The President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Mrs Evelin Ilves visited the St Donats Arts Centre and the Atlantic College recently to celebrate the Walestonia Festival.



The President opened a joint exhibition by two of Estonia’s leading artists – father and son Vilen Künnapu and August Künnapu, called a ‘Common Energy Field’. Vilen Künnapu is one of the most important Estonian architects of the last three decades, and among the first post-modernist theor eticians and architects in the 1970s. The President’s visit followed his address to the National Assembly for Wales in the morning and a meeting with the First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan.

In the evening he participated in the Walestonia festival concert, in which the Estonian National Male Choir joined the BBC National Orchestra for Wales in the Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex performance at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea.

The President followed other political and royal figures by staying at the Egerton Grey Country House Hotel Porthkerry as their base when visiting Cardiff. Indeed the country location of the hotel close to Cardiff International Airport provides privacy and high security for visitors.

The hotel can be booked for exclusive use to ensure a full measure of security. Previous visits have been made by business leaders, politicians and royalty including the Dalai Lama of Tibet and HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who have visited the hotel on several occasions.

PORTHCAWL
100% record maintained at St. John’s School

The Staff and Governors of St. John’s School are hugely delighted that for the sixth year in a row all their Year 11 pupils have achieved at least six full GCSEs at grade A* to C.



Mrs. Carol Clint, Headmistress, met and spoke to all the pupils to extend her congratulations. She was thrilled that the 100% record had been maintained and was pleased that this was a reflection of the benefits of the individual attention received from the dedicated staff and small class sizes. In fact, 90% of pupils attained eight or more A* - C grades.

There were exceptional performances by both Nathan Shearer who achieved four A* grades and seven A’s and from Natalie Dawson. Natalie last year gained an A* whilst in Year 10 and this year added to this by achieving two grade A’s and a further eight A*s.

....................................................................................................................



PONTYCLUN
Fine art flowers help new clinic to bloom

Pontyclun-based artist Jason D has created a striking collection of prints for Vale Healthcare’s newly opened clinic in Cardiff Bay.

The pictures feature photographs of flowers that have been enhanced with intense fluorescent colours. Jason said, “I use flowers that are past their best in my pictures, as I find that at this point they have a really diverse range of shapes, patterns, colours and textures that are a great source of inspiration.”

“When working on a project like this one for the clinic it is important to make sure the works flow seamlessly through the building, cohesively linking spaces like the reception, waiting and consulting rooms together.”

Lis Neil, Chief Executive of Vale Healthcare, said, “The prints give the vibrant finishing touch the building needed and really helps brings the spaces to life. They compliment the modern surroundings and it’s great to know that they are the work of an artist local to the Vale. So far we’ve commissioned thirteen of Jason’s prints but we’re planning to purchase more. In fact, we’ve asked Jason to consider a commission for our new hospital which we intend to build in 2009. Jason has suggested the theme ‘flowers of healing’ and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with.”

....................................................................................................................

PONTCANNA
The Jewellery Studio introduces Vabene

If you’re looking for a watch that is unique and represents a fun lifestyle incorporating fashion, art and love, then a Vabene timepiece might be for you.



The Jewellery Studio in Pontcanna are the only jewellers in Wales to stock these fashionable watches which have been designed by the infamous Grimoldi’s, a family with profound knowledge in high end watch making.

The philosophy of the brand is to embrace the fun side of life. Vabene means, ‘it’s all cool, fine, ok, good’ and is the most used word in Italian as well as the well known ‘Ciao’. It is on the lips of every Italian every single day and is always accompanied with an approving nod and a big smile.

Vabene is big news in the US with celebrities such as rapper 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Paris and Nicky Hilton, super model and entrepreneur of Baby Phat brand Kimora Lee Simmons. Vabene watches also grace the wrists of soccer players Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti, top model and actress Carol Alt, Katie Homes, Hollywood legend Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr., boxer Mike Tyson, singer Kid Rock, and many Hollywood starlets.

Head down to The Jewellery Studio and bag yourself a Vabene watch. Telling the time has never been so much fun.

....................................................................................................................

PENARTH
Pamper the ones you love with Ener-chi

This Christmas why not spoil a loved one with a perfect gift to see them through the winter?

With helpful staff on hand to help you choose, from stocking fillers from as little as £2 to sumptuous hamper baskets and beautiful boxes brimming with wonderful products from favourites such as L’Occitane, Dr. Haushka, Elysambre and many more, Ener-chi is a must visit for gifts to delight your family and friends.



New to Ener-chi, and already proving the popular choice for Christmas, are the now famous pamper hampers which can be tailor made to your own specification. Choose from ‘Relaxation’, ‘Energise’ or for the mum to be, ‘Lady in Waiting’, the Ener-chi pamper hampers are sure to delight anyone who unwraps them on Christmas Day.

With so much to choose from in this emporium of goodies, if you just can’t decide, then there’s always the ever popular gift voucher which always fits the bill. Working late and can’t get to the shops? No need to stress. Ener-chi are open late into the evening on Tuesdays, and Thursdays for shopping and if it all gets too much for you, you can always treat yourself to a bit of pampering in the form of a manicure, a facial or a hot stone massage while the staff seasonally wrap your gifts.

...................................................................................................................

BARRY
Classic transformations by Beauty Spot

Lisa and Amanda from Beauty Spot Hair and Beauty did an amazing job on our photoshoot in Penarth for Forever Vintage (see page 62). The talented duo transformed 20 year old Lauren Stork and 19 year old Natasha Grosvenor into Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

Being at The Business Centre has made it easy for clients of Beauty Spot Hair and Beauty, who come from all over Cardiff and the Vale as the free parking and easy to get to location just off the Barry Docks link road takes away much of the stress associated with city and town. Clients arrive stress free and that’s even before treatment starts!



Beauty Spot Hair and Beauty have the experience and expertise of 15 years in business offering all the latest hair styles and beauty treatments. The team of hair stylists provides up to date colour and cutting techniques, hair extensions and an excellent choice of quality products by Tigi, Bedhead, S factor and Catwalk. The beauty therapists offer an extensive range of treatment that include St Tropez Airport tanning system, red vein and skin tag removal, facial peels, botox and other medical based cosmetic procedures performed by their visiting doctor. In addition they are one of the very few salons in South Wales to offer permanent make up. More recently a chiropodist and Raki therapist have joined their team.

With the party season fast approaching, why not call in for a free consultation and update your hair style and prepare your skin to dazzle for those party nights. Don’t forget gents, hair and beauty vouchers for the women in your life make excellent Christmas presents! Hint, hint...

...................................................................................................................

PENARTH
Tony King Architects are now a Big Issue

To coincide with the release of their first ever brochure, Tony King Architects, who have developed particular experience in social and private housing developments, have become the first architect’s practice to become corporate subscribers of The Big Issue Cymru, the charity who specialise in helping the homeless.

Tony King Architects who also specialise in mixed office and retail schemes, refurbishments and listed buildings have recently achieved planning approval for two schemes of ninety houses and apartments for Newydd Housing Association in South Wales.

If you would like a copy of Tony King Architects’ brochure please email mail@tonykingarchitects.co.uk

If you would like to check out The Big Issue you can find more information at www.bigissuecymru.co.uk. Remember, Big Issue sellers are selling not begging!