SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 1 Hay Fever - The Curse Of Summer BBQ Food - Tandoori Salmon Skewers Fashion & Interiors - Sunset Tones Avoid The Latest Scams The Benefi ts Of Pilates Gardening Tips Inside this edition… LUNCH FOR TWO WIN AT FREE JUNE/JULY 2024 Times
2 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 derson Mr Mario Saldanha Mr Luke Anderson Bespoke Cataract surgery designed specifically for you by internationally renowned surgeons. Whatever your passion, Cataract surgery at Sana can enhance those aspects of your life that bring you the most joy with tailored lens options specifically for you and your sight. For further information please contact or visit. +44 (0) 333 9960 999 I [email protected] www.sana-health.co.uk I Swansea Vale SA7 0AJ
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 3 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and herby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. SA2 Times magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission of the publisher. Editor: Lorna Davies m: 07939 258 580 Design: Sharon Hawkins View the magazine online at www.sa2magazine.com To advertise in the next edition Call Lorna on 07939 258 580 or email [email protected] Hello & Welcome to the June/July Edition of SA2 Times. I am writing this introduction towards the end of May whilst we are enjoying some long awaited sunshine. I really hope that by the time you are reading this summer will be here to stay! Warmer weather means we can dust down our BBQs and enjoy some al-fresco dining. I love nothing more than gathering outside with friends and family to enjoy some delicious food and a cheeky glass of Pimm’s. If you fancy a change from the traditional burgers and sausages and want to really impress your guests, we have a fabulous recipe for you to try on pages 44 and 45. Tandoori Salmon Skewers with pickled shallots is the perfect BBQ dish for this time of year. It can also easily be grilled indoors if it’s a classic British summer of rain! SA2 Times contributor Doctor Charlotte Jones, like so many of us is a Hayfever sufferer. Unfortunately, the sunnier weather can herald a great deal of misery with the onset of Hayfever. On pages 6 and 7 Charlotte discusses the symptoms and suggests a variety of treatments that are available including some alternative therapies. Liquid gold is a strong colour trend for the Summer 2024 runway in both fashion and interiors. Step into the golden hour on pages 16 and 17 where there are some stunning sunset tones. There has been a great deal of publicity lately on the increase in fraud and scams. I recently had a message on my mobile saying “Hi Mum I need your help.” Alarm bells rang and I contacted both my sons before I responded, and of course it was a scam. I was lucky but so many of us are caught out. On page 35 consumer rights campaigner Martyn James has a look at the main scams doing the rounds at the moment and advises on what we need to do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. There’s plenty more to read including gardening tips and legal advice. Finally, up for grabs in this edition is a two-course lunch for two people at Miller & Carter steakhouse in Killay. Details on how to enter can be found on page 31 - Good Luck! Thank you as always for all your lovely e mails and messages about the magazine. They are a pleasure to read - please keep them coming. Enjoy this issue and I will be back in early August. 3 Lorna
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6 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 SA2 Health What is hayfever? Hayfever afi ects around 20% of the population. It is an allergic condition where you get a variety of symptoms typically: Itchy sore red watering eyes (oft en irritated by bright lights), Sneezing or blocked nose Itchy throat Itchy skin. Some people experience: Tiredness and fatigue, Loss of sense of smell, Coughing from a post nasal drip, Sinus pain Headaches. The symptoms can range from fairly mild to severe and really impact on all daily activities. When does it start? It depends on what pollen you are allergic too but the season is usually Spring – Autumn. Why does it happen? An allergy to pollens causes the lining of the eyes, nose, throat etc to become irritated, swollen and inflamed. What is the treatment? Commonly used treatments can include eye drops, nasal sprays and oral antihistamine tablets – many of these are available over the counter in the chemist without the need for a prescription. If you are pregnant, then we tend to use the sprays and eye drops as first treatment but if an oral tablet is needed then loratadine and cetirizine are not known to be harmful although there is limited data on any of these medications. Some top tips when using nasal sprays... try to clear your nose by blowing it gently before use, shake the bottle, “look at your toes when you spray your nose”, insert the bottle into one nostril, angle it straight up, close the other nostril, apply one or two sprays as per the instructions on the bottle and gently sniff up as you spray. Repeat in the other nostril. For more distressing symptoms we sometimes use other medications e.g. oral steroid tablets but we tailor the treatment to what is causing the most suff ering. We have been asked about whether the high dose steroid Sunny days off en lead to a bounce in the step and a sense of greater wellbeing but, for those like me who sufi er from hayfever, the sunny weather can herald misery with the onset of hayfever. HAY FEVER The Curse Of Summer WITH DR CHARLOTTE JONES MB BS (LOND), MRCGP, DFSRH. Uplands & Mumbles Surgeries. treatments can include eye drops, nasal sprays and oral antihistamine tablets – many of these counter in the chemist without the need for a
