Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 1 Rok Restaurant Review Six Nations Rugby Refi ections Health - Keep A Spring In Your Step Clyne In Bloom Spring Events Get A Decent Insurance Deal Food - Asparagus & Lamb Chop Tray Bake Rhubarb & Custard Galette WIN A MARKS & SPENCER Wine & Nibbles Gift Box Inside this edition… FREE APRIL/MAY 2024 Times
2 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 10B Sketty Parkway, Sketty Park. Sa2 8JJ Tel: 01792 415062 www.oliviasbeauty.co.uk oliviasbeautyswansea olivia’s beauty New Aesthetics Clinic Now AvAilAble every MoNth At OliviAs’s BeAuty Follow ‘OceanaesTheTics swansea’ to book your appointment with GeORGina Get suMMeR ReADy... Sit back, relax and unwind with us this summer Let us take care of your feet Call now on 01792 415062 or book oNliNe www.oliviasbeauty.co.uk New summer Colours Now iN the SAloN
SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 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 April/May Edition of SA2 Times. At the time of writing my introduction the clocks have just gone forward and extra minutes of daylight are squeezing themselves into each evening. I hope that by the time you’re reading this, Spring will have finally sprung! Clyne Gardens really come alive at this time of year. Clyne in Bloom takes place between April 28th and May 26th, when there will be activities, live music and craft stalls in the gardens every Sunday. There is a full diary of events and dates for you to check out on page 12. The 6 Nations rugby tournament is over, and unfortunately, there was nothing to celebrate for Welsh fans. On page 47, ex-international and BBC pundit Stuart Davies, reflects on the ‘winning’ of the wooden spoon and what it means for Wales going forward. May is National Walking Month. The benefits of walking for our physical and mental well-being are of course well known. On pages 18 & 19 Doctor Charlotte Jones discusses some common medical ailments that may stop you from enjoying a walk. She also looks at the treatments and remedies available so that you can try to improve your condition. We have two delicious recipes on pages 10 & 11 for you to have a go at making. Asparagus and lamb chop tray bake is the perfect alternative to a Sunday roast for Springtime. It only has five ingredients, has little prep time but really delivers on flavour. For those of you who have a sweet tooth there is also a Rhubarb and Custard Galette, which is equally yummy served hot or cold. Following on with the culinary theme, I recently had dinner at the newly opened Rok restaurant located in beautiful Bracelet Bay in Mumbles. You can read my review on page 6. If you don’t have a large garden and want to give a small terrace or balcony the ‘wow factor’, this edition’s gardening article shows you how to jazz up your space and hopefully attract wildlife in the process. There are also three handy tips to stop Daffodil blindness. Take a look at pages 28 & 29 for everything you need to know. Consumer rights campaigner and journalist Martyn James gives his advice on getting a decent insurance deal. Turn to page 40 if you want to reduce your costs and save money. Finally, up for grabs is the chance to win a fabulous Marks & Spencer white wine and nibbles gift box - the perfect gift for someone special or a lovely treat for yourself! Details on how to enter the competition can be found on page 20. Enjoy the read and I will be back in June. 3 Lorna
4 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 m: 07754 326136 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ThomasRees/ If you know of anyone thinking of selling or are just looking for an open, honest consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me... Personal Estate Agent covering Swansea About me... Thomas Rees is a modern independent estate agent powered by eXp UK offering residential sales primarily in SA2 AND surrounding areas. I have 9 years experience in the property industry ranging from leading a flagship branch for a successful high street agent in south Wales to fi nishing 2022 with the highest number of sales in the South west Wales region for a well known UK online agency. I believe honesty and transparency are the key elements to selling a property and look to provide all clients a professional high end service. I offer a 0 week contract with competitive fees to show my clients my willingness to work for them. Client Testimonials... “Tom has been the most outstanding estate agent I have ever met. We recently bought our new home through Tom and I can honestly say I have never come across someone who works as hard as he did. His communication was second to none and although it was a difficult purchase (through absolutely no fault of Tom) he worked tirelessly to ensure the sale went through for us. Tom we would like to personally thank you for everything you have done, and to those reading these reviews, you really won’t find a better estate agent. Very highly recommended! We can’t thank you enough” Lowri “We recently bought our dream home from Tom and cannot recommend him highly enough. Tom was absolutely outstanding from beginning to end. Nothing was too much trouble and his help and support made the whole process so much easier.” Stephanie
