My Local View Magazine

Issue

57

to FREE 0 11,25 s e hom

1 1 0 2 Feb e Caerphilly

We lov

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

4 MY

A selection of articles Motoring | Hyundai i30 Page 10

Beauty Tips

Hi all,

Page 16

I have received a bit of flack since announcing to My Local View readers last month that I intended to work hard on my garden this year. It does need some help and my other half has been out twice in her wellies (with a spade) and the ground has been too hard for her to make an impact.

Fun Quiz Page 22

St. Valentine’s Massacre Page 24

Ben from Rain & Shine Landscaping sent me an email offering to help. He’s a nice chap and I thought it was kind of him to offer as I am sure he will build a few steps and sort out my dodgy patio for free! Thanks mate.

Technology | Cheap Hi-tech Pages 26

Joking aside - our February issue is a game of 2 halve’s. We have a couple of features about Valentine’s Day including a submission from Luke Bamforth about the 1929 St. Valentine’s Massacre romantic or what! It’s on Page 24.

Wayne David MP Page 34

Dr Roger’s Gardening Column Page 36

There is a rather nice Recipe on page 48 that I think should be shoved into the mitts of Caerphilly menfolk on the 14th as a bit of a subtle hint!

Jeff Cuthbert AM

We also have a fair bit of information about the development of the Miners’ hospital and the proposals beyond the end of 2011 when it closes!

Page 38

Also, local reader, Dennis Sellwood is trying to track down old pictures of the hospital so you can read about his project in this issue too! - head for page 6!

Page 54

Recipe | Five Spice Chicken The Legal Eagle | A.M Hamer Page 60

Best wishes - Paul

Published by: Local View Advertising Limited Company Number: 5717569 Registered in England & Wales VAT registration number: 935 9733 80 Editor: Paul Adamson Business Address: 2 Kidwelly Court, Caerphilly, CF83 2TY Contact Details: Tel: 02920 880378 / 07737 610177 Email: paul@mylocalview.co.uk Web: http://www.mylocalview.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure that the data contained in this document is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Local View do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.

Distribution We deliver to at least 11,250 homes in Caerphilly every month including: Castle View, Hendredenny, Watford Park, Watford Farm, Glenfields, Bondfield Park, Mountain View, Lon y Llyn, Cwm Ifor, Ty Isaf, Energlyn Park, Pontypandy, Bedwas, Trethomas, 600 homes in Machen, Castle Park, Town Centre.

You can see the magazine online, get prices and deadline dates at www.mylocalview.co.uk

Tel: 029 20880378

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

5

NEED A CAR, VAN, TRUCK OR MINIBUS CALL...

Call today 01443 844080 Save 15% on your hire with this ad Please present this ad for discount Burnt Tree House, Treforest Industrial Estate, Treforest, CF37 5YL To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

6

Dennis needs your help!

The Caerphilly District Miners’ Hospital is due to close down towards the end of 2011 when the new hospital at Ystrad Mynach opens its doors.

We all hope Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr will be a worthy replacement for ‘The Miners’, but there is bound to be a degree of sadness and regret at the disappearance of an institution which has served the needs of the community for so many years. Many people, in times of sorrow or joy, have passed through its doors, been brought back to health, spent their last days in the care of its devoted staff or first seen the light of day in the maternity unit.

Others, in various capacities, have been employed there.

‘The Miners’ was the creation of thousands of mineworkers who gave their pennies every week out of small wages and of those among their number who provided the leadership required to translate the idea into reality. After years of saving and planning the hospital came into existence in 1923, at first in a large house known as The Beeches, the family residence of Fred Piggott, an affluent mining contractor. New buildings were added from time to time, making it the hospital we see today. Now, all is set to disappear except for the original house, which a group of dedicated local people are working to preserve as a community resource.

My aim is to preserve at least some of the early history of ‘The Miners’. I am concentrating on the story of how it came into being in 1923, how it developed through the Depression years of the 1930s, changed under the impact of the 1939-1945 war, and was taken out of the hands of the workingmen and absorbed by the National

Health Service in 1948. This amounts to little more than thirty of its more than ninety years, but these are the years when the hospital was literally the Miners’ Hospital.

Here is a photo of The Beeches, the family residence purchased by the miners and converted into a hospital.

I am appealing to anyone who might have photographs dating from those years of 1923 to 1948.

They might be of the building, inside or out; of relatives while they were in-patients; of medical or nursing staff ; of parents or grandparents who served on the Board of Management; perhaps even photos of the hospital fete which was an annual event during most of the 1930s and 1940s.

I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who can assist me in this way.

Dennis Sellwood - Tel: 029 2088 7492

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Superdragon at HBH Land Rovers!

Created by Wild in Art (www.wildinart.co.uk), 60 Superdragons created a magical trail around the city of Newport and captured the imagination of both residents and visitors alike writes Julia Haines from HBH Land Rovers .

The Superdragons, were a creative spectacle, that showed off Newport’s and South Wales’ rich artistic talent!

The Superdragons were auctioned off at the end of October at The Riverfront, Newport. 75% of the proceeds went to the Born Free Foundation (www.bornfree.org.uk) to support wildlife and communities in Africa and Tenovus (www.tenovus. org.uk) to support their vital and inspiring work in South Wales.

