Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 70

News | People | Features | History | Lifestyle
Whitchurch &
Llandaff Living
At the heart of the community Issue 70
Your multi award-winning community magazine

Distribution: 6,000 copies of Whitchurch and
Llandaff Living are distributed to retail outlets and
public places across Whitchurch, Llandaff and
Llandaff North, four times a year.
2
Inside this issue
Tom Auton
Cardiff's Tom
Auton talks
about his music
and a summer of
concerts in
the city
Wellness
How building good
habits can help
lead to happiness
and improved
wellbeing
History
Nigel Lewis
takes a look
back of the
summer sport
of tennis in
Whitchurch
Competition
Win tickets to
see the award-
winning choir
Johns' Boys
at Llandaff
Cathedral this
October
Autumn deadline:
2nd September 2024
Published mid September 2024
a: 222 Pantbach Road,
Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG
t: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920
w: www.livingmags.co.uk
e: editor@livingmags.co.uk or
danielle@livingmags.co.uk
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
Welcome to
your latest issue
of Whitchurch
and Llandaff
Living.
Summer has
finally arrived,
bringing with
it the warmth
we've all been
waiting for.
Our latest issue
is packed with
features for you,
starting with a conversation with
Tom Auton.
The former Whitchurch High
School student is making
waves in the music industry and
he speaks about his creative
process and the concerts he'll be
playing in Cardiff this summer.
Poet Roger Stennett, another
former Whitchurch student, is
also here to discuss his life in
the written word. Roger's career
has spanned decades and
genres, and he discusses how his
childhood in the village inspired
his success.
Summer is usually a time of
year to take some time out so
we have some wonderful tips to
reset and recharge.
Nature plays its part in our
wellbeing and we show you how
to connect with it on a deeper
level to help you feel more
restored.
The power of developing good
life habits is another way of
reducing stress and making life
more enjoyable. Find out how
you can make the most of them.
While the city of Cardiff
celebrates its 60th anniversary of
its pairing with Nantes this year,
former historian Maggie Smales
reports on a guided visit to the
city and south Wales by their
French counterparts.
For our competition this issue,
we've got a pair of tickets to what
promises to be an unforgettable
concert at Llandaff Cathedral in
October.
Johns' Boys have been
performing since 2016 but you
may have seen them on Britain's
Got Talent last year. The choir
reached the live semi-finals of
the show but will be performing
live in their first-ever visit to
Llandaff.
This season is the perfect time
to get away from it all and we've
hand-picked 10 places that you
can visit in Summer. Meanwhile,
our local poets have been busy
at work over the last few months
and you can read their regular
contributions on our seasonal
poetry page - back to two pages
by popular demand!
Readers' favourite Nigel Lewis
charts the history of tennis in
Whitchurch. The perfect summer
sport, Nigel explains how things
have changed over the last one
hundred years.
In more recent times, the Welsh
music scene saw a phenomenal
resurgence in the second half
of the 1990s. Whitchurch's Neil
Collins documents how bands
such as Catatonia and Super
Furry Animals changed the face
of the Welsh music scene for the
better - and how it was received
by the world.
Mike Walker invites you to sit
around the camp fire and listen
to the latest adventures from
Llandaff 2nd Scouts. The local
group has been boosting the
confidence and resilience of
youngsters for generations - but
they also need your help.
Hannah Fitt also explores an
alternative way of educating the
younger generation - and it's
proving very popular with the
children themselves.
To sign off this issue, we've got
a wonderful short summer story,
this time from an international
author.
Enjoy your summer and your
holidays if you have one and we'll
see you in our next issue!
Danielle and Patric
Editors
@WhitchurchandLlandaffLiving
www.facebook.com/
whitchurchandllandaffliving

news
New-look
Spar opens on
Llandaff's
High Street
Llandaff Cricket Club unveil new
facilities after vandalism woes
One of Cardiff's leading amateur
cricket clubs is celebrating their
new community facilities after
refusing to concede to vandals.
Llandaff Cricket Club, based
at Llandaff Fields, had much of
its equipment destroyed and its
pavilion was vandalised with rightwing
slogans at the end of their
2022 season.
A crowd-funding campaign was
launched and the community duly
rallied around the club to help
replace lost equipment. Cardiff
Council also assisted, repairing and
decorating the pavilion ready for
use for the 2024 season.
Llandaff CC secretary Adnan
Haddadi told the press:
"When the pavilion we used at
Llandaff Fields was vandalised in
October 2022, we had to throw all
our equipment away and crowdfunded
the cost of replacing it,
around £6,000. It was an amazing
response and we're so grateful to
everyone who was able to help.
"In addition to the equipment,
we've been working with the
Council to renew the lease on land
at Llandaff Fields and we now have
superb new nets facilities on two of
the old tennis courts and an area of
land where we can train and where
we hope to build a new pavilion in a
couple of years."
The club celebrated its journey
back to growth and recovery with
an unveiling ceremony and open
training session in early May.
Cllr Jennifer Burke, the Cabinet
Member for Culture, Parks, Events
and Venues said:
"We've been delighted to help
the club after the awful events of
2022. Llandaff Cricket Club has long
been a beacon of diversity in Cardiff
and is bringing cricket to the wider
community through its juniors, girls,
and women's teams. We hope that
with the new 25-year lease in place,
the club now has a solid platform
to grow and introduce even more
people to the sport."
The club's chairman Sohail Rauf
added:
"The club's recovery proves
what can be achieved when
communities come together and
work in partnership with local
representatives and political
leaders. Ultimately, what this
means is greater access to safe,
outdoor team sports for children in
central Cardiff regardless of their
circumstances. That can only be a
good thing for our community."
Residents express
parking fee fears
Residents of Llandaff have
expressed their concerns about the
potential elimination of crucial free
parking in their neighbourhood.
In March, Cardiff Council endorsed
various initiatives, one of which
involves discontinuing free parking
at citywide car parks to achieve
significant cost savings in the
millions. A petition against the
elimination of free parking in Cardiff
garnered over 3,000 signatures.
A separate petition opposing
the removal of free parking
in Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, and
Llanishen has amassed more than
3,600 signatures.
The new-look SPAR Market
on Llandaff's High Street
reopened its doors in early May
after a £500k refurbishment.
The SPAR Market store was
opened by local Paralympic
legend Aled Sion Davies. He
was joined by Llandaff Primary
School children to declare the
new flagship store open.
The new store boasts Cardiff’s
first Philpotts concession and
County Bridge Kitchen foodto-go
offering. Speaking at the
opening, Aled Sion Davies said:
“It was great to come down
and meet the people of
Llandaff and celebrate this
wonderful new store. It’s
great to see a store that’s so
state of the art. Great food
really brings people together
and it is wonderful to see
Welsh products celebrated
throughout the SPAR flagship.”
The store has been a longtime
venue for residents to
collect their free copies of
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living
magazine.
HRH visits
Cardiff Met
Cardiff Metropolitan University
hosted His Royal Highness
The Prince of Wales in June
as he visited to celebrate the
flourishing seaweed industry
and food innovation in Wales.
His visit highlighted the
significant growth being made
in these sectors locally and
globally.
His Royal Highness toured
the ZERO2FIVE Food
Industry Centre at Cardiff
Metropolitan University – a
world-leading hub providing
comprehensive support to
food businesses, drawing
on Cardiff Metropolitan
University’s expertise in food
science, nutrition, dietetics,
food legislation, and more.
The Vice-Chancellor of
Cardiff Metropolitan University,
Professor Rachael Langford,
said: “We were delighted to
welcome The Prince of Wales."
3

news
4
Hailey Park
considered
for permanent
protection
Llandaff North's Hailey Park could
benefit from permanent protection
from future development if
proposed plans by Cardiff Council
get given the go-ahead.
Subject to the results of a sixweek
public consultation, the
Council is proposing to enter into a
legal agreement known as ‘deed
of dedication' with Fields In Trust -
an independent UK-wide charity
dedicated to the protection of
parks and green spaces.
Eleven parks and green spaces in
Cardiff could benefit from the plans,
including Hailey Park. Fields in Trust
legally protect individual parks from
development and ensure they
remain publicly accessible green
spaces. Ten council-owned sites
are already permanently protected
under these arrangements.
Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas,
said:
"Cardiff wouldn't be Cardiff without
its parks and green spaces - they're
vital places for play and social
wellbeing; they connect us with the
nature on our doorsteps, support
biodiversity, improve the quality of
the air we all breathe and can help
mitigate some of the worst effects
of climate change."
Baroness Finlay
of Llandaff
appointed Vice
President of local
hospice
Whitchurch's City Hospice
announced a key appointment as
it celebrated its 40th anniversary,
with the appointment of Baroness
Ilora Finlay of Llandaff as its Vice
President.
Baroness Finlay is an honorary
professor of palliative medicine at
Cardiff University, with extensive
experience in palliative care and
bereavement support. She joined
some of the City Hospice team,
ambassadors, supporters, and
some long service volunteers at
the event in June.
Cardiff Dogs
Home residents
enjoy new
garden
Residents staying at Cardiff Dogs
Home have a new garden to enjoy as
they wait to find their forever home.
The garden, which provides the
dogs with additional space to exercise
and play with the Dogs Home team,
has been made possible with support
from the Home's affiliated charity, the
Rescue Hotel, Dogs Home volunteers,
Keep Wales Tidy, and partnership
housing developer, Lovell.
Cabinet Member with responsibility
for Cardiff Dogs Home, Cllr Dan
De'Ath, said:
"Many of the dogs who find
themselves at Cardiff Dogs Home
have come from difficult situations
and they deserve a little luxury during
their stay.
"Having this new garden on site will
help ensure the dogs can spend
more time outside of their kennels,
Pentyrch
Primary School
celebrates new
expansion
Pentyrch Primary School has
celebrated the completion of
construction works including the
expansion of the existing school
building and the official opening its
first ever nursery provision.
The new development has included
a broad scope of works including a
new single storey extension housing
two classrooms with their own
external play/teaching area including
canopies, a new nursery with toilets
and changing room, teaching kitchen,
quiet room, and external teaching
space with canopies.
A new toilet block, staff office, and
headteachers office have been
delivered, as well as hard and soft
landscaping, infiltration basin and rain
garden. The new scheme included
the demolition of the existing single
storey toilet block and double
demountable classrooms.
Past pupils who left the school
last year were invited to join in the
celebrations as well as current Year
10 children who missed out on their
year 6 celebrations due to Covid.
and give them a space where the
team can work with them to ensure
they're ready to be rehomed."
Keep Wales Tidy provided planters,
habitat boxes, plants, trees, turf, a
storage shed and tools, as well as
carrying out work to the previously
overgrown area close to the River Taff.
St John's
Ambulance
reward
volunteers
St John Ambulance Cymru rewarded
the volunteers who have gone over
and above for the charity at its annual
Investiture ceremony in June.
Volunteers from across Wales came
together at Llandaff Cathedral to be
rewarded for their hard work and to
be officially welcomed into the Priory
for Wales, which is an independent
Priory within the Order of St John,
a working Order of Chivalry of the
British Crown.
14 volunteers were officially invested
into or promoted within the Priory for
Wales, as recognition of their ongoing
efforts keeping their communities
safe. The service was also attended
by a number of guests from across
Wales, including senior members of
the charity, local councillors and civic
dignitaries.
People are nominated to join the
Priory for Wales for demonstrating
values of devotion, togetherness,
faithfulness, diversity and for
inclusiveness in their ongoing
voluntary work.

