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John Paul Maunders, director of the Midsummer Festival, held at Duffryn Gardens in June, talks about his life in the Vale

Tell us a bit about yourself I am currently on a career break from South Wales Police working for the Welsh Local Government Association as team leader of Excellence Wales, a scheme set up to identify good practice in Welsh local government, making sure it is shared to improve standards of service. During my early days with the police I spent many years patrolling the streets of Barry, Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major and as a Diversity Trainer before taking up the opportunity to experience the outside' world in an attempt to add more skills to my repertoire! I am also festival director of the annual open air Midsummer Festival of Music and Theatre which this year runs from June 16 to 29 at Dyffryn Gardens. I have been involved in the theatre as an actor, director and over the past five years as a writer, having written two successful family musicals. Most recently I have written, directed and produced two short films.

What do you like most about the Vale?

I really enjoyed my time working as a police officer in the Vale and always found the residents so warm and welcoming. The place has an interesting and varied coastline, and offers a wonderful and exciting countryside experience, with plenty of places to walk and where I enjoy seeing all kinds of wildlife and historical remains. It is also good to see the growth of the area with developments and regeneration projects in Barry and Penarth adding to the feel-good factor.

Where would you recommend for an unforgettable dining experience in the Vale?

The West House Country Hotel. Situated in the historic village of Llantwit Major, the West House is a converted 17th century country house with a rich history and heritage typical of the area, and an ambience to match. I've always found the food to be of quality and good value - ideal for a relaxed evening with friends.

Who would be your ideal companion on a trip around the Vale and why?

John Cory was the shipping magnate who, in the late 19th century, helped put South Wales on the world map. It was then that he built Dyffryn House as his country home, and enlisted the help of world-renowned landscape architect Thomas Mawson to design the gardens. His life-long improvements to the estate were continued by his son Reginald, and it is Reginald and his father John who I would love to take on a trip around the Vale as it is today - I think they would be amazed at the changes to the dock areas in particular, but also pleased at how much of the Vale remain unspoiled.

Favourite music and why?

Growing up I often listened to the music my father played and that included Mario Lanza, Frankie Vaughan, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and I still enjoy that music today. In fact I enjoy many music styles - I was a teenage rock fan of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, love going to the Brecon Jazz Festival and have sung everything from G & S and Sondheim to Oscar and Hammerstein on stage! I often tune in to classical radio and have recently bought a CD of Puccini's Opera, Madam Butterfly, as I felt that I ought to get to know the opera better prior to hosting the production at our festival at Dyffryn.

Favourite town/village in the Vale and why?

Having worked in Barry through the 80s, 90s and right up to today, seeing all the growth, developments and changes that have occurred I would have to say that Barry pretty much has everything anyone could want on offer. The decline in Barry as a holiday destination and working port was at one stage a real concern for the area, but with the regeneration that is ongoing at Barry Island and in the docks I feel that there is genuine hope and optimism for the future.

Which Vale landmark is a must see?

The town centre clock in Penarth is a landmark that holds a special place in my heart. During the years spent on foot patrol as a young police officer in the area, I was often ordered to stand beside it throughout the night shift by my Superintendent (he knows who he is!) so that anyone entering Penarth from any direction would see a police presence. Some nights I had only the clock for company, and nowadays when I see it I feel that it is an old friend, and an interesting must see' for visitors to the town.

What annual event in the Vale is a must?

Obviously I would have to say the Midsummer Festival of Music & Theatre at Dyffryn Gardens, but then of course I'm biased! This will be our fourth festival, and we have seen our audiences grow significantly each year. We're delighted that it has become so popular. I used to perform at the festivals there years ago, and I have always had a soft spot for Dyffryn Gardens as it is where I met my wife. I had to say that as she is looking over my shoulder as I write!

If there is one thing missing from the Vale, what do you think it is?

Recently I have been part of the group making efforts to save the Theatre Royal in Barry from closure. It is important that we look after our heritage and the Theatre Royal is a community facility we do not want to lose. It would be fantastic if this could be enhanced not only as a cinema but also as an arts centre venue that can offer a smaller type of community theatre, a place for live bands, school productions, amateur productions, art exhibitions and a place to showcase young talent, of which there is plenty in the Vale.

9:37am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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