HBH Land Rovers Ltd were fortunate enough to win the Superdragon named Flowerport, which is now on display in their showroom next to the Penrhos Roundabout in Caerphilly.

On 20th January, Flowerport was reunited with her artist, Deborah Wheeler, who very kindly agreed to visit our showroom and leave her signature on her masterpiece.

We hope you like our Superdragon - Flowerport!

Pics: Top right: Deborah Wheeler (left) with Julia Haines.

Right: Deborah Wheeler with her creation.

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Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

10

Sensible Motors!

Hyundai i30 Road Test

Picking a new family car used to be pretty easy. You’d walk into a Ford or Vauxhall dealership and order the generic, popular hatchback they were shifting in the thousands and be very happy.

But not any more. Now there are some new kids on the block, or should we say some old kids that are seriously upping their game. We’re talking, of course, about the likes of Kia and Hyundai.

The Korean pairing really are producing cars that rival the mainstream marques these days - now all they need is to convince buyers to see past the badge.

To see just how far Hyundai has moved the game on we got behind the wheel of the latest i30. Aimed squarely at the Ford Focus, the Korean contender certainly looks the part. This is the facelifted model - not that you’d notice - a few bits of trim have changed, but it looks smart.

Before you climb behind the wheel you need to throw away any preconceptions of what you think it will be like. The latest breed of Hyundais have taken a dramatic leap on from the quite woeful cars that came before them and this i30 is a great example of that.

It’s actually really rather good to drive.

Our test car was fitted with a 1.6-litre CRDI diesel engine that’ll hit 60mph in 11.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117mph.

Nothing earth shattering there, but the 62.8mpg economy does mean you only have to visit petrol stations every 735 miles.

The diesel lump is punchy, if a little on the loud side and, when combined with the decent sixspeed manual box, it’s even quite good fun to drive. Complaints? Well, the steering isn’t as good as the Ford’s and on the road it can feel a little disconnected.

But inside it’s a pleasant place to spend time.

The build quality is impressive and it’s here that the difference to Hyundais from five years back is really apparent.

Our test car came in the top-of-the-range Premium specification and was packed with kit.

The list of toys you get as standard is frankly ridiculous. It includes climate control, alarm, immobiliser, electric everything, half leather seats, enough airbags to cause the car to float if they all went off at the same time, and a decent

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

11 CD player with a plug in point for your iPod. In fact the only option worth having that isn’t fitted as standard is metallic paint – which is £395 more.

And we haven’t even got to the best bit yet - the price. This range topper will set you back just £16,450. Compare that to a similar specification Focus and you’d need to find at least another grand more.

Add in the fact that all new Hyundai models come with an unlimited mileage, five-year warranty and things really start to stack up in the Korean car’s favour.

Hyundai i30

There are some buyers that still won’t be able to see past that badge, but they’d be silly not to at least try the i30. Hatchback buyers will be missing out if they don’t.

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We offer a wide range of alteration services at very sensible prices.

General and Tailored Alterations from jeans to wedding gowns and more, jeans shortening just £6.50

Call 029 20861896 today for a brochure Easy parking outside our premises Find us: DL Studios, Unit 1b, Bedwas Court, Bedwas House Estate, CF83 8DW To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

12

Getting Spicy

Spice of Life Cardamom Cardamom is the second most expensive spice in the world and originates from southern India where it grows wild in the forests. The seeds come from the pods of a ginger-like plant Elettaria cardamomum.

It is very popular in the Arab world with cardamom coffee being a prestigious symbol of hospitality. It is also more popular in Scandinavian countries where it’s used more than cinnamon.

An essential ingredient in most Indian cooking, cardamom features highly in curries and pilau rice dishes. It is also added to pickling mixtures, especially for pickled herrings, and adds warmth to winter alcoholic punches and mulled wines. Seeds can be bruised and toasted in a pan before adding the main ingredients, or ground with other spices as required.

The tiny, brown aromatic seeds have a pungent camphorous taste and are often chewed as a tooth cleaner and breath freshener. Although cardamom is not generally used in Western medicine it is used to flavour preparations for digestive problems. It has been used as a digestive since ancient times.Like many spices, cardamom has been attributed with aphrodisiac qualities and in ancient India it was regarded as a cure for obesity. The Greeks and Romans used it as a perfume.

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I am also able to remove old existing low efficient boilers & update with new combination condensing boilers & thermostatic valves in all rooms.

For a FREE estimate call Bob today on 029 20830776 or 07973 856980 Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

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Valentine’s Wordsearch

Newydd! Clwb “Cymraeg yn y Cartref” i rieni, mam-gus a thad-cus â plant dan 5 • Magu hyder i siarad Cymraeg eto • Ymarfer eich Cymraeg • Adnoddau am ddim

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A reliable, Professional & Clean Service Wall & Ceiling Plastering Dry Lining Floor & Wall Tiling

New! “Cymraeg at Home” Club For parents and grandparents with children under 5

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E: alanjrichards375@btinternet.com Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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ab

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fab midnight

Friday 6th May 2011Cardiff Abfab- starting at the Basin in front of the WMC, Cardiff Bay. Saturday 7th May 2011 – Swansea Abfab- starting at the LC Centre.

walks

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Ladies, join us for the ultimate “Girls Night Out” to raise funds for children with terminal cancer- our 10 mile Midnight Walks

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Registration packs can be downloaded from

www.thejoshuafoundation.co.uk" or call the office on 02920 667271 to request for a pack to be sent by post. Register and you will receive an AbFab T-shirt, pre walk disco and entertainment, a pre walk warm up by DW Sports and upon return you will get champagne and breakfast along with a certificate to show you have reached the end and made a difference to children with terminal cancer.

