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OUT&OUTt Living YOUR FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST WALES & VALLEYS
SEPTEMBER 2008
HEALTH
Treat Treat yourself yourself to to meat meat
FASHION
Wedding Wedding lingerie lingerie
WALKS
Monmouthshire, Monmouthshire, Wye Wye Valley Valley & & Rhymney Rhymney
TOURIST TRAIL Caerleon
DINING OUT The Dragon Inn, Crickhowell
FILM
Guy Ritchie returns with Rocknrolla
MUSIC
Oasis come to Cardiff
Duffy Interview with the Welsh singing sensation OUT TO LOOK OUT TO BUY OUT TO LISTEN OUT TO LIVE
SEPT08 ADVERTS
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Designer Wedding Weekend Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September
A chance to see 2009 dresses before they arrive in store. Book your appointment NOW ! Everything you will ever need for your magic moment 18 Cross Street, Abergavenny Monmouthshire. NP7 5EW
01873859337
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Wedding & Evening formalwear for both Ladies & Gentlemen
Ent-Icing
Superb range of bridesmaids & flower gifts. Classic cuts for the groom, page boys & male guests Stylish Footwear Quality veils, tiaras and other accessories Whatever your budget, we can help
IMAGE BY O-BRIEN COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY
Sumptuous choice & contemporary wedding gowns
Professional cakes made for all occasions Specialist Specialistin insugar sugarpaste pastemodelling modeling cakedesigned designedto tofulfill fulfil your AAcake every dream, fantasy or whim Can also supply chair covers and colour coded sashes to match your colour scheme Hand-made favour boxes, favours & quirky/ unusual accessories Your one stop wedding cake and accessory shop
Contact Debby on
High Society Formalwear 01495 761989 E-Mail debmutlow@aol.com Or, visit the Court Yard, 01495 769072 Pontypool. Mob: 07814672606
1 The Courtyard, George Street, Pontypool. NP4 672606
Pontypool Golf Club Making your day more special Making your day more special in spectacular spectacular surroundings! surroundings! in
Function room available for Weddings & Private Parties. Able to seat 100 guests. For more information call
01495 763655
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Welcome
B
CANE & ABLE are pleased to announce the arrival of the popular
YANKEE CANDLES Over 20 fragrances to choose from Joining our usual wide range of collectables, home decor, artificial flowers and much more.
LIMEY, it’s September already and the year just seems to be whizzing past. I’ve already started thinking about Christmas, and I noticed whilst shopping today, the shops are adorned with Halloween outfits and accessories. It seems that no sooner do the children start back to school, we have something else to think about! This month is another of our wedding specials where we feature the wedding of the beautiful Carrie and handsome Lee which took place in August. They were fortunate enough to have one of the only sunny days this year and as you can see by the pictures, they really enjoyed their big day. Our food review this month comes from the Dragon Inn, Crickhowell. A lovely location, with outstanding views and food to match. Again, the pictures speak for themselves and are sure to set your mouth watering. Caerleon is the focus for our Tourist Trail, where you will find an abundance of things to do both historical and educational, and that’s before you even start to talk about the larger number of pubs within walking distance of each other! Of course, we can’t forget that Halloween is just around the corner and that there will be plenty of places hosting spooky events. Why not enter the great competition we are running in conjunction with Torfaen County Council and their Halloween event at Blaenafon Workmens Hall. Each year, this event gets bigger and better and is great fun for all the family. For all you music fans, we have a fantastic interview with Welsh singer Duffy as well as our usual entertainment guide designed to see you through the forthcoming dark Autumn nights. Enjoy, and see you next month…
Anne-Marie
Managing Director Editor Advertising
6 The Parade, Cwmbran, Gwent, NP44 1PT
01633 872013
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INDEPENDENT GIFT RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2006 OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
Anne-Marie Smith anne-marie@outandoutliving.co.uk Anna Davey info@outandoutliving.co.uk
Web Developer
Lisa Rowles webmaster@outandoutliving.co.uk
Production Accounts
production@outandoutliving.co.uk accounts@outandoutliving.co.uk
Office telephone Website
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Nick Clarke nick@outandoutliving.co.uk
Out & Out Publishing Ltd, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, Park Road, Pontypool, Gwent. NP4 6EL
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
6
12
6-11 The Tourist Trail
28
38-39 In the garden
Caerleon.
Garden gossip from Ruby Morgan.
12-15 Special Feature
40-41 Little Gems
The Wedding of Carrie & Lee Symes.
Children & Pets and Halloween Competition
18 Fashion
42-Business
Wedding lingerie.
HOVIP Awards 2008.
28-30 Interview Interview with Welsh Singing Sensation Duffy
31-32 Music & Theatre Alannah Myles at the Met, Satus Quo and Oasis at the CIA
33 Films Rock NRolla - Guy Ritchie’s latest movie. Pineapple Express, Disaster Movie and The Romance of Astrea and Celadon
43 Special Feature 44 Finance
Financial advice from Gavin Watkins
46 Health More top tips from dietician Zoe Harcombe.
47 Fitness Tone your body in four weeks.
34-35 Special Feature
48 Spinning the Web
Wye Valley Walks
Internet tips from Andy Harcombe.
36-37 Special Feature
49 Opinion Page
Coastal Paths & Rhymney Walks
34
Expert fire safety advice .
Meme Morgan.
33
22-27 Quintessential Cuisine This month we visited the Dragon Inn, Crickhowell plus we have a special feature on ‘The Food Crunch’ and this month’s recipe teaches you how to make and a deliscious Lemon Tart. SEPTEMBER 2008
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the tourist trail
Steeped in ancient history This quaint Usk Valley town is home to an important Roman Settlement with well preserved Baths, Amphitheatre, Barracks, and Museum, and widely believed to be the site of King Arthur's Camelot. WORDS Patricia Clarke
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PICTURES Nick Clarke
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Caerleon
the tourist trail
T
HERE is evidence of an Iron-age fortress on the hill at Lodge wood overlooking the Welsh town of Caerleon. Built to protect the earliest settlers who, along with the later Welsh tribes such as the Silures, found food sustainance and transportation in and around the rivers Usk and Afon Llwyd. Since time began these geographical benefits have been obvious reasons for Roman settlements right across Britain. Thus Caerleon became the Roman fortress of ISCA SILURUM, Isca meaning 'Water' (from the Celtic Brythonic or early Welsh language) and was finally occupied in about 75 AD, despite the Silures having been worthy thorns in their sides in their oppostion to the occupation of their lands for many years. The first garrison was built under the command of Sextus Julius Frontinus, by order of Emperor Vespasian, and it became home to the Second Augustan Legion. As most of us who grew up in the area will know, the Romans stayed in Caerleon for over two hundred years. During this time they built up the town - Isca Silurum (Welsh Caerllion) - to become one of the three largest Roman settlements in Britain, population numbers having grown to well over five thousand. However by the end of the third century they had abandoned Caerleon and moved north to fight elsewhere or build other SEPTEMBER 2008
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Caerleon
garrisons. Then having Romanised much of Britain the huge numbers of Roman soldiers here were required to go home to Italy as the Roman Empire began to come under threat. After the Normans arrived Caerleon settled down as a Market Town and trading port, and along with the farms in the area kept the local populace in food and clothing. The Industrial Revolution kind of passed by since the valleys with their canal serving as transportation headed for the, by now much larger, Port and docklands of Newport.
ROMAN LEGIONARY MUSEUM Caerleon is widely believed to be the site of King Arthur's court, with the round table situated on the ruins of the amphitheatre, as chronicled by Geoffrey of Monmouth. The excavation of the amphitheatre was sponsored by the Daily Mail in 1926. The remains of the Fortress, Amphitheatre and Baths, which are such popular attractions today, are well preserved giving a real insight into their lives in Britain. Fortunately for those of us who love physical historical evidence, the town never did outgrow the area covered by the Roman occupation. It is for this reason that so much of these buildings were uncovered in such good condition, and many really amazing artifacts have been excavated and are displayed in the Roman Legionary Museum on High Street. As a child I recall being absolutely fascinated by these displays, which
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include pots, coins and weapons, Roman uniforms and mosaics, used by the Romans two thousand years ago! My favourite artefact and its story is the one involving the 'Caerleon Curse'. Unearthed during the excavations was a lead tablet on which is a message beseeching the Goddess Nemesis (the punisher of wrongdoers!) to punish the thief of the author's cloak and boots! (Well I thought it was hilarious, but probably not so to the poor chilled bare foot owner) Even today, whilst gardening, (my favourite pastime) I look carefully at any piece of pottery or metal in case it's something rare. Unfortunately it's usually a bit of old tin or a very interesting piece from ancient Woolworths!! However the museum is open daily 10am-6pm, Sundays 2pm-6pm and Bank Holidays (except Christmas) November-March 31st the museum closes at 4.30pm. For further information Tel: 01633 423134.
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Caerleon
the tourist trail
The Hanbury Arms across the River Usk
CAERLEON CASTLE The castle is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and the remains of one of its towers is attached to the Hanbury Arms in the town. Beginning as a Motte and Bailey construction built by Caradog ap Gruffydd Welsh Lord of Caerleon, it was rebuilt in stone by the Norman, Gilbert de Clare after he had seized the castle in 1270 AD. The stone from the Roman Baths was used for this purpose, which is a great travesty since the Baths had survived for a thousand years until this time.
CHARLES WILLIAMS Charles Williams was a local boy-made-good, but not before he had killed a friend who belonged to the Morgan family, in a duel over the love of a local girl. He fled to Turkey where he became a wealthy merchant. As a friend of the prominent Pontypool Hanbury family, who in turn were close to the Duchess of Marlborough, it is said that he obtained a Royal Pardon after the Duchess had a word in the ear of her good friend Queen Anne. He returned to Britain and settled in London where he lived until his death in 1720 at the age of eighty six. In his will he left a huge sum of money to his friend John Hanbury (reputed to be ÂŁ70,000) which most of us would be pleased to receive today, so this was an absolute fortune in those days!! There was ÂŁ4,000 to found the Charles Williams
For further information call
01633 430888 Goldcroft Common, Caerleon. www.world-of-kitchens.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2008
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Caerleon
Bridge over the River Usk.
Endowed school for the town's children and ÂŁ3,000 for the Parish Church.
WHAT'S IN A NAME? Well, am I in trouble this month?! There are very few Welsh place names in Caerleon, and although its very name is Welsh, I have searched for the reason it seems to translate into 'Fort of the Legions'. We know that Caer is Fort, but the Welsh word for Legion is Lleng or Llu, so I can only assume that, as is often the case with language, the word has mutated somehow. Of course most Welsh language students will know that nearby Ponthir is a Long Bridge, and that the River Usk began as the Afon Wysg, and similarly, the town's other river the Afon Llwyd is the Grey River. A beautiful 100 year old house at the top of Bulmore Road called Clawdd only means Hedge or Embankment, and another large house which began as a Castle Villa then rebuilt and lived in by the family of benefactor Charles Williams (Who left the funds which built the town's Charles Williams Endowed School) is called The Mynde and translates as The Mount. Llanhennock or Llanhenwg
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should be the parish of a saint but I was unable to find a Saint Henwg, I got nowhere with Llangstone either, so the best I could do this month was Penrhos which is Head or Top of the Moorlands. As usual if there is someone out there who can shed a light on those puzzling me this month, I would welcome your input.
