Cardiff Life Magazine | Issue 301

GENERATIONS OF LOVE

Jewellery to be Treasured for Years to Come

The Hayes, St. David’s Centre, Cardiff

GUEST

EDITOR

There’s a famous quote shared a lot this time of year, and more often than not, misinterpreted. ‘Well-behaved women seldom make history”. It was first coined by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, and was never intended as a call for rebellion. Rather, she was referring to the ‘hidden ones’, the virtuous, ordinary women whose lives were so conventional and domestic that they were rarely recorded by historians. In this edition you’ll find a bevy of women; from leaders, founders and change-makers, to those ‘well-behaved’ women, that deserve to make history.

Whilst this edition is written with the optimism and patronage we’ve come to be known for, the realities and lived experiences of women and girls in this city are not always so hopeful. In Cardiff, we recognise that the journey toward true safety and equality for all women, regardless of background or identity, is still ongoing. And International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of our shared commitment to ensuring every woman in our community feels seen and safe. We celebrate today not just for the progress made, but for the incredible, resilient spirit of the Cardiff women who are working together to build a brighter, more equitable future for us all.

From the brilliant women in STEAM (I always include the A for arts), the female-led businesses and organisations that are revolutionary and the shared girlhood of being a woman in today’s world, this edition serves as a thank you letter to them all.

To our cover stars, contributors, WCS Agency and Cardiff Life team who put this together, diolch o galon. It is a joy to share this with you all.

Cariad mawr,

Rosie Eastwood

Well-Behaved Woman

Spotlight NEWS

NEW STATIONS, NEW JOBS

The UK government has pledged £14 billion to transform the Welsh rail network, targeting faster journeys and better regional connectivity. Announced during a visit to South Wales, the investment will fund major infrastructure upgrades and increase capacity nationwide.

Key projects include seven new stations— Magor & Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Cardiff Parkway, and Deeside, with construction on several sites beginning later this year.

The funding also supports Transport for Wales’ broader vision, including new links to Liverpool and Bristol, and increased services to Pembroke Dock. Officials believe the investment will drive economic growth and job creation, making rail a more attractive choice for Welsh communities.

HUMAN RESOURCING, AN INDEPENDENT HR & L&D RECRUITMENT CONSULTANCY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF TRUSTED HR RECRUITMENT EXPERTISE.

Founded in 2001 by Mera Mann, the consultancy has supported organisations across Wales through economic shifts, skills shortages and workplace transformation, providing tailored recruitment solutions built on integrity, experience and trust. Working across permanent, interim and fixedterm roles, Human Resourcing partners with organisations of all sizes, including some of Wales’s most recognisable names.

Mera said: “While the recruitment landscape has evolved significantly, the importance of relationships and truly understanding organisations has remained constant. Our longevity is down to the strength of our network and the trust our clients and candidates place in us. Many candidates we’ve supported early in their careers are now leaders and decision-makers and continuing to work with them throughout their careers is hugely rewarding. I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey.”

RAISING A GLASS

Brains Brewery proudly celebrated International Women’s Day, highlighting the incredible contributions of women in a traditionally maledominated brewing industry. With a third of their team made up of talented women, Brains are proud to showcase the creativity, skill, and leadership they bring to every aspect of their craft.

The IWD celebrations shone a spotlight on Rochelle, one of Brains’ standout brewers, whose expertise and passion exemplify how women are shaping the future of Welsh brewing. From recipe development to production, Rochelle and her colleagues are breaking boundaries, inspiring colleagues, and encouraging the next generation of female brewers to follow their ambitions.

International Women’s Day at Brains was more than a celebration - it was a statement. They are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the enduring spirit of Brains.

Today, they raise a glass to their women in brewing.

CARDIFF’S NEWEST ‘CHEF’S TABLE’

A brand-new, intimate dining experience called Loff t has recently launched on the upper fl oor of its city-centre home (Thomas The Brasserie). This “chef’s table” concept allows diners to sit at the heart of the action, watching dishes prepared and served directly by the kitchen team. It’s a bold move toward experiential dining in Cardiff ’s increasingly sophisticated food scene.

SUPER SATURDAY

On March 14th, Cardiff transforms into the epicentre of European rugby as Wales hosts Italy at the Principality Stadium (4.40pm KO) for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations fi nale. The city will be shoulder-to-shoulder with fans from dawn until the early hours. The true magic of the day lies in the shared joy of the sport, it’s a time when the city feels like one giant community, and you’re just as likely to fi nd yourself singing Hymns and Arias with a complete stranger as you are with your oldest friends. Of course, no International Day is truly complete without a late-night visit to Chippy Lane, a salt-and-vinegar-scented rite of passage on Caroline Street that remains the only way to properly close out a Cardiff Super Saturday.

WHAT’S ON

Cardiff

3 - 7 March

THE RED SHOES

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Obsession meets Hollywood glamour in Matthew Bourne’s stunning dance adaptation. A dark, cinematic fairy tale that’s as beautiful as it is haunting.

7 - 8 March

MUSEUM SLEEPOVERS DINOS

NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF

Grab a torch! Explore galleries after dark and sleep among fossils. A magical, prehistoric adventure for the whole family under the museum dome.

10 - 14 March

MEAN GIRLS

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Get in, loser, we’re going to the WMC. The Broadway hit arrives in Cardiff with all the bite of the original film, plus a killer soundtrack. It’s going to be totally fetch.

10 March FOUNDERS FOR POSITIVE CHANGE CARDIFF MET

Network with a conscience. Join Cardiff’s brightest entrepreneurs to discuss sustainable growth and social impact. Perfect for those looking to change the world.

12 - 15 March

DISNEY ON ICE: INTO THE MAGIC UTILITA ARENA

Lace up for a whirlwind tour of the Disney kingdom. From Moana to Frozen, watch the world’s most famous skaters bring the magic to the ice. It’s pure family escapism.

13 March

VOLUNTEERING WITH THE RANGERS BUTE PARK

Ditch the desk and get your hands dirty. Join the Bute Park team for a day of conservation and fresh air. It’s the perfect way to give back to the city’s green heart.

14 March

WALES V ITALY PRINCIPALITY STADIUM

Super Saturday is here! Whether you have a ticket or are just soaking up the atmosphere in a packed pub, nothing beats the roar of the city when the Six Nations comes to town.

14 March THE PEARL SLIPPER CABARET

Looking for something a little more risqué? Step into the world of burlesque and drag at The Pearl Slipper. It’s a glittering, late-night celebration of all things cabaret and glamour.

18 March

LILY ALLEN

NEW THEATRE CARDIFF

The London pop icon returns to the stage. Expect sharp wit, candid storytelling, and those signature melodies as Lily brings her latest tour to the intimate surroundings of the New Theatre.

21 March

BONNIE TYLER

UTILITA ARENA

The First Lady of Welsh Rock returns! Prepare for a night of legendary power ballads and gravel-voiced anthems that will have everyone singing.

21 March

MINDFULNESS WITH THE MOON

NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF

Reset for the equinox with guided meditation. Find your Zen beneath the museum’s stars in a truly stunning, tranquil setting.

27 March

GORILLAZ

UTILITA ARENA

A genre-blurring spectacle of animation and heavy basslines. Damon Albarn’s virtual wonders bring their unique sonic and visual experience to the capital.

29 March

FIREWALK FOR TŶ HAFAN

CARDIFF CASTLE

Brave the heat! Walk on hot coals to raise vital funds for Tŷ Hafan. The ultimate adrenaline-fuelled charity challenge.

29 March

BOXXER: PRICE V PINEIRO AQUINO

UTILITA ARENA

Elite boxing returns to the capital. Witness a night of explosive talent and highintensity bouts as the “Awaken The Dragon” fight night takes centre stage.

WOMEN OF CARDIFF

AGNES XAVIER PHILLIPS, DEPUTY LIEUTENANT OF GWENT, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, FORMER GENERAL COUNSEL OF GE CAPITAL, MEDIATOR WITH A PORTFOLIO CAREER

Recipient of the High Sheriff of S. Glam’s 2025 Award and 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

AIMEE CUMMINGS, OWNER OF LOVE STORIES BOOKSHOP

Bookworm turned bookseller

ALLYS WILLIAMS, TRUSTEE OF SIR GARETH EDWARDS CANCER CHARITY & business owner of No.4 Vintage.

AMY ADAMS, OWNER OF HOUSE OF MUSE SPA

Boy mum of four. Traumainformed beauty and wellness entrepreneur.

AMY HUBBUCK, MENTAL HEALTH LEAD

Bold, bright and boujee, if it’s not in pink then I’m not interested.

ANASTASIA CAMERON, OWNER & FOUNDER SCARLETT JACK HAIRITAGE. HAIR LOSS & REPLACEMENT SPECIALIST.

Raising two main characters, whilst empowering individuals & building a better industry. universe geek following the signs on a professional level.

ANNA-LEE POWELL, CO-FOUNDER OF GIRLS WHO RUN CDF

A book worm, who loves a good holiday & an iced caramel oat latte.

ASTRID ROUSSEL, OWNER OF ASTRID’S PETITE CUISINE

Pastry nerd and mum of 2, trying to balance it all.

ATHIKA AHMED, HEALTH YOUTH ADVOCATE

Passionate Bangladeshi medical student amplifying youth voices, advancing women’s health and driving meaningful community change.

BETH REEKLES, AUTHOR

Romcom writer of 17 books, including hit Netflix series The Kissing Booth.

BETH FITZGERALD, BUSINESS MANAGERPAGE GROUP Mum-to-be (again) and lover of all things interior design.

BETHAN MCKEE, CO-FOUNDER OF GIRLS WHO RUN CDF

Smiles and miles always gals.

BETSAN DE RENESSE, FOUNDER OF STIWIDO GLOW PILATES AND WELLNESS

Founder of Stiwdio Glow, women’s health educator, Pilates lover, mum of two boys.

CAROLYN BROWNELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Strategic, pioneering Cardiff leader shaping cities, championing business, equality and bold change.

CARYS DANIELS, OWNER OF TYFU PLAY CAFÉ

Twin girl Mum, business and community creator, manifest your dreams girly.

CERI MAUND, CMO PURECYBER & FOUNDER SHEWHO

Brand builder, people connector, fuelling growth and power partnerships.

CHARLOTTE ARCHIBALD, ENGAGEMENT & FUNDRAISING MANAGER

Campaigner & fundraiser working frontline to tackle gender-based violence in Wales.

CHARLOTTE LEYSHON, OWNER LUX FAMILY LAW

Law but not a bore! Family, friends, food, fashion and travel - in that order!

CHELSEA PINCHESBURROWES, CEO OF WCS AGENCY & OWNER OF CARDIFF LIFE Boy mum, beauty lover, and business builder.

CHESELLE EFTHIMIADIS, STYLIST

TV and film wardrobe sustainable stylist and sustainable salon owner.

CLARE HAVARD, SENIOR CORPORATE SALES MANAGER, GLAMORGAN CRICKET & SOPHIA GARDENS

Corporate cricket girl by day, boy mum by night. Living for fashion, food, friends & family.

COCO

TALK TO COCO

Soft heart. Loud mission. Creative authenticity. Rewriting what ‘normal’ looks like, empowering our differences.

CRYSTAL JUKES, CO-FOUNDER OF THE SHE THRIVES COLLECTIVE AND VISIBILITY COACH FOR WOMEN

Champion of women, girl mum, lover of woo.

DEB THOMAS, CEO & HOST

Public Speaking Expert and Creator of These Three Things Podcast.

DR BHARTI ATTILI, MENOPAUSE SPECIALIST AND OWNER OF CARDIFF MENOPAUSE CLINIC

Award-winning menopause specialist empowering women with expert care, sprinkled with humour, insight, and dance fun.

EIRLYS EDWARDS, CEO & FOUNDER OF THE SIR GARETH EDWARDS CANCER CHARITY

Welsh and Stubborn. Fan of Chinese food and true crime.

FIONA SHEPPARD, ENGAGEMENT & EVENTS AT PROSTATE CYMRU

Events by day, netball by night; fuelled by supper club evenings with friends.

GEMMA BARNETT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Commercially driven leader strengthening strategic partnerships and championing women in leadership.

GWYNETH LEWIS, POET AND AUTHOR

Wrote the text on the front of the Wales Millennium Centre, Winner of Wales Non-fiction Book of the Year for Nightshade Mother.

HANAN ISSA, NATIONAL POET OF WALES

Welsh-Iraqi writer, filmmaker and artist based in Cardiff.