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
Blue plaque query
I wonder if your readers can give
me some advice to share with
the residents of the road in which
I live?
I live on Junction Terrace in
Radyr and at our last residents'
association meeting, we were
mooting the possibility of a blue
plaque for our terrace. I visited
Cardiff Council website but am
none the wiser where to start.
In 1864, 12 houses were built,
followed by 8 further houses a
few years later, by the Taff Vale
Railway Company to house their
employees. The houses were
built for £150 each. Junction
Terrace therefore became the
first ‘street’ in Radyr.
The houses were built of Radyr
stone, presumably sourced from
the nearby Radyr quarry located
to the south of the site alongside
the river and the Llandaff Loop
railway bridge at the top of Hailey
Park. The houses were built with
long front gardens that were
fronted by a narrow cart track
(owned by the railway) which led
to Radyr Lodge Farm, located
in Radyr Woods. The farm was
purchased by the Education
Authority and demolished in the
1960s to provide land for the
comprehensive school.
In the 1990s, development of
the now disused Radyr Yard
sidings was muted and the
association acted to ensure the
terrace was protected for its
present and future owners. Long
negotiations, with the developers
and the Council (planners
and councillors) enabled the
construction of the new access
road to replace the rough cart
track with footpath.
We would like to recognise this
part of our north Cardiff story and
would appreciate any help. My
email address is below.
Neil Crowle
Radyr
neilcrowle@icloud.com
Our travels well
remembered
Whilst up in Llandaff High Street,
I collected Issue 69 of your
multi-award winning community
magazine.
Turning to pages 10 and 11
(Spring Visits), subject to one
possible exception, I was met by
countries that my late wife Sue
and I visited from here in Wales.
The exception is Morocco
on the southern side of the
Mediterranean Sea and the north
of the African continent. If I might
be allowed to say so, I would
recommend spring, summer,
autumn, and, even winter visits to
the rest of the African continent.
The recommendation is based
on the nine years that my late wife,
Suzanne Mary, and I lived at its
most southern end in South Africa
encircled Lesotho.
As we found out, Lesotho is also
known as the Kingdom in the Sky.
This is because of its monarchical
societal status and its elevated
position in the mountains of the
country that overlook parts of
Republican South Africa.
During the said nine years, we
took the opportunity to visit vast
other numbers of the countries
constituting the African continent
from south to north and west to
east. In the process, we saw an
abundance of onshore wildlife and
some more offshore too.
I am now aged 85 and must leave
it like that. However, from our
travels, we collected memorabilia
that we have brought home again
to Wales. It helps me remember
our times together.
Derek Noel George Griffiths
BA; LLB 2.1 FCIArb,
Llandaff
Pollution worries
I've recently been made aware
of a source of river pollution that
perhaps some (or most!) of your
readers will be unaware of.
The chemicals found in backof-the-neck
flea treatments
for domestic pets are toxic to
freshwater invertebrates and
have been detected in rivers
across England, despite severe
restrictions on agricultural use
since 2018. Please don't let this
happen in Wales!
Terry Weathers,
email
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

people
In The
Spotlight
Cardiff's Tom Auton is a rising star in the music industry.
Emma Kaler talks candidly to the man with the world at his feet
by Emma Kaler
The music industry has
dominated society for
centuries, uniting generations
and cultures around the world. It
can represent escapism, inspiring
people to get their creativity
flowing.
Cardiff has produced many famous
performers over the decades,
and I’ve recently had the pleasure
of chatting with Cardiff’s newest
emerging talent, whose latest
performance venues include
Cardiff’s Globe and the Norwegian
Church. Stepping out of the music
studio where he’s currently writing
his new album, Tom Auton explains
what he's currently crafting.
“I’m working on a six track EP,
which is due to be released at
the end of this year," the former
Whitchurch High School student
says. "I can’t wait to show people the
new songs.”
Tom is a high school friend of
mine. Our group would walk home
through Rhiwbina after music
6
lessons and stop at each other’s
houses along the way. A few of
us now work in the entertainment
industry. Whilst chatting about
these memories, he recalls:
“Cardiff, and Rhiwbina for that
matter, was an amazing place for
me growing up. I played football
when I was younger and would
spend lots of time in Caedelyn Park.
"Moving away for a while made me
realise how lovely my home was
and what fond memories I made in
Rhiwbina!"
Being a local boy, it’s not a shock
he got homesick. What stands out
during our conversation is how
grateful Tom is to have had access
to tutors and studio equipment
in Whitchurch High School, one
of Rhiwbina’s popular catchment
schools. He reflects on his time
there and how it has shaped him:
“When I was in school, music and
the arts had better funding than it
does now. I was lucky enough to
have access the school's Apple
Mac studio where I spent my
lunchtimes making music. The
music department was amazing
and still do lots to help students
pursue their music careers.”
I was interested to find out what
truly inspired Tom to pursue such
an unrelenting and competitive
career path, which many decide
they’re not cut out for. After years
gaining experience in the music
industry though, Tom seems to
have found his way very nicely.
I remember
the moment
music
became my
passion
“I remember the moment music
became my passion. My dad took
me to a Green Day show when I was
10 and I fell in love with watching
Billie Joe Armstrong (the lead
singer) perform. From then on, I
practised guitar religiously every
day.”
Tom began songwriting as a young
Main image: Ellis Thomas

teen and began performing at local
charity events, including Sepsis UK.
You can imagine the jolt of panic
that rushes through a parent’s
mind when their child dreams
of working in the entertainment
industry. However, Tom’s parents
(refreshingly) never questioned his
aspirations. Instead, they happily
encouraged him to pursue his
ambition as a musician.
“They’ve instilled the attitude of if
you love it, do it. That is invaluable
to me.
"I decided to get into music
production as a way of developing
communication with the producers
who were working on my music.
“Making demos was where I
started and before long, I got a job
at Oliver Studios in Gloucester. My
first job was making the tea and the
coffee for the producers but then
I got involved with setting up the
studio equipment. Before long, I
was taking sessions there myself
and I’ve been learning ever since."
Tom's steep learning curve has
meant that his output is already of a
professional standard.
"Producing my own songs can be
stressful at times. There’s a lot of
pressure because I demand high
standards, mostly from myself, but
also from those that I work with.
"But that makes it all the more
satisfying when it does come
together. Learning is the key to
producing a better song next time
and that part is really fun."
Although the industry requires
talent and determination, it’s
important to retain a realistic view.
“Financially, being a musician is
Image: Andrew Dowling
Tom's diligent work on his craft has already brought him success
tough,” he explains. “You need to
find the balance between earning
enough money and investing in
your passion.”
And his proudest moment to date?
"That'd be when myself and my
band supported Feeder at Tredegar
Park in Newport.
“It was the first show back in Wales
after Covid and it was a big moment
for us. With a few thousand
audience members, everyone was
up for a good time - and it was!”
Excited for him myself, I ask what’s
in the pipeline. He reveals he is
due to play at Cardiff Castle for
the ‘Depot in the Castle’ event this
summer, alongside acts such as
Anne Marie, Tom Walker, and Jax
Jones.
“This is the closest to feeling like
I’ve made it in my chosen career. I’m
so excited.”
Catch Tom Auton at Depot in the
Castle on the 27th July. Tickets
available online.
Image: Andrew Dowling
Tom appearing at The Globe in Cardiff
7

Summer
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Independent Boutique in Rhiwbina
Find us in Rhiwbina village
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Rhiwbeina
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tel: 07929 239012
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Win tickets to see johns'
boys at llandaff cathedral
The Welsh choir who made a huge impression on the
millions watching last year’s Britain’s Got Talent have
announced that they are to perform here in Llandaff.
Formed in 2016 by Aled Phillips, Johns’ Boys initially
came together for a Noson Lawen to celebrate the life
and work of two composers and conductors from the
village of Rhosllannerchrugog, John Tudor Davies and
John Glyn Williams.
Following the success of that very special occasion,
it became apparent to Aled and all of the singers
that it would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to
continue to make music together.
competition
Success came quickly for Aled and
Johns’ Boys, as they reached the final of
BBC Choir of the Year later in 2016. Their
achievements didn’t end there however as in
2019, they won the prestigious title of Choir
of the World at the Llangollen International
Eisteddfod.
Many new fans however, will be more
familiar with Johns’ Boys from their very
recent exploits on Britain’s Got Talent.
Performing Calum Scott’s ‘Biblical’, they
entranced the judges with their virtuosic
vocals, eliciting a standing ovation from both
the judges and audience. Johns’ Boys got
through to the live semi-finals.
Today, the choir deliver new, fresh, and
passionate performances of diverse
repertoire: from stunning arrangements of Calum Scott
and Lewis Capaldi to contemporary takes of well-loved
Welsh hymns.
The choir has announced a very special performance
this autumn at Llandaff Cathedral, taking place on
Saturday 26th October - and you can be there!
How To Enter
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, all
you need to do is tell us in which year Johns' Boys was
formed.
Send your answer, along with your name and
telephone number to competitions@livingmags.co.uk
or to our postal address by Monday 30th September.
Winners will be notified by telephone.
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Summer
Visits
The best places in the
world to visit during
the summer months
65 1. SARDINIA
Sardinia, a Mediterranean gem, offers stunning
beaches, rugged mountains, and ancient ruins. Its
turquoise waters and white sandy beaches attract
sun-seekers, while inland vineyards and olive
groves showcase its rural charm.
6 2. CORSICA
Home to picturesque villages and ancient Genoese
fortresses, Corsica's rich history and unique culture
are evident in its cuisine, music, and language. The
birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Corsica offers a
blend of history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean
magic.
5 3. MENORCA
The island's ancient megalithic stone monuments,
including the Navetas and Talaiots, offer a glimpse into its
prehistoric past. Menorca's relaxed atmosphere, delicious
cuisine featuring local seafood and cheese, and vibrant
summer festivals make it a beloved destination for nature
lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
6 4. MYKONOS
Famous for its picturesque white-washed buildings,
winding narrow streets, and vibrant nightlife, this
Greek island is also known for its famous beautiful
beaches, such as Paradise and Super Paradise. The
island's iconic windmills, Little Venice district, and
its archaeological sites add to the island's charm
and allure.
10

travel
5 5. LAKE COMO
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Lake Como is a
breathtaking destination renowned for its serene
beauty. Surrounded by picturesque villages, lush
gardens, and grand villas, the lake offers a tranquil
retreat for visitors. There are stunning views of the
surrounding mountains, crystal-clear waters, and
its Mediterranean climate.
8 6. TENERIFE
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a
diverse paradise boasting volcanic landscapes,
golden beaches, and lush forests. Its centrepiece,
Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, offers
panoramic views across the island.
65 7. COPENHAGEN
The city's picturesque waterfront, colourful houses of
Nyhavn, and iconic Little Mermaid statue are iconic
landmarks of Denmark's capital city. Copenhagen's thriving
culinary scene, trendy neighbourhoods, and commitment
to sustainability mark it out as one of Europe's most
popular venues. It effortlessly brings together modern
architecture and culture with historical royalty.
8 8. CÔTE D’AZUR
The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, is a
glamorous stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean in
southern France. Famous for its luxurious resorts, turquoise
waters, and sun-kissed beaches, the Côte d'Azur exudes
elegance and sophistication. Picturesque villages like
Saint-Tropez and Cannes, along with cultural hubs like Nice
and Monaco, make it a playground for the rich and famous.
65 9. THE AZORES
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the
Atlantic Ocean, is a haven of natural beauty and
tranquillity. Each of its nine islands offers a unique
tapestry of volcanic landscapes, emerald green
pastures, and azure blue lakes.
From the geothermal wonders of São Miguel to
the rugged cliffs of Flores, the Azores captivate
visitors with their pristine beauty. Outdoor
enthusiasts can enjoy whale watching, hiking lush
trails, and diving in crystal-clear waters. The islands'
charming towns, traditional cuisine, and warm
hospitality create an unforgettable experience in
this remote paradise.
6 10. CORFU
Corfu, a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its
stunning beaches, lush greenery, and Venetian-influenced
architecture.
The island's vibrant culture, reflected in its lively festivals
and delicious cuisine, adds to its appeal. From the historic
Old Town with its narrow streets and fortresses to the clear
waters of Paleokastritsa, Corfu offers a blend of history,
natural beauty, and Mediterranean allure.
11

outdoors
Escape to Summer
Spending time outdoors is not only fun but can be educational.
Connecting with and embracing the natural world fosters a deeper
appreciation for the environment in which we live
Feed the
butterflies
Using a butterfly feeder is a
gratifying way to attract and
nourish butterflies in your
garden. You can make your
own from a plastic plate and
string or you can buy one
ready-made.
Fill the feeder with a
homemade nectar solution—typically a mixture of water and sugar—or
use overripe fruit to draw these vibrant insects. They particularly like
mashed up bananas as it's easier for them to eat.
Place the feeder in a sunny, sheltered spot among nectar-rich flowers
to create an inviting habitat. Regularly cleaning and refilling the feeder
ensures it remains a safe and appealing stopover for butterflies,
enriching your garden with their beauty and aiding local biodiversity.
Rockpooling
As you explore the shallow pools left
by receding tides, you'll find a hidden
world of marine creatures like crabs,
sea snails, and colourful anemones. It's
important to tread carefully to protect
these fragile ecosystems. Always check
local tide charts to ensure a safe and
fruitful exploration. Rockpooling not
only educates but also fosters a deeper
appreciation for marine biodiversity.
Build a
hedgehog house
Hedgehogs don't start thinking
about hibernating until the onset
of autumn but the warmer, drier
months of summer will give
you the chance to make them a
home for the winter.
You'll need about 30/40 house
bricks, a sheet of wood for the
roof, and a number of logs. Start
by choosing a site for their new
home. Ideally, it'll be close to a
wall or a fence - anything that's
close to a garden boundary.
Dig a shallow rectangle, about
two feet across and a few inches
deep, and layer it with leaves
and dead plants. Layer up the
bricks around it, making sure
to overlap the bricks to make it
sturdy. Leave an opening for their
entrance. Then lay the wooden
sheet on top and weigh down
with logs. Add more logs outside
to add camouflage and leaves to
attract insects.
Go on a beetle hunt
There are over 4,000 varieties of beetles here in the UK. Some, such as the
ladybird, are easy to identify but others you may not be familiar with.
You can quickly visually identify if the insect is indeed a beetle - they have
six jointed legs, and three main parts to their body - their head, thorax, and
abdomen. They also have an exoskeleton. They have compound eyes and
a pair of antennae. Two pairs of flight wings are often kept carefully under
their hardened outer wings, which are called elytra.
12

