Help make our market matter at celebration event

IT'S celebrating its 50th birthday this year after being rebuilt following the Swansea Blitz and now a major event is being held at Swansea Indoor Market later this week to help raise its profile.

The Making Markets Matter roadshow is coming to the city on Thursday August 18 between 10am and 4pm to help persuade the shopping public to savour the joys of the attraction.

The event is being held in collaboration with the National Market Traders Federation and will feature cookery demonstrations, free face-painting and a find a fruit treasure hunt.

It's one of many similar events being held across the UK this summer to help put the country's 1,400 markets on the map and show people why they matter.

The Making Markets Matter mascot Victor the Lion will be on hand to entertain children throughout the day and many of the 100 plus traders will be running special offers.

Presenters from the Wave will undertake a live radio broadcast between 10am and 2pm and other fun activities will include a voucher vault grabber and a Play Your Cards Right stall.

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the National Market Traders Federation, said: "Making Markets Matter is all about encouraging people to appreciate their local market and all it can offer. The Federation's road show is designed for the public to have a fun day whilst experiencing a great retail offer."

Have a look at www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk for more information or call 01792 476370.

Though the days of huge landings of fish at the old docks are long gone, we are still blessed with a great choice of fishmongers, many of whom are to be found in the Swansea covered market. Each of these displays their own unique products as well as some of the more well known fish and shellfish.

One such fishmonger, occupying a corner plot on the main thoroughfare, is Coakley-Green. With a 150 year old pedigree, this business has become a local by-word for quality seafood and also does pretty well for a nationwide reputation. Opened in 1856, the original business was situated at No.1 Goat St., near the current location of the former David Evans’s building, but like much of the city centre was destroyed in the Blitz.  (www.swanseamarket.food-passion.co.uk). We are looking forward to returning to the market on Saturday where Adrian has promised us his usual weekend display of ice sculptures and giant fish. Watch this space for some fabulous photos and a forthcoming video about Swansea Market

The counter takes some time to prepare from being empty and we'll be rising early to follow Adrian through the day in his life. hat'll be an early one.

 Samphire is also known as sea asparagus is very slaty to the taste but this decreases with preparation and cooking. Blanching for a minute or so seems to be the trick.









The wonderful ice sculptures are made in amould that was specially created  for Adrian. They will last all day in the winter but melt very quicly duringt tyhe summmer. Fish is kept cool with constant ice being added to the counter. Adrian tells me that the ice maker is kept busy through the hot months.

 Here you see ice being sprinked over the counter area. The selection of fish is just so comprehensive to suit every pocket and palate. I took some white bait, fresh and of a good size. I must say that after being lightly shaken with seasoned flour they cooked quickly in hot oil to a crispy coating and where served with a spicy rice dish and salad were filling and healthy.  I recommend you visit the market and sample Adrians fish.



Watch out for the Swansea Market video coming shortly.

What's on Offer in Singleton park this month

Botanics in Bloom 2011

 

1 - 31 August, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Singleton park

We say with such huge open parks such as Singleton that Swansea has just about everything within walking distance (or at least a short bus ride) from beach, castle, shopping centre, open parkland, large indoor market, gardens, woodland and small urban villages.


Wherever we live we all say the same thing "Oh! I've never been there! or "Haven't been there since I was a kid!" With healthy living at the forefront of the search for a longer better life this is the opportunity to get some easy exercise and enjoy some interesting sights.


Singlton Park is full of surprises from the Sunday afternoon music, plants for sale, a perfect place to take the kids biking, a picnic or a simple stroll. t's agreat time to think things through in peace. And it's a fact that when you exercise yor brain becomes more creative. Don't beleive me? Get out to Singleton Park and discover nature and maybe your inner self too.

To contact the Dog Training call Liz Ellis on 01792 798962


Botanics in Bloom is celebrated every year throughout August when the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park are in full bloom and at their most spectacular. 

During this time you can see many specimens of rare and exotic plants from all over the world, as well as more traditional plants. 

There will also be a variety of events including children's entertainment, brass band concerts, guided tours, workshops, demonstration and plant sales.

