South Wales Echo

Oasis of Calm

Muslim Council Hosts Devolution Celebration

THE Muslim Council of Wales has given a dinner at City Hall to celebrate 10 years of devolution. More than 400 guests attended to help honour First Minister Rhodri Morgan for his achievements and services to Wales.

Appeal for Witnesses After Assault

POLICE are making house-to-house inquiries and checking CCTV footage following an assault on a 32-year-old man. Detectives want to speak to anyone who witnessed the man being forced into a vehicle in East Road, Tylorstown, Rhondda, some time during Saturday evening.

Professor Builds On Success with Award

A CARDIFF University professor has been awarded a medal by the Institution of Civil Engineers for his work in education. Prof Ben Barr received the Parkman medal for his work in the area of UK civil engineering education in the 21st century.

Theo Is a Little Star, but We'd Also Like a Baby Girl

BABY'S N ME: Theo George Raisis DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: The University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff at 8.40pm on July 7. WEIGHT: 7lb 8oz PARENTS: Chef Stephen Raisis, 20, and customer service manager Charlotte Bailey, 20, of Wingcliff Gardens, Pentwyn, Cardiff.

Your Stars

You have a touch of arrogance to your chart, which can be used in a positive or a negative way. Use the latter and you'll be kicking yourself tomorrow. Strive for greatness and success instead Aries. Call my starline now to hear why I know success is yours. I know that work is proving harder than you would like it to be at the moment. Trust me when I tell you that I can see the finishing line. Overtime bring it even closer. Call now to hear how the planet Neptune promises great things.

Pick of the Day

Watchdog (8.00pm) Investigation show that exposes poor business practices and campaigns on behalf of the public. Matt Allwright catches out more Rogue Traders, while Anne Robinson and Anita Rani test a guest reporter's knowledge of consumers' rights. The Culture Show (7.00pm) Lauren Laverne presents from the Glasgow School of Art, which is celebrating the centenary of its building's opening, and Matt Collings visits the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Movies

The Dark Knight. (2008), Sky Movies Action/Thriller, 6.25pm. With Christian Bale. Mr Woodcock. (2007), Sky Movies Comedy, 6.25pm. With Billy Bob Thornton and Seann William Scott. The Simpsons Movie. (2007), Sky Movies Family, 6.30pm. The town of Springfield faces destruction after Homer attracts the wrath of the government. Featuring the voices of Dan Castellaneta and Julie Kavner.

Surgeon N Had the Key to Getting Me Back to My Best ; Vanessa Chi Ick Was so Terrified of Surgery She Endured D Years of Agonising Back Pain Rather Than Go Under the Knife. But As She Tells Gre Eg Tindle, a New Keyhole Procedure En Nded Her Pain at Last

For years Vanessa Chick suffered with severe neck and back pain - problems that started after a car crash while driving home after work. As the agony worsened X-rays eventually revealed that Vanessa had a damaged disc in her spine which was pressing on delicate nerves causing the pain to spread to her legs.

See the Light If You Feel Sad

YES, it's that time of year again - the clocks have gone back and the long, dark winter nights are upon us once more. Now, most of us will admit to feeling a little down in the dumps at the thought of the impending British winter, but for some of us, this time of year can trigger significant mood changes and depression, severe enough to disrupt everyday life. These winter blues are otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Walls of White Let the Light Shine in ; Some Walls Have Been Removed and the Rest Painted White in Cosy Cottage

LYNNE EDMONDS has created an oasis of restful calm in her revamped cottage in the village of Newton in Porthcawl. It was eight years ago that Lynne, who works for an airline company, moved to Poplar Cottage in the Brick Yard, and set about redoing virtually every room in the house.

Ban On 'Liars' Loans' Could Cause House Price Fall

THERE are fears the plan to ban self-certification mortgages could reduce demand in the housing market and cause prices to fall during 2010. Designed for workers unable to prove their regular income, such as the self-employed, contract workers and people with various sources of revenue, these deals have been dubbed "liars' loans" because rules were often bent by those applying and by lenders.

Prepare the Ground Before Work Begins ; Hammer It Home with Martin Roberts

This week Martin offers advice on key things to consider before you start work on a property. Whether or not you need to apply for planning permission, you should think about the following before you start work. Neighbours: Let your neighbours know about work you intend to carry out to your property. They are likely to be as concerned about work which might affect them as you would be about changes which might affect your enjoyment of your own property. Even if what you want to do would be la...

Getting Back to Basics ; Cardiff Home with Original Features

CATHY GILLETT saw the potential as soon as she set eyes on her home in Marlborough Road, Cardiff. Despite needing a complete overhaul from top to bottom, the spacious period property has now been transformed into a stunning family home.

Sign of a Lazy Estate Agent ; Property Posers Your Legal Questions Answered by Richard Battrick

Open Legal Route to Access Rights ; Property Posers Your Legal Questions Answered by Richard Battrick

You Could Live Here Lettings

IDEAL FOR FAMILIES Where? Downtown Road, Rumney, Cardiff What's it got? This detached 1930s bungalow has three double bedrooms, a large luxury kitchen/diner with a Belfast sink, French windows to the back garden and attic storage space. What's so good about it? Coming fully furnished, it's a cosy house, ready to move into right away. It also has its own garage.

Homes in Demand at Cae Penderyn

FOLLOWING rising demand for starter homes at its Cae Penderyn development in Merthyr Tydfil, George Wimpey has unveiled plans to build 12 more two bedroom Deddington-style houses at the development. Four of the Deddingtons are available to buy off plan now, while house hunters can register their interest for the remaining eight which are due to be released for sale early next year.

Queen Overture to Man's Drugs Death ; Another One Bites the Dust On Player

A SCHIZOPHRENIC man with a history of suicidal thoughts died in his home as the Queen song, Another One Bites The Dust, played over and over again. John Frederick Fry,47,had binged on sleeping tablets, an inquest heard. When police and ambulance crews discovered his body, the video for the '80s hit was playing on repeat.

Shoppers' Spaces at Risk

COMMUTERS are abusing public car parks in one city suburb, according to an AssemblyMember. PlaidAMfor South Wales Central Chris Franks said residents have complained that workers are taking up spaces for shoppers in Whitchurch.