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6 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 Editor’s Review The fi rst word I said to my husband as we walked through the doors of Rok was ‘Wow’! The restaurant is beautifully designed and stunningly stylish and elegant. It features wooden fl oors with rustic brick work on the walls and marble eff ect tables. The team here have obviously put a huge amount of work into the interiors. Ceiling lights crafted into glass rocks, discrete lamps on each table and soft back-lighting all combine to create a charming ambience. (By the way, I came for dinner but also left with some new ideas for interior design!) The accompanying background jazz-piano music made for comfortable conversation whilst also creating a relaxing vibe. What makes this restaurant truly special though, are the breath-taking views across Bracelet Bay and Mumbles lighthouse. You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. We were greeted by the lovely front of house staff who were friendly and knowledgeable and are obviously clearly aware that the Chef here is a real talent. The kitchen team at Rok is led by head chef John Cook, who previously ran several top restaurants in Cardiff . Most recently John was chefpatron at award winning restaurant Rocket &Rye in Cowbridge, which won the best local restaurant in Wales award in the Good Food Guide last year. The menu consists of a choice of small plates, main meals, sharing platters, sides and desserts - so you can eat traditionally in a three-course format, share dishes, or if you prefer, do a bit of both. My husband opted for smoked salmon with citrus for his starter, which he promptly devoured. My choice was fried chicken with buttermilk ranch. This combination was heavenly, and the accompaniment of pickled cucumber gave my starter a ten out of ten. Our mains also proved a huge hit. My husband’s Rok burger consisted of longhorn beef, cheese, pickles and sauce, and came with a side of Rok’s signature chips with a confi t of garlic and parmesan. I opted for the Hake which was served with braised Gower broccoli and tzatziki. I would not have thought to serve fi sh with tzatziki but the combination of both worked incredibly well. Dessert was a very indulgent sticky toff ee pudding with two spoons (it was date night after all!) All our dishes were beautifully presented and served by staff who were attentive but not intrusive. I should also mention that there is an extensive drinks menu of wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails. Managing Director of the Secret hospitality group Ryan Hole said: “The menu is quite simple, in a good way, nothing fancy or over the top. Our focus is on sourcing the very best possible produce and we have spent months doing that. Our slogan is eat with freedom, so that customers are not forced into a price point or set menu. You can eat for under £20 or splash out on a steak.” Dining at Rok was a delight from start to fi nish. The delicious food, impeccable service, wonderful atmosphere, and of course, the spectacular views, made for an excellent experience. I cannot wait to return. Lorna
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10 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 Method 1. Pre heat the oven to 200 degrees. 2. Place a medium pan of water onto boil while you chop your potatoes into 3-4cm chunks. Add the potatoes to boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, then drain. 3. Place a large frying pan on the heat and add a 1tbsp of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb chops and sear on all sides until browned. 4. Place the potatoes into a medium sized oven tray and nestle the lamb chops in amongst them. Add the rosemary, asparagus spears and peas and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes until the asparagus is cooked and the potatoes are crispy. 5. Serve immediately. www.britishasparagus.com British asparagus and lamb chop tray bake You’ll need: • 250g white potatoes • 4 lamb chops • 2 tbsp olive oil • A few sprigs of rosemary • 250g British asparagus • 260g frozen peas SERVES 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes The perfect alternative to a Sunday roast for Spring time. Just 5 ingredients, this has little preparation time and will seriously deliver on flavour. 10 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024
SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 11 Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. In a large mixing bowl, work the butter into the flour using your fingertips until a sandy texture is achieved. 2. Add in the cold water and bring together to form a smooth dough. Wrap the pastry in cling film and put in the fridge. 3. Prepare the rhubarb by cutting it into 3cm batons (angular if you want to create a chevron effect), place it all in a roasting tin and coat in the caster sugar. 4. Place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes until softened. Whilst the rhubarb is baking, prepare your custard. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla and sauce flour to create a paste. Put the milk and double cream into a saucepan and heat until just simmering. 5. Temper the egg yolk mixture by whisking constantly, as you do add a few tbsp of hot milk to loosen it, then pour everything into a saucepan with the remaining milk and double cream. 6. Place the saucepan back on a medium heat and continue whisking until your custard is nice and thick. This should take about 8-10 minutes. 7. Pour the custard onto a tray and cover loosely with cling film to prevent a skin forming and set aside to cool. 8. Once the rhubarb has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully place each piece on a plate or tray lined with paper towel. There will be a pink syrup that has formed in the tin, pour this into a small bowl and put to one side for glazing at the end. 9. Take your pastry from the fridge, unwrap it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You want to be able to cut a rough circle, slightly bigger than the size of a dinner plate. 10. Line a baking sheet large enough to fit the galette, roll the pastry onto a rolling pin and transfer to the prepared tray. 11. Take your custard and place it in the centre of the pastry before spreading in a circular motion, leaving about an inch pastry around the edge. 12. Arrange your rhubarb pieces on top of the custard and then fold the edges of the pastry in, to form a crust. 13. Egg wash the pastry edge and sprinkle generously with demerara sugar. 14. Bake in the oven at 180°C fan for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp on the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready because it will move/slide easily on the baking parchment. 15. Allow the galette to cool slightly before brushing the rhubarb with the glaze saved from earlier and serve. You’ll need: FOR THE PASTRY • 300g Carr’s Plain Flour • 150g Unsalted Butter, cubed • 3 tbsp Cold Water FOR THE RHUBARB • 600g Rhubarb • 4 tbsp Caster Sugar FOR THE CUSTARD FILLING • 2 Egg Yolks • 75g Granulated Sugar • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract • 1 ½ tbsp Carr’s Sauce Flour • 125ml Whole Milk • 170ml Double Cream TO FINISH • 1 Egg, beaten • Demerara Sugar This Rhubarb and Custard Galette is perfect served hot or cold. Rhubarb & CustardGalette www.carrsflour.co.uk
