Issue 23Summer 2013

RHIWBINA Living FREE!

YOUR FREE MAGAZINE FOR RHIWBINA!

Rachel Trezise: Why my voice needs to be heard

It was about this time seven years ago this month that we moved to Rhiwbina. At the time, the economy was booming, the sun was shining and all seemed well with the world. But

soon cracks were starting to show. This became apparent to us when some of the local shops in Rhiwbina closed their doors for the last time. So in 2007, we decided to do something about it and Rhiwbina Living was born. Since then, we’ve helped provide a cost-effective and proven platform for hundreds and hundreds of local businesses to promote their work to the customer base on their doorstep. We’re proud of that. We’re also proud that we’ve brought you the best news and stories that we can. This issue is no exception. We speak to award-winning Welsh writer Rachel Trezise on page 8. She tells us about her career to date and what drives her to keep on writing. If gardening’s your thing, check out local gardener Kevin Revell’s article on page 12. We hear how local youths in the community are helping people worldwide on page 16 and on page 20, Gareth Neale has penned a fantastic feature about Cardiff ’s railways and their links to us here in Rhiwbina. We’re hoping that the sun will shine for us all this summer. If you have any stories you would like the village to know about, drop us a line. See you in the autumn!Patric and Danielle (editors)

Welcome Croeso

A: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AGT: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920E: editor@livingmags.co.ukW: www.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.Rhiwbina Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

Advertising booking and copy deadline for Issue 24 - Friday 16th August 2013Issue 24 publication date - September 2013. Rhiwbina Living is published 4 times a year.

3News

5Letters

20History

8Interview

12Gardening

16 Local Youth

30Recipes

25Pets Page

31Column

2

RHIWBINA’S NICK BOING BIOGRAPHY

TO BE PUBLISHED Following the recent loss of Rhiwbina’s celebrity sheep Nick Boing, owner Dave Palmer has decided to publish Nick’s biography. Written with the help of Living Magazines editor and award-winning author Patric Morgan, the book will give a unique insight into life with Nick from the family’s perspective. Dave told Living Magazines: “I think a book would be an ideal way to celebrate Nick’s life. He was such a figure in the community.” The book will chart the life of Nick from the day he was found as a baby lamb by Dave and his family. “We found him abandoned as a baby when we were at a nature reserve. We tried everything to find his mother but in the end, he wanted to come with us. “Since then, he’s been featured in the media a lot - including American television!” The book will be published in the autumn. Nick Boing 2014 calendars will also be available to buy. A tree-planting ceremony in honour of Nick was held in Rhiwbina’s Parc-y-Pentre in April.

newsSTORE PLANS TO GO AHEAD

A Sainsburys store is set to open on Thornhill Road, despite opposition from local residents

Rhiwbina 1st XV finished off their first season in Division Two East of the SWALEC National Leagues in a very creditable third position, only narrowly missing out on promotion. Their star man was Brett Chatwin, who crossed for 19 tries in his 19 league games. The Third XV was even more successful, winning two Cardiff & District Cup Competitions, and finishing undefeated at the top of their league having scored more tries than any other team. They won the Ninian Stuart Cup 8-6 at the Cardiff Arms Park against Llanrumney 2nd XV, and won the Ron Lucock Cup 20-19 in a very exciting game at Cae Delyn Park. In other developments at the club, the Under 10s can hold claim to rock star status thanks to sponsorship by veteran rock band Def Leppard. The sponsorship came about through team coach Richard Proctor, who does artwork for the band. “The band love it. They have signed a shirt for the team to put

on display too.” Lead singer Joe Elliott told the press: “When he told me he needed a sponsor, I jumped at the chance. Only afterwards did I realise it was a rugby and not a footy team!” he added. “But like all things with our logo on it, I think it looks spectacular. They will look very cool.” he said.

RHIWBINA SQUIRRELS FINISH OFF A FINE RUGBY SEASON IN STYLE -

AND GET A ROCK STAR SPONSOR!

3

Lead singer Joe Elliott with a Rhiwbina Squirrels jersey

4

Twenty year old student Luke Enticknap, who has lived in Rhiwbina all his life, is embarking on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro this September to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. The charity has funded vital research projects since 1989 and in addition to the vital vaccine, their work has led to many advances such as identifying the early warning symptoms of the disease. They are also developing a widely used guideline for treating meningitis and septicaemia in hospitals and a prevention guideline to reduce cases in newborn babies. Luke, who is presently studying a Foundation degree at Merthyr College in Sport Science has been fundraising for a few

months now amongst family and friends and is hoping some local businesses will sponsor him and help him reach his target of £2650. Luke’s High School Corpus Christi have recently sponsored him by holding a non- uniform day and raised £500 for the charity. In July, Luke is being presented the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at St. James Palace, which is a great achievement for him and has set him in good stead for such a challenge. You might see Luke training around Rhiwbina as he runs a few times a week around the Wenallt area. You can donate to Luke’s online fundraising page is at:www.justgiving.com/lukeenticknap

news FLOOD DEFENCEPLANS PUT TO RESIDENTS

More than 300 residents attended the recent Rhiwbina Flood Alleviation Scheme Public Consultation Sessions

Cardiff Trading Standards Service will be contacting residents in Dan Y Graig Crescent, Heol Llanishen Fach, Clos Ton Mawr, Blaen Y Coed, Heol Tyn Y Coed, Heol Y Wern,

Coed Yr Ynn, Heol Hendre and Clos Hendre in order to set up Cold Calling Control Zones there. They are working with the police in partnership to detect and deter cold calling.

SAYING ‘NO’ TO COLD-CALLERS

RHIWBINA STUDENT IN FUNDRAISING KILIMANJARO CLIMB

GATEWAY OF INDIA STRIKES GOLD

Rhiwbina’s Gateway of India has scooped the only GOLD Healthy Options Award by Cardiff County Council. Owner Moslaur Rahman told Rhiwbina Living: “I am absolutely delighted by this award. My duty since I started has been to serve the community and everything I do here is built around that. This award is the result of hard work and a continuous and consistent ambition to serve delicious, healthy food to the people of Rhiwbina.” The Healthy Options Award has been developed to reward caterers throughout Wales who make it easier for their customers to make healthy choices.

5

NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM ANGER

Like many others in Rhiwbina, my children attend Whitchurch High School, where yet again, a new uniform has been announced. This includes the requirement to wear a formal blazer. In my opinion, this is a huge backward step for Whitchurch High School. The proposed new uniform is like something from the dark ages - of which many schools including Whitchurch High School had moved away from in recent times. The current uniform is by far the more practical of the two in many ways -it is comfortable to wear; it is easy to clean and doesn’t generally need ironing. What’s more, it is already owned by the pupils. The new uniform will need constant care and will not be as easy to clean quickly overnight. When schools finally moved forward to polo shirts and sweat shirts, I though “Finally! Schools are in touch with modern times!” Not so! I currently have three children

in the school with two more to follow; I also have other family members in the school. This means that the hundreds of pounds worth of uniform that we currently own are now fit for the bin. I have spoken to many parents recently who either didn’t know or knew very little of the planned uniform change. I therefore believe that their consultation period has been highly flawed.There should have had a complete ballot of the parents for a start. The school sent letters home knowing full well that not many reach the parents. I strongly believe that the school’s only purpose for changing the uniform is one of financial gain. As a school, they are already making money from the uniform by being the exclusive seller when most of the neighbouring schools use the same supplier but can buy direct from the shop. I’m sure that someone at the school will have already done the sums and knows exactly how much the school stands to make.JOHN McCARTHYBirchgrove

I share John McCarthy’s concerns about the introduction of new school uniform. I understand there was a consultation regarding the new uniform but I am yet to meet anyone who thinks that blazers are a good idea. I understand that the consultation took the form of a Surveymonkey questionnaire but we are yet to see the results of this. It feels that the change was a foregone conclusion. I would like to see the full results of the survey, which could at least demonstrate whether or not the majority were in favour. I also feel that the minutes of the Board of Governors meeting where the decision was made should be published. Finally, I would like to know the school’s plans to support those who will find the additional financial outlay extremely challenging. TRACY OGDEN-DAVIESCardiff

lettersIf you’d like to get in touch, you can find our address on the inside front cover. Alternatively, you can email us ateditor@livingmags.co.uk

RHIWBINA WOODCRAFT CLUB WELCOMING NEW

MEMBERSCardiff and District Woodcraft Club are welcoming now welcoming new members. The club meets every Monday evening from 7pm to 9pm for wood-turning classes, and on Thursday evenings from 7pm-9pm for word carving. Tuition is given in these well-equipped lessons and age is no barrier!