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

16

Beauty Tips Red Lipstick Nothing says sexy quite like red lipstick and the colour is as popular now as it has ever been. Although many women say they won’t wear it because it doesn’t suit them, it’s usually the rest of their makeup that is wrong.

Firstly take it really easy on both eye makeup and blusher, otherwise you’ll risk looking like a clown.

Don’t use eyeliner and take care that your mascara isn’t giving you an over the top falseeyelash effect.

Dust your face with a blemish smoothing powder and your cheeks with a soft blush in a fairly neutral colour.

Secondly not all reds are equal. Tone your lipstick choice to your complexion choosing a plum shade if you have pink tones or a warmer red-brown if you look more sallow. If you feel the red you’ve

bought isn’t quite right, try blending in another lipstick you know does suit you so it’s nearer to your usual colours.

Thirdly, don’t overdo it. Red lips, red clothes, red nails and red accessories will give you entirely the wrong sort of allure. The lips need to be the main feature and as far as practical everything else should be neutral.

Fourthly, red lipstick does have a tendency to bleed so using lip liner or a lipstick sealer is a must.

Finally, if you are older you’ll find that your lips are narrower than they once were and strong dark shades of red can accentuate that. If you had thin lips even in your youth, you might find that red really doesn’t work for you. If that is the case stick to a neutral lipstick but work on making more of your eyes, and use fluttering eyelashes instead of a pout to get the message to your Valentine.

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Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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Virginia Park Garage Celebrating 50 Years in Business 1961 - 2011

TEL: 029 2088 3242 Family owned Business Large off road car park

Opening Times Monday to Friday - 8.30am - 5pm Saturday - 8.30am - 12pm

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

18

Caerphilly event update

Well here we are again, full steam ahead for our 2011events. I must say that the Christmas markets did prove to be a HUGE success in all three of our town centres, the weather did hinder us slightly but we just ploughed on as best we could to deliver!

Blackwood’s visitor figures were 5,500, Caerphilly’s were 9,280 and Bargoed’s were 1,000. This is the great part of our job…seeing the extra visitors shopping in our town centres.

Moving on to this year because Christmas seems a distant memory. Believe it or not, this is a very busy time of year for us. On my first day back into the office on Tuesday 4th January I received 14 enquiries about trading at the Big Cheese!

In January and February we prepare all the applications forms for the events. We have thousands of producers, charities and business stallholders on our database that have requested application forms for all our events. We are also busy placing our orders for marquees, barriers, security – the list goes on and on.

The 2011 Caerphilly Visitor Guide will be launched at the end of January featuring a new layout, fantastic photos and a far more contemporary feel.

Copies will be available from The Visit Caerphilly Centre or download at www.visitcaerphilly.com.

Look out for the Spring/Summer Events Guide in your area. In the meantime keep an eye on the main Council website for all upcoming events.

Best wishes, Sarah-Kate Ackerman Events & Marketing Officer, Advisory Services, Economic Development, Caerphilly County Borough Council

Anyway, we have a full, fun packed program of events for you again this year.

Here are some details of confirmed events:-

Flower Festival –24th (Church viewing day only), 25th & 26th June.

Big Cheese – 29th, 20th & 31st July Caerphilly Medieval Market – 10th & 11th December River of Light – 22nd December

Accurate Accounting

I am also in the process of producing a Spring/ Summer Event Guide which will be crammed full of events taking place all over the County Borough.

The Winter Events Guide proved very popular; with us having to re-stock many shops shortly after they hit the counters! As this Guide will include so many events, we will be producing more and will distribute them over the Spring/Summer period.

ARE YOU: SELF EMPLOYED? A SOLE TRADER? A SMALL BUSINESS? DO YOU NEED HELP WITH: ANNUAL ACCOUNTS? TAX RETURNS? V.A.T. RETURNS? PAYROLL? C.I.S.?

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Mobile: 07976 741 770 Tel: 02920 830 152 Please visit our website at www.caerphillyhomeimprovements.com Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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Tel: 0290 2088 8645 Mob: 07970 072975 E: alison.hewett2@btinternet.com

19

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

20

A bit of a laugh!

The Day David Beckham Bought Me A Suit

By Chris Russell

Under normal circumstances, when you apply for a job that involves extended communication with foreigners, you’ve probably completed some appropriate training beforehand.

However, when you join a touring rock band, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself crashing about in far-flung countries with absolutely no idea of how to a) speak the language and b) interact with the locals in such a way that doesn’t deeply offend their religion, culture or moral code. It’s a bit of a minefield.

