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The South Wales Magazine


Climbing for Aled: A Mother-Daughter Mission to Machu Picchu
Sian and her mum Sylvia are taking on an 11-day trek through the Peruvian jungle in memory of Sian’s late son Aled. Battling altitude, splints and age, they’re walking to raise funds for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice. Climbing for Aled: A Mother-Daughter Mission to Machu Picchu Trekking at altitude through the Peruvian jungle to the lost city of Machu Picchu would be a challenge for most people. But Sian Milligan, 44, who will be heading for Machu Picchu with her mum Sylvia Wal


The bank of mum and dad: How to help adult children without harming your future finances
Financial experts tell Lisa Salmon about sensible ways parents can protect their money while helping children with big expenses. Supporting your children shouldn’t come at the expense of your own financial wellbeing (Alamy/PA) Having kids is expensive – and never more so than when they get older and parents’ primary role seems to morph from giving love and care to being head of the bank of mum and dad. Because while the financial outlay for younger children tends to centre ar


Over Half of UK Adults Do Not Have A Will In Place – Are You One of Them?
Hannah Thomas, a Partner in the Wills & Probate team at Harding Evans Solicitors, tells us why it's important to make a will and review it every five years to protect your loved ones. Wills & Probate at Harding Evans Solicitors in Cardiff Having a Will in place is one of the most important steps adults can take to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are carried out. Yet research conducted by Censuswide and published in 2025 by The Association of Lifetime Lawye


5 things too much screen time is doing to your child’s brain
Excessive screen time can have a number of cognitive effects. Government research has found that children aged two with the highest screen use – about five hours a day – could say significantly fewer words than those with screen use of about 44 minutes a day (Alamy/PA) New government research indicates that increased screen time may be linked to poorer vocabulary development in toddlers. Findings came from The Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study where primary caregivers were


Dinos, diggers and fast cars – the toys tipped to be best sellers this Christmas
The DreamToys list features the toys, games and gadgets predicted to be most in demand this festive season. By Lisa Salmon. Jurassic World Primal Hatch T.Rex has made the 2025 DreamToys ‘most wanted’ Christmas list (DreamToys/PA) Singing witch dolls, a grave-digging monster and shimmering slime are among the predicted top-selling toys this Christmas, according to industry experts. The 15 toys to have made the 2025 DreamToys list, selected by a panel of independent toy retaile


Tom Daley: ‘I’ve found a second passion in life’
After retiring from diving, Tom Daley is trying to get more people – including the young – to take up the knitting and crocheting he loves so much. New passion: crocheter Tom Daley (Hobbycraft/PA) Instead of impressing the nation with gold medal-winning performances off the diving board, Tom Daley is now hoping to inspire people in a radically different way: through his love of knitting and crochet. Daley, who retired from diving last year after a haul of Olympic, World, Euro


How to make 2026 the year you get on top of your finances
Follow this expert-backed financial advice to set yourself up for success. Setting good financial habits is a great goal for the new year (Alamy/PA) If you have no idea where all your money went this year and your finances feel like a huge source of stress, don’t worry because 2026 offers a fresh start. As the new calendar year speedily approaches, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect and reset. “A lot of people set New Year’s resolutions and see January as a fresh start,”


The Best New Prams for Your Newborn: Top 5 Bugaboo Prams
If you’re searching for the best pram for newborns, look no further than Bugaboo, one of the world’s most trusted baby brands. Known for its stylish design, smooth handling and exceptional safety features, Bugaboo prams are a favourite among new parents — and for good reason. Whether you want a lightweight stroller, an all-terrain travel system or a luxe newborn pram, Bugaboo offers premium options designed to make everyday life easier. To help you choose, here are the top 5


Experiences at The Vale Resort make the perfect Christmas gift
Make the season sparkle at The Vale Resort with the gift of time well spent, think indulgent escapes, gourmet feasts and one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight everyone on your list. The Vale Resort Overnight stays Midweek Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Break (from £190 for two) The perfect midweek retreat, including a delicious three-course dinner, a restful night’s sleep in a beautifully appointed room and a hearty Welsh breakfast. Spiced Rum Making B&B Break (from £299 for


Local Care Home Celebrates Black History Month
Residents and staff at Bryn Ivor Lodge care home in Cardiff came together this October to celebrate Black History Month with a week filled with music, learning, and cultural appreciation. The highlight of the week was a live performance by a singer Mary Ann and her talented string band Calypso, whose soulful set brought joy, energy, and togetherness to everyone in attendance. (Bryn Ivor Lodge care home celebrate Black History Month) Alongside the music, the care home organise


The trending Halloween make-up looks to try for 2025
From Wicked’s witches to coquette clowns – here are the viral looks for this year’s Halloween. Wednesday Addams is part of the trending beauty looks for Halloween 2025 (Netflix/PA) You probably haven’t started thinking about your Halloween look, but you may already be assuming the easy options of cat or vampire, which require no more than a liquid liner or a little fake blood. This year however, there are some viral looks from cinematic references to snatched skeletons that a


Katherine Ryan on back-to-school and being a ‘geriatric parent’
The pregnant comedian and mum-of-three shares back-to-school tips and reveals her parenting resources, time and energy ‘are starting to...


8 ways to help teenagers make the most of university life
As many teens prepare to start university, the authors of a new uni guide tell Lisa Salmon how first-year students can maximise new...


Going to uni this year? How to get a grip of your finances
Create a budget, explore financial support options, and learn to manage your money effectively. Being financially savvy at university can...


Kings Camps – Summer Sports & Activity Camps for Kids Aged 5–17 in Cardiff
Looking for exciting and affordable summer holiday camps in Cardiff? (Kings Camps) Kings Camps is the UK’s leading provider of sports and...


How to survive festivals as a family this summer
Festival experts give Lisa Salmon tips about how to keep kids safe and happy at events this summer. Family fun at Camp Bestival (Camp...


Legal Column: If I don’t have a Will, does my estate pass directly to my spouse?
Our legal expert Hannah Thomas gives us the lowdown on Wills and why making one will protect your loved ones. (Harding Evans Solicitors)...


Revamped outdoor space brings joy to Cardiff assessment centre
An outdoor area at the Llandough Children’s Assessment Centre (LCAC) in Penarth, near Cardiff, has undergone a dramatic transformation,...


VR Headsets to Revolutionise Exam Preparation at Gower College Swansea
Gower College Swansea is adding a cutting-edge twist to exam preparation by expanding its use of virtual reality (VR)—helping students...


The perfect venue to host a baby shower
A baby shower is a truly special occasion, one that marks a significant milestone for the mum-to-be and her loved ones. Hensol Castle...
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