Classes take place off Maes-y-Coed Road. Please call Norman Powell on 02920 627949 or Dave on 02920 616545 for more information.NORMAN POWELLRhiwbina

SAINSBURYS WILL BE A BLESSING

I understand that there has been a lot of hoo-hah about Sainsbury’s deciding to build on Thornhill Road but I can only see this as a positive thing. I have relatives in Barry where they vigorously opposed a new

Tesco Express shop in their part of town. The store was eventually built, much to the dismay of locals but a year on, it has seemed to have breathed new life into the area. It has also provided new jobs to those in the area and I would argue that it’s possible that a Sainsbury’s would have a similar positive effect in Rhiwbina. Convenience seems to be a way of life for most these days and having a quality store like this on our doorstep can only be a good thing. ROBERT KENNEDYEmail

Prices start from £1.20 per audio minute

info@transcribe-this.com029 2199 1991

w w w . t r a n s c r i b e - t h i s . c o m

thisPROFESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTION

Welsh and English transcription and translationproof reading, editing, secretarial services, audio services

Kris Hicks Electrical LTDElectrical Rewires, Alterations and Additions.24HR Breakdown Callouts,Fault Finding,Fuseboard Upgrades,Fire/Security Alarms,Garden Power and Lighting,Telephone/Computer Networking,New Sockets, Showers and Lighting

Tel : 02920 373665Mob : 07772 177158Kris Hicks Electrical is Registered with the NICEIC.

* Broken Glass Replacement* Repair/Replace Misted Glass* Faulty/Broken Hinges, Locks, Doors, Handles* Patio Door Problems* Draughty/Leaking Windows, Doors, Conservatories* Catflaps, Letterboxes, New Door Panels

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

(WOOD, UPVC, ALUMINIUM)

* Stained Glass Repairs and Replacements* Glass/mirrors of all types cut to size* uPVC New Windows/ Doors Installed* Upgrades to Locks and Handles* Fascias, Guttering, Cladding * Shop Fronts

Fensa Registered Company No: 31498For a Free Quotation by a Reliable Competitive Company

Telephone Decorative Glass on

02920 566694 / 07950 027826Decostains@aol.com

www.doubleglazingrepairscardiff.co.uk306 Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2BG

Reliable Cleaning Services suppliedacross the whole of Cardiff

Weekly Cleans only £10 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

One-off Cleans only £13 per hour (minimum 4 hours)

All cleaners carefully vetted and fully insured

www.homecleancardiff.co.uk

Call 029 2025 5665 or 07785 267 409 or email sales@homecleancardiff.co.uk

Further information and rates can be found on

Home Clean 2013 Advert 85x55_Layout 1 24/01/2013 18:46 Page 1

24 Hour Emergency Service Available

0845 003 6856enquiries@sonikelectrical.co.ukwww.sonikelectrical.co.uk

• Domestic & Commercial• Additional Lights• Additional Sockets• Full/Part Rewires• Showers

• New Consumer Units/Fuseboxes• Faults• Smoke Alarms• Free Estimates• No Job Too Small

“Sonik Electrical are hardworking, reliableand friendly. This was the first time I haveever dealt with the company for adomestic electrics problem and I wouldn'thesitate to call them again. Knowledgeableabout electrics and excellent value.”Google Plus Review

“First class service - came out on aSunday evening and was here in 20 mins.Courteous and professional and veryreasonable considering the time of thecall-out. A very stress-free experience,quickly sorted without any drama. I willuse again in the future.”Google Plus Review

“The first thing I remember wanting to be, at around ten year’s old, was a fashion designer, and that quickly graduated into an

architect.” Winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize in 2006, writer Rachel Trezise is reflecting on how her childhood has influenced her career path. “At around thirteen I developed an obsession with tattoos and decided I wanted to be a tattooist. I drew pages and pages of flash (tattoo designs) and used to go around knocking doors in the street asking people if they wanted me to draw them on their arms in felt tip. I left school and went to Art College but I was already reading the music press obsessively and started up my own music fanzine, thinking I’d be a journalist. After a while I got bored with the fanzines. By then I’d started A Level English

as a night class and was reading books properly for the first time in my life. I was sixteen when I started writing my first novel and never looked back.” It was while Rachel was at university that she was penning her first novel - the semi-autobiographical In and Out of the Goldfish Bowl. The book attracted wide critical acclaim and won a place on the Orange Futures List in 2001. The book is studied in most Welsh Universities and is on the British Literature reading list at the University of Montreal. Her second book, a short story collection called Fresh Apples was published in 2005 and won the inaugural Dylan Thomas Prize in 2006. Andrew Davies, screenwriter and judge of the prize described the book as ‘easily compared to James Joyce’s Dubliners.’ Shortly after accepting the prize, Rachel

took up writer’s residence at the University of Texas and married her long time fiancé while in the States. But with success came pressure to produce consistently good work. “I don’t remember the pressure that I felt after winning the Dylan Thomas Prize very well. Up until I won the prize I was desperate for attention and acclaim and then when I got it, I felt vindicated and so shied away from it. “For the first time after eight years of writing I learned to enjoy the actual craft rather than just the publication and attention part. I could for once because the prize money enabled me to keep writing rather than going out to read my work constantly or write magazine pieces. I moved from a small independent publisher to a London major for the novel that followed but it had been four years in the making and the

anyonefor acosmiclatte?

Described by The Times as an ‘outstanding young writer’, Rachel Trezise in one of Wales’s finest home-grown talents.

She speaks exclusively to Living Magazines about her work.

8

accolade of the prize was almost forgotten. The book went largely unnoticed, hardly reviewed outside Wales so that took any remaining pressure away, wiping the slate clean.” For many professional writers, self-motivation is a key to success. For Rachel, it comes down to basics: “Two things. The first is the determination to make my idea look as good on the page as it does in my head. Not an easy feat. The best thing about writing is the first spark of inspiration, the idea that this sliver of dialogue or start or end to a story that’s appeared in my mind could really be something special. The rest is just hard graft. But trying to transfer that initial rush of excitement onto a reader is a compulsion that won’t be ignored. “The second is the knowledge that my voice, that of a Welsh working class woman, is rare in literary fiction and so needs to be utilised in order to help balance the largely male and middle class world of publishing. “I’m a night person but I find it hard to write if there are people around so I have to keep to my husband’s hours. I start at 7am and finish at 4pm. I force myself to do that even if the writing isn’t flowing. Creativity comes in bursts and I have to try to eek them out for as long as I can but I don’t consider the actual creativity, the formation of the ideas, part of the job. They can come at any time so I have to keep a notepad, more recently my phone, near and note them down when they appear. “I read my notes now and again, letting the ideas develop slowly in my head. It’ll be weeks, maybe even years before they hit the page because I’ll still be working on whatever I’m working on presently. The idea is the creativity and the writing is the craft. But that’s a good way to weed out bad ideas. If they’re good they’ll stick and they’ll still be there when you sit down to write them months later.” But why write? What satisfaction is there from finishing a book?

“For other writers it may be different but the most satisfying thing for me is removing the file from the computer because it exists now in the real world instead. An analogy of that could be pregnancy – you’re harbouring something inside you, and then when it’s developed enough it goes out into the world, except books take longer, usually, than nine months. There’s no guarantee that the book will be read or reviewed; loved or hated. All of that depends on outside forces so you just have to say to yourself: Well done, you worked really hard on that. You did your best and now it’s time to move on.” In late 2010, Rachel was commissioned to write her first play for the stage by the National Theatre of Wales. “The great thing about the Dylan Thomas Prize is that it brought quite a few offers to work on drama, which was completely new to me. I wrote a radio play ‘Lemon Meringue Pie,’ which was broadcast on Radio 4 in 2008. Shortly afterwards National Theatre Wales asked me to write my first stage play, ‘Tonypandemonium’, which will be staged at the Park & Dare in October this year as part of the National Theatre Wales residency there. It’s to celebrate the building’s centenary. I’ll also be working on an English/Welsh bilingual stage play to be staged by Cwmni’r Fran Wen in 2015. Aside from that I’m writing a screenplay with Cardiff director Justin Kerrigan. But I’m also

working on a novel and a third collection of short stories.” Rachel’s latest book, Cosmic Latte is her second collection of short stories. “The title is the name assigned to the average colour of the universe. While some of the stories in my book are based in Wales, I’ve also based some of them in America, Europe and Ireland. “I’ve been working on them since the last collection was published about six years now,” she says. While the plaudits keep on coming, Rachel continues to touch upon serious themes that affect many throughout the world, not just in Wales. “The theme of Cosmic Latte is immigration, as well as people moving from different countries - even if they’re just going on a holiday.”