Spot shooting stars
To increase your chances of seeing a meteor
shower, find a dark location away from city
lights with a clear view of the night sky. Check
the dates of upcoming meteor showers and
plan your observation accordingly. Be patient
and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness,
as meteors can be faint and fleeting.
Lie back comfortably and scan the sky,
focusing on the darkest part of the night away
from the moon's glare.
Spot insects after dark
Go bat hunting
To spot bats, venture out at dusk
near water sources, parks, or
wooded areas where they are
known to forage for insects. Look
for fluttering movements or listen
for their echolocation calls. Using a
torch with a red filter can help you
spot bats without disturbing them.
Remember to respect their space
and observe from a distance.
There is a huge variety of creatures that are active after sunset. The
darkness can make spotting them a little more difficult, especially when
it comes to insects. But by using a light trap, you can familiarise yourself
with the local wildlife and find out what goes on after dark in your
neighbourhood.
Setting up a light trap either in your garden, or in a nearby park or
woodland, is a relatively easy thing to do. Your ideal place will have plenty
of trees and you should pick a night where moonlight is at a minimum. Tie
a length of rope between two trees and drape an old white sheet over it.
Secure the bottom of the sheet to the ground using tent pegs.
With some string, fasten the torch to the rope behind the white sheet.
Then all you need to do is wait for darkness and see what insects are drawn
to the sheet. You can collect the insects in jars should you wish to inspect
them further but take care with them and make sure you release them.
Press flowers
Pick flowers from a place where
it is permitted. When you arrive
back home, open a book and line
it with newspaper.
Lay your flowers as flat as
possible on the book, and gently
close the book. Add other books
on top to add weight and store in
a warm, dry place.
When your flowers are dry, you
can remove them and glue them
to some card.
13

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community
Adventure
and friendship
2nd Llandaff Scouts have been part of the north Cardiff community for
generations. Mike Walker invites you to listen to their story
Scouting in Llandaff has been part
of the community for over a century.
Established in the early 1900s, the
Llandaff group has survived two
World Wars. Our Scouts have been
air raid wardens and even held
pivotal roles in the D-Day landings.
One of our ex-Scouts used to run
St Fagans Museum and another
designs products for Apple.
Scouting changes lives. Every year,
over 100 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts,
and Explorers from Gabalfa to
Whitchurch, get the opportunity
to discover their potential and to
benefit from a positive, supportive
environment to learn how to make a
16
Beavers on Garth Hill
difference.
We have met on the Belle Vue
Crescent site since the 1970s. In
2017, we faced one of our biggest
challenges when with the help
of the community, we raised over
£200,000 to purchase the site and
the Old United Reformed Church,
which is now our Forever Home and
also widely used by the community.
Our Beaver Colony is the youngest
section of the 2nd Llandaff Scout
Group; for both girls and boys aged
between six and eight. Beavers
meet on Thursday evenings at
6.30pm throughout the school term.
The Beavers enjoy all that Scouting
has to offer - outdoor activities,
being creative, exploring the local
community, and surrounding
natural environment. Each year
we offer a residential opportunity
to experience the excitement of a
night away with friends whilst taking
up new challenges working towards
additional badges.
During their time in the Colony,
the Beavers will also have the
opportunity to try a wide range
of different activities through our
varied programme, as well as going
on trips and days out: TechniQuest,
Forest Farm, trampolining,
international Jamboree on the Trail
are a few examples.
We occasionally link up with our
Cub Packs and connect with District
Events; St David’s Day, swimming
gala, mini-multi sports affording
extra opportunities outside of
our section. Beavers are easily
recognised by their distinctive
turquoise sweatshirts!
The Cub Section is the second
section of the Scouting Movement
for boys and girls aged 8-10½.
Cubs run on Monday evenings with
many young people. In fact, we
have enough young people on our
waiting list to start a second pack
but need more adult help. Cubs
are introduced to exciting outdoor

skills and take part in adventurous
activities, as well as camps and
residential experiences.
We normally run around three
camps/residential weekends a
year which often involve two nights
away. There are lots of badges to be
earned which foster self-belief and
confidence and pride when the
Cubs complete them.
Our Scout Troop welcomes girls
and boys aged 10½ to 14, many
of whom started as Beavers. All
young people in 2nd Llandaff are
encouraged to take part in a wide
range of activities as part of their
programme, including adventurous
activities such as climbing, as
well as scouting skills such as
camping, survival, cooking, team,
and personal creative and physical
challenges.
Thunderous Taiho Explorer Scout
Unit meets in the Llandaff North
Scout Hall on a Wednesday Night.
TT ESU is the newest Unit in the
District. We currently have 28
explorers aged 14-18.
The Unit tries to focus on skills,
maps, tents, fire - and is out most
weeks walking somewhere or
burning something! We camp
regularly, including Winter Camps,
as well as attending bigger events
like Evolution camp in Cirencester
and Wings2020 in Windsor
(international Jamboree in UK.
During the last year, we have
delivered a lot in what has turned
out to be a very challenging year.
Most sections have camped and
the numbers of young people
achieving their top awards has
increased. Our Explorer Unit
completed back-to-back Gold Duke
of Edinburgh Canoeing Expeditions,
over a gruelling ten days in
Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team
Scotland last October.
However, we continue to
struggle on so many fronts and
we desperately need more adult
support. We are still repaying the
money we borrowed to buy the
Hall seven years ago, and that
adds more overhead in terms of
managing rentals to pay the bills. In
addition, both buildings are in need
of a bit of TLC.
Finally, we don’t have a permanent
Cub Leader currently and there is
a real likelihood that Cubs will not
re-open in September.
We need help from the Llandaff
North community to allow us
to continue delivering a diverse
and exciting outdoor adventure
programme in a safe and secure
environment. If your young people
are enjoying Scouting, could you
spare a little bit of extra time to help
us keep going?
Right now, we are desperately in
need of help to:
• Support in tip runs and tidy days
to keep the site safe for everyone
• Join our Trustee Board and help
shape the group for the future
• Become a Cub Leader in
September
• Help with Scout related admin
• Join a Tidy rota to look after the
two buildings
• Organise a BBQ for parents and
Leaders at our AGM in September
• Help with site maintenance
including painting, building and
cleaning 2nd Llandaff Scouts make
a positive difference in our
community and improve the
chances and outcomes of young
people from every background. We
are privileged to work with young
people at the most important time
in their lives: childhood.
If you'd like to get involved in this
traditional part of community life,
you can find us at www.2ndllandaff.
org.uk or you can contact Mike on
email at mike.walker@northscouts.
org.uk or phone/Whatsapp
07940 951795.
Youngsters learn skills for life through their adventures
17

seen & heard
The Awen Project is a learning community that's been created
to give a voice to a generation that's often overlooked
The words 'children should
be seen and not heard', is a
phrase that many of us grew
up with.
The saying has led to the loss of a
voice and identity for generations,
many children not feeling confident
enough to express their own
opinions or feel validated as they
enter adult life.
The Awen Project, based in South
Wales, is pioneering a new model
for learning environments that
addresses those concerns. It's a
place where young people are
championed to be themselves
and to follow their passions as
active participants in a democratic
community.
The project was founded in 2019
by singer Charlotte Church and her
husband Jonny Powell, with Hannah
Fitt as the Director.
"We work with families to coconstruct
small, free-to-attend
learning communities, that
are democratically led by the
children, families, and educators
and have ethics of excellence,
entrepreneurialism, and deep
creativity," says Hannah.
"The current national education
model is not working for many
18
children and Awen is a direct
response to that," she adds.
"The kids involved in the project
are at the heart of this journey.
We don't just tell them what to
do or praise them for sitting still.
We actively encourage them to
develop their own learning and
have a say in their own futures.
"The children learn through
projects that are really creative
and more relevant to our day-today
lives; it's more fun and super
engaging for them and they actively
embrace their learning when they
are directly involved in it."
The Awen Tribe is the first Awen
Learning Community, established
in 2019 and has been operating in
a number of temporary structures
in an ancient woodland in South
Wales. It is a self-directed, consentbased
learning community for
young people aged 11+ to focus on
their own education, developing
their individual processes and
objectives, and unlocking their own
intellects and creativity.
The students benefit from a rich
and wild learning environment and
participate in a community that's
founded on robust debate and
mutual respect.
Awen's pioneering model is
centred around The Gathering, a
democratic meeting that's held
weekly. Any member of the Tribe
can voice concerns, put forward
ideas, and address issues that
may arise. Each member has an
equal vote, and through practising
deep democracy exercises and
upholding the importance of
individual consent, the Gathering
promotes social learning,
tolerance, and the development of
communication and collaboration
skills.
"It's often the case that when
children come to us, it's because
they've found themselves outside
of the traditional education system,
which isn't working for them," says
Hannah. "In many cases, no one has
believed in them.
"The long-term aim of the project
is to build a large network of
Tribes that will cross borders,
share resources, staff, and learning
opportunities, and support
generations of young people to
become healthy, informed, and
responsible members of the global
society. The next generation will
face a future that is going to require
great things from them."

The pandemic has perhaps
forced individuals and groups to
take another, alternative look at
education.
"Home-schooling can be isolating
for many, as we found out during
the lockdown," says Hannah. "Our
aim is to develop those personal
and social skills that aren't perhaps
nurtured fully in other ways.
"We're not the forest-dwelling
ferals that we're sometimes made
out to be. We're based in nature
but that's for several reasons -
there's strong evidence to show
that learning in nature improves
children's academic performance,
focus, behaviour, and their love
of learning. There's also the
added benefit of the children
understanding the ecosystem and
environment in which they exist."
But this is no airy-fairy approach to
learning:
"Our students, all aged between
11 and 15, develop all the skills they
need to face the real world and
always have the option to take their
GCSEs if they wish, although we
don't push any agenda on our Tribe
Members. Instead, we facilitate and
support them to develop their own
self-directed learning in a safe and
sustainable way. And in addition,
our learning does not contradict
or oppose the mainstream Welsh
Curriculum, but aligns itself and
compliments it too.”
The project has faced its fair
share of challenges, including the
recent withdrawal of access to their
location.
"It has been a rollercoaster - and
we tried so hard to stay where we
were - but as a very small charity
we just couldn’t keep going against
the big guys," says Charlotte.
In Welsh mythology, Awen is the
inspiration of the poets, or bards;
or, in its personification, Awen is the
inspirational muse of creative artists
in general.
In what's quickly becoming an
annual tradition, the project now
hosts a summer evening of food,
music, and storytelling, this year
taking place in the grounds of
Fonmon Castle.
"This year's Banquet as we're
calling it, takes place in September.
London-based chefs, Grace & Skye,
noted for their wild and fine-dining
cuisine, will be serving a menu that
they tell us is seasonal, sustainable,
and indulgent; all prepared from
locally sourced ingredients,
prepared over roaring wood fires in
the woods.
"The students will also perform a
sneak preview of their theatre show,
The Letter Killers Club, which is set
to debut in Cardiff in July."
The students are given autonomy
over their projects, even down to
running the project's social media
accounts. For Charlotte, the entire
educational project stemmed from
her own memories.
"My idea began when reflecting on
my own education," she says. Her
vision for the Awen Project came as
people
Students are given autonomy
and confidence
a mother balking at the unnatural
way schools organise children and
systematically deny them basic
freedoms.
Hannah, who has been on
the board of trustees from the
beginning before becoming
operational at Awen, has extensive
experience herself. Along with
her identical twin sister, Lucy,
Hannah co-founded The SAFE
Foundation, an international
sustainable development charity
in 2006. Through SAFE, Hannah
has been able to reach over 10,000
people across Africa and Asia and
help them access vital health,
education, and skills resources to
lift communities out of poverty.
"Since 2019, our Awen students
have put on public art exhibitions,
filmed a production of Macbeth,
transformed trash collected in the
woods into monster sculptures, and
built an online school.
"They write poetry and paint
watercolours in the forest; they
learn to identify plants and observe
the seasonal changes in an
ecosystem that they are a part of.
They learn history and languages,
economics and psychology.
None of this is untested or even
revolutionary. This is the way
learning is facilitated in schools
across the globe that are seen as
world leaders in education," says
Hannah.
Find out more about this project at
www.theawenproject.com
Adult guests arrive at the Banquet, organised by the students
The Wild Banquet takes place on
Friday 20th September at Fonmon
Castle. Tickets are available from
www.eventbrite.com
19