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 7 injection is still used as a one off treatment as patients like me used to find it brilliant – however, due to concerns around potential side eff ects this is now rarely, if ever, used in General Practice nowadays. For severe symptoms, some patients are referred to a specialist for consideration of allergy testing and / or desensitizing immunotherapy where you are given small amounts of pollen over a few months / years to build up a resistance to the pollen. Do alternative therapies work? There is no convincing evidence for the use of alternative therapies over conventional medication although there has been some evidence for: Honey is said to be a natural remedy as bee pollen in honey can desensitise you to other pollens – best results are seen with using local honey and there are some delicious local honey suppliers in Swansea. Vitamin C is believed to be a natural antihistamine and experts advise around 1000mg / day and oranges / lemons and grapefruit are great sources of vitamin C Others dietary recommendations can include: red chilli peppers, carotenoid rich foods (eg carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, spinach), chamomile tea and garlic Acupuncture may help if the sinus pain is particularly troublesome What else can I do? Limit exposure to pollens and grasses if you can although this is really tricky and probably unrealistic - get somebody else to mow the grass, keep car windows closed etc. Wear wraparound sunglasses Change your clothes aft er being outside Shower at the end of the day to wash away the pollen. Putting Vaseline around nostrils can help act as a barrier Some people find keeping windows and doors shut helps Damp dust and vacuum regularly to prevent pollen spreading Wash pets regularly as they bring pollen in with them from outdoors Don’t dry your clothes outdoors as they will inevitably attract pollen There are allergy filter machines etc available to buy – I never found them much good but if you are suff ering it may be worth a try. Keep an eye on the pollen count – tends to be higher in morning and at night. The met off ice has an excellent pollen forecast that I use during the Spring & Summer. What else should I know? There is no cure for hayfever even though many get milder symptoms as they grow older. Take a look at the website – Allergy UK which has some excellent information SA2 Health Hayfever afi ects around 20% of the population.
8 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 01792 284007 | [email protected] We’re looking for welcoming and friendly homestay hosts to offer accommodation and meals for international students aged 16 to 18 in the SA2, SA3 and SA4 postal code areas. We are also looking for Homestay Hosts for short-term programmes, such as Winter/ Summer School and teacher training. Contact us today! Rydym yn chwilio am deuluoedd Homestay croesawgar a chyfeillgar i gynnig llety a phrydau i fyfyrwyr rhyngwladol 16 i 18 oed yn ardaloedd cod post SA2, SA3 a SA4. Rydym hefyd yn edrych am Deuluoedd Homestay ar gyfer rhaglenni tymor byr, fel Ysgol Gaeaf/Haf a hyfforddiant athrawon. Cysylltwch â ni heddiw! Become a host family for our international students Byddwch yn deulu croesawu i’n myfyrwyr rhyngwladol Cael hyd at £150 yr wythnos Receive up to £150 per week £175 £175
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SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 13 www.the-childrens-room.co.uk l Email: [email protected] The Children’s Room Montessori Nursery School The Childrens Room is an accredited Montessori nursery school, located in the leafy area of Ffynonne, Swansea. We welcome children from three months to six years of age and follow the Montessori pedagogy. We are a bi-lingual setting with four fluent Welsh speakers. Caroline is the coordinator who ensures Welsh is delivered throughout our setting. Our Nursery is opposite St James Gardens which we take full advantage of. We have an outside classroom and in the summer months you can regularly find us enjoying Cwmdonkin park. A school collection service is operated and all children are transported in nursery vehicles for safety and to deal with the unpredictability of Swansea weather!! “The child who concentrates is immensely happy”- Maria Montessori “What the hand does, the mind remembers” - Maria Montessori “The child who concentrates is 13 St James Gardens, Uplands, Swansea. SA1 6DY Tel: 01792 535919 “I cannot thank the Children’s Room highly enough for their role in my daughters early years. They have been fantastic in every way, and I genuinely couldn’t fi nd a single fault. Not only have I always felt that my daughter is safe and her basic needs taken care of, but I feel that she has developed invaluable life skills and thrived under their guidance.” I Saunders – Parent