CAERLEON TODAY Modern Caerleon has mostly evolved as a tourist attraction because of the excavation of Roman buildings and the fact that they are so well preserved you and your family can give full vent to your imagination. I grew up nearby and, along with many thousands of other children, I have great memories of sunny summer days at Bulmore Lido open air baths. I am so grateful that the old PC people were not around in those days to close it for some obscure reason, today's grumpy old so-and-sos would have had a heart attack at those of us (not me I was a bit of a wuss!) leaping from the top diving board and having so much fun. I realise that people, and in particular our children, have to be protected and I think it's such a shame that money-grabbing compensation claimers are mostly responsible, but I still think it all goes
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Caerleon
the tourist trail
University Wales Institute Newport, Caerleon Campus
A BIT TOO FAR !! Well that's my speech for this month. Obviously new schools have been built, Caerleon Teacher Training College has been extended to form part of the University of Wales, and along with the Hanbury Arms and Bull Inn-both sixteenth century buildings, a 12th century monastary, there's plenty to see and explore. Easily accessible from the M4 and awash with lovely old inns and hotels and always with some fun event going on, Caerleon has more than enough to keep the tourist and holiday-maker occupied. There is also an Arts festival each summer, and memories of a wickedly hilarious fun day when my sons dressed in toga and centurian uniform with a view to winning the annual chariot race. I can never think of Caerleon without a smile on my face, and I know that on your visit you'll be historically well informed, equally amused, well fed and most importantly well watered--trust me they're known for their superlative watering holes and hospitality! As well as the activities within the Roman Amphitheatre and ruins such as archaeological digs for the visitor, and military displays, there's a treasure hunt for the kids during the last week in October (27th-31st) and on the 31st itself a Roman and Celtic Horror night (6pm-8pm) with games for all the family. If you have visited the museum, perused the ruins, had a nice lunch in one of the many lovely old Inns, had a walk around the shops, and are still feeling energetic, or simply wish to exercise before dinner time, then there is even a community golf course and driving range for those regular golfers amongst you with withdrawel symptoms. If you have never visited Caerleon you and your family are missing a real treat. SEPTEMBER 2008
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Weddings
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Weddings
special feature
Happiest day of their lives Love and not rain was in the air for one Blaenavon couple as the blue skies appeared and the sun shone on their special day. WORDS Anne-Marie Smith PICTURES O’Brien Cooper Photography
THE wedding of Carrie Ford and Lee Symes took place at St.Peter's Church, Blaenavon on Friday 8th August 2008. Fortunately, the weather on their special day was perfect and the sun shone down on the couple as they arrived to make their marraige vows in front of sixty friends and relatives. The couple had been together for over eight years and engaged for almost four years. Lee romantically proposed to Carrie on Christmas Day 2004 under the Christmas tree where she accepted and started planning and dreaming of her big day. As always, thoughts turned to the Stag and Hen nights (or should I say, weekends)! Carrie opted for a short break in the wonderful city of Dublin with her sisters and close frineds and a ‘home’ hen party at The Riflemans Arms, Blaenavon, organised by Carrie’s Sisters, with a Mr & Mrs Competition. The stag also decided on a weekend away in Dublin in and a ‘home’ stag was a night out in Abergavenny. With a couple of months to recover from their respective parties, the bride and groom turned their thoughts to what they should wear on the day. Obviously, this is the most important decision for a girl on her wedding day, and Carrie wanted to look her best. She tried on ten or so dresses, before finding ‘the dress’ on the model in the window of Magic Moments, Abergavenny. It was Najar by Pronovias; an ivory A-line dress with halterneck and 1920s pleated bodice and looked absolutely stunning - it was the dress of her dreams. The groom, wore a black Prince Edward Suit, Ivory shirt, Gold waistcoat and gold cravat and hankerchief and the best man, the same only with a teal cravat and hankerchief to complement the colour theme of teal and ivory. All the men's outfits were Etiquette from Paradigm Weddings in Pontypool who provided an outstanding service that even included hand-making the teal accessories to Lee's specifications. There were two Matrons of Honour and two bridesmaids. These were Carrie's sisters, Sharon Ford and Lyndsey Harris, her niece Lauren and her friend Naomi. There were five ushers in total, Matthew Symes, Kieran Symes, Brett Ford, Richard Harris and Gavin Cornthwaite who all wore the same outfit as the Best Man. Carrie arrived at the church in true style aboard a 1979 VW Beetle SEPTEMBER 2008
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called ‘Elvis’ from ‘Lovebug Weddings’ and the bridesmaids in a VW Campervan named ‘Custard.’ The bride carried an ivory Calla lily shower bouquet, with teal crystals, and the Bridesmaids hand tied Calla lilies with ivory bow. The church was adorned with lilies and carnations, window candles and pedestals. Outside the Church they had a Guard of Honour from Blaenavon Fire Station where Lee works as a part time firefighter.. The happy couple chose traditional hymns for their wedding celebration including, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful' and, ‘Lord of the Dance. There was also a reading by Sharon, Carrie’s Sister, an extract taken from ‘Captain Correlli’s Mandolin’. After the church service, the couple, with their guests made their way to the wedding reception. This was held at the beautiful Manor Hotel in Crickhowell where they enjoyed their wedding breakfast a three course meal consisting of Leek & Potato Soup to start, a Roast Beef Dinner for their main course, and chocolate Profitteroles for dessert. The tables were beautifully laid and dressed using the same colour theme and with a butterfly design. All the invitations, Order of Service, table plan/numbers and placecards were designed by Lyndsey Harris (Carrie’s Sister). The favours on each table included ivory organza bags with bath fizzer, tied with teal bow for the ladies and chocolate dinner mint with lettering ‘Carrie and Lee’ and wedding date all done by Sharon Ford, Carrie’s Sister. Their beautiful wedding cake was an ivory 3 tier stacked cake with falling Calla lilies and teal ribbon The evening reception was also held at the Manor Hotel where a further 90 guests attended and were entertained by ‘Midnight City Soul Band’ and Wildstar disco. Their first dance was ‘Be Mine’ by David Gray and Carrie sang ‘Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong as a surprise for Lee. As well as working as a Human Resources Administrator for the NHS Carrie also sings at local pubs/clubs on the weekends. Her love is music and taking part in singing competitions and singing as part of band. Following the day's events, the couple took a well earned short break to a Country House Hotel in Cornwall where they enjoyed a rest before returning to their respective jobs.. However, their real honeymoon is in January to Meeru Island, the Maldives - I bet they can't wait!
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Weddings
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Photographs: O’Brien Cooper Photography, 01495 775063
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Special Day Weddings
Making your day special Every girl wants to look special on her big day and at Special Day Weddings in Abersychan, the bride to be is sure to find the dress of her dreams. WORDS Anne-Marie Smith MAIN PICTURE Nick Clarke
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WITH a beautiful array of brides, bridesmaids and flower-girl outfits, pageboy and suit hire and not to mention shoes, tiaras, veils and local hand-made jewellery, Special Day Weddings offers a one-stop shop for all your bridal needs. The owner, Vicki Norton opened the shop on Snatchwood Road almost three years ago. She shared the premises for a period of time with another business before taking over the whole of the ground floor during the summer of 2008. The shop has undergone a major refurbishment program and is now a delight to visit. It is easy to spend time browsing the wonderful choice in a friendly, relaxed and professional environment before choosing your ideal wedding gown and accessories. “I decided to go into the wedding market after organising my own cousin’s wedding a few years ago. I really enjoyed doing it and was really pleased with the outcome. As a result of this, I set up my own company that was internet based with dresses made OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
on a made to measure basis. This proved really successful and is still going strong today,” said Vicki. The suit hire at Special Day Weddings is done using a special on-line ordering system that checks the stock for the specific date in question, thus ensuring no double bookings or ‘Out of Stock’ items. With gowns displayed throughout the shop, there is a style and design to suit all with ranges that include, Trudy Lee, House of Nicholas, Sapphire, Stevie’s Gowns, Papillon, Alice James and Aphrodite. These beautiful dresses start at just £170 and are truly breathtaking. If you want to look like a princess on your special day, visit Special Day Weddings where you are sure to find the dress of your dreams. Made-to-measure service available with all alterations undertaken inhouse. Appointments advisable throughout the week including the evenings and Sundays, booking advisable. For further information call Vicki on 01495 775716 or visit www.specialdayweddings.co.uk
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Wedding gifts
special feature
Just what do you get for the happy couple? You’ve been invited to the wedding of the year. You’ve bought your new outfit, hat and shoes and now your attentions turn to the present. What on earth are you going to buy the couple who has everything? MANY people who are looking to tie the knot send out a wedding list or register their gift list with a store of their choice. You then simply go in, choose what you want to buy them from their list of chosen goodies and, bingo you have the perfect wedding gift. However, if they haven’t registered their list with a store, and the couple have left it up to their guests to choose, we have come up with a few ideas that may help you along the way. A great website for sourcing unusual gift ideas is www.gettingpersonal.co.uk. Wedded Bliss Glass Paperweight This is a Luxury polished glass Wedded Bliss paperweight priced at just £22.95 and will look beautiful adorning a mantel or display cabinet.
The Wedding Calendar This perfect wedding gift can be personalised with the couple's names and costs just £14.95 (leaving you with money to spend on that new handbag to match your wedding outfit).
Another great website I stumbled across was www.thegiftexperience.co.uk. Many couples like to keep hold of receipts, gift cards and other items that have made their day extra special and memorable. A great wedding gift, to store all this information is this wedding memory box. It can be personalised with the couples titles and surname and costs just 16.99
This website can also supply a Unique & Personalised Replica Gold Disc to commemorate the wedding first dance or if there wasn't a first dance - their favourite all time song. Priced at £89.95, this makes a unique and personal gift for the bride and groom or a couple celebrating a special anniversary.
A brand new, unique product and something very quirky is to treat the couple to their very own personalised magazine cover as a special memento of a very special day. I think this is such a great idea and won’t break the bank at just £22.99
Many people like ornaments and very popular at the moment is the Willow Tree collection. Many of the figurines in this range can be found at Cane & Able in Cwmbran, including the promise figurine. Priced from £22 this is a lovely, affordable gift in a range that is contemporary and suits most designs of home.
For something completely different, Debenhams offer a 24 hour Chocoholics Experience for 2. The couple in question can spend time in the creamy, dreamy, chocolate-filled world of one the UK's most magical hotels set in the heart of the charming Cotswold countryside. A wonderful gift, but quite pricey at £215.00. With Next On-Line you could send a Veuve Clicquot Gift Set. A Paint Tin containing four 20cl bottles of the famous pinot noir-dominated yellow label Champagne, with a set of trendy cliquettes to drink through! And costs £50.00. You can’t go far wrong with sending flowers (just take into account if they are going away on a honeymoon straight after the wedding). Next on line can send this Charming Gift bag, with a delicate rose image printed on the front. Filled with floral delights including 8 roses, 4 antirrhinums, candena santini, folded aspidistra leaves, baby eucalyptus and china grass at a cost of £30.00. Of course, if all else fails and you really are struggling, you can’t go wrong with gift vouchers or cash for the couple to choose their own gift. Happy shopping! SEPTEMBER 2008
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wedding fashion & beauty
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fashion - lingerie
Undress to impress on your perfect day and, of course, your perfect night! Of course, for every bride, the dress is probably the most important item to consider when planning the big event. However, equally as important is the bride’s underwear. THE style of the dress has a huge bearing on the type of lingerie that should be worn beneath. The right underwear can create curves and shape as well as hiding any wobbly bits. On your wedding day it's imperative that you wear functional, well-fitting undies that will boost your body in all the right places and create the perfect silhouette in your dream dress. Our feature bride this month wore a Halterneck dress which is is great for creating a bit of understated glamour. For the safest option with
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this style, go for a strapless bra, corset or, for extra support, a halterneck bra. A good corset that would achieve an hour-glass figure is the Torselette Full Figure Seemless available from Special Day Weddings in Abersychan at £79. A backless dress looks effortlessly elegant and feminine, but is the most challenging in terms of underwear. A number of options are available that include, a stick-on bra, a backless bra with translucent straps and dare I say it, hold-you-in pants that will ensure your dress skims your figure perfectly (just don't let the groom see them!). Debenhams have a cream 5 way strap convertible bra at just £18 that can be worn in the following ways: clear back, low back, cross back, halter back, strapless, normal. With both clear & fabric straps! A dress with straps and a full skirt gives you a whole world of lingerie to choose from. Go for smooth-lined seamless lingerie to prevent getting any texture through the dress and wear a white body for smooth and clean lines. A Bias-cut dress gives a beautiful silhouette and It will hug your body in all the right places. A figure-hugging body slimmer will provide a smooth surface for the dress to slide over and ensure you look slim and wobble free on your important day. A wedding dress with sleeves gives you maximum choice when it comes to your lingerie so, basically, with this option, the choice is yours, you can wear anything you feel comfortable in. If you want to go for sexy on your big day, why not treat yourself to this beautiful Ivory ltd edition bridal basque at Debenhams. Priced at £65 you are sure to feel sexy and special from top to toe and is sure to put a twinkle in your husband's eye. Above, all, enjoy your day and feel comfortable - tight fitting, itchy lingerie will just make your day miserable, so if you want to put on your Bridgette Jones pants, then go ahead!
