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Living gWales APRIL 2010
ISSUE 48
Made in Wales!
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2010 MUSIC & THEATRE PARC BRYN BACH PLANNING YOUR WEDDING ALLERGY THERAPY WHAT’S ON WALKS FILMS & MUCH MORE...
Meeting
Sally
We talk to ex-Hollyoaks beauty Sarah Jayne Dunn about her new theatre adventure in When Harry Met Sally YOUR FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST WALES & VALLEYS
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Visit Dare Valley Country Park and enjoy 500 acres of countryside, walks, trails and family fun all within a mile of Aberdare.
15th & 16th May - Do, Dare Delight weekends at Dare Valley Country Park
Enjoy an activity break with an overnight stay at Dare Valley Country Park in the South Wales Valleys. Activities include: Coracle Making Join our Coracle making expert and create your own mode of water transport. You will be able to try it out too on the lake once your creation is complete!
this fun-filled day for all the family. Come along to the global village and discover dance, food, music and children's activities from around the world. No need to book
Climbing wall Cycling Take in the sights and sounds of the Valley on one of our cycle tours. You will be kitted out with your own personally adjusted bike and safety gear and led by an experienced cyclist through some of the areas most fascinating countryside.
Throughout the summer (25th July-29th August) enjoy our Sunday Courtyard Concerts 2-4pm. FREE Bands include: 25th July Blue Rhondda 1st August Parcel of Rogues 8th August Tony Royale 15th August Junior Hacksaw 22nd August KBD 29th August Cheatin Hearts
Archery Try your hand at archery and let our trained staff point your arrow in the right direction. Archery lessons available for adults and children.
Please ring for more details and prices. Sunday 11th July Global Day - an international theme for
1st-3rd July Shakespeare in the Courtyard - Showcase Sioe Gerdd perform their production of Romeo and Juliet. For tickets and information contact Peter on 07904430840
V Visit our new interactive visitor centre V Walk our network of countryside walks and trails V Experience our birds, countryside and spectacular views V Stay on our new camping and caravan site V Spend a relaxed night after a long walk in our refurbished hotel V Relax in the Country Park CafĂŠ, 'y Cwtch', selling top quality local produce V Or why not base yourself at the country park to visit the South Wales Valleys and the Brecon Beacons? Or even to visit Cardiff, the capital of Wales V Events throughout the year
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 7RG
01685 874672 For further information just call or visit www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk (Use CF44 7PT or CF44 7PS for SAT NAV's)
Fresh food served daily Monday to Friday. Come and try our stunning Carvery Every Sunday for only ÂŁ5.95
Dare Valley Country Park near Aberdare offers a full list of family events, guided walks, talks and fun days all through the year. Just bring suitable outdoor and walking gear with you and enjoy your visit!
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APRIL welcome & contents
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welcome Publishing Editor Nick Clarke nick@livingwalesmag.co.uk Assistant Publisher Anne-Marie Smith anne-marie@livingwalesmag.co.uk Advertising Emma Assender Emma@livingwalesmag.co.uk Production Glyn Harding glyn@livingwalesmag.co.uk Website Manager Phil Page webmaster@livingwalesmag.co.uk Production production@livingwalesmag.co.uk Accounts accounts@livingwalesmag.co.uk Contributers Jason Roberts, Michael Took, Patricia Clarke, Nick Jones, Meme Morgan, Gavin Watkins. Office telephone 01495 750600 Website www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
Living Wales magazine is part of the Out & Out Publishing Group Ltd, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Gwent. NP4 6JE Out & Out Publishing Ltd Managing Director Nick Clarke
Please note that all views of advertisers or individuals within the magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. No image, editorial or advert contained within this magazine can be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
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ITH the sun finally making a welcome appearance, now is a great time to plan a wedding. Take out some of the stress and strain with our monthly planner/count down guide to help you through the twelve months prior to the big day. We will also feature in April and May beautiful wedding shops and accessories that will help to make your special day, well……. special. Our interview this month is with the gorgeous Sarah Jayne Dunn who starred in the hit Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, as the beautiful Mandy. Sarah Jayne is currently starring as Sally in the touring stage production of when Harry met Sally and will shortly be appearing in the New Theatre in Cardiff. She was a joy to interview, and I am sure we will be seeing an awful lot more of this talented actress in the future. As well as weddings, spring is the time to take stock of your wardrobe, and maybe purchase a few keys items for the forthcoming season. Our fashion pages have beautiful clothes for both men and women, to ensure that everyone will look a million dollars over the next few months. As well as spring cleaning your wardrobe, how about taking a fresh look at your beauty regime? Maybe now is the time to think about visiting local beauty salons such as Innerbeauty in Blackwood to obtain some top treatments from head to toe, to create a fresh glow, and to receive some beauty tips and advice. We also launch our competition to find our readers’ favourite restaurant in our ACE Restaurant of the Year award. Interiors this month looks at various quirky pieces that could be added to any home to create a unique finish, without having to refurbish and redecorate throughout. The local theatres this month are bursting with fantastic shows from,When Harry met Sally at the New Theatre to,We’ll Meet Again at St David’s Hall. Now, couldn’t be a better time to visit the theatre with shows to suit all. Have a great month, and don’t forget to look out for next month’s copy of Living Wales, where we will be continuing our countdown to planning your wedding.
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Anne-Marie www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
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10 6 What’s On
34-35 Music & Theatre
Your guide to what’s on this Aptil.
The New Theatre in Cardiff welcomes the stage version of the hit movie, When Harry Met Sally. We also look at Ricky Gervais’s latest stand-up show - Science as well as previewing ‘In Dreams’ at The Congress Theatre, Cwmbran.
8-9 Interview We speak to ex-Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn as she prepares to hit the New Theatre stage in When Harry Met Sally this April.
10-14 A Grand Day Out We took a trip the Tredegar and sampled the many activities on offer at the stunning Parc Bryn Bach.
14-19 Special Feature Planning your wedding day.
36-39 Interiors
40-43 Fashion Looking at what’s hot for both men and women to see them through the spring months and on into summer.
44 Business The latest news from HOVIP, Heads of the Valley Innovation Programme.
We look at some of the treatments on offer at Inner Beauty in Blackwood, and look at Anti-ageing skin care.
45 Finance
Offa’s Dyke walks.
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Back to the 80’s with some colourful retro ideas for your home.
20-21 Beauty
22-23 Special Feature
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Gavin Watkins of Medina Lynch Chartered Accountants looks at the latest Budget and how it affects us.
46 Health 24-31 Eating Out We announce the launch of the ACE Living Wales Restaurant of the year along with all our stunning recipe ideas and food tips.
We look at allergy therapy with Emma Assender.
48 Opinion Latest gossip from Meme Morgan
32-33 At The Movies Latest film releases including Clash Of The Titans, Iron Man 2, The Ghost Writer, Cemetery Junction starring Ricky Gervais. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
50 Places to Stay Fantastic places to stay in the principality.
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WHAT’S ON APRIL 18th THE LEVELLERS THEATR BRYCHEINIOG
performance will bring Shakespeare's text to life with a traditional blend of improvisation, live musicians and song.
Folk-rock stalwarts The Levellers play tracks from their most recent album, Letters From The Underground, along with a trawl through the greatest hits at Theatr Brycheiniog this April. This is a rare Welsh date for the band, made all the more satisfying in such intimate surroundings.
arctic north of Russia to the arid coast of southern Spain, from the glaciers of Spitsbergen to the baked concrete of Athens, the extremes of the European landscape are captured with an eye for both natural, and unnatural processes.
MAY 7th BOYZ II MEN CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL ARENA
APRIL 26th-28th COLUMBO: PRESCRIPTION MURDER VENUE CYMRU Middle Ground Theatre Company presents Prescription Murder, featuring the legendary Lieutenant Columbo in his first ever case. In this, Columbo’s first ever outing, we see the genius of the character made famous by Peter Falk as he pits his wits against a master criminal. Tackling the role of the final questionmaster is Dirk Benedict, better known to 80s TV buffs as Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck in the A-Team.
APRIL 29th - MAY 1st PEOPLE’S ROMEO TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE Romeo and Juliet is a universal love story, celebrated across the globe. People’s Romeo is the retelling of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy in the style of Pala Gaan, a Bangladeshi form of storytelling theatre. Rooted in the market squares of Bangladesh, this dynamic and engaging
MAY 5th-8th BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE Cuban-born dancing sensation, Carlos Acosta, will make his Welsh debut this May in a special guest appearance at Wales Millennium Centre as part of Ballet Nacional de Cuba’s first visit to Wales. Acosta will take to Wales Millennium Centre’s stage for one night only (May 5th) during Ballet Nacional de Cuba’s Magia de la Danza programme. Magia de la Danza showcases extracts from seven of the company's most well-known ballets including Coppelia, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.
UNTIL MAY 15th STUART FRANKLIN, FOOTPRINT: OUR LANDSCAPE IN FLUX ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE Stuart Franklin's pictures express a deep ecological concern, creating a visually stunning yet ominous photographic document of Europe's changing landscape. From the
Boyz II Men, the most successful R&B male vocal group of all time, were shifting millions of records before Take That had even stepped out of Manchester. They’ve sold over 60 million records, scooped four Grammy Awards, and head to the UK in Spring for a nationwide tour including a date at Cardiff International Arena.
MAY 7th WELSH NATIONAL OPERA ORCHESTRAL CONCERT ST DAVID’S HALL This May, Welsh National Opera perform works by three great composers. Conducted by WNO's Music Director Lothar Koenigs, all three pieces explore the idea of transcendence. An opportunity to experience music that goes beyond ordinary limits.
MAY 11th THE GRAND DUCHESS (OF PICTON CASTLE) THEATR MWLDAN Offenbach’s comic Opera, The Grand Duchess, has been re-set to take place at the time of the last invasion of Britain, near Fishguard. Although Offenbach’s wonderful score remains untouched, the names and places have been changed. Presented by Haverfordwest Operatic Society.
To find out about the latest arts events in Wales, visit
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Living Wales APRIL 2010
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APRIL 2010 what's on & INTERVIEW
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TV Beauty treads the theatrical boards Sarah Jayne Dunn is well known for playing Mandy in the hit Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Having now left the soap to embark on a career in theatre, she plays the lead in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ which plays at the New Theatre this month. Anne-Marie Smith caught up with the Beautiful blonde bombshell. ARAH Jayne Dunn first appeared in Hollyoaks at the tender age of fourteen, playing the role of Mandy Richardson. She stayed with the soap for over a decade before departing for pastures new. So, how did Sarah land the role of Mandy back in 1996? “I was with an agency at the time as I wanted to do modeling. The audition came up for Mandy, and I decided to go for it. I was selected with 14 other girls before they narrowed the choice down to three. I was chosen to play the role of Mandy which was great considering the competition I had to face.” Hollyoaks always has been, and I think always will be full of ‘Beautiful People.’ I have always worried about the pressure this could put on young people who watch the program to look a certain way. “There is pressure everywhere you look. Magazines are constantly promoting diets and featuring stars who are underweight or spend thousands looking beautiful and achieving a look that isn’t natural. People have to be aware that images we see everyday in magazines are airbrushed to make the model look perfect. When I modelled for the Hollyoaks calendar I was annoyed that they airbrushed me to look a certain way as I felt it was misleading. Although Hollyoaks does have its fair share of gorgeous actors and actresses, the programme also deals with various serious issues that have an effect on everyday life. From eating disorders to pregnancy, the soap has dealt with some serious issues in a responsible manner. Personally, I think as long as people eat healthily and exercise they shouldn’t be so hung up on what they weigh or look like, after all, most men prefer curvy women.” Mandy has made a few star guest appearances since leaving Hollyoaks in 2006, would she ever return on a permanent basis? “No, I don’t think so. I went back for 6 months and really enjoyed it, but it wouldn’t work Mandy going back permanently, as there is nobody (except for Tony) she would know there anymore. However, I wouldn’t want them to kill her character off, so you never know! I have kept in touch with a load of people from Hollyoaks and I made a lot of friends there. We literally grew up together and keep contact via facebook.” On to when Harry met Sally. How did Sarah Jayne come to play the lead role of Sally? “Well, I got the script about a year ago whilst I was on tour with Boeing Boeing. I had already toured with the
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Vagina Monologues and enjoyed performing to a live audience. I obviously loved the film 'When Harry Met Sally' so decided to go for it.” And, the scene in the cafe...? “Well, I don’t find that famous scene too embarrassing to do as I had already toured with the Vagina Monologues and that doesn't allow you to be embarrassed! The script is so well written, and anyone who has seen the film will love the stage production. I work alongside Rupert Hill who was well known for playing Jamie Baldwin in Coronation Street, and he is great to work with and plays the role of Harry really well.” Sarah Jayne also had the pleasure of working alongside Christian Bale in the film the Dark Knight. “Yes, that was an amazing experience. It was over two years ago now and it is still one of the main highlights of my career. It was amazing to see how a big budget film works, so different from working on a soap or on stage.” From television and films to working on theatre shows, what is your favourite and why? “TV and film I absolutely love the best and would love to get back in front of the camera. With theatre, it is the same thing over and over again and you get an instant reaction from the audience so have to keep your performance fresh. I have to say I am itching to do TV again!” And who was Sarah Jayne’s inspiration as she was growing up? “Julie Andrews, I would love to star in the Sound of Music or Mary Poppins. However my real hero is Judy Dench and I also admire Kate Winslet who I think is a fantastic actress.” Before starring as Sally, did Sarah Jayne study the film in-depth to research the mannerisms and characteristics that Meg Ryan used to portray the character? “Although I have obviously watched the film, I didn’t study it in-depth before starring on stage as I wanted to make the character my own. I wanted to keep the character and the performance real.” Finally, Sarah Jayne’s plans for after When Harry met Sally.... ”It’s too soon to say at the moment, there are four months left on the show, but I think I would really like to get back into TV work.” When Harry met Sally will be at the New Theatre in Cardiff from Tuesday 20th until Saturday 24th April.
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A picture of serenity A beautiful park and lake, the birthplace of Aneurin (Nye) Bevan and famous for Iron, Coal and a fabulous four faced clock, Living Wales visits the colourful Blaenau Gwent town of Tredegar.
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REDEGAR is reached via the A465, Heads of the Valleys road, in the Sirhowy Valley of South East Wales and the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent.With Newport and Cardiff within easy reach via road and rail, the town has much more to offer the visitor than Nye Bevan and a famous four-faced clock. The town’s park was built on land donated by the Tredegar Morgans, with its Grade II listed Bedwellty House, and 26 acreVictorian gardens. There is a wonderful Country Park, more famous names than you can shake a stick at were born in the town, and with a vastly improved infrastructure, and new Leisure Centre,Tredegar is well equipped to provide the visiting family with a Grand Day Out. HISTORY Situated on the Sirhowy River, the history of the town is steeped in the well chronicled coal and iron industries; central to the Industrial Revolution, the first deep coal mine having been sunk in the town, and the first furnace built in 1778. Many different companies owned the mines and iron works,
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but the most famous industrial participant, apart from the Tredegar family, was local man,Thomas Ellis, who worked with Richard Trevithick the inventor of the steam locomotive, built at Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil. At Cefn Golau, the visitor will find the Cholera cemetery where the victims of those hard times, due to the lack of hygiene and clean water, which was diverted to service these industries, are interred. In 1818 the Bedwellty Workhouse known as ‘The Spike’ was built, and was the beginning of a type of Social Security system. All signs of these industries are now well gone, but the Sirhowy Furnace remains as a tourist attraction. WHAT’S IN A NAME? Tredegar has three possible translations, the first is the literal Tref - town Deg - ten Erw - acres, so the original name of the town - Tref deg Erw, means the ‘Town of Ten Acres’. Not very colourful you might think, but a different meaning of the word Deg could be from Teg which means beautiful, so it is a possible ‘Beautiful Town’........ scoff if you will, but it probably was before the Industrial Revolution, and much of www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
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WORDS Patricia Clarke
PICTURES Nick Clarke
the area's original beauty has already been reclaimed. Another possibility is that it was named after one of the Knights of the Round Table, Sir Degore or Tegyr The Great, so is it Sir Degor or Tegyr The Great’s Homestead?..... I think that’s my favourite of the month. Blainau Gwent began as Aberystruth which mean, ‘The Mouth of the Winding River’, Bedwellty mean ‘The Place of the fast Stream’, and Cefn Golau translates into the ‘Hillside of Light’ - lovely, but I wish I could find the meaning of Sirhowy, as I know that Sir means ‘County’ but Howy? can anybody out there enlighten us? PARC BRYN BACH Once a coalfield feeding the local iron and steel industries, this area has now been transformed into the perfect tourist attraction, where the facilities for a wonderful day out for the family, include a Visitor's and Information Centre, with toilets, a souvenir shop, plus picnic areas, and bikes and barbecues for hire, all of which is situated alongside a beautiful 36 acre lake, and set in 340 acres of grass and woodland. The Parc is awash with activities such as windsurfing, canoeing, mountain bike tracks, a single track for family www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
cycling, hill walking, climbing, and orienteering.There are clubs for Model Aeroplanes, and Boats, and there's even a Newfoundland Dog Society. If you're feeling more adventurous there's abseiling, caving, and kyaking, archery for those with an eye for a target, and a running club for the more energetic.There are many who never travel without those trusty wellies and fishing tackle so, for those more sedentary folk, there's an Angling club.Why not take your golf clubs, and practice on the driving range, and for a modest green fee, (little more than a fiver) the nine hole, 3 par golf course will award you with lots of fresh air, and fabulous views. For visitors who wish to stay a little longer than a day, there's a 3 star, 40 pitch, caravan and camping site with 30 electric hook-ups, showers, toilets, and laundry facilities, and for groups of up to 18, there's a bunkhouse with four double bunk rooms. For nature lovers interested in wild life and/or rare species, the area is a breeding ground for birds, rare butterflies and moths, and 6 different species of dragonfly, plus hundreds of different species of plants. As if all that wasn't enough to whet your appetite, there are monthly Aquathlons from April to August, Youth and Junior APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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a grand day out Triathlons, and last, but by absolutely no means least, a licensed restaurant and bar.What more could you want for a Grand Day Out, or make it a week! For more information on pitch and hire prices Tel: 01495 711816. TREDEGAR CLOCK Famous for its four electrically illuminated faces..... I'd heard the expression, 'she's got more faces than Tredegar clock' long before I ever saw it in the flesh..... this fabulous monument to the mid nineteenth century was suggested by the wife of R.P. Davies, the then owner of Tredegar Ironworks. Erected in 1859 and with a £400 donation from Mr. Davies, the remaining £600 of necessary funding was raised by the townsfolk, and a bazaar organised by Mrs. Davies and her sister, both of whom unfortunately died before the clock was built..... what a shame. Having fallen into disrepair, the clock was beautifully renovated in time for its 150th anniversary in 2009. Standing 72 feet high, with its 5ft 3" high clock faces, the plinth is decorated with Davies's name, that of the maker, and the Royal Arms of England, along with an effigy of the Duke of Wellington. NOWADAYS, the clock is not just famous for its four faces, it's vying for the Guiness Book of Records title of The World's Smallest Multiplex Cinema, having screened the comedy film entitled 'A Bit of Tom Jones', starring Denise Welch, Eve Myles and the fabulous Margaret John (Gavin and Stacey-amongst others).The film was shot entirely around the town, and was shown on four screens within the clock, to nine people wearing hard hats and flourescent vests...... what a hoot! The film has also become a fantastic box office hit, shown across the U.K with a star-studded Premiere in Leicester Square. BEDWELLTY HOUSE AND PARK Built by Ironmaster Samuel Homfrey, this large mansion is Grade II listed and situated within delightful parklands, gifted to the town by Homfrey’s father-in-law, Lord Tredegar in 1901.The Park is home to ducks, swans, fabulous Victorian gardens, a grotto, walled garden, tennis courts and a bowling green.There is a rare Icehouse, a Band stand, which is still in use, a Longhouse displaying a mosaic commemorating the Chartist movement, and two very large (16 and 2 tons respectively) lumps of coal.A marble bust of Viscount Tredegar (Godfrey Morgan of Charge of the Light Brigade fame) and a casket of soil from Tredegar Hill in Burma is also displayed.
