Hundreds of people from all over the world are supporting the St Donats Arts Centre’s campaign to save it from closure.

The arts centre’s on-line petition (www.stdonats.com) has nearly 2,000 people signed up, including people from Norway, Swede, Finland, France, Canada, Brazil, Israel, Germany, Switzerland, India, Bolivia, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Gambia and Denmark as well as from Wales and the UK. The arts centre in south Wales was told by the Arts Council of Wales that its annual grant will be removed. The decision could close the centre and international storytelling festival, ‘Beyond The Border’, the only one of its kind in Wales and the largest in the UK. In addition, the Arts Council’s decision could bring to an end the centre’s educational storytelling events in Wales’ disadvantaged communities.

Janet Smith, General Manager of St Donats Arts Centre said, “We are delighted with this huge response, although not surprised. The arts centre is highly valued by our audiences and our unique storytelling festival is well established in the lives of over 2,000 people and their families some of whom travel great distances from all corners of the world to be here.”

She attributed some of the petition’s popularity to the centre’s work throughout Wales, “I think we are being supported so strongly in part because of our important educational work in the communities of Wales. Last year, for example, we took Native American Indian storytellers to schools, prisons and other community settings. We promoted 111 educational and outreach workshops to just under 4,000 children, young people and elderly people in areas including the south Wales Valleys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr, Newport, Barry and Swansea. Many of these locations are areas of acknowledged deprivation and for many children it was the first time they had met anyone from a Native North American Indian community.”

Janet went on to say that that the decision would adversely affect local people’s lives and the economy of south Wales.“We serve a very rural community where people can become isolated. As an arts centre and a cinema, we provide the only cultural opportunity people have for miles around. Many of our audiences are older people who are not able to travel for over an hour into the city. There will also be a severe knock-on effect for the economy here. The arts centre has spent an estimated £2.5 million on local businesses in its lifetime so far. During the festival weekend alone, tourists spend an estimated £138,500 on travel companies, retailers and guest houses in south Wales.”

Attracting tourists is an important aspect of the arts centre’s work. This year, the centre is the only venue in Wales to successfully negotiate with the prestigious Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to perform open-air in the grounds of the arts centre and to provide workshops for students.

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COWBRIDGE
Ed Evans Three Peaks Challenge



Leah Jeffreys and some of her friends are attempting the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of Cowbridge man Edward Evans who sadly lost his courageous five year battle with cancer on October 2007. Leah grew up with Edward and this is her way of helping to raise awareness and money for Edward’s foundation.

Edward Evans was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2001 and fought it with great courage and dignity for five years. In the period that Ed had this tumour I don’t ever recall him complaining about his situation. He was always hopeful for the future and believed that the advances being made in medical research would be able to alleviate or one day even cure his tumour.

I’ve known Ed since we were in nappies and he always had a tremendous passion for life and living it. This passion became even stronger after his diagnosis. We often take life and what it offers us for granted. Since I learnt of Ed’s illness and witnessed how he coped with it, he has been constantly reminding me to live life to the full. Ed was full of surprises and I will always remember my 25th birthday; Ed came up to Liverpool to help me celebrate it. At this time Ed was undergoing radiotherapy which often left him feeling very tired, but, as soon as he arrived he wanted to know what I had planned for the weekend. Well, being a typical student I hadn’t really thought about it. I had thought dinner followed by clubbing would suffice. This wasn’t enough to satiate Ed’s appetite for life. He woke up early on both Saturday and Sunday and cooked us breakfast. We then toured the city taking in the cathedrals and the docks - my feet ached more than a weekend of shopping!

During his illness, Ed became inspired to help others with cancer and brain tumours and organised many charity events. With the help of his family and friends he set up the Ed Evans Foundation in 2006 raising over £20,000. Since his death last year his family and friends have continued to run the foundation. Ed was a very special person and an inspiration to everyone he met and continues to inspire us today even though he is no longer with us. After Ed’s death my sister Leah, thought it would be a good idea to attempt the Three Peaks Challenge in order to keep Ed’s spirit alive and support his chosen charities - trekking up and down three of the highest mountains in the UK in three different countries and all to be completed in 24 hours!

Rachel Jeffreys



Leah and friends will be attempting the challenge on June 21 2008.

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BRIDGEND
Safeclean launches Allergy-Out

We’ve featured Gareth Jones of Safeclean in previous issues of Vale Life and raved about carpet cleaning the Safeclean way. Safeclean have now introduced a new product called Allergy-Out which Gareth will incorporate as part of his carpet cleaning service.

