The Youth Wind Band at St David's Hall

This Christmas will be busier than ever for the Cardiff County & Vale of Glamorgan Music Service ensembles, with no less than 14 festive concerts and events taking place, involving over 1,000 children.

The season begins with the Transitional Wind Band Concert at St Andrew’s & St Teilo’s Church in Woodville Road on Friday, December 4.

On December 9, 500 children from all over Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan will take part in the Music Service Christmas Showcase at St David’s Hall. Of the nine ensembles involved, one will be this year’s massed choir, consisting of 250 pupils from eight primary schools. All feed into St Cyres and Stanwell schools in Penarth, where the pupils have been busily rehearsing since September.

The ensembles taking part in the annual prestigious event are: the Youth Brass Band, the High Schools’ Orchestra and Choir, the Youth Big Band (“Jazz News”), the Advanced Percussion Group, the High Schools’ Wind Band, the Intermediate Brass Band and Junior Jazz.

Performances will include arrangements of traditional, pop and classical music, ranging from The Holly and the Ivy to Christmas at the Movies.

Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning Cllr Freda Salway, said: “The annual music service Christmas showcase at St David’s Hall is a real highlight of the festive calendar. It’s really wonderful to see the children and young people coming together to put on such a professional performance.

“A lot of hard work has gone into their performances and I’m sure the standard will continue to be high again this year.”

Other concerts scheduled for the festive season include the Christmas Celebration at City Hall, featuring the Youth Orchestra and Choir. At Llandaff Cathedral the Youth Brass Band will perform with Llandaff Choral Society. At the Wales Millennium Centre the Youth Wind Band will take to the stage and the Junior Schools Choir will perform at St Germans Church.

Jeff Davies, Head of CCVG Music Service said “It’s a very busy time for us but it’s fantastic to see and hear the talents of so many young people at Christmas”

All performances can be found on the CCVG website: www.ccvgmusicservice.org

It's not just Scrooge who can visit Christmas past...

It’s not just Scrooge who has the opportunity to visit Christmas past, Glamorgan Archives has many items that help tell the story of how generations before us celebrated Christmas.

Items include a Whitchurch Boys School 1891 school log book which documents how children were presented with an orange at the end of the Christmas term. The orange would have been seen as a real treat and was a tradition that was replicated in most schools at the time. Pupils of Whitchurch Girl’s school however didn’t have it as easy and in the school log for 1871 it notes that pupils had missed school because they were helping their mothers clean for Christmas!

The Roath Parish magazine from 1886 paints a more extravagant picture of Christmas festivities, describing a Sunday School party they write that “the tree itself was worthy of the occasion, and at least from one point of view, was so covered with toys, dolls and ornaments that its branches were completely hidden, and looked like a gigantic heap of presents.”

Articles in the Penarth parish publication show that festive food was just as important to our ancestors as it is to us today. A copy from1900 stored in the Glamorgan Archives gives recipe ideas for the perfect Christmas fare, including mince pies and chocolate toffee, along with a hearty recipe for plum pudding which requires a pound of potatoes, suet, carrots and of course the currants and raisins we use in Christmas puddings today,

The Archives also has a comprehensive collection of Christmas cards from the past. Christmas cards grew popular in the Victorian era and many of the Christmas cards of that time featured animals, including cats, dogs, pigs, and even monkeys. There are also cards depicting troops during the First World Ward.

Christmas is a busy time for Glamorgan Archives with many people researching their family tree to give as Christmas presents to loved ones and this year Christmas is even busier for the team who are currently in the process of moving to their new building in Leckwith. The new record office will open in the spring of 2010 and will see for the first time all of Glamorgan’s records being stored in the one location.

The new state of the art building is designed to ensure historical documents are kept in the best conditions and has been constructed to create stability in temperature and humidity

Executive Member for Finance and Service Delivery, Cllr Mark Stephens, said: “The Glamorgan Archives holds many treasures of the past, and the new building in Leckwith will make it even easier for people to view documents and to research items of interest.”

Insole Court has been under local authority ownership since 1932, and is now a thriving community hall, which boasts an impressive array of classes and groups to suit all ages.

