Gazette & Diary Magazine
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info@greeenparkpower.co.uk www.grreenparkpower e .co.uk 07 7792970406 0 73 269031 018 2 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
Welcome ...
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REETINGS fair readers and welcome to another bumper packed edition of the Gazette and Diary. II think you’ll join us when we say “Thank God! January is behind us.” Coming so soon after the highs of the festive season, the first month of the year is never the most user friendly, but when it’s filled with day after day of unrelenting rain, it’s not going to be a ‘hot date’ on anyone’s calendar. Talking of dates, it’s February, love is in the air and the mood is right. So dim the lights, pull on your party frock, treat yourself to a classy haircut and apply liberal amounts of perfume ladies, and gentlemen, be prepared to leave a serious dent in your bank balance. But hey! If you can’t express your love for that special person in your life by spending huge amounts of money is there any real romance left in the world? February 14 is of course Valentine’s Day, and amongst a host of other feature you’ll find lots and lots of interesting things about the ‘day for lovers’ in this month’s mag. Before we shuffle off too the nearest florist, allow us to leave you with one final thought, Although it doesn’t reveal if they are single, married, or in a relationship, a recent study indicated that 15 per cent of women in
the United States send flowers to themselves on Valentine’s Day. How sinister! And no doubt they put the flowers in the same water they’ve just finished boiling the bunny in. Boom! Boom! Enjoy the read and see you next time. in association with
The Abergavenny Chronicle ADVERTISING: Jenna Hopkins Ext 35 jenna@abergavennychronicle.com Luke Walding Ext 36 advertising@tindlenews.co.uk For information on how to advertise in the next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 35 or 36 GENERAL MANAGER: Mary Purcell
Part of the Tindle Newspaper Group
DESIGNERS: Jackie Evans - jackie@pemedia.co.uk Mark Taylor - mark@pemedia.co.uk Published by the Abergavenny Chronicle, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5AA Printed by Trinity Mirror plc
... did you know?
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ANUARY marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1964 film Zulu, which remains a timeless classic of British cinema. The masterpiece is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest British films of all time but what's its connection to the area? The plot follows the experiences of the 24th Regiment and their involvement in the defence of Rorke's Drift during the 1879 Zulu war. The regiment was originally from Brecon. On the January 22nd 1879 the British Army suffered one of its worst defeats when Zulu forces massacred 1,500 of its troops at Isandlhwana. A short time after the main battle a Zulu force numbering in excess of 4,000 warriors advanced on a British hospital and supply dump guarded by 139 Welsh infantrymen. The film concentrates on this bloody 12 hour battle during which the British force, under their commander from the Royal Engineers, won 11 Victoria Crosses. While taking some liberties with history the film follows reality fairly closely, including matching exactly the identities of the VC winners their names are spoken over the closing credits by the actor Richard Burton. The film starred and was co-produced by Stanley Baker, who was born
THE original flag from the Battle of Rorke’s Drift on display at Brecon’s Regimental War Museum in Glamorgan and introduced a young Michael Caine in his first major film role. Brecon’s Regimental War Museum is the best place to start for those interested in the history of the film with several priceless artefacts, unique military pieces and even the original flag from the battle itself. The film is still available to purchase from www.amazon.co.uk
STANLEY Baker (left) and a young Michael Caine in the film Zulu
February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 3
Gazette & Diary Magazine
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From your Valentine
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HE history of Valentine's Day, legend says, originated during the third century in Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. A young priest named Valentine was furious with this injustice and defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually discovered Valentine's actions and sentenced him to death (not quite the fate of those who fail to buy their significant others flowers on Valentine's Day, but clearly a lesson to be learned from history!) During his time in jail, Valentine fell in love with his jailer's daughter, who visited him in prison. Before he was put to death, Valentine sent a letter to the girl and signed it, "From Your Valentine" - an expression we still use today. Valentine was executed on February 14, 270 AD. Later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 a day to honour Valentine, who by that time had become a saint.
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Hotel Chocolat – The Sleekster Valentine Collection £24 www.hotel chocolat.com A selection of 28 gorgeous filled chocolates presented in a beautiful box cleverly adorned with hidden images of love.
Lindor – Heart Tin With Crystals £7.99 www.lindt-shop.co.uk The perfect romantic gift for Valentine's day! This beautiful sparkly heart-shaped tin with small crystals contains the famous Lindor milk chocolate truffles. Thorntons Continental Tasting Heart Selection £24.99 www.thorntons.co.uk Milk, white and dark chocolates in a heart-shaped box
Cadbury Love Chocolate and six roses £22 www.cadburygifts direct.co.uk These stunning red roses, teamed with delicious Pralines by Cadbury chocolates make a heartfelt way to say 'I Love You'.
4 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
SWEETS FOR MY SWEET
GIFTS FOR HIM
Happy Valentine’s Day
Impress your partner with our easy Valentine cocktails Gin Fizz
Strawberry Bellini
Put 100 ml gin; 40 ml fresh lemon juice; 40 ml sugar syrup (you can make this by dissolving 40g of sugar in 40ml of water); 40 ml egg whites and four fresh raspberries into a cocktail shaker (if you don’t have a cocktail shaker a food processor will do). Shake it up for a few seconds. Fill two cocktail glasses with ice and strain the mixture over the ice. Delicious!
Really easy but very impressive. Remove the leaves from a handful of strawberries and blend in a liquidiser to a smooth puree. Choose a couple of pretty cocktail glasses, put some of the puree in the bottom and top up with chilled prosecco or champagne. Put a strawberry with the leaves till on onto the side of the glass. Simple perfection!
Elderflower Cosmopolitan A perfumed and refreshing take on the cranberry version - mix 100ml of gin, 30ml of elderflower cordial, 12 raspberries, 40ml of lemon juice and two teaspoons of sugar in a cocktail shaker (or food processor). Strain into cocktails glasses and garnish with redcurrants.
Cocktails of desire
Death by Chocolate Mix 100ml of spiced rum with 100ml of chocolate milk and pour over ice chocoholics delight!
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February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 5
Gazette & Diary Magazine If you are eating at home on Valentine’s Day you don’t want to spend hours slaving over a hot stove.Try this easy and quick menu for a delicious meal
A feast for your Valentine Cajun steak and chips
2 large potatoes cut into thick chips 2 rib eye, sirloin or rump beef steaks 2tbsp Cajun spice/seasoning 1tbsp olive oil Preheat oven to Gas Mark 6, 200°C, 400°F Place potato chips on a tray with oil and spice/seasoning and toss to coat. Arrange the chips in a single layer and bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes until crisp.
Prawns with garlic butter THIS simple recipe for prawns in a garlicky sauce makes a delicious starter - just add crusty bread or a simple salad 1 tbsp olive oil 50g/2oz butter 12 large raw prawns 2 garlic cloves, crushed salt and freshly ground black pepper small handful parsley, chopped Preparation method In a wok or a large pan heat the oil and butter. Add the prawns and garlic and stir well. Stir fry until the prawns are pink (about 4-5 minutes). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and scatter the chopped parsley over. Serve at once. Recipe from BBC Food
6 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
Preheat the grill until really hot. Cook the steaks under the grill for: 2 mins each side - rare steak 4 mins each side - medium steak 6 mins each side - well done steak
Serve the steak with a fruity salsa - mix together one sliced mango, juice and rind from one lime and one sliced peach or any other combination of seasonal fruits and a green leaf salad.