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CLAIMS TO FAME Tredegar has many claims to fame, with Aneurin Bevan, founder of the National Health Service, Neil Kinnock, snooker Living Wales APRIL 2010
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Fourteen Lock Visitor Centre
Map of Parc Bryn Bach supplied by Blaenau Gwent County Council
aces Ray Reardon, and Cliff White, golfer Bradley Dredge, novelist A.J. Cronin, scientist Professor P White, Nicky Wire of ‘The Manic Street Preachers’, and his brother Patrick Jones the poet. Along with the many film and theatrical interests of the town, the Old Workman's Hall was visited by Gracie Fields, Charlie Chaplin and the inimitable, Max Wall, and the Tredegar area has played a part in the making of several television productions, such as District Nurse,The Citadel, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. MORE IN TREDEGAR The town has a renovated shopping centre, a 100 year old Tredegar Orpheus Male Voice Choir,Tredegar Town Band which won the title of Champion Band of Wales for the tenth time this year, and a sixtyfour year old rugby club,Tredegar Ironsides.The Little Theatre is in the throes of renovation, and due to re-open in June, when Frank Vickery's 'A Kiss On The Bottom' will be performed by Tredegar Thespian Players. For somewhere good to eat why not pop up to the Mountain Air in Trefil. You will receive a very warm welcome from Steve and Thelma who serve food at a great price for all the family. For such a small town Tredegar is steeped in history, teeming with talent, and richly surrounded by beautiful views........I hope to bump into you there this summer. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
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SPECTACULAR WEDDING GOWN SAMPLE SALE! All sale items reduced to clear. Sample Wedding gowns start from £100 Sample sizes from 8-28
SALE STARTS 12th June & ends 26th June 2010 APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY
Our opening times 10am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
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weddings
Planning your perfect day Planning a wedding isn’t easy, but once you have made that all-important decision to tie the knot, try not to get too flustered and stressed organising what should be the happiest day of your life. We’re here to help with our two-part guide to help ensure nothing is left out. PROBABLY the easiest way to sort it, is to write a plan of action or a list of the things that you need to do and tick them off each time you sort one of them out. Also, try not to take all of the tasks on yourself and delegate wherever you can. In this month's edition of Living Wales and our wedding special we are going to look at some of the tasks or jobs that you can do twelve months prior to the wedding date. Next month we will then guide you through the six months immediately before the wedding.
budget and try to stick to it. Weddings don't have to cost an absolute fortune, so if you are getting married on a tight budget, you can still have a wonderful day without getting into too much debt. Whether you decide on a traditional church wedding or registry office or licensed wedding venue, you will need to inform the Vicar or Registrar sooner rather than later to ensure you get the date of your choice.
THE DATE Firstly, if you havn't already decided on the date, then set one as soon as possible. You might want to pick a date that is significant to one or other of you, for example an anniversary or you may simply wish to get married on a chosen date in the summer. Remember, if you do chose a date in the summer, it is likely to be a popular one as lots of couples like to get married on a sunny hot day.
THE GUESTS Now, to the guests. As a couple you will need to decide how many guests you are going to invite to your special day. If you are working on a restricted budget, you might have to eliminate great aunties and cousins etc., you have’nt seen since you were crawling around in a nappy in their back garden. Be prepared to offend some members of your family, but at the end of the day, it is YOUR day and you should be allowed to invite whoever you want, especially if you are paying. However, if parents are helping or paying for the wedding, they may want a bit of a say in the guest list, however, try not to be forced into inviting people you
THE COST Once you have decided a date, it is very important to decide on a www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
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simply do not want there, and stand your ground. The next very important thing to do, is to decide where you would like to hold your reception - and book it! Visit a number of places and look at their price per head and what they can include in the price. For example, many hotels will offer complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom on the night of the wedding. Also try to negotiate rates for guests who may wish to stay the night. EVENING PARTY TIME! Next, decide if you are going to have an evening 'do' and if so is it going to be in the same place as the reception? Once again, you need to book this as soon as possible as well as booking the disco, band or musicians if required. You will also need to consider and book the catering for the evening reception, so you will need to have a rough idea, at this stage, how many you plan to invite to the evening reception. PHOTOGRAPHY Finding a good wedding photographer is sometimes just as important as buying the dress. The wedding photographs are going to be a lasting memory of your big day, and we would therefore suggest asking friends and family if they know anyone to recommend. If not, visit a number of photographers and look through their portfolios. The cost of a professional photographer can be very expensive, so it is important that you make the right choice. As well as photographs decide whether you would like a video of your wedding day. This again can be very costly, and it might be just as effective to ask a member or the family of a close friend with a camcorder, if they would mind recording the big day.
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weddings TRANSPORT Decide on your mode of transport to the church or registry office and book it as soon as possible, as well as ordering your flowers (don't forget the buttonholes as well). Also discuss with the florist how you would like the flower arrangements in the church or registry office to look, and the colours and flowers of choice. Remember that some flowers will only be available at certain times of the year so take advice from the florist as to the different seasons, and most appropriate flowers.
THE WEDDING CAKE Another costly item to consider unless you have a friend or relative who is a dab hand in the kitchen. Decide how many tiers you want on the cake, and whether you want a sponge or fruit cake; or maybe something a little more quirky such as individual cupcakes, or even a chocolate fountain. THE HONEYMOON Now onto the nice bit, the honeymoon. You and your partner will need to decide where you would like to spend your honeymoon and book it well in advance. Make sure both passports are up-to-date and check if any vaccinations are needed as well as ordering your currency. THE DRESS The even nicer bit as far as the bride is concerned, the dress! It is essential for every bride-to-be to try on a number of dresses to make sure the right style is chosen. Remember, you may have to book an appointment with a wedding dress shop, as many work on an appointment-only basis and you will have to go in numerous times once you have chosen your dream dress for alterations. Many brides do try to loose weight before their wedding day, so it is important that you book your last fitting with the dressmaker as close to the wedding date as possible. THE BRIDESMAIDS, BEST MAN & USHERS Finally, you will need to decide who to ask to be your bridesmaids, best man and ushers, and find out if they would like the honour of undertaking the role. Once you have chosen suitable people for their roles, make sure you start delegating tasks to them, after all, that’s what they are there for! Finally, at this stage, confirm all your bookings in writing and above all stay calm and relaxed. Look out for Part 2 in Planning your wedding, in next months issue.
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APRIL wedding
12/4/10
15:08
Page 7
APRIL2010 BEAUTY
11/4/10
20:40
Page 6
beauty
French Skin care secrets revealed... Melvita antiageing facial care For targeted, natural skin care treatments, the organic skincare experts at Melvita introduce a range formulated to address individual skin care concerns, and to restore a smooth, youthful complexion. These targeted Melvita best-sellers, can be used as specific regenerating treatments, or as add-ons to the daily Cleanse Tone Moisturise routine, to help reduce the signs of ageing and improve skin radiance and plumpness. MELVITA HERO PRODUCT: HYDRASTIM – 50ml, £ 20.00 Intensively hydrates & protects skin from environmental damage Intensely hydrating Hydrastim works to stimulate and boost the skins natural moisture factor, giving dull and lifeless skin an instant vibrant lift. Hyaluronic Acid plumps and fills fine lines and wrinkles, while Aloe Vera calms and soothes for clear, glowing skin. Anti-oxidant nutrients help protect the skin from environmental damage, and aid skin recovery. Use daily for intense hydration or apply a thicker layer as a treatment mask. REGENERATING SERUM - 30ml, £ 32.00 Firms & plumps for smooth, supple skin, supporting the skin’s natural collagen and elastin, Regenerating Serum contains the wonder ingredient Acacia Gum, which gives an instantly firmer skin feel and plumps fine lines and wrinkles, to leave skin smooth and supple. Use underneath your daily moisturiser for a smoother, more youthful complexion. EYE CONTOUR GEL – 15ml, £ 18.00 Firms delicate skin around the eye area Caffeine and Acacia Gum combine in Eye Contour Gel to tone and fortify the sensitive eye area, diffusing dark circles and revealing younger-looking skin. Caffeine boosts micro-circulation under the eyes, while Ginkgo Biloba, a natural source of flavonoids, reduces puffiness. This soothing and cooling eye gel instantly firms skin for a younger, fresh appearance. Use daily to help the eye area look younger for longer. NATURALIFT – 50ml, £ 30.00 Supports collagen & elastin to restore youthfulness This youth-restoring product lifts and firms skin for a supple, radiant look. Containing OligoPeptides, from Hibiscus seeds, that support collagen and elastin structures, and natural proteins, from Argan Nut, that tighten and lift skin, Naturalift is an anti-ageing musthave that’s made it one of the French best-sellers.
