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Pets ■ Style & Fashion ■ Homes and Gardens ■ Local Events Competitions ■ Call the Experts ... and much more ...
Guardianship Scheme Christ College is a school of 350 pupils; the majority of our pupils are boarders, and our overseas pupils are fully integrated in the boarding life of the school.
HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED
Host Families care for some of our overseas pupils during the half term and weekend breaks. • Hosts can claim up to £40 per day in expenses • Parenting Experience preferred (aged over 25) • Non-smoking families required
If you are within an hourʼs drive of Brecon and are able to provide a caring home for our overseas pupils, then we would be pleased to hear from you.
HOSTING DATES REQUIRED
(3 HALF TERMS PLUS 2 WEEKENDS):
HALF TERMS Friday 25 October - Sunday 5 November 2013 Friday 21 February – Sunday 2 March 2014 Friday 23 May – Sunday 1 June 2014
2 WEEKENDS Friday 27 September – Sunday 29 September 2013 Friday 31 January – Sunday 2 February 2014 For further details and an information pack please contact:
Carol Pople-Baker
Tel: (01874) 615440
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Welcome...
The Abergavenny Chronicle
Before I even start planning a day out, my first port of call is always: www.metcheck.com where you can get weather forcasts for the exact town you are going to. I’ve found it to be by far the most reliable weather forecasting site.
In association with
DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk
If I were you I would check the surrounding counties for family days out. There are superb days out right on your doorstep for just a little bit more effort in searching the internet and the guide that we have put together for you.
John Gaulton john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk
ADVERTISING: Jenna Hopkins ext 35 For information on how to advertise in our next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 35
If you’re headed for an outdoor attraction, don’t forget to leave your wellies, raincoats and brolly in the back of the car (just in case). You never can tell with the British weather! It’s handy to pack up a change of clothes for the kids (little accidents happen when you least expect them) and a packet of wet wipes can be a godsend! Bring an emergency snack and drink for the kids. Don’t forget your road map, even the best navigators take a wrong turn sometimes! Most important enjoy your Summer days out.
Inside...
When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine - please recycle it.
PUBLISHING: Printed and distributed by NWN Media. www.nwnmedia.co.uk Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.
Page 06-07 The Easy life in Devon ▲
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GENERAL MANAGER - Mary Purcell
Page 04-05 The good life Pages
Page 21 A taste of summer
Page 29 Llanthony Valley and District Show and Sports 2013 ▲
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At NWN Media we are committed to addressing the key environmental impacts of printing and the production process, and preserving the environment for future generations. Our environmental policy is achieved through continuous monitoring, annual targets and action plans.
▲ Page 42-43 Gazette Motors Pages
▲ Page 44-45 Little Miss Sunshine Pages
The sourcing of newsprint is a major environmental concern for publishers and we at NWN Media source our newsprint from UPM Kymmene in Deeside, utilising their 100% recycled paper, which is produced as a natural, renewable and recyclable fibre from sustainable, responsibly managed forests. UPM is committed to forest management and forest harvesting practices based on the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management. UPM Kymmene is just a mile from the press site, which also keeps carbon footprint to a minimum in the obtaining of our paper. All newsprint waste is taken back to UPMʼs site and fully recycled.
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Page 24 Abergavenny Food Festival 2013
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
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THE GOOD LIFE Amanda Lamb, 40, presenter of UKTV Home's My Flat-Pack home, says: "My husband, Sean, and I love southern Italy and we have a little place in Puglia where we go with our daughter, Willow, four. It's the perfect holiday spot as it's beautiful, quiet, and off the beaten track." Lisa Snowdon, 41, co-presenter of Capital FM's Breakfast show, has joined forces with Belvita Breakfast Biscuits to campaign for better mornings. She says: "It has to be Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort in Thailand.
with our four sons and too much luggage!
Chelsee Healey, 24, the actress who's appeared in BBC's Waterloo Road and competed in Strictly Come Dancing, says: "Dubai is a regular destination for me because you can enjoy everything there from shopping to chilling. There are amazing buildings, great beaches and it's always hot."
"We love the cities such as Paris as much as the countryside."
ITV weather presenter Sian Lloyd, 54, says: "Kangaroo Island, south-west of Adelaide, Australia, is the most amazing haven. "It's a pristine wilderness which offers protection to native Australian animals and so you can see sea lions basking on white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty eucalyptus, pelicans soaring over shimmering lagoons, and, of course, kangaroos bounding around.
"You can go there just to chill and holiday, as I do, but there is also a wide selection of programmes to help people with a wide variety of specific problems such as burn-out, diet or stress. "The spa's amazing and the resort is set in the most beautiful grounds, with exotic sweetsmelling flowers everywhere. "You can be comfortable going there alone or with a partner and I never fail to feel wonderful when I return."
"I fell in love with Australia when I appeared in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2003 and I've been back to the country about seven times since." Sarah Beeny, 41, a TV property expert who's backing a campaign by Keep Britain Tidy and cleaning equipment company Karcher, says: "France is definitely my favourite country for a holiday. "My husband, Graham, and I are going this summer and will drive over in a car fully loaded
ABERGAVENNY
MARKET
Situated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.
ABERGAVENNY MARKET OPEN: TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY
FLEA MARKET EVERY WEDNESDAY
ANTIQUE FAIR
EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH SUNDAY 21ST JULY
FARMERS MARKET THURSDAY 25TH JULY
CRAF T FAIR
EVERY 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH SATURDAY 13TH JULY
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Holidays are an annual tonic for our wellbeing and the ideal way to lift our spirits. Celebrities reveal their favourite destinations and some of their fondest memories to Gabrielle Fagan.
For further details contact Geoff Harris 01873 735811
Lulu, 64, the singer who's recently helped launch a new range of glasses, Specsavers Aurora, says: "A cruise on the Bosporus in Turkey in a traditional three-masted wooden sailing boat, a gulet, stands out in my memory as a fantastic holiday and a beautiful destination. "I went with friends and it was fun and relaxing at the same time. We sailed to Istanbul and saw all the sights, which was a brilliant conclusion to my visit to Turkey as it was fascinating.
Malabar coast, which is absolutely beautiful. But I love the buzz in Sydney, Australia. "Variety is essential for me. I've just come back from a spa trip to Miami so my next trip will probably be a city break." Actress Angela Griffin, 36, says: "Last summer for the first time in years I took two weeks off, because of work I never normally get more than a week. I went with the family to Valencia in Spain. "I'm not a beach person so we had a villa with a pool and spent lazy days swimming and eating and others travelling by car to explore the area. It was a brilliant break and our two daughters, Tallulah, eight, and Melissa, five, had a ball. I'd like to go back this year."
"It was a trip I'd never have dreamt of myself but I'd do it again in an instant."
Gardener Charlie Dimmock, 46, says: "I travel quite a lot, giving lectures, so I often don't holiday. Instead, I prefer to stay at home in Hampshire and catch up on all the gardening I've missed.
Caroline Flack, 33, presenter of ITV2's The Xtra Factor, says: "I love travelling and want to see the world, so I've got a big list of places to get through!
"I prefer to be active and busy, but I take short breaks, such as seeing my family in Portugal.
"I've particularly enjoyed Kerala on India's
"My sister and I once
took a break in Jamaica. We spent the entire week relaxing and reading. I have to admit that was bliss!" Kara Tointon, 29, who's currently starring in West End play Relatively Speaking, says: "I'd always pick a ski holiday over a summer holiday. "I enjoy being active and burning off lots of energy and I always feel brilliantly refreshed when I return from the mountains. "Even when I go on a beach holiday, I hate lying around, so I'm in and out of the water and I'm always looking for activities to try such as jet skiing. "Luckily, my boyfriend (Artem Chigvintsev) is the same as me. Having the same taste in holidays with your partner is so important!" Aston Merrygold, 25, former JLS member and judge on Sky1 talent show Got To Dance, says: "For a holiday with my mates, it's got to be Ibiza; it's such a fun island. "But the holiday I'll always remember and would love to repeat is going with my family to Florida and visiting the film studios there including Universal. "It was fascinating and I've promised myself I'll return to explore Miami as well." Gemma Collins, 32, star of reality series The Only Way Is Essex, says: "I saved up for a year to go to my friend's wedding at the luxury resort Sandy Lane, Barbados, and I'm determined to go back one day. It was incredible - she looked like a film star and I felt like one being in a place like that. "I also love a bit of Tenerife, that's the Essex girl in me, but as we're filming the series through the summer, I won't get far this year.
"If I get a break, I'd love to visit Sardinia and enjoy wine, pedalos and chatting to the locals." Chris Beardshaw, TV gardener, 43, says: "I don't get a break in the summer as we're always busy with flower shows and filming. "But when I do, I like visiting new countries and my ideal is somewhere warm with a mix of great scenery and a range of activities. "I've been diving in Britain and abroad for more than 12 years, so it would need to be somewhere coastal, with the opportunity for eating plenty of fresh, delicious food. "In fact, the more I talk about it, the more I would really like a holiday!"
TRIED & TESTED Eating at least five vegetables every day, as recommended in Government health guidelines, can be tricky with a hectic lifestyle and little time to cook. Polly Weeks tests a new vegetable smoothie range. WHAT IS IT? SaVse's vegetable smoothie range uses freshly squeezed fruits and vegetables, including 'super' vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach and avocado, but has no added sugar, preservatives colour or water.
vegetables are preserved.
with strawberry, broccoli, celery, kale, orange and spinach.
"SaVse has been created for people on a diet or generally trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, and all those men and women in offices who want a healthy drink to accompany their lunch," says company founder Guka Tavberidze.
The drinks are tasty; full of flavour and chunks of vegetable, and they're not sickly sweet like many smoothie drinks.
"Our smoothies are jam-packed with everything from beetroot to broccoli and a little sweetness from some fruity friends. They're a tasty way to get two of your five-a-day." WHAT'S IT LIKE? Sometimes life can seem like an endless list of 'to-dos' - if you're not downing pints of water and cramming in gym sessions, you're worrying about getting your fix of fruit and veg. I've got a busy lifestyle and just grabbing a sandwich is often as much as I can do in a day. Tired and famished by the end of the day, my desire for heaped plates of vegetables has ebbed away and I want carbs - and quickly!
My favourite was Super Green, which contains broccoli, pear, spinach, kale, kiwi, lemon and banana. These are great as an on-the-go snack, and a fast way to absorb your two of that recommended five-a-day. I'd say they're more suitable for lunch and the afternoon; I wouldn't have been able to take the flavour for breakfast. My verdict: Excellent, particularly if served chilled, and a quick and easy way to feel virtuous and tick off at least one thing on that stress-causing 'to-do' list.
Apparently, I'm not alone - current research shows that 78% of people find it difficult to take in what they consider adequate quantities of vegetables a day. SaVse claims to come to the rescue with its new range of drinks, whose creation was inspired by company founder Guka Tavberidze's memory of his Georgian mother's delicious smoothies. I tested all of the three varieties, Super Green, Super Purple, with beetroot, apple, avocado, lime, mango and lemon, and Super Red,
The company uses highpressure processing to remove bacteria but this doesn't require the product to be heated so, it claims, the valuable nutrients in the
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A Helping Hand From Abbey Vets Hello, and welcome to a column that each month will highlight health problems that face pet owners. Many of you will know me from Abbey Veterinary Centres, a practice established over 125 years ago that prides itself on friendly, locally owned 24hr veterinary care for small pets and horses. Perhaps the commonest reason people come to us at this time of year is looking for a solution to fleas. Most owners recognise a flea when seen but sometimes may just suspect them because they have bites and come in to show us their own skin problems! This freaks vets out, by the way.
The Easy life in East Devon Jeremy Gates finds out why Queen Victoria and Jeremy Vine both adore serene Sidmouth. By Jeremy Gates
In its calm, unhurried way, East Devon is re-emerging from a terrible pasting from poor summer weather, and it makes a perfectly cosy place to while away a crisp, long winter weekend.
a full blown ‘infestation and household invasion’ where having accepted a lift on the pet, the fleas have set up house, had a party and started a family.
Welcome to a gentler pace of life, where shop assistants have time to talk and jot down the prices of three or four items to add up (by themselves!) when your order is complete.
Lastly and by far no means least from a veterinary point of view, there are those poor pets with a flea saliva allergy. These pets overreact to flea bites and will scratch to the point of self harm if they are a dog or overgroom to baldness, if a cat. These present with the most horrendous skin disease.
This is what happens at a splendid deli in Sidmouth, the jewel on this stretch of the coast. The seaside town which entranced Regency England and fascinated Queen Victoria is maintained so well that more than 500 buildings are listed for architectural interest, including a splendid Georgian terrace on the Esplanade.
So if you think your pet has fleas that have overstayed their welcome, come over to our place and our trained ‘Flea Advisors’ will send them packing!
Little seems to have changed here since the Fifties, as we reflect when we take a tip from broadcaster Jeremy Vine and pause for tea and fairly pricey cakes at Mocha, on the Esplanade. How strange to see an English seafront with every building in a perfect state of repair!
One morning, we leave the car on Salcombe Hill, circle the Observatory, and walk down the hill on the South-West Coastal Path as a panoramic view of the town opens up before us. The red cliff face of Peak Hill sits like a giant bookend on the far side of the town and beyond Sidmouth's small strip of sandy beach below Jacob's Ladder.
Fleas have a life cycle that makes complete ‘flea’ freedom almost impossible if your pet goes outside but regular spot-ons are still most effective. The major treatment decision we have to make is between a pet with the occasional flea – we call them ‘hitch hikers’ and
“A caring, friendly, professional vets”
Puppy & Kitten Starter Packs..............................................£49.99 PetPlan nominated Practice & Vet of the Year 2013 British Dog Groomers’ Association Salon
24hr Onsite Nursing Care Appointments 0900 - 1830hrs (Mon - Fri) 0900 - 1230 (Sat) 06
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www.abbeyvets.co.uk • Tel: 01873 852391
Local food and drink is another East Devon speciality: in The Holt at Honiton, a pine-tabled gastro pub included in the 2012 Good Food Guide, I ask the cheery fellow on the bar why the pub makes such a show of local Otter beers. He replies, "Well, Dad runs the brewery!" and we load the boot with some Otters before our journey home. The base for our week is a courtyard of converted stone barns a mile or so inland of the Lyme Regis-Exmouth coast road. Higher Wiscombe is part of the Premier Cottages consortium, which boasts five-star self-catering few rivals are able to match. Owners Alistair and Lorna Handyside sunk around £1.5 million into their complex which is so far from the road that a water diviner was called in to find the nearest well. At night, the only light is from the stars above. Whatever the season, almost any holiday in Devon includes at least one day when the rain never stops, and soggy clouds sit motionless on the hills. That's when posh self-catering comes into its own. Our three-bedroom Thatched Barn has underfloor heating, remarkably comfy beds from a British firm (Mattisons), and views (on bright mornings) when it's worth setting an early alarm to catch shafts of sunlight climbing up the hill across the valley. From Higher Wiscombe, there is plenty to explore within a half hour's drive. Beer, a seaside village which has lately gone up in the world, is just down the road. At night, its restaurants are heaving.