Chocolate fondue with fruit platter 110g/4oz sugar 110ml4fl oz water 400g/14oz plain chocolate, broken in pieces 2 tbsp golden syrup selection of fruits cut in bite-sized pieces such as strawberries grapes, dates or pineapple. Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar melts and the mixture resembles a syrup. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. (Do not lot the base of the bowl touch the water.) Stirthe golden syrup into the chocolate plus enough of the sugar syrup to form a smooth sauce. (Caution:
the chocolate mixture will be very hot, allow to . cool a little before serving. Serve with the platter of fruit. Recipe by James Martin from BBC Food
Happy Valentine’s Day
Indulge in a weekend of Cornish decadence
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by Philip Evans
ERCHED high on the headland at the mouth of Cornwall’s trendy Camel Estuary, the St Moritz Hotel reeks decadence, but not in a snooty way. On the coldest weekend of the winter when much of the country was shivering in sub-zero temperatures there was a warm welcome awaiting from the staff at St Moritz. A luxury hotel has stood on this stunning site overlooking Daymer Bay, near Rock, since the 1930s, making it the perfect setting for the ultimate luxurious break. The original, imposing private house belonged to a couple called the Underwoods who, after the war, reinvented it as a luxury hotel. On his trips to St M o r i t z , Richard UnSt Moritz Hotel and Cowshed Spa derwood found a g r o u n d tated menu together with some favourites The St Moritz Hotel has passion fl o o r much in evidence. declared February to be the MONTH OF LOVE matching suite Enjoying the gastronomic delights of the St his own A one or two-night stay with dinner w h i c h Moritz is a big part of the hotel and we were for haute on one night, breakfast, champagne chilled in included not disappointed with the standard of cuisine, exits own cuisine including a delicious breakfast. your room on arrival, homemade chocolate cellent service kitchen The hotel also has a pool and hosts a Cowtruffles and your ‘luxe love’ box of treats. and attention and which shed Spa, offering a range of massages and Prices start from £199 for a to detail, and would have beauty treatments. What better way to celeone-night stay or so named the made any Do- brate or relax during a truly indulgent break. £270 for a two-night stay hotel after the Swiss mestic Goddess St Moritz Hotel, Trebetherick, in February town. drool. Not that we Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 6SD. The St Moritz became CALL 01208 862242 intended using it with 01208 862242. truly international. The chefs one of Cornwall’s best www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk. learned their trade in Switzerrestaurants waiting for our land and the excellence they custom in the main body of the brought back – and on which the Unhotel. derwoods insisted throughout – saw its The suite was all you would expect and reputation soar. Politicians, film stars, busi- more from an hotel with St Moritz’s repuness leaders and writers were drawn to tation - comfortable television area, slidthe spectacular coast but, most of all, to ing door access to your own sitting out the hotel’s celebrated levels of service. area, massive bed and a welcome box of Brothers Hugh and Stephen Ridgway, goodies with romance in mind which inthe new owners, bulldozed the original cluded truffles, a free DVD of Audrey Hepbuilding and in a £15 million development burn’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s and a game of completed in 2008, recreated those heady Truth or Dare. art deco days of the 1950s with an hotel The restaurant was humming with hotel and leisure complex which is dedicated to guests and local residents. supplying the perfect antidote to the daily Committed to the finest British food and stresses of urban life. predominantly Cornish ingredients, the Standing on the Trebetherick headland, team of nine chefs work in the open with inspiring views over the estuary be- kitchen, making the dining experience tween the trendy resorts of Polzeath and more interesting, while demonstrating Rock and within easy reach of some of huge attention to detail and presentation. Cornwall’s most popular attractions, the St With its proximity to Cornish ports, fish Moritz is the ideal base for getting ac- features prominently on the menu with quainted with Cornwall. daily catches from Port Isaac and Newlyn. But don’t be fooled into thinking that Saturday morning was spent touring this this is just a posh pad for yuppie couples; corner of Cornwall with the obligatory the St Moritz is very much a family hotel. visit to Padstow, followed by lunch in the Despite its obvious opulence, the first hotel’s Sea Side restaurant with stunning thing we noticed was the collection of kid- views over the Atlantic and easy access to die essentials in the foyer – buckets and the pool and beach hut area. spades, welly boots, skateboards and even The atmosphere in the Sea Side is much a surfboard. more relaxied than the main restaurant We spent two nights at the St Moritz in a but with an equally interesting fish orien-
February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 7
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Smoochin’ in the back row - take in a film on Valentine’s Day Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (12A, 105 mins) .
Inside Llewyn Davis
armed with this delightful and artfully composed comedy drama. The story follows a week in Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin the life of a young folk singer Timberlake, John Goodman, as he navigates the Greenwich Garrett Hedlund,Ethan Phillips, Village folk scene of 1961. Robin Bartlett, Jeanine Serralles, Llewyn Davis is at a crossAdam Driver, Stark Sands. roads. Guitar in tow, huddled N a year littered with terrific films against the unforgiving New and eye-catching performances, York winter, he is struggling to one or two gems were always make it as a musician against going to be short-changed at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles - some of them of Academy Awards nominations. Few could have predicted that Joel his own making. Living at and Ethan Coen, who won four the mercy of both friends golden statuettes for No Country For and strangers, scaring up Old Men and Fargo, would be among what work he can find, those casualties when they were Llewyn's misadventures take him from the basket houses of the village to an empty Chicago club - on an odyssey to audition for music mogul Bud Grossman - and back again. Interspersed with musical performances by the cast. Inside Llewyn Davis is another offbeat character study from the Coens provOscar Isaac ing what goes around, comes around.
Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, Kenneth Branagh, Colm Feore, Elena Velikanova, David Paymer.
(15, 105 mins)
B
ASED on the CIA analyst created by espionage master Tom Clancy, who died last year, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is a blistering action thriller that follows Ryan from his quiet double-life as a veteran-turned-Wall Street executive to his all-out initiation as a hunted American agent on the trail of a massive terrorist plot in Moscow. Ryan appears to be just another New York executive but his enlistment into the CIA secretly goes back years. He was brought in as a brainy PhD but when Ryan ferrets out a meticulously planned scheme to collapse the US economy and spark global chaos, he becomes the only man with the skills to stop it. Thrust into a world of mounting suspicion, deception and deadly force. Caught between his tightlipped handler Harper, his in-thedark fiancée Cathy and a brilliant Russian oligarch, Jack must confront a new reality where no one can seem to be trusted, yet the fate of millions rests on his finding the truth. With the urgency of a lit fuse, he's in a race to stay one step ahead Chris Pine as Jack Ryan of everyone around him.