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22 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Yet, clematis are the climbers which cause the most confusion when it comes to pruning because there are three groups of them, and if you prune the wrong type at the wrong time you'll ruin your chances for blooms this year. Group 1 clematis, which flower in spring, bloom on stems which grew the previous year and are generally pruned after flowering. They are often rampant growers with large numbers of relatively small. Prune them straight after flowering by clipping the sideshoots back to a few buds of the main framework. They should not be pruned in the winter, or you'll cut off all the shoots and lose the new season's flowers. Group 2 clematis are pruned in late winter or early spring to remove much of last year's growth. If left unchecked they will produce flowers, but they will tend to be at the end of the plant where you probably won't be able to see them. The aim with pruning Group 2 clematis is to retain a framework of old wood, and also to stimulate new shoots to maximise flowering throughout the season. Unless the plant already has three or four healthy stems growing from the base, all newly planted clematis should be pruned back hard the first spring after planting. Cut back to just above a strong pair of leaf buds about 30cm above soil level. This will encourage multiple stems which can be trained into supports to give a good coverage. With established plants, remove dead or weak stems before growth begins, check individual stems from the top down until you reach a pair of healthy buds, and prune just above them, removing the spindly or damaged growth above. The ones that flower first in early summer, and again in late summer, need a tidy-up rather than a heavy prune. Group 3 Clematis are late summer and autumn-flowering. In the first year, prune them back in late winter or early spring to the lowest pair of healthy-looking buds you can find, which will be about 30-90cm above the ground. This may mean cutting off green, healthy shoots, but the plant will reshoot from the base and be better for it. I love the huge flowers of hybrid clematis as they climb up trellis and fencing, or weave their way through less interesting shrubs, wrap themselves around tree trunks and scramble over old walls to create a burst of colour, often in shadier places. They make perfect companions entwined with deliciously scented climbing roses covering arches and pagodas in the romantic garden, or simply climbing up unsightly walls or fences to act as a colourful screen. In fact, different types of clematis can provide you with flowers for most of the year. Clematis
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 23 Best of the bunch... Liatris These high-summer flowering perennials provide a striking element in the border, bearing erect spikes of dense, fluffy flower heads that look like bottle brushes in shades of pink, pale purple and white. Unusually, the blooms open from the top downwards. The plants prefer sun or light shade in moist soil and will live for many years if the soil isn't waterlogged in winter. The type you're most likely to find is L. spicata, which grows to around 90cm (3ft). Use liatris in the middle of the border next to purple-flowering plants. Their shape makes a good contrast to dome-shaped plants such as hardy geraniums or monarda. After flowering, the plants die down and disappear in winter and reemerge late, so put a marker on their position so you don't accidentally dig them up in spring. Prune large and overgrown Clematis montana after flowering, cutting back hard to encourage new growth. Continue to earth up potatoes to encourage them to root into a ridge of soil and develop a larger crop. Top up pond water levels as they fall in hot weather. Place a small ramp into steep-sided pools and water features so that small mammals like hedgehogs can climb out if they accidentally fall in Give extra water to plants growing at the base of walls where the soil can remain dry despite rain Pinch out the tips of trailing plants in hanging baskets to make them branch out. Pick off dead flowers every few days. Sow seeds of wallflowers in a corner of the garden to transplant in the autumn Use a soap-based spray to deal with heavy infestations of aphids Buy bulbs for autumn blooms, including Nerine bowdenii, colchicums and autumn crocus Good enough to eat… Prevent lettuce problems Three ways to... Maintain garden furniture 1. Clean wood with a stiff brush and water, sand down rough areas and apply wood preserver to non-treated softwoods or teak oil to hardwoods once a year to keep their colour. 2. Clean cast iron with a damp cloth. It rusts slowly when exposed to air so you will need to sand down damaged areas and apply a rust remover followed by an undercoat and topcoat of weatherproof paint. 3. Plastic and resin should be cleaned with a damp cloth and detergent, while aluminium can just be wiped down with a damp cloth. Salad leaves can suffer in warm, dry weather, whether wilting in the hot sun or bolting (running to seed) prematurely, so there are a few measures to take to keep them at their tasty best. If it's hot, sow seeds in the shade, as scorching weather reduces germination rates, and choose a semi-shaded spot so the plant has relief from the sun at some part of the day. Keep salad leaves well watered, adding compost to retain moisture before planting, and keep slugs at bay with either slug rings or by picking them off in the evening or after rain, when they are most likely to strike. To help prevent bolting, mulch around plants and water during dry weather. Remove any plants that have bolted as the leaves will taste bitter and pinch out any flowers that you see developing. Grey mould or botrytis may be a problem in cold, damp summers. Increase the spacing between plants to reduce the problem and remove any infected material immediately.