Almost on our doorstep is the famous Donkey Sanctuary outside Sidmouth, where donkeys in serene and no doubt well-deserved retirement munch the greensward and stroll with the swagger of Eton boys - as well they might, given the massive lists of bequests recorded around the complex.
From Spring, you'll also be able to witness one of the region's most beautiful carnivores in action: Samson the Russian golden eagle.
In the other direction lies Seaton, where onceheaving holiday camps have made way for a gleaming new Tesco.
Even Sir David Attenborough might scratch his head at the curious slice of wildlife on display at Escot.
The big attraction now is beguilingly olde worlde: on the Seaton Tramway, electrically-powered open top double deckers clank their way past the mudflats of the Axe Estuary Wetlands and on to the village of Colyford, where the Tramstop restaurant serves up local produce from the station master's garden. Our visit to Lyme Regis (just across the Devon border in Dorset) begins with stunning views of The Cobb - alas without a shrouded Meryl Streep perched hauntingly on the far end - and the curve of Lyme Bay stretching more than 20 miles past Portland Bill.
Key facts - East Devon ●
Best for: Walks on South West Coastal Path (Beer-Branscombe is an attractive stretch), local pubs like the Mason Arms in Branscombe, fine restaurants.
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Time to go: All year round; every season's charming in its own way.
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Don't miss: Locally-made tipples like Luscombe's Ginger Beer.
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Need to know: The A303, heading SouthWest from the M3, has pinch points, notably Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge.
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Don't forget: Walking togs to keep dry in the rain.
Based at Escot, a stately home turned wildlife park near Ottery St Mary, Samson does breathtaking aerial displays along with other birds of prey.
Besides Samson, dumped in a wardrobe when a Russian drugs baron tired of him, there's a rare breed of red squirrel, caged in to fend off predators, and wild boars sprawling in so much mud that it's hard to tell whether Mum knew she had just produced a baby. While Samson and friends dive for raw meat through crowds, your luck is a long way out if you get hit by a golden eagle in East Devon. There's a fascinating backstory too at The Salty Monk, in the Sid Valley, a solid 16th century building once used by Benedictine Monks who traded salt at Exeter Cathedral.
The original streets and buildings of Lyme Regis remain largely intact: we settle for some scrumptious local crab meat in a seafront sandwich bar beside The Philpot Museum.
Annette and Andy Witheridge bought it as a boutique B&B in 1999 and have extended the building ever since: the latest addition is a mini spa with outdoor sauna, hot tub and fitness studio where you can join yoga classes or book a workout.
The elegant voice of The French Lieutenant's Woman's author John Fowles, which, along with the Meryl Streep film, put the historic town back on the map, is audible on headphones.
Andy, whose star-studded CV includes Scotts of Mayfair, Gidleigh Park and Gravetye Manor, is a dab hand at DIY: his luxury suite is a hit with newlyweds bound for exotic honeymoons.
There's also a splendid section on Mary Anning, whose passion for fossils on the Jurassic Coast unlocked some of the mysteries of Prehistoric Britain. This museum is well worth the £3.45 entry fee.
"So many guests go on to Cornwall," says a puzzled Andy, "when there is so much to see and do around here!" When you find the best of East Devon, you'll see his point of view.
Travel facts: Jeremy Gates was a guest of Premier Cottages, which features almost 1,000 four and five-star self-catering cottages in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Isles of Scilly and Channel Islands. Properties range from romantic boltholes to family-friendly country estates, many with onsite facilities like swimming pools, gyms, spas, indoor games rooms and play areas. A seven-night stay for up to six people in Higher Wiscombe's Thatched Barn ranges from £495 to £2,095 and three night weekend breaks from £455 to £1295. For reservations call 01404 871 360 or visit www.premiercottages.co.uk For East Devon information, see www.heartofdevon.com For fine eating in Devon, see The Trencherman's Guide at www.saltmedia.co.uk
When the rains come, the obvious solution is a good lunch - and we manage to discover two of the best restaurants in the region. In the carpet town of Axminster, The River Cottage Canteen and Deli in Trinity Square is hidden behind steamed-up front windows. Once inside, we find a queue for seats in the wide open space which once provided the town's ballroom. This is part of the empire of TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, its dishes based on produce from local farms and fishermen. As my wife salivates over her dish of pork, I cast an envious eye over sheepskins on the walls selling at £55 a pop. Nearby is Park Farm, the base for FearnleyWhittingstall's TV company. It isn't open to the public on a daily basis, though cookery courses lasting from one to four days make great 'foodie' gifts.
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M AND D CYCLES EDIT
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ETHICAL AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING The terms ‘ethical investment’ and ‘socially responsible investment’ are often used interchangeably to mean an approach to selecting investments whereby the usual investment criteria are overlaid with an additional set of ethical or socially responsible criteria. If you are concerned about global warming and other environmental and social issues there are a wide range of ethical investments you could consider investing in. As an ethical investor you should not (or need not) sacrifice your principles in exchange for achieving the best financial returns.
companies and use this as a lever to press for changes in the way the company operates. For example persuading mining and oil companies to take greater care over their environmental impact or pressing companies to offer better treatment of their workers.
Some would argue that in the long term, ethical and socially responsible investments (SRIs) have better prospects of out-performing other general investments.
There are also Shariah-Compliant Funds. These have expanded in popularity only recently, even though the concept was first developed in the late 1960s. The concept requires considerable effort to implement, since much attention must be paid to compliance with the Shariah principles, both at the fund operations level and for all underlying investments.
The definition of an ethical fund is one which has decided that its investments are acceptable or not by using a positive or negative ethical screening criteria. Funds that use negative screening, known as dark green funds, usually exclude companies typically involved in gambling, tobacco, alcohol and arms manufacturing but could also cover pollution of the environment, bank lending to corrupt regimes and testing of products on animals. Funds that use positive screening look for companies that are doing positive good, such as those engaged in recycling, alternative energy or water purification. There are also funds known as Engagement funds. These take a stake in
Shariah-Compliant funds are prohibited from investing in companies which derives income from the sales of alcohol, pork products, pornography, gambling, military equipment or weapons. Shariah allows for a small portion of an investment's income to come from prohibited sources, though a ShariahCompliant fund cannot profit from this income. Instead, it must separately account for these earnings and donate them to a charity. You can invest directly, or use your ISA allowance of up to £11,520 to invest in ethical or socially responsible funds. By definition the number of such funds you
can invest in is restricted. Therefore the risk of your investment going up or down in value is increased. However this can be mitigated by diversifying your ethical investment over several different styles and types of fund. Like their nonethical equivalent, some ethical funds are much higher risk than others, Similar to most investments, ethically based ones need to be considered in the context specific to your particular circumstances and, most importantly, your attitude to risk and capacity for loss. So it is vital that you seek qualified professional advice to help you make the right choices for your ethical and socially responsible investments. Clive Norbury is a Professional Financial Advisor, qualified to advise on investments, pensions, equity release and long term care.
Lighthouse Financial Advice is an appointed representative of Lighthouse Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Clive Norbury 01873 810630 clive.norbury@lighthousefa.co.uk
Worried about your pension Unsure about your investments? Your Lighthouse adviser can help you make sense of your finances. Contact Clive Norbury Professional Financial Advisor Tel. 01873 810630 Mobile 07810 792214 clive.norbury@lighthousefa.co.uk www.lighthousefa.co.uk
Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited is an appointed representative of Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Group plc. ●
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PA Photo / JupiterImages Corporation
Energy Calculator, where you can work out how you could benefit from the scheme.
If your home’s leasehold, you may need permission from the freeholder to install solar panels. Restrictions may also apply if you live on ‘designated land', such as a conservation area, and if the building’s listed, so ask your local council about what you can and can’t do.
An average 3kWp (kilowatts peak) PV system, which will produce enough electricity for around 75% of a typical household’s needs, costs in the region of £10,000.
Where planning restrictions apply, solar roof tiles or slates may be acceptable to the planners. These are more expensive than panels, though.
Solar thermal panels cost much less, at around £3,000 to £5,000 for a typical system. They’ll provide around 33% of the hot water you need at home (depending on the size of your household), but won’t save you much money between £55 and £80 a year, according to an Energy Saving Trust field trial.
Standard solar panels are readily available - try the B&Q website (www.diy.com), where panels start at ÂŁ2,198 for two. Alternatively, go to http://local.which.co.uk or www.microgenerationcertification.org to find solar panel installers.
You may be able to get a grant to help with the cost of the installation, or other financial assistance - check the Energy Saving Trust website for the latest schemes.
Save with Solar Here comes the sun
cut your utility bills and CO2 emissions, but the benefits don’t end there.
You may think that solar panels are a big expense and so not for you, but if you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, installing them can make sense financially, as well as being beneficial to the environment.
Solar PV panels can also earn you money, thanks to the Government’s Feed-In Tariffs scheme, which pays you for the electricity you generate and use and also for any surplus you supply to the National Grid.
There are two types of solar panel - ones that generate electricity (solar photovoltaics or PV), which are most popular, and ones that heat your home’s water (solar thermal). With both, you’ll
This could give you savings and income of around ÂŁ670 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Its website (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) features a Solar
As ever, get as many quotations as possible to find the best deal.
As well as the thermal panels, you’ll need a boiler or immersion heater to give you additional hot water and sometimes to make the water heated by the panels hotter, especially in winter. You may also have to change your boiler and hot-water cylinder to a compatible one. If putting the panels on a pitched roof isn’t an option, you may be able to mount them on a frame on the ground, a wall or a flat roof instead. As with all solar panels, how well they’ll work will depend on how much sun they get - the sunnier the position, the better, although they can still work on cloudy days. Solar panels are heavy, so ground or wall-mounted ones could be a good option if the roof can’t take the weight.
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Properties of the Month Dellwood, Cwmyoy, Abergavenny
Longhouse Barn, Penperlleni
Situated in a picturesque valley, just outside the village of Cwmyoy, this refurbished four bedroom detached stone cottage boasts many original features throughout and is surrounded by enclosed gardens with 6 acres of woodland. The property also has a large detached garage which has scope to be developed subject to necessary planning, as well as having a car port and parking for several vehicles.
Set in the popular village of Penperlleni, this deceptively spacious detached property boasts five bedrooms, three reception rooms, a family bathroom, ensuites, double garage, parking for several vehicles & enclosed gardens. There are also several local amenities, including doctors and schools on its doorstep.
This property is a must be viewed to appreciate its size.
A viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate this properties beauty.
ÂŁ475,000
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It is conveniently situated just 6 miles from Abergavenny.
robertsandcoestateagents.co.uk ÂŁ290,000
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Summer Fun FREE
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Pets ■ Style & Fashion ■ Homes and Gardens ■ Local Events Competitions ■ Call the Experts ... and much more ... ●
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Welcome to Salmons Fest 2013 An Independent, boutique Summer Music Festival .again the fabulous Three Salmons music festival will be taking place from 2nd - 4th August, only this year promises to be bigger and better. Across three days we will be showcasing the best in local music, entertainment, food and drink in our family friendly festival. An extraordinary variety of performances in such an exquisite venue makes this festival a true highlight of the summer for all music-lovers. At just £5 per person for the whole weekend it has to be the best value music festival in the UK and is set to sell out quickly. year the main stage will be under a 320sq ft marquee, with music for every taste - Rock, Reggae, Pop, House, Ska, Jazz & Blues. Salmonsfest 2013 will be held in the grounds of the Three Salmons Hotel, a 400 year old Grade 2-listed building, in the beautiful market town of Usk in Monmouthshire. The picturesque town of Usk has won the "Wales in Bloom" competition 30 times since 1982.
DJ Jon-Paul will be opening Salmonsfest on Friday 2nd August 2013 with a fantastic selection of dance music. Jon-Paul has over 20 years’ experience playing all forms of dance music & can be heard every Friday covering his own UK radio show. Saturday & Sunday at Salmonsfest will be dedicated to live music with local bands taking centre stage. Saturday’s highlights will include bands such as High Sierra, Doc and the Revd & CoDA. On Sunday Bluesy Susie & Tafijah Allstars will be appearing on stage with IRock Band closing the festival on Sunday the 4th August.
fired pizza oven will be available on the Sunday. Across the weekend there will be three bars available serving a variety of refreshments. Tickets are priced at just £5 for the whole weekend; under 14s are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available from Reception or via www.salmonsfest.co.uk Full details of the festival lineup, accommodation options & details of food & drink can be found on our website www.salmonsfest.co.uk
A well thought out selection of food and drink will be available on site with options to suit everyone. Festival goers will be able to enjoy food from our BBQ & a wood
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SIX OF THE BEST FOR SELF PROPELLED FUN
Adults in Mind - Fuzion Asphalt - £69.99 from www.amazon.co.uk
Tots Transport Scuttlebug - £24.99 from www.toysrus.co.uk A simply superb solution for the 18 month plus group of mini-commuters to scurry about in all directions pushing off with their feet.
Using quadcarver technology this scooter can take corners on the street in an almost snowboarding kind of fashion. Lean side to side on the central board for extra speed and don't let the kids have all the fun.
The gel wheels make it ideal for indoor or outdoor use and the clever trike folds flat for taking it on longer trips.
Fun ways to get around. By Peter Jenkinson The cycle is the undisputed leader of the pack when it comes to leisure or commuting pursuits.
Take this off road on to almost any kind of terrain. As your centre of gravity is that much lower than on a mountain bike you can really rip up the countryside.