A visit to the gardens in August is a must so come along and join in with the fun activities and celebrate Botanics in Bloom.

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Main Programme of Events 

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Band Concerts:

Sundays 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Relax in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens whilst being entertained by some of Swansea's finest bands. 

7 Aug  City of Swansea concert band

14 Aug  Constellation Big Band

21 Aug Morriston Big band

28 Aug Swansea Accordion Orchestra

Free

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Children's activities:

Mondays 1pm - 4pm (excludes Bank Holiday),

Sundays 3pm - 5pm (includes Bank Holiday)

There are so many activities to keep the children happy.  Monday session includes arts & crafts, an entertainer and face painting.

Mondays - £ 0.50 all inclusive with entertainer (unfortunately we can't guarantee that every child will get their face painted due to time constraints)

Here are a list of children's entertainers that will be present every Monday throughout Botanics in Bloom and will be providing a range of activities and entertainment from magic shows and storytelling to clowns and glove puppets;

Monday 1 - Diamond Dust

Monday 8 - Mike Church

Monday 15 - Loopy Loo

Monday 22 - Mr Bubbles

Every Sunday - Free (arts & crafts and face painting)

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Guided tours of the gardens with slideshow:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm.*

A guided tour is a great way to explore the magnificent gardens and experience all they have to offer.  Guided tours for 10+ people can be arranged at £1.50 per person, which can be booked any time.

Adults £1.50, children £0.50

(*meet at main gate)

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Bird and wildlife slideshow and tours with an experienced wildlife guide:

Wednesdays 10.00am – 12noon.*

Discover the wonderful variety of birds and wildlife that live in the Botanical Gardens.  An experienced guide will take you to all the best spots to catch a glimpse of the gardens' inhabitants.

Adults £1.50, children £0.50

(*meet at Ty'r Blodau)

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 Workshops and demonstrations

 Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm

Have you ever wanted guidance on garden design? Or perhaps you would like to learn about growing vegetables? If so, there is bound to be something of interest for you at these workshops which incorpoarte many interesting topics.

Adults £1.50; children 50p (not suitable for very young children)

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Plant sales:Saturdays 10.00am – 2.00pm

The extremely popular plant sales, organised by the Friends of the Botanics, offer a great opportunity to purchase high quality, locally grown plants at competitive prices.

Free admission

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Rare plant sale
Sunday 21 August, 10am - 5pm

The rare plant sale will give you a chance to pick up something special for your home or garden.

Swansea Coastguards fight to keep open

7.45am went to Mumbles to try and speak with Sir Alan Massey, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Chief Executive but he wasn't available. The sudden decision to close the Swansea Coastguard operation came as a shock to everyone living in the area. In the announcement it seemed to me that the arguement was not to do with the location but on two other factors. Firstly it was stated that there were enough employees from the Government Dept working in the area and it is felt that this is an excuse and cover for the loss, and secondly the heavy campaign at Fishguard may have tipped the scales on which station to close. It seems that locally the decision was not even considered. Or was it?  There are support and campaigning groups now and  understand the Facebook group closed today because it was full!

This is a vital service that does save lives. As an area of outstanding beauty and such a magnet to tourists with a whole range of outside water activities this service is not just necessary but essential. Please support

Presenters Wanted

Fancy being a TV presenter?

We are looking for presenters for Sport, Theatre, Music, Community Projects, Tourism, News and much more. Are you dynamic, clear speaking (we love your local accent), interested in other people, enjoy being part of a team and think you can make a valuable contibution?

Then show us now. Make a video clip about yourself and why you should be one of our presenters. Quality of the video isn't as important as showing just how good you are. You can download it at Youtube and e-mail us the web address or send us the clip by e-mail. Include some details about you and your mobile number on the e-mail.

This isn't paid work and it can take jjust aas much time as you want, from an occasional hour here and there to as much time as you want to give. We just want people who will work with us and take pride in building up great on-line TV.

The sooner you take action the better chance you have of being involved. If you have any questions call 07976 364681

Watch out for SwanseaBay-tv

SwanseaBay-tv is about to hit a sceeen near you watch out.