HANNAH WILLIAMS, CEO

CEO at Alacrity foundation, co-founder of She Who.

HELEN COMERFORD, AUTHOR AND CREATIVE FACILITATOR

Author of empowering escapism (with magic & kissing) for young adults.

HELEN CORSICADMORE, CO-FOUNDER SHE THRIVES COLLECTIVE Twin girl mum, banana hater, helping female founders thrive!

HELEN ROSE-JONES, OWNER OF SIOP DWTSUBSCRIPTION BOXES AND LESSONS FOR WELSH LEARNERS

Loves sparkles, Pomeranians and helping busy professionals to make learning Welsh more fun.

HOLLY MAY MAGILL, MISS HOLLY

Principal of babyballet Cardiff, Caerphilly & Vale of Glamorgan

IRENE WATKINS, FOUNDER & CEO OF CARERS CLOUD

30 years’ leadership experience transforming health and community services through culture change and turnaround leadership.

JANE COOK, INDEPENDENT PR CONSULTANT & FOUNDER OF THE CARDIFF WINE PASSPORT

Never far from a media list, menu or good glass of wine.

JEN BURKE, COUNCILLOR JENNIFER BURKE

Cardiff councillor, mum of two, championing culture, parks and community life.

JENNA MURPHY, ARTIST

Cardiff-based artist, educator and curator behind Purple Pie Gallery, championing accessible art and community.

JESS MAGNESS, ARWEINYDD MARCHNATA DIGIDOL

Welsh speaking marketing specialist.

JODIE POWLING, CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER & FINANCIAL PLANNING DIRECTOR AT MILLFIELD WEALTH

People - first and passionate about helping others build a life they love and a future to look forward to.

KAREN MARIN REYES, CEO & OWNER OF LA VIDA TRAVEL

Lifelong travel enthusiast, proud owner of La Vida Travel, celebrating life, people, and adventure.

KATIE THOMAS, AUTHOR & COMMUNICATIONS

LEADER

Mum, communicator, children’s author. Turning big feelings into simple stories.. usually fuelled by coffee and a stubborn belief in rewriting the narrative for women.

KATY THOMAS, CEO & FOUNDER

I am a fun and happy hug giver with a huge heart.

KELLY POWLING, FOUNDER OF OREN WELLNESS & KIN CLUB BY OREN

Building the rooms I always wished existed.

LAURA DAVENPORT, OWNER OF THE POSH FISH AND CHIP COMPANY & BARRY ISLAND FISH AND CHIP COMPANY

Bringing the glamour to the Fish and Chip World one Chippy at a time.

LAURA WILLETT, FOUNDER OF TIDY KITCHEN CO

Turning fresh ingredients into big food opportunities.

LEYLI HOMAYOONFAR, CHEF-FOUNDER OF BAB HAUS AND JOON PERSIAN SUPPER CLUB

Founder of award-winning Bab Haus Fire Food Group brand and Joon Persian supper clubs, leading an all-female team.

LINDA JAMES MBE, FOUNDER & CEO

Founder of BulliesOut, a charity championing antibullying education and empowerment for all.

LIZ AKERELE, ARTIST - ABSTRACT AKERELE

Queer, black love-child of the Printhaus and UWIC, illustrating Wales one drainpipe at a time.

MALIHA ANJUM CO-FOUNDER OF GG CLUB

Creative hostess. Film fanatic. Cliched Virgo. GG Club founder.

MARI PHILLIPS, ILLUSTRATOR

Explores welsh culture, mythology and folklore but with a queer and cheeky twist.

MARIA PRENDIVILLE, MARKETING CHANNEL MANAGER AT TRAMSHED TECH

Curly, Spanish, Marketeer.

NATALIE COXON, VALEDAS THRIVE FACILITATOR

I’m obsessed with seeing women encourage, support and empower other women... ITS MY FAVE!!!

NIKKI WILLIAMS, EVENTS MANAGER AT TRAMSHED TECH

Mum of girls, doing it all, thriving in organised chaos, always with a smile.

OOLA PEARL (AKA CERI LAMBERT), CABARET ARTIST AND PRODUCER

Oola is a celebrated performer and ambassador for Welsh cabaret and burlesque - locally and nationally.

RACHEL FLERI, OWNER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

Owner and founder of Specialist Security Co Ltd a thriving manned guarding company established 2001.

REBECCA CHICK, CEO & OWNER OF EVA ASHLEY BRIDAL

Making dreams come true for Women, whilst raising an incredible 21 year old daughter with big dreams of her own!

REBECCA EDWARDSSYMMONS, CEO OF COMMONWEALTH

GAMES WALES

Passionate people first leader and equally as proud and passionate mum and wife driving change.

REBECCA GOAD, FOUNDER OF BONNIE’S

Good coffee, good olive oil and good tomatoes, trust me.

RHIAN LINDLEY REINVENTION COACH FOR WOMEN & FOUNDER OF THE RE/SET SALON AND THE REINVENTION REVOLUTION

Mum of 3, happiness strategist & wellness advocate - building empowering spaces to reinvent lives and businesses.

RHIAN MANNINGS MBE, CHARITY FOUNDER & CEO OF 2 WISH

Charity Founder & CEO, Motivational & Mental Health Speaker, Trauma & Grief Specialist, Media Contributor.

RHIAN SMITH, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

A nursing leader and board member driving policy change in Wales to better our communities.

RHIANNON AYRES, FOUNDER OF ARIANWEN JEWELLERY

Creating personalised keepsakes while surviving toddler chaos - 2x Mum & jewellery founder, fuelled by coffee.

ROSIE EASTWOOD, HEAD OF STRATEGY AT WCS AGENCY

Brand strategist, marketer, and keen gardener who likes her coffee and her martinis strong.

ROSEMARY DERY, FOUNDER OF CLWB ORANGE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PRODUCER AND FREELANCE CREATIVE

Arts and literature lover, adventures and advocate for change, growth and representation through the arts.

SAM HICKMAN, SINGER, HARPIST, COMEDIAN, CABARET PERFORMER

Transatlantic chanteuse, comedian, harpist and costume designer; an icon of the Cardiff Cabaret scene for over 10 years!

SARAH JONES, CEO, FINTECH WALES

Mum of three boys, wife, CEO, marketer - passionate about connecting people to create meaningful relationships.

SARAH MOVASSAGHI, BREATHWORK FOR CHILDREN FOUNDER AND FACILITATOR

We teach children emotional regulation through breathwork, supporting families, schools, and professionals together.

SHAKIRA OBAID, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR OF THE OLDWALLS COLLECTION

Leading Wales’ most exclusive wedding venue group. Builder of dreams. Reformed coffee addict.

SINNEAD ALI, FOUNDER & BIRTHKEEPER

Founder of WOMB community interest company. Yoga teacher and birthkeeper rooted in human rights.

SOPHIE JENKINS NÉE EVANS, PERFORMER & PRESENTER

Musical theatre, singing and presenting, juggling boy-mum life while quietly thriving creatively.

SOPHIE WINT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AT HEDYN Award-winning finance leader transforming social housing, empowering women, and tackling triathlons with relentless drive.

STACEY BRAMHALL, PR DIRECTOR AT IMPRESS PR, AIRBNB HOST, FREELANCE MUM NETWORK LEADER

PR powerhouse, cold dipper, mum, wife, surfer, runner, beach lover.

SUZANNE TWAMLEY, SENIOR HOSPITALITY & EVENTS MANAGER

It’s my 30th year working as a female in the football industry and I love it.

SUZY RATTENBERRYDRANE, ATHLETE COMMISSION (TEAM WALES & COMMONWEALTH SPORT) & SENIOR LECTURER, CARDIFF MET.

Family girl, Welsh international sportswoman, ambitious academic, frequent flyer.

TINA TEW, CEO

A woman on a mission to raise awareness of prostate cancer and save lives.

ZOE DE ABREU FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF RO&ZO

5 years of founding and heading up Ro&Zo. I am a mum of two little girls and I love hosting and entertaining with friends and family.

ZOE TRIGWELLWHATMORE, CEO & FOUNDER

Makeup artist and educator, beauty fanatic, boy mum & entrepreneur.

CARDIFF’S NEWEST SANCTUARY

Remedy Recovery and Wellness Club is arriving in Cardiff this Spring with a simple but powerful intention: to create a space where recovery, performance and longevity is prioritised, wellbeing is understood, and community truly matters.

Remedy combines services such as red light therapy, contrast therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and body rollers designed for lymphatic drainage, all under one roof. The space is ideal for whether you’re recovering from training, improving performance, or investing in your future health.

Co-founders Nicole and Lucy launched Remedy after facing their own battles with workplace exhaustion and health anxiety. They recognised a growing disconnect

from wellness in modern life and designed Remedy as the solution for those feeling the weight of everyday pressures.

In early 2025, they began exploring science-backed therapies that focused on recovery and proactive wellbeing. They decided to create a space that combined credible, evidence-led treatments with a genuine sense of belonging. They didn’t want this space to be intimidating or clinical. They wanted a knowledgeable, yet

welcoming, “home from home” that’s built on trust. Remedy is their answer to investing in long-term wellbeing, and will be a place for people to recharge, to learn what works for their body, and build sustainable habits that last. Education will sit alongside experience, ensuring every visitor’s session has a purpose.

As well as the services on offer, Remedy will be home to a welcoming café and co-working area serving hot drinks, nutritional smoothies and wholesome graband-go meals.

Opening soon, Remedy is Cardiff’s latest destination for those who want more than quick fixes. It’s recovery that works, wellness that lasts, and a community you’ll be proud to be part of.

Follow their journey at @remedyrecoverycardiff remedyrecoveryandwellness.com

BEYOND THE STRATEGY: BUILDING A LEGACY FOR WOMEN IN LAW

Gemma Barnett joined Redkite Solicitors in January as Director of Business Development & Marketing, bringing over 25 years of experience across professional services, including 15 years in the legal sector. She has led high‑impact growth, marketing and client engagement strategies for both regional and national organisations, helping firms elevate their market presence while building strong and meaningful client relationships.

A passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, Gemma believes inclusive cultures are essential to organisational success. With women representing 78% of the firm’s workforce, Redkite reflects the supportive and progressive environment she values and actively champions. She is dedicated to ensuring that opportunity, visibility and leadership pathways are accessible to all, and that every individual feels empowered to succeed.

Beyond her role at Redkite, Gemma serves as a Council Member of Cardiff & District Law Society, where she contributes to shaping, supporting and strengthening the local legal community. She is also a founding partner of She Who, a network designed to champion women in building visible, confident and impactful careers. Passionate about developing the next generation of talent, Gemma is committed to creating opportunities for young professionals to grow in confidence, build their skills and realise their full potential.

www.redkitesolicitors.co.uk

STILL RISING: WHY WOMEN ARE FINALLY TAKING UP SPACE - AT EVERY

AGE

When we talk about brave women, we often picture youth - the fire of early activism, the shattering of the first glass ceiling, and the girl who refuses to be quiet. But this International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate a different kind of courage; the quiet, hard-won bravery that arrives the moment a woman realises she no longer needs permission to be herself.

I recently sat down with Fiona Hughes, known to many as the recent “Secret Traitor” on The Traitors. At 63, Fiona isn’t chasing reinvention for anyone else’s approval. She has already lived several lifetimes: psychiatric

nurse, charity founder supporting women subjected to abuse, public servant with Swansea Council, wife, mother - and now, gloriously a woman embracing joy on her own terms. What struck me most was not her television notoriety, but her refusal to shrink and her infectious enthusiasm for life.

So many women were raised to be useful rather than visible. They built careers while raising families, supporting partners, caring for parents, volunteering in communities, and quietly holding everything together. Their courage was practical, relentless, and largely unrecognised. Now, as responsibilities shift, something

extraordinary is happening: they are rediscovering themselves.

“Women spend so much of life looking after everyone else,” Fiona told me. “Then one day you realise - if not now, when? I didn’t want to disappear into the background. I wanted to see what else was possible.”

That decision alone is radical. Women are often expected to age politely, to stay in their lane, to quieten rather than expand. But across Wales and beyond, I see women refusing that narrative - not just in mid-life, but at every stage of adulthood.

They are starting businesses at

28, leaving unfulfilling careers at 45, training for marathons at 60, travelling solo for the first time at 70. Confidence doesn’t come from a number; it comes from a decision. Reinvention isn’t reserved for the young - or the mid-life “crisis”. It is available to anyone brave enough to choose it.

This is something I witness daily through my coaching work. The women I support range from 25 to 75. Some are navigating quarterlife uncertainty, others empty nests, career pivots, divorce, retirement, grief, or simply a quiet feeling that life is meant to be bigger than this. Different stories, same desire: to feel alive in their own lives again.

Age, it turns out, is just a number. Reinvention is a choice.

Fiona’s earlier work running a charity for abused women makes her story even more powerful. She has spent years helping others reclaim their lives. Now she is modelling what that reclamation looks like in real time: choosing fun, visibility, and self-expression without guilt. And perhaps that is the message worth sharing this International Women’s Daybravery does not expire. If anything, it evolves. Sometimes it looks like leaving. Sometimes beginning. Sometimes simply speaking up for the first time.

If you’re feeling that pull - the sense that there might be more waiting for you - you’re not alone. My coaching is designed to help women at any stage rediscover their voice, rebuild confidence, and intentionally shape

what comes next. On March 20th, I’ll be hosting a Retreat Day in Cardiff - a chance to pause, reset, and reconnect with who you are becoming, surrounded by women doing the same.

If this is your moment to reinvent, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me directly at rhian@rhianlindley.com or find out more at www.rhianlindley.com

Sometimes the bravest thing a woman can do is not to endure - it is to begin again.

So this March, let’s celebrate the women rising at every age - not winding down, not fading out, but stepping forward into something new.

Ladies, I celebrate you.

THRIVE ON YOUR OWN TERMS

Building a business isn’t just about strategy, marketing, or sales. It’s about how you think, how you lead yourself, and what you allow into your time and energy. That’s why mindset and boundaries are two of the most underrated success tools in entrepreneurship.

Mindset infl uences every move you make as a founder. It shows up in how you price, how confi dently you sell, how visible you’re willing to be, and how you handle growth. When your thinking is driven by fear of missing out or not being “good enough”, your business can drift into underpricing, overworking, and saying yes to everything.

A growth mindset allows you to make clear, strategic decisions, even when they feel uncomfortable.

Boundaries are where mindset becomes visible in real life.

They protect your time, your creativity, your delivery quality, and ultimately your profi tability. Without them, revenue can start to cost more than it gives, leading to burnout, inconsistent income, and businesses that rely too heavily on the owner being constantly available.

As your business grows, success becomes less about doing more and more about deciding better. The most sustainable, enjoyable businesses are built by leaders who are clear on their value, selective with their time, and intentional about how they grow.

MINDSET SETS THE STANDARD. BOUNDARIES PROTECT IT.

Together, they create businesses that support the life they were built for.

This is the very foundation of the work we do at She Thrives Collective, events, training and mentoring for female founders who know that mindset and boundaries are the key to freedom and living a truly fulfi lling life. https:// shethrivescollective.co.uk/

- Helen & Crystal, She Thrives Collective

WHY FEMALE LEADERS MUST BUILD THEMSELVES AS WELL AS THEIR BUSINESS

By Aimee Bateman

I built a business, scaled it, and sold it. Since then, I’ve coached hundreds of female leaders and entrepreneurs to do the same. Over 23 years in careers and leadership, here are the lessons I learned - many the hard way.

Aimee Bateman is an exited founder and executive coach supporting ambitious female entrepreneurs to master the inner game of leadership and scale with clarity and confidence.

STOP WAITING FOR PERMISSION.

For years, I convinced myself I needed another qualification or milestone before I was “ready.” It wasn’t preparation - it was fear disguised as sensible. Confidence didn’t come first. Action did.

DESIGN YOUR BUSINESS AROUND YOUR LIFE.

I built a business that nearly broke me because I ignored my boundaries. When I redesigned it around my life - around being a mum who loves her career - everything changed. Revenue didn’t drop. My stress did. Strategic focus beats relentless hustle.

YOUR BUSINESS CAN’T OUTGROW YOUR SELF-BELIEF.

This was the hardest lesson. I didn’t believe I deserved the success I created. I’d hit a milestone and downplay it or feel like a fraud. A business will only expand to the level its founder feels worthy of. The shift came when I committed to the inner workchallenging my beliefs, owning my ambition and allowing myself to succeed. When that changed, the business followed.

If you feel stuck, it may not be strategy that needs fixing. Often, the real work is internal - and that’s where outer success begins.

Staying connected: A guide to dementia-friendly conversations

Llys Cyncoed care home, Cyncoed

Saturday 21st March at 11am and Sunday 22nd March at 3pm

Llys Herbert care home, Lisvane

Wednesday 25th March, 2pm - 4pm

Join us as we explore how to communicate more effectively with people living with dementia. Learn simple, practical ways to stay connected — helping to build understanding, ease frustration, and create more meaningful moments in everyday

To attend please call 0330 822 1522 or visit careuk.com/cardiff

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: A NEW ERA OF NETWORKING FOR MUMS

For International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women reshaping our business landscape.

One such force is Stacey Bramhall, founder of Impress PR. With 25 years of marketing expertise, Stacey isn’t just a PR consultant; she’s a seasoned entrepreneur who co-founded & spent two decades at the helm of the global brand Butlers in the Buff. Today, she’s using that powerhouse experience in her business Impress PR to ensure female founders and local businesses are seen and heard - from The Sunday Times to BBC & ITV News.

Stacey’s impact goes far beyond headlines. This March marks a significant milestone: the first anniversary of the Freelance Mum Swansea hub. Based in Mumbles, the hub was the first of its kind in Wales, launched by Stacey and Ella Slee from Functional Fitness Swansea, Women’s Fitness Coach & PT.

Freelance Mum is a unique ‘netwalking’ community who meet monthly to support women through the juggle of motherhood and running their own businesses. “I’m incredibly proud to support women who work for themselves,” Stacey says. “Watching our members flourish over the past year has been a real highlight.”

A standout success story is member, Sarah Movassaghi who runs Breathwork for Children CIC, helping children learn emotional regulation through playful, science-informed breathwork tools and workshops for families. Through the network, she has built supportive connections helping her community-focused work grow and thrive.

Following this success, the mission is expanding. Freelance Mum is now looking to launch a Cardiff hub. Stacey and the network’s founder, Faye Dicker - who started the Freelance Mum network in Bristol 11 years ago - are searching for two Cardiff-based mums in business to host the monthly netwalks. Full training and support are provided, offering a unique opportunity to lead and support a thriving local community of entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to champion fellow founders, Stacey and Faye want to hear from you. stacey@impress-pr.co.uk

Find them all on Instagram: @impressprandmarketing @functionalfitness_ellaslee@freelancemumnetwork @breathworkforchildrencic

A WOMAN’S BODY, THROUGH EVERY SEASON

This March, as we mark International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, we honour womennot just for what they carry, but for how they deserve to be supported.

There is a quiet moment many women experience where they realise their body has shifted.

- Hormonal shifts.

- After birth.

- During perimenopause.

- After years of caring for everyone else first.

The strength is still there - but it feels different.

At Soul & Soma in Cowbridge, we believe women shouldn’t have to “push through” these transitions alone. They deserve specialist, intelligent support - not just during pregnancy, but through every season of life.

Rebuilding After Pregnancy

Pregnancy transforms everything - physically, hormonally, emotionally. Yet structured recovery is rarely offered beyond a six-week check.

Leaking when you cough or run. Abdominal separation. Persistent back pain. A heavy or dragging sensation.

Common? Yes.

Inevitable? No.

Our physio-led antenatal and postnatal Pilates sessions rebuild strength gradually and safelybeginning with breath, alignment and pelvic floor function, then progressing with care.

With a background in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, we apply evidencebased return-to-activity principles

in a way that feels calm and accessible. For some women, that means returning to running. For others, it simply means lifting their baby or pushing a pram without discomfort.

And yes - babies are welcome. Our postnatal classes are as much about community as movement.

Rehabilitation, yes - but also reconnection.

PELVIC HEALTH: CARE WITHOUT EMBARRASSMENT

One in three women experience urinary incontinence, and many more live with symptoms of prolapse - often in silence.

At Soul & Soma, pelvic health physiotherapy is approached with warmth, discretion and clinical precision. Alongside private assessments, we offer the Mummy

MOT® - a specialist postnatal check assessing pelvic floor function, abdominal separation, posture and strength. It goes far beyond a routine GP check off, offering clarity, reassurance and a structured plan forward.

Whether the goal is resolving leakage, returning to sport, enjoying long walks or simply laughing without fear, care is personalised and progressive - delivered gently, without overwhelm.

Because pelvic health isn’t about becoming “sporty.” It’s about restoring confidence and dignity.

MIDLIFE & MENOPAUSE: STRENGTH FOR THE YEARS AHEAD

Perimenopause can bring joint pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety and reduced bone density - often accompanied by a loss of trust in your own body.

But midlife is not decline. Using progressive resistance training, Pilates and mobility programmes tailored to hormonal changes, we help women build strength intentionally - supporting bone health, muscle mass and longevity.

This isn’t high-performance training. It’s future-proofing.

PAUSE: A RETREAT FOR WOMEN WHO CARRY A LOT

As Mother’s Day approaches, we’re preparing for something special.

PAUSE is our upcoming wellbeing retreat - a day designed for women who are always holding everything together.

Nervous system reset sessions. Restorative movement. Women’s health education. Space to simply be. Because strength requires recovery.

This March, we celebrate women not for how much they endurebut for how deeply they deserve support.

Soul & Soma

Physio-led Pilates & Women’s Health

www.soulandsoma.co.uk

@soul.andsoma | @tiff_thephysio

MEET THE WOMEN SHAPING WALES’ THIRD SECTOR

SAM AUSTIN

CEO, LLAMAU

Having dedicated her career to supporting the most vulnerable, Sam recently became the sole CEO of Llamau. She is a specialist in trauma-informed care and has been instrumental in developing person-centred services that help young people and women escape the cycle of homelessness.

AMY HUBBUCK

MENTAL HEALTH LEAD AT HIDDEN STRENGTH

Leading an all-female team, driven by lived experience of chronic illnesses and growing up in a community where mental health wasn’t talked about, Amy is determined to break stereotypes about mental health professionals, to encourage more people to engage in mental health support. She’s proving that one size fits no one when it comes to looking after yourself and your wellbeing.

IZZY RABEY CO-FOUNDER, YOUNG QUEENS

A queer theatre director and music maker, Izzy serves as an Associate Creative Practitioner for Hayaat Women Trust. She co-founded the Young Queens project, using poetry and film to empower young Welsh Somali women to share their stories and build confidence.

RACHEL BIGGS CEO, CARDIFF FOODBANK

A prominent voice for social justice in the capital, Rachel leads the city’s busiest food bank with a focus on systemic change. She is particularly known for her advocacy regarding child poverty and her work to ensure that emergency food provision is just the first step toward long-term security for Cardiff families.

SOPHIE WINT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AT HEDYN

Sophie is an award-winning leader transforming social housing through strategic policy and government lobbying. A co-founder of LUSH Cymru and a Cardiff University mentor, she breaks traditional moulds to champion female representation and financial sustainability, ensuring Welsh communities and professional women thrive through dedicated advocacy.

CHARLOTTE ARCHIBALD ENGAGEMENT & FUNDRAISING MANAGER

Charlotte is a manager at Vale Domestic Abuse Services, a local charity providing practical and emotional support to people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Last year the organisation supported more than 1,500 women and children across the Vale, offering crisis support, recovery programmes and community outreach.

RHIAN MANNINGS MBE FOUNDER & CEO, 2WISH

After the sudden loss of her oneyear-old son George and her husband Paul just five days later, Rhian discovered a total lack of support for families facing sudden bereavement. She founded 2wish to ensure no one else would have to walk that path alone. Her work has transformed how hospitals and police forces across Wales handle sudden death, and her bravery has been recognised with a Pride of Britain award and an MBE. She is a true beacon of hope and a leading voice for mental health in the capital.

KATIE DALTON

DIRECTOR, CYMORTH CYMRU

As the head of the representative body for homelessness and housing support providers, Katie is a key figure in Senedd policy discussions. She works tirelessly to ensure that the rules around welfare and housing effectively protect the most vulnerable.

EIRLYS EDWARDS

CEO AND FOUNDER OF THE SIR GARETH EDWARDS CANCER CHARITY

Eirlys started the charity on the belief that young people in Wales do not have enough financial support when they are diagnosed with cancer. The charity gives financial grants to young people aged 15-35 to help pay for costs caused by cancer including petrol to get to hospital, real hair wigs, childcare, bills and food.