Gareth is now able to offer the organic Allergy-Out treatment, whose ingredients originate from the papaya fruit. This is in addition to Safeclean’s already popular and unique organic range of cleaning services.

Gareth explains,“The number of people who suffer from allergies in the UK is increasing. We felt it was time to develop our range and come up with a treatment to help eliminate air and surface allergens. We’re really excited about this new treatment - not only is it in keeping with our organic range, it also makes us one of the few cleaning companies in the UK to offer it.”

The scientifically proven treatment is a new combination of active organics which break down air and surface allergens. It will neutralise all protein based allergens such as pollen, animal dander, mould spores and dust mites.

Hay fever, watery eyes, runny nose, eczema and asthma can be caused by air and surface allergens and can now be efficiently neutralised by using the Allergy-Out system.

Safeclean is a well-established, nationwide, furnishing-care franchise recommended by leading retailers. It has been operating for over 30 years and has always been at the forefront of safe cleaning systems. It is the UK’s leading stain removal company and now cleans carpets, upholstery, curtains and leather with a unique organic system that out-performs conventional methods.

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PENARTH
Penarth ABC’s a real knockout!

Penarth ABC Boxing Club has been running since 1952 in different venues in Penarth and over the last thirty four years in St Paul’s Church.

In the capable hands of ex boxing champion Neil Munn the club has enjoyed some amazing results. British champion Kieran Harding, 18 and Joe Morgan, 16 have both won Welsh Titles and are being entered for the Four Nations at the end of June and also the Commonwealth Games in India in October. Kieran who was born and bred and Penarth said, “If it wasn’t for Neil and Penarth ABC, my life may have taken a different course.”

Kieran Harding		Neil Munn with Joe Morgan

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PONTYCLUN
Jason’s flowering success!

To celebrate the arrival of the 4th RHS Spring Flower show to Wales and the flourishing growth of his brand new Pontyclun based business, ‘Home-grown’ artist Jason D. has produced this bloomin' marvellous picture.



The three ft sq. limited edition printed canvas is titled ‘The Flowershow’ in honour of the seasonal horticultural event and comes in a variety of shades and colours.

The artist says, “Flowers are my source of inspiration, not necessarily only the organic natural flora we find in our countryside, but also the ones we give each other to say ‘Thank you’, ‘Sorry’ and ‘I Love You’ - the ones we buy in a shop or from a stall. I felt that this was the perfect opportunity to open my doors to the public and reveal my new spring series of flower images”. He adds, “A gold medal would be perfect, but at the moment the business could do with some silver or a little bronze in the pot!”

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BARRY
All Saints’ Church, Centenary 2008

2008 marks the Centenary of All Saints’ Church in Barry.

Built early in the 20th Century when the town’s population expanded following the construction of Barry Docks, All Saints’ Church was designated the Parish Church of Barry.

Six weeks of celebrations begin with a Centenary Service in the presence of the Archbishop of Wales on Tuesday 29th April. Other highlights in church will include a Triple Choir Concert on May 31st and a 3 day Flower Festival on 5th, 6th and 7th June. A Songs of Praise will bring celebrations to a close on Sunday 8th June.

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BETWS Y COED
Mairlys becomes new home for Vale couple

Following their global travel exploits during 2006/07, when they trekked overland through three Latin American countries, Bernard and Marian Owen left the Vale in October to set up a B&B business in Betws y Coed in North Wales.

Having spent three months travelling through Argentina, Chile and Peru staying in B&B’s along the way, this gave them the idea to run their own. Meeting people was a key factor in the decision. Now at Betws, they are hosting visitors from Copenhagen, Capetown, Calgary and Cardiff. Mairlys is a slate/stone built Victorian guest house within easy reach of the village. This four star B&B offers ensuite rooms which have been furnished to a high standard. Three of the double rooms are south facing and offer great views over the Gwydyr forest. Mairlys offers off road parking where guests can leave their car and enjoy the picturesque village. Only a few minutes’ walk to the centre with its restaurants, specialist shops and around twenty forest and river walks, Betws even possesses a railway station with direct links to Llandudno, meaning that the village is even accessible without a car!

Betws y Coed is the gateway to Snowdonia, the gem of North Wales. The region welcomes over a million tourists each year from all corners of the world who come to explore the magnificent Snowdonia mountain range with nine peaks over 3,000 feet and a mere twenty minutes drive from the village. Also within close proximity are the renowned beauty spots of both Conwy and Swallow falls.