But for a bit of fun and a great way of keeping fit are our only alternatives in-line skates and micro scooters? - Absolutely not. There are enough contenders in the self propulsion stakes to fill a stadium and I've been working up a sweat this week and going in circles at speed to bring you a selection of six for some summer fun.
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The entire skateboarding scene has seen a massive revival of late but if you want to stand out from the crowd you need to be seeking out the latest bit of kit. The Ripstik is the next big thing on the streets. Its unique twowheeled propulsion system allows you to keep up the speed without leaving the board and with some practice you'll be pulling off jawdropping tricks.
All terrain trike - KMX Kart - £699.00 from www.kmxkarts.co.uk This is the flagship model in the KMX Kart range, made with lightweight materials; top quality gear system and the best brakes money can buy.
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Early craze - Ripstick - £99.99 from www.argos.co.uk
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Spring in your step - Anti gravity boots £99.99 from www.iwoot.com Granted you'll look a little daft at first but those glares will be ones of the green variety as folk see your increased speed with little energy expended. Leap higher and further than ever before, those rubber springs on the underside may look tame but they convert downward motion into an impressive bounce.
June / July
Portable Power - Rollies - £16.95 from www.paramountzone.com Carry these about with you wherever you are, one size fits almost all. Not just for kids these strap on simply to any shoe in no time. I'm thinking they're perfect for long walks between check-in and departure gate.
Colour me in
J u l y 2 01 3 Car Boot Sale, 3pm, ROF Glascoed, Usk, NP15 1XL, Tel: 07746628477 www.carbootys.co.uk
St Peters Church, Llanwenarth Citra, Oriel Singers Summer Concert. Interval refreshments. £12.50. 01873 857392
All Creatures & Small Animal Sanctuary, NP44 8AD, Open Day Sat July 6, 11-5pm. www.allcreaturesgrea tandsmall.org.uk
Tabernacle Baptist Chapel Grwyne Fawr Valley, Forest Coalpit. Sankey evening at 6.30pm. All welcome
Crickhowell Craft Fair 10 till 3.30pm in Clarence Hall Crickhowell. Handmade crafts and refreshments. Enquiries Contact: 01873 811618
SWHP Horse Hospital, St Maughans Nr Monmouth Annual Summer Open Day 114. Refreshments, stalls. www.swhp.co.uk. 01600 750233
Clydach Methodist Church (Main Road, North). Open Day. Local history, photos, refreshments
Moserah Presbyterian Church Anniversary 6.30pm. All are welcome
Goytre Community Fun Run 12 noon start. Fete, refreshments. Sponsors and stallholders welcome. Registration Fees apply. For further details Tel: 01873 880334 after 5pm
The 25th Cwmdu & District Show at Wern Farm Cwmdu. Opens 12.15. Free Parking. Further enquiries 01874 730351/711738
Veterans Day Parade from Castle 2pm to St Mary’s Church for 2.30pm service
Crickhowell Vintage and Antique Fair, Clarence Hall, also Vintage Tea Shop. £1 admission, under 16 free. Supporting Cancer Research UK
Glangrwyney CC at new venue Cwrt-yGollen Camp. 8am start.
Shire Horse Show and Minature Horse Show at Bailey Park. 10am – 5pm. Adults £5, Senior Citizens £3, under 5s free
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Harts Barn Cookery School Since opening in Spring 2011, Harts Barn Cookery School has always been about ‘COOKING FOR ALL’ - our strapline is 'from Basics to Banquets.' We view cooking as an essential life skill – our ethos of 'Cooking For All' means that we only offer classes that are accessible, affordable, give confidence and are lots of fun.
offer gift and experience vouchers and it also possible to hire out the Cookery School for your own bespoke event or party.
We believe in the 'socialisation' of food, bringing people together whether they are learning a new skill in the kitchen to sitting down and enjoying the soiree! Our beautiful cookery school also regularly hosts corporate functions, 'away days', birthday parties (children and adults), charity fundraisers and local events. We also help to organise and run local food festivals and events that involve other local businesses from craftspeople to local producer markets. The School has a beautiful new Earth Oven for outdoor cooking and baking and we have just become a Raw Food Training Centre. We run regular demos, talks and tastings,
Set in the picturesque Forest of Dean, relaxed & fun cookery classes & activities all year round.
- Gift and Experience Vouchers - Earth Oven for Outdoor Cooking and Baking - Parties for Kids, Adults & Hens -Venue Hire & Corporate Days - Demos, Tastings and Talks - Raw Food Training Centre call us on
01452 831719
or see all that we offer at
www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk ●
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A look at the latest releases, plus what's new in paperback. By Kate Whiting
Classes cater for every taste, local and international cuisine, baking and sugarcraft, cake decorating and classes for specific dietry requirement "Free-From", Vegetarian and Vegan, Raw etc.
All classes offer a hands-on element and will focus on gaining practical skills and knowledge, and we cater for all ages and abilities.
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Book Reviews
June / July
Book of the week: The Emperor Of Paris by CS Richardson is published in hardback by Granta, priced £12.99 (ebook £8.26). Available now
clothes shop owner, who suffers facial scarring in a childhood accident, and is never without her scarf to cover it. To cope with their circumstances, both lose themselves in their imaginations.
A quirky eccentricity emanates from the pages of this second novel from the author of bestselling The End Of The Alphabet. To the very last page, Richardson's effervescent imagination envelopes the reader. People spring out and just as quickly disappear; their images imprint on our minds only fleetingly as Richardson paints his picture with the deft subtlety of an Impressionist. Within this fertile, living, breathing early 20th century Parisian world, we meet four sets of characters whose random encounters link them and spark events beyond their control. The story which unfolds focuses on how two outsiders meet. There is Octavio, who, unbeknownst to people at the time, suffers from dyslexia, and who is shunned by his school as a sixyear-old and forced to apprentice at his father's bakery; and there is Isabeau, the daughter of a
Richardson's grasp of the story, along with his narrative technique, holds everything together in perfect tension, leaping back and forth in time, creating rich ironies that keep the pages turning. Comic everyday scenes are adroitly interwoven with tragedy and the cruel throw of history's dice. His playful approach to form, blurring the voices of narrator and characters, points to one imagination, one surreptitious observer, and one voice. This is a charming tale about the power of the imagination, and when faced with unspeakable tragedy, how you can overcome it with art and once again grab hold of the joy in life. 8/10 (Review by Darren Heath)
New fiction
The Hanging by Lotte and Soren Hammer is published in trade paperback by Bloomsbury, price £12.99 (ebook £7.25). Available now
The Yonahlosee Riding Camp For Girls by Anton DiSclafani is published in hardback by Tinder Press, priced £16.99 (ebook £8.49). Available now
When the corpses of five men are found hanging and mutilated in a school gymnasium, Detective Inspector Konrad Simonsen and his team of Copenhagen detectives have their work cut out.
Since the 'Fifty Shades' phenomenon, it seems sex has oozed its way increasingly into fiction and there's now a whole new literary genre for those on the cusp of adulthood, call 'new adult', which is effectively erotica light.
They must race against time to solve the crime as a fervour of anti-police vigilante reprisals wash over a nation at odds with its liberal outlook.
While the Yonahlosee Riding Camp For Girls does not bill itself as such, there's no escaping the sexually explicit content here, in an otherwise gentle coming-of-age story. Set in the early 1930s, as America reels in the wake of the Wall Street Crash, the novel follows the fortunes of Thea Atwell, a plucky 15-year-old who has been sent to the camp from her family's orange plantation in Florida after getting into trouble with 'a boy'. But it's not just any boy - this is innocent-seeming incest. As she settles into life at the school, she realises she's not just there for a summer, but has been abandoned by her erstwhile loving parents as punishment. In the grand tradition of boarding school drama, there are set characters - the best friend Sissy, the blond nemesis Leona and the dishy headmaster, who catches Thea's eye. The girls here know they're just in a waiting room before being married off to a wealthy Southerner, but it looks less likely for some as the Depression bites. The action rattles along engagingly enough, against the stunning backdrop of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, as details of Thea's past are slowly unravelled. But Thea as a character is exactly as her headmaster Mr Holmes describes her - aloof and distant, which makes her rather unsympathetic. 6/10 (Review by Kate Whiting) Dirty Work by Gabriel Weston by Jonathan Cape is published in hardback by Atlantic Books, priced £14.99 (ebook £8.54). Available now In 2010, parttime ENT surgeon Gabriel Weston received the 2010 Pen/Ackeley Prize for her debut, Direct Red: A Surgeon's Story. Her second book, Dirty Work, begins with the central character, Nancy, up to her arms in blood when a routine procedure goes wrong, leaving another doctor to jump in and save her patient's life, while she sits back and watches. Days on, Nancy faces being struck off from her job, after her patient's life was left hanging in the balance. From here out the book goes back and forth, between the past and present, to look at what brought Nancy to want to work in the medical profession, and as an abortionist in particular. It covers people's opinions on abortion, plus Nancy's own views, both as a doctor performing a service, and as a woman Nancy is shunned by some of her fellow members of staff, but as the book is told from her point of view, the reader will sympathise with her as she risks losing the job she worked hard for, and loves. An intense, jargon-heavy read from the start, Dirty Work is not as upsetting as a book on abortion could be, though it has its moments. It's a recommended read for anyone who wants to know what it might feel like to be at that end of the operating table. 8/10 (Review by Victoria Burt)
A debut novel by sister and brother Lotte and Soren Hammer, The Hanging has enough twists and turns for even the most fervent of thriller fans. As Simonsen battles his own health issues, he must race against time before the killers strike again or the acts of retribution become even more violent. It will question which side you sit on a deep-rooted moral question, does conscience over-rule law? The opening novel in a six-part Scandinavian crime series, it is a fine first effort which has already proved an international bestseller. 8/10 (Review by Roddy Brooks)
Last Friends by Jane Gardam is published in hardback by Little, Brown, priced £16.99 (ebook £8.49). Available now Last Friends completes Jane Gardam's 'Old Filth' trilogy, and with the first volume published way back in 2004, it has been keenly anticipated to say the least. Focusing on the trio of Old Filth, Betty and Veneering, Last Friends sees Veneering finally take centre stage, as Old Filth did in 2004's Old Filth, and Betty did in 2009's The Man In The Wooden Hat.
She didn't plan on the affair, even though her marriage wasn't as good as it appeared on the outside, it was just mere chance she stumbled across him at an opportune moment in the Houses of Parliament. The novel follows the after-effect of the choices she makes as they begin to spiral out of control.
young eyes, clouded by misinformation and misunderstanding until it reaches the heart-breaking climax. The deftly drawn characters and perfect pace and tone make this a beautiful book with a real heart that stays with you long after you have turned the last page.
Apple Tree Yard is not only a look at the individual psychology of humans, but a look at the social choices and morality that we live by.
9/10 (Review by Gill Oliver)
8/10 (Review by Rebecca Flitton)
Children's book of the week:
The Story of Before by Susan Stairs is published in trade paperback by Corvus, priced £12.99 (ebook £5.39). Available now
Time For Bed, Fred! by Yasmeen Ismail is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £10.99 (Paperback £6.99). Available July 4
Dublin-based writer Susan Stairs's first novel is an astoundingly assured piece of work which is beautifully written, poignant and compelling. Set in 1970s Ireland, it harks back to a time when Starsky And Hutch was on television, adults drove around in Cortinas collecting Green Shield Stamps and children munched on Kool Pops and Bulls-Eyes while leafing through Jackie magazine. If, like me, you are old enough to remember those days, Stairs's tale of life in a large family captures the essence of that era perfectly. Eleven-year-old Ruth is the third of four children, quiet and watchful and sandwiched between her noisy, squabbling older brother and sister and adored baby brother Kevin. On New Year's Eve, after the family moves to a new home, she has a premonition something bad will happen in the coming 12 months and from that point on, the story unfolds through her
Fred is one incredibly excitable puppy (read toddler), who's reluctant to go to bed. Instead, he runs around the garden and deliberately makes himself muddy but then has to have a bath. No sooner than he's sitting in the suds, than he's leapt out again and is shaking himself dry in front of the laundry hanging on the line. He refuses to go to bed without a story - he grabs a copy of Woof! by R. Hound off the shelf with his mouth - and then plonks himself down in the cat's bed and on the, by-now extremely irritated, narrator's bed, before he finally goes to sleep. Reminiscent of children's favourite What-A-Mess, Ismail's watercolour illustrations are delightful, but there's perhaps a little too much calling of "Fred?" for adults to want to read this to their bed-shirkers time and time again. 7/10 (Review by Kate Whiting)
Continud on page 18
As with all Gardam's characters, Veneering has an un-conventional past. The reader is taken back to 1927 to visit his humble beginnings in the Northern town of Herringfleet, and through the extraordinary events that put him on the path to becoming Old Filth's business and love rival. Flitting between the narratives of several characters, we see Veneering's world from every angle, and also hear the stories of more minor characters such as Fiscal-Smith. At 84, Gardam has been publishing books for 40 years, and with her easy-to-read, addictive and immensely enjoyable style of writing, it clearly shows. She manages to cover serious themes such as love, family, wealth and old age in a way that is still chatty and witty. This is a romantic, yet brilliantly realistic end to a tale about three friends who have been through it all together; it will no doubt be considered well worth the four-year wait. 8/10 (Review by Harriet Shephard)
Everything you need for a
BEAUTFUL GARDEN
Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty is published in hardback by Faber and Faber, priced £12.99 (ebook £4.61). Available now A novel centring around a mysterious man is almost always certain to gain attention, even more so when an affair is thrown into the mix, but what about a murder too? Yvonne Carmichael appears to have it all; a successful career in genetics and a large home in the London suburbs, which she shares with her husband along with fleeting visits from her adult children.
1 mile from A4042 halfway between Abergavenny & Pontypool www.nantyderryGC.co.uk 01873 880377 Open 7 days, 10am - 5pm ●
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Tales Of Two Cities: Paris, London And The Birth Of The Modern City by Jonathan Conlin is published in hardback, priced £25 (ebook £9.95). Available now
Non-fiction Happy Money: The New Science Of Smarter Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton is published in trade paperback by Oneworld Publications, priced £10.99 (ebook £7.20). Available now An antidote to the plethora of books promising to make you £1 million in a month, Happy Money takes a different approach to finance. Rather than telling you how to make more money, the authors explain how to use the money that you do have to make you happiest. Because actually, after a certain point more money doesn't make you happier. Once you're earning $75,000 (that's around £48,000, a fair amount, granted), more money doesn't make you more happy. While we don't want to give all of their secrets away, the book essentially gives us five rules to live by - buy experiences, keep treats as treats, buy time, spend money on others and pay now, receive later. On top of that, it offers the odd tip on less money-related topics, like relationships and running businesses.
