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All Features
The South Wales Magazine


Are statins the best choice for me?
Discussing your personal circumstances with a GP is essential when considering statins. Statins are often taken to lower cholesterol (Alamy/PA) New research suggests that most side-effects linked to statins are not caused by the drugs. The new study, published in The Lancet, looked at data from 123,940 people who were were followed up for an average of 4.5 years after initiating treatment and took part in 19 clinical trials comparing the effects of statins to a placebo. Resea


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


From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the new Grand Egyptian Museum – how to do a bucket-list trip to Cairo
Kirsty Masterman discovers a wealth of history – and Cairo’s famous street food – in the Egyptian capital. Egypt Pyramids of Giza across desert (Alamy/PA) “Keep moving” orders a voice deep from the abyss, as a length of people, as far as the eye can see, try to avoid bashing their heads on the ancient rocks above them, me included. Sweat dripping from my brow, there’s no chance of stopping to catch my breath. A few moments ago, I’d joined the crowds to marvel at the oldest of


Ping Coombes’ crispy Bangkok eggs recipe
Change up brunch with this sweet and spicy version. Crispy Bangkok eggs (Sam Folan 2026/PA) “I took the family to Bangkok two years ago. We went to this highly recommended restaurant and one of the dishes the girls raved about was fried eggs in a sweet and spicy sauce,” says Ping Coombes. “They could not get enough of this, so I set out to recreate it. The secret to the crispy edges on eggs is the amount of oil you use.” Crispy Bangkok eggs Ingredients: (Serves 2-4) 6–7tbsp v


Margot Robbie goes sheer at Wuthering Heights premiere in London
Robbie sported a British designer for the occasion. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi arriving on the red carpet (Ian West/PA) Margot Robbie stepped out in a Dilara Findikoglu custom gown at the London premiere for the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights. Margot Robbie in Dilara Findikoglu (Ian West/PA) Coming to UK cinemas on February 13, Robbie celebrated in a sheer corseted Gothic gown with moss green, blooming seams and a matching choker. It is a British label that she has


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


Award‑winning joint care at Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals
Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals are celebrating national recognition for patient safety in orthopaedic surgery. Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals This year, Nuffield Health hospitals performing joint replacements across England and Wales have, (for the fifth consecutive year), achieved the National Joint Registry (NJR) Gold Quality Data Award, the registry’s highest mark for data quality and compliance. This reflects rigorous standards designed to improve


The spy novel that changed everything, now live on stage
Secrets, lies, moral compromise, John le Carré’s world of espionage finally steps out of the shadows and onto the stage in a gripping new production of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Ralf Little stars in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, at Wales Millennium Centre For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré, the undisputed master of the modern spy genre whose works include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager, is brought to life in a thrilling stage


The Vale Resort Reveals £500k Gym Refurb
The all-new gym space offers state of the art equipment, new dedicated training zones and a brand new look for 2026. The Vale Resort Gym South Wales’ iconic Vale Resort has today unveiled the completion of a significant refurbishment of its extensive gym in time to help guests kick-start their new year fitness goals, investing £500,000 in the latest in fitness technology and equipment, as well as all-new training zones, to maximise the health and wellness experience for guest


Make sure you pick up Welsh yogurt next time your in the supermarket
Last year marked a proud milestone for Llaeth y Llan as the family business celebrated its 40th anniversary, four decades of producing exceptional dairy with deep roots in the Welsh countryside. Llaeth y Llan celebrates their 40th year. From its beginnings as a small local venture to becoming one of Wales’ most respected dairy brands, Llaeth y Llan has remained true to its founding values, quality, locality and pride in Welsh produce. At the heart of the business is a simple


Have a blast at Techniquest this February
Cardiff Bay's much-loved science discovery centre will be open 9am–6pm every day this February half-term so there's even more time for families to get blown away by science. Cardiff Bay's Techniquest As well as three floors packed with curious exhibits and creative activities, you can catch Bubbles and Blasts — a live science show with mega bubbles that float, glow in the dark, and even pack an explosive punch! Or you can get hands-on with a workshop in the lab, where you can


