Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 72

News | People | Features | History | Lifestyle

Whitchurch &

Llandaff Living

At the heart of the community Issue 72

Your multi award-winning community magazine

Distribution: Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is

distributed to retail outlets and public places

across Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North,

four times a year.

2

Inside this issue

Nick Salter

The Whitchurch

man on a mission

to repay the

Air Ambulance

service that saved

his life as a child

Wellness

Practical ways to

bring the feel-good

factor into your life

- and to the lives of

others

History

Nigel Lewis

charts the

incredible story

of Charles Horace

Watkins, who

built and flew his

own plane

Short story

Remembering

the north Cardiff

cinema that

provided a

generation of

movie goers

with wonderful

memories

Summer deadline:

23rd May 2025

Published late May 2025

a: 3 Y Groes, Rhiwbina,

Cardiff CF14 6AG

t: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920

w: www.livingmags.co.uk

e: editor@livingmags.co.uk or

danielle@livingmags.co.uk

While every effort has been made to

ensure the accuracy of the contents,

the publisher cannot accept any

responsibility for errors or omissions,

or for any matter in any way arising

from the publication of this material.

Every effort has been made to

contact any copyright holders.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is an

independent, apolitical publication.

No part of this publication may be

reproduced without the express

written permission of the publishers.

Welcome / Croeso

Good things come

to those who wait.

And spring is most

definitely here. So too

is this, our latest issue

of Whitchurch and

Llandaff Living.

This issue is jampacked

with features,

starting with a young

man called Nick

Salter. Nick was

seriously injured

when he was just 12

years old. Fortunately,

he was saved by the

Air Ambulance and ever since,

Nick has been pushing himself

to raise money for this life-saving

service.

Nick's dedication to helping

others is something we also

touch on in our Feel Good Ideas

feature, where we look at small

changes that you can make

to your life that will help you

feel more content. Our mental

health is every bit as important

as our physical health; we also

show you how spring has been

scientifically proven to boost your

happiness levels.

As you might imagine, nature

plays an important role in our

wellbeing. David Jones is back to

wonderfully walk us through the

season of spring while you can

also find out some amazing facts

about trees. That's right - did

you know that they can actually

communicate with one another?

Spring isn't just a wonder

of science. It also evokes the

emotions in us. Our local poets

have been moved to pen poetry

based on the season and they

are featured in this issue too.

The warmer months are the

perfect time to spend away

from home. Our travel feature

highlights the best that the UK

has to offer at this time of year

while we've also got a step-bystep

guide to hosting a picnic

that can be enjoyed by friends,

family - and yourself.

The Taff Trail is one of the

local area's favourite network

of walking and cycle paths but

did you know that it stretches

all the way from Cardiff Bay up

to Brecon? Our guide to this

remarkable route will highlight

all the wonderful features you'll

come across when you explore it.

Our history section is bulging

at the seams in this issue. Nigel

Lewis retells the incredible story

of Charles Horace Watkins, who

remarkably built and flew his

own aeroplane over Whitchurch

at the start of the 20th century.

An almost impossible story,

Charles was able to use a

motorbike engine that he'd built

himself, a few wires, and an eggtimer

for navigation.

Nigel's history columns have

become a firm favourite with our

readers so we only thought it

right that we should speak to the

man himself about his work. He's

also recently published a book

on the history of Whitchurch - he

can tell you all about it himself

inside!

We finish up this issue with

some more seasonable treats

- a guide on how to grow your

own vegetables this year; we've

also put together some tasty

treats that you can enjoy in the

sunshine - and they're all based

around gin.

We sign off with a short story

from local author Dewi Griffiths,

who takes us back to the glory

days of the Monico Cinema. His

tale will make you smile.

We'll be back with our summer

issue in a few months' time but

in the meantime, remember

to support our advertisers. We

provide a unique way to promote

your business so if we can help

your business grow by featuring

in our pages, drop us a line!

Danielle and Patric

Editors

@WhitchurchandLlandaffLiving

www.facebook.com/

whitchurchandllandaffliving

Vintage For

Victory set to

take summer

festival-goers

back in time

Whitchurch's popular Vintage For

Victory returns to the village this

summer for a weekend of nostalgia

and fun.

The boutique vintage festival, now

in its eighth year, will take place in

Library Gardens on Saturday 12th

and Sunday 13th July. The event

celebrates all that was great from

the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.

The NAAFI Big Tent will star as the

hub of the festival, and will be home

to big bands and vintage music

from the eras. The Union Jack Club

will provide festival-goers with the

opportunity to have jive lessons

with experienced instructors.

Organisers say that the music

forms the backdrop to the success

of the event, which includes vintage

fairground side shows, vintageinspired

stalls, an outdoor cinema,

and re-enactment actors mingling

with the crowd.

One of the eye-catching exhibits

at the festival are the replica Battle

of Britain planes. On display will

be a full-sized replica Spitfire and

Hurricane, along with re enactment

RAF flight crew to tell you all about

the Battle of Britain, the people and

planes.

Camping is also available for

those wanting to stay on-site for

the weekend, with berths open

from Thursday 10th July onwards.

Festival-goers are also encouraged

to dress for the occasion, which

runs until late on Sunday 13th July.

Hot food will be available from the

selection of street food vendors

and the Big Red Bus bar will be

quenching the thirst of all those

working up a sweat on the dance

floors.

Tickets are on sale and can be

bought at

www.vintageforvictory.co.uk

Garden waste

collections now

set for year-round

service

Cardiff Council has announced

that its fortnightly garden waste

collections will now a be year-round

service. Traditionally, the collection

was paused over the winter months,

making it difficult for gardeners to

clear leaves and waste.

Garden waste collections across

north Cardiff resumed in March

following the winter break. But

residents will now be able to have

their garden waste collected every

fortnight for 50 weeks of the year - a

total of 25 collections per year.

The service will pause for two

weeks over Christmas to redirect

resources and manage the

increased amount of recycling

caused by the festive season.

Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet

Member for Waste, Street Scene &

Environmental Services, said she

was delighted to be able to extend

the service:

“We are investing in these services

after listening to feedback from our

residents. They asked and we are

delivering for them. The improved

budget settlement received from

Welsh Government has enabled us

to do this, and I’m really happy that

we can make these changes.

"This will help residents with leaf

clearance - which is becoming

more variable each year due

to climate change - and it will

also help those green-fingered

enthusiasts who are seeing their

gardens go on for longer in the

autumn and then start up earlier in

the spring.

“Our hope is that this will support

gardening enthusiasts and improve

garden waste recycling at the

same time. Cardiff is one of the

best recycling cities in the world

and garden waste collections help

the city reach its recycling targets,

but it’s important residents use the

service in the right way, recycling

only the correct materials. To

keep our compost high quality, I

ask everyone to only put organic

garden waste in their bins. Please

remove any non-garden waste

items before collection and help

us push Cardiff even higher up the

recycling charts."

Residents are also reminded

that any extra waste left next to

containers won't be collected.

news

North Cardiff

train stations

listed as 'worstperforming'

in UK

Some of north Cardiff's train

stations were included in a

recent list that highlighted the

worst performing stations for

cancelled trains in Britain.

According to the Office of

Rail and Road, Rhiwbina,

Birchgrove, and Whitchurch

train stations were recognised

as some of the worst

performing stations in the

space of a month.

The data was recently

published for the first time

as millions of rail passengers

can now get to see train

cancellation and delay data

published on a four-weekly

basis.

The data publication aims

to increase transparency and

hold operators to account,

according to the BBC. The

data includes the percentage

of trains arriving at the station

within three minutes of their

scheduled arrival and the

percentage of trains that were

scheduled, but did not call at

the station.

100,000th

tree planted

The 100,000th tree in a new

‘urban forest’ has been planted

in Cardiff, just four years after

the first one.

The project was established

by the Council in 2021 as part of

its One Planet Cardiff response

to the climate emergency

with the aim of increasing

tree canopy coverage in the

city from a starting point of

18.9% to 25%. Now into its

fourth planting season, the

project has seen council staff

working alongside an army of

community volunteers to plant

an area the size of more than

25 Principality Stadium pitches.

3

news

More than 40

motorists found

not wearing

seatbelts

A two-hour road safety exercise

in Llandaff in March found that

over 40 drivers were not wearing

seatbelts.

Officers stopped motorists near

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf

in Llandaff North with the aim of

identifying road related offences.

The Fairwater Neighbourhood

Policing Team and South Wales

Fire and Rescue Service used the

high school as a base to carry out

the joint operation.

Free parking at

Llandaff Fields to

be scrapped

Free parking at the popular

Llandaff Fields car park is set to be

scrapped.

Cardiff Council recently posted

a notice stating that they will start

charging for parking. Currently,

parking at Llandaff Fields is free for

up to 2 hours, with a maximum stay

of 5 hours. Under the Council's new

plans, the maximum stay will be

reduced to 4 hours.

Last year, Cardiff Council

announced plans to eliminate free

parking in several neighbourhoods,

including Llandaff, Whitchurch,

Rhiwbina, and Llanishen. The

Council cited budget challenges,

needing to save £30 million for the

2024-25 fiscal year, as the reason

for these changes.

Games area to

be removed

A games area in Hailey Park has

been ordered to be removed

following a noise complaint from a

single nearby resident.

The noise complaint has resulted

in Cardiff Council being ordered

to remove the football goals in

Hailey Park in Llandaff North. The

goals have formed part of the

multi-use games area in the park.

Their removal now leaves no free

activities available for children in

the area.

4

Hubs are a hit

with Cardiff

public

Several north Cardiff hubs have

been voted among the most

popular for adult and child users,

according to the results of a survey

published by Cardiff Council.

Whitchurch Hub came in at third

place, followed by Llandaff North &

Gabalfa Hub in fourth place. Nearby

Rhiwbina Hub also featured in the

list.

Cabinet Member for Housing and

Communities, Cllr Lee Bridgeman,

said:

"Our hubs and libraries are very

popular in the communities so it's

been important to listen to people's

views about what they want to see

us deliver in their local facilities.

"We're grateful to everyone

who took part in the consultation

about our services, particularly our

younger customers who had the

chance to have their say. Their views

have helped shape the key aims

that underpin this new strategy on

how we plan to continue to provide

vital services to communities over

Children

celebrate

Welsh language

through books

Pupils from English-medium

primary schools in north Cardiff were

among those that came together to

celebrate the Welsh language by

sharing books they have created.

The collaborative project involved

the sharing of books that have been

designed and created by children

for children, with the goal of helping

their peers learn Welsh vocabulary

and consolidate their Welsh language

skills. Many of the books are digital

and will become part of a Hwb

playlist for all schools to use as a

digital resource.

The participating schools were:

Pontprennau Primary School,

Glyncoed Primary School, Greenway

Primary School, Trowbridge Primary

School, Oakfield Primary School, Glan

Yr Afon Primary School, Bryn Hafod

Primary School, Pen Y Bryn Primary

School, Radnor Primary School,

and Bishop Childs Church in Wales

Primary.

the next few years."

When asked which library or hub

they are likely to use most often,

Central Library Hub was the most

popular answer among adults, with

Llanishen second, and Whitchurch

in third place. Other top-rated North

Cardiff hubs were Llandaff North

& Gabalfa in fourth and Rhiwbina

sixth. Rhydypennau was placed

eighth, Radyr 12th, and Tongwynlais

came in at 22nd.

More than two million visits were

made to Cardiff hubs and libraries

over the last year, according to

Cardiff Council.

Almost 16,000 new members

joined the city's library service,

1.9m book loans were issued,

more than 78,000 new books were

bought and 175,000 children and

adults attended events in hubs and

libraries in 2023/24.

Gareth Bale

accepts new

appointment

Whitchurch football superstar Gareth

Bale has a new title to add to the five

UEFA Champions Leagues he won

playing for Real Madrid.

The former Wales captain

was appointed as a new Cardiff

Conference Ambassador due to

his investment in Cardiff's leisure

& tourism sector, through his coownership

of Elevens Bar & Grill and

Par 59.

He accepted the accolade at a

special Wales Week London event

called ‘Game Plan Cardiff - Scoring

big on investment and growth' that

was organised by Cardiff Council's

Invest in Cardiff and Meet in Cardiff

teams.

The event showcased the emerging

investment opportunities in Cardiff up

until the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament,

and how levels of investment could

be positively influenced by the

growth trends in the city's population,

as well as in key sectors such as

financial services.

Your letters

WE

letters

WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We love to hear what you've been up to

so send us your letters and photos!

We'll do our best to print them all.

editor@livingmags.co.uk

Thank you for your

wonderful work!

Just a note to say how much I am

loving your newsletter emails.

I am from Rhiwbina and went

to Heol Llanishen Primary and

Junior School in the seventies.

I also went to Whitchurch High

in the eighties, but I now live in

South Australia on a houseboat

on the River Murray.

I found the story about the

SS Ferret (and its subsequent

shipwrecking) of particular

interest. We recently returned

from a caravan holiday on the

York Peninsula. This is where

Ethel Beach that was mentioned

in your shipwreck story is located.