uild
good
habits
For better or worse, habits form our everyday lives. They influence our
thoughts, our behaviours, and our actions. Here's how to create a happier
and more balanced life through the power of positive habits
Why build habits?
Developing good habits is crucial
for your personal growth and
success. Consistent routines help
streamline daily tasks, leading
to increased productivity and
efficiency.
Good habits foster discipline
and self-control, enabling you
to stay focused on long-term
goals, despite obstacles. By
cultivating positive habits, such as
regular exercise, healthy eating,
or effective time management,
you can enhance your physical,
mental, and emotional well-being,
ultimately leading to a more
fulfilling and balanced life.
Excellence doesn't happen in
an instant. It happens over time,
and as a result of what we do
repeatedly.
20
Think long-term
We become the result of our habits
over time so when it comes to
making positive change, we need
to think long-term rather than
quick fixes.
By envisioning the future benefits
of consistent actions, we can stay
motivated and committed to our
habits. This helps us when we face
unexpected challenges because
we understand that it's all part of
the process, and that long-term,
we can still achieve our aims.
Think ahead in terms of months or
even years. Imagine how you'll look
and feel a year down the line if you
commit to exercising three times a
week.
The compound effect of these
habits are the real and most
effective ways of implementing
positive change in your life - and
it's the consistency that's the key.
Understand your
motivations
By delving into the reasons behind
wanting to cultivate specific
habits, you can establish strong
foundations for change.
Understanding the 'why' will
provide you with a very genuine
reason for sticking to your good
habits. Whether it's a health goal or
a financial goal, understanding the
reason behind the habit can help
fuel persistence and consistency,
even on the toughest of days.
To understand your motivations,
reflect on your own personal
values and find out what's really
important to you. Discover what
makes you tick, what things hold
you back, and your strengths and
weaknesses.
Create the right
environment
You'll struggle to be consistent
in your good habits if the
environment in which you work
and play is working against you.
Your environment should work
with you in your aims on a practical
level. This includes the people you
surround yourself with.

Make it easy
Make implementing your good
habits easy to do or access.
Writing plans or to-do lists
can help keep you on track and
focused, whether it's meal plans,
or simply a list of chores. Put
things in the diary or they'll never
get done.
Pack your gym bag, fill your
fridge with healthy food, get
enough sleep - as if you were
planning it for someone else.
Start by breaking habits into
smaller tasks that are manageable
and achievable. For example,
if you want to develop a habit
of reading daily, start with just
a few pages a day instead of
committing to a whole chapter
at once. Additionally, prepare
your environment to support
your habit. Keep a book by your
bedside, set a specific time for
reading, or create a cosy reading
nook to make it inviting. Eliminate
distractions that might derail your
efforts, and make the desired
behaviour as convenient as
possible.
Habit stacking
Most humans are creatures of
habit. It's where we feel safe so we
tend not to do anything different.
The idea of habit stacking is an
effective method of effecting
change without stressing us out
too much. It works on the basis
that you add a positive habit to
something that you already do
regularly. By pairing your new habit
with your current one, you'll find it
easier to incorporate better habits
into your life.
The idea is to start small. It could
be adding a 5 minute stretch
routine when you make a coffee in
the morning or doing a 5 minute
meditation on the train.
By starting small, you can focus
on making that new behaviour a
habit. Once you've mastered that,
then you can look to add another
one to the 'stack' and work on that
one too.
Stacking your habits avoids the
feeling of overwhelm on your
routine, giving you a better chance
of sticking to your new positive
habits.
Reward yourself
Celebrating your achievements, no
matter how small, can boost your
motivation and make the habitforming
process more enjoyable
and sustainable.
Find rewards that align with
your goals and provide a sense
of accomplishment. For example,
after completing a week of daily
reading, treat yourself to a relaxing
bath, a favourite snack, or perhaps
some leisure time with a hobby
you enjoy.
When we anticipate rewards,
dopamine levels in our brain rises,
making us feel good.
Be consistent
wellbeing
Consistency is the cornerstone of
building good habits and is crucial
for long-term success. When
you perform a specific behaviour
repeatedly, it becomes ingrained
in your routine and eventually
second nature. Consistency
reinforces neural pathways in the
brain associated with the habit,
making it easier to maintain over
time. By consistently practicing a
behaviour, you signal to your brain
that this action is important and
worth repeating.
When you encounter challenges
on your journey to forming a
habit, the momentum you've built
through consistent practice can
help you stay on track. It reinforces
your resilience and determination
to persevere through difficulties.
Ultimately then, consistency
transforms actions into habits and
habits into a lifestyle. By prioritising
consistency in your efforts to build
good habits, you set yourself up
for lasting success.
21

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Welcome to the first Sacyr UK new Velindre Cancer Centre project quarterly news update.
Here we will tell you about progress on site, what is going on within the community, as
well as opportunities for community involvement and green initiatives
Culture
Acorn, the consortium behind the
new Velindre Cancer Centre, has
launched a dedicated website on
the project.
Updates on the build, as well as
news on community events and
green initiatives will all be uploaded
to the website, so you can learn
more about the project or to get in
touch with the project team. Visit
the website at: newvelindre.info
In April, Whitchurch residents were
invited to a community presentation
at the village’s Rugby Club to hear
more about the design and build
process at the new Velindre Cancer
Centre, as well as getting a chance
to look at a model of the centre.
Attendees were treated to Welsh
cakes made by local business
Bakery Treat Boxes and were
also introduced to a new project
timeline illustration, created by local
designer Natalie Vaughan and local
illustrator Jodie Welsh.
Representatives from the Acorn
Consortium, Sacyr UK, and
Velindre NHS Trust project teams
attended the meeting to answer
any questions residents may have
had, and a suggestion letterbox was
opened for people to propose any
initiatives they would like to support.
Another resident drop-in was
scheduled for late June, 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 were on
hand to discuss progress on our
works and answer any questions.
Residents' meetings will continue
to take place every last Wednesday
This is a sponsored feature
of the month for the duration of the
construction programme.
Nature
The new Velindre Cancer Care
Centre project team has formed a
partnership with 2B Enterprising to
support local schools – Whitchurch,
Tongwynlais, and Gwaelod-y-Garth
Primary schools – with its Bumbles
of Honeywood programme.
The programme helps inspire
young minds and support the
development of key entrepreneurial
skills through educational support
tools and books.
The project team will work
collaboratively with these three
schools for the next two years.
With the support of their esteemed
supply chain and education
partners, the project team will
provide STEM engagement
activities (science, technology,
engineering and maths) for pupils of
all ages.
Sacyr, the appointed contractor
building the new Velindre Cancer
Centre, has agreed a partnership
with Cynnal Cymru, one of Wales’
leading sustainability training
and advice organisations, to
deliver carbon literacy accredited
training to educate its construction
workers and members of the local
community in July.
The course will teach participants
about the links between human
activity and climate change while
empowering people to take action
to reduce emissions of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse
gases. It will also teach people how
to make positive action to how they
live, work and behave to reduce
their emissions and in turn help
climate change.
For more information about
how residents can enrol onto
one of the supplemented carbon
literacy courses, email: contact@
newvelindre.info
Future
The project team has already been
busy putting key measures in place
to minimise any impact from the
build of the new cancer centre
including:
• During term time, no HGV vehicles
will enter the site via the TCAR2
access (Park Road) between 8.15am
to 8.45am and 3.15pm to 3.45pm
• Typical site working hours are from
8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and
8am to 1pm on Saturdays
• Two noise, air quality, and vibration
monitoring stations have been
installed, with a further 11 installed
offsite
• A wheel washer has been installed
to ensure the road is clear of mud
and debris
The team at Sacyr UK have
partnered with Cardiff and
Vale College with plans to
provide construction apprentice
opportunities in the near future.
More details will be released on the
website soon, so keep an eye out
for updates at newvelindre.info
Sacyr has also achieved full marks
in its audit by the Considerate
Constructors Scheme (CCS). The
CCS is a code of conduct where
contractors register to the highest
standards in the industry, which
includes to respect the community,
care for the environment, and value
its workforce.
Sacyr UK’s Project lead at Velindre
Cancer Centre, Maria Ortega
Carreras, said of the audit:
“Our full marks in the CCS audit on
site reflects the commitment of our
talented project team, with the least
impact to the community being
the golden thread through all our
decision making."
23

REST
We often dream of lazy sunny days, but if
you're someone that lives by routine, you may
find it somewhat uneasy when you can finally
get some time to rest.
Summer can offer us a chance to truly reset
though and one way of making that happen
is by getting enough rest. Forget the chores
and tasks that you've set yourself. Make time
to actually switch off, and let your mind and
body rest. It could be lying on a sun bed, or in
a hammock in the shade of a tree. Whatever it
is, keep things quiet and slow.
If you can, totally switch off from work. Enjoy a
good book instead.
RECHARGE
Recharging your energy isn't
something that happens
overnight. If you sleep fewer
hours than your body and mind
needs, especially on a regular
basis, this accumulates into
what's known as sleep debt.
For chronic sleep debt,
accumulated over weeks or
months, it can take several
weeks of consistently good
sleep habits to restore your
sleep balance.
REFLECT
Give yourself the space
and time to truly reflect
on where you are in life,
and where you'd like to
go. Accept the difficult
things, and quietly
celebrate the wins.
Allow your mind to take
you wherever it wants
and perhaps find a new
perspective on life's
problems. Allowing your
mind to reflect honestly
and openly will allow it
to breathe and perform
more effectively when
you need it most.
SUMMERreset
Use the healing power of the summer months to restore and reset
REWIND
Take a few moments out
of your day to remind
yourself of a time when
you felt happy.
Recall to mind what was
happening. Who was
there? How did it make
you feel?
Rewinding to happy
moments stimulates
the parts of your brain
that releases happy
hormones and reminds
us that life can be good.
REMOVE DIGITAL MEDIA
Digital media is continuously trying to get our
attention. Whether it's videos, emails, images, or
notifications, they are all designed to take you
away from real life and engage with them instead.
If you have a mobile phone, remove anything
that you don't need or use. Turn off non-urgent
notifications, and if possible,
turn your phone off
completely for extended
lengths of time.
Committing to a
set period of time
without digital media
will help you engage
with real life and will
bring about a real
sense of calm.
24

wellbeing
RESTRICT
Ditch the damaging alcohol
and unhealthy drinks.
Instead, nourish your body
with the things it's crying out
for - vitamins, minerals, and
everything it needs to function
at its best.
RECONNECT
Reconnecting with the
things that once made
you happy can go a long
way towards helping you
become happier and
more fulfilled.
It could be an old
hobby, places you
used to visit, or even
re-establishing
faded friendships.
Reintroducing these
things into your life on a
regular basis can build
more time for yourself.
Reconnecting with
nature and the outdoors
can also bring its own
benefits, both physically
and emotionally.
RESPIRE
When faced with a
threat, your brain alerts
your body to respond
with either a fight or
flight response. When
you take the time
to slow down and
purposefully breathe
deeply and slowly, you
reassure your brain that
everything is under
control. Your brain then
communicates to your
body that it's safe to
relax.
Making breathwork
part of your daily
routine can help you
deal with stress.
RECONCILE
Use the summer
months to reconcile any
damaged relationships
that are worth keeping.
You'll need to be
prepared to be honest,
and to hear honest views
coming back. Active
listening will give you a
perspective on how the
other person feels but
make sure your feelings
are heard too.
Acknowledge mistakes,
but also build on the
present and look to the
future with optimism.
RE-EMERGE
Here's your chance to
reset and to re-emerge as
a better version of yourself.
If trauma or depression is
something that's darkening
your every day, now is the
chance to seek help and
work through it.
Trauma is stored in the
body, mostly away from
any conscious thoughts. It
affects daily life, and is a
heavy burden to carry.
Asking for help isn't a sign
of weakness. In fact, it's a
sign that you're ready to
start a new chapter in your
life - and on your terms.
Therapy never promises
to fix you. Instead, it helps
you process things, to
clear some head space,
and allows you to reemerge
stronger and
happier.
25

In her latest communiqué, Maggie Smales showcases
Cardiff and south Wales to the visiting French contingent
If you had been around in Cardiff
Bay on the last Wednesday in
April, you might have seen a group
of what appeared to be tourists
being followed around by a TV
reporter and a cameraman. The
French were in town!
Every year, the Association for
the Cardiff Nantes Exchange hosts
a group of around 25 people
from Nantes. They stay with our
members, they practise their
English, and we try to show them
a side of Cardiff and of this part of
South Wales that they would be
unlikely to experience if they just
flew into Cardiff or Bristol, hired a
car, and stayed in an AirBnB.
So, in Cardiff Bay we, of course,
took them on a tour of the
Senedd. We also showed them
the inscription commemorating
the French chef Abel Magneron,
who ran one of the best French
restaurants in Britain in the
immediate post-war period,
frequented by showbiz stars like
Richard Burton, here in what was
the Big Windsor Hotel.
We went into Butetown and used
the census of 1911 to explain just
how multi-cultural Cardiff already
was a century ago. In the same
street cheek by jowl, lived a family
of Russian Jewish emigres, a Turkish
boarding housekeeper with an
English wife, and a Greek cook,
and lodgers from Turkey, Greece
and India, all sailors. Down the road
was a Chinese-run boarding house,
housing mainly Chinese shop
workers. And, of course, there were
a good sprinkling of Irish and Scots
as well as native Welsh.
That’s before we get to the
26
Greeks, of whom more anon, and
the Norwegians, whose church on
Harbour Drive is now an arts centre
and café, and whose most famous
son, the children’s author, Roald
Dahl, gave his name to Roald Dahl
Plass, the public plaza in front of the
Millennium Centre.
Speaking of the Millennium Centre,
many of the French group went
there on their first Sunday evening
to a wonderful concert given by the
Welsh National Opera and chorus,
whose future is now under threat
because of drastic funding cuts. We
were told this would never happen
in France! On Monday night, they
went bowling in Whitchurch rugby
union club.
For most, the highlight of the
week was the celebratory dinner
on Wednesday evening, attended
by the Right Honourable The Lord
Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Bablin
Malik and her consort. 120 people
from various associations in Cardiff
with links with France gathered
together to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of the formal twinning
between Cardiff and Nantes. It was
a chance for people to meet up
with old friends, to listen to some
excellent musicians, including a
rendering of “We’ll Gather Lilacs in
the Spring” as a tribute to another of
Cardiff’s famous sons, Ivor Novello,
and to eat and drink of course.
The evening was finished with a
singsong in English, French, and
Welsh. And yes, despite everything,
the links between Cardiff and
Nantes are still strong: “Ry’n ni yma
o hyd”.
Day trips included Margam Abbey,
the National Botanical Gardens,
Penderyn Distillery, and Brecon. Did
you know that there were 120,000
French prisoners of war in Britain
during the Napoleonic wars and
that one of them ended up being
buried in the churchyard of Brecon
cathedral? There are links with
France everywhere if you know
where to look.
The finale was a visit to Cardiff’s
wonderful Greek Orthodox Church –
more than a hundred years old and
like a little corner of Thessaloniki
or the Peloponnese in Butetown.
Many Cardiffians don’t know it is
there. And we finished with a lovely
Greek meze lunch prepared by the
ladies of the congregation, even
though, as the Orthodox Calendar is
different, they themselves were still
fasting for Lent.
And leaving the best bit till last
– in June a similar number of us
Cardiffians headed off to Nantes
to follow a similarly varied and
interesting programme.
Find out more at cardiff-nantes.org

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Roger
Roger
Whitchurch's Roger Stennett has spent his life writing and creating.
He speaks to Whitchurch and Llandaff Living about his life, his
career - and his decades of poems, plays, and TV shows
"I'll have a latte please. Oh! No! I'll
have a hot chocolate. I haven't had
a hot chocolate in years. How lovely.
Back in the homeland and I'm
having a hot chocolate."
Roger Stennett is a man of many
words. Countless numbers of
fans have read and absorbed
those words, filtering into the
consciousness of generations. His
work has been showcased in books,
in film, and in theatre.
He's in Cardiff to promote his new
book, Cloud Cuckoo Land.
"The phrase Cloud Cuckoo Land
is to be found in Aristophanes'
comedy, The Birds, which was first
performed in 414 BC," says Roger.
"It was a literal place in the clouds.
These days of course, the meaning
has fallen into contemporary
language to mean unrealistic plans.”
For Roger, his life plans were
almost laid out in front of him since
his childhood. Although he's lived
in a village near Bristol for decades,
Roger is a Cardiff boy through and
through. His father, the entertainer
28
Stan Stennett, was a well-known
face, not only around north Cardiff,
but internationally.
"I grew up in dressing rooms. At
one point in my childhood, my best
mate was a chimpanzee. As a kid,
Dad was often working around the
country. I remember I'd stand at the
window and watch him as he went
away, often for long periods of time.
"Whitchurch was a wonderful
place to grow up. There used to
be an old metal roundabout on
Whitchurch Common and we'd
spend hours playing there on
endless summer days.
"Aged five, the family moved to
Heol Madoc near The Philog until
the age of 12 when we moved to
live upon Rhiwbina Hill.
"There were very few cars on the
roads back in those days and as a
kid, we'd play in the Wenallt or in
the streams that flowed through the
village.
"I went to what was Whitchurch
Grammar School back then. We had
a wonderful history teacher by the
name of Malcolm Thomas. He was
from west Wales and was a zealot
for any form of Welsh history.
"We were also encouraged to read
a lot of poetry back then too. We
were exposed to a lot of the famous
names that would have an influence
on me during my later years."
Roger went on to read History at
Christ’s College, Cambridge.
"Actually, it wasn't my first choice,"
admits Roger. "Technically it was
because I'd decided to read History
on the Monday. On the Tuesday,
Roger with his dad, Stan

I had decided to read English.
Wednesday saw me change my
mind and I was doing Archaeology.
Thursday came around and I was
reading Political Studies but by
Friday, I was settled on History and
that was that."
Roger excelled at Cambridge, not
only in his academic studies, but
also in his extra-curricular activities.
"I was a British Schools Champion,"
he smiles. "I was an international
athlete and even held the Welsh
high jump record at one point. At
university, I became a Cambridge
Athletics ‘Blue’ and a life member of
Hawks Club (Cambridge University)
and Achilles Club."
Poetry was in Roger's blood, and
as a young man, it became his
passion.
"All the girls took an interest in
a poet back then so that was an
added bonus. I had started writing
in the footsteps of the protest
culture - people like Bob Dylan and
Allen Ginsburg, both cultural icons,
incidentally, that I'd go on to meet.
It was the poetry of Dylan Thomas
though that really captured my
attention.
"He always fascinated me, both as
a poet and as a person. He was a
misunderstood, unmade bed of a
man. The words of his final telegram
read: 'On my way to Hollywood.'
"Of course, he never quite made it
there. He was dead before he made
the age of 40 and since then, I feel
that Wales has quietly disowned
him a little. He was no more of an
alcoholic than others who are in the
public eye these days. You can't
sanitise him but similarly, you can't
not be influenced by him. I know I
was.
"For more than 40 years, I have
been planning a film drama
project inspired by an opera Dylan
Thomas was planning with Russian
composer Igor Stravinsky. I’d often
talk about it with Dylan’s daughter,
Aeronwy, when we were published
by the same press in the 1970s."
Roger's late teens and early
twenties were dominated by the
poetry he was producing. He
published his first book Just A
Matter Of Time in 1976.
"There was then this long gap
before I ever wrote poetry again
- maybe forty years or so while I
worked as a dramatist."
Those four decades saw Roger
write for an eclectic range of
productions - from Sooty to The
Royal Shakespeare Company.
"I spent many years teaching
creative writing to postgraduate
level at British universities, including
Oxford and Cambridge, and
drama schools such as The Royal
Academy of Dramatic Arts, Bristol
Old Vic Theatre School, and The
Royal Welsh Academy.
"For several years, as part of my
family production company, The
Stennett Company, I helped to run
and programme two 365-seater
regional theatre and cinemas in
Tewkesbury and Hereford."
Roger's childhood had given
him the background he needed
to flourish in the entertainment
business but that wasn't enough.
"I also trained to become a
Psychotherapist and Clinical
Hypnotherapist.I saw hundreds of
therapy clients in private practice
alongside my writing work."
He also became a black belt and
British Aikido Board Martial Arts
Instructor. But it was poetry that
Roger was eventually drawn back
to in more recent times.
"It was when Covid hit that got me
back into poetry. The theatres had
all closed down and opportunities
in radio and animation had all dried
up. It was during those times that
I picked up my pen and started
writing poetry again. There was one
moment where I'd written a poem
and realised that I still had it in me.
It had never left."
Today, Roger lives outside of
Wales, but is still able to cast his
eye on the place he still calls home.
"I live overlooking the Severn
Estuary and look over at the
homeland. I still write daily,
especially to my Roger Stennett
Poetry Page on Facebook. I love
people
to write about people, about life,
about nature. They're the things that
have been important to me and still
are.
"History and conflict has often
been a theme of my work too. One
work of mine is called Out of the
Sun and as part of the research,
I spent time with fighter pilots,
listening to their stories. My Dad
was a pilot so I spent a lot of my
time in the air but for this script, I
spent 8 hours sitting alone in an
idle B17 bomber. It was incredible to
absorb the plane's silent and untold
tales."
"As for the future, my creative
genes have also been passed
down to my son Sam, who plays
in the gypsy jazz quartet, The
Schmoozenbergs (www.schmusic.
co.uk)," he adds.
His story told, Roger stands and
unfurls from the sofa. He picks up
his bag and bids his farewell.
"It's good being home," he smiles.
"I have a few friends I need to go
visit before heading back over the
bridge," he says, and disappears out
into the summer sunshine.
Like the smudges of cream still
smeared inside his empty hot
chocolate mug, Roger's left a mark
on a place he is still proud to call
‘home’.
Roger's latest book, Cloud Cuckoo
Land is available in book shops or
anothersmallpress.net priced £12.99.
His other book 'Forty Poems For
Dylan Thomas’ is available from
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Roger's work has been heavily influenced by the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas
29

city life
market Day
Cardiff Market is receiving a facelift this summer. Here's the history
of the famous venue that's served the city for over a century
Cardiff Central Market, a
bustling hub located in the
heart of our capital, is steeped
in history and tradition. An emblem
of Cardiff’s rich heritage, the market
has been an integral part of city life
for over a century, adapting and
thriving through various economic
and social changes.
The history of Cardiff Market
begins in the 18th century when
the site was an open-air farmers'
market. As Cardiff evolved into an
industrial powerhouse during the
19th century, largely due to the coal
and iron industries, the demand
for a more structured trading area
grew. The development aimed to
provide a permanent selling space
that would support the increasing
population brought in by the
booming coal trade.
In 1891, the Cardiff Central Market
was officially established, housed
in a grand Victorian structure
designed by the Municipal
Engineer, William Harpur. The
building featured a striking glass
roof supported by iron frames, a
design that allowed natural light
to flood into the market space
beneath, illuminating the variety of
30
stalls. The architecture was not only
functional, providing shelter and a
well-lit environment for trade, but it
also added a sense of grandeur and
permanence to the market setting.
The choice of location was
strategic, situated near St. Mary
Street and directly adjacent to
the Hayes, an area known for its
commerce. The market quickly
became a central point for
Cardiff’s citizens to purchase fresh
produce, meats, fish, and a range of
household goods. Over the years,
it expanded to include vendors
selling textiles, flowers, and other
commodities, reflecting the diverse
needs and tastes of the Cardiff
Photo: M J Richardson

cardiff
market
has witnessed
and withstood
historical
events
population.
The site was originally that of
Cardiff gaol. This imposing prison
housed a variety of offenders,
reflecting the changing attitudes
towards punishment and
rehabilitation over the years. Initially
known for its harsh conditions and
strict discipline, the gallows were
located on the site of the current
St. Mary Street entrance of Cardiff
Market, where Dic Penderyn was
hanged on 13 August 1831.
During the 20th century, Cardiff
Market witnessed and withstood
the impacts of significant historical
events, including both World Wars.
During these challenging times, the
market remained a vital source of
food and goods for the residents
of Cardiff. It was during the postwar
era that the market truly
cemented its role as a community
hub, providing not only essential
goods but also a sense of normalcy
and continuity amidst the changing
external conditions. Since 1975,
the building has been listed and is
currently Grade II.
The latter part of the 20th century
and the early 21st century brought
new challenges, particularly from
the rise of supermarkets and
online shopping. However, Cardiff
Market adapted by diversifying
its offerings and enhancing the
shopping experience. Today, it not
only serves traditional products
but also features a range of
international cuisine, artisan crafts,
and unique gift items. The market
has embraced a more modern
retail approach while maintaining
the historic charm and architectural
beauty that have long defined it.
In 1980, a plaque was placed at
the St. Mary Street entrance to the
market by the National Union of
Mineworkers to commemorate Dic
Penderyn's death.
In recent years, there has been
a growing recognition of the
importance of sustainability and
supporting local economies. Cardiff
Market has played a key role in
this movement, with consumers
increasingly turning to local
vendors for fresh, locally-sourced
products. This shift has helped
to reinvigorate the market and
underscore its relevance in today’s
retail landscape.
This summer, a renovation
project worth £6.5 million is set
to enhance the market, with work
commencing in the summer.
Despite the construction, the
market will continue operations.
For approximately 12 weeks,
stallholders will be relocated to
temporary units situated in The
Hayes, right outside the market.
The refurbishment plan includes
the installation of a dining area that
can accommodate 70 people, and
the restoration of the roof and the
market's original Victorian windows.
Additionally, the traditional
entrances on Trinity Street and St
Mary Street, along with the original
stalls, will be refurbished. Upgrades
will also be made to the Victorianera
drainage system. Replacement
of glazing and tiles, along with
repairs to the H Samuel market
clock, are also planned. Lastly,
the market will benefit from the
addition of a new room dedicated
to activities and education.
This follows a £2.1m grant from the
National Lottery Heritage Fund. The
aim of the restoration is to futureproof
the market, and to continue
offering the diverse goods and the
fostering of community connections
that have taken place since the
market first opened its doors.
Cardiff Market is home to a diverse range of stalls
31

history
tennis in whitchurch
Summer sports have been played in Whitchurch for generations.
Nigel Lewis looks at the rise and rise of tennis in the village
By Nigel Lewis
I was looking at some old
photographs recently of
immaculately-dressed Edwardian
Whitchurch folk playing tennis. The
men with striped blazers, white
flannels, and straw boater hats; and
the ladies (not women mind you!) in
long white skirts, white blouses, and
those incredible Edwardian hats
with wide brims.
Quintessentially English (or for
us more appropriately, Welsh) on
a hot summer’s day in the village,
knocking a rubber ball over a net on
a manicured patch of grass. Lawn
Tennis!
It got me thinking about how
32
long the game of lawn tennis had
been played locally. It must have
been played for donkey’s years
surely. For all the time we’ve lived
in Whitchurch, there have always
been people playing. People of all
sizes, young and old, and all looking
suitably bronzed in shorts/skirts,
white tops, and plimsoles (I couldn’t
possibly call them daps!).
I was amazed to find that lawn
tennis was only constituted in 1883-
4, and was invented by a Welshman;
Major Walter Wingfield, who was
born in Denbighshire. Who’d have
thought that lawn tennis was Welsh!
I’d previously discovered that there
were tennis courts at the Polo Field
from 1903, so there was tennis
being played in Whitchurch only 30
years after being invented, maybe
even earlier. Queen Victoria had
recently died, so this was truly an
Edwardian sport.
I’ve been shown a copy of a letter
from a Miss DG Hobbis (writing back
in 1975) who was born in a large
house on Park Road. She recalls
how, as a little girl, her father and
her next-door neighbour planned to
join the large tennis club at the Polo
Field, but concluded that perhaps,
there was room for a second club.
Miss Hobbis remembers: ‘Being
Free Churchmen, they knew a
number of young people at both
Bethel and the Methodist Churches,
who might be glad to learn the
Sketches: Nigel Lewis

game. After contacting the other
churches, a sufficient number of
young and slightly older people
were interested enough to make it
worthwhile enquiring further. Wellknown
members from Tabernacle
also joined’.
There was a plot of land behind
the garden of number 68 Park Road
(with orchards to the houses either
side). The plot was large enough
to accommodate three lawn tennis
courts. This was in 1912, and they
called it the Park Lawn Tennis Club
(presumably after the nearby park).
Courts were laid out, mowed and
white-lined, and netting strung
around the perimeter of the plot
to prevent stray balls from being
lost. The first pavilion was a simple
tented marquee with an awning,
where tea was served. The old
sepia-coloured photograph shows
the members enjoying afternoon
tea.
The club flourished, and whilst
tennis was played throughout the
week, no tennis was played on a
Sunday as the founder was a strict
Sabbatarian. A junior section was
started to teach youngsters the
game.
Within a few years, and with so
many young men conscripted
during WW1, there was no tennis
until 1919-20, when play resumed.
There were new members, and
the growing popularity of outdoor
sports and more leisure time
helped.
As well as the Polo Field and the
Park Lawn tennis clubs, the game
was being played elsewhere in
the village, with courts adjacent
to the Methodist Church (where
Whitchurch Bowls now is), the
Whitchurch Tennis Club on land
in St Francis Road, and another
somewhere off the Philog. Later,
Tennis has been played in Whitchurch for generations
there were courts off the partly-built
Manor Way and the YMCA club
behind the Fox & Hounds. Lawn
tennis was developing in Rhiwbina
and Llandaff too.
It’s been suggested that the
‘golden era’ of lawn tennis might
have been in the 1930s, when
Britain won the Davis Cup four years
in a row with Fred Perry.
New fashions meant that the
flannel trousers and long skirts
gave way to shorts for the men,
and frocks showing a little ‘leg’ for
the ladies. Apparently, there was
consternation at the Park Lawn
Tennis Club in 1933 when one of the
younger and more attractive lady
members turned up in a ‘divided
skirt’ (whatever that was!). The
following year, a gentleman wore
the first pair of shorts!
With the demise of the old Polo
Club after WW1, its old wooden
pavilion became available, and was
carefully dismantled and re-erected
at the Whitchurch Tennis Club. This
remained until 1991 when their new
pavilion was built. It was always ‘tea
and coffee’ until the 1970s, when a
bar was installed.
By the late 1930s, Whitchurch
Tennis Club had its first hard court,
using a black macadam-like playing
surface.
The outbreak of WW2 and the
following years saw the demise of
many of the clubs, with even the
Whitchurch and YMCA tennis clubs
on the brink of closing.
Park Lawn Tennis Club was
threatened with closure too. In
1946, the old owner of number 68
had died, and the house was sold.
Fortunately, the club transferred
to the larger ground off St Francis
Road and merged with Whitchurch
Tennis Club to become a new
(combined) Park Lawn Tennis Club.
This combined club remained very
traditional until 1953, with five lawn
tennis courts and just the one hardsurface
court. In the years following,
the grass was slowly replaced with
new all-weather courts. There was
no longer a requirement for endless
mowing and manicuring, or whitelining
the courts. I wonder how
many times the grass had been cut
in those previous years?
With the introduction of
municipal parks at Llandaff North
and Birchgrove, hard-surfaced
tennis courts were provided, but
I understand that they are a poor
substitute for grass!
My sketch to the left shows the
Whitchurch club in its Edwardian
splendour, with ladies in hats and
their long skirts, men in flannels,
and the old pavilion beyond.
Nigel Lewis is a member of AWEN@
thelibrary (awen.cymru@gmail.com)
33

culture
International
Velvet
Wales has always been a land of song but back in the 1990s, the
country rode the crest of a musical wave that shook the world
By Neil Collins
‘Every day when I wake up, I thank
the Lord I’m Welsh…’
There’s no song that epitomises
1990s Wales quite like Catatonia’s
‘International Velvet’. Yet at the start
of the decade, such a lyric was
inconceivable.
Back then, Cymru was anything
but cool. Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey,
Shakin’ Stevens, and Bonnie Tyler
may have been mega-selling pop
acts, but what did Wales have to
offer the alternative music fan?
Within a few short years though,
an explosion of bands including
Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry
Animals, Stereophonics, Gorky’s
Zygotic Mynci, 60 Ft. Dolls, Feeder,
and of course, Catatonia, erupted
from this quaint land of harps and
choirs. By its release in 1998, their
album (also named) International
Velvet not only topped the UK
charts, but cast a jealous eye from
across the world onto Wales.
34
No longer the butt of music press
jokes, this new generation of Welsh
talent was releasing No. 1 records
and celebrating with huge gigs.
Simultaneously, stars like Catherine
Zeta-Jones, Rhys Ifans, Colin
Jackson, and Joe Calzaghe were
becoming household names. This
rise in Welsh celebrity coincided
with an increasing pride and
respect for Cymraeg following the
Welsh Language Act 1993, which
put Welsh on an equal footing to
English.
Plus, Wales was now ready to
begin governing itself. After the
devastating defeats of the past,
devolution was achieved with a
‘Yes’ vote at the 1997 referendum
along with the creation of a National
Assembly for Wales two years later.
The chorus of ‘International Velvet’
typifies that seismic shift in the
nation’s confidence – a feel-good
factor encapsulating music, culture,
sport, language, and politics.
The incredible success of Welsh
music in the second half of the ’90s
was unprecedented, but it was the
groundwork spanning the previous
ten years that made it all possible.
Bubbling away under the surface
in the early ’90s was an intriguing
Welsh-language scene, which led
to the formation of not only two of
Britain’s best bands of the era, but
also two of the greatest Welsh acts
of all time: Super Furry Animals and
Catatonia.
Each group was lambasted for
making the decision to go big and
sing in English, but both defied their
critics while still embracing their
bilingualism. By the millennium, the
Super Furries released Mwng – the
biggest-selling Welsh-language
album of all time – while Catatonia’s
song ‘International Velvet’ captured
the best of both worlds.
Its verses are delivered in Welsh
before the euphoric, Englishlanguage
chorus tells the world
how proud they are of their
national identity. The transition was

complete once crowds from across
the border belted back the words
with the same vigour. The Guardian
wrote:
‘It’s hard to decide which is the
more improbable – a hall full of
Londoners claiming to be Welsh, or
a Welsh band inspiring such loyalty.’
What is often lost in translation
is its irony. It’s highly unlikely that
Catatonia thanked the Lord they
were Welsh on a daily basis, but
now a band was happy with wearing
its Welshness on its sleeve. As
Cerys Matthews told the Daily
Record:
‘Hopefully, by now people realise
that Wales is brimmed full of
talent and we’re great people with
massive brains.’
Obviously, its chorus can be
easily latched onto and enjoyed
on a superficial level. Yet, it’s so
over the top, how can it be viewed
as anything other than ironic?
Addressing narrow-minded views
of the Welsh, the song’s opening
line depicts stereotypes of a small,
oppressed nation that has little to
offer other than its skill for singing:
‘Deffrwch Cymry cysglyd, Gwlad y
Gan’ (‘Wake up, sleepy Wales, Land
of Song’). It then continues with
more overtly ironic jabs at Welsh
cultural clichés and its history as a
defeated nation.
Therefore, the verses portray the
decades of doubt Wales suffered,
while Cerys’s triumphant howl in
the chorus embodies the rebirth of
a country at last comfortable in its
own skin. When asked by Melody
Maker if the song could become the
new Welsh national anthem, Mark
Roberts replied:
‘Probably not. The melody’s too
difficult to have them singing in the
streets at closing time.’
In ‘Blerwytirhwng?’ The Place of
Welsh Pop Music, Sarah Hill said:
'Catatonia intend to play in the
mainstream culture, but on their
own terms – they do not intend
to conform to the British notion
of what Welshness is, and their
bilingualism is a statement of fact
which needs no justification. That is
‘English’, but not quite.’
If ‘International Velvet’ wasn’t the
national anthem, it was certainly
emblematic of a modernised,
progressive Wales at the end
of the twentieth century, and its
influence resonated in three key
performances in 1999.
At Port Talbot’s Margam Park in
late May, over 30,000 screaming
fans boomed out the chorus as one
with as much gusto as a massed
Welsh choir. Cerys confessed she
Author photo: Catherine Sharples
wept while singing it.
The Margam Park performance
of the song illustrated how much
it had connected with the public.
Days before though, there had
been an overblown rendition
that stripped away its irony and
saw it delve into pantomime. On
Wednesday, 26 May 1999, the
Welsh Assembly was officially
inaugurated with the Voices
of a Nation concert. Top of the
organisers’ list were Catatonia to
sing a certain song to celebrate
the occasion. If only the band
weren’t so busy with preparations
for their Home Internationals gigs in
Llangollen.
Instead, they granted the BBC
permission for a stellar cast to
perform their anthem. Enter stageleft
Tom Jones, Shakin’ Stevens,
Max Boyce, Bonnie Tyler, Charlotte
Church, and Mike Peters et al.
belting it out to a confused live
audience, who couldn’t hear over
fireworks. A song that was penned
as a cheeky jibe had achieved its
aim. As one unimpressed journalist
wrote:
‘The live TV concert to celebrate
the opening of the Welsh Assembly
was an unmitigated disaster…
“International Velvet” should’ve
been a rousing all-star finale,
but instead it was unbelievably
embarrassing for Wales.’
Regardless, ‘International Velvet’
was the perfect song to promote
Wales on the world stage and it was
everywhere from soundtracking
sporting montages to being
referenced by academics as
personifying the transition in postreferendum
optimism.
This buoyant mood was
perpetuated by the Rugby World
Cup, which was hosted in Wales
in 1999. The state-of-the-art
Millennium Stadium was the ideal
new home for Graham Henry’s
exciting squad after a mid-decade
period in the doldrums. Soon to
be labelled ‘The Great Redeemer’,
Henry masterminded a 29–19
victory over South Africa to open
the venue on 26 June 1999.
Three months later, Catatonia were
requested to start the Rugby World
Cup opening ceremony. Forget the
Top 5 singles ‘Mulder and Scully’
and ‘Road Rage’; it was ‘International
Velvet’ – an album track – that the
organisers wanted to be part of a
diverse ceremony celebrating the
nation’s past, present, and future.
With a huge banner declaring
‘Croeso i Gymru’ (‘Welcome to
Wales’), Cerys strutted onstage
and unveiled a Welsh rugby shirt
matched with sequins and sparkly
eyeliner.
Introducing Catatonia, presenter
Alan Wilkins said:
‘This is a momentous day in
sporting history as the magnificent
new Millennium Stadium in Cardiff
hosts the opening ceremony of the
fourth Rugby World Cup.
‘A new spirit in Wales, a new
vibrancy, a new energy, a country
acclaimed as the ‘Land of Song’.
The Welsh love to perform and no
one more so than Catatonia, who
kick us off with their massive hit,
‘International Velvet’. Young, Welsh
talent taking Wales into the new
century.’
With Manic Millennium providing
an epic finale to the decade
a couple of months later, the
fascinating story of Wales in the
’90s is a mind-blowing journey
of growth and confidence that
continues to inspire the country’s
vibrant music scene today.
Wales was a nation finally off its
knees, and standing proudly. If it
was a movie plot, it would all seem
so far-fetched.
Thankfully, it was all true.
International Velvet: How Wales
Conquered the 90s Charts is
published 25th July from Calon,
University of Wales Press.
Featuring fresh analysis and
new interviews, the book charts
how ‘Cool Cymru’ won over the
masses and shows how it inspired
the still-vibrant Welsh music
scene into the 21st century and
beyond.
Born and bred in Whitchurch,
the book's author, Neil Collins
is a writer, former WalesOnline
journalist, and co-host of the
Welsh Music Podcast.
35

