever the truth is, it's out<br />
there somewhere. And it's probably<br />
right beneath our feet.<br />
Gustave Doré's illustration of<br />
Camelot from Idylls of the King<br />
(1867)<br />
35
DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR SERVICE<br />
* Broken Glass<br />
Replacement<br />
* Misted Glass<br />
Replacement<br />
* Faulty/Broken<br />
Hinges, Locks, Doors,<br />
Handles<br />
* Patio Door Problems<br />
* Draughty/Leaking<br />
Windows, Doors,<br />
Conservatories<br />
* Catflaps, Letterboxes,<br />
New Door Panels<br />
* Stained Glass<br />
Repairs and<br />
Replacements<br />
* Glass/mirrors of all<br />
types cut to size<br />
* uPVC New<br />
Windows/ Doors<br />
Installed<br />
* Upgrades to Locks<br />
and Handles<br />
* Fascias, Guttering,<br />
Cladding<br />
* Shop Fronts<br />
For a free quotation by a reliable,<br />
competitive company, please feel<br />
free to get in touch<br />
UPVC WINDOWS AND<br />
COMPOSITE DOORS<br />
Composite doors are<br />
a great choice if you<br />
are thinking about<br />
replacing the doors<br />
in your home. They<br />
offer excellent energy<br />
effi ciency and are<br />
available in a range of<br />
colours and designs to<br />
suit your budget. With<br />
a choice of glazing<br />
options and styles,<br />
we are sure to have<br />
the right door for you.<br />
Our UPVC windows<br />
and doors come in a<br />
range of styles and<br />
colours and conform<br />
to insurance standards.<br />
All new installations<br />
have an insurance<br />
backed guarantee.<br />
Decostains@aol.com<br />
www.doubleglazingrepairscardiff.co.uk<br />
Unit 3 Western Business Centre, Robert St, Ely, Cardiff , CF5 5AS<br />
(formerly of Western Avenue, Llandaff)<br />
02920 566694
The Garden Village Garage<br />
Summer motoring tips at our<br />
5 rated Garage<br />
Use your AirCon!<br />
It can be tempting to switch off<br />
the air conditioning given the price<br />
of fuel, but modern systems are<br />
much more fuel effi cient than they<br />
used to be and fuel economy really<br />
is negligible. Running the aircon<br />
keeps the system in tip-top shape,<br />
and keeps you cool and calm on<br />
the road. If your air conditioning<br />
system isn’t up to scratch, we offer a<br />
re-gassing service in our workshop!<br />
We hope these handy tips help<br />
you keep motoring this summer,<br />
and if you do need any assistance,<br />
whether it’s a breakdown or a<br />
service, call The Garden Village<br />
Garage today and we’ll book you in<br />
with our experienced mechanics<br />
using our new state of the art<br />
technology.<br />
It’s summer in <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> and for<br />
many of us that means summer<br />
holidays, trips to the airport, and<br />
days out! If you’re making plans<br />
for the summer then don’t forget<br />
to prioritise your transport; having<br />
breakdown cover is great but we<br />
want to ensure you don’t break<br />
down in the first place!<br />
No one wants to be stuck on<br />
the hard shoulder in a blistering<br />
heatwave, and we don’t want to be<br />
the cause of your engine issues.<br />
That’s why at the Garden Village<br />
Garage we employ the best and<br />
most experienced mechanics in the<br />
city and fill our workshop with the<br />
best equipment. We have recently<br />
invested in the most up to date<br />
diagnostic tools in today’s market to<br />
ensure all your motoring needs are<br />
met!<br />
Chris, our lead mechanic is an<br />
expert in all makes and models<br />
especially Jaguars. His years of<br />
experience have put him among<br />
the best technical mechanics in the<br />
motoring trade. Should you suffer<br />
from any motoring woes during this<br />
period of hot weather, we’re on hand<br />
to diagnose and repair, while aiming<br />
to get your vehicle back to you as<br />
quickly as possible. Today Chris has<br />
some tips for you to ensure a safe<br />
and uneventful summer of motoring<br />
for you!<br />
Maintenance is key!<br />
With the cost of living crisis<br />
crunching at our bank balances,<br />
it can be easy let vehicle<br />
maintenance slip, but this is false<br />
economy. Remember your summer<br />
service, and if you find any issues<br />
with your vehicle call us right away<br />