Historian Jonathan Conlin journeys back to Victorian London and Belle Epoque Paris to explore the relationship between these sibling cities, giants of the modern era. He finds that their differences, some slight, some stark, expressed something profound in this century of transition, something akin to unity through competition. London and Paris grew up together. He traces their homes and their streets, studies their art and their food, visits their embryonic underworlds and invokes important figures like Emile Zola and Charles Dickens. This book is about the genesis of what we recognise as metropolis; how the city grows upwards and outwards; how culture shapes society and society dictates culture. Conlin's tome is well considered, researched and written. It's also littered with some terrific illustrations. Though not a light read, it is a celebration of modernity, and an exceptional work of psychogeography. 9/10 (Review by Zachary Boren)
The North (And Almost Everything In It) by Paul Morley is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £20 (ebook £11.52). Available now This could have been accurately titled The North West (And Almost Everything In It), as Paul Morley's extensive homage to life in the North could prove something of a disappointment for readers hoping for a few more facts about areas further North East. But there's no denying the painstaking research that has gone into music journalist Morley's love letter to the North. A mix of geography and Morley's own personal memoirs, interspersed with northern anecdotes and historical snippets that move back through time, The North takes some getting your head around in the first few pages. Readers who persist with it (or who take the less daunting option of dipping in and out) will be rewarded with titbits such as the Newcastle location of a Beatles songwriting triumph, the Moss Side inspiration for A Clockwork Orange and the fact a Liverpudlian invented the crossword.
It's jam-packed with studies, is really, really funny (fans of Peep Show and satire news source The Onion will enjoy the odd reference), and will make you change the way you spend your money for ever.
At times it's a little too list-like, especially when it comes to Morley's sweeping descriptions of even the most trivial of subjects. However, this is endless fun for fact fans and it's hard for any Northerner not to feel stirred by Morley's pride in the area.
9/10 (Review by Sophie Herdman)
6/10 (Review by Katie Archer)
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The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit is published in hardback by Granta, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.98). Available now American author Rebecca Solnit has written 13 books and is perhaps best known for Wanderlust, a history of walking. Her latest release is a memoir, chronicling a year in the writer's life as her mother battles Alzheimer's disease. One summer, Solnit's brother deposits three boxes of apricots on her floor, taken from her ailing mother's garden. Deciding what to do with 100lb of ripening fruit is the least of her worries; the apricots are a riddle, a "fairy-tale inheritance" from a mother who has given her almost nothing since childhood. This unhappy relationship is central to Solnit's book, which relives a cancer scare, the death of a close friend and a trip to the frozen north of Iceland. As she reveals her own stories, Solnit recounts her favourite fairytales and anecdotes, from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to the life of Che Guevara. In doing so, she presents us with a fascinating insight into the mind of a writer. Crafted as a series of essays, each of the chapters leads us down a different path as they expand our understanding of the nature of storytelling. Solnit writes beautifully, and The Faraway Nearby contains so many ideas that it is almost impossible to take in everything at first. But hers is a work of art with many layers, and readers will be rewarded with new insights each time they revisit this wonderful book.
Recipe Corner A taste of summer with Earthfire outdoor pizza ovens
Jason’s verdict on the Earthfire ceramic pizza oven: “This fantastic ceramic outdoor oven has an incredible cooking heat so I’d recommend a few trial runs to get used to the speed it cooks at. However, once you master it, you will love the versatility of this stylish piece of culinary kit. My recipes highlight a few ideas but there’s plenty more to it – you can bake bread, smoke food, barbecue – and with two hours of cooking time, it makes outdoor cooking much more relaxed. Get the hang of it first and then you can experiment away. “Its size and the fact that it’s portable make it really user-friendly - you could have it on a balcony, on the decking, in the garden or a courtyard. You could take it camping too and be the envy of the site.” The Earthfire Ceramic Pizza Oven costs £349 plus delivery. To order visit www.grenadier.co.uk or call 01829 741649.
The new Earthfire ceramic pizza oven is handmade, with a durable glazed finish and oak handles, creating a modern, outdoor oven that will cook pizzas to perfection, as well as baking, barbecuing and smoking food. Its unique ceramic material allows the oven to reach temperatures of over 350ºC which are needed to cook pizza and it heats in just 30 minutes, providing two hours cooking time without refuelling. Top chef Jason Palin loved the oven and created a few summer recipes to show what it can do...
Sunshine Pizza Chef’s description, “Fresh pizza dough with a thin crust and lots of summer flavours. Perfect for sharing with friends in the garden.” Makes 2 x 10 inch pizzas Ingredients ● 2 tsps dry active yeast ● 100 ml of warm water ● 500 g of bread flour ● 50 ml of olive oil ● Pinch of sea salt and pinch of pepper ● Pinch of flaked chillies (optional) To prepare the dough Put the yeast and warm water in a mixing bowl to dissolve the yeast. Now add the flour, salt, oil, and chillies. Mix for five minutes until a little sticky (use a dough hook if on a machine). Form into a ball and pop into an oiled bowl. Cover with cling film and let it rest for at least one hour, until doubled in size. Topping ● 200 g of vibrant green pesto ● 125 g of roasted red peppers ● 2 tbsp of capers, drained and washed if salted (optional) ● 20 thin slices of chorizo sausage ● 200 g of grated Manchego cheese ● 20 basil leaves ● Extra virgin olive oil Method Heat up the pizza oven for 30 minutes as you assemble the pizza. Divide the dough into two equal portions and keep one covered aside. When working the first one, roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to about 10 inches diameter, with half an inch thickness. Spread
on half the pesto and sprinkle on the Manchego cheese. Top with half the remaining ingredients; chorizo, peppers and capers, reserving the basil and olive oil. Continue with the second ball of dough and repeat the process. Bake for one to two minutes or until the base is crisp and golden on top and bubbling. Finish with basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Chef’s tip: Top the pizza just before you pop it on the hot plate to ensure maximum crispness of the base. The oven cooks very quickly so stay close, as a few minutes is all it will need.
About Jason Palin: Renowned chef Jason Palin has worked across the globe as head chef at leading luxury resorts and as a private chef to Alist names. His style is a fusion of worldwide flavours, showcased with simplicity and flair. He has appeared on BBC1 Breakfast with Cheshire Cookery School, regularly appears at the Cheshire Show and also lectures on food history. Currently Jason is working with esteemed French winemakers Tour de Belfort, and hosts cookery classes, events and private parties. He is based at the vineyard’s UK outlet Le Vin La Table in Hale, Cheshire. Find out more about Jason at: www.gourmetgusto.co.uk
About Grenadier: Grenadier is a family business that has been supplying high quality products to a discerning audience since 1989. Renowned for its electric firelighters, which have been endorsed by a host of celebrities, the company also offers a range or related products including the Earthfire Ceramic Pizza Oven, woodburning stoves and ceramic fire pits.
Earthfire oven-baked mackerel with roast peppers and aubergine Chef’s description: “Crisp-skinned mackerel baked in the pizza oven with super healthy provençal vegetables. A simple dinner for a summer evening with a true Mediterranean taste.” Serves two Ingredients ● 2 medium fresh mackerel (cleaned and gutted) ● 2 red long sweet peppers ● 4 baby aubergines ● 4 baby leeks ● Few sprigs thyme ● Garlic bulb large (unpeeled) ● 1 lemon cut in four slices ● Splash of olive oil ● Sea salt /smoky paprika ● 4 large shallots peeled Method Wash all the vegetables. Preheat your pizza oven for 30 minutes. Then simply pop all the vegetables, including the whole garlic onto the ceramic plate. Slash the mackerel skin three times each side and press thyme into the cuts along with two lemon slices. Rub the fish with oil, salt and paprika. When the vegetables have cooked for three minutes put the mackerel in to bake for four minutes. Turn over and cook for a further four minutes. Serve up half the vegetables with each fish and finish with crusty french bread, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic or fruity vinegar. Chef’s tip: Remember the heat of this oven is 350ºC so it will cook the fish very quickly – keep an eye on it and check regularly.
SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2013 Usk Showground, NP15 1DD Adults: £10 Children: £3 Family: £25
www.uskshow.co.uk ●
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Tintern’s Old Station tea room shortlisted for Best Place to Eat The Old Station in Tintern has been shortlisted in the National Tourism Awards for Wales for the prestigious title of Best Place to Eat in Wales. Only 17 restaurants, pubs and cafes across Wales have been shortlisted from hundreds of entries and now the public will decide which will win through an online vote. There are three sub-categories for Best Place to Eat – Best Restaurant, Best Pub and Best Café. The tea room at The Old Station has been shortlisted in the Best Cafe category. Lesley Sterry, the tea room owner said: “It’s a real honour to be shortlisted. We pride ourselves on serving locally sourced produce and all our cakes are baked here on site in our ticket office kitchen. We aim to give our customers a really excellent experience each time they visit us so to be recognised like this is very special. We hope everyone in Monmouthshire and our regulars will go online and vote for The Old Station.” Anyone voting for the Best Place to Eat will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a hands-on cookery course for two people with chef Angela Gray at Llanerch Vineyard in the Vale of Glamorgan, plus an overnight stay at one of the vineyard’s luxury farmhouse rooms. You can place your vote for The Old Station on the National Tourism Awards for Wales website http://www.ntawales.com/english/vote/ or at http://www.ntawales.com/cymraeg/vote/
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The winners of the Best Place to Eat and the other categories for the National Tourism Awards for Wales, which is being organised by Visit Wales in commercial partnership with Quadrant Media & Communications, will be unveiled at the awards ceremony at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on 21 November 2013
Shortlisted businesses for Best Place to Eat
Homes and Gardens
Capital Region ■ The Old Station, Tintern, Monmouthshire ■ The Bell at Skenfrith, Abergavenny ■ The Cricketers, Pontcanna, Cardiff ■ Llansantffraed Court, Abergavenny ■ The Walnut Tree, Abergavenny Mid Wales ■ The Bakers' Table, Talgarth ■ Y Ffarmers, Aberystwyth ■ The Checkers - Restaurant with Rooms, Montgomery ■ The Falcondale Hotel and Restaurant, Lampeter
Best of the bunch - Viola If you want some pretty, dainty plants for your spring patio pots or to put at the front of borders or to add to a courtyard setting, violas are now widely available in garden centres in a myriad of colours. They are more subtle and fragile-looking than the larger pansies which so often fill baskets at this time of year,
North Wales ■ Caffi Florence, Mold ■ Bryn Tyrch Inn Limited, Conwy ■ Signatures Restaurant, Conwy ■ Tyddyn Llan, Corwen, Denbighshire ■ South West Wales ■ Quayside Tearoom, Lawrenny ■ The Stackpole Inn, Stackpole ■ Sosban Ltd, Llanelli ■ The Grove Narberth, Narberth
yet they are tougher and more weather-resistant. They thrive in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Team them in pots with small vertical evergreens, heather and dwarf narcissi for an eyecatching display. Viola can be annuals, biennials or deciduous or evergreen perennials. Good varieties include V. cornuta 'Penny', and 'Spring Sherbets'.
Good enough to eat - Radishes If you're just starting to experiment with vegetable gardening, then radishes are among the easiest starter veg to try. Sow them from March onwards, sowing in succession so you have a continuous crop rather than a glut. You can't leave them too long in the ground as the roots will go woody or the plants will bolt. Radishes should be sown in rich, well-drained soil in rows, thinning them to 2.5cm (1in) apart and keep plants well watered and the area well weeded. They are a fast-producing crop which are best eaten straight away. Summer radishes can be sown up until August and harvested from May onwards, while winter radishes should be sown in July and harvested from August through to November. Good varieties include 'Scarlet Globe' and 'French Breakfast'.
Three ways to... Aims and values of Monmouthshire County Council “Promoting a better quality of life for all people and communities in Monmouthshire” Population outcomes The council is working towards five population outcomes. These are that people in Monmouthshire: ● Live safely and are protected from harm; ● Live healthy and fulfilled lives; ● Benefit from education, training and skills development; ● Benefit from an economy which is prosperous and supports enterprise and sustainable growth; ● Benefit from an environment that is diverse, vibrant and sustainable.
Use trees for wildlife 1. Make a log pile out of pruned trees and tree stumps in a quiet corner of the garden to encourage insects, invertebrates and beneficial wildlife such as frogs and hedgehogs to shelter there. 2. Include some native evergreen trees such as holly and yew in your garden to offer winter cover and tasty red berries for birds to eat. 3. Secure nest boxes to the trunks of trees, facing away from hot sun and strong winds, to give birds a haven for their young.
What to do this week ■ Top-dress permanent containers with fresh ■ ■ ■
Values ● Openness: we aspire to be open and honest to develop trusting relationships. ● Fairness: we aspire to provide fair choice, opportunities and experiences and become an organisation built on mutual respect. ● Flexibility: we aspire to be flexible in our thinking and action to become an effective and efficient organisation. ● Teamwork: we aspire to work together to share our successes and failures by building on our strengths and supporting one another to achieve our goals.
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compost. Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain and remove pond heaters. Open the greenhouse or conservatory doors and vents on warm days. Sow summer bedding plants in a heated propagator or under glass. When space becomes available in the greenhouse, pot up cuttings of tender perennials taken last summer and at the beginning of this year. Cut back ornamental grasses and other perennials left for winter interest to make way for new growth. Divide hostas before they come into leaf. Continue to deadhead winter-flowering pansies to prolong their flowering period. Clear up weedy beds before mulching. Top dress spring-flowering alpines with grit or gravel to show off the plants and to help prevent stem rots. Remove early infestations of aphids by hand to prevent the problem getting out of control. Continue to plant onions, garlic and shallots.
Saturday, 3rd August 2013
The Showground, Watton Villa, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7EF
James Dylan Stuntworld is the Bike Act this year, we have many diverse food and craft stands
A great day out for all the family with livestock, horticulture and domestic sections, tradestands and much more.