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Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 13 MORE INFO/TICKETS +44 7802 912789 www.swanseajazz.co.uk Swansea International Jazz Festival 2024 JUNE 13 -16 Nigel Hitchcock Quintet Electric Lady Big Band The Royal Scammers Power of Gower Festival Big Band Adrian Cox Quartet Moscow Drug Club ++FULL STROLLER PROGRAMME ++ FREE EVENTS Swansea Maritime Quarter **Special VIP Discounted Festival Tickets Available for Jazz Club Members & Patrons** 3 Jazz Jam Session (FREE) 10 Capital City Jazz Orchestra 17 Hot Club Gallois 24 ALAN BARNES & Dave Cottle Trio 1 Jazz Jam Session (FREE) 8 The Mingus Project 15 Daniel John-Martin & Dave Cottle Trio 22 3Play Trio : John Paul Gard 29 The NEW CONRAD MILLER Trio ‘Back, Down Another Road’ The Jazz Music of Sir Karl Jenkins Performed by The Laurence Cottle All Star Big Band FRIDAY JUNE 14th April May June 2024 Weekly Events & Swansea International Jazz Festival 2024 5 The Jiveoholics 12 Quentin Collins with Dave Cottle Trio 19 Jazz Jam / 26 Dan Messore Trio Club Membership 2024 OPEN UK’s longest running weekly Jazz Club WEDNESDAY’S 8pm Cu Mumbles (Former Bentley’s) Newton Rd, Swansea SA3 4AX
14 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 With you every step of the way With you every step of the way For our other office locations, please visit www.redkitesolicitors.co.uk/contact-us At Redkite Solicitors, we understand how emotionally and financially challenging a relationship breakdown can be. Among many other worries, you will be concerned about how the separation will affect your finances, what will happen to your home, and how to minimise the impact of the break-up on your children. 01874 625 151 23 Gower Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9BX Professional, affordable advice from local people you can trust FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION First Friday of every month from 10am - 12pm Divorce & Separation Financial Agreements Disputes Relating to Children Cohabitation Agreements Pre-nuptial Agreements Civil Partnership Dissolution Domestic Abuse & Injunctions Social Services Interventions To discuss any questions you may have, just drop in to one of our Family Law clinics where one of our sympathetic, experienced family team members will provide you with information and advice. Why not let one of our sympathetic, sensitive and highly experienced advisers answer some of your questions? Just drop in to one of our family law clinics on the first Friday of each month for a free 15 minute consultation with Paula or Adam. Further details below. [email protected]
Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 15 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
16 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 Optomap: the future of eye examinations Optomap is an extraordinary ultra-wide field camera which has become an invaluable part of our eye examinations. It produces a high-resolution 200° retinal image, giving us a panoramic view of 82% of the surface of the retina in a single capture. This helps us to detect many eye and health problems such a macular degeneration, retinal tears or detachment, diabetes and high blood pressure earlier than before. For more information or to book an eye examination, please call us on 01792 363 353. 8 Newton Road, The Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4AT 01792 363353 [email protected] www.judithroberts-opticians.co.uk
SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 17 8 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4AT tel: 01792 363353 email: [email protected] www.judithroberts-opticians.co.uk We are delighted to announce our annual ‘Judith Roberts Open Day’ will be held on 16th May. Come along to view our frames and sunglasses. We will also have 3 representatives with their full range of frames and sunglasses. If you are looking for your pair of ‘Summer must have’ sunglasses or for something a little different please call in to see us. *20% discount on all complete pairs of spectacles or sunglasses on the day. OPEN DAY 20% OFF* Thursday 16th May 9.30am - 6.00pm
18 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 Sa2 Health KEEP A SPRING IN YOUR STEP WITH Dr cHarLotte JoNeS MB BS (LOND), MRCGP, DFSRH. Uplands & Mumbles Surgeries. Spring is in the air and May signals National Walking Month, hence the title for this article, especially as the weather is improving and we are so lucky we have so much green space and many beaches we can explore here in Swansea. I won’t focus on the health benefits of walking as they are well known and although there has been some controversy about the evidence behind 10,000 steps a day, what we do know from a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, is that walking 3867 steps a day reduced the risk of dying from any cause and 2337 steps a day reduced risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Let’s take a look at some relatively common conditions that may aff ect you enjoying a walk: • Plantar Fasciitis – pain to the bottom of the foot usually to the heel and arch. It is typically worse when walking aft er resting and can feel better during exercise but then returns when resting. NHS advice page also mentions that it can be diff icult to raise your toes off the floor. I remember a GP who taught me in medical school advising that he tells patients to freeze a water bottle or use a broom handle to rub the sole of the foot repeatedly .That does help but there are lots of other self help treatments you can also try – see Plantar fasciitis - NHS (www. nhs.uk) for great advice on do’s and don’ts and additional information on the condition.
SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 19 Other tendons involved in the foot and ankle joint can also become inflamed and again cause pain - Tendonitis - NHS (www.nhs.uk) is an excellent overview of what tendonitis is, how you can treat it yourself, treatments that may be available and also how to prevent it recurring. • Arthralgia of foot – this means “foot joint pain” and the feet can be affected by different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis (wear and tear changes in joints) and inflammatory type arthritis conditions (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis). Whilst pain is a feature of both they are quite distinct conditions although many of the same types of treatment give variable relief of symptoms including: wearing comfortable and well-fitting shoes, using pain killers if needed, using expertise of podiatrists and physiotherapists on exercises and aids that can help. • Morton’s neuromas – thickened areas of tissue around a nerve can be exquisitely sensitive giving sharp shooting pains or sensation of feeling a lump in a certain part of the foot. The good news is that it often quickly responds to self-care and podiatry treatment measures – see Morton’s Neuroma Treatment: Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma (mortonsneuroma.co.uk) • Bunions – bony bumps to base of toe that can then push the tip of the big toe towards the other toes and the base of toe to then stick out. Podiatry can definitely help here (see below) but surgery may be offered in severe cases. Whilst your GP surgery can help with all of the above conditions, we mustn’t forget the expertise that our fabulous colleagues in physiotherapy and podiatry can contribute to sorting out these problems and it is not unusual for GPs to advise you try their expert services first. Whilst I suspect most readers are aware of physiotherapy and what it can help with, not everybody is aware of the podiatry specialty. In brief, podiatrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle and leg problems. How do I access Physiotherapy and/ or Podiatry and Physiotherapy? • There are lots of private physiotherapists available along with NHS Physiotherapy services locally offering telephone advice, face to face assessment etc – more details on their services can be found at: Physiotherapy - Swansea Bay University Health Board (nhs.wales). • Likewise, there are private podiatrists available in our area, but we also have a direct access to the NHS podiatry service which doesn’t need a GP referral. To find out more information on the NHS service please use the following link: Podiatry - Swansea Bay University Health Board (nhs.wales) . This page details how to access the service or you can ring the service on 0300 300 0024 Monday to Friday between 9am to noon and 1.30-3.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays). What do I do if it is not settling/ improving? Please do contact your GP surgery if your condition is not settling as expected over a few weeks or if it is progressively worsening. SA2 Health
20 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 The smart wooden box contains a bottle of Gavi del Comune di Gavi white wine to enjoy alongside Serrano, Chili, Garlic and Lime nuts plus Cornish cruncher biscuits. White Wine & Nibbles Gift Box WIN A Sa2 times Competition To enter email your contact details to: [email protected] by Friday May 24th. The Editor’s decision is final. 0300 555 0111 20 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 A lovely treat for yourself or the perfect gift for someone special !
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22 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 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 Mumbles Christadelphians Upholding Bible Truth Coming soon: MONDAY 10 - SATURDAY 15 JUNE EVERY DAY FROM 10AM TO 5PM: The Welsh Bible Exhibition - A unique presentation, showing the impact of the translation of the Bible into Welsh – on the Welsh language, literacy, and the cultural and spiritual life of Wales. Mt Zion Christadelphian Hall, Mumbles Email: [email protected] Phone or text: 07899 793677 www.mumbles-christadelphians.com Saturday morning talks, 10:30 for 11am, God willing 4 MAY: Armageddon – the End of the World 1 JUNE: Bible Prophecy and Israel
SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 23 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?