before the problem grows!<br />
Keeping things Cool!<br />
Don’t forget fluids! While you might<br />
remember to drink more yourself,<br />
and you’re always ensuring the<br />
kids have plenty to drink, your<br />
car may also be a little more<br />
thirsty than usual. Make sure you<br />
regularly check your oil and coolant,<br />
particularly in warmer weather to<br />
stop problems growing in the first<br />
place.<br />
Give us a call today on 0333 121<br />
2012 and take advantage of our<br />
personalised and professional<br />
service.<br />
Service / MOT / Repair<br />
Collection & Delivery<br />
Call us free<br />
0333 121 2012<br />
Visit online<br />
www.GardenVillageGarage.co.uk<br />
or in person<br />
227 Pantbach Road,<br />
<strong>Rhiwbina</strong> CF14 6AE
The Summer<br />
Garden<br />
38<br />
Feed your plants<br />
The summer months can<br />
be tough on your plants as<br />
they deal with both heat and<br />
summer storms. Most plants<br />
continue to grow throughout<br />
summer, following on from their<br />
initial development in spring.<br />
Container plants especially<br />
exhaust their nutrients quickly<br />
and will need replenishing with<br />
plant food.<br />
A general purpose plant food<br />
should be suitable for most<br />
plants but if you are growing<br />
fruit or vegetables, make<br />
sure that your plant feed is<br />
appropriate to your needs.<br />
Feed little and often instead of<br />
big, infrequent doses during<br />
the growing season and stop<br />
feeding at the end of summer.<br />
Hydrate your<br />
garden<br />
Around the villages on dusty<br />
summer mornings, you'll often<br />
hear the soothing hiss of gardeners<br />
watering their gardens. And they<br />
do it at this time of day for a very<br />
good reason - this is because it's<br />
typically cooler at these times of<br />
day, which allows the water to<br />
soak down into the soil, keeping<br />
it moist for longer. There is less<br />
evaporation at night too, since the<br />
temperatures are lower.<br />
Water them slowly and at the<br />
roots. New plants require less<br />
water more frequently and older,<br />
more mature plants do great with<br />
heavier waterings at less frequent<br />
intervals.<br />
Maintain your<br />
lawn<br />
All lawns need sunlight,<br />
good drainage and moisture.<br />
Continuous hot weather<br />
can affect the health and<br />
appearance of your grass and<br />
in conditions like this, consider<br />
reducing your mowing schedule<br />
to maintain at least some<br />
moisture in your lawn.<br />
Weeds are also often the bane<br />
of most gardeners' lives and<br />
the best way to keep on top of<br />
these in your lawn is to mow. If<br />
the weeds are more prevalent, it<br />
might be worth using herbicide<br />
on it to eradicate them.<br />
Either way, keeping your lawn<br />
watered will allow it to flourish<br />
during the summer months.
Keep deckings and patios clean<br />
gardens<br />
While we tend to focus on the greener areas of the garden, let's not<br />
overlook the harder areas where perhaps we spend more of our time.<br />
Decking and patios can quickly accumulate dust and dirt and a<br />
regular sweep or hose down will help keep it looking clean and tidy.<br />
If you have patio furniture, it's also a good idea to pack this away<br />
when not in use. Umbrellas can become bleached by the sun and<br />
also dry it out, leaving it tatty. Store your cushions in the garage or<br />
shed until they're needed and use furniture covers if you have any.<br />
Tidy up your<br />
furniture<br />
Garden furniture really can make<br />
the difference when it comes to<br />
the appearance of your garden.<br />
Tired-looking pieces can affect<br />
the appeal of your outdoor space<br />
so if you can afford it, invest in a<br />
smart-looking dining set or seating<br />
set-up.<br />
If that's not an option this summer,<br />
you can always spruce up some<br />
of your older pieces, especially if<br />
they are still functionable. Wooden<br />
items can be tidied up with a lick<br />
of paint or even sometimes all your<br />
furniture needs is a good old clean.<br />
Improve your<br />
drainage<br />
Heavy use of a garden, particularly<br />
the lawn, will lead to the soil<br />
compacting, making it hard for<br />
any excess water to drain away.<br />