Whilst we did not see the

shipwreck, how opportune it was

to see your newsletter email that

day linking it to Cardiff. It made

my day and brought a certain

poignancy to our visit!

Ethel Beach is a fairly remote

location on the York Peninsula

whose landscape is similar to

the south of Cornwall (without

the hideous tourism, I might

add!). The landscape is rugged

and very isolated but beautiful,

nonetheless.

I wanted to say thank you for

your emails and your wonderful

magazines which I look forward

to. My mother, who still lives in

Llanishen, keeps copies for me,

and it is my way of maintaining a

link with Cardiff. It never ceases

to amaze me, travelling around

South Australia, how many

people from Wales emigrated

here in the 19th century to start a

new life and is reflected in street

names etc. everywhere.

I return to Wales each year (got

married again in Cardiff last year!)

and love showing my Aussie

husband Rhiwbina, especially the

village.

Once again thank you and keep

up the marvellous work!

Fiona Clifton

Australia

Get our train

services sorted first

In the news recently, I saw

details of a £140m revamp plan

for Cardiff Central train station.

The refurbishment will include a

'new brick arch' at the rear of the

station.

And while we won't know yet

the outcome of the decision on

whether it gets the go-ahead, I'd

like to draw your attention to the

recent report that shows that our

Coryton Line is one of the worstrun

services in the UK.

Transport For Wales can be

commended for looking to spruce

up the gateway to our capital. But

my worry is that this will all be

done at the expense of running a

train service that actually works.

Over the winter, I was hoping

to rely on the trains for transport

into the city centre but on two

separate occasions, the trains

were cancelled. While little has

yet to be seen of the so-called

Metro service, can we at least

have a reliable rail service first

before ploughing money into an

expensive vanity project?

Craig Burton,

email

Who's to blame for

our rugby collapse?

Having watched Wales get

trounced once again at this year's

Six Nations, it got me thinking

about the real cause of the

problem.

Several years ago, we were quite

literally the #1 rugby team in the

world (not for very long, I admit).

Since then, we've gone what

seems an age without a win.

And while some point to the

structure of the game in Wales

and its funding (or lack thereof),

I do believe that some of the

success comes down to what our

kids grow up with.

In New Zealand, instead of

kicking a football about, children

have their kick-abouts with a

rugby ball, usually from a very

young age. They become so

used to handling the ball that

when it comes to playing with it, it

becomes second nature to them.

Meanwhile, kids over here are

now more into video games and

social media than kicking a ball

about for fun.

Stuart Carter,

Whitchurch

If you have anything you’d like our readers to know about, drop us a line at

editor@livingmags.co.uk You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter

5

Repayment

Nicholas Salter was involved in a serious cycling accident when he was 12

years old. Since then, he's been on a mission to help those who saved him.

Emma Kaler finds out what keeps him pushing to do more

It looked like it was going to be

an ordinary day for 12-year-old

Nicholas Salter when he jumped

on his bike. The Whitchurch High

School student was away from

home, taking part in the annual

scout camp in the Forest of Dean.

What Nick didn’t know was that it

was going to be a day that would

change his life.

On rough terrain, Nick came flying

off his bike. He lay sprawled on the

ground, motionless, and with blood

pouring from a head wound. No one

knows exactly how it happened but

what soon became apparent was

that Nick was in serious trouble. He

was in a critical condition and the

only way to save him was to airlift

him to hospital.

“I must have been knocked

unconscious because the only

thing I remember is waking up in

a Hereford hospital and being told

how lucky I was. If it wasn’t for the

Wales Air Ambulance, I wouldn’t

be here today. They picked me up

from the mountain where I fell and

flew me to the hospital. Sadly, I

don’t remember anything about the

flight.”

Nick sustained serious head and

facial injuries, as well as a broken

arm. The accident occurred at the

6

start of the summer holidays, giving

him a chance to heal and recover a

little before he went back to school.

“Lying in that hospital bed and

many times since, I’ve been able to

reflect on what an amazing job the

Wales Air Ambulance did that day.

I went on to make a full recovery

but if it hadn’t been for the air

ambulance, it could have been a

different story altogether.”

In the years following the

accident, Nick made it his mission

to raise money for the Wales Air

Ambulance. Since the age of 13,

there have been tens of fundraising

events, including musical nights

and most impressively, extreme

challenges.

“With the backing of my friends,

family, teachers, and anyone else

daft enough to get involved in

my extreme sports, I undertook

a number of daring feats, raising

thousands of pounds for the WAA.

I arranged a number of sponsored

bike rides including one of 55

miles over the Brecon Beacons,

riding over similar terrain as that of

my accident. On top of this, I also

organised bungee jumps, parachute

jumps, and bog snorkelling events,

to name but a few!” he says.

In 2013, Nick was recognised for

his fundraising endeavours on

ITV’s ‘Surprise, Surprise’ which he

described as lovely but a huge

shock.

“I was so embarrassed. I was sat

in the audience with my mum,

minding my own business when the

spotlight picked me out. Then Holly

Willoughby went on to tell my story

and I won a trip to Slovenia for a

week of extreme sports, mountain

biking, and stuff like that. I was

completely surprised but I had the

Nick has pushed himself to

undertake endurance challenges

best time in Slovenia.”

After leaving school, Nick went

on to study International Wildlife

Biology at University. Now in

his twenties, he now works as

a secondary school Science

teacher in Cardiff. Despite his busy

schedule, WAA is still a huge part of

his life. His fundraising efforts have

provided the WAA with over £15,000

over the years, money that has

allowed the Air Ambulance service

to continue helping those in need.

“This figure is continuing to rise

with the half-marathon fundraiser

now being spread across my social

media,” he laughs.

Despite the nature and trauma of

Nick’s accident, he has continued

to challenge himself with risky

endeavours, something that

perhaps the average person would

shy away from.

“They’re like family to me. I keep

raising money for them whenever I

can, organising events, challenging

myself through extreme sports to

push boundaries, and turning it into

something positive by giving back.

“I love pushing the boundaries of

adventure and that has amazingly

never faded. I love the thrill and

the freedoms that extreme sports

offer. It’s a pure adrenaline rush.

It’s also a test of your mental and

physical limits; there’s something

about pushing yourself to the edge

and knowing you survived it. It’s

empowering. I’m still very much into

them!”

His most memorable recent

adventure was a parachute jump he

did last year.

“It was just pure exhilaration! It

gave me a surreal view of the world

that puts things in perspective.”

Looking back over his

achievements so far, Nick is content

with what he has done.

“If I had to ask my younger self

what he thought of what I’ve done,

I think he’d be proud - proud of

turning such a traumatic experience

into something positive. He’d

probably think I was a bit crazy for

choosing to keep doing extreme

sports after that accident, but also

impressed that I’ve stuck with what

I love and used it for something

good.

“Looking back, that accident

absolutely changed my perspective

on life. It taught me not to take a

single moment for granted and

people

Since the accident, Nick has put together teams consisting of friends, family,

and work colleagues, who have all been happy to help in his mission

to live life fully. It’s why I have

such a hunger for adventure and

experiences. I also have a deeper

appreciation for kindness, bravery,

and the importance of helping

others - because someone was

there to help me when I needed it

most.”

Nicholas is currently training

for the Cardiff Half Marathon,

taking place this October, with all

proceeds going to the Wales Air

Ambulance.

“I appreciate what they did for me

every day so it’s only fair that I repay

them for what they did that day,” he

says.

If you'd like to help Nick, search for

Nick Salter at justgiving.com

Nick has led cyclists to

London from Cardiff

7

Tickets available

now for Spring

and Summer

fashion shows

Pop in-store to

get yours!

Spring ‘25

now in-store!

Independent Boutique in Rhiwbina

Find us in Rhiwbina village

Park outside the store in Lon Fach Shopping Mews

9-11 Lon Fach

Rhiwbeina

CF14 6DY

www.calonrhiwbeina.com

tel: 07929 239012

email: info@calonrhiwbeina.com

“Stylish, humorous and compassionate, this is a lovingly crafted adaptation”

The Telegraph

BELINDA LANG

HONEYSUCKLE WEEKS in

Louisa May Alcott’s

Adapted by Anne-Marie Casey

with JACK ASHTON

GRACE MOLONY

Ebr 29 Apr – Mai 3 May 2025

newtheatrecardiff.co.uk | 0343 310 0041

THE PICNIC

A basket of joy.

An afternoon of dreams.

A rolled up blanket opened

And spread like warm butter

On the parched earth.

Thin sarnies

And melted Penguins

Soft berries

And bashed up scotch eggs

Wrapped in foil

And love.

Warmed water

A platoon of ants

And buzzy things

And mozzies

And crawly things.

Sandwich crusts

And Penguin wrappers

Mushed up berries

And half-eaten eggs

Still wrapped in foil

And love.

We return home

Through whispering meadows

And wandering lanes

Sleepy and happy

To our bedtime rest.

David James

Whitchurch

Seasonal

Poems

IN SPRING I FEEL

In spring I feel the air is new

And what better than a walk to take

To see with welcome eyes a view

That does the soul to happy make,

To see new buds on earth and trees

To note their green against the brown

To feel on your face a warming breeze

And not to wear a mournful scowl,

To take a seat on a garden wall

As do you take a moment's rest

To hear a bird's light whistling call

To know your world is of brightness blessed,

Age means nothing as you look around

As with new day all does life abound.

David W Morris

Llandaff North

FIRST LIGHT

6.07 am.

First light.

I heard your laugh come through the mist.

And wrapped up in big coats,

We played make believe for an hour.

We chatted and laughed; easy.

And then disappeared back into our real lives.

Alec Harvey

Cardiff

10

poetry

Poems penned by the local community

HERONS ON THE RIVER TAFF

Like a convocation of Professors of Symmetrical Numeracy

They count close scales of fishy ounces,

Assess each liveried recess,

Measure, minutely, effort over pleasure,

And leer,

Lure,

Parry with their moon-struck plumage

Silver to silver

Shadow to shadow, shear-shone

Among the promising shallows;

Along tight pebbles' tardy larder

They wade, grey renegades of confines' rod and line.

They wade past lost, impossible horizons.

Unfurling clouds' reflections steep a bridge's span

Between a realm of gills and the grounded world of sounds

To bound so far from jarring tarmac. To resound now far;

And farther on regardless. A canard far fantastical

Pounding now - and on - the low, congruent hills.

How they endure,

Unruffled on their stony thrones.

No rival quests of pelicans

Or egrets' statues here.

Herons on parade rail against the awkwardness of walkers,

Though, roused by

Dogs

(An hour unowned)

They quick divide these vying elements

And glide upstream, the river's course

Ever lost between a mirror's depth

And the mizzle morning air.

Nigel Phillips

Whitchurch

THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

TREE

Pink blossom petals descend like snow

then dance and chase each other

as if children at play

amongst the daisies and buttercups.

The sky is azure enhancing the view

as a blackbird and magpie

fly overhead on this April day.

But soon the tree will transmute again

and pink petals turn brown and crumble

just like all our aspirations

yet the woman sees nothing of the beauty,

the pink spectacle is invisible to her

a vista which could turn her thoughts serene,

oh, how tragic...that she ignores the scene.

Guy Fletcher

Rhiwbina

AS BLOSSOMS TO GROW

As blossoms to grow on branches to fill

Of colours pink as tinged with white

So does the breeze the petals spill

To make them turn and twist in flight,

And there on a carpet of green to lay

In heaps and droplets in the sun

And less of their glory to display

As they have of it to final run,

But still to the eyes of wonder hold

Of nature at its best to bring

As does the season to just unfold

The beauty of this early spring,

Then from the blossoms it will to move

As to others bloom its joy will prove.

David W Morris

Llandaff North

11

2024 MAZDA MX-5

A TIMELESS MASTERPIECE

The Mazda MX-5 is the most awarded roadster in the world with its timeless design

of flowing lines, precise handling, great cornering and a lot of driving pleasure.

Rediscover a true icon and experience the next generation of a legendary drive with

the Mazda MX-5.

VICTORIA PARK MAZDA

CARDIFF | HADFIELD ROAD | TEL. 029 20387461 |

WWW.VICTORIAPARKMAZDA.CO.UK

Model shown: Mazda MX-5 Roadster 184ps Homura, OTR from £34,835.00. Model shown features optional Aero Grey paint (£600.00.) OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road

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. Not

available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.

CRAFTED IN JAPAN

4

Welcome to the Acorn/Sacyr UK’s new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) project news update. Every quarter,

we will tell you about project progress, what is going on within the community around the build, as well as

initiatives that are taking place around the local communities connected with the project.

Culture

Acorn and Sacyr UK has launched

a new online community platform

to provide a wealth of resources,

collaboration, and opportunities.

The platform, which is accessible

to all and offers services to anyone

who is aged 14 and over, was

officially launched by Julie Morgan

MS, the Senedd member for Cardiff

North – where the new Velindre

Cancer Centre is being built – at

an event in the Pierhead Building,

Cardiff Bay.