From sheep shearing to poultry, axe racing to countryside pursuits, there is something for everyone at the show. Visit our new website for more information and advance ticket bookings.
www.breconcountyshow.co.uk "Stars of the Future" Limousin show, WPCS Bronze Medal Show for Welsh Sections A, B, C & D and WPCS Performance Medals for ridden Welsh. New classes in the horse and sheep sections for 2013 For further information contact: Barbara Green, Plas Gwyn, Saron, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire, SA44 5DZ Tel: 01559 371551/07887 555684 Email: info@breconcountyshow.co.uk ●
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Abergavenny Food Festival 2013 This year’s Abergavenny Food Festival takes place over the weekend of 21 and 22 September and box office goes live on 2 July. An adult stroller ticket (from £6.50) gives access to five venues with over two hundred exhibitors, plus a rolling programme of chef dems, a children’s Food Academy and other entertainment. It’s a fabulous day out for the whole family. And – to help keep costs down there is free entry for children under 16 (if accompanied by a paying adult).
The Festival’s programme of forty individually ticketed events kicks off on Friday 20 September with Rick Stein, one
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Starting off as an accidental chef when his nightclub business got closed down, Rick has scaled the highest heights as a restaurateur and cookery-writer, and is one of the most accomplished presenters of food on television. After the event he will be signing copies of RIC his memoir K which is published by Ebury Press.
EIN ST
There’s plenty of provision for children at the festival. Thanks to sponsorship from Organic Centre Wales (www.organiccentrewales.org.uk) The Food Academy at the Castle has now been moved into ‘The Dome’ and the additional space will allow more children to experience drop-in hands-on workshops - including food mapping activies - using Welsh organic produce.
of Britains best loved cooks. To mark the occasion of the publication of his memoir ‘Under a Mackerel Sky’ he’ll be in conversation with Xanthe Clay, food-writer for The Daily Telegraph (Borough Theatre 7.30 – 8.30pm, tickets £8.00).
SHELINA
If you’re reading this article then the chances are good that you are living in the NP7 postcode area. Well – that’s good news! On top of an early-bird discount - where prices are held over from last year - there’s an extra 10% discount on stroller tickets for NP7 residents until 31 August. Maximum of two discounted strollers per household. Buy online at www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com or through the Borough Theatre (where proof of residency will be required).
The culinary line-up also includes MasterChef 2012 winner Shelina Permaloo who will be sharing vegetarian dishes from her book ‘Sunshine on a
Plate’ and Master Chocolatier Marc Demarquette who’ll be giving a tasting of his signature ganaches. World-acclaimed chef Magnus Nilsson is scheduled to fly in and talk about Fäviken - his amazing restaurant on the edge of the Arctic circle which O O seats just twelve AL people; and the head chef at El Pirata De Tapas, Omar Allibhoy (described by Gordon Ramsay as the Antonio Banderas of cooking) is going to show you how to cook paella … properly.
And there’s a special event for children too. If they are fans of CBBC’s Stefan Gates then you’ll want to bring them to see him in person with his fabulous show ‘Incredible Edibles Live’ at the Borough Theatre on the Saturday (Adults £6.00, Children: £3.00). This spectacular live show includes edible insects, mindblowing food science and some very very big explosions. Show your family that food is fun!
FAN G ATES STE
View full 2013 programme from 2 July and book online at www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com or through the Borough Theatre: 01873 850805.
Tips for a Great Picnic Don’t Litter. Take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle. Make sure that you are using the correct type of cooking equipment permitted in that area. Check with your destination ahead of time for seasonal fire or campstove restrictions that may be in place. Don’t picnic in areas where you are not permitted. These areas have been declared “off limits” to picnickers to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
Who doesn’t like a picnic? When you combine good food and company with fresh air and sunshine, you’re free to throw fuss to the wind. But the recipe for a successful picnic doesn’t end there. You’ll need a variety of basic supplies within easy reach throughout the duration of your outing. And while a picnic should be laidback, you’ll want to follow a few important safety rules. Finally, you don’t want your picnic washed out, so be sure to check the latest forecast. But if the worst happens, who says you can’t picnic indoors?
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Picnic Essentials
Personal Safety While Picnicking Be sure to follow these safety tips when planning a picnic in an unfamiliar area: ● Check with local park, forest, or public lands agents to see what precautions need to be taken in regard to storing food away from wildlife. Do not feed the local wildlife! ● Take precautions against picnicking in an area that may be dangerous in case of sudden flash floods. Check with local rangers to find a safe and legal picnic area. ● Remember to take along non-perishable food items. ● Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other picnickers and recreationists. ● Do not picnic on unauthorized areas. ● Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone or radio.
Whether you’re planning a picnic to celebrate an occasion or simply enjoy a pleasant summer afternoon, it’s easy to make each picnic unique. The food, candles, flowers, games, music, and other diversions you bring add a special touch. But no matter the occasion, most every picnic requires some basic essentials. Consider the following: For Transporting and Storage ● Cooler fully stocked with ice or ice packs ● Picnic basket ● Food storage containers For Safety and Comfort ● Picnic blanket or tablecloth ● Low-standing picnic table ● Cushions or pillows ● Folding chairs ● Antibacterial gel ● Insect repellent ● Anti-allergy medication ● Sunscreen ● Umbrella For Serving ● Utensils/plates/cups ● Napkins/paper towels ● Condiments ● Bottle opener/corkscrew ● Plenty of water/beverages For Cleanup ● Towelettes/paper towels ● Trash bags
Picnics and the Great Outdoors Choosing where to picnic can be half the fun. Whether your dining destination is your backyard, a local park, or a nearby beach, just follow common sense and a few important guidelines to ensure the great outdoors stay great. Be Responsible When Using Public Lands You can help to take good care of our public lands so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing some of the following actions:
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Picnics and Food Safety Although it may seem we pack too much before heading out on a picnic, they’d be quite a bit safer if we could actually pack the kitchen sink. Food spoilage and cross-contamination are real concerns when eating food outdoors in warm weather without the use of a kitchen. Be sure to follow these tips to ensure your picnic is a healthy one.
Keep Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold It’s essential to keep hot food hot and cold food cold throughout the duration of your picnic. Holding food at an unsafe temperature is a prime cause of foodborne illness. Already-hot summertime temperatures can spike higher in direct sunlight. Store coolers in the shade whenever possible. Food should not be left out of the cooler or off the grill more than 2 hours (1 hour when the outside temperature is above 90°F).
Carry cold perishable food like hamburger patties, hotdogs, luncheon meats and chicken in an insulated cooler packed with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Be sure raw meat and poultry are wrapped securely to prevent juices from cross-contaminating ready-to-eat food. Perishable cooked foods such as meats, chicken and potato or pasta salads must be kept cold, too. Don’t stock the cooler until immediately before leaving home. Keep the cooler in the coolest part of the car when traveling.
Keep Everything Clean Find out if there’s a source of potable (safe drinking) water at your destination. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning; or pack clean, wet, disposable cloths or moist towelettes and paper towels for cleaning hands and surfaces. Crosscontamination during preparation, grilling, and serving food is a prime cause of foodborne illness. Always wash your hands before and after handling food, and don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Soap and water are essential to cleanliness, so if you are going somewhere that will not have potable water, bring it with you. Even disposable wipes will do. Include lots of clean utensils, not only for eating but also for serving the safely cooked food.
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Improve your health with a The sun’s shining and suddenly taking the dog out doesn’t seem like such a chore. But while we all know that pets can be great a motivating force for keeping fit - with the average dog-owner exercising their pet for 48 minutes per day - dogs, and other pets, can also boost an owner’s health and wellbeing in other ways. Dr Anne Mcbride, a psychologist who researches the bond between humans and animals, believes there are huge physical and psychological benefits to sharing your life with a pet. “Once you’ve found the right pet for you and your lifestyle, you get so much back from them. Mentally there’s the benefit of companionship
and the pleasure of having an animal to play with or confide in. This in turn can produce positive physical effects like lower blood pressure and improved respiration. Pets also make us laugh, which is great because laughter reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and releases serotonin, which makes us feel happy." RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PETS CAN LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE A three-year study conducted by Australia’s Baker Medical Research Institute confirmed that pet owners have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels than people without pets. Considering that more than 70,000 people in England die each year from heart disease, a condition exacerbated by stress-related spikes in blood pressure, having a pet certainly seems like a healthy idea. It has been shown that pets can also help relieve everyday stresses which can, in some circumstances,
lead to more profound health problems such as insomnia and depression. In 1999, the State University of New York in Buffalo conducted a study of 48 stock brokers with high blood pressure. All were taking medication for their condition,
VEDDW
LEARN TO RELAX, WITH A FISH
HOUSE GARDEN A Modern Romantic Garden
The garden is set in the wonderful countryside of the Welsh border above Tintern.
There are two acres of ornamental garden and two acres of woodland. A favourite part with visitors and ourselves is the dramatic reflecting pool.
CAMPING
and half were given a pet to live with as well. When subjected to challenges designed to increase their stress - such as arguing their way out of a shop-lifting charge - the stock brokers with pets experienced a smaller rise in blood pressure than their pet-less counterparts.
CLIMBING
Have you ever wondered why fish are so often a feature of dentists’ waiting rooms? In 1985, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis revealed that fish are at least as successful as hypnosis for the purposes of calming dental patients. Those patients who had watched fish in the waiting room even required less pain medication during surgery. Children with hyperactivity disorder and Alzheimer’s patients both exhibit calmer behaviour when free to gaze at brightlycoloured fish. Clinical Psychologist, Jane Fossey, of the Alzheimer’s Society and Society for Companion Animal Studies, says there is evidence that watching fish can improve the nutritional intake of people with Alzheimer’s by around 21%. “Sometimes people can lose weight because of Alzheimer’s as it can mean they move around a lot or forget whether they have eaten. Watching the fish makes people more restful, and therefore more likely to sit down and take time to eat.
CANOEING WALKING
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“If patients are able to look after the fish themselves, this provides further advantages, because it gives them the chance to care for something, rather always being the care recipients. Tasks like feeding fish also allow family
incidence of hay fever and asthma and are less likely to develop allergies to animals."
pet
YOU’RE NEVER LONELY WITH A PET
There are also emotional benefits, Fowler says.
and staff to engage with dementia sufferers in the here-and-now, rather than challenging them to remember the past, she adds. DUMB ANIMALS CAN MAKE KIDS SMARTER AND HEALTHIER
“The companionship that pets provide can have a calming influence on children during stressful periods in their lives. For example, there is evidence that children cope better with divorce when they have a pet." Tracy Genever, children’s education officer at pet charity The Blue Cross, says that having a pet from a young age can help children to learn to care for another being and give them a sense of responsibility.
It’s a well-known fact that most kids love pets. Univserity Researchers found that four and fiveyear-olds with animals at home take 18% fewer sick days off school.
“We know from The Blue Cross education talks we give in schools that children often form very strong bonds with their pets," she says.
Jo-Ann Fowler, director of the Society for Companion Animal Studies, notes: “There is research to show that children who are exposed to pets within the first year of their life have a lower
“They can learn a lot by empathising and being sensitive to their pet’s emotions and this can improve their social skills and help them build relationships with people."
Psychologist, Dr Anne Mcbride, who researches the bond between humans and animals, believes that pets can do a lot to reduce loneliness. “A pet can be a great companion, and age or disability should be no barrier to pet ownership. It may be that you need to consider your choice of pet carefully, but owning a new breed or species can be viewed as an adventure, an opportunity to learn about a new type of animal and develop a relationship with a creature never before considered." According to statistics from The Pet Care Trust, pensioners who own their own pets make 21% fewer visits to the doctor than those without pets. But it’s not always necessary to own your own animal to make a health gain. The charity Pets as Therapy (PAT) organise therapeutic visits, taking calm,
Bigwell Flyfishery
The venue itself comprises 3 main pools and a nursery pool. Main pool no. 1 is a crystal clear pool where stalking your prey is the order of the day. Pools 2 & 3 are slightly coloured though vision through the water is still very good - wear those polaroids! The fishery is stocked weekly with 2.5-3Lb high quality trout maintaining a very healthy head of trout. Also recently stocked was a quantity of large trout 6-12Lbs, as
sporting fish to be released, for our clients added pleasure. New or old clients; we look forward to welcoming you to a great days fishing! Facilities: - Disabled anglers are most welcome - Toilets with Disabled facilites - Food available onsite: All day full English breakfast, Lunch time special, Sandwiches, Cold drinks. - Complimentary beverages for clients. Bigwell Flyfishery Tinmans Green, Redbrook, Monmouth, NP25 4NB • 01600 772904 info@bigwellflyfishery.co.uk facebook.com/bigwellflyfishery www.bigwellflyfishery.co.uk
A recent study by the charity set out to measure the effects of a PAT visit on a person’s mood, to better measure the benefits of the 130,000 visits to people, every week, across the country. PAT surveyed participating residents in nursing homes or day centres, aged between 62 and 95. Each respondent was asked to fill in a questionnaire profiling their moods, and the results showed that individuals who spent just 10 minutes with their visiting dog experienced significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and confusion, among other benefits.
This trout fishery is set in the heart of the Wye Valley at the edge of the small village of Redbrook.
This trout fishery is set in the heart of the Wye Valley at the edge of the small village of Redbrook. Bigwell has been under new management since 1st May 2013. Gary Gray is the new proprietor and is a former client. The fishery has been significantly improved since Gary took the reins and returning anglers have been very complimentary.
friendly dogs and cats to hospitals, hospices, and care homes. Their latest initiative is being pioneered at Her Majesty’s Prison Hindley, a Young Offenders’ Institute, where it is hoped that the presence of a dog will relax the teenage inmates.
Bigwell has been under new management since 1st May 2013. Gary Gray is the new proprietor and is a former client. The fishery has been significantly improved since Gary took the reins and returning anglers have been very complimentary. The venue itself comprises 3 main pools and a nursery pool. Main pool no. 1 is a crystal clear pool where stalking your prey is the order of the day. Pools 2 & 3 are slightly coloured though vision through the water is still very good - wear those polaroids! The fishery is stocked weekly with 2.5-3Lb high quality trout maintaining a very healthy head of trout. Also recently stocked was a quantity of large trout 6-12Lbs, as sporting fish to be released, for our clients added pleasure.
New or old clients; we look forward to welcoming you to a great days fishing! Facilities: Disabled anglers are most welcome, Toilets with Disabled facilites All day full English breakfast; Lunch time special; Sandwiches; Cold drinks. Complimentary beverages for clients.
Bigwell Flyfishery, Tinmans Green, Redbrook, Monmouth, NP25 4NB 01600 772904
email: info@bigwellflyfishery.co.uk facebook.com/bigwellflyfishery
web: bigwellflyfishery.co.uk ●
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Our Show
The Llanthony Valley and District Show will be held this year at Court Farm, Llanthony, on Saturday 3rd August 2013.
Horse judging starts at 9.30am. Formal Show opening 1pm with sports and events, livestock classes and produce. Download the 2011 Show catalogue now to see examples of classes and start times.
The 2013 show will be held on Saturday 3rd August
at Court Farm, Llanthony. Attractions include horse showing classes, showjumping, cattle and sheep classes, produce competition, children's races, gymkhana, beer run, rodeo and more.
Our Success
The Llanthony Show was founded back in 1962. It is one of the only shows of its kind still, completely organized by local volunteers, with no major corporate sponsorship involved. The Show's popularity is based on local support on a strictly non-commercial basis.
The Show was originally founded following a critical TV documentary about the Llanthony Valley in 1959 called "The Dying Valley". Local people banded together at the first Show Committee to prove that the Llanthony Valley was anything but dying! Its continuing success over the last four decades has proved how wrong that original judgment was.
Our Location
The Llanthony Valley and District Show has one of the best sites of all local shows, deep in the Llanthony Valley near Llanthony Abbey, surrounded by the Black Mountains of Monmouthshire. It sits at the heart of a thriving farming community, and it's longstanding popularity is driven by the full support of the local community.
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Visit our Facebook page for more information
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The Granary, Cwmyoy, Abergavenny, NP7 7NU Telephone: 01873 890920 E-mail: andreamevans@hotmail.com
www.llanthonyshow.co.uk
Llanthony Valley and District Show and Sports 2013 Join us in Llanthony on Saturday 3rd August for a fun filled day out for family and friends. Come on down and celebrate the continuing success of farming and countryside communities at this much loved community organised event. This year’s celebration of country life and agriculture boasts a fun packed programme with exciting new classes for horses along with produce classes, children’s sports, dog show, decorated floats, cattle and sheep classes, gymkhana, show jumping, shearing demonstrations, the beer run and much much more! as ever in the afternoon the main ring will be hosting the fancy dress competition, decorated floats, and the gymkhana. Spectators will also be invited to join in with sporting events including the ever popular 4 in a large sack, children’s and dog’s races. We will once again attempt to beat last year’s total of 215 pairs in the 3 legged race (Please don’t be shy in taking part as our commentator will not relent until last year’s record is beaten).
For the horse lovers amongst us, there will be even more on offer this year than ever before. We have included the ever-popular working hunter classes and are now a bronze rosette show for the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, which we hope will draw in even more welsh breeds to our show. We have also revamped our traditional “Pony Trekking” class, to be the “Best Horse or Pony suitable for a hack or long distance ride of 12 miles or more”. The class is designed for everyone – whether you have a show pony or not to show off what a superstar your horse is. In the produce tent we will be hosting the extremely competitive fruit and vegetable classes, along with the baking, home made produce and flowers classes. Along side the prize winning potatoes, carrots and runner beans can be found classes such as the bowl of pansies in bloom, the men only 6 welsh cakes, and the Hens eggs, brown, 3 on a saucer. Also featuring in the produce tent will be the handicraft classes, including the “Animals do the funniest things” with caption, hand knitted article, any ply, and in the under 7's classes, a personal favourite of mine, the vegetable monster class.
In order to enter any of the produce classes, all entries must be in the produce tent by 10.30am on show day. The Llanthony Valley and District Show and Sports will be held this year at The Court
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Farm Llanthony on Saturday 3rd August 2013. For more information please visit our web page at www.llanthonyshow.co.uk or find our Llanthony Valley and District Show page on Facebook.
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Statham’s soft side He may play the tough guy on screen, but Jason Statham is secretly yearning to wear his heart on his sleeve, as Shereen Low discovers Jason Statham may be the guy men want to be, and women dream of being with, but if he knows this, he's certainly not showing it. "All this information is new. I don't get a letter under the door saying, 'Men want to be you, and women want to be with you'," says the British actor, laughing. "I always think women want to be with Ryan Gosling. But if they want someone who can protect them? That I can do, darlin'," he adds with a cheeky wink. The Derbyshire-born actor has a reputation for being a tricky interviewee, famously clamming up when it comes to talking about his private life. Unsurprisingly, personal questions are off-limits today, especially his three-year relationship with British model-actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who he now lives with in Los Angeles. Statham admits he's a bit wary of the press, following his former high-profile romance with Kelly Brook. "I've had good interviews and I've had bad ones," he says, apologising for his language as the Hollywood hardman litters our chat with swear words.
"People are either really stupid, or really nice. Some people are really pleased to be working in an industry where you can review films, and others just want to dig up a load of [stuff] about you, and that's not going to work with me." With his shaved head, icy stare, straight-talking Cockney accent and ability to do his own stunts, the 45-year-old former diver has become one of the UK's hottest exports since being picked by Guy Ritchie to star in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels in 1998. He has since carved out a career playing tough guys in action movies such as The Expendables, The Transporter and Snatch. "I really do enjoy kicking butt, because it's expressive," he says. "One of my favourite actors was Bruce Lee because he had more emotional expression through his physicality than most actors can do by opening their mouth." Statham's latest film role in Steven Knight's action drama Hummingbird sees him playing Joey Jones a former Special Forces soldier who is forced to resort to drastic measures in order to survive on the streets. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with a nun, played by Polish actress Agata Buzek. "I make a lot of films that don't have much depth to them - they're more like popcorn movies. I've been
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Doing his own stunts have proved perilous over time, but he brushes the injuries off as a consequence of doing what he loves. "I've gotten hurt, yeah. I've pulled joints out of place and usually the ligaments and tendons take a long time to heal," he recalls. "It's tough, but when you're making action films, you gotta put yourself out for the stakes, knocks and bruises and silly things like that. But I enjoy it - it's what I do. "We're playing heroes, and it's great to actually play a guy that used to be a hero. These are the real heroes of our culture and society. It's a privilege to play one so you can't lose sight of the good they do and the commitment they have."
■ Jason Statham was born in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, on September 12, 1967. ■ He previously sold jewellery on street corners, before becoming a member of Britain's National Diving Squad for 12 years. He later switched to modelling and was a poster boy for French Connection.
■ He lent his voice to animated movie Gnomeo & Juliet, as Tybalt.
"There's a ton of people I want to work with. [Martin] Scorsese, Chris Nolan, all these people who make good movies would fit the list. But things like that don't come my way," he says, chuckling.
"This is not a stunt extravaganza, believe me. It's a really sweet story about a man who shares a dark secret with someone completely different.
Jason Statham
■ Guy Ritchie gave him his big break in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels after learning about Statham's past as a black market salesman. They later worked together again in Snatch.
Statham remains committed to his acting career, and has roles lined up in Fast And Furious 7, The Expendables 3, Heat and Homefront, written by his Expendables costar Sylvester Stallone.
hungry for something like this for some time, where I can show more emotion. When this came my way, I jumped up and down," he says.
Extra time -
■ Hummingbird opens in cinemas on Friday, June 28
As our time comes to an end, Statham reflects on our earlier conversation about talking to the press.
"He's not looking for forgiveness, he's not looking for a shoulder to cry on, but he meets someone from a place where you'd never think these two people would have a connection. There's something really unusual about that - this isn't a typical friendship."
"It's been nice meeting you," he says with a smile. "You're one of the good ones."
The actor reveals there's some of him in Joey, but is reluctant to expand. "I never said I'm a tough guy. You askin', do I cry every night?" he says. "I don't have a traditional background in acting so I have to go from an instinctual point. I don't learn a technique, so there has to be a bit of me inside these characters." Statham did a lot of research to prepare for the part. "We went to the homeless charity Connection and spent time with ex-soldiers. We spoke to an orthopaedic surgeon who talked about injuries and a psychologist who spoke about mental health issues, as well as chaps from the British Legion and the armed forces.
Sudoku Challenge
"We did a whole week of running around and speaking to people who could open the door to the character," he says. Although playing Joey struck a chord, he admits it wasn't hard to leave him behind once shooting was over. "He's really interesting to play, but I'm not Daniel Day-Lewis," he adds, laughing. "It's something I really worked hard at. I could see myself as this guy for some twisted reason. And with any story, all you're looking for is authenticity." While Hummingbird isn't heavy on stunts, Statham admits he enjoys throwing some punches throughout the film. "I do enjoy the physicality because it's part of this guy. If you're playing a Special Forces chap, you gotta know how to fight," he says.
Solution on page 46
"It's no good coming out of RADA and doing a few push-ups. That's not gonna work. It's a lot easier pretending how to act than it is to pretend how to fight." ●
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CRiC celebrates all things local Unique, hand made, locally produced are all attributes that CRiC looks for in the expanding range of gifts, products and cards that are now sold alongside a variety of carefully selected books, guides and maps. Centre manager Jan Morgan said, “Local produce and producers are pivotal to the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre’s (CRiC) retail offering and supporting local businesses is at the heart of CRiC as an organisation. The staff and volunteers of CRiC look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the area to our celebratory day of all things local on 20 July when a number of our suppliers will be on hand to chat, offer tasters and show a range of their products.”
Make your own bread with freshly milled flour or a bread-kit from the recently restored Talgarth Mill to eat with one of the scrumptious homemade chutneys from Hardwick Hampers and some local cheese and meats from the delicatessen counter just a few metres down the High Street in Cashells.
In addition to the wonderful exhibitions of local art and craft which change every 8 weeks upstairs in the oriel CRiC gallery, the range of gifts in the retail area downstairs
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includes: items locally turned from wood sourced sustainably on the Glanusk Estate, hand crafted pewter jewellery, pin badges and trinkets, Nature’s Little Helpers’ range of balms and soaps, alongside the beautifully fragranced Quinnell candles made down the road in Usk by rugby legend Scott and his family.
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Welsh honey, as well as jams and preserves from Hay on Wye’s award winning Chef on the Run and delectable handmade Black Mountain Gold’s chocolates are perfectly
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sweet gifts also for sale in CRiC. Lace book marks, tea towels and placemats bearing Crickhowell’s historic buildings and Ordnance survey printed mugs showing your favourite local spot complete the gift range. If you find browsing and buying in CRiC thirsty work the coffee bar serves fresh filter coffee, tea, hot chocolate and locally baked cakes and biscuits or quench your thirst with a bottle of Margaret and John’s Welsh Farm House apple juice. You may also like to join the Walkers are Welcome in Crickhowell walk of “Tolkien’s Shire” on 20 July. Bookings can be made at CRiC. CRiC is a charitable organisation and its volunteers give their time freely over 52 weeks of the year to promote the area and all it has to offer. The centre is open daily 10am to 5pm with the exception of Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. For further information: 01873 811970 tic@visitcrickhowell.co.uk or www.visitcrickhowell.co.uk
Planning a day tip...? If you’re planning a day trip with your family, you’re liable to bring either too much or too little stuff. No one wants to feel like they’re reenacting the Western Expansion complete with a wagon train, but it’s also incredibly frustrating to find yourself an hour or two along a trail without a diaper for the baby. To help you avoid either of these extremes, here are some basic principles you should consider when you pack for a family day out.
Clothing Dress for the weather, but expect the unexpected. A sweatshirt is always useful if there’s a chance the temperature may drop, and a hat is good protection from the sun. Most importantly, everybody needs a change of clothing, grown-ups included. Yes, it’s probably going to be one of the kids that spills grape soda all over themselves, falls in a stream, or gets a bloody nose. However, the next stop on their trail of destruction is likely to be mom or dad and you may find yourself sharing in the grime, gore and goop.
Food and drink Dehydration is very unpleasant, so be sure to take sufficient water. If you’ll be on a trail,
away from a source of clean water, then you should be carrying a liter and a half of water per person. If you’re planning to eat out as part of the day’s fun, then of course there’s less need to take food with you. But it’s still a good idea to carry some energy-filled snacks such as nuts, pretzels, fruit, etc. That way you can save your money for a couple of good meals, rather than constantly spending on spur of the moment snacks and treats.
Toys and books Whether in the car, at a restaurant waiting to be served, or taking a rest after a picnic lunch, you and your kids will be much happier with something to do. Even the most saint-like parent gets tired of the licenseplate game eventually so be sure that everyone has a book, a favorite toy or game, or some crayons and a coloring book to fill some down-time. Planning ahead and packing carefully will make your day trip less stressful, and more fun.
Clean-up, first aid, and baby supplies If you’re still in the diaper stage with one of your kids, over-pack on diapers and be sure to split them up between more than one backpack just in case you lose a bag, or get separated. Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, plastic bags and a couple of garbage bags will all allow you to keep things clean in any situation ... soiled or soaked clothes can be sealed up in a trash bag, while the debris of diaper changing can be carried easily to the closest trash can. A small first-aid kit is a sensible addition to your backpack. Don’t feel you have to be ready for every medical emergency, but some bandaids, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen and junior pain killers are useful to have.
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Situated in the heart of the Welsh valleys, elevated high on Maesrudded Hill, with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside
www.maesmanor.com Tel: 01495 220011 Fax: 01495 228217 E-Mail: info@maesmanor.com
PRIVATE DINING SUNDAY LUNCH Our Seasons Restaurant extension is available for private hire for parties from 10 - 30. Add that extra sparkle to a special occasion with the luxury of a private room. Choose from a wide selection of Al a Carte, Table dhote, Set and buffet menu's.
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We can take care of any function or private party you have in mind. We have catered for hundreds of people for various occasions such as birthday parties, proms, funerals and anniversaries. Just get in touch with our team to find out what we can do for your special occasion.
