Gazette and Diary magazine November 2014

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas Party Nights 2014 7pm until midnight

Book early to avoid disappointment.

A £10.00 per person non refundable deposit is required upon booking.

Friday 12th December

Full payment for your booking must be received by 1st December 2014.

Johnny Cash Tribute Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

A pre order form for dinner and wine will be sent out when booking.

Tuesday 16th December 70’s Disco Party Night - Fancy Dress

To request a menu or make a booking please contact us.

Two Course Festive Dinner & Disco £20 per person

Wednesday 17th December 80’s Disco Party Night - Fancy Dress Two Course Festive Dinner & Disco £20 per person

Christmas & Ne2w014Year

Thursday 18th December Black Rat Effect Live Band Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

Friday 19th December The Ultimate Tribute to Soul & Motown Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

Saturday 20th December Waterloo Road Live Band 60’s/70’s Night Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

Wedding Offer 2015 - £2500 This all inclusive offer is available throughout 2015* For 40 guests.

• Red Carpet Arrival with Canapés & House Champagne**

• One glass of Red or White House Wine Per Person served with meal**

• 40 beautiful chair covers – in your choice of colour**

• House Champagne Brut to toast The Bride & Groom, one glass per person**

• Room Hire of our Hatteral function suite*

• Evening finger buffet for a maximum of 100 guests**

• White Linen Table Clothes & Napkins** • Cake Stand & Brides knife provided

• Local DJ Regan Dugan Disco

• Silver service

• Overnight accommodation for the bride and groom in our Bridal Suite

• A special three course wedding breakfast menu**

• Special Accommodation Rates for your Family & Wedding Guests

*Subject to availability **Additional guests are chargeable at the full menu price

Sunday Lunch from £8.95 The Park Hotel, Pandy, Abergavenny NP7 8DS To make a booking please telephone 01873 890 271

email: enquiries@theparkhotelwales.com l www.theparkhotelwales.com 2 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Welcome ...

W

ITH Christmas just around the corner, and as the clocks went back giving us a precious extra hour in bed, we are now in the interim period of dark nights, colder weather and a mad rush to get arrangements made for the seasonal period. But fear not readers, as we have a jam-packed Gazette and Diary for you to enjoy while tucked under a blanket trying to fight off the winter chill.

This time of year really is spectacular as the leaves have changed and fallen, the air feels just that little bit crisper, and the mornings quite literally take your breath away. It is the perfect time for relaxation and time with family and friends.

However we weren’t born yesterday and we know that all of you will be busy racing around getting your homes, gardens, Christmas arrangements and overall

affairs in order ahead of December’s celebrations. So we have some excellent features to help you out at this time of year.

For those green-thumbed readers, we have a treat in store for you as we have put together some features dedicated to home and garden, so you can get ideas for the best seasonal plants and creative ideas to make a real winter wonderland. And for those house proud people out there, we have some amazing style ideas for your home to really brighten them up over the darker months.

We have also put together a very special expert services guide that you can cut out and keep, giving you those tips and tricks you need to ease all of your worries as winter sets in. We all know there is nothing worse than leafing your way through the yellow pages frantically trying to get your affairs in order, so we have done the hard work for you, so you can sit back and relax on those nights in front of the fire.

We also have features on care for the elderly, as those most vulnerable need to take a little extra care during these colder months. Take a read and get some hints of how to help out your grandmother, your father, your wife or even yourself.

Anyway, as it’s getting dark by mid afternoon now, I’m off for a hot bath and an evening snuggled in front of the TV, because is there anything better than that on a cold winters eve? I thought not.

We at the Gazette and Diary hope you enjoy this edition, and hope you can take some fun tips and tricks from this to make the end of your year as comfortable, safe and stylish as possible.

See you next edition.

... look out for ...

LEWIS ITV 9PM FRIDAY

LEWIS: Established duo Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

by Dorothy Baylis

Where have you come from, what have you seen, life in it’s raw state, In places you’ve been.

War time you’ve lived through, with comrades so brave, Sitting at breakfast with those who were saved.

Bombs, air raids and spitfires, WAAFS, pilots and crew whose spark plugs on engines depended on you.

And now in your memory these tales you recall, Through bomber command Luftwaffe could fall.

We now have our freedom through those who did fall, We will remember them, it’s thanks from us all.

COLIN Dexter has been penning gripping crime dramas for longer than he'd probably care to admit, and although he's produced countless efforts worthy of more comment than a word count will allow, there's no doubt he will forever more be praised for his Inspector Morse novels - one of the best dramas ever screened on British television.

And since 2006, those nice people at ITV have given us even more chance to revel in Dexter's imagination, broadcasting this Morse spin-off, starring Kevin Whately, which continues to go from strength to strength.

Tonight, it's the penultimate episode of the series, the first of a two-part finale. We're taken back to 2001, when Lewis arrested Graham Lawrie for the brutal murder of three police officers. Lawrie was given a life sentence, and after

being diagnosed with psychopathy, was admitted to a secure psychiatric hospital.

But now, 13 years down the line, the prosecution's case is falling apart, after the forensics department that dealt with the DNA used to convict Lawrie has been called into question.

The accused is still locked up, now awaiting his day in court, but Lewis knows he got trouble when PC Mark Travis is lured to isolated location and struck over the head with a slater's hammer - the same murder weapon that was used 13 years ago...

Angela Griffin, probably best known as a former Coronation Street and Waterloo Road regular, has joined the cast for this eighth series.

The actress says: "I'm really proud to be a part of it. It's quite a scary prospect going into something that's so popular, successful and established."

WILLIAM GRAHAM Conservative Assembly Member South Wales East Electoral Region

For advice and information on issues affecting your neighbourhood.

WILLIAM GRAHAM AM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES Freepost SWC 4879, CARDIFF CF99 1GZ Freephone 0800 783 8762 Email william.graham@wales.gov.uk

Nick Ramsay AM

Assembly Member for Monmouth Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office, 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk

For further information call: 01291 674 898 or 029 2089 8735

NEWCOMER: Angela Griffin

Weekends & Midweek in Tenby

BELGRAVE HOTEL Enjoy 2 nights dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £95pp 3 nights £120pp.

B&B from £37.50ppn

Entertainment every evening

Candlelit Stay extra Dinner & s ur Th night Dance B B& n or Su £10pppn. Dinner Gala Menu B&B £25pppn Thursday & Saturday

Tel: Tenby 01834 842377 email: info@thebelgrave hotel.co.uk Something to celebrate... ring now for birthdays, anniversaries and other special breaks in November, Christmas and New Year November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 3

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Festive food all wrapped up ...

T

HE fourth Abergavenny Food Festival Christmas Food & Drink Fair takes place on Sunday 14 December (10.00am – 5.00pm), but there’s a run-up event event (6.30 – 7.30pm) the day before on the Saturday at Homes of Elegance (Abergavenny) to get you in a party mood.

Artisan Drinks run-up event Lindy Wildsmith, award-winning cook and food writer, will make festive drinks based on recipes from her new book ‘Artisan Drinks’ (£25.00 hardback. Jacqui Small Publishing). You’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample the results. How about artisan punch, an elegant liqueur, or a glamorous cocktail? And for those of you in the driving seat there’s an invigorating non-alcoholic cordial, fizz or mocktail. Lindy will be doing a book signing afterwards so you’ll be able to try her recipes for yourself or buy as a present for friends and family.

Speciality exhibitors Come Sunday morning the Food & Drink Fair will showcase over eighty hand-picked speciality exhibitors so every facet of the festive season is covered: fresh and cured meats, poultry and game, cheeses and chocolates, cakes and desserts, wines and liqueurs, ales and ciders and a whole lot more.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store: Naturally smoked foods (Black Mountains Smokery), Indian spices, mulled wine tasters and Christmas pudding (Green Saffron), traditional cheeses (La Cave à Fromage), Welsh vintage sparkling wines (Glyndwr Vineyard), charcuterie, air dried meats and salami (Trealy Farm), hand-crafted chocolate truffles and products using real fruit and flowers, (Sciolti CHEF DEMONSTRATIONS: Karl Cheetham from Gliffaes Botanical Chocolates), gourmet fishcakes (Devon FishHotel cakes), French-style macarons in variety of flavours

(Dimkin Ltd), loose leaf and herbal teas (Chantler Teas), all things garlic (The Garlic Farm), and Gloucester Old Spot pork: faggots, sausages, bacon (Coity Bach Produce).

There’s also a selection of catering stalls for food-to-go including: American Street Food Ltd, The Capuccino Bar and Sam’s Meat Roast. Whilst getting a bite to eat you can enjoy the swags of greenery and fruits in the Market Hall, alongside the Arts Alive ‘pigs and garlands’ decorations from the September Festival.