This can lead to pools of water<br />
collecting in areas where the water<br />
has no place to go.<br />
The simplest way to avoid this<br />
problem is to take a garden fork<br />
and to prod holes in the soil to<br />
aerate it. This is usually best done<br />
in spring or autumn months when<br />
the soil is more malleable.<br />
Prune your shrubs<br />
Summer is the season to prune<br />
back your spring-flowering shrubs.<br />
It'll help encourage larger crops<br />
from your fruit trees and bushes.<br />
For shrubs, remove any stems<br />
that have been killed during the<br />
spring frosts. Prune off growth that<br />
has just finished flowering down to<br />
an outward facing bud and remove<br />
entirely any branches that are<br />
damaged or causing damage to<br />
other parts.<br />
When it comes to fruit trees, the<br />
aim is to create space that will<br />
allow more light and air in through<br />
the tree, giving the fruit a chance to<br />
flourish. Pruning out excess growth<br />
will help the fruit and the tree.<br />
Control the weeds<br />
If the plants in your garden are<br />
flourishing, it's a good indication that<br />
the weeds are taking advantage<br />
of the summer conditions and<br />
flourishing too.<br />
Weeds will absorb some of the<br />
much-needed nutrients needed for<br />
your garden plants so it's essential<br />
to keep on top of them. Little and<br />
often is probably the best way to<br />
go during the hotter months, and it<br />
will save you a bigger job later in the<br />
year. Try not to turn up the soil too<br />
much as this will lead to the natural<br />
moistness evaporating.<br />
Deadhead summer<br />
flowering plants<br />
If you have any time to spare,<br />
taking the time to deadhead the<br />
flowers in your garden will provide<br />
you with an abundance of colour.<br />
Any flowers that are dead, dying,<br />
or producing seeds should be<br />
picked off, just below the flower<br />
head. This encourages the plant<br />
to create more flowers. As soon as<br />
the flower's appearance begins to<br />
fade, you'll know that you should<br />
be deadheading it.<br />
The act of deadheading isn't<br />
an essential one during the<br />
summer months. Instead, it's<br />
often used to make the garden<br />
more aesthetically pleasing. Don't<br />
fret too much if you are too busy<br />
working on other areas.<br />
39
For all life’s<br />
legal matters<br />
Cardiff • Merthyr Tydfil • Nelson<br />
● Wills, Probate & Lifetime Planning<br />
● Lasting Powers of Attorney<br />
● Divorce & Separation<br />
● Buying & Selling Your Property<br />
JNP Legal<br />
52 Station Road,<br />
Llanishen,<br />
Cardiff.<br />
CF14 5LU<br />
02920 763211<br />
www.jnplegal.org<br />
law@jnplegal.org<br />
The Whitchurch Clinic<br />
Chiropractic ● Sports Massage ● Physiotherapy<br />
10% OFF<br />
your next<br />
chiropractic visit<br />
with this voucher<br />
for both new and<br />
existing patients<br />
For help with relief from<br />
● Back and neck pain<br />
● Arthritis<br />
● Frozen Shoulder<br />
● TMJ<br />
● Headaches<br />
● Sciatica<br />
● Migraines<br />
● Plantar Fasciitis<br />
● Sports Injuries<br />
● Muscle Spasm<br />
2 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DG<br />
02920 617700 www.thewhitchurchclinic.co.uk
CUTTING THE COST OF<br />
ARTIFICIAL GRASS<br />
Open 7 days a week<br />
in Caerphilly<br />
Wales’ lowest pricesfrom<br />
£7.16 SQ MTR!<br />
Highest quality<br />
Easylawn<br />
Expert fitting and<br />
groundwork<br />
Available in 2, 4 & 5<br />
metre widths<br />
Hundreds of rolls in<br />
stock<br />
FULL GROUNDWORK<br />
AND INSTALLATION<br />
AVAILABLE<br />
Established<br />
1971<br />
Open 7 days a week<br />
Tel: 02920 884951<br />
www.carpetcastlecaerphilly.co.uk<br />
COSTS LESS<br />
Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly
BBQ<br />
Bliss<br />
There's nothing better than dining al-fresco so make the most of the<br />
late summer sunshine with these delicious barbeque recipes<br />
Ultimate Beef<br />
Burger<br />
450g ground beef<br />
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped<br />
30g onion chopped<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
1 tbsp barbecue sauce<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp pepper<br />
