On St David’s Day, photojournalist Peppe Iovino hit the streets of Cardiff to watch the St David’s Day Parade.
Were you there?
Cardiff, you’re looking beautiful!
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My Cardiff geography – Lynne Barrett-Lee
This week, the My Cardiff Geography series interrogates author Lynne Barrett-Lee, who was actually my creative writing tutor at Cardiff Uni for a little while. I loved her class, so pestered her to answer some questions for you. Over to you, Lynne…
Q. Where did you grow up? Give us a brief description of your life before ending up here
A. I was born in Brixton, and spent most of my childhood and teens in South London, before moving to the more leafy environs South of Croydon in my 20s. I left school and began work as a bank clerk, then got a job in recruitment, aged almost 19, believing I could rake in loads of cash to finance a year off and the writing of my first major work. In reality, I ended up running my own recruitment business in the West End for 8 years, during which time I wrote a bit, rather than a lot, produced three children, and completed an Open University degree, mostly in science and psychology. Not English literature, which feels odd now, but really didn’t then. I’d read – and knew plenty about – all the classics I felt I needed to. I’ve since learned otherwise. And then some. I might do it yet.
Q. How did you end up living in Cardiff?
A. I came with my husband’s job – and our three then quite little children – having long before agreed that I’d go wherever his career took us, since my own ambitions were slightly more portable. Luckily for me, it proved to be the turning point in my career, as I spent 18 months teacher training on arrival, culminating in getting my first ever piece published – in the Times Educational Supplement, no less. That was key. I had earned a whopping £90, and believed I could do it again, so I held off applying for teaching posts, and crossed everything.
Q. Which parts of Cardiff have you lived in? Which have been your favourites?
A. We came to Cardiff without a clue about anything or anywhere. I’d visited Wales precisely once – to climb Snowdon, aged 13. We did a couple of recces – which left us none the wiser because we kept getting lost – but it was the mother of a friend (the only person we knew in the entire country) that told us we’d probably like Lisvane. The estate agent agreed (she lived there), saying it was ‘safe, village-y and leafy’, and we agreed. Though my main reason for loving it, London gal that I am, was because it was really, really close to the eastbound M4. I can’t imagine living anywhere else now, much as I still covet a little flat in Bloomsbury. Our roots are too enmeshed with those of all the trees.
Q. Tell us about how you got into writing in the first place.
A. I have wanted to be a writer of books since I was a little girl, and had a couple of landmark moments along the way to keep the flame alive. I had an enormously encouraging English teacher at grammar school, who believed I could do it (no, Lynne, you don’t have to be a nurse, or a teacher, or join the WRNS, honestly), and then, while working for the bank, from an American literary agent, who came upon me via a very convoluted series of events. All that matters is that she thought I had talent, and nurtured it. She also introduced me to Roald Dahl – who was her friend, and the first actual author I’d ever met. It was a thrilling time. It was also fuel in the tank for when life got in the way. I never lost the faith that I’d do it someday.
As for how I got into it, as in it becoming my career, I got that one thing published, then another, then another… I took a Cardiff Uni class, too, and spent 3 years writing short stories (many for Women’s Mags, because they paid well) before attempting my first novel. Which I did when my youngest began full time at school. I’ve been very blessed and very lucky.
Q. What’s the most difficult thing about being a full time writer?
A. Isolation, probably. I’m living the dream I’ve had all my life – I really do spend all my time in an ivory tower, tapping at a keyboard, creating something out of nothing, not having to deal with Gropey Clive in accounts. Which was great as a contrast to the joys of London Commuting, and brilliant when combined with bringing up my kids. But ‘term time, 9 – 3.30 then kids a go-go’ is one thing. ‘7.30 am to 7 pm, sometimes 8 pm’, as I do now my kids are grown up, is a very different matter. I can’t imagine ever wanting to do anything else, and when I’m writing, time no longer exists for me, but I am a really sociable, outgoing person, so it’s a bit out of character. Other than that, I can’t think of another. Ask me again if the work suddenly dries up!
Q. You teach creative writing at Cardiff University. How did you end up doing that?
A. By accident. I’d agreed to run a one day masterclass on writing romantic comedy (for my usual fee plus VAT) and was asked if I’d also consider taking on a term’s teaching; a tutor, who was teaching ‘writing mass market fiction’ had pulled out, and they needed someone to help them out of a jam. Okay, I said. Just this once. That was in 2008, I think. I never did get my proper fee for the masterclass.