You can buy Rachel’s books from her website at www.racheltrezise.co.uk

interview

Whether you are looking for a set of period solid brass fingerplates for a country mansion or a modern scandinavian classic for a city apartment, we have the largest

selection of architectural ironmongery available anywhere in the UK.These high quality fittings, specified and installed on some of the country’s most prestigious period and modern buildings, are now available to trade and public

customers.Visit our Cardiff Trade Centre on Pacific Business Park - Open Monday to Friday.

Are we Cardiff’s “Best Kept Secret”?

1

2

3

4

Ocean Way

Ocean Way

Rov

er W

ay

Rov

er W

ay

Portmanm

oor Rd

Tidal Sidings

Splott

Find Us at:Unit A2 Cook CourtPacific Business ParkCardiff CF24 5HJ

Tel: 029 2047 1808Open Mon-Friday 8.30 - 5.00pmBring this Ad with you and get

15% off your first order

Hair byCeri Leigh

Professional service with a smile!

With over 10 years experience

in all aspects of hairdessing, whether it’s a trim, change of colour or style, fasion

shows to photo shoots, proms to

weddings.

Fantastic Offers! Phone now to book!

07545 033026

(formerly of Aquarius Hair Salon)

or find me at Rehab Hair Repair56 Pantbach RoadBirchgrove, Cardiff CF14 1UB

● Interior & Exterior Painting●Wallpaper Hanging

● Clean & Tidy Workmanship● FREE Advice & Estimates

For a friendly and reliable servicefrom a locally-based decorator,

call Hannah

Mobile: 07900 431229Email: hannahcmoody@btinternet.com

time around2nd

Hou

se C

lear

ance

s 2nd Time Around specialise in

house clearanceWe provide a professional and friendly service for full or part clearance, attics to cellars.

We also offer the following services:• Reports for probate purposes• Valuations & advice on selling at auction• Auction service• Cleaning service• Sympathetic handling of deceased’s estates• Small removals & deliveries, nationwide• Rubbish removal• Recycling

We comply with current legislation; we are waste management registered and have public liability insurance.

House Clearance Specialistswww.2nd-timearound.co.uk

Contact: Jan RichardsT: 02920 692704 M: 07715 622406E: janrichards4@hotmail.co.uk

Budget Garden Services Llanishen

Is your garden too big or too much hard work for you?

Get help now before things start growing!

• HedgeCutting• Strimmingofbush• Lawnscut• Bordersweeded/dugover• Economicalcosts• Personalservicebylocalresident• Gardenwastetakenaway

Call Nick Harper on 077724 051968 / 029 20753546

TOP SCHOOL IN WALESin The Sunday Times Parent Power

Estyn Inspection Report (Crown Copyright, 2012)

St John’s College, CardiffA leading independent day school for boys & girls aged 3-18

Top A Level Results in Wales for the 13th Successive Year

“The quality of teaching is an exceptional feature of the school’s work. Pupils are highly engaged, well-motivated

and very effective independent learners.”

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit

02920 778 936www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Charity No: 701294

Top School in Wales in The Sunday Times Parent Power In its 25th year of educational excellence, St John’s College is celebrating twin accolades. The Sunday Times Parent Power listed the College as the leading school in Wales, and it has achieved top A level results for the 13th successive year. In 2012 Government ESTYN Inspectors graded the school “Excellent”, even awarding the coveted and rarely given “Excellent” grade for Teaching. In her Annual Report on education in Wales, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools identified the reasons for awarding “Excellent” for teaching quality: ‘broad subject knowledge, the particularly high expectations of pupils and the rigorous level of challenge.’ The school has reached new heights in music performance, and has strengthened further its teaching force to expand opportunity in physical education and sport. The College’s facilities continue to improve with the newly built Sixth Form Study Centre. As the choir school to Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral, the choristers provide outstanding music, while the College’s recent drama performance of the operetta Trial by Jury was a fitting celebration of the school’s jubilee. “The quality of teaching is an exceptional feature of the school’s work. Pupils are highly engaged, well-motivated and very effective independent learners.”Estyn Inspection Report (Crown Copyright, 2012)

If an Englishman’s (or Welshman’s) home is his castle, the greensward surrounding it must surely be protected in times of adversity, though perhaps not with burning oil against broadswords and arrows but you get my drift. Nothing sets off the appearance of the house and garden plants better than the calming sea of green tranquillity that is a lawn - imagine the stately homes we love to visit surrounded by rivers of gravel and seas of concrete paving - you might as well stay in the city! Every year, Britain irretrievably loses swathes of ground to concrete and tarmac – an area that radiates uncomfortable heat in summer and causes problems with water runoff in err...summer and at other more usually wet times. Lawns and borders on the other hand will absorb rainfall and let it percolate slowly into watercourses the way it was meant to be. My family spends many happy hours sprawled over or walking barefoot on the lawn - one of the joys of summer - something I would not recommend on paving or gravel. Come the cold days of autumn and winter nothing beats getting out in the garden for a warming workout with a rake or aerating fork. A great deal of nonsense is written about how lawns require constant watering with

hosepipes and sprinklers; that they need frequent treatment with fertilisers and weedkillers. Grass has evolved to cope with dry conditions and comes back perfectly well after the late summer rains - have you ever seen a sprinkler being used in the parched grasslands of the Serengeti National Park? The wildebeest wouldn’t stand for it and neither should we! Of course a lawn does not have to consist of grass and may be comprised of a low growing herb such as thyme or chamomile, This will be a fragrant delight when dreamily passing through but will not tolerate heavy traffic and is better looked at from afar or restricted to raised in-filled benches or small features within larger areas of paving. Well drained soil topped with grit will give the sharp drainage which is required. When it comes to choosing a lawn mower, cost is obviously a consideration and the machine will have to be large enough to cope with the area of lawn you have - but think about the costs of ongoing maintenance and servicing of the machine. Remember the polluting aspects of a powered mower both in terms of fuel and noise, show a bit of consideration to your neighbours (electric mowers can be just as annoying on a Sunday morning!). Gardening is an active pastime so we should be prepared for a bit of hard work. My lawn is my green gym and

its health correlates remarkably well with my own, the trusty push-along mower keeps me fit (with zero emissions on the pollution front), cuttings are added to the compost heap, speeding the decomposition of other materials (reducing landfill at the same time), and frequent mowing encourages healthy grass growth to suppress weed growth (reducing or negating the need for weedkillers). In summer, the growth rate slows (no watering is needed), by raising the cutting height of the mower in hot weather the lawn is left to grow longer, appears greener and is better able to withstand the stress of drought. If it takes more than an hour a week to mow the lawn there is a good chance that it is too big, or perhaps your mower is too small. Either way, it might be time to review the size of your borders or plant a tree or two. Lawns are often described as green deserts in terms of their ability to attract wildlife but provided you avoid pesticides nothing could be further from the truth. Look closely within the sward and you will often find it teeming with invertebrate life which in turn attracts larger creatures and birds to peck away for worms and grubs, so by maintaining a lawn you are doing your bit for the biodiversity of the area. The ability to tolerate the odd weed

keeping the green

by Kevin Revell

gardening

12

is a distinct advantage – rather a lot of weeds actually, as daisies spangle the lawn like stardust and attract bees and hoverflies from far and wide. Small children should not be denied the opportunity to practice their floral crafts while making daisy chains, bracelets and crowns for fairy queens. The reflective golden chalices of buttercups are a delight and experiences with then are accumulated in childhood memory banks like so much bullion. Far off reminiscences cannot be bought - in truth they are worth far more than the perfect gardens we strive for. Consider leaving areas to grow long which can be cut down once or twice a year, perhaps with access paths mown through. Wildflower meadows may look out of place in suburbia but wilder, woollier lawns will grow interesting plants to attract a wide range of insects and eventually bring more birds into the garden. The appearance of clover and bugle would once have provoked an armed toxic

response but the scent of the flowers is beguiling and attracts the attentions of many species of wild bees on which we may come to depend if honey bees continue to decline. Apart from mowing the only regular maintenance required is the occasional removal of moss with a scarifying rake and the addition of fertiliser to green up the lawn and suppress weeds in spring. Frequent feeding leads to a vigorous green lawn which needs regular mowing but rapidly outgrows weeds and moss. Weeds favour poor fertility so if it is a wildflower meadow you are after give up feeding the lawn and cut it a little less frequently. Weedkillers should only be used as a last resort because at the end of the day what harm to a few weeds do? Under heavy usage it may be that a compacted lawn develops bald patches and poor drainage leads to reduced growth. This is best alleviated with spiking which involves using a fork, hollow tine aerator or powered machine to make holes which can be filled

with top dressing, a mixture of fine soil and sand. The improved drainage discourages moss without the need for using toxic moss killers. Another autumn job is the removal of leaves as they fall. Don’t leave it too long for grass won’t enjoy the lack of light and may turn yellow and succumb to disease if left too long. Once upon a time lawn enthusiasts would treat their verdant perfection with vermicides designed to kill worms and prevent unsightly worm casts, this has now been proven to be as useful as trepanning to cure headaches, but remains the preserve of the keepers of golf courses and bowling greens. If worm casts cause offense they are easily dispersed with a besom on a dry day, remember the good they do by aerating and improving the soil and providing food for birds and hedgehogs. Similarly it is pointless trying to kill mushrooms and toadstools in lawns they are merely the evidence of decomposition going on in the soil.

