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YOUR FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST WALES & VALLEYS
OUT&OUT Living FEBRUARY 2009
ISSUE 35
INTERVIEW
Cameron Cameron Mackintosh Mackintosh
MUSIC & THEATRE 25 25 years years at at the the St St David’s David’s Hall Hall PLUS PLUS All All the the latest latest shows shows from from our our favourite favourite venues venues
TOURIST TRAIL
DINING OUT The Ty Newydd Country Hotel
FILMS Brad Pitt stars in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
WIN Tickets for Mary Poppins at the WMC
Chepstow Chepstow
Popping in West End & Broadway giant Cameron Mackintosh brings Mary Poppins to the Wales Millennium Centre OUT TO LOOK OUT TO BUY OUT TO LISTEN OUT TO LIVE
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Experience the highest quality of Indian cuisine with a relaxing and contemporary ambience
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JAN 09 ADVERTS
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JAN 09 ADVERTS
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Pasha
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Experience the Welcome true taste of Italy I
T might be cold outside, but if you are brave enough to venture out, there is so much to do in Wales over the next month. A trip to the scenic and historic town of Chepstow should be on your agenda including a visit to the Castle and the many wonderful shops and eateries in the area. WE have introduced a new section this month entitled ‘The Green Pages.’ This is our commitment and way of letting our readers know how seriously we take the environment and how important it is to recycle. We also take a close look at our carbon footprint and how, as individuals or businesses, we can help to reduce it. If you do venture out, why not make a trip to your local theatre a must. February’s theatre section this month is packed with forthcoming shows and also includes an interview with theatre director and producer Cameron Macintosh who spoke to Out & Out Living publisher Nick Clarke. Cameron is responsible for bringing shows such as Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera to the West End and Broadway stage as well as the forthcoming Mary Poppins at the Wales Millennium Centre. Whether you are looking for somewhere special to take your loved one this Valentine’s Day, or just fancy a good meal out, our food section has a selection of some of the wonderful restaurants and hotels throughout Wales. Our food review this month comes from the Ty Newydd Hotel in Hirwaun and the mouth-watering food at its George restaurant. What about the children? How do we keep them entertained during the cold months and over the half-term break? Treat them to a visit to the new children’s play centre Cheeky Monkeys in Cwmbran or Wild Thingz in Aberbeeg, both fabulous play areas not affected by the weather! Finally, a nice brisk walk will blow away those winter blues. A good walk around the Fourteen Locks Canal in Rogerstone or one of the nine other walks developed by Newport City Countryside (see pages 42-43 for further details) is sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. See you next month and for the rugby fans amongst you, enjoy the forthcoming six nations – come on Wales!!!
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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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FEBRUARY 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 17
6 Chepstow.
the Pink Panther & the latest from the Disney animation studios, Bolt.
16-18 Special Feature
38/39 Little Gems
6-10 The Tourist Trail Valentine’s gift ideas.
20-27 Quintessential Cuisine Dining out, recipes and much more.
30
Too cold outside? Visit Wild Thingz in Aberbeeg & Cheeky Monkeys in Cwmbran.
40 In the Garden Garden news & tips from Ruby Morgan.
34
41 In the Home Choosing a modern rug.
44 Health & Fitness Welsh Featherweight Boxing Champion & Commonwealth Gold Medalist Jamie Arthur with his new fitness column.
32 36
45 Beauty Looking after your skin.
46 Business 28-35 Music & Theatre
Attacking the recession with HOVIP.
All the latest shows from our favourite theatres.
47 Internet What to look forward to in 2009.
36-37 Film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is our film of the month. We also look at The Return of
49 Opinion Page Latest column from Meme Morgan.
42
SPECIAL FEATURES 12-14 ENVIRONMENT Our new section looking at our carbon footprint & recycling.
30-31 INTERVIEW Cameron Mackintosh
32-33 ST DAVID’S HALL Happy 25th Anniversary of the St David’s Hall
42-43 WALKS 14 Locks Circular Walk.
20-27 Quintessential Cuisine This month we visit the stunning Ty Newydd Country Hotel Restaurant in Hirwain. Our food crunch recipe is Spaghetti Bolognese and we also have our usual recipes, whisky, wine & cider columns. FEBRUARY 2009
OUT & OUT LIVING
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the tourist trail
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Chepstow
Beyond the castle walls The Welsh Walled Border town of Chepstow boasts the first Severn bridge, a Norman castle and a Racecourse, but as Out & Out Living discovered, it is also situated amid beautiful countryside filled with amazing heritage, and loads more! WORDS Patricia Clarke
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PICTURES Nick Clarke
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Chepstow
E
ASILY reached courtesy of two of the most impressive examples of modern civil engineering in the Bridges across the River Severn and the M48, the Market Town and Ancient Port of Chepstow is only two hours from London, thirty minutes from the airports of Bristol and Cardiff, and is also on the main Swansea to Birmingham railway line. It might not be the biggest town in the world, but its position on the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Wye has made it one of the most strategically placed gateways to Wales, particularly with the Old Severn Bridge right on its doorstep. Now a Grade 1 Listed Building, the bridge leads the visitor to one of the most beautiful areas in Britain, the fabulous Wye Valley. The proof of its historical importance can be found in the remains of the Roman settlement in nearby Caerwent, the Norman castle on the banks of the River Wye, and the aforementioned 20th century Severn bridges. The Roman invaders chose the sites for their settlements with protection and transportation provided by the rivers as paramount
the tourist trail
considerations and, around eight hundred years later, these were added to by the Normans with their profuse castle building. During this time Chepstow superseded Caerwent in importance and throughout its history until the late 19th century, this ancient port was prolific in the exportation of goods manufactured in the town, and with industries which included ship building. Nowadays, however, it has a much more peaceful importance in the way of Tourism, supported by many hotels and places to stay for visitors to the beautiful Wye Valley and historically fascinating areas throughout South Wales. Avid followers of the ‘Sport of Kings’ such as my husband who, along with thousands of others, regularly watches and puts his ten pences on the ‘gee gees’, will be familiar with Chepstow racecourse. The racing capital of Wales is situated within the beautiful Piercefield Park, is home to the Welsh Grand National holding race meetings throughout the year, and regular markets on a Sunday. With a Conference Centre which has training facilities and is bookable as a Wedding venue, the racecourse also offers two for the price of one under the V4V (Value for Valour) scheme on premier badges for all U.K. Service Personnel. For further information on this Tel: 01291 622260. FEBRUARY 2009
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the tourist trail
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Chepstow
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY Chepstow lies opposite Gloucester across the River Wye, and grew up around the ancient Iron Age fortresses at Piercefield and Bulwark. The Romans seemed to prefer nearby Caerwent, and to enable them to reach Gloucester they built a wooden bridge across the Wye at Chepstow, which was rebuilt by the Normans in the 13th century; the Rastrick designed Regency Cast Iron bridge was built in 1816. Until the bigger and more important ports of Bristol, Cardiff and Newport were built, the town's port was busy trading with such faraway places as Turkey, Iceland and Portugal, with wine, leather, timber, wire and the paper used to print banknotes. Huge within ship building during the 18th and 19th centuries, this part of the town's industry went into decline at the end of the 19th century, but was revived for a while during the first World War, when the first of the new OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
prefabricated designs such as The War and Glory, and The War Iliad vessels were built and launched from the ancient port's slipway. Whilst researching I discovered some really curious products from Chepstow's factories such as Singletons International SNUFF-yeuch! then there was the iron industry manufacturing grindstones, clocks and bells, followed by the modern Dendix Brush factory which makes brushes of all ilks and sizes including the bottom grazing stuff on dry ski-slopes! BEACHLEY FERRY An important part of Chepstow's history, the ferry was the only way to avoid that two hour trip around Gloucester when travelling to the south west of England. I well recall this car journey and the ensuing traffic jams when, as children, we were allowed to disembark from my father's car to run alongside the slow moving traffic and pick
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Chepstow
the tourist trail
name Castell Gwent meaning Castle of Gwent. All of these names were followed by the present name of Chepstow which is derived from the Olde English words CEAP or CHEPE and STOWE which means 'Market place' Well that was the most complex translation so far on these pages but, there's more!! Near the town there are numerous villages with Welsh names and we begin with Llanfaches, this was named for the daughter of St. Gwynllyw and sister of St. Catwg (St. Cadoc) called St. Maches who was murdered by sheep stealers; a church was built in Caerwent on the spot where she died. Speaking of Caerwent, this name means Caer- or- FORT of VENTA- or- Gwent and was also named VENTA SILURUM by the Romans which, in turn, means Market of the Silures- the indigenous Welsh tribe of the area. Named for the early Welsh King Meurig ap Tewdrig, Pwllmeyric means 'MEURIG'S POOL', which has now dried up; this King buried his father King Tewdrig at Mathern. Many Roman artefacts have been found in Magor or MAGWYR , the meaning of which is WALL; thought to refer to the Roman river defences in the area. Nearby Mynydd Bach is so obviously 'LITTLE MOUNTAIN' and Pen-y-Cae Mawr? NOW this is one which all readers of this section of the magazine over the past three years should be able to translate, as Pen-y-Cae is 'TOP OF THE FIELD' okay? and Mawr is-----Yep! 'LARGE or BIG' so it means 'TOP OF THE BIG FIELD'. My favourite this month is Llanvair Discoed as Llanfair means 'THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY- Discoed is BELOW THE WOOD, so it is THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY BELOW THE WOOD-impressive! The one that has me foxed? that is Penhow or PENHW, we know what PEN means but HW??---HELP!