KATY THOMAS

FOUNDER OF MOTHERS MATTER CIC

Katy provides life-saving support for families in South Wales. Driven by lived experience with perinatal mental health and loss, she champions early intervention through counseling and community hubs. She leads with empathy and collaboration, ensuring no mother faces her darkest moments alone.

SAMSUNEAR ALI

CEO, BAWSO

A long-standing member of the Bawso team before taking the helm as CEO in late 2024, Samsunear is a specialist in supporting victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking. Her leadership is defined by a deep commitment to collaboration and culturally sensitive support.

DEBBIE SHAFFER

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, FTWW

After her own struggles with health diagnostic delays, Debbie founded Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales (FTWW) in 2013. She now acts as a “critical friend” to the Welsh Government, ensuring patient voices are central to health policy reforms.

HIBO AHMED FOUNDER, HAYAAT WOMEN TRUST

Hibo is a cornerstone of Cardiff’s Somali community, founding Hayaat to bridge the gap between BME women and mainstream health and education services. She is particularly passionate about health equality and mental health support for disadvantaged families.

SARA KIRKPATRICK

CEO, WELSH WOMEN’S AID

An Intimate Partner Violence specialist with over 30 years of experience, Sara uses a feminist approach to challenge the root causes of violence against women. She is a visiting lecturer and a leading voice in national policy regarding domestic abuse protections.

RUTH POWER CEO, SHELTER CYMRU

With a background in setting up women’s refuges and housing policy, Ruth joined Shelter Cymru during the pandemic. She is a fierce advocate for the right to a safe home and leads the charity’s ambitious “2025 Strategy” to tackle the housing crisis in Wales.

LIZ BOOYSE CEO, CITY HOSPICE

Liz leads the day-to-day operations of the city’s primary palliative care provider. With a focus on “the moments that matter,” she has steered the hospice through significant expansion, ensuring that specialist end-of-life care remains accessible to everyone in Cardiff.

MOMENA ALI

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, EYST WALES

Momena founded the Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team in 2005 to fill a vital gap in support for BME young people. Her visionary leadership has seen the organisation grow from a local project to a national powerhouse, providing a safe space for thousands to thrive across Wales.

HOW TO SUPPORT WOMEN-LED CAUSES

The strength of Cardiff’s charitable sector relies on the support of its community. Whether you have an hour to spare, a professional skill to share, or a few pounds to donate, here is how you can support these women-led powerhouses.

SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE

Follow these charities on social media and share their campaigns. A reshare for Shelter Cymru or Welsh Women’s Aid could reach someone in a housing crisis or a dangerous situation just when they need it most.

WRITE TO YOUR MS

Support Cymorth Cymru by writing to your Member of the Senedd to advocate for better funding for housing-related support services in Cardiff.

LEND A HAND - VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

If you want to get more involved in the day-to-day work, your time is an invaluable resource.

MENTORING WITH EYST OR WOMEN CONNECT FIRST

If you have professional skills in CV writing, IT, or public speaking, these charities often look for mentors to help empower young people and migrant women.

RETAIL & EVENTS WITH CITY HOSPICE

Their charity shops across Cardiff are always looking for friendly faces to help with sorting and sales.

ADVOCATE WITH FTWW

If you have lived experience of healthcare challenges in Wales, you can volunteer as a patient advocate to help shape future policy.

AMPLIFY THE VOICE - THE POWER OF AWARENESS

Sometimes the greatest gift is simply helping a message reach the right person.

CARDIFF FOOD BANK

Are always in need of non-perishable food items. You can drop these at most local supermarkets or donate financially via their website to help them purchase specific high-need items.

2 WISH

You can support 2wish by donating to help fund their ‘Memory Boxes’ and ‘Elephant in the Room’ resources, or by volunteering at one of their many local fundraising events!

CITY HOSPICE

Consider a regular monthly gift. Just £20 can help provide a complementary therapy session for a patient or a bereavement support session for a child.

LLAMAU & BAWSO

These organisations often need “Starter Packs” for women and young people moving into new, safe accommodation, think kettles, bedding, and basic toiletries.

GIOVANNI’S RESTAURANTS SUPPORTING THE LORD MAYOR OF CARDIFF’S CHARITY APPEAL

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Adrian Robson, has chosen two local charities to support during this civic year. The Rescue Hotel plays a vital role in giving abandoned dogs a second chance. Working closely with Cardiff Dogs Home, the charity funds essential veterinary care to help dogs recover and find loving new homes at a time when the service is under significant pressure.

Alongside this, the Forget Me Not Chorus supports those living with dementia. Through inclusive singing sessions, the choir helps reduce isolation and creates a sense of community for its members. This year, the chorus has performed at some of the city’s most prestigious venues, including Hoddinott Hall at the Wales Millennium Centre and Llandaff Cathedral.

With a busy calendar of fundraising events underway, Cardiff’s business community has been stepping forward to help, and Giovanni’s is proud to play its part.

DINE WELL. SUPPORT CARDIFF.

Giovanni’s Restaurant Group is working closely with the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal to raise both awareness and vital funds.

Across Giovanni’s three family-run locations, Giovanni’s on The Hayes, Giovanni’s on Park Place, and Giovanni’s in The Bay, community has always been a priority. From feeding the homeless weekly

to supporting families through inclusive initiatives for autism and Down’s syndrome, Giovanni’s believes in active philanthropy. This commitment was recently recognised when Giovanni Malacrino was named Entrepreneur of the Year.

To further support the Lord Mayor’s appeal, Giovanni’s has launched Dine and Donate. When a party of eight or more dines for a birthday, anniversary, or work event, you can email your receipt to the restaurant after your visit. Giovanni’s will then donate 10% of the bill to the Lord Mayor’s Charity, or to a charity of your choice. It is a simple way to turn a celebration into support for a great cause.

BOOK NOW!

The Hayes: 029 2022 0077 onthehayes@giovanniscardiff.co.uk Park Place: 029 2022 6299 inparkplace@giovanniscardiff.co.uk The Bay: 029 2049 5480 inthebay@giovanniscardiff.co.uk

www.giovanniscardiff.co.uk

TABLE TALK: THE INSIDE SCOOP

Every month we’ll ask our local hospitality heroes for their go-to spots around the city. From the first coffee of the day to those late night bites, here’s where your favourite chefs are actually eating.

YOUR GO-TO COFFEE SPOT?

Blwm - incredible coffee, it always smells DIVINE, the oat milk flat white is a really great start to the day.

A DINNER SPOT YOU KEEP COMING BACK TO?

Mesen, we live close and there is nowhere that can compete with the atmosphere, quality and feeling you get when you eat there. It deserves to be as busy as it is, not to mention the cocktails. London quality in Cardiff.

A CARDIFF BUSINESS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW Studio Tarw, they are genuinely looking to improve quality of life through exercise, community and collaboration. Alex is a force to be reckoned with.

LEYLI

YOUR GO-TO COFFEE SPOT?

Sibling, I will travel far and wide for good coffee but luckily Sibling is nearby. They frequently change up their selections of coffee roasters from the best in the UK but you’re guaranteed to get a perfect brew, plus they have a delicious offering of in house bakes.

THE BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT?

Vermut, intimate ambiance, with a great selection of drinks and small bites and have had beautiful live Spanish guitar player on occasionally, bringing something very different to the Cardiff bar scene.

A LATE NIGHT SNACK YOU RELY ON?

Does chips cheese and gravy from chippy lane count lol? It has never let me down :)

A CARDIFF BUSINESS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Workhorse for their hand made Bagels, wow, just wow, if you are lucky enough to get one before they sell out.

YOUR GO-TO COFFEE SPOT?

EASY, Hardlines all day long, I’d go out of my way if needed to get one. They’re just really really really good at what they do.

YOUR FAVOURITE DINNER SPOT?

Parallel, in the city centre. I love the style of eating and the consistency of every plate. It’s great for a date night but also perfect for a bunch of friends too.

THE BEST GRAB & GO LUNCH IN THE CITY?

It would have to be a slice from West Pizza, if I had more time Milkwood in Pontcanna is a fave and it’s chicken & waffles every time. If I’m with my partner we get the breakfast and the chick & waffles and share!

FEDERICA CIVALE, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AT PASTURE & PRIME UK @PASTURE_CARDIFF

THE BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT?

SONDER, the new neighbourhood bistro. Fun, playful and full of personality, with no pretence and the best ingredients. Not just because it’s owned by my partner, but because it’s genuinely where we choose to go when we want something laid back but still exciting and vibey. If we fancy carrying the night on with drinks, we usually head to Nightshade. I love a Picante and the one at Nightshade never disappoints. Sexy cocktails and always an intimate experience. Perfect date night energy.

A CARDIFF BUSINESS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?

Eva Ashley. We’ve been working with Becks recently and honestly she and her team are so lovely. I cannot wait for the day I’m wedding dress shopping with her myself. Her collections are stunning, the atmosphere in the shop is incredible and they support the community in such a genuine way. Bold, playful and always up for exciting collaborations or events. Exactly the kind of business that makes me proud to be part of Cardiff.

LONG LUNCH OR GRAB AND GO?

Grab and go, and it has to be Cardiff market, there is just so much choice to suit what you fancy on the day, lots of fab independent traders doing brilliant stuff.

A DINNER SPOT YOU KEEP COMING BACK TO?

There are so many new places popping up, we try not to go to the same place too often and instead try out a new great independent operator out whenever we are in Cardiff, Thomas The Brasserie is next on our hit list!

WHAT’S A CARDIFF BUSINESS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?

There are too many great businesses in Cardiff to pick just one, we love an afternoon wandering around the old arcades with friends, there are so many hidden treasures of a business in there.

YOUR GO-TO COFFEE SPOT?

Mec, Crwys rd - owner operated coffee spot with a rotating offering of some of the uk and world’s most interesting coffees. Lovely vibe with good chat and vinyl spinning.

BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT IN THE CITY?

REBECCA GOAD (BEC/BECCI), FOUNDER OF BONNIE’S @BONNIES_UK

YOUR GO-TO COFFEE SPOT?

Donald’s pies do awesome coffee, perfect to grab on the way in to work, pretty great for a grab and go lunch too!

Ogof, on Kings Rd. It’s Cardiff’s newest and most exciting edition with a kitchen led by chef Alex Vines; a fantastic drinks offering (come bottleshop) with a great showing from Carmarthenshire wine importer Wright’s Wines. Chilled vibes and relaxed, friendly service.

WHERE’S YOUR LATE NIGHT SNACK SPOT?

Happy Gathering, Cowbridge Rd E - serving food till 10pm to sit in; there’s nothing more elite after the pub or a late night at work.

A CARDIFF BUSINESS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?

The Flute & Tankard on Windsor Place; the best pub in Cardiff. Excellent Guinness, an ever changing selection of beers and winner of CAMRAs Best Cider selection in Wales. Extra points as always for stocking scampi fries.

ApronsOn

BON APPÉTIT

Chef Kate’s career spans from Swansea Market to training in France and staging at Le Gavroche. Having led Michelin-recognised Fairyhill and run her own restaurant, L’Amuse, she now shares her vast expertise through professional cookery courses, blending classical techniques with practical, confident cooking for her students from her home in Penmaen, overlooking the breathtaking Three Cliffs Bay. lamusechezkate.com

@highsandloaves

hard-lines.co.uk

From Crusty Loaves to Latte Art

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Easy homemade bread classes for beginners, with Radyr based baker Warren Carr. Highs & Loaves is all about learning to bake amazing bread in a normal home kitchen just like yours. If you’ve always wanted to learn to make bread, Warren shows you how to get fantastic results quickly and easily from simple ingredients without the need for any specialist equipment. highsandloavesbreadmaking.com

GETTING STEAMY, WITH HARD LINES

In this exciting 1.5-hour Latte Art workshop, you’ll delve into the essentials of milk steaming, learning the art and science behind creating the perfect pour. Gain insight into pattern techniques and get hands-on practice using a professional-grade machine. Plus, you’ll have the choice of working with dairy milk or alternative milk options. Perfect for anyone with an at home espresso machine, looking to level up their lattes! hard-lines.co.uk

CORNEL CYMRAEG

Mae’n fis o ddathlu, tydi! O ddydd Gwyl Dewi, i Ddiwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod- gennai dyddiadur llawn y mis yma.