Enjoy an Al Fresco Summer Come Rain or Shine with Pugh’s New Garden Furniture Collections

Whether you’re planning a family BBQ, a summer soiree, or simply want to relax and unwind, Pugh’s has a superb selection of outdoor furniture that is guaranteed to make your outdoor experience all the more enjoyable. Hand picked by expert furniture buyer, Soula Williams, Pugh’s brand new Spring/Summer 2013 furniture collections (from the likes of Alexander Rose, KETTLER and Norfolk Leisure) boast sumptuous hardwood and canvas sets, hardy yet stylish stainless steel tables and chairs, luxurious cushions and parasols, and the most sought-after new style chimeneas and fire pits - all at the very best prices! Pugh’s Garden Village in Radyr is also the exclusive destination for KETTLER Clearance Stock in South Wales, offering up to 70% off a range of tables, chairs, parasols and seat pads, while Pugh’s Garden Village in Wenvoe houses a selection of slight seconds stock at unbeatable marked-down prices – so why not mix and match to create your ultimate al fresco experience this summer?

Pugh’s Garden Village, Tynant Nurseries, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8LB Tel: 029 2084 2017 Pugh’s Garden Village, Style Gardens, Port Road, Wenvoe CF5 6AD Tel: 029 2059 8118www.pughsgardenvillage.co.uk Find Pugh’s on

gardening

13

Tel: 07836 265259 Email:accurateaerials@gmail.com

Mark Jones07836 265259

18 Twyn Y Fedwen, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 1HUwww.accurateaerials.com

ID: 18266724

AccurateAerialsimproving reception since 1979

For the design, supply and installation of aerial, satellite and internet TV services,

call your local Registered DigitalInstaller (RDI)

15

There aren’t many bands in the Wales that can claim to have Napoleonic roots. Yet the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band can traces its beginnings to a Drum and Fife Band, that was formed in Whitchurch in 1798 to assist the recruitment of a Company of Volunteers. The volunteers were needed to fight the French, who were threatening to invade Britain at the time. By 1850, the band had become a Brass Band with the support of the 13th Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers Corporation. TW Booker of Melingriffith was the Commandant and the band took up headquarters in New Houses - a row of workers cottages in the Melingriffith Tin Plate Works. It was frequently referred to as ‘Booker’s Band’ in the 1860s and 1870s and played at Club Feasts and semi-public occasions. Sadly, the Booker leadership appears to have failed and connection with the Works was lost. Not one to give up easily, the Band continued to function and, for a time, there were three different combinations running simultaneously - The Volunteer Band, The Temperance Band and The Drum and Fife Band. The first these two combined to form a village band known as The Whitchurch Brass Band. Whitchurch Brass Band was incorporated with the Melingriffith Cadet Corps in 1913 through the influence of Mr. Hubert Spence-Thomas, Managing Director of the Melingriffith Tin Plate Works. In 1919, it was reorganised and renamed as ‘The Melingriffith Volunteer and Cadet Corps

Band’ under Mr. Frank Morgan.Mr TJ Powell was appointed as conductor in 1920.‘TJ’ as he became affectionately known throughout the Brass Band world, was a former Salvation Army Bandsman who had graduated as a Bandmaster in the Royal Marines, serving at HMS Nelson, in Portsmouth. It ushered in a new era for the band. TJ’s breadth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm were an inspiration to the bandsmen. In turn, they responded to his coaching and went on to risefrom Class ‘C’ to Class ‘A’ (Championship) status in 1932. At this time, the Band’s headquarters was a tiny hall at the end of Velindre Road. It was situated just above the Melingriffith Works but in 1937, the building was condemned and the Band moved to a building on company land between the River Taff and the Glamorganshire Canal. In 1941, the Band changed its name to ‘The Melingriffith Works Band’. Still under the guidance of TJ Powell, these days were marked with military-style tunics with high collars and brass buttons. TJ’s Royal Marines influence was apparent. Discipline was the order of the day and he didn’t take any prisoners. TJ composed many original works and arrangements for brass band. He was often referred to as ‘The Welsh Sousa’ and is probably best-known for his series of marches named after the Castles of Wales - Castell Caerdydd, Caerphilly Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Castell

Coch – which he dedicated to ‘The Melingriffith Works Band’. It is still the Band’s signature tune and is played regularly. In 1957, the very existence of the Band was thrown into jeopardy when it was announced that the Works was going to close. The community itself reeled in shock and it took a while for the Band to adjust to being a civilian organisation, rather than a semi-sponsored Works Band. However, The Steel Company of Wales stepped in to help and provided rehearsal facilities at the former Melingriffith Drill Hall. Tragedy struck on Friday 29th January 1965. The Band was competing in the BBC Radio series ‘Challenging Brass’ with opponents Luton Band in a London Studio. TJ was guest conductor for The Cory Band and was drawn to play first. As he sprang to his feet ready to accept the challenge, he was taken with what transpired to be a fatal heart attack and collapsed in front of the Band. True to tradition, and just as he would have wanted, a Solo Cornet player left the bench, took up the baton and conducted the Band’s performance. TJ never heard the result, that Luton had won – he died in the studio as the Band was playing. Today, the band still thrives. With four separate sections, including a new Melingriffith Youth Band, the sound of North Cardiff ’s famous brass band is set to continue for generations to come.

More details at www.melingriffith.co.uk

The City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band can justifiably claim to be the oldest band in Wales. Its history stretches back to 1798. This is the remarkable story of the North Cardiff group.

The Oldest Band in Wales

Chernobyl Children Cancer Care Cardiff (The 5Cs), is a Cardiff- based charity which

is twinned with the Belarusian Childrens Hospice in Minsk, Belarus. In Belarus there are high rates of cancer, cerebral palsy and other developmental problems seriously affecting children following the Chernobyl disaster of 1986. Belarus was subjected to 70% of the radioactive fallout from the explosion at the nuclear power station. Those children whose parents were exposed to these extremes have been particularly vulnerable. The 5Cs’ main role in working with the Hospice is to fund- raise throughout the year to open a respite summer camp for disabled children in Belarus and to provide student volunteers from Cardiff to help run it every summer. The 5Cs have been sending volunteers to the summer camp for eight years, the majority of them being local sixth form students. However, as well as providing

essential volunteers for the children of Belarus, The 5Cs also offers local students a unique and life changing opportunity. “Trying to distinguish one favourite moment above all those I was fortunate enough to experience during my trip to Belarus last summer is somewhat difficult to say the least.” says Emily Jones from Rhiwbina, 17, a student at Whitchurch High School, Cardiff and 5Cs committee member. “As I think back to the two weeks I spent on the children’s camp for disabled children in the Belarusian countryside, to the friends I made and the unexplainable heartbreak I felt on returning home, I am confronted with a strong feeling of nostalgia at what can only be described as the most perspective-altering, attitude-changing experience of my mere 17 years. “Perhaps it was the moment I lay in the grass with a Russian phrase book and a little girl who knew no English, struggling over the pronunciation of the Russian words she read and slowly repeated allowed for me to copy; or perhaps it was the moment my friends and I performed a dance on stage with four disabled girls, with whom we had choreographed and taught without speaking more than five words of Russian just hours before, that made me appreciate the unimportance of language as

a necessity in order to connect with people. “Watching the delight on their faces as we swirled around with them, clicking our fingers and throwing our arms in the air to ‘Lady Marmalade’ in perfect unison, I don’t think I have ever

been as proud nor amazed at how wonderful it felt to be able to bring of slither of fun and light-heartedness to a group of children that dealt with and suffered so much as a result of their disabilities. Many of them orphans, a number of them close to my own age, the camp offers a chance for each individual to enjoy a time away from their everyday lives in Belarus, to a place where bundles of fun and laughter is the aim of each day. My time in Belarus and the fundraising work I have been involved with since my return as a member of the 5Cs has more greatly impacted on my life than I would have ever expected. It is