I
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August: Osage County
(15, 121 mins) Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Juliette Lewis, Julianne Nicholson, Margo Martindale, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney, Sam Shepard, Misty Upham. DAPTED for the screen by Tracy Letts from his 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play. This tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose FAMILY TENSIONS: August Osage County lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house their decisive third match, Razor sudGrudge Match (12A, 113 mins) they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional denly announced his retirement, refusSylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Kevin woman who raised them. ing to explain why but effectively Hart, Kim Basinger, Alan Arkin, Jon John Wells’s film opens in the calm before delivering a knock-out punch to both Bernthal, Camden Gray, LL Cool J an inevitable storm with grizzled patriarch OWARDS the end of Peter Segal’s their careers. Thirty years later, boxing Beverly Weston (Sam Shepard) hiring a Nacomedy drama about two retired promoter Dante Slate Jr., seeing big doltive American woman called Johnna (Misty boxing adversaries who are lured lar signs, makes them an offer they can't Upham) as a live-in carer and cook for his back into the ring, a bruised Sylvester refuse - to re-enter the ring and settle pill-popping, terminally ill wife, Violet Stallone turns to Robert De Niro and the score once and for all. (Meryl Streep). Their long-festering feud erupts into an Soon after, Beverly vanishes from his rural growls: “Want to do this again?”. unintentionally hilarious melee that inOklahoma homestead and his lifeless body With rivulets of sweat and blood trick- stantly goes viral. The sudden social ling into his swollen eyes, De Niro is recovered five days later in a nearby lake. media frenzy transforms their local Set largely within the claustrophobic We- wearily responds: “Definitely not”. grudge match into a must-see HBO And that’s probably the right response. ston house on a sweltering summer’s afterevent. noon, August: Osage County cannot On paper, a showdown between the Hollywood heavyweights sounds escape its theatrical origins. Streep is in blistering form, baiting her eld- like a knock-out. Regrettably, once est daughter for a heated response while the boxing ends and the talking befellow Oscar nominee Roberts is equally gins, the script punches well below impressive, finally losing her cool in a hys- its weight although die hard Rocky terical scene with a plate of fish. Martindale and Raging Bull fans might enjoy it. is mesmerising while Brits abroad McGre- Billy "The Kid" McDonnen and gor and Cumberbatch offer solidaccents in Henry "Razor" Sharp, are two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rislightly underwritten supporting roles. Like so many family gatherings, the film valry put them in the national spotends in tears, recriminations and the unset- light. Each had scored a victory against the other during their hey- BACK IN THE RING: Robert De Niro and tling promise of more damage to come. day, but in 1983, on the eve of Sylvester Stallone
A
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Happy Valentine’s Day
www.maesmanor.com Tel: 01495 220011 Fax: 01495 228217 Email: info@maesmanor.com
Maes Manor is the perfect venue for holding a wedding reception. With our experience, quality of service, high food standards and overall value for money we guarantee that you and your guests will have a day to remember. From the moment you arrive our friendly professional team will be on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Our extensive packages offer a wide range of choices for your special day, but these are only guidelines. At Maes Manor we recognise that each wedding is individual, therefore, our packages and menus can be tailored or adapted if required. To discuss your ideas or to arrange a tour please call our wedding co-ordinator on 01495 220011 or download our wedding brochure at www.maesmanor.com
As well as our Classic and Elegance packages we have four special offer packages available for 2014 Package 1
Package 2
Package 3
Package 4
Funky Fridays
Late Summer Deal £49 per person
2014 packages for £2,014
Winter wedding £52 per guest
Available from the 1st November - 30th November 2014 £4,500 all in for up to 80 day guests and up to 120 evening guests or £50 per person if above set numbers Bucks fizz & Orange Juice on arrival 3 course Wedding Breakfast Wine for your Toast Hog Roast Evening Buffet No Room Hire Charges For Breakfast or Evening Celebrations Complimentary Bridal Suite for Bride & Groom including breakfast
Bookings after 1st November 2013 .Valid from 1st March - 30th September 2014
Summer Punch or Bucks Fizz and Orange Juice on arrival 2 course Wedding Breakfast Evening Buffet For all Day Guests No Room Hire Charges For Breakfast or Evening Celebrations Complimentary Bridal Suite For Bride & Groom including breakfast Additional Evening Guests will be priced at £15 per person thereafter
Bookings after 1st November 2013 Only Available Monday to Wednesday from 1st January to 30th November 2014 £2,014 for 50 day guests & 100 evening guests Bucks fizz and Orange Juice on arrival 2 course Wedding Breakfast Evening Buffet of Bacon & Sausage Butties with home made chips No Room Hire Charges For Breakfast or Evening Celebrations Complimentary Bridal Suite For Bride & Groom including breakfast
January, February and March 2014 subject to availability Winter Punch or Bucks Fizz on arrival 3 course Wedding Breakfast No Room Hire Charges For Breakfast or Evening Celebrations Evening Finger Buffet for all of your Day Guests Complimentary Bridal Suite For Bride & Groom including breakfast
Maes Manor Hotel, Maesrudded Lane, Blackwood, Gwent. NP12 0AG February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 9
Gazette & Diary Magazine
■ Superbly Presented Detached Property ■ Semi Rural Location with Countryside Views ■ 5 Bedrooms & 3 Reception Rooms ■ Potential Business Opportunity - EPC tbc
Wellll Presented Detached Property ■ We ee Bedrooms Three ■ Thr closed Gardens - EPC tbc Enclosed ■ Enc Garage Gar rage & Driveway Providing Parking Facilities ■
ented Detached Cottage ■ Well Presented drooms ■ Three Bedrooms ■ Lounge & Kitchen/Breakfast Room ■ Enclosed Gardens Enjoying Views, EPC tbc
■ Extended Semi Detached Property ■ Three Bedroomss & Three Reception Rooms way, EPC - tbc ■ Garage & Driveway, ns To Rear Enjoying Views ■ Enclosed Gardens
ABERGAVENNY N EW
LLANFOIST N EW
PANDY N EW
CLYDACH NORTH N EW
ABERGAVENNY N EW
N EW
LLANVIHANGEL CRUCORNEY
■ End Terrace Property ■ 1 Bedroom C tbc ■ Driveway Parking, EPC ■ Enclosed Gardens to Rear
■ Superbly Presented Detachedd Property ■ Spacious Accommodation eption Rooms ■ Four Bedrooms & Three Reception ■ Garage & Driveway, EPC tbc
£ £184,950
£115,000 000
£335,000
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
■ Well Presented Detached Property ■ Four Bedrooms & Two Reception Rooms ■ Refurbished Kitchen, Conservatory ■ Garage & Enclosed Gardens, EPC tbc
N EW
£129,950
LLANOVER
N EW
£239,950
LANELLEN
N EW
£435,000
PENPERLLENI
tached Bungalow Detached ■ Det ree Bedrooms Three ■ Thr closed Gardens, Garage & Driveway Enclosed ■ Enc ered With No Onward Chain - EPC tbc Offered ■ Offe
■ Detached Cottage With Outstanding Views ms & 2 Reception Rooms ■ 3 Bedrooms ■ Detached Stone Outbuilding With Potential nd Garage - EPC tbc ■ Garden and
at ■ Ground Floor Flat ■ 2 Bedrooms, en/Living Area ■ Open Plan Kitchen/Living dens, EPC C ■ Communal Gardens,
■ Detached Property in Cul de Sac Location tion Rooms ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception ■ Conservatory, Kitchen,, Utility Room ■ EPC D
ched Property ■ Superbly Presented Semi Detached ms, Conservatory ■ 4 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms, room ■ Master En-suite & Family Bathroom ■ Driveway & Enc. Garden. EPC C
£249,950
£225,000
£425,000
£94,000 £
£219,950 950
£249,950
CLYDACH NORTH
LLANFOIST
GOVILON
BWLCH
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
■ Superbly Presented Detached Property ■ 5 Bedrooms, 5 Reception Rooms ■ Driveway Parking, Enclosed Gardens ■ Viewing Recommended EPC E
mi Detached Property Semi ■ Sem Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■3B Gar Garage ■ rage & Drive, Enc. Gardens CD ■ EPC
Property with Detached 2 Bedroom Annexe ■ Detached Property Bedroomss, 3 Reception Rooms ■ 4 Bedrooms, Semi Rural Location, Enclosed Gardens & Parking ■ ■ EPC E
■ Rare Opportunityy Building Plot ation ■ Semi Rural Location ■ Ideally Situated for Abergavenny & Brecon ■ Detailed Plans Available to View
nt ■ Second Floor Apartment ■ 2 Bedrooms, En Suite Shower Room hen Area Open Plan Living/Kitchen ■ ghout, EPC C ■ Well Presented Throughout,
hed Property ■ Extended Period Semi Detached oms ■ 5 Bedrooms, 3 Reception Rooms Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room m ■ ■ Enclosed Gardens, Garage & Drive, EPC C
£315,000
£169,950
£395,000
£150,000 £
£164,950 950
£325,000
THE BRYN
ABERGAVENNY
CLYDACH NORTH
PENPERLLENI
LLANELLY HILL
ABERGAVENNY
rty ■ Semi-detached Property es ■ Previously Two Cottages eption Rooms ■ 4/5 Bedrooms, 2 Reception arking, EPC F ■ Detached Garage & Parking,
■ Detached Bungalow on Largee Plot oms ■ 2 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ Conservatory ■ Garage & Drive. EPC - tbc
■ Well Presented Detached Property ■ 4 Bedrooms,3 Reception Rooms ■ Refurb Kitchen,Separate Utility ■ Enclosed Gdns,,Garage & Drive.EPC F
Semi mi Detached Bay Fronted Period Property ■ Sem Bedrooms, Lounge/Dining Room ■3B chen/Breakfast Room Kitchen/Breakfast ■ Kitc c. Gardens & Parking to Rear. EPC E Enc. ■ Enc
ented Detached Cottage ■ Well Presented ms, Lounge, Fitted Kitchen ■ 3 Bedrooms, ■ Enclosed Garden, ■ Detached Garage/Workshop. EPC E
er Bungalow ■ Detached Dormer ■ 5 Bedrooms, 3 Reception Rooms ouble Garage & Driveway ■ Conservatory, Double ns. EPC E ■ Enclosed Gardens.
£189,950
£160,000
£ £290,000
FERS OVER £295,000 OFFERS
£220,000
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
GROSMONT
LLANELLY HILL
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
Detached tached Property Situated In A Large Plot ■ Det uated Within Brecon Beacons National Park Situated ■ Situ ■ 3 BBedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms, Double uble Garage, Views, EPC F ■ Dou
Detached Cottage P ■ Superbly Presented Beddroom & En Suite, 2 Further Bedrooms ■ Master Bedroom ■ 2 Receptionn Rooms, Kitchen/Breakfast Room ns, Det Garage & Drive. EPC F ■ Enc Gardens,
£229,950
£195,000
£340 0,000 GUIDE PRICE £340,000
£ £129,995
£124,950 950
£229,950
PANDY
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
CRICKHOWELL
GOVILON
■ Well Presented Semi Detached Property ■ 3 Bedrooms, Lounge/Dining Room ■ Garage & Driveway, Enc. Gardens ■ Viewing Recommended, EPC tbc
£169,950
ractive End Terrace House Attractive ■ Attr Bedrooms, Refitted F/F Bathroom ■2B ■ Off Road Parking & Garage Viewing wing Recommended, EPC -tbc ■ View
10 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
£162,000
■ Detached Spacious Property oms ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms c. Gardens, ■ Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Enc. Garage & Drive EPC D ■
SO LD
■ 2nd Floor Apartment ■ Open Plan living spacee ■ Separate Kitchen CD ■ Double bedroom - EPC
SO LD
LD
oor Apartment ■ Ground Floor rooms ■ Two Bedrooms ■ Open Plann Kitchen/Living Room ■ Master Enn suite & Dressing Room
£155,000
■ Bay Fronted Endd of Terrace Property oms, Lounge/Dining Room ■ 2 Double Bedrooms, ed Garden ■ Kitchen, Enclosed EPC F ■
SO
SO
LD
SO
SO
LD
■ Detached Family Property ■ 4 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ G/F Cloaks, F/F Bathroom ■ Garage & Drive, Enc Garden. EPC E
LD
£290,000 OFFERS OVER
■ Link Detached Family Home ■ Three Bedroomss ■ Two Reception Rooms itchen ■ Conservatory, Kitchen
■ Maisonette ■ 2 Bedrooms ■ Lounge ■ Vehicle Hardstand & Garage
£174,950 £
£130,000 000
■ Detached Dormer Property ■ 3 Bedrooms & 2 Reception Rooms nd Rear ■ Enclosed Gardens to Front and ■ Detached Garage/Workshop
£210,000
Gazette Property
Semi mi Detached Property ■ Sem B Loft Room ■ 3 Bedrooms, R Rooms, Kitchen ■ 2 Reception Cell lar, Enc. Gardens, No Onward Chain. EPC E Cellar, ■
ched Property ■ Semi Detached Bedrooms, ms, Lounge/Dining Room ■ 3 Bedroom un Room, G/F Shower Room ■ Kitchen, Sun Bathroom, om, Garage & Drive, Enc. Gdns EPC D ■ F/F Bathroo
ABERGAVENNY N
N
C H AI
H AI
N O
O N
N
O
C
H AI
N
LLANFOIST
C
H AI C N
N O
O
H AI C O N
■ Detached Cottage Set in approx. 1/3 Acre ■ Updating Required, Potential for Extension ■ 2 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ No Onward Chain, EPC F
PANDY
N
ABERGAVENNY
C H AI N
ABERGAVENNY
N
LLANFOIST
■ Detached Periodd Property ■ 4 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms om, F/F Bathroom ■ G/F Shower Room, ge & Outbuilding. EPC F ■ Detached Garage
hed Family Home ■ Well Presented Detached tion Rooms ■ 4 Bedrooms, 3 Reception m, Separate Utility ■ Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Viewing Highly Recommended, mended, EPC C ■
operty ■ Bay Fronted End Terrace Property oms ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ Kitchen/Breakfast Room Updating Required, EPC D ■
£169,950
ABERGAVENNY
GILWERN
Linkk Detached Property ■ Lin Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■3B chen/Utility Room, First Floor Bathroom Kitchen/Utility ■ Kitc closed Gardens/Driveway EPC E Enclosed ■ Enc
■ Detached Property Requiring Updating ■ Spacious Accommodation ms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ 4 Bedrooms, ■ Garage & Driveway, Enc. Gardens. EPC E
N C H AI
H AI N
N O
O
C
H AI N
O
C
H AI C N
N O
O
H AI C O N
■ First Floor Apartment ■ 2 Bedrooms, Living Room ■ Separate Kitchen with integral appliances ■ Delightful Communal Gardens EPC C
N
£325,000 000
LLANTILIO PERTHOLEY N
£ £220,000
LLANFOIST N
£169,950
CRICKHOWELL C H AI N
£199,950
ABERGAVENNY N
£210,000 OFFERS INVITED
Property, rty, 3 Storey Accommodation ■ Detached Proper chen/Breakfast Room ■ 5 Bedrooms, Kitchen/Breakfast oms, Garage & Driveway ■ 2 Reception Rooms, ns, EPC -tbc ■ Enclosed Gardens,
■ Semi Detached Period Property tion Rooms ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception ■ Enc Garden & Garage to Rear C tbc ■ No Onward Chain, EPC
rty ■ Well Presented Period Property m ■ 5 Bedrooms, Family Bathroom ning Area ■ Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining C tbc ■ Viewing Recommended, EPC
£244,950
LLANFOIST
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
LLANFOIST
■ Brand New Property, Part Exchange Considered ■ 4 Double Bedrooms, 3 Reception Rooms ■ Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Separate Utility Room ■ Detached Double Garage, Enclosed Gardens EPC - tbc
Extremely remely Well Presented Mid Terrace Property ■ Extr D Bedrooms, Kitchen/Breakfast Room ■ 2 Double Livi Living ■ ng Room, First Floor Bathroom sement, Attractive Forecourt Garden, EPC D Basement, ■ Bas
£385,000
£149,950
£135,000
£170,000 OFFERS OVER
£129,950 950
£115,000
ABERGAVENNY
LLANTILIO PERTHOLEY
LLANTILIO PERTHOLEY
CLYDACH NORTH
GILWERN
ABERGAVENNY
■ Individual Built 3 Storey Property ed Kitchen with Breakfast Area ■ 3 Bedrooms,Fitted mily Bathroom & En Suite ■ Living Room, Family ■ Garage, Car Port EPC C
hed Property ■ Well Presented Detached tion Rooms ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception m, Utility Room ■ Kitchen/Breakfast Room, veway Parking. EPC F ■ Enclosed Gardens, Driveway
N C H AI
H AI N
N O
O
C
H AI N
O
C
H AI C N
O
rty ■ Semi Detached Property ut ■ Refurbished Throughout Dining 3 Bedrooms, Lounge/Dining Room ■ ■ Enc. Courtyard. EPC D
■ Well Presented End Terracedd Property ■ Fitted Kitchen, Lounge/Diningg Room ■ First Floor Bathroom,Double Bedroom ■ Enclosed Garden, Allocated Parking, EPC E
C H N
O N
O
AI N
st Floor Apartment ■ Well Presented First Bedrooms, s, Master En-suite ■ 2 Double Bedrooms Family Bathroom, Open Plan Kit, Living/Dining Area ■ erl Gdns, Allocated Parking. EPC C ■ Enjoying Views Overl
AI N
Presented ented Semi Detached Bungalow ■ Well Prese ortunity, 1 Double Bedroom ■ Rare Opportunity, Lounge, Kitchen, Bathroom ■ ■ Delightful Enclosed Garden. EPC E
C H AI N
N
O
H AI C O N C H O N
■ Detached Property ■ 4 Bedrooms, 3 Reception Rooms ■ Hard standing Providing Parking ■ Commercial/Residential Opportunity.