gardens
Herb
garden
Nothing beats cooking with home-grown herbs so here are
some simple steps to get your own herb garden started
Why grow
garden herbs?
Growing herbs at home offers a
range of benefits that can enhance
your daily life in various different
ways.
To start, cultivating herbs at
home provides a convenient
and sustainable source of fresh,
flavourful ingredients for your
culinary creations. Having a
selection of herbs such as basil,
rosemary, mint, and thyme at
your fingertips not only elevates
the taste of your dishes but also
ensures that you have access to
high-quality, organic herbs free
from pesticides and preservatives.
Herbs are not just tasty additions
to your meals; they also offer a
range of health benefits. Many
herbs are rich in essential nutrients,
antioxidants, and medicinal
properties that can support your
overall well-being. For example,
herbs like thyme and oregano
are known for their antimicrobial
36
properties, while mint and basil
can aid in digestion and alleviate
stomach discomfort. By growing
these healthful herbs at home, you
can incorporate them into your
diet and harness their beneficial
properties.
Additionally, nurturing herbs at
home can be a therapeutic and
rewarding experience. The act of
tending to plants, watching them
grow, and eventually harvesting
their aromatic leaves can be a
calming and grounding practice. It
allows you to connect with nature,
reduce stress, and foster a sense of
accomplishment as you witness the
fruits of your hard work flourish.
Growing herbs at home also
promotes sustainability and reduces
your carbon footprint. By cultivating
herbs indoors or in a small outdoor
garden, you minimise the need for
store-bought herbs that are often
packaged in plastic and transported
long distances, contributing to
environmental pollution.
Cultivating herbs at home then is
a fulfilling and practical endeavour
that not only enhances the flavour
of your meals but also promotes
well-being, sustainability, and
a deeper connection to nature.
Whether you are an experienced
gardener or a novice with a green
thumb, growing herbs at home is
a rewarding and enriching activity
worth pursuing.
What herbs are
best to grow?
Five herbs - basil, mint, parsley,
rosemary, and thyme - are popular
choices for home gardeners due to
their versatility, culinary uses, and
relatively easy care requirements.
Whether you're a seasoned
gardener or a beginner, cultivating
these herbs at home can
enhance your cooking, promote
sustainability, and provide a
rewarding connection to nature.
Basil is a beloved herb known
for its bright green leaves and
distinct aroma. It is a staple in
Italian cuisine and pairs well with
tomatoes, mozzarella, and pasta
dishes. Basil thrives in warm, sunny
conditions and is relatively easy to
grow indoors or outdoors. Regular
harvesting promotes bushier
growth, making it a rewarding herb
for home gardeners.
Mint is a
refreshing
herb with
a variety
of culinary
uses, from
flavouring
beverages
like mojitos
and teas to

How to feed a herb garden
Feeding your herb garden is essential for ensuring healthy growth and optimal
flavour in your herbs.
Incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the
soil can provide essential nutrients to your herbs and improve soil structure.
Organic matter helps retain moisture, promotes beneficial soil microbes, and
enhances overall plant health.
Using a balanced fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium can also supplement your herb garden with essential nutrients for
vigorous growth and robust flavour. Look for a fertiliser specifically formulated
for herbs or vegetables and follow the instructions for application rates. Liquid
fertilisers, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, can be applied to herb
plants during the growing season to provide a quick nutrient boost. These
promote healthy foliage and strong root development.
adding a burst of
freshness to salads and desserts.
Parsley is a versatile herb that
adds a pop of colour and flavour to
a wide range of dishes. There are
two main types of parsley: curly
leaf and flat-leaf (Italian) parsley.
Flat-leaf parsley is favoured for
its robust flavour, while curly leaf
parsley is often used as a garnish.
Parsley is a biennial herb that
grows well in containers or garden
beds with rich, well-draining soil.
Rosemary is a fragrant herb
with needle-like leaves that add
a savoury note to roasted meats,
vegetables, and bread. It thrives in
sunny locations with well-draining
soil and prefers drier conditions,
making it a low-maintenance herb
for home cultivation. Rosemary can
be grown in containers or planted
directly in the ground and is known
for its resilience and long lifespan.
Lastly, thyme is a versatile herb
with a subtle, earthy flavour that
complements a wide range of
dishes, including soups, stews, and
roasted meats. Thyme is a hardy
herb that thrives in well-draining
soil and full sun, making it an
excellent choice for both indoor
and outdoor herb gardens.
How to harvest
herbs
Harvesting herbs at the right time
and in the correct manner can
maximise their flavour and yield.
The timing of herb harvest is
crucial for optimal flavour and
potency. Most herbs are at their
best flavour and aroma when
they are harvested just before
they flower. It's recommended
to harvest herbs in the morning
after the dew has dried but before
the midday sun evaporates the
essential oils.
Use sharp, clean scissors or
pruning shears to harvest herbs.
Avoid tearing or crushing the
leaves, as this can damage the
plant and reduce its overall
health. Make clean cuts close to
a leaf node to encourage
new growth and maintain
the plant's shape.
When harvesting herbs,
focus on picking the outer
leaves or stems first,
leaving the inner growth
to continue developing.
For leafy herbs like
basil and mint, pinch off
individual leaves or small
sprigs. For woody herbs
like rosemary and thyme,
snip the stems just above
a set of leaves.
Regular harvesting
promotes bushier
growth and encourages
continuous production
of fresh leaves. Avoid
stripping the plant of all
its leaves at once, as this
can weaken the plant
and hinder future growth.
Instead, harvest small amounts
frequently to keep the plant
thriving.
To preserve herbs for later use,
you can air dry them by hanging
small bunches upside down
in a dry, well-ventilated area
away from direct sunlight. Once
dried, store the herbs in airtight
containers in a cool, dark place
to maintain their flavour and
potency. Alternatively, herbs can
be frozen, chopped, and stored in
ice cube trays or frozen in zip-top
bags for longer-term storage.
For perennial herbs like oregano,
chives, and thyme, it's essential
to prune them regularly to
encourage new growth and
prevent them from becoming
woody. Trim back leggy growth
and harvest mature stems to keep
the plant vibrant and productive.
37

SSSSH
Ssssh.
The woodland is still.
Its quiet tones shimmer
as bulbs push through the earth
and bluebells nod their heads,
glorying in soft breezes
gently passing by.
An aged tree lies where it has fallen,
helpless victim of a gale’s fury.
With head buried in decaying leaves
and roots facing the sky,
it remains immobile, neglected,
anchored in damp earth.
Above it, a youthful green canopy dances and sings
heralding with joy the lighter nights and summer days.
Sssh.
All is still.
But wait…
There is movement - a flowery skirt,
scarcely visible against this woodland’s luscious backdrop,
a tiny concentrated face,
arms balancing, foot over foot,
foot over foot, fingers tremble.
The forest holds its breath.
A squeal of joy,
a radiant smile,
victorious hands punch the air.
And the fallen tree - ugly and bare
basks in the knowledge
that he, of all the trees in the forest,
is the chosen one - a child’s delight.
Sue Chalkley
Rhiwbina
38
Seasonal
Poems
HERE IN THIS
GARDEN
Here in this garden the pleasant
sunlight rays
Fall on blooms that hang from
ancient wall
And gently flow into a coloured
maze
There scents to creatures reach
that heed its call,
How like them I am when within
your gaze
As under your charm I quickly fall
And voices turn to a murmured
haze
So great it does my soul enthral,
And so it has been for many days
As do I walk from hall to hall
Though would I for your presence
praise
And wish of your time so ever
small,
So I do miss thee that my heart
does ache
And would I willingly your hand
to take.
David Morris
Llandaff

poetry
Poems penned by the local community
CHARITY SHOPS ARE
FOR ALL SEASONS
Like a lucky dip, mid-day addictive,
(though not a dupe, a dab hand at
'Bric-a-Brac'), a whack whackily exacting,
(but for more than a 'bob')
We imbibe these unembittered lives
(our pride tried!) in overdue.
We dive in, delve, deciding in an instant
The standing of lustre jugs - distorted?
Kokloma ware - a risky assortment;
wary of coloured glass - too exhorted,
and always scornful of what weighs in light.
Right texture? (vexing if it's not)
Gilding over bright? (too much excitement!)
Do I want it? (Quite. It does invite.)
Have I room? (secret heirlooms are not enough.)
It might equate with 'stuff'. Tough.
Why scoff? A treat is good. Adaptably.
Adept, I've accepted it already. Renewed.
I review 'a treat is good' (a dud for the befuddled)
Shrewdly, I brood.
Food for thought if bought. And I always do.
Nigel Phillips
Whitchurch
ENDLESS MEADOWS
Through fields of gold,
the summer sun does dance,
Soft whispers of the wind,
a gentle trance.
The meadow blooms
with colours bright and fair,
A symphony of life
in perfumed air.
Beneath my feet,
the soft grass sighs and sways,
Each step I take,
a dance among the rays.
Butterflies flit, their delicate wings unfurled,
In this paradise, I feel the world.
The buzzing bees hum a sweet melody,
As I stroll through nature’s grand tapestry.
The wildflowers bow in the warm breeze’s wake,
Their beauty a gift for the heart to take.
The sun caresses my skin with loving light,
As day turns to dusk, a magical sight.
The meadow whispers secrets of the past,
A timeless moment, forever to last.
In summer’s embrace,
I find my true home,
A place of peace where my spirit can roam.
Among these meadows,
I find my true rest,
In nature’s arms,
I am truly blessed.
Melissa Francis
Llandaff
39

Join us for
our next
events
Llys Herbert care home
Lisvane
Friendship café
First Wednesday of each month
2pm - 4pm
Goldies Cymru sing-a-long
Last Wednesday of each month
10.30am - 11.30am
The Big Care UK sports day
Wednesday 24th July, 2pm - 5pm
Trusted to care.
To attend please call
029 2168 2828 or email
jenny.ashton@careuk.com