So whether your taste runs to the rare and exotic, the innovative or the traditional the Abergavenny Food and Drink Fair has it all in the bag. No more running from shop to shop and getting frazzled. This has to be the most convivial way to get ready to celebrate with friends and family.

Chef dems in the Market Hall Alongside the markets there’s a rolling programme of seasonal demonstrations with top culinary talent. So you can shop then take a rest whilst getting tasty tips. If you’re lucky, there might be some food to sample too.

Adele Nozedar (author and forager) and Karl Cheetham (Gliffaes Hotel) conjure up wickedly delicious festive sweets; Liz Knight (Forage Fine Foods) makes jelly from wild pine needles and aromatic mincemeat, and Iain Sampson (The Bear, Crickhowell) and Jim Hamilton (Kings Arms, Abergavenny) enter the party spirit with twelve savoury canape/finger foods.

Then it’s on to Victoria North (Vic North Cookery School) with a Christmas baking session, including one gluten free recipe; and Illtud Llyr Dunsford (Charcutier Ltd) goes back to Victorian times drawing on heritage recipes for his real mince pies.

See the full line-up at abergavennyfoodfestival.com from 5 November.

t t t

SUN14 DEC

4 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

at Abergavenny Christmas Food & Drink Fair Shhhh …… Secret treats Children of course are at the heart of Christmas so there will be child-focused Secret Treat workshops in the Corn Exchange (accessed through Market Hall) - and word has it that adults will get a look-in too. There will be crafts and sweets to make for stocking fillers and little presents, and things to buy. Create ‘randomz peppermint creams’ and christmas cards, and delicious confections with ‘chocs away’. Follow the ‘shhh’ secret trail to get there.

Stroller tickets and prize draw Adult stroller tickets cost just £5.00 and give access to the Abergavenny’s beautiful Victorian Market Hall, plus Upper Brewery Yard and The Priory Centre at St Mary’s. If you’ve got children in tow (under 16), then they get in for free.

This year every stroller ticket holder will automatically be entered into a prize draw. The top prize is still to be confirmed (watch this space), but additional goodies include special Festival aprons signed by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and discounts from local shops will be in the mix too. Head for the Priory Centre to see if your number is on the board.

Christmas musical feast for the whole community The day will finish off with traditional music and singing. The whole community is invited to joing in a musical procession starting at Market Hall with Abergavenny Town Band (4.15 to 4.45pm), finishing at Priory Church of St Mary where there will be a free Christmas concert featuring Gwent Youth Strings and School Choirs (4.45 to 5.40pm) and foodthemed Evening Service (6.00 to 7.00pm).

TAXIS TAXIS

Box office goes live on 5 November.

Buy stroller wristbands and event tickets at abergavennyfoodfestival.com, through the Borough Theatre (tel: 01873 850805) or on the day from the ticket point outside the Market Hall and Priory Centre.

Christmas music and a host of foodie stalls

The B Bear H Hotel

High Street

Criick kho k ho h owelll

NP8 1BW W

01873 810408

CChristmas hri ristmas 22014 0 13 Party Menu Paarttyy m enu nnow ow aavailable vailable Evening and lunch parties catered for throughout December mee andd enjoy the atmossphere inn the award winninng Be B ar otel, E Exxcellent ffoo ood an and ndd comfforrttablee accommoddaation.

Autumnn fflow lowerinng baskets andd llog ogg ffir irres adddd to the charminng surroundinngs. www.bearhotel.co.uk

Please contact us ffor orr a copy of of our festtiive menu

info@bearhotel.co.uk

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 5

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Celebrate Christmas in style

nantyderry garden centre Family business (Established 1956) in beautiful rural setting.

NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFER: WILD BIRD PEANUTS AND SUNFLOWER HEARTS LARGE SACK ONLY £19.99!

(While stocks last.......12.75kg RRP £34.99)

Plus lots more offers in store!

Take the Chainbridge turn off the A4042 Abergavenny Pontypool road - and follow the brown signs

Open 7 days a week 10am -5pm

01873 880377 www.nantyderryGC.co.uk

C

ELEBRATE a creative Christmas in style by doing your seasonal shopping at Taurus Crafts, where you can choose from an inspirational selection of art, crafts, gifts, food and drink.

At the Gift Shop, browse the region’s best selection of design-led gifts, art, local crafts, ceramics, fair trade products, gift wrap and greetings cards.

Buy direct from the on-site artisan and craft businesses; Chocolatiers, Picture Framer, Jewellery, Artworks, Knitting, Corsetiere, Leather worker, Men’s fashion, Ethical fashion, Stone Mason, Antiques, Health and Beauty treatments.

For gifts for “foodies” visit Cowshill Farm Shop; local meats and pies, local and deli cheeses, fresh veg, patisserie, bread, organic wine, local cider, perry and ale.. Turkey, geese and all the traditional accompaniments can be ordered and hampers arranged.

Taurus Café, serve meals prepared on site, using many local and organic ingredients, handmade cakes and a range of coffees and teas.

Taurus Christmas Shop spe-

cialises in stylish and traditional Christmas accessories and to complete the effect choose from a selection of locally grown high quality Christmas trees, of varying sizes and species.

Christmas Markets over the weekends of 6th and 7th and 13th and 14th December will provide even more seasonal ideas, featuring local crafts, gifts, antiques, local food and drink, jewellery. Local choirs and bands feature throughout the markets.

Check the website www.tauruscrafts.co.uk for more information or telephone: 01594 844 841.

This vibrant, family-friendly venue is easy to find - located at The Old Park, just outside Lydney on the A48.

Open 10am to 5.30pm daily.

Mamhilad FAMILY RUN GARDEN CENTRE FOR 20 YEARS

Check the website for all deals

Fruit Fruit tr tree ee specials

3 ffor or £30 £3

Hedging edging plants avaliable for 60p

As the Seasons change Call and see our Winter Range

Opening p g Hours Mon - Sat 9am - 4.30pm Sun: 10.30am - 4.30pm

TEA R ROOM’S OOM’S USK >

Whilst you’re here, enjoy the wonderful view and spoil yourself to a home cooked meal followed by home made cakes at

S SECRET ECRET G GARDEN ARDEN < AABERGAVENNY BERGAVENNY PONTYPOOL PON NTYPOOL >

Telephone: T elephone: 01495 785137 www www.thesecretgardenwales.co.uk w.thesecretgardenwales.co.uk eemail: mail: iinfo@thesecretgardenwales.co.uk nfo@thesecretgardenwales.co.uk 6 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

For the lad in your life Keep him busy on Christmas morning with a wooden retro car kit £6

Time to start thinking about the Seasonal socks in four sizes up to 12 £5-£6

ABERGAVENNY ABERG GAV VENN NY

GARDEN CENTRE L LTD TD D COMBINING NA AT T U R E A N D N U RT U R E

Since 1957

At Abergavenny Garden Centre, we pride ourselves ourselvves on being a traditional market garden centre nursery, wi ith over 50 with years of experience. ou ur customer Combined with our knowledge and expertise, our advice hints aand tips we service is five star rated and our advice, offer, comes from three family generations of experimenting and experience.

END E ND O OFF S SEA SEASON ASO AS ON SA SALE ALE NO NOW OW O ON: N: Fa Fantastic an nta ta ast sttic c sa savings av ving gs o g on nh hundreds und dre ed ds o of p products rod ro du d uc ctts Selected much 50% off Se le ec cte ct ted llines ine es of sshrubs hrrub bs a as m uc ch a as 50 0% %o of ff Other Ot the er se selected ele ec ctte ted dp plant la antt ma material ate at terria al u up p to 25 25% 5% % of off ff Selected trees up HALF PRICE Se le ect cte ted llines ine es of ttre re ee es u p to HA ALLF P RIC CE Spring bulbs now available S pring b p ulbs no ow av ava vaila able be Winter planting onion sets Wi W nter p la ant nting go nio on se set etts jjust ust iin n Orders now being taken forr w winter flowering baskets O rde rd derrs no ow be eing ta ken fo wi nte nt ter flo flow owe werring gb ba asske ket etts Discounts D isc sco ountts available ava av aila able e for for bulk bulk order ord rde der on on cut cutt flowers flow flo owe werrs

ABERGAVENNY GARDEN CENTRE LTD

All items from Next www.next.co.uk

Evesham Gardens Llanfoist Abergavenny, NP7 9LF

Secret diary from Santa £6

Clearwell Caves Christrmas Fantasy

Happy memories Everybody loves shrimps and bananas - a whole litre in a jar, or choose choc and toffee popcorn or strawberry mallows £6.50

Henry will make you happy Microfibre Screen Cleaner £6

Pretty in pink Just Pink - A fresh green floral fragrance with soft fruits and pink blooms.