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Living Wales APRIL 2010
Use daily for firmer, supple skin. FOAMING FACIAL SCRUB – 75ml, £ 15.00 Buffs away dead skin cells & restores brightness Foaming Facial Scrub deeply cleanses and buffs away dead surface skin cells to reveal fresh, clean, beautiful skin. Pioneering Bamboo ‘Tears’ extract exfoliates and brightens skin, while stimulating cell-regeneration to even out the skin’s complexion. Pink Corraline, rich in calcium, fortifies the skin’s natural moisture barrier leaving a smoother skin texture. Use 2 – 3 times a week for clear, brightened skin. All Melvita products are certified organic by EcoCert, using only the finest, natural ingredients to produce products that really work for the skin, and for the environment. The Melvita range is available at www.melvita.co.uk, www.biggreensmile.com or call Freephone 0800 138 7045.
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL2010 BEAUTY
12/4/10
16:01
Page 7
beauty
Finding your Inner Beauty WELL, wasn’t I in for a treat when I visited Innerbeauty in Blackwood one Tuesday afternoon. I was going there to experience one of their many treatments on offer – Minx Nails for my toes. I was greeted by the very friendly owner Jo’Ann who made me feel very welcome and relaxed, and explained some of the treatments they offered before being put in the very capable hands of therapist Lisa. Lisa explained that Minx Nails originated in LA and was currently one of the biggest trends to hit the UK. She also told me that stars such as Beyonce used Minx, and they can be clearly seen on many of her music videos. I did wonder at this stage if I was going to leave the salon looking like Beyonce, but realised that although they could do many of the treatments that the stars enjoyed, they couldn’t work miracles! On to the Minx nails. I chose a silver and black design from the various options available that included hot pink and leopard or stripe design before relaxing on a heated couch in one of the beautifully designed treatment rooms. Lisa firstly prepared my feet and nails using an express pedicure before heating the veneers (Minx nails) to be applied to each toe nail. Throughout the session Lisa answered all of my questions in a professional and knowledgeable manner, and carried out the treatment in an efficient way that left me feeling relaxed and comfortable. The results of the Minx Nails were fantastic as you can see from the photos. I was told that they should last up to four weeks, and was given some useful and informative aftercare advice. Before moving on to my next treatment, I had a quick word with the owner Jo’Ann. “We took over the building last year and opened to the public in September after a complete refurbishment. I wanted to create a warm and friendly atmosphere, and since we opened, the response from the local community has been positive. Client care is tantamount to our business and I feel that we have achieved this by creating a lovely aura as soon as you walk through the door. The team works fantastically together, and we have created a great team spirit. We get a lot of repeat business and much of our clientele comes from word of mouth. We want people to try to make their visit an experience by creating a very genuine atmosphere and by only using top-quality products,” said Jo’Ann. I very quickly then moved on to have a session with Georgina who www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
practices in reflexology, Reiki and body research to name but a few. Georgina decided to ‘read my feet!’ Basically she looks at the psychology of people’s feet, and what she could read by looking at mine was nothing short of amazing. In a nut shell, she read one foot (the right) which looks at your past, and the left that looks at the here and now. It was truly outstanding what she could tell about me by looking at my toe alignment and the angle of my foot. Obviously there was a lot more to it than that, but I was totally astounded by what she knew. Georgina also explained that she does a lot of holistic therapy looking into the mind, body and spirit. I left the salon that day feeling like a million dollars. I have booked in for another session with Georgina, and truly think that I am now a true Minx! The Minx nails only cost £25 which I think is more than affordable, and look stunning. With many other treatments on offer from Botox, skin peels, EZ Flow Acrylic Nail Enhancements, Facials, Derma Fillers and Semi-permanent eyelash extensions, and so much more, Innerbeauty is a fantastic find and a salon that I will be frequenting on a regular basis! Innerbeauty, 2 the Circle, Manor Road, Penllwyn, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood NP12 2NP. Tel 01495 230758.
APRIL 2010 Living Wales
21
APRIL VISIT
12/4/10
12:30
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Welsh walks
Offa for a walk in the countryside Wales is a land of fine countryside, wonderful walks and nature trails. The Offa’s Dyke path is a well defined and signposted trail that is easy to find on any map. WORDS & PICTURES Jason Clarke
IT is a daunting walk to attempt in one go, as it stretches from Prestatyn in north Wales to Chepstow in the south. However, many guidebooks exist which make it easy to choose a leg of the journey to stroll along for a morning, a day, a weekend or for even longer. More detailed information can be found by following the links at www.visitwales.co.uk. The only pitfall to that is the maps can be somewhat erratic and the accommodation guides out of date. I chose a guidebook published last year and found several campsites had been closed for years. The best way to do it is to pick up the excellent Ordnance Survey maps, preferably a 1:25 and use the web site above for the useful accommodation guides. For my own part I chose a bank holiday weekend to spend 3 days walking from Kington, north of Hay, to Pandy on the outskirts of Abergavenny. This would take me along wide open hilltops, through shaded, almost mystical wooded valleys and up along the challenging slopes of the Hay Bluff. I planned my trip by villages with recommended pubs, with the exception that the last night be spent on the hill in a tent. I fancied the idea of waking up to watch the sun rise on top of the Brecon Beacons with a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee. To begin with, Kington is a wholly unremarkable place to stay but is a useful start point as the stunning ‘Hengist Ridge’ rises here. The path takes you along a wide open hill top with breath taking views on all sides. My first stop was a relatively short
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Living Wales APRIL 2010
walk of 2-3 hours to the village of Gladestry on the other side of the ridge. I spent the evening in ‘The Royal Oak’ a wonderful little place and what every village pub should be: Great ales, excellent home cooked food and a delightfully eccentric clientele. The walk on towards Hay really was something special – the highlights of the latter stages were the quiet woods of Bettws Dingle just above the A438 and it was nice to stop at the river at the bottom for a bite to eat and a soak in the shallows. The last few kilometres to my second evening’s stop was along the banks of the Wye which, the odd potato field aside, was draped in wonderfully lush bushes of pink and purple flowers. Hay on Wye is a real gem of a village. Not only is it set in wonderful countryside and has great book shops and galleries, but it is also easy to find a nice cosy pub to eat truly excellent food, washed down with fine examples of whatever tipples take your fancy. I recommend a stop in the ‘Famous Old Black Lion Inn’ which has fine bar food and excellent ales. The Barman was the template for landlords everywhere; glinting eyes, a big moustache and a ready and charming wit. It took no time at all for me to settle into a comfy chair with a good drink and let my mind replay some of the stunning landscapes I had just walked through. The climb up the Hay Bluff is easy to follow and not for the unfit. If you have a car it is easier to take the road to the south of Hay, signposted for Pandy www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL VISIT
12/4/10
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Welsh walks
and through the Vale of Ewyas. Park at the stone circle at the top and walk the rest of the way. The views along the ridge are worth any amount of effort. At the end of the summer the hills blush with purple heather. The well maintained path meanders along the hilltop and there are two main paths to choose from to continue your journey: either drop down to the right to see the beautiful Llanthony Abbey or walk down to the left and descend the stunning, breathtakingly, beautiful ridge of the Black Hill towards Longtown, at the end of which is another convenient car park and picnic site. I was well in need of a cold drink by the time I’d walked for several hours and arrived in Pandy. I truly believe that the landscape I had just walked through was some of the most beautiful to be found in Europe and would heartily recommend that when next you contemplate a trip to the Tuscan hills or high Alps, you pause to consider that such beauty may not be as far away as you might think.
our favour by the cosy delights of the British pub For the more adventurous walker, there are various campsites around, but I stopped in one behind a pub a few miles (cheap taxi ride) away from Hay towards Brecon. It was quite a surreal experience as I was expecting a small field rather than acres of fields and woods. The female proprietor aimed my friend and I at the river and told us we could stay wherever we wanted. I didn’t know what to expect but ended up pitched on a hill overlooking the river. It was a perfect scene that one would expect to see in a Constable painting. As a natural people watcher, I found an evening in the bar a real treat. If for no other reason than the fact that in this little pub in the middle of no where I came across one of the most beautiful jazz singers I had ever heard – and only several ciders prevented me from remembering her name.
THE NEXT DAY I decided to forego the Wye Valley, a United Nations designated area of outstanding natural beauty, an alternative well worth taking up, and stop off in Hay on Wye; the delightfully eccentric ‘book capital of the world’. I had spent the previous summer in Tuscany and although their climate tends to be better than ours, the landscape in this part of mid Wales is a match for the rolling hills of central Italy and the scales are tipped in www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL 10 ADVERTS
11/4/10
19:04
Page 2
discover the wonderful world of the Spice Merchant
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APRIL 2010 INTERIORS
11/4/10
18:35
Page 7
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APRIL 2010 FOOD
11/4/10
20:51
Page 2
quintessential cuisine Restaurant of the Year 2010
Which is your favourite? Living Wales is proud to announce our Restaurant of the Year 2010 competition, so get your nominations in now!