☐ In a large bowl, mix all ingredients<br />
together well until they are blended.<br />
☐ Get your barbeque on the go.<br />
While that's firing up, form 4 round<br />
burgers patties with the mixture.<br />
☐ Grill the patties for around 12-14<br />
minutes, turning once during the<br />
cooking. Do not squash the burger<br />
with your spatula as it will force out<br />
the fat that it needs to cook.<br />
☐ About a minute or two before the<br />
burgers are cooked, brush them with<br />
the barbeque sauce and continue to<br />
cook until the sauce starts to thicken<br />
up.<br />
☐ Remove the patties from grill and<br />
serve on prepared buns with any<br />
toppings of your choice.<br />
42<br />
Quick-andeasy<br />
Tomato<br />
Relish<br />
1kg diced, ripe on-the-vine plum<br />
tomatoes<br />
2 diced red onions<br />
150ml extra virgin olive oil<br />
2 grated garlic cloves<br />
3 tbsp small capers<br />
3 tbsp chopped parsley<br />
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar<br />
☐ In a mixing bowl, toss together<br />
1kg diced, ripe on-the-vine plum<br />
tomatoes, 2 diced red onions, 150ml<br />
extra virgin olive oil and 2 tsp flaky<br />
sea salt. Tip onto a baking tray and<br />
place under a hot grill for 5-10 mins<br />
or until charred.<br />
☐ Tip the mixture back into the bowl.<br />
Stir in 2 grated garlic cloves and 3<br />
tbsp small capers and leave to cool<br />
for 10 mins.<br />
☐ Stir in 3 tbsp chopped parsley and<br />
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.<br />
☐ Place in the fridge until cool and<br />
serve when you are ready.<br />
Grilled<br />
halloumi with<br />
fig jam<br />
400g fresh figs<br />
4 dried figs, roughly chopped<br />
2 x 250g blocks halloumi<br />
olive oil for drizzling<br />
1 star anise<br />
125g caster sugar<br />
juice of 1 lemon<br />
a few fresh basil sprigs<br />
2 tbsp runny honey<br />
☐ Set 4 fresh figs aside, then roughly<br />
chop the remaining figs. Put the<br />
chopped figs in a pan with the dried<br />
figs, star anise, caster sugar, lemon<br />
juice and 75ml water. Pick the basil<br />
leaves and place to one side. Add<br />
the stalks to the pan and bring to the<br />
boil. Reduce the heat and simmer<br />
the mixture for 20-25 minutes, stirring<br />
occasionally, until it is dark and thick.<br />
Remove the basil stalks, adjust the<br />
seasoning to taste and season with<br />
lemon juice and the sugar. Keep the<br />
figs warm.<br />
☐ Set your grill to high. Score the<br />
blocks of halloumi in a criss-cross<br />
pattern, roughly 2cm deep. Drizzle the<br />
halloumi with olive oil and place on<br />
a baking tray under the hot grill until<br />
they are browned. This should take<br />
between 6-8 minutes.<br />
☐ Cut the remaining figs into wedges.<br />
Put a few spoonfuls of the jam onto a<br />
serving platter and then top with the<br />
halloumi as soon as it’s ready.<br />
☐ Drizzle the plate with honey and<br />
serve with the chopped fresh figs and<br />
the basil leaves that you set to one<br />
side earlier.
Marinated<br />
pork kebabs<br />
500g pork shoulder diced<br />
200ml natural yoghurt<br />
1 tsp cayenne chilli pepper<br />
2 chillis, finely chopped<br />
1/2 lemon (or lime) juice and zest<br />
3 garlic cloves crushed<br />
salt and pepper<br />
fresh coriander, chopped<br />
fresh mint, chopped<br />
1 or 2 green peppers, cut into large<br />
chunks<br />
wooden skewers, soaked in water<br />
for at least 15 minutes<br />
food<br />
☐ Place the diced pork into a bowl<br />
along with the lemon, garlic, chilli<br />
and herbs.<br />
☐ Mix in the natural yoghurt and<br />
cayenne pepper; add salt and<br />
pepper to taste.<br />
☐ Cover and place in the fridge for<br />
2 - 3 hours to marinate.<br />
☐ When ready to cook, remove the<br />
skewers from the water and place<br />
the pork and green pepper on them.<br />
☐ Cook under medium grill for 15 -<br />
20 mins or place on barbeque.<br />
Grilled<br />
salmon<br />
4 salmon fillets, skin on<br />
olive oil for cooking<br />
lemon to garnish<br />
For the marinade<br />
85ml soy sauce<br />
2 tsbp lemon juice<br />
3 tsbp honey<br />
2 tsbp olive oil<br />
2 minced garlic cloves<br />
☐ Place the soy sauce, lemon<br />
juice, honey, olive oil, and minced<br />
garlic into a ziplock bag. Mix the<br />