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beauty
beauty oasis
Beauty tips for your wedding day Every bride wants to look her best on her big day. A wedding day is probably the most important date in a girl's calender and, with the help of Julia James at Beauty Oasis, we have come up with our top ten Beauty Tips for looking good on your Wedding Day.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Firstly, keep your natural nails looking healthy for the big day by having weekly manicures 6 weeks prior to the wedding. There is nothing worse than bitten, unsightly nails especially when the groom slips the ring on your finger.
Why not treat your skin to a Clarins Pro Active Facial. At Beauty Oasis, you will be pampered by a Clarins trained specialist, who will advise you on the best products & homecare routine to have your skin glowing for your special day. Need to loose just a few more inches to get into that dream dress? Beauty Oasis offer the use of toning tables to help get you into shape. The body shaping supplement is a brilliant product to mix in with normal bodycare routine to help achieve targeted areas. Why not gather a few of your closest friends and family & make the use of Beauty Oasis's private sauna & spa facilities. Take advantage of the NO MEN ALLOWED space and use this to have a relaxing hen party.
It is also important before the big day & prior to have a tan to have your skin feeling refreshed & smooth. The Clarins Aromatic Body Polisher will polish away any dead skin & be left feeling silky smooth by Clarins Satin Body Moisturizer Every bride wants to look healthy and glowing. So rather than spending hundreds of pounds trying to top up that tan on a beach somewhere, Beauty Oasis can give you a healthy looking natural tan in just a matter of minutes. The California spray tan provides an even tan all over for just £25 To give your skin a boost and help your make-up stay on all day & night we recommend you use Clarins Beauty Flash Balm underneath your make-up. It brightens and tightens your skin whilst keeping your make-up on For a flawless look on all your wedding photos why not have your make-up done by a Clarins Trained specialist. Treat yourself to a trial and stay in the comfort of your own home on the morning of your wedding day So the big day has come and gone and now you have the honeymoon to look forward to. Beauty Oasis offer all pre-holiday treatments including waxing. One less thing to worry about on your honeymoon Why not go away on your honeymoon looking bronzed already, no-one likes to be pale so treat yourself to a California Spray Tan offer at Beauty Oasis........Buy 2 Spray Tans for £50 & receive 1 FREE!!!
If these tips don't leave you feeling like the princess you should be on your wedding day, nothing will!!!
Luxury Spa (Group) Experiences The following experiences are suitable for Hen Parties of between 5 and 10 ladies, the spa day will include:Use of Sauna/Spa Facilities Toning Table Session Sunbed or Sunshower Refreshments & Relaxation Light Lunch Towels, Robes & Slippers Provided
Treatment Options:Skin Refreshing Facial Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage Indian Head Massage Silver Manicure Silver Pedicure Eyelash Tint Eyebrow Shape & Tint Make-Over Californian Spray Tan Indulgence Experience - Combine 2 of the above Treatments - £65 Opulence Experience - Combine 3 of the above Treatments - £80
Bridal Makeover Includes:-
Consultation Skin Freshening Facial Trial Make-Up Application Make-up Application on Wedding Day £50
(Home visit available at an extra cost)
The Highway, New Inn, Pontypool
01495 762736 SEPTEMBER 2008
OUT & OUT LIVING
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special feature
Back to basics - the food crunch With the credit crunch effecting us all it might be time to look at how we used to live. Plan your shopping budget and save a few pennies. WORDS Patricia Clarke
20
READING a newspaper story recently about the amount of money we throw away in the way of surplus food from our monthly shop, this apparently amounts to approximately £450 pounds per family per year, which I thought was a bit over the top. Thinking about this and my family's way of shopping for food, I realised that the figure was really quite feasible so, I set to on a mission to try to prevent our wasteful ways, and combat the food crunch by doing a weekly shop and planning our meals for each day. Deciding against scavenging the bins of the local supermarkets as suggested in a television program following the announcement of this £450 waste, I thought that it would be a good idea to go back a few decades and recall how I was fed when growing up. My mother was known to be capable of 'making a meal from a pair of shoelaces' a saying used to laud money-saving ideas for nutritious family meals. I remember that we shopped every week as opposed to monthly, and our meals were planned accordingly. Apart from this my father grew every vegetable known to man, which saved my mother carrying bags of potatoes etc., so what we ate was always fresh. Instead of sweets (of which there were very few in those days - getting a good idea of my age are we??) we used to pick a stick of rhubarb out of the garden, wash, top and tail and trot off to school dipping this in a small bag of sugar to combat the tartness of the fruit. None of us ever had spots and we were all built like those rhubarb sticks despite the fact that we never stopped eating. Nowadays gardens have been concreted over or landscaped, so growing your own is not as easy, but it is still possible to grow runner beans in a pot with a wigwam of bean sticks, tomatoes in patio pots and strawberries and tomatoes in hanging baskets. We have found that our local market's butcher has prices to rival the supermarkets and the meat is locally grown. The markets also have locally grown vegetables and fruit, saving the carbon footprint of those products flown thousands of miles to get here and treated to stay fresh --Yuk not nice when you think about it! Shopping once a week will eliminate much of your wasted food. You can then plan your meals around the produce you have bought instead of staring at the fridge and freezer not being able to get the family to agree on what to eat, and end up microwaving ready meals, such as cottage pies, which would not take long to make from scratch and would be much more nourishing. Whatever happened to using leftovers? If you're anything like us we 'save' bits of the Sunday joint and cooked chicken in the fridge and end up throwing them away after a few days, no excuse is there? How many of us throw frozen food away because we bought it on impulse during our once-a-month shop and have never fancied it since, can't remember when we bought it, or why, and throw it away 'just in case'?!! If you need to fill your freezer to save energy instead of stocking it with food you'll never eat, then top it up with cut-price bread. Alright so this week instead of throwing away that piece of beef just put it in the food mixer with the rough blade, or if you have a mincer use that, and turn this soon-to-be-thrown away piece of beef into a cottage pie, or chop it up, add an onion and some of your favourite vegetables and throw in a casserole dish with a couple of stock cubes. Your leftover chicken can be turned into a scrummy curry, again fry the spices add the chicken and flavouring and Hey Presto! another nourishing meal. Whatever happened to bangers and mash? I don't mean any old bangers and mash, this is swede-mashed with butter and added to your mashed potato--YUM!. Our local supermarket recently had special offers on burgers, sausage, and chicken pieces all 50p each. I went to get some, my husband went to get some and I went and got some more!--We now have a freezer filled with meat for about £5 in total which will be turned into sausage casseroles, chicken pies, curries, stir frys, with fresh vegetables bought every couple of days. Take advantage of your local butcher's special offers on fresh mince about 2lbs will give you enough for spaghetti bolognese. Whatever way you chose to save the pennies, fresh fruit and vegetables need to be part of your diet so good luck and happy eating. OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
Family feast - Cottage Pie INGREDIENTS 1 lb of lean minced beef (or fresh mince) 1 chopped onion 1 diced carrot (Large) 300ml beef stock cube 1 lb of potatoes (mashed) tomato puree (tblspoon) About 3oz strong cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons of oil A little milk for the mash. A dash of worcester sauce METHOD Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook the carrot and onion whilst stirring for about ten minutes until they begin to soften. If you're using fresh mince add this after five minutes and continue to cook on a slightly higher heat until it's brown. Add the tomato puree stirring for about a minute, and then the stock and my mother always used to add a dash of Worcester sauce. Bring to boil then turn down, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, (only 10 for leftover cooked beef), then take off the lid and cook down to absorb the liquid, add your required seasoning (a little sea salt and ground black pepper is good) and spoon into a four pint dish. Cover the meat with the mashed potato--should be firm and don't forget to add the drop of milk (about a tablespoonful) and add the grated cheese after roughing up the mash with a fork. Cook in pre-heated oven on 190C/gas mark 4 for approx 25 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden brown. Serve with veggies of choice eg. runner beans from the garden or, if you've been vigilant, some reduced price veggies from your market or supermarket's end of day bargains. ENJOY!
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Pub grub at its best!
BUY 1 GET 1 FREE
Seren Restaurant at the Star Inn, Ponthir
Buy 2 Meals and get the Cheapest Free (Conditions Apply) NB. A minimum of 2 people eating. Any odd numbers to pay full price - no exceptions. SEREN RESTAURANT LUNCH MENU Steak & Ale Suet Pudding £7.45 Minted Lamb Shank £10.95 Mediterranean Wellington £9.45 Half of Gammon Steak with Egg or Pineapple served & Chips & Peas £5.95 Half a Rack of Pork Loin Ribs with BBQ Sauce, Chips & Salad £9.50 Salmon Fillet in a Parsley Sauce with Mash & Onion Gravy £8.95 Award Winning Pork & Leek Sausages served with Mash & Onion Gravy £7.50 Half of Roast Chicken with Garlic Butter, with Chips & Peas £9.25 Aubergine Pasta Bake £7.95 6oz Rump Steak, with Chips & Peas £7.50 Scampi served with Chips, Peas & Tartare £8.95
Puree,Orange & Redcurrant Jus £13.75 Stir Fried Root Vegetable Tartlet with Goats Cheese, with a Salad & Drizzled with Pesto £10.95 Chicken Supreme stuffed with Spinach, Leeks and Tomatoes, with a Meditteranean Tomato Sauce £11.95 Green Bean Sea Bass with a Coconut, Ginger & Lemongrass Sauce £12.95 Cajun Salmon with a mixed Pepper Salsa £11.95 Tuna Steak, with New Potatoes & Vegetables £10.95 Turbot with Lime & Dill Sauce £12.95 All Grills below served with Homemade Chips 8oz Rump Steak £11.95 10oz Ribeye Steak £13.95 Grilled Chicken Breast with a choice of sauce £10.45 Horseshoe Gammon with Egg or A LA CARTE MENU (EVENINGS ONLY) Duck Medallions, with Sweet Potato Pineapple £10.95 There is also a choice of starters and desserts - please ask for details. OPEN: Tues-Sat 12-2pm & 5.30-9pm. Sunday, 12-2.30pm. Roast Sunday Dinners: 3 Course - £10.95, 2 Course - £8.95, 1 Course - £6.95 Please note the 2 for 1 offer is not applicable to Sunday Lunch time.
Dorallt Inn LUNCH TIMES 12-2.30
(25% discount for OAPS 12-2.30)
EVENINGS 5-9PM SUNDAY LUNCH 12-2PM (Booking Advisable)
CHRISTMAS FAYRE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER (excluding Sunday’s) Menu’s available, bookings only!
Children friendly til 9.30pm Large beer garden & children’s play area
More than just a country Inn!!!
The Star Inn, Caerleon Rd, Ponthir
01633 420582 01633 869697
Dorallt Inn, Henllys, Cwmbran. www.doralltinn.co.uk
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RECIPES Wine
YELLOW TAIL Tesco, 2 for £8 Tesco’s Yellow Tail Merlot reminds me of Halle Berry. Not very subtle but has a great body, killer legs and is filled with dark fruity promise. At the time of writing there is an offer of 2 for £8 which is an absolute bargain. Although we haven’t had the weather to drink this with barbecued meat, it would go very well with a nice roast or red meat dish. Take it out for dinner on Saturday night and you will not be disappointed.
Jason Clarke
Whisky
SPRINGBANK, 10 YEAR OLD, Single Malt Whisky, Campbeltown. Available from Ballantynes,
£26.99 LAST month I introduced you to the 15 year old Springbank so for those wishing to spend a touch less the 10 year old is another fine example of a classic Cambeltown Single Malt. The 10 Year Old is the perfect introduction to the Springbank range. Whilst bourbon casks are mainly used for maturation, allowing the distillery character to shine through, a number of sherry casks are also used for added body. The light colour of this malt belies the richness of its character. Whilst the nose suggests a wide range of aromas, from citrus fruits to pears and a hint of peat, the palate excites even further with a touch of smoke, vanilla essence, nutmeg, cinnamon and the salty tang we have come to expect from Springbank. Complexity is the key word here yet it remains perfectly balanced from first sip to the full, rich finish.