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30 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Originating in the early 20th century Pilates has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a globally embraced exercise system celebrated for its myriad of benefi ts. Pilates continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide and has become a very trendy fi tness model thanks to celebrities like Harry Styles, David Beckham, and Miley Cyrus, amongst others. ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION The origin of Pilates traces back to the innovative mind of Joseph Pilates, a German-born fi tness pioneer. Inspired by a diverse array of disciplines, including yoga, gymnastics, and martial arts, Joseph Pilates sought to create a comprehensive system that harmonised the body, mind, and spirit. His vision materialised during World War I when he developed a series of exercises to aid in the rehabilitation of injured soldiers. Pilates’ method focused on core strength, fl exibility, and breath control, emphasising the integration of movement and mindful awareness. The practice gained traction for its ability to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Over the decades, Pilates underwent a transformation, spreading from its origins in rehabilitation centres and dance studios to mainstream fi tness facilities worldwide. The incorporation of specialised equipment, such as the Reformer and the Cadillac and lately Tower on the mat exercises as offered in Pili-Pala’s recently opened studio in Pennard. This apparatus expands the repertoire of exercises and adds resistance to challenge you at every level. The Benefi ts of Pilates... At the heart of Pilates lies a holistic approach to health and fi tness, offering a plethora of benefi ts for the body, mind, and soul. Here are some of the key advantages that have propelled Pilates into the spotlight: Core Strength and Stability: Central to Pilates is the concept of core engagement, which strengthens the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. By cultivating a strong and stable core, practitioners improve posture, balance, and overall functional movement. Flexibility and Mobility: Pilates promotes suppleness and joint mobility through a range of fl uid movements and stretches. By lengthening and elongating muscles, it enhances fl exibility, reducing the risk of injury and promoting greater freedom of movement. Improved Posture: In our sedentary society, poor posture has become a prevalent issue, leading to musculoskeletal imbalances and discomfort. Pilates encourages proper alignment and body awareness, helping to correct postural deviations and alleviate strain on the spine. Mind-Body Connection: Pilates fosters a profound connection between the body and mind, emphasising mindful movement and breath awareness. By tuning into sensations and focusing on the present moment, you will cultivate greater mindfulness and mental clarity. Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention: Many physical therapists and healthcare professionals endorse Pilates as an effective modality for rehabilitating injuries and preventing future setbacks. Its low-impact nature and emphasis on controlled movements make it suitable for individuals of all ages and fi tness levels. Stress Reduction: The rhythmic and fl owing nature of Pilates promotes relaxation and stress reduction, helping to alleviate tension and promote a sense of well-being. Incorporating mindful breathing techniques further enhances its therapeutic benefi ts, calming the nervous system and fostering a sense of inner peace. Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes across a spectrum of sports, from rugby players to swimmers to golfers, have integrated Pilates into their training regimen to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Its focus on functional movement patterns and core stability translates into improved agility, power, and endurance. The Future of Pilates... As we look to the future, the allure of Pilates shows no sign of waning. With an ever-expanding body of research supporting its effi cacy and a growing demand for holistic approaches to health and fi tness, Pilates is poised to remain a pillar of the wellness industry. So, whether you’re a seasoned Pilates goer or a newcomer to the world of Pilates the new studio in Pennard offers you everything from beginner mat classes to specialist Tower classes for surfers and golfers etc. We offer specialist classes for back care and rehabilitation as well as 1:1 sessions with our in-house physiotherapist using the apparatus. Pilates Emma Kamio is company director of Practical Pilates Ltd T/A Pili-Pala In our sedentary society, poor posture has become a prevalent issue, leading to musculoskeletal imbalances and discomfort. Pilates encourages proper What is it & how it can benefi t you. Written by Emma Kamio @pilipala.fb @pilipala.life [email protected]
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 31 IAN JOHN ROOFING SPECIALISTS Slating, Fibreglass, Tiling, Flat Roofi ng Tel: 07970 275624 (Mob) 01792 928033 01656 782384 Lead valley renewed Chimneys re-leaded UPVC Fascia Boards Gutterings & Downpipes FREE QUOTES No Job Too Small Over 30 Years Roofi ng Experience ROOFING SPECIALISTS Slating, Fibreglass, Tiling, Flat Roofi ng (Mob) FREE QUOTES SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 31 SA2 Times Competition To enter email your contact details to: [email protected] by Friday July 19th. *Editors decision is final. T&C’s apply. A Two Course Lunch For Two at Miller & Carter Steakhouse Killay WIN