Un peth sy’n wir dros y ddau peth pwysig yma yw: ‘gwneud y pethau bychain’. Dyna dywedodd Dewi Sant dros y Gymraeg, a dyna egwyddor sy’n pwysicach heddiw nag erioed dros mwy na iaith yn unig.

Beth sydd wedi cynhyrfu fi y mis yma yw… ma newid amlwg wedi, ac yn, digwydd. I’m here for it it. A diolch i griw Cardiff Life am y gwahoddiad i fod yn rhan o’r clawr y mis yma- dyna moment! Gesi’r cyfle i sefyll yn ol a gweld y newid yn y man. Ystafell llawn mewnyoddim son am statws, pwer na swydd- ni gyd yna yn joia cwmni, sgwrs a’r chyfleon sydd i ddod.

‘Gwneud y pethau bychain’- na’r neges- mae pawb yn medru gwneud gwahaniaeth OND dyw hyn ddim am y pethau mawr. Y pethau bach sydd yn bwysig, pob dydd. Boed hynny yn- dathlu cerddoriaeth menywod, cefnogi brandiau sydd yn deg neu’n cefnogi ein gilydd o ddydd i ddydd.

Mae llond arlwy o chwaraeon, busnesau, celfyddydau a phob dim i ni ddathlu. Chi eisiau argymhellion fi?

Cer i gefnogi Lauren Price ym Utilia Arena ym mis

Ebrill- The Lucky One. Y fenyw o’r Cymoedd sydd yn arwain y ffordd. Eisiau blas o gerddoriaeth benywaidd Gymraeg? Easy! Cer i wylio am Mared neu Aleighcia

Scott- my faves. Beth am gynnwys Cymraeg? Mae Colleen Ramsey yn serennu yn gyfres lysh newydd ar S4C- yn teithio ac yn cogino yn ‘Ciao Colleen ac Owain’, what more do you need?

‘Gwneud y pethau bychain’. Nid dim ond mis Mawrth dylen ni ddathlu ein campau a’n menywod… mae gyda ni’r flwyddyn cyfan. Cer amdanhi!

Jess Magness

RISING TOGETHER HELD BY A BOUQUET OF WOMEN IN HUES OF RED AND ORANGE AND PINK. WE STAND TOGETHER, SHARING SPACE AND EACH OTHER’S STORIES. NEW FRIENDS AND OLD.

LAUGHTER AND WARMTH INFUSES THE STONE, THE STAINED GLASS.

ECHOES OF TODAY ARCHIVE THEMSELVES, TAPPING THE SHOULDERS OF WOMEN WHO VISIT NEXT WEEK, NEXT YEAR, NEXT DECADE. ON THE STEPS OF A BUILDING THAT KEEPS THE PAST, WE ARE THE FUTURE. WOMEN RISING TOGETHER.

BY HANAN ISSA, NATIONAL POET OF WALES

I intended to send a different poem to highlight the upcoming publication of Chronic Women - a poetry anthology containing the work of 14 women writers with longstanding health conditions. A project collaboration between Literature Wales, the Women’s Health Network and published by Honno Press, it is a powerful and necessary book, especially in the current climate where women’s health is sorely underfunded and more and more women feel unheard or misunderstood in healthcare settings.

But in the spirit of celebration, of lifting each other up, I couldn’t help but mark the special morning we had at the National Museum Cardiff for Cardiff Life’s International Women’s Day cover shoot. A lot of the noise around this day can seem perfunctory but Cardiff Life curated a truly welcoming space. We gathered and spoke without ego or spite, every single conversation I had, my friends had, was rooted in care and collaboration.

Thank you Cardiff Life for celebrating women and the powerful ways we can connect!

LIFE’S FULL ENOUGH. YOUR HOME DOESN’T HAVE TO BE

Do you ever look around your home and feel like you’re drowning? Stacks of papers, piles of clothes, surfaces barely visible, drawers bulging with stuff. It’s overwhelming and it’s a constant drain. And then International Women’s Day comes around reminding you it’s all about your achievements! And resilience! And potential! But all you can see is the agonising gap between where you are, and how you want to be.

SO HERE’S THE CONTRADICTION

We have more access to expertise and advice than at any point in history - with podcasts, tips, tools and hacks at our fingertips. But when as women we’re juggling jobs, families, businesses,

households, elder care and volunteering - in other words, we’re already beyond capacityhow do we find extra time to put any of it into practice?

ENTER THE POWER OF CLUTTER CLEARING

My name’s Rabab, and with Akoo Maku I help you liberate your physical environment, to help you release space practically, mentally and emotionally. Suddenly, there’s room to think. To make decisions. You no longer leave the house 20 minutes late because you can’t find your glasses/keys/phone. Clutter that’s been stuck for years starts to shift. And the shift naturally ripples out into other parts of your life - your health, your career, your relationships.

STRUGGLING TO FOCUS?

And for women with ADHD - diagnosed or not - the transformation is even more profound. When the struggle to initiate, focus, and follow through with tasks often feels paralysing, working with a clutter clearer upends that. Why? Because we use a classic ADHD hack - body doubling - to shift the dial. Put simply, I’m there to help you start (often the hardest bit), help you stay on course, and - crucially - make sure you see your plans through. You swap paralysis for transformation. All whilst working with how your brain actually functions - not fighting against it.

BEEN THERE. CLEARED THAT. READY TO HELP YOU.

So if you’re ready to make changes to your surroundings, get in touch. At Akoo Maku I help you sort through what stays, what goes, what matters, and all at your own pace - no judgment, just clarity. We tackle spaces and habits that drain you, and build organising systems that stick.

As someone who struggled with ADHD and lived in pure chaos for years, I made it my business to fi gure out strategies to help me fl ourish. I now use those skills to help others fl ourish too.

Imagine for a moment walking into your bedroom - and it feels like the sanctuary you’ve always craved. Imagine no longer repeatbuying items - because you fi nally know where everything is. Imagine genuinely reclaiming - your space, your time, and your life.

Want to stop imagining and get started?

VISIT AKOO MAKU

For more information on how to de-clutter and organise your life, visit akoomaku.com or email hello@akoomaku.com

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m Rachel Campbell, Managing Director for Michael Page South UK operations, working with the UK board for the past five years. I’ve been with PageGroup for 22 years, starting as a graduate consultant after a period of travelling. I wasn’t entirely sure what my long-term career would look like, but I was determined to work hard and make the most of the opportunity in front of me.

INTERVIEW FEATURE: RACHEL CAMPBELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MICHAEL PAGE SOUTH UK

WHO ARE MICHAEL PAGE RECRUITMENT AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE?

Michael Page is an FTSE 250 recruitment business, providing recruitment services and career opportunities for permanent and interim positions across the UK. We offer specialised expertise across disciplines such as Finance, HR, Marketing and Technology.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s not a slogan; it’s embedded in how we hire, how we develop people, and how we shape our culture. Being recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for Women in 2024 was a milestone that reflected years of intentional and sustained work.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN TO BE REPRESENTED IN SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES?

Visibility is powerful. Early in my career, I didn’t fully appreciate the impact sharing my own story could have. Since participating in our Women at Page initiative, a programme advancing gender diversity by engaging, retaining, and progressing women at all stages, I’ve seen how much encouragement and confidence can come from seeing other women succeed.

I was contacted by women from all over the business asking for advice, sharing their challenges, and looking for guidance. This demonstrated how powerful it is for women to see other women thriving in senior roles, and how visibility can spark confidence and ambition in others. This insight has guided my work on policies and programmes that support women at Page, from maternity benefits and mentoring to leadership development and global communities of senior female leaders. We’ve also set ambitious targets, including achieving a 50/50 gender balance at senior leadership level by 2030.

“ “ Don’t strive for perfection. Mistakes are part of growth.

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO SPONSOR THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DINNER WITH CARDIFF LIFE?

Last year, I spoke at Cardiff Life’s International Women’s Day event, sharing my career journey to Managing Director. The response I received really brought home just how important visibility is for women in senior leadership. As the saying goes, “you can’t be what you can’t see,” and that resonated deeply with me after hearing from so many women in the room.

Following such a positive experience, we decided to host some of our own networking events specifically aimed at women. In October, we ran a Women in Finance event, bringing together women working in what is typically a male-dominated sector. We hosted a panel of senior leaders and female CFOs, and the conversations were incredibly honest, covering topics from navigating career progression while juggling motherhood and childcare to finding balance in demanding roles.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it became clear that there’s a real appetite for more spaces where women can connect, share experiences, and support one another. So, when Cardiff Life approached us about sponsoring this year’s International Women’s Day dinner, it felt like a natural next step. It was an easy decision for us, and we’re genuinely excited to be involved again.

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?

My journey has taught me two things I always try to pass on. Firstly, don’t strive for perfection. Mistakes are part of growth, and I wasted far too much energy early in my career worrying about getting everything right. And secondly, stay true to who you are. When I was first promoted to director, my boss told me not to change my personality to fit the role, and that advice has grounded me ever since.

ACCESS FOR ALL. PERIOD.

NAVIGATING CARDIFF’S MISSION FOR PERIOD DIGNITY, WITH THE COUNCIL’S GUIDE TO THE HUBS, LIBRARIES, AND LOCAL SPOTS OFFERING

FREE PERIOD ESSENTIALS.

GRASSROOTS - 58 CHURCHILL WAY, CARDIFF . SECRET GARDEN CAFÉ - BUTE PARK VISITOR

CENTRE AND CAFE, BUTE PARK. SOUTH RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT CENTRE - 56 MACHEN PLACE, RIVERSIDE | 3-5 WYNDHAM STREET, RIVERSIDE | BRUNEL STREET, RIVERSIDE.

WOMB CIC - 99 WOODVILLE ROAD, CATHAYS

NORTH ELY YOUTH CENTRE - PETHYBRIDGE ROAD, ELY

HOPE ST MELLONS AT THE HIVE - THE HIVE, HARRISON DRIVE, ST MELLONS

GABALFA COMMUNITY CENTRE - COLWILL ROAD, GABALFA

EASTMOORS YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

CENTRE - SANQUHAR STREET, SPLOTT

CARDIFF COMMUNITY HOUSING

ASSOCIATION (CCHA) - TOLVEN COURT, DOWLAIS ROAD, SPLOTT

BUTETOWN HUB - 205 BUTE ST, BUTETOWN

CANTON LIBRARY - LIBRARY ST, CANTON

CENTRAL LIBRARY HUB - The Hayes ELY AND CAERAU HUB - TRESEDER WAY, ELY

ST MELLONS HUBCRICKHOWELL RD, ST MELLONS

BUTETOWN PAVILION - YOUTH HUB, DUMBALLS RD, BUTETOWN

CATHAYS BRANCH AND HERITAGE LIBRARYFAIROAK RD, CATHAYS

FAIRWATER HUB - DOYLE AVE, FAIRWATER

GRANGETOWN HUB - HAVELOCK ST, GRANGETOWN

LLANDAFF NORTH AND GABALFA HUBCOLLEGE ROAD, LLANDAFF NORTH

LLANEDEYRN POWERHOUSE HUB - THE POWER HOUSE, ROUND WOOD, LLANEDEYRN

PENYLAN LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTREPEN-Y-LAN RD, PEN-Y-LAN

RHIWBINA HUB - PEN-Y-DRE, RHIWBINA

RADYR HUB - 5 PARK RD, RADYR

LLANRUMNEY HUB - COUNTISBURY AVE, LLANRUMNEY

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STAR HUB - TREMORFA

WHITCHURCH HUB - PARK ROAD, WHITCHURCH

FOLLOW

@LOVEYOURPERIOD ON INSTAGRAM TO STAY UPDATED ON WHERE TO FIND FREE PRODUCTS ACROSS CARDIFF.

GLENWOOD CHURCH CENTRE & WELLBEING SPACE - CIRCLE WAY WEST, LLANEDEYRN

THE STAR CENTRE - SPLOTT RD, SPLOTT

YMCA CARDIFF - THE WALK, ROATH

NO SUCH THING AS TMI

CARLY PORTER

Carly works at the frontline of sexual health and HIV care, championing women who are often overlooked. Through education, prevention, and compassionate clinical practice, she empowers women to take control of their sexual health, challenges stigma, and advocates for equitable access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention - ensuring women’s voices are heard and valued.

CLAIRE SWEET

Claire has dedicated her 30 year career to the NHS, providing dignified non-judgmental care to those who need it most. Her career as a sexual health nurse reminds us that often some of the most impactful work happens behind clinic doors, driven by a simple commitment to helping others.

