Centenary Edition

Issue 22Spring 2013At the heart of the community

RHIWBINA Living

Rhiwbina Celebrates Centenary

100

YEARS

FREE!

We are privileged to be putting together this special issue of Rhiwbina Living at a time of such great celebration. Over the last 100 years, so many great and good will

have passed through Rhiwbina. Some of them will have been lucky enough to live here, and to become forever entwined in its history. When the vision of the now historic Garden Village was realised back in 1913, it was the residents who were put first. We’ve heard from many such residents for this centenary issue. From the dark days of the wars right through to the laying of the plaques in the 1980s. We hope that this issue gives you an insight into the sense of community that exists within our village. On page 8, we’ve covered the background to the Garden Village Movement and why this area of Cardiff was chosen. On page 12, we hear from Alan Gray and his memories of growing up in the 1930s. On page 13, John Lloyd Thomas recounts the night that German bombers hit Wenallt Road. We move forward to the 1950s on page 17, where David Evans recalls the street parties of the Coronation and on page 21, there’s a fabulous photo album from the 1962 Rhiwbina Sports Day. Michael Driscoll tells us about his first day at Rhiwbina Infants School as we move into the 1970s and 1980s on page 31. Plenty of Rhiwbina memories created in the last 100 years then, and we’re sure there’s plenty more to be made in the next 100 years. Patric and Danielle (editors)

Welcome Croeso

A: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AGT: 07772 081775 / 07974 022920E: editor@livingmags.co.ukW: www.livingmags.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising from the publication of this material. Every effort has been made to contact any copyright holders.Rhiwbina Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

Advertising booking and copy deadline for Issue 23 - Friday 17th May 2013Issue 23 publication date - June 2013. Rhiwbina Living is published 4 times a year.

3News

5Letters

21The Sixties

8Birth of a Village

12The Thirties

17 The Fifties

23Local Business

25Pets Page

31The Eighties

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RHIWBINA CELEBRATES 100 GOLDEN YEARS

The Cardiff suburb of Rhiwbina is celebrating its centenary this year. Rhiwbina’s iconic Garden Village was officially opened to the public in March 1913. The village has remained largely unchanged and it was no surprise that the makers of Doctor Who turned to Rhiwbina when requiring a period village for their 2011 Christmas special. The 1913 prospectus for the Rhiwbina Garden Village said: “There is no dismal little backyard, but everything is free and open, and habits of neatness and cleanliness are at once acquired.” Having existed through two World Wars (not without its air raids and fatalities) the Garden Village now comes under the designation of a ‘Conservation Area’ having been deemed of sufficient architectural and historic merit. There will be special events in and around the village to mark the centenary. More details can be found around the village, and at our website at www.livingmags.co.uk.

newsLOCALS FIGHT STORE PLANS

Local businesses and residents are fighting plans to open a Sainburys store on Thornhill Road

Tributes poured in back in January to Rhiwbina’s famous Nick Boing. Owner Dave Palmer, his partner Caroline Clements, and their son Nathan Clements, said they were ‘absolutely devastated’ at their sheep’s death, which occured after Nick had been battling lung tumours.

“He was a part of our family. He wasn’t like a cat or a dog; he had his own space in the house and a very distinct personality.” Signor Barbers tweeted: “RIP Nick Boing the local sheep. Fondly remember him walking into the shop a few years ago. Must have known we are a baaaaaarber shop.”

A Sad Goodbye

To Rhiwbina’s Nick Boing

THE PASSING OF CELEBRITY SHEEP BRINGS SADNESS TO COMMUNITY

A Rhiwbina rugby team recently won a chance to attend the final training session of the Welsh national team ahead of this year’s Six Nations tournament. Rhiwbina RFC’s Under 11s team submitted a winning video clip, singing a performance of the Peter’s Rugby Roar, a song composed by Welsh pie maker, Peter’s Pies. Young teams across Wales were asked to help to bring the song to life and it was Rhiwbina’s youngsters who were chosen as winners. Their winning video featured shots of them playing and Under 11s manager, Mike McCarthy told the media: “The team had a great time putting the video together and

coming up with ideas for shots. “They really look up to the Welsh players and many of them are hoping to follow in their footsteps and play for Wales one day.” Peter’s marketing controller Clare Morgan said: “We were blown away by the creativity and enthusiasm the Rhiwbina team demonstrated in their video.”

RHIWBINA RUGBY TEAM WIN UNIQUE PRIZE

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Several photos of Cliff Smart’s Ltd have recently resurfaced. Cliff Smart Ltd (Smarts Rhiwbina) was also known as Smarts Tea Gardens for a while. They sold Austins from the early 1900s onwards and Smarts was an integral part of Rhiwbina. The garage closed its doors for the last time in the late eighties.

news NEW PCSO JOINS RHIWBINA WARD

PCSO Lewis Andrews will be joining PC Andy Ryan and PCSO Stephen Westlake in Rhiwbina ward.