daisies or simply stretch our legs, the traffic was honestly that slow-moving! There was no way in this world to persuade my mother to get onto the ferry, but the singer Bob Dylan was famously photographed waiting for the Severn Queen or Severn Princess in 1966. Unfortunately three old ferry boats all named Despatch sank with all hands during the early to middle of the 19th century. WHAT'S IN A NAME? Chepstow's name has evolved greatly over the years and its earliest name appears to be ESTRIGHOEL which was later shortened to STRIGUIL. This was of Norman origin and recorded in 1086, but is thought to be the bastardisation of the Welsh word YSTRAIGYL, which means 'A bend in the river'. As the town sits on the confluence of two rivers this would seem to make a lot of sense. However, we also know the town by the name of Cas Gwent which is from the
CHEPSTOW CASTLE AND PORTWALL Built on the direct orders of William the Conqueror by chief castle builder William FitzOsbern in 1067, Chepstow Castle is the oldest surviving stone fortification in Britain, and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. This majestic castle was built in three stages, the first of which was meant as protection from Welsh attacks during the original invasion and was stone built from the start, as opposed to a Motte and Bailey construction using mud and wood; thus signifying its strategic importance. Situated on the west bank of the River Wye overlooking the east bank and Gloucester, the last two stages of the castle took place during the 12th and 13th centuries. The last stage was specifically to repel attacks during the Welsh Wars led by our hero Owain Glyndwr. By the time of the Civil War the castle had been converted into a comfortable dwelling, looking more like a large house than a castle, and was inhabited by Royalists. After a bit of toing and froing of ownership it was finally taken by Parliamentarians at the end of the war, they had breached the walls with guns and other weapons as they did at Raglan, and the castle's commander Sir Nicholas Kemeys was killed. FEBRUARY 2009
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Chepstow
Once repaired the castle became a prison and was the home of the aforementioned Henry Marten after whom the castle's tower is named. Nowadays the building belongs to Cadw, with exhibitions of the wars and has a shop selling gifts and souvenirs. The town's Portwall runs from the castle to the river which was built at the end of the 13th century and is, in the main, still standing. CHEPSTOW MUSEUM Built by a local apothecary in 1796, and described as an 'Elegant 18th century dwelling' Gwy House has been home to some of Chepstow's most important families including a local surgeon. There has always been an association with medicine, and the house was converted into a Red Cross hospital during the first World War, and then became Chepstow and District Hospital which was one of three hospitals in the town. The St. Lawrence Hospital Burns Unit and Mount Pleasant hospitals completed the trio. Now a museum, it is filled with local artefacts including 18th and 19th century prints, exhibits showing the progress of Chepstow through the centuries, and provides the younger visitor with fun quizzes and interactivity. THE PARISH AND PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. MARY. This lovely church was established as a Norman Priory between 1067 and 1071 by William Fitz Osbern, Earl of Hereford; inhabited by monks brought over from Normandy. Despite suffering from the dissolution of the monastaries courtesy of Henry VIII, much of this beautiful church has survived more ravages of time and restoration. The Norman arches around the Great West Doorway , the impressive tombs within the church and the tomb of Regicide Henry Marten, friend of Oliver Cromwell (and signatory to the death warrent of King Charles I) just inside the west door, are well worth visiting. The Castle, Museum and Church are open daily with ample parking; for information Tel: 01291 623771 at Chepstow Museum Chepstow Tourist centre. FAMOUS NAMES J.K.Rowling author of Harry Potter books was born in Chipping Sodbury, but grew up in Tutshill, and went to school in Chepstow. Grant Nicholas, member of the Feeder Band, grew up in Pwllmeyric MODERN CHEPSTOW Whether Chepstow's town can ever be considered 'modern' is questionable since some of the wonderful old buildings already mentioned in this article are so well preserved. The residents are justifiably proud of their heritage which shows in the recent face lift which includes impressive sculptures, pieces of art and poetry sandblasted into the facades of
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buildings. A new hospital has risen up from the ashes of the old Mount Pleasant hospital, and was opened in the year 2000, the stained glass windows from St. Lawrence hospital have been incorporated into the new building. For the tourist there are Town and Riverside Trails which begin in the Castle Square and guide the visitor towards the Portwall running down to the river where you will find a plaque informing the reader that this is where John Frost, William Jones and Zephaniah Williams, the Chartists, began their journey sailing into exile to Tasmania. Take a walk down Castle Terrace and Hocker Hill Street to see the cobbled streets as they have looked for centuries, and look for the house in which Nelson stayed in August 1802. Travel on through the wonderful Mediaeval Town Gate, which was originally a toll gate, and into the castle where you can see the plaque commemorating the spot where Sir Nicholas Kemeys was killed. But that's not all, if you are a history 'nut' you will love being here, as within 35 miles you can visit Raglan Castle,Abergavenny Castle and Museum (the farthest away), Caerwent Roman Remains, the quaint Usk Rural Museum (trust me this is a mustyou'll really love it!) Caldicot Castle,The Forest of Dean and, last but by no means least, the remains of the wonderful 12th Century Cistercian Abbey just five miles away at Tintern. For the weary traveller there's Bulwark Community Centre where you can sit and admire the gardens whilst enjoying a coffee, or enjoy the sights of the Chepstow Arts and Community Festival on June 27th, the Carnival on July 12th, regular films and arts in the Drill Hall with the Chepstow Amateur Dramatics and Operatic Societies. With regular Farmers Markets,Almshouses, 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings, a leisure centre and town library, not to mention the Town Band and Folk Festivals---what HASN'T this compact and lovely town got - WELL I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING!!
FEB09 ADVERTS
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Abergavenny
01873 859337
greenpages
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the green pages
Top ten tips to reduce your carbon footprint Firstly, what can you do in the home and as an individual to reduce your carbon footprint? 1. Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero 2. Turn off electrical items when not in use and don't leave your television on stand-by 3. Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C) 4. Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving) 5. Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder 6. Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need 7. Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging 8. Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly 9. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip 10 Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it
Just what is your carbon footprint? We’ve heard enough about this in the news and on TV, but do you know what your carbon footprint actually means?
WE'VE heard an awful lot about it recently, particularly on the news, but what exactly is your 'Carbon Footprint?' Quite simply, A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. The UK's carbon footprint is over 500 million tonnes of CO2 per year and individuals account for 45% of this. A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint and the secondary footprint. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf. So, what effect does our carbon footprint have on the environment? Well, according to scientists global warming is having a dramatic effect on the world and is responsible for the gradual increase in temperature of the Earth's surface. Evidence shows that over the past two decades the effect has been drastic largely due to human activities. And, at work? Quite simply if f o g k .5 0 • 1. Switch off your le saves aking a tt o we don't act now b ss la ag hm computer and monitor Recycling pared wit spaper the effects could m o c d re a mp new when you are away be dramatic. Sea carbon co one. Recycling a ing a new k w from your desk levels will continue brand ne ompared with ma s and ottle kg c • 2. Switch off all office to rise and alter local saves 0.1 think how many b the st er v ju lights when building not o climate conditions that e se u on u o y rs e in use newspap will in turn affect forests, a year! course of • 3. Think before you print - is crops and water supplies. It it really necessary to print out documents you have saved on your computer? • 4. If you do need to print something out, make sure you try BASICALLY, recycling is an excellent way of to print double sided. saving energy and conserving the • 5. Where possible, car share to environment. In the UK we are work, or for the kids school run getting better at recycling but • 6. Use the bus or a train still end up putting on average rather than your car 60% of our rubbish in the bin • 7. For short journeys either - rubbish that could be walk or cycle recycled! • 8. Don't use domestic Recycling is a cornerstone flights (e.g. from London in the fight against climate to Edinburgh), use a train change. Just recycling a quarter or a coach. of all household waste saves the • • See if your employer will allow carbon equivalent of taking three you to work from home one day a and a half million cars off our roads. week However, it isn't that straightforward to
U DID YO ? KNOW
might also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand and some of our countryside could be permanently altered. Quite a scary prospect and one that we need to take action on now for our future generations. As individuals we can make a big difference to climate change, but even more so as groups and businesses. Don't think that as an individual you won't make a difference because you will! Over 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in the UK come directly from what individuals do – for example, using electricity in the home and driving cars. By making small changes you could make a huge difference. For example, if every home that could installed 270mm loft insulation, it would save 3.8 million tonnes of CO2 – the same as the annual emissions of around 650,000 homes. By making some, if not all of the changes outlined in the box to the left in your home and at work, the results should be significant, not only to the environment, but on your pocket. The UK has challenging targets for reducing emissions by 2050, and it will only meet those targets if everybody – individuals, government and businesses – take action together. Calculating your carbon footprint is an important first step. Everyone has a carbon footprint – it's your own personal measure of how much carbon dioxide you create and how much you contribute to climate change. You can use the Carbon Calculator to find which areas of your life have the greatest impact on climate change. If you are interested in finding out more about your own carbon footprint or your business, visit www.directgov.uk/actonco2 where you can calculate your individual footprint and that of your business. This feature has taken a quick look at ways of reducing your primary carbon footprint, next month, we will take a closer look at reducing your secondary carbon footprint on the environment.
Why should we recycle?
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know what you can and cannot recycle and more importantly what bin to use. Some councils will provide you with a recycling bin, but you need to be sure that you are not putting an item in the 'green bin' that cannot be recycled and they refuse to take it. Also, you need to be aware of your collection days in your particular area. Contact your local council for more information on recycling in your area and for an information fact sheet. Remember, its all about the three R's Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
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DID YO U K N OW? Compos ting and when recyc
ling po the carb ssible can redu ce on emit ted disposa l of you due to r by 40% waste
the green pages Kerbside collections BLAENAU GWENT Blaenau Gwent runs a weekly recycling kerbside collection service. They collect 5 categories which are: plastic bottles, glass (must be cleaned out), tins and cans (must be cleaned out), textiles and newspapers, magazines and old paper. The scheme is now called 'Tidy Trev' Bring bank sites There are 6 bring bank sites in Blaenau Gwent collecting a range of materials including glass, paper, cans and textiles. MERTHYR TYDFIL The following materials can be included in your kerbside recycling collection: • Cans – food & drink cans, • Glass - bottles & jars, • Newspaper & magazines -all other paper (including shredded), envelopes, yellow pages, junk mail, • Plastics – bottles, food trays,yoghurt pots, cling film, plastic bags • Aerosols • Aluminium foil • Cardboard – all household cardboard i.e. cereal boxes (without inserts), toilet/kitchen rolls (inserts only), cardboard packaging, corrugated cardboard – larger boxes flat packed • Tetrapaks – juice cartons • Textiles There are 10 bring bank sites in Merthyr Tydfil collecting a range of materials including paper, glass, cans, shoes and textiles. NEWPORT Newport offers a weekly blue box collection scheme for paper and textiles and a weekly green box collection scheme for glass bottles & jars, aerosols, cans, foil and plastic bottles. In addition a fortnightly orange sack collection for garden waste is available. For more information please contact Newport City Council. Bring bank sites There are 17 bring bank sites in Newport collecting a range of materials including paper, glass, cans, shoes and textiles. TORFAEN Torfaen offers a weekly black box collection scheme for glass bottles & jars, paper cans & tins, textiles and shoes. For more information please contact Torfaen County Borough Council. Bring Bank sites There are 20 bring bank sites in Torfaen collecting a range of materials including paper, glass, cans, shoes and textiles.
Healthy crops like these will be a thing of the past unless we reduce our carbon footprint.
Recycling your glass items THERE are many, many things that we can recycle, and each month we will look at a different item. This month however, given that Christmas and New Year was just a few weeks ago, some households might still be laden down with empty bottles, and not sure exactly what to do with them. We all know that we can no longer put them in our normal refuse bins or bags, so how exactly do we dispose of them? If you are lucky enough to have a recycle bin provided by your local council, you can swill them out and put them in here to be collected. If you don't have a recycle bin, then you can take them to your nearest recycling centre/bank. Glass is separated into 3 colours: green, brown and clear. Your local recycling bank will have appropriate containers for each colour bottle. You should be able to find a recycling bank close to your home, with many supermarket car-parks now housing them for your convenience. FEBRUARY 2009
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greenpages
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the green pages
Looking after your environment in Blaenau Gwent AS with the majority of counties throughout Wales and across the UK, many are now very commited to recycling. In Blaenau Gwent the majority of their waste is sent to Silent Valley landfill site and, like the rest of the UK landfill space is beginning to running out. For this very reason, we all need to do our bit to help the environment and help conserve it for future generations. Recycling and reuse need to become more of a priority for the general population. Blaenau Gwent Council have the Tidy Trev scheme in operation. This provides the Borough with a friendly and fun approach to recycling. Each household within the borough is provided with recycling facilities, in the form of the Tidy Trev blue boxes collected at kerbside Tidy Trev collects
on a weekly basis encouraging people to think about the environment and recycle as much household waste as possible. The kerbside recycling collection service operates 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year as well as providing a commercial collection service to local businesses. Through the work of the Community Education Office Blaeanu Gwent works with local schools and community groups to promote recycling and environmental awareness. We need to act now and do our bit for the environment. For further information for your recycling visit www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Households in Blaenau Gwent receive a weekly collection of kerbside recycling A number of materials are collected including: 9 Plastic bottles 9 Paper, newspapers & magazines 9 Glass bottles & jars 9 Food / drinks cans 9 Clothes & shoes The collections are carried out by Tidy Trev Community Recycling. Tidy Trev is a not for profit social enterprise, working in partnership with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to deliver kerbside recycling for the people of Blaenau Gwent. Through the work of the community education officer it is hoped that we can promote recycling and environmental awareness amongst local schools and community groups.
