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YOUR FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST WALES & VALLEYS
OUT&OUT Living APRIL 2009
ISSUE 37
DINING OUT The Yew Tree Italian Restaurant, Pontypool
READER OFFER TOURIST TRAIL
£5 OFF beauty treatment at Rhys Giles Hair & Beauty Salon
Tintern
MUSIC & THEATRE
Spotlight on the New Theatre, Cardiff. PLUS this year’s line-up for the Abertillery Blues Festival
SPOTLIGHT All Creatures Great & Small animal sanctuary
Spring is in the air! Ladies & gents fashion PLUS picturesque places to propose
OUT TO LOOK OUT TO BUY OUT TO LISTEN OUT TO LIVE
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Pasha
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Welcome ITH Spring just around the corner, spirits are starting to lift. There has been so much doom and gloom in the media lately that we wanted to bring you an issue to you that will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Firstly, a trip to the beautiful and picturesque area of Tintern has to be on your agenda for 2009. A stroll through the grounds of the wonderful Tintern Abbey, a light bite to eat in one of Tintern’s tea rooms, and a browse around one of the many craft shops is something that will peacefully while away a few hours and leave you feeling serene and refreshed. Nearly time to pack away your winter clothes and start thinking about what’s hot and what’s not for him and her this spring with our fashion pages and advice on pages 16 and 17. For our food review for April we visit the Yew Tree Restaurant in Pontypool. This Italian eatery has been open now for almost two years and has a menu that creates Italian cuisine ‘As Mama used to make.’ We have visited many pubs, restaurants and hotels over the years, which is why we are introducing our ‘Restaurant of the Year.’ If you would like to nominate any of the eateries we have featured over the years, please feel free to do so (see page 20 for details of how to nominate). Blaenau Gwent are once again hosting their Blues Festival this Summer - an event that attracts thousands of people and is growing in popularity year on year. Our spotlight this month looks at the All Creatures Great and Small Sanctuary in Cwmbran. This wonderful organisation takes in abandoned or unwanted animals ready for rehoming, and this month is appealing for a home for Diesel a 14 month old Staffordshire Cross (see pages 38-39) Ladies, why not pay a visit to Rhys Giles Hair and Beauty Salon in Cwmbran and enjoy one of their many treatments on offer. Their facials are outstanding something, I was treated to recently with wonderful results. Also if you phone the salon with your details, they will send you a £5 voucher to be used against their Hydradermie Facial. A fun packed issue ready to take you into Spring, all we need now is a bit of sunshine!
W
Managing Director Editor Advertising Web Developer Production Accounts Office telephone Website Out & Out Publishing Ltd, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Gwent. NP4 6JE
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OUT & OUT LIVING
APRIL 2009
Anne-Marie
Nick Clarke nick@outandoutliving.co.uk Anne-Marie Smith anne-marie@outandoutliving.co.uk info@outandoutliving.co.uk Phil Page webmaster@outandoutliving.co.uk production@outandoutliving.co.uk accounts@outandoutliving.co.uk 01495 750600 www.outandoutliving.co.uk 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 in this magazine can be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
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Contents
8
37
8-11 The Tourist Trail
34 The Green Pages
Tintern.
Keep Britain Tidy.
15 Business
39 Gardening
Merthyr based Heads of the Valley Innovation Programme. announce the 2009 awards.
20 Restaurant of the Year Nominate your favourite eatery for our Restaurant of the Year Awards.
Top jobs for your garden this Spring.
40 Little Gems Helping with Hayfever and Wildthingz Play Centre celebrates its 2nd birthday.
42 Golf
22 Food Crunch Recipe
Spotlight on Pontypool Golf Club.
We show you how to make Eggs Benedict.
44 Fitness
24 Recipe, Whisky & Cider Recipe for Thai Green Curry, we sample OBAN Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Traditional Welsh Cider.
26/27 Restaurant Review The Yew Tree Italian Restaurant.
32-33 Film British comedy flick, The Boat That Rocked, Race to Witch Mountain, and X MEN Origins: Wolverine.
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32
Skipping fitness tips from Welsh Superfeatherweight Champion, Jamie Arthur.
46 Finance What are you entitled to?
48 Opinion Page Latest column from Meme Morgan and Six Nations round up from Nick Jones.
50 Places to Stay Fantastic places to stay in Wales.
38
SPECIAL FEATURES
20-27 Quintessential Cuisine
12 PICTURESQUE PROPOSALS . 16-17 SPRING FASHION 35-37 NEWPORT IN BLOOM 38 ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL 47 MYTHS & LEGENDS
This month we visited the Yew Tree Italian Restaurant in Pontypool. A reminder to nominate your favourite eatery in our ACE Restaurant of the Year Competition. Our food crunch recipe is Eggs Benedict and we also have our usual recipe, whisky & cider columns. APRIL 2009
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APRIL TOURIST TRAIL SPARE
the tourist trail
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Tintern
Beauty on the bank of the Wye Not just a favourite of poets and artists such as Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Turner, the village of Tintern with its famous Abbey in the beautiful Wye Valley is also a magnet for tourists, and a source of inspiration for many modern artists and authors. WORDS Patricia Clarke
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PICTURES Nick Clarke
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Tintern
S
YNONYMOUS with its famous Cistercian Abbey, the village of Tintern on the A466 between Chepstow and Monmouth, and easily reached via the M4 motorway, is known across the world as one of the most beautiful parts of the Wye Valley, and attracts not only thousands of visitors each year, but is also home to modern artists of all descriptions. A designated conservation area about which William Wordsworth wrote his famous poem 'Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey' in 1798, in which he describes the lifting of his spirits when reminiscing about his visit to the area five years earlier, and how he had missed the tranquility of the Wye Valley. 'How oft in spirit have I turned to thee, Oh sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro' the woods, how oft has my spirit turned to thee!' Author Henry Fielding is believed to have written his famous novel 'Tom Jones' whilst staying in the village, and the great artist J.William Turner's portrayal of the inside of Tintern Abbey, which was worked on paper in pencil and water colour is so hauntingly beautiful it takes your breath away; if you haven't yet seen it - well - you really should look it up. Tourism has been ‘going strong’ in Tintern since the eighteenth century, and the village is a wonderfully peaceful base for spectacular walks and exploring many of Wales' biggest attractions, such as nearby Symonds Yat where you can take a boat down the river, and The Forest of Dean and its Forest Railway and Heritage Centre. There are the lovely Black mountains, Brecon Beacons, Bronze and Iron age hill forts and, of course, Offa's Dyke. Roman remains at Caerleon's famous museum, castles at Abergavenny, Raglan, Chepstow, Monmouth, Caldicot and Penhow, the list is positively endless;Tintern even has its own vineyard! HISTORY When researching the history of Tintern, the north of which is also known as Tintern Parva, or Little Tintern,
the tourist trail
I thought I knew most of the background of its past, with Roman camps at Blestium (Monmouth) and Isca Silurum (Caerleon) amongst others, I knew that the Romans had crossed the River Wye at Tintern. I now realise, however, that there is more to Tintern than a beautiful part of the Wye Valley with a ruined Abbey and a bit of Bronze, Iron age and Roman history. There is evidence of a Roman fort on the other side of the River Wye, and an ancient Roman kiln near Coed Ithel on the road to Chepstow.The battle at Pont-y-Saison (Saxon's Bridge) was fought by King Tewdrig who, legend has it, left the caves where he lived as a hermit to repel the Saxons during the sixth century, and at Craig y Dorth, the early fourteenth century battle between the great Owain Glyndwr who sent the troops of Henry IV back to Monmouth; all this is now added to my knowledge of the area. It is well known that the, now famous, Cistercian Abbey was built by the Normans during the early part of the Twelfth century, and that King Henry VIII closed the monastaries, - Tintern Abbey in particular in 1536. But the most surprising part of Tintern's history for me was when I read a poem by Edward Davies of Chepstow describing 'Black forges, smoke and noisy hammers of Tintern Wire works! The hugely important Wire works existed for three hundred years (from the mid 16th century) producing brass and iron objects and craft accessories such as needles for knitting and sewing, and was finally closed during the late nineteenth century. The waters of the Angiddy Stream flowing into the gorge, and the APRIL 2009
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Tintern
charcoal from the wooded hillside provided the power for the works, which from the seventeenth century operated alongside the Ironmaster Thomas Foley's Blast and furnace works for around one hundred years. It was a great irony that when, in 1875, a railway bridge was completed to aid the transportation of goods from the wire works, it was too late to save the industry which closed its doors in 1880. TINTERN ABBEY It was thanks to King Henry VIII's dissolution of the Monastaries that Tintern Abbey became such a hauntingly beautiful monument and tourist attraction. This Cistercian Abbey was the first to be founded in Wales, by the Lord of Chepstow,Walter de Clare in 1131, and was gradually added to throughout the next four hundred years until the dissolution. Unfortunately the occupants of the Abbey were badly hit by the Black Plague, and finished off by the dissolution, so when Abbot Wyche, monks and servants left the Abbey in 1536, it was left to decay, the windows broken, covered in ivy, and much of the stone taken for building. The magnificent Church had been rebuilt by one of Chepstow's Lords, Roger Bigod III during the thirteenth century, and it is this Church which is the Abbey's main attraction today. When tourism became popular in the eighteen hundreds people flocked to the area and, thankfully, since the twentieth century this still fabulously ornate and majestic building has been maintained and preserved by CADW for future generations. I remember reading some years ago of a story about a group of men who accidentally dug up some skeletons in the Abbey grounds, and were chased off by the ghosts of monks who were accompanied by one dressed in chainmail thought to be Gilbert 'Strongbow' de Clare! -Spooky! - Readers will recall that we met him in a previous edition of this magazine! There are facilities for baby changing, disabled access, parking an exhibition and The Anchor Inn
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giftshop. For Information on opening times and admission call 01443 336000. ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH Thought to have been built on the site of a Celtic Church which is said to have been dedicated to St. Michael in about 765 A.D., this lovely church is worth exploring. Restored and enlarged during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and overlooking the River Wye the church has some fascinating features, a mediaeval south porch, beautiful stained glass windows, dedications and memorials to view, including that of villager Herbert Coy of the 1st Welch Regiment who fell at Ypres in 1915. WHAT'S IN A NAME? To be truthful I didn't expect to find many Welsh names in Tintern, close as it is to the English border, but I did indeed find a few, after all the village is in Wales, so here goes - To begin with there is Tintern itself which in Welsh is Tyndyrn and, it is said, derived from Din and Teryn (Monarch or King) meaning 'King of the Rocks', although I know that Din also means hill-fort, so I would veer more towards 'King of the Hillfort'. To the north of the village is Creigiau Wood which means Rocky Wood, Coed Ithel is Ithel's Wood - (not sure who Ithel is) Cantref of Is Coed translates as the Division below the one hundred trees. Most of the local Welsh names are connected to trees and woods, which makes sense considering Tintern's landscape, so Coed Beddick originally Coed Buddig was
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Tintern
the tourist trail
The Tintern Tea Rooms
named for Buddig who was the father of Saint Oudoceus (himself a Bishop and son of Prince Budic of Brittany) which is Latin for Saint Euddogwy after whom nearby Llandogo, or Llaneuddogwy, is named. Then we have Craig-y-Dorth, this is the Hill of the Loaf, - visions of a huge cottage loaf here! - is it loaf-shaped, or is there another explanation? I’d also love to learn the reason Botany Bay, and Barbadoes were so called, but they kind of tie in with my favourite of the month which is to the south of Tintern and needs no translation, it is 'Black Morgan’s Wood’ (w; Coed Morgan du) - Har Harrr! me hearties!! THE ANGIDDY VALLEY AND T.A.P. The Angiddy Valley is a gorge just above Tintern and its stream flows through the gorge into the River Wye. When I heard about the Tintern Angiddy Project, a renewable energy system proposal, in which a micro hydro electric installation was planned for the Beaufort Pond Dam and Angiddy Brook, I was concerned that this would have an adverse affect on such a beautiful area, but it would appear to have been thoroughly researched with the environmental and aesthetic preservation of the Angiddy Valley as a main priority, and second only to the concerns of climate change. According to recent press releases, the surveys have been completed with regards to the potential flow rate of the Angiddy stream, and planning permission is being sought. There is great concern, however, amongst the villagers that the amount of energy produced would not justify the upheaval this would cause, so it seems that the jury is still out on this one! TINTERN TODAY Despite the fact that Tintern is a small village, it is awash with hotels which is testament to the importance of its tourist trade. The Abbey is just one of the attractions in the area as there are walks, fly fishing, cycling, camping, orienteering, golf courses and horse riding to keep the visitor busy, and if 'busy' is not what you want to be, then