NEIGHBOURHOODWATCH NEWS with Bill FarnhamWatch continues to grow and we had a very successful year in 2012 when we launched twenty new watch groups in various parts of the city despite various problems within our committee with illness affecting several members. So far this year we have launched four new watches with a further six in the pipeline that I know of, and quite a bit of interest being shown in other areas which I am also aware of. We are looking to move forward in a more positive way this year and, as an example, we are taking three of our General Meetings “on the road” to various parts of the city. With this in mind, our March General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 26th at 7.00pm and will be held at The Thornhill Church Centre, Thornhill (next to Sainsburys), general notification will be published nearer the date. I am making enquiries to see if we can hold our July meeting in Pontprennau Community Centre and our September meeting in Lisvane Community Centre, details will again be published nearer the date. Going a bit further afield, I have now been elected as Vice Chairman of the South Wales Neighbourhood Watch Association which covers the seven areas covered by South Wales Police and which meets at Police Headquarters, Bridgend.

Rhiwbina Library suffered a break-in during February, which saw thieves break in through a panel in the rear door and ransack the main desk area. Several computers and scanners

were taken, damage was made to the till and the staff desk area was damaged. Most of the building was closed while police completed their investigations.

RHIWBINA LIBRARY RANSACKED AND DAMAGED DURING BREAK-IN

Smart’s Garage of Rhiwbina

Pictures courtesy of Martin Smart

5

THE SQUIRE AND HIS LADY 1925Here is a picture of my grandfather, JT Clatworthy (The Squire) and his Lady in 1925. My grandfather was a committee member on the first meeting of the Garden Village Society in 1912. He was also Chairman in 1913 and President of the Coal Trimmers’ Union.

My mother, The Lady, is Kitty Short, broadcaster and a founder member of the Cardiff Little Theatre. Her daughter, Margaret Courtenay was well known in theatre, television, film and radio. In 1950, Kitty married Philip Whitney Evans, who in the 1920s, ran the chemist shop in Beulah Road. On the back of the photograph Kitty has made some interesting notes: “Dress turquoise blue,

Lafetta made by Millie and Kit finished the day before; Leghorn hat loaned and trimmed by Kit; Fischer - 110 years old, Millie’s mother’s; Cameo -100 years old Jenny Russell; Dad’s outfit hired from Griesbach in Duke Street for 7/6; all myaccessories loaned from an old lady mostly 100 years old - a wonderful

day Margaret 2yr old running behind; Gordon (her son) in the Morris Dance trained by tall trainer in left row; background village houses in the Square.” It was a beautiful day.DAVID EVANSRhiwbina

RHIWBINA GETS THE THUMBS UPHaving just moved to Rhiwbina with my husband at the end of last year, I just wanted to say what a lovely place it is to live! The collection of shops is perfect and the people here are so friendly. We’re both so glad we’ve moved here. So we just wanted to thank you Rhiwbina so being so welcoming to us! TRACY & JOHN RANDALLRhiwbina

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

OBITUARY: NICK BOING

Nick Boing was the 22 stone sheep who made headlines around the world. Nick was found abandoned in 2005 by Dave Palmer and his family. After several attempts to contact local farmers, Dave eventually brought Nick back home to Rhiwbina, where he quickly settled into village life. Within a few years, Nick had become a true member of the Palmer household, owner Dave even constructing Nick his own ‘house’ in the back garden. Nick would often head into the house to watch TV with the family and owner Dave would often remark about how Nick would head butt the biscuit

barrel, scattering biscuits on the floor so that he could gobble them up. Nick became something of a celebrity, not only in Rhiwbina, but throughout Wales and eventually, across the world. It wasn’t unusual for American film crews to be parked in Pen-y-Dre, where they’d film in fascination. As recently as last year, Nick was featuring on the National Geographic’s TV channel. Perhaps one of Nick’s favourite hobbies was taking a walk around Rhiwbina with owner Dave. For a while, Nick was a contributor to Living Magazines, where he’d ‘write’ about the birds he’d spotted in Parc-y-Pentre. Nick was always a popular sight around the village, both

at large events, but also on early winter mornings and late summer evenings as he took his walks around the village. He’ll be a character sadly missed, but never forgotten.

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Holy Week servicesPalm Sunday8.00am Said Communion10.30am Holy Eucharist with blessing of Palms6.00pm Evening PrayerHoly Wednesday10.00am Holy EucharistMaundy Thursday7.45pm Holy Eucharist of the Last Supper and WatchGood Friday10.00am Children’s serviceHoly Saturday8.30pm Holy Eucharist with VigilEaster Sunday8.00am Holy Eucharist10.30am Easter Sunday Family Service