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OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
Lemon Tart INGREDIENTS 200g plain flour 50g ground almonds 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra to dust 125g chilled butter, diced 2 medium egg yolks 1 egg white, beaten For the filling 200g golden caster sugar 4 medium eggs 142ml carton double cream
METHOD - Put the flour, ground almonds, salt, icing sugar and butter in a food processor and whizz to make fine crumbs. Add the yolks and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water and pulse until the mixture comes together to make a firm but moist dough. Lightly shape the pastry into a ball, then roll out on a floured surface and use to line a 20cm fluted flan tin. Chill for 30 minutes. - Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas 5. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper, fill with baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Lift out the paper, return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the pastry is dry. Brush the pastry case with egg white
and return to the oven for 5 minutes until the egg white has dried and the pastry is shiny – this will prevent the pastry. - Put the flour, ground almonds, salt, icing sugar and butter in a food processor and whizz to make fine crumbs. Add the yolks and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water and pulse until the mixture comes together to make a firm but moist dough. Lightly shape the pastry into a ball, then roll out on a floured surface and use to line a 20cm fluted flan tin. Chill for 30 minutes. - Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas 5. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper, fill with baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Lift out the paper, return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the pastry is dry. Brush the pastry case with egg white and return to the oven for 5 minutes until the egg white has dried and the pastry is shiny – this will prevent the pastry going soggy once the filling is poured in. Lower the oven temperature to 150°C/fan130°C/gas 2. - For the filling, whisk the caster sugar and eggs until foamy. Beat in the cream, then the lemon zest and juice. Pour into the tart case and return to the oven for 40–50 minutes until just set – don’t worry if it’s wobbly in the centre as it will set as it cools. Cool, slip out of the tin, then dust with extra icing sugar.
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The Star Inn NEW LUNCHTIME MENU AVAILABLE
Why not include bed & breakfast From only ÂŁ55 per room.
OPEN Lunch:Tuesday - Saturday 12-2pm Evening meals:Tuesday - Saturday 6-9pm Monday Evening: 6-8pm Sunday Lunch: 12-3pm(Booking advisable) The Star Inn, Mamhilad
01495 785319 BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW !!!!!!!!!
Bar Opening Times: Sunday -12:30pm to 5:00pm. Monday - Closed. Tuesday to Saturday 12 to 3:00pm. 6:30pm to 11:00pm.
Bistro Opening Times: Sunday - Lunch: 12:30pm to 5:00pm. Monday - Closed. Tuesday to Saturday - 12 to 2:15pm. Supper: 7:00pm to 9:15pm.
Llanvihangel Gobion, nr Abergavenny, NP7 9AY
01873 840414 www.thecharthouse-bar-bistro.co.uk
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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8/9/08
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01633 257939/245967 2 Constance Street, (Off Caerleon Road) Newport, South Wales. NP19 7DB
SEPT FOOD
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qc
quintessential cuisine
A gem of an Inn not to be missed! With spectacular views of the Black Mountains, the Dragon Inn is popular not only with locals, but also with visitors and tourists to the picturesque town of Crickhowell. WORDS Anne-Marie Smith
RAGON Hotel owner, Ashley Nield took over in July 2007 after visiting the town located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park and deciding it was an ideal place to start within the hospitality trade. With a background in journalism, Ashley had travelled the world before realising his heart lay in Wales. Originally from the North of the principality, he had watched his family run hotels and decided he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors. He started by restoring the outside of the building as well as upgrading the fifteen bedroom accommodation which also offers a small function room to cater for small weddings and parties. Head chef, Robert Duggan has been at the Inn for five years and originally trained with Trust House Forte. He is looking to change the menu seasonally and only uses locally-produced food of the highest quality raised and fattened on the hillsides surrounding Crickhowell. With a very impressive menu and a Specials Board, my dining companion Nick and I took a seat by the window overlooking the mountains and pondered our choices. The atmosphere at the Inn was very relaxed and friendly, with many locals enjoying the hospitality and excellent service, whilst admiring the breath-taking views. There were plenty of starters to choose from and a little different from the run-of-the-mill options making a nice change so, I opted for the Thai-Style Mussels. These arrived in a bowl served with a side portion of homemade sundried tomato bread. There were plenty of piping hot mussels cooked in a spicy Thai Green curry sauce and tasted delicious, though a little different to other Thai Green curry sauces I’ve had before. Having said that I quickly used the lovely tomato bread in a race to soak up the sauce as Nick was spooning what was left into his mouth. Nick’s choice of starter, was the Local Smoked Trout served on a bed of leaves with Gooseberry Relish. The trout was light, fresh and flavoursome and married perfectly with the rich relish proving a perfect starter to the main courses to come - delicious Many of the main courses have a local and traditional Welsh influence including, for example, the Welsh Black Sirloin and the Chicken Breast stuffed with Leeks & Caerphilly Cheese. I chose from the main course menu (although I was tempted by many of the dishes on the specials board) and decided on the Homemade Steak, Mushroom & Local Ale Pie served beneath a Puff Pastry Lid. This dish is certainly not for the faint-hearted or for those watching their weight! The pie was packed with chunks of tender meat in a rich, luscious gravy. The pastry was light and crisp and was served with a selection of Vegetables and new potatoes. Again, the meal was served piping hot and remained so even after waiting for a few minutes while Nick worked his photographic magic. Nick chose a meal from the specials board - the Breast of Duck with a Spring Onion Mash and a Port Wine Sauce. The meat was nicely sliced and slightly pink as expected. The skin was tasy and very crisp this was the best part of the meal by far and was an absolute triumph. The inspired use of the spring onion in the lovely fluffy mash, left a mouth-watering acidic kick on the palate, which was complemented perfectly with the beautifully rich port wine sauce . Also within the dish were small sauteéd potatoes which were lovely and crisp adding to the crunchy texture of the dish. Nick and I got halfway through our meals and decided to swap over as both of us were drooling over eachothers main course as well as our own. We agreed that both dishes were wonderfully warming and comfort food at its best! On to the desserts menu, all of which are homemade and each one looking as tempting as the next. After much deliberation, I decided on the Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Sauce. I wasn't overly keen on the presentation of this dessert and I found the cocoa content a little over powering for my liking.
D
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PICTURES Nick Clarke
OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
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qc
quintessential cuisine
OPPOSITE PAGE , MIDDLE Breast of Duck. BOTTOM LEFT Homemade Steak, Mushroom & Local Ale Pie THIS PAGE TOP LEFT Local Smoked Trout. TOP RIGHT Thai Style Mussels. BOTTOM LEFT Sticky Toffee Pudding BOTTOM RIGHT The Creme Bruleé & The Chocolate Mousse
Having said that, for real chocoholic amongst us, this would probably more than satisfy a sweet tooth. Nick chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding served with swiss ice-cream the warmth of the pudding and the cold of the icecream was a joy. Sweet, rich and satisfying. I then went on to try the Creme Bruleé. Very light and creamy with a crisp caramel covering (could have been a bit thicker perhaps!) nevertheless delicious and was my favourite desert! The food at the Dragon Inn was impressive and good honest, wholesome home cooking, which combines great gastro-style presentation with good, honest, home-cooked comfort food at its very best. The choices were superb, and all the meals using fresh local produce were served piping hot with scrumptious starters and desserts. The atmosphere within the restaurant was friendly and relaxing with the service and attention to detail superb. The views from the window were stunning and it was easy to see why so many visitors from around the world visit this beautiful location. This Inn is a gem not to be missed! Lunch is served between 12-2pm and evening meals, 6.30- 9pm, Monday to Thursday which extends to 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday. The Dragon Inn serves a special Crusaders Sunday Lunch with 3 Courses at £14.95 and 2 Courses at £11.95. Children are welcome with meals starting from £4. To reserve your table call 01873 810362. SEPTEMBER 2008 OUT & OUT LIVING
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interview
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OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
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Duffy interview
Welsh singing sensation Duffy’s star has been rising at an astonishing rate this year. Debut album ‘Rockferry’ released in March has now reached double platinum status in the UK with sales currently sitting around the 600,000 mark and that number looks set to continue climbing as Out & Out Living found out.
DUFFY is the first to recognise how fast everything has been happening for her “It’s been quite mind-blowing. Of course I hoped that people would warm to the album because I make music for people, not for me. You hope that a record is going to become something that people want and like and so it’s really surprising how quickly everything has happened”. With such an immediate turnaround from just another face on the street to household name it’s taken time to adjust, not just for the singer but for her family and friends too. “They’ve been like excited children at Christmas! It’s gone from nobody really caring that I’m a singer to suddenly everyone being super proud. It’s very exciting-it’s like a different world. It’s very mind-blowing how suddenly I’ve become different to other people and changed in their eyes”. This new found recognition has made for some strange situations for the singer from Wales, such as being asked out by celebrities, that she’s coy about naming, in the street. “I’m not going to drop any names, but I was walking around Chelsea about two weeks ago, cigarette and coffee in hand and I saw this celebrity guy walking towards me. Usually with my sister I’m like ‘Oh my God I saw so and so today’ and then this guy and his mate stop me, ask for my number to see if I want to go out for a drink with him! At the end of the day I’m still a kid from Wales and I’m being chatted up by a celebrity in the street! Is that supposed to be normal?” All these celebrity encounters seem to leave her a little bit starstruck as she adjusts to fame, not just in the UK but also in the US where her big soul sound is also causing a stir. “I met Ellen (DeGeneres) and I really liked her, I think she’s really cool. She’s like really iconic you know but she’s so nice and so fun. Justin Timberlake was also on her show and I didn’t know who to be more impressed with”. The young singing sensation isn’t the only young British female making headway in the often difficult to crack US market. With artists like Estelle and Leona Lewis also over there do they feel any kinship? “You know when you go on holiday and you see a person from your village that you wouldn’t normally speak to, but when you’re abroad you seem to team together and then you go back home and lose touch again? It’s like that. On foreign terms you feel like you should stick together”. With her British success looking set to repeat itself in the US, Duffy is quick to point out that she isn’t about to turn her back on us. “I’m a British singer and I value that so much and that’s why I’m not in any hurry to leave. The fact that I moved to London from Wales in itself is a really big thing. I came from Wales, I moved to London and I feel British, whatever that is. I’m a Welsh singer and I feel blessed that I have been embraced at home. I feel at home in the UK”. Her move from Wales to London provided inspiration for her
songwriting on the album. “I called the album Rockferry because that was the first song I wrote and it’s about struggle. Rockferry is like a place in your mind’s eye that you get to when you’ve overcome something. It’s not a song about love, it’s not a song about loss, it’s a song about being strong, you know? It’s not like a mantra because that sounds a bit cheesy and technical, but it was almost like the aim for the record. I was moving from Wales, I’d never made music before and I was really afraid. The whole thing, psychologically, was just like trying to get to Rockferry, wherever that was. I still don’t know if I’ve got there. I still don’t really know what it is! It doesn’t really make sense to me why I spend my whole life, every waking minute, focusing on this. It’s not like I can say I want to be famous or that I want anything from it, it’s just bizarre. It’s something that I have to do and I’m passionate about”. It’s apparent that the writing and recording process was a pretty intense time for Duffy. “When I’m in the studio I often get this feeling that I’m drowning. You feel like you’re being consumed by the creative process. When I was making Rockferry I could write a song and then go home at night and feel a little bit like my heart was really heavy, even if the song was going really well. It was just a really strange experience”. Is playing live more enjoyable for her? “Both sides of things have their good points. I’m enjoying playing live more and more but at the beginning I was really afraid. I felt very vulnerable: I was just a girl on stage with a band and a song and nobody really knew the record”. SEPTEMBER 2008
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interview Now that the album is done and dusted and flying off the shelves, Duffy is able to enjoy performing her songs live. With one UK tour already under her belt, she’s about to head out on the road again followed by a packed summer schedule of festivals. “I can’t really get nervous anymore. There’s an element of vulnerability and I do get scared a little bit, but I just want to let people have a good time. I don’t want to be loved or adored or get off stage feeling good about myself, I want to get off stage feeling that people had a good time. I can’t stand on my head and do magic tricks, you know, I do what I do and I just hope that it goes down OK”. South By Southwest festival held in Texas in March of this year saw Duffy’s first live performance at a festival. How was it? “It was crazy! The audience was unbelievable. I watched REM on the night I arrived and it was amazing and then the next night I played on the same stage. It was so amazing”. With lots of appearances at UK festivals coming up are there any Duffy is particularly looking forward to? “All of them! It’s a bit of a whirlwind really. It’s like ‘Hey what am I doing tomorrow? Glastonbury? Brilliant!”. Glastonbury’s getting it’s fair share of media attention at the moment with the public divided over Jay-Z’s headline slot, so what does she think about all this? “I don’t really know what everyone’s problem is really. Jay-Z’s absolutely brilliant. He’s made some great records and he’s a very respected artist. I really don’t bother myself with music snobbery. To me there’s only two forms of music: there’s good music and there’s bad music. He makes good music. What’s the problem?” With ‘Warwick Avenue’, the third single to be released from ‘Rockferry’ coming out on 26th May what comes next for Duffy? “You know I’m just living one day to the next and that’s good for me. I wake up in the morning, I throw my clothes on, I go and do what I need to do and I feel really good about it. I’m not worrying about what lies ahead in the future yet. I just take each day as it comes otherwise I’d lose my mind”.
Autumn UK Tour DUFFY rounds off an exceptional year with a major UK tour. She will perform material from her no. 1 LP ‘Rockferry’, the UK’s biggest selling album this year selling over 1 million copies here and over 3 million worldwide to date. The 12 date tour includes two shows in Manchester, Wolverhampton and London. Full dates are as follows: November Tue 25th BELFAST, George's Market* Fri 28th LEEDS, Academy Sat 29th MANCHESTER, Apollo Sun 30th MANCHESTER, Apollo December Tue 2nd Wed 3rd Thu 4th Fri 5th Sun 7th Mon 8th Tue 9th
GLASGOW, Academy NEWCASTLE, Academy WOLVERHAMPTON, Wolves Civic WOLVERHAMPTON, Wolves Civic NEWPORT, Newport Centre LONDON, Brixton Academy LONDON, Brixton Academy
New single ‘Stepping Stone’, written by Duffy and Steve Booker and produced by Steve, was released August 31st on A&M/Universal. Currently playlisted on Radio 1 and Radio 2, the single looks set to emulate the success of previous single ‘Warwick Avenue’, which reached no. 3 in the UK charts. Duffy is now back in the UK after wowing audiences at a host of North American festivals, including Chicago’s Lollapalooza, Montreal’s Osheaga Festival and New Jersey’s All Points West. She performs at several UK festivals in preparation for her national tour, playing V (August 16th, 17th) and Hydro Connect (August 31st), having already demonstrated her festival credentials with a stunning debut performance at Glastonbury. www.iamduffy.com
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OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
SEPT 08 FILMS, MUSIC & THEATRE
7/9/08
17:13
Page 5
An ideal show at the New Theatre SIR Peter Hall’s highly acclaimed West End and Broadway production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband returns to the New Theatre on 22nd to 27th September. Into the fashionable world of London parties, politics and diplomacy comes the worldly and devious Mrs Cheveley. She attempts to blackmail the British Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sir Robert Chiltern, whom she accuses of building a career on dishonour by selling a cabinet secret. Glamorous Kate O’Mara, star of such TV hits as Dynasty and Bad Girls, returns to the role of Mrs Cheveley, a part she originally played in the West End. Kate is joined by Dynasty co-star and veteran of the television classic Robin of Sherwood, Michael Praed. Carol Royle has starred in numerous popular TV series including Heartbeat, Crossroads and most recently Doctors. Her various stage roles have included leads in Royal Shakespeare Company productions of A Woman of No Importance and Hamlet. Alongside them are Robert Duncan, Gus from the cult comedy hit Drop the Dead Donkey, Fenella Fielding perhaps best known for her roles in the Carry On and Doctor films, and finally renowned actor of stage and screen Tony Britton whose TV hits include Don’t Wait Up and Robin’s Nest. Written with the wit and style expected of Wilde, the political intrigue amongst society’s highest ranking figures gives us one of his most entertaining plays. For tickets call the box office on 029 2087 8889.
Allan Holdsworth The Met, Abertillery 27 September 2008 8pm Alan Holdsworth is regarded by fans and contemporary musicians as one of the 20th century's most prominent guitarists and an innovator of merging rock and jazz. An inductee of Guitar Player Magazines Hall of Fame, Holdsworth is a five time winner in the readers poll. Tickets £13.50
BOOK NOW! Call the Box Office on
01495 355800 www.blaenaugwentvenues.com
Congress Theatre, Cwmbran
6th November 08
24th & 25th November 08
Tickets £10.00 Tickets £8.00
26th & 30th December 08
24th & 22nd February 08
£9.50 Adults £7.50 Cons
£13.00 Adults £9.00 Cons
Box Office 01633 868239
SEPT 08 FILMS, MUSIC & THEATRE
7/9/08
17:11
Page 2
music
Oasis play in the Principality OASIS will return from North America to play a major UK Arena tour in support of the release of their eagerly awaited new album ‘Dig Out Your Soul’. The tour gets under way in Liverpool on October 7, the day after ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ hits the streets. It will continue for a full month with the band playing 18 shows across the UK, and is the second leg of their 14 month world tour. Oasis have also announced that for the first time ever they will be making available a special, fully-loaded limited edition box set of the new album. This amazing looking set contains four heavyweight 12" vinyl discs, two CDs, a DVD and hardback book all housed within an embossed hardback box. In fact this is the only way to get the album and the complete set of all 9 bonus songs, remixes and films that were recorded during the album sessions. This unique collectors item will be available for purchase exclusively through the band's website, and can be pre-ordered now, for worldwide delivery on release date Oct 6, through www.oasisinet.com ‘The Shock of the Lightning’, the first single to be taken from the band's new album, will be released on September 29th and the album ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ on October 6th both on Big Brother Recordings worldwide. The Manchunian band play at the Cardiff International Arena on the 23rd&24th October for tickets call the CIA BOX OFFICE on 029 2022 4488.
40 years of the Quo Alannah Myles at the Met GRAMMY award winner Alannah Myles will be performing at The Met, Abertillery on Saturday 13th September at 8pm. Tickets £16.50 or £13.50 for Blues Club Members. After an eight year songwriting hiatus Alannah has re-emerged, energized, with a new album, and has chosen to call it Black Velvet in order to re-connect with her millions of fans. When you purchase a ticket for Alannah Myles at The Met Abertillery you will be automatically entered in a prize draw for her new album, Black Velvet which contains all brand new studio recordings along with Black Velvet 2007, a new recording with a contemporary arrangement of her classic hit. For further information and tickets, please contact the Box Office on 01495 355800 or visit www.blaenaugwentvenues.com.
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OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
2008 has been a true year of celebration as Status Quo hit the road for a UK tour and unleash “Pictures: 40 Years of Hits” a multi-format collection spanning their incredible chart career which started forty years ago with the “Pictures Of Matchstick Men” single. Each version of “Pictures: 40 Years Of Hits” - which is released on 3rd November 2008 through UMTV. The bands Winter tour will feature a brand-new one-off setlist packed with hits to mark the occasion and boasting state of the art stage backdrops evoking classic Quo moments, this is a Quo tour like none before. As the tour hits Wales, the mighty Quo will be playing a number of gigs which include the Llandudno Venue Cymru on the 28th&29th of September as well as a Christmas gig at the Cardiff International Arena on 20th December.
For tickets call the CIA Box Office on 029 20 22 44 88.
SEPT 08 FILMS, MUSIC & THEATRE
7/9/08
17:12
Page 3
Edited by Jason Roberts
at the movies
ROCKNROLLA (15, 114MINS)
movie of the month
FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER RATING GERARD BUTLER, THANDIE NEWTON
***
In ROCKNROLLA, London's criminals learn of a scheme that makes them see dollar signs and they'll do anything to pad their pockets with the loot. SNATCH director Guy Ritchie populates this action film with memorable characters played by the likes of Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Jeremy Piven, Idris Elba, and Tom Wilkinson. With a sprawling cast of vivid characters, this film is a welcome return to Ritchie's lively British crime milieu. And while it does add a certain existential undercurrent, there's not much here that he hasn't done before. Lenny (Wilkinson) is a ruthless London property tycoon with a city councillor (Mistry) in his pocket. His latest venture involves a fragile deal with a slick Russian mobster (Roden). Into the middle of this comes One-Two (Butler) and his Wild Bunch of gambling buddies (Hardy, Elba and Bell), who get entangled with Lenny's devious accountant (Newton) and his efficient minder (Strong) while looking for an important painting that was borrowed by Lenny's now-missing rock-star stepson (Kebbell). Everyone's in over their head, and they don't know it. As with Lock, Stock and Snatch, Ritchie fills the screen with whizzy graphics, snappy editing and eye-catching visual gags. The huge number of characters are sharp enough to keep straight, thankfully, with their wilfully nutty personalities and private obsessions. And when it turns violent or sexy, Ritchie undermines things with sassy direction or farcical comedy.
The movie is engaging, due to the colourful performances from a cast that's clearly having fun with their characters. This keeps us entertained while all of the plot threads slowly, finally begin to converge, as we know they must, for the big finale. While the moral dilemmas are shallow, at least the gleefully nasty violence isn't too explicit. But as Ritchie makes pointed comments about drug abuse, homophobia and xenophobia, he also encourages all three through his approach to the characters. Even so, the style and energy, plus the terrifically memorable characters, make it mindlessly good fun.
Also released this month
September movie releases
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS (15, 111MINS)
DISASTER MOVIE (12A, 110MINS)
THE ROMANCE OF ASTREA AND CELADON
FRIDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER
FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER
(U, 98MINS)
RATING ****
MATT LANTER, VANESSA MINNILLO IN Disaster Movie, the filmmaking team behind the hits Scary Movie, Date Movie, Epic Movie and Meet The Spartans this time puts its unique, inimitable stamp on one of the biggest and most bloated movie genres of all time - the disaster film. Disaster Movie follows the comic misadventures of a group of ridiculously attractive twentysomethings during one fateful night as they try to make their way to safety while every known natural disaster and catastrophic event asteroids, twisters, earthquakes etc. This movie takes aim at everything and everyone, from Indiana Jones and Iron Man to Amy Winehouse and High School Musical.
JAMES FRANCO, SETH ROGEN DALE Denton (Rogen), a process server with a weed fixation, witnesses a murder and turns to his dealer, Saul (James Franco), for support. The murderer is actually Saul's main drug supplier, and because of Saul's access to some extremely rare high-grade pot (called Pineapple Express) the two are quickly tracked down and put on the run. Like all Apatow/Rogen vehicles, the movie deals with the theme of men succumbing to adulthood and all the adjustments they are forced to make in the process. However, unlike KNOCKED UP and THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS is just too wacky to offer any lessons. Still, there's more going on here than giggles and the munchies.
RATING *
FRIDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER RATING ** STÉPHANIE CRAYENCOUR THE story begins, the idyllic passion of Astrea (Stéphanie Crayencour), a beautiful shepherdess, and Celadon (Andy Gillet), an androgynously handsome shepherd, shatters after each observes the other apparently flirting with someone else. It is all a misunderstanding. But when Astrea refuses to believe Celadon’s innocence, he tries to drown himself in a river. He is saved and secretly nursed back to health by a group of possessive nymphs. Hearing no word of Celadon, Astrea assumes he is dead, blames herself and sinks into despair. Celadon is encouraged by a wise older druid to reveal himself to Astrea, but he feels he must obey her dictum to remain out of her sight forever.
Friday 5 September Bangkok Dangerous Duchess, The (12A) El Cantante (15) Mera Pind My home Never Apologise (15) Sweet Land Friday 12 September Boy In Striped Pyjamas, The (12A) Eden Lake (18) Eraserhead (18) Heavy Metal In Baghdad (15) Jar City (15) THE Women Friday 19 September Chaser, The (18) Linha De Passe (15) Live! (15) Love Letters and Live Wires: Then She Found Me (15) Tropic Thunder (15) Unrelated (15) The Wave (15) Zombie Strippers (18) Wednesday 24 September Grease (Reissue - One Day Only) (PG) Thursday 25 September A Matter Of Life And Death (Reissue) (U) Friday 26 September Alexandra (PG) Death Race (15) Steep (PG) Swing Vote (12A) Taken (15)
SEPTEMBER 2008
OUT & OUT LIVING
33
SEPT COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Welsh walks
7/9/08
17:16
Page 2
Wye Valley
Wandering Wye Despite the rain the Welsh countryside has had a few rays of sun this Summer. Some of the year’s best sunshine tends to find expression at this time and it would be a shame to waste the opportunity to enjoy it. WORDS & PICTURES Jason Clarke DURING the wet and miserable summer months it was easy to forget the rural delights that can be found on our soggy little island. But as autumn approaches, mists form in valleys and leaves turn a gradual gold before the winter chill sets in. The Wye Valley has long been recognised as a place of outstanding natural beauty. Its popularity might mean that it does not have the exotic and remote charms it did when Wordsworth and Turner wound their way along the river, but it would be a crime not to visit its burnished tree clad splendour. There are a number of ways to explore: canoe, car, bicycle or bus, but I would recommend walking. A car removes you from the sights and sounds and you may be in danger of missing the occasional, eccentric pub, reticent woodland creature and the other sights, sounds and smells apparent at this time of year. The Offa’s Dyke walk is the most famous and historic of the paths. Offa, an old Mercian king, made it as much a political statement as an actual defensive feature. Although you cannot walk along its entirety, there are many stretches where you can stroll in the footsteps of old Saxon warriors. For the more adventurous it allows elevated views of the valley. A steep climb along well signposted paths at Monmouth or Redbrook will take you to narrow wooded tracks. The Devil’s Pulpit is
34
OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
probably the most spectacular of its features and can be walked to from Tintern. There are innumerable guide books and internet sites, which can furnish you with the relevant directions and history should they be required. Another less well travelled, and therefore, more attractive way, is the Wye Valley Walk. It follows the river which means no steep climbs. The pubs are easier to find and despite being at the bottom of the valley, you get to see more of it due to less tree cover. The entire stretch is a good two days walk so be realistic if you want to enjoy it to the full. For my money Redbrook is a good place to start. It has a great little pub called ‘The Boat’; worth a visit for its eccentric beer garden alone. Walk along the old railway bridge, take a few photos half way across and enjoy a nice rest or fortified beginning. It stocks decent, small brewery style beers and ciders, has good honest pub grub to keep you going and more than anything else is worth supporting as it hasn’t lost its individuality in the face of the monolithic, homogenising of big brewery ignorance. As you head down the valley, south, towards Chepstow, there are fields of maize, corn and barley to enjoy, wide bridleways and individual bridges at which to rest to take in the sights. Enjoy the multitude of colour and smells, take a picnic
SEPT COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
7/9/08
17:17
Page 3
Wye Valley
along to feast upon in the meadows. Aim to finish at Tintern. Here is sited the most famous of the valley’s landmarks, Tintern Abbey. Lauded by Turner and Wordsworth, it is set next to a small village with cafes, pubs, hotels and B&Bs. They range from reasonable to pricey, cater for most culinary desires and will undoubtedly allow you to recharge your batteries after a decent day’s walk. There is a museum with audio guides should you wish to explore the abbey further. There are shops and a water mill surrounded by cafes about 100meters away from the abbey should you fancy a cream tea. Parva Farm vineyard welcomes visitors and an old railway museum for the enthusiast are also places to pass the time. A tremendous number of other, less ambitious walks, criss-cross Tintern from all directions. You can quite easily use this as a base and use a decent ordnance survey map to find your way around. Another little gem I would recommend is the Moon and Sixpence. Reasonably priced, it has a range of beers, ciders and the best shepherd’s pie I’ve ever tasted. A little more expensive but still good are the Wye Valley Hotel and the Parva Farmhouse Riverside Guesthouse and Restaurant. Confessing my own laziness I stayed the night next to the river in the latter which
Welsh walks
was pretty idyllic. The host of the guesthouse was extremely pleasant offering a smile and comfortable place to stay for the weary traveller. I fell asleep with the sound of glittering water as a lullaby. Should the British summer have ground you down, enjoy the magic of autumn along the Wye Valley.
SEPTEMBER 2008
OUT & OUT LIVING
35
SEPT COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
7/9/08
17:33
Page 4
You can do it!
36
OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
MONMOUTHSHIRE AND NEWPORT Coastal Ways Project is looking for a badge design to use on routes to and along the coast from Chepstow to the Cardiff border. The competition is open to all ages. The winning design will be used on sign posts, pavements, benches and so on as well as being printed on leaflets. It needs to be easy to reproduce in a variety of media including printed material, metal, clay and wood. There is much of historical and natural interest in this area. Designs could reflect this to give us a regional ‘brand’ for this part of the planned All Wales Coast Path. Designs should be shown in a circle on an A4 piece of paper presented ‘portrait’. Put your name and address on the back with your age if under 18. Entries should be sent to: Helen Howlett, Coastal Ways Officer, Countryside Section Newport Civic Centre NP20 4UR or Countryside Section County Hall, Cwmbran NP44 2XH. The winning design will be
adapted and printed on to waymarking discs to be used along the length of the Monmouthshire and Newport Coast Path from Chepstow to the Cardiff border. The winner will be given the opportunity to help cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Monmouthshire and Newport Coast Path and will be presented with a framed plaque of the chosen design. Runners-up will have their designs, along with the winner’s, carved into a commemorative bench at a viewpoint looking over the coast. The judges decision will be final. Entry to the competition automatically gives Monmouthshire and Newport Coastal Access Improvement Project the right to reproduce images submitted (for example in publicity and leaflets). The project also reserves the right not to use any of the designs submitted. The Countryside Council for Wales has supported the Coastal Access Improvement Project by distributing funds from the Welsh Assembly Government.
SEPT COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
7/9/08
17:20
Page 5
Rhymney River Circular Walk
SEP HOMES&GARDEN&NPBLOOM
8/9/08
01:29
Page 2
in the garden
What a shower! Summer! What Summer? The sunshine has failed to show and the gardens are suffering as much as we are.
WORDS Ruby Morgan ANK Holiday! What a washout again except for a few hours here and there it was disastrous. We were hoping to spend the afternoon at Cefn-tilla Court on the Monday, to see the gardens, but it was so miserable, we decided to stay home instead. Thank goodness for Garden Centres. At least you can walk around under cover most of the time, and if the sun does come out, that’s a bonus. A lot of them have restaurants where you can enjoy a cuppa or even a three-course meal. Another advantage offered by most is an opportunity to join their ’Gardening Club’ where special offers will be sent periodically through the post. Back home the tomatoes in our greenhouse are a disappointment again this year. In spite of trying two varieties they are still mostly green and the roma tomatoes have got black patches on them. It does make you wonder sometimes if it is worth the effort. Never mind, maybe we will have a warm and sunny autumn to ripen the few decent ones that we have. Failing that, I think we will put a ripe banana in with them, as apparently they tend to give off a chemical reaction to speed up the ripening process. Then of course as a last resort there is always green tomato chutney In spite of everything, some plants seem to be thriving. We put indoor cactus, and a spider plant outdoors at the beginning of the season, as they were looking very sorry for themselves. Now, lo and behold they seem to be thriving even though they are supposed to like dry, hot conditions. You never can tell how they will react. The fuchsias are also particularly good this year. Loads of blooms. Also the thunbergia or black eyed Susie. Feeding them with tomato fertilizer seems to keep them looking healthy. A plant that we have been trying out recently is the tradescantia. It flowers in dull weather (essential) and makes a welcome addition to the border. Apparently it is a native of Canada where it grows wild. As I said last year, now is the time to pick up some bargains in garden furniture and accessories. They are bound to be going cheap, as the shops will almost certainly be overstocked. A little bit of good news in this gloomy climate of ours. Good hunting!
B
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OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
SEP HOMES&GARDEN&NPBLOOM
8/9/08
06:56
Page 3
Summer Sizzling Offers at
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SEP LITTLE GEMS
8/9/08
06:02
Page 2
little gems corner
Pets and kids
Greenmeadow
Community Farm
14th September 2008
18th Horticultural and Craft Show. Action packed day with displays, stalls galore. With classes covering vegetables, flowers, pot plants, fruit, cookery, wine, food and children’s activities. COMPETITIONS WITH PRIZE MONEY TO BE WON! Activities include: nature trails, spinning and pottery. Displays will include falconry display, horse riding and the Usk Valley Working Gundog Club. That’s on top of all the usual farm activities such as animal handling, tractor rides and our daily milking demonstration…and the icing on the cake – it’s FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY!
Don't forget to also join us on Halloween this year for a spooky, fun night! Greenforge Way, Cwmbran.
01633 647662
www.greenmeadowcommunityfarm.org.uk
40
There is so much to see and do at the Farm, you will want to visit again and again... OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
I REMEMBER as a child constantly nagging my parents to let me have a dog. I have always loved animals and thankfully, in the end my parents gave in. Our dog proved to be such a wonderful companion and brought us sixteen years of joy. I am a firm believer in children having pets in the house as long as they are aware of the responsibility attached and how they can sometimes be a tie if you want to go anywhere for the day, or away on holiday. Many children find that the novelty of walking 'Buster' or cleaning out 'Snowy's' cage can soon wear off and it’s usually left to mum or dad to carry on where they left off. As well as this of course, there are also the veterinary bills to take into consideration. These don't come cheap and include vaccination jabs that are a necessary protection for owning a pet such as a dog or cat. On the positive side, pets teach children how to love and care for animals, they teach children reponsibility and about life and death. The pet can and should become an integral part of the family and becomes one of your child's best friends. There are a number of pets you could choose from, with the most popular being, hamsters, Budgerigars, rabbits, cats and dogs. Each of these have their own benefits and disadvantages attached. For example, a hamster only lives for approximately 2-3 years, but are cheap to buy and relatively inexpensive to keep. On the other hand, the average life expectancy of a dog is between 12-15 years but are very, very dependant on their owners. Dogs require yearly vaccinations, require feeding twice a day and excercise is a major part of their lives. As with all new pets, they will take a period of time to settle in with their new owners, and it does take a while to toilet train puppies and kittens. It is important to remember, that no matter how cute they look when they are small, they will grow and start taking over your home (and furniture). If you do decide to go ahead and purchase a pet, it is important follow the these general safety tips:- Always supervise your children when they are with their pets - even the gentlest of animals can turn if provoked. Teach children how to stroke gently (and in the right direction!) - Teach your children to stay away from pets when they are eating or sleeping. - Try to be quiet around animals, screaming and running around indoors can cause some animals distress. - Caged animals often bite, teach children to keep fingers out of the bars. - Do not allow your child to yell at or hit your pet - show consideration for your pet, and your child will imitate you. - Do not let animals lick faces - it might be nice to have 'kisses', but when you consider what animals keep clean by licking, it isn't so good to let them lick your face as well.. - If you follow these simple rules, your child should be able to build a lasting, loving relationship with your pet.
SEP LITTLE GEMS
8/9/08
06:03
Page 3
Largest family entertainment centre in the valleys
Halloween at Wild Thingz
Join us all at Wild Thingz for a spooky evening of fun on the 31st Oct 2008. 6:30pm-9:00pm Freaky fun includes:· Fancy dress competition (separate competition for parents and grandparents) · What’s in the feely box? · Plus much more Tickets £6.00 per child Price includes Entrance disco and spooky lunchbox Book now at reception to avoid disappointment
Now taking bookings for Christmas. Call for further information.
Open 7 days a week 9.30-6.30
Tel: 01495 211187 Wild Thingz, UNIT 7, Glandwr Industrial Estate, Aberbeeg. NP13 2XE
www.wildthingz.co.uk
SEP WEB & FINANCE & HOVIP
business
7/9/08
17:22
Page 1
In association with
INNOVATION drives success A unique opportunity to become more profitable
Recognising and celebrating success Winners of the 2008 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards
Aiming high in the Welsh valleys Thinking of starting your own business? Do you have an existing business and now need support or advice? The Heads Of The Valleys Innovation Programme exists to help businesses, including social enterprises, big and small, throughout the Welsh valleys THE 2008 Heads of the Valleys Innovation Awards demonstrate a thriving spirit of business enterprise and innovation. With 34 entrants, more than double the number received in 2007, the 2008 winners are an excellent example of the variety of innovation taking place in the region. Cynon Valley Crime Reduction Services Ltd., a social enterprise based in Aberdare, provides a wide range of security services from installing CCTV to Portable Appliance Testing and fitting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is the only company in the UK to trade as a National Security Inspectorate Gold Awarded company in Security Services. The company also has a number of unique programmes to engage and educate young people in collaboration with community groups. Rhymney Brewery, based in Merthyr Tydfil, is the only fully integrated microbrewery in Wales. As a result they even bottle product for their competitors! The Brewery has achieved recognition by CAMRA as the Champion Beer in Wales and has exciting plans to expand as a tourist attraction. Blaenavon Cheddar Company & Mountain Tours in Torfaen combines quality cheese-making with a thriving tourist business. This unique business demonstrated their innovative capacity by maturing and launching their handmade cheese 200 feet underground at World Heritage site Big Pit. Joyner PA (Cymru), specialists in external wall insulation based in Caerphilly, have developed a ground-breaking vocational qualification for the construction sector. The company has trained 100% of their workforce in this
NVQ and received excellent feedback on projects ranging from upgrading housing stock in the Heads of the Valleys to projects such as Altolusso House in Cardiff which cleverly combines the old with the new. The Innovation Awards are amongst the initiatives which showcase and reward the most innovative businesses in the area. They are part of the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme (HOVIP) which is hosted by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and supported by and supported by Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen councils, Community Enterprise Wales and NESTA. Sponsors for the 2008 Awards were NESTA, HSBC, Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce and BT. Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration at the Welsh Assembly Government, said the Innovation Awards were important because they recognise and promote some of the dynamic businesses that are flourishing in the Heads of the Valleys region. “These companies are not only playing an important role in the regional economy but their success is helping to change perceptions and sends out a strong message that the Heads of the Valleys is a great location for business.” Phil Burkhard (HOVIP Manager) added, “The calibre of entries was very high and all the winners are sector, national or UK market leaders. Innovation is about doing things differently to achieve a dramatic and beneficial result! The 2008 Awards winners are great examples of innovation in practice and will act as a beacon for others to aim high.”
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 42
OUT & OUT LIVING SEPTEMBER 2008
SEPT WEB & FINANCE
7/9/08
17:39
Page 3
advertising feature
At the Cardiff Gate Training Centre VT Critical Services is able to provide a variety of courses to meet specific needs. BUILT as a PFI project between the VT Group, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and South Wales Fire Authority, this Training Complex is designed to fully meet the needs of the Fire & Rescue Service and external organizations to ensure the most up to date bespoke fire, rescue, management, health and safety training is available to all. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005),came into force on 1 October 2006 and anyone who is classed as a ‘responsible person’ under RRO 2005 needs to be aware of the changes in relation to fire safety on premises and make provision for them. The reform of general fire safety legislation in England and Wales affects employers and virtually all those responsible for non-domestic premises.They offer a range of courses, ranging from basic Fire Extinguisher use and handling, through to Fire Risk Assessment, ensuring that you are fully able to meet these requirements. The courses vary in length from 2 hours up to a number of days and include:Basic Extinguisher Instruction Fire Fighting Fire Safety Awareness Care Homes Awareness Fire Warden/Marshall The Breathing Apparatus course is designed for employees at all levels who may be required to work in irrespirable atmospheres alongside Firefighters at emergency incidents.The course is flexible and can be tailored to meet the individual requirements of an organization or company. The Breathing Apparatus Refresher course has been designed to introduce new developments and reinforce procedures to enable companies to comply with BA regulations. First Aid, Health & Safety Statutory First Aid (HSE) is a qualification course leading to the HSE first aid at work certificate and the First Aid Requalification is a course for HSE certificate holders to update their skills/ knowledge and re-qualify for the certificate. They also offer a range of 1 day Information Technology Courses based on standard Microsoft TM applications. Training is provided by a training provider using their purpose built IT suite. Courses include;Word Intermediate, Excel Basic, Excel Intermediate, PowerPoint and, PowerPoint Advanced
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL
0144 3232 900 cardiffgateenquiries@vtplc.com www.firetrainingwales.com
DIRECTIONS
Route from J30 M4:Take the A4232 signposted for Cardiff East.At first roundabout, take first exit signposted Llanedeyrn Village.The entrance to Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre is immediately on the left after you exit the roundabout.
Cardiff Gate Training & Development Centre Church Road Old St Mellons Cardiff CF3 6YA
SEPT WEB & FINANCE
7/9/08
17:38
Page 2
In association with Medina Lynch
finance
Chartered Certified Accountants
Tel: 029 2064 4624
Stamp Duty is set to be suspended to help boost property sales - but can Gordon Brown's economic recovery package revive his ailing fortunes and prove to be the key to helping the declining housing market?
Stamping down on the property market WORDS Gavin Watkins GORDON Brown launched the first phase of his economic and political fight back when he announced a package of measures to boost the housing market. As well as announcing a stamp duty holiday for some buyers, the Government announced a plan particularly aimed at helping vulnerable families and first-time buyers. Stamp duty Homes worth £175,000 or less will be exempt from stamp duty from September 3 this year until September 3, 2009. The Government claims the move, which will cost it £600 million, will help half a million homebuyers. It will save people buying a home for £175,000 £1,750, as they would previously have had to pay stamp duty at 1 per cent of the purchase price. The average price of a house in Britain is £177,351, according to Halifax. The higher stamp duty thresholds of £250,000, above which the tax is paid at 3 per cent, and £500,000, when the 4 per cent rate kicks in, are unaffected by the announcement. HomeBuy Direct The Government is investing £300 million into its new shared equity scheme, which will help up to 10,000 first-time buyers buy a new build property. Under the terms of the scheme, first-time buyers with a household income of less than £60,000 will be offered an equity loan of up to 30 per cent of a property's value, co-funded by the Government and housing developer. The loan will be free of charge for five years. It is hoped that the initiative will not only help first-time buyers, but also the struggling housebuilding industry, which has seen sales dive since house prices began to fall. The announcement has had an immediate effect on the share price of house builders, with the share price of Persimmon and Wimpey jumping by more than 9% and Barratts was nearly 7% Mortgage rescue scheme The Government has also unveiled a mortgage rescue scheme at a cost of £200 million to help people facing repossession stay in their homes.
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Under the scheme, vulnerable families who are no longer able to keep up with their mortgage repayments will be offered the chance to sell their home and rent it back, or to enter into a shared equity or shared ownership scheme on the property. This scheme will help around 6,000 households over two years However, it will not offer help to people who are deemed to have acted recklessly or irresponsibly and local authorities will play a major role in assessing applications for the scheme. Affordable Housing Schemes In a bid to increase the supply of affordable housing, the Government is bringing forward £400 million of funding for social housing from existing budgets. It hopes the move will lead to 5,500 more homes being delivered during the coming 18 months. Local authorities with existing housing stock will be able to apply for a grant to build social housing, alongside Registered Social Landlords, for the first time. Income Support for Mortgage Interest The Department for Work and Pensions is reforming Income Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) so that the Government will step in and help people who have lost their income pay their mortgage after 13 weeks, rather than the current 39 weeks. It is also increasing the size of a mortgage on which it will cover interest payments, raising it from £100,000 to £175,000. It is investing £100 million in the change, which it estimates will prevent a further 10,000 people from having their homes repossessed over two years Although the measure announced today were generally welcomed by the housing industry, there is still more that could be done to boost the housing market and help first-time buyers. Perhaps more importantly, the Government needs to persuade the banking industry to start lending again, particularly to first-time buyers. The industry has swung from the madness of lending six times salary to shutting up shop completely. Until it recovers its nerve, there is little to stop the market slide continuing.
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SEPT HEALTH & BEAUTY
7/9/08
17:42
Page 2
health
Carbohydrates, not calories, make you fat. No need to jump straight for the crisp breads and cereal bars! Instead reach for the meat for your calorie-controlled diet. WORDS Zoë Harcombe BACK to food this month and let’s talk about my pet peeve – the government and dieticians continuing to advise people to “Eat less and do more”. Such advice drives people down the path of eating more carbohydrates – fruit, salad, crisp breads, cereal bars – all of these are staple foods for dieters and all are carbohydrates. People tend not to reach for steak and pork chops when they start a calorie-controlled diet and yet they would be better off eating meat than any processed diet food on the shelves...
tissue. This is why insulin has been called the fattening hormone. The easiest substance for the body to get energy from is carbohydrate. So, if your body spots that you’ve eaten a carbohydrate it says “Thank you very much – I’ll use that for my immediate energy needs and I’ll store any fat with it for later on”. The double whammy is that the body needs insulin to store fat, and it is only carbohydrates that cause insulin to be made. So your body can only store that fat, for later on, when you have eaten a carbohydrate!
What is food? All food is carbohydrate, protein or fat – or a combination of two or three of those. Fruit is mostly carbohydrate, with some protein and virtually no fat. Meat is protein and fat and has no carbohydrate. Forget protein, as protein is in everything from lettuce to bread to fish. The two really interesting food groups are carbohydrates and fats. Both have protein in them, so, I’ll say it again – don’t worry about protein. The best way to remember the difference between a carbohydrate and a fat is that a fat either had a face, or comes from something with a face! All meat and fish were animals – with faces. Eggs, butter and cheese all come from animals – with faces. The exceptions are healthy oils like sunflower oil and olive oil (which come from sunflowers and olives), but don’t worry about these – the only fats you need to think about are the ones from the faces.
Need convincing? We have been fed (excuse the pun) the calorie theory for so long that it is sometimes difficult to stop eating low calorie foods and to go back to real foods. If you need convincing, try eating nothing but fat/protein for a few days (The Atkins Diet, for example) and see how much weight you lose. Note how many calories you eat during this time (try and make it over 2000 a day) and then repeat the experiment eating the same number of calories but in carbohydrates for the same length of time. See for yourself the power of insulin! The good news is that you don’t have to eat like a caveman for the rest of your life. The Harcombe Diet shows you how to eat pasta, bread, fruit, dark chocolate and some wonderful carbs whilst still losing weight. The trick is which carbs you eat and what you eat them with.
Why are carbs so important? Insulin XE "Insulin" is a hormone that is released by the pancreas (an organ in your body) when you eat something that raises your blood glucose level. Only carbohydrates raise your blood glucose level. Fats have no impact on your blood glucose level at all and therefore the body does not release any insulin when you eat fat on its own. The pancreas releases insulin to get your blood glucose level back to ‘normal’. If it didn’t do this you would be diabetic. When we eat carbohydrates, our body decides how much of the energy taken in is needed immediately and how much should be stored for future requirements. As our blood glucose level rises, insulin is released from the pancreas and this insulin converts some of the glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is our energy store room. If all the glycogen storage areas are full, insulin will convert the excess to fatty
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Zoë’s books (“Why do you overeat? When all you want is to be slim”; “Stop Counting Calories & Start Losing Weight” and “The Harcombe Diet Recipe Book”) are published by Accent Press Ltd and are available: on Amazon; in all good book shops and from her web site www.theharcombediet.com. If you would like to email Zoë with a query, she can be contacted at zoe@whydoyouovereat.com and she will do her best to respond.
SEPT HEALTH & BEAUTY
8/9/08
07:09
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fitness
Four weeks to a firmer body Legs and bums are the main worry spots for women. Here we look at specific exercises to start shaping these areas up within a month. THESE exercises can be performed at home and will need to be done three times a week, leaving a day in-between for muscle relaxation. The motivating factor is that you actually start to feel a difference within two weeks where your body will begin to feel tighter. For all exercises kick off with 12 repetitions and build up by sets of twelve as you feel stronger. To quicken the results, work out 20 extra minutes a day with a brisk walk, a bike ride or a length or two in your local pool, to tax your cardiovascular system and help burn fat. Make sure you... Warm up with 5-10 minutes of cardio and stretching Cool down with a long stretch Drink plenty of water l Bench Sit & Stand - Stand in front of a chair with feet about shoulder-width apart. Contract the abs and sit down on the chair. As soon as you make contact with the chair, stand back up and try to do so without rocking back or using momentum. You can place your hands on your thighs if you need to. This is a great choice for beginners. For added intensity, hold a medicine ball or a dumbbell and don't sit all the way down-stop just before your bottom touches the seat. Ball Taps - Sit in a chair and place a ball in front of both feet (a mid-sized ball works best). Sit straight up and try not to rest against the back of the chair, keeping your back straight and your abs contracted. Lift your right foot and tap the top of the ball and take it back down to the floor. Switch sides and do the same with your left foot, alternating each foot for all repetitions. For added intensity, sit on an exercise ball to challenge your balance, or try the exercise while standing.
the right knee up to hip level, knee bent at 90 degrees, and lower back down. Repeat all reps on the right leg and then switch sides. Add heavier ankle weights or a resistance band for added intensity. You can also do this without support for a challenge. l Side Leg Lifts - You will need ankle weights for this exercise or a resistance band. The resistance band can be attached to the chair and your ankle. Stand sideways to a chair or wall for support and lift one leg out to the side, foot flexed and hips, knees and feet in alignment. Try to lift the leg without tilting at the torso-hold the torso upright as you lift the leg a few inches off the ground. Lower back down and repeat all reps on the same leg before switching sides. Add heavier ankle weights for added challenge.
l Hamstring Curls - You will need ankle weights for this exercise or a resistance band. The resistance band can be attached to the chair and your ankle. Stand in front of a chair and hold onto it for balance and support. Bend your right knee, bringing your foot up behind you (like you're kicking your own bum) and keeping the right knee pointing towards the floor and next to your left knee. Slowly lower back down and repeat all repetitions before switching to the other leg. For challenge, do it without holding onto the chair or add heavier ankle weights. l Knee Lifts - You will need ankle weights for this exercise. Hold onto the wall or a chair for balance and support if you need to. Keep the abs contracted and bring
Pulse Fitness Centre LTD One of the biggest weight gyms in Wales. Runners, rowers, cross trainers, stair runs, bikes etc. Boxing classes, Ladies Leisure and Aerobics classes.
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TEL: 01495 772805 SEPTEMBER 2008
OUT & OUT LIVING
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SEPT WEB & FINANCE
7/9/08
spinning the web
17:37
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In Association with www.webnetmarketing.co.uk
Amazon: The A to Z of Ecommerce This month, we continue our look at some of the massive success stories to be found on the Internet. It sometimes needs a visionary with unquestionable faith in a product or service for it to succeed; Jeff Bezos, founder, and still CEO (Chief Executive Officer), of Amazon Inc is such a person with such a product. WORDS Andy Harcombe BACK as far as 1994, 4 years before Google was formed, Bezos saw the opportunity with the Internet and formed Amazon Inc. In June the following year, he launched Amazon.com and a month later he’d started trading. Unlike many early dotcom businesses, Amazon planned to trade unprofitably, preferring to build a sound business and consumer base at the expense of quick gains. Having rode, the dotcom bubble burst in 2000 it recorded it’s first profit in the fourth quarter of 2002. It has been profitable ever since. At the time of its launch, Amazon had no big rivals and no existing dominant players, the Internet was also in its infancy with few potential customers. Having started by selling Books, Amazon diversified and expanded over the years to include DVD’s, music CDs, MP3 format, computer software, video games, electronics, clothes, furniture, food, toys, etc. Amazon has also established separate websites in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and China. Having developed one of the most comprehensive on-line shopping platforms, Amazon also licenses its technology to other
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companies and has a massively successful affiliate programme of over a million members that encourages anybody (business or individual) to easily earn a commission on the sale of any of its products. This strategy has been a cornerstone of Amazon’s success and helped it to develop a customer base at significantly lower costs than other dotcom start-ups. And the statistics are truly staggering: The quarter year end to June 2008 saw sales increase by 41% to $4.06 billion, and that’s in the same period that has seen high street sales tumble, with a year end forecast of around $20 billion, up 35% on 2007. Their fastest growing sector is electronic products, and that saw a growth of 58%. The Amazon network sees an estimated 60 million unique visitors every month with each visitor, on average, visiting the site 3-4 times. Consumers love the product reviews, the range of products available in a single ‘shop’ and their free shipping options. With online sales forecast to continue to grow at double figure rates, Amazon is cleverly surfing that wave by continuing to innovate in products and services and, with expansion into China, is set to retain its position as the world’s No1 retail store.
SEPT 08 OPINION
8/9/08
07:23
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opinion
Final word
by Meme Morgan
What a mess! IT never ceases to amaze me! In Torfaen we have some wonderful attractions and places to take our children, one place being a firm favourite with me Cwmbran Boating Lake. My child and dog love going to the lake to play on the park, feed the ducks and have an icecream (yes the dog as well!) What a crying shame that this year it seems to have gone to rack and ruin. The main building where there used to be a really nice cafe has been burnt down and the temporary toilets closed due to vandalism. A really weak attempt at bringing in a drinks and burger wagon operated by a really miserable couple only added to my frustrations, as this was only there on few occasions and hardly put in an appearance during the school summer holidays. A number of times, I visited the boating lake and in need of a hot cup of tea. There were lots of other families there with their children who had to leave as there weren't adequate facilities to keep them there! I would love to know what is going on there and how long Torfaen intends leaving it in such a way?
What a state! HAVE you noticed how depressed and miserable people are at the moment? I don't blame them at all as I am one of them. I am fed up
The Front Row
with the weather and even more fed up with the cost of living! When are we in Britain going to get a break? Heating bills are set to rise this year and given the poor summer we have already had, Winter is not looking too appealing. I wonder how much longer we can go on like this. I really envy people who have managed to go away this year to sunnier climes - unfortunately, I have not been one of them! Of course, with all this rain we have been having, the threat of flooding for some people in their homes and businesses must be a nightmare - wouldn't it be nice if we could hibernate for the Winter? Mind you, we wouldn't want to miss Christmas or would we?
What a nice lass! BIG Brother is finally over and we have a Welsh winner in Cwmbran trainee teacher, Rachel Rice. The BB9 winner has come in for some flack after being accused of being fake, then boring and in the aftermath of the show, being booed by some of the people who had shared the house with her for 13 weeks, who didn’t win... ha ha! Yes, Rachel was a little self righteous and at times annoying, but she was inoffensive and didn’t resort to bitchy tactics, proving that nice guys don’t alwyas come last. Her housemates have thrown their toys out of the pram by saying she shouldn’t have won, and the end result was a bit of a surprise but, Rachel won because everyone else in the house had offended someone along the line. Instead of being honourable in defeat they just simply acted like a bunch of spoilt rich kids. Good luck Rach, enjoy your fifteen minutes because that’s fifteen more than the rest of the fame hunters you lived with for three months will deserve in the next few years.
Rugby & Boxing views by Nick Jones
Welcome to the new season... Lions season! WELCOME back after a well earned break and the new rugby season starts here. This is the season when every professional player in the country is going to be out to impress as one eye will be firmly placed on the crimson British and Irish Lions jersey. First though, we have the domestic scene to look at with the Blues, Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys all long overdue for honours in the Heineken Cup and European glory. The recruitment drive has been heavily influenced by foreign imports, something that I feel deeply against. Once again Welsh clubs are paying over the odds for over-the-hill players instead of concentrating all resources on developing home-grown talent. Each region has gone over the top in the numbers of foreign imports with the Dragons in particular going for 5 New Zealanders and even making one of them Captain. This makes me uneasy as it doesn’t really show any confidence in any of the players involved in the Dragons set-up over the last few years with a new player immediately made captain. If I was a Dragons player I would be annoyed that not one player who has put in the hardwork for the Gwent region in recent years was deemed fit to lead the side, which begs the question - why should I play for the jersey (if of course the jersey and not the money is played for any more?). There’s no doubt that New Zealander Tom Willis is a good player and maybe a born leader but let him come in, settle and grow with the team this year, get to know the boys and more importantly, win the respect of the whole squad. I feel toes have been stepped on at Rodney Parade. The Blues on the other hand have not had much of a recruitment drive over the Summer and rightly so if I’m being honest. There are enough quality players at the Blues and they are the one team who have grossly underperformed over the last few years. They boast international players from one to fifteen and have done so for a few years now but have failed to win any silverware on the domestic or European stage. Blues Director of Rugby Dai Young must surely be on his last chance - even though I’ve thought this for many years now. The Blues have been unsuccessful where
perhaps they should’ve gone a lot further With players such as Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas, Gethin Jenkins, Martyn Williams, John Yapp, Xavier Rush and new kids on the block, Tom James and Jamie Roberts, surely another poor season would see Dai Young being shown the door - wouldn’t it? It happened to former Ospreys coach Lyn Jones at the end of last season where in comparison with Youngs record at the Blues, he was a virtual world cup winner, winning the EDF energy cup and getting to the quarter finals in Europe. The Blues must perform this year as they look ahead to a new home at their new stadium - Dai Youngs job depends on it... doesn’t it? Onto the Scarlets who have been in turmoil over the last few months having lost their head coach Phil Davies, under a cloud, and losing internationals such as Duane Peel and Alex Popham, but gaining Kiwi Kees Meauws and Aussie number 8 David Lyons. Their strategy has obviously been aimed at adding a bit of steel up front as both players from the Southern Hemisphere are of an undoubted quality, World stars in their own right and will not take a backwards step. The Scarlets have talent in the backs but haven’t been able to get their hands on enough ball to let players like, Mark Jones, Stephen Jones, Morgan Stoddart and the sublime Regan King strutt their stuff. With the old guard of Nigel Davies and former Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins returning to the Stradey fold, I have got the West Walians as a dark horse to surprise everyone and are my tip to do well this year. Finally we have the rich boys and the one true region - the Ospreys. Oozing class in virtually every position there has been much controversy at the region in recent months with the departure ‘by mutual consent’, yeah right, of coach Lyn Jones and only caretaker coaches in place to take them into the start of the season. They have internationals galore and it is an absolute must that they reach the final stages and beyond in Europe. They seem to have bags of money to spend and with former Wales fitness coach Andrew Hore as their director of rugby, they should be the shining light of the Welsh regions - but we have said that before haven’t we! SEPTEMBER 2008
OUT & OUT LIVING
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SEP 08 COVER
8/9/08
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PLACES TO STAY
TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL JULIE 01495 775515
Welcome to the Out & Out Living magazine ‘Places to Stay ’ guide. Each month this section is aimed at giving our readers and tourists a quick and easy reference and choice of some of the finest hotels and B&Bs to stay in South Wales. Crickhowell
Hotel/Restaurant
Hirwaun
Hotel/Restaurant
The Ty-Newydd Country Hotel CF44 9SX, Hirwaun T. 01685 813433 E. relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk www.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.uk 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 Open: All year Rooms: 81 Ensuite: 81 A design hotel at affordable prices, and recently voted '1 of 25 coolest hotels in the world' Conde Nast Traveller. The Big Sleep is ideally situated for business, leisure and pleasure in the heart of Cardiff. The hotel occupies a converted 60's office block and commands spectacular views as far as the Severn Bridge. Described as 'super cheap but sexy-chic' - Elle Dec, the interior design is modern retro, the rooms light and comfortable and the service friendly and efficient. Aimed at those who don't want to spend a fortune, but do need somewhere to stay that's different and delivers big value at small prices.
The Dragon Hotel
Crickhowell T. 01873 810 362 www.dragoncrickhowell.co.uk Open: All year Rooms: 10 Ensuite: 10 The Dragon is a very old hostelry located on the High Street. The town is regarded as a jewel of the Brecon Beacons /Black Mountains National Park. Nestling in the gorgeous Usk valley, Crickhowell is surrounded by mountains and comprises a Norman castle and a collection of early Georgian houses and cottages. It's a beautiful spot and a perfect base for adventures in the National Park.
Standard Room Rate: Single £45 Double/Twin £65
Family Room e.g. 2 Adults + 2 Children (16 and under) - En-Suite £105
Superior Room Rate: Double £78 Twin N/A Family N/A
Torfaen
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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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
SEPT FOOD
7/9/08
17:44
Page 1
Shahi
Experience the highest quality of Indian cuisine with a relaxing and contemporary ambience
Indian Restaurant
Whether you decide to dine in or take out, you can be assured of a very warm welcome from all at the Shahi. For bookings and further information call
01873 859201 or 852525 Open 7 days a week 5.30pm-midnight
Takeaway service
Outside catering available
Children’s meals
Extensive Cocktail Menu
Facilities for disabled
Fully air conditioned and licensed
5 Mill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5HE
SEP 08 COVER
8/9/08
02:49
Page 2
8/9/
SPINE AUGUST 08 QD
ISSUE 30
OUT & OUT LIVING MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2008