just sit outside one of the many pubs and hotels and take in the beauty of the River Wye and the hilly landscape. Take a stroll around the village and explore some of the old buildings such as The Royal George Hotel, which began life in 1598 as an Iron Master's cottage, was converted to a coaching inn during the seventeenth century, and is now a stylish hotel. The Wye Valley Hotel started out as the early nineteenth century Carpenters Arms, there's the Moon and Sixpence, Rose and Crown, and The Anchor Hotel to name a few. Tintern Angling club, and cricket club are just two of the sports practiced in the village, and there is an activity centre at Botany Bay. The Wye Valley Arts Centre holds many different art courses and the Village Hall which can be hired, has a children’s play area, disabled access, car parking, and shows occasional films. When visiting this historic and picturesque corner of South Wales, I must say the welcome received at one or two of the businesses when researching this feature left a lot to be desired. If Tintern as a tourist destination is to flourish as it should, then some of its people need to be a touch more welcoming to those who are trying to promote one of the most beautiful parts of the UK for them. However, whilst visiting you must have a cream tea in what we found was by far the most congenial spot in the village, - The Tintern Antiques and Tea Room. There, you will receive an extremely warm and friendly welcome, so it should be one of the first stops you make on your visit to arguably one of the most stunning parts of the Principality. APRIL 2009
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picturesque proposals
Harlech Castle
Tintern Abbey
Views towards the black mountains from Blaenavon
Picturesque places to propose Wales possesses some of the most breathtaking scenery across the globe why not look for the perfect setting to pop the question to your loved one. IT’S probably one of the things that makes a chap nervous and causes many sleepless nights into the lead up. Proposing to your loved one needn't be something that you dread, it should be a joyous occasion and one filled with love and hope for the future. Once you have a date in mind to 'pop the question' the next step is to decided where you are going to do it and how you are going to present the ring (if you have already purchased one that is). Some men like to propose to their ‘intended’ over an intimate meal whilst others prefer a more private location. Some will hide the ring in a champagne glass or in the dessert (hopefully it won't be swallowed by mistake) whilst others will traditionally get down on bended knee with the ring in one hand. Sometimes the location can be the make or break of a marriage proposal. Somewhere that is special to the couple is always a good choice or somewhere you have both always wanted to go (e.g. the Eiffel Tower). However, if you can't get to France, you really don't have to travel far to find the most perfect and romantic location to pop the question right here in Wales. The grounds of Tintern Abbey have to be amongst the most beautiful backgrounds and setting for a marriage proposal as does the fairy-tale Castell Coch, Chepstow and Cardiff Castles. For the more adventurous amongst you, why not descend into the depths of Big Pit National Mining Museum or Dany-Yr-Ogof Show caves for a more quirky proposal or take off in a hot air balloon and open a bottle of champagne as you take in the
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The Folly Tower, Pontypool
OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
breathtaking views. For couples who enjoy the great outdoors, there is nowhere more splendid and spectacular than the Brecon Beacons National Park or a leisurely stroll through the Wye Valley. Why not take a picnic when the weather has brightened up and propose amongst the flowers and landscape of our beautiful countryside. The general rule of thumb is not to get too uptight about it. Do what you feel is most comfortable for the pair of you. If you both like the spotlight, then an announcement over the microphone at a party might suit, or even half-time at a football or rugby match. However, if one or both of you cringe at having hundreds of eyes on you when you ask one of the most important questions of your life (and take into account that the answer heaven forbid could be no), then do you really want hundreds of people to witness this. If you both like to blend into the background at large events then make sure you propose on a one to one basis to avoid any unnecessary embarrassment. Finally, if you are going to purchase the ring without the help of your wife-to-be, then make sure you know her taste in rings and more importantly her ring size - it would be awful if the ring was too big or small or, worse still, she didn't like the style. Browse a few jewellers windows and get her to point out some of the rings that she likes without you giving the game away. That way, hopefully your marriage proposal should go according to plan and then you can both start planning your wedding day.
The reservoir at Talybont-on-Usk
Crickhowell
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APRIL09 HOVIP
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APRIL09 HOVIP
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In association with
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INNOVATION drives success A unique opportunity to become more profitable
business
Winners of the 2008 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards
Winning Through – Innovate your way to business success Success during a recession requires an imaginative approach to business. The Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards and Marketplace event celebrate and reward the most innovative businesses in the region. THE search is on for the most innovative businesses and social enterprises in the Heads of the Valleys area. Any business or social enterprise in any of the 5 Heads of the Valleys county boroughs is invited to enter the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards which were launched on April 7 at Llancaiach Fawr in Nelson by Richard Turner, Project and Partnerships Manager of the University of Wales Global Academy Innovation Programme. The Awards, now in their third year, recognise businesses and social enterprises in the region that are using innovation to drive their businesses forward. Businesses can gain recognition for any business activity they have implemented that has had a dramatic and beneficial impact on that business, customers, employees or the wider community or region. Winners of the 2008 Awards were Cynon Valley Crime Reduction Services Ltd, Blaenafon Cheddar Company & Mountain Tours Ltd, Rhymney Brewery Ltd and Joyner PA (Cymru) Ltd. Tony Sheehan of Joyner PA (Cymru) summed up the excitement shared by all the winners when he said, “We were so surprised and thrilled to win the award. It means so much to us to have this recognition, particularly from our local business community. Our predecessors in the traditional industries worked hard and were highly innovative. This event proves that the innovative spirit is still very much alive.” “Innovation is crucial to business survival and growth.” says Phil Burkhard, HOVIP Manager. “These Innovation Awards recognise businesses that are already making a significant contribution to the economy of the area.” “We are delighted that once again the Awards have attracted prestigious and high profile sponsors. The University of Wales Global Academy Innovation Initiative is the main sponsor of the Innovation Awards, as well as overall sponsor of the Marketplace event. The Global Academy Initiative includes
provision under the Prince of Wales Innovation Scholarships for 100 postgraduates drawn from the best universities in the world to work full-time (for up to 3 years) in 100 Welsh businesses – we are keen to ensure that some Heads of the Valleys businesses are attracted and able to benefit.” “In addition, we are pleased to have support from HSBC, BT, the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, Cardiff-based Capital Law and Community Enterprise Wales, each of whom has contributed an exciting package of prizes for the winning companies. All Awards winners will also enjoy the benefit of automatically becoming members of the Turning Heads Club – HOVIP’s creative business network. ” The winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards will be announced at the Innovation Marketplace event on 25th June 2009 at the Engine House in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. The keynote speaker at the event is Jan Meek, a Guinness Book of Records World Record Holder, who will share the story of her incredible 101 day ordeal rowing 3044 miles across the Atlantic in a row boat with her son, Daniel. Phil Burkhard explains, “Jan is a highly inspirational speaker and we look forward to welcoming her to the Marketplace event. There is a business exhibition and Taste of Enterprise Arts & Crafts Showcase running alongside the Awards Ceremony. In 2008, the event attracted 171 visitors and 25% of the exhibitors reported winning new business within one month of the event.” “I would urge companies in the Heads of the Valleys region to find out more about the Awards and the Marketplace event – just visit www.hovip.org.uk for all the details. Entries for the 2009 Awards are open to all businesses based in the Heads of the Valleys area and the closing date for entries is ‘D-Day’ 6th June 2009 – so don’t delay!”
If you would like to find out how you can benefit from HOVIP, contact Phil Burkhard on 01685 725469 or Email phil.burkhard@merthyr.gov.uk or visit www.hovip.org.uk APRIL 2009
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spring fashion men
for him
Ladies and Gents, it’s that time of year again when we need to think about storing away our Winter clothes and preparing for the spring months ahead. Warmer days are on the horizon and our wardrobe needs to reflect the changing season. Our moods are lifting and spirits are high so now might be the time to invest in a new wardrobe or at least a few keys items to see us through the forthcoming months. From casual to work wear, this season’s 'must haves' are fun and flowery for the ladies, and smart and casual for the men. Gibson Suit £349.99, Gutherie &
Valentine Shirt £69.99, Gibson tie reversible tie £29.99 RETREAT CLOTHING
Trapper Brown Leather Jacket £329.99 RETREAT CLOTHING
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Tommy Hillfiger Shirts £79.99 RETREAT CLOTHING
Remus Jacket £169.99 McGregor Shirt £74.99 Teddy Smith Jeans £69.99 RETREAT CLOTHING
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women spring fashion
for her
Short Sleeve Bardot Top £15 Printed Cotton Skirt £25 NEXT
Print Sun Dress £25 NEXT
Gingham Mac £45 NEXT
Lipsy Multi Print Backless Dress £50 NEXT APRIL 2009
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APRIL HEALTH & BEAUTY
13/4/09
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beauty
The facial
Special facial attention Be honest, what woman doesn't like to be pampered? I know I do and was therefore very excited at the prospect of visiting Rhys Giles Hair and Beauty Salon in Cwmbran for one of their wonderful beauty treatments. YOU feel special as soon as you walk into Rhys Giles's We then went onto the 'Oxygenation' stage. High Salon largely due to the beautiful surroundings and frequency action is used to oxygenate and energise the decor and the attentiveness of the staff. Greeted by cells, as well as create an antibacterial effect. Finally, Sara, head Beautician, I was made to feel very Sara went on to use a customised mask on my face comfortable and relaxed and eager to start my followed by a relaxing massage which was absolutely 'Hydradermie' Star Facial Treatment by Guinot. heavenly. Sara led me to one of the treatment rooms. A Throughout the treatment I felt extremely relaxed small, warm, inviting room with soothing and and at one stage I was even close to tranquil background music and a drifting into a relaxing, drowsy beautiful heady aroma that sleep. My skin afterwards immediately set my mind and looked extremely clean and body at ease. Having made refreshed and was myself comfortable on the positively glowing. Even reclining bed/couch, Sara my unexpected and explained the treatment untimely outbreak to me and the results I that morning looked Rhys Giles Hair and Beauty Salon offer a could expect. She also visibly reduced and wide range of beauty treatments and are told me that they less unsightly! offering readers of Out & Out Living offered numerous other As advised (much Magazine this very special offer:facials and treatments all to my horror), I left Call the Salon NOW on 01633 485600 designed to make you my face free of makeLeaving your name and address and you feel 'Like a New Woman.' up until the following will receive a ÂŁ5 voucher to be used Sara started by day. In the morning, my towards a Hydradermie Star Facial cleansing, toning and skin felt beautiful and moisturising my skin. Once smooth and less tired Treatment. cleansed of my make-up she started looking. In just over an hour, I my facial treatment. Throughout each was left with skin that glowed and stage of the treatment, Sara thoroughly my imperfections (there are not that many explained what she was doing and why. The honest) were definitely less noticeable. Sara Ionization stage of the treatment involved using rollers recommended this treatment as a course of three over the face and neck area that gently massaged and followed by a monthly top-up - something I would helped the plant-based active ingredients of the certainly consider. And ladies, please do not view treatment penetrate more deeply into the skin. The having beauty treatments as a treat - it should be mild electrotherapy used during this stage of treatment something that we all do at least once a month as part helps to deep cleanse the skin. of our regular beauty regime.