Lee Mead takes on the role of Barnum
More than 30 years ago, a teenage Lee Mead stood in a school hall in Southend-on-Sea, playing the Ringmaster in Barnum, quietly dreaming of the day he might lead the show himself. Now, at 44, that dream has come full circle as he steps into the spotlight as P.T. Barnum for a major new UK tour of the classic musical. Lee Mead plays the Ringmaster in Barnum at Wales Millennium Centre When Lee Mead was around 13 or 14 he appeared in a school production of Barnum in his home town


Laurel & Hardy back on the big screen
One hundred years after they first made audiences roar with laughter, Laurel & Hardy return to the big screen in spectacular style. The Laurel & Hardy Centenary Tour celebrates the birth of their legendary partnership with newly restored films, live improvised piano music and expert insight. Laurel & Hardy Centenary Tour at Swansea Grand Theatre Laurel & Hardy, arguably the most important and influential comedy partnership of all time, will be celebrated in 2026 with a new 10


The Red Shoes coming to Wales Millennium Centre in March
The double Olivier Award-winning smash hit, Matthew Bourne's production of The Red Shoes, comes to Wales Millennium Centre, 3–7 March 2026. Photography by Johan Persson Step into a world where ambition burns bright, passion is unstoppable and every step could change a life. Matthew Bourne’s stunning production of The Red Shoes comes to Cardiff, bringing the legendary Powell and Pressburger film to spellbinding life on stage. Photography by Johan Persson This is a story of ob


Home design trends for 2026
From heritage maximalism to lighting as art, these are the key looks gaining traction. By Sam Wylie-Harris. Interior styles to look out for, according to the design pros (Space Shack/Chris Snook/PA) Looking for ideas on how to keep your decor and interior styling bang up-to-date? With the focus on new horizons, home and design platform Houzz has gathered insights from its community of homeowners, designers and home improvement professionals to forecast the top home design tre


Things you are too embarrassed to ask your doctor – but really should
Surgeon and social media star Dr Karan Rajan gives the lowdown on being honest about your ailments. Being honest with your doctor could save your life (Alamy/PA) There are some subjects many of us find hard to talk to our doctors about – bowel habits, sexual organs and personal hygiene spring to mind. But these are problems that we shouldn’t be afraid to discuss, says surgeon and social media star Dr Karan Rajan, 35, who has more than 10 million followers on social media, has


How to make Ella Mills’ chunky chickpea and lentil soup with tahini and tomatoes
Soup season is upon us. Chunky chickpea and lentil soup with tahini and tomatoes (Clare Winfield/PA) “This one-pan soup is such a lifesaver – hearty, comforting, and packed with protein from the lentils and chickpeas,” says Deliciously Ella, aka Ella Mills. “You simply throw everything into the pan, and it pretty much cooks itself, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re low on energy but still want something nourishing. It also freezes brilliantly, if you want to do


How to make Ella Mills’ creamy white bean and mushroom orzo risotto
No risotto rice in the cupboard? No problem. Creamy white bean and mushroom orzo risotto (Clare Winfield/PA) “When I want something cosy and comforting but super easy, with almost no washing up, this creamy, zesty white bean and mushroom orzo is my go-to. Everything comes together in one pan, making it the perfect fuss-free meal for busy days,” says Ella Mills, founder of the Deliciously Ella brand. “With earthy mushrooms, hearty beans and velvety orzo, it’s rich and satisfyi


How to make Ella Mills’ pulled aubergine tortillas with crispy roasted cabbage
A total feast. Pulled aubergine tortillas with crispy roasted cabbage (Clare Winfield/PA) This is a two-parter of a recipe, which makes the most of leftovers. Start with Deliciously Ella’s pulled miso aubergine ragu. “A hearty and flavourful pulled aubergine ragu with lentils, perfect as a main dish on its own or served over pasta or grains. The aubergine is roasted until tender, shredded, then combined with lentils and a spiced tomato sauce to create a rich, satisfying sauce


9 ways to weave chic chalet style into your scheme
Time to nail the Alpine lodge look, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Ski lodge style to amp up your space (Desenio/PA) Got that cosy slopeside chalet vibe? Thinking a fireside fondue, glühwein or mug of cocoa, and a sheepskin rug to sink your toes into? With icy temperatures and a wintry cold snap stirring thoughts of après ski, now’s the time to snug up your space with earthy tones, natural materials and a good measure of rustic charm. Here’s how to reinvent your décor with mountainsi
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