Q. What’s the best thing about teaching?
A. The students. I love my students, some of whom even come back more than once! I only do one class a week – for 2 hours on a Thursday – and every Wednesday afternoon I curse myself for agreeing to another term as I’m always up to my eyes in something or other – normally a chapter – which needs finishing NOW. But then I turn up and see everyone and it reminded me that my teaching qualification hasn’t been wasted; I really do get a buzz out of passing on my knowledge, and feeling I might have helped launch someone else’s career. It also ensures I get dressed on at least one weekday.
Q. Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?
A. To walk for at least half an hour, briskly, every single day. My commute is a flight of stairs, my lunch break taken three feet from my keyboard, my watercooler pals a brace of cats. With no kids to run me ragged I have become terrifyingly sedentary – not enough NEAT! – despite being very active on evenings, weekends and holidays. Not healthy. And so far so good. I take wildlife-y, nature-y photographs and fondly muse on all the artistic things I am soon going to do with them. Felting, mosaic, sculpture… It’ll happen one day. In the meantime, it’s just nice to bomb about the place at a speed that will make people think I’m a local eccentric. And that’s before they clock me darting into hedges.
Q. What are your plans for this year?
A. I am just about to sign the contract for two further books in a series I have to keep secret from you (or kill you, obviously; this is the nature of ghosting), the twelfth of which we are currently writing. There are also outlines ready for a further three Julie Shaw titles (which I also co-write and can tell you about – the first being Our Vinnie) and I’m a third of the way into a memoir I’m ghosting, set in Kansas, about a man, and a dog, and a tornado…
Other plans involve writing my column for the Western Mail every week – eight years and counting, which astounds me; I have that much to SAY? – and gate-crashing any of my husband’s conferences I can, so that I can work from exotic locations. It’s much less glamorous than it sounds, and there are never enough of those little milk pods in the tea and coffee doohickey, but there is always a park, and a gallery, and a transport system to fathom the mysteries of, and I find it really inspiring to be alone in a strange city.
Q. What was the last book you read that you absolutely loved?
A. The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt, blew me away completely. Such a huge book, and it never once flagged for me. I think Theo Decker will endure as one of the great fictional characters of the 21st century. Couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Q. Best album you’ve listened to recently (old or new)
A. I have just discovered Catfish and the Bottlemen, so they are getting lots of plays. I just downloaded Hosier’s album too.
Q. Best film you’ve seen recently (old or new)
A. Hard to choose between The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything. So perhaps I won’t. Both are stunning. I also loved Interstellar.
Q. Have you got any creative projects that we should look out for?
A. My major multi-media exhibition at Tate Modern, obviously! No, seriously, I have lots of books out there but if I could urge you to look at just one thing it would be Bye Mam, I Love You, because it’s a local story – that of the murder of 15 year old Rebecca Aylward by her ex-boyfriend, apparently ‘for the price of a breakfast’, that lots of people in South Wales will recall. I had all sorts of reservations about ghosting such a tragic story – it’s written from the viewpoint of her mum, Sonia – but I’m so glad I did. It’s a brutally compelling story, and a cautionary tale. I’m so pleased it’s received so many great reviews, because connecting with people is what writing’s all about for me.
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Lynne Barrett-Lee was born in London and now based in Cardiff. She is an author and ghostwriter, with eight novels and 18 non-fiction memoirs to her name, 17 of which have been UK Sunday Times bestsellers, and include Bye Mam, I Love You, about the murder of Bridgend teenager Rebecca Aylward. Lynne also teaches creative writing once a week at Cardiff University, and the ebooks of her courses, Telling Tales and Novel; Plan it, write it, sell it, are both available from Amazon. For more information about Lynne and her work, please visit www.lynnebarrett-lee.com
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Llandaff Cathedral – photos by Rob Khoo
A while ago, reader Rob Khoo got in touch with some lovely photos of the National Museum in Cardiff. He’s been out with his camera again – this time, he’s been to Llandaff Cathedral. Here are his photos, and a little bit of info from Rob about his links to the place.
My parents have strong links with Llandaff Cathedral. My mum has been cross stitching since she was a little girl (part of her Dutch heritage), so she took on the task at one point of redoing all the kneelers with a little band of volunteers.
There’s hundreds of them… when one was finished the person responsible marked it with their initials. My dad got involved and did a few too (like you do). Dad died a few years ago… I was wandering around the Cathedral today taking pics and I found two kneelers that they made next to each other. Made me smile; there will be a bit of them both there for a good few years to come.
Rob Khoo is a bicycle obsessed chef and musician who lives in Canton. He has lived in Cardiff all his life and has no intention of moving away. See Rob Khoo’s photographs on Flickr
Speaking of Llandaff Cathedral, it features heavily in our Cardiff ghost-hunt radio program. Have you listened in yet?
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Cathays Cemetery Military Insignia Walk – Jodie Ashdown
Writer Jodie Ashdown headed off for a Cathays Cemetery Military Insignia Walk on 26 October, 2014. Here, she spills all about the experience.
I had no idea that Cardiff Council held free walks, until my mother stumbled across it whilst looking for walks in Cardiff. We have a weird fascination with graveyards in my family, so this particular walk seemed like the perfect introduction to these free tours.
Run by Cardiff Council Bereavement Services and Friends of Cathays Cemetery, this walk in the cemetery was focused around Military Insignia and Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones. They also run lectures in Cardiff University as well as other, more general tours of the graveyard, but this had a specific leaning towards those that gave their lives during the World Wars – very apt for this time of year.
We were led around the site by Phil Amphlett from Bereavement Services who pointed out and explained many of the fascinating and often tragic stories which are to be discovered in third largest municipal cemetery in the UK.
We learnt about the various insignias, the religious and personal inscriptions on the headstones, and also about how the Commonwealth War Grave Commission regularly replaces headstones of the young men and women who gave their lives during WWI and WWII. Stories included the raid on Zeebrugge (for which one man postponed his wedding and unfortunately didn’t return) and a member of Churchill’s Secret Army (the Baker Street Irregulars). We also heard about the bomb which landed on the cemetery, blowing gravestones high into the air, and about a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force who died in a factory bomb blast. It was an incredibly moving and educational tour and was completely free.
You can find out more about walks run by Cardiff Council here: Guided walks (PDF)
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Thanks Jodie! Catch you soon…
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“I’m using the roads of Cardiff to get race fit for the 2015 racing season” – Tom
This week we’ve got a bit of an exciting interview for you – with double Deaf Olympic medalist and Cardiffian Tom Smith, who is definitely one of our local heroes!
Many people have asked me; if I’m from Cardiff, it must be really hard to ride my bike in the city? Quite the opposite in fact. Town, as we call it, isn’t as busy as one might think compared to the likes of London or Birmingham. We have the River Taff which offers a calm path in and out of town as well as access to the Bay.
The roads are wide enough in the city itself for cyclists to easily navigate through stationary cars at the lights, but where I do most of my training is in the surrounding areas of Cardiff. So close but yet so far away, many people don’t realise of the abundance of country lanes and quiet roads. Yes there is Cardiff the city, but also Cardiff the area, which stretches out along the coast for miles as well as northwards. So growing up in Cardiff and riding my bike hasn’t been an impossible task when it comes to training properly in preparation for a cycling event.
Two years ago I went to Belgium to pursue my cycling career after a big injury forced me to stop racing for a few years. As Britain now offers more to the elite cyclist after the British success at the Tour de France, the time was right now to make the move back home.
Home for me is Thornhill, which is a great nice place to set off from for a bike ride. Something that not many people are aware of is the walking/mountain biking paths travelling up Caerphilly Mountain. There are a few spots where there are some cracking views, but the best one is up on the Graig- there’s a deep circular basin lined with rock and slate with a great view over Cardiff. Smashing when the sun is out as you can see far and wide, but just as good on a winter’s day. The view makes you appreciate what a great city you live in. The ride from Cefn Onn park up the narrow twisty path is a bit of an adventure to get there too!
Now that I am back home from Belgium, I will using the roads of Cardiff and South Wales every day to get myself race fit for the 2015 racing season. I will be riding for a British Pro Team (yet to be announced), and will be competing in major events across the country. The most notable are the Pearli Izumi Tour Series, The Premier Calendar Elite Road Series, and the British Road Race Championships; all of which will be televised on ITV and British Eurosport.
My aims for the year will of course be those races, but also the Deaf World Championships. I have already won a bronze medal in the Point’s Race at the Deaf European Champs in 2012, and at the 2013 Deaflympics I won 2 medals; silver in the Road Race and bronze in the Points Race. So to add a World Championship gold with the stripy jumper on top of that would be awesome!
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Tom Smith is a double Deaf Olympic medalist from Cardiff to be exact. He is an elite cyclist, meaning he competes against professional riders in top races without getting paid a salary. His passion is to achieve his goal of turning professional and being the first deaf person to ride the Tour de France. He funds his pursuit of sport himself through his personal training/coaching business, whilst competing at elite level. This is a hard thing for anyone to accomplish at this level in sport; to be a full time athlete with a job.
If you want to support Tom, he’s got a GoFundMe page http://www.gofundme.com/tomsmiff-roadtopro. Support our local heroes! Every little helps, as they say. Even if you’re not in a position to help out, Tom would really appreciate it if you could share this link with colleagues, friends and family.
And if you see him on the road, feel free to give him a wave – he always waves back!
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“I made my passion into my profession” – Anna
Today, We Are Cardiff gets hula hooping and aerial gymnastic-ing with Anna Sandreuter, founder of the Crashmat Collective performance company.
In 2002 I had just finished Circus School in London (where I had moved from Austria to study) and there was a job add in the Stage to go on tour with Big Fun Circus, so I came to Cardiff and had an interview in a studio on Kings Road. Two weeks later I had bought a van and given up my room in London. That same year I got involved with NoFit State Circus, who had set up their tent in Bute Park and were creating a big show called ImMortal…
For years I was based here, but constantly touring and didn’t really feel as though I was spending that much time here. In between tours I would go off to Barcelona or India or Australia. I worked on ships for a while in the Caribbean, but in 2010 I started thinking it was time to create my own company, so I started two somehow- Crashmat Collective and Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club.
I am a circus performer, trainer and director. I made my passion into my profession. I am currently directing a show called Façade, with my company Crashmat Collective, we are in rehearsals for our upcoming tour of Wales and London. It is a theatrical circus show, during which the audience get served a three course meal by the performers, who’s characters are all waiters in a restaurant. It’s a really fun show to do. I also founded the Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club. I am lucky to have had great support from many arts organisations to make these things happen.
Other hobbies include going to live music gigs, shows, I love travel, going places in my camper van or further afield. I love coffee, dancing and yoga. I like markets and charity shops. I like sewing. I’m not great at relaxing, but at home I have a nice cup of tea with honey to relax. I never really watch television, but occasionally I choose something on i player. I generally read before sleep, that’s the thing that switches me off from everything else.
I have a love-hate relationship with Cardiff sometimes, but there are many things in Cardiff that I love … mostly they are the independent art and food things that go on … Sunday mornings at Riverside market, Barkers Coffee, the Penylan Pantry, the parks, Chapter, Milgi, Pipes beer fests, pop up kitchens … many are run by friends and go hand in hand with arty happenings, they are the things I like supporting … Spillers records, Dirty Protest, live music gigs, Gwdihw, Printhouse, Green City, Waterloo tea, theatre gigs.
On a rainy day I think the Arcades in Cardiff are special, architecturally and historically, and they are fun to explore.
If they were into sports or circus I would recommend going to classes at NoFit State, if they liked food I would recommend any of the above mentioned places, if they liked the outdoors I would send them to the west coast or the Gower.
Anna Sandreuter studied at The Circus Space, London. Before founding her own company Crashmat Collective and the Mary Bijou Cabaret & Social Club, she toured with Nofit State Circus for three years in the internationally acclaimed performance of ImMortal. Anna performed on tour with NoFit State Circus Parklife, co-production with National Theatre Wales Mundo Paralelo (dir. Mladen Materic Tattoo Theatre, France) which performed at London International Mime Festival Jan 2012, Labyrinth a resident show at the Eden Project, Willi Dorners Bodies In Urban Spaces Swansea, Norfolk and Norwich Festivals own Spiegeltent show Les Enfant Perdus. She also featured in the film “Y Syrcas” (dir. Kevin Allen) on S4C this Christmas. Since 2002 she has worked as a freelance circus coach and has taught hundreds of circus classes at NoFit State Circus and around the world. Anna specialises in vertical rope and hula hoop and loves a nice cappuccino.
Anna was photographed at rehearsal by Joseph Singh (SnapPopAndRock)
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“Work in progress” – Alex
Cardiff and I didn’t begin auspiciously; I’ve found that the best relationships rarely do. Friends have suggested that that’s a reflection on my own social ineptitude but, in this case, it’s irrefutable proof of this city’s ability to charm you into a three year relationship off the back of a farcical first date.
If you were to conjure up an image of a sodden Central Square on a bleak Spring day, you might be inclined to agree that the combined effect of the overbearing conditions, fast food outlets and an array of characters best described as ‘colourful’ would be conducive to a sobering first impression. Dismissing any initial angst that might have crept in as a product of sheltered, rural naivety, I made my way to Cathays Park.
The ambience inspired by the Edwardian architecture here was altogether more agreeable, and I advanced into the Bute Building with a sense of purpose. Once inside I was informed that the next introductory lecture wouldn’t be taking place for another two hours, and promptly left again. But having spent an unadventurous youth in rural Dorset I rapidly became disorientated amidst my new surroundings – and to make matters worse, the rain had cranked up to apocalyptic levels. I huddled in a bus stop.
I had become a vagrant.
Worse for wear and somewhat dispirited, a cup of coffee and the subsequent lecture nonetheless brightened my mood – and my outlook was further bolstered by a member of the welcome committee, who laughingly assured me that the prevailing meteorological conditions were anomalous and that I would enjoy city life. I now know the first part of this statement to be marketing at its most deceitful. On the second count, however, she couldn’t have been more correct.
Within six months I had been blown back to the city by the winds of whimsy, this time as a fully fledged Welsh resident. Two years on, I remain convinced that I’ve struck the jackpot.
Having perused this blog time and time again, it is hard not to wholly plagiarise the sentiments with which I agree wholeheartedly. Cardiff is the perfect introduction to real life, particularly for a small town émigré. Whilst large enough to make every trip the opportunity to discover something new, it is small enough to know intimately. A capital city that retains the feel of a secret, close-knit community, it is a city of contradictions – and all the better for it.
My friends, perhaps dazzled by bright lights, used the university application process to head for London. That (coupled with the fact that it’s home to my beloved Fulham Football Club) means that I frequently find myself wandering the streets of the Big Smoke. There can be no doubt that it is an exceptional city to work, a sprawling metropolis unrivalled in its social and economic opportunities. But to live? Not for me.
It may be that the dangling of the economic carrot obliges me to migrate there sooner rather than later, but I have a feeling that I will always be drawn back to Cardiff and its nuances – the arcades, Bute Park, Tiger Bay. Even the Millennium Stadium holds a place in my heart, despite the pain that has been inflicted on my home country upon its hallowed turf.
I know of few cities that blend high street amenities, waterfront café culture and unspoilt greenery so successfully within the confines of a few square miles. To me there are few more idyllic afternoons than lunch at the New York Deli and a stroll along the Taff. It’s a city designed for living, and I can only hope it stays that way.
As a sport fan, it’s a near-perfect location. There are few other cities in the world which you can leave your house and be within walking distance of regular international rugby, football and cricket and the accompanying carnival atmosphere. The ability to see the world’s most expensive footballer tearing Wales’ opponents apart and be home within twenty minutes is a convenience shared only by the residents of Madrid, and it’s one that I treasure.
In 12 months time, my stay in south Wales is due to come to end – and I don’t know what I’m going to do about it. Whatever jibes that are unfairly directed its way by those who live blissfully in their ignorance, it is an immense privilege to call myself a Cardiffian.
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Alex Norton is a final year undergraduate at the Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Culture and currently serves as News Editor for the newly launched monthly ‘The University Paper’. Like all proper students he lives in Cathays, and in his spare time he’s either travelling to football matches, reclining in Coffee Barker or walking around the city in a daze asking people if they’ve seen the last two years of his life. He can be found on Twitter @thealexmancan.
Alex was photographed at Cathays Park by Joseph Singh
Creative responses to dementia event – review by Jodie Ashdown
Writer Jodie Ashdown went along to the first combined event for ‘Creative Responses to Dementia’ and ‘Making Minds’, which took place at Roath’s MADe Gallery on Saturday 6 September 2014. Read on for her flavour of the event.
The day started off with a series of workshops, including creative movement, reflexology and Laughter Yoga hosted by Creative Responses to Dementia, with the aim of encouraging people to engage with dementia and its effects in an open and social way. Organised by Esyllt George, Creative Industries Career Adviser at Cardiff Met University, with volunteer assistance from students and graduates from Cardiff Met, the proceeds of the exhibition will go to Crossroads in the Vale Charity, who support people living in the community who have dementia.
The event also includes an on-going art auction featuring paintings, photographs, ceramics and prints donated by local artists, with 50 percent of the winning bid going to the charity. The auction closes on Thursday at 5pm, so feel free to get down there and bid for original and affordable art.
Next came the spoken word event in conjunction with Making Minds, an organisation who aim to supply creative and artistic workshops to those living with mental health difficulties. The organisation promote the role of art and creativity, partly through the provision of workshop-based projects and social events. The speakers covered a variety of mental health experiences ranging through bipolar disorder and dementia, be it their own or another persons, through poetry, prose and music. Members of the Roath Writers groups contributed to the open mic night as well as providing the night’s excellent compère, Christina Thatcher.
Both organisations have new and exciting prospects on the horizon helping those in the community, who can often feel ostracised and alone, express themselves in a safe and open environment through creativity and words. The next Making Minds event is in the North Star Pub on Wednesday 24th September and is just the beginning of many exciting events to come.
If you’d like to get involved with any of these projects, please contact the organisations at the details below:
Creative Responses to Dementia: esgeorge@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Making Minds: makingmindssouthwales@gmail.com
@RoathWriters
Cardiff M.A.D.E., 41 Lochaber Street, Roath CF24 3LS
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Thanks Jodie! Catch you soon…
“15 years at the museum” – Rob
Reader Rob Khoo got in touch with me last week with some lovely photos of the National Museum, which is situated right in the centre of Cardiff. So in today’s post, we talk chat to him. He’s been visiting the National Museum in Cardiff as a punter with his daughter Amy since she was a toddler.
(Amy in 2006, sneeking a peek back in some drawers at the Museum when she was a toddler)
Rob:
“I’ve lived in Cardiff all my life. While the people I grew up with were being lured away by jobs and further education, I stayed where I was, to the bemusement of some of peers. But Cardiff has got everything for me – half an hour on my bike up the Taff Trail and I’m in the countryside with hills to wander up and down all day; ten minutes in the other direction there’s a compact city centre that contains more culture than some whole English counties. The Millennium Stadium, the New Theatre, The WNO, Chapter Arts Centre, the list goes on… and then there’s the National Museum of Wales.
“I’ve been going with my daughter Amy since she was a toddler, and even though she’s 15 now we still visit together on a regular basis. There are a few points that we have to pass through every time we go, like the dinosaurs (it took a fair while for little Amy to pluck up enough courage to get all the way through when she was small) and the natural history gallery; a lot of the time we are just happy to wander around in a wonderful space filled with wonderful objects. Bits and pieces have changed over the years but the essential character of the place has always remained the same, and I hope it always will. And it’s all free! How civilised is that? What a marvellous city.”
Thanks Rob! Check out some of Rob’s photographs of the museum today:
Rob Khoo is a bicycle obsessed chef and musician who lives in Canton. He has lived in Cardiff all his life and has no intention of moving away.
You can view the full set of photographs by Rob on Flickr here: National Museum of Wales 2014
“Chip shop chicken curry flavour…” – Emma
This week we have a chat with a Cardiffian who has made it through to the final of a competition to name a new Walker’s crisp flavour… how do you feel about chip shop chicken curry, eh?
Q. Tell us about yourself
Emma. I was born in Cardiff in Heath Hospital, and I grew up mainly in Penylan until I was about seven and went to Marlborough Primary School. We had a lane behind our house which backed onto a lot of other kids houses so it was a fun time as there used to be a lot of other people to play with. I remember my dad teaching me to ride my bike down there which usually resulted in me falling off and being covered in cuts. I can ride a bike now though, just about.
We then moved to near Roath Park and I went to Cardiff High School. I probably wasn’t the best student but I loved high school.
My parents still live in this house and I’ve recently moved back in with them after about eight years. It’s quite odd trying to adjust to that but actually having food in the cupboards is a nice change.
My mum grew up in Cardiff with her brother and they both still live here, not far from each other. My dad’s father (my grandad) was a paratrooper so my dad moved around a lot when he was little to different army bases. I think he went to 11 different primary schools. He eventually went to live with his grandparents (I think he was about 10 or 11) on a farm just outside of Brecon until he went to Uni in Cardiff. Him and my mum met when they were working in a childrens home in Cardiff. I have one brother, David who also lives in Cardiff apart from the weekends when he stays with his girlfriend Becky in Newport.
Q. What do you think is the best thing about Cardiff?
Emma. Cardiff is like a big extended family. Everyone knows each other and you can’t really go too far from your door without bumping into someone. It’s also a nice size for a city, everything is pretty close and accessible… I would say within walking distance but I’m not big on walking anywhere.
Q. What are your current hobbies?
Emma. I’ve recently started doing pilates with one of my friends which is pretty relaxing, you can definitely feel it working your core though. And I really want to take up climbing once my dissertation is out the way. My dissertation is actually on climbing and has kinda inspired me. At the moment my dissertation has taken over my life, although I try and make time to see my friends. I can’t stay staring at a computer for too long.
Q. What’s your favourite Cardiff pub?
Emma. Hmmm that’s a tricky one. The three archers is my local and since moving back home I’ve been going there a lot more. It’s a really nice pub and the staff are really friendly. Other than that I probably go to the Claude the most, I worked there a very long time ago and I love the atmosphere and the interesting people who always have a story to tell. I was actually in there last night playing pool, I think I won once by default.
Q. Best place for a Cardiff breakfast?
Emma. It used to be Calcio’s on Crwys Road but I think that’s been gone a long time now. Cafe 37’s breakfast is definitely it’s replacement. The breakfast in there is awesome and good value. Also Salad Bar on Clifton Street does some really good breakfast baguettes.
Q. If you had friends visiting Cardiff for the weekend, where would you take them?
Emma. Definitely Roath Park, the fact you can be in the middle of a city and go and sit on a boat on the lake feeding the ducks is a pretty awesome thing, although I’m pretty scared of the swans. I took my friends daughter there not long ago to feed the birds and I ended up picking her up and running to safety. I don’t even think she was scared (she’s three).
The Vaults on Bute Street is probably another place. I love the idea of a club in a bank vault and I think everyone should experience it. They usually have some pretty good nights ran by Catapult Presents and Cellar Door each month
Q. Now, to the Walker’s competition – how did you end up entering?
Emma. I saw it advertised and thought I’d give it a bash. I entered last time they ran the competition so I thought why not enter again? I don’t think anyone really thinks about winning when they enter competitions. I’m still in shock from when I got the call. I’m not sure it will ever completely sink in.
Q. How hopeful are you of winning? And what will you do if you win?
Emma. Well it would be lovely to win but I don’t want to get carried away. I think there’s some really good ideas and all of the contestants are really lovely so I would be happy for whoever won. I think people have been quite shocked how well we all get on with each other. I need a new car as mine sounds like it’s going to explode and I would like to do something for my friends … I think a night out somewhere is in order… They have been campaigning for me so I think it’s the least I can do. Other than that I’m not really too sure right now. I’m trying not to think about it too much. The concept is pretty surreal to be honest.
Emma Garnett is a student at the University of South Wales. She currently lives in Roath. You can follow her on twitter @chikeree or via her Facebook page; ‘chip shop chicken curry for the win‘
The Ring of Steel! A security fence essay by Gareth Bundy
Intrepid reporter Gareth Bundy has been out undercover, examining the teeny weeny inconspicuous little fence that’s currently slicing through Cardiff ahead of the NATO summit. How he found it, I’ll never know. Apparently it’s still unconfirmed whether any of them will actually be making it to Cardiff. Which is exactly what the massive fence tells us, right? Anyway, this is the first time we’ve ever published an essay about a security fence, so I for one am enjoying that, if nothing else. Enjoy. Helia x
Cardiff’s “Ring of Steel” – A security fence essay for We Are Cardiff
On the 4 and 5 of September 2014, Newport welcomes world leaders (including President Obama) for the NATO Summit. There is a possibility that the leaders may dine at Cardiff Castle. For this reason a precautionary “Security Fence” – referred to locally as “The Ring of Steel” – has been erected around part of the city.
Our city is under siege! Or is it? Anyone approaching from the north would be forgiven for thinking they were entering a militarised zone or a low-security prison rather than one of the richest cultural locations in Wales.
The construction of the fence, some three weeks before the summit itself, has already caused traffic chaos and has resulted in bus stop closures, delays and detours to public transport routes. Cardiff Council is recommending drivers use public transport for the coming weeks while also promising long delays on all inter-city bus routes. Great news all round.
Encircling Cardiff Castle and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, running from North Road, through Duke Street and into Bute Park, the eight-foot-high ribbon of metal has transformed our city from a vibrant, beautiful place into something resembling a vast internment camp.
Also, dotted throughout the City Centre, are large yellow “checkpoints” that will most likely be manned by police in early September. One wonders what exactly the cost of such a project must be. And who is picking up the tab?
At the moment traffic is able – save for delays – to flow freely alongside the fence, within its “containment area”. However, one again wonders whether the roads “inside” the fence will be a “no-go zone” by 4 September 2014.
This imposing structure runs not only around Cardiff City Centre but also along the perimeter of the Celtic Manor Resort, the venue for the NATO Summit. Even here, it is ugly, though it likely will not have as much of an impact as it surely will in Cardiff, on tourism, local businesses and public transport.
While, to me, there is a nervous beauty to man-made structures dumped inexplicably into a beautifully natural landscape, I don’t think anyone could offer a valid defence of such a monstrosity as this fence snaking its way through Bute Park’s breath-taking wooded walkways.
Conclusion of sorts…
Is there any need for this to be built? Should the public be disrupted to such a degree on the off-chance Obama decides to pop into town for a snack? And just how much of an effect will this hideous construct have on the local economy? I suppose only time will tell.
Photographs and Words by Gareth Bundy @gabundy.
*****
Editor’s note:
For more information on the massive inconvenience that this whole NATO thing is bringing to the city, check the following:
9,500 police drafted in for Nato summit in Wales (Guardian) (this article also confirms that costs for policing NATO are coming from a central pot rather than from the local forces)
For a full list of bus route changes, visit cardiffbus.com
Nato Summit 2014: More than 40 schools in Cardiff hit by shorter days, closures and other changes during September 4-5 showcase (Wales Online)
If you’re interested in getting a little closer to nature near the fence, those clever folks at Green City are doing a ‘Forage around the Fence’ event on the 6 September, which to be honest, sounds pretty flipping lovely! More information about that on the Forage around the Fence Facebook page
“Butetown has been changing all of my life” – Keith Murrell
In preparation for the first Butetown Carnival for 16 years, we asked organiser Keith Murrell to chew the cheese with us. The carnival takes place this Monday 25 August in Canal Park in Butetown. We hope to see you all there!
(photo of Keith by Lann Niziblian)
Q. You’re involved in running the Butetown Carnival. Can you tell us something about the history of the event?
Keith. The first events I remember were in the mid 1960s (it was called Mardi Gras in those days) – I understand that there were smaller, more spontaneous things that preceded this.
Q. When did you get involved?
Keith. As a member of the local youth club in the early 1970s … as a musician in the early 80s … as an organiser in the early 90s.
Q. Is there a particular Butetown carnival that sticks out in your mind as being a great one?
Keith. I remember one of the earlier Mardi Gras’ which was a quite small event mostly taking place in a Marquee alongside the Community Centre … I guess this one sticks in my mind as it was all still new to me –and I saw ‘real’ people that I knew playing and singing something other than hymns … no doubt later Carnivals were ‘better’ but they were also quite similar to each other … and I also remember the first year our band got paid
Q. Do you live in Butetown? What’s your history in Cardiff?
Keith. I am Butetown born and bred and lived and worked in the community for most of my life – I currently live in Grangetown.
Q. What do you think about how Butetown has changed over the years?
Keith. Butetown has been ‘changing’ all of my life: the “slum clearance” programmes of the 60s had not actually been completed by the time of the urban regeneration led by CBDC in the 80s & 90s – which in turn has been followed by various area renewal schemes of the current era… the more things change the more they stay the same …
For me, the most significant changes have been in community demographics and characteristics … what was once the most diverse and cohesive communities has been replaced by ‘larger’ ‘minority’ groups with minimal interaction and integration.
I would say that this is a direct result of gerrymandering by Cardiff Council, Housing Associations and other service providers.
Q. Can you tell us something about the city in general? How has it changed?
Keith. Thinking about the city entity has all kinds of political and civic connotations – and my impression is “all fur coat and no knickers”… But I’m more interested in people and places around me … and there’s nowhere else that I would rather be.
Q. What’s your favourite place in Cardiff to go for a drink?
Keith. The kitchen sink
Q. Favourite place to get breakfast?
Keith. The settee
Q. Tell us a Cardiff secret or little known fact
Keith. Cardiff Castle is (mostly) a fake
Q. What are you hoping for this year at the Carnival?
Keith. That all kinds of people from all over will get together and feel alright – and develop a habit for it!
Keith Murrell will be mostly all over the Butetown Carnival, taking place this Monday 25 August in Canal Park. There’s also a Butetown Carnival Dance taking place this Saturday 23 August at Butetown Community Centre, with all proceeds going towards the Carnival. See you at the front!
We Are Cardiff 