The Five Cs

local youth

invigorating to know and be a part of a group of young people so passionate and driven towards something so worthwhile and amazing. “It has taught me how important it was to help others less fortunate than yourself, to care about something bigger than what happens within your daily life and above all to never underestimate the ability to find happiness and love in the strangest of places. We cried our eyes out the evening we said goodbye. Although as every bit as physically tiring, mentally demanding and emotionally exhausting as I had anticipated; the volunteers and children alike I spent each waking moment with have touched my heart and altered my outlook on life irrevocably. The nights teaching simple Welsh songs around the campfire, laughing and singing as we swatted away mosquitoes in the firelight, are just a few of the many moments of life on the camp that I will forever cherish and remember.” Chairperson of The 5Cs, Bethan Powell, 23 from Rhiwbina, says “It is a complete pleasure to work throughout the year with our team of over 30 student members in Cardiff, fundraising for our common interest- the well being of the children under the care of the fantastic Belarusian Children’s Hospice. I was lucky enough to begin my involvement as a student volunteer when I was 17 and I will continue to give local students the chance to experience the fantastic, dedicated people of Belarus and spend two weeks gaining the life experience that the summer camp can offer. We hope to raise awareness of The 5Cs, continue to grow and be able to further support the Hospice in the future, with the help of our incredible team of course!”

www.five-cs.orginfo@five-cs.org

local youth

How many 16-year-olds can claim to be qualified to fly a glider? It is just one of the examples of the opportunities the Air Training Corps organisation can provide young people. As Matthew Argyle, who has been a member of Cardiff ’s 1344 Squadron for three and a half years, says: “It can provide such amazing opportunities. As a means of meeting new people, the ATC is second to none, with over 41,000 members spread out around the country and frequent nationwide activities you’ll make many new friends. “Many of the ATC’s former members go on to have extremely successful lives after their cadet careers, for example one of 1344’s ex-cadets has gone on to become one of Boeing’s chief test pilots working on all of their new aircraft. “But more than anything the ATC provides an opportunity for young people to enjoy their free time and experience things they never would otherwise.” 1344 (2nd Cardiff) Sqn was founded in August of 1941 as one of five Squadrons of Cardiff Wing. The Air Defence Cadet Corps had been set up in 1938 by Air Commodore John Chamier and was extremely popular with thousands joining up to help Britain prepare for World War II.Its purpose was to train young men in various aviation related skills. These skills were eventually destined to be used by the RAF and Fleet Air Arm. In 1941, in order to provide the

means of giving part-time air training to young men destined for the Royal Air Force, the ADCC was formally established as the Air Training Corps by Royal Warrant. The Cardiff wing paraded in what is now Cardiff Technical College and ran until the December of 1945 before being disbanded. Around four years later another squadron was set up at Pengam Airfield, which is where the Tesco supermarket is now. On October 28, 1950, it was officially made a full squadron, receiving the 1344 number at the request of a former officer, who said that the number should be used as the original squadron was the largest in Cardiff. The aim is to train young people in all types of life skills. Today the ATC has 41,000 members, aged between 13 to 20 years, within 1,009 Squadrons across the UK many more activities. If you are interested in joining, you have to be aged between 13 and 17 and be free on Mondays and/or Fridays. Adults over the age of 20 are also welcome.

www.1344sqn.org

Air Training Corps

17

2 HEOL Y DERI, RHIWBINA, CARDIFF CF14 6HF TEL: 029 2061 1471 Please contact Sarah James or Natasha Aldridge

Sarah James: email:sarah.james@oblj.co.uk Natasha Aldridge: email:natasha.aldridge@oblj.co.uk

Serving the community for over 30 years

O’Brien Lewis & James offers a complete range of specialist

legal services for businesses and

individuals.

With Thomas Simon

• HOME VISITS AVAILABLE •

* CONVEYANCING/REMORTGAGING * WILLS * INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING * PROBATE * REPOSSESSIONS/HOUSING MATTERS * LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY * LEASE EXTENSIONS/FREEHOLD PURCHASES * PERSONAL INJURY * EQUITY RELEASE * DEBT RECOVERY * COMMERCIAL PROPERTY * DIVORCE/CHILDREN * COMMERCIAL LITIGATION * COHABITATION * COMPANY LAW/EMPLOYMENT LAW * CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

Quality Care InYour Own Home

Call for a friendly chat: 02920 624429www.homeinstead.co.uk/cardiff

Looking forrewarding

part-time work?We are looking for caregivers to assist the elderlywith non-medical services including companionship,home help and personal care in their own home.Your caring nature is more important than formalexperience as we provide full training.

The hours of work can be arranged to suit you,whether you have a young family, are retired(or anything in between!) and you can choose towork day time, evenings or weekends.

Your own transport is essential.

Contact us on 02920 624429www.homeinstead.co.uk/cardiff

20% OFFOn all orders over £1,000

When you buy 1 x front door and 3 or more windows

When you buy a conservatory over 2m x 2m

FREE Back Door

FREEVERTICAL BLINDS

T: 02920 650 854 M: 07703 828 002W: www.heathwindowsltd.co.uk

H E AT Hw i n d o w s & D o o r s

Where Service and Quality Come As Standard

ON

E O

FFE

R P

ER

HO

USE

HO

LD -

OFF

ER

S N

OT

TO B

E U

SED

IN C

ON

JUN

CTI

ON

WIT

H A

NY

OTH

ER

OFF

ER

The service I provide is based on the belief that my clients’ needs are of the utmost importance and I am committed to meeting those needs. I welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you a high quality mobile service. With 8 years of salon experience, I endevour to offer a unique and tailored service to suit each of my clients’ requirements at affordable rates.

Jennifer Leigh

www.hairbyjenniferleigh.co.uk

07999 505953

Freelance hairdressing and spray tanning

Professional, affordable and in the comfort of

your own home

CounsellingI am an experienced counsellor believing passionately in a person’s ability to change.

Confidential Respectful Non-judgementalFor more information or to make an appointment contact:Sharon Holton MBACP (Accred) Post Grad Diploma in Counselling (University of Wales)

Tel: 07402 963893Email: banyonbay1983@gmail.com

I work with a wide range of issues, both past and present. I offer appointments to young people and adults of all ages. I’m based in Rhiwbina. Home visits considered.

60 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DJ02920 020251 www.magicalemporium.co.uk

10% OffExcludes sale items, offers cannot be combined, offer valid until 1st August 2013, in store only

This voucher entitles the

holder to

all toys at Mr Mac’s Magical Emporium

07720 249464 E: info@mfthomas.co.uk

www.mfthomas.co.uk

We are based locally and can come to you and sort any form or letter related problem you may have.

Letters & Forms serviceAre you struggling with a complicated form or letter and need help?Then contact us now for a free chat about our £25 fixed fee service

Walla Halt was the original name proposed by the Cardiff Railway Company for the halt they were going to build close to Beulah Chapel on the corner of Heol Rhyd y Walla (now known as Beulah Road). The little group of cottages that existed in this location was known as Rhyd Nant y Walla (later transposed into Rhyd y Waedlwydd). Walla incidentally is the Norse word for ‘ford’ so we must have had Norse settlement here in Rhiwbina. There was another small group of cottages together with the farm in the area of the now Rhiwbina Reservoir that were known as Rhiwbrein in the Norman period. By the beginning of the 17th century this had become Rhiwbina or Rhubina. The Railway Company intended to open their line (originally only intended to carry coal from the Rhondda to Cardiff Docks) to passengers in 1910, but it failed a safety inspection. However, it was passed as suitable in early 1911 and started operations from The Parade in Cardiff to Rhydyfelin on March 1st 1911 stopping at The Heath, the now more suitably named Rhiwbina Halt, Whitchurch, Coryton, Tongwynlais, and Rhydyfelin. There were a few Edwardian villas built close to Beulah Chapel in 1911, now converted

to the shops on Heol y Deri, but there was no large scale plan. However, living in Woodhull House, Rhiwbina was Professor H Stanley Jevons who had a great interest in social housing. With his own money, he set up the Housing Reform Company and from that sprang early in 1912 the Cardiff Workers Cooperative Garden Village Society Ltd. With that were plans to create a Garden Village on the lines of Welwyn Garden City as advocated locally by Lord Howard of Llanelli and other forward looking citizens. A Committee of eight was selected to look for potential sites and after looking at several locations, they decided that 110 acres belonging to the Pentwyn Estate, north of the Railway line between Rhiwbina Halt and Whitchurch Station, was the preferred location. Expressions of interest were invited in the local papers and in May 1912 a public meeting was held with Mr J T Clatworthy as Chairman. This meeting agreed to raise a fund to purchase of 10 acres at £200 per acre and to exercise an option on a further 20 acres at £220 per acre. This was achieved by the issue of shares to prospective tenants, inviting investors to subscribe in 4½% stocks while the remainder would be obtained