One of my band’s first ever international tours took us to Seoul, South Korea. Korean is a notoriously difficult language to learn and this is compounded by the fact that, culturally speaking, our two nations don’t have a great deal in common.

However, as a man who has now visited South Korea five times, let me tell you this - the Koreans are pathologically obsessed with David Beckham.

He is, without doubt, our greatest export to Asia.

Sod car engines and pharmaceuticals - if there’s one thing keeping the UK economy afloat in the far east, it’s Mr Beckham.

If you’re going to Seoul, waste no time poring over your phrasebook trying to figure out how to pronounce ‘Ch’oum poepgetsumnida’ (this means ‘How do you do?’, incidentally). Instead, just arm yourself with the words ‘Beckham’, ‘World Cup’, ‘Manchester United’ and, in case you get desperate, ‘Posh Spice’, and you’ll go far in this town.

I once negotiated about £30 off the price of a suit in a South Korean market simply by miming the action of scoring a goal and repeatedly shouting ‘David Beckham’ at the chap behind the counter.

He copied my mime, replied with the enthusiastic chanting of ‘Beckham Beckham Beckham!’ and, hey presto, I was the proud new owner of some nicely-tailored cut-price threads.

As British culture slowly infiltrates the city of Seoul, however, it is becoming more and more common to see examples of the English language appearing in the city’s shops, bars and so on.

Back in 2006 we passed a particularly hysterical evening in a Korean restaurant, childishly giggling over the not-entirely-accurate translations that came with every dish.

Highlights included a starter described in English as ‘spawnfood’, something called ‘a chicken boom’ and the intriguing-sounding local delicacy ‘old slices of boiled pig meat’.

Feeling intrepid, I ordered something called a ‘chicken gamble’ for my main course and was slightly disappointed when the serving of my food wasn’t accompanied by a smiling female gameshow assistant in a sequined bikini spinning a Wheel-Of-Fortune type device that would determine whether or not the meat in my dinner was in fact chicken, or whether the gamble hadn’t paid off and I’d ended up with something altogether more suspicious.

My drummer, who is a vegetarian, wisely stuck to noodles that night. However, a few days later he faced his own linguistic challenge when, on the afternoon of the gig, he found himself (as the band’s technical expert) having to explain to the non-English-speaking Korean sound engineer that he needed him to ‘heighten the threshold and resolve the compression ratio to below 3.5’ and then ‘set the near-field proximity with a slightly slimmer EQ setting’.

To Tony’s credit, he was successful, although based on what I know to be his scant grasp of the Korean language, he must have achieved this via some clever combination of the phrases ‘Hello’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Does this dish contain meat?’.

He’s a resourceful chap that Tony.

Sadly, though, I never could convince him to take the Chicken Gamble...

Chris plays piano in South London power-pop

band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents, worked with Sting’s producer and starred in a T-Mobile advert. Chris is currently working on his first novel, “Mockstars”. Read more of Chris’ blogs and tour diaries at www.

TheLightyears.com.

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

21

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22

Fun Quiz

Reality TV 1. Tim Campbell was the first winner of which reality TV series?

2. First broadcast in 2003, which two socialites starred in the TV show The Simple Life?

3. The title of the TV show Big Brother was taken from the name of a character in which well known 1948 novel?

4. Who was head chef on the first series of Hell’s Kitchen?

5. Which Scottish singer became famous thanks to a 1970s reality TV show called The Big Time?

6. Which reality TV series soon became the most watched series ever in the history of MTV when it was first broadcast in 2002?

7. Name the three judges from the first series of The X Factor.

8. Who was the first female winner of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here?

9. In the film The Truman Show, what was the first name of the title character who, unknown to him, was having his entire life broadcast as part of a reality TV show?

10. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, who is the wealthiest dragon on the TV show Dragon’s Den? Quiz answers are on Page 36

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24

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

The merest thought of St Valentine’s Day automatically conjures up images of young couples holding hands, romantic gestures and anonymous notes of devotion. However, on the 14th of February, 1929, Chicago, Illinois was to be the scene of prohibition America’s most notorious act of gang violence.

At about 10am of that morning, seven members of George ‘Bugs’ Moran’s North Side Gang were in a warehouse which was used for storing illegal alcohol. They were sat playing cards and eating breakfast when four men, two of whom wore police uniforms, burst in.

These usually tough, no nonsense gangsters, believing the interruption to be a routine raid by the police, meekly gave up their arms and, when asked, lined up facing the whitewashed walls of the warehouse. Once the gangsters were unarmed and in a line the four supposed police officers revealed weapons of their own and opened fire. They gunned down Moran’s men in a hail of shotgun shells and Tommy gun bullets.

All, but one of the men, Frank Gusenberg, died there on the cold warehouse floor. Frank himself died less than an hour later at the Alexandrian hospital.

Perhaps through some misguided sense of honour, he refused to tell the police anything of what had happened.

Although it was widely believed to be the work of Bugs Moran’s arch enemy, the infamous Al Capone, no one was ever convicted in connection with the killings at the warehouse. It had not all gone Capone’s way though. It is believed that his intention had been to kill Bugs Moran himself, but Moran had

been lucky enough to be running late that morning.