Contains 10ml eau de parfum, strawberry flavoured lip balm and make-up bag - £8

abergavennygardencentre.com 01873 853839

mail@abergavennygardencentre.com

Open 10.00am 5.00pm (8.00pm Fridays) 29th Nov 23rd Dec (24th 10.00am-4.00pm) Open for displays only 27th December - 4th January 10.00am - 4.00pm

www.clearwellcaves.com

Get ahead in a hat Superman pom-pom beanie 3-13 years £8 - £9 or Brown Bear knitted trapper 3months - 6 years £8 - £9

Tel: 01594

832535

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 7

Gazette & Diary Magazine ● CLAIRE Spreadbury goes in search of smooth skin with an athome microdermabrasion kit.

This box full of promises is said to fight fine lines, reduce the appearance of pores and create noticeably softer, smoother-feeling skin with a healthy, more radiant-looking glow - it's got to be worth a go.

Step 1: refine is slightly scary. It feels a little like sandpaper on the skin, and without guidance on how much to use, how hard to scrub or for how long, I was a little wary. Once finished, you simply rinse away and follow with Step 2: replenish. This feels silky, but again, I'm unsure whether I'm supposed to use it instead of a serum and/or moisturiser, so could do with a bit more advice in the instructions.

Ultimately though, if you're keen to turn back time and give your skin a good blitz, this is a hard-working duo. It leaves skin soft and smooth, and although it's early days to say whether it's melting away those wrinkles, I'd happily use it two or three times a week and recommend it to others. ● Mary Kay TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set, £50 (www.marykay.co.uk)

F

Just add a sprinkle

ASHION is often fantastical, but it's gone all-out this winter, as folklore and fairy tales were the inspiration for some of the stand-out shows during the fashion weeks.

Casting a spell on the critics, Dolce and Gabbana's stunwere all over the catwalk, ning 'Enchanted Sicily' colas Dolce and Gabbana lection featured an array sent out capacious of opulent fabrics - black scarlet coats and furlace, devore, gold brotrimmed hoods cade and lots of fur aplenty. baroque details and a A ravishing red cape crop of furry friends so is right on the money cute they wouldn't look - wear it with slouchy out of place in a Disney boots for extra topmovie.

Likewise, to-toe trend points Valentino and Alexanbut a burgundy or der McQueen showed wine coloured princess-worthy frocks cover-up is a more and critter prints. understated option, Fear not, though, dewhile a black faux furspite the animal motifs, Dorothy Perkins blouse, £24 edged wraparound is (in store mid-November this is a very grown-up look, and one that's perfect Next embellished kimono, £195 great for throwing over a glam evening for the colder months and look. party season (which is fast descending upon us).

LACE TO THE TOP Style your own fairy tale Emulate the decaending this winter with dence of baroque arthese sumptuous looks... chitecture with lace and brocade fabrics.

CAPE CRUSADE But we're not talking Watch out Alexa, and dainty designs - the move over Kate Moss, bigger the floral there's a new style motifs the better. icon in town - and her With this much name is Little Red Ridpattern going on, ing Hood. stick to subdued Echoes of the capecolours like antique gold, wearing fairy tale heroine

8 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

black and berry tones, and look for extra embellishments like beading or pearls on eveningwear.

To add a folklore touch to daywear, choose one textured piece, like a lace blouse or pair or brocade trousers, and pair with sleek separates.

ENVIABLE EMBELLISHMENT If all-over texture is a bit much, look for jumpers and jackets with touches of kooky embroidery and embellishment.

Owls, swans, hedgehogs, foxes, you name it - Dolce and Gabbana had a whole wood's worth of creatures crafted on to their winter collection, and some spookily similar creatures have cropped up on the high street too. Pair with jeans and suede boots to make your Fox jumper, £28, critter knit or Izabel London statement sweatshirt the focus on your outfit.

A crystal-encrusted kimono will see you through the season of endless party invites, giving your trusty LBD or fail-safe jeans-and-T-shirt combo a glitzy uplift.

Gazette & Diary Magazine

of fairy dust to make Christmas sparkle

Razan dress, £149 Monsoon

have to bother will a shawl or DRAMATIC DRESSES Need a new gown for a black tie scarf.

High-necked styles in sheer event? The fairy tale trend lends fabrics work wonders for itself perfectly to occasionwear slight frames, but steer - think 3D florals, fringclear if you're more ing and touchable top-heavy, opting textures.

Marks & instead for a deep Forget fluffy fairy Spencer V-neck. princess frocks, necklace Angelina Jolie's FAIRY TALE £18 delightfully FINISHES wicked queen Finish your fairy-tale M a l e fi c e n t look with bold, beshould be your jewelled accessories. inspiration when Pop on a floral bib choosing a killer necklace in lush jewel floor-length dress. tones to add colour to Worried about exan all-black outfit, but posing your arms? keep metallics muted Then black and rose or antique hues are long-sleeved is the more classically baroque way to go, and it than gleaming gold. means you won't The perfect accompaniment to your showstopping gown?

That'll be a beaded hardcase clutch: beautiful, only just big enough to fit your lippy and phone, and with a handy hidden strap for when you hit the dance floor.

What's the one item of clothing that says most about your personality? Shoes, according to research by luxury launches website VeryFirstTo.com. Footwear got twice as many mentions as any other item in their survey of 2,500 people - a clear indication that buying more shoes is totally justifiable, if ever an excuse was needed.

It's getting to that timeof year when leaving the house without something woolly on your head is a frightful thought, but for outfits where your kooky owl bobble hat isn't quite the right fit, consider a fedora.

This Joules Brown Felt Hat, with feather details, is a chic nod to the winter woodland trend, £39.95 www.joules.com.

Ever on trend, Gok Wan has injected his latest collection for Tu at Sainsbury's with pretty baroque flourishes. The Baroque Peplum Top is flattering on curvier figures, and at just £25, it won't baroque the bank! In stores and online from November 11 (www.sainsburys.co.uk/gok).

Lexi Bag £45 Accessorize

Christmas Lunch/ Dinner Party Menu

Lunch £14.50 - 1 Course, £16.50 - 2 Courses, £18.50 - 3 Courses Monday to Friday 12-2pm, Saturday 12-3pm Dinner - 2 Courses £18.50, 3 Courses £21.50 - all night (5.30pm-9.30pm) Available to 1st to 23rd December A private Riverside patio area available free to parties of 12 plus -00 Starters 00-

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP Y Fenni rarebit crouton PANT-YS-GAWN GOAT’S CHEESE AND RED ONION MARMALADE TARTLET Rocket, beetroot salad with beetroot glaze LOCAL SMOKED MACKEREL PATE Crusty bread and lemon dressing DUCK AND ORANGE BALLOTINE Apple & mint chutney and homemade walnut bread

-00 Main Courses 00ROAST PEMBROKESHIRE TURKEY BREAST Apricot & sage stuffing pigs in blankets, turkey gravy BAKED VAR SALMON SUPREME ON A LEMON AND ROCKET RISOTTO Pea and mint pesto SLOW ROAST BRECON BEACONS LAMB SHOULDER Bubble & squeak, rosemary jus GRILLED FILLETS OF CORNISH SOLE With a cockle and laver bread sauce

CHICKEN BREAST WRAPPED IN BACON Wholegrain mustard on a wild mushroom sauce BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PARSNIP, SPINACH AND CHESTNUT WELLINGTON Lightly spiced tomato sauce

-00 Desserts 00TRADITIONAL STEAMED CHRISTMAS PUDDING Earl grey soaked raisins and brandy sauce PASSION FRUIT CRÈME BRÛLÉE Shortbread biscuit INDIVIDUAL BARA BRITH Ginger ice cream and macerated fruits DARK CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE CHEESECAKE Cointreau cream and white chocolate sauce COCONUT PANNACOTTA Carpaccio of pineapple and mint syrup POACHED PEAR Mulled wine jelly and Brecon honey ice cream SELECTION OF ICE CREAMS OR SORBETS WELSH CHEESE SELECTION With celery, apple and biscuits Included - COFFEE AND MINCE PIES

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 9

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Sunday – Thursday (5.30pm – 10pm)

£17.95 (adult) PER PERSON min. of 2 person £8.95 (child) 10 years old and under

Friday – Saturday (5.30pm – 10.30pm)

£18.95 (adult) PER PERSON min. of 2 person £9.95 (child) 10 years old and under

Welcome to Kong’s Restaurant Abergavenny where you can enjoy a delightful oriental dishes!

Our new All-You-Can-Eat menu contains selected dishes that is chosen by our Head chef and freshly cooked from the wok to your table. *terms and conditions apply.