In a little over a year the Friends of Insole Court have worked closely with Cardiff Council to establish a Heritage Interpretation Project, thanks to a grant of £42,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This has begun to tell the story of how the 19th century mansion was built by a family who started as rural artisans and became successful and wealthy local gentry during Cardiff’s spectacular growth and decline as a world-beating port.

Lucy Williams, Development Officer of the Insole Court Heritage Interpretation Project said today, “I am delighted at the progress made by everyone in keeping alive the fantastic heritage of this wonderful building. I really feel that by continuing to work together, the council and the community can continue to breathe new life into Insole Court. I am especially pleased that our volunteer welcome guides have already enabled so many visitors to learn more about the court and the history of the family who once lived here.” John Prior-Morris, Chairman of the Friends, said: “As citizens, we are fortunate to have intact and in public ownership this mansion which had its birth at the very start of the story that saw Cardiff grow from modest town on the river crossing to the greatest coal-exporting town in the world; a period that paved the way for its modern role as the youngest and fastest growing European capital city.”

Cllr. Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “Tonight is our way of looking back and reflecting on what has been a demanding and exciting year at Insole Court. We now have a full programme of events that is diverse and encompasses the community. The staff and volunteers should all be commended for their hard work and commitment over the past year. I am positive that the relationship between the Council and the Insole Court Heritage Interpretation Project will continue to flourish for many years to come.”

Six primary schools are involved in the initiative under the Assembly Government’s schools-based counselling programme. It is also the first scheme in Wales for leading UK charity The Place2Be.

Funded jointly by Cardiff Council, the Assembly Government, HBOS Foundation and Private Equity Foundation, the Place2Be scheme places qualified counsellors within a number of local schools to form a hub. Herbert Thompson, Ninian Park, Glan yr Afon, Moorland, Grangetown and Windsor Clive primaries are all involved in the Cardiff scheme.

At each site there is a dedicated ‘Place2Be room’ and a specialist on-site team, consisting of a School Project Manager (a fully qualified counsellor or therapist with experience of working with children) and up to six trained counsellors who volunteer their time. Each team is based on site in the school between two-and-a-half and three days a week and offers a range of immediate and accessible interventions to the children.

Parents and carers are also supported with advice, consultation and, where appropriate, an introduction to other agencies that can provide further support. A range of services are also offered to teachers and school staff to support their complex, demanding roles within the school community.

In addition to the school based work, multi-agency workers such as school nurses, education psychologists and education welfare officers are linked closely to the service. This helps to ensure a joined up package of care and onward referrals to specialist agencies.

Executive Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning Councillor Freda Salway said: “This scheme is a proven, supportive way to give the many children who need it the helping hand to improve their lives, both in the short and long terms. The schools have worked for some time to secure this aid and I know the skills of the various agencies and individuals involved will be of huge benefit.”

Cardiff Place2Be Project Manager Linda Nicklin said: “The Place2Be scheme is committed to supporting troubled, unhappy children in schools. Ten percent of five to 15 year olds have a diagnosed mental health problem, 80 percent of children who show behavioural problems at the age of five go on to develop more anti-social behaviour and over 90 percent of young offenders have had a mental health problem as children. What we are aiming to do is help young children at a very early age to stop such problems later in life.”

The warning comes following reports that unsolicited calls have taken place across Wales and the UK. During the call residents are asked for their bank account details so that they can receive a council tax refund due to overpayment.

The Cardiff team are keen to stress that they would never make unsolicited calls to householders or ask for their bank account details over the phone. Council tax rebates can only be received once an official council tax form has been completed by householders. Those due a refund will also be given written notification from the council.

Executive Member for Finance and Service Delivery Cllr Mark Stephens, said: “I would urge residents to be guarded when receiving any calls that ask for bank account details over the telephone. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there who want to scam people out of their money and the tactics they use are very convincing.

“The council tax team are on hand to help those who may have any questions about the scam and they can be contacted via Connect 2 Cardiff on 029 2087 2087.”

Norwegian Church

Celebrate a traditional Scandinavian Christmas at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay. There is a long tradition of celebrating Christmas at the Church and this weekend is no exception as the Church hosts its annual Christmas Market. Children and adults alike are also welcome to attend the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Carol Service.

On 29th of November the traditional Norwegian Church Christmas market will be displaying a wide range of tasty produce. Take a relaxing stroll around the market stalls laden with decorations, cards and gifts and you can also enjoy treats available from the Norwegian Coffee Shop.

Everyone is welcome and admission is free!

Also on the day will be the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony opening with the Salvation Army Band who will be singing from 4.30 with the annual Carol and Tree Lighting Service from 5.15. As the Christmas tree is a gift to the Norwegian Church from the people of Hordaland, Ms Ingeborg Astrup, Director of International Affairs at Hordaland Council will deliver a Christmas message, ahead of the lighting of the Christmas tree. The ceremony will conclude with a folk and jazz music ‘Concert for a Starry Night’ in the Tube (ticket holders only, limited number available).

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said “This is one of my favorite times of year in Cardiff Bay. With the city bustle in the distance, the waterfront comes into its own as a cosy, tranquil haven. With the traditional, festive atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy here at Christmas time.”

Winter Wonderland in Cardiff

Christmas has come early for pupils of Oakfield Primary School after winning a special festive day out at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland, all thanks to their teacher Natasha Lewis who entered and won a Christmas competition via Red Dragon FM.

On Friday November 27, Natasha along with her class of 25 pupils will take to the ice to enjoy Wales’ coolest Christmas attraction.

The Cardiff Devils will make the visit extra special with players including Brad Voth, Max Birbraer, Matt Towe and Ben Davies hosting a special penalty shoot out with the children and teaching them some ice hockey moves.

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is the perfect Christmas treat for the young and the young at heart, the open-air ice rink is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Civic Centre and offers something for the whole family to enjoy.

Off the ice, visitors to bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland can relax at the ice café bar or keep an eye on the action from the heated terrace overlooking the ice. A traditional helter skelter and children’s carousel and rides ensure there’s something for everyone.

Visitors can also take a ride on the new John Lewis Wheel. Standing as tall as three double decker buses, the wheel boasts 24 heated, waterproof, enclosed gondolas that can accommodate up to six passengers on a 10 minute flight and offers a bird’s eye view of the city and its surroundings.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said:” I hope the pupils of Oakfield primary enjoy their day out at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland. Now in its ninth year Winter Wonderland is a fun day out and is a great way to get into the festive spirit.”

I am pleased that the Cardiff Devils have taken time out of their busy schedule to spend time with the children on the ice”.

Brent Pope Head of Devils Community Foundation said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to get primary school children involved with ice skating and hockey. Winter Wonderland is the perfect setting to teach the children a few moves.

“Going out into the community is very important to the Cardiff Devils, we are very proud of our Devils Community Foundation which aims to engage, cultivate and re-connect strong relationships within the community of South Wales.”

Red Dragon FM’s breakfast presenter Kam Kelly, said:”The response to the competition has been fantastic. So many kids across South Wales want to get on the ice. I hope they do better than I did.”

Bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is now open every day, except Christmas Day, until January 3, 2010.

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is one of many ways to celebrate Christmas in the capital other events include Cardiff’s Calennig New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a free live music stage supported by Queens Arcade, the free Admiral Family Fire Show; and the Admiral Free New Year’s Eve Bus Service plus fabulous Christmas shopping opportunities in the city with Christmas Park & Ride facilities supported by Admiral and much, much more.

For more information on bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland, including tickets, news, session details and entertainment listings visit www.bmibabycardiffwinterwonderland.com

Tickets for Cardiff’s must see Christmas attraction costs £8.50 per adult and £5.50 for children (aged 12 and under). Plus, those wanting to skate in the day can take advantage of the special off-peak rate of £5.50 (sessions from 11am to 4pm Monday to Friday, up to and including December 18).