READER
OFFER
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A night to remember...
Strawberry Social Saturday 25th April The Manor Hotel, Crickhowell
Annual social event to support Oncology Unit NOW is the time for you to make a difference by having a good time whilst helping others at the forthcoming Strawberry Social, held at the Manor Hotel, Crickhowell on Saturday 25th April. The event is organised by Sam Merchant who runs the Magic Moments Wedding shop in Abergavenny with her sister Caroline. “Two years ago our Grandfather past away having spent much of his remaining days receiving excellent care at the Oncology Unit at Nevill Hall Hospital. The money we raise goes to help improve its decor for the people staying there and last year we raised over £3,000 which helped decorate the interior,” said Sam. “Grandad loved to celebrate and share a few drinks with us so this is the most apt way for us to help the unit as well as celebrate his life in a way that he would want us to,” she added. The Strawberry Social will be a special night that includes a hot & cold buffet with a hog roast as well as vegetarian options, chocolate fountain, casino tables, and an excellent local band called Crimson Echo who play music to suit all tastes. Last years event was a huge success with performances from X Factor winner Leon Jackson along with fellow finalist and local boy, Andy Williams ensuring a special fun packed night was had by all.
Live music Hot & Cold Buffet Casino tables Chocolate Fountain Fun galore and much much more
In aid of the Oncology Unit at Nevill Hall Hospital
7 pm til late Tickets £27.50 For tickets & further information call
01873 859337
This is your opportunity to have fun whilst contributing to a wonderful charity. For tickets and further information Sam or Caroline of Magic Moments, Abergavenny on 01873 859337. APRIL 2009
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Nominate OUT&OUT Living your Restaurant of the Year favourite eatery now! Awarding Culinary Excellence
2009
LAST month Out & Out Living was proud to announce our inaugural Restaurant Of The Year Awards. 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 2009. 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 eatery 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. The nomination has to come from an Out & Out Living reader who has visited a restaurant as a customer. Nominations from the owner, chef or any other employee of the restaurant WILL NOT COUNT! 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 feature in the Christmas issue and a picture of their business on the front cover (subject to quality). You know the rules now nominate your favourite by sending us your suggestion by post to Out & Out Living Restaurant of the Year 2009 Awards, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Torfaen. NP4 6JE Alternatively email your nominations to info@outandoutliving.co.uk A representative from Out & Out Living 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 SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW!!! To all the excellent restaurants out there, Good luck!!!
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Unique flavour for gala dinner The very best food from Carmarthenshire prepared by the best chefs in Wales – that’s one of the many treats in store at the West Wales Food Festival. A STAR-STUDDED line-up will prepare a special three-course gala dinner on the Sunday night of the event, which is being at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales on Sunday and Monday, May 3 and 4. The evening begins with a welcome reception in the Great Glasshouse from 6.30pm (with complimentary drinks and canapés). Dinner is served at 8pm with each course prepared by a different chef. Organiser and co-owner of Y Polyn, near Carmarthen, Simon Wright explains: “We’ve secured the services of some of the top chefs in Wales for this event and the gala dinner really is a totally unique culinary experience. Staff from the Polyn will prepare the first course - local, cured sewin with a shaved Manorbier asparagus salad. The main course - of chump of Welsh lamb with anchovies, garlic and an olive potato cake – is the responsibility of Shaun Hill of The Walnut Tree, Abergavenny who is a Michelin star chef and a legend of the British restaurant scene.” Stephen Terry, (pictured) winner of the Great British Menu in 2008, will be preparing a dessert of Pembrokeshire Strawberry and Prosecco Jelly, Honeycomb and Creme Chiboust. Stephen Terry is also taking part in this year's Great British Menu where all four chefs who are taking part will compete to cook a sumptuous homecoming banquet for members of the British Forces returning from Afghanistan. (Good Luck Steve!)
The two-day festival also promises the biggest local producer market West Wales has ever seen with more than 50 stalls brimming with localy produced food and drink, as well as offering tastings and demonstrations. There will also be leading chefs – including Angela Gray, Dudley Newbury and Nerys Howell – demonstrating their skills in the Festival Kitchen. In addition, there will be special children’s workshops, tours of the National Botanic Gardens farm, expert advice on growing your own veg, and special ‘herbal’ tours around the biggest and most visited gardens in Wales. The West Wales Food Festival takes place at the National Botanic Gardens on Sunday May 3 and Monday May 4, from 10am-6pm both days. Tickets for the Sunday night dinner cost £40. For more info or to book tickets, call the Garden on 01558 667149. See the festival website www.westwalesfoodfestival.com For a full list of Garden events in 2009, go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk
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the food crunch
POSH POACHED EGG ON TOAST (Eggs Benedict) INGREDIENTS Two English muffins (split into four halves) 4 eggs 4 oz cooked spinach leaves (small and well drained by pressing with slotted spoon) Four rashers of streaky bacon (grilled until crispy) Hollandaise sauce INGREDIENTS FOR THE HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 4oz melted butter 2 Large or 3 small egg yolks Juice of half a lemon Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper 1 Tblsp water
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE METHOD 1. Put warm water into a saucepan and place a small dish into the water ready to receive the hollandaise sauce. 2. Melt the butter until it foams-leave on the side on the cooled down oven top. 3. To make the sauce, place the egg yolks, lemon juice, and water in a blender or processor, season with the salt and pepper and blend for about 1 minute. 4. Slowly dribble the warm butter into the egg mixture whilst keeping the blender going, and scrape from the sides with a spatula to make sure it is all blended together, then carefully spoon into the warmed dish in the saucepan. TO POACH THE EGGS 1. Lightly toast the muffins. 2. Poach the four eggs by breaking them into a cup and pouring into a pan of simmering water seasoned with a tablespoon of vinegar, and poach for two to three minutes. 3. Top each muffin with a rasher of bacon, then divide the spinach between the four muffin halves. 4. Remove the poached eggs with the slotted spoon, resting the spoon on kitchen paper to lose any excess water before placing on top of the spinach. 5. Spoon the warm Hollandaise sauce over the eggs, and serve with a side salad of your choice.
COST Approximately ÂŁ3.30 for the meal for four - less than ÂŁ0.85p per person.
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NOW that it seems we can eat eggs again, (I never stopped!) this version of Eggs Benedict is a delicious variation on your traditional poached egg on toast. Although poached egg on toast is one of my favourite meals perked up with tomato sauce, it can be a bit boring on a regular basis, so how can we serve up eggs apart from fried, boiled, scrambled or the aforementioned poached, without boring the family so much that they say "Eggs for lunch? Er - I'm okay thanks Mam - going the chippy today". Unfortunately for my brood I didn't discover this until they had left for university, but I
serve it up to my husband who loves it and 'the brood' have tried the recipe at home, giving it the 'thumbs up'. This recipe will feed four people, and since eggs are a reasonable price right now, will be filling, tasty, nourishing and won't cost the earth, but please get English muffins don't be tempted to put it on toast, it's just not the same. I always make the Hollandaise sauce first and keep it warm in a dish placed into a saucepan of warm water on the stove. You can also replace the bacon with ham or avocado and tomato, and even smoked salmon if you have a bit more to spend. Enjoy!
Roman
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Spice
H i g h Cl a ss India n Cu i s i n e
The Roman Spice Indian Restaurant (formerly the Bagan) in Caerleon, has changed its name to complement the historical and architectural heritage of Co af eCral e or lne.o n . Using fresh spices with no artificial colourings, our extensive menu caters for all tastes. If you have a favourite dish which isn’t on the menu, just ask and our fantastic chefs can prepare this for you!
The Park Hotel Station Road, Waunlwyd, Ebbw Vale
2 Meals for just £10 Weds-Sat Lunchtimes ONLY
Bring the family for a fantastic lunch every Sunday RESTAURANT OPENING TIMES Sunday Lunch: 12-3pm. Closed Evening Mon & Tues Lunch: Closed. Evening 6.30-8.45pm Weds-Sat Lunch: 12-3pm. Evening 6.30-8.45pm
BOOK NOW!
01495 371431 We also cater for wedding receptions Please call for further information
www.thepark-hotel.co.uk
Opening 7 days a week. 12 noon to 2.30pm & 6pm to 11pm.
Th e Star Inn
Visit us now for a truly tasty and memorable dining experience at fantastic value!!!!!
Adults CURRY NIGHT 1 Course £8.95 TUES-THURS, CHOOSE CHOOSE ANY ANY TUES-THURS, HOMEMADE CURRY CURRY (£8.95) (£8.95) 2 Courses £9.95 HOMEMADE
2 Cross Street, Caerleon.
01633 430086/422489 Recommended by AA-Michelin Guide & Les Routiers!!!
Mamhilad Sunday Roast to boast
AND GET GET AA FREE FREE DRINK. DRINK. AND OFFER RUNS RUNS UNTIL UNTIL THE THE OFFER END OF OF APRIL APRIL END
Children
1 Course £4.95
2 Courses £5.95
Join us for good home cooked food lunchtime or evenings
01495 785319 BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW !!!!!!!!!
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quintessential RECIPES cuisine
Whisky
OBAN 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Highland, Scotland. John Lewis £32.99 FOUNDED in 1794 this Classic Highland malt, is distilled right in the centre of the town of Oban, overlooking the picturesque harbour, known as the Gateway to the Isles. Water source, Loch Gleann a’ Bhearraidh. In 1923, Oban & Aultmore Distilleries Ltd. was sold to John Dewar & Sons. The distillery traded under the new name of The Oban Distillery Company Ltd. Then became part of the Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd. in 1930. The distillery became quiet from 1931 until 1937, then during the Second World War. The location of the distillery, hemmed in between the cliffs and the other town buildings, prevented further expansion and production decreased gradually until 1969 when the distillery was mothballed. The 14 year old bottling is mellow on the palate with an obvious salty note taken from the surrounding sea air. It’s Medium in body, it has a mellow finish and ideal for those who have yet to develope a strong whisky palate. Indeed, some recommend you drink it as an aperitif, perhaps with salted peanuts.
Welsh Cider
Nick Clarke
Argoed Berriew, Powys. Woah!!!! Now then, we have all heard of Scrumpy but not all have tasted it. Now a better example you will be hard pushed to find as the minute I tasted the Berriew Cider I was immediately two sheets to the wind. This strong cider is very sour with the sweet apple undertone only just evident. Surprisingly refreshing for its alcohol volume, this is most certainly one to be savoured in smaller measures. Do not expect a commercial cider with this one but at 8.3% do expect a slight headache if more than one or two of these fine ciders is consumed.
Nick Clarke OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
INGREDIENTS 500g skinless, boneless chicken (in bite size pieces) 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons Green curry paste 1 tablespoon Palm sugar 1-2 stalks Thai Lemongrass 6-8 Fresh Kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces 200g Thai Eggplant 400ml (1 can) Coconut milk 2 tablespoon of Thai fish sauce Small handful of Thai Coriander, roughly chopped Thai Basil and Thai Red Chillies (optional) METHOD
Berriew Traditional Welsh Cider
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Thai Green Chicken Curry
Cooking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. - Cut the chicken up into smallish bite size pieces (Tip: try and use breast or leg meat). - Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the green curry paste and sugar and cook over a fairly high heat for about a minute, stirring with the lemongrass. - Add the coconut milk slowly, and continue to stir while cooking until a thin film of oil appears on the surface. - Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the chicken and other ingredients except the eggplant. Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken begins to change colour. Adjust the flavours to suit yourself. - When it is at a boil again add the eggplant and continue until the chicken is cooked through. - The curry is now best left to sit for a few minutes so the sauce becomes creamier. You will also taste the true flavours of the curry paste ingredients when it's slightly cooler. - Garnish with Thai basil and chopped Thai red chilli. Serve with lots of fragrant Thai jasmine rice.
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NEWS quintessential cuisine
Summer’s coming for Relaunch for food and cider festivals Curry House SUMMER is coming and that means it’s time to crack open a nice refreshing bottle of cider to cool you down as the seasonal temperatures begin to soar (hopefully!!). There are a number of cider festivals for everyone to enjoy starting from April. APRIL Sat 25th & Sun 26th GWYNT Y DDRAIG OPEN WEEKEND Llest Farm, Llantwit Fardre, Rhondda Cynon Taff FREE ENTRY, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm Tours • tastings • cider bar • fresh food Call 07791 066240. www.gwyntcider.com MAY Sat 23rd, Sun 24th and Mon 25th: The WELSH PERRY AND CIDER FESTIVAL The Clytha Arms, Nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Mid-day-11pm FREE ENTRY The Welsh Perry and Cider Society’s premier event of the year, where you can try the craft perries and ciders of all its members. Call 01873 840206 www.welshcider.co.uk
JUNE Fri 19th WELSH PERRY & Cider DINNER The Clytha Arms, Nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire Five perries and ciders from the Welsh Perry and Cider Festival accompany this 5 course meal. Early booking recommended. 7pm-Close! Call 01873 840206. www.clytha-arms.com For further information on all the festivals coming up please visit www.welshcider.co.uk
A CHANGE is as good as a rest, or so they say, well for one Caerleon Curry House, this is the case as they set to relaunch under a new name. The Bagan Tandoori in Cross Street has changed its name to complement the history of the town as they are now ‘The Roman Spice’ Indian Restaurant. The new decor is set to wow its regulars and delight new customers. The Roman Spice has a new head Chef from a top London restaurant ,who uses fresh spices with no artificial colourings, in an extensive menu that caters for all tastes. If you have a favourite dish which isn’t on the menu, just ask and the Chefs can prepare this for you! With such a high standard the proof in the pudding is the eating so give it a try.
Restaurant celebrates successful year THE Three Mughals Indian Fine Dining Restaurant, situated in Pye Corner, Newport celebrates its first anniversary following a highly successful twelve months. With choices ranging from Tandoori Sizzler Specials, Traditional Thalis, Main Courses, Chef's Specials, Biryani, Tandoori, Balti and Vegetarian dishes the list is endless and if you haven’t already been there to sample dishes such as the Tiger Prawn Summerkand, Shashlic Chicken or Keema Murgh Kuzi, then you really are missing out on a culinary treat. The delightful speciality dishes are the hallmark dishes of their Chefs, who have journeyed here from different culinary regions of India. Their specialist touch is born of years of experience and each dish bears the signature taste of the Master Chef, as the menu states, “If you truly want to try something original, choose your delicacy.” Owner Mr Rahman is proud of what he and his staff have achieved at the restaurant in its first year and have picked up a V Award for ‘Best Curry House Of The Year’ which is sponsored by vodka giant Smirnoff. “I would like to thank all our customers for their kind and generous support over the last year and we will continue to please the appetites and tastebuds of those visiting the restaurant in the future,” said Mr Rahman.
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Yew Tree true to Italian roots After a complete refurbishment by current owners Fabio and Kelly, the Yew Tree Italian Restaurant opened almost two years ago with a fantastic new interior and a menu that reflects the owner’s Italian roots. WORDS Anne-Marie Smith PICTURES Nick Clarke THIS cosy restaurant, situated on Penygarn Road, Pontypool, is both charming and comfortable with an air of rustic tranquility. There are spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, and a comfortable seating area where you can enjoy a relaxing drink. This beautiful restaurant seats up to 40 people and can cater for small intimate occasions such as Christenings and anniversaries. Chatting to Fabio whilst we made our menu choices, he expressed his views on Italian cuisine. "I want to bring to Wales, traditional Italian cooking - how mama used to cook! To bring traditional cooking methods from the region of Iseo, a town in the region of Lombardia (25 minutes from Lake Garda) where I am from, to Pontypool. I only cook from fresh and add plenty of wine, garlic and herbs to many of my dishes. I have tried to keep the menu simple with various meat, fish and pasta dishes, to appeal to all tastes, palates and preferences," said Fabio With a great choice of starters, Fabio recommended that Nick and I try the Antipasto Romeo e Giulietta (to share). This was a selection of Prosciutto crudo, Salami, Mortadella, marinated Sun dried Tomatoes, mixed Olives and Mozzarella toasted Focaccia bread. It arrived artistically presented on a wooden sharing platter, and was ample in both size and variety. This was an ideal starter if you couldn't decided from the other mouth-watering options on offer and was a perfect start to a perfect meal. I particularly enjoyed the mozzarella and Focaccia bread which had a drizzle of garlic and basil olive oil - this really started to tantalize my taste buds and Nick made short work of the tasty selection of meats on offer. Fabio was keen to suggest some ideas for our main course and
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was eager for us to try his risotto. The Risotto con Zafferano e Fungi was Italian Risotto cooked with Chestnut Mushrooms and Saffron, drizzled with a Sun-dried tomato pesto. This wonderfully colourful main course is a rich and creamy, traditional Italian rice dish and is one of the most common ways of cooking rice in Italy. Risotto can be made using many kinds of vegetable, meat, fish, seafood and legumes, and different types of wine and cheese may be used. Risotto should taste very rich and creamy - this certainly was. The bright yellow grains with green herbs dotted throughout tasted divine, and the juicy mushrooms atop the risotto added not only a unique colour contrast, but also taste. To me risotto always looks like a very light meal, but in fact this dish satisfies a very healthy appetite and is also suitable for vegetarians. On the menu Nick spotted the Petto d’Anatra alle Arancie-the Slow Roasted breast of Duck with caramelised Oranges, infused with Szechuan pepper, served with a ragu of vegetables. The slices of duck were served with potatoes, broccoli, courgettes and red peppers with pesto and orange sauce. The meat was very succulent and tender, beautifully complemented by the vegetables that were cooked to perfection. The sauce added a delicious flavour to the dish that was perfect in every way. And to finish - well, we couldn't resist the Tiramisu in Marsala Wine. We had this dessert on our visit almost two years previously and were so impressed we couldn't wait to try it again. It was served in a beautiful turquoise coloured glass with a flavour and texture that surpassed any other tiramisu I have ever tried. It had quite a
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strong taste and was presented with shavings of chocolate flakes, a powdering of icing sugar and small slices of pomegranate that gave a colourful injection to the dish. Very rich, but very satisfying. Of course, The Yew Tree offers a variety of desserts that change on a regular basis from Créme Brulée to home made cheese cake and flan with seasonal fruit. Our second visit to the Yew Tree was every bit as good as the first, and I can't wait to go again. With an enviable menu you won’t be stuck for choice when you visit this outstanding Italian restaurant. A real find and a great way to sample true, fine Italian dining.
Further information Opening Hours: Lunch: Pre-booking only (minimum 10 people) Dinner: Monday to Saturday from 6,00 pm (Sunday on request for private party of 25 or above) Outside Catering and Events planning available on request. For further information call 01495 750634. Penygarn Road, Pontypool. NP4 8JA www.yewtreerestaurant.moonfruit.com APRIL 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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music & The Abertillery Blues Festival theatre Oli Brown Band
Lightnin’ Willie
Lisa Mills
Top line up for Abertillery Blues Festival ABERTILLERY Blues Festival 2009 is set to be the biggest yet with a host of international talent and a growing fringe festival in the town. Local pubs and venues are getting on board this year with a series of more intimate gigs in the run-up to the festival which takes place on Friday, 17 July and Saturday, 18 July 2009. Two days of blues and rock music will be headed up by legendary guitarist Andy Fairweather Low – described as one of the UK's most eclectic and
charismatic musicians. Andy will be joined by his band The Low Riders. The array of British and international talent includes Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory, The Oli Brown Band, Jay Tamkin Band, Earl Thomas & Paddy Milner & The Big Sounds, Lightnin’ Willie & The Poorboys, Derrin Nauendorf, Kendall James Band and the Lisa Mills Band. The festival has been awarded £20,000 of funding from the Heads of the Valleys Programme – directly addressing the Welsh Assembly Government’s agenda to promote the Valleys as a tourist destination. Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Jason Owen said: “Abertillery Blues Festival is growing in popularity every year and is now firmly established on the UK music calendar. Earl Thomas This year, with the addition of a fringe festival in several local venues, we hope the event will be even bigger and better. For the first time, the festival will offer camping facilities at just £5 per tent so you can enjoy the weekend in true festival style. “The last four festivals have contributed around £500,000 to the local economy of Abertillery and brought in thousands of visitors – making it hugely beneficial for Blaenau Gwent. “The Welsh Assembly Government – through their Heads of the Valleys Programme – have recognised the importance of the festival to the regeneration of Blaenau Gwent and the Valleys.” Discounted early bird tickets for the festival are available until 31 May 2009. You can get tickets by calling the box office on 01495 355800.
PRICES FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL Friday, 17 July 2009 Standard - £20 Blues Club Members - £15 Early bird discount - £16 Saturday, 18 July 2009 Standard - £30 Blues Club Members - £24 Early bird discount - £25
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Weekend tickets Standard - £40 Blues Club Members - £30 Early bird discount - £35 OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
Derrin Nauendorf
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It’s Show Time!!! Louisiana Red & Michael Messer The Met, Abertillery Thursday 23rd April, 8pm Tickets: £12.50, £10 Blues Club Members Louisiana Red is one of the last great bluesmen still performing. His songs are often only a launch pad for expressing his immediate feelings and today Louisiana Red’s great versatility still shines.
South by South Wales
Shows not to be missed at the St Davids Hall WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL AT 8:00PM JOE BONAMASSA RENOWNED for his fluid phrasing and post-modern fusion of traditional British roots and blues with rock and roll guts, Bonamassa began playing guitar at age four, and toured with blues icon B.B. King when he was twelve. He kicked off 2007 with being named Best Blues Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine’s readership in their annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Bonamassa's redefinition of the blues-rock art form continues to evolve as does his own identity as one of contemporary music's most profoundly talented stars. Joe also actively serves as the youngest ever member of the Memphis, TN based Blues Foundation's Board of Directors, and is the lead spokesperson for their highly respected Blues In The Schools programme, which educates students nationwide about the legacy and influence of the blues. SUNDAY 26 APRIL AT 7.30PM THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER PRESENTED BY THE SHOWBIZ POPS ORCHESTRA JOIN The Showbiz Pops Orchestra, and four of the West End’s finest stars including Daniel Boys, Helen Hobson, Chrissy Hammond and Scott Davis in an evening of excerpts from the musicals of the world's most successful composer - hear your favourites from The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love, Tell me on a Sunday, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and many other Lloyd Webber favourites. MONDAY 20 APRIL AT 7:30PM ULTRAVOX - RETURN TO EDEN TOUR Midge Ure, Chris Cross, Warren Cann & Billy Currie ONE of primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the 1980s return to the stage after an absence of 20 years. Featuring Ultravox’s original 1980s line up, they will perform a stunning selection of their original hits including: Vienna, Dancing With Tears In My Eyes & Love’s Great Adventure. To book tickets for shows at the St Davids Hall please call 029 2087 8444 .
Beaufort Theatre & Ballroom, Ebbw Vale Saturday 24th April, 8pm. Tickets £8.50 Direct from the valleys; join Wales’ finest up and coming comedy talents: award winning Elis James, storytelling manmountain Matt Price and the principality’s own jokesmith brothers Josh and Henry Widdicombe.
King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys Beaufort Theatre & Ballroom, Ebbw Vale Friday 22nd May, 8pm Tickets £13.50, £11 Blues Club Members A breathtaking mix of 1940s Kansas City Jazz and Blues in a truly exhilarating, swinging, non-stop live stage performance.
Fruteland Jackson The Met, Abertillery Friday 22nd May, 8pm Tickets: £12.50, £10 Blues Club Members, £11.50 Valleys Roots Members Presenting a breathtaking, crowd-pleasing performance of pure acoustic blues. Fruteland is one of a select group of Americans dedicated to preserving and performing acoustic blues music.
BOOK NOW! Call the Box Office on
01495 355800 www.blaenaugwentvenues.com APRIL 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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theatre spotlight New Theatre
New theatre, old classic We continue to look at Wales’ favourite theatres.This month we spotlight one of the Principality’s oldest - The New Theatre, Cardiff.
N 29 March 1906, Mrs Grace Redford laid the foundation stone for what is now the New Theatre in Cardiff. Her husband, Mr Robert Redford (no, not the Hollywood movie star), had a long association with Cardiff where he conceived the idea of building a theatre on the site of the original Theatre Royal, close to the prestigious new Civic Centre. The site was unavailable, but Redford managed to lease land nearby from the Third Marquis of Bute. The first performance on 10 December opened with a production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night given by the legendary Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and His Majesty’s Theatre Company from London. The first night was a glittering social occasion. For the next few years Redford could do no wrong. Beerbohm Tree returned several times. Forbes Robertson gave his farewell performance of Hamlet, with George Bernard Shaw attending as critic, and, in 1912, Ballerina Assoluta, Anna Pavlova, danced with the Imperial Russian Ballet. The post-war years saw business decline. There was renewed competition from both the Theatre Royal and the nearby Empire, Redford was now nearing his 70s, and his beloved Grace had died in 1910. In 1923 Redford granted his two sons, Hubert and
O
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Robert, equal part shares in the theatre and they became tenants. During the mid 1930's the two Redford brothers lost interest in the New Theatre and they gratefully leased the building to the dynamic young London impresario Prince Littler. Littler revived the theatre’s fortunes by presenting twice nightly variety. During the early 1960's the theatre was again in financial trouble. Cinema and television were keeping audiences away, the building began to fall into disrepair, and Littler toyed with the idea of demolition to replace it with an office block. There was a public outcry at this suggestion and permission was refused. In 1963, Littler was in a difficult situation. He was unable to use the theatre for anything other than theatrical performances, but couldn’t afford to put on any shows. In September 1962 he accepted an offer to sell to Mecca and the stricken building was threatened with the dreaded BINGO! Fear spurred many people into action. A pressure group, who went on to form the New theatre Society, approached Cardiff City Council. The council agreed that the theatre was an amenity and leased it from Mecca . In July 1966 a Council of Management of the Trust was appointed for 3 years. As a mark of confidence the council had decided to buy the theatre
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theatre spotlight
Westend and TV star John Barrowman, above and legend Margot Fontain, below right.
from Mecca and, in December 1981 the theatre celebrated its 75th Birthday and a few months later a sister venue, St David's Hall was opened. In 1986, Cardiff City Council took over the direct management of the venue and the Trust was disbanded. The in-word was now REFURBISHMENT! This took 18 months and cost £4.25m. The New Theatre reopened on Monday 25 April with a production of Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval staged by Theatr Clwyd. The theatre was more comfortable and beautiful than ever before, attracting acclaim from both public and press. With local government re-organisation, the ownership of the New Theatre and St David’s Hall passed to a new authority, Cardiff County Council in 1996. The two flagship venues are currently part of the council’s Arts and Cultural services, headed by Judi Richards, within the Department of Education and Cultural Services. The theatre continues to wow audiences with music and dance and long may it continue. APRIL 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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at the movies
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Edited by Jason Roberts
movie of the month THE BOAT THAT ROCKED (15, 135MINS)
RELEASED: FRIDAY 1ST APRIL RATING
****
PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, BILL NIGHY, RHYS IFANS, NICK FROST
DIRECTOR Richard Curtis (LOVE ACTUALLY) directs a cast of his countrymen (plus lone American star and Oscar winner, Philip Seymour Hoffman) in this comedy set in Britain in 1966. While the BBC would allow only two hours of rock and roll to be played on its airwaves a week, pirate stations broadcast music to the popstarved masses. THE BOAT THAT ROCKED also stars Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Rhys Ifans, and Kenneth Branagh. This Brit comedy flick is the next cab off the rank attempting to tickle your cinematic funny bone, it’s great in parts but despite falling short in others, is still great entertainment. Excellent performances from our very own Welshman, Rhys Ifans, and Seymour Hoffman as well as the perfect stage for Bill Nighy to show off his class make this another well made and entertaining movie, adding to Curtis’s already impressive comedy portfolio. It takes the subject of pirate radio and strips it of all its edgy rebelliousness to steer the film towards character-driven comedy with as broad an appeal as possible, built around tongue in cheek production design and a great retro soundtrack. The value of these contributions does diminish slightly as the film stretches out to a bloated two-hour plus running time – a touch too long for a comedy of any sort. The final act twist reinvigorates the storyline that had possibly already run its course and the moments of attempted tragedy don’t really fit within the greater context of the film. The performances of the cast make this movie the most watchable and must see, particularly considering the shortage of other comedy options at the moment.
RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (U, 94MINS)
FRIDAY MARCH RATING ***
DWAYNE JOHNSON, ANNASOPHIA ROBB, ALEXANDER LUDWIG FORMER professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson (aka "The Rock") makes family-friendly fare with director Andy Fickman’s (THE GAME PLAN) sci-fi adventure, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN. Johnson plays Jack Bruno, a surly former felon who is trying to stay out of trouble by driving a cab in Las Vegas and who embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime when two teens appear in his taxi. He quickly realises that the mysterious siblings, Sara (AnnaSophia Robb) and Seth (Alexander Ludwig), are far from average - especially when they
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are pursued by a villain wearing a high-tech suit of armor. With the help of Dr. Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino), the trio travels to Witch Mountain, a secret government outpost in the Nevada desert, with the hopes of evading their pursuers and sending Sara and Seth home - and saving Earth in the process. This latest installment in the Witch Mountain series comes more than 30 years after the release of the first two films, ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN. Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann, who played siblings Tia and Tony in the original films, appear in small but pivotal roles as a waitress and a sheriff. Johnson makes Bruno likable, even though the character barely likes himself. Robb and Ludwig are well cast as the earnest siblings who hold the fate of the world in their hands.
APRIL09 FILMS, MUSIC & THEATRE
12/4/09
23:29
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at the movies
Also released this month Friday 1 April 2009 The Boat That Rocked (12) Friday 3 April 2009 Modern Life (PG) Monsters Vs. Aliens (Also3D) Religulous (15) Waveriders (PG) Wednesday 8 April 2009 Dragonball Evolution (U) Friday 10 April 2009 17 Again (PG) 50 Dead Men Walking (15) Fast And The Furious 4 (12) Let The Right One In (15) Race To Witch Mountain (U) Tony Manero (18) Friday 17 April 2009 Before I Forget Crank 2: High Voltage (18) Everlasting Moments (12) I Love You Man (12) In Search Of Beethoven (U) In The Loop (12) Not Easily Broken (12) Wednesday 22 April 2009 Outlander (15) Friday 24 April 2009 Encounters At The End Of The World (12) FAQ About Time Travel (15) From Russia With Love (PG) (R/I) The Grocer's Son (12) Observe And Report (15) Shifty (12) State Of Play (12) The Uninvited (18) Wednesday 29 April 2009 X Men Origins: Wolverine
X MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (12, 95MINS)
WEDNESDAY 29TH APRIL RATING **** HUGH JACKMAN
HUGH Jackman reprises the role that made him a superstar, as the fierce fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, retractable claws and a primal fury. Leading up to the events of X-Men, XMen Origins: Wolverine tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X
program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe whose appearances in the film series have long been anticipated. A must see for for film fans of this comic book genre.
APRIL 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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APRIL greenpages
12/4/09
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the green pages
Keeping Britain tidy The Keep Britain Tidy organisation has launched their ‘Join our Spring Campaign’ aimed at encouraging schools, groups, organisations and businesses to have a good ‘Spring Clean.’ THE campaign is aimed at people who want to see the streets cleaner help by providing a skip or you could take it to your local tip. More and to make their environment a more pleasant place to live, work importantly, you need to decide whether any of the materials that and enjoy. you collect could be recycled. Use differently coloured bags for Taking care of our environment should start from a young age, different materials i.e. one for plastics, one for cans and so on. This and, where better than educating children about should then make it easier at the end of the cleanup to environmental issues and the effect that litter has dispose of the material in the appropriate manner. on their surroundings, than at school. Also, keep account of the amount of rubbish Encouraging school children to take part in you have collected, there is nothing more this scheme enables them to become part satisfying in knowing that you have made of the local community and to take pride a real difference to your local area. s of n o t in where they live. Remember to take before and after n o li One mil wn away ever y Once you have decided upon an pictures and try to get the local papers y o s ever are thr area that you would like to tidy (for involved to publicise your event. nappies 8 million nappie f 5850 t’s al o example a local landmark) and you This worthwhile campaign is an year, tha child uses a tot weighs the have gained permission from the local excellent way of bringing people and t h a c day. Ea eir lifetime; th ar! Babies’ land owner or council, you then need communities together and making a h c t y il in nappies he average fam about 2-4% of to decide what you are going to do real difference. To find out more visit t p same as appies make u bish bin. This with the rubbish once you have www.thebigtidyup.org and Good n b u le r b a ld s o o collected it. Your local council should Luck! h p e dis ous
OU Y D I D ? W O N K
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OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
,000 age h the aver equates to 400 er y year. fill ev to Land ycle for t n e s s ton om Rec Taken fr ales W
APRIL NPBLOOM
13/4/09
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Newport In Bloom
special feature
Newport in Bloom 2009 The Newport in Bloom competition 2009 is actively underway with bigger and better plans to make the city a more desirable place to live, visit and work. THE Newport in Bloom competition helps to encourage people of all ages to actively take pride in improving the environment of their home city. Since its formation, Newport in Bloom has improved the local environment substantially and is now well known for the quality of their public parks and open spaces, as well as residents’ gardens. The competition has so many elements to it. It’s not just about the hanging baskets - it’s much more than that. Allotments, planters and the famous pandas as well as environmental projects, educational work with the city's children, sustainability, recycling and many more help to make Newport in Bloom. The residents of Newport are key to the city’s year on year success in this national competition, as the Judges expect a high level of public involvement in all the environmental projects that take place in their
communities. Established in 1995, the annual competition has helped to get people of all ages actively involved in improving the environment in which they live. Each year, some of the winners of the Newport in Bloom competition are selected to help form part of Newport’s official judging routes for Wales in Bloom. I’m sure we would all like to wish Newport all the best in 2009 in their quest to be best in the Wales in Bloom competition and not forgetting Britain in Bloom Good luck Newport.
APRIL 2009
OUT & OUT LIVING
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APRIL NPBLOOM
13/4/09
special feature
01:13
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Newport In Bloom - Urban Circle Productions
Community spirit in Newport Urban Circle Productions are a unique community based project designed to help youngsters realise their dreams and ambitions. This year, the project are proud to take an active role in the Newport in Bloom Competition 2009
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URBAN Circle Productions is a unique project that started approximately four years ago. This youth based non-profit organisation aims to promote the benefits of young people without discrimination of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, nationality, religious or other opinions by associating the youth, the local authority, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation. Importantly, UCP is about building self-confidence and positive image by involving the young people to take responsibility for the project's activities. Thanks to lottery funding over a year ago, UCP expanded and moved into new premises. At its current location, Urban Circle offers four projects to the young people of Newport. These include:The Welsh Open BBoy Championship; F.M.A. Cymru (Fashion Rocks); Newport City Radio, and; Battleturf (Battle of the Bands) The projects are designed to reach a wide range of young people with different aspirations. All of the twenty wards within the City of Newport get involved with the projects with many talented youngsters wishing to progress their particular skill or interest further. The Centre is largely staffed by volunteers who actively seek to help the youngsters to progress further and to develop their particular skill or talent. "We provide them with activities that will OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
keep them occupied, that is why we are getting involved with the Newport in Bloom campaign. Through Newport in Bloom we want to demonstrate to their peers that youngsters have a role to play and that they do take pride in their surroundings," said Dennis the founder of UCP. Initially, the youngsters are getting involved by cleaning up a designated area of the city centre by organising a 'clean-up' day. There are also talks taking place whereby creative graffiti could be used at different locations throughout the city in line with the ethos of Newport City Council. By becoming involved, it is hoped that it will teach the youth to take more civic pride by occupying their time in a more positive manner and allows them to give something back to their city something they are becoming increasingly proud of day by day. For more information on the projects of UCP and their involvement in Newport in Bloom visit www.urbancircle.co.uk
APRIL NPBLOOM
13/4/09
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Office Angels - Newport In Bloom
special feature
Divine inspiration in the office First opened in 1986, Office Angels is a specialist recruitment company who are supporting Newport In Bloom, 2009. OPEN for over twenty years and now with just under 100 branches in the UK, Office Angels is now the UK’s Superbrand in office and secretarial recruitment and in the top twenty of The Sunday Times ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’. The Newport branch employees four members of staff, has been open for four and a half years and is one of the most successful arms of the Office Angel's branches throughout the UK. The manager Philip Pitman is very proud of the work they do and for receiving the accolade of being voted the UK's number one recruiter by its staff. "We take a consultative approach to recruitment and spend a lot of time with our candidates, finding out what skills they have and what work would best suit their abilities. We offer both temporary and permanent positions, in office or secreterial roles and work with all industries and sectors - basically anywhere that has an office'" said Philip. Office Angels also has a hands-on approach when it comes to selecting their candidates. They offer the complete package by guiding them through the whole process of finding their ideal job. From CVs, interviews, resignation letters, Office Angels are there with you every step of the way with a consultant always in hand to provide extra help if needed. They also offer free training and
evaluation services to keep your skills current. NETg, is a range of free online training courses that you can sign up for and train at your own pace. Typical courses include business writing, call centre management, email etiquette, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, telephone skills and time management. To ensure Office Angels choose the right candidate for the right job, they use RightResult, a bespoke skills evaluation system. It’s a speedy, simple, web-based tool that allows them to accurately assess your skills – covering everything from Word, Excel and Powerpoint to tailored evaluations created especially for our clients. RightResult is entirely webbased which means they can do everything via email and you don’t have to take time out to visit our branch. You’ll have immediate access to your results and we can place you in a role much quicker. "The reason why Office Angels are sponsoring and working closely with Newport in Bloom this year is quite simple - we want to help to raise the profile of this wonderful city. Any initative that helps us to do this, has to be good," said Phillip. Offering financial support to Newport in Bloom as well as providing a huge network of businesses and contacts and of course time and pride in the community - Office Angels is truly a key partner in this wonderful initiative. APRIL 2009
OUT & OUT LIVING
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APRIL09 HOMES&GARDEN
special feature
12/4/09
22:50
Page 2
All Creatures Great & Small animal sanctuary
All creatures great and small All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary has been a loving home to many animals over the years. Out & Out Living is glad to announce its support of the tremendous work of this Torfaen based charity and its staff. ALL Creatures Great and Small has been established since 1992 and became a community education facility for schools, colleges and local businesses to registered charity in 2001. They currently have 170 animals in their care hire as a seminar/workshop room, particularly if animal welfare was to be which range from a horse to a mouse and most things in between! They are the subject to be taught or discussed. There is also plan to have a small also a rehoming facility for dogs, cats and rabbits and sometimes other café and gift shop, which would also mean that “small furries”. All of the animals that are brought to the sanctuary are the sanctuary will become more self in need of help of some kind, they have been either neglected, sufficient. abandoned, cruelly treated or victims of circumstance. The The second is the rebuilding of the staff pride themselves on the standard of care given to kennels. At present they can the animals and the programme of homing in accommodate eight dogs, the new kennels operation, ensuring that each animal goes to will hold ten plus three for larger breeds, responsible and committed new owners. whelping bitches and big dogs that It costs approximately £120,000 per year to run need to be rehomed together. The the sanctuary which receives no government sanctuary would also like to build the Diesel is a 14 month old funding. Therefore the sanctuary relies heavily kennels so that the design and the Staffordshire cross. He loves on donations from the public, business position would enable potential new people and children and likes the organisations and charitable trusts. owners and visitors to see the dogs more easily. company of other dogs. In need of ADDITIONAL WAYS THAT If you would like to discuss ways in a little training, Deisel has a lovely SUPPORTERS HELP THE ANIMALS which you can help the sanctuary, either nature and can be a bit bouncy at All Creatures Great and Small operates a by helping at one of our events or times. If you would like to membership scheme where supporters can become organizing your own, please call Tracey “friends” of the sanctuary, for the annual fee of £10 (£5 Richardson, Fundraising and Events adopt Diesel call 01633 for pensioners and children aged 14 and under). Coordinator on 07709 192778. 866144 You could also adopt an animal – or more! This makes such If you would like to know more about the a unique gift if you are looking for something different. Please log sanctuary, please do not hesitate to call 01633 866144 or on to www.allcreaturesgreatandsmall.org.uk for information regarding the visit www.allcreaturesgreatandsmall.org.uk animals that are available for adoption, prices and how to apply for this and the membership scheme. All Creatures Great & Small Animal Sanctuary You could also organize your own event for the sanctuary, this could be Church Farm, Church Road, Llanfrechfa, Torfaen, NP44 8AD anything from a skydive to a coffee morning! Tel: 01633 866144 Website: www.allcreaturesgreatandsmall.org.uk PROJECTS E-Mail: enquiries@allcreaturesgreatandsmall.org.uk The first is the barn conversion with the aim to convert this to a local
Dog of the month
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OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
APRIL09 HOMES&GARDEN
12/4/09
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homes & garden
Top 10 jobs for your garden Spring is here and Summer is not far away so now is the time to get those all important jobs done in the garden. 1. Keep troublesome weeds under control 2. Protect fruit blossom from late frosts 3. Tie in climbing and rambling roses 4. Sow Hardy annuals and herb seeds 5. Start to feed citrus plants 6. Increase the amount of water given to indoor plants 7. Feed hungry shrubs and roses 8. Sow new lawns or repair bare patches 9. Prune Fig Trees 10. Divide bamboos and waterlillies
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OUT & OUT LIVING
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APRIL LITTLE GEMS
12/4/09
22:34
Page 2
little gems corner
Helping with hay fever NOW, with the onset of Summer, not only does the weather get warmer, but allergies such as hay fever (an allergy to pollen) start to rear their ugly head. It isn't fair to keep children in, but what can be done to help them avoid the misery of itchy eyes and runny noses? Firstly, it is important to keep an eye on the pollen count. During the summer period, the weather forecast should start giving you an indication of what the pollen count is likely to be over the coming days. Unfortunately, if the pollen count is high it might be best to try to stay indoors during the worst times of day. Pollen is released in the early morning and as the air warms up it gets carried above our heads. As evening comes and the air cools, pollen comes back down. Therefore symptoms are usually worse first thing in the morning or early evening. Remember to always wash your children's hands when coming in from the garden, and their hair at night time before going to bed. It might also be worth changing their clothes when they come in from playing outside. TIPS TO HELP RELIEVE HAY FEVER • If you do go on a car journey, remember to keep your car windows up when you’re driving along. • Keep windows closed overnight so pollen doesn’t enter the house • Buy your child a pair of wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen entering their eyes. • Ensure they avoid playing in fields or large areas of grassland. • Take a teaspoon of local honey. Unfortunately, the above suggestions won't stop them suffering with hay fever, but it could help to relieve some of their symptoms and enjoy the summer months ahead.
Celebrating two years of fun at Wildthingz IN July of this year, Wild Thingz near Aberbeeg will have been open to the public for two years, and during this period has kept children and parents entertained for hours at a time. The centre boasts an impressive fun filled multi-level play area for children up to the age of 12, and a separate baby and toddler play area. Whilst the children are entertaining themselves, the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a drink or snack in the knowledge that their little darlings are safe and above all, having fun! We all as parents know the headache of organising a children's party. From finding the right venue, to arranging and preparing the food, it can turn into an unenviable task. However, Wild Thingz can take the pressure off parents by offering one of their themed party
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OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
packages. At all of their parties you get your very own party attendant to take care of the children and do all the cleaning up. All party bookings are for 2 hours and include an hour in the play areas, followed by food in your own private party room. This includes the following: • Hot or Cold Party Food • Drinks • Party Bags • Cake Ceremony* (cake not provided by centre unless requested) • Party Invitations At Wild Thingz they will cater and try their utmost to provide the party of your child's dreams. So, whatever the weather, pay a visit to Wild Thingz who will ensure that your child will celebrate their birthday in style!
APRIL LITTLE GEMS
12/4/09
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Largest family entertainment centre in the valleys!!! PIRATE AND Happy PRINCESS PARTY Mondays
FRIDAY 2ND MAY 2009 6:30-8:30PM
Fancy Dress Competition, Children's Entertainer and Disco include some of the fun activities tonight. Tickets cost £5.50 per child, accompanying adults £1.00. Booking essential. Limited tickets available.
HAYLEY T WITH KEEP FI Wednesday Every – 8:30pm 7:00pm unday And S :00pm –8 :0 7 0pm r session e p 0 £4.0 ears or re 13 y and join a u o y If come un hy not f older w fitness and us for
(TERM TIME ONLY)
Between 12pm-4pm. Everyone enters for just £1.
PRE-NATAL/POST NATAL GROUP
Come along and meet new mums and mums to be. Delicious Coffee and menu offering hot and cold food. Fantastic facilities and toys to occupy your little ones. Meet Every Monday & Wednesday Morning 10am - 12pm starting 30th March 2009.
Fantastic Party Planning
At all parties you get your very own party attendant to take care of the children and do all the cleaning up while you sit back, relax and drink a nice cup of coffee in peace. All party bookings are for 2 hours and include an hour in the play areas, followed by food in your own private party room, and include the following: Hot or Cold Party Food, Drinks, Party
Bags, Cake Ceremony* optional extras at cost. *Cake not included, but can be provided at an additional cost. Extras available include; Face Paints, Tiaras, Inflatable Swords, Party hats, Punch Ball Balloons, Glow Sticks /necklace, Surprise Gift, Birthday Cake - Leo the Lion - £25.00. Prices start from £6.50 per head.