STARTERS (Choose up to any 3 starters per person at a time – can be re ordered the same or different starters when all consumed*) Chef’s choice platter Mandarin spare ribs (4 pcs) BBQ spare ribs ( 4pcs) Spicy salt and pepper ribs (4 pcs) Shredded Crispy smoked chicken Crispy sea weeds - (V-without dried fish toppings) Thai style chicken on skewers (2 skewers) Spicy salt and pepper squid (4 pcs) Spicy salt and pepper tofu (V) Crispy fried shrimp wontons (6pcs) Curry samosa (6 pcs) (V) Mini vegetable spring rolls (6pcs) (V) Sesame prawn toast (2pcs) Prawn crackers SECOND COURSE (Minimum of 2 person for aromatic duck as a second course at a time, can be reordered when all consumed*) Crispy aromatic duck (minimum 2 persons) – served with pancakes, spring onion, cucumber and our special homemade hoi sin sauce Diced mixed vegetables and chicken lettuce wrap – served with lettuce: without chicken (V)

MAIN COURSE (Choose 1 main dish, 1 side dish and a sauce per person at a time: can be re order same or different dish, side dish or sauce when all consumed*) CHICKEN DISHES Sweet and sour chicken Cantonese style Sweet and sour chicken balls Sliced lemon chicken Chicken in black bean sauce Szechuan chicken Chicken with mushrooms Homemade chicken curry BEEF DISHES Beef with chilli and black bean sauce Homemade beef curry Beef with gingers and spring onions Sea spicy beef Shredded crispy beef Beef in satay sauce PORK DISHES Spicy double cooked pork Sweet and sour pork Cantonese Roast pork in a black peppercorn sauce

KING PRAWN DISHES Szechuan king prawn King prawns in black peppercorn sauce Sea spicy king prawns King prawns in cashew nuts VEGETABLES AND VEGETARIAN DISHES Seasonal mixed vegetables Stir fried broccoli in oyster sauce Tofu in black bean sauce Monks vegetables Tofu Szechuan style Spicy ma por tofu Homemade mushrooms curry NOODLES OR RICE DISHES

Chowmein – chicken, beef or Singapore Rice – yeung chow fried rice or chicken fried rice SIDE DISHES

Chips Egg fried rice Steamed rice Bean sprout chowmein SAUCES Curry sauce Sweet and sour sauce BBQ sauce Sweet chilli sauce Chilli oil

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Our all you can eat banquet is not available to take away All dishes are freshly cooked and during busy period you may experience some delays.Each course must be ordered consecutively – for example, once the starter has been consumed, the second course is finished and the main course is served, no reordering of the first and second course is allowed. All dishes ordered must be consumed before re ordering All the dishes are non negotiable to be changed for items that are not listed on the menu Maximum of 2 hours eating time per table (timer starts when the starter has been served) The management reserve the rights to refuse customers who takes advantage of the menu and a full price charge will be given for any large portion of unconsumed dishes We are happy to meet your dietary requirements. For any allergies please noti9fy us before ordering.

Brewery Yard, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5PB To make a reservation please phone 01873 850320 www.kongsoriental.co.uk 10 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Don’t Miss Santa’s Grand Arrival…

C

HRISTMAS is a magical time of the year which builds excitement and festive cheer amongst children as well as the ‘grown ups’!

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, crowned ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales & the West’ by the Garden Centre Association in 2012, 2013 and 2014, have developed their renowned Christmas experience even further this year starting with ‘Santa’s Grand Arrival’ on Friday 28th November.

General Manager, Huw Lewis explained: “We are all very excited for the addition of ‘Santa’s Grand Arrival’ to our Christmas event calendar which will be an enjoyable evening for adults and children alike.

From 4pm the festive fun will begin with lots of games, activities and face-painting for the children as well as live music and a special festive evening menu in the Railway Restaurant. There will be several exclusive special offers running throughout the evening in the Christmas department as well as a half price children’s meal with every adult meal purchased in the Railway Restaurant.”

“Complimentary mulled wine and warm mince pies will be available at the garden centre entrance before Santa makes his grand arrival at 6.30pm into the car park.

Santa will be staying at the garden centre

Line include a Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday 4th December and Festive Ladies Night on Thursday 11th December for adults and Breakfast and Tea with Santa and Santa’s Grotto experiences for children.

For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre and upcoming events please contact the Old Railway Line directly by calling 01497 847055 or visiting their website www.oldrailwaylinenursery.co.uk.

for an hour or two making sure he has a chance to say hello to everyone who has made the effort to come and welcome him. Also make sure you visit Santa’s reindeer for the first time this year, who will be staying with us at the garden centre throughout December.” “ This evening is also the per fect opportunity to have a sneak preview of the improvements to our grotto experience, including the addition of Santa’s reindeer

and a short woodland walk to the excitement!

This event doesn’t require booking and is free of charge to attend, providing the perfect opportunity to kick start the festive season.”

Other festive events at the Old Railway

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 11

Gazette & Diary Magazine

12 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas 2014 14 4 at Bistro tro Prego Pr go P 2 courses courses £20.50 3 ccourses ourses £25.50 £10 per head non rrefundable efundable deposit rrequired equired Potato P otato & por porcini cini mushr mushroom oom soup with truffle Home cur cured ed salmon g gravlax ravlax with honey & mustar mustard d dr dressing essing & ttoasted oasted sough dough P Pressed ressed ham hock tterrine errine with pick pickled led damsons Gr Griddled iddled goa goats ts cheese cheese,, beetr beetroot oot & rrocket ocket salad with aged balsamic vinegar

Roast Roast turkey turkey with sausage sausage,, th thyme yme & apple stuffing & rroasted oasted pota potatoes toes Slow Slo w roasted roasted por porkk belly with cceleriac eleriac pur puree ee & car caramelised amelised apples Roast R oast sir sirloin loin of Her Herefordshire effo ordshire beef with Y Yorkshire orkshire o pudding & horser horseradish adish cr crisps isps Seabass S eabass with wilt wilted ed spinach, crushed pota potatoes toes & sauce sauc e pastis Twice sautéed w T wice baked blue cheese soufflé with saut éed spinach Christmas brandy sauce Homemade Chr e istmas pudding with br andy sauc Chocolate brandy marquise vanilla ice cream Choc olate & br eam andy mar quise with v anilla ic e cr butter crème fraiche Panettone P anettone bread bread & butt ème fr er pudding with cr aiche shortbread Clementine Clemen tine panna cotta cotta with lemon shor tbread Allll main ccourses accompanied A oasted ourses will be ac companied with rroasted vegetables rroot oot v egetables

Church Street, Monmouth 7 Chur ch S treet, M onmouth NP25 3BX Telephone T elephone 01600 712600 www.pregomonmouth.co.uk w ww.pregomonmouth.co.uk

F Festive estive menu is available available fr from om Monday Monday 1st December December tto o Tuesday Tuesday 23rd 23rd D December. ecember.

(Closed (Closed Christmas Christmas E Eve ve and Chr Christmas istmas Da Day) y)

We W e ar are e pleased tto ow welcome elcome yyou ou tto o Bistro Bistro Prego, Prego, To To celebrate celebrate the ffestive estive season.

We W e ar are e off offering ering a pr pre e Chr Christmas istmas thr three ee course course menu to to enjo enjoyy with fr friends, iends, family, familyy, clients clients and ccolleagues. olleagues.

The The menu will be available available thr throughout oughout December December with our full a la carte carte menu also available. available.

When When compiling compiling our menus we we ha have ve in in-estive fla vours corporated a balance balance of ffestive corporated flavours eel will appeal tto o ev eryone. we ffeel everyone. which we o adapt an W e will be pleased tto We anyy of the or diners with special dietary dietary menus ffor rrequirements. equirements. equired.

A pr e-order will be rrequired. pre-order ess LLynnette ynnette our rrestaurant estaurant manager manageress ou with an will be happ o help yyou happyy tto anyy ve. quer ies yyou ou ma queries mayy ha have. ood bill will A 5% disc ount off the ffood discount ou book bef ore the 1st be applied if yyou before No vember.

November.

Lar ge P arties W elcome Large Parties Welcome Chr istmas M enu A vailable Christmas Menu Available unch 12.00 – 2.30 M onday – Sunda Monday Sundayy LLunch M onday – Sunday Sunday Dinner 18.30 – 21.30 Monday Special Christmas Party Accommodation Rates, Why Not Make A Night Of It? Take advantage of our special deals, enjoy your meal & spend the night with us and then enjoy a full Welsh breakfast in the morning to start the day.