24 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 Across 1. Bury (5) 4. Lower (7) 8. Great joy (7) 9. Pick-me-up (5) 10. Excuse (4) 11. Awful (8) 13. Stag (4) 14. Labyrinth (4) 16. Harshness (8) 17. Pain (4) 20. Canal boat (5) 21. Blow up (7) 22. Corrected (7) 23. Urge (5) Down 1. Unutterable (13) 2. Commerce (5) 3. Destroy (4) 4. Peril (6) 5. Fatherly (8) 6. Exalt (7) 7. Reticence (13) 12. Help (8) 13. Varied (7) 15. Go to (6) 18. Arc (5) 19. Applaud (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 30
SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 25 . 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
26 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 Fiona VISIT US:99 NEWTON ROAD, MUMBLES, SA3 4BN 01792 367435 AUDIOLOGIST NEV WCASTLE EMLYN CLINIC ISIT US: 47/48 THE GROVE, UPLANDS, SA20QR 01792 650894 Hearing Specialists GET TO KNOW OUR AMAZING TEAM OF AUDIOLOGY SPECIALISTS IN SOUTH WALES WE HAVE TWO LOCAL CLINICS IN MUMBLES AND SWANSEA, AND OFFER FREE HOME VISITSTOO. MEET YOUR LOCAL AUDIOLOGIST MUMBLESCLINIC What advice would yougivetosomeonestruggling withtheirhearing? “Book an appointment with a hearing care provider you trust. It’s a good idea to prepare for the appointment by making a list of the specific situations and environments where you struggle tohear, and wouldlike to improve youhearing. A good hearing care professional ensures patient comfort, considers patient motivation,andacknowledgesandunderstandthepatientasanindividual.” What is your favouritethingabout beingan Audiologist? “Knowing how rewarding it is that I’m able to make a difference to people’s lives, especially as I live within the communitymyself. I regularly seepatients whoarereally strugglinghearing, andareoftenunabletoget an NHS appointment, either for a hearing test or for ear wax removal. I have seen first hand how having a localhearingcentreherein Mumbleshas reallymadeadifferencetothelocalcommunity, and morerural partsofSwansea and Gower. I amtoldnearlyeverydayhow gladourpatients areto haveaccess totheseservices locally. This feedbackgivesmesucha wonderful feeling, andreallymotivatesmetocontinuetohelp.Pleasepopinif youarein Mumbles!” Ed AUDIOLOGIST SWANSEA CLINIC BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT FREE HEARING TESTS EARWAX REMOVAL HEARING AID REPAIRS ...AND MORE! Whatmakes HearingWales different? “Having worked within the audiology sector several years, I gained vital experience recognising a wide variety of patient needs. As an Audiologist for Hearing Wales, I have the flexibility to see clients within our local clinics or within their own homes if they are unable to travel. Living in the local area myself, I understand the importance of access to hearing care services such as hearing tests, hearing aidrepairs andear wax removal. “ “What I findtruly rewarding is that as an IndependentAudiologist, I have the unique freedom to recommenda hearing solution from any of the worldwide hearing aid manufacturers, to tailor the care specifically to the patient. Hearing aidtechnology is always advancing, andI feel proudtobe able to facilitate andsupportpatients with the very latest hearing aidtechnology .”
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28 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 1 "Wildlife wants flowers all year round, just as we do," she says. "Go for plants which give you a continuous amount of flowers. Some of the bedding plants are great and the more simple single flowers are better because they tend to have more nectar and pollen in them. Some petunias are quite good, as are marigolds, osteospermums and other daisy-plants like marguerites. "If you go for plants with double flowers they tend to be less pollen-rich. Lavender and thyme are also good because they have a long flowering season." A good variation of plants which provide yearround interest may also be the way to go on a balcony. "I'd have two or three evergreen shrubs on your balcony, not too big, such as a Daphne odora 'Marginata', which has a variegated leaf and fantastic scent in the spring. I'd also have a small pittosporum, as there are interesting and different variegations, including 'Tom Thumb', a purple one that stays like a round ball with purple leaves. "Go for smaller shrubs like Pittosporum tobira, which is slow-growing and stays small, with really lovely scented flowers, or nandina (sacred bamboo). Don't buy something like a forsythia which is going to grow too big and only flowers for about two weeks and then becomes boring. "Go for plants which give you two or three different times of interest. The nandina are evergreen - in the spring the first leaves are bright red, then it flowers in the summer and bears red berries in the autumn - giving you a lot of interest." Make the most of your space, which means using height for optimum effect. "If you've a piece of trellis you can grow things up that, so you've the vertical option as well. Climbing plants will also give you a bit more height, texture and colour." Don't dismiss ivy because ivy flowers attract beneficial insects, says Charlie. "Ivy flowers very late in the season and very early in the spring and it's a really good source of nectar for insects because there's nothing much about at that time. When ivy reaches the top of a wall you get round, green flowers followed by black berries, which are good for birds." If you plant thoughtfully, you can attract a good variety of birds to your balcony. Provide some water, even if it's just a bird bath, and put up bird feeders. "Birds like to be able to perch somewhere while they are coming in to feed. If you have an uncluttered balcony with a bird feeder on it, they probably won't come in, but if you've got a few shrubs and a climber up the wall and there's maybe a tree outside, they are likely to queue up on it and check it's safe." Encourage your neighbours to add plantings to their small spaces, she urges. "Urban gardens are crucial for wildlife because they create the corridors, or the 'hopping spaces' between more open spaces like parks and bigger gardens." Give your balcony a boost If you've only a city balcony or a titchy terrace, how can you give it the wow factor? TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock, has some ideas of her own on how to jazz up a balcony and attract wildlife in the process. If you've only a city balcony or a titchy terrace, how can you give it the wow factor? TV gardening expert Charlie Dimmock, has some ideas of her own on how to jazz up a balcony and attract wildlife in the process.
Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 29 2 The cheerful blotched flowers of polyanthus and primulas come in a massive range of colours and are ideal for perking up containers at this time of year, adding interest to rockeries or the front of beds and borders. Polyanthus (P. variabilis) belong to the same family, being a hybrid of the common primrose, but with much brighter flowers. Highlight these low growing plants in pots by adding a focal point to the group to give it emphasis, bringing out the colour of the smaller plants. They can be packed quite tightly in pots for an impressive display, but if you're doing that, use a deep container so the roots can grow down into the compost (they will last longer too). Deadhead them regularly and they will last all spring. Among my favourite primulas are P. denticulata, the drumstick primrose, which has yellow-eyed lavender flowers on 3in wide globular heads, which grow to around 1ft (30cm) and look lovely in the herbaceous border. Primulas will grow well in any reasonable garden soil enriched with organic matter, and do best in partial shade.. Images: Shutterstock.com Things to do this month... Prune plum trees once they have started growing. Make sure pots and seed trays in the greenhouse do not dry out. Cut off dead flower spikes from summer-flowering heathers and prune young tree heathers. Make the first outdoor sowings of culinary and salad herbs. Apply a spring fertiliser to established lawns once they are actively growing and cut grass when it is about 8cm (3in) high. Lift and divide herbaceous perennials, allowing them to colonise any bare areas of ground. Encourage autumn-sown broad beans with a dressing of superphosphate stirred into the soil along the rows. Feed figs growing under glass with a dressing of bonemeal, along with a mulch of compost over the root run. Sow a row of spinach beet for a summer crop. It should be ready in July. Cut back hard climbers including honeysuckle, ivy, rambling roses and winter jasmine. Prune both bush and shrub roses. If you are growing fruit such as peaches and nectarines, which flower early in the year before you can risk opening the greenhouse to allow the bees in, you may have to handpollinate flowers to help them along. The traditional Victorian tool for this job was a rabbit's tail but most gardeners now use a small, soft paintbrush to brush the stamens of each flower gently. As you move between flowers you will automatically transfer pollen and ensure pollination. The process should be carried out each day throughout the flowering season. Apricots and melons grown in greenhouses also benefit from hand pollinating. Three ways to… Stop Daffodil Blindness Hand-pollinating fruit Good enough to eat... Primula 1. Lift overcrowded bulbs and replant them ensuring they are better spaced and planted at the correct depth. 2. Keep the ground around the roots of the plants moist during the summer because blindness can be caused if their roots are extremely dry. 3. Feed the plants with a fertiliser around the roots and regularly foliar-feed them throughout the growing period. Best of the bunch...
30 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 1, Brenig Rd Penlan, Swansea SA5 7BW Our qualified staff and volunteers provide a warm and inviting environment for the person you are caring for whilst you have some time to yourself. Staff are on hand to take care of a wide range of individual needs. Lunch and refreshments are provided along with a variety of activities. All staff and volunteers are fully trained and subject to an enhanced DBS check. TY CONWAY ADULT DAY CENTRE FEES: We offer a number of places per day, on a direct fee paying basis. We undertake our own assessment of the person with care needs; there is no financial assessment or social worker assessment required. £56 per day 01792 578158 To find out more contact: UPLANDS MARKET 9am -1pm last SATURDAY of each month Gwydr Square, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0HD. MARINA MARKET 10am- 3pm second SUNDAY of each month Dylan Thomas Square, Marina, Swansea SA1 1TT. SWANSEA BAY MARKET 10am-2pm first SUNDAY of each month Victoria Park, The Patti Pavilion, SA1 4NP MUMBLES MARKET 9am-1pm second SATURDAY of each month The Dairy Carpark, Mumbles, SA3 4BX. Pennard Market 9am-1pm first Saturday of each month at Pennard Community Hall LOCAL Produce Markets Across: 1 Inter; 4 Depress; 8 Elation; 9 Tonic; 10 Plea; 11 Terrible; 13 Deer; 14 Maze; 16 Severity; 17 Ache; 20 Barge; 21 Enlarge; 22 Emended; 23 Press. Down: 1 Inexpressible; 2 Trade; 3 Ruin; 4 Danger; 5 Paternal; 6 Ennoble; 7 Secretiveness; 12 Befriend; 13 Diverse; 15 Attend; 18 Curve; 19 Clap. CROSSWORD SUDOKU COFFEE BREAK SOLUTIONS
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34 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 Written by Lawyer PAULA MURPHY The 1975 Act (Not The Band Sorry!) T he law in the UK starts from the long-established principle that an individual is entitled is to dispose of their estate as they see fit. Simply put, we are entitled to choose who we leave our property and money to, when we die. There is no law of forced heirship, which dictates which members of our family should inherit our worldly goods. However, as with most laws, come exceptions, and in the UK, we have what is called the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. This gives UK courts a limited power to make orders which interfere with the effect of a will (or the effect of the intestacy rules where there is no will) where there is judged to be a failure to make reasonable financial provision for a defined class of people connected to the deceased. So, for example, a husband-and-wife separate years ago but do nothing as regards formally ending their marriage, in divorce. Husband makes a will leaving everything to his new partner and her children. He leaves nothing to his wife, who is not even mentioned in the will. The husband dies. If wife is aware of her legal rights under the above Act, she should take legal advice immediately as she should be able to make a claim against her husband’s estate. She will have to issue a claim within six months of the date of the grant of probate or letters of administration. However, there are exceptions to this time limit in certain instances. Spouses and civil partners are entitled to claim a higher level of financial provision than other applicants. The court can take into account the standard and style of living and reasonable expectations, including what they might have expected to get if the relationship had ended with divorce instead of death. You are entitled to make a claim under the 1975 act if you are: – 1. The spouse or civil partner of the deceased 2. The former spouse or civil partner of the deceased (as long as that person has not remarried/entered into a subsequent civil partnership) 3. A person who, years prior to the death, was living with the deceased as if they were spouse or civil partner 4. A child of the deceased 5. A child was treated as a child of the family by the deceased Cases in recent years have involved growing numbers of adult children bringing claims under the Act. I once conducted a successful case in the High Court which involved a client who was in her 60s and whose stepmother had died, without making a will. Apart from my client, the stepmother had no other close relatives, save for distant cousins who she didn’t know. After a contested case, the judge awarded my client half of the stepmother’s estate. Had my client not made a claim, her stepmother’s estate would have gone to relatives with whom she had no relationship whatsoever. Recent cases demonstrate that even when an adult child has been living independently of their parent for many years, had no relationship with the parent at all and where the estate is modest, it is still possible that the court will find that reasonable financial provision has not been made for an adult child. I mention this Act because I was surprised recently, when chatting to a group of friends, who had no idea that claims like this can be made, when the situation warrants it. If you think you might have a claim or know of someone who may have a claim take legal advice early. If in doubt, please give me a call on (01792) 468684
Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 35 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
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40 SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 According to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), vehicle insurance is up a third (34%) compared to last year. However, readers who have contacted me are reporting increases in premiums of 50% or more – and the same with other key insurance policies, like home and contents cover. So is it possible to get a good deal on your insurance policy (or one that isn’t as bad?) Here’s my guide on how to reduce costs. Getting a decent renewal price is all about timing. As a general rule, if you contact your insurance company three to four weeks before the renewal date, you’ll get a better discounted price if you stay with them for another year. The closer you get to renewal, the worse the deal gets. So stick a note in your calendar a month before your insurance policies are due to renew or end. Get rid of anything that you don’t need. Lots of us end up paying for ‘add-on’ policies like gap insurance (the sale of which is being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority). There may be other components to your existing policy that you don’t need, like legal expenses insurance. Alternatively you can increase the excess limits on various chunks of your policy. Yes, you’ll pay more if you have to make a claim, but you can shave off some cash this way. You may also find you are over-insured, as lots of people overestimate the value of the contents of their property, so price everything up and contact your insurer. Don’t forget you only get a payout for the replacement value of the items you’re claiming for, not a brand new version. So an iPhone 8 claim will not get you the latest iPhone. Take time over your application. I’d give as much detail as you can on things like repairs you’ve made to the structure of a building – like your roof, for example - or simple details like exactly when your car passed its MOT. Bear in mind though that some home improvements or car modifications will actually make your policy increase in price. Others that you might assume would save you cash, don’t in practice. Many insurers tell me that forking out for a video doorbell won’t result in a discount, for example. Consider combining your policies. If you’ve got more than one car, or you’re willing to combine home/vehicle/travel insurance, you may get a much better deal, though I’d ask if any aspects of the policy like what’s covered or excess limits change in comparison to a stand-alone policy. A great idea is to take out a single multi-gadget policy. I took one out recently that covers five gadgets and costs around £30 a month. Taking out five individual policies at £15 a pop per gadget works out at £900 a year, so I save £540. Comparison sites will give a useful overview of the insurance deals out there. But be aware that things like flat or thatched roofs can significantly increase your quote, won’t come up on all comparison sites. So have a think about what might have a big effect on the price, like car modifications or things like your age or health. You can use these factors to get a more realistic quote, though you’ll have to go through the insurer’s website. Remember not all insurers are on comparison sites - but some discounts only apply if you click through from these sites. Have a fiddle about with the application too. There are lots of weird quirks that can have an impact on your quote. One of the most notorious is what you put in to the field covering your job. Research has shown that a few subtle changes to the way you describe what you can do can shave off some cash! And finally, pay annually. If you want to save money it will cost you less if you pay up front for the next 12 months. Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. How to get a decent insurance deal
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SA2 Times APRIL/MAY 2024 43 Modern Life Skills 1. List all your accomplishments Sometimes you just need to remember all the positive things that you have achieved in your life so making a list to remind yourself will give you a confidence boost 2. Do 10 minutes of exercise Just a quick 10 minutes of exercise. Even if it is a quick run up and downstairs or standing up and stretching and walking about for a bit will give you an energy boost and get the endorphins going 3. Find something to give away If you have something you don’t need or use, and it might be something someone else might need or use then give it them as a gift. It will make you feel good. 4. Do something to lift someone else’s spirits You can turn around bad feelings about yourself right away when you channel your energy into making someone feel good about themselves by doing or saying something nice. 5. Phone a friend Who needs a psychiatrist when you have friends? Friends can be walking, talking tonics and remind you that you are not alone! 6. Write down a goal Hope is a very important part of being resilient so set goals and have something to aim for. If you are feeling a bit low, think of something that would like to achieve and create a goal. 7. Relive your best memory Focus on a wonderful, happy memory and take a few minutes to dwell on it. Go through all of the details and relive the experience in your mind and see how good it makes you feel. 8. Turn off your computer and connect Go and find a living, breathing person and interact with them. Just connecting with another person will help you to feel less isolated and they may say something nice to you that will make you feel better. By Liggy Webb Give yourself a boost When you are feeling low and need a boost here is a selection of tips and techniques that will help you to bounce back and feel more positive about your life. Try these eight ways to feel better...
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Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 47 Written by Stuart Davies ex-Wales international & BBc Wales pundit Woe is Wales, But at Least max Was on Form Wales’s excellent over-achievement in the Rugby World Cup last Autumn had not translated into any great confi dence as we entered this year’s 6 Nations. Retirements, departures and injuries involving key players such as Dan Biggar, Louis Rees-Zammit and inspirational captain Jac Morgan had further depleted a squad that was already paper thin. This lack of anticipation sadly proved to be well-founded. A number of new faces appeared in match day squads, and it has to be said that a number were not ready for international rugby. That is where we are in Welsh rugby though, the cupboard just seems bare, and strength in depth is a pipe dream. So the ‘winning’ of the wooden spoon did not come as a surprise to many of us, although the Italian defeat that delivered it was the most painful and telling of them all. Prior to that, and despite all our problems, this new look squad had at least shown themselves to be gutsy and tenacious. Self-belief clearly wasn’t lacking either. What could have been a 50-point home defeat in the opener against Scotland, ended up being a 1-point loss. It probably had more to do with Scotland’s utter capitulation, but in fairness a 27-point half-time lead was very strange territory for them! A game against a supposedly resurgent England at Twickenham, such a tough place to go, could and should have been won. A last minute try in Dublin distorted the score, and the battering that many of us feared from Ireland did not come to fruition. Only the French really put us to the sword, and this game as much as any showed the paucity of our replacements bench. There was clear water in terms of the impact of the substitutions in this game. It is also true though that the score line for the Italian game was also distorted in our favour. We were completely outplayed in all honesty. It is great to see Italy fi nally becoming a real threat in this tournament, but the manner of the defeat was truly illuminating in terms of where Wales are at currently. Nothing demonstrated this more so than the Italian full back Pani’s try. It was a thing of beauty from a set piece, with mesmerising running lines and intricate skills. It was the sort of try you’d hope that Wales would score, whilst knowing deep down that we’re simply not capable of it at the moment. Our attacking play has become woeful. Box kicks, aimless up and unders, and speculative cross fi eld kicks seem to be the sum of our ambition. Even then the execution is often lacking. If it is the case that we are kicking to recover possession and ‘break up the game’, then so often it is Wales that lose their shape and structure, leading to yet more fruitless kicks. It’s a virtuous circle of …… nothingness. And yet we have dangerous runners who worry defences and can fi nish off opportunities. Tomos Williams showed again that he is a running not kicking scrum-half. Rio Dyer worried all his opponents. Up front both Aaron Wainright and Tommy Reff ell impacted strongly on each game they played. We also learned that Will Rowlands’ ‘go forward’ and Mason Grady’s physicality will become a feature of future sides. Who’d have thought though that the outside half position in Wales would be such a concern. As for the other teams, it was another year of false hype and hope for Scotland, even if they did beat the auld enemy. On which note, England may be fi nding themselves, which is a worry. Having not been sure of what game they were trying to play in the early matches, they came alive against Ireland and France. The latter join Scotland as under-achievers, and the championship was rightly won by Ireland. England denying them the grand slam was the very defi nition of ‘mixed feelings’ in these parts! The story of the tournament was probably Italy – consistent, capable and at times brilliant. Let’s hope it’s sustained. And in terms of highlights, let’s not forget Max Boyce’s stunning Mother’s Day adaptation of Hymns and Arias. Something memorable at least for us Welshies.
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50 Sa2 times APRIL/MAY 2024 Sioned Williams Aelod Plaid Cymru o’r Senedd dros Orllewin De Cymru Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West Rwy’n addo bod yn llais cryf yn y Senedd. Hoffwn glywed am y materion sy’n bwysig i chi er mwyn i fi eich cynrychioli chi yn y ffordd orau bosib. I promise to be a strong voice in the Senedd. I would like to hear about the issues that are important to you so that I can represent you in the best way possible. Talwyd costau’r cyhoeddiad hwn gan Gomisiwn y Senedd, o gronfeydd cyhoeddus The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds Cysylltwch / Contact: [email protected] 01639 203204 www.sionedwilliams.wales SionedWilliamsPlaidCymru @Sioned_W