CHRISTMAS 2013
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Reservations are highly recommended to avoid dissapointment. 34
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2 courses - £12.95
3 courses - £15.95
Beware of cowboys Can you spot the doorstep cowboys, or are you ready to let them gallop off into the sunset with your cash? Every year, thousands of unlucky householders find themselves being taken for a ride when they answer an unsolicited knock at the door. Many people find themselves up to their necks in problems when they make the mistake of agreeing to have their drive relaid by some workmen who appeared to have just finished good job at a neighbour's home. Take the case of Mr and Mrs Bates, for example. The men offered a good price as their equipment was still on site next door, and work began within hours on their drive and eight others in the street. Mrs Bates said: "There was no going back after the first day. "For one thing the drive was soon covered in hardcore and sand - and then it started to rain." Water started to drain into the garage, and the couple had to pay extra cash to have a drain-away fitted to avoid a flood. Eight days later, the other drives were finished, but Mr
and Mrs Bates could see no progress. The unlucky homeowners rang the telephone number on the quote and were surprised to learn it was a different company. It soon became clear the cowboy followed the reputable builder around and secured work from neighbours on the strength of their work.
There are no guarantees about the quality of their work but most should be reputable. These associations carry out checks on the builders before they gain membership status, therefore minimising the risk of choosing a "cowboy builder".
Beating the cowboys: questions to ask Ask yourself these questions and if you answer ‘no’ to any them, then don't buy:
All the associations have a code of conduct that members adhere to. There are a number of Builders Trade Associations, the following are the most common: Quality Mark builders, Federation of Master Builders and the National Federation of Builders. Contact: The Trading Standards website www.tradingstandards.gov.uk - has advice on how to avoid cowboys.
Can I afford it? Would I buy this from a shop? ● Do I really want it? ● Do I know and trust the seller? ● If there's a problem, can I contact them again? ● ●
A consumer protection inspector for Trading Standards said the problem was all too common. Usually there is not even enough information for him to follow up complaints. So what does he advise? "You have got to know who you are dealing with - references are important, and you should get other quotes." Always try to use builders or tradesmen who are members of trade associations.
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Farm Life
Marks & Spencer at the Royal Welsh Show Marks & Spencer (M&S), lead sponsor of Wales’ largest agricultural event the Royal Welsh Show, is inviting visitors to enjoy its best show stand and Farmer’s Lounge yet at the event in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, from 22-25th July. Full of interactive family fun, visitors will be treated to live chef demonstrations and tastings from local suppliers, find out more about the innovative farmers who supply M&S with its wealth of high quality produce and pit their skills in a game of Hungry Hungry Cows to discover more about what goes into M&S Activehealth milk, which is produced in Wales. Steve Mclean, M&S Head of Agriculture, said: “We’re delighted to be back at the Royal Welsh Show and can’t wait to unveil our new stand to the public. Over the three days of the show we’ll showcase the suppliers who bring the very best of regional Welsh food to our stores in Wales, as well as those across the UK. Visitors will really enjoy the chance to get hands on and taste some of our delicious regional produce, witness our passion for quality and innovation and discover the extraordinary lengths we go to, to provide fantastic food.” This year M&S will once again be sponsoring a selection of the beef livestock classes, as well as the Royal Welsh Young Sheep Handler, Junior Pig Handling Competition and cheese section of the Dairy Produce category.
A real focus for M&S at the Royal Welsh Show is to highlight the benefits of its Activehealth milk produced by four dedicated farms in Wales. While all M&S milk has at least 6% less saturated fat due to a specially developed lower sat fat diet that is fed to the cows, M&S Activehealth milk has the added benefit of being enriched with Vitamin D. Visitors to the M&S stand will get the chance to take part in a game of Hungry Hungry Cows where families can compete against each other to see which cow can eat the most special feed and win the game. Each cow in the game will represent one of the Welsh farms that supplies M&S.
Steve Mclean said: “This year, we’re launching a new education programme in collaboration
Contact: Gwen Evans 07909 570471 Neil Smith 07885 257788 Union of Wales The Farmersʼ Union of Wales is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in respect of insurance mediation under Registration No. 308935 The Summer Issue
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“We’ll also be celebrating the achievements of our Farming for the Future Award winner from
Steven Mclean concluded: “Throughout the show, there’ll be plenty to keep the whole family entertained and our customers can get a real insight into the hard work and expertise that goes into making M&S food the best on the high street. Visitors will also have the opportunity to buy sandwiches, salads, wraps and other lunchtime snacks from our M&S ‘Food on the Move’ range.”
In addition, the retailer will raise awareness of its Forever Fish campaign, revealing how profits from the charge for carrier bags have been used to help fund education projects in association with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the National Schools Partnership (NSP).
LOCAL RURAL BROKERS
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Visitors to our stand at the Royal Welsh Show can see case studies about those who have already benefitted from this extremely worthwhile scheme.
last year, David Philips, highlighting to visitors the ‘heroes’ in the M&S supply chain.”
M&S will also use the Royal Welsh Show as a platform to celebrate the latest developments in Plan A, including how it is supporting the next generation of farmers through its ‘Farming for the Future education initiative’ and ‘Farming for the Future Awards’.
FUW INSURANCE
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with a number of our suppliers which aims to help address a shortage of skills in agriculture. Our Farming for the Future education programme will see us support 12 bursaries each year, a Graduate Programme and an Executive Education Programme.
June / July
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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 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 out-of-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.
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Farm Life
Natural Resources Wales steps up fight against larch disease Natural Resources Wales has committed more than £2 million into the fight to deal with a disease which is attacking Britain’s larch trees. The new body, which looks after the Welsh environment, is to invest £500,000 straight away to combat Phytophthora ramorum (P ramorum) by cutting down trees around the edges of infected areas to try to stop it from spreading further. The urgent strategy also includes a groundbreaking trial to see if injecting trees with a common herbicide could be effective in slowing the spread of the disease.
“We understand the anxiety this is causing the private forestry sector and communities in the affected areas. We are liaising with the Welsh Government and affected forest owners to see how the economic and other impacts can be minimised.” The disease, which spreads through airborne spores from tree to tree, is proving difficult to contain and has moved more quickly than experts expected despite a massive effort to stop it in its tracks. ■
Hopes of containing the disease have also been hit by one of the wettest summers on record and autumn weather conditions, which have been at the optimum for the spread of the disease. The full scale of the spread beyond the South Wales valleys to new sites in West, Mid and North Wales emerged during aerial surveys last month, which provided the first opportunity to assess the trees as they come into leaf. They also showed a rapid spread of the
disease in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a particularly dramatic increase in South-West Scotland. The surveys identified 2,500 hectares (more than 6,000 acres) of new infection in Wales – about 2.5 million trees – taking the total area of infection in Wales to more than 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) containing about 5 million larch trees. Some 1,200 hectares (almost 3,000 acres) of larch trees have already been felled in Wales since the fungus-like organism was
The grey trees are diseased larch
Natural Resources Wales will spend a further £1.7 million to remove infected trees, replant those areas and to build forest roads so that new areas can be cleared. Trefor Owen from Natural Resources Wales said: “This response shows how concerned we are about this disease because of its impact on timber markets, the landscape, woodland and other habitats.
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first discovered here in June 2010 in Welsh Government woodlands in the Afan Valley. Early signs that this extensive felling had contained the disease proved misleading, however, and a Wales Disease Management Plan was endorsed in 2012 by the Wales Phytophthora Outbreak Response Team (PORT), which includes the Welsh Government and other stakeholders. This recognised that the disease could no longer be fully contained. It sought to slow down the rate of infection and reduce the environmental impact and costs of disease control by selectively felling trees in areas of light infection, rather than felling all the trees in infected areas. However, the sudden, unpredicted increase in new infections revealed by the latest surveys indicates that this approach could not keep up with the spread of the disease and the Wales Disease Management Plan was reviewed this month.
stem. We need to do this to try and slow the spread of the disease. This would also have to be done without causing further damage to the environment. “We empathise with the concerns of private woodland owners and managers and will also be adapting some of the regulatory controls as the disease is now becoming endemic on the western margin of the British Isles and we believe the current strategy of containment is no longer viable in Wales.” He said the timber from infected trees could still be used to produce a wide range of timber products. The countryside remains open and the disease poses no threat to human or animal health. However visitors to woodlands can help reduce the spread of the disease by taking some simple actions such as removing any mud, plant material or leaves from clothing, boots, dogs and car tyres.
Trefor Owen added: “Regrettably, the disease has spread much quicker than anyone expected despite all our efforts, so we are urgently looking into new ways of eradicating infected trees by injecting a common herbicide into the
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Farm Life
Some gains for Wales in Common Agricultural Policy deal Welsh Conservative MEP Dr Kay Swinburne today challenged the Welsh Government to ensure farmers in Wales receive the best possible outcome from reforms to Europe's Common Agricultural Policy.
proposed recognise the environmental benefits of the largely grass based farms we have in Wales." Dr Swinburne said while the agreement contained some improvements on the original
Speaking after agreement was reached following lengthy negotiations in Luxembourg between MEPs, the European Commission, and EU farming ministers, Dr Swinburne called on ministers in Cardiff to ensure "smart implementation" of the new rules. She said proposals for greater regional flexibility needed to be used to full advantage in the interests of the farming industry in Wales. Dr Swinburne said: "This will allow the Welsh Government to ensure local decision making that suits the needs of Welsh farmers. "The ball will soon be in the Welsh Agriculture Minister's court to ensure the best outcomes for Welsh farmers. We need to see smart implementation of the new rules. Regional flexibility needs to be used to Wales's advantage. "During the reform negotiations Conservative MEPs have called for a more effective package for our farmers in Wales and across the United Kingdom. I am glad to see some progress has been made in key areas, and that the practical measures
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policy, the overall package was a "mixed bag". She added: "In terms of the four CAP files which were considered, I am broadly content with the outcome of Rural Development and Financing, but still have
many concerns regarding Direct Payments which involves the Single Farm Payments to Welsh farmers. I am also concerned that in areas such as a common market organisation we look set to have even more red tape than ever."
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Penpentre, Llanfaes, Brecon, Powys. LD3 8DL
Tel: 01874 623311 Tel: 01874 611421 Fax: 01874 610325
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Brecon Car Sales is a family run business in the small town of Brecon. Established for 30 years we will endeavour to provide you with the best customer service within the market place. Although we specialise in Renaults we will service, MOT and carry out work on all makes and models. Our technicians are fully trained to Renault standards. We are a friendly garage and welcome all of our customers. Coffee is complimentary and provided to you while you wait. Transportation issues will gladly be addressed within the local area. Why not have a day out in Brecon while you’re up here?
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Gazette Motors
C-MAX Hybrid – Ford’s Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle
SKODA PREVIEWS NEW OCTAVIA VRS
The hottest news from the world of motoring. This week: Skoda previews new Octavia vRS Skoda has revealed the first pictures of the new Octavia vRS ahead of its full debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
To ensure stable and engaging handling, Skoda has lowered the body by 12mm compared to the standard Octavia; 13mm for the estate model.
The new vRS has been unveiled in hatchback and 'Combi' estate guises, although it is not clear whether the Combi name will be used in the UK market.
A newly developed multi-link rear suspension set-up is more responsive and equally new light-alloy wheels help to reduce unsprung weight and inertia.
There will be two engine options, as before: a 217bhp petrol and a 181bhp diesel, with the faster petrol option catapulting the car to 62mph from rest in 6.8 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 154mph when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Skoda says 17in wheels will be standard with 18in and 19in upgrades offered.
In manual form, the diesel takes 8.4 seconds to cover the traditional 0-62mph sprint and can reach 144mph, but will hold an advantage in fuel economy and emissions - although these are as yet unconfirmed.
NEW STYLE AND INTERIOR FOR NISSAN MICRA
Practicality has always been an Octavia vRS strong point and the new car raises the bar still further, with a five litre increase inside the hatchback, taking it to 590 litres up to the load cover and with up to five occupants in place. The estate can boast 610 litres, but the gap grows when loading above the top of the rear seats or with the rear seats folded.
STYLISH ADAM CLAIMS AWARD FOR VAUXHALL The new Nissan Micra has been updated with fresh styling, new technology and a significantly revised interior. steering, 14in wheels, a radio and CD player and a full complement of safety equipment including dual front, side and curtain bags, ABS and ESP.
Both the front and rear looks have changed, including not just headlights but the surrounding panels as well. The design now more closely echoes that of the big-selling Juke. Mid-range Micras ride on a new design of 15in alloy wheel, with the 16in upgrades on higher trim levels also a new style. Two new colours have been added: Pacific Blue, which according to Nissan is a shade of turquoise, and Platinum Sage, which sounds like a green-tinted silver.
Vauxhall's fashionable Adam supermini has scooped the best interior design in a production car award at the Automotive Interiors EXPO 2013. Beating competitors such as the Alfa 4C, Jaguar F-Type, Renault Clio and the new Range Rover, Vauxhall's stylish urban newcomer was selected by a jury of respected motoring journalists from around the world. The award is part of a trade show in Stuttgart, Germany, for concepts, materials, surfaces, fabrics and components in vehicle interior equipment.
Elizabeth Wetzel, Interior Design Director, says: "The individualisation of the interior is one of the Adam's many outstanding traits. "Our small lifestyle car offers almost 82,000 combinations for interior styling. The EXPO award is a wonderful tribute to the whole Opel/Vauxhall design team."
On the inside, the instrument cluster has been changed to give greater legibility and clarity at a glance. It's just one of many improvements that take in an all-new centre console with new air vents and a gloss black finish. On the dashboard, drivers will now find USB and 3.5mm auxiliary sockets for portable electronics. There is also a 12-volt socket for recharging other devices. Visia is still the entry-level grade, with remote central locking, electric front windows, power ●
Mid-range Acenta trim adds chrome accents, body colour door mirrors and handles, 15in wheels, a roof spoiler, air conditioning, front fog lights, a driver's armrest, a leather-covered steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic control for the headlights and wipers. Tekna versions add climate control, the new NissanConnect satnav, rear parking sensors, a clever Parking Slot Measurement system to guide the car into tight spaces, 16in alloy wheels, suede-like seat fabric, automatic folding door mirrors and Intelligent Key for keyless entry and engine start. Nissan has also added more personalisation options to Acenta and Tekna models, so owners can now specify their preferred colour of wheel centre caps and door mirrors on the outside, while inside they can personalise their gear knob, air vents, gear stick surround and velour mats to make their car unique.
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BUTTERCUP BEAUTY
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Drop the LBD and pick up yellow frocks for Hollywood glamour-style evening attire. Angelina Jolie, Naomi Watts and Michelle Williams are all converts to colour on the red carpet.
Get into the holiday spirit with this season's hottest shade. By Lisa Haynes With the weather heating up, yellow is the hottest shade to be seen in this season. From canary brights to mute mustard shades, it's time to take a rain check on dull colours and give your summer some zing.