Single Room - £35.00 Double Room - £55.00

To book call 01874 730223 Homemade Mushroom, Stilton & Port Soup served with a Roll Homemade Chicken Liver Pate with Onion Chutney served with Toast & Salad Garnish Spicy Prawn Cocktail with Wholemeal Bread ~~~~~ Roast Turkey with all the festive trimmings

Festive Duck Breast served with Greens Beans, Sauté Potatoes and a Marsala & Cranberry Sauce

Smoked Fish Chowder served with a Crusty Roll & Butter

10oz Rib Eye Steak (cooked to your liking) served with Chips, Tomato, Onion Rings & Mushrooms with a choice of Peppercorn or Stilton Sauce

La Tua Beetroot & Ricotta Tortelloni with Melted Butter & Grated Parmesan served with Salad & Garlic Bread ~~~~~ Lemon Cheesecake | Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Yule Log | Spiced Apple Crumble | Sticky Toffee Pudding ---------------------------

Available throughout December for small or large groups, orders must be placed in advance

£18.95 3 Course | £15.95 2 Course £12.95 1 Course

Llangynidr • To book call 01874 730223

sarah_farr@btinternet.com • www.theredlion1.vpweb.co.uk Roast Turkey with all the trimmings will be served every Sunday Lunchtime in December

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 13

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Rougemont School An invitation... from our new Headmaster

Visit Us...

Rougemont highest performing schools in Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; *

Robert Carnevale Headmaster

SCHOLARSHIP

Saturday 17th January 2015

for Year 7 Entry 2015

Contact us for more details 01633 820800

& ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS

DATES FOR YOURDIARY Whole School Open Morning Wednesday 4th March 2015: 9:30am to 12noon

6th Form Open Evening Year 12 entry Sept 2015 Thursday 5th March 2015: check website for timings

GCSE Open Evening Tuesday 17th March 2015: check website for timings * Estyn Report January 2012

An HMC independent day school for boys and girls from 3 to 18

www.rougemontschool.co.uk Registered Educational Charity Number 532341

14 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Rougemont School, Llantarnam Hall, Malpas Road, Newport NP20 6QB

telephone: 01633 820800

Gazette & Diary Magazine

PlasDerwen

New Lunch offer Mon - Fri 12 - 5pm 2 courses £10.95 3 courses £13.95

Christmas Parties

£22 3 courses Party Nights Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th December with Live Music

Bookings taken between December 1st and December 16th get a free bottle of prosecco

Monmouth Road, Abergavenny, Gwent. NP7 9SP Tel: 01873 853144 | Email: plasderwen@sabrain.com | Web: www.plasderwenhotel.com November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 15

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo

NIGHTCRAWLER, 15, 117 minutes SET on the mean streets of modern day Los Angeles, Dan Gilroy's directorial debut is a delicious and twisted media satire starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a ghoulish loner called Louis Bloom, who exploits human misery for personal gain.

It's a tour-de-force and genuinely creepy performance from the handsome Oscar-nominated star of Brokeback Mountain, who has shed a significant amount of weight to portray an emaciated social limpet, who lives by the mantra that good things come to those who work hard.

In the case of Nightcrawler, this 'work' involves monitoring a police scanner, racing to crime scenes and capturing gruesome footage of critically injured victims to sell to TV news stations, who are hungry for raw footage of real-life crime.

NOVEMBER AT THE CINEMA MR TURNER 12A, 150 mins

TIMOTHY Spall is celebrated landscape painter and watercolourist Joseph Mallord William Turner, who was a divisive figure in the 19th-century art world.

Mike Leigh's impeccably crafted biopic, which concentrates on the final 25 years of the artist's career, ensures the genius of Turner lives on.

Anchored by a magnificent central performance from Timothy Spall, Mr Turner is another glorious ensemble piece from the writer-director of Topsy-Turvy and Vera Drake.

The 150-minute running time passes too quickly, holding our attention with ravishing costumes and period detail.

Timothy Spall learnt to paint for his role in Mr Turner

LOUISE PRICE

is a Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner and Coach Based at Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre, Cross Street Abergavenny.

Email aberhealing@gmail.com Tel: 01873 85839 Louise can also be contacted directly on 07790 166943 Email lou-price@outlook.com

Using a combination of techniques and approaches, I specialise in providing individual programmes for

Confidence and Self Esteem Building, Anxiety and Stress Management and Self Development Coaching I provide a free half hour initial consultation for all my programmes.

16 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Daniel Radcliffe

HORNS, 15, 120 minutes

WHAT’S happened to Harry? Lord Voldemort would be proud of Daniel Radcliffe’s transformation into a vengeful, flame-spewing demon, whose presence compels the damned to succumb to their most primal impulses.

Lusty work colleagues throw off the shackles of politeness and engage in frenetic sex and a recovering drug addict hungrily snorts an entire stash of narcotics - destined for the oblivion of an overdose.

Aja, director of The Hills Have Eyes and Piranha 3D, remains rooted in the horror genre with Horns but there's more soul-searching than gratuitous gore in this serpentine whodunit about a young man who is suspected of murdering his girlfriend in a jealous rage.

Ig Perrish (Radcliffe) only has eyes for neighbour Merrin Williams (Juno Temple).

But the blood-spattered and bone-crunching denouement can't resist a flourish of digital effects to unleash hell, literally, on earth.

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 1 – Jumble/nearly new sale, Llanellen Hall, 11am, clothing, bric-a-brac, gifts, plants, furniture, cakes, refreshments. Tel: 07710 428765.

7 – KHS Former Pupils’ Annual Reunion Dinner, Angel Hotel, Abergavenny. 7.30pm. Reserve your place 01873 854237 or 01873 850596.

8 - Gwent Bach Society Choral Concert. The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins and Agnus Dei by Samuel Barber.

7.30pm at St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny. Tickets £10 - at the door / 01873 890259 8 – 93rd Cwmdu Eisteddfod at Cwmdu Village Hall. Afternoon session 1pm, Evening 6.30pm approx. Programmes available from 01874 730351, 01874 730282.

9 – Remembrance Parade and Service, all local associations and organisations are invited to attend.

Assemble at Town Hall, 10am.

15 – Crickhowell Winter Craft Festival, 10am-4pm, craft demonstrations and refreshments, for further details Tel: Gail 07847017911.

19 – Crickhowell & District History Society, presents an Illustrated Talk by Robin Williams on West Wales coastal shipping, 7.30pm at the Dragon Inn Crickhowell, non-members £3, any enquiries Tel; 01873 812184.

20 – Gilwern Village Hall, coach trip to Exeter, Reservations Tel; 01873 830778 / 01873 831 521.

22 – West Gallery Singers from Malvern, singing carols as they were sung in 18th century with original instruments. Admission £3, to include light refreshments. Govilon Baptist Chapel, 7.30pm. 01873 856512 29 – Bus Trip Bath Christmas Market, pickups in Crickhowell and Abergavenny for further enquiries Tel: Sarah 01873 812640.

29 – Cruse Bereavement Care Concert with the very gifted Dick Brice, Park Hotel, Pandy, two course meal, 7 for 7.30, followed by the concert. Tickets £20 each. Raffle. Tel: 01873 821264.

15 – Our Lady & St Michael’s R C Church Autumn Fayre, 11am, school hall. Something for everyone and grand draw.

Art Group Meets Llangenny School Hall, 2.15pm every Wednesday, anyone wishing to join us, Tel: 01873 810622.

DECEMBER 5th Jackie Rendall - Phoenix singers charity Christmas Concert, 7.30 pm, Llanwernarth Chapel Govilon. Tickets £5 adults children free, refreshments, Tel: 01873 830417.

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Window Repairs Tel: 01874 712247 Mob: 07770 563020

Mark Alder Window Wizard Maintenance and repairs to: windows, doors, conservatories, sky & roof lights, guttering, handles, hinges and locks, any age any make Supplier and installer of: windows, doors, conservatories, electronic roller garage doors, fascia, guttering and glass.

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Tel: 01873 857607 Fax: 01873 857607 Mob: 07830 385435 (Dr. A. Bansal)

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Funeral Directors

Contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Funeral pre-payment plans • Memorial masonry

Abergavenny 01873 853151

Castle Court Funeral Home, Castle Street

Wyndee Kennels

Individual Care ~ Attention Guaranteed Open 9am-6pm Newbury, Abergavenny, Blaenavon 01495 790571

Car Repairs

• VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC • CODE READING • WELDING • SERVICING • MOT Union Road Ind Est, Abergavenny | 01873 854383

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 17

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Winter proof your immune system I

T seems like five minutes since we packed the summer beach towels away, now suddenly everywhere people are sniffling, spluttering or complaining of feeling groggy and achy.

Colds, and the more severe flu, are a common part of winter and most of us fall prey at some point or other, but taking action now could help keep these bugs at bay and older people are more at risk of serious complications.

The immune system is made of specialised cells and tissues that protect the body from invaders like bacteria and viruses, parasites and fungal infections.

It's able to detect the presence of foreign bodies and mount an attack in an effort to destroy them and limit any damage they could cause. And it's heavily involved in healing and repair processes.

These bacteria and viruses exist all year round, and - despite the common myth getting cold and wet doesn't make us more likely to catch them, but these bugs do affect us more during colder months.

We tend to close the windows and turn on the heating, creating stuffy environments that bugs will thrive in. Having the heating on dries out our mucosa [the cells that line the back of our throat, windpipe and sinuses] making it easier for bugs to infect us. Viruses like the common cold and flu invade the mucosa and start growing, causing us to feel unwell.