There are also special rates for school groups, who can skate for £2.50 per pupil (teachers free) between November 16 and December 18 (11am to 2.40pm) and groups of over 20 can take advantage of discounted rates of £7.50 per adult and £4.50 for children at the 9.40-10.40am session from December 19 to January 3 (except Christmas Day, December 26 and January 1).

The welcome will be given by The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Brian Griffiths and the service will be led by Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe. The service will contain a number of readings, poems and hymns and will conclude at approximately 3pm. Deborah Morgan Lewis Grant will sing during the service.

A collection will be held in aid of The Friends of Velindre Hospital. The Friends of Velindre Hospital are a small group of volunteers who raise money to assist with the purchase of equipment and services which ease the patients stay in hospital. The charity also provides free thermometers to all outpatients receiving chemotherapy and they operate a Samaritan Fund which provides immediate financial and practical assistance for patients when their need is greatest.

Refreshments will be available after the memorial service.

This Christmas, Bereavement Services will again be selling memorial tags for a minimum donation of £2 in memory of a loved one, which can be placed on one of the Christmas Memorial Trees in the Wenallt Chapel Courtyard. The trees will be placed from December 1st 2009 and will remain in situ until 6th January 2010 when they will be removed in keeping with ‘Twelfth Night’ tradition. All donations received will be in support of The Friends of Velindre Hospital.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: “We recognise that the festive season can be a particularly difficult time for those who have lost a loved one and we are glad to be able to give this opportunity for people to come together to pay their respects. In addition we are delighted to support The Friends of Velindre Hospital, a charity that does such valuable work throughout the year.”

Why? Well it’s a chance to step off the treadmill and really think about what we are consuming and the environmental consequences.

How many things do you buy without really thinking about whether you need them? We live in a throwaway society where we buy convenience items and then discard them without a thought.

This year’s Buy Nothing Day will be celebrated with an organised litter pick led by Student Liaison Officer Kieran McCann supported by Tidy Towns.

The litter pick will take place along the Taff Trail and surrounding areas including Grangetown and Riverside between 12.30-15.30 on Saturday 28th November. All volunteers to meet outside 89 Corporation Road, Grangetown, CF11 7AQ at 12.00 for a 12.30 start.

Councillor Judith Woodman, Executive Member for Communities said: “Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental effects of consumption. Over the Festive Season we’ll throw away over 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging, 6 million Christmas trees and 83 square km of wrapping paper. This important campaign aims to help clear up the area littered with unnecessary waste, encourages recycling and gives people a chance to think about their consumption habits by stopping shopping for a day and partaking in positive actions.”

Indeg Jones, Cardiff Tidy Towns Officer for Keep Wales Tidy, said: “It’s great to see people getting involved in these events. By doing a litter pick we will not only be doing our bit for ‘buy nothing day’ but we will also be highlighting the amount of waste being produced in this high consumer society that we live in. Tidy Towns is always happy to support any event which results in less litter on our streets.”

On ‘Buy Nothing Day’ people around the UK will make a pact with themselves to take a break from shopping and the best thing is – IT’S FREE!!!

All equipment for the litter pick will be provided including litter pickers, bin liners, guidelines and a safety talk will be provided. Please bring your own gloves, waterproofs and sensible footwear and a home made packed lunch.

Over the last year Gordon has donated a lot of his time to the Riverside market working as a stalwart steward. With this in mind Mark met up with Jenny Howell Garden Manager of Riverside Market to ask for her help, and after a short meeting Mark and Jenny were both delighted to offer their support to Gordon and his garden.

Volunteers at the Riverside market where only too happy to help out a friend in need and set about returning Gordon’s garden to its former glory, and as a fair swap for all their hard work the project took away plenty of wood from his garden which will be used to fire their new cob oven which they built this year.

The Riverside Market, which is based at Pontcanna Allotments, meets every Wednesday and Friday and is open to anyone who would like to grow their own food. All produce is shared out between the volunteers.

Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “It’s fantastic to see such great team work in action and I would like to thank Mark and the Riverside Market for all their hard work in ensuring Gordon can once again enjoy his garden.”

For further information on the Riverside market visit www.riversidemarket.org.uk