from the Public Works Loan Commissioners. It was also agreed to ask Mr Raymond Unwin, Britain’s most eminent town planning architect, to prepare a plan of the whole proposed estate, which he did. In the Autumn of 1912, real work began and the first sod was dug on the 10 acre site, where 34 houses, 22 3-bedroom houses in Y Groes for rent at 5/6d to 8/9d per week (26p to 33p) and 12 4 bedroom houses in Lon y Dail at annual rents of £28 to £45 per annum, were to be built. Spring 1913 saw building apace and on July 19th 1913, a formal ceremony was carried out on the Village Green (the centre of Y Groes). The Earl of Plymouth unveiled the date panel on 7 Y Groes and Lady Howard unveiled the sundial next door. The first house to be declared open by the Countess of Plymouth was No 5 Y Groes, with Mr Ben Thomas as the first tenant. Building continued during the 1914–1918 war, 18 houses by the Society in Lon Isa, two by Professor Jevons personally in Heol y Deri and 18 by Avery Tipping in Pomfrey Road (now Pen y Dre). But in the autumn of 1914, the Society became insolvent and to make matters worse, Professor Jevons left to take up a post in Allahabad. The Welsh Town Housing Trust, set up by Lord

What Became of Rhyd y Walla Halt?

by Gareth Neale

20

David Davies, stepped in with financial support to build more houses here and also in the Garden Suburb Barry, where my grandparents were the 2nd tenants on that estate, as well as in Newtown Montgomery. Houses were then built in Heol y Deri, Pen y Dre, Lon y Dail and Lon Isa. In 1920 the 1st lease of land for private development was given at 34 Pen y Dre and Rhiwbina as we now know it began to take shape. Further development up Heol y Deri took place in the 1920s as well as in the areas around Lon Y Deri and Porthamal Road. The Railway line that in many ways was the catalyst for the founding of Rhiwbina played an important part in the lives of the residents as many used it to commute to their places of work particularly as railway staff, as civil servants or university staff. In 1922, ownership of the Railway passed to the Great Western Railway. Whitchurch station, which is of course actually in Rhiwbina, was enlarged and sidings were added in that year. In 1928 The Parade station was closed and all trains went via Queen Street Station and in 1929 Birchgrove Halt was opened. Rhiwbina now had three stations available to its residents within its boundaries. By the outbreak of World War II, the centre of Rhiwbina was very much as it is today. The extensive development as envisaged by Raymond Unwin, never materialised and the final seal was set when the land designated for a duplicate of Y Groes was given to the Cardiff Rural District Council and opened as Parc y Pentre on April 1st 1961. The Local Authorities responsible for administering Rhiwbina were, at that time, the Cardiff RDC and Glamorgan County Council but in 1967,

Rhiwbina was absorbed into the City of Cardiff despite strong local opposition. Our parliamentary constituency until the General Election of 1974 was the Barry constituency, when we became part of Cardiff North West later renamed Cardiff North. Until 1976, the Garden Village houses remained under the ownership of the Garden Village Cooperative, with rental as a basis and repairs and decorations being the responsibility of the Garden Village Limited Company. In that year, the houses were sold to the tenants and the houses were put into a Conservation Area. This was overlooked by a supervising committee selected by the residents together with the elected Cardiff City Councillors and the Planning Officer responsible for the Rhiwbina Ward. The Rhiwbina Ward then covered the whole of Rhiwbina including Pantmawr and the area down to St Thomas Church in Pantbach Rd, including the houses behind the Monico Cinema (now flats) across to

Manor Way and down as far and including Cae Maen. This southerly part of Rhiwbina was transferred into the Heath Ward in a general ward redistribution in the 1980s. In 2001, what was the Rhiwbina Garden Village Conservation Area Houses, with some additional adjacent houses, were listed by Cadw as Grade II in a wider resurvey of all listed buildings in Cardiff. Cadw is responsible for protecting our historic environment so our Garden Village, a vision of just eight ordinary citizens, is regarded to be of national and international significance. Also from that Garden Village, the rest of our delightful suburb was developed gradually over the years to be declared by Prince Charles ‘as a Jewel in the crown of that beautiful City of Cardiff.’

The old signal box at Heath Junction. It was demolished in 1984

21

history

FencingDeckingLawns Returfed/MowedPatiosTrees RemovedHedges TrimmedPruning / LoppingGeneral Maintenance

All aspects of landscaping and gardening undertaken

Call for a FREE quote on 02920 650907 or 07917 440856

CUSTOM LANDSCAPING SERVICES

10% off decking andfencing withthis vouchersupplied and fitted by us during May and June 2013

South Wales’ PremierBathroom & Tile CentreEverything you need tomake that room feel special

Castle Plumbing and Heating Suppliesis your local independent plumbing andheating supplier. We have a largeinventory of plumbing parts andconsumables, from a full central heatingsystem to a new bathroom.

Our showroom is now open to the tradeand public. We currently have over 25displays of premium bathrooms andshow enclosures from some of theleading manufacturers in Europe. Wealso have a large range of porcelain andCeramic wall and floor tiles on display.

Our shower displays range from smallenclosures to large wet rooms and weare confident we can accommodateyour needs.

We are conveniently located at:

NEW BATHROOM & TILECENTRE

CASTLE PLUMBING&

HEATING SUPPLIES

UNIT 4, REGENTS TRADE PARKOCEAN WAY CARDIFF CF24 5PF (100 yards from Greggs)

TEL: 029 2046 4234 Showroom Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pmSaturday 10am - 4pm

NEW SHOWROOM

South Wales’ PremierBathroom & Tile CentreEverything you need tomake that room feel special

Castle Plumbing and Heating Suppliesis your local independent plumbing andheating supplier. We have a largeinventory of plumbing parts andconsumables, from a full central heatingsystem to a new bathroom.

Our showroom is now open to the tradeand public. We currently have over 25displays of premium bathrooms andshow enclosures from some of theleading manufacturers in Europe. Wealso have a large range of porcelain andCeramic wall and floor tiles on display.

Our shower displays range from smallenclosures to large wet rooms and weare confident we can accommodateyour needs.

We are conveniently located at:

NEW BATHROOM & TILECENTRE

CASTLE PLUMBING&

HEATING SUPPLIES

UNIT 4, REGENTS TRADE PARKOCEAN WAY CARDIFF CF24 5PF (100 yards from Greggs)

TEL: 029 2046 4234 Showroom Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pmSaturday 10am - 4pm

NEW SHOWROOM

Showroom and Plumbers’ Merchants

Looking to put a spring in your step this summer? Since establishing the PhysioMatters clinic nine years ago, Girija Wagle and her team of chartered physiotherapists have been using the most innovative physiotherapy techniques to offer a complete approach to optimum physical wellness. Mixing a range of hands-on treatments, education and exercise prescriptions, PhysioMatters’ holistic method can help reduce pain, increase strength and flexibility, manage independence and maximise physical ability. Their expertly tailored treatment programmes can provide effective relief for a range of conditions that range from joint problems (including sprains, strains and tennis elbow) to pain associated with arthritis and immobility to sports injury, cartilage damage and ligament problems to neurological problems, MS and strokes. PhysioMatters also provide a range of complementary treatments to maximise the results of each individual treatment programme.

PhysioMatters Limited A: 116 Station Road , Llandaff North , Cardiff CF14 2FHT: 029 2063 5800W: www.physiomatters.co.uk

The All Round At Home Computer Service

Repairs Upgrades New System Builds Virus Removal Broadband Installs Tuition Wired / Wireless Home Networks

All Work Carried Out In Your Own Home

07798 704141

No Call Out Charge Established 2004 Many Local Clients

www.professorpc.co.uk

Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511

etyres .co.uk

The tyre experts who come to youTyres fitted at home or work

98% of etyre’s customers say they will use us again

Free fitting at home or work

Great prices and convenient service

Areas covered: Cardiff, Bridgend, Barry & Porthcawl

We save you time and money

Call 029 2060 1727 today

LTD

At PhysioMatters, we use the most current techniques, handsontreatments, education

and exercise prescriptions to help

reduce pain, increase strength and flexibility,

manage independence and maximise physical

wellness!