Sacyr UK, the contractor building

the nVCC, wanted to create a

platform which made social value

and working with the south Wales

community more collaborative.

It also wanted to easily help

connect businesses with volunteer

opportunities.

The platform has since

mushroomed into a space where

people can build a CV and access

job boards. It offers online science,

technology, engineering, and

mathematics (STEM) tutorials for

secondary school age children,

allows local people to get access to

a Tool Library and video lessons on

how to use the tools they borrow,

as well as connecting philanthropic

businesses with charities who are in

need.

Charity associates, local

councillors, voluntary organisations,

and supply chain partners gathered

at the launch for a demonstration

of the platform from its developers,

Prospect Digital.

To access the Acorn community

platform, visit: https://acorn-sacyr.

dreams-lms.org/rcd/login.php

This is a sponsored feature

Nurture

One of the crane lift supervisors

working on the new Velindre Cancer

Centre project is 73-year-old Barry

Fabian.

Barry works for sub-contractor

MPS Crane Operators and turned 73

in January, but still loves coming to

work each day on site and helping

to build this state-of-the-art health

facility.

We caught up with Barry and

asked him what keeps him working

in all weathers on a building site,

when most people his age are long

retired.

“I just enjoy working. Of course,

the money comes in handy too and

one of my daughters is heading to

Melbourne to live next year and so

I’m saving up to give her a good

start over there, but also, I enjoy it.

“I’m not much of a drinker, but I do

go out for the company here and

there, but not in pubs as such, so

it’s great to come to work and get to

spend the days with and chat with a

good bunch of people.”

Barry has been working on

building sites up and down the

country for around 55 years and

says he loves the job:

“It keeps me fit and healthy, but

obviously sometimes it’s not as

good when you have to get up

in the morning in the really cold

weather or pouring rain, but all in all

I enjoy it.”

Apprenticeship vacancy

Sacyr UK, the contractor building

the new Velindre Cancer Centre is

on the lookout for an apprentice to

join its Community Benefits team.

The successful candidate will be a

self-starter, with either a business

administration or communications

background to join them in

spearheading local initiatives, news

updates, and community schemes

around the project.

As part of the role, they will get

the opportunity to liaise with

stakeholders, partners, and those

working on the build. They will

form part of the team that will liaise

with the community and create

legacy projects that will serve the

local communities for generations

to come. If you are interested in

hearing more about the community

benefits apprenticeship job,

please email Katie Hathaway at

khathaway@sacyr.com.

Future

The past ten months have been

busy and fruitful ones for the nVCC

project team. Here are a few stats

about what Acorn, the consortium

behind the new Velindre Cancer

Centre, has achieved in that time:

• Donated 200 accumulative hours

working with schools or pupils from

around south Wales

• Engaged and worked with 3,520

pupils with education around

Construction

• Employed fifty-one people

on the project who are from

disadvantaged backgrounds

• Made lots of plans to help and

work with more community groups,

charities and local organisations in

2025

The next resident drop-in is

scheduled for Wednesday 26th

March, between 6 and 7pm at the

Noddfa building at 19 Park Road by

the Velindre Cancer Centre rear car

park, where members of the Acorn,

Sacyr, and Velindre team will be on

hand to discuss progress on our

works and answer any questions.

These will take place every last

Wednesday of the month for

the duration of the construction

programme. For more information

about the project, visit the website

at: newvelindre.info

Spring

Visits

The best places in the

UK to visit during

the spring months

65 1. NORTHUMBERLAND

Warmer weather means you can make the most

of what Northumberland has to offer. One of this

region’s key features is its areas of outstanding

beauty; from outdoor activities to family fun days

out, you can be sure to enjoy it in all its glory.

6 2. LAKE DISTRICT

Springtime in the Lake District is a beautiful time

to visit, with wildflowers, festivals, and longer days.

Milder weather and longer days make April a great

time to visit whilst May offers warmer weather, drier

skies, and the first outdoor festivals and fairs.

5 3. THE COTSWOLDS

Rolling hills burst with wildflowers, and honey-stone

villages glow under soft, spring sunlight. Stroll through

quaint streets, explore blooming gardens, and breathe in

the crisp, floral air. With lambs frolicking in meadows and

cosy pubs offering hearty fare, it’s England’s countryside at

its most enchanting. Pure magic.

6 4. NEW FOREST

The New Forest has been a top destination for

breaks and getaways here in the UK for many years.

There are magical woodlands and heathlands to

explore on foot or on a bicycle. Many head here

to escape their everyday lives; it's a place where

ponies, cattle, donkeys, and deer roam free. There

are also quaint towns with cobbled streets.

14

5 5. CORNWALL

Spring in Cornwall unveils a tapestry of blooming

wildflowers, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters.

Wander through quaint fishing villages, savour

fresh seafood, and explore ancient castles. The

mild weather invites coastal walks and garden

visits, while the vibrant landscapes and serene

beaches make it the perfect spring getaway.

8 6. DARTMOOR

travel

Huge numbers of people travel to Dartmoor to

experience its bluebells. You can find them near

high moorland, in Dartmoor's many river valleys,

or carpeting woodland. One of nature's true

spectacles!

65 7. EDINBURGH

Cherry blossoms grace The Meadows, while Arthur’s Seat

beckons hikers with panoramic views during springtime in

Edinburgh. Stroll the Royal Mile, where bagpipes echo, and

explore centuries-old castles. Cosy cafés offer respite from

crisp, spring breezes. Edinburgh in spring is a symphony of

history, nature, and charm.

8 8. BRECON BEACONS

The Brecon Beacons is a gorgeous paradise at this time

of year. Rolling hills burst with wildflowers, cascading

waterfalls glisten under soft sunlight, and crisp air

invigorates every step. Wander ancient trails, breathe in

the scent of blooming meadows, and lose yourself in the

serene beauty of the Welsh wonderland. A rejuvenating

escape awaits - and it's only up the road.

65 9. PEAK DISTRICT

Spring in the Peak District is a time of gradual

awakening with new colours and blooms. It's a

scenic time for walking, but the weather can be

unpredictable.

Mornings can be cold and frosty and the spring

weather is often wet with temperatures warming up

from May onwards. Derwent Gardens is a magical

place all year round but particularly in spring as it

comes to life. If sensational views are your thing,

Hope Valley is one of the most popular areas of

the Peak District National Park, boasting some of

the greatest views and most idyllic villages in the

region.

6 10. NORFOLK

If you want to avoid the crowds of the summer season,

spring is the next best season to visit Norfolk. The weather

is warming up, and there are plenty of nature reserves,

stately homes, and of course, the broads and the beaches

to visit. Feeding newborn lambs, pond dipping, seeing the

bluebells, and attending spring festivals are other ways of

whiling the lazy days of spring away.

15

Problem with your glazing or looking for new?

We can solve the problem quickly, efficiently and at the right price.

OUR SERVICES

• Replacement uPVC windows & doors

• High security Composite doors

• Repairs to uPVC, aluminium & timber windows & doors (visit our website for a full list)

• Bespoke mirrors supplied & fitted

• Secondary glazing (for sound & heat loss reduction)

029 2048 6797

contact@wrightglass.co.uk | www.wrightglass.co.uk

4.9 /5

from 195 reviews

(Dec '24)

Based in Rhiwbina, Garden Pride has 15 years’ experience providing a

comprehensive service for all aspects of garden design, construction, and

maintenance at competitive prices in and around the Rhiwbina area. Reliable

and dependable, Garden Pride has a very strong work ethic. Specialising in hard

landscaping, the Team enjoys a challenge and gets a great deal of satisfaction

from completing all jobs, whether big or small, to a very high standard

Garden Pride Landscapes Ltd

For free no obligation quotes contact:

Luc on 07801 281019

e-mail: luc.owen1@gmail.com

VAT Reg No: 14519324

5-STAR RATED

Accepting

new private

patients

The Whitchurch Clinic is

transforming lives with

back pain relief

Back pain is an ever-growing problem in the UK,

as a surging number of Brits report suffering with

aches and pains, in a recent report from the British

Chiropractic Association (BCA).

Your local general & cosmetic

dental practice, based in the heart

of Tongwynlais

Our friendly team offer a wide range of treatments from preventative general

dentistry to teeth whitening, Invisalign and other cosmetic dental treatments!

Preventative General Dentistry for all ages

Dental Hygiene visits available to all - direct access

Cosmetic Dentistry including Teeth Whitening & Invisalign

Expert Dental Implant treatment

New Patient Private Emergency Appointments

BESPOKE AURORA DENTAL

YOUR

PLAN PACK

TREATMENT

Replace your missing teeth and boost your

confidence with Dental Implants

Contact us to register or book a consultation today!

02920 811 431

reception@tondental.co.uk

www.tondental.co.uk

Discover the history and

the culture with the French

societies in Cardiff

And as the NHS struggles and GP waiting times

continue to rise, the BCA has found that nearly half

(43%) of people that are suffering from joint and back

pain admit they avoid seeing their GP.

These statistics will be at the forefront of the BCA's

Chiropractic Awareness Week, which takes place from

28th April to 4th May this year.

"It’s a chance to raise awareness of the vital role

chiropractic plays in offering people informed choices

for their health and wellbeing, as well as to honour a

century of dedication, innovation, and professionalism

of the British Chiropractic Association - the largest

body of regulated chiropractors in the UK."

Société Franco Britannique

de Cardiff (founded 1906)

www.francais-a-cardiff.org.uk

The Club de Francais

www.clubdefrancais.org.uk

The Cardiff Nantes Exchange

www.cardiff-nantes.org

Fortunately, for residents in north Cardiff, local help

is at hand for their health problems at The Whitchurch

Clinic. The award-winning clinic on Merthyr Road has

been aiding those in need for the last thirteen years -

and with excellent results.

Clinic Director Andrea Howell told Whitchurch and

Llandaff Living:

"We have spent the last thirteen years helping people

in the local community regain their health. At TWC,

all our chiropractors are passionate about having a

patient-centred approach, and committed to providing

excellent evidence based care to a wide range of

patients of all backgrounds and abilities."

A: 1st floor, 57 Merthyr Road,

Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DD

T: 02920 617700

W: www.thewhitchurchclinic.co.uk

Sponsored feature

CREATE A GREEN SPACE FOR ALL

Your garden is not just your own private

oasis - it's part of a larger, interconnected

web of green spaces. By nurturing the

wildlife in your garden, you contribute to a

thriving environment that benefits the entire

ecosystem.

When you provide food, shelter, and

resources, you attract a diverse array of

creatures. This biodiversity enriches your

garden, creating a harmonious balance.

Planting flowers that offer pollen and nectar

is essential for supporting pollinators like bees

and butterflies. Without these vital species,

seed and fruit production would significantly

decline.

WORK YOUR GARDEN

The sensory experience of

working with plants - the earthy

scent of soil, the velvety touch

of leaves, the vibrant colours

of blossoms - can evoke a

delightful sense of calm and

connection to the natural world.

Watching seeds sprout,

nurturing plants through their

growth, and witnessing the

unfolding of new blooms also

provides a deep sense of

accomplishment.

BRING NATURE

INDOORS

Indoor plants offer a

range of benefits that

extend far beyond their

aesthetic appeal. They

provide a calming,

restorative influence,

helping to lower stress

levels and promote

overall well-being. Real,

living plants can also

sharpen attention and

boost concentration,

making them valuable

companions in

workspaces and study

areas.

FEEL GOODideas

Spring is a time for renewal and hope, a time to feel good about

ourselves. Here are some ideas to put a smile on your face -

and the best part is that they are all backed by science

SPRING CLEAN

Maintaining tidiness

enhances your overall

quality of life, creating

a tranquil atmosphere

that positively affects

your mood. When

your environment and

surroundings are clean

and organised, you feel

confident and capable to

handle life's demands,

which improves your

demeanour and lifts your

spirits.

GET OUTDOORS

Natural green spaces offer fresher air, reducing

the risk of respiratory issues. In

fact, people surrounded

by greenery are 34%

less likely to die

from respiratory

diseases. Sunlight

also influences

our internal clock,

enhancing sleep

quality. Simply

stepping outside

can help regulate

your circadian rhythm,

improving your rest.

18

wellbeing

TAKE A BATH

The warm water of a bath

envelops your body, easing

tension in muscles and

calming the mind. Adding

essential oils can enhance

the experience, leaving you

refreshed and rejuvenated.

IMPROVE YOUR HABITS

Consistent routines

provide structure and

stability, reducing

stress and anxiety. By

automating positive

behaviours, like exercise

or daily writing, you

cultivate discipline

and focus. Over time,

these habits become

second nature,

boosting productivity

and efficiency. Good

habits also contribute

to physical and mental

well-being, leading

to improved health

and overall happiness,

along with a sense of

accomplishment and

self-confidence.