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Brad Pitt stars in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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EVIEW FILMadRer
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Fact &or Broadway giant Cameron Mackintosh to XEnd kWest OUT TO rts We spea brings Poppins to the Wales Millennium Robe LOOCentre KO ydianMary Rh yd finalist
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A magazine filled with information about forthcoming events, activities and places of interest near you.
ST TRAIL Usk The Ty Newydd Country Hotel DINING OUT
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INDEPEND ENT MA GAZINE FOR SO UTH EA ST
ISSUE 35
Cameron Cameron Mackintosh Mackintosh
UT G Offe DININ Bu t S Indian .
An informative magazine filled with industrial and sociological history pertaining to your own home town.
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FEB TOURIST TRAIL
10/2/09
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special feature
Gifts with love
It’s here again! Valentine’s Day and the dilemma of what to buy your loved one. Never fear, Out & Out Living have come up with a few ideas to help you along the way. We have suggestions on what to buy him or her or treating yourselves as a couple?
for her... Clogau Gold Tree of Life Bangle from the Tree of Life Collection available at A Lea Jewellers in Aberdare. One of the largest selections of Clogau Gold Jewellery in Wales always in stock with prices starting from £49.00
Recreating History in Blaenavon
CADW, the Welsh Assembly Government’s historic environment service, will be celebrating a quarter century of active conservation and promotion of Wales's historic environment in 2009. From Sunday, March 1st, visitors to Blaenavon Ironworks will be able to further appreciate the history of this World Heritage site as two additional furnished workers’ cottages, from 1944, along with two cottages from 1927, will open their doors for the first time. As featured in the popular BBC Wales Coal House series, the decorated period cottages will enable visitors to enter and step back in time and imagine life in the south Wales valleys in the early 20th Century.Witness the harsh reality of the cramped cottage in 1927 and compare it to the 1944 wartime house when there was at least electricity, but blackouts and rations were in force.
For more information visit
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www.cadw.wales.gov.uk. OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
For Something a little different how about a Heart Rainbow Maker with genuine Swarovski Crystal (www.valentinesgift.c o.uk £19.99)
A beautiful Lola Rose heart Pendant from Caboodles in Abergavenny (available in Black Agate, Green Jade, Amazonite & Blue Quartz £70)
FEB TOURIST TRAIL
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special feature
for him... Message in a Bottle & Gift Box (www.gettingpersonal.co.uk £19.53)
Silk Ties and Tie Sets from Retreat Clothing, Abergavenny (£59.99) Welsh Gold Cufflinks from the Tree of Life collection at A Lea Jewellers, Aberdare (Welsh Gold prices start at £49.00)
for you
both...
How about a Romantic Meal? The Ty-Newydd Valentine's Day Gala Dinner. 4 Course candlelit Dinner £24.95 per person includes glass of bubbly & Live Music
Marianno's Italian restaurant in Usk. Set menu for Valentine's Night £27.50 per person
Book Your Valentine’s Dinner NOW!
The Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn
A dining experience not to be missed in the stunning 16th century Mill Room restaurant. On Saturday 14 February relax and enjoy a set 5 course dinner using the finest locally produced ingredients. Bring this advertisement with you for the ladies to receive a complimentary glass of fizz. View our website or contact us for further details. Brecon Road, Crickhowell, Powys. NP81SG
01873 810775 www.cidermill.co.uk FEBRUARY 2009
OUT & OUT LIVING
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FEB09 ADVERTS
10/2/09
13:12
Page 14
“WOW” Funny, everybody has the same reaction
HEARTS ON FIRE THE WORLDS MOST PERFECTLY CUT DIAMOND
pure & simple...
Design your own bracelet or necklace combining the story of each trollbead. Prices from £23
A . L e a Jewe l l e r s Est 1889
01685 873494 18 Commercial Street, Aberdare. CF44 7RW
FEB09 ADVERTS
5/2/09
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FEB09 ADVERTS
4/2/09
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At the Unicorn, Pontypool, we offer an extensive hot and cold food menu with meals served for lunch and throughout the evening in a relaxed and comfortable environment..
THE CREDIT CRUNCH LUNCH 2 FOR 1 MEALS
Lunch time meals throughout February. Available Tuesday - Saturday 12-3pm
SUNDAY LUNCH Home cooked, roast lunch from 12pm - 4pm. Choose from our selection of roasted meat or nut roast served with freshly cooked vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. All meat and vegetables are locally sourced/reared.
2 Courses - £6.95 & 3 Courses - £8.95 Bookings are advisable at all times.
SIX NATIONS 2009
Watch the Six Nations at The Unicorn where we offer FREE FOOD and a raffle at half time for all Welsh games.
What’s On at the Unicorn MUSIC NIGHTS NOT TO BE MISSED! Sat 14th Februar Februar y Ianto Ianto Full Pelt Pelt 8pm writ iter er Welsh singer/song singer/songwr playing playing an eclect eclect ic mix of original original songs mixed mixed with with a few few you you may may know know... Check out his MySpace MySpace and hav have a listen! listen!
Sat 28th Feb Feb Litt Litt le Things 8pm Superb band from from Swansea, Swansea, returning af ter a successful successful v isit just af ter New ear. New Year. y original Some catch original stuff stuff catchy plus a few few well well known known covers..
CARUS 15 MARCH MARCH 8PM 8PM
ic Austr alian Fantast Australian antastic singer/song writ iter er singer/songwr touring ouring Europe Europe in suppor supportt of his new solo album. It's hard to con words convvey in words just how how good good this guys guys is... Check out the websit e! website! Plus suppor supportt from from Hip Route's oute's Jim playing playing solo... BOOK NO NOW!!!
Albion Road, Pontypool,Torfaen. NP4 6LE www.theunicornpontypool.com info@theunicornpontypool.com
01495 751304
FEBRUARY09 FOOD
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SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY SPECIAL MEAL DEAL
3 Course Dinner just £7.50 5 Course Dinner just £9.50
Lahore The
TOP 10 South Wales Indian Restaurant
WELSH CURRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2009
Indian Restaurant
South Wales Top 10 Indian Restaurant SPONSORED by the Welsh Assembly Government amongst others, the voters for this year's Welsh Curry House Of The Year 2009 have chosen Newport's The Lahore as one of the final ten south Wales curry houses in the competition. One of the most famous curry houses in South Wales, and one of the oldest, if not THE oldest, The Lahore has been serving the public with superlative meals for nearly fifty years. Recently, there was a bit of a panic amongst regulars who had moved away from Wales when, on a return visit, they found the restaurant unusually closed but, consternation over, it was merely in the throes of a very stylish refurbishment. On Wednesday 18th February 2009, the curry house Chefs will be going head to head with nine others where judges will be looking out for competence under pressure, presentation as well as the best tasting dish. This year Welsh lamb is to be included in the competition dishes which should present the experienced Chefs at The Lahore with no problem, as their lamb dishes stand alongside the rest of the menu as some of the best available. Having featured this superior curry house within these pages, Out and Out Living magazine would like to wish the great guys at The Lahore all the very best of luck, although they shouldn’t need it.
BOOK YOUR TABLE AT NEWPORT’S LEGENDARY EATERIE NOW!!!
Satisfying customers since 1961 welcome to Newport’s oldest Indian Restaurant
Home Delivery within 4 miles
TAKEAWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE
The Lahore Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, 145 Lower Dock St, Newport, NP20 1EE
01633 265665
Parking on Lower Dock street after 6pm (Free) Pay and Display parking behind Newport Leisure Centre All staff are health & hygiene certified. Closed Christmas Day only. Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 5:30pm - 12:30am Fri-Sat - 5:00pm - 1:30am Lunch Sat - Sun - Noon - 2pm FEBRUARY 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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the food crunch
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE INGREDIENTS 1 medium-large onion - chopped 1-2 garlic cloves (to taste and crushed) 2 tblsp olive oil 1/2-3/4 lb best minced beef (If all adults) 1 tin of chopped tomatoes A couple of bay leaves 2 tblsps tomato puree 1/2 -1 glass red wine 1 oxo (Dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water) Ground sea salt and ground black pepper 6 button mushrooms (Sliced) 3/4 lb Spaghetti (dried)(1lb if all adults) 1/2 tblsp butter handful fresh basil torn into pieces Grated Parmesan cheese (Fresh if possible but dried is ok) METHOD THE SAUCE Put 1 tablespoonful of olive oil into a saucepan and add the onion followed by the garlic, cook until the onion is opaque then add the mince stirring until there are no more pink bits and the meat looks cooked. Add the glass of red wine, the mushrooms and oxo, season with salt and ground black pepper, then cook down for five minutes to reduce the liquid. Once the liquid is reduced, add the tin of chopped tomatoes along with the tomato puree and the bay leaves, then simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the liquid is further reduced and the sauce looks nice and thick.
SPAGHETTI Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a little twist of sea salt (to taste) into a saucepan of boiling water then add the spaghetti and boil for about ten minutes until the pasta is 'al dente'. Drain the spaghetti into a colander and rinse in running cold water, then put the butter into the saucepan on the heat and toss the spaghetti around in the butter until it is hot. Divide the spaghetti onto four plates and add the sauce, sprinkle with basil or parsley and parmesan to garnish and enjoy. OOPS nearly forgot - pour out the rest of the wine into glasses and enjoy with your meal, waste not want not!
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IN our house pasta always came second to meat and two veg, but more recently due to the intervention of a more healthy eating regime accepted finally by my other half, Spaghetti Bolognese has become a firm favourite. Personally I have always been a fan, but my husband used to get into such a mess while trying to eating this quickly that, whenever I suggested having it for lunch he would always 'fancy' something else. Now that he's retired and not so much in a hurry
to eat and run he often asks for this for lunch. There are many variations of ingredients for this dish, and it is nourishing and filling with the Mediterranean ingredients said to be good for our diets. I hope you like my recipe which will cost approximately ÂŁ4.50 for a meal for a family of four, that's ÂŁ1.12p per head. For four adults use the larger ingredient amounts, but make sure you buy the best minced beef because a gristly mince will spoil it.
COVER REDESIGN
15/10/07
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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
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RECIPES Wine
Ravenswood, Lodi 2003, Old Vine Zinfandel. (Sainsburys, £5.99) NOT only does the high-shouldered bottle look great on the table but the contents are pretty special too. Ravenswood is a growing star in California and makes honest, fullflavoured wines, specialising in Zinfandel. The Lodi has more alcohol than the Vintners Blend that can be found in most supermarkets, and it’s this alcohol content that gives the wine its initial port nose. The colour is also deep ruby red with the first flavours to the fore blackberry and a freshness you would not normally associate with a wine of this strength, 14.5%, no cloying flavours here. The finish has a definite dark chocolate hang on the palate and a delicate tannin balance to the briar fruit. If you need an introduction to Californian Zinfandel then look no further than Ravenswood, it is a super wine and when you look at the price, spectacular value.
Whisky
GLENKINCHIE 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Lowlands, Scotland. Available from local supermarkets around
£28 FOR those of your travelling up to Edinburgh for the 6 Nations, Glenkinchie single malt and its distillery are worth sampling. As the name suggests, Glenkinchie lies in a glen of the Kinchie Burn near the village of Pencaitland, East Lothian. It is approximately 15 miles from Edinburgh and dates back to around 1825 when it was founded by brothers John and George Rate under the original name, Milton Distillery. The Glenkinchie label was relatively little known until 1989, when United Distillers started marketing it under their Classic Malts brand. The 10 year old Glenkinchie is a fairly typical lowland whisky in that it is fresh and light in character, with lemony notes and a faint whiff of cut grass. A touch of peat and a slightly sweet nose make this more palatable to those just starting out on their single malt adventure.