contents of the bag to blend<br />
together.<br />
☐ Add the salmon to the bag<br />
and cover with the marinade.<br />
Leave the salmon in the bag and<br />
put in fridge for 24 hours. Repeat<br />
the process with the remaining<br />
salmon fillets.<br />
☐ Remove salmon from fridge 30<br />
minutes prior to cooking, allowing<br />
the marinade to drain away.<br />
☐ Grill salmon skin-side up<br />
until golden brown (around 3-5<br />
minutes). Then grill other side,<br />
adding left-over marinade.<br />
43
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy<br />
Helping to bring balance back into our lives<br />
● For Couples and Individuals<br />
● Relationship diffi culties, Conflict resolution, Anxiety,<br />
Depression, Addiction<br />
● Melanie Coles, PG Dip Counselling (CBT), Registered<br />
MBACP (Accred)<br />
● Level 2 trained in Gottman Method Couples therapy<br />
T: 07980 183933<br />
E: melaniecolescbt@gmail.com<br />
w: www.cardifftherapist.co.uk<br />
Based in the Thornhill area<br />
Providing full tree, grounds<br />
and estate maintenance and<br />
landscaping services.<br />
We’re very proud of what we do for our clients and like most<br />
people who work in nature we spend a lot of time on our<br />
knees in one way or another. This is always humbling.<br />
Now, whether you call it humility or respect or admiration<br />
for nature, if you’re looking to work with a company that<br />
cares about these things TR33 could be what you’re after.<br />
For a free no obligation quote please contact<br />
0800 298 3686 I info@tr33.co.uk<br />
www.tr33.co.uk<br />
Accôrdia<br />
Contemporary choir<br />
All abilities welcome!<br />
No audition!<br />
Starting Tuesday 6th September 7.30pm at<br />
St Thomas Church, 104 Pantbach Road, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong><br />
£5 per session<br />
Register your interest today!<br />
accordiachoir@gmail.com<br />
www.facebook.com/accordiachoircardiff<br />
Autumn 2022<br />
Book now for our<br />
Autumn issues<br />
Published October<br />
Call 07772 081775 or<br />
07974 022920<br />
www.livingmags.co.uk
NHS /Private patients welcome<br />
Welsh Eye Care Service (WECS)<br />
Low Vision Service Wales<br />
On-site glazing and repairs<br />
All types of contact lenses<br />
Wide range of excellent value frames from<br />
budget to designer brands<br />
Sunglasses<br />
Friendly husband and wife team<br />
Varilux specialist<br />
Freeview aerials<br />
Freesat & SKY dishes<br />
WIFI<br />
CCTV<br />
Professionally installed<br />
by your local and experienced<br />
NVQ 2 Qualified Engineer<br />
Mark Jones<br />
07836 265259<br />
Quality eye care in the Heart<br />
of <strong>Rhiwbina</strong> Village<br />
3a Beulah Road, <strong>Rhiwbina</strong>,<br />
Cardiff CF14 6LT 029 2061 1283<br />
18 Twyn y Fedwen, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1HU<br />
www.accurateaerials.com<br />
info@accurateaerials.com<br />
House Clearances<br />
2nd<br />
time around<br />
2nd Time Around<br />
specialise in<br />
house clearance<br />
We provide a professional and<br />
friendly service for full or part<br />
clearance, attics to cellars.<br />
Specialist Glaziers with over 35 Years Experience<br />
Repairs & Renewals<br />
Experts in the repair of windows, doors and conservatories<br />
uPVC Products<br />
We offer a full range of quality replacement uPVC products<br />
Mirrors & Processed Glass<br />
Mirrors, glass (standard, safety, greenhouse & picture)<br />
Secondary Glazing<br />
A less costly option to reduce noise & heat loss<br />
Unit 4 St Catherine’s Park, Pengam Road, Cardiff CF24 2TY<br />
029 2048 6797<br />
contact@wrightglass.co.uk www.wrightglass.co.uk<br />
4.9<br />
We also offer the following services:<br />
• Reports for probate purposes<br />
• Valuations & advice on selling at auction<br />
• Auction service<br />
• Cleaning service<br />
• Sympathetic handling of deceased’s estates<br />
• Small removals & deliveries, nationwide<br />
• Rubbish removal<br />
• Recycling<br />
We comply with current legislation; we are waste<br />
management registered and have public liability insurance.<br />
House Clearance Specialists<br />
www.houseclearancecardiff.com<br />
Contact: Jan Richards<br />
T: 02920 692704 M: 07715 622406<br />
E: janrichards4@hotmail.co.uk<br />