We also tend to have a more indoor lifestyle when the weather's colder, so in-

fections spread much more easily as we're in closer proximity to each other."

But there's plenty you can do to support your immune health, and hopefully enjoy a less bug-burdened winter. ● Winter Fuel "It's well established that better nourished people get less sick, so ensuring your diet's packed full of highly nutritious foods is a good start, especially as it becomes more tempting to spend cosy nights in with the wrong types of comfort foods as winter closes in," says Rob Hobson, head of nutrition at Healthspan.

But don't wait until you start sniffling to think about reaching for the healthy grub, make it a long-term strategy.

"It's not so much about 'boosting the immune system', but more like keeping it working effectively," he adds.

Ensure your iron levels aren't lacking either - red meats are known as an important source of iron, but dark, leafy greens, beans and tofu are also high in iron, especially important if you're veggie or don't like red meat.

Home Assist Service

The Home Help is Back!

Helping you to remain independent We offer the following services: Escorting to appointments and social activities Cleaning, gardening, ironing and laundry Light meal preparation Bed making/changing Respite sitting service Medication reminders Companionship Shopping Please note we do not offer personal care

01873 859 289 or 07581 747 328 heidi@diamondhomesupport.com

18 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

● Vital vitamins We should all consider taking vitamin D supplements now that the clocks have gone back. Nearly half of us have low levels of this sunshine vitamin in winter, and research shows that people with low vitamin D tend to get more respiratory tract infections Vitamin C is the vitamin most commonly used to support immune health. Several studies show that vitamin C enhances the immune system and helps defend against infections While some vitamins and minerals play more leading roles in immune function getting a broad range is key to optimum health.

"In the run-up to winter, try a broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement," suggests Hobson, "which will provide a good back-up to make sure

you're getting everything you need. Try choosing one to suit your age.

Take a rainbow approach to eating, so make your meals a colourful affair. Phytonutrients found in colourful vegetables are key to the immune system, so eat colourful plates of veg daily. Vitamin A and beta carotene-rich foods, like vibrant carrots, sweet potatoes and butternut squash, not only contrast beautifully with deepgreen veggies like broccoli and stark white garlic, but combinations like this will please your immune system too.

Another big mover and shaker in the immune supporting minerals is zinc. Zinc is known to support the healing of tissues, particularly the reddened and inflamed tissues often associated with a sore throat. Taking zinc supplements has been shown to help prevent the onset and reduce the duration of cold symptoms. It appears to improve the immune response in fighting viral infections by preventing viruses from replicating and attaching to cells.

Good dietary sources include many types of seafood, nuts and seeds - particularly pumpkin seeds and cashews - lean cooked meat and dark, leafy greens like spinach. ● Move it Working up the motivation to exercise during winter, when it's cold, wet and dark, is a challenge, but your immune system will thank you for it. As well as being vital for long-term health, research suggests regular physical activity's important for short-term immune function too. Some experts believe it helps flush bugs from the lungs, and getting your blood pumping means those all-important white blood cells are circulating more effectively.

SAY IT WITH DIAMONDS THIS CHRISTMAS! DO you have an elderly or disabled friend or relative who is finding those little household tasks too much to cope with?

Then give them the gift of diamonds this Christmas…….Diamond Home Support!

Our Home Assist Service aims to provide support for the elderly and less able through our Home Help services in a friendly, caring and professional manner.

All of our workers are thoroughly vetted and are chosen primarily for their personality, ethos and attitude. They are given plenty of time between appointments, so there is never the need for visits to be cut short in order for the worker to be on time for their next appointment. We are client driven and our service is delivered in a friendly and professional manner which suits the client rather than the company.

Our aim is for the client and the worker to build and develop a relationship; therefore we do not send a succession of different workers to our clients. We feel that trust can only be achieved through the

consistency of having the same worker visit each week, month or fortnight.

We recognise that sometimes people find it difficult to admit that they need help and therefore aim to make the experience as friendly and personal as possible. All potential clients are visited in their own homes so that we can talk them through the service, explain how things work and answer any questions which they may have.

We are happy for relatives to be present at the time of the initial visit should they so wish. We appreciate that everyone has the right to consider the pros and cons of our service before signing on the dotted line and, to this end, we are happy to visit more than once should that be necessary.

We guarantee ongoing support and are always available to discuss any problems, issues or concerns which may arise. We will resolve these in the best way possible.

So, say it with diamonds this Christmas……….

Diamond Home Support!

Golden Years

Forgotten Abergavenny T

his month’s delve into the Chronicle’s archives moves slghtly away from Abergavenny and into neighbouring Crickhowell as the Chronicle of July 8, 1976 marks the retirement of the legendary Mrs Gwenfra Dennis of the Bear Hotel.

Landlady of the ‘family hotel’, Mrs Dennis was at the helm for some 18 years during which time the formerly quiet public house became a ‘place of renown the world over’ attracting visitors from far afield desperate for their own encounter with the eccentric owner.

During her time at The Bear, Mrs Dennis raised thousands of pounds for her chosen charity - The Crickhowell OAP Fund - organising an annual fun day in the town with its tug of war across the river and an open afternoon at Cwrt- y-Gollen Army Camp. To mark her final event she planned to lead the traditional parade through the streets of the town dressed as Boudicca.

She was also a forthright member of Crickhowell District Council, forgoing the traditional tea served at meetings in favour of her own favourite tipple - a pink gin.

Her retirement was marked by the band of the Cwrt-yGollen Army Cadet Force, which braved traffic and television cameras to beat a tattoo outside the pub before being ‘inspected’ by Mrs Dennis.

She also entertained her ‘army friends’ at a reception and is pictured here - according to the Chronicle of the time - “ suggesting other uses for the regimental sergeant major’s baton”!

If you’ve got a tale to tell, please get in touch by emailing tim@tindlenews.co.uk or writing to Forgotten Abergavenny, Tindle House, 13 Nevill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA.

A World Of Freedom Is Only A Phone Call Away STAIRLIFTS • SCOOTER REPAIRS WHEELCHAIRS • SCOOTERS CHAIRS & BEDS • TRI-WALKERS THROUGH FLOOR LIFTS

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Tel: 01633 861717 Fax: 01633 866777 Mobile: 07968 755960 www.havenmobility.co.uk Unit 14, Caldicot Way, Avondale Industrial Estate, Cwmbran, South Wales. NP44 1UF

Our core values of care: • PRIVACY • DIGNITY • RIGHTS • INDEPENDENCE • CHOICE • FULFILMENT • SECURITY • RESPECT • EQUALITY 28 Avenue Road, Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 7DB Tel: 01873 857607 Fax: 01873 857607 Mob: 07830 385435 (Dr. A. Bansal) November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 19

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and not a saucepan in sight!

What more could you want for Christmas?

C

HRISTMAS is a time for relaxing, so leave mealtimes to us. We’ve created a range of classic Christmas meals and desserts to celebrate the festive season that will really excite your taste-buds, all delivered by your regular local driver.

Our Hearty Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, followed by a Luxury Christmas Pudding is the perfect choice for a winter meal.

If you fancy something different this Christmas, we offer a delicious Roast Pork with Cranberry Stuffing - succulent pork loin with a port sauce, and seasonal vegetables, a great alternative to turkey.

For dessert our Sherry Trifle is sure to hit the spot, layers of silky custard, fruity raspberry jelly and sherry soaked sponge, topped with cream.

A delicious way to celebrate the sea-

son!

To start you off, you might like to order our Christmas Selection Pack, with 6 festive meals and 4 desserts plus a FREE Christmas tea towel (available while stocks last) all for just £29.95!

It’s a great way to try a variety of our favourite meals.

Established for more than 20 years, Wiltshire Farm Foods creates and delivers a delicious range of frozen meals that can be cooked in minutes.

From the field, to the freezer, every detail is considered in order to offer nutrition, value, flavor, all this and Award-Winning personal service.

Ingredients are selected from carefully-approved suppliers and are then prepared by a team of nutritionists and award-winning chefs in our Wiltshire kitchens. Once cooked, the meals are placed into handy trays that fit easily into the freezer, then frozen almost immediately to lock in the freshness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods regularly deliv-

Hearty Roast Turkey

ers meals to many satisfied customers living throughout Abergavenny and the surrounding area. Delivery is free and there is no minimum order.

For your copy of our Wiltshire Farm Foods Christmas Menu 2014 or to order the Christmas Selection Pack for £29.95, call 01600 892855 or visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com to

Sherry Trifle

A full festive menu, delivered to your door.

Relax. It’s Christmas.

CHRISTMAS SELECTION PACK

for only £29.95 + FREE Tea Towel

FREE * C

HRISTMAS TEA T TO OWEL worth £3.95

6 Main Courses, all with vegetables: • Gammon in Cranberry & Orange Sauce • Honey Roast Turkey Breast • Beef with Roast Potatoes & Yorkshire Pudding • Roast Pork with Cranberry Stuffing • Steak & Mushroom Casserole • Chicken, Bacon & Thyme Hotpot 4 Desserts: • Luxury Christmas Pudding • Sherry Trifle • Brandy in Clotted Cream Ice Cream • Mincemeat & Apple Crumble Available to order from 13/10/14 to 31/12/14 *With every Christmas selection pack, while stocks last.

20 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Christmas is a time ffor Christmas or rrelaxing elaxing with yyour our loved ones.

So S o this yyear, ear, why why not not leave mealtimes to to Wiltshire Wiltshire Farm Farm Foods?

Foods?

With over 260 individually individually portioned dishes tto o choose from, from, including C Christmas hristmas options, options, you you can put yyour our ffeet eet up as delicious meals are are delivered delivered dir ect tto o yyour our fr eezer. direct freezer.

When When you’re you’re ready ready to to eat, simpl simplyy pop yyour our meal in the microwave microwave or oven and enjo enjoy. y. for yyour our FREE br ochure ttoday, oday, and or der Ask for brochure order over the phone or online. This This Christmas, Christmas, let Wiltshire Wiltshire Farm Farm Foods Foods do the dishes.

Tasty T asty M Meals eals fr from om £2.95

For a FREE br For brochure ochure or to order order your your C Christmas hristmas Selection S election Pack Pack call us on

01600 892855 8 92 8 5 5

wiltshirefarmfoods.com wil tshirefarmfoods.com

FREE Delivery Delivery

Winter Homes

November/December 2014 - Winter Issue 21

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Save money with Renewables L

OCAL renewables company Green Park Power rounds up the most recent energy saving technologies for residential and commercial properties.

Green Park Power are Certified installers of ‘Power Router’ battery backsystems.

This emerging up technology optimises the energy generated by putting unused energy into batteries to be used in the home through the evening. The system also provides home owners and small businesses peace of mind by providing electricity in a power blackout situation. A government report, by Ofgem, has warned that Wales faces power cuts by the winter of 2015 as ageing power plants are shut down.

Disruption to electricity supplies is a very real threat to our safety at home and at work.

‘Intelligent Switching’ has quickly become the must-have PV system accessory in the UK. Thousands of households are already benefitting from free hot water using this simple, economical technology. Using your existing immersion tank, the ‘Intelligent Switch’ can be fitted alongside a new PV system or retro-fitted to existing systems. It simply switches unused energy into the immersion element. So instead of losing the energy to the National Grid you get free hot water.

If you do not have an immersion tank a brand new British designed

unit is making intelligent switching an option for homes that use a ‘combiboiler’ to heat water. The technology uses a heat exchanger and crystal phase change processes to store and release energy. This is a very new and promising development. Anyone familiar with hand warmers, where one clicks the metal disc to start a reaction within the crystals enclosed, giving a heat energy release, will already be familiar with the principle. Large scale versions for commercial settings are also available.

The recent launch of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has caused quite a buzz. The incentive means that investment in Low Carbon forms of home heating (such as Heat Exchang-

ers or Biomass Burners for example) attracts a generous financial reward over several years – as well as saving you money on fuel for your home heating. The RHI is particularly rewarding if your home is off the gas mains and is reasonably well insulated.

Green Park Power are proud to be the accredited installation company for Abergavenny Energy Community Interest Company Gwent Energy Community Interest Company and Summit Energies.

For your free, no obligation, survey or for more information visit www.greenparkpower.co.uk or call us on 01873 269031 or 07792 970406.

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Office Tel: 01873 269031 22 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

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Winter Homes

W

E may have had storms and rain, but while the ground's workable, gardeners should make the most of the time they have left to do the jobs which will give them a head start next year.

Whether it's revamping your lawn, dividing perennials, trimming hedges or clearing weeds, you should leave no stone unturned if you want to get things in order for spring.

BEAT THE WINTER CHILL

Don't delay in completing these tasks:

NOW is the time to sow the hardiest pea varieties such as 'Douce Provence' and 'Feltham First' for a very early crop next spring. Start them off in a spare border in the greenhouse in well-drained soil, or sow seeds in a length of old guttering drilled with drainage holes along the base. Fill to the top with seed compost and space the seeds 7.5cm (3in) apart. Keep them in the greenhouse or a cold frame, keeping the compost moist and transplant them into the garden once they've established, digging out a shallow trench and gently sliding the seedlings into it. Cover seedlings and plants with cloches.

Rows should be 30cm (12) apart and protected from birds with netting, and you'll need to add twiggy supports to stop slugs feasting on the young stems which will otherwise straggle over the ground.

Keep the crop well watered and weed free. Peas should be ready for picking by May.

● Plant new trees, shrubs and roses.

These should benefit from the warm soil, which encourages root growth to develop quickly. You will need to give them a good soak when planting initially, but hopefully rain will play a part too. Just keep an eye on newly-planted specimens and don't allow them to dry out if we don't have wet weather. The plants should establish over the winter, giving you a head start for spring. ● Revamp your lawn. With all the autumn rain we've had, the ground will be soft enough to either turf or reseed a new lawn, or repair an old one. If you are laying new turf, good preparation is the key, which will mean removing weeds and stones, digging over the soil adding compost or wellrotted farmyard manure and incorporating sharp grit on heavy soil, and levelling the area off to a fine tilth on which to sow seed or lay turf. It needs to be kept well watered, although the rain should help at this time of year, and seed needs to be protected from birds. ● Divide perennials. Now is the perfect time to split those plants which have become congested while they are dormant but before the ground becomes too hard

in your garden to dig them out. Perennials which benefit from dividing every few years include hostas (but you'll need a knife to cut through the thick roots), cranesbill geranium, montbretia, rudbeckia, helenium and aster. You can also move plants which aren't happy in their allotted space to a spot where they may be happier. ● Trim hedges, tidying evergreens which should remain neat until spring. Evergreens should not put on much new growth during winter, so should save you the job of pruning them in spring, when

you may risk disturbing nesting birds. Deciduous shrubs can be pruned into winter. ● Weed out the worst culprits. If you do a final weed before the perennial weeds disappear for the winter, you should hopefully make your task lighter when they come back in spring. Look out for ground elder, couch grass and bindweed, which are among the most pernicious weeds and try to dig up all the white roots which, if left in the ground, will just sprout up again next year. ● Increase your stock. Take hardwood cuttings in late autumn to propagate shrubs including roses, willows, philadelphus, weigelas and dogwoods. Cut woody shoots for the base of the current year's growth, trim below a leaf joint and remove the tip to leave the cuttings 20-30cm (812in) long. Dip the base into hormone rooting powder, make a slit trench in a well cultivated but vacant area of the garden, push the cuttings in vertically, 30cm (12in) apart and firm the soil back around them, closing the trench. Water them in. This time next year they may have rooted enough to be moved.

Bare root roses for planting in the garden are available from David Austin Roses from now until April and make good Christmas presents for gardeners. Try the beautiful Fragrant Cloud £11.50 www.davidaustinroses.com

November/December 2014 - Winter Issue 23

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Inspiration under the covers

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24 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

ITH autumn comes books, lots of them. Celebrity autobiographies, new novels from top-notch authors and, best of all, a plethora of gardening books.

This year is no exception, so if you're short on inspiration as to what to do with your green space check out the new titles which you can buy now or put on your Christmas list. ● Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal (Frances Lincoln, £14.99): An ideal Christmas present for those who like to keep tabs on what's coming up in their garden when. This monthby-month journal of her first book, The Cutting Edge, is reborn with space to make notes of jobs to do, what's in flower and other snippets of information you might need to note down. Beautifully presented in hardback, it's not too bulky and ideal as a point of reference. ● Cultivating Garden Style by Rochelle Greayer (Timber Press, £25): This book will help you identify your look, pick furniture and accessories, and create a space that feels definitively yours.

Featuring the latest

H-I-M

trends and state-of-the-art products, it's for gardeners who want to make their outdoor spaces exciting and innovative. ● The Writer's Garden by Jackie Bennett (Frances Lincoln, Oct 2, £25): This glorious tome for gardeners, history buffs and enthusiastic readers alike reveals some of the lesser-known facts about famous authors and their fascination with gardens.

Charles Dickens was a keen gardener and loved scarlet pelargoniums, while Roald Dahl loved orchids.

Featuring landscapes ranging from Virginia Woolf's rural Sussex idyll to Beatrix Potter's hill-top farm in the Lake District. ● The Gardener's Year (Dorling Kindersley, £20): This practical, easy-to-use book will give you all the information you need. Packed with timely tips and helpful advice, it's full of planting ideas, reminders and how-tos for every season and area of the garden, including beds, borders and patios, and features an at-a-glance calendar showing each month's jobs, including sowing, planting, watering, feeding, pruning and harvesting, plus illustrated stepby-steps of key techniques flag up handy gardening tips that can make all the difference.

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Winter Homes

Get the nesting instinct

Cross Lantern, £120, is decorative and appropriate for any season. Ward off the chills with a Chunky Crocheted Wool Throw, £190, Nutmeg & Sage, and add an injection of rich colour with Velvet Cushions in gorgeous glowing shades, £32 each, Oliver Bonas.

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W

INTER'S a time to hunker down, some carefully-chosen budget buys. snuggle indoors and enjoy a Rich colour, including this season's star home whose decor matches the shade; deep blue, teams brilliantly with season. jewel-bright reds and plums. That colourThis year, there's an abundance of chic combo will bring welcome warmth to any looks, taking inspiration from the latest in- winter setting, and if you introduce key teriors trends, which can transform rooms pieces of oak furniture, you'll conjure a re- but divine decor tends to come at a price. laxed, unfussy, inviting parlour, suitable for Luckily there's no need to despair if, with a rural or urban setting. the expense of Christmas looming, Soft textured velvet or faux suede sofas will money's tight, and you fear you can't af- contrast well with polished wood, boasting ford your dream of creating rooms perfect a striking natural grain. Follow the theme for indulgent hibernating. with dark wood floors, gaily patterned rugs Pick our on-trend scheme and either and, as a focal point, a pale stone fireplace. splash out on a full-on luxe interpretation, LUXE LOOK: Invest in glamour with a or get the look for much, much less with Dusty 2 Seater Sofa, in blue velvet, £749, DFS. Well-designed wood furniture never loses its appeal, and a Naseby Coffee Table, in a rustic oak finish, £429, and Chunky Wood Tall Table Lamp, £149 (available late October), both Marks & Spencer, are solidly stylish.

Lanterns are an interesting alternative to candlesticks, and Sweetpea & Willow's Criss

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STYLE SAVER: A hard-wearing Rebecca 3seater Fabric Sofa, available in teal cord upholstery, currently £349 (usual price £699), Very, would provide that shot of colour.

Keep clutter to a minimum with a coffee table incorporating generous storage: Ripley Rough Sawn Solid Oak 4 Drawer Coffee Table, £249.74 (usual price £399.74), Oak Furnitureland.

Bring on more blue with a turquoise Gurli Throw, £5.50, Ikea, and Multi-colour Pattern Crewelwork Cushions, £20 each from selected Sainsbury's stores. Lamplit makes any room cosy, and a Wooden Walnut Lamp, £20, from Asda's George Home range, would match Chunky crocheted wool throw, this decor. £190 Nutmeg & Sage

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

26 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette Motoring

November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 27

28 November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue

Gazette Motoring

L

F

RENCH car maker Renault has introduced a new top-of-the-range trim level to its popular Captur compact-crossover - Captur Signature.

The firm says it builds on the existing Dynamique S MediaNav version and adds numerous extras, including some exclusive ones, as standard. Order books have now opened with prices for the car starting from ÂŁ17,495.

On the exterior, 17-inch alloy wheels with black inserts and chrome exterior details on the side strips, boot lid, front grille and fog lights set the Signature trim level apart.

On the inside, the car receives upgrades in the form of part-leather up-

holstery, Signature door sill plates and mats and the Red Touch Pack - adding bright red detail to the centre console, speakers and air vents.

In terms of technology, the Captur Signature Renault's R-Link infotainment system includes a seven-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, USB connectivity and an uprated audio package plus a rear parking camera combined with rear parking sensors.

Renault has also added its Grip Xtend traction control system, which provides maximum grip on the road in difficult driving conditions through the use of a thumbwheel on the centre console.

AND Rover has begun production of the new Discovery Sport, which replaces the much-loved Freelander with a new seven-seat platform.

The first car off the production line was unveiled to the media at the firm's Halewood factory near Liverpool, where the first model of the new Discovery family will be built.

As part of a high-profile new commercial partnership, Land Rover will give Discovery Sport 'number one' to the world's first commercial space flight provider, Virgin Galactic.

The British 4x4 maker has already supplied a number of Range Rovers and Discovery 4s for use at Virgin Galactic's Spaceport America facility in New Mexico, USA. Land Rover has moved to what it calls a '5+2' seating layout, where two folding seats in the boot form a temporary third row designed around 13-year-olds.

And yet the whole car measures less than 4.6 metres long, making it several centimetres shorter than even the shortest of its five-seat rivals.

Less intrusive new rear suspension, which marks a wholesale engineering departure from the Evoque platform on which the Discovery Sport is based, is largely responsible for the impressive packaging.

Up to seven USB ports and four 12-volt power sockets can be specified to enable charging for as many as 11 devices at once.

Land Rover promises that its newest model will retain and build on the off-road ability of the Freelander and Evoque, with expanded Terrain Response technology and a maximum wading depth of two feet (60cm).

The first examples will reach customers early in 2015.

WHEELS & DEALS M

ERCEDES is to bring an allelectric version of the new BClass to the UK next year, with a drivetrain developed by Tesla.

The B-Class Electric Drive will be priced to fall in line with high-end diesel models after applying the Government's ÂŁ5,000 plug-in car grant, making it a tempting alternative for urban families.

Mercedes is making initial claims of a range in the region of 120 miles between full charges, citing that the vast majority of UK drivers cover less than 30 miles per day.

"Previously the technology has only been in development cars, so this is the first volume production Mercedes-Benz electric car," said Angus Fitton, PR manager at Mercedes UK.

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"It also marks the tie-up with Tesla, so the batteries, electric motor and the electronics that go with it and modulate it all are all Tesla's."

An in-house Mercedes app has already been developed that allows owners to remotely keep tabs on the Electric Drive's charge status, predicted range and more.

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November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 29

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Meet the planners

T

HIS month I would like to address a subject that will strike a chord with many of the readers of this paper – planning for the farming community. Before I do so though I would like to mention a subject which is of great importance to me - the performance of our planning service here at the National Park Authority.

We have come a long way in the last five years and I hope you will share my feeling of intense pride that in the most recently published statistics we were the best performing planning service in Wales, moving up from second place to top of the Welsh Government’s league table, we determined 95% within the statutory 8 weeks (we approved 89%).

The Welsh Government takes a keen interest in planning and it is one of the tools they use to try and influence economic change in rural communities. It is perhaps not widely understood that it is a national goal to nurture rural enterprise and the Government gives guidelines on how to process planning applications to achieve this, for example on converting a stone barn to a home. All Local Authorities’ Planning Services are required to follow the policies government sets and we are no exception here at the National Park. We are expected to explore every avenue to ensure that agricultural buildings which have been used for the farm as a business continue to be so used. This means that the applicant for a barn conversion has to show that the market has been tested to consider for example whether the barn in question could become a Holiday Let - as part of diversification for the farm into tourism. This process has had quite a high success rate – since December 2013 we have retained 8 barns as part of the rural economy rather than pass-

ing into the housing market.

Sometimes testing will show that there is no market support to keep the barn as part of the business assets and it is agreed to take forward an application for the building to be turned into a home. When this happens the resulting dwelling is likely to be very desirable should it become available on the open market. There is significant need for affordable housing in the National Park and when considering an application for change of use such as from a barn to a home, the Authority looks for a financial contribution towards affordable housing (this is also the case when a new house is given planning permission). We have recently consulted widely on this process in relation to barn conversions. Our proposals caused consternation within some sections of the agricultural community and we are currently considering our response in the light of comments we received.

The Welsh Government is keen to promote succession planning for farms as businesses and it has introduced rules about an additional home for a younger person on the farm to live in order to learn how to manage and eventually take over the business. This allows for an application to build a second home on the farm as long as it can be shown that the person living in it is genuinely employed by and integral to the farm’s business.

Generally, farmers have substantially more scope to undertake development without the need for planning permission than their non-farming neighbours do. This wider scope is offered to support the farm as a business by recognising the farmers’ need to manage their farm and to help them to engage in farm diversification.

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known as “Permitted Development Rights” which allows putting up, extending and altering buildings as well as performing excavations and engineering operations.

Here at the National Park Authority we differ from our neighbouring Authorities in that farmers intending to undertake this kind of work need to notify us 28 days in advance in case there are any issues that we need to raise with them.

This is one of the few cases where our role as protectors of the environment requires a different protocol to that of our neighbouring Authorities. If we do not raise issues on the information we have received the work can go ahead with no further requirement to make a planning application.

It might be worth noting that the Welsh Government requires us to check that new buildings are used for the function they have apparently been put up before any change of use can be considered.

If you would like more information about any of the subjects raised in this article you could look at the Welsh Government’s Technical Advice Note 6 (Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities) which is available from their website.

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November/December 2014 - The Winter Issue 31

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