Welsh Cider
Nick Clarke
TROGGI Champagne Cider www.welshcider.co.uk TROGGI was founded in 1984 using, initially, the milling and pressing equipment based at Usk College. When this equipment became unserviceable the services of Bernard Price at Llanishen were used until their own equipment was installed in 1989. Troggi specialises in whole juice dry cider and perry and is developing bottle conditioned products. Their award winning Champagne Cider was, as expected quite dry, but bursting with flavour on the palate. Unlike your typical champagne, this one had a lot more oomph to it and I found nowhere near as harsh in comparison with other champagnes. Lovely and bubbly and great for sharing!
Nick Clarke
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OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
Traditional Welsh Cawl INGREDIENTS 700 g/1 1/2 lb of lamb - cut in small squares 700 g/1 1/2 lb of potatoes - cut in small squares 225 g/8 oz of parsnips - finely chopped 225 g/8 oz of carrots - finely chopped 225 g/8 oz of swedes - finely chopped 225 g/8 oz of turnips - finely chopped 1/2 savoy cabbage - shredded 2 leeks - finely chopped 1 onion - finely chopped 2.2 litres/4 pints of water 4 tablespoons of parsley - finely chopped salt and pepper METHOD Lightly brown the meat in a frying pan and discard the fat. Boil the water and add the meat to it. After half an hour, add the vegetables, except the leeks, the cabbage and parsley. Cook slowly for 2 hours. Add the remaining vegetables for the final half hour’s cooking. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with parsley before serving.
FEB09 ADVERTS
5/2/09
20:20
Page 4
THE WATERLOO HOTEL & BISTRO
Enjoy a special Sunday Dinner with us this Mothering Sunday 22nd March & Easter 12th April
The Par k Hotel ¤
Station Road, Waunlwyd, Ebbw Vale
Every day is special at Newport’s only Boutique Hotel
Why not stay in one of our stunning rooms? Call for further information or visit us online. 113 Alexandra Road, Pillgwenlly, Newport.
01633 264266
enquiries@thewaterloohotel.co.uk www.thewaterloohotel.co.uk
Let us cook for your Mum this Mothering Sunday. RESTAURANT OPENING TIMES Sunday Lunch: 12-3pm. Closed Evening Mon & Tues Lunch: Closed. Evening 6.30-8.45pm
BOOK NOW!
01495 371431
Weds-Sat Lunch: 12-3pm. Evening 6.30-8.45pm
We also cater for wedding receptions Please call for further information
www.thepark-hotel.co.uk
Good food, good Service, good time at the
Castell-Y-Bwch
for Join usLunch Sunday pm 12-4 Welcome to the Castell-Y-Bwch. rant Restau times g Here you are certain to receive a warm welcome openin pm 5-9 and a memorable meal, so come and let us prepare good home cooking to satisfy your every taste.
ch n u L t h Lig l Speciariday
Y
Y
Why not treat your loved one to a special Valentine’s Dinner at the Castell-Y-Bwch? Call now for further information
y to F a d n o M .30pm pm 2 m p 2 1 pm-7 5 d r i B & Early
0 5 . 5 £ T JUS
Give your Mum the day off and treat her to a Roast Dinner this Mothering Sunday.
BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW!
01633 864 323 Castell-Y-Bwch, Hellys, Cwmbran
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qc
quintessential cuisine
A taste of affordable luxury Heart warming quality food, great friendly service and all set in beautiful Welsh countryside.What more could anyone want? WORDS Anne-Marie Smith PICTURES Nick Clarke WE have visited this beautiful hotel on several occasions in recent times, and we are always met with a warm welcome. On this occasion we were looking forward to seeing what was new on the menu since our last visit. My colleague Nick and I, were shown to the comfortable lounge area, which I love. It has an old world charm with cosy seating and beautiful open fires, surrounded by local works of art. The friendly waitress gave us a choice of menus, the Bar and the Al La Carte and gave advice on some of the dishes that we were interested in. She also volunteered a quick chat with the Head Chef Lee Modrate. Emerging from his kitchen Lee warmly welcomed us to the George Restaurant, and joyfully chatted to us about food, and the local produce he uses. He has been Head Chef for the past three years and has worked with the same team during this time. “It is quite unusual to find the same team together for such a long time, but we get on so well. We all pull together and discuss the menu and any problems we might have and respect each others views and opinions. We have quite a traditional menu and we change some of the dishes every 6 to 8 weeks. This gives our regular customers a variety and choice without changing all of the menu completely,” he said. The menu had a few all time classics on its starters list such as paté and prawn cocktail, it also had some surprising additions, including Welsh Muffin and Risotto. I was particularly intrigued by the Muffin starter which was a Welsh twist on eggs benedict, containing welsh cheese, and a poached egg – two of my favourite ingredients, and topped with a Hollandaise sauce. The Risotto caught my dining partner Nick’s attention, purely because he could not resist the lure of black pudding. We sat in the conservatory area. An impressive area with a mix of classic and contemporary decor, as expected very light and airy, with outstanding views of the garden and surrounding countryside. Our starters arrived promptly and thankfully piping hot (one of my bug bears is warm or worse still, cold food). The Welsh Muffin was just as tasty as sounded on the menu. The muffin was cut in half, with the Per Las Welsh cheese melted in the middle. I had a bad cold on the day in question, and my taste buds were not quite what they should be, but I certainly tasted the cheese and the flavour of the rest of the dish was outstanding. The bacon was cut into thin slices into the Hollandaise sauce and the egg was served atop the two muffins - absolutely delicious. The risotto was also a very tasty starter. The rich and flavoursome dish was served with locally cured bacon, spring onion and black pudding and drizzled
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quintessential cuisine
with seasoned olive oil. Two unique and heart-warming starters. On the Chef’s recommendation, I chose the Loin of Brecon Pork. This was served with a sage and onion stuffing and a medley of buttered vegetables with a choice of mashed, new or sautee potatoes. This impressive dish had two large pieces of pork surrounded by carrots, swede and courgettes and with a garden herb sauce. The meat was awesome. It was really very tender and succulent and tasted beautiful with the mash and vegetables and a very tasty sauce. I really enjoyed and savoured every last mouthful, particularly in the knowledge that the meat was sourced locally in nearby Brecon. Nick chose the Baked Seabass. This fish dish was served with buttered cabbage and fish dumplings accompanied by a smoked fish sauce and potatoes of your choice. The three good sized pieces of fish were served stacked atop each other and cooked to perfection. The addition of prawns this dish was perfect for any lover of aquatic cuisine. Both of us were totally satisfied by our first two courses, but could not resist one of the desserts. With choices that included Cheese Cake, Rice Pudding and Creme Brulee, we were left pondering. However, thankfully on the menu was Dessert Assiette. This trio of desserts took our dilemma away and we decided to share this final course. The Vanilla Creme Brulee, Fruit Sorbet and Fruit and Berry Cheesecake arrived elegantly displayed on a traditional Welsh Slate. Each dessert satisfied every single taste bud with the sorbet being the perfect light finish to what proved to be a very wonderful experience. The Créme Brulé was smooth and creamy with a crisp crust, and the cheesecake light with a beautiful crisp base. As it says on the menu, the Dessert Assiette ‘comprises a trio of small but far from measly portions of the Chef’s choice of desserts.’ How true this statement was and absolutely great for sharing. I have to say, a visit to this hotel and the George restaurant is an absolute must for business or pleasure. From the friendly staff, to the warm and welcoming atmosphere and of course the great food, the Ty Newydd is by far the best restaurant in the area. On top of this, they source all their food locally and all the meat and eggs are free range – an extra reason to visit! See our ‘Places to stay’ section on page 50 for further details.
FEBRUARY 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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FEB09 ADVERTS
5/2/09
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Shows not to be missed in Blaenau Gwent
Aynsley Lister Beaufort Theatre & Ballroom, Ebbw Vale Friday 3rd April at 8pm Tickets: £12.50, £10 Blues Club Members
Louisiana Red & Michael Messer The Met, Abertillery Thursday 23rd April at 8pm Tickets: £12.50, £10 Blues Club Members
Aynsley produces songs with a contemporary feel and sound, infusing influences from the 1960’s blues boom era with a more current melodic & lyrical approach. He is one of very few artists playing rocking blues with a modern edge – he plays with passion, vitality and simply stunning guitar work.
Louisiana Red is one of the last great bluesmen still performing, having learnt his craft from the fathers and grandfathers of the blues: Son House, Elmore James, Lightnin’ Hopkins, B B King and John Lee Hooker, to name just a few! His songs are often only a launch pad for expressing his immediate feelings and today Louisiana Red’s great versatility still shines.
The Hamsters play Jimmy Hendrix
Groundhogs & Stray
Beaufort Theatre & Ballroom, Ebbw Vale. Saturday 7th March 2009 at 8pm Tickets £12.50 Guitar, bass and drums trio The Hamsters have long been established as our premier blues-rock attraction, having performed 4,000 concerts in 21 years. Although, primarily playing their own brand of rootsy Rock, Blues and Americana, they’re also widely regarded as the UK’s leading interpreters of the music of Jimi Hendrix - and the Beaufort Theatre is hosting one of their rare shows of solely his music! “They’re fabulous: one of Britain’s very best live bands” - Bob Harris, Radio 2
Beaufort Theatre & Ballroom, Ebbw Vale. Friday 20th February at 8pm Tickets £13.50, £11 Blues Club Members Two “classic rock” names - one classic double headliner. Featuring two great guitar led bands the Groundhogs and Stray present tracks old and new from a catalogue that includes a number of top selling albums including Thank Christ For The Bomb, Split and Saturday Morning Pictures.
BOOK NOW! Call the Box Office on
01495 355800 www.blaenaugwentvenues.com
FEB09 ADVERTS
5/2/09
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theatre competition
WIN WIN WIN WIN Family ticket to see Mary Poppins at the WMC WE have teamed up with the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, to offer one of our lucky readers a chance to win a family ticket to see the popular Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins on March 17th 2009. To win just answer the following question. Q. Who played Mary Poppins in the Disney Movie adaptation? Please send your answer to Mary Poppins Competition, Out & Out Living magazine, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool. NP4 6EL. Closing Date: Friday March 6th 2009.