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The Garden Village movement began in the 1890s in response

to the industrial revolution’s side-effects of slums and poor living conditions. Its rhetoric championed better living conditions for the working class as well as the middle class and by the turn of the century, several Garden Villages existed in Britain. Its principle of co-operative ownership appealed to many and in 1911, a group of Cardiffians met to consider the idea of their own Garden Village. The main objective of the Rhiwbina Garden Village Ltd. was the provision of modern houses located in pleasant and healthy surroundings in the Rhiwbina area. They bought 110 acres of land from the Pentwyn Estate, at £200 per acre, and by Christmas 1913, 34 houses had been built. Each house was fitted with running water and gas for lighting and cooking; a boiler, a water storage tank and even a dustbin. Hedges and fences were put up and paths were laid. The village continued to grow and by 1920, tenders were accepted to

build 83 more houses. Business during the 1930s eventually recovered from a mixture of a sluggish economy and flooding. Events took an unexpected turn in 1939 with the outbreak of war. The Wendy Hut suddenly became an Air Warden’s post and the village also accepted a lot of evacuees – the village considered a safe place to be. Story has it that the children considered the air raid sirens as welcome breaks to school lessons. Their ignorance seemed totally justified as no bombs ever fell on the Garden Village. This strengthened the position of the c by the fact that all of their houses were intact. Post-war, the Garden Village found themselves with increasing costs. By 1947, production costs had risen to four times the level they were pre-war, and as a result, maintenance works were kept to a bare minimum. Rhiwbina Village though was no longer in a position to develop. In fact, by 1952, the only way that the village could keep up with maintenance was to sell some of their houses. By the 1960s, the Welsh

Town Planning was urging the Rhiwbina Village company to pay back the capital that had been borrowed to pay off the construction. Since the company was a non-profit making organisation, they had cleared their debts and held substantial assets in the form of the property they had built. A special AGM was called in September 1968 where the chairman announced to the unsuspecting tenant holders that they could buy the leasehold to their properties on very

Concept Plan from 1913

Rhiwbina’s Garden Village Is Born

8

history

favourable terms. His words were met with stunned silence before a rapturous round of applause. Tenant holders were seen running to the office the following day to take up the company’s excellent offer. By 1978, it was decided to dissolve the company since it had served its purpose. In 1981, the committee announced that all assets had been disposed of that the company had a surplus of £6,742. Under the rules of the company, no one person was allowed to profit and so the surplus money was distributed to local charities. Following the Council’s decision towards the end of the 1970s by the local council, Rhiwbina had now come under the designation of a ‘Conservation Area’ having been deemed of sufficient architectural and historic merit. Since then, the upkeep of the village has been carefully looked after by the residents and as such, the village has become one of the most desirable places to live in South Wales. The original vision of hundreds of houses, public buildings

and shops did not perhaps materialise as was hoped. Considering that the village was built with no help from the Government, and lived through two world wars and economic depression, Rhiwbina’s Garden Village is testament to sound investing and a firm sense of

optimism and purpose. Those who laid the foundations for the village would be proud of the efforts. Its co-operative ownership paved the way for a great sense of community which still thrives today and will do into the future.

history

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My father had joined the GPO (the old name for British Telecom) as in the prelude to World War 2, house building

dried up and his plumbing and lead burning experience was instrumental in him getting a start. Dad’s expertise with lead burning and jointing on telephone cables, and his methodical way of working, soon managed to get him promotion to tradesman’s money. Despite this, the family budget was still quite stretched. Very soon the rumblings of war pressed closer, and together with other technicians, Dad was travelling further afield installing special cable runs for defence purposes. By now, he had graduated to driving one of the large GPO lorries, which I thought was marvellous. Because of the possibility of a bomb falling on the large GPO Garage in Western Avenue, an instruction was given for all drivers to take their lorries home at night, and park them where they could nearby to their homes. That garage was situated where the large Tesco store now is. When Dad used to finish work and bring the lorry home, I would be waiting patiently as he would let me sit on his lap as he drove up the road to where there used to be a pull-in just below

the reservoir. He used to let me steer the lorry – although it was as much as I could do to turn the very large and heavy steering wheel. I can still remember the thrill that it used to give me. After locking up the lorry, I would walk down the road with Dad, feeling that I had earned a bit of Dad’s cooked meal that Mother would have ready. I was rapidly growing up, and had started attending school at Rhiwbina Infants. Like most youngsters who were starting school, it had been a worrying experience for me. But I still recall the very kind teacher who looked after us in the ‘beginners class’ – Miss Harman. I supposed she had seen tears many times before, but her kindness and understanding must be remembered by many ex-Rhiwbina pupils, though she passed away many years ago. I do also remember Miss Price, who used to be in charge of the second class, and who though kind, was a little bit stricter. She insisted on learning your tables, and would conduct the class with her cane as they sang “One two is two, two twos are four, three twos are five…” – well, I could never add up! In later years, ‘Miss Price’ (by then Mrs Everson) was Deputy Head of the Llanishen Fach Junior School that my daughters attended, and we had a few

laughs about old times. There were no indoor toilets then. They were situated on the far side of the playground, and we always put off going when it was tipping down with rain. There were a few ‘accidents’ caused by waiting too long for the rain to stop. I discovered girls about now and the idol of my affections was a girl called Shirley Thomas, who lived at the bottom of Wenallt Road. She was in my class at school, and although I did my best, I’m afraid my affections were not reciprocated. I recall an episode which quiet innocent back then, may be regarded now as a little more serious were it to happen today. We had been rehearsing a little play in school, where the best thing was dressing up for the various parts. When most of the children had gone home at the end of the afternoon, I overhead the teacher saying that Shirley had left her knickers behind (and obviously gone home with the pair she was dressing up with).Straight away, innocent Alan as he was, said “Don’t worry Miss. I pass her house on my way home. I’ll deliver them to her!” I still remember the look on Shirley’s mother when I knocked at their door, and said “Shirley left these in school today.”