W: www.houseclearancecardiff.com
petrichor<br />
"Just bloody move, will you?"<br />
Dan Williams was running late.<br />
After driving around the car park<br />
five times looking for a place to<br />
park, he'd finally spotted the<br />
reversing lights glowing on a Fiat<br />
Panda. Dan had stopped his car and<br />
backed up to allow the Panda to<br />
reverse out. But its driver was still<br />
sitting there, seemingly oblivious to<br />
the situation behind him.<br />
"For God's sake man! Come on! I'm<br />
giving you the space!" Dan yelled,<br />
holding out the palm of his hand.<br />
Out of the corner of his eye, Dan<br />
spotted a car creeping around the<br />
car park, most likely drawn to the<br />
Panda's reversing lights like a moth.<br />
Worse still, the air con in Dan's<br />
ageing Toyota had packed in on the<br />
hottest day of the summer so far. A<br />
bead of sweat rolled down Dan's<br />
forehead, down his nose and<br />
dropped silently onto his lap.<br />
Finally, after a full minute, the<br />
Panda began to budge backwards.<br />
Painfully slowly, the driver - an old<br />
man - reversed out. He gingerly<br />
raised his bony hand to thank Dan,<br />
before clutching around to find first<br />
gear. He eventually found it and<br />
drove off at a snail's pace.<br />
Dan swiftly moved his car into the<br />
vacant space and turned his engine<br />
off. He reached over to pick up his<br />
bag from the passenger seat but as<br />
he pulled it towards him, its<br />
contents spilt out and into the<br />
passenger's footwell. Dan growled.<br />
"God. I hate my stupid life!" he<br />
scowled, reaching over to scoop up<br />
his textbooks and pens. He dumped<br />
them all into his bag and yanked<br />
open his car door to get out.<br />
Unfortunately, he'd only left himself<br />
a few inches from the car next to<br />
him and his door hit the car next to<br />
46<br />
his with an almighty thump.<br />
It was a good five minutes before<br />
Dan had finally repositioned his car<br />
and hot-footed it across the car<br />
park of the hospital. He hurriedly<br />
walked through the automatic<br />
doors of the entrance and out of the<br />
searing summer sun. He<br />
approached the desk where a<br />
young nurse was sitting.<br />
"Hi. My name's Dan and I'm here to<br />
tutor Ollie."<br />
"Ah yes," replied the nurse. "You're<br />
the GCSE English teacher, right?"<br />
"That's it. A bit late, I'm afraid. It's<br />
been a nightmare. Traffic's terrible<br />
and I couldn't find anywhere to<br />
park."<br />
"Oh no. That's not good. Ollie's just<br />
through that door and down the<br />
corridor. Last door on the left. I'll<br />
buzz you in." She pointed to the<br />
door, which Dan approached and<br />
opened. He'd been hoping that the<br />
air-conditioning at the hospital<br />
would have offered him some<br />
respite but the corridor was hot and<br />
airless. A stuffy children's hospital<br />
ward was the last place he wanted<br />
to be on a hot summer's afternoon.<br />
A few of the doors along the<br />
corridor were open and Dan<br />
instinctively peered in as he passed.<br />
In one room, a child was curled up<br />
asleep and in another, a child was<br />
sitting in her chair, watching her<br />
iPad. Neither of the children had<br />
hair.<br />
Dan arrived at the last door on the<br />
left and tapped on the small<br />
window.<br />
"Ollie?"<br />
"Come in," came a voice from<br />
inside. Dan pushed down on the<br />
heavy handle and opened the door.<br />
Ollie was sat up in bed, looking at<br />
his laptop. He looked up as Dan<br />
opened the door and smiled. Ollie's<br />
teeth looked off-white compared to<br />
his pale face and on his head, he<br />
wore a black bandana. His lack of<br />
eyebrows made his bright blue eyes<br />
look like saucers.<br />
"Hi buddy. Are you ok?" asked Dan,<br />
shifting into the room.<br />
"Do I look ok?" replied Ollie.<br />
Dan couldn't tell whether Ollie was<br />
being sarcastic or genuine.<br />
"I'm Dan, your new English tutor."<br />
"Cool. Come on in." Ollie beckoned<br />
Dan in, closed his laptop and placed<br />
it on his bedside table.<br />
Dan looked around the room for a<br />
place to sit. The obvious place<br />
would have been the chair next to<br />
the bed but it was strewn with<br />