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Living Wales APRIL 2010
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 FOOD
11/4/10
21:10
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quintessential cuisine
THE rules are simple, nominate your favourite restaurant by either post or email to us, and we will enter your nomination into our Restaurant of the Year awards to be announced in December 2010. There are separate categories for different types of restaurant. The winner of each category will be in the running for the prestigious award of Best Restaurant in South Wales. Whether your favourite eaterie is a pub, Indian, Chinese, Italian or part of a hotel, it doesn’t matter. It needn’t have a Michelin star, it just simply needs to be YOUR favourite. Your nominated restaurant will then be invited to take part, and will be visited by our judges who will introduce themselves to the manager/owner at the end of the meal. To help judge your favourite all you need to do is consider the quality of the food, the overall value for money as well as service, cleanliness and decor. The winning restaurant will receive an award for their achievements along with a www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
2010 feature in the Christmas issue and a picture of their business on the front cover (subject to quality). Last year’s over-all winners were the White Hart in Llangybi, near Usk who were also category winners in the Gastro Pub of The Year Category. Other Winners included The Inn At The Elm Tree (Hotel Restaurant), The Shahi Indian Restaurant (Best Asian), The
Yew Tree Itallian Restaurant ( Best Europian), The Castle Inn, Usk ( Best Pub Grub). This year due to demand from our readers we have added another 2 categories, Best Take Away, and Best Buffet style. You know the rules so now nominate your favourite by sending us your suggestion by post to; Living Wales Restaurant of the Year 2010 Awards, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Torfaen. NP4 6JE Alternatively email your nominations to nick@livingwalesmag.co.uk A representative from Living Wales Magazine will then contact the nominated restaurant to be invited to take part. The categories are: - Best Gastro-Pub - Best Asian Cuisine - Best European Cuisine - Best Hotel Restaurant - Best Pub Grub - Best Take Away - Best Buffet Style To all the excellent restaurants out there, Good luck! APRIL 2010 Living Wales
27
APRIL 2010 FOOD
12/4/10
15:34
Page 6
recipe
CHILLED DELICATE TOMATO & SPRING ONION CONSOMMÉ SERVES FOUR Ingredients 750g plum tomatoes 50g spring onions 50g fennel bulb 15g fresh basil leaves 1 pint warm water sugar, salt, pepper – to taste Garnish: 100g seedless tomato – diced 20g spring onion – finely sliced 25g fennel bulb – finely sliced
METHOD 1. Put all ingredients into a liquidiser and blend until slightly coarse – do not blend until fine as this will turn the consommé cloudy.
size, skin and cut each into quarters. Remove the seeds, dry off the tomatoes with a cloth and dice to the required size.
2. Season as required, then hang in a muslin cloth for 24 hours to extract as much liquor as possible.
5. Finely slice the washed spring onions.
3. After 24 hours, pass the consommé through a clean muslin cloth and refrigerate until required. 4. Take approximately 3 plum tomatoes, dependant on
6. Separate down the fennel into small pieces, then slice as finely as possible. 7. Put the garnish in the soup bowl, then pour on the chilled consommé and serve.
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Ingredients 4 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 25 g / 1 oz butter 3 eggs, separated 50 g / 2 oz sugar 120 ml / 4 fl. oz double cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
METHOD 1. Place a small saucepan over low heat add the butter and chocolate and cook for 5 minutes until the butter and chocolate are melted. Mix well whilst they are melting. 2. When melted, take the pan off the heat and whisk the mixture with a fork to incorporate air into the mix. 3. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a bowl, and beat in the egg yolks with a whisk. Place the bowl in a refrigerator.
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Living Wales APRIL 2010
4. Beat egg whites with half the sugar until they hold stiff peaks but are not dry. Set aside. Beat cream with the remaining sugar and vanilla until it holds soft peaks. 5. Stir a couple of spoonfuls of the whites into chocolate mixture to lighten it a bit, then fold in remaining whites thoroughly but gently. Fold in the cream, and refrigerate until chilled. 6. If you are in a hurry, divide mousse among six cups: it will chill much faster. Serve within a day or two of making it.
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 FOOD
12/4/10
15:36
Page 7
recipe
RED PEPPER & GOATS CHEESE TART Ingredients 8 oz (227 ml) soft goat cheese 1/3 cup (75ml) minced fresh basil 1/3 cup (75ml) diced roasted red peppers, patted dry 1/4 tsp (1ml) salt 1/4 tsp (1ml) pepper 1 egg yolk 1 pkg (255g) frozen miniature (2-in/5cm) unbaked tart shells
METHOD 1. Using rounded 1 tsp (5 mL) for each, shape goat cheese into 18 balls. Place on waxed paper–lined plate; cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. 2. On separate plate, combine basil, red pepper, salt and pepper; gently roll balls in mixture to coat, pressing onto balls. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 days.) 3. In small bowl, mix egg yolk with 2 tsp (10 mL) water; brush onto rim of each tart shell. 4. Arrange on rimmed baking sheet; place cheese ball in each. 5. Bake in centre of 375°F (190°C) oven, gently flattening cheese halfway through, until melted and pastry is golden and crisp, about 30 minutes.
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 Living Wales
29
COVER REDESIGN
15/10/07
00:42
Page 11
Newport, Littlewoods
DAILY DELIVERY SLOTS Abergavenny : 12-2, 2-4, 4-7 Aberdare: 12-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8 Mon-Fri, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6 Sat Blackwood: 10-12, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6 Cwmbran: 12-8 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat Ebbw Vale: 12-6 Mon-Thurs, 10-8 Fri, 10-6 Sat Merthyr Tydfil: 12-2, 2-4, 4-7 Newport, Clarence: 2-4, 4-7 Newport, Littlewoods: 11-1, 1-3, 3-5, 5-7 Newport, Dock Street : 11-7 Mon-Fri, 9-6 Sat SEE INSTORE FOR DETAILS
Abergavenny
8 Cibi Walk, Frogmore Street, Abergavenny. Tel: 01873 858946
Commercial Street, Newport. Tel: 01633 252474
Newport, Clarence
Blackwood
63 Clarence Pl, Newport.. Tel: 01633 267216
Newport, Dockstreet 1 Upper Dock Street, Newport. Tel: 01633 267744
Merthyr Tydfil
15, Graham Way, Merthyr Tydfil Tel:01685 379800
Aberdare
9-10 Commercial Street, Aberdare Tel: 01685 884330 Direct Booking Line 01685 884465
12, The Market Place, Blackwood Tel: 01495 224479
Cwmbran
18 Monmouth Walk, Cwmbran. Tel: 01633 863951
Ebbw Vale
Unit 1, The Walk, Ebbw Vale. Tel:01495 350844
11/4/10
21:16
Page 1
Pasha
PASHA
Share our passion for Asian cooking
Pasha Restaurant
uTakeaway & delivery service uChildren’s meals uFacilities for disabled uOutside catering available uParties catered for uCocktail Menu uFully air conditioned and licensed F or booki ngs an d furthe r i nformati on ca ll
01633 257939/245967
2 Constance Street, (Off Caerleon Road) Newport, South Wales., NP19 7DB
APRIL 2010 FILMS
11/4/10
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Page 2
at the movies
movie of the month
CLASH OF THE TITANS (12A, 118MINS) FRIDAY 2ND APRIL
RATING ***
Sam Worthington, Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson
CLASH of the Titans is the ultimate struggle for power between man and the gods. Directed by Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk) with an international cast led by Australian actor Sam Worthington (Avatar) as Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, king of the gods. Liam Neeson takes on the role of the mighty Zeus, who finds himself unknowingly pitted against his brother and God of the underworld, Hades, played by Ralph Fiennes. Rounding out the cast is Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) as Io, Perseus’ mysterious spiritual guide throughout his journey; Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale) as Draco, who takes up his sword to join Perseus’ quest; Jason Flemyng (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) as Acrisius, a one-time king turned hideous beast; and Alexa Davalos (Defiance) as Andromeda, a princess doomed to lose her life if Perseus does not succeed. Perseus finds himself in the middle of a war started by man against the gods and becomes the unwanted hero to save the beautiful Andromeda and Argos from the mighty Titan - the Kraken. The story follows a similar path to the
CEMETERY JUNCTION (15, 94MINS)
1981 version which starred Harry Hamlin, but is a much darker film not only in subject but in colour. Now, you would think a 3D version of this film would be spectacular with all the special effects, mythical beasts and sorcery, but alas it is not. Though the film is very entertaining and lives true-ish to the original, however, the film makers themselves have fallen woefully short on making this a true 3D film. There is plenty of action in the movie as Perseus battles giant scorpions and flies the majestic winged horse Pegasus, but the movie makers have failed to include effects that jump from the screen. In fact there were more 3D effects in the trailers than the movie itself so will leave many feeling ‘ripped off’! However, the film itself is action-packed and worth a visit to the cinema. If there is a cheaper 2D version eventually released then go see it. For me this movie is a mixed bag. It is an enjoyable 2 hours and full of action but to the mythology purists, the film is only loosely based on the myth with many inaccuracies, and paying extra for a 3D version is definitely NOT worth it!