THE BEE STING
Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in
2023, The Bee Sting tells the tale of
the Barnes family- and they are in
trouble.
Until recently, they ran the biggest
business in town. Now they’re
teetering on the brink of bankruptcy
– and that’s just the start of their
problems. Dickie and Imelda’s
marriage is hanging by a thread;
straight-A student Cass is careening
off the rails; PJ is hopelessly in debt
to the school bully. Meanwhile the
ghosts of old mistakes are rising
out of the past to meet them, but
everyone’s too wrapped up in the
present to see the danger looming.
The Bee Sting was Book of the Year
2023 according to New York Times,
New Yorker, The Sunday Times,
The Economist, Observer, Guardian,
Washington Post, Lit Hub, TIME
magazine, and the Irish Times.
SUMMERbooks
Summer's here and so is the chance to sit
in the sunshine and read a good book. Here
are our hand-picked choices for the season
books
ULTRA-PROCESSED PEOPLE
An eye-opening investigation into
the science, economics, history,
and production of ultra-processed
food. Join Chris van Tulleken in his
travels through the world of food
science and a UPF diet to discover
what's really going on.
FLOURISH
What is a meaningful life? What does it mean
to flourish? Antonia Case, the co-founder of
New Philosopher and Womankind magazines,
quits her corporate job in the city and, with
her partner, travels across the world in search
of meaning. In a quest to find answers, she
turns off the soundtrack of the media, rids
herself of technology, and with little more
than books as carry-on luggage.
THE MOST FUN
WE EVER HAD
An instant New
York Times
best-seller, Claire
Lombardo's
moving and
poignant ode to
a messy, loving
family has won it
fans around the
world.
The book was
also a Reece
Witherspoon's
Book Club pick in
April this year.
THE WOMEN
In the near future, a
disaffected civil servant is
offered a lucrative job in a
mysterious new government
ministry gathering 'expats'
from across history to test
the limits of time-travel.
Comedy, betrayal, and
romance all come together
in a story that explores
everything from climate
change and colonialism
to friendship, hope, and
forgiveness.
An instant Sunday Times
and New York Times
Bestseller.
41

Summer
Sizzlers
Summer is a time to dine al fresco. Fire up the barbeque, pour yourself
a drink, and enjoy these gorgeous seasonal recipes
BBQ Courgettes
500g thick Greek yoghurt
2 lemons, both juiced
zest of one lemon
4 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic
2 red chillies, thinly sliced
handful of oregano leaves
2 courgettes, cut into diagonal slices
2 yellow courgettes, cut into diagonal slices
☐
☐ Mix the yoghurt, half of the lemon zest
and juice, some salt and pepper together,
then place the mixture in the fridge to chill
while you prepare the courgettes.
☐ In a small pan, heat the olive oil, garlic,
and chilli over a medium heat for 4-5
minutes, or until the garlic is crispy. Remove
the pan from the heat, stir in the oregano,
season the mixture, and then add the
remaining lemon zest and juice. Set to one
side.
☐ Prepare your barbeque with a high heat.
Coat the courgette slices with a little oil
and season generously. Grill the slices for
3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are
charred, in batches if needed. Spread the
Greek yogurt on a large platter or plate.
☐ Arrange the courgettes on the plate.
Drizzle over the warm dressing and garnish
with more oregano leaves, sliced garlic,
and chilli.
42

Loaded hot
dog specials
100g thinly sliced white onion
1 tbsp BBQ sauce
200g all purpose flour
oil for frying
4 hot dogs
4 hot dog buns
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
300g finely shredded red cabbage
food
☐ Mix the onions with a tablespoon
of BBQ sauce. Marinate for at
least 20 minutes. Whisk together
mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar,
garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour
over shredded cabbage and toss to
combine. Cover and pop in fridge.
☐ Place flour in a resealable plastic
bag, add in onions and shake to coat.
☐ Heat oil in a skillet over medium
heat. Once hot, remove onions from
flour and shake off any excess. Fry
in hot oil until golden brown and
crunchy. Sprinkle with salt.
☐ Cook hot dogs thoroughly.
☐ Assemble hot dogs, spooning slaw
all over and onions on top.
The Ultimate
Burger
For the burger:
1kg of beef brisket
250g of bacon
2 tsp ginger powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp of onion powder
ground black pepper to taste
pinch of sumac
salt to taste
For the bun:
brioche burger buns
sliced Monterey Jack cheese
grilled bacon
fresh tomato, sliced
red onion, sliced
lettuce
any other condiments
☐ Grind the raw beef and the bacon
together in a meat grinder. If you don't
have one, a butcher can do this.
☐ Mix the meat mixture with the
spices in a large bowl, being careful
not to handle the meat too much.
☐ Cover the mixture with clingfilm
and rest in the fridge overnight.
☐ The next day, make balls of meat
from 150g off the mixture and gently
pat down into burger patties.
☐ Prepare your barbeque by lighting
the charcoals. Wait until they have
gone white before distributing them
evenly throughout the pan.
☐ To avoid the burgers sticking to
your barbeque, rub raw onion over
the griddle.
☐ Grill the burgers to your liking, using
a digital thermometer to make sure
that they are cooked inside.
☐ Assemble your bun, place the
burger on top, and serve with
condiments of your choice.
43

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a summer's
breeze
He watched her from a
distance, sitting on the old,
wooden bench, her gaze
switching between the view of
Niagara Falls and the army of
tourists that had descended upon
her chosen spot.
She had a serenity about her, the
soft smile she offered to passersby
causing many to pause and smile
back. It was as though she was a
moment of quiet for people, as they
navigated the insanity of the area
during summertime.
Watching the breeze play with the
greying strands framing her face,
that same old feeling of familiarity
and warmth squeezed his heart.
She was the one that got away. The
only one to consistently appear in
his thoughts, the hint of promises
that were never fulfilled. And
46
here she was, as though he had
somehow manifested this moment.
“Excuse me. Would you be able to
take a photo for us?”
His reverie was interrupted by a
frazzled looking young mother in
the throes of what appeared to be a
birthday party from hell. There had
to have been eighteen children in
her care, with no other adults to be
found.
“Of course.” He smiled at her. “Why
don’t we go over here where we can
get a bit of the falls in the photo?
I’m Ben, by the way.” He smiled
reassuringly. “Are you handling this
crew all on your own?” he asked. “I
admit, I’m impressed.”
The woman laughed. “My husband
went and broke his leg while
cleaning the gutters yesterday.
Right before our daughter’s already
planned, ready to be epic, party to
beat all birthday parties.”
“Ahh. The old fake cast routine. I’ve
considered it many a time myself.”
She threw her head back and
laughed. “I didn’t think to check.”
As she began to corral the kids
kindly, but firmly into position, she
asked over her shoulder, “Are you
here on your own? I hope I’m not
taking you away from something or
someone important.”
Ben’s eyes crinkled. “This will
take no time at all. Besides, you’re
a damsel in distress and my last
name happens to be Knight.”
She looked him up and down. He
was probably in his fifties if the grey
in his whiskers was anything to go
by. And yes. She could picture him
in chainmail, whisking a woman up
onto his horse away from invaders.

“Well, Ben Knight. I’m Amanda
Jones and I will be forever grateful
for this.”
He took the offered phone from
her hands and began taking
some shots. The one little girl was
determined to go gold mining up
her nose so he sang out, “Wave
your hands in the air! And wave
them like you just don’t care!”
As if they had been
choreographed, they proceeded
to do just that. He quickly took
some shots, switching it to video
to capture the moment. He was
just handing the phone back when
he heard a lilting voice he had not
heard in decades.
“Ben? Is that really you?”
He whipped around, narrowly
missing tripping over his own feet.
“Jennifer.”
Sound, time, literally everything
ceased to exist. Their eyes
connecting made sure of that.
She reached over and gently
touched his cheek. “It has been too
long.”
He leaned into her touch, reaching
to hold her hand in place along his
jaw which was now clenching in
emotion. “Yes,” was all he could get
out.
Amanda watched this reunion with
great interest. If these two weren’t
two halves to one soul, she would
eat the entire SpongeBob birthday
cake. She did a quick, “Ahem,”
breaking the apparent spell. “I just
wanted to say thank you for your
help.”
Her daughter reached over to pull
on his shirt. “Me too,” the highpitched
voice said politely.
Ben crouched down and asked,
“Are you the birthday girl?” An
impish smile was her response. “I’m
Jade and I’m eight.”
Jennifer watched the exchange
and could feel her heart swell. He
had not changed a bit. Maybe a bit
of grey in his hair and beard, but
he could still capture the attention
of every female in a ten-kilometre
radius. There was a sincerity about
him, plus a sense that he could
capably handle anything that came
his way.
“Eight? Is that all? I would have
guessed nine.”
The girl proceeded to blush. Yes.
He hadn’t changed a bit. Jennifer
also crouched down. “Happy
birthday to a very beautiful eightyear-old.”
Amanda looked at them both.
There was an energy that
connected them. She was always
able to pick up on these things
and the feeling was particularly
strong with these two. Something
momentous was happening and
she wanted to witness it. She
nodded, making a snap decision.
“Would you two like some birthday
cake? It’s chocolate.”
“And SpongeBob,” her daughter
added.
Ben and Jennifer exchanged
a glance, smiling. “I do love
chocolate,” she said.
“And I’ve been mistaken for
Squidward before.”
Amanda snorted. “I highly doubt
it, Sir Squidward.” She led them
over to a group of picnic tables in
the shade of some large oak trees,
teal and gold balloons attached
to the benches with a huge cake
on display. A lone seagull had just
been considering making a move
but ten of the kids had charged,
causing it to take off with a squawk.
After introductions were made at
the table, they proceeded to sing
“Happy Birthday” and within minutes
were all eating the delicious cake.
“How do you two know each
other?” Amanda didn’t beat around
the bush.
Ben paused. “Jennifer is the
woman I should be spending the
rest of my life with.”
Jennifer gasped. “Ben! Take that
back. You’re married.”
Amanda raised an eyebrow. The
plot had thickened. “I want to hear
this story. And quickly while their
mouths are full.”
Ben looked at Jennifer and
glanced over at the falls. “Did you
know almost 700,000 gallons
of water go over the falls in one
second?” The mist was starting to
make its way in their direction as the
wind shifted across the horseshoeshaped
falls.
“I did not know that bit of trivia.”
Amanda watched many expressions
move across his face in rapid
succession.
“A lot can happen in one second.”
He proceeded to tell the story
of Ben and Jennifer. They met in
university. Had always felt as if
they had known each other. The
attraction was instant and they had
fallen deeply in love.
“Deeply,” Jennifer agreed.
But he screwed up. One night,
he had too many beverages at
the campus bar and woke up in
someone else’s room.
“And she was sure to send me
photos.” Jennifer rolled her eyes.
“Oh, no.” Amanda glared at Ben.
“What were you thinking?”
Ben looked shamefaced. “I didn’t
even remember it, for what it's
worth. And it turns out there was a
reason for it.” He grimaced. “She had
set the whole thing up to make it
look like we had done the deed and
I assumed we actually had.”
“You still married her one year
later.” Jennifer had flames shooting
out of her green eyes. Gone was
the calm demeanour, now replaced
with pure, vibrating emotion.
“You what?!” Amanda handed
another piece of cake to Jennifer. “It
was a mistake.”
“Ben. You cannot say that.”
“I can. We’re divorced now.”
The silence stretched out. Jennifer
turned to look into Ben’s eyes. “Why
did you leave me? How could you
do that to us? To what we were? To
what might have been?”
Amanda quickly handed out some
sliced watermelon to the kids so
she could help these two get things
on the track she suspected they
should be on.
“Sometimes, it’s all about timing. It
wasn’t your time. But here you are
now. Two halves of one soul. I would
stake my life on it. And the universe
has brought you together at this
moment for this second chance. It’s
up to you what you do with it now.”
She gave their hands a squeeze,
walking away to play frisbee on the
stretch of grass nearby.
The mist enveloped them, washing
away the angst of the past. And love
was all that was left.
“I have always loved you,” he said
with tears in his eyes. He would
never forgive himself for the pain
he had caused her. “Not a day has
gone by where I have not thought
of you. In all these years.”
“And I have always loved you.”
She trembled. Was it possible they
could finally get things right? Could
she forgive him and move forward,
confident he knew she had always
been ‘the one’?
He turned her towards him. “I
watched you sitting over there,
smiling at strangers, a calm in the
storm of humanity, and I felt like
I was home. You are, and have
always been my home.”
She began to weep quietly at the
wasted years. “I’ve always been
yours.”
Lips connected and the world
stopped turning for a moment, to
allow these two some stolen time.
For love will always find a way to
bring a soul back together on a
summer’s breeze.
By Rose Barrett
short story
47

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