32 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 W. DAVIES PAINTS Dedicated to all types of paint, wallpaper and decorating tools, W. Davies Paints in Eversley Road is the place to come, whether you are looking for emulsion for a room makeover or a specialist industrial coating. A good old-fashioned ironmongers selling all manner of hardware including screws, nuts and bolts, to plants and compost, electrical sockets paint and lots more……. Tel: 01792 203142 WALLPAPER PAINTS FILLERS PAINT MIXING DECORATING TOOLS 60 Eversley Road, Sketty, SA2 9DF FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS SUMMER BEDDING AND VEGETABLES NOW IN STOCK
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 33 . MUMTAZ INDIAN RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY 478/480 Mumbles Road, Mumbles SA3 4BX NOR TH END OF MUMBLE S FRONT, OPPOSITE SEA FRONT CAR PAR K INDIAN HAUTE CUISINE RESTAURANT AND TAKE AWAY Tel: 0 1792 367210 / 0 1792 367196 Our haute cuisine is freshly prepared using the finest ingredients available and cooked to an age old family recipe. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible. Mumtaz Lunch_A5 leaflet.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2021 11:06 Page 1 Tel: 01792 367210 / 01792 367196 478/480 Mumbles Road, Mumbles SA3 4BX North end of Mumbles front, opposite sea front car park INDIAN HAUTE CUISINE RESTAURANT AND TAKE AWAY Our haute cuisine is freshly prepared using the fi nest ingredients available and cooked to an age old family recipe. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible. Order/book via our WEBSITE/APP GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE open: Sunday 5.30pm-10.30pm Mon-Thurs 5.30pm-11pm Friday 5.30pm-11.30pm Welcoming customers since 2010 open: Sunday 5.30pm-10.30pm 10% OFF COLLECTION ORDERS OVER £20 FREE DELIVERY * *subject to local area Great food with stunning views of mumbles bay
34 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Member of the Senedd for South Wales West I can help with Gallaf helpu gyda Sioned Williams MS/AS Aelod o'r Senedd dros Orllewin De Cymru Talwyd am hon gan Gomisiwn y Senedd o gronfeydd cyhoeddus This has been paid for by the Senedd Commission from public funds 34 Stryd Alfred, Castell-nedd, CNPT, SA11 1EH 34 Alfred Steet, Neath, NPT, SA11 1EH Iechyd Addysg Tai Trafnidiaeth Yr Amgylchedd Diwylliant a'r Gymraeg Llywodraeth Leol Chwaraeon Health Education Housing Transport Environment Culture & Welsh Language Local Government Sports 01639 203204 @SionedWilliamsPlaidCymru [email protected] @Sioned_W @SionedPlaid @SionedWilliamsPlaid
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 35 Have you nearly been fooled by a fake email from a delivery company? Has your bank called you and told you that you’d been defrauded and you need to change accounts? Or has someone knocked on your door to tell you about a great new deal on your energy bills? Fraud and scams are rife at the moment. With UK Finance due to reveal their latest annual fraud report soon (£1.2 billion stolen in 2022 and just under 3 million confirmed cases of fraud), let’s have a look at the main scams doing the rounds at the moment. Delivery charges and parcels Simple scams are the most effective. At any given point, we could be either expecting a parcel or delivery, or might have forgotten about something that we ordered. Scammers send ‘fishing’ emails, texts and messages which suggest that a parcel delivery has been missed or is due, or charges apply. The idea is you click on the link and hand over your personal details. Never, ever respond to these messages. Advanced fee fraud We often assume sites like WhatsApp are impervious to fraud because the conversations are encrypted. Sadly not. You may receive messages from recruitment firms informing you that you’ve been headhunted for fabulous new jobs. Alternatively you could be told you’ve qualified for a loan or credit at an advantageous rate. The major warning sign here is these messages are either unsolicited or from a different country. Then they’ll ask you to fork out a fee once they’ve lured you in. Doorsteppers I’m becoming increasingly concerned about people being targeted by fraudsters and unscrupulous tradespeople on their doorsteps, with reports suggesting this type of scam is dramatically increasing. Doorstep scams usually involve signing you up to cheap energy or broadband deals that don’t exist. Alternatively they may try to convince you that there’s something wrong with your property, or that there is a government scheme that means you get free or reduced costs for home upgrades. A trustworthy business should never doorstep you. Politely decline and do some research online to find genuine and recommended tradespeople if you are considering having some work done. Money transfer scams ‘Push payment fraud’ is the rather clunky name for the most devastating of all of the scams. The scam works by tricking you in to either transferring large amounts of money or handing over your bank details to scammers pretending to be from your bank or an official organisation like the police. The fraudsters convince you your accounts have been compromised and either ask for access to your online banking passwords or tell you to transfer money to another account. Hang up! If you are concerned, then call your bank on the number on its website or dial 159 – a number from Stop Scams UK that connects you to your bank or even businesses like Amazon – if you’ve been scammed and can’t find the number in time. Number spoofing Your phone might suggest your bank is calling, HMRC are messaging about a tax rebate, or your utility company or council have a good discount to help you get through the cost-of-living crisis. Don’t trust ‘em! It’s depressingly easy to ‘spoof’ telephone numbers so they look like they are coming from legitimate businesses or organisations. Always go direct to the business through their actual website or through the Gov.uk site if you want to find out about any genuine deals or discounts. Password breaches One last bit of advice. I was shocked to discover how many of my passwords that had been compromised by data leaks were still in use on websites. Let’s be honest, changing passwords is a faff, but essential. Why not change your passwords a bit at a time while watching the tele or listening to music to break the monotony? You can use password manager services if you struggle remembering passwords. Or why not just combine three random short words to create a new password, like ‘milk, ferret, gravel?!’ Please note, this is not my password! For more information visit https:// martynjamesexpert.co.uk Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. The latest scams to watch out for
36 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 WELCOME TO VINEY HEARING CARE’S HEARING AWARENESS WEEK Follow us at fb.com/vineyhearingcare vineyhearingcare.co.uk [email protected] 104 Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 9BZ TO BOOK ANY EVENT CALL US NOW ON 01792 204886 Monday 10th - Thursday 13th June 2024 Are you looking after your hearing? We’re here to give you FREE advice and answer any questions you may have about your hearing health with special events promoting hearing awareness in the community. To attend any of our days give us a call and let’s help you stay hearing healthy! HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS Struggling to hear in company, on the phone or watching TV? Hearing loss makes these situations very difficult so find out how the latest wireless hearing aids make it easy to enjoy them again. Book now and you can hear for WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE yourself how good they sound! FREE TINNITUS MANAGEMENT SKILLS Tinnitus affects about 1 in 10 of the UK population and can severely disrupt people’s lives. That’s why it’s important to know how to manage it. Curious or concerned about tinnitus? Book a free session with our hearing specialists! TUESDAY 11 JUNE SPEECH MAPPING FOR HEARING AID WEARERS Wearing aids but feel you aren’t hearing the full picture or that speech clarity is a problem too? Speech Mapping is a revolutionary way to test aid performance and see how well they help you hear. Places for this popular hearing aid test go fast so book now! THURSDAY 13 JUNE MONDAY 10 JUNEFREE MICROSUCTION EAR WAX REMOVAL Problems with dull hearing or itchy ears? It could just be wax! Have a FREE hearing health check and if wax is present we’ll remove it using microsuction, a very quick and safe procedure. Spaces are limited, as this service usually costs £55, so don’t delay! To attend Hearing awareness week-2024-192x138mm.indd 1 20/05/2024 11:14:41
37 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 37 For a FREE no obligation quote please call 07772 159353 or fi ll in the enquiry form on our website www.mumbleswcs.co.uk BEFORE AFTER We also: Wash fascias and gutters. Pressure wash paths, drives and decking. Remove moss from roofs with a non pressure washing system. Soft wash and pressure wash pathways and walls. BEFORE Clean Mumbles Window and Soft Washing Services We also: From as little as £20 A WALL SOFT WASH WALL CLEANING We soft wash all wall types, removing GREEN and RED Algae & BLACK Mould From GREEN to
38 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Across 1. Red (4) 3. Pose (8) 8. Indication (4) 9. Dowdy (8) 11. Irresistible (12) 13. Ignoble (6) 14. Bright (6) 17. Showy (12) 20. Arms (8) 21. Couple (4) 22. Bully (8) 23. Small valley (4) Down 1. Answer (8) 2. Bogey (7) 4. Flung (6) 5. Wickedness (10) 6. Joining (5) 7. Reverberate (4) 10. Inverted (6,4) 12. Maintain (8) 15. Contravene (7) 16. Famish (6) 18. Throng (5) 19. Struck with fear (4) CROSSWORD SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Solutions on page 50
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42 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Call now to book your oven valet 07901 675669 www.ovenwizards.com Email: [email protected] We clean your oven... so you don’t have to End of tenancy cleans Estate Agents Schools Introducing our new local service... Driveway/Patio cleaning Before Before After After £20 Off a patio or driveway clean for the fi rst 10 bookings “I didn’t think it was possible but Craig has returned my oven to looking like new ..miraculous ! I’ve struggled to get someone to rise to the challenge ( that’s how bad they were ) until Craig agreed to tackle the job. He has removed 9 years or grime & what’s more it didn’t stink out open plan kitchen/ lounge with fumes either. He made no noise , mess or smell & did an outstanding job. The oven is gleaming like the day it was installed. I’m over the moon & can only say BOOK HIM!” - Lisa Clews “Oven Wizards provided an excellent service at short notice. Our ovens were gleaming in no time at all! Many thanks, we look forward to seeing you soon.” - Birchgrove School £10 Off an Oven Clean for the fi rst 10 bookings
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 43 CARPORTS Laminated Glass Toughened Glass Mirrors Green House Glass M.H. Jones Glass & Glazing Give Mark a Call NOW 01792 932469 / 07580 101091 UPVC Windows Supplied & Fitted Double Glazed Units Misted Up?