Tel: 01495 211187 Wild Thingz, UNIT 7, Glandwr Industrial Estate,Aberbeeg. NP13 2XE
www.wildthingz.co.uk
Open 7 days a week 9.30-6.30
APRIL TOURIST TRAIL
special feature
12/4/09
23:34
Page 12
Pontypool Golf Club
THE COURSE HOLE 1 Par 5 If you are brave or a long hitter it is possible to cut the corner as this is a dog-leg hole - but beware! HOLE 2 Par 3 Hole two is 162 yards, par 3 played across a valley. HOLE 3 Par 4 Hitting back across a ravine split by stream which is easy enough to drive over. HOLE 4 Par 4 Accuracy off the tee needed with trees to the right and a stream to the left. HOLE 5 Par 4 A Ladies par 5, this par 4 is 459 yards and is the hardest hole on the course. HOLE 6 Par 4 Another right-to-left dog-leg a long hitter could cut the corner but take care - there is a stream and bunker just within driving reach. HOLE 7 Par 4 This 357 yard hole is tricky, a par 4 it is not advisable to use your driver off the tee. HOLE 8 Par 3 Downhill, 206 yard hole surrounded by bunkers. HOLE 9 Par 4 Difficult sloping hole of 402 yards, needs an accurate tee shot with tricky approach to small green. HOLE 10 Par 4 A valley runs across the fairway and a narrow green. HOLE 11 Par 3 A tricky short hole uphill and tougher than it looks. HOLE 12 Par 4 (Ladies par 5) Long par 4 at the top of the course. HOLE 13 Par 5 Longest hole on course, straight downhill. HOLE 14 Par 4 Uphill and accuracy needed off tee, plenty of trees to catch out the slightly wayward drive. HOLE 15 Par 3 This is a short par 3 with a small green. HOLE 16 Par 4 A downhill par 4 with a lowered green. One of the easier holes on a calm day and hard grounds as the ball of the tee can run and run. HOLE 17 Par 3 A pond dominates this hole with the green on the edge of the pond. HOLE 18 Par 4 The 18th hole is a drivable par 4 with a raised green but beware of the out-of-bounds on the right side of the fairway.
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Great course fabulous views Situated high above Pontypool town with magnificent views across the valley as far as the Bristol Channel, Pontypool Golf Club celebrated its Centenary in 2003. THIS is an 18 hole course with a large practice area, a coaching academy, Society packages to suit most players, and an 18 hole putting green and driving area. There are also chipping and bunker areas, practice nets and trollies and motorised buggies for hire at a cost of £15 The impressive club house has a Professional shop, selling every golf accessory you need, Ladies and Gents changing rooms, and a Members bar and Snooker room. During the winter the bar opening hours are from 12 noon from October to March closing at 11.45pm on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and closing at 7pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 5pm on Sundays. The club extends a warm welcome to visitors who pay green fees ranging from £10 to £30 depending on whether or not they are accompanied by a member of the club, and whether it is a weekday or the weekend. Society packages for over 12 golfers are available for weekends or weekdays, and include coffee or tea and a bacon roll on arrival, plus a two course lunch for 18 holes, OR; coffee or tea and a bacon roll for 10 holes, a ploughmans lunch, 18 holes and a two course meal. New membership is £555 p.a. for full club membership with no joining fees and, if you are new to the game, there are lessons for beginners the details of which are available at the Professional shop. Within the club there are three teams for Men players, two teams for the Ladies, with Ladies and Gents Sections, Junior and Senior sections and a Hallett Section for members with handicaps between 17.5 and 28. For those members with lower handicaps of between 9.5 and 17.4 there is the Wayfarers Section, each section with its own Captain. Pontypool Golf Club holds Open Stableford and medal competitions throughout the year for Seniors Men and Ladies, and the splendid function room has seating for 100 diners, or, for a buffet, 110 diners. With superbly catered Sunday lunches, Weddings, and special functions Pontypool Golf Club has spectacular views which on a clear day stretch as far as Devon on the West coast of England.
Pontypool Golf Club Lasgarn Lane Trevethin Pontypool Torfaen NP4 8TR Tel. : 01495 763 655 Fax. : 01495 755 564 E-mail : goodgolf@ pontypoolgolf.co.uk or pontypoolgolf@ btconnect.com Captain: J. Peploe Secretary: L. Dodd Professional: K. Smith Course: Heathland Holes: 18 Length: 5963 yds Par: 69 SSS: 69 Green Fees: £25/weekday Visitors: Welcome Societies: Welcome www.pontypoolgolf.co.uk
APRIL TOURIST TRAIL SPARE
13/4/09
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It’s more than just a walk in the Parc
Green Fees Adult £5.70 Junior £2.85
Driving Range Adult £2.10 Junior £1.50 Golf clubs are available for hire at a great price.
APRIL HEALTH & BEAUTY
13/4/09
12:02
Page 2
fitness
Skip to be fit Skipping is not just for boxers and girls - It’s Record breaker... a fantastic and well for a few fun way to get minutes anyway! your body into shape for the beach this Summer. WELCOME back to Out & Out living fitness with me, Jamie Arthur, first of all I’d like to congratulate my competitor at the Guinness world record event on the 4th of April. Even though I did break the long standing record of 251 skips in a minute with 264 skips, my record was short held as it was smashed by a young lady from England by the name of Rebecca Dale who totally annihilated it with a score of 333 in a minute. As you can imagine I was absolutely gob smacked by my twinkle toed competitor, but very impressed just the same. So I thought it would be a good idea to talk to you about skipping this month as your exercise routine here goes.
Jamie
AS skipping is one of the most important exercises that boxers do as a way to build timing and coordination, as well as a great cardiovascular workout, we can introduce different techniques to complete a full workout in itself. The first thing that you must do when learning to skip is to start with the rope at the back of your legs, now throw it over your head and jump over the rope ensuring that you stay on the balls of your feet. Start off just jumping with both feet together whilst trying to keep a continuous rhythm. Once you have mastered the
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timing of the skipping rope with the jumps, try hopping from one leg to the other, with at least 3 hops with your right leg then 3 on your left. We then break it down to 2 on the left and 2 on right, reducing to 1 on left then 1 on right. Once you have mastered 1 on each leg, you've learned the timing of the skipping rope and can now skip like a pro. Next we are going to use skipping as our main workout, so we will be doing 3 minute intervals with 1 minute rest in between. Please make sure that when you rest you take the opportunity to have a drink between rounds. Round 1: Ok here we go, first of all start off with a nice slow pace hopping from one leg to the other for the first 30 seconds, then pick up the pace for the next 30 seconds, and simply continue this same routine until the 3 minutes are up. So just a quick recap, first 30 seconds slow, second 30 seconds fast, next 30 seconds slow next 30 fast, next 30 slow last 30 fast before 1 minute rest. End of round 1.
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145-146 High Street, Abersychan, Pontypool, Torfaen. NP4 7AB.
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TEL: 01495 772805 OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
Round 2: Now for something a little more complicated; we are going to learn some basic alternating skips, again over a 3 minute period, start off doing the
normal one to one skip then after 3 seconds increase the speed while hopping twice on the left foot, then twice on the right. Continue to alternate your feet keeping your speed as high as you can, and holding it for 30 seconds before slowing for the next 30 seconds and so on for the remainder of the 3 minute session. Round 3: This time we are going to cross the rope over as we skip. Start off skipping as normal then cross your arms across your body ensuring that your hands pass the outside of your hips. When I am doing this I always try to step over the rope with my right foot first while crossing my right arm over my left, then stepping back through on my left foot. Try counting each step as you cross over as this will make it a little easier to keep the timing. For example - right 1 left 2 right 1 left 2) throughout the session trying to keep the crossover’s going for the full 3 minutes, but at the end of each minute speed skip for 10 seconds. To end our first skipping session, repeat the first 3 steps as not only will this be an ample work out, you will also now have a good understanding of the art of skipping to keep fit.
APRIL09 ADVERTS
13/4/09
00:11
Page 13
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APRIL FINANCE
12/4/09
23:05
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Chartered Certified Accountants
Tel: 029 2064 4624
We’re now officially in a recession, so what now for our savings and who now has control of your debt?
Helping you through the recession The recession has hit and people are really starting to feel it. A recession is where the economy shrinks for two successive quarters and that was made official on 23 January 2009. WORDS Gavin Watkins AS people cut back, businesses make less so they pay less or lay off staff . The impact is difficult to predict but the main factors are usually job losses, pay freezes/cuts, and companies going bankrupt. During this incredibly difficult time you should brush up on what benefits you are entitled to. There is still a stigma to claiming benefits in the UK, even with the government's attempt to re-brand them as ‘tax-credits'. For those who shy away from claiming their entitlement, commonly those who worked much of their life, a simple statistic may change their mind: Someone with a typical 40 year working lifespan, earning the roughly average £25,000 salary, would in today's prices pay almost exactly a quarter of a million pounds in tax and national insurance! So rather than seeing social security as a favour from the Government, perhaps understand it's an entitlement contributed to in the good times, and repaid when you've less cash. Of course, many have political views that there should be a different benefits system, or even none at all. Yet having that belief doesn't prevent you from paying taxes, so it shouldn't stop you claiming the reciprocal benefit. BENEFITS MAY BE AVAILABLE TO ANYONE IN THE FOLLOWING GROUPS: - Those with dependent children and a family income less than £58,000, or £66,350 if you have a baby under 1, a disabled child or a large family and you spend a lot on childcare . - Those without children in work earning less than £16,000. - Those who are out of work. - Anyone with an illness or disability. - Carers, guardians, recent parents and the over sixties. If you have internet access please take the time to visit www.entitledto.co.uk. After entering your personal details it tells you what benefits you are entitled to and a calculator for you to work out how much you can claim. There are some benefits that are not included on this website so it’s worth checking these to see if you apply: BEREAVEMENT AND GUARDIAN PAYMENTS Bereavement Allowance is a weekly benefit paying up to £85/week for up to a year after the death of a spouse/civil partner who paid NI contributions. To be eligible you need to be over 45 when they died, but not yet the State Pension age. There's also a separate one-off bereavement payment of £2,000 tax-free available and separate special allowances for widowed parents bringing up a child(ren) or expecting your late husband's baby. Guardian's allowance is available for those bringing up a child (or children)
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OUT & OUT LIVING APRIL 2009
because one or both of their parents have died. You must be receiving Child Benefit for the child(ren). DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENT As well as main housing and council tax benefits included by the calculator, each council also has a set budget useable for discretionary housing payments. Qualifying guidelines vary, but if you are entitled to some Housing Benefit you are entitled to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. SUPPORT FOR MORTGAGE INTEREST If you have a mortgage, and are struggling to make monthly repayments, this Government benefit can pay the interest for you. If you have savings under £16,000 and in receipt of other benefits you can apply. A couple more schemes are open to homeowners in even deeper trouble; the Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme can defer mortgage interest payments and then add them onto the capital, to be repaid when you can afford it, and the Mortgage Rescue Scheme takes it a step further still by buying all or part of your home to cut your outstanding borrowing. HEALTHY START - MILK, FRUIT AND VEG VOUCHERS Health Start, a government run scheme, gives £3/week in vouchers (£6/week for babies under 1) for those on Income Support, Income Based Job Seeker's Allowance or Child Tax Credit with children under four or pregnant women. They can be redeemed at most big supermarkets as well as some corner shops, green grocers and market stalls. You can use against milk, fresh fruit and vegetables or infant formula milk. EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (EMA) Available to 16-19 year olds, in households with income under £31,000, who decide to stay in further education after their GCSEs, studying at least 12 hours of guided learning per week. Claiming these funds does not affect any other benefits that you receive. If you are struggling during the recession please check what you are entitled to. It may only be a little but it all helps.