RATING *****
WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL
Ricky Gervais, Ralph Fiennes, Jack Doolan, Christian Cooke, Tom Hughes
32
RICKY Gervais returns to the UK following his successful few years as a hollywood movie star to co-write and star in this comedy drama set in 1970s England. Three blue-collar friends spend their days joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls. Freddie (Christian Cooke) wants to leave their working-class world but cool, charismatic Bruce (Tom Hughes) and lovable loser Snork (Jack Doolan) are happy with life the way it is. When Freddie gets a new job as a door-to-door salesman, and bumps into his old school sweetheart Julie (Felicity Jones), the gang are forced to make choices that will change their lives for ever. Living Wales APRIL 2010
Cemetery Junction is set in the 1970s in Reading, Berkshire, where Gervais himself grew up. It follows two twenty-somethings who work as building society clerks. Written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, Cemetery Junction is, according to Gervais, a “coming of age” story that is a cross between The Office and Mad Men. It’s a return towards where Gervais’ talents truly lie, starring in something written by himself and ‘Office’ co-writer Merchant. A more grounded movie than recent films such as ‘The Art of Lying’ and ‘Ghost Town’, and a much more enjoyable British comedy flick. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 FILMS
11/4/10
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edited by Jason Roberts IRONMAN 2 (12, 126MINS)
RATING ***
FRIDAY 30TH APRIL
Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow
THE world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armoured superhero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armour because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces. Mickey Rourke continues his resurgence as a Hollywood movie star and is, once again, superb as he plays new villain, Whiplash. Samuel L Jackson plays a bigger part as Nick Fury and the gorgeous Scarlett Johansenn introduces comic character ‘Black Widow’ to the big screen. Downey is excellent as the cocky over’confident billionaire making Iron Man 2 a must-see for comic book fans.
THE GHOST WRITER (15, 138MINS)
RATING *****
FRIDAY 16TH APRIL
Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan
WHEN a successful British ghostwriter, THE GHOST, agrees to complete the memoirs of former British Prime Minister ADAM LANG, his agent assures him it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. But the project seems doomed from the start - not least because his predecessor on the project, Lang’s long-term aide, died in an unfortunate accident. The Ghost flies out to work on the project, in the middle of winter, to an oceanfront house on an island off the U.S. Eastern seaboard. But the day after he arrives, a former British cabinet minister accuses Lang of authorizing the illegal seizure of suspected terrorists and handing them over for torture by the CIA - a war crime. As The Ghost works, he begins to uncover clues suggesting his predecessor may have stumbled on a dark secret linking Lang to the CIA - and that somehow this information is hidden in the manuscript he left behind.
REPO MEN (18, 111MINS)
at the movies
Also released this April 2010 Friday 2 April 2010 City Of War: The Story Of John Rabe (15) Clash Of The Titans (3D) (12A) Psycho (Reissue) (15) Remember Me (12A) Samson & Delilah (15) Wednesday 7 April 2010 Whip It (12A) Friday 9 April 2010 I Am Love (15) I Know You Know (15) The Infidel (15) Shelter (15) Wednesday 14 April 2010 Dear John (12A) Friday 16 April 2010 Boogie Woogie (15) City Of Life And Death (15) Crying With Laughter The Heavy (18) The Manchurian Candidate (12A) Wednesday 21 April 2010 Date Night (15) Friday 23 April 2010 The Calling, The (15) Centurion (15) Cherrybomb (15) Dance With Me (15) Dogtooth (18) Extract (15) The Joneses (15) Friday 30 April 2010 The Disappearance Of Alice Creed (18) Iron Man 2 (12) RATING **
FRIDAY 16TH APRIL
Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Alice Braga, Liev Schreiber
JUDE Law and Forest Whitaker star in the futuristic action-thriller Repo Men, humans have extended and improved our lives through highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical organs created by a company called The Union. The dark side of these medical breakthroughs is that if you don't pay your bill, The Union sends its highly skilled repo men to take back its property...with no concern for your comfort or survival. Jude Law plays Remy, one of the best organ repo men in the business. When he suffers a cardiac failure on the job, he awakens to find himself fitted with the company's top-of-the-line heartwww.livingwalesmag.co.uk
replacement...as well as a hefty debt. But a side effect of the procedure is that his heart's no longer in the job. When he can't make the payments, The Union sends its toughest enforcer, Remy's former partner Jake (Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker), to track him down. Now that the hunter has become the hunted, Remy joins Beth (Alice Braga), another debtor who teaches him how to vanish from the system. And as he and Jake embark on a chase across a landscape populated by maniacal friends and foes, one man will become a reluctant champion for thousands on the run. APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL MUSIC&THEATRE
11/4/10
20:30
Page 2
music & theatre
Ricky Gervais Live: Science RICKY Gervais has been touring the UK since last autumn with his sell out smash hit show Science. He is about to go on the road again, with extra dates in Manchester and Cardiff. So far in 2010 Ricky Gervais has hosted the Golden Globes in LA; will be releasing his highly anticipated British film 'Cemetery Junction'; an animated series of his hit audiobook series 'The Ricky Gervais Show' will be broadcast on HBO in the US and Channel 4 in the UK, and his award winning book 'Flanimals' is being made into a Hollywood movie. You can see Ricky Live at the Cardiff International Arena 19th & 20th April 2010 start time 7.30pm. For tickets call the Cardiff International Arena Box Office on 02920 22 44 88 Prices are £30.00 subject to booking fee.
Science Harry meets Sally in Cardiff
Having a Ball at the WMC
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STARRING Michael Ball as Edna in the role of his life, and Les Dennis as the lovable Wilbur Turnblad, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves. Having played to sold-out houses in London, on Broadway and at theatres around the globe, this is the feel-good musical of the moment and it has opened its first ever UK Tour in Cardiff. The show itself is fast paced and fun. Michael Ball is outstanding as Edna Turnblad, and Les Dennis received rapturous applause on entering the stage. The standing ovation on the opening night says it all, and you can’t help leave the theatre with a big smile on your face. The show runs until the 24th April so make sure you get down to the Wales Millennium Centre for an unmissable night of fun and laughter. Living Wales APRIL 2010
‘When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible’ When Harry Met Sally is adapted from one of the best romantic comedy films of all time, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Playing these iconic parts are Sarah Jayne Dunn, best known for playing Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks, and Rupert Hill, Coronation Street’s ex-local lothario Jamie Baldwin. The first time they met they hated each other. The second time they met, he didn’t remember her and she hated him. The third time they met, they became friends and they were friends for a long time. Then they weren’t. Then they fell in love - and it only took twelve years and three months. Featuring a soundtrack from jazz sensation Jamie Cullum and his brother Ben, When Harry Met Sally is the ultimate in feel-good theatre! The show runs from Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 April, for tickets visit www.newtheatre.cardiff.gov.uk or call the Box Office on Cardiff (029) 2087 8889.
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL MUSIC&THEATRE
11/4/10
20:32
Page 3
Celebrating 50 years of Mowtown at the New Theatre DANCING in the Streets has been wowing audiences all over the UK spending three sensational years in London’s West End, and now it’s back! Experience the energy, the excitement, the emotion and the electricity of Motown in Ivor Novello award-winning director Keith Strachan’s production of the hit show, the spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City – Detroit! The Dancing in the Streets company will recreate the energy, style and music of the stars of the Motown stable. Together they will certainly have you dancing in the aisles! FEATURING THE CHART-BUSTING HITS ORIGINALLY MADE FAMOUS BY... The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha & the Vandellas, Lionel Richie, Gladys Knight. For tickets visit www.newtheatre.cardiff.gov.uk or call the Box Office on Cardiff (029) 2087 8889.
Celebrating the ‘Big O’ at the Congress 2010 will be the 21st anniversary of Roy Orbison’s death, and to mark this occasion ‘In Dreams’ presents the sounds of 'The Big O' together with two hugely successful support acts, The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Hear all of your favourite hits spanning these incredible decades of music: ‘Only The Lonely’, ‘Wake Up Little Suzie’, ‘Peggy Sue’ ‘Pretty Woman’ ‘Cathy’s Clown, ‘Rave On’ … in over 2 hours of non stop hits! With stars from the West End and internationally acclaimed singers, ‘In Dreams’ has a track record that has seen them tour the UK and Europe for the last 12 years, from The London Palladium to The Edinburgh Playhouse and across Europe. Together with backing band ‘The Rockets’ , they will have you singing your most loved tunes, stomping your feet and shouting for more. For tickets visit www.congresstheatrecwmbran.co.uk or call 01633 868239.