HELPING OTHERS

By extending a

helping hand to

those in need, we

not only make a

positive impact on

their lives but also

experience a deep

sense of fulfilment

and purpose. This

act of giving and

supporting others

fosters meaningful

connections,

strengthens

empathy, and

boosts selfesteem.

MASSAGE

Beyond relieving

muscle tension and

improving circulation,

massages can also

reduce stress levels

and promote deep

relaxation. The power

of touch in massage

triggers the release of

feel-good hormones

like serotonin and

dopamine, boosting

overall mood and

well-being.

STARGAZE

Stargazing under the

night sky evokes a sense

of wonder and awe. This

cathedral of beauty can

be a moving experience.

The vast expanse of

stars and galaxies above

reminds us of our place

in the universe, offering

perspective and humility.

This connection to

something greater than

ourselves can bring a deep

sense of peace and joy.

In the quiet moments

beneath the stars, we find

solace, inspiration, and a

profound appreciation for

the beauty of the cosmos.

19

THE LIDO

Meet Rosemary, 86, and Kate, 26:

dreamers, campaigners, outdoor

swimmers.

Rosemary has lived in Brixton all

her life, but everything she knows is

changing. Only the local lido, where

she swims every day, remains a

constant reminder of the past and

her beloved husband George.

Kate has just moved and feels adrift

in a city that is too big for her. She's

on the bottom rung of her career as a

local journalist, and is determined to

make something of it.

So when the lido is threatened

with closure, Kate knows this story

could be her chance to shine. But

for Rosemary, it could be the end

of everything. Together they are

determined to make a stand, and to

prove that the pool is more than just

a place to swim - it is the heart of the

community.

SPRINGbooks

Grab a fresh coffee, take a seat in the

sunshine, and lose yourself in one of our

hand-picked books for spring

books

HAPPY

Happiness is a subject close to

broadcaster Fearne Cotton's heart.

Drawing on her own experiences

and including expert advice,

HAPPY offers practical ways of

finding joy in each and every day

of your life.

THE FLOWER FARM

Beth Fraser has spent the last few years

growing her business from scratch. She's

turned the walled garden at Applemore

House from an overgrown jungle into a

beautiful and productive flower farm. A

sudden change of circumstances means she

has to find a way to make it pay more - and

fast. A heart-warming feel-good novel full of

friendship, family, and romance.

EXCUSE ME, YOUR

LIFE IS WAITING

Written in a clear,

friendly, direct

style and with

real-life anecdotes

as examples, this

book uncovers

the real strength

behind our

emotions and will

help those who

want to turn their

life around and

achieve their true

desires.

LIVE TO EAT

In Live to Eat, Emily English

simplifies healthy eating

with over 80 brand-new

recipes that are not only

nutritionally balanced, but

easy-to prep and, most

importantly, incredibly

delicious. Sharing her

knowledge with her millions

of followers, Emily makes

healthy eating a joy rather

than a chore with accessible

and achievable recipes

grounded in nutritional

science. A No.1 Sunday

Times bestseller.

21

nature notes:

SPRING

After a long, dark winter, our environment has come alive with colour

and noise. David Jones walks us through nature in spring

The Wild Arum flourishes

in dark corners

After the long, cold, dormant

winter months, spring arrives,

bringing warmth, new life, and

renewal. The vernal equinox, a time

when day and night are of equal

length, heralds a rise in both light

and temperature which triggers

all around. It is the start of a time

described best by poet Christina

Rossetti as: “When life’s alive in

everything."

As spring begins to unfold,

wildflowers are seen at every

turn. Amongst the earliest is the

Wood Anenome, with its delicate

creamy white blooms that nod in

the slightest breeze, giving it the

country name of ‘wind flower’. A

snow-like covering of the flower on

a woodland floor can indeed be a

magical sight. Also making an early

appearance are Lesser Celandine,

which carpet woodland areas with a

mass of shiny golden yellow stars.

Soon after, the pale yellow, fivepetalled

Primroses appear and

provide an early source of nectar

and pollen for bees and butterflies.

Seen too, in shady hedge-cover,

is perhaps Britain's most curious

wildflower, the Wild Arum,

otherwise known as ‘Lords-and-

Ladies’. With its green, womb-like

leaf sheath, dark purple spadix, and

tendency to flourish in dark corners,

it appears somewhat sinister. In

the meadow, the hedgehog, which

has recently emerged fully from

hibernation, makes its twilight

excursions among the closed

blooms of the Dandelion which,

with the arrival of daylight, open to

carpet the grassland with a dazzling

display of vivid yellow.

Birds busy themselves amidst

the recently emerged foliage,

where Blackbird, Song Thrush, and

Chiff Chaff, one of the first avian

signallers of spring with its rhythmic

‘chiff-chaff’ song, sing heartily. Less

vocal but more visible at this time of

year are Nuthatch and Tree Creeper

who scamper along the boughs and

branches in a search for food.

Somewhere, unseen, up amidst a

deep blue sky and billowing white

cumulus cloud, the Skylark pours

forth its liquid, melodic song and in

the distance, the familiar D-sharp

call of a newly arrived Cuckoo is

a signal that the new season is

under way. Increased temperatures

see the emergence of a legion of

insects and caterpillars that are

22

eagerly sought by adult birds of

every kind to feed their youngsters

in their nests. And in the warming

evening air, bats appear to scoop

up their insect prey using their silent

and sophisticated echo-location

hunting skills.

True to the old rhyme, “Sweet April

showers, do bring May flowers”,

the month of May truly deserves

the title of ‘Month of Flowers’. The

springtime spectacle of countless

Bluebells carpeting the woodland

floor with a breathtaking hazy

indigo light is a sight not easily

forgotten. In the woods too, the

ubiquitous Hawthorn is clothed in

creamy blossom, its dizzy fragrance

possibly unequalled by any other

woodland florescence.

And in the meadows, the glossy,

golden buttercups gild the

landscape as far as the eye can

see, whilst in the longer grass the

familiar pendulous butter-yellow

flowers of the Cowslip sway gently

in the heavily fragrant air. Great

white frothy clouds of Cow Parsley,

intermingled with the white starlike

blooms of the Stitchwort fill the

hedge-banks. Along the wood and

grassland margins, the delicate

creamy-white, orange-edged wings

of the aptly named Orange-Tip

Butterfly can be seen fluttering in

and out.

In the meadows,

the glossy golden

buttercups

gild the landscape

as far as the

eye can see

The Lesser Celandine make an early

appearance in spring

At the waterside, the pale lilac

Lady’s Smock and vivid yellow

blooms of the Marsh Marigold glint

against the remnants of the now

long-gone winter. Alongside them

is one wildflower that is often smelt

long before it is seen, Ransoms,

whose flowers and leaves give off

its familiar pungent garlic smell.

In damp meadows, Golden Marsh

Marigolds come into flower and are

often seen alongside the distinctive

deep pink flowers of the Ragged

Robin. Their serrated blooms, which

look like they have been shredded

with scissors, often partner the

delicate Cuckoo Flower or Lady’s

Smock upon which the female

Orange Tip butterfly lays her eggs.

Mid-season, the striking, tall,

tubular pink flowers of the

nature

Foxglove, which attract countless

bumblebees, light up the

woodlands and in damp areas, the

spectacular golden Yellow Flag Iris

does likewise. Around this time too,

woods and parklands are decorated

by the enormous candle-like

flowering spikes of the Horse

Chestnut.

As the season progresses,

birdsong grows as each day

passes. It is soon at its tuneful

best especially during the ‘dawn

chorus’ when, as the early morning

light begins to break, there is a

wonderful symphony of birdsong

that gradually becomes more silent

with the approach of summer.

Words and photos by David Jones

Other butterflies too emerge,

including the Peacock, Comma,

Red Admiral, and Small

Tortoiseshell. A smaller, but equally

beautiful species is the Common

Blue butterfly which feeds on the

flowers and lays its eggs on another

familiar plant, the Bird’s-Foot

Trefoil, also known by the charming

country name, ‘eggs and bacon’,

because of its bright yellow and

red-streaked colouration.

Everywhere, trees are cloaked in

verdant green and in the orchard,

the boughs of apple and cherry

trees are heavily weighed-down

with a snow-like covering of white

and pink blossom, while the

Sycamore and Horse-Chestnuts

slowly unfurl their great green

banners.

Photos by David Jones

The Orange-Tip Butterfly is often found

in woods and grassland margins

23

2

1

3

4

Spring season

1. Tweed drawer

picnic basket

Classic stylish four person

picnic drawer hamper with

everything included for

the perfect day out for four

with a fabulous drawer

for storing the glasses.

Includes a zipped chilled

compartment

2. Coed-y-Wenallt

poster

A vintage-style travel

poster of the Wenallt,

featuring a gorgeous

Art Deco illustration of

bluebells in the woods.

Perfect for framing and

brightening up any room in

your home.

3. Waterproof Picnic

Blanket: Fennel and

Catkin

The Fennel and Catkin

Wildweave Wool Picnic

Blanket is handmade in

the UK and features a

waterproof backing and

real leather carry strap that

will last for years.

4. Charity candle

Invite the outside in with

delicate lily of the valley

in a secluded woodland.

Crafted in the British

countryside in a decorative

glass design. Burn time

approx. 45 hours. Lid

included. 75% of price goes

to charity.

www.uklogsdirect.co.uk

shop.livingmags.co.uk

thebritishblanketcompany.com

jomalone.co.uk

24

6

home

5

8

7

5. Flower jug

This stylish off-white

ceramic jug has a

contrasting handle and is

covered with a pretty but

simplistic bee design. As a

gift, it will be cherished for

years to come, and one that

will sit pretty in any room in

the home.

6. Spring wreath

Featuring a stunning mix

of delicate roses, lush

greenery, and wildflower

accents, this wreath brings

a fresh and elegant touch

to any space. Perfect

for welcoming guests,

decorating doors, or adding

a natural, feel to your home.

7. Monico Cinema

T-shirt

Reminisce the good times

spent at the Monico

Cinema with a retro-style

T-shirt. This cotton tee

features taped neck and

shoulders and double

seams at sleeves and

bottom hem.

8. Flask

With its press button pourer,

you can easily pour your

drink without any spills or

leaks. The 500ml capacity

is perfect for work, travel,

camping, hiking, and more.

Weighing only 385g, this

flask is lightweight and easy

to carry.

issy.uk wreaths.co.uk shop.livingmags.co.uk backalleyarmystore.co.uk

25

Picnics are the ultimate way to enjoy your food in the sunshine.

But being away from home does mean that you won't have

everything to hand. Here's our ultimate guide to picnicking that

will help make your next outing that little bit more stress-free

Spring

dreams

Before you leave

In this digital age, it's easy to get

caught up in the whirlwind of

politics and economic news. Why

not take a break and enjoy the great

outdoors?

Cardiff's parks and gardens offer the

perfect setting for a relaxing picnic.

In the Whitchurch and Llandaff

areas alone, you'll find several lovely

spots to spread out a blanket and

unwind. Whitchurch Common,

Hailey Park, Llandaff Fields, and

Forest Farm all provide scenic

locations to enjoy a peaceful picnic

with loved ones. A picnic is a brilliant

way to reconnect with friends and

family or simply find some solitude

to read or reflect. You might even

make new friends!

The beauty of a picnic is that it can

be as simple or elaborate as you

26

desire - the choice is yours. Before

you head out, make a plan for your

outing to ensure a smooth and

enjoyable experience.

Don't worry about bringing bulky

items unless absolutely necessary.

A simple picnic blanket will suffice

in most cases. If the ground is wet,

you can use an old shower curtain or

plastic bag underneath your blanket

to stay comfortable. A light wrap can

also keep you warm if the evening

air turns chilly.

Prepare any food that needs slicing

ahead of time to avoid having to

bring along sharp knives. And don't

forget to pack some entertainment,

such as board games or colouring

books, to keep everyone engaged.

Why not take a break and enjoy

the natural beauty of Cardiff's green

spaces with a delightful picnic? It's

the perfect way to unwind and make

lasting memories.

Your picnic basket

These days, you can easily find

pre-packed picnic baskets from

many retailers. Look for enamel

tableware - it's lightweight yet

durable, unlike flimsy paper plates

that can collapse or get soggy.

It's also a good idea to pack

a few extra cups, plates, and

utensils to be prepared for any

contingencies. Many modern

picnic baskets now come

equipped with helpful accessories

like chopping boards, napkins,

wine glasses, and

even a corkscrew.

For those who prefer

to bike to their picnic

spot, specialised

picnic backpacks

are also

available.

outdoors

Food

When it comes to picnic food, finger-friendly items are the way to

go. Sandwiches are an obvious choice, but be sure to pack them in a

cooler or insulated bag to keep them fresh. Sliced meat sandwiches

can typically last about an hour without refrigeration, but you'll want

to include ice packs if the outing will be longer or the weather is

warm. Try to consume perishable items first.

For fruit, opt for options with a peel that will hold up well in your bag.

Avoid delicate fruits like bananas, strawberries, and raspberries that

can get easily bruised.

To prevent soggy salads, pack any dressings or dips in a separate

chilled container. And ensure to refrigerate any mayonnaise-based

items, as the egg content can spoil in warm temperatures. Finally,

rather than bringing full-size bottles of condiments that you may not

fully use, opt for individual sachets or decant into smaller reusable

containers.

How to keep those

wasps away

Picnics can sometimes be

disrupted by pesky bugs,

especially wasps. The sweet,

sugary foods and drinks are a

major attractant. They're also

scavengers that seek out protein

sources like meats and spilled

crumbs. The outdoor setting

with lots of potential nesting

spots further entices wasps to

investigate picnic areas.

Fortunately, there are several

tried-and-tested methods to keep

them at bay.

• Spray-on insect repellents

containing ingredients that

wasps dislike can be an effective

deterrent. For a more targeted

option, clip-on wasp repellents are

available at many supermarkets,

which can help prevent the spray

from getting in your food.

• Hanging up inflated brown paper

bags is a surprisingly effective and

harmless way to keep wasps at

bay. The wasps mistake the bags

for rival nests and avoid the area.

• Placing tumble dryer sheets

around your picnic area can also

help deter wasps.

• Mothballs, though intended for

indoor moth control, can also help

keep wasps away when

used in open picnic

areas, where they are

harmless to humans.

Desserts

What better way to cap off your

picnic than with a delectable

dessert?

Portable and easy-to-serve

desserts like traybakes, loaf cakes,

brownies, shortbread, and cookies

make excellent picnic options. You

can slice or portion them ahead of

time for a stress-free dessert.

For a more elaborate finish,

consider pre-portioned desserts

in jars, such as strawberry

cheesecake or Eton Mess. The jars

provide convenient, spill-proof

containers to transport delicate

sweets.

Drink

If you are heading out on a warm day, it's

important to remember to stay hydrated.

Frozen bottles of water can double up as

ice packs and should be suitably defrosted

to drink by the time you're ready to eat and

drink - very refreshing! Infused water can

offer a delicious alternative to plain water.

Iced tea tastes great on a hot day, as do

herbal teas.

If you're out on a cooler day, maybe a flask

of hot water and a few different sachets will

allow your guests to choose their tipple.

Avoid carbonated sugary drinks as these go

flat and sticky very quickly.

Local places to go

• Hailey Park

• Whitchurch Common

• Llandaff Fields

• Forest Farm

• Bute Park

• Cardiff Castle

• The Wenallt

• Victoria Park

• Roath Park

• Heath Park

Days out

• Porthkerry Park, Barry

• Waterfalls at Neuadd, Brecon

Beacons

• Pontsticill Reservoir, Merthyr

• Rhossili Bay, Swansea

• Oxwich Bay, Gower

If you are likely to stay out after

dark, remember a torch or a solar

powered light to keep everybody

safe, especially if you are near a

river or somewhere that could

become dangerous after dark.

27

Guardians of

It's tempting to take them for

granted but trees really are

amazing. Here are some littleknown

facts about our protectors

the Earth

Trees talk to each other

Trees communicate through a

complex network commonly

known as the 'Wood Wide Web'. It's

facilitated by mycorrhizal fungi that

connect their roots. These fungi form

symbiotic relationships with trees,

exchanging nutrients and water for

sugars.

Through this network, trees

can share information about

environmental changes, such as

drought or pest attacks. A tree under

attack by insects, for example, may

release chemical signals through the

fungi, warning neighbouring trees to

produce defensive compounds.

This communication helps trees

support each other, ensuring the

survival of the forest ecosystem.

Additionally, older 'mother trees' can

nurture younger saplings by sharing

nutrients and resources.

28

Trees are Earth's

longest-living

organisms

Old trees can grow to

astonishing ages, with some

species living for thousands of

years. The bristlecone pine, for

example, can live over 5,000

years, making it one of the

oldest living organisms on Earth.

Giant sequoias and redwoods

can live for over 2,000 years,

reaching immense heights

and girths. These ancient trees

endure harsh conditions, slow

growth rates, and resilient

adaptations that allow them to

survive for millennia.

Their longevity is a testament

to their ability to withstand

environmental challenges,

such as drought, disease, and

extreme weather.

Trees can clone

themselves

Trees can clone themselves

through a process called

vegetative reproduction, where

new trees grow from existing

roots, stems, or leaves without

seeds. One common method

is through root suckers, where

shoots sprout from a tree's

roots, forming genetically

identical offspring.

Another method is layering,

where branches touching the

ground take root and grow into

new trees. Some trees, like

aspens, form extensive clonal

colonies connected by a shared

root system, creating vast

networks of genetically identical

trees. Cloning allows trees to

reproduce efficiently.

Trees can live almost

anywhere

Trees can live almost anywhere

due to their remarkable

adaptability.

They thrive in diverse

environments, from arid deserts

to icy tundras, by evolving

specialised traits. Desert trees,

like acacias, have deep roots to

access water and small leaves

to reduce moisture loss. In cold

climates, conifers have needlelike

leaves and flexible branches

to withstand snow.

Mangroves survive in salty

coastal areas by filtering salt

and anchoring in muddy soils.

Trees also adapt to poor soil by

forming productive relationships

with fungi, enhancing nutrient

absorption. Their ability to

photosynthesise and store

energy allows them to endure

harsh conditions, making them

vital to ecosystems worldwide.

Trees can sleep

Trees 'sleep' by entering a resting state

at night, a phenomenon observed

through subtle changes in their

branches and leaves.

Using laser scans, scientists found that

some trees droop their branches by up

to 10 centimetres after sunset, likely

due to decreased water pressure within

their cells. This nocturnal drooping, akin

to sleep, helps trees conserve energy.

Trees can heal

themselves

Trees possess remarkable

self-healing abilities to

recover from damage caused

by storms, pests, or human

activity. When injured, they

form callus tissue to seal

wounds, preventing infections

and decay. Specialised cells

produce chemicals like

resin or sap to deter pests

and pathogens. Trees also

compartmentalise damage

by creating barriers around

affected areas, isolating

decay and protecting healthy

tissue. Some species, like willows, produce hormones that stimulate

rapid regrowth of lost branches or roots.

nature

Trees can grow tall

Tall trees can reach huge

heights, with the tallest, like

California's coast redwoods,

growing over 380 feet (116

metres). These giants thrive

in ideal conditions with ample

water, sunlight, and nutrientrich

soil. Their height helps

them compete for sunlight

in dense forests. Factors

like species, genetics, and

environment determine how

tall trees can grow.

Trees can reduce stress

The presence of trees lowers our

cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and

encourages relaxation. The sight of

greenery, the sound of rustling leaves,

and the fresh oxygen they produce

have a soothing effect on the mind.

Spending time in forests or parks,

known as 'forest bathing,' has been

shown to reduce anxiety and improve

mood. Trees also provide shade and

cooler spaces, enhancing physical

comfort. Their natural beauty and

tranquillity make them powerful allies

in combating stress.

Trees fight climate

change

Trees combat climate change

by absorbing carbon dioxide

(CO2) during photosynthesis,

storing carbon in their trunks,

branches, and roots. This process

reduces greenhouse gases in the

atmosphere, mitigating global

warming.

Trees also release oxygen,

improving air quality. Additionally,

they provide shade, reducing

the need for energy-intensive

cooling, and prevent soil erosion,

maintaining healthy ecosystems.

29

Hope springs

eternal

The season of spring brings hope and

renewal. Here's the science behind its

positive effects on our wellbeing

As the icy grip of winter loosens

and the first signs of spring

emerge, there is an undeniable

shift in the air.

The days grow longer, the

temperature rises, and nature begins

to awaken from its slumber. For

many, spring is not just a change

in the weather; it is a season of

renewal, hope, and rejuvenation.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, spring

has a profound impact on mental

health, offering a natural antidote to

the gloom of winter and a boost to

overall well-being. From increased

sunlight to the psychological effects

of nature’s rebirth, the season of

spring has the power to uplift, inspire,

and heal.

30

The psychological

impact of nature’s

rebirth

The concept of 'biophilia'

suggests that humans have an

innate connection to nature. This

connection is deeply rooted

in our evolutionary history

and has a calming effect on

the mind. Studies have shown

that spending time in natural

environments can reduce stress,

anxiety, and depression. The

sights, sounds, and smells of

spring, such as birds chirping,

the scent of fresh flowers,

and the feel of warm sunlight,

activate the parasympathetic

nervous system, promoting

relaxation and reducing the

body’s stress response.

Increased physical

activity and its mental

health benefits

Spring’s milder weather and

longer days create the perfect

conditions for outdoor physical

activity. Whether it’s jogging,

cycling, gardening, or simply

taking a walk in the park,

exercise is a powerful tool for

improving mental health.

Physical activity releases

endorphins, the body’s natural

mood elevators, and reduces

levels of cortisol, the stress

hormone. Regular exercise

has been shown to alleviate

symptoms of depression and

anxiety, improve cognitive

function, and enhance overall

emotional well-being.

Social connection

and community

engagement

Springtime rejuvenates social

connections and community

engagement, fostering

wellbeing.

As the weather warms,

people gather in parks,

farmers' markets, and outdoor

events, strengthening bonds.

Volunteering for local cleanups

or joining gardening clubs

nurtures a sense of belonging.

Shared activities like picnics or

group hikes also boost mental

health and create meaningful

interactions.

Mindfulness and the beauty of

the present moment

Spring, with its vibrant blossoms and gentle

warmth, serves as a perfect reminder to

embrace mindfulness and the beauty of

the present moment.

As nature awakens, the delicate petals of

cherry blossoms, the soft hum of bees, and

the fresh scent of rain-soaked earth invite

us to pause and fully immerse ourselves

in the now. Mindfulness, like spring,

encourages us to shed the weight of past

regrets and future anxieties, allowing us

to bloom in the present. Each moment

becomes a gift - a sunbeam filtering

through new leaves, a bird’s song carried

on the breeze.

By grounding ourselves in the here and

now, we cultivate gratitude and joy, much

like the season itself.

wellbeing

The role of spring cleaning in

mental clarity

As nature renews itself, tidying our spaces

mirrors this rejuvenation, reducing stress

and fostering focus.

Decluttering removes physical and

mental distractions, creating a serene

environment that promotes mindfulness.

The act of organising can also instil a

sense of accomplishment, boosting mood

and energy, and aligning our surroundings

with the season’s freshness.

Practical tips for harnessing the

mental health benefits of spring

Spring offers a fresh opportunity to boost

mental health. Spend time outdoors to soak

up sunlight, which increases serotonin levels

and improves mood. Engage in gardening to

connect with nature and reduce stress. Take

daily walks to enjoy blooming landscapes,

enhancing mindfulness and relaxation. Open

windows to let in fresh air, revitalising your

living space. Embrace physical activities like

cycling or jogging to release endorphins.

Lastly, practise gratitude by reflecting on the

renewal and growth that spring brings.

The symbolism of spring

and emotional resilience

Spring symbolises renewal, growth,

and hope, as nature awakens from

winter's dormancy. Its vibrant blossoms

and longer days inspire optimism,

mirroring emotional resilience, the

ability to recover and thrive after

hardship.

Just as spring transforms barren

landscapes into lush greenery,

resilience allows individuals to rebuild

and flourish despite challenges. The

season reminds us that even after the

coldest, darkest times, life persists.

The science of sunlight

and serotonin

Spring’s longer days and

increased sunlight trigger a rise

in serotonin, a neurotransmitter

linked to mood and well-being.

Sunlight stimulates the brain’s

production of serotonin by

activating the hypothalamus,

promoting feelings of happiness

and energy. This natural boost

helps combat seasonal affective

disorder (SAD) and enhances

mental clarity. As daylight

extends, the body’s circadian

rhythm aligns, improving sleep

and overall vitality. Spring’s

sunlight is a powerful, sciencebacked

catalyst for rejuvenation

and emotional balance.

31

history

robin goch

The incredible and true story of Charles Horace Watkins

- who built and flew a plane over Whitchurch

By Nigel Lewis

Yet another story of a local man

with an incredible story!

Has anyone heard of Charles

Horace Watkins? I hadn’t until

recently, when Derek from

Pontypridd told me a little about

him and his connection with

Whitchurch.

CHW was born on Mynachdy

Farm, just half-a-mile south of the

parish boundary in 1887, and was

an inventor from an early age. He

used one of the barns on the family

farm to carry out his experiments

and to make all sorts of fantastic

equipment. As a very young lad,

he built his own motorbike from

scratch, including the engine, and

used it to take part in scrambling/

timed-races up Rhiwbina Hill.

In the early 1900s (when he

was still in his teens), he started

experimenting with the idea of

powered flight. From the basic

principles of a lighter-than-airmachine,

CHW started to design

and assemble an aeroplane.

32

Remember this was before anyone

had conquered powered flight.

He’d learned about the Wright

Brothers, and how by 1903, they had

managed to achieve a maiden flight

in America. But their aeroplane was

an incredible spider’s web with skis

underneath and had only managed

a few extended ‘hops’.

CHW built a monoplane with

an open wooden structure with

piano wire as straining wires. The

engine was home-made (based on

his motorbike engine) and had a

wooden propellor at the front. The

canvas-covered bodywork was

painted bright red so he called it

Robin Goch (Robin Redbreast).

If this sounds far-fetched, it gets

even weirder. The seat of the plane

was a chair from the farm kitchen,

and he proposed to navigate using

an egg-timer! He even arranged

two lengths of weighted string to

dangle from underneath to warn

himself of how close to land he was

coming, to achieve a safe landing.

Can you believe this?

By 1908, he had completed his

monoplane and (according to

Derek), he brought it to Whitchurch

Common. Of course, this was before

lorries or cars so he probably used

one of the horses from the farm to

tow it along the narrow roads.

He took off and flew around

Whitchurch and then landed

safely. There is no verification of

this, although there are newspaper

reports of the time of him flying

around Whitchurch, as far as

Caerphilly Mountain and then back

again. The sketch above shows

CHW in Robin Goch above the

village.

If this is all true, then Charles

Horace Watkins would be the first

aviator in Wales! Apparently, he

even went on to be the first aviator

ever to land at night.

If only we could prove this, it

would make an incredible local

story. But amazingly, it is true! There

is an old photograph showing

a young CHW standing outside

the barn at Mynachdy with Robin

Goch. After a few years of flying,

the aeroplane suffered a cracked

engine block and he wasn’t able

to repair it. So, the Robin Goch was

Sketch: Nigel Lewis

Charles Horace Watkins and Robin Goch

‘grounded’, back at the barn.

And then WW1 was declared.

CHW joined the army as an

engineer (this was before the Royal

Flying Corps and RAF). He survived

both WW1 and WW2, and it was

only in 1959 that he started to build

a replica of Robin Goch (some

reports say the aeroplane was

restored not rebuilt). RAF specialists

were sufficiently intrigued and

asked if Robin Goch could be an

exhibit at their new museum at St

Athan. He agreed, and it was on

display there for many years.

And then what? Well, CHW died

in 1976, somewhat in obscurity,

but the replica Robin Goch was

transferred from St Athan to the

new Swansea Maritime Museum

when it opened in the early 2000s.

It is now suspended from wires

‘soaring’ high above the other

displays in the atrium, and is the

most admired of all of their exhibits.

Countless small children vote for

the Robin Goch as the ‘best’ item in

the museum.

So, why don’t we know more

about this special man, born just

south of the village and flying his

home-made monoplane from the

common? I can’t believe that boys

and girls in our local schools don’t

know more about this incredible

man. Perhaps this story will put

things right.

The story of CHW’s later life is just

as unbelievable. Michael and Sean

Gomez, whose family lived next

door to CHW in the 1950s, were

interviewed about him in 2010.

They recalled tales of visiting

his workshop when CHW, by this

point, was into his 60s - but was still

inventing things. The brothers were

shown 'top secret' plans to build

flying saucers and there was also

a project called ZETA, which was

designed to obtain energy from

water. There were diagrams all over

his walls and he told the boys that

he was being consulted on many

projects, including the building of

Concorde. But all of that is a story

Photo: The Wub

for another day!

PS. If you’re wondering how

Charles used an egg-timer to

navigate, it’s quite simple. Once

flying, he’d set the egg-timer on

the dashboard and fly straight until

the sand ran out. He’d then turn the

plane through ninety degrees and

reset the egg-timer. Two more goes

and he’d be back where he started

from!

Nigel Lewis is a member of AWEN@

thelibrary (awen.cymru@gmail.com)

33

The

History

Man

He's the man behind our popular

history pages. But there's far more

to his story. Meet Nigel Lewis

His stories have been read by

thousands, both in print and

online. But for local history

enthusiast Nigel Lewis, that’s just

the start of his ambitions.

"I’ve been writing short stories

about the old parish for the last

four or five years. These were first

published on Facebook during the

COVID lockdowns, under the title

of '101 Things You (Probably) Didn’t

Know About Whitchurch.’ These

bite-sized stories, accompanied by

my sketches, were well received

and I’ve been asked ever since by

so many folk when they might be

turned into a book.”

Nigel has spent the last few

years crafting tales for the local

community, but his creative streak

stretches all the way back to his

youth.

"I’ve always enjoyed drawing and

painting, but I was never really

encouraged to develop it at school.

I left education with a hatful of

O-Levels, and I joined a local

architectural practice as the most

junior of juniors. I have remained in

the profession ever since!

"I’ve always loved the Arts & Crafts

Movement, and at an early point

in my professional career, I was

also introduced to the delights

of Scandinavian design. The

landscapes, their buildings, even

the jewellery!

"And then, there was the joy of

discovering the landscapes and

34

buildings here in Wales."

Nigel's interest in the history of

north Cardiff is rooted in his own

past:

"Chris (my wife) and I are both from

Cathays and lived only half a mile

from each other. We both attended

the local chapel (and both went to

the church youth club) and married

there five or so years later.

"Chris had an elderly uncle living

in Whitchurch so it seemed obvious

that when we wanted to upsize,

we’d move to the village. We’ve now

been here for over fifty years."

But it's not just Whitchurch's

history that intrigued Nigel.

"My first experience of Rhiwbina

was as a (very) young assistant

in my first firm. In the late 1960s,

they were busily designing huge

swathes of Rhiwbina with hundreds

of new houses, bungalows, and

flats.

"As a callow youth, I was sent

up from town to Heol Llanishen

Fach on my bicycle, to check on

the mature trees around the open

space just south of the shops. I was

confronted by an old man from one

of the nearby houses brandishing a

shotgun, challenging me what I was

doing with a clipboard outside his

bungalow! It made the front page of

the Echo that evening!

"I won’t say that I’m still

traumatised, but I occasionally

wonder what happened to the man.

The trees are still there though!"

Even though he’s the go-to expert

on north Cardiff’s history, Nigel

doesn't see himself as an official

authority.

"I’m no historian, not in the

academic sense anyway. I’ve spent

over fifty years in architectural

practice, always local, and am

privileged to have worked with

some of the best designers,

architects, and planners in Wales.

“I’ve worked in England too,

but mostly on heritage and

conservation projects in all four

corners of Wales. Castles, art

galleries, churches and chapels,

museums, and grand houses - I’ve

done my share of smaller domestic

schemes too!"

Nigel studied first at Llandaff

Technical College. Then, aged 48,

he bookended his studies with an

honours degree in architectural

conservation.

"For the final twenty years of

work, I had my own home-based

practice. Projects became even

larger; designing Ty George Thomas

(now City Hospice) in Whitchurch,

and meeting the future King and

Queen; designing the new student

centre at the Cyncoed Campus for

Cardiff Met, and my final project was

designing the new headquarters

building for Ty Hafan in Sully.

"Along the way, I realised how

fragile the state of our Welsh

landscape and built heritage was,

and how easily, insensitive design

Nigel's new book captures many of

the most popular local stories

could destroy it.

"Since retiring from practice, both

Chris and I have been members

of AWEN, the community group

based at Whitchurch Library. This

was initially formed ten years ago

to save our Carnegie library from

closure, as well as other libraries

in North Cardiff. It has been so

rewarding!"

And they have both been kept

busy since.

"We helped to set up the

Reminiscence Group. This meets

monthly where we regularly learn of

new stories and experiences."

The project is continually

unearthing new and long-lost

stories of the area.

"I am constantly amazed by the

history of the old parish, and how

little is known. For instance, the old

parish church, probably dating back

to the Conquest, which has now

gone. Then there's the local family

links with Oliver Cromwell. Did you

know that we used to have a castle

here in Whitchurch? This was a

motte and bailey castle, just around

the corner from the Fox & Hounds

pub. Alas, this has also gone.

There was even an Elizabethan

mansion in Gabalfa, which was only

demolished in 1945!"

The members of the Reminiscence

Group and the band of local

experts have proved invaluable in

Nigel's quest for discovering longforgotten

stories from the area.

"Of course, there are the old

books - Edgar Chappell, Hilary

Thomas, and the wonderful stories

of Ernie Broad. The old newspapers,

online records, and the resources

of Glamorgan Archives are all

readily available and are proving

invaluable. The old parish has

over a thousand years of history to

discover!"

The group has been pulling

together information from all sorts

of places.

"Photography has only been

around since the 1870s. Before

then, there were just paintings and

sketches. The old Tithe Map and

the 10-yearly Census Returns fill

in some of the blanks. The further

back you go, the scantier the

information.

"So much of our built environment

has been lost since the 1960s.

Even today things are being lost;

recently the kissing gate at Ararat,

and the insensitive restoration of

Lady Cory Field. More worryingly

is the deterioration of Whitchurch

Hospital and its uncertain future.

The precious heritage that remains

can so easily be lost!"

In response to this threat, the north

Cardiff communities have been

rallying around to preserve the

area’s history.

"The AWEN Reminiscence Group

has been running for the last eight

years or so; the Rhiwbina Memories

group, is just a year old and

flourishing, and the Llandaff North

Local History group, is just a baby

only at four months old, yet with

growing numbers. There’s always

room for more members!

“Fifty years ago, when we first

Nigel delivers history

lectures at local libraries

people

came to the village, there was so

little local shared knowledge. It’s

the same today. There are younger

generations; children, parents (even

grandparents) who know little of

the history. And most lead such

busy lives; there’s so little time to

discover the stories. It’s lovely that

the school curriculum now includes

local history as part of the wider

historical picture.

“There’s still a natural appetite to

learn though, and a need to share

widely. That’s what’s lovely about

contributing articles to the Rhiwbina

and Whitchurch Living magazines,

and the encouraging responses

from their readers.”

To help document the stories

forever, Nigel has recently

published his first book about the

area.

"Finding a publisher, and the

process of turning the blogs into an

actual book is quite a story in itself.

Deciding what to include and what

to leave out was a huge task but we

got there in the end.

"The book is now out, in

paperback. It's available at Siopy-Felin

in Whitchurch and Victoria

Fearn Gallery in Rhiwbina. A bargain

at £15, it makes a terrific gift!

"The publisher suggested adding

the suffix ‘Part One’ to the title, in

case there’s a need for a second

volume. There’s more than enough

history, so watch this space!" laughs

Nigel.

35

Living

History

The villages of Whitchurch, Llandaff, and

Llandaff North are crammed with history,

both ancient and modern

Llandaff Cathedral

The present building dates from the Norman

period, around 1120 under Urban, bishop from

1107 to 1134, a Welshman, and was extended

in the early thirteenth century. Further

additions and modifications were made in

the later Middle Ages.

The Cathedral has undergone three

major upheavals and restorations. In the

eighteenth century, when the nave was

roofless, the architect John Wood of Bath,

built a ‘temple’ style church in the choir

and part of the nave.

The devastation of the Cathedral on

2nd January 1941, caused

by the explosion of

a German landmine outside

the south aisle was

addressed in the 1950s

under the architect,

George Pace, with a

repaired and refurbished

cathedral and the

addition of the St David,

or Welch Regiment

Chapel.

36

history

Whitchurch Library

Whitchurch Library Gardens was

acquired by the Parish Council in

1899, following which the Council

approached the Carnegie Trust for

a grant to build a public library on

part of the site. The application was

successful and the library building

was completed in late 1904. It was

designed by Messrs. R.& S. Williams

and built at a cost of £2,000 by Mr.

W. T. Morgan.

Whitchurch Common

Until the mid-18th century, the

population of the district was

probably no more than 300

people, living in about 50 small

farms and cottages. Tenants

were free to graze their animals

on Whitchurch Common.

During World War II, the

Common was used as a camp for

American soldiers. The soldiers

virtually vanished overnight - all

sent to the beaches at Normandy

and the D-Day landings.

Before they left, they planted

the avenue of trees that still lines

the Common today. A plaque

commemorates their time in

Whitchurch, and the gratitude

that they had for the locals.

Bishop's Palace,

Llandaff

The Old Bishop’s Palace

was probably built by

William de Brewse, bishop

between 1266 and 1287.

After Owain Glyndwr’s

rebellion against Henry

IV, the building was

superseded as the Bishop’s

residence by the Palace at

Mathern. The building also

provided refuge for the

people of Llandaff during

a violent dispute between

local families in 1597.

The enclosing wall and corner towers remain to this day, the gatehouse

showing great similarity to parts of Caerphilly Castle. On the wall to the

left of the entrance can be seen the sloping roof of the Bush Inn, which

stood against the gatehouse and was still inhabited in the 18th century.

The Old Probate

Registry, Llandaff

Built in 1861, the Probate

Registry was built by Thomas

Williams of Canton, who

was later responsible for

overseeing the creation of

the Cathedral’s spire. The

Registry was built at a cost

of £1,000 to house the civil

administration of Probate,

which up until 1857, had been

an ecclesiastical duty.