We provide effective relief for conditions, including:

116 Station Road, Llandaff North, Cardiff, CF14 2FH

T:029 2063 5800 F:029 2063 0016info@physiomatters.co.ukwww.physiomatters.co.uk

Visit our website for more details

or find us on • Physio Therapy• Holistic Therapy• Podiatry• Facial Aesthestics• Chiropody• Rolfing

Let’s Get Physical!

petspage

IF YOU HAVE ANY PET-RELATED QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CHRIS TO ANSWER, PLEASE EMAIL

US AT EDITOR@LIVINGMAGS.CO.UK AND WE’LL PASS THEM ON.

We have a small dog and about a month ago, we noticed some black, freckle-like spots on his belly. They are smooth to the touch and don’t seem to be causing him any bother. Should I be worried about them?There are several possible explanations for these marks. They are most likely normal pigment deposits, possibly associated with sun exposure (especially in white-coated breeds) – although there hasn’t been much of that around lately! However, we also see blackening of the skin as a result of chronic inflammation, although you may not even have noticed him itching or scratching. Sometimes, small patches of pigment appear when pustules heal up. You could also be seeing comedones, which are like little blackheads, and can be due to a hormone problem. Lastly, melanomas are uncommon in dogs, but should be considered. On the whole, it’s probably best to get him checked now, or at least ask the vet to have a look the next time he’s in for a check-up.

My 14 year old cat doesn’t seem to be as agile as she used to be. While slowing down can be associated with growing old, is there a chance that my cat could be suffering from some of the human conditions that we are familiar with – problems such as arthritis or dementia? It sounds a silly question but I am intrigued.It’s not at all a silly question! Our pets are living longer as we understand better how to keep them healthy, and as a consequence we are now seeing more of the age-related problems we are familiar with in ourselves – as you say, like arthritis and dementia. Many old cats are less active and less agile because they have discomfort in their joints, as a result of wear-and-tear arthritis. Obvious lameness is not common, but there are many subtle symptoms. Many choose to watch the world rather than joining in; some are stiff or slow going

down (or up) the stairs, and sometimes they stop using the litter box. Fortunately, we now have some excellent drugs to alleviate the discomfort, so don’t delay – make an appointment for your cat to have a check-up. You also mentioned dementia; this too is common in elderly cats, but is more associated with confusion, crying (yowling) for no reason, and alterations in behaviour, rather than ‘slowing down’, so I don’t think you need worry about it.

We have a small puppy who we are trying to toilet train but sometimes when he gets too excited, he can’t stop himself from peeing. Is this normal!?Yes! Toilet training can be a frustrating time, but patience and persistence pays off, and you will get there in the end. Even dogs who have mastered it will sometimes have accidents if they are very excited or stressed when their bladders are full, so if you know something exciting is going to happen (a visitor, for example), make sure the puppy has been out and had a wee before. To toilet train your puppy, you must give him every opportunity to toilet in the correct place, and then reward him immediately. So at times when he is likely to want to go, like as soon as he wakes up and after meals, you should put in where you want him to toilet, and watch him. As soon as he goes, praise him and reward him. It’s no good doing this 30 seconds later, it has to be immediate or it won’t work. Similarly, if he does have an accident, you can tell him off, but only if it is straight away. However, if your puppy is urinating involuntarily because he is excited, telling him off will not help because he probably was not aware of doing it.

Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511

Pet problemsCHRIS TROUGHTON OF

HEATH VETS ANSWERS YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS

Offering a bespoke motoring experience to include

home or workplace collection and return delivery,

online internet viewing and clean car on return. All

motoring requirements catered for. We will do all the

juggling, so you won't have to!

• Brakes

• Tyres

• Exhausts

• Diagnostic reporting

• Mot Testing

• Flexible service plans

• Free phone calling

• Female friendly team

• Award winning service

• All makes and models

• Fully Insured

• RAC accredited

The Garden Village GarageCall for free 0333 121 2012

The Garden Village

Garage

1A Heol Y Deri

Rhiwbina

CF14 6HA

Call for free

0333 121 2012

www.GardenVillageGarage.co.uk

The Garden Village GarageCall for free 0333 121 2012

www.GardenVillageGarage.co.uk

Finding good service nowadays is, sadly, not that easy!!!!

Heather and I recently bought a new hoover from the John Lewis store in St.Davids centre. I have to say

the service was outstanding. Isn't it strange how the most basic, courteous and polite things make a

difference? How good is it to be welcomed with some eye contact and a smile? Somebody taking an

interest in you and actually listening to what you are trying to say? These two simple and easily attainable

basics, giving one the confidence and belief they are dealing with a quality team. One that clearly

demonstrates its commitment and focus not only to its internal people but to those who have earned a

choice in where they should spend they hard earned cash. It is a pity that not all organisations should

mirror these two basic and often overlooked matters of decency.

Conversely, Heather recently tried to drop some unsaleable items of clothing to the clothes bank next to

the Birch grove pub. Her attempts to raise funds for the Village Christmas tree appeal have again seen

the return of "the Grot Shop" at 1a Heol Y Deri, with donations and raised funds going to the Christmas

Tree Appeal. This service experience was poles apart from that of John Lewis with the young man

closing the shop on her arrival, making her wait until his return after lunch because "he works very hard"

and "has to eat" Not quite the same drive or evidence for customer delight here!!! Ah, well maybe you're

thinking, it's not quite the same environment as John Lewis, This I concede, however the building is just

that, a building, it's the people that creature the environment and as a result the experience.

At the Garden Village Garage we too are committed to delivering customer service in an open, friendly

and transparent manner, using the latest technology hand in hand with good old fashioned service. Twice

now we have been recognised by the Good Garage Scheme as "top feed back winners" in 2010 and

2012 at the receipt of over 1000 feed back cards. We would like to thank all for their comments, these

have helped us shape and improve the way we continue to grow.

Offering a bespoke motoring experience, including home or workplace collection and delivery with clean

car on return, why not give us try, The number is a free phone number, and if your not completely

satisfied then just don't pay!

Heather

PS We are now accepting all items of Grot! all funds for the Christmas Tree Appeal. just drop it off !!!

Please call in and see us, you might bag a bargain ???

1a Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina CF146HA

Offering a bespoke motoring experience to include

home or workplace collection and return delivery,

online internet viewing and clean car on return. All

motoring requirements catered for. We will do all the

juggling, so you won't have to!

• Brakes

• Tyres

• Exhausts

• Diagnostic reporting

• Mot Testing

• Flexible service plans

• Free phone calling

• Female friendly team

• Award winning service

• All makes and models

• Fully Insured

• RAC accredited

The Garden Village GarageCall for free 0333 121 2012

The Garden Village

Garage

1A Heol Y Deri

Rhiwbina

CF14 6HA

Call for free

0333 121 2012

www.GardenVillageGarage.co.uk

The Garden Village GarageCall for free 0333 121 2012

www.GardenVillageGarage.co.uk

Finding good service nowadays is, sadly, not that easy!!!!

Heather and I recently bought a new hoover from the John Lewis store in St.Davids centre. I have to say

the service was outstanding. Isn't it strange how the most basic, courteous and polite things make a

difference? How good is it to be welcomed with some eye contact and a smile? Somebody taking an

interest in you and actually listening to what you are trying to say? These two simple and easily attainable

basics, giving one the confidence and belief they are dealing with a quality team. One that clearly

demonstrates its commitment and focus not only to its internal people but to those who have earned a

choice in where they should spend they hard earned cash. It is a pity that not all organisations should

mirror these two basic and often overlooked matters of decency.

Conversely, Heather recently tried to drop some unsaleable items of clothing to the clothes bank next to

the Birch grove pub. Her attempts to raise funds for the Village Christmas tree appeal have again seen

the return of "the Grot Shop" at 1a Heol Y Deri, with donations and raised funds going to the Christmas

Tree Appeal. This service experience was poles apart from that of John Lewis with the young man

closing the shop on her arrival, making her wait until his return after lunch because "he works very hard"

and "has to eat" Not quite the same drive or evidence for customer delight here!!! Ah, well maybe you're

thinking, it's not quite the same environment as John Lewis, This I concede, however the building is just

that, a building, it's the people that creature the environment and as a result the experience.

At the Garden Village Garage we too are committed to delivering customer service in an open, friendly

and transparent manner, using the latest technology hand in hand with good old fashioned service. Twice

now we have been recognised by the Good Garage Scheme as "top feed back winners" in 2010 and

2012 at the receipt of over 1000 feed back cards. We would like to thank all for their comments, these

have helped us shape and improve the way we continue to grow.