FEBRUARY 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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FEB09 FILMS, MUSIC & THEATRE
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interview Cameron Mackintosh
Master of the house Best known for bringing shows such as ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Miss Saigon’ to the West End and Broadway stages, Cameron Mackintosh brings Mary Poppins to the Wales Millennium Centre in March. Nick Clarke spoke to the master of the musical theatre. 30
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interview HE New york times call him, The most successful, influential and powerful producer of our time. Cameron Mackintosh is responsible for bringing Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Cats, Avenue Q, My Fair Lady and Phantom of the Opera, to name but a few, to both the West End and Broadway stages. The giant of musical theatre visits Wales in March bringing his production of the Pamela Travers classic tale ‘Mary Poppins’ to the Wales Millennium Centre stage. As a huge fan of Les Miserables, there were many questions I had to ask but, to begin with, I had to find out where his love for musical theatre started. “At the age of eight I was taken to a matinee of Julian Slade’s musical Salad Days. I was taken back stage, introduced to the actors and was shown how it all worked and from that day on I never wanted to be anything other than a producer of musicals”, said Cameron. “I started as a stagehand at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and later became an acting ASM on the national tour of Oliver! so by the age of twenty I started to realise my dream,” he added. His first productions were small scale tours but within a short time he had produced his first musical Anything Goes which opened out of town, transferred to the Saville Theatre in London’s West End and closed after a fortnight. Undeterred Cameron returned to his initial musical inspiration and revived Salad Days. During the 1970s he continued to produce numerous tours, notably Godspell which ran almost continuously for five years. One of his first successes was Trelawny in 1972 which he took from the Bristol Old Vic and transferred to both Sadler’s Wells and the Prince of Wales where it ran for a year. This was his first production with Julian Slade, who had inspired him as a boy. In 1973 he instigated his first original musical The Card with music by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, and a book by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The cast included Jim Dale, Millicent Martin and Joan Hickson and the show ran for six months at London's Queen’s Theatre. Cameron’s first international success came in 1976 with the musical revue Side by Side by Sondheim, celebrating the wit and lyrical genius of Stephen Sondheim, which moved from the Mermaid Theatre to Wyndham’s Theatre and subsequently transferred with the same cast to New York. This was followed by a hugely successful revival of the original production of Oliver! which spawned an innovative collaboration with the Arts Council of Great Britain and successful productions of two of the all time great musicals, My Fair Lady and Oklahoma! “My first real success, which basically paid for years of hard work and toil, was with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ in 1981. This was where I was, at last, able to pay off the debts of previous shows that weren’t so much of a success” he said. Following Cats, came Song and Dance, Little Shop of Horrors, Blondel and Abbacadabra before the next milestone production in 1985 of Les Misérables and Cameron’s brilliantly successful collaboration with the writing team of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. Whilst maintaining an ever expanding number of international productions of Cats and Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh joined Andrew Lloyd Webber again to produce The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London in 1986, and in 1987 he produced Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies at the Shaftesbury Theatre. From there on to present day Cameron has become the most influencial producer of our time, with hit after hit on both sides of the Atlantic. The show where he gained most notoriety was the stage adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel Les Miserables. “Alain Boubill, Claude-Michel Schonberg came to me with a tape of the music they had written for Les Misérables. It wasn’t until a few days later that I listened to the tape, but when I did I was totally blown away. I had to take this to the West End and of all the shows I have been involved with over the years it still remains my favourite, though it is hard to chose, when I’ve been involved in so many wonderful shows.” Ten years of global success, Les Misérables was celebrated with a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London, where many of the original stars were brought back by Cameron to perform, as well as 17 actors who had performed the lead character Jean Valjean, in 17 different countries from the UK to the USA and from Australia to Japan. “That concert was a special day for me, although very hard work and a few chewed fingernails, as we only actually had 14 hours to rehearse the show in the Albert Hall itself" said the musical maestro.“ The show was amazing and not one single thing went wrong from start to finish. There was a lot going on, the show was being aired live on radio as well as being the first to be filmed in high definition. To see the likes of Colm Wilkinson and Michael Ball perform in front of me once again, left the hairs standing on the back of my neck, it was a special and most memorable time”, he added. Next year sees the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables and I wondered if there were any special celebrations planned? “Yes, there most certainly is, I would like to work on a brand new production of the show and take that to theatres across the UK. I’ve worked on two
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different productions of My Fair Lady, and Miss Saigon is very different now from the original version, and the same goes for Mary Poppins which is currently on tour and enjoying a phenomenal success at theatres across the UK”. This brought me very neatly to asking Cameron about this version of Mary Poppins, which comes to the Millennium Centre next month. He first realised his long-standing ambition to produce a stage musical of Mary Poppins. The production, in collaboration with Disney, is based on the books by Pamela Travers and the hugely successful Disney film. It opened in London on 15 December 2004 and on Broadway on 16 November 2006 where it won two Drama Desk awards and one Tony® Award. An International Touring production opens in the UK in Spring 2008 and a second American Company opens in Chicago in Spring 2009, followed by productions in Amsterdam and Sydney. " I’ve been a great fan of the book by Pamela Travers as well as the Disney movie version, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, for many years. What intrigued me about the book was how it differed from the movie version, with more of an emphasis on the nanny, Miss Andrew, and her raising of Mr. Banks. The story shows the strict and un-effectionate nature of the children’s father, but this came from his upbringing by the nanny, which wasn’t seen so much in the Disney version. It is then the job of Mary Poppins to show what being a parent and guardian is about, resulting in the redemption of Mr Banks as he becomes closer to his children" said Cameron. “The production I bring to the stage includes a new score and changes to some of the songs, bringing a new and fresh approach to the musical, each song having a message within which echoes that of today’s society. It is a musical for grown ups as well as the children, and the secret of its success has been the fresh approach we have taken, as well as the fact that there are many additions which lovers of the film won’t recognise” he added. In recent years Cameron Mackintosh has been involved with TV and film in particular last years ‘I’d Do Anything’, the BBC’s search for a new lead and new Nancy for Oliver! At the end of this year, Cameron will be presenting a hugely spectacular revival production of Oliver! starring Rowan Atkinson at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. “We have found an amazing group of talent through the TV shows and they have been influencial in the rising numbers of those enjoying musical theatre" he said "It’s not just the lead roles we have found, but we have unearthed a great deal of talent and, although some of those did not win the lead, they have gone on to star in other roles and become a great success on the West End” added Cameron. So, what is next for the man who seems to acheived everything there is to acheive in music? “We are currently working on a new film adaptation of ‘My Fair Lady’. Emma Thompson is writing the script, so I’m very excited about this,” he said. When not at the theatre Cameron enjoys boating and walking his two dogs on his country estate, as well as having a fondness for good malt whisky. Aside from musical theatre this was another thing Cameron and I have in common, in particular our joint favourite malt whisky happens to be an 18 year old Macallan single Malt. He owns seven theatres in London’s West End, the Queen’s, Gielgud, Prince of Wales, Novello, Prince Edward, Noël Coward and Wyndham’s, all of which - except the Queen’s - have undergone spectacular refurbishment. A remarkable man and a remarkable life, Cameron Mackintosh is thrilled to be what he has always wanted to be, a Producer of musicals. For a night to remember, step in time and witness the wonder of Mary Poppins for yourself at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. For tickets call the box office on 08700 40 2000 or visit www.wmc.org.uk FEBRUARY 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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25 years at the Hall Built in 1982, St David's Hall in Cardiff is a unique, odd-shaped brutalist building that stands at the very heart of Cardiff's retail and entertainment centre with the reputation as one of the premier concert and conference venues in the world. WORDS Anne-Marie Smith
NE of Wales’ best loved theatres, the St David’s Hall, on the Hayes in Cardiff, first opened its doors to the public in 1982 and, on its first day, attracted 21,000 people. Since this date, the Hall has welcomed over 10 million people who have attended and enjoyed events at the National Concert Hall of Wales. The Hall proved to be a tricky and remarkable building with the Architects Seymour Harris Partnership having the uneviable task of fitting a major 2000 seat, acoustically perfect auditorium, with surrounding dressing rooms, bars, foyers, a restaurant, offices and spacious concourse into a cramped city centre space. They had to use every inch of space available which is why the building has a bit of an odd shape. In 1983, the Hall, as it is affectionately known, was officially opened by the Queen Mother who was quoted as saying , ‘This exciting development will add greatly to the quality of life for the city of Cardiff and the people of the Principality.’ Since then it has played host to the massively successful Welsh Proms Cardiff, and the world famous biennial Cardiff Singer of the World competition. St David's Hall is also famous for being the largest performing arts venue in the whole of Wales. As well as classical music St David's Hall also plays host to jazz, soul, pop, rock, dance, children's theatre, ballet, musicals and stand-up comedy. With the largest seating capacity of all the theatre venues in Cardiff it regularly attracts some of the biggest stars. The concert platform has been graced by the world's finest artists including the great conductors Carlo Maria Giulini and Simon Rattle and World Renowned Conductor, Valerie Gergeiev who commented on his last visit to St David’s Hall in 2006 -‘With great joy we are back in this great hall and great city. St David’s Hall has some of the finest acoustics in the world.’ International orchestras including Cleveland Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra have also graced the stage at St David's Hall and, In 25 years there have been over 1500 orchestral concerts at The Hall – which means that a staggering 39,000 violinists have taken to the stage in total. Stars of the stage have included Rudolph Nureyev, Will Young, Bob Hope, Billy Connolly and Tina Turner; together with world famous singers such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and our own Bryn Terfel, Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins and Shirley Bassey. All time Welsh greats such as Bryn Terfel and Katherine Jenkins have fond memories of their performances at the hall. The venue welcomes not only adults to enjoy the shows, but children as well with over 125,000 attending one of their Just Kidding events. Students from all of Cardiff’s leading educational establishments have graduated at St David’s Hall. The numbers have grown dramatically since 300 University College Cardiff students graduated at St David’s Hall in 1983. 2007 saw nearly 10,000 students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff University, UWIC and the Open University graduations at Wales’s National Concert Hall. Wales’s finest Orchestras regularly perform at St David’s Hall including the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and of course the resident BBC National Orchestra of Wales. If that wasn't enough, St David’s Hall has one of the largest pipe organs in the UK. With 3986 pipes this enormous musical instrument is
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one of the most remarkable features of this unique concert hall. This monumental instrument produces the most incredible sound and will receive a rare outing in the forthcoming Lloyds TSB Welsh Proms Cardiff season from renowned organist Thomas Trotter. As well as the organ, St David’sHall has 8 Grand Pianos and each pianist tries each piano before deciding on their favourite before a performance. St David’s Hall has attracted some of the biggest names in world entertainment and in the early years completed a massive coup in
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securing an audience with the great adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes (the first man to cross the Antarctic ON foot). But, at the very last minute, Sir Ranulph had to cancel his performance as he couldn’t get to the Hall due to bad weather. St David's Hall is a wonderful venue and boasts some fabulous events and concerts to suit all ages and interests. Make a visit to the Hall during 2009 and check out their programme for the year - there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
What the stars say!
“Some of my fondest memories are performances at St David’s Hall, the fondest undoubtedly being the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition which was such an important point in my young career. A perfect Hall for audience and performers alike, it’s capabilities boundless from chamber through to solo performances of song to grand performances of oratorio and opera “ Bryn Terfel "I have so many fond memories of St David's Hall! My first ever tour with Aled Jones, my own headline tours, the festival of remembrance, and of course I received my honary fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama there. Happy Birthday St David's and here's to the next 25 years!" Katherine Jenkins 'I love St David's Hall. One of my first gigs was there in-front of a couple of hundred
people in the foyer and the audiences were really great. I've been back a couple of times since to play in the main Hall and Welsh audiences are so much fun to play to. St David's Hall is one of my favourite venues and the staff are really professional and friendly so I'm looking forward to coming back there one day soon.' Jamie Cullum ‘What an amazing place to sing! Can I take it home please? The only thing that’s better than the wonderful acoustic and the extraordinary warmth of the audience is the kindness and helpfulness of the theatre staff’ Lesley Garrett "I started my professional career there - it's my favourite hall and the only hall in Cardiff! Few people know that I'm the
unofficial St David's Hall yo-yo champion, as I was given one by the St David's crew on my debut aged 12 and presented with another one during Cardiff Singer of the World last year, some 25 years later!!". Aled Jones ‘Happy Birthday St David’s Hall. Such a lovely venue’ Joan Collins ‘A wonderful Hall’ Howard Keel 1993 ‘What a great pleasure to be at St David’s Hall again’ Willard White, 2006 ‘The sign said that the show ends at 22.00 but it actually ended at 22.35. I blame the people of Cardiff… lovely show’ Dara O’Briain, 2006 FEBRUARY 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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Welsh favourite on tour
Kippling’s classic THE Jungle Book is Rudyard Kipling’s classic story about Mowgli, a young boy who is raised in the jungle by a family of wolves. When Shere Khan the tiger swears to kill the child, Baloo and Bagheera agree to take the boy to the man village for his safety. But the jungle holds dangers and surprises for them all – and Mowgli’s extraordinary adventure has just begun! From Birmingham Stage Company, acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories, The Jungle Book is back in the New Theatre in Cardiff on Tuesday 17th - Saturday 21st February, following its successful West End run. Don’t miss this production of Kipling’s magnificent adventure for all the family though it is suggested that the show is for over 6 years of age. For tickets call the box office on 029 2087 8889 or visit www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
GOOD MORNING MRS. EVANS! Is Rhod Gilbert's clarion call to avid listeners of his Saturday morning radio show , which is never missed by true fans of this hilarious comedian. Hailing from Carmarthan, the gravel voiced Rhod lives in Cardiff with three friends one of whom is Chris 'Corky' Corcoran a fellow comedy performer who joins him on his radio shows. The humour bouncing between Rhod and Corky on his Saturday morning show when relating stories involving their housemate problems, such as Corky's untidiness in the bathroom, are not to be missed. His show at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe festival was called 'Knocking on Heaven's door' where he questioned whether he was worthy of entry through the hallowed gates, and the well known stories of his childhood in the fictional Llanbobl were revisited in 'Who's eaten Gilbert's Grape' in 2007. Rhod was the run-away star of last December's Royal Variety show wowing HRH the Prince of Wales and the rest of us who watched his outstanding performance. This award-winning performer has won many accolades for his stand up comedy shows along with nominations for the Perrier Best Newcomer and if. comeddies awards. A new series of Jest a Minute was recorded in Cardiff's Glee Club in 2008 when Rhod was joined by team captains Lloyd Langford and Chris Corcoran.
The man known by his 'Welsh Misery' misnomer, is once again accompanied by 'The award-winning Mince Pie' in this year's Welsh theatre shows in Swansea Grand, Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale . the Coliseum in Aberdare, and the Wales Millennium Centre. In 2008 Rhod was a 'Chortle Best Headliner' nominee, and has recently became the Official Voice of Wales for Tourism, where he is involved with the Welsh Tourist Board advertisements. This 40 going on 17 year old comedian, as is the case with most of our great funny men, doesn't have to try to be funny, he just is!
Valentine’s at the Hall
Still Drifting along
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IN celebration of the release of the first official new album in 30 years, The Drifters are back on tour in the UK with an exciting new show. As one of the biggest selling bands of all time, The Drifters have collated a huge catalogue of over 50 hits, selling in excess of 214 million singles and 114 million albums across the world. Since their creation, the line up of The Drifters has undergone many changes with more than 55 different singers, including icons such as Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King, Charlie Thomas, Rudy Lewis and Johnny Moore. Tonight's energetic show features the only legitimate Drifters line up in the world, performing timeless classics such as 'Saturday Night at the Movies,' 'Under The Boardwalk,' 'Come On Over To My Place' and 'Kissing In The Back Row of the Movies' as well as a whole host of new material from the stunning new album entitled 'Five Decades and Moore.' The Drifters are at the Swansea Grand Theatre on Thursday 19th February. For tickets call 01792 475 715. OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
A CONCERT of romantic favourites to put you in the mood for St Valentine's Day! Weber's magical Oberon Overture, based on Shakespeare's romantic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream opens the programme, and is followed by one of the most popular concertos ever written, Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, with its haunting and unforgettable slow movement. Tonight's soloist, one of the UK's leading guitarists, Bridget Mermikides, was chosen as the guitar tutor in the 2007 BBC1 documentary 'Play it Again' when she was filmed teaching the electric guitar to Bill Oddie. As a classical guitarist, Bridget performs internationally both as a soloist and an ensemble player. In recent years she has given performances with such artists as John Williams and Paco Pena. Bridget is the classical guitar tutor for Guitar Techniques Magazine and her highly acclaimed lessons and recordings have inspired a worldwide readership. Tchaikovsky's wonderful Symphony No 5, one of the composer's most richly romantic and popular works completes the programme. For tickets call the box office on 029 2087 8444 or visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
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FEB09 FILMS, MUSIC & THEATRE
at the movies
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Edited by Jason Roberts
movie of the month THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (12A, 246MINS)
RELEASED: FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY RATING
****
BRAD PITT, CATE BLANCHETT, TARAJI P. HENSON, TILDA SWINTON
DIRECTOR of ‘Fightclub’ and ‘Seven’, David Fincher’s use of Brad Pitt continues in the epic THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON and is most certainly the director’s most emotional film to date. Based loosely on an F. Scott Fitzgerald story, this romantic drama tells the tale of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), born in 1918 in New Orleans as a baby with wrinkles, cataracts, and arthritis. Benjamin will age backwards, getting younger as he watches those around him growing older. Included in that group are his adoptive mother, Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), and Daisy (Cate Blanchett), the love of his life whom he meets when she is just a little girl and he is an old man. They age in reverse, but despite Benjamin's globe-trotting adventures, their lives repeatedly intersect. The script from Oscar winner Eric Roth bears more than a few hallmarks in common with his earlier work on ‘Forrest Gump’; both adaptations cross decades and continents. But the script for this movie or even the fine acting aren't its most impressive accomplishment; the technology - both CGI and makeup - used to make Benjamin and Daisy age are amazing, bringing the film to life and making it totally believable. Fine performances from both Pitt and Blanchett aid the special effects rounding the film superbly - though Pitt once again uses his ‘feel sorry for me’ acting skills like seen in ‘Meet Joe Black’. This movie is a triumph of technology and underscores the love story at the heart of this beautiful film.
PINK PANTHER 2 (12A, 133MINS)
FRIDAY 13TH FEBRUARY RATING **
STEVE MARTIN STEVE Martin reinvents the character of Inspector Clouseau, the hapless, bungling detective with the overwrought French accent and metaphorically huge head. With his black beret and Pepe LaPew moustache, the policeman is called on to solve a high-profile crime, making a series of hilariously clumsy missteps along the way. The story centers on a familiar murder-heist narrative. A famous soccer coach meets an untimely death by homicide (via poisoned dart), leaving behind
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Xania, his beautiful and famous fiancé (pop star Beyonce Knowles), who is devastated. Not only has Xania lost her intended, but she also finds that her engagement ring - the fabled “pink panther” diamond - is missing. Inspector Closeau’s boss, Inspector Dreyfus (a topnotch Kevin Kline), decides to give the case to his incompetent inferior, scheming to take over the case at just the right moment in order to win the coveted Medal of Honor. With his reverent sidekick Ponton (Jean Reno) and adoring secretary Nicole (Emily Mortimer), Clouseau tackles the case as only he can, destroying evidence, fumbling names and pronunciations, insulting victims. This film is OK but much of the slapstick humour has been seen and done many a time now. One to wait for on DVD perhaps.
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at the movies
Also released this month Friday 6 February 2009 Bolt (3D) The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (12a) Doubt (12) The Good, The Bad, The Weird, He's Just Not That Into You (12A) Punisher War Zone (18) The Secret Of Moonacre (U) Vicky Cristina Barcelona (12A) Who Killed Nancy?(12A) Friday 13 February 2009 Friday The 13th (18) Hotel For Dogs (U) Moscow, Belgium (15) Notorious (15) Pink Panther 2 (PG) Three Monkeys (15) Friday 20 February 2009 20th Century Boys (15) Anvil! The Story Of Anvil (12A) Cadillac Records (15) Che: Part Two (15) Confessions Of A Shopaholic Franklin (15) Gran Torino (15) Push (15) Friday 27 February 2009 Brothers (12A) The Class (15) Dance Flick (12A) Fermat's Room (12) Gun Crazy (PG) (R/I) Hamlet 2 (15) The International (15) New In Town (12A) The Unborn (15)
BOLT (U, 136MINS)
FRIDAY 6TH FEBRUARY RATING ****
JOHN TRAVOLTA, MILEY CYRUS FOR super-dog Bolt (voice of JOHN TRAVOLTA), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue, at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet, a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of MILEY CYRUS). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions, a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of SUSIE ESSMAN) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of MARK WALTON) Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.
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Largest family entertainment centre in the valleys!!!
FEB09 ADVERTS
10/2/09
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Easter fun at Wildthingz
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Tel: 01495 211187 Wild Thingz, UNIT 7, Glandwr Industrial Estate, Aberbeeg. NP13 2XE
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NOW OPEN IN CWMBRAN!!! Children’s Soft Play Centre
Cheeky Monkeys is situated in a newly renovated 9000 sq ft building in Fairwater. We offer plenty of free parking on site and are situated on a main bus route from Town Centre. Parents can be sure that their children can play freely and securely, with security gates and CCTV in operation. We provide bright, clean and spacious areas with leather sofas for your comfort! We offer a large food and drinks menu, with healthy homemade options at reasonable prices. The soft play equipment has been installed by a specialist company and conforms to BS 8409:2002 standards.
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FEB09 HOMES&GARDEN
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in the garden
Get pruning! PRUNING of apple trees, like Wisteria and rose bushes should be done when they are dormant, this is between autumn and spring, it’s an ideal time tackle this once Christmas is over and most often during January, on a decent day weatherwise. With two small two year old apple trees in my garden, I know that pruning them properly while they're young sets the shape of the tree for the rest of its life, so this year it is so important. To make certain that I have fruit this year I have pruned the branches by one third and any that are trying to cross another should be cut right down. The idea is to make a kind of cup shape out of the branches, and the cuts should be made just above an out-facing bud. A three year old tree should be pruned in a similar way but the pruned growth from the previous year should not be cut further, then this will form the eventual basic shape of your tree. I know it's a temptation to leave caring for the garden T’S been a long time now since the Christmas until the weather perks up, decorations have to come down. but get out there and cut If you are anything like me you wont be sorry, your rose bushes right down, especially if the needles from the Christmas Tree are and you'll have gorgeous still embedded in the carpet. Sometimes, if the tree blooms this summer. has a good root on it, it can be planted out in As for my fabulous the garden, and hopefully flourish for Wisteria, well I'm in a many years. Alternatively, it can quandary as I've be shredded, and added to been trailing it the compost heap. along the back The trees outside are garden wall, looking particularly lovely r u o s in y and along the now covered in frost, but wn in tub e o r g s e fencing down p a b t Gr o the birds are not too n hould the side of my garden, s beginning of happy with the situation. garden, but ntil the They find it difficult to find e pruned u unless you do erwise th th o enough food, as it is so r, e b m this carefully you Dece could do with a bit of help. bleed. get an untidy mess, vines will Outside our window we have a so despite the beauty bird station where we put all our of the flowers (mine is lilac scraps from the table. It’s amazing the coloured) and the fantastic different varieties that stop off for a snack. My scent, I'm going to try to husband has added a platform so that the bigger keep it neater this year. birds like the thrush and blackbird (who can’t hover
A frosty start to the year
The frosted grass and frozen branches on the trees might look pretty to us but think about the little ones who need their food!
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WORDS Ruby Morgan PICTURE Nick Clarke like the tits and robins) will get their fair share. Last year, after the Christmas meal, my son-in-law (who like all good cooks is a bit heavy handed with the lard) was about to throw away the surplus when we had the idea of smearing fir cones with it and hanging it out. It was a big success. Of course treats of suet can also be bought in the shops, which have nuts, and wild fruit in them or you can scrunch up fat balls again for the bigger birds that feed off the ground. The spring bulbs are beginning to show now, but a word of warning. We have found in the past some terracotta pots supposedly frost resistant have turned out not to be. So it isn’t always wise to go for the cheaper option. The ground outside is frozen now, and it would be impossible to get a fork into it, but the soil in the greenhouse will benefit from being renewed and having some manure dug in in readiness for when spring arrives. As I am typing this snow is starting to fall, so we will have to put spring on hold for a few months yet. Then all we can do is sit back and enjoy the winter wonderland
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in the home
Comfort and warmth under foot L AST month we took a look at de-cluttering your home concentrating on cleaning and clearing certain rooms every couple of weeks. If you have managed to de-clutter and have bought a few key items of furniture, maybe now it is time to take a look at your flooring. Maybe, you have wood, laminate, tile or for a warmer feel a good old fashioned carpet. You cannot beat carpet for making a room look cosy and adding warmth and comfort. However, if you have children or pets, sometimes having a carpet can be a nightmare. It might be worth investing in a carpet cleaner or hiring an industrial cleaner every couple of months to help eradicate stains and freshen your room. If you are considering investing in a new carpet you will find that many carpet shops have sales this time of year including S&S Carpets in Pontypool. S&S Carpets have been serving the community over the years with their quality and choice of products and superior service being second to none. Also, at this time of year they have many carpets in the sale some of which have been cut drastically in price, so now is the time to pay them a visit. However, if your pocket cannot quite stretch to renewing a whole room, why not invest in a good rug? Again, you could probably pick up a really good one in the sale. The style, choice and colour of a new rug can completely transform your room at a fraction of the cost of investing in a new carpet. Also, if you opt for a really large
one, it can cover any nasty marks that you may have on your carpet until you have the money to invest in a new one. S&S Carpets have just taken delivery of new rugs this month – all with modern designs and starting at just £40, their prices won’t break the bank.
HURRY! SPECIAL OFFERS WHILE STOCK LASTS SALE NOW ON!!! b b b 1 ROLL SAXONY BLACK FELT BACK £9.86 per Sq Metre LUXURY Heavy Domestic Saxony WAS £21.19 per Sq Metre NOW £12.55 per Sq Metre - 3 colours available.
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“BE CARPET WISE, WE SPECIALISE” FEBRUARY 2009
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FEB09 NPBLOOM
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special Fourteen Locks Circular Walk feature
A walk along the canalbank Until the 18th century most heavy goods were transported throughout the country by river, but by then, the rivers could not keep up with the demands of the burgeoning Industrial Revolution. It was time for a change, and canals provided that change. Fourteen Locks Visitor Centre, based in Rogerstone, Newport, is the perfect place to start and end your journey, where you can learn about our industrial past. THE “Mon and Brec” was originally two independent canals. The Monmouthshire canal from Newport to Pontnewynydd and the Crumlin Arm from Newport to Crumlin and the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal running from Pontymoile to Brecon. The Brecknock and Abergavenny route and a small section of the Monmouthshire route have been reopened since 1970. Much of the rest of the original Monmouthshire Canal is the subject of a restoration plan, which includes the construction of a new marina at the Newport end of the canal The Act for the Brecknock and Abergavenny canal was first passed in 1793 to link Brecon to the River Usk. The canal was opened to Talybont-On-Usk in late 1799 and through to Brecon in December 1800. The section to Govilon near Abergavenny was completed in 1805 and, in 1812 the connection to Pontymoile was finally completed. The Act for the Monmouthshire canal was passed in 1792 with tramroads being an important part of the system. However, the coming of the railways in the mid 1800’s took much of the traffic away from the canals. In recent years however there has been resurgence in the use and restoration of canals purely for pleasurable purposes. From Brecon, the Brecon and Abergavenny canal runs through Talybont-on-Usk, Llangyniddr, Llangattock, Gilwern, Govilon and Llanfoist before reaching Goytre Wharf and on to Pontymoil. This section is largely located within the Brecon Beacons National Park and stretches for 33 miles. To date, the towing path is complete from Pontymoile South. There are several breaks along the route caused by modern
Fourteen Locks visitor Centre
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OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
developments, but the route itself is easy to follow and takes in both town and rural scenery. The junction of the main line and the Crumlin Arm is at Malpas with the canal today continuing to Barrack Hill Tunnel. The Crumlin Arm runs parallel with the motorway before going under the motorway at the bottom of Fourteen Locks. Fourteen Locks lifts the canal 168 feet in half a mile. At the top of the flight is the Fourteen Locks Visitor Centre. Beyond the Fourteen Locks the towing path continues for approximately five miles to Cwmcarn with only two small breaks where the canal now ends. Today, the canal is popular with holiday-makers, as it is largely located within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its isolation from any other waterways has enabled the canal to support a number of boat hire companies. Much of the canal towpath is easily walkable along the entire route. The Taff Trail cycle route follows the canal for a few miles from Brecon, but the path after that is not suitable for cyclists. The Taff Trail is a 55-mile route along disused railways, country lanes and canal towpaths. The trail starts at Cardiff, then heads inland to Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil, Cefn Coed and Brecon. The canal is one of the most beautiful in the country and attracts walkers, cyclists, anglers and boating enthusiasts from far afield. On your journey look out for local wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot an otter or water vole or the more common mallards and moorhens. The Canals Trust has taken over the lease of the Canal Centre at Fourteen Locks. When the centre was built in the ‘70’s its original concept was as a canal museum at the top of the Fourteen Locks but it
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The Three Pandas
Fourteen Locks Circular Walk
never became a major success even though the Cefn Flight (its original name) is the most unique in the country. Over the winter period of 2007/8 the centre was re-built adding a meeting room and a wonderful tea room. The Dadford tea room was named in honour of the engineer who designed the flight over two hundred years ago. Here you can learn about the history of the canal before experiencing the route for yourself. The tea room is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. There is also a conference room on site for business use. For further information call 01633 892167 or visit www.fourteenlocks.co.uk
FOURTEEN LOCKS CIRCULAR WALK FOR all those keen walkers and cyclists or for those who just enjoy a stroll, Newport Countryside Team has developed a number of walks that will take in the local environment and wildlife as well as the diverse countryside landscape of Newport. The Fourteen Locks Circular routes is one of ten new walks that have been developed and will be accessible from March when all
special feature
improvement work will be completed and route maps available. The improvement works will include replacement of stiles with easy access gates, and improved signage and waymarking along the route. This particular 5km walk starts at the Fourteen Locks Visitor Centre where you will find ample parking. The route follows a mixture of surfaced towpath, rural footpaths and short sections on country lanes. If you are interested in this walk or one of the other nine routes, contact the Countryside Team for further details (please note, this route is still under its development programme and you are advised to contact the team for further details on final completion date and to receive a map). Tel: 01633 656656 or email countryside@newport.gov.uk or visit www.newport.gov.uk FEBRUARY 2009
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FEB HEALTH & BEAUTY
4/2/09
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fitness
Fitness tips to help you get fighting fit Welcome! I AM pleased to inform all Out & Out Living readers that I will be writing a monthly column, to help you get fit and to give you an insight into my heavy training regime. For those of you who have not heard of me, let me introduce myself, my name is Jamie Arthur I am the current Welsh Super Featherweight Boxing Champion, and 2002 Commonwealth games gold medallist. At present I am in the process of a heavy training month in preparation for my next fight at Rhydycar Leisure Centre in Merthyr Tydfil, Luckily, I am feeling fit and strong and looking forward to a knock out night on Calzaghe’s first promotional fight night “First Blood”. I’d like to start my first column by thanking a few people, I’ve been extremely lucky this year and would like to give a huge thank you to two of Gwent’s top businesses; Martin Reader of ‘Readers Ventilation’ and Mark Fisher of ‘Diamond Fabrication’ for believing in my ability and offering to sponsor me. This allowed me to focus my full potential on the sport I love. Also I’d like to thank Out & Out Living for the opportunity to write this monthly column. I look forward to showing you all what it’s like being ‘Jamie Arthur’ and hopefully giving you all the passion and want to get fit and healthy in 2009.
TO begin with I would like to take you through some basic exercises that will work on strength and conditioning as well as cardiovascular endurance. This regular feature will concentrate on different training routines and body parts throughout the months. All tips in this column will be based on the training programmes within my boxing sessions to help lose weight and get fighting fit. Men and women now recognise the benefits of training in the pugalistic art, but please seek advice from your doctor before starting any training or exercise programme. Last but not least please enjoy and good luck. MONTH 1 As with any exercise routine please make sure you warm up thoroughly before you start the session. Once warmed up, we are going to work on a session
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which is an overall body work out. These are called ‘ton ups’, they consist of 10 x 10 exercises. Please feel free to adjust the amount of reps that you do in each session to suit your fitness needs, but remember that the more you do the better results you will get in the long run.
TEL: 01495 772805 OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
After you have repeated the sets 3 times it is now time to cool down and stretch; it is a good idea to work from your head to your toes when stretching, and hold each stretch for between 30 and 45 seconds. Repeat the above exercises 3 times altogether, remember that, if needed, you can lower the amount of exercises in each set but push yourself as hard as possible in each. Between each set start off with a 3 minute rest period then to increase the intensity over time lower the resting period, increase the rep amount or sets. A good tip is to time each set and try and decrease the time it takes you to do each one; this will give you a goal to aim towards and make each session that little more target led. Now I have taken you through your first set regime, next month I will take you through each of the above exercises and how to perform them comfortably. See you then.
Jamie x
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beauty
Well... have you started your Go green! New Year resolutions yet? SO girls, what are your New Year resolutions for 2009? To join a gym? lose weight? eat healthier? or, bag that man of your dreams? Whatever you have chosen why don't you start by improving your skin care routine and indulging yourself in a little beauty therapy - all of which could go a long way in improving your self-esteem and general well-being. Start by making sure you wash and moisturise your face every night--no matter what!--before you go to bed. Do not arrive home from a night on the tiles and crash into bed without removing your make-up.! While you sleep, not only does your body rejuvenate itself, so does your skin. Allow it to rest in a pristine state and it will look young and fresh for years to come. Next, make sure you clean your makeup brushes. Start to clean them at least every couple of days and see how much better your skin and makeup will look also this should help to avoid that spotty outbreak. If like most women you have stuck to the same shade, and make of make-up for the past few years, then now is the time to make a change. Why not book an appointment at your local beauty salon or pop into your local department store and get them to give you a make-over. This way they will find the exact shades and colours to compliment your skin type and help you to escape your make-up rut with confidence. When was the last time you looked through your make-up bag and drawer and threw away make-up
I AM a huge and firm believer in the benefits of drinking green tea. I personally drink about two cups a day and although at first it tastes like you are you no longer use? Now is the time to clean up the drinking sewage water, you do clutter and streamline your make-up bag. Throw become accustomed to the taste away all the items you havn't used for a while and (honest). I have found that invest in new where necessary. People keep products buying green tea with cranberry for far too long, for example, you should change your or lemon helps to make the mascara at least every six months. taste more palatable and One very simple and easy way of keeping your skin although the weight loss is slow, in pristine condition is by drinking plenty of water. it stays off especially if you also However, don't set yourself unrealistic goals of at least follow a relatively healthy eating 2 litres per day, but maybe aim to achieve this within plan. a couple of months. If you only drink one or two Green Tea is reputed to be glasses at the moment, try to increase this amount helpful in not only aiding weight steadily week on week and see the positive results in loss but also in helping to fight your glowing skin and increased energy diseases such as: levels. • cancer Finally ladies, why not • rheumatoid arthritis treat yourself to a spa • high cholesterol levels day? Christmas can be • cardiovascular exhausting from disease p e e k buying the presents, F and P S r • infection u o y rget visiting relatives and • impaired immune 1. Don't fo t of the sun. cooking endless ou ter function. a w f o ty amounts of food for len So, make green tea 2. Drink p skincare routine. loved ones so you od o part of your daily g a in . t e s rcis really do deserve it. 3. Inve routine, add to your ll and exe Book yourself in to 4. Eat we oking!!!!!! weekly shopping list m one of your local salons 5. Stop s and reap the benefits.
? s p i t top
that offer spa and relaxation treatments and just relax!
Anne-Marie Smith FEBRUARY 2009
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FEB09 HOVIP
10/2/09
business
10:34
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In association with
INNOVATION drives success A unique opportunity to become more profitable
Attacking the recession - YES we can! Working together across sectors – could this be one way for your business or community to weather the economic storm? Here’s one of the many practical ways that the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme is helping businesses attack the recession. ACCORDING to a recent report from NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), to be presented to the Prime Minister prior to the budget, the ability to share and mobilise resources through networks – in business and in our communities – is one of the key ways to respond to the recession. That same theme is echoed by President Obama as he faces some of the toughest challenges in recent times, “Don’t underestimate the power for people to pull together and to accomplish amazing things.” Businesses and communities in the Heads of the Valleys facing similar economic challenges are proving that collaboration, sharing and networks are not just important but are vital to help them survive and thrive. “HOVIP, the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme, is very aware how tough things are,” said Phil Burkhard, HOVIP Manager. “We continue to adapt our services to the changing economic conditions.” One of HOVIP’s recent initiatives is a ground-breaking networking club exclusively for those who have entered the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards. Phil Burkhard explains, “Business Award ceremonies can come and go. The focus is often just on the winners and the other entrants are forgotten. The Turning Heads Club includes everyone who has entered the Awards, providing them with creative opportunities to network, informing them of relevant support services and enabling them to appreciate, support and benefit from the wider Heads of the Valleys Regeneration initiative.” “Over 50 businesses are already members – from sole traders through to businesses with more than 200 employees, as well as social enterprises. Although it is still early days – we’ve had just two events so far - there are some really encouraging results.” The Blaenavon Cheddar Company is further raising their profile by providing a case study at the Customer Connections Wales Conference in April hosted by UGCS. Rhymney Brewery is supplying product to Kidz R Us in Tredegar for their new bar and is also investigating the development of a new
Mike Regan building a successful future
Cig Mynydd Cymru (Welsh Mountain Meat) – a popular taster at the Turning Heads Club organised by HOVIP at the Cwmaman Institute.
product following a lead from another Turning Heads Club member. Five businesses, including a social enterprise, have formed a security cluster to pursue a joint marketing campaign and potential opportunities for combined tenders, and Regan Construction has agreed with JobMatch – Merthyr to take on a new apprentice, following the JobMatch presentation at the first Turning Heads Club event. “The events have been held at the former Park Place Chapel, Tredegar, and the former Cwmaman Miners Institute which have both been amazingly transformed to provide benefits for the local community,” explains Phil Burkhard. “Both entered the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards in the ‘most innovative social enterprise’ category, sponsored by NESTA, and demonstrate how the Valleys can use its past to fuel the future.” “The 2009 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards and Business Exhibition takes place on 25 June at the Engine House, Dowlais. We urge businesses and social enterprises, in the region, to enter and / or exhibit. Visit www.hovip.org.uk for more details, as well as current information about the range of services offered by HOVIP.”
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 46
OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
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In Association with www.webnetmarketing.co.uk
spinning the web
What we can expect on-line in 2009? Looking forward and forecasting what’s likely to happen in a sector that’s still growing faster than any other is always a risk but we’re going to stick our neck out and suggest the following areas to look out for. WORDS Andy Harcombe
Yet more etail
More mobility
The continued growth in on-line shopping at the expense of traditional retail is a trend that is expected to continue well beyond 2009 and the credit crunch is likely to further accelerate this trend as consumers shop around for bargains. If you're a business owner, you should take advantage of this by making sure that your products are available on-line through a well designed and managed website. The Internet is very often a buyers first point of research and businesses are now expected to have an on-line presence. If you have a website, great, just make sure that potential new customers can easily find you. If you don't have one, you'll be losing out on the inevitable continued growth. If you're a consumer, shopping on-line has never been easier or better. Shopping around for bargains is easy, quick and safe - just make sure you keep to safe sites and follow safe shopping guidelines.
Data transfer was the largest growth area for mobile 'phone operators in 2008 and that came from more people using mobile devices to gain access to the internet and email. Apple are now the world's third largest mobile phone manufacturer (by sales) and Google believe that revenue from mobile media advertising will reach $1.8bn by 2012. These changes in the way that we access and use the Internet have become possible thanks to high-speed data services like 3G and always on, always present devices like the iPhone and Blackberry. Small screens make complex surfing awkward but new applications are being launched daily that change the way that we access the Internet and email. Next time your near a mobile 'phone shop, pop in for a demonstration of the newest devices and imagine the future as portrayed by the Star Trek communicators.
More fun More interaction The World is becoming smaller and more accessible every day and it's not uncommon for us to have a network of friends spanning the globe. Social media sites make it very easy and enjoyable to keep in touch with friends wherever they may be. If you've not experimented with these sites, we suggest you have a go. The main sites make it easy to open an account and are free so you have nothing to lose by trying them out.
Spams, scams and viruses On-line accessibility inevitably brings with it the crooks that seek to cream off a percentage of sales, hack into your computer and steal personal information or seek to take control of your computer with bad intentions. As more and more people use the Internet for personal tasks like shopping and banking, the greater the risk to consumers and the greater the prize to the hackers. Hackers will not go away so you need to take care, be alert, keep anti-virus and spyware up-to-date and never open suspicious looking emails from people you've never heard of.
Widespread, relatively cheap, broadband access has allowed gaming manufacturers to develop applications that allow multi-player games to take place all over the world. Sony and Microsoft are slugging it out at the hardware level with their Playstation and X-box products and you can now play against another player in Japan as easily as someone sitting next to you. But it's not just gaming applications that benefit from this technology; we've had music downloads for years and the service is now extending to video-on demand services so that we can watch any film we want, when we want to watch it. For a glimpse of how this can work, take a look at bbc.co.uk/iplayer. It's currently only available for programs that have been televised during the past 7 days, but it's only a relatively small step to cover any program that's ever been broadcast, or any film. The applications for the Internet really are only limited to developers imagination and budget. For us consumers, it offers a virtually unlimited list of activities that are, on the whole, free and safe to use. It's never been a better time to surf the 'Net and to try out new services. For 2009, go and have a play! FEBRUARY 2009 OUT & OUT LIVING
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FEB09 ADVERTS
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FEB 09 OPINION
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opinion
Final word
by Meme Morgan
TODD CARTY ON ICE! TO be fair, with all the long faces around this month (mine included), it makes a nice change to come across something to smile at - let alone laugh at. With Saturday nights on television being a huge disappointment, I only have Sundays to look forward to, with Dancing On Ice being high on my list of programs not to miss. This year's contestants have been great in their own unique ways from the outstanding to the beautiful to the graceful and not so graceful. Yes, Todd Carty is unmissable with his bambi on ice antics and his clumsy moves. I absolutely adore him and love his commitment to the show even though he is possibly the worst ice skater I have ever seen! To say I laughed at his performance a few Saturdays ago would be an understatement. The tears were rolling down my cheeks and my stomach ached for minutes after. Dancing with his partner to 'Help' by the Beatles, Todd, God bless him, certainly looked like he needed a great big dose of 'help.' He struggled through his routine before making a grand exit stumbling and slipping off the ice rink - an unscheduled move only to re-appear moments later to finish his routine. This was accompanied by a huge round of applause from the audience and a commentator who could not contain his laughter. Philip Schofield declared it was the funniest moment he had seen on television, and the judges had to agree. This was indeed a great television moment and something I am sure will go down in history. I am now rooting for him to win, as it seems the British public are too as they are voting to keep him in each week. Go Tucker!!!
EURO-SCEPTIC! I REGULARLY have my moan about the Eurovision Song Contest and how unfair the whole competition is these days. So, why on earth is Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber putting his reputation on the line to write a song for this whole debacle. Over the years, the Eurovision
song contest has become a real joke. As I have written in the past I watch it purely to listen to Terry Wogan and his comical sarcastic comments. I’m not even sure if he is commentating on the show this year as he was looking to pull out. If that is the case, a show definitely to be missed this year. But, back to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Why has he agreed to do this? We all know that however brilliant the song may be, people just don’t vote for Britain anymore and they always come in the bottom five. He could have written the song of all songs and it won’t make a blind bit of
People say the most ridiculous things! I OVERHEARD a very bizarre conversation the other day in a shop in Pontypool, while I was waiting to be served by the lady behind the counter who was getting slightly concerned by the weather. Two people she obviously knew came up to the counter to be served and asked her whether she was worried about the threat of snow and what the weather was like in Blaenavon that morning when she left for work. She said that it was ok when she left, but was keeping a close eye in case it got worse. Just as she was telling them this, a
man she also knew walked in, and calling across to him, she asked him what the weather was like in Blaenavon. He replied by saying he didn’t know as he had moved away from there a few months previously. One of the women customers then said to the lady serving, “See it must be ok up there”, to which the lady behind the counter said, “Didn’t you hear him? he doesn’t live in Blaenavon anymore”! “Yes” she replied, “but you didn’t know that when you asked him did you? so it must be ok!” - I couldn’t believe my own ears!
difference. I am just intrigued as to why he would put his name to such a show?
SNOW WAY! WELL, it snowed earlier this month which sent everyone into panic mode. So far, in South Wales, we have had a fair bit of the white stuff, and it is very cold. It always makes me chuckle in this country though how we react to snow. Everyone starts flapping about buying as much bread and milk as they can possibly fit in their fridges, and schools start closing because they simply cannot cope. Usually the central heating packs in and so the children are sent home (justifiably so). What amazes me is that in the year 2009 we still do not have the technology to deal with extreme weather conditions. It seems that no matter how much notice the local authorities are given, the gritters are always too slow to respond or, if they do, miss out vital roads etc. They always manage to do the main roads which cars are unable to get to because the roads leading from their own streets are too icy! God help this country if we ever really get lots of snow - we just wouldn't cope and everything would come to a complete standstill. On the brighter side, at least that would leave us with time to enjoy sledging with the kids - bring it on! FEBRUARY 2009
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FEB09 08 COVER
3/2/09
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PLACES TO STAY
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. Advertise call 01495 750600 Hotel/Restaurant
TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL 01495 750600 Hirwaun
Hotel/Restaurant
The Ty-Newydd Country Hotel CF44 9SX, Hirwaun T. 01685 813433 E. relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk 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.
Cardiff City Centre
Standard Room Rate: Single £65 Double £85 Twin £85 Family £105 Deluxe Room Rate: Single £80 Double £80 Twin £80 Family £120 Superior Room Rate: Single £95 Double £115 Twin N/A Family N/A Special Corporate Rate Dinner Bed & Breakfast £70
Hotel
The Big Sleep Hotel CF10 2FE, Cardiff T. 029 20 636363
Advertise your Hotel or B&B here From as little as £1 per day to reach 1000’s of potential new customers home and abroad.
For further information call
01495 750600 Torfaen
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.
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OUT & OUT LIVING FEBRUARY 2009
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. 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
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