Friday December 23rd started inauspiciously and then got worse. I was due to take The Girl (my 10 year old daughter who happens to have Down Syndrome – DS) to what would be the last in a seemingly never-ending procession of Christmas events; school parties, activity-based parties, parties with yet another ‘ho-ho-hoing’ Santa sucking desperately on breath mints so as not to offend the olfactory sensibilities of our little terrors. Well, you get the gist. This was my morning… The…

Dr Sarah Curran, Reader and Principal Lecturer in Podiatry at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cardiff School of Health Sciences, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy. Dr Curran is the first podiatry lecturer in the country to win the prestigious award. Dr Sarah Curran The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme, funded by the Higher Education Funding Councils for England and Wales and the Department for the Economy (DfE) Northern Ireland, recognises and rewards excellent learning and teaching. …

LOOKING for the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner? Well, look no further than Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra’s St Valentine’s Day Special concert at St David’s Hall on Tuesday 14 February featuring some of the most romantic music ever composed! And to get you in the mood, we have three great competitions lined up. Full details of how to enter are below, and the meals can be arranged at your convenience. Please note that the winning entries will…

Talented early career musicians in Wales are being given the opportunity to join a renowned training and development scheme which provides regular performance opportunities, and follow in the footsteps of celebrated Alumni such as Tim Rhys Evans (MD of Only Boys Aloud/Only Men Aloud), Llŷr Williams (International pianist), Jamie Smith (Mabon) and Hannah Stone (former Harpist to HRH Prince of Wales). Live Music Now is the UK’s leading musician development and wellbeing charity, delivering over 6000 concerts across the UK…

In association with West Yorkshire Playhouse   MARK THOMAS The Red Shed The Stage Special Award 2016 (The Red Shed) Scotsman Fringe First winner – 2016 (The Red Shed) Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award winner – 2014 Scotsman Fringe First winner – 2014 (Cuckooed) Scotsman Fringe First winner – 2012 (Bravo Figaro) Bank of Scotland Herald Angel winner – 2012 Sony Award for Radio Comedy winner – 2008 Guinness World Record Holder: Most Number of Political Demonstrations in 24…

Official figures show it would take the average Brit between seven and 29 years to be able to put down a 10% deposit on a house in their city Londoners need to save for the longest amount of time to buy a home, while people in Edinburgh should be able to get on the property ladder more quickly Piggyback Property offers an alternative way to benefit from the property market, even for those who cannot afford to buy outright January…

A local Llandaff North Scout Group are currently fighting to keep their hall from being sold – a feat that will not earn them a badge but a home for their treasured community. Scouts provides many services and activities for young people in Cardiff, from survival and camping skills to First Aid. But lately this group in particular has been channeling their energy into fundraising quizzes and bake sales in order to raise funds for their beloved hall. 04/06/2016 Pics…

St David’s Hall Wednesday 15 February 1pm & 4pm CALLING all budding gardeners – Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live is coming to St David’s Hall for two shows next month! Mr Bloom and the Veggies are the familiar faces of CBeebies, and now your tiny tots can see them onstage at 1pm and 4pm on Wednesday 15 February. Everyone at the Nursery is working hard for a very special occasion – a member of the Royal Family is visiting! Yet, Mr…

Mr Bloom comes to town … CBeebies popular Mr Bloom is coming to town with his family of Veggies in a new stage show, Mr Bloom’s Nursery – Live, which will delight young audiences who want to meet their favourite veggies and join in their new adventure. The award-winning Mr Bloom’s Nursery evolved from an interactive street theatre piece called The Vegetable Nannies, created by actor Ben Faulks. In 2009 Faulks approached the BBC with his ideas and the show…

WHAT: Viva! Vegan Festival  www.viva.org.uk/cardiff WHERE: Cardiff City Hall, Gorsedd Gardens Road, Cardiff CF10 3ND WHEN: Saturday, 4 February 2017 – 10.30am to 5pm HOW MUCH?: Only £2 – kids go free! CONTACT: 0117 944 1000  Everything you ever wanted to know about going, being or staying vegan (or moving in that direction) will be on tap at the Cardiff Viva! Vegan Festival. Organised by charity Viva!, entry is just £2 (under 16s free); a whole range of delicious food…