APRIL FINANCE
12/4/09
23:08
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myths & legends
Spooky tales and legends of Wales Wales has been surrounded by myth and legend for centuries, from stories of King Arthur, to a local legend which forms the start of our regular feature - The Lonely Shepherd and Shakespeare’s Cave, Clydach Gorge. STANDING on the mountain overlooking the stunningly dramatic landscape of the Clydach Gorge, is a three metre high pillar of limestone, known locally as The lonely Shepherd or, in Welsh, Bugail Unig. For some reason this large piece of limestone was left untouched by quarry workers during the nineteenth century, could this have been because of the legend of The Lonely Shepherd? This story tells us that, because of his harsh and lonely existance on the mountain tending the sheep, the shepherd became a cold and bitter man. His treatment of his wife was so cruel that one day his heartless words drove the poor lady to suicide. She ran back down the mountain and threw herself into the River Usk below, where she drowned. As her husband showed no remorse, God turned him to stone leaving him to stand on this bleak and desolate spot for all eternity. The legend says that, finally, he shows his repentance by coming to life each Midsummer's Night, and walking down to the River in search of the poor woman, returning before dawn breaks.
SHAKESPEARE'S CAVE The picturesque and unusual scenery of Clydach Gorge, a National Nature Reserve with the Clydach River meandering through the valley, includes a fairy glen and near Blackrock below Devil's Bridge is Cwm Pwca , or 'The Valley of Puck'. Overlooking this is what is known as Shakespeare's Cave which the great man visited while staying in the Brecon area, rumour has it that he was inspired by the magical landscape, myths and supersitious stories of the area. Shakespeare, who apparently also stayed at Clydach House, and having been regaled with stories of Welsh fairies and hobgoblins by his host, is thought to have written the beginnings of his story of fairies and starcrossed lovers in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' whilst sitting in the cave. His name for the 'Queen of the Fairies' - Mab, means 'little child' in Welsh, and does Pwca, as in Cwm Pwca, ring any bells?
APRIL 2009
OUT & OUT LIVING
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APRIL 09 OPINION
13/4/09
12:17
Page 2
opinion
In touch tickets for - how did that happen? From a possible first to fourth Singing in the Rain
WIN
by Nick Jones
THAT’S it, the Six Nations is finally over and this year’s had missed that last kick and Wales had won then, champions are the little green men from across the though I am as patriotic a Welshman as you will find, water, Ireland and well done indeed! it would not have been justice for Wales to pinch it in This a championship where were the Newthe end. IrelandCardiff deserved it to and offer either Paul O’Connell Wewashave teamed upWales with the Theatre, clear favourites at the start even though they have or Brian O’Driscoll should now go on to lead the one of our lucky readers the chance to see Singin’ in the failed to win back-to-back Grand Slams in nearly 100 Lions in South Africa this Summer. More about that one going of the years.Rain, It was always to bebest-loved a big ask, but musicals later!of all time live on stage following the win over old enemy,2009. England at the For me there were certain cracks beginning to on Friday 27theMarch Millennium Stadium, there was a great chance to appear in the Welsh game from the second half To win just answer the following question: make history. against the Scots at Murrayfield, as Wales starting Who this played in the 1952 However wasn’t toDon be andLockwood Wales lost a with unforgettable a bang with a superb first half before Warren thrilling encounter to a last gasp drop goal by Ronan Gatland wrongly made too many changes just after film version? O’Gara who has proven to be the thorn in the Welsh the break which allowed Scotland back into the CLOSING DATE 23/03/09 side on many a close game in Cardiff. Ireland game. A good win against England set up a mouththoroughly deserved their win and thoroughly watering encounter despite the ludicrous kick-off time deserved their Grand Slam after being the nearly-men in Paris against France - we all know what happened for such a long time. They have been the most then. consistant performers over the last 10 years Wales, or should I say, Warren Gatland shot the compared to Wales being the most erratic. If O’Gara whole team in the foot by choosing a second string
WIN a day of golf
against Italy and only just avoiding embarrassment by recording a narrow win in Rome. Gatland’s decision to play an under-strength side, demeaned the Six Nations and for the first time the Kiwi started to receive a great deal of criticism and rightly so. I just hope that lessons have been learned and such mistakes won’t happen again. On the subject of mistakes, once again the Welsh line-out became a laughing stock! Why oh why and how, can a world class side like Wales get the set piece so badly wrong? I was once not a bad lineout forward myself and to see Wales lose so much ball in this area baffles me, well almost... I have questioned the choice of Robin McBride as set-piece coach on more than one occasion and at the risk of repeating myself - how can a person be chosen to coach the Welsh line-out when in his playing days he couldn’t hit a barn door wide open himself? I’m baffled and bemused! Anyway, enough moaning and well done Ireland!
& watersports Final word at Parc Bryn Bach by Meme Morgan
GLOBAL GLOOM!
A FRIEND of mine recently told me that she didn’t watch the news anymore because she simply found it too depressing, and of late I really have to agree. Full of doom and gloom and very little to report that would raise anyone’s For the second of our fabulous competitions this spirits, the newspapers and programmes are partly to blame for the global month, wedisturbing get together with gloom. The very and upsetting storyBlaenau of the two Gwent young boys up North who attacked twoBryn little boys leaving one for was most Council & Parc Bach tothe offer andead activity day distressing especially as they were only ten and eleven themselves. What for two. possesses such young people to carry out such awful acts on other human TheApparently winnertheir willmother receive a obscenities day playing round ofat beings? shouted throughathe letter box golf, a voucher forthey a meal at the local reporters claiming that had nothing to doRestaurant, with her (she hadalong put them into foster care a year earlier because she couldn’t cope with with an activity oftheir your behaviour). But, as far as I’m concerned, they are her responsibility! She gave choice from cycling to birth to them and brought them into this world and obviously did a less than perfect job of raising them into knowing canoeing. right from wrong. Probably too many computer games and being allowed to watch violent films on television haven’t helped their behaviour. Some of the trailers I see To win just answer the for games and films that are supposed to be suitable for young children are following question: far beyond what I would view as acceptable. I think now is the time for the Government to act and start putting stricter age limits on filmsis etc.Parc and for Which county parents to realise that their children are their responsibility and they do have Bryn Bach situated? control what they watch and what games they play!
donations.send This isyour obviously going to happen tightening Please answers with with thepeople name of thetheir purse strings and being careful what they spend their money on. It’s a shame competition and your full address and daytime though that charities have to suffer. After all, research needs to continue to telephone number to:and animals still need rescuing from abusive find cures for illnesses, children Out & Out Living magazine, Town situations and there is still disease, hunger, 2 poverty andBridge homelessness that continues to affect both people in the UK and overseas. I knowNP4 people6JE. are Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Torfaen. finding things tough, but it is essential that we don’t forget to support local Normal competition rules apply. charities. A few pounds can make a big difference as can spending a few hours helping in a local charity shop or organising events to help raise funds CONGRATULATIONS can all make a big difference. such of as All Creatures & Small (pictured above), playisa really TheCharities winner the MaryGreat Poppins Competition important role in our society, and many of us at one time or another will Mrs B Baxter of Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan. contact one for help or support, so don’t turn your back on them now - they still need our support.
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APRIL09 08 COVER
13/4/09
11:50
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PLACES TO STAY
TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL 01495 750600
Welcome to the Out & Out Living magazine ‘Places to Stay ’ guide. Each month this section is aimed at giving our readers and tourists a quick and easy reference and choice of some of the finest hotels and B&Bs to stay in South Wales. Crickhowell
Hotel/Restaurant
Hirwaun
Hotel/Restaurant
The Ty-Newydd Country Hotel CF44 9SX, Hirwaun T. 01685 813433 E. relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk
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.
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
Cardiff City Centre
Hotel
The Big Sleep Hotel CF10 2FE, Cardiff T. 029 20 636363 Open: All year Rooms: 81 Ensuite: 81 A design hotel at affordable prices, and recently voted '1 of 25 coolest hotels in the world' Conde Nast Traveller. The Big Sleep is ideally situated for business, leisure and pleasure in the heart of Cardiff. The hotel occupies a converted 60's office block and commands spectacular views as far as the Severn Bridge. Described as 'super cheap but sexy-chic' - Elle Dec, the interior design is modern retro, the rooms light and comfortable and the service friendly and efficient. Aimed at those who don't want to spend a fortune, but do need somewhere to stay that's different and delivers big value at small prices.
The Dragon Hotel
Crickhowell T. 01873 810 362 www.dragoncrickhowell.co.uk Open: All year Rooms: 15 Ensuite: 15 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.
Standard Room Rate: Single £45 Double/Twin £65
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
Torfaen
Penthouse Mid week from £99 Fri/Sat from £99 - Sun from £99
Executive Suite Mid week from £99 Fri/Sat from £99- Sun from £99
Standard Double Rooms Mid week from £69 Fri/Sat from £65 - Sun from £50
Standard Twin Rooms Mid week from £69 Fri/Sat from £65 - Sun from £50
Family Rooms Mid week from £69 Fri/Sat from £65 - Sun from £50
Budget Rooms Mid week from £58 Fri/Sat from £55 - Sun from £45
Pub/Restaurant/Accomodation
The Rifleman’s Arms 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. APRIL 2009
OUT & OUT LIVING
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APRIL09 ADVERTS
12/4/09
22:04
Page 1
Celebrating our first anniversary! C
OME and enjoy our quality dishes freshly cooked to individual orders by top Chef Ataur Rahman who uses fresh ingredients. Our top quality restaurant has exquisite decor and fine furnishings, so join us in a friendly, comfortable & high class environment.
The 3 Mughals
(formerly the Three Salmons - Rogerstone)
Experience the art of fine Indian Dining! Open 7 days a week Lunchtime: Noon to 2:30pm Evening: 5:30 to 11:30pm
Sunday Lunch Buffet ‘Eat as much as you like' JUST £11 . 5 0 per person
BUSINE S LUNCH S TIME SPECIA L ONLY
£7.50 01633 894365/894375
A M P L E P A R K I NG
Take-away menu available (delivery service available)
www.threemughals.co.uk Sunday to Thursday 5.30pm - 11.30 midnight. Friday & Saturday 5.30pm - 12.30am. Open all Bank Holidays
The Three Mughals Restaurant, Western Valley Road, Pye Corner, Rogerstone, Newport, Gwent. NP10 9DS
APRIL09 ADVERTS
9/4/09
12:52
Page 5
HAIR DRESSING & BEAUTY
8-10 The Arcade Cwmbran Town Centre, NP44 1PQ
T: 01633 485600
E: salon@rhysgiles.com www.rhysgiles.com
9/4/09
11:11
Page 16
Experience the highest quality of Indian cuisine with a relaxing and contemporary ambience
Shahi
APRIL09 ADVERTS
Shahi Indian Restaurant
uTakeaway service uChildren’s meals uFacilities for disabled uOutside catering available uExtensive Cocktail Menu uFully air conditioned and licensed uExtensive Speciality Dishes uVegetarian Dishes available
For bookings and further information call
01873 859201 or 852525 5 Mill Street, Abergavenny. NP7 5HE
COVER REDESIGN
15/10/07
00:42
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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