N
£159,950 950
N
£ £275,000
N
£180,000 £180 0,000 OFFERS OVER
C H AI N
£199,950
N
£134,950 OFFERS OVER
Detached ached Property, 3 Storey Accommodation ■ Deta edrooms, Fitted Kitchen, Lounge/Dining Room ■ 4 BBedrooms, Garage age & Driveway, Enclosed Gardens ■ Gara Offered ered With No Onward Chain, EPC - tbc ■ Offe
■ Detached Property,3 Storey Accommodation ms, 2 Reception Rooms Bedrooms, ■ 5 Bedroom reakfast Room ■ Kitchen/Breakfast ■ Garage & Drive, Enc Gardens. EPC - tbc
■ Semi Detached Property oms ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ng ■ Enc. Garden, Driveway Parking ■ No Chain. EPC - tbc
£174,950
£255,000
£275,000
£ £229,950
£229,950 950
£129,950
GILWERN
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
CRICKHOWELL
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
■ Well Presented Semi Detached Property ■ 3 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ Fitted Kitchen, Enc. Gardens, Driveway ■ Viewing Recommended EPC - D
Wellll Presented Town House ■ Wel edrooms, 2 En-Suite ■ 4 BBedrooms, chen/Breakfast Room, Utility Kitchen/Breakfast ■ Kitc eception Rooms, Garage, Enc. Gardens, EPC C ■ 2 RReception
■ Detached Spacious Property ms, 2 Reception Rooms ■ 3 Bedrooms, Breakfast Room, Enc. Gardens, ■ Kitchen/Breakfast ■ Garage & Drive EPC - D
■ Well Presented Extended Detached Bungalow unge/Dining Room ■ 5 Bedrooms, Lounge/Dining Breakfast Room ■ Study, Kitchen/Breakfast htful Gardens, EPC - D ■ Driveway, Delightful
rty ■ Semi Detached Property oom ■ 4 Bedrooms, Living Room arage ■ Enclosed Gardens & Garage ■ EPC B
■ Detached Property ■ 3 Bedrooms, Lounge/Dining Room m ■ G/F Cloakroom, F/F Bathroom CD ■ Viewing Recommended, EPC
£189,950
£ £245,000 OFFERS OVER
£229,950
£ £295,000
£249,950 950
£199,950
LLANFOIST
ABERGAVENNY
ABERGAVENNY
RAGLAN
RAGLAN
GILWERN
ith Detailed Planning ■ Barn for Conversion with 25 Acre ■ Occupying approx. 1.25 ■ Detached Car Port & Stable ■ Rare Opportunity
■ Superbly Presented & Extended Detached Property ■ 4 Bedrooms, Master En-Suite ■ Open Plan Kitchen, 4 Reception Rooms king. EPC D ■ Garage & Driveway providing Parking.
£250,000 000
£315,000
■ Well Presented Semi Detached Property ■ 3 Bedrooms, Master En Suite, 2 Receps ■ Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Area ■ Enc. Gardens & Drive, EPC - C
£210,000
Linkk Detached Property ■ Lin B 2 Reception Rooms ■ 3 Bedrooms, Drive ve and Garage providing parking facilities ■ Driv ■ No Onward Chain, EPC D
£174,950
Presented ented Second Floor Apartment ■ Well Prese ■ Open Plann Kitchen/Living Area ■ Bedroom with Fitted Wardrobes ■ EPC E
£115,000
hed Family Home ■ Spacious Detached ■ 4 Bedrooms, 2 Reception Rooms rge Corner Plot ■ Occupying a Large in, EPC D ■ No Onward Chain,
£ £299,950
February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 11
Gazette & Diary Magazine
PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH LLANVIHANGEL CROCORNERY £435,000
NESTLED in a delightful location within the Brecon Beacons National Park with access to the popular walk of Offa's Dyke on your door step, The Aviaries is an extended detached cottage offering flexible accommodation including five bed-
rooms, three reception rooms and two kitchens. The property consists of a renovated period cottage, which has been recently extended and renovated . The accommodation is such that it would also provide a private annexe or po-
tential business opportunity for holiday lets or rentals. Outside the gardens are laid to lawns and enjoy superb views over open countryside and there is a detached garage/workshop with ample parking facilities.
ABERGAVENNY £199,950
SITUATED on the western side of Abergavenny within walking distance of Nevill Hall Hospital this is a detached family home with accommodation to include; three bedrooms, lounge/dining room, kitchen with
ground floor cloakroom and First floor bathroom. There is garage and driveway providing parking facilities and an enclosed garden to the rear. Viewing is recommended.
First place for first-time buyers T
HE recent housing market revival has brought with it the return of a species that had become frighteningly scarce - the first-time buyer. The resurgence of this sector is highlighted in new research by Halifax, which found not only are first-time buyer numbers increasing, they are increasing at their fastest rate in more than a decade. Using figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) as well as its own, Halifax's report estimates there were 265,000 first-time buyers in the UK in 2013. This figure represents a jump of more than one-fifth (22 per cent) on 2012, and the strongest annual rise seen since 2001. The report also revealed first-time buyers accounted for 44 per cent of house purchases made using a mortgage last year, up from 40 per cent in 2012. This increase is significant - and not simply for those frustrated people whose dreams of buying their first home have been repeatedly quashed in recent years. First-time buyers are a vital piece of the whole housing market jigsaw. Without them, housing market chains grind to a halt. People who want to take their second step up the housing ladder, perhaps because they've started a family and grown out of their existing property, become stuck from the lack of people willing or able to buy their "starter" home from them. Halifax's figures also show how ultra-low interest rates have helped to improve mortgage affordability for firsttime buyers in recent years. The proportion of a first-time buyer's disposable earnings spent on mortgage payments stood at 30 per cent in the last three months of 2013, compared with a peak
of 50 per cent in the summer of 2007. A string of Government schemes have given those aspiring to get on the property ladder a helping hand too. In October, a new phase was launched in the flagship Help to Buy scheme, which offers state-backed mortgages to people with deposits of just five per cent. But critics of the scheme have argued that a lack of homes for sale amid rising demand from buyers has put an upward pressure on house prices, meaning buyers have to stretch their borrowing further to keep up with the price increases. Fears have also been raised about what will happen to borrowers when interest rates rise again and their mortgage payments go up. As house prices rise, this also has a knock-on effect on
12 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
stamp duty costs. Halifax found that while close to half of all first-time buyer purchases in 2013 were below the £125,000 stamp duty threshold, a similar proportion (46 per cent) were priced at between £125,000 and £250,000, attracting the lowest stamp duty level of 1 per cent. According to Halifax's findings, firsttime buyers are getting older, despite the series of new schemes aimed at giving them a helping hand. The average age of a first-time buyer is now 30 years old, up from 29 in 2011. In London, first-time buyers are typically aged 31 by the time they make it onto the property ladder. The rising age of the first-time buyer is hardly surprising given another finding about the size of deposit this sector needs to scrape together. The report found that the average first-time buyer deposit in 2013 stood at £30,943 - marking an 11 per cent jump from just over £28,000 in 2012. What's more, this figure is a huge leap of 77 per cent from 2007, when the typical deposit put down by this sector was just under £17,500. In London, first-time buyers put down an average deposit of £56,183 last year. This is more than three times the average first-time buyer depositin the North East, at £15,862. The findings also reveal the vital role that the "bank of Mum and Dad" has played in giving many aspiring firsttime buyers a leg up. The CML estimated that two-thirds of first-time buyers had some form of financial help in mid-2012, compared with just one third in mid-2005.
book review LOVE LETTERS OF THE GREAT WAR (PRICED £9.99, EBOOK £4.19).