Offering a bespoke motoring experience, including home or workplace collection and delivery with clean

car on return, why not give us try, The number is a free phone number, and if your not completely

satisfied then just don't pay!

Heather

PS We are now accepting all items of Grot! all funds for the Christmas Tree Appeal. just drop it off !!!

Please call in and see us, you might bag a bargain ???

1a Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina CF146HA

• Quality Greetings Cards

• Gifts for all Occasions• Large Selection of Soft

Toys• Demdaco Willow

Tree• Party Balloons• Terramundi

Money Pots

SerenadeCards and Gifts

13 Heol-y-Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6HA Tel: 029 2052 2424

Demdaco Father and SonTatty Teddy inside a balloon A bottle of wine inside a balloon

St Michael’s College Cardiff

For further information Tel: 029 2056 3379

www.stmichaels.ac.uk

St Michael’s College, 54 Cardiff Rd, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YJ

OPEN GARDENS Saturday 6 July 2013

12.00 - 5.00pm On Saturday 6 July St Michael’s College will be opening its gardens to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme. The attractive gardens which won “Cardiff in Bloom” in 2011 provide a haven of peace and tran-quillity in what is a busy part of Llandaff. Musical entertainment will be provided in the Pace Chapel and refreshments served in the reputable college refectory. Come and enjoy “a little bit of heaven”.

EVERY FRIDAY 12.00—2.00pm

Freshly battered Fish & Chips, peas, buttered roll and a cup of tea

£6.00 (more menu options available)

prepared in our reputable college kitchen

FRIDAY

LUNCH

CLUB

Millennium

Blinds

70 Merthyr Rd Whitchurch Cardiff

Tel 02920 621111

Millennium Blinds Wales

has now moved to

Whitchurch!

“We welcome new and past customers alike. Look out for

opening offers.We look forward to

seeing you” Brent & Martin

BBQ Sticky Sausage Kebabs with Lemon Potatoes

300g new potatoes6 pork sausages, cut in half1 small red onion, cut into 12 pieces1 red pepper, cut into 12 pieces6 streaky bacon rashers, cut in half6 rosemary sprigs (with all but the top leaves removed)Smoky barbecue marinade1 tbsp olive oilA knob of butterThe pared zest and juice of ½ lemonA handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped

1. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the new potatoes for 15 minutes until tender.2. Meanwhile, thread the halves of the sausages, onion, pepper and bacon onto rosemary sprigs and brush with smoky barbecue marinade.3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan (or light/preheat the barbecue) and cook or barbecue for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the veg is chargrilled.4. When the potatoes are cooked, drain and crush with a fork. Stir in butter, seasoning, the lemon zest and juice, and a handful of fresh parsley. Serve the kebabs with the lemon potatoes.

BBQ Aubergines3 large (about 1kg) auberginesAbout 100ml olive oil

For the chermoula3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped2 tsp ground cumin2 tsp ground coriander1½ tsp sweet paprikaGood pinch of saffron strands2 tsp harissa paste1 tbsp lemon juice20g fresh coriander leaves, plus extra to garnish20g fresh mint leaves120ml extra-virgin olive oil

1. Cut the aubergines lengthways into 1cm-thick slices. Sprinkle with salt, layer in a colander and set aside to drain for 40 minutes.2. Meanwhile, make the chermoula. Put the garlic, spices, harissa, lemon juice, herbs and 4 tablespoons of oil into a processor with a pinch of salt. Blend to a paste and stir in enough of the remaining oil to make a sauce.3. Preheat the oven to 110°C/fan90°C/gas 1/4. Pat the aubergines dry with kitchen paper. In batches, brush with oil and barbecue over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes each side, until golden. Keep warm in the oven while you cook the remaining slices.4. Place the aubergine slices on a serving dish, drizzle with the chermoula and sprinkle with the coriander leaves to garnish.

To barbecuePreheat your barbecue in the usual way until it reaches the correct temperature. Cook turning once, bearing in mind you may have to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how hot your barbecue is or how near the heat source the food is placed.

Pimms Lollies300ml/½ pint Pimms, or similar ‘fruit cup’850ml/1½ pints lemonadeHandful fresh strawberries, hulled, halvedFew sprigs fresh mint, leaves only1 orange, zest only

Mix the Pimms and lemonade together in a jug.Place a couple of strawberry halves, a few mint leaves and a little orange zest into each lolly mould.Pour the Pimm mixture into each ice lolly mould until three-quarters full. Insert the lolly stick and lid and freeze for 2-3 hours, or until frozen solid.Alternatively, you can use large shot glasses as moulds: place the strawberry, mint and orange zest into the glass and fill with the Pimms mixture. Freeze for one hour, or until the lollies are partially frozen, then insert the lolly sticks and continue to freeze until completely frozen.

To remove the lollies, dip the moulds briefly in hot water and carefully remove the lollies.

King of the Grill

recipes

30

I’ve been driving now for nearly twenty years. Not continuously of course, but it was nearly two decades ago

that I passed my driving test. I hated driving lessons as much as I did having to go to violin lessons several years earlier in school. I’d get that horrible pit-in-my-stomach feeling a few days before I knew I had a driving lesson. And eventually the lesson would come around and I’d hang around the front of the house waiting for my instructor to arrive. My first instructor was a slight of a man. He was very neat. His car was very neat. His wispy ginger hair was swept across his small dome-like head and he wore brown brogue shoes that reminded me of the ones that Mr Men used to wear. He referred to the accelerator pedal as the ‘gas’ pedal, despite having a Welsh name and his gold-rimmed glasses sat neatly on the end of his red bulbous nose. He’d often moan about other drivers - not indicating, parking where they wanted and not saying thank you. I don’t remember much about my first set of lessons but I do remember the first time I failed my test. As an unconfident 18 year-old, I was very hesitant at a junction and was failed. My instructor seemed rather shocked and I always remember his eyes appearing the size of plates in his gold-rimmed glasses on hearing the news. I switched instructors not long after that attempt but the pressure was cranked up a little when my sister announced that she too was putting in for her driving test. She’d only just turned 17 and I didn’t want her beating me to it. As fate would have it, our

driving tests both cropped up on the same day, my sister pipping me to it by a matter of hours. My first car (which I still have in a garage) was a red Morris Minor. It was an old police car and even had a zip in the lining of the roof that was used to access the blue flashing light. It cost me £500 and belonged to a bus driver called Joyce. Naturally I called the car Joyce and I spent the hot summer of ‘94, driving around the Vale in the warm, smooth, endless evenings. Being a teenager that knew everything, I took the car apart. I was looking to hot-rod it. But like a typical man, I’ve left it in the garage for nearly 20 years to fix itself. I’ll get round to sorting it one day. When I get time. Fast forward to today and I still aspire to driving a nice car. Not necessarily an executive car. But something retro that reminds me of when driving was fun - when you’d get that musty hot leathery smell when you opened the door to an old car. When windows had to be wound down by hand and when dashboards were wooden. But the main thing that I remember about driving back then was that it all seemed to be less stressful. I’m not sure whether there is more traffic on the road, or whether drivers just seem to have got angrier. One of my biggest gripes is people who don’t indicate. These are the people who will tootle through the busiest of traffic, darting in and out, heading around roundabouts and heading up places you’d least expect them to. Naturally, they assume that we all know where they are heading, even if they change their mind at the last second.

Second on my list are more commonly known as ‘cashpoint cripples’. These are the folk who decide to park their car right outside the cashpoint - even if that means blocking a bus lane or a lane of traffic. Lastly, the ones that really make me growl are the ones that don’t thank me when I let them out. Oo. How rude. Heading into town through Llandaff as some of us will know, can be a teeth-grinding affair. At first, I was a very pleasant driver, letting people out of side roads, giving them a cheery smile to help them on their way and spreading a little happiness by being polite. Not any more. Those who don’t indicate got to me first. The times I’ve sat at a roundabout, waiting to go but waiting for a car to go past, only to find that they’ve come off at the junction before me. Grr. Then you’ve got those who park right outside Barclays Bank in Llandaff. You know - the one just by the bus stop, the pedestrian crossing and the cross-roads junction. To top it all off, I’ve stopped letting people out of side roads now. I feel bad as I’ve tarred everyone with the same brush and I’m sure there are some people who’d be polite and say thank you. But on the whole, a lot of people don’t say thank you any more. I’ve officially become my old driving instructor.

PATRIC MORGANGOLD-RIMMED GLASSES, A MORRIS MINOR AND DRIVING IN LLANDAFF

http://www.jamesandjenkins.co.uk