Castle Coch, Tongwynlais

The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was

given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick

Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute,

to create a rural retreat to complement the

opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle.

He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, overthe-top

furnishings and furniture were liberally

applied.

Colleagues faithfully continued work on the

interiors for another ten years after Burges’s

death in 1881. The castle was not suitable

for, nor was it intended to be, a permanent

residence and the family’s visits were infrequent.

The castle rests on ancient foundations.

Melingriffith Water Pump

Melingriffith Water Pump is a

water-driven water pump that

was built by Watkin George,

of Cyfartha, around 1793, to

return precious water from the

Melingriffith Tin Plate Works to

the Glamorganshire Canal.

The water pump is a scheduled

monument and has been

restored twice since it ceased

operation in the 1940s.

The most recent restoration

work, costing £100,000, was

funded by Cadw and Cardiff

Council. The nearby tinplate

works were demolished in the

1980s and replaced by a housing

estate.

37

out & about

Cycle The

Taff Trail

Sweeping out from the hustle and bustle of Cardiff city centre to the

rugged hills of Brecon, the Taff Trail has become one of the finest cycle

rides in Wales. You'll pass castles, reservoirs, waterfalls, and lots of natural

wonders on this big spring day out

Image: Cardiff Harbour Authority

Cardiff Bay

The Taff Trail officially starts at the

Roald Dahl Plass (formerly the Oval

Basin) and winds its way 55 miles

north to the town of Brecon.

There are plenty of places here in

Cardiff Bay to stock up on a hearty

breakfast before heading out.

Formerly known as Tiger Bay,

the area has become the largest

waterfront development in

Europe, with a variety of pubs,

bars, restaurants, and hotels.

The construction of the barrage

is one of the largest engineering

projects in Europe and the harbour

experiences one of the world’s

greatest tidal ranges.

To begin your Taff Trail experience,

38

follow the signs out of the Bay and

up towards Cardiff City Centre.

Cardiff Castle

Before long, you'll reach Cardiff's

famous castle.

The original motte and bailey

castle was built in the late 11th

century by Norman invaders on top

of a 3rd-century Roman fort.

The castle changed hands many

times over the next 700 years

but it was the 3rd Marquess of

Bute, who in 1866, employed the

genius architect William Burges

to transform the castle lodgings.

Within gothic towers, he created

lavish and opulent interiors,

rich with murals, stained glass,

marble, gilding, and elaborate

wood carvings. Each room has

its own special theme, including

Mediterranean gardens and Italian

and Arabian decoration. The 3rd

Marquess died when he was only 53

years old in 1900.

Despite huge death duties on

the estate, the 4th Marquess

completed many of his father’s

restoration projects including the

reconstruction of the Roman wall.

The Bute family continued to stay at

the castle throughout the 1920s and

1930s, although they had sold off

many of their business interests in

south Wales.

A gift to the city of Cardiff

following the death of the 4th

Marquess of Bute, the family

decided to give the castle and

much of its parkland to the city of

Cardiff.

For 25 years, the castle was home

to the National College of Music

and Drama and since 1974, has

become one of Wales’ most popular

visitor attractions.

Image: Tevfik Teker

Image: DeFacto

Castle Coch

As you head out of the city on the

Taff Trail, you'll pass the well-known

Llandaff Cathedral and several

weirs before stumbling across

Castle Coch (Castell Coch to give it

its Welsh name).

The castle is a 19th century Gothic

revival castle built on a site that was

originally created by the Normans

in 1081.

The castle offers tea rooms and

gives great views back over the city.

The Taff and

Pontypridd

Leaving Cardiff, you'll soon be

heading into Rhondda Cynon Taff

where you will follow the River Taff

on to Pontypridd.

The Taff was once a key trade

route between the valleys and the

Bristol Channel but these days, it

is a haven for wildlife, reflecting

how much cleaner it is today than

a generation ago. Look out for

kingfishers and grey heron feeding

on the banks of the river.

On the trail there is plenty of

opportunity to stop and picnic

before arriving at the industrial

heritage town of Pontypridd, the

birth home of singing legend

Tom Jones, where you will find a

museum, a distinctive old bridge,

and Ynysangharad Memorial Park.

The park is now home to

Pontypridd Lido, which has been

restored to its former glory,

including 1920s turnstiles, wooden

cubicles, and the newly-built

Waterside Café.

On to Merthyr

At Pontypridd, there are

opportunities to take other

pathways such as the Celtic Trail.

There are plenty of attractions

including the Rhondda Heritage

Park at Trehafod where you

step back to another time and

experience life underground at the

Lewis Merthyr Colliery with the help

of a former miner guide.

Continuing on the Taff Trail, you'll

be heading for the historic town of

Merthyr Tydfil. The area was built

on iron and coal, and of course, was

where the infamous Merthyr Rising

took place.

You can take the opportunity to

visit Cyfartha Castle where there is

a museum and an art gallery.

Image: Alan Richards

Up into the hills and

through the Beacons

Leaving behind the populated areas

of Merthyr, the Taff Trail now heads

out to Pontsticill Reservoir in the

Brecon Beacons.

The route crosses the spectacular

Cefn Coed Viaduct and passes

through woodlands as it climbs

gently up to the reservoir at

Pontsticill. There are stunning

views of the highest mountains in

the Brecon Beacons National Park.

While the route is mostly traffic-free

following a disused railway line, the

final section to the reservoir is on

quiet roads.

Brecon Mountain

Railway

The section of line chosen for the

Brecon Mountain Railway was

part of the abandoned Brecon

and Merthyr Railway. Originally

built in 1859, it finally closed in

1964. This railway fought its way

through the Brecon Beacons using

steep gradients to the summit at

Torpantau, 1,313ft above sea level.

Between 1982 and 1996, a large

station and workshop was built

and subsequently extended.

This now provides passenger

facilities including toilets, cafe,

shop, and booking office as well

as the extensive workshop used

to build and maintain the railway

locomotives, carriages, and wagons.

Image: Pete Chapman

Brecon

The historic town of Brecon boasts

Georgian architecture and a fine

cathedral. You can follow the

Captain's Walk and see the remains

of Brecon's medieval walls, or

visit the South Wales Borderers

Museum at Brecon Barracks. Take

advantage of good weather to

cruise the canal that links Brecon

with Newport.

Brecon's town walls were

constructed by Humphrey de

Bohun after 1240. The walls

were built of cobble, with four

gatehouses and were protected

by ten semi-circular

bastions.

Image: Robin Drayton

Image: Ray Jones

If you are planning to cycle the

entire Taff Trail, please ensure

that you dress appropriately and

that you are well prepared for the

55 mile ride. Check the weather

forecast beforehand and take

plenty of food and drink with you.

39

gardens

Sow

Sow

The current economic climate is forcing us to rethink how we eat.

Growing your own vegetables can be an inexpensive and

rewarding way to keep those shopping expenses down

Plan your planting

In the UK, the danger of frost generally

subsides by early to mid-May in the

south. Sowing too early could put your

crops at risk of harm or destruction from

unexpected cold snaps. If a sudden

temperature drop does catch you off

guard, you can shield your vulnerable

seedlings with newspaper, old sheets, or

frost blankets. Just remember to remove

the coverings the following day once the

danger has passed.

Sowing your veggies

There's still time to sow a variety of vegetables

like aubergines, tomatoes, sweetcorn,

cucumbers, and courgettes. If you feel you've

missed the optimal planting window, you can

get a head start by purchasing baby vegetable

plants instead. Just be sure to gradually

acclimatise them to outdoor conditions

throughout the spring season.

Spring is an ideal time to grow veggies in pots

or on your windowsill. Lettuce and tomatoes, in

particular, tend to thrive in these settings.

Toughen up those

tender vegetables

Tender vegetable seedlings

will need to be gradually

accustomed to the great

outdoors before they can

thrive over the summer. Spring

is the ideal time to begin this

hardening-off process, as

conditions are generally mild and

welcoming.

Start by taking the plants

outside for just one day a week,

placing them in a safe, sheltered

spot. Bring them back indoors

at night if temperatures drop

too low or frost is expected. This

gradual exposure will help the

plants become tough enough

to withstand wind and rain.

Towards the end of spring, you

can then transplant them to their

permanent growing space for the

warmer months ahead.

Feed, nourish, and protect

As your vegetables flourish in the spring, ensure to keep them consistently

hydrated, either by hose or by setting their pots in trays of water.

Additionally, any plants in containers can benefit from a weekly liquid

fertiliser.

Preparing your outdoor garden spaces to welcome your new plants will

pay dividends in the long-term. Remove any weeds that have started

growing, as they can quickly become unruly and problematic later in the

season.

40

Beetroot

Beetroot has remarkable health benefits

and a delicious flavour, making it a versatile

addition to soups, stews, smoothies, and

even baked goods. Beets are also an

excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

They best thrive in fertile, well-drained soil.

You can sow them directly outside starting

in March, and any beets sown from June

onward can be stored for winter use. Beets

can even be grown in containers throughout

the year.

Carrots

Carrots are a great choice for home

growing - they require minimal space,

can even be cultivated in containers,

and are one of our dietary staples, so

growing them can save you money on

your grocery bills.

Sow carrots in small batches starting

in early spring. They thrive in full sun

and light, fertile, well-drained soil.

If your soil is shallow, opt for shortrooted

carrot varieties. Carrots are

usually ready to harvest within 12-16

weeks.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be sown until late May and thrives in fertile soil. For best

results, sow the seeds in cell trays using a quality potting compost, then

transplant the seedlings outdoors once the weather is suitable.

Cauliflowers typically take three to five months from sowing to reach

maturity, though growth rates can vary depending on the variety and

weather conditions. White cauliflower varieties may turn yellow if left too

long, so it's best to harvest them before that happens.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts require ample

space to fully develop, so they

are happiest growing outdoors in

a garden setting.

If starting from seed, sow them

indoors in May, then transplant

the seedlings outside after

about six weeks. Keep the soil

consistently moist while the

sprouts are growing indoors,

and feed them a liquid organic

vegetable fertiliser every few

weeks.

Once outside, your Brussels

sprouts may be vulnerable

to pests, so consider using a

lightweight insect mesh as

protection. Promote healthy

growth by providing ample and

continuous moisture. Feeding

the plants several times during

the growing season, and topping

them in early autumn, will ensure

they're perfect for autumn

casseroles.

41

Just the tonic

Take the afternoon off, head out into the garden,

and pour yourself a refreshing Gin and Tonic.

Here are some delicious variations on the old

classic to help you unwind and relax

G&Fizz Cocktail

20ml gin

elderflower cordial

fresh mint sprigs and/or

cucumber slices

Prosecco

Watermelon &

Basil G&T

· Pour a dash of elderflower cordial

and 20ml of gin into a glass and

simply fill with cold Prosecco.

Decorate with a sprig of fresh mint

or slice of cucumber if you wish.

The Juliette

30ml gin

60ml tonic water

4-5 cardamom seeds

4-5 raspberries

ice

· Chill a cocktail glass.

· Add the cardamom seeds,

raspberries, and ice to the glass.

Pour in the gin and tonic.

· Garnish with a slice of lemon.

42

1/4 seedless watermelon, cut into

chunks

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

ice cubes, gin, soda water and

basil leaves, to serve

110g caster sugar

handful of basil leaves

· To make the basil sugar syrup,

combine 250ml water and the

sugar in a small saucepan over

a medium heat and stir until the

sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil,

then remove from the heat and stir

in the basil. Set aside for 2 hours to

cool and infuse.

· Strain the liquid, discarding the

basil leaves. Pour the liquid into a

warm sterilised bottle.

· Place the watermelon, white

wine vinegar, and 60ml basil sugar

syrup in a blender and purée

until smooth. Strain the mixture

through a fine sieve set over a jug

to remove any pips and foam.

· Fill a glass with ice. Fill one-third

full with cordial, add gin to taste,

then top up with soda water and

garnish with basil.

· Serve immediately.

Grapefruit,

Fennel and

Black Pepper

170ml gin

1/4 sliced fennel

230ml chilled tonic water

2 teaspoons whole black

peppercorns

2 slices grapefruit, to garnish

2 slivers of fennel, to garnish

ice

· Add the gin and fennel to a glass

container and leave the gin to be

infused for at least 8 hours.

· Combine 85ml gin, 115ml tonic

water, 1 teaspoon peppercorns,

a grapefruit slice, and a sliver of

fennel in each glass.

· Top with ice and serve

immediately.

Sapphire Blue

60ml Bombay Sapphire gin (or

other premium gin), frozen

2 dashes blue curaçao

2 dashes dry vermouth

lemon twist for garnish

· Chill a cocktail glass.

· Add a couple of dashes each

of the dry vermouth and blue

curaçao to the glass. Pour in the

gin. Garnish with the lemon twist.

· Alternatively, stir the ingredients

in a cocktail shaker filled with ice

and strain it into the frozen glass.