SHAG SAFE

Claire has dedicated her 30 year career to the NHS, providing dignified non-judgmental care to those who need it most. Her career as a sexual health nurse reminds us that often some of the most impactful work happens behind clinic doors, driven by a simple commitment to helping others.

For more information head to cardiffstudents.com/ your-voice/campaigns/shagsafe

UMBRELLA CYMRU

Umbrella Cymru offers a vital, person-centered approach to sexual health that goes far beyond the clinic walls. As specialists in Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD), they provide a sanctuary for Cardiff residents to explore their identity, relationships, and rights without judgment. From navigating the emotional side of a new diagnosis to the complexities of coming out, their holistic support helps individuals build the confidence to live authentically. To get in touch - Follow @umbrellacymru or call 0300 302 3670

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS NEAR YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SHWALES.ONLINE

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC CARDIFF & BARRY 02920 335208

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS SWANSEA 0300 555 0279

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS NEWPORT 01495 765065

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINICS

RHONDDA CYNON TAF 01443 443836

DENTAL LOUNGE WELCOMES CARDIFF RESIDENTS TO AN EXCLUSIVE INVISALIGN OPEN DAY

A new era of luxury dentistry has arrived in Llandaff with Dental Lounge, a contemporary practice designed around comfort, clinical excellence and an exceptional patient experience. At the heart of Dental Lounge is a team of highly skilled clinicians, each with a special interest in their own field of dentistry.

From routine care and hygiene to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, every appointment is delivered with precision and a deeply personal approach. The philosophy is simple: to provide the same level of trust, attention and reassurance they would expect for their own family members. The clinic’s calm, thoughtfully designed interiors have been created to ensure patients feel relaxed and confident from the moment they arrive.

This April, the team is inviting Cardiff residents to step inside the clinic for an exclusive Invisalign Open Day on 18th April, from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the expert clinicians, discover how Invisalign clear aligners can discreetly transform their smile,

and experience the elegant surroundings in a relaxed atmosphere - complete with nibbles and bubbles throughout the event. Personal consultations will also be available for those considering treatment.

EXCLUSIVE INVISALIGN OPEN DAY PACKAGE

Patients who attend and commit to treatment on the day will receive a premium package including:

• Fixed retainers included

• Free removable retainers Complimentary professional teeth whitening

• £500 towards Invisalign treatment

With a combined saving of £1,380, the Open Day offers a rare opportunity to begin a refined smile transformation with one of Cardiff’s most exciting new luxury clinics.

Whether you’re considering Invisalign for the first time or seeking a dental practice where expertise and experience are paramount, Dental Lounge is fast becoming a standout destination in the city.

98 Cardiff Rd, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2DT 02922 973 717

BECOMING HER

Betsan de Renesse is the owner of Stiwdio Glow, a pilates and wellness club based in Cardiff and Barry. Betsan is a Women’s Health Specialist and runs expert-led pilates and yoga classes.

As we step into spring, I always encourage women to think less about extremes and more about sustainability. This time of year can make us feel like we need to overhaul everything. We need new routines, stricter habits, and big goals. But I think real wellness isn’t built on overcommitting. It’s built on consistency. At Stiwdio Glow, we talk a lot about movement that feels good. That might simply mean committing to one class a week to start. Adding a few extra daily steps. Drinking more water. Small, manageable shifts that support your body rather than overwhelm it.

I often think about my “future self.” Future Betsan goes to Pilates once a week. She walks 10,000 steps a day. She eats to fuel herself, not grabbing snacks on the go. When I’m making choices, I ask: What would future Betsan do? And then I do that. I take the class. I go for the walk. I make the nourishing meal. Those small actions are acts of self-care. They’re not

dramatic, but they’re powerful. I also really believe in the power of manifestation. By imagining how that future version of you feels: strong, energised, calm. When you picture her clearly, and start making decisions as her, you begin becoming her. Spring is a season of renewal. But I don’t think renewal requires reinvention, just gentle, consistent steps towards the woman you want to be.

You can find more information about Betsan’s stiwdio and her expert led classes here @glowpilateswellness.

LUSH LITERATURE: The Women Putting Wales On The Bookshelf.

EXPERT GUIDE - AIMEE CUMMINGS

Aimee Cummings is the co-founder of Love Stories Bookshop, Wales’ first romance-only bookshop. You can browse the shelves of Love Stories in Castle

Arcade or follow their Instagram at @lovestoriesbookshop.

BETH REEKLES

Beth Reekles (@authorbethreekles). Beth’s writing is a staple in the romance genre. You’ll probably know her as the author of The Kissing Booth! Writing across Young Adult and Adult, her books are always full of wit and charm.

Beth’s newest novel, For Real This Time, released in February and is about a college student who gets a position on the set of her favourite TV show and clashes with the lead actor.

KATIE THOMAS -

Although written for children, The Flamingo That Lost Her Pink (@theflamingothatlostherpink) has resonated strongly with adults, particularly women who recognise their own lives reflected in its pages. Katie believes creative work has a unique power to open up deeper conversations, using storytelling as a gentle and accessible way to talk about the unseen labour of motherhood. A percentage of profits from the book is donated to Mothers Matter, a Welsh charity supporting parental mental health - a cause that sits at the heart of Katie’s work.

“The reason I love independent bookshops so much is because they create community spaces where like-minded readers can meet, all while promoting diverse titles that you may not be able to find elsewhere! Indie booksellers always put their customers first - we love hearing your thoughts on the book you picked up last time you visited, or what new releases you’re most looking forward to.

“SAVAGE

LANI

‘5,405 Days’, Lani Kirkman’s debut poetry book in memory of her dad Lee, explores the stages of grief through the eyes of a teenage girl. In addition to supporting City Hospice, Lani hopes that others will relate to her words and know that their experiences of loss are also valid.

Published by Welsh imprint Your Book Your Way (founded by EDI expert Bernie Davies of Mastering Diversity CIC and Bernie Davies Global Ltd), is the searing true story of Kiowa twin sisters Jan and Joy - survivors turned TEDx Speakers and advocates for justice for women and young girls - transforming trauma into testimony, breaking silence, and demanding justice for Indigenous women worldwide.

MIC CHECK, MERCHED?

THESE THREE THINGS

The podcast that asks which person, place and possession have profoundly impacted your life. Creator and founder, Deborah Thomas, hosts local icons and asks ‘why’ to help reveal who we really are. @thesethreethings.podcast

CREATIVELY ECCENTRIC

A Podcast about ‘Empowering Creatives, Embracing Uniqueness & Redefining Success’. Creatively Eccentric, founded by Heather Ebanks, is a podcast about redefining what it means to be creative - where unapologetically bold, unconventional, and underrepresented creators get real about breaking rules, navigating rejection, and carving out success on their own terms. @creativelyeccentric

POB LWC BABE

Join Cat and Catrin every other week on the Pob Lwc, Babe! sofa for your dose of honest and funny conversations about their life woes, and the latest from the world of pop culture... through a sapphic lens, obviously. @poblwcbabe

IN TWO MINDS

Professor Julie Williams CBE and Justine Pickering MBE share their experiences of dementia through two very different perspectives in their podcast In Two Minds. These two inspiring women acknowledge the challenge of caring for someone with dementia. They hope by sharing the latest science and the experiences of their listeners, In Two Minds will continue to offer a safe and supportive space. @intwomindspod

singleparentswellbeing.com

Walking Together for Change

Amy Holland and Single Parents Wellbeing

When Amy Holland became a single parent, she wasn’t thinking about building something that would go on to help thousands. She was focused on getting through the day. Like many single parents, Amy found herself isolated following the breakdown of her relationship. Living in South Wales with two young children, she felt the weight of stigma that can surround single parenthood - something that made even simple things, like leaving the house feels overwhelming at times.

“In 2017, I connected with Co-Founder Rachel Cule. We both were struggling in different ways and searching for something that felt manageable,” she recalls. “What we settled on was simple: a walk.”

That small walking group in Cardiff quickly became a lifeline, with parents walking together and children alongside them as friendships began to form Being outside and moving alongside someone who understood created connections. Word spread, more

parents joined, and it soon became clear that these walks were about something deeper – belonging. From those early steps, Single Parents Wellbeing (SPW) was born - not as a traditional organisation, but as a community-led project shaped by lived experience, created by single parents, for single parents. “There was advice about benefi ts and logistics, but nobody was really talking about how it felt. That’s the gap I wanted to fi ll.” What began with a handful of parents walking together now supports thousands of single parent families and young people across Wales, off ering peer-led wellbeing support, workshops, youth activities and community events. Its members include - Mothers and Fathers, Grandparents and families navigating blended family life - from cities, towns and rural communities right across Wales.

“But every time a parent told me they felt less alone, I knew we had to keep going.

“

“There were moments when it would have been easier to stop” Amy shared.

Now part of a blended family herself, Amy brings a lived understanding of how families evolve and why support needs to adapt alongside them. “Single parents are incredibly strong and resilient,” Amy says. “But strength shouldn’t mean being left to cope alone.” Amy now uses her platform to challenge stigma, infl uence policy conversations and push for greater recognition of single parent families at a

national level. That advocacy is refl ected in SPW’s latest initiative, Steps for Connection - a Wales-wide walking and fundraising challenge taking place this March. Inspired by how the community fi rst began, the challenge invites people to walk 161,000 steps throughout the month - a step for every single parent family in Wales. SPW relies on fundraising and public support to continue its work, making initiatives like this essential to sustaining its off ering for families across Wales.

Alongside this, SPW introduced the Raise van - a mobile Connection Café bringing warmth, coff ee and conversation directly into communities. It refl ects SPW’s belief that support should be accessible and welcoming. For Amy, the work is far from fi nished. “My aim is to build a Wales where single parent families have the space, support and opportunity to truly thrive.”

To learn more, or get involved, singleparentswellbeing.com

• Half day in the Vale Spa

• One 50 minute treatment

• 20% off additional treatments†

• Full use of relaxation zones

• 2 course Spa lunch in the Vale Grill

• Towel, robe & slippers provided

• Full

• One 50 minute treatment

• 20% off additional treatments†

• Full use of relaxation zones

• 2 course Spa lunch in the Vale Grill

• Towel, robe & slippers provided

• 1 night luxury accommodation

• Full Welsh breakfast

• Full day in the Vale Spa

• One 50 minute treatment

• 20% off additional treatments†

• Full use of relaxation zones

• 2 course Spa lunch in the Vale Grill

• Towel, robe & slippers provided

SHIFTING GEARS: THE WOMAN HELPING TO TRANSFORM UK TRANSPORT

Nia Cooper, Chief Legal and People Officer at Veezu, is one of the few women at the very top of the UK’s taxi and private hire industry. In a sector where male voices have traditionally dominated, she stands as a highly visible and respected example of what women can achieve when given the opportunity to lead.

Nia was propelled to national prominence in 2025 when she took on Uber in a legal battle in the highest court in the land - the Supreme Court - and triumphed against the Silicon Valley giant on behalf of local UK operators.

Nia was the legal brain that led the victory that has been described as one of the most significant legal battles in the taxi sector’s history, which saw Veezu secure a unanimous Supreme Court victory against Uber after a three-year process through the High Court and Court of Appeal.

fares, protected local British-founded taxi and private

Nia’s victory prevented a 20% taxi tax hike on customer fares, protected local British-founded taxi and private hire operators from changes to fee structure that could

have made their businesses unviable and preserved vital taxi services for remote rural area passengers where taxis are often a lifeline.

are often a lifeline.

Nia Cooper has over 20 years’ experience across and Morgan LaRoche.

Nia Cooper has over 20 years’ experience across employment law, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Before joining Veezu in 2018, she was Head of Employment Team and a Partner at Capital Law Ltd, following earlier roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal and Morgan LaRoche.

Within Veezu, Nia actively supports the progression of women through mentoring and has built a legal and people function in which 70% are women across a range of seniority levels. As a member of the executive team, she leads by example and is recognised internally as a supportive and inspiring leader. Externally, her leadership in a sector-defining legal challenge has increased the visibility of women in senior roles within transport and logistics, demonstrating that women can and do shape the strategic direction of the sector.

TIDY PLOTS, OUR GREENFINGERED GUIDE -

TOP TIP FOR KITCHEN HERBS

Wondering why that basil pot you bought from the supermarket looks sad after 3 days? Shops add more stems than are healthy to those tiny pots to make them look plump and lush on the shelves, but competing space at the roots means they’ll never last long. For a healthy, unlimited supply of soft herbs; divide the plant out by gently prying apart any shoots and re-pot them into small pots filled with peat-free compost. Water regularly, keeping them on a sunny windowsill and watch them flourish!