THIS is a collection of real, never-before-published correspondences between soldiers and their sweethearts from around the world. During the First World War, many men and women suddenly found themselves separated by great distances, not knowing when or if they will be reunited, and countless numbers ended up never seeing their loved ones ever again. These touching and fascinating first-hand accounts relay the separation, the longing and the conditions faced by individuals at that time. There are heart-wrenching love notes, sweet drawings and tenderly exchanged photographs, but the focus isn't just on the romantic, there are also wonderful bursts of humour, 'Dear John' letters, and barely concealed frustrations and fears. As well as an insightful foreword by Helen Dunmore, every letter is prefaced by background notes from editor Mandy Kirby, further bringing to life the individual situation of each letter writer for the reader. Love Letters Of The Great War is a short but wonderful anthology, which paints an intimate and human portrait of love and war, and it really brings to life one of the most significant
events in recent history. It also highlights the unsung heroes in the army postal service, who for over four years performed miracles in keeping loved ones in touch, sending millions of letters, love tokens and parcels of home comforts to and from the frontline. A brilliant collection and a must-read for both young and old. Rating: 9/10
BRYNMAWR’S ONE AND ONLY FACTORY OUTLET Whatever room you are improving we have A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF CARPETS, RUGS AND FLOORING TO SUIT EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET COME AND SEE ALL OUR OFFERS • 100s OF ROLLS & REMNANTS IN STOCK
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Gazette & Diary Magazine
T
Join the feeding frenzy
HERE'S never really an excuse for not having a bird feeder standing in your garden and there is no better time to invest in a bird feeder, or two, to keep our feathered friends happy during the winter and beyond. There's a plethora of bird feeders on sale, but the RSPB advises keeping in mind some general rules when buying one. Hanging feeders should be simple designs so they are easy to clean - look for removable ports which will also make cleaning easier. Feeders with cages around the feeding area or with squirrel guards are best to prevent squirrel problems. Metal varieties tend to be more squirrel-resistant, as cheap plastic feeders can easily be dismantled by squirrels. Also, ensure there are no moving parts which could trap birds' feet, make sure the products can drain easily, and avoid using mesh bags to house fat balls, because birds' feet can also beAfternoon come trapped in those. tea, anyone? Henry Corbett, Solus Garden & Leisure's head of gardening Feed the birds brands, says: "One of the most important considerations with this quirky should be that the bird feeder is suitable for the type of food ceramic bird it's going to hold. feeder from Suttons which "For example, seed mixes need a specialist seed feeder. features a mixed Most suppliers will sell specific feed designed for individfloral design and ual species such as blackbirds, robins and blue tits, so encomes complete sure you have the right feeder for the feed you intend to with hanging use. chain - £10.99, "Robins and blackbirds are ground feeding birds and www.suttons.co.uk require surface feeders. Other birds, such as blue tits, cling on hanging feeders. "Feeders need to hold enough food for two or three days of feeding, so make sure the feeder you buy is big enough for the amount of birds in the garden. Buy multiple feeders and place them in different locations in your garden to avoid overcrowding." He also advises gardeners to hang feeders away from trees and walls to avoid giving cats easy access to birds, preferably on metal poles that the cat can't climb up or jump on to. "Finally, don't forget feeding is a year-round requirement. If you start feeding the birds in your garden, don't stop - birds become reliant on your help."
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www.abbeyvets.co.uk • Tel: 01873 852391 14 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
WANT to keep squirrels at bay but keep the birds coming? Take a look at the Guardian large seed feeder pack from CJ Wildlife - £37.95, www.birdfood.co.uk, which features a central feeder with six portals on which birds can perch, surrounded by a sturdy cage to keep squirrels out. It can be hung or fitted on a garden pole.
CHILDREN will love this ChapelWood Robin Fun Feeder, ideal for use with sunflower hearts, black sunflowers and peanuts. It's made from painted metal mesh and designed to attract a wild variety of birds to the garden, £7.99, chapelwoodwildlife.co.uk
IF you want a feeder which fits into a rural setting, check out this hanging willow feeder from Suttons, complete with a roof to keep the contents dry. It features six separate compartments, each containing carefully selected seeds to attract a variety of birds. (£20.99, www.suttons.co.uk, or call 0844 922 0606)
Keeping your pet’s ears healthy
I
HAVE a New Year’s resolution to be more tidy and organised in my consulting room. The saying goes that a tidy desk means a tidy mind so in keeping with my new resolve I try to establish order for each new consultation. What has not changed is the routine where I start every consultation with a private moment to read the next patient’s clinical notes. Now, the practice computer provides a brief description of each patient’s problem, given by their owner when they phoned for the appointment. So it came to pass that my first consult of 2014 arrived and I was informed by the computer that Fluffy the cat has been brought in because he had been poorly in 2013. “Good Morning, Mr Jones” I said, “I am told Fluffy has been off colour, I am sorry to hear that he has had a bad year”.
Mr Jones looked puzzled then speaking slowly, corrected my mistake, replying in a deep Valley’s accent and pointing at the side of his head, “No but, he’s gone deaf, keeps shakin’ his head. I told the lady on the phone, he has a bad y’ear.” Now a common reason for a visit to Abbey Vets is ear disease. Varying from mild infection to debilitating illness causing a head tilt and deafness it can be a challenge to diagnose but highly rewarding to treat. Often the diagnosis appears self apparent but commonly infection comprises of bacteria and yeast and requires a combination of treatments. Also it is a skill to apply topical treatment to a dog and much of my time is spent demonstrating the technique. So - If your pet is a bit poorly or has a bad… (pause) ear, come see me. Ben Hynes, Abbey Vets
C
Team GB speed skater Elise Christie
AST your mind back to the heady summer of 2012, when it seemed the British public forgot they were supposed to be moaning about the cost of the London Games, and instead came down with a serious case of Olympic fever. And then get ready to enter into the spirit again as the Winter Games officially begin. Even though this time the event is being held in Russia, rather than the UK, the BBC is still dedicated to bringing us all the action via six HD streams. But while you can watch the sporting action on your smartphone or laptop, the best place to see the Opening Ceremony is on good old BBC Two, as
Clare Balding introduces coverage from the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, Russia. Perhaps surprisingly, this is Russia's first ever Winter Games, and only the second time the country has hosted an Olympic event (the other was the Moscow Games of 1980). So, we should probably expect something fairly spectacular from this choreographed show, which will culminate in the lighting of the Olympic Flame. Look out for Team GB, who are hoping for a record year. Among the names to look out for are Elise Christie, who holds a World Cup title in the 1,000m short-track speed skating, and John Jackson who in December led the
one to
watch
Live Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony (BBC Two. 3.30pm) and then coverage until Sunday February 23 first British men's bobsleigh team to secure a World Cup medal since 1997. Ron Chakraborty, Lead Executive of Major Events for BBC Sport, said: "BBC Sport is very proud to be able to offer such extensive coverage from Sochi 2014 - after delivering London 2012 we're once again at the forefront of bringing the most innovative and accessible multiplatform sports coverage to our audiences."
Team GB bobsleigh team member John Jackson
Forgotten Abergavenny I
F you’re going to have a museum dedicated to anything, they why not dedicate it to childhood? It’s a part of life we’ve all had experience of and most of us remember the days that existed before adulthood as a carefree and joyous time. So much so, that when we cross that creaky wooden bridge of memories that runs over the raging river of time and into a distant place called the past, it’s the enchanted kingdom of childhood where most weary travellers find shelter from the storm. Yet enough of this tiresome waffle, the point of this flowery rhetoric, dear readers, is to illustrate how magical a trip to Abergavenny’s Museum of Childhood once was to visitors who enjoyed trawling through toys of yesteryear and spending time in an environment that wouldn’t be out of place in a Roald Dahl book. From a haunted dolls’ house, to creatively painted rocking horses, old planes, trains, and even an actual doll from the Titanic, Abergavenny’s Museum of Childhood only graced Market Street with its presence for a short while but it created many a fond memory, as this picture by Udo Schultz illustrates. The building that housed the museum was originally a Bethany Baptist Chapel which dates back to 1883 and one of the deacons was the very well-known retired farmer Ivor Lewis, of Llanfoist Farm, Abergavenny, who died aged 101. Following the closing of the Museum of Childhood, the building was last used by community recycling project 'Homemakers' when it leased the building from the Welsh Development Agency until it was sold at auction in 2005.
The Grade-II building which was built at a cost of £1,240 has since been restored as part of the Brewery Yard Regeneration Scheme and there are plans underway to turn it into an art gallery.
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
If you’ve got a tale to tell regarding the Museum of Childhood, or indeed, any childhood memories of Abergavenny, please get in touch by emailing tim@tindlenews.co.uk.
WILLIAM GRAHAM
Conservative Assembly Member South Wales East Electoral Region
For advice and information on issues affecting your neighbourhood.
953135
WILLIAM GRAHAM AM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES Freepost SWC 4879, CARDIFF CF99 1GZ Freephone 0800 783 8762 Email william.graham@wales.gov.uk
February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 15
16 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
Gazette Motoring
Nissan unveils new generation NISSAN has unveiled its new 'black cab', adapted specifically for London and designed to win business from cabbies looking for a more reliable, more functional and less polluting vehicle. This year, emissions legislation will force many older taxis off the road, and noting the financial struggles of Manganese Bronze, the makers of the traditional black cab, Nissan has seen the opportunity to muscle in on the market.
black cab It has engineered a version of its NV200 van to meet all the requirements set out by London authorities, including a 7.6-metre turning circle made possible by a special front suspension system. The ride height has been raised to allow more comfortable access from
high kerbs, while drivers will benefit from an automatic gearbox and improved reliability. The new taxi, which has been designed to mimic the look of the Manganese Bronze black cab by using a pair of lights taken from Nissan's Juke, will only come with a petrol engine - however, there is also a fully-electric version planned for 2015.
BG LANDROVERS Here at BG Landrovers we offer more than just great servicing and repair deals on all Landrover models. Our customers tell us we provide higher standards of service and we save them money.
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Keith Price Motorhomes and Leisure S £1, AVE 000
2008 SWIFT SUNDANCE 590 RS BERTH MOTORHOME
In as new condition having covered just 13,000 miles from new and with Full Dealer Service History. On Fiat Ducato Multijet 2.2 Diesel MWB chassis. Configured with 4 travelling seats and rear kitchen this capmer comes with awning TV Aerial cycle rack, reversing camera, Captains seats, Electric Windows, Still has Plastic on carpets.
NOW
SOLD 2002/52 TRANSIT LEISUREDRIVE 2.0TD CAMPER VAN
This 2 berth camper is fully equipped and has a Cooker, Fridge, Bike rack, & has covered just 84,000 miles with a new MOT
£9995
£24995
2 owners from new, Fully equipped, Superb condition throughout, awning, Full size cooker, fridge, shower room, heating beautiful interior, Just 18,000 miles from new
MUST BE SEEN!
NOW
£18495
2006/06 AUTOSLEEPER NUEVO 2 BERTH MOTORHOME
26,000 miles a very compact well planned quality 2 berth motorhome bike rack awning full size cooker fridge shower room
NOW
£20995
C H LA S AN T CE
SOLD
1990 VOLKSWAGEN LEISUREDRIVE
09 09 CARIOCA 625 5 BETH
MOTORHOME This stunningly presented camper has covered just 11,000 miles from new, has over cab bed, rear seat belts blow air system, Luxury shower/ bathroom, end kitchen includes: full size cooker, fridge, cassette toilet, on a Fiat Ducato 2.2 multi-jet FWD
S £1, AVE 000
S £1, AVE 000
NOW
£5995
2001 FIAT DIESEL AUTOSTRATUS LS 4 BERTH MOTORHOMES With end lounge Fully equiped with full size cooker, Fridge, Hob, Alarm, Bathroom, Cassette toilet, Configured as end lounge with dinette
NOW
£14995
S £1, AVE 000
00 V FIAT DUCATO 2.8 JTD 2 berth camper van, fully
equipped with full size cooker, fridge, bathroom, 65,000 miles, awning Superb value for money
NOW
£26995
SOLD
2007/07 AUTOTRAIL SCOUT SE 6 BERTH LUXURY MOTORHOME ON FIAT DUCATO 3.0 TD 6 SPEED
This Motorhome is outstanding in every aspect & has covered just 13,000 miles from new with many extras including Oyster Satellite dish, External shower, & BBQ DVD & TV with Free View. Full set Solar panels Cruise control, Double oven, full size Fridge & cooker, Microwave, garage. This Motorhome is over £80,000 today! Absolutely imaculate & excellent value at...
NOW
£33,500
£9995
S £1, AVE 000
2004 BAILEY PAGEANT 5 BERTH TOURER
With excellent size shower room and fully euipped and presented to a high standard many extras Priced to sell
NOW
£4995
S £1, AVE 500
SOLD
1998 R PEUGEOT BOXER HOLDSWORTHY CONVERSION CAMPER This immaculately presented Camper van has covered just 36,000 miles from new & presented to a high standard throughout with Cooker, Fridge, Roof storage box & bicycle rack. Last owner had this comper for 9 years. Drives beautifully with new MOT
NOW
£8995 S £1, AVE 000
S £50AVE 0
NE W
2 plus 2 berth Camper Fully equipped with Awning Fridge cooker. A very well kept example having covered only 32,000 miles on new engine. Drives as you would expect. A great starter camper.
S £50AVE 0
05 55 PEUGEOT COMPASS AVANTGARDE 100
S £1, AVE 000
2006 MCLOUIS GLEN 440 6 BERTH MOTORHOME 2 OWNERS 2,300 diesel Fiat Ducato 4 travelling seats, Fixed bunk beds with large external access door Central kitchen with oven grill, hob, fridge, sink shower room with vanity unit, unmarked blue and cream upholstery only 23,000 miles
NOW
£22995
06 56 BESSACER E710 LUXURY 2 BERTH 2.8 DIESEL MOTORHOME with alloy wheels, large spacious lounge, superb sized bathroom, with stand alone cylindical shower, fitted bed, galley kitchen, microwave, full sized cooker, fridge, loads of storage, fitted safe this vehicle has covered just 19,000 miles
NOW
£23495
SOLD 2000 V CITROEN C15 DIESEL ROMAHOME In White, Only one owner from new with FSH and new MOT only 35,000 miles, Fridge, cooker, leisure battery, plenty of storage space, converts into double bed or 2 singles Easy to raise elevating Roof Immaculate condition & excellent mpg
£8995
Keith Price 0 1 8 7 3 Garages Ltd
Llanwenarth Citra, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP8 1EP
FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE CONTACT
E. andrewjones1990@aol.com T: Andrew Jones 07791 896191
811555 OPENING HOURS
Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 10.30am - 3.30pm
5 Minutes from Nevill Hall Hospital on A40 to Crickhowell
February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 17
New Renault Clio - from NIL Advance Rental
New Renault Captur
CAPTUR
Dacia Sandero - from NIL Advance Rental
18 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
Gazette Motoring
W th ou at at t ch cy for cl is t !