Cool Cucumber

3 tbsp of gin

4-6 cucumber slices

1/4 lime, sliced

115ml tonic water

6 mint leaves

1 tbsp sugar (optional)

· Add the mint, lime, gin, sugar (if

required) to a shaker and muddle.

· Add the cucumber slices to the

shaker and shake vigorously.

· Pour the mixture over the glass

filled with ice and top with tonic

water.

· Stir and let the drink set for a

few minutes for the flavours to

enhance before enjoying.

Blackberry and

Lemon G&T

12 blackberries

20 fresh mint leaves

2 lemons

55ml simple syrup

340ml good quality gin

tonic water

ice

· Make a syrup by stirring the

sugar with the boiling water until

it's dissolved, then steep the mint

sprigs in it until it is cool (about 15

minutes). Discard the mint.

· Cook the blackcurrants in the

syrup for about 5 minutes until

the fruit is soft. Whizz in a food

processor, then strain into a bowl

through a sieve to remove the

pips. Stir in the lemon juice and

cool.

· Freeze in an ice-cream machine

until it becomes a thick slush, then

scoop into a freezer container

and freeze (or pour into a shallow

freezer container beating 3 or 4

times as it freezes). Allow to thaw

and soften for about 10 minutes

and serve with sprigs of mint.

Cranberry &

Thyme G&T

150g fresh cranberries

50g white granulated sugar

110ml cup water

splash of orange juice

1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

fresh thyme leaves

gin of choice

tonic of choice

· In a small saucepan, mix together

the cranberries, sugar, water, the

splash of orange juice, and the

vanilla extract.

· Cook for 10 to 15 minutes,

pressing the cranberries with the

back of your spoon until they pop.

· Add the fresh thyme and smash

them with the back of your spoon

to release its aromatics.

Note: The mixture should be much

looser than traditional cranberry

sauce.

· Pour the mixture through a

strainer, discarding the solids, and

reserving the cranberry syrup.

· To assemble the cocktail, add

about 30ml of syrup to each glass.

Top with a few cubes of ice, 60ml

of gin and then top with tonic. Mix

and garnish with fresh sprigs of

thyme.

43

House Clearances

2nd

Time Around

House Clearance

Specialists Ltd

2nd Time Around

House Clearance

Specialists Ltd

A professional and friendly

service for full or part

clearance, attics to cellars

We also offer the following services:

• Reports for probate purposes

• Valuations & advice on selling at auction

• Auction service

• Cleaning service

• Sympathetic handling of deceased’s estates

• Small removals & deliveries, nationwide

• Rubbish removal

• Recycling

We comply with current legislation; we are waste

management registered and have public liability insurance

House Clearance Specialists

www.houseclearancecardiff.com

Contact: Jan Richards T: 02920 692704

M: 07715 622406 / 07563 208618

E: janrichards4@hotmail.co.uk

W: www.houseclearancecardiff.com

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Helping to bring balance back into our lives

● For Couples and Individuals

● Relationship difficulties, Conflict resolution, Anxiety,

Depression, Addiction

● Melanie Coles, PG Dip Counselling (CBT), Registered

MBACP (Accred)

● Level 2 trained in Gottman Method Couples therapy

T: 07980 183933

E: melaniecolescbt@gmail.com

w: www.cardifftherapist.co.uk

Providing full tree, grounds

and estate maintenance and

landscaping services.

We’re very proud of what we do for our clients and like most

people who work in nature we spend a lot of time on our

knees in one way or another. This is always humbling.

Now, whether you call it humility or respect or admiration

for nature, if you’re looking to work with a company that

cares about these things TR33 could be what you’re after.

For a free no obligation quote please contact

0800 298 3686 I info@tr33.co.uk

www.tr33.co.uk

Based in the Thornhill area

Grow your

Cardiff business

Multi-award-winning magazines

and social media for North Cardiff

www.livingmags.co.uk

Accurate Aerials have been improving

reception since 1979.

Please call or message us now for

Freeview, Freesat or Networking services.

Mark Jones 07836 265259

Twyn y Fedwen, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1HU

www.accurateaerials.com

info@accurateaerials.com

Millennium

Blinds Wales

SPRING SALE!

Become a

published author

High quality window blinds for

home and commercial properties

Roller • Roman • Vertical

• Shutters • Woods • Perfect Fit

70 Merthyr Rd

Whitchurch Cardiff

Tel 02920 621111

● Coaching

● Book editing

● Ghostwriting

www.patricmorgan.com

The memories and references here don’t adhere to any accurate timeline.

Rather, just like the real memories we have,they are not

neatly and chronologically catalogued on shelves ready to be picked at will.

Instead, the scenes of our lives are played out of order, out of focus,

tied to emotions that hit us like an unexpected twist.

More than just movies

He always thought it was

such an odd place for this

glamorous 1920’s style

behemoth of a building, right in the

middle of a residential area. On the

junction of four very generic UK

neighbourhood streets, a mix of

bungalows and houses that could

have belonged to any middle-class

2.4 children family, it stuck out like

someone had taken a jigsaw piece

from one set and forced it into

another. Golden age Hollywood

shoehorned into British suburbia.

It always seemed so glitzy.

As a child, he had imagined it

was the kind of place that catered

to men in top hats and tails and

stick-thin women in gigantic fur

coats smoking, from those fancy

long cigarette holders. It had that

Art Deco look to it. Full of lines,

grooves, bold shapes, and curves.

At least he thought it was Art Deco.

He had no idea what that meant.

But he heard people say it and it

made sense to him.

He also had no idea that it wasn’t

46

the same ‘Monaco’ as the place

- for all he knew the centre of

fashion, Formula One, and luxury

casinos was named after this

cosy little Welsh cinema. A dark

sandy yellow, like a big mustard

palace, it reminded him of the

20th Century Fox logo he had

seen at the beginning of so many

movies inside. It was a building

that begged for those iconic light

beams shining into the sky. At

complete odds with the Happy

Shopper opposite.

There were never the millionaire

socialites of his imagination here,

entering from limousines separated

from the mere commoners by

velvet ropes. Instead, it was the

commoners themselves who came

here; ordinary kids like him with

their parents, teens who smelled

of funny fragrances, and local

couples on a cheap date night who

didn’t want to get a taxi into town.

***

Even with the keys, he still needs

a crowbar to pry open the heavy

doors, set in place by rust and time.

He makes his way inside.

Wait! Didn’t it have a huge foyer

and those fancy sets of double

curved stairs? Like something out

of Gone with the Wind, or Ritchie

Rich? No. It’s just a grubby little

space by a ticket booth and a few

steps where the carpet is torn. His

memory is playing tricks on him.

That booth where he once stood,

waiting for his dad to buy tickets,

tugging on his coat, and reminding

him they had to get snacks - it

used to be some unreachable wall

he could never quite see over; he

just had to hope the sweets he

asked for were there. Now it’s just

above his waist.

He lays down his toolkit. He puts

the crowbar back and takes out a

torch. A soft smile develops as he

thinks to himself - the last time he

was here he was wearing a Buzz

Lightyear T-shirt. Or at least, it was

one of the many times he had been

here. It’s difficult to remember when

the last visit was exactly. Now he’s

in heavy boots, a high viz vest, and

a hard helmet.

He still lives nearby, and when

his team got the date to carry

out preliminary safety checks, he

asked if he could just take a quick

look beforehand by himself. His

reasons? ‘I’m so close, it’ll help

to be prepared and speed the

process along etc.’ Luckily, his

manager didn’t care enough to

need believable excuses. In truth,

he just wanted to say goodbye

to an old friend one last time in

privacy. One doesn’t always get the

luxury of knowing when a simple

goodbye is the last.

Further in, a cardboard T-Rex

welcomes him, albeit flat

and trampled on the floor. It’s

celebrating the release of Jurassic

Park, still, 30 years later. He picks

the poor thing up and puts it on

its feet. It brings a flashback. The

giant beast had loomed over him

when he came to see it in its debut

role, all those years back. A huge

crowd had gathered, queuing out

the door and round the corner,

just to see this scaly star. The hairs

on his neck stand even now as he

recalls gasping at the velociraptors

entering the kitchen, burying his

face in his dad’s side as he did with

so many scary parts. He thinks

back to not just the fear, but how

enthralled he was - shocked,

amused, entertained.

He remembers leaving here being

practically carried out in a river of

people, grasping tightly onto his

dad’s sleeve. The crowd hustled

out shoulder to shoulder, laughing,

repeating lines, asking,

“Remember this part?...”

“What about when...?”

“Mummy, were the dinosaurs

real?”

“Did they get hurt?”

Now he stands where that mighty

crowd once flowed, in an empty

corridor for a riverbed – just him

and the T-Rex. He once looked up

in fear and awe at this mighty beast

that filled the screen. He jumped

for joy and cheered when it took a

heroic turn and saved the day. Now

he chuckles as he pats it on its

cardboard head.

“Clever girl,” he says.

He ambles along the dusty

carpet with just hints of a faded

pattern underneath. It was once

berry blue with red and yellow

squiggly lines randomly drawn

between shapes of varying sizes,

haphazardly placed squares, and

triangles of bright neon green

and purple. The kind of thing that

would be headache-inducing if it

wasn’t for the thick layer of grime

acting as a protective filter. He’s

sure at one time it was considered

‘rad’. He stares down at antiquated

remnants of popcorn scattered on

the floor. He instinctively presses

down with his foot, smooshing it

into the carpet. What’s the harm?

It’s seen better days.

He sees a door open to what

looks like a supply cupboard.

Drawn to it, he finds a treasure

trove of merchandise. Neatly

packaged tie-ins, posters, stands,

and more. All wrapped in plastic,

as if brand new, these spares stay

unused, all ready to announce

upcoming attractions long gone by.

He wonders if this promotional

prison is where the T-Rex broke

free from.

The spotlight of his torch swipes

across the room, illuminating one

summer hit at a time. From the

darkness, he feels a pair of eyes

on him. He shines his light upon

them, seeing the sad empty lenses

of Darth Vader staring back at him.

Another cardboard cutout, but he

wasn’t as lucky as his prehistoric

cellmate. He’s sandwiched

between the wall and some boxed

up Titanic banners, a fatal rip going

almost all the way across his neck.

He decides to put him out of his

misery and set him free all at once.

He grabs the head, tears it from his

trapped body, and takes it with him

upon his way.

They travel the corridor together,

towards the main attraction.

Walking along, holding Darth down

by his knees, he’s reminded of

walking back from this cinema with

his own father, holding his hand,

asking,

“But ... is Darth Vader really his

dad?”

This is it, what he really came to

see. He pushes his way in, walking

up to the giant screen. This simple

canvas, where bright lights had

projected all manner of colours

and shapes to build the worlds

of his youth, was now empty and

dull. He takes a few steps back. He

ponders, then takes a slight risk

by sitting on one of the rusty dirty

chairs, one of the few still with an

intact cushion. He sets Darth Vader

on the chair beside him.

They sit together in silence.

Time passes, they remain quietly

seated, as if glued to the screen by

a great film.

But he isn’t watching anything. He

stares into space, thinking of the

past. He can hear his father’s gentle

reply to his naive question,

“I don’t know. We’ll have to find out

in the next one.”

“There’s another one!?!” His little

heart pounded as he processed

the possibility of a second Star

Wars adventure. Surely, there

could never be enough?

Looking back on this exchange, he

smirks, probably the same sly smile

his dad had at the time. He’d had

no idea that he’d been watching

the special edition re-release, and

previous generations got their

answer a long, long time ago.

Back then, Luke Skywalker’s

parentage was among his biggest

worries, along with ‘what if toys

really have a life of their own’?

‘What if aliens really did come

to earth and blow up the White

House?’ His biggest fear was ‘what

if gremlins are real?’ How would he

know when he can start feeding

them again? And what if he’s the

next John Connor but doesn’t know

it, and a Terminator is after him?

The folly of youth.

Now, he worries about bills,

the mortgage, blood pressure, a

work life balance. His most recent

predicament was choosing the

right care home for this father.

Now his biggest fear is being

in the same position, not even

recognising his own son by the

end.

He looks down at Darth, those big

sad eyes. All he sees now is just

another Dad.

“It’s not so easy, is it?” he finds

himself saying, not knowing if he

even expects an answer.

It’s a sign he should leave, a

sign he should stop talking to the

cardboard of his youth. He slams

his hands down on the arm rests,

springing dust into the air, and

pushes himself up to go. He leaves

Vader sat in the seat. It’s a better

spot than the cupboard.

After he makes a few steps for the

exit, he can’t help but turn back,

staring back at the iconic villain.

He knows it’s silly; he knows it

serves no purpose.

He knows it’s for no one but

himself.

But nevertheless, he speaks to

Vader once more.

He hesitates, before letting out a

hushed “Goodbye.”

One doesn’t always get the luxury.

He carries on, thankful for the

carefree youth he once had.

It was nice of his father to not spoil

the surprise.

By Dewi Griffiths

short story

47

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 72

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?