1930s

Alan GrayGrowing Up In Rhiwbina in the 1930s

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On the 18th May 1943, I was 8 years old and my sister Shirley was 10. We were living at 27 Wenallt Road at the

time of the raid, which occurred at 2.30am. My father, John Evan Thomas, was on duty with the Home Guard. My mother, Gwenllian, was in bed upstairs and my sister and I were asleep in our Morrison air raid shelter, in the downstairs front room. The first we knew of the air raid was terrific explosions. We went to the window to see what was happening, and all we could see was fire and bombs exploding all around us. A high explosive bomb had landed outside No.32, the home of Mrs Jenette. It was very close to us – about 40ft away from our window. It had hit the gas main and the flames were leaping as high as the houses. The house opposite and to the right, No.26, the home of Mrs and Mrs Davies, was completely on fire, but luckily, they all managed to get out safely. The house had apparently been hit by fire bombs. Suddenly, there was a knock at our front door. By this time, my mother was out of bed. She answered the door to an air raid warden who told her that we must leave immediately, as it looked as though an unexploded bomb had landed in the garden

of next door – No. 25 – and may have gone under our house. We left immediately, dressed only in our pyjamas. Once outside, I remember seeing Mr Sidney Pugh – he was the owner of the garden centre, and lived at No.28. He was trying to kick a burning firebomb out of his hedge. I don’t know if he succeeded as our mother took us up the Wenallt, where she thought it would be safe. We spent about three hours up there, eventually walking down by way of Rhiwbina Hill. Mr Lewis, who lived at No.36, saw us walking down the street, guessed what had happened, and invited us into his house. After giving us refreshments, he insisted that the three of us make use of his bed for the rest of the night. The next morning, we were told that it was not safe to go back to Wenallt Road so we went to Pentyrch and stayed with our relatives for a few days. On returning to Wenallt Road, we could clearly see the result of the air raid. Pugh’s Garden Centre (which has since moved to Morganstown, Radyr), had taken quite a pounding with high explosives and incendiary bombs. There was glass everywhere. The fire at No.26 was now out but only the shell of the building remained. A mine had landed

in Pugh’s field, just behind the garden centre. The crater it caused was so big that you could bury a house there; it was later used for years by local people as a place to put their household and garden rubbish. An open space between the Wenallt Court flats now occupies the crater site as it was not possible to build on it – subsidence would have been inevitable. The area where most of the bombs had landed was covered in clods of earth thrown up by the explosions. Many windows had been broken. The lath and plaster ceilings of most houses in the immediate area had either come down or were cracked. For a few weeks after the raid, my friends and I would search the area and collect any pieces of shrapnel and all burned out firebombs that we could find. I kept mine for years, only to find that my mother had thrown them all out while I was away in Egypt with the Royal Air Force – believe it or not – working on bomb disposal. I believe that the target of the raid was the Royal Ordnance Factory, but the greenhouses of the Garden Centre were mistaken for it – good aiming, wrong target.

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John Lloyd ThomasThe Air Raid on Wenallt Road

1940s

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We used to visit the Tea Rooms whilst on Sunday

afternoon walks. There were several places to visit: Smarts Garage and Tea Rooms, the Deri Cafe, the tea shops on Wenallt Road (now houses) and the Traveller’s Rest. What is now Rhiwbina Junior School playing fields was, I believe, previously a cricket field linked to the Rhiwbina Recreation Club, and presumably leased from the Garden Village. I also believe that it was only after the war, that it became part of the school, though I suspect the school had an arrangement to use the field from its opening in 1928. An imposing feature of the old cricket ground was a pavilion on the western side, with a veranda and scorer’s box. The cricket square was to a high standard and I recall that the Junior School played an annual match against Whitchurch Grammar School. Now I am sure that there are residents of Rhiwbina with a better recollection of the cricket club, and maybe some photographs of teams and the pavilion.

The Famous FiveHere are some photographs relating to Heol Wen back in 1953. This event was the Queen’s Coronation which we celebrated out in the street.

The Children of Heol Wen celebrated with the late Angharad Rees, who lived in Rhiwbina (of Poldark fame). The large photograph at the bottom right of the page shows Angharad sat in the front row. She’s the fourth from right, wearing white shoes. The photo at the top shows ‘ The Famous Five’ (from left to right) John Hyland, Oliver Hyland, David Evans, the late Geoffrey Webster and David Rees (Angharad Rees’s elder brother ) A recent reunion in Cardiff 60 years on is also shown here in the smaller colour photographs.