clothes and wires. Instead, he<br />
spotted a plastic chair and pulled it<br />
over to sit alongside Ollie.<br />
"Thanks for coming. How long are<br />
you here for?" asked Ollie.<br />
"An hour."<br />
"An hour?"<br />
"Yep. You can learn a lot in an hour,"<br />
replied Dan confidently.<br />
"What will I be learning today?"<br />
"Well, it's more of a kind of getting<br />
to know you lesson this one. I can<br />
find out a bit more about you and<br />
you can find out a bit more about<br />
me. To see if we can work together."<br />
"Ok. That sounds cool," said Ollie.<br />
"Where do we start?"<br />
"I thought it'd be a good idea for<br />
you to jot down a short<br />
autobiography to get us going. That<br />
way, I can get to know a bit about<br />
you and assess where you are with<br />
your handwriting ability too."<br />
"You want me to hand write it?"<br />
"Are you able?"<br />
"I do everything on my laptop<br />
these days."<br />
"I'd prefer it if was hand-written so
that I can see the standard of your<br />
cursive writing."<br />
"You mean joined-up writing?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
Ollie pursed his lips before<br />
agreeing. "You got pen and paper?"<br />
he asked.<br />
Dan opened up his bag before<br />
realising that he didn't have any.<br />
"Erm. Actually. We'll have to use<br />
your laptop. I forgot to bring paper."<br />
"That's ok," replied Ollie, pulling his<br />
laptop onto his lap and opening it.<br />
"Sorry," said Dan. "It's been one of<br />
those days. I'm just so tired. I just<br />
wish I could stay in bed all day."<br />
Ollie looked up from his laptop,<br />
raised a non-existent eyebrow and<br />
looked quizzically at Dan.<br />
"Gosh. I'm sorry," said Dan, closing<br />
his bag uncomfortably and popping<br />
it under his seat. "Ok. I'll give you ten<br />
minutes to come up with a short<br />
autobiography. Just tell me a bit<br />
about yourself."<br />
"Ok."<br />
Ollie opened up a new document<br />
and started typing. For Dan, it was<br />
the first chance he'd had to catch<br />
his breath all day. He gazed around<br />
the room. A half-eaten rice pudding,<br />
a jug of water and an open pack of<br />
Jammie Dodgers biscuits.<br />
After ten minutes, Dan took the<br />
laptop and sat in silence while he<br />
read. He read out Ollie's last<br />
sentence:<br />
"I'm going to make it out of here<br />
and make the most of my life for my<br />
friends that never made it."<br />
Dan looked up at Ollie, who was<br />
pouring a small bottle of lemonade<br />
into his mouth.<br />
"I like that. Positivity is good. Are<br />
you a positive person?"<br />
Ollie opened his mouth to answer<br />
but instead of an answer, out came<br />
a thunderous belch that swept<br />
through the room and bounced off<br />
the clinically cream walls.<br />
Ollie looked at Dan quite stunned<br />
and then exploded into laughter. He<br />
clutched his tummy, scrunched up<br />
his face and squawked like some<br />
kind of dinosaur. Dan couldn't help<br />
but laugh with him and for several<br />
minutes, they collapsed in laughter.<br />
Every time they looked at each<br />
other, they'd start again.<br />
"Jeez. Where did that come from?"<br />
asked Dan finally.<br />
"From the depths of hell! I felt like I<br />
was in The Exorcist!" shrieked Ollie,<br />
his eyes watering. It took a good<br />
few minutes for them to gather their<br />
senses. Dan hadn't laughed like that<br />
for years. His stomach ached. All<br />
that laughter for just one perfectlytimed<br />
burp!<br />
"And just for clarity," said Dan, "a<br />
burp is not an answer. Right. Where<br />
were we?"<br />
Dan put on his serious face and<br />
looked at the laptop again. "Ah yes.<br />
Tell me about the watch you're<br />
wearing."<br />
Ollie raised his wrist and showed<br />
Dan his watch. It was a small black<br />
Casio with a plastic wristband.<br />
"My friend Paul gave it to me," said<br />
Ollie.<br />
"That's kind," said Dan.<br />
"Yeah. Paul was admitted to this<br />
place the same day as me. He gave<br />
me this watch before he left, and<br />
told me to make the most of my<br />
time."<br />
"When was he discharged?"<br />
"He wasn't."<br />
Dan felt a dagger in his chest.<br />
"I'm so sorry."<br />
"That's ok. That's why I'm grateful<br />