Power boost for Vauxhall’s sporty Astra GTC
VAUXHALL has boosted the performance of its three-door Astra GTC with the inclusion of a new 1.6-litre turbo petrol motor. Slotting in below the firm's hot VXR variant, this latest addition to the Astra range boasts 197 horsepower and is the same unit that also powers Vauxhall's premium drop-top, the Cascada. On-paper performance figures promise a brisk driving experience, with the 1.6
turbo Astra GTC topping out at 143mph and capable of sprinting to 60mph in 7.3 seconds. Vauxhall is also wallet-friendly economy figures, with a claimed 13 per cent improvement over the old motor meaning 51mpg and 154g/km CO2. Priced from ÂŁ20,995 on-the-road in GTC guise, the new engine option is available to order now with deliveries expected in the spring.
that the driver has seen the cyclist. "Communication with cyclists around the car is a possible extension of our groundbreaking Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology," said Jan Ivarsson, senior manager, safety strategy and requirements at Volvo Cars. "Providing the cyclist with confirmation that he or she is seen by the vehicle can make interaction between cars and cyclists smoother and safer in urban areas."
SWEDISH car maker Volvo is aiming to develop new safety technologies based in partnership with POC, another Swedish company which designs lightweight, strong and high-tech safety equipment for climbers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and other extreme sports fanatics. The initial focus will be on the relationship between cars and cyclists, with the specific aim of developing a one-way method of communicating
"RECON "RECON #AR 3ALES #AR 3ALES
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February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
Brecon Tel: 611421 Llanfaes, 01874 or 623311 www.breconcarsales.co.uk
Union calls for farmland to be protected against flooding T
HE Farmers' Union of Wales is calling for farmland - as well as urban property - to be protected from flooding in its response to Natural Resources Wales' consultation paper "Planning our Future". "We welcome NRW's commitment to build, maintain and operate flood defences but stress that it is not just the urban environment that needs to be protected but also rural areas and agricultural land so that food production is not threatened," said FUW president Emyr Jones. "Given the impact of recent weather conditions on coastal and tidal river areas throughout Wales it is vital that these vulnerable areas are protected from the risks of flooding. "Farming by its very nature is responsible for the management and protection of the landscape and the environment as well as the production of food for an ever-increasing population but there is no reference in the NRW's paper to this contribution. "We believe that, as agriculture is the predominant land use in Wales, recognition needs to be given to the role of agriculture in the management of water and the implications of flooding to food
production in addition to property and the protection of the environment," said Mr Jones after visiting flood damage at Llanbedr, near Harlech, following a 30metre breach in a flood bank. "I was shocked and horrified by the scale of the damage. Luckily, no lives were lost, which could quite easily have been the case," he said. "I made a point of walking to the exact site of the damage to the bank, since I
felt this was crucial to fully understand the position. Repairing the flood bank will undoubtedly be a huge logistical operation but it is imperative that the work is carried out as soon as possible. "I am aware that there is to be a review of flood defences in Wales and trust that the needs of rural areas will be an inherent part of this." NRW intend to publish its final corporate plan in March this year.
EMYR Jones on the site of the breach at Llanbedr, near Harlech.
Star light, star bright THE National Botanic Garden of Wales has been awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status, one of 25 new ‘dark sky’ sites to coincide with Stargazing Live Week. The gardens are also hosting a special star-gazing event on Friday February 7 from 6.30pm9pm where visitors will have the opportunity to see the Moon, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula and other cosmic wonders. The gardens status award follows Brecon’s granting of international dark sky reserve status. Even if you’re a beginner and you don’t know your astronomy from your astrology, you won’t be short of admiration for the wonders of the night sky.
FAST FUEL LTD – your
trusted local fuel supplier FAST Fuel Ltd is an independent fuel distribution company offering fuel solutions, wherever you are, whenever you want. Since being under new management for the last three years, Fast Fuel has fast become the most trusted local independent supplier in the market, servicing domestic, agricultural and commercial customers throughout South Wales and the Forest of Dean. We specialise in supplying heating fuel and agricultural diesel. We also stock road diesel for our regular customers and premier paraffin. We stock 200 litre barrels and 25 litre containers, so we can match all our customers’ needs no matter how small. We also supply tanks and can
20 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
source all other accessories related to the sale of fuel. We know that our customers need fuel at all times and in all delivery amounts, which is why we have an emergency outof-office service so you can get hold of one of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are happy to discuss pricing with our customers and to give advice on where we think market pricing is going. In this way, we can offer you the best advice on when to fill your tanks so that you can achieve the best savings possible. For further information, give us a call on 0800 093 8445. We look forward to helping you.
Gazette Farming
Aliens have invaded – and they’re costing £7 billion! WILDLIFE Trusts Wales is working to control and eradicate invasive species in Wales. Plants such as Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam have taken a foothold in Wales, causing damage that costs the economy as much as £7 billion. The Environment and Sustainability Committee report, published in January,
Japanese Knotweed
on non-native invasive or ‘alien’ species recommends a series of actions to get rid of these invaders. While ‘killer’ shrimp, signal crayfish and Himalayan balsam, are affecting our watercourses, grey squirrels are devastating our native red squirrel populations and mink are pushing water voles to the edge of extinction in Wales. Plants and animals introduced to Wales can have devastating impacts on our native wildlife. Our native species cannot compete with these exotic immigrants and fairly quickly the invasive species can take over. Invasive species can also have a serious impact on our economy and communities and can cause a direct threat to human health. Direct economic loss, estimated at £125 million in Wales, may occur from invasive species causing damage to infrastructure. Japanese Knotweed, often the scourge of developers, can grow through concrete and Himalayan Balsam contributes to flooding by choking up watercourses. Some invasive species such as the Giant Hogweed also pose a direct threat to human health as the sap causes skin to blister. The Wildlife Trusts throughout Wales are working in partnership with other organisations and landowners to control and eradicate these invasive species. Examples of this include: ● North Wales Wildlife Trust has helped
clear the River Alyn of Himalayan Balsam, reducing the effects of flooding and allowing native species to thrive. ● Brecknock Wildlife Trust and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales are working to create a red squirrel stronghold in mid Wales. ● Gwent Wildlife Trust is helping save water voles through re-introduction programmes with Natural Resources Wales on the Gwent Levels.
James Byrne, Living Landscapes Manager at Wildlife Trusts Wales said: “Alien species are one of the biggest threats to Welsh nature – and the Wildlife Trusts in Wales are tackling this threat head on.” “We welcome the Environment and Sustainability Committee report and we call on the Welsh Government to redouble their efforts to tackle the threat from these exotic invaders.”
DATES TO REMEMBER
FEBRUARY
February 1- March 2 – Artworkhouse Gallery, Abergavenny Art Group Winter Exhibition. 10.30am – 4pm until March 2. Free entry. Feburary 4 – Potato Day with Mr David Chappel, advice on varieties and growing at McDonalds Garden Centre Abergavenny. 01873 853839. Feburary 15 - Crickhowell Vintage and Antiques Fair, 10-4, entry £1. Supporting Cancer Research. February 15 – Bingo Night at Llanwenarth Village Hall. 7 for 7.30 start, light refreshments. Proceeds to St Peter’s Church.
Feburary 19 – Rachel Podger, internationally acclaimed violinist, “Plays for Palestine”. An evening of music and poetry, plus Ann Farr’s eyewitness account of life under military occupation, Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, 7pm, free entry. February 22 – Pandy Ploughing Society Fun Bingo, Pandy Hall (evening). Details 01873 890591
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For Sales, Spares and after Sales Service More Makes & Models of Tractors & Machinery Available Part Exchange welcome Also stocked – Galv & Wooden Fencing Whitelye Farm-Catbrook-Nr Chepstow-Monmouthshire-NP16 6NJ Tel: 01291 689278 / 689745 - Fax: 01291 689969 / 680063 Sales: Huw Brown 07515 587025 - Service: Ken Morris 07515 587027 www.haroldrjohns.com February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue 21
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22 February/March 2014 - The Valentine Issue
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