The St Valentine’s Day Massacre effectively marked the end of a gangland war that had been raging in Chicago for almost five years, since the killing of the then North Side Gang boss Dion O’Banion, in November 1924.

By the end of November, 1931 Al Capone had been sentenced to eleven years in jail for tax fraud and due to ill health never returned to gangland politics.

He died after suffering from a stroke and pneumonia at his home in Miami, Florida on the 25th of January 1947.

As for his once arch enemy, George Moran outlived Capone by ten years, dying in prison at the age of sixty from lung cancer on February 25th, 1957.

Article by Luke Bamforth.

List of Sources.

The Chicago Tribune – www.chicagotribune.com http://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org New York Times, original report available from www.nytimes.com www.bugsmoran.net www.fbi.gov http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/massacre.htm

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

25

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26

Technology

Cheap and Cheerful How to get high-tech kit without paying high prices Whenever a new gadget comes out a new iPhone, for example, or a fancy laptop - the press coverage tends to miss out one little detail: the gadget is usually incredibly, ridiculously expensive. Do you really need to pay that much for your high-tech kit?

Cameras The answer, of course, is no - and that doesn’t mean you need to compromise, or end up with gadgets that don’t do what you want them to do. If you can live without the ability to make 3D photos, you can pick up a perfectly good, brand new Sony compact camera for as little as £60.

Our pick, the DSC-120 camera with 7.2 megapixels, a clever image processor and anti-shake technology is just £118 new - half the price it was just a year and a bit ago. The same applies to cameras from other firms: if you don’t go for the very latest models you can get a cracking camera for a decent price.

Laptops Laptops are another area where it pays to be patient. Firms such as Morgan Computers (www.morgancomputers. co.uk) and EuroPC (www.europc. co.uk) sell a wide range of end-ofline machines, which are models that work perfectly well but which have been superseded by slightly newer versions. They also sell refurbished machines, which were returned to the manufacturer, fixed, and put on sale at a vastly reduced price. Expect to save 20% on end of line stock and considerably more on refurbished stock.

Music Dedicated devices such as MP3 players can be cheap too. Where Apple’s iPod Nano starts at £149 for the 8GB model,

you can pick up SanDisk’s 8GB Sansa Clip for £38.99 at Amazon, a saving of nearly £80 on the RRP. It might not be as pretty or as cutting-edge as the iPod, but does that matter when it’ll be spending most of its time in your pocket?

If you do fancy something more stylish, though, the Creative Zen 16GB does video too and still costs less than the iPod at £69.99, while Sony’s very impressive E Series network WalkMan with voice recording (model NWZE444B) is currently £59.97 for the 8GB model.

mobile phones You’ll find some of the most dramatic savings in the world of mobile phones. Fancy a phone with a nice big touch screen, web browser, camera, music player, WiFi support and Facebook, YouTube, MySpace and Bebo integration? At £114 on Pay as You Go, the Samsung Monte S5620 does pretty much everything you need for a fifth of the price of an iPhone.

On contract the difference is even more dramatic: T-Mobile currently offers the Samsung free on a £10 per month contract. You’ll find similar deals for other clever phones such as LG’s Viewty Snap or Nokia’s 5230, and those prices are for phones with large touch screens: if you’re happy with a smaller screen and a traditional phone keypad, Three offers the Facebook, Windows Live Messenger and Skype-enabled Nokia 2730 for just £49 on Pay as You Go and Orange offers Sony’s superb WalkMan phone, the W205, for just £29.95.

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

27

Telephone: 0845 200 1128 To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Time for a Cuppa

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A5 ADVERTORIAL Climbing Station:Layout 1

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A fantastic new venue with activities for all the family!

Our boulder centre is great fun and keeps you fit!

We have a brilliant range of sessions designed for all ages.

Grasshopper and Rockhopper Clubs £7.00 Aimed at kids from between the ages of 4 and 15, each club session lasts 90 minutes and are a great activity for your child. The sessions are designed to teach children safe and effective use of the bouldering walls, but with the emphasis on fun and having a good time. The sessions are split into different age groups 4-10 & 11-15, allowing children to climb with within their own age range.

Classes will run throughout the week and on weekends. Booking is essential.

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Birthday Parties - Our fantastic birthday parties are an action packed 2 hours long. From the moment your guests arrive, we take care of everything.

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S p r i n g iS First meeting of our JUNIOR GARDENERS when we will be holding a ‘BUG CLUB’ talking about Butterflies, Beetles, Bees and Ladybirds and looking at ‘Bugs’ through a microscope. Colouring and decorating ‘BUG ART’ sheets, planting Sunflower seeds after a break with squash and biscuits. This is ‘free’ for children to join. Please contact the Garden Centre to book your Child’s place. Tuesday 22nd February - 10.30am - 12.00

PALMS RESTAURANT - FEBRUARY SPECIAL served Monday - Saturday 12noon - 3.00pm on selected meals ‘2 MEALS FOR £10.00’ Traditional Faggots and Peas, Ham Egg and Chips, Sausage and Mash, Homemade Lasagne, Homemade Cottage Pie, Vegetable Lasagne, Veggie Burger, Burger and Chips (All served with a choice of chips mash or new potatoes.)

