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All Features
The South Wales Magazine


Katherine Ryan on what might be the most embarrassing thing about childbirth
The comedian admits she pooed during two of her four labours – saying ‘it’s nothing to worry about because no one will remember’ The truth about labour: Katherine Ryan (Andrex/Dawn Productions/PA) As a mum of four, Katherine Ryan is well aware of both the joys and the horrors of childbirth. And the outspoken comedian, who gave birth to her latest baby seven-and-a-half months ago, is keen to stress that nothing about the birth process should be embarrassing or taboo – includin


9 stylish ideas for dads who appreciate home decor
Whether it’s accessorising his man cave or gifting on Father’s Day, make it something lasting, says Sam Wylie-Harris. From little luxuries to handy homewares, gifting ideas for Father’s Day (Smeg/PA) Whatever the age demographic of your dad, there’s a perfect present out there to suit his taste in decorative detail. From art and design options that fuse function with flair, or if you simply hope to bring a smile to his face by presenting him with a gift he’s been hankering af


Claudine Boulstridge’s coconut cod and zesty noodles recipe
The chef calls this a ‘healthier’ version of fish fingers. Coconut cod with greens and zesty lime rice noodles “This quick and tasty dish – think of it as a healthier version of fish fingers – is packed with good fats from coconut and seeds, as well as high-protein hemp, fish and eggs,” says chef Claudine Boulstridge. “It’s both nutritious and delicious, and the creamy, fragrant lime sauce makes it a hit with adults and children alike.” Coconut cod with greens and zesty lime


Ottolenghi’s recipe tester Claudine Boulstridge: My children ‘grew up on Yotam’s food’ – so they’re not fussy
Wales-based Boulstridge has been working with Ottolenghi for nearly two decades, and is releasing her debut cookbook. Claudine Boulstridge is Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipe tester (Helen Cathcart/PA) If you don’t want your children to become fussy eaters, why not wean them on a steady diet of Yotam Ottolenghi recipes? That’s what Claudine Boulstridge did – but not necessarily by design. French-British chef Boulstridge has been Ottolenghi’s recipe tester for 17 years now – meaning


Claudine Boulstridge’s blueberry Danish pastries recipe
Swap out blueberries for blackberries, apples or whatever you have in your fridge in these easy pastries. Claudine Boulstridge’s Blueberry Danish pastries (Helen Cathcart/PA) “These six-ingredient, low-sugar pastries are unbelievably simple to make and will quickly become your favourite healthy breakfast treat,” says chef Claudine Boulstridge. “Not only are they delicious and beautiful, but they’re also packed with blueberries – often hailed as a superfood for their numerous


Joanne Clifton: From the Ballroom to Britain’s Most Chaotic Hotel
As Fawlty Towers prepares to check into the Wales Millennium Centre this month, Joanne Clifton is stepping into one of British comedy’s most beloved roles. The 2016 Strictly Come Dancing champion and member of one of Britain’s best-known dancing families takes on the role of Polly in John Cleese’s stage adaptation of the iconic sitcom. John Cleese’s stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers Born into a family of champion dancers, with parents Keith and Judy Clifton and brother Kevin


Bristol at Home Magazine Launches Across the City
The latest addition to the growing At Home Magazines family is now being delivered free to homes across Bristol.


Handmade Living, Inside & Out
From bespoke architectural interiors to handcrafted outdoor furniture, The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey create statement pieces that bring craftsmanship, character and durability to modern living. Handmade furniture from The BOX Furniture and Chunk Monkey Designed and handmade in South Wales, each project combines solid timber, precision steelwork and over 20 years of craftsmanship experience, creating furniture and interiors built not only to look exceptional, but to last


Two exciting new developments by Acorn Property Group
Peaceful and modern homes in South Wales with Acorn Property Group who showcase the very best of design-led living in South Wales. Hensol Grove, Vale of Glamorgan Hensol Grove, Vale of Glamorgan Set within the prestigious grounds of The Vale Resort and historic Hensol Castle, Hensol Grove is an exceptional collection of sustainable new 2 to 5-bedroom homes located in the sought-after Vale of Glamorgan. Prices from £665,000. The new homes combine luxury living with an outstand


Go on an alpaca adventure with Alpaca My Boots
Looking for a fun and unforgettable way to explore the Welsh countryside? Then it’s time to lace up your walking boots and meet your new furry trekking companion at Alpaca My Boots, a 90-minute alpaca adventure guaranteed to leave you smiling from ear to ear. Alpaca My Boots Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bannau Brycheiniog, this unique experience combines stunning scenery, fresh mountain air and plenty of alpaca charm. Think rolling hills, sweeping green valleys an