APRIL 2010 INTERIORS
11/4/10
18:36
Page 2
in the home
Pop culture The 80’s have been back in fashion for some time now. Pop music, fashion and now furniture. Here we take a look at some of the most colourful, fun, and funky furniture on the market today. Need a bit of colour in your lives, look on! Diamantini & Domeniconi Stripy Cuckoo ClockPrice £179 Iconic Pop Collection - I Love You Mural www.mooch.co.uk Murals and Wallpaper start from £79.00 for 132 x 240 cm Price: £79 WWW.DIGETEX.COM
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APRIL 2010 INTERIORS
11/4/10
18:37
Page 3
in the home
Iconic Pop Collection - I Love You Mural Murals and Wallpaper start from £79.00 for 132 x 240 cm Price: £79 WWW.DIGETEX.COM www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL 2010 INTERIORS
11/4/10
18:38
Page 4
in the home
Iconic Pop Collection - I Love You Mural Murals and Wallpaper start from £79.00 for 132 x 240 cm Price: £79 WWW.DIGETEX.COM
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APRIL 2010 INTERIORS
11/4/10
18:40
Page 5
in the home
Zen Black Poster Bed £1290 www.supatra.co.uk
Kyoto Bed £1150 www.supatra.co.uk
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL2010 FASHION
11/4/10
18:44
Page 2
fashion
4. Soul Cal denim shorts £19.99, cardigan £19.99/ mens shirt £24.99, hoodie £19.99, shorts £19.99
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APRIL2010 FASHION
11/4/10
18:45
Page 3
fashion Crafted brown lace dress £29.99 Jacket £29.99 Mens Jeans £34.99 Mens t-shirt £16.99 All available from Republic
Brown leather jacket £249.00 www.peterhahn.co.uk
Bomber jacket £185 www.peterhahn.co.uk www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL2010 FASHION
11/4/10
18:46
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fashion
Crafted denim dress ÂŁ24.99 Republic 42
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APRIL2010 FASHION
11/4/10
18:47
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fashion Miso pink dress ÂŁ29.99 Republic
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APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL HOVIP
11/4/10
19:43
Page 2
business
In association with
INNOVATION drives success A unique opportunity to become more profitable
2009 Innovation Awards winners and sponsors
Royvon Dog Training Schools – constantly innovating
Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel & Spa
Celebrate success! Raise your profile! Recognise your employees! Calling all businesses plus social enterprises, in the boroughs of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, RCT and Torfaen! Enter the 2010 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards – deadline for entries May 14. INNOVATION isn’t just about invention, technology and R&D. It is about doing things differently to get better results, and can involve any aspect of the business or enterprise. HOVIP, the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme, is showing how businesses across the Valleys are using innovation to raise their game and become more competitive. And at the same time HOVIP is raising the business profile of the region beyond the Valleys and Wales. Here are some of those innovative businesses. Merthyr Tydfil based Shabby Chic Antiques took an innovative idea and created a sustainable business. This company recycles antique furniture with a French shabby chic look and sells across the UK as well as in the USA, China and Japan. New Pathways, a social enterprise in Merthyr Tydfil, provides support services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse. The business relies heavily on volunteers and has developed an innovative training scheme to ensure their volunteers have the appropriate skills. Abertillery-based SteriTouch Ltd has developed a technology which enables any product to be made antimicrobial. However, it is also their innovative business model - imaginatively co-branding with over thirty companies – that is driving their success. DecTek Ltd, which employs 16 people in Pontypridd and Spain, has developed a unique global asset tracking solution which can be used to track anything from luggage to livestock. To capitalise on such a wide potential, the company actively collaborates with customers and suppliers to create innovative partnerships. Partnership and collaboration is the key to success for five businesses, across the Valleys, in the security sector who are working together as Secure
Wales. This cluster of businesses provides one point of contact for a wide range of specialist advice, products and services on any aspect of security from CCTV, intruder alarms and security lighting, to security gates, doors and fences, man guarding and fire protection engineering, as well as identity card printing, biometric security, IT security and e-crime consultancy. Having won their first joint contract worth £15,000, they are now focused on further opportunities to improve their competitive edge. These are just some of the exciting ways businesses in the area are using innovation to achieve success. Do you know of others? Is your business or social enterprise doing things differently? If so, why not enter the 2010 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards. Or come along to the combined Awards Ceremony and Business Exhibition on 24 June from 4pm until 8:30pm in Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa. HOVIP Manager Phil Burkhard explains, “Entering the 2010 Awards is a great way to recognise your employees and raise the profile of your business. All entrants automatically become members of HOVIP's regional business club. There are four Awards categories, sponsored by Capital Law, BT, HSBC and South Wales Chamber of Commerce, with winning companies receiving a great prize package which includes being entered for the Wales Innovation Award and South Wales Chamber Business Awards.” “I would urge all businesses in the Valleys to find out more about the Awards and the Marketplace event, sponsored by the University of Wales Global Academy – just visit www.hovip.org.uk for all the details. Entries for the 2010 Awards are open until 14 May 2010 – so don’t delay!”
If you would like to find out how you can benefit from HOVIP, contact Phil Burkhard 44
on 01685 725469 or Email phil.burkhard@merthyr.gov.uk or visit www.hovip.org.uk Living Wales APRIL 2010
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL FINANCE
11/4/10
19:41
In association with Medina Lynch Chartered Certified Accountants
Page 3
Tel: 029 2064 4624
finance
What does the budget mean to you? On the 24th of March 2010, Chancellor Alistair Darling presented his third budget but will your wallet feel lighter this year as a result? Gavin Watkins takes a look at the areas of the budget that will affect you. Stamp duty and property The stamp duty limit for first-time buyers will be doubled to £250,000 for this year and next. This will be funded through an increase in stamp duty to 5% for houses worth over £1m from April 2011. The support for the mortgage interest scheme will also continue at the higher rate for another six months. Alcohol and tobacco - Duty on beer, wine and spirits was increased as planned. Alcohol duties will also increase by 2% above inflation for two further years from 2013. - Duty on cider will increase by 10% above inflation with immediate effect. - Tobacco duty will increase by 1% above inflation and then increase by 2% in real terms each year until 2014. Drivers Fuel duty will rise by 1p a litre, followed by a further 1p in October. From this month anyone buying a new car will pay a different rate of vehicle tax in the first year. This has commonly been referred to as the “Showroom Tax”. The additional rate will apply to any car with CO2 emissions over 165 (g/km). The most polluting will pay an extra £515 on top of the normal vehicle tax rate. Families Parents of one and two-year-old children will be helped by increasing by £4 per week money paid through Child Tax Credit from 2012. Pensioners - Tax credit support for older workers is to be extended to make it easier for those over 60 to receive working tax credit. The Government will reduce the minimum hours they need to work to be eligible. - The pensioners' higher Winter Fuel Payment of £250, and £400 for the over-80s, will be guaranteed for another year. ISAs The annual ISA limit will rise from £7,200 to £10,200 and ISA limits will increase annually in line with inflation. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
Personal tax and National Insurance - The Chancellor has decided to freeze all income tax bands, which will lead people to pay more tax on their earnings. - The 2010/11 personal allowance will remain at the current level of £6,475. The basic rate limit will also be maintained at £37,400. Therefore an individual will start to be taxed at higher rates when their total income exceeds £43,875. - The top rate of tax for people earning more than £150,000 is to rise to 50pc from 40pc in April. It is believed that this new 50pc band will affect around 350,000 people. A further 350,000 people who earn between £100,000 and £150,000 will see their tax-free allowances phased out after April 2010. - There will be a 0.5pc increase in National Insurance contributions from April 2011, although those earning less than £20,000 a year will be unaffected. It means that a worker earning £50,000 a year will pay an extra £443 a year VAT The VAT registration limits increase with effect from 1 April 2010 as follows: - the threshold for compulsory registration is £70,000 - the threshold for voluntary deregistration is £68,000 Business Tax - The main rate of corporation tax which applies to companies with profits of more than £1.5 million has already been set at 28% for the year commencing 1 April 2010. The same rate is to apply for the year commencing 1 April 2011. - The small company corporation tax rate which applies to companies with up to £300,000 of profits is currently 21%. An increase to 22% is planned to take effect from 1 April 2011. The Chancellor warns the autumn pre-budget report will be the day of reckoning, “the toughest for decades”. It is not dishonest to omit the details now: forecasts are wrong from week to week, but when the time comes, we will face a moment of truth – painful cuts in services or painful taxes all round? APRIL 2010 Living Wales
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APRIL2010 HEALTH
11/4/10
19:49
Page 2
health
Finding your allergy If you’re not feeling unwell, but not feeling on top form, chances are you may have an underlying allergy or intolerance. Allergy Therapist Emma Assender reveals all. MOST people spend their lives just getting on with things; life’s just too hectic to pay too much attention to those nagging headaches, mild tummy troubles or that ‘run down feeling’. We all get ill now and then, but how many times have just not ‘felt right’? Quite often this is down to immune function; the system that is constantly working to keep the body running. During a spate of illness or stress it’s this that is affected the most heavily; the immune system works hardest when fighting infection but at stressful times of life it can slow down in response to the hormones that are released when we are anxious. When this happens, substances, foods or materials that wouldn’t normally affect us can begin to cause symptoms ranging from headaches, to sneezes, to heartburn or bloating. However, most common allergies such as asthma, hay fever rheumatoid arthritis and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are caused by an immune system that works too hard; “It’s almost a case of the body overreacting to something.” explains Emma, “The immune system will become overly sensitive and attack tissues in the body as if they are foreign bodies. Such conditions cause misery and require a lot of management.” It’s not all bad news though; there is a growing demand for alternative methods of treatment and holistic or complimentary therapies are becoming increasingly popular ways of promoting good health, although Emma stresses that complimentary therapies are just that; “They act alongside NHS medical treatments. No practitioner will ever claim to cure someone, nor should they advise anyone against taking their prescribed medication without their GP’s consent. As a holistic practitioner part of my process is to take time to understand my client’s lifestyle and overall state of health. Allergy therapy looks at the person as a whole and tackles the underlying issue - not just the symptom.”