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SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 45 Serves 4 Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus up to 60 minutes marinating time) Cooking Time: 10 minutes For the quick pickled shallots 4 round shallots, peeled and finely sliced 125ml water 125ml white wine vinegar 1⁄2 tsp fennel seeds 1⁄2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp table salt 2 tbsp golden caster sugar For the skewers 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 125g each) 2 round shallots, finely chopped 1 large garlic clove, grated 2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, grated Juice of 1 lime 100g Greek yoghurt 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste Vegetable oil To serve 4 naan breads 4 tbsp raita A handful of coriander leaves 1 long green chilli, finely sliced Lime halves What to do: 1. Prepare the quick pickled shallots. Place the sliced shallots in a clean bowl. Put the water, wine vinegar, fennel and cumin seeds, salt and sugar into a small pan over a medium heat and stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Pour the hot pickling liquor over the shallots and leave to cool slightly. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge to pickle. 2. To prepare the salmon, cut each fillet into 4 equal-sized chunks. Place the chunks in a bowl with the chopped shallots, garlic, ginger and lime juice and mix well. 3. In another bowl, mix the yoghurt with the spices and some salt and pepper. Add this spiced yoghurt to the salmon and mix well again. Leave to marinate in a cool place for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. 4. Once marinated, thread the salmon onto your skewers. Brush the hot barbecue or griddle pan lightly with a little vegetable oil then lay the skewers on it. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and lightly charred. Meanwhile, warm the naan on a low heat in the oven. Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a warm plate. 5. Spread the naans with a tablespoon each of raita. Top with a salmon skewer. Scatter over the pickled shallots, some coriander and sliced green chilli. Serve with lime halves for squeezing over. ukshallot.com Tandoori Salmon Skewers with pickled Shallot These tandoori salmon skewers are the perfect BBQ recipe for summer, or they can also be grilled indoors on a griddle pan if it’s a classic British summer of rain!
46 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Yr Arddangosfa Feiblaidd Gymraeg Cyflwyniad dwyieithog hynod ddiddorol am sut roedd y Beibl ei gyfieithu i Gymraeg wedi cael effaith aruthrol ar y Gymraeg, ar lythrennedd, ac ar fywyd ysbrydol a diwylliannol Cymru. Neuadd Cristadelffiaid Mynydd Seion, 518 Heol Mwmbwls, Mwmbwls SA3 4BU Dydd Llun y10fed o Fehefin i Dydd Sadwrn y 15fed o Fehefin, os ewyllys Duw Ar agor pop dydd 10yb-5yh (4.30yh ar Dydd Sadwrn) Yn ogystal, cyflwyniad arbennig ar Ddydd Mercher y 12fed o Fehefin am 7.30yh: Y Beibl Cymraeg ac adfywiad o Ffydd Feiblaidd Derbyniad am ddim i bob digwyddiad Am fwy o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â: [email protected] The Welsh Bible Exhibition A fascinating bi-lingual presentation about how the translation of the Bible into Welsh had a massive impact on the Welsh language, on literacy and on the spiritual and cultural life of Wales. Mt Zion Christadelphian Hall, 518 Mumbles Road, Mumbles SA3 4BU Monday 10 June to Saturday 15 June, God willing Open each day 10am-5pm (4.30pm on Saturday) In addition, a special presentation on Wednesday 12 June at 7.30pm: The Welsh Bible and the Revival of a Biblical Faith Admission free to all events For more info contact: [email protected]
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 47 07720 603713 OPEN 9am - 5pm MON - SAT l Same Day Service l Full Service wash or self service l Duvet Cleaning from £10 l Ironing 121 Rhyddings Terrace, Brynmill. SA2 ODS FREE Pick Up & Delivery Book your FREE collection