David Evans

Brian Rowland

Sunday Walks and Tea Rooms 1950s

We went to Whitchurch Grammar School in

1953 and like all ‘new boys’ we were thrown in the sand pit. This initiation stopped a couple of years later when Nipper Hope broke his arm on his first day. One day we ‘mitched’ to watch the Varsity match on television. I got the cane because I owned up but John got off because he had a ‘good’ excuse! In Rhiwbeina School, John and I had to stand under the clock several times for ‘bad’ behaviour before Mr Green, the headmaster, delivered the cane. John also liked to dress as a teddy boy with sideboards, drained pipe trousers and a Tony Curtis hairstyle.

Martin Davies and John Hawkins

Mitching, Sand Pits and the Cane

From left to right are John Hyland, Oliver Hyland and David Evans. John is now living in Hereford, Oliver in Croydon and David back in Rhiwbina. The second picture is a reminder of our homes on Heol Wen.

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Domestic and Commercial Specialists

• Rewires • Boiler installs• Repairs and services • Mains board upgrades • Landlord Gas safety

certificates• Electrical inspection and

testing• Free competitive quotes

Photographs courtesy of Rhiwbina Garden Village Residents Association

Sports Day 1962 1960s

Photographs courtesy of Rhiwbina Garden Village Residents Association

Your Bespoke PropertyMarketing Solution

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E S T A T E SYour Bespoke PropertyMarketing Solution

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business in North Cardiff

Cardiff ’s home buyers will soon be able to benefit from the professional expertise of a new local property marketing solution. Cardiff Residential Estates Ltd has been set up to support the local community in the buying and selling of residential properties across the Cardiff area. The services providedwill support every aspect of the home buying process frominitial market appraisal through to independent financialadvice and conveyancing. Company owner, Lee Bryce told Living Magazines: “As a family business, Cardiff Residential Estates has beenset up to offer a friendly and professional service to theCardiff community, supporting every aspect of the homemoving process. “With extensive experience

specialising in the Cardiff market, the company aims to provide the very best in customer service to its clients.” Established in 2012, the company aims to be the independent agent of choice within Cardiff by establishing a solid and professional reputationwithin the community. Their rates will be competitive and their service exemplary. “We aim to support every aspect of the home moving process which includes but not limited to; Market Appraisals,Property Sales, Conveyancing and Financial Services. By working with preferred local suppliers we also offer gas and electrical safety certificates thus adding a more valued service to landlords and the buy-to-let market within Cardiff. “Customer satisfaction and referral business is our main

focus so our service levels needs to be of the highest quality across all services provided.” The company’s main focus is to support the local community. “All our additional services are provided by local independent traders for both external and internal services. “We believe that by supporting each other, businesses canbenefit from offering more of a ‘hands on’ and valuable service to its clients. This will also maintain a positive image and opinion within the community and support a more localised support structure. “We are a friendly and approachable local business, hereto help.” added Lee.

t: 02920 617885w: www.cardiffresidential.come: homes@cardiffresidential.com

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Bespoke Property Marketing Solutions

HEATH WINDOWS BIG ON QUALITY AND REPUTATION Formed only a year and a half ago (September 2011), Heath Windows has already achieved a big reputation in the Cardiff area. Founder and director Miall Heath attributes the company’s success to time, care and dedication. His fitters, who are directly employed, are allowed the time to complete every job to the customer’s full satisfaction. This is reflected in the success of Heath Windows’ “one customer, one recommendation” policy – for every job done, the company aims to leave with a glowing recommendation, and so far this has proved to be the case. After careful consideration (informed by many years’ prior experience in the UPVC industry), Miall and his family business partners selected Eurocell 70mm sculptured profile windows for their traditional look and excellent performance. Every window fitted is A rated as standard. The company also offers a 10 year insurance backed guarantee. Heath Windows has grown from 0-£600k turnover in less than two years. The business has appeared on the Money Saving Expert website, and been mentioned in Which? magazine. Miall and his fitters are proving that quality and dedication are still best sellers. t: 02920 650854w: www.heathwindowsltd.co.uk

20% OFFOn all orders over £1,000

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

When you buy a conservatory over 2m x 2m

FREE Back Door

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

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

Where Service and Quality Come As Standard

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petspage

IF YOU HAVE ANY PET-RELATED QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE CHRIS TO ANSWER, PLEASE EMAIL US AT EDITOR@LIVINGMAGS.CO.UK AND WE’LL PASS THEM ON.