that I'm still here every time I open<br />
my eyes."<br />
"It can't be easy."<br />
"Nothing is. But hey. I've got a roof<br />
over my head, room service, a TV, a<br />
laptop, and foxy nurses giving me<br />
TLC all day. And it's all for free. I'm<br />
pretty blessed really."<br />
Dan smiled. "I'm sorry I moaned<br />
about my life when I first got here."<br />
"Hey man. We've all got troubles.<br />
Yours are just different to mine."<br />
"True."<br />
"Did you always want to be a<br />
teacher?" asked Ollie.<br />
"Not really. I kind of fell into it."<br />
"What did you want to be?"<br />
"I wanted to become a novelist."<br />
"What's stopped you?"<br />
"The bills that come through my<br />
letterbox. I just don't get the time."<br />
"I've got all the time in the world. In<br />
fact, I've got too much time on my<br />
hands. Want to swap?"<br />
Dan had to think about his reply.<br />
Ollie sensed Dan's discomfort and<br />
picked up the packet of biscuits.<br />
"Want a Jammie Dodger?" he<br />
asked.<br />
"Thanks."<br />
Dan took a biscuit and bit into it.<br />
He took his time chewing it to avoid<br />
having to answer any further<br />
awkward questions.<br />
"I was thinking earlier," said Ollie. "If<br />
you had to flip a coin and heads<br />
makes your life better, and tails<br />
makes it worse, would you toss the<br />
coin?" asked Ollie.<br />
And for the next 45 minutes, the<br />
pair discussed life, death and<br />
everything in between.<br />
Before he knew it, Dan looked at<br />
the wall clock and realised his hour<br />
was done.<br />
"That's it for today, I'm afraid. That<br />
went quickly!"<br />
"Thanks. I enjoyed that."<br />
short story<br />
Dan stood up.<br />
"It's so hot in here. Can you open<br />
the window before you go please?"<br />
asked Ollie. Dan reached over and<br />
pulled at the window handle next to<br />
him.<br />
"You need to give it a good whack,"<br />
said Ollie.<br />
The window finally creaked open,<br />
just as a few large spots of rain<br />
appeared on the pane.<br />
"It's raining! I'm so glad!" exclaimed<br />
Dan. The rain pit-pattered on the<br />
window and for once, a cool breeze<br />
drifted into the room. Ollie closed<br />
his eyes and inhaled deeply<br />
through his nose.<br />
"Mm. Smell that. Petrichor," said<br />
Ollie, his eyes still closed.<br />
"Petri-what?"<br />
"Petrichor. The smell of the rain<br />
after a dry spell. It comes from the<br />
Greek words 'petra', meaning stone,<br />
and 'ichor'. In Greek mythology,<br />
'ichor' refers to the golden fluid that<br />
flows in the veins of the immortals."<br />
"Oh," replied Dan, impressed. "I<br />
never knew that," he said, packing<br />
up his bag.<br />
"You can have that one for free.<br />
Impress your students with it."<br />
"I might just do that."<br />
Ollie tutted and gently shook his<br />
head. "Sheesh. Call yourself an<br />
English teacher?"<br />
Dan laughed. Ollie had a point.<br />
"Same time next week?" said Dan.<br />
He picked up his bag and slung it<br />
over his shoulder. A quick fear that<br />
he might come back to an empty<br />
bed flashed through his mind.<br />
"Yep. Look forward to it," replied<br />
Ollie. And with that, Dan left the<br />
room and headed back down the<br />
corridor. He passed the children in<br />
their beds, fighting their own battles<br />
alone. Dan knew he had his children<br />
to go home to and tonight, he'd hug<br />
them a bit tighter and a bit longer.<br />
The automatic doors trundled<br />
open and Dan stepped out under<br />
the entrance's shelter. He took a<br />
look out into the rain, gurgling in the<br />
drains and soaking into the parched<br />
earth. He closed his eyes and took<br />
in a chestful of the cool, clean air. It<br />
flowed through every vein in his<br />
body, refreshing and vitalising every<br />
sinew along the way.<br />
"Petrichor," he said to himself.<br />
"Through the veins of the<br />
immortals." He thought about his<br />
novels. And he knew he had to<br />
make them happen before time<br />
robbed him of the opportunity.<br />
He smiled calmly and took the car<br />
keys out of his pocket.<br />
He'd learnt a lot in an hour.<br />
47
windows.com<br />
www.cardi<br />
02920 692690<br />
Info@cardiffwindows.com<br />
Unit 8<br />
Fieldway<br />
Heath<br />
Cardiff<br />
CF14 4HY