48 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 Written by Lawyer PAULA MURPHY Making a Will Making a will is so easy. Let me explain. Think of who you want to leave all your money to and write their names and addresses down on paper. Sign it in front of two witnesses, date it and Bob’s your uncle, you’ve made your will. Nice and simple. Obviously you can flesh out the bones, so to speak. You should choose two people to be your executors. These are the people who will sort out your affairs when you are no longer around. They will send your will to probate to obtain a document to give them the legal authority to deal with your property and money. They will carry out your wishes as set out in your will. If you have left money to family members or friends they will deal with this. If you own a property and it needs to be sold they will sign all the conveyancing documents. If you have left personal possessions to certain people they will pass them on. If you owe any money to anyone, your executors will sort this out. Basically, they step into your shoes. Most people choose family members or friends to be their executors. My advice is to choose someone who is younger than you and who you completely trust to deal with all your money. Some people choose their solicitor to act alongside a family member or friend. As legal professionals we have the expertise to deal with the probate procedure and administer your estate quickly and with the minimum of fuss. As professionals we charge for the work we do but this is paid from your estate as it is essentially a cost , just like funeral expenses. Over the years, so many clients have told me that their husband or wife had been talking about making a will for years but had not done anything about it. Dying without having made a will can have drastic effects and cause so much grief and heartache to those left behind. I went to a funeral of a lovely client of mine earlier today. Over the years she became a wonderful friend. Her life was left in shambles when her recently retired husband died suddenly from a heart attack. He’d meant to make a will and it was on their list of to do’s. She was distraught to discover that an estranged daughter of his from a previous marriage, many moons ago, was entitled to a chunk of his estate. The intestacy laws can be brutal, but they can be so easily avoided, just by making a will. For the sake of £300 plus Vat you can ensure that your will is prepared by a professional who will discuss your wishes with you fully and advise you on the best way to write your will. Don’t hesitate any longer! Pick up the phone and give me a call. It’s as easy as that!
SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 49 Phillips, Green & Murphy Solicitors 120 Walter Road, Swansea. SA1 5RF I Tel: 01792 468 684 Email: [email protected] www.pgmsolicitors.co.uk Expert and affordable legal advice • Conveyancing / Remortgages / Transfers of Equity • Making a Will / Probate matters • Divorce & Family Law • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Dispute Resolution • Small Claims • Debt Recovery for Business • Business & Start up • Insolvency At Phillips, Green & Murphy Solicitors we provide a complete legal service for individuals and businesses. We have specialist solicitors with collective legal experience of over 60 years. Whatever your needs, we can guarantee you a personalised approach based on your requirements. “Our aim is to help you deal with all the legal hurdles that stand in your way throughout your life’’ We are conveniently located in central Swansea from where we serve the whole of Wales and beyond. We will help you every step of the way in navigating the complexities of the legal system. Helen Phillips Mike Green Paula Murphy Client Review I recently bought & sold a property with the help and invaluable guidance from the conveyancing team at PGM, I was kept informed at all times even when things didn’t go quite to plan, their calm approach & organisation of everything helped me a lot! Would highly recommend. Jo Caulfield
50 SA2 Times JUNE/JULY 2024 COFFEE BREAK SOLUTIONS SKETTY ELECTRICAL SERVICES - OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE - l All electrical work undertaken l No job too small! * [email protected] 30 Highmead Avenue Newton. SA3 4TY Call TODAY for an estimate... Tel: 01792 363 874 / 07906 401639 CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS: Across: 1 Ruby; 3 Attitude; 8 Sign; 9 Frumpish; 11 Overpowering; 13 Sordid; 14 Clever; 17 Ostentatious; 20 Weaponry; 21 Pair; 22 Domineer; 23 Dene. Down: 1 Response; 2 Bugbear; 4 Thrown; 5 Immorality; 6 Union; 7 Echo; 10 Upside down; 12 Preserve; 15 Violate; 16 Starve; 18 Swarm; 19 Awed. SUDOKU SOLUTION: We will sing a diverse programme of music that includes Welsh traditional tunes, Latin American songs and also a wide range of popular hits. Charity No. 701700 Tickets can be purchased from choristers, or at the door on the night and also by contacting [email protected] Tickets £10 Doors open 6.30pm