My dog really doesn’t like her bath times. Is there anything I can try to make bath times less stressful, both for her and me? I thought that dogs were supposed to love water!I am afraid there’s no simple answer here. It’s easy to say, and you probably realise it now, but you should have started off when she was a little puppy, making bathtime fun, and rewarding her for good behaviour – just like a child. Now she’s got a ‘thing’ about bathing, it will be difficult to re-educate her but not impossible. There are ‘calming’ medicines, such as Zylkene or various herbal remedies, but I doubt they will be strong enough to have much effect. First, try to work out what it is that upsets her, and if possible avoid or minimise it. Is it getting wet, the feel of the shower rinsing her off, the slipperiness of the bath, or all of these? If your dog feels her feet are going to slip, it will make her very tense, so use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower. If she doesn’t like being sprayed with the shower, just pour water over her with a jug (but make sure you do rinse the shampoo out thoroughly). If it’s just the getting wet she hates, you could even try one of the dry shampoos that are available. Having taken all steps possible to remove the causes of the anxiety, proceed with your bath routine, being calm but firm. Do not react to her anxiety by giving treats or kind words to calm her – that will just teach her that being anxious gets rewarded. However, do reward her with praise and treats while she is calm during the bath, and afterwards as soon as she has settled down. Remember that your dog does not understand your words, but responds to your body language and the tone of your voice. If you are worried (about how she will behave), she will pick up on this and be more likely to react badly.

I’ve inherited a guinea pig but feel that it needs a friend. I’ve tried to research this on the internet but would you recommend me introducing an additional one? – it just looks so lonely.

Guinea pigs are very social creatures and should never be kept alone. People are often pair them up with rabbits (which also should never be housed singly), but I would not recommend this as we do see occasional injuries caused by bullying or just the size difference. So you need to find another guinea pig for company. This should be the same sex, or alternatively one or other should be neutered. You could try to find an adult that needs a new home – try guinea pig rescue forums online, look in the free ads, or contact the RSPCA. Alternatively, buy a youngster. Introduce the two carefully. Ideally they should spend at least several days, preferably a week or two in adjacent runs, able to interact and get to know each other without being able to fight. When you put them together, do so in a neutral territory – don’t put the newcomer in the original piggy’s run. Supervise them closely to start with, and the chances are good that they will settle down and bond closely.

Several months ago, my 4 year old cat seemed to have some condition in his left eye. It didn’t seem to get too bad and it didn’t seem to bother him too much. There was a certain amount of redness and in some cases, some kind of discharge. At the time, I was suffering from conjunctivitis (something I seem to get a lot), and was wondering whether my cat could have caught it from me, and indeed, whether cats can suffer from it (albeit in a feline form)I am not aware of any form of conjunctivitis which is contagious between people and cats (though I’m not a doctor) so it’s unlikely that your cat caught it from you. Cats certainly get their own conjunctivitis problems, and there can be many causes including viral infection, microbial infection, injuries and foreign bodies to name but a few. However, redness and discharge can be symptoms of other eye conditions as well. If all the symptoms have cleared up, don’t worry, but if there is any lingering redness or intermittent discharge, you must get your vet to have a look. Eyes are delicate organs and very important!

Page is sponsored by Heath Vets 02920 621511

Pet problemsCHRIS TROUGHTON OF

HEATH VETS ANSWERS YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS

ood service is often difficult to Þnd, outstanding service even harder. ThatÕs why at the Garden Village Garage

our female friendly team, pride themselves by offering the highest standards.

Offering a boutique environment and bespoke service the garage is focused on you the customer. Transparency is the theme in all that we do, offering a live link straight into our workshop from home, workplace or even on the go through mobile phone or tablet technology.

Collection and return delivery the same day allows busy clients to get on with their busy lives whilst we take care of all their motoring

requirements. We offer a clean car on return policy and will never undertake any works without prior consent. We will also record any repairs using the latest technology and even email the results for you see!!

You may know somebody within the village who has already used us, so ask them before your visit. Our team are committed to customer excellence and your satisfaction. With our partners the Nantgarw Garage, we have just been award ÒTop Dealer StatusÓ for the third time since 2010. So if you are dissatisÞed with your current garage provider then give us a try? You can even enquire for free using our free phone number 0333 121 2012.

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The Garden Village Garage1 A Heol Y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cf14 6HA

Call free 0333 121 2012

C E N T E N A R Y Mot Offer

THIS CERTIFICATE ENTITLES THE BEARER

To an Mot Test for the sum of £19.13*To Celebrate the Rhiwbina Garden Village centenary

To include,Collection & DeliveryClean Car on Return

DATE SECRETARY*Terms & Conditions Apply

Rhiwbina garden village is celebrating its centenary in 2013. The idea was to provide simple houses with gardens and

plenty of green space for industrial workers from Cardiff. The Þrst houses were completed in 1913 and on 13th July an opening ceremony was held in Y

Groes when the Earl of Plymouth unveiled a sundial and plaque, which can still be seen, on the front of the houses.