The magnificent castles of Conwy and Caernarfon are a thirty minute drive away. Closer to hand is the grandeur of the steep valleys carved by ancient rivers all in the heart of the world renowned Snowdonia National Park.

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COWBRIDGE
Animal magic in the Vale of Glamorgan

Energetic, experienced and talented drummer, Matt ‘animal’ Thomas, seeks like-minded individuals to form a new and unique rock band... and, yes, the nickname does relate to the muppets character which should give you an idea of his drumming prowess!

Matt began his drumming career at the tender age of 13, after witnessing a drum demonstration at school and decided to give it a go himself. Playing on his very first kit, which was a CB drum kit courtesy of his mum it was apparent that Matt had distinct talent and was a very quick learner. His first band, 4 Storey, was formed whilst he was still at school and Matt and his fellow bandmates played many local gigs including youth centres, Clwb Ifor Bach and Bridgend Ford open day (interestingly on the side of a lorry!)

Matt’s next venture Overhead Wires achieved notable success, television and radio airplay, and they even got to produce their own music video and had massive local support. They came second out of a total of 600 bands in the national UK Battle of the Bands competition (a major achievement considering they were the highest reaching welsh band).

Most recently Matt has drummed with Bridgend rock band Fubar, who had a huge following until their unfortunate break up last year. Again, they were a familiar name on the gig scene, selling out venues such as Barfly and The Point.

Now his ambition is to discover dedicated musicians who are willing to work towards creating a new and exciting rock sound with which to liven up the music scene, and achieve major notoriety.

Matt has the contacts and the equipment - he just needs to find the right band with which he can obtain the success he desires.


Matt ‘animal’ Thomas is looking for dedicated musicians to create a new and exciting rock sound... get in touch!

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COWBRIDGE
Watts & Morgan move with the times

Watts & Morgan, one of the oldest firms of Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers, Valuers and Estate Agents in Cowbridge have had a makeover. Now they can offer extensive services on virtually every aspect of property related matters within the Residential, Commercial and Agricultural Property Markets in a new, glamorous and funky environment.


Pictured, Prunella Martin with Gareth Davies, Partner of Watts & Morgan at the newly re-furbished office in Cowbridge.

DINAS POWYS
The Huntsman welcomes back Hilary



I recently met with Hilary Rice, Chef at The Huntsman in Dinas Powys and her husband Peter in their lovely sunny garden. Hilary has been out of action recently due to illness but she wants everyone to know that she’s on the road to wellness and looking forward to taking back the helm in the restaurant.

What’s the background to The Huntsman in Dinas Powys?
It was an 18th Century workshop and stables attached to The Star. It was converted to a skittle alley then a restaurant in the 1970’s. It’s had various owners, then was empty for one year before we acquired it in 1993.

How long has The Huntsman been going?
It’s been owned by us now for fifteen years.

Why did you set it up?
As I enjoyed cooking I was looking for a small business to provide good quality food and service in cosy surroundings.

Who is involved in the business?
Myself and husband Peter and a small number of part time helpers – al keen, bright local students.

When did you become ill?
I was aware of a problem at the end of September, 2007 but didn’t feel ill. Following an operation to remove a lump, ovarian cancer was diagnosed mid October.

What treatment are you having?
After a successful operation, I have had ten sessions of chemotherapy at Velindre Hospital in Whitchurch over a three month period, to help prevent any remaining cancer cells from reproducing.

How long will you need treatment?
I will need further CTI scans in the future which will determine if any other treatment is required.

When do you anticipate being back in work?
I intend to go back on a part time basis in April and then full time by mid May.

Who is holding fort in the kitchen?
Peter’s brother-in-law Mathew Canning. A chef with thirty years experience. He was chef at Gibsons and Quails in Romilly Crescent in Canton. We are very grateful that he was able to step in at such short notice.

How do you feel today?
I feel really good. I’m pleased to have finished the chemo sessions – although I feel lucky to have had very few side effects and felt fine most of the time through it.

Are you looking forward to getting back to work?
Yes and no. It will be good to get back to normal but in many ways I have thoroughly enjoyed having nearly six months off. It’s given me time to spend with my friends, socialising, enjoying a spot of retail therapy, lunches out, long walks, even shopping trips. Basically doing lots of things which running a business doesn’t give you the time for. All of these things and lots of caring peoples’ thoughts and phone calls have helped with my recuperation.



“As I enjoyed cooking I was looking for a small business to provide good quality food and service in cosy surroundings.”