Read Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Spring issue

Spring has finally arrived and we welcome warmer weather with our first publication of the year. Time to throw open the windows and doors and let the fresh spring air revitalise us.

The sunnier climes invite us to spend more outdoor time with our families. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few ideas for some quality family fun.

While you’re out and about, you might recognise some of the locations you visit from the shows that you’ve seen on TV. We’ve compiled a list of some of the places that have featured in big-name shows, including many that are right here on our doorstep. If nature is more of your thing, we’ve also created a guide to some of the flowers you’re likely to see at this time of year. Spring is a truly magical time!

While rebirth and growth blooms and flourishes all around us, now is a great time to devote some time to growing your own food. With living costs going up and up, we give you the basics on how to create your own vegetable plot – and which vegetables to grow.

Our gardens are our own little spaces away from the world. Whether you share that space with friends, family or even yourself, we’ll show you everything you need to create a mini sanctuary for yourself.
The same goes for indoors. After the hectic and upheaval of the last few years, we’ll show you how you can introduce calmness and serenity into your home.

Taking a look back in time, we’ve got several historical features that relate to our local area. Historian John Wake charts the life of north Cardiff’s Jack Jones, who did so much for the literary scene in Wales. Born in Merthyr, Jack’s work has been read, performed, and watched, all over the world.

John Wake has also contributed to our story of deception, fraud and hidden treasure that contributes to our feature about the SS Ferret.

The ship sailed from Scotland to Australia, via Cardiff, and the story’s character list reads like something you’d find in a movie. But the story is a true one, and one which leaves several questions unanswered.

And while the world currently wobbles into unknown territory, we visit relics of worrying times from the past. Several reminders of the Cold War are dotted around north Cardiff – many of them wouldn’t even be noticed by passers-by.

Finally, we’re treated to a short story from local author, Geraldine Seymour. It’s a tale of suburban sabotage – one to enjoy with a cup of tea and ten minutes to yourself.

Here at Living Magazines, we’re thrilled to be entering our 15th year of publication. When we first launched in 2007, we had no idea about where they would take us. We’ve been blessed to receive wonderful support, both from our readers, and our advertisers.

Without our advertisers, we wouldn’t be able to provide you with the publication that you’ve got in your hands now so it’s down to us to make sure that we repay that support. Without our local businesses, our communities would suffer so please shop local where and when you can.

See you in early summer!

Danielle and Patric