Homes were built at Pen-y-dre, originally called Homfray Road, next to Rhiwbina halt, now Rhiwbina station, it

stands on the line between Coryton and Cardiff. The garden village was run as a co-operative by Rhiwbina garden village society until the 1960s when the

houses were mainly sold to existing residents. In 1977 the garden village became a conservation area to preserve

its character, most of the houses have been listed. In more modern times the village has seen change. One of the

communities newest businesses is The Garden Village Garage located at 1a Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina. They have taken old fashion service and placed it back

on the high street with a modern twist! Offering courtesy collection and delivery a clean car on return and

unique on line internet viewing, their female friendly team welcome new customers with a warmth not usually

offered from within the motor trade. To celebrate the village centenary they are offering 100 customers an Mot test for

just £19.13* to organise yours, just call

them for free on 0333 121 2012, they will even pay for the call !!! T&C’s apply.

100 Years at the Rhiwbina Garden Village......1913 - 2013

GARDEN VILLAGE GARAGE

COLLECTION AND DELIVERY

CLEAN CAR ON RETURN

ON LINE INTERNET ACCESS

AWARD WINNING SERVICE

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0333 121 2012

Rhiwbina garden village is celebrating its centenary in 2013. The idea was to provide simple houses with gardens and

plenty of green space for industrial workers from Cardiff. The Þrst houses were completed in 1913 and on 13th July an opening ceremony was held in Y

Groes when the Earl of Plymouth unveiled a sundial and plaque, which can still be seen, on the front of the houses.

Homes were built at Pen-y-dre, originally called Homfray Road, next to Rhiwbina halt, now Rhiwbina station, it

stands on the line between Coryton and Cardiff. The garden village was run as a co-operative by Rhiwbina garden village society until the 1960s when the

houses were mainly sold to existing residents. In 1977 the garden village became a conservation area to preserve

its character, most of the houses have been listed. In more modern times the village has seen change. One of the

communities newest businesses is The Garden Village Garage located at 1a Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina. They have taken old fashion service and placed it back

on the high street with a modern twist! Offering courtesy collection and delivery a clean car on return and

unique on line internet viewing, their female friendly team welcome new customers with a warmth not usually

offered from within the motor trade. To celebrate the village centenary they are offering 100 customers an Mot test for

just £19.13* to organise yours, just call

them for free on 0333 121 2012, they will even pay for the call !!! T&C’s apply.

100 Years at the Rhiwbina Garden Village......1913 - 2013

GARDEN VILLAGE GARAGE

COLLECTION AND DELIVERY

CLEAN CAR ON RETURN

ON LINE INTERNET ACCESS

AWARD WINNING SERVICE

CAR SERVICING

MOT TESTING

BRAKES, TYRES AND EXHAUSTS

FREE PHONE CALLING

0333 121 2012To celebrate the village centenary,

customers can have an MOT test for just £19.13* until Rhiwbina Festival

Day on 29th June. To organise yours, call free on 0333 121 2012.

They will even pay for the call! *T&Cs apply.

www.bartholomewifa.co.ukBartholomew Financial Ltd, Cedar House, Greenwood Close, Cardiff Gate CF23 8RD

Bartholomew Financial Ltd is an appointed representative of Financial Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Bartholomew Financial are members of the Society of Will Writers by affiliation. Will’s & Tax Planning are not regulated by the FSA.

We offer independent financial advice and are affiliate members of the Society of Will Writers. If you do not have a will, or you are looking to update your current one, contact Dino Bartholomew on 02920 540286 or email info@bartholomewifa.co.uk

Will & Estate planning

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FREE WILL WRITING SERVICE

etyres .co.uk

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

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Call 029 2060 1727 today

David Stubbs ArchitectProfessional architect design services

for residential and commercial projects.

t: 029 2062 4800m: 078 6632 2287w: www.dsarchitect.co.uke: info@dsarchitect.co.uka: 8 Min-y-Nant, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6JR

Wenvoe Garden Buildings & Paving Centreat Style Gardens, Port Road, Wenvoe, Cardiff CF5 6AD

OPEN 7 DAYSwww.wenvoegarden.co.uk

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● Summerhouses● Log Cabins● Playhouses● Gazebos

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6’ x 4’ £2957’ x 5’ £3198’ x 6’ £375

Apex Sheds - 1st QualityTop quality sheds - tongue and groove floorand roof, complete with window and lock, felt and fixings (absolutely NO chipboard)

Installation only £65 (on your prepared base) Need a base?Want your old shed taken away? We are happy to make a sitevisit and quote. Many other styles of shedsavailable.

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Looking to maximise your potential on the slopes?Want to reduce the risk of injury? Get winter sports ready with our dedicated physio programme!