The Bodyguard The Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre this summer
This summer, The Bodyguard The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre for a limited run from 20–25 July 2026, bringing with it star casting, theatrical spectacle and the unmistakable legacy of one of cinema’s most beloved stories. The Bodyguard The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre Few stage musicals manage to combine blockbuster romance, edge-of-your-seat drama and a soundtrack packed with era-defining hits quite like The Bodyguard. A Hollywood story reimagined


Don't miss the Royal Welsh Show 2026
Get ready for one of the biggest and best events in the British agricultural calendar as the Royal Welsh Show makes its much-anticipated return to Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, from Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd July 2026. Royal Welsh Show 2026 Every summer, thousands of visitors head to the heart of Mid-Wales for four unforgettable days celebrating the very best of Welsh and British agriculture and 2026 promises to be bigger, brighter and more exciting than ever. From world-class


Comedian and writer Dawn French: ‘Getting older is on my mind’
At 68, she is tackling the subject of end-of-life decisions in her fifth novel. Dawn French’s latest novel deals with end-of-life decisions (Pål Hansen/PA) Comedian, actor and writer Dawn French is fervently aware that broaching the subject of end-of-life decisions in her latest novel is likely to cause controversy. The theme of having control over end-of-life decisions might not seem an instant holiday read from The Vicar Of Dibley star, but it forms the backdrop to her new


‘I felt blind rage’: Chris Packham on his earliest memory of eco-anxiety
The presenter and campaigner tells Eleanor Fleming how concern over the planet has impacted him and how nature aids his mental and physical wellbeing. Chris Packham has shared his earliest memory of eco-anxiety and how it affected him (Handout/PA) Wildlife TV presenter and campaigner Chris Packham’s earliest memory of eco-anxiety traces back to his early teens, when he felt “blind rage” for the first time. The now-65-year-old, who lives in the New Forest with his partner Char


A huge new wellness resort is coming to Manchester – here’s a peek inside the Bucharest version
As the first ‘Therme’ is being built in the UK, Claire Spreadbury finds out what to expect. Anyone for a dip? (Therme Manchester/PA) A wellbeing resort, which developers claim will be the ‘world’s largest’ of its kind, is set to open in Manchester in 2028. Building is underway at the 65,000 square-metre site for Theme Manchester – which will cost an estimated £500 million to complete. The spa and water park will include more than 20 saunas and almost two kilometres of water s


6 changes to make now to improve your sleep in warm weather
Simple adjustments can significantly reduce the impact of high temperatures on your sleep. Try to cool down your environment and your mind, advises the expert (Alamy/PA) As summer approaches, many of us look forward to longer days and warm evenings spent outdoors. But while rising temperatures are welcome during the day, they can become far less appealing at night when it’s time to sleep. If you’re concerned about how the warmer weather might affect your rest this summer, you


9 summer bedding sets for a peaceful night’s slumber
Embrace the warmer weather by styling up your scheme with dreamy duvet sets. By Sam Wylie-Harris. With a heatwave on the cards, time to refresh your bedding (Secret Linen Store/PA) With summer hotting up and promise of warmer weather, it only takes the first heatwave to put the focus on fresh bed linen – and making everything look and feel cool, crisp and charming. And whether you favour white, pastels, or feel fearless with colour by mixing and matching prints and florals, t


The 10 best finance apps to help you organise your money
Download some of these nifty apps to help you stay on top of your spending. Finance apps can help you sort out your finances and keep on track with savings goals (Alamy/PA) Feel like you’re floundering when it comes to keeping track of the money you have coming in and going out? As you’d imagine, there are more than a few apps out there designed to help you stay on top of your finances. So whether you’re struggling with budgeting, debt or splitting bills, an online organiser


Watering aids to help you through the drier months
Water butts, solar-powered irrigation and mists can all help. The Hozelock Solar Select automatic irrigation system is perfect for when you go away (Hozelock/PA) After an extremely dry spring in some parts, gardeners may now be heading for their hosepipes to try to keep their beloved flowering plants, fruit and vegetables happy. We may choose to plant drought-tolerant plants, although they are still likely to need watering-in until established, and use mulch to cover the grou


Comedian and TV presenter Tom Allen: Stand-up can still be very blokey
The quirky comedian talks about his love of suburbia, feeling old and a life of pottering. Tom Allen has embraced life in suburbia (Jiksaw/PA) He didn’t leave home until he was 37, but comedian and TV presenter Tom Allen says he has always felt older than his years. He admits that he likes nothing better than to be in his own suburban garden with his partner, Alfie Garston – his first boyfriend – and inviting celebrity guests to join him on his Pottering podcast. Sounds fairl
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