Danielle says: "Look for pale lemon evening gowns. Simple lines such as a column dress, as seen at Nina Ricci, work best."
Pack a punch with bright canary colours or go even bolder and flirt with a touch of fluorescent.
Wallis' yellow print tunic, £20 (30 Euros).
Go short and sweet in yellow with Butterfly by Matthew Williamson embellished yellow dress, £50 at Debenhams, Monsoon's Fusion line Loreto Dress, £46, or Jesire's lemon yellow tulip dress, £99.
"Yellow is very chic right now, if worn in the right way," says Danielle Radojcin, fashion editor at Handbag.com
Up the glamour stakes by searching for gowns in pretty silks and chiffons for a romantic edge. Try Noli's crinkled yellow silk chiffon dress, £165, or Planet's yellow marble print dress, £159.
Fashionistas needn't fret about looking OTT if they find a shade to suit. "It has a reputation as being a difficult colour to wear, but the trick is finding the right shade to suit your complexion," Danielle explains. "Take Angelina Jolie at Cannes recently she has very pale skin and the lemon gown she wore complemented her dark hair and grey eyes perfectly." But you don't have to be a starlet to glow in yellow this summer. From smart gowns to daytime chic, be brave and stop traffic in bold and beautiful yellow.
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MELLOW YELLOW If any shade is a mood booster on the colour palette, yellow is it. Look for casualwear in zesty yellows and you'll soon be feeling like Little Miss Sunshine.
Maxi dresses are soaring on the summer style radars, especially amongst those who want to flaunt their top half and keep legs under wraps. Yellow numbers include ASOS' jersey maxi dress, £30, or John Zack's yellow pattern halter neck maxi dress, £40, available from Discoo. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson embellished yellow dress, £50 at Debenhams
A pretty top paired with jeans is a painless way to ease yourself into brighter shades like yellow. Try Primark's crochet trapeze smock, £10 (15 Euros), or go pale and interesting with Miss Selfridge's LA pansy print top, £40 (60 Euros). If you don't want to go all out on yellow fever, pick up a print that incorporates the colour, such as Wallis' yellow print tunic, £20 (30 Euros). Black aficionado? Even you can do yellow by pulling on a bright jacket - it's an instant way of brightening up your entire ensemble in seconds. Look to Principles' yellow 3/4 sleeve jacket, £45, or for a smarter look go longer with Planet's yellow textured jacket, £169. For true summer fun make a splash in yellow swimwear such as F&F's yellow cut-away swimsuit, £10, or Next's yellow floral trim reversible bikini top, £10 (15 Euros), and bottoms, £12 (18 Euros).
ACCESS ACCESSORIES Those still not convinced of yummy yellow can access the daffodil look with less daunting accessories. "Steer clear of anything in plastic, as yellow is a colour that can very easily look cheap," Danielle warns. Dip a toe into the yellow colour craze in Dune's yellow Mother flip flops, £50, or go high with Barratts' yellow Cocoa platform sandal, £35, or Mango's strappy platforms, £55.
ASOS' jersey maxi dress, £30
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T EL: 0 1 87 3 8 54 91 3 Abergavenny www.cartridgesaver.co.uk
F&F's yellow cut-away swimsuit, £10
Primark's crochet trapeze smock, £10 (15 Euros) Miss Selfridge's LA pansy print top, £40 (60 Euros).
SESAME TREAT Continue your zest for yellow with Forever Famous' new Sesame Street tees - perfect for retro kids who love a touch of nostalgia. Look out for Big Bird's 'B is for Blonde' and Oscar the Grouch's 'Trashed' in canary yellow. Prices start from £24.99. The collection is available now from www.truffleshuffle.com and Topshop, Oxford Street. FLURO FASHION Victoria Beckham wowed the crowds at the MTV Movie Awards exposing her neon pink bra under a dramatic zebra print dress. Jump on the fluro band wagon quick-smart by updating your underwear drawer with some shocking pink pieces. Work the look at La Senza with the Love Lace bra in neon pink, £15, 30AA-38F, and matching shorts, £5. Visit www.lasenza.co.uk Next's fun yellow geometric print bag, £16 (24 Euros).
UPCOMING Swing into yellow style with some shoulder candy. Try Wallis' yellow pocket frame bag, £25 (38 Euros), Debenhams Collection yellow large tote, £50 (75 Euros), or Next's fun yellow geometric print bag, £16 (24 Euros). Those a little braver on the colour front can enjoy the sunshine in Dorothy Perkins' yellow floppy hat, £12 (20 Euros). A must-have for standing out from festival crowds. Adding a splash of colour with a belt or scarf also adds a yellow kick to your wardrobe without being too committed to the colour. Go for French Connection's Moon yellow waisted belt, £25, or Marks and Spencer's Autograph yellow pashmina, £15, to keep you snug on summer nights.
June 14 FASHION
STOCKISTS ASOS - www.asos.com Barratts 01274 893 845/ www.barratts.co.uk
Mango 020 7240 6099/ www.mango.com Miss Selfridge 0845 121 4517/ www.missselfridge.co.uk
Debenhams - 08445 616 161/ www.debenhams.com
Monsoon 020 7313 3000/ www.monsoon.co.uk
Discoo - www.discoo.co.uk
Next - 0845 600 7000/ www.next.co.uk
Dorothy Perkins 0870 122 8801/ www.dorothyperkins.co.uk
Noli - www.noli.com
Dune - 020 7258 3605 F&F - 0800 505 555
Planet 0191 521 3888/ www.planet.co.uk
French Connection 020 7036 7200/ www.frenchconnection.co.uk
Primark - www.primark.co.uk
Jesire - 020 7420 4450
Principles 0870 122 8802/ www.principles.co.uk
Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234/ www.marksandspencer.com
Wallis - 0845 121 4520/ www.wallis-fashion.com
Sunglasses: Protect those peepers from the sun's harmful rays with the trendiest sunglasses on the block. With pictures.
June 21 FASHION Mannish: Tailoring, oversized shirts and shorts are a hot look this summer. Why borrow from your man when you can buy your own? With pictures.
June 28 FASHION Beachwear Accessories: So you've got the swimwear sorted - what about your other sun, sea and sand essentials? We reveal the best beach buys. With pictures.
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PEST CONTROL
The Belgrave Hotel The Esplanade, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DU Tel: 01834 842377 Fax: 01834 842626
Come and enjoy the hotels superb seafront position overlooking Tenby’s beautiful south beach in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.
Midweek B&B from £37.50 pppn
Arrive Friday or Saturday Enjoy 2 nights mix and match
£89.95 pp 3 Nights £127.45 pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast on Saturday Bed & Breakfast Friday and Sunday Candlelit Dinner & Dance Thursday and Saturday Gala Menu, Breakfast in Bed Sunday Morning
Dune's yellow Mother flip flops, £50
Ring now for Birthdays, Anniversaries and other special breaks.
Your Number One Local pest control Co. ● Fast response ● Reasonable rates ● Wasp nests treated within 24 hours
TELEPHONE 01873 830204 Fernybank, Quarry Road, Clydach, Nr Abergavenny ●
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Looking after your Crowning Glory Nothing reflects inner health and vitality like a clear complexion, sparkly eyes and - your crowning glory - glossy hair. CURLY
THICK
“Curly hair can be unruly and out of control, and it is very important to have a good hair cut that is created to work with the natural movement in your hair," says celebrity stylist Anita Cox, who has worked with Anna Friel.
“Thick hair is open to a variety of haircuts, from short to midlength to long. You should talk to your stylist, who will be able to advise you on a cut to best suit you, taking into consideration your face shape and position of your hair line," Anita says.
And naturally curly hair, as seen on Katie Melua and Rihanna, can often be misunderstood.
Clean shiny hair like Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Aniston or Eva Longoria is a joy to have and head-turning to look at, but is more difficult to achieve. Nourish and condition your hair with plenty of love and attention, with the best products for your specific hair type, and it will shine and last for many years.
“Very curly hair has a very strong, coarse texture which can often look very dry," Charles says. “This does not mean that the hair is in bad condition, it is just its natural texture.
Taking care of your locks is a threefold affair: providing nourishment, treating it with care and using the right products, Treat you hair well and you will reap the rewards. Using the right products on your hair could make badhair days a thing of the past.
The rule of ‘less is more’ doesn’t apply for very curl hair - it will absorb a lot of product. Also, due to its coarse, drier nature, it needs deep nourishment."
The first thing to do is to determine your hair type. Once you’ve got that right, then you can think about the extras.
The right products will control even the most unruly hair and make it smooth.
M. Preece
FINE AND DANDY “With fine hair, the best cut is usually based around strong perimeter lines, like a classic or graduated bob," Anita explains. “They also always work better with more solid form, especially if they are worn longer. Fine hair needs to be regularly trimmed every six to eight weeks, to keep ends looking thicker."
Roofing Contractor
Overconditioning will weigh the hair down, so only use it sparingly. Always use volumising products especially formulated for fine hair too. If you want dramatic lift, dry your hair upside-down. For extra height, don’t be frightened to gently backcomb hair at the roots.
From page 31
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June / July
The complete service
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The Summer Issue
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CASTAWAY & MULTIFUEL
With this Voucher (usually £20) Abergavenny 67 Frogmore Street Telephone 01873 859898
NEW STOCKS OF MULTIFUEL STOVES
Stoves ● Fireplaces ● Surrounds Gas Fires ● Ecofans ● Free quotations ● Restoration
JULY SPECIAL YOUR EYE TEST FOR £10
Free Estimates
46
Sudoku Solution
This type of hair can look lank and lifeless soon after washing.
New Roofs ● Slate and Tiles uPVC Fascias and Guttering Repairs and Maintenance Leadwork and Chimney Repair
01874 711554 07720859621
Thick hair can sometimes be coarse, so you should use a good frizz shampoo and conditioner that penetrates the hair shaft and reacts with damaged areas, as well as forming a smooth and glossing film over the hair surface.
Wallbrook Farm Allensmore, Hereford HR2 9BE 01981 570456
Classifieds Bailey Bros MOT TEST CENTRE Cars, Vans & Motorcycle (Free Retest) Servicing & Reairs all makes Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny
01873 853058
Dorrell Oliver Ltd chartered accountants
Linden House, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NF Tel: 01873 852113 Fax: 01873 858523 www.dorrells.co.uk
✦ ACCOUNTANCY ✦ AUDIT ✦ TAX ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESSES
A. J. Bishop Garden Machinery Specialists
Sales and Repairs Tredilion Market Gardens, Abergavenny
Tel: 01873 857117 Mobile: 07812 757223
Cwmbran Gates & Fencing Wrought Iron Gates Balustrades Handrails Made to Measure Service
Containers Supplied
01981 580412
FREE INSTALLATION/QUOTES
0800 783 7458 or 07771 560 633
FIREPLACES R.G.M. FIREPLACES Realistic Gas and Electric Fires Fireplaces and Surrounds in Real Wood, Marble & Stone
Made to individual specifications Fireplaces & accessories at competitive prices Installation Service Available~Also Plumbing and Heating Specialists
or 07795 565702
Stuart Hamer Painting & Decorating
Interior Exterior Lime washing
Quality work at sensible prices
Tel: 07825 232517
Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm 19 Whitcross Road, Hereford 01432 265364 www.rgmfireplaces.com
Cash Paid for MOT Failures / Scrap Cars and Commercial Vehicles
Celtic Computer Systems New Laptops
with manufacturers 12 mth warranties wherever you are in the UK starting from £399 incl. VAT with legal software
BEST BROADBAND DEAL! go to www.utilitysavers.org.uk Servicing, Repairs, Updates, Virus Problems
Reduced pricing on legal Microsoft Office with CD and licence
Telephone: 01873 858111 email: celticcomputers@uwclub.net
Clean up junk, erase confidential information
Not just added to computer as other suppliers do
www.celticcomputers.co.uk
NO CALL OUT CHARGE Trust Us! Quality Fence panels • Feather edge • Pickets Sheds • Pressure Treated Timber • Fire Wood
GWENT LTD
★Local & fully insured★ 30-90 min response 24/7 in ALL Gwent areas • Qualified in all aspects of lock work, both domestic and commercial • No hidden fees. No payment until you’re completely satisfied. All major credit cards accepted.
RIDE-ON MOWERS FREE DEMONSTRATIONS
SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS
FULLY QUALIFIED PLUMBER
Lawnmowers • Chainsaws • Garden Machinery 45 years experience serving our community We accept part exchange / new & reconditioned
FREE ESTIMATES
Demonstrations available
01495 226657 www.blackwoodchainsaws.co.uk Mill Garage, Gelli Groes, Blackwood, Gwent. NP12 2HY
AQUA POWER PLUS
Paths, Drives, Patios, Walls, Decking, Flagstones
POWER WASHING SPECIALIST Moss & Algae Removal Drain & Septic Tanks Unblocked Graffiti & Stain Removal Caravans & Garage Doors Tennis Courts & Swimming Pools Play areas Stephen Lewis Home 01873 840274 Mobile 07949158956
RING FOR FREE QUOTE www.aquapowerplus.co.uk Contract work undertaken
dave@harriesplumbing.co.uk No job too small
01873 812686 • 07880 877090
STEVE EDWARDS
H. Waters & Sons
HARRIES PLUMBING
01873 855431
CALL NOW 01873 750039 / 07887 915939 www.citylocksmithsgwent.co.uk
BLACKWOOD CHAINSAWS
Qualified Local Reliable
Stakes • Posts • Rails • Gates • Stock Wire also stockists of Sand, Cement, post crete Aggregates (bulk enquiries welcome)
Tel:
07814 976861
plumbingmaintenance@gmail.com
LINDA J. GARRATT D.O. REGISTERED OSTEOPATH
BROOKS PLACE, 56 UNION ROAD WEST, ABERGAVENNY NP7 7RH
01873 856818
RAGLAN FORD
GOVILON GARAGE
Motorcycle and Car MoT Servicing and Repair
Your Local Ford Dealer For All Your New And Used Cars
MOT
Trade Centre
Church Lane, Govilon, Monmouthshire NP7 9RP Telephone Abergavenny 01873 831696
SERVICING MOT TESTING STATION AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST
High Street, Raglan, Monmouthshire Tel: (01291) 690423
Email: raglanford@lineone.net www.raglanford.com
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