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

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Visit our website for more details

or find us on

Other services include: • Physiotherapy• Sports Massage• Podiatry• Chiropody• Facial Aesthetics• Holistic Therapies• Acupuncture

• Decking Specialists• Fencing• Sheds andSummer Houses

• Paving and Walling

Tel: 029 2061 4870Mob: 07799 434371Email: conceptgardens@btinternet.com

• Turfing• Hard and SoftLandscaping

• Tree pruning andfelling

The Book Nook Quality Second Hand Books & Gifts

Fiction & Non Fiction,

Books sourced on request. Jewellery repairs – Restringing

Book reading evenings & Craft classes

All Fiction 3 for price of 2

(Except Children’s)

14A Beulah Road, Rhiwbina,

Cardiff CF14 6LX Tel: 07956895768 email:thebooknook@live.co.uk www.thebooknook.co.uk

St Michael’s College Cardiff “Vicar Academy”

For further information or to book your place Tel: 029 2056 3379

www.stmichaels.ac.uk

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

ICON PAINTING WEEKEND 17—19 May 2013

Come and try your hand at the ancient Christian tradition of Icon Painting. You will create the

“Angel with the Golden Hair” led by Helen McIldowie-Jenkins from Elenis Icons. Designed for the complete beginner, step-by-step instruction, includes demonstration, tuition and all materials. Fee £190 (includes tuition, materials, meals and refreshments)

EVERY FRIDAY 12.00—2.00pm

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

£6.00 (more menu options available)

prepared in our reputable college kitchen

FRIDAY

LUNCH

CLUB

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

Stunning 20 12 ESTYN Inspection Report

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:

02920 778 936email: admin@stjohnscollegecardiff.co.uk

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Music & Academic Bursary for pupils joining the school in September 2013

*ln appropriate circumstances, the bursary funds education from primary through to sixth form level in part or whole

Top Performing School in Wales in The Sunday Times “Parent Power 2012”

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

Stunning 20 12 ESTYN Inspection Report

Please contact Admissions to arrange a visit:

02920 778 936email: admin@stjohnscollegecardiff.co.uk

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Music & Academic Bursary for pupils joining the school in September 2013

*ln appropriate circumstances, the bursary funds education from primary through to sixth form level in part or whole

Top Performing School in Wales in The Sunday Times “Parent Power 2012”

Jarrod’s Specialist Carpentry Ltd

Bespoke stairway specialists of wood, metal and glass. Telephone 07870 274741 (Jarrod, Bespoke Joiner) or

07976 213984 (John, Designer)for a free quotation.

email: jarrodscarpentry@gmail.com

Local Craftsmen

Prices are very competitive Most stairs completed in a day!

BeforeAfter

After

Before

Before

Before

Before

After

After After

Existing newels carefully extracted and replaced with solid oak. Handrails and baserails replaced with solid oak and side strings clad with oak veneer.

A choice of glass, wrought iron, stainless steel or a variety of oak spindles are available. The cladding of treads and risers are an optional extra. Aged

staircases are converted into a wonderful, new oak stairway with minimal fuss or damage to decoration!

Charity No 701294

Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir & Orchestra

Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs

Vivaldi Gloria (extracts)

Easter Lunchtime Concert Tuesday 19 March, 1.00pm St David’s Hall, Cardiff

The girl and boy choristers are all pupils of St John’s College, Cardiff.

www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com

Tickets £5.50

Box Office 02920 878 444

I was 4 years old when I started at Rhiwbina Infants.

I recall running into class and all the other pupils were there, so I must have started the day late – perhaps we were all on a staggered start to try and avoid too many dramas all in one go! That first morning I remember playing with a wooden train-set,and over the sharing of a train, I befriended my future best man! I particularly remember fearingvisits to the class from the then headmaster, Mr Lewis. He was very strict on handwriting and would issue ‘red flags’. This he would do publicly by markingyour work and shouting “red flag” as he covered what seemed like your whole page with red ink! Football and gameslessons are ingrained in my memory. First, you had the task of changing in the alleged haunted changing rooms. Then you had the indignity of being told you couldn’t kick the skin off a rice pudding if you tried! Summers were always sunny back then - this always led to football on the field at lunchtimes.

The Placing of the PlaquesWhen the Garden Village celebrated its 75th birthday in 1988, it was decided to mark the fact that parts of the Garden Village had been designated worthy of

conservation status. The Residents Association agreed to place plaques in strategic locations, the most prominent being alongside the library in Pen-y-Dre. The plaques were made by Jacobs Forge. One of our residents worked there. The large rock was acquired from Wenvoe Quarry. Having heard the reason for the request, the quarry very kindly transported it to the site. The Garden Volunteers helped to get the rock down into the ground. We were very pleased when the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress unveiled the rock while attending our birthday celebrations.

Mary Clarke

Mike Driscoll

School Memories 1980sOh the Monico! Such memories of that place!

I remember seeing the original Star Wars trilogy there when I was a kid. What a day that was! It was a triple-bill, back-to-back. They used to run quizzes every week at the Children’s Club. I won a remote-controlled car (one of ‘Uncle Ian’s prizes’) there one week which were all the rage back then. We’d have cards stamped to get badges. These were the times when I first discovered 25p packets of millions sweets! Chico the Rainmaker was one film I didn’t want to see again though. It was the story of a Mexican shrunken head that would come alive when the children played the pan pipes. That gave me nightmares for years! I eventually got a job there. The going rate was £3 (£3.50 if I was serving popcorn in the kiosk).

Ian Evans

Monico Memories

Pe

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-Dre