BE MORE GREEN SQUIRREL

Founded in 2012, Green Squirrel is a social enterprise based in Railway Gardens, Splott, and runs a monthly growing group. The Railway Gardeners, led by community gardener Helen is a fun, ‘hands-on’ group open to all, with no experience needed. To join them, or for more information about how to get involved in their community events, visit railwaygardens.co.uk

WILD ABOUT CARDIFF

Help our local pollinators by creating a ‘wild corner’ in your garden or window box. Cardiff’s urban bees and butterflies rely on green corridors to travel between our city’s parks, so even a small patch of nectar-rich flowers like foxgloves or lavender can make a massive difference. Avoid using chemical pesticides and consider leaving a shallow dish of water with a few pebbles for thirsty insects to land on. By embracing a little bit of ‘messy’ gardening, you’re helping to keep the capital buzzing and biodiverse.

GARDENING JOBS FOR MARCH

THE ‘FIRST CUT’ OF THE LAWN

As temperatures consistently stay above 6°C, your grass will start to wake up, so give your lawn its first light trim of the season.

PLANT ‘FIRST EARLY’ POTATOES AND ONION SETS

March is the traditional time to get your spuds in the ground, particularly with the milder weather we tend to have being southerly. Tip: If you’re short on soil space, plant your chitted potatoes in bags on patios and balconies.

PRUNE

ROSES AND SUMMERFLOWERING SHRUBS

Before the sap starts rising too quickly, give your shrubs a haircut to encourage vigorous new growth and better flowers. Roses, Buddlejas and Dogwood trees all benefit from a little spruce this time of year.

MULCH YOUR BORDERS

With the Welsh rain, nutrients can leach out of the soil over winter. Spread a thick layer (about 5cm) of well-rotted manure or garden compost over your flower beds and around the base of fruit trees. Doing this in March traps the spring moisture in the soil and smothers emerging weeds before they can take over. Just make sure the soil is clear of perennial weeds like dandelions before you cover it.

START SOWING ‘HARDY’ SEEDS

While it’s still too cold for tomatoes or basil outside, many hardy varieties can handle a Welsh March. Direct-sow broad beans, peas, carrots, and parsnips if the soil isn’t waterlogged. Indoors on a sunny windowsill, you can start sowing sweet peas and hardy annuals like cosmos or marigolds.

ADMIRE

YOUR SPRING BULBS WITH A BREW

Make yourself a cup of tea, pull on your wellies and get outside to admire the Daffodils, Croci, Snowdrops, and Irises you planted in Autumn.

LEAF IT TO THE PROS, A GUIDE TO CARDIFF’S GARDEN CENTRES

BLUE DIAMOND GARDEN CENTRE, Newport Road, St. Mellons BUTE PARK NURSERIES, Bute Park, Cardiff

PUGH’S GARDEN VILLAGE, Radyr - Tynant Nurseries, Morganstown or Wenvoe - Port Road, Wenvoe, THE DUTCH GARDEN CENTRE, Maes-y-Bryn Road, Pontprennau

TOP TIP: Look out for local plant sales in your area where you can normally pick up a bargain!

THE ARCHITECTURE OF QUIETUDE: GWEN

JOHN’S STRANGE

For much of the 20th century, the Welsh artist Gwen John (1876–1939) was often introduced through the men in her life: as the sister of the flamboyant Augustus John or the muse and lover of the sculptor Auguste Rodin. However, the landmark retrospective Strange Beauties, Hardd a Hynod, currently showing at National Museum Cardiff, firmly reclaims her narrative. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of her birth, this exhibition, running from 7 February to 28 June 2026, presents John not as a secondary figure, but as a radical pioneer of modernism.

A Pioneering Vision of Interiority

Gwen John was a pioneer of ‘Intimism,’ a style that transformed quiet domestic scenes into profound psychological landscapes. While her contemporaries in London and Paris were often preoccupied with bold, expressive brushwork, John

BEAUTIES

developed a technique that was revolutionary in its restraint.

She moved away from the traditional academic finish, instead building her canvases with a mosaic of dry, chalky paint. Her palette was famously muted, composed of greys, mauves, and ochres, but she applied these with scientific precision. John even developed a complex system involving a numbered disc to map out tonal relationships, ensuring that every shadow and highlight contributed to a sense of total stillness.

THE RETROSPECTIVE: STRANGE BEAUTIES

Stepping into the grand galleries of National Museum Cardiff, visitors are greeted by a tiny framed letter, first written by John in 1939, thanking the Amgueddfa Cymru for buying ‘one of her little pictures’. The exhibition opens up to include over 200 works, including major loans from The

Met, Tate, and J W Anderson’s personal collection. Anderson, who is currently creative director at Dior, has been so involved in the exhibition, owing to being such a fan of John’s work that he’s designed five cornettes to accompany the show. These beautiful silk headpieces are based on John’s works featuring nuns in their headdresses, and can be seen outside the exhibition for free,

@museumwales

thanks to Anderson’s generous donation to the people of Wales.

Back inside the galleries, the viewers might remark on the beautiful muted tones of the walls, mirroring those found in John’s paintings. It is the work of Welsh based paint company Little Greene who developed the colours in partnership with the museum and kindly donated their time and materials to be involved in the exhibition.

One of the highlights of the show is undoubtedly A Corner of the Artist’s Room in Paris. This painting is a manifesto of her artistic philosophy: a simple wicker chair, a splash of light on a wall, and an open window. It suggests that a single room can contain an entire universe if you just look closely enough. The retrospective also highlights her recurring subjects; the solitary women seated in contemplation, nursing sisters in Meudon, and her beloved tortoiseshell cat, Edgar Quinet. For modern audiences,

these works resonate deeply; they reflect a contemporary desire for ‘slow looking’ and the reclamation of solitude as a position of strength rather than loneliness.

A Welsh Legacy Reimagined Born in Haverfordwest and raised in Tenby, John’s journey took her from the rugged Pembrokeshire coast to the avant-garde circles of Paris. Yet, she remained ‘passionately independent,’ refusing to join any specific artistic movement. This independence is what makes her work feel so strikingly modern today. The exhibition does an excellent job of breaking the myth of Gwen John as a ‘recluse.’ Through her letters and sketches, we see a woman of immense ambition and professional discipline who chose a quiet life to protect her creative fire. She really was a pioneer of the ‘I think I like this little life’ trend.

Strange Beauties is more than just a homecoming for one of Wales’s greatest exports, it’s a vital re-evaluation of a woman who paved the way for minimalist and psychological art.

Downstairs in the giftshop you’ll find lots of art supplies, totes featuring the famous feline Edgar and a selection of beautiful hair bows, mirroring those found in her works alongside a limited-edition exhibition poster featuring JW Anderson’s cornettes.

Gwen John: Strange Beauties is open now, until June 28th at National Museum Cardiff. For tickets and more, visit museum.wales

CRAFTY SEW & SEWS

MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

Welsh businesses, straight to your door. Learning Welsh, getting your 5-a-day and topping up your morning co ee, just got way easier!

SIOP DWT

Founded by Helen x in X, Siop Dwt offers subscription boxes for Welsh learners packed with treats and goodies from artisans and indies across the country, as well as learner tips, hints and access to online classes. Helen’s on a mission to support the goal of a million Welsh speakers by 2050, one subscription box at a time! siopdwt.com

THE STATION

The Station celebrates all things Welsh and British. Based in a converted petrol station, Beth curates the very best local produce, from cookies baked just minutes away to bespoke fruit and veg box subscriptions and handmade hampers, all available to order directly through their website. Shop local, shop Welsh, shop The Station. thestationcoychurch.co.uk

HOPE ESPRESSO

Known within the coffee community as the go-to expert on all things beans and roasteries, founder Esther has been working in the coffee industry since 2009.When she’s not on the road consulting, she’s roasting her own beautiful beans, which you can taste for yourself via her monthly subscription boxes. Choose Dark roast for a ‘bolder’ cup and the Light box for a more delicate brew. hopeespresso.co.uk

There’s never been a better time to find your inner creativity, with our handy list of art and craft workshops happening around the city.

PEGGY’S POTS

Pottery painting studios in the heart of Cardiff and Barry. There’s something for everyone - no matter your age or ability.

RACHEL RASMUSSEN ART

Book one of Rachel’s adult ‘Sip & Paint’ events that take place across various venues in Cardiff and Cowbridge.

LARK DESIGN MAKE

Craft workshop in Cathays. Book their upcoming 4-week Children’s After School Sewing Workshop, perfect for crafty kids who love making things or who love to learn.

BETH MORRIS WORKSHOPS

Community art school based in Insole Court, Cardiff. Beth offers affordable workshops but also embraces the need for a balance of chat, relaxation and enjoyment in the sessions.

BACK IN HARMONY

PATIENT STORY –MR JOHN LEWIS THOMAS

At Spire Cardiff Hospital, we are proud to offer an Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence, a multi-disciplinary team working to the highest standards of Orthopaedic patient care. The team was recently awarded the National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Gold level award for its fifth consecutive year, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to strong governance. The facilities are led by our specialist Consultants and an experienced clinical team, dedicated to helping patients with their bone and joint issues.

One such patient was Mr John Lewis Thomas, an 82-year-old retired teacher and harpist. John started finding it difficult to walk, doing daily chores and pushing the pedals of his harp was a challenge. Seven years later, and after six months on the NHS waitlist, John decided to contact Spire Cardiff Hospital, making an appointment for himself in August 2024. John recalls, “I depended on my wheelchair for moving more than about 20 meters from my house. I went on a cruise three months before my first operation and had to be pushed around the ship in my wheelchair.”

Mr Peter Lewis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, referred John to have an X-ray. “The results of the X-ray identified severe osteoarthritis of both of his hips, meaning a complete loss of cartilage covering of his hips and with bone rubbing on bone.” Mr Lewis says.

John chose to self-pay for a right hip replacement at Spire Cardiff Hospital in August 2024 after pain from his hip made everyday tasks difficult. Impressed with his recovery and the care he received, he returned in March 2025 to see consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Peter Lewis about his other hip. Shortly after, John

had his left hip replaced in May 2025, completing his journey back to comfortable, confident movement.

John made an excellent recovery with both hip replacements and is now able to play the harp comfortably once again. Reflecting on his experience, John comments, “All the staff in every department were excellent, I’m so happy that all had gone well. I can move more easily, join in with group activities with family and general daily life.”

“If I could give any advice to others, it is to not hesitate. Go ahead and get the help now”

Don’t skip a beat - Book in to see one of Spire Cardiff Hospital’s specialist Orthopaedic Consultants – Scan the QR code to start your journey to recovery.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF WOMEN’S HEALTH

WOMB

Cardiff’s first menstrual cycle informed, matricentric wellbeing hub. Sinnead Ali, founder of WOMB, focuses on improving maternity experiences for women and birthing people and creating community-rooted spaces where care, autonomy and dignity are prioritised. You’ll find a daily programme of yoga classes, workshops and perinatal support alongside a growing network of freelance teachers and women’s wellbeing specialists. Driven by a belief that conversations about women’s health belong in the community, Sinnead’s work aims to disrupt and centre dignity, peace and respect.

CARDIFF MENOPAUSE CLINIC

Helping women feel confident, informed, and supported is at the heart of everything Dr Bharti Attili does. She founded Cardiff Menopause Clinic in late 2024 to provide flexible, expert-led care in Cardiff and beyond, offering both face-to-face and virtual appointments over evenings and weekends. Originally focused on menopause, the clinic has grown into a holistic practice offering contraception, sexual health screening and treatment, and medical aesthetics.

CARDIFF’S BREAKTHROUGH CANCER RESEARCH TRIAL

A Welsh-led PICCOS trial is evaluating PIPAC (Pressurised IntraPeritoneal Aerosolised Chemotherapy), a breakthrough treatment delivered directly to tumors via keyhole surgery. This vital research provides the critical evidence needed for NHS approval, offering hope for patients struggling with difficult peritoneal metastases. Dr Sadie Jones from the University Hospital of Wales, one of the lead investigators of this break-through trail said “While the main aim is to slow cancer progression and improve quality of life, we also hope in time to be able to offer it at an earlier stage, where it could potentially contribute to improved survival rates.”

PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH CYMRU

Motivated by personal experience, Charlotte co-founded a campaign to advocate for the creation of a specialist Mother and Baby Unit in Wales - at a time when no such provision existed. Her advocacy contributed to significant changes, including updates to maternity records and increased Welsh Government funding for perinatal mental health services. Alongside this work, Charlotte established and supported perinatal mental health support groups across Cardiff, providing safe spaces, guidance, and community for families in need.

THE ROAR OF THE CAPITAL

CARDIFF’S UNMISSABLE SUMMER OF SPORT 2026

As the daff s bloom and the evenings get lighter, Cardiff prepares to solidify its reputation as the UK’s premier sporting capital. Here are all the key sporting dates to add to your calendar over the coming months.

May

Cardiff Comets v Solent Amazons, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Devils v Dundee Stars, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Devils v Dundee Stars, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Comets v Oxford Midnight Stars, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Devils v Manchester Storm, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Devils v Sheffiled Steelers, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Devils v Coventry Blaze, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Comets v Solent Amazons, Vindico Arena

Cardiff Comets v Haringey Hounds, Vindico Arena

The BetMGM Premier League, Utilita Arena

LexisNexis Dragons v London Pulse, at House of Sport

Men’s Six Nations: Wales v Italy, Principality Stadium

Rugby ‘Big Day Out’: Bristol Bears v Harlequins, Principality Stadium

Women’s Six Nations: Wales v Scotland, Principality Stadium

Women’s Six Nations: Wales v France, Cardiff Arms Park

Women’s Six Nations: Wales v Italy, Cardiff Arms Park

A CHANCE TO SEE FUTURE OLYMPIANS UP CLOSE

13-15 March

28-29 March

Welsh Boxing Championships, Sport Wales National Centre

Welsh Gymnastics

Championships, Sport Wales National Centre

Men’s World Cup Play-off

Semi-final, Wales v Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cardiff City Stadium

England Women v New Zealand (ODI), Sophia Gardens

Women’s FIFA World Cup

Qualifier, Wales v Czechia, Cardiff City Stadium

England Men v India (ODI), Sophia Gardens

HYROX, Principality Stadium

Monster Jam, Principality Stadium A GROUNDBREAKING SUMMER FOR CRICKET AND FOOTBALL & MORE

THE DRAGON ROARS NORTH

23 July - 2 August , Glasgow

While the games are hosted in Scotland, Cardiff will be the official ‘home base’ for fans unable to travel, with fanzones expected to pop up across the city (keep an eye on Cardiff Castle and the Bay).

Cardiff City Men v Wycombe Wanderers, Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Men v Blackpool, Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Woman v Swansea City, Cardiff Intl. Sports Campus

Cardiff City Men v Port Vale, Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Woman v The New Saints, Cardiff Intl. Sports Campus

Cardiff City Men v Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City Stadium

Cardiff City Men v Northampton Town, Cardiff City Stadium

LEADING THE WAY

Bernie Davies is a powerhouse of positivity and a true catalyst for change in Cardiff . As the founder of Mastering Diversity CIC, she has turned her mantra “We go together, or not at all” into a city-wide movement. With a background as an accomplished lawyer and bestselling author, Bernie now uses her expertise to build bridges between corporate excellence and community heart.

At Mastering Diversity, Bernie leads the charge in making Wales a global beacon for inclusion. Her work goes far beyond checking boxes; she hosts landmark conferences and the prestigious Mastering Diversity Awards, celebrating the voices that often go unheard. Through her vibrant workshops and mentorship, she

empowers businesses to move past compliance and toward a genuine culture of belonging. Whether she is speaking at the Senedd or the House of Lords, Bernie’s focus is always on the ‘Human Race,’ fostering an environment where every entrepreneur, regardless of background, has the tools to thrive.

In Bernie, Cardiff has a leader who doesn’t just talk about diversity, she lives it. Her mission is to ensure that our city’s future is as diverse as its history, proving that when we embrace our unique ‘You-Print,’ we don’t just succeed, we soar together. masteringdiversity.com

JANEY HOWELL OBE, MASTERING DIVERSITY PATRON

Janey Howell, the Former High Sheriff of South Glamorgan is a passionate community leader, campaigner and advocate for social justice. As Patron of Mastering Diversity, she has played a pivotal role in shaping inclusive initiatives across Wales, and earlier this year she was awarded one of the highest honours.

“We’re so proud that she has been distinguished in the 2026 Kings Awards with an OBE for her services to history in respect of her work within Antigua”.

- Bernie Davies, Founder Mastering Diversity

©masteringdiversity.com

What if your space could start selling before anyone steps inside?

In today’s market, perception doesn’t begin at the front door. It begins long before planning is approved, before marketing launches, before a single buyer walks through the space. For the past four years, Norah Rose has worked globally, helping funded developers and commercial operators shape how their schemes will be positioned, experienced and ultimately sold - long before completion.

Most recently, in partnership with WCS Agency, we reimagined elements of the environment. Not simply to refresh aesthetics, but to better align spatial experience with brand perception and commercial intent. Because great design isn’t decoration. It’s thoughtful positioning.

Behind the studio is founder Sian Howarth - now operating as a Brand-Led Spatial Experience Strategist - whose decade in the built environment and background in project management has shaped a more commercially intelligent approach to space. As a female founder navigating growth and reinvention, the evolution of Norah Rose has been deliberate: moving from a traditional interiors studio into a digital-first spatial strategy collective.

Today, the focus is clear - ensuring multi-million-pound developments are strategically positioned, commercially aligned and digitally differentiated before they ever reach the market.

Through a digital-first methodology - Position. Shape. Present. Protect. - developments are defined around buyer psychology, shaped with spatial clarity and presented with visual confidence to safeguard longterm value.

Experience is multi-sensory, with scent forming part of the story too. Enter stor.ree, a luxury home fragrance brand creating wellbeingled, non-toxic scents as sensory extensions of space. Designed to

be refillable, reusable and free from plastic, each collection supports environments that are as conscious as they are considered.

This next chapter isn’t about volume. It’s about influence. Creating spaces that competebefore the door opens.

@norahrosedesign

3 FEMALE-FOUNDED WELSH GEMS FOR BETTER HEALTH

EXPERT GUIDE - KIRSTY, NATURAL RAYS

Kirsty ( @natural_rays_hormone_harmony ) is the founder of Natural Rays Wellbeing Consultancy. As a Functional Medicine Health Coach, she helps women master hormone and gut health to reclaim their energy, mood, and vitality.

“As someone who struggled with a thyroid condition in my mid-twenties, I know how ‘meh’ life feels when our health is off . I am passionate about supporting women to understand their bodies because small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on how we feel. We all deserve the energy to live the lives we’ve worked so hard to create. These businesses support us in a variety of ways to do just that…”

SUNNIE SIDE SKIN

Founded in West Wales, the sculpt stick combines two of my favourite things for glowing skin, Gua Sha and an ice face-plunge. A natural way to de-puff the under-eyes every morning whilst also stimulating the lymphatic system. @sunniesideskin

THE GOODWASH COMPANY

All-natural personal care products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, lovingly made in Wales. @thegoodwashcompany

BREW & BREATHE

A premium Welsh herbal tea brand combining functional herbal blends with guided breathwork to support overall nervous system regulation and emotional balance. Perfect for a moment of calm on a busy day @brewandbreathe_

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: TAKE CONTROL OF THE GENDER PENSION GAP

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress and to take practical action where inequality still exists. One of the most persistent examples is the gender pension gap.

In the UK, retired women face a pension income gap of around 36.5%. That is not caused by a single issue. It reflects the cumulative impact of pay disparities, career breaks and, too often, a lack of structured financial planning. Over time, small differences can become significant.

Jason Lloyd, Independent Financial Adviser at Hugh James, explains what drives the gap and his advice to help narrow it.

WHY THE GAP WIDENS OVER TIME

Pensions reward consistency, meaning that contributions made earlier in your career have the longest time to benefit from investment growth. Taking a five-year career break at age 35 could reduce a final pension fund by as much as £70,000 when you factor in missed contributions and lost compound growth. Research from Legal & General shows the average pension pot for those aged over 50 is £84,205 for men compared with £39,654 for women. By retirement, that gap can materially shape lifestyle choices and longterm independence.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE RESPONSE: PROACTIVE, STRUCTURED PLANNING

The good news is that proactive planning makes a difference. The earlier you review your position, the more options you have. For professionals and business owners, pensions can be particularly complex. Understanding what you have, what it is likely to deliver and where adjustments can strengthen outcomes is key.

WHY TRULY INDEPENDENT ADVICE MATTERS

At Hugh James Independent Financial Advisers, we provide clear, evidence-based advice tailored to your wider financial goals. As a fully independent firm, our recommendations are shaped by your needs. International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress is built through informed choices. If you haven’t reviewed your pensions recently, now is a powerful time to act.

Contact Hugh James Independent Financial Advisers to discuss how we can support you. hughjames.com/IFA ifa@hughjames.com 029 2267 5730

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Tax rules can change and will depend on your individual circumstances. Hugh James Independent Financial Advisers is a trading name of Hugh James which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 231167) and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number: 303202).

WHY CHOOSE KINGS MONKTON SCHOOL FOR 2026?

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. For parents planning ahead to 2026, Kings Monkton School offers something increasingly rare: outstanding academic outcomes, exceptional pastoral care, and a genuinely personalised learning experience.

Small class sizes, capped at 18 pupils, allow teachers to truly know each child and adapt teaching to individual needs. This tailored approach delivers excellent results. In recent early-entry mathematics examinations, 100% of pupils achieved A–A* grades, with several securing results up to two grades higher than national predictions. These outcomes reflect expert teaching, targeted support, and a culture that nurtures confidence and ambition.

Beyond the classroom, a rich super-curricular programme stretches and inspires pupils. Opportunities include the UK Maths Challenge, engineering and

STEM competitions, coding and digital innovation projects, and competitive sports fixtures. These experiences build problem-solving skills, teamwork, resilience, and leadership - qualities that support both academic success and personal development.

Pupils also benefit from curriculumenhancing trips that broaden horizons and build independence. International experiences, including a camp to Peru, sit alongside cultural, geographical, and sporting visits that bring learning to life and foster global awareness. Wellbeing is central to school life. A dedicated pastoral team, calm learning environments, and strong

relationships between staff and pupils ensure that every child feels safe, understood, and valued.

As a Rights Respecting School, pupils are encouraged to develop mutual respect, responsibility, and a strong voice within the community. With scholarships, bursaries, and flexible payment options available, Kings Monkton School makes independent education accessible while preparing pupils not just for exams, but for life.

Contact Kings Monkton School to book a private tour with a member of the senior leadership team. Call 20920482854 or email admissions@kingsmonkton.org.uk

www.kingsmonkton.org.uk

THESE THREE THINGS

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Deb sat down with the formidable Gabby Logan OBE. Revered for her services to sports broadcasting, journalism, and charity, she candidly shares the one person, place and possession that have profoundly shaped her journey.

WHICH PERSON?

“Wendy Mandy is a Chinese 5-element acupuncturist, whom I first met in London in 1996. It was a very difficult time after losing my brother suddenly. I was hardwired to expect the worst, and as she reminded me, the very worst has already happened. Wendy wasn’t just an acupuncturist; she was a healer. She helped me change the course of my life by helping me change my thinking.

I started living my life free of the need to fix everything. I was holding onto trauma and fear, which I learned to let go of. I could finally do things differently, for myself.”

WHICH PLACE?

“I have chosen the city of Newcastle. I moved there after Durham University. I felt a real kinship with that city. I love what it stands for, the unity, the history, the people. Plus, it is my football team! Football is the lifeblood of the city, so I started going to St. James’s Park, and I have never looked back. I remember driving away when I got my job at Sky. I packed my car up, and it was a beautiful summer’s evening, and I looked back at the Tyne Bridge and burst into tears. I thought, I’ll never live anywhere quite like that again.”

WHICH TREASURED POSSESSION?

“I have chosen my travel pillow. I move around a lot with work; I can be in a different hotel up to 4 nights a week. I’m at the midpoint of life, and what I really value is being mentally and physically well. If I get a decent night’s sleep, I am pretty good on all other fronts.”

NEXT EPISODE...

What would Wales be without a male voice choir? Meet the man who is responsible for keeping this timeless Welsh tradition alive, next month on These Three Things.

Scan below to listen to Gabby’s full episode on These Three Things podcast.

Le iarngn Lighting up

Get in touch to find out more about the only school in Wales designed just for girls.

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