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There a different ways to establish what allergies a person has and the type of method very much depends upon the individual: some people might prefer blood tests, while electrical impulse tests are preferred by those who want to see a numerical result, but the most reliable test method is the muscle test. “Muscle testing has the advantage of being accurate and comfortable. I don’t need to take any blood samples, nor do I need machines and I can test people in the comfort of a lounge, rather than in a hospital. In fact I’ve even had clients drift off while I’m testing them!” Emma jokes, “It’s a method of identification that works directly on an individual’s responses, a person can simply lie back and relax while their body literally does the talking.” Emma explains what happens next; “I usually prescribe desensitising remedies, if needed. These stimulate the immune system, helping it to heal the body so that the cause of the allergy is no longer detected as a threat.” Many allergies are food-related so clients are instructed to remove that food from their diet while they take their remedy. This is usually a week, although some foods need to be eliminated for longer periods and this is where Emma believes the most powerful aspect of healing comes in; “Allergy Therapy, like many other holistic therapies is about paying attention to your bodies, understanding what we need as individuals to function the best way possible. I encourage my clients to take control of their own health, using planning and will power to improve their condition. It’s a shared responsibility between client and practitioner – good health doesn’t always come out of a pill bottle, it’s something that the client has to be a part of. It’s the therapist’s job to diagnose and help guide in the right direction.” For further information call Emma Assender Dip A.E.T. on 07766163933. www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL2010 HEALTH
11/4/10
19:50
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APRIL OPINION
11/4/10
20:44
Page 2
opinion
Final word
by Meme Morgan
BREAK DOWN WELL, to say I was having a bad week when my car broke down would be a huge understatement. Just when I thought that my week couldn’t get any worse, it did. I was driving through Aberdare on a particularly busy afternoon, when I got stuck in a bit of a traffic jam. Although irritating, as I was trying to get back home, I knew I just had to grin and bear it. However, as the traffic started to move, I quickly realise that I wasn’t going to as my car decided that it wasn’t going to go into gear, in fact the gear stick wasn’t going to do anything except wobble! I put my hazards on and phoned the AA. However, what really annoyed me for the 40 minutes that I was waiting, was the number of cars that beeped and shouted obscenities at me, all of whom assumed that I was parking on double yellow lines, with my hazards on just for the sake of it! Not one person offered to help push my car off the main road to help the flow of traffic. Instead they all presumed that I was being extremely thoughtless by parking my car in the middle of a main road! Thankfully the AA arrived and took me to the nearest garage to get it sorted, so I can’t praise them enough. The moral of the story is, if you see someone parked on yellow lines with their hazards on, don’t assume that they are parking there to be awkward; they may have genuinely broken down and might be grateful of some assistance.
TO VOTE OR NOT TO VOTE? The election! I am already bored of it to be honest. No sooner did they announce that the election would take place in May, did the campaign begin. We now have weeks of all the parties battling to outdo each other by tittle tattling like school children, back and forth, and all making promises that they have no intention of keeping. Why don’t they tell us the truth of what they plan to do if they do get into power, instead of empty promises? If the Conservatives do get into power this time, it will only be a matter of years before we get tired of them not fulfilling their intentions and we will be back to Labour again, and so on and so on. I know one thing for sure this time though when I go to vote, I will be putting my tick next to whichever party promises to get people on benefits who are fit to work, back into work. I will take the risk of them breaking this promise in the hope that they don’t! Also, will any of the parties help with our increasing fuel crisis? I remember when the last major fuel protests took place, the price of unleaded petrol was around 83p per litre, nearly half what it is now. This country has seen prices almost double since then so, where have the protests been since? We are increasingly becoming a nation who sit back and just take more and more of being ripped off, well if you want things to change, voices have to be heard, we all grizzle so perhaps now is the time to do something about it? It’s no wonder that more and more UK citizens decide to emmigrate to foreign shores. Great Britain....? not great any more!
OVER THE RAINBOW Finally, I am now addicted to ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and the search for the new Dorothy in the West End show the Wizard of Oz. Great family entertainment with the wonderful sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Welsh songstress Charlotte Church. As one
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of my all time favourite films and musicals it would be fantastic to have a Welsh girl to play the part of Dorothy, after all, Connie Fisher was wonderful as Maria in the Sound of Music, so fingers crossed. Whoever gets the part though, I am sure she will be fantastic and this is one show that I will definitely be seeing when it opens in London. If you are a fan of the film, make sure you tune in every Saturday and Sunday, and for dog owners, they are also on the look out for a new Toto! www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 10 ADVERTS
12/4/10
15:48
Page 9
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APRIL 10 ADVERTS
11/4/10
19:00
Page 8
PLACES TO STAY HOME & AWAY Aberdare
Hotel/Camping/Cafe
Dare Valley Country Park
Three occupants (Bunks) £66 Four occupants (Bunks) £83
Llangybi nr Usk
Family Room (Double Bed, Bunk & Cot) £72
Bed & Breakfast
The White Hart Village Inn
Standard Room Rate: Single £65 Double £85 Twin £85 Family £105
Open: All year Rooms: 28 Ensuite: 28 The Ty Newydd Country Hotel is set at the end of a lengthy drive off the A4059 on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and has everything you have been looking for - tranquillity, comfort, excellent food and some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales right on its doorstep. The 28 en suite bedrooms are complemented by the elegant Foxhunter Suite with its adjoining Olympic Bar; a particularly popular choice for weddings and banquets, the George Restaurant, serving freshly prepared locally sourced food, the residents bar with three quarter height oak panelling and residents lounge with an open fireplace and adjoining gallery. All our standard rates include full Welsh breakfast.
Crickhowell
Deluxe Room Rate: Single £80 Double £80 Twin £80 Family £120 Superior Room Rate: Single £95 Double £115 Twin N/A Family N/A Special Corporate Rate Dinner Bed & Breakfast £70
Hotel/Restaurant
The Dragon Hotel
Llangybi T. 01633 450 258 www.whitehartvillageinn.com Email: info@whitehartvillageinn.com
Crickhowell T. 01873 810 362 www.dragoncrickhowell.co.uk Open: All year Rooms: 15 Ensuite: 15
Our 4 star graded accommodation is comprised of two characterful rooms, located on the first floor of The White Hart Village Inn, within the Victorian extension originally built as Stables. The Main Bedroom has a Double-Bed and en-suite with new bathroom suite comprising shower, sink and WC. If required the adjoining Second Single Bedroom can also be made available to provide a family suite to accommodate two adults and a child (we accept children aged 12 or over) or third adult.
bathroom with shower - Complimentary tea/coffee tray
Hotel/Restaurant
CF44 9SX, Hirwaun T. 01685 813433 E. relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk
Here at Dare Valley Country Park we can offer you and your family a choice of quality hotel rooms or top class camping and caravanning pitches. With easy access to a facilities block on the caravan site, a refurbished café offering a variety of local produce, loads of walks and things to see and do, Dare Valley Country Park has room to accommodate everyone! Hotel Accommodation Refurbished rooms, en-suite facilities and peace and quiet, great ingredients for a relaxing stay at Dare Valley Country Park.
Facilities include - Freeview TV - Hairdryer - En suite
Hirwaun
The Ty-Newydd Country Hotel
Aberdare T. 01685 874672 www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk
Standard Room Rate: Single £39 Double/Twin £50
TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL 01495 750600
and Continental Breakfast - Alarm clock
The Dragon is a very old hostelry located on the High Street. The town is regarded as a jewel of the Brecon Beacons /Black Mountains National Park. Nestling in the gorgeous Usk valley, Crickhowell is surrounded by mountains and comprises a Norman castle and a collection of early Georgian houses and cottages. It's a beautiful spot and a perfect base for adventures in the National Park.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access
Standard Room Rate: Single £45 Double/Twin £65
Torfaen
Family Room e.g. 2 Adults + 2 Children (16 and under) - En-Suite £105
Superior Room Rate: Double £78 Twin N/A Family N/A
Pub/Restaurant/Accomodation
The Rifleman’s Arms
50
NP4 9QS, Blaenavon T. 01495 792297 Open: All year Rooms: 5 Ensuite: 5 Plus sauna room Welcoming, quality accommodation in comfortable, well equipped guestrooms. Fully Licensed, large family dinning room. Room rate: Single £30 Double £60 Family £80. Living Wales APRIL 2010
www.livingwalesmag.co.uk
APRIL 10 ADVERTS
12/4/10
15:17
Page 1
CONTEMPORARY INDIAN CUISINE
a R j the
gate
Celebrate our 8th Anniversary with us! The Raj Gate Indian Restaurant would like to welcome customers old and new to celebrate our 8 year anniversary this Summer. We take great care in looking after the needs of each and every customer, ensuring no one leaves unsatisfied. Our Head Chef Mr Miah continues to produce outstanding fresh dishes to suit all tastes and to a very high standard. From standard curries to our own chef’s specialities, you can keep coming back time after time again and try new dishes and experiment with new flavours. The service is of a very high standard and staff are on hand to make sure your visit is a memorable one. The Raj Gate is an ideal venue for your birthday celebration, private party, wedding party or anniversary, so why not come along to see for yourself. Call now for further information and to book your special night at the Raj Gate.
Please note we are extremely busy on weekends to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
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01633 875155/489269 Caerleon Road, Llanfrechfa, near Cwmbran (8 minutes from Junction 25 M4) www.therajgate.co.uk
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Chicken Curry, Chicken Tikka Massala, Chicken Balti, Chicken Kurma, Lamb Curry, Lamb Balti, Lamb Kurma, Prawn Curry, Vegetable Curry, Chicken Tikka Salad, Chicken or Lamb Madras Chicken or Lamb Razala Chicken or Lamb Dupiza Chicken, Lamb or Prawn Biriani
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APRIL 10 ADVERTS
11/4/10
18:53
Page 5
More than just a park!
Fantastic fun for all the family awaits you at Parc Bryn Bach! For further information call 01495 711816 or email parcbrynbach@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk