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I was 10 when we moved from Cardiff to Pembrokeshire. To lessen the trauma of the move our parents got my sister and me our first pets. Carlo, pronounced the Welsh way with a rolled ‘r’, was a smooth-haired, black and tan, Jack Russell terrier. Though he was named in honour of the Prince of Wales, as portrayed in Dafydd Iwan’s eponymous song1, it’s safe to say mam was no Royalist. A stupider dog would be hard to imagine; Carlo…

In an informative and clear article, one that I would commend to every reader of the Cardiff Times, the activist and mother of two kids with Down Syndrome, Renate Lindeman, writes “…while governments (rightly) ban gender selection, selective abortion continues to be encouraged for children with Down Syndrome. In the United States and abroad, screenings are a routine part of health-care programs, and the result is the near-elimination of these children“(1). I should declare an interest. The Boss and I…

As this new year bids us welcome, my thoughts have turned to journeys old and new. Memories of my late parents are inseparable from the trips we shared. If dad had a single motto depicting his approach to family life it would have been “if I’m up, everyone’s up“. This rule was applied consistently throughout my childhood. It was quite exciting, endearing even, when we were kids and about to embark on a journey to west Wales; less so as…

Continuing her series of articles exploring small businesses and entrepreneurs in Cardiff, this month Sarah-Jane visits the only 100% vegan restaurant in Cardiff, Anna Loka, and meets the owner Adam, whose journey to entrepreneur is definitely not a traditional one!  Since I have been writing for the Cardiff Times I’ve been incredibly spoilt. So many local businesses have given me a warm welcome. They have taken the time to share with me what motivates them as well as revealing their…

Continuing her series of articles exploring small businesses and entrepreneurs in Cardiff, this month Sarah-Jane samples the delights of local, independently run Bon Café on Fidlas Road, and finds a warm welcome from a café that prides itself on providing a quality service.  The last five years has seen a huge increase in coffee shop chains. They seem to be on every street within our city centre, and spreading to our local high streets. If you’re in the need of…

My Dear Chums, Here’s another little story of big business and the way it operates from the shadows.  Upon a recent visit to a large supermarket with the Sainted Mother-in-Law, she dropped a jar of honey which she had secreted in her coat (only kidding).  It conveniently failed to bounce.  She then looked for an assistant and explained what had happened.  She was advised that no instore cleaner would be available for many hours (this being late morning) because the…

Le Cordon Bleu the world-leading culinary school has announced that they will be launching the UK Scholarship Award this year. They will be travelling the country and hosting exclusive events in different regions. These events are a great opportunity to find out more about Le Cordon Bleu and the UK Scholarship Award, and also a way for potential entrants to experience a taster of life at the prestigious school, with exclusive culinary demonstrations from Le Cordon Bleu London’s renowned Master…

FANCY a night of rocking riffs from some of the greatest bands to ever have rocked the earth?Well, get ready to turn the amps up to 11 as The Classic Rock Show: A-Z of Rock thunders through St David’s Hall, Cardiff, next Thursday (16 February) at 7.30pm. Now in its seventh year, this foot-stomping and fist-pumping extravaganza celebrates the ‘Alphabet of Rock’ with soaring solos and killer chords! Relive some of the most memorable six-string sounds from AC/DC, Aerosmith, The Eagles,…

My Dear Chums, It’s Election Time again and I have a number of comments to make.  So let’s start with our recent Assembly Elections?  I should emphasise at this point that I have no particular political affiliation but I have a number of overseas clients and trying to explain to them the outcome of the Election made me look at what really happened in a more critical way. The turnout was 45% of those entitled to vote.  This meant that…

My Dearest Chums, Is it just me or is there more than a passing resemblance between Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood fame and our World no 1 rugby referee Nigel Owens? Talking of singers, what about Gloria Leicester Fan?  Very popular of late. Staying with showbiz, I read that the recently departed David Gest was in the UK to tour in his musical show “David Gest Is Not Dead, But Alive With Soul”.  I must confess to having…