ENJOY GARDENING AND WANT TO LEARN MORE? Why not join our GARDEN CLUB Take advantage of special discount shopping days, Monthly talks in our Palms Restaurant from invited guests, automatic membership to our Loyalty Card Scheme, Discounts on our Coach trips and all for just £10.00 a year for annual membership.

Our NEXT GARDEN CLUB MEETING is on Thursday 24th February when we are delighted to welcome back IVOR MACE of Radio 2 gardening fame when he will be talking about ‘Care in the Greenhouse’

YANKEE CANDLE EVENING Our next very popular Yankee Candle Evening will be held on Thursday 10th March 5.30pm - 7.30pm. 10% DISCOUNT on Yankee Candle products. Evening meal will be available in our Palms Restaurant.

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WILDLIFE WEEKEND Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th February. Our much loved Wildlife Weekend returns Birds and Bugs’ Spiders Meerkats, snakes, skunks, hedgehog and rabbits

SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March, when we will be hosting a series of visitors over the weekend, SPECIAL OFFERS, an EASTER ANIMAL FARM with chicks, lambs, donkeys and goats. There will be BBQ cookery demonstrations and Company Representatives in-house for lots of free advice and offers.

PLANT AREA Our 9cm pots of SPRING COLOUR at £1.99 have been delivered. CROCUS, SCILLA, MUSCARI, HYACINTH, TULIPS and DAFFODILS. Our new season’s SEED POTATOES, ONION SETS, GARLIC and SHALLOTS are also available along with SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS.

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Thursday 19th May

COACH TRIP to Hampton Court Gardens in Hereford

Thursday 9th June

COACH TRIP to Aberglasney Botanical Gardens in West Wales

Thursday 7th July

COACH TRIP to National Botanical Gardens in Carmarthen

Tuesday 26th July

COACH TRIP to Forde Abbey Gardens in Somerset

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34

Wayne David - MP for Caerphilly

Don’t get excited – it’s only the EU Bill Being Shadow Europe Minister is not a very glamorous job.

At no time is this more true than now. Going through the House of Commons at the moment is the Government’s European Union Bill.

The purpose of the Bill, according to the Government, is to reaffirm British sovereignty and introduce referendums whenever a government wants to sign up to a transfer of power from London to Brussels. To be honest, put like this, the Government’s Bill does not seem too unreasonable.

The problem is that sovereignty, by law, already resides with Parliament and the House of Commons wasted six hours the other week debating something which is already the case.

The other problem is that the Government are proposing referendums on even the most inconsequential European treaty change. So even if our government agreed that it made sense for Europe to rearrange paperclips on someone’s desk, there would have to be a referendum.

My view is that if a government signs up to something the electorate don’t like or disapprove they can turf out the government in an election.

That is what representative democracy is all about.

The reason I say that all of this is hardly exciting is because I am the unfortunate person who has to sit on the Opposition frontbench for hours on end listening to Eurosceptic tirade after Eurosceptic tirade.

ASJ

The purpose of the Bill is purely and simply to try to keep the Government’s backbench Eurosceptics happy. In this it is clearly failing because the more red meat they have thrown in their direction, the more they want. This is all the more galling because I know my constituents – the people I represent – are concerned about their jobs, their children’s education, the future of the health service and a whole range of other day-to-day practical issues.

They are not concerned about esoteric constitutional debates. As someone once said to me, if I become obsessed about how many ‘angels are on the head of a pin’, I shouldn’t be an MP.

The only comfort I take is that at least it is not myself and my government which is responsible for this mind-bogglingly irrelevant EU Bill – it is the Tory-led Government. As Opposition spokesman on Europe it is my job to oppose the Government and you can be assured that this is precisely what I am doing.

Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly and Shadow Minister for Europe

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Full range of Electrical Services: Installations | Alterations PAT Testing | Certificates & Intruder Alarms Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

35

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

36

Dr Roger’s Gardening Surgery

Back to Basics!

I was in a Garden Centre recently and saw a sign telling customers how to make Lavender fairy cakes – now there’s a thing!

Now, I have never tried this unusual cake – I considered myself very lucky to find a drop of strawberry jam in my fairy cakes, oh what a treat!

But what I love about that sign, is what it tells us is happening to our attitude towards food and in particular homemade food …it seems home-made is ‘coming home’ if you will pardon the pun.

After chasing after the convenience of the 3 minute ‘Chicken Ping’ from the microwave menu for the last decade or 2 – it is now trendy to ‘go back to basics’, and chase after the more traditional home made values of the 1940’s and 50’s. (Apparently knitting has become one the fastest growing hobbies in the western world particularly with the under 40’s age group – who would have guessed that a few years ago?)

We are discovering that you don’t have to put 10 different spices in food to make it tasty; simple, local and fresh are the keys to unlock flavours … and you can’t get more local and fresh than your own back garden, now can you?

So what can we do with this in ‘our own back yard’ here in Wales?

Well how about we look at 2 easy to grow vegetables, 2 easy to grow herbs and 2 easy to grow fruits over the next few months, as spring rolls out into a gloriously sunny summer (it’s good to dream).

So if you fancy ‘having a grow’ at something fresh and tasty, but don’t know where to start, let me know what you would love to grow (by email or telephone), and we shall try to help – This could be a very tasty summer – as well as gloriously sunny!

Roger Crookes - rogercrookes@lcsuk.net 02920 864730

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Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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FREE quotes & advice Call Ben today on 029 20888839 or 07855 480541 www.rainorshinelandscapes.co.uk 23 Meadow Way, Castle View

37

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

38

Jeff Cuthbert A.M. for Caerphilly

Education is, arguably, the most important public service. If we get it right, then we give the very possible start in life to our young people. But if we get it wrong then we can set back the aspirations of a generation.

We always prided ourselves in Wales about the quality of our education system. And we’ve been justified in doing so over the years. But very recently we’ve been pulled up short!

The recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results show that Wales is performing poorly in comparison with the rest of the UK and is lagging behind many other countries.

Furthermore we’ve slipped back compared with the previous results of three years ago.

These particular results relate to 15 year olds and deal with standards in English, Maths and Science. PISA concerns itself with the application of knowledge rather than exam results. So that’s why we can have improvements in GCSEs (i.e. passing exams) but students might not understand how to apply that knowledge to common tasks.

Clearly it’s not acceptable to simply wail about this problem. We must take measures to respond. And that’s why we’ve introduced the Foundation Phase for our youngest pupils and the 14 to 19 Learning Pathways for secondary pupils. At the heart of these two schemes is the requirement for pupils to “apply” knowledge to solve problems and, for the older pupils, often in an occupational environment.

The Welsh Baccalaureate is about developing entrepreneurial skills.

But for these, and other initiatives, to succeed it requires Government, teaching professionals, employers, and parents to work closely and in partnership.

It’s not all bad news. The very recent ESTYN Report (which looks back over the last six years) points out that 70% of schools are satisfactory or better. There are clear improvements in Further Education and Work Based Learning. But 30% of our schools are under-performing; and that’s not acceptable!

So it’s a double wake up call. We must provide the very best start for our young people if we want them to be future productive members of society.

And that must be our aim.

Jeff Cuthbert AM National Assembly Member for Caerphilly Constituency Office, Bargoed YMCA Aeron Place, Gilfach Bargoed CF81 8JA Tel: 01443 838542 e-mail: Jeff.Cuthbert@wales.gov.uk

Would you like to

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

39

•Electrics •Plumbing, Plastering •Carpentry, Tiling •Decking •Extensions •Refurbishments Professional building services for projects large & small.

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All work is to BS7671, inspected and certified on completion. Local, professional & reliable

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Why make an appointment?

General Foot Advice, Thick Nails, Fungal Nail Infections, Corns, Callous, Verrucae, Chronic Sporting Injuries, Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Orthotic Therapy, Ingrown Toenails.

For further information contact keith_thomas_podiatry@hotmail.com

To book an appointment at Lewis Opticians Caerphilly, ring (029) 20888100 For a Home Visit in the South Wales area, ring Keith on 07891 396923

Available Weekdays, Saturdays and Evenings blinds and interiors

blinds and interiors

Rollers • Venetian • Vertical • Curtains • Romans • Poles • Accessories

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For more information please contact Tim Mobile : 07790 929903 Email : timowain@supanet.com

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

40

Health Watch

Gum Disease The world’s most common non-contagious disease is periodontal disease - disease of the gum, bones and connective tissue around the teeth. Its symptoms can range from simple gum inflammation to a serious infection which causes damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In severe cases, the sufferer can even lose teeth which are otherwise healthy.

The early signs of problems include bad breath, bleeding when brushing your teeth and tender or swollen gums. If you already have all these symptoms and also find it painful to chew or feel any of your teeth are loose, then you need immediate treatment from a professional.

Whilst you might think the causes of gum disease are obvious - poor dental hygiene - this isn’t always the case.

There are many other factors that can make an individual predisposed to developing the problem.

Smoking is the most easily preventable cause, with hormonal changes (teenage years or pregnancy), diabetes or genetics being unavoidable conditions.

It is a condition that occurs later in life - from mid 30s onwards - hence the phrase ‘long in the tooth’.

Whatever the cause, preventative treatment will prevent the problem occurring the in first place.

First has to be regular brushing and flossing or using interdental brushes; but regular visits to your hygienist are a must.

Although mild disease (gingivitis) is reversible, serious conditions (periodontitis) will cause permanent damage.

Having Computer Problems?

Slow Starting / Running Blank Screen Internet Connection Problems Slow Web Browsing Virus or Spyware Alerts Any Other Problems For plain speaking friendly help

Call Derek on 07875 758 278 Locally based in Bedwas • No call out fee • No fix no fee

SILVER SURFER COMPUTING

Free collection & delivery if required • All work guaranteed Laptop Repairs Broken Screens, Keyboards, Mains Adapter Sockets.

New Parts Supplied. Windows 7 Installed.

Please contact 07850 019804

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

41

Nelson’s Pharmacy Nelson’s Pharmacy can save you time and trouble with your Prescription needs We can order & collect your Prescription from any Caerphilly Surgery and deliver it to your door!

If you are not at home during the day we can deliver it to you at your Caerphilly Workplace Save time and trouble, call us today

02920 888008 Easy parking - spaces for 150 cars right outside our door!

Nelson’s Pharmacy 6 Cae Meillion, Castle View Shopping Centre Caerphilly, CF83 1SN * We can order repeat prescriptions for you To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

42

Tongue in Cheek - Working from Home

Moving House - Part 2

by Ted Bruning

It’s been two months now, and there are still so many things I can’t seem to find!

Our buyer finally got his mortgage sorted; the men came and even managed to reverse their huge lorry in the tiny turning circle at the bottom of our street; the flatpack furniture was unscrewed; sofas were hefted; and off the jolly old pantechnicon went. At the far end it was all unloaded by teatime – the men’s teatime, that is; our tea would come from the chippie a few hours later – and we were left with all our possessions scattered randomly throughout a strange house, to try and find enough bedding and so forth for the night’s camping.

All this will be too familiar to everybody who has ever moved house to be worth making a song and dance about. And it doesn’t take a huge leap of the imagination to understand the degree to which moving office at the same time compounds the confusion. But that wasn’t enough for me, oh no. I had to go for big-time chaos, chaos not just squared but cubed by (a) downsizing and (b) renting.

The implications of downsizing are obvious enough. Everybody’s always astonished, when they move house, by the amount of junk they’ve managed to acquire and are baffled by where it’s all going to go. If you’re moving from a four-bedroom house with three receps to a three-bedroom with two receps and no garage there are only two options: the charity shop (or boot sale if you have the patience) and storage.

Many carloads of stuff, including the cupboardunder-the-stair gadgets such as the breadmaker (used twice; bread horrible) went to the charity shop – I forget which one, but it’s the only one you can park outside while you unload – and we’re still paying over £40 a month to store the stuff we couldn’t bear to part with. This includes almost all my books, which I can hardly bear to be separated from for a moment. I haven’t seen them for two months and it feels like losing a limb.

The implications of renting are less obvious and were impossible to predict. The house we’ve rented is a charming 17th-century cottage with undulating floors, a genuine inglenook, and half a forest of beams, some of them genuine. We

fell in love with it and jumped on it straight away.

Unfortunately, it had stood empty for quite a few years and as the bloke who did it up saw it as an investment rather than a home – well, let’s just say that every expense was spared.

So much stuff, including the shower, the telephone points, and half the light fittings, simply didn’t work; and it took quite a few trips to the letting agent before it was all sorted. (There’s also a considerable fear factor when you’re working on the PC while surrounded by electricians. You keep getting bright blue flashes and shouts of “sorry!”; then everything goes off and you wonder if the contents of your computer are gone forever).

The black bin was full of ancient bits of plaster and lath – the trimmings of a 400-year-old house – that the council wouldn’t take away. The sash windows were all painted and screwed shut, in which state they remain to this day. But the worst thing was the bath.

It looked swish enough, especially the fancy water jets. But the first person to enjoy the post-move wallow (my wife, of course) had a nasty surprise awaiting. The bath hadn’t actually been used for heaven knows how long, allowing a good thick mulch of black bacterial slime to build up in the pipes.

The moment she turned on the water jets out it all shot in great wavering trails of yuck. She didn’t half scream! What we did, when she had wiped herself down, was fill the bath, add a hefty dose of bleach, and turn on the jets for half an hour until (it seemed) pretty much all the slime had been flushed out. You only see the odd filament of it now, and we’re hardened to it.

Of course, I tell everyone, if this had been our own house and not a rented one, we’d have done a much better job of doing it up. That’s what I tell everyone, anyway. But if you’d seen the standard of my attempts at DIY, well... Enough said.

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

43

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

44

It’s easy to let your bathroom slip into a dull, tired state, but equally easy to renovate it. If you can splash out on a new suite, review the room’s layout and consider buying ecologically sound fittings such as dual-flush toilets and a low capacity bath to save on water bills.

If you’re on a budget there are many ways to revive the smallest room without breaking the bank. Start with a ruthless declutter and clean everything thoroughly. Replacing or whitening grubby grout will instantly transform the room making it fresh and sparkling. Decant lotions and potions into attractive containers.

Treat yourself to a new, co-ordinating range of towels, a stylish new cabinet, soap dishes and toothbrush holders for immediate elegance.

New taps CAERPHILLY and shower fittings bring a (029) new style to the room. So 7711 do new tiles and flooring; 2080 if you can’t afford to replace the floor a colourful rug will breathe new life into your bathroom. If your wall tiles are in good condition you can ZAC New rejuvenate them by!!!adding adhesive stickers or repainting We are MOVING but only Depot them with special tile paint. around the corner, our new Find a are waynow of increasing storage space to keep the premises at:clutter at bay and enjoy your bathroom once again.

ZAC ZAC

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We are MOVING !!!

UNITbut 33 only BUSINESS around the EVANS corner, our CENTRE new WESTERN IND. EST. premises are now at:DECORATING CAERPHILLY NG DECORATING DECORATING

ZAC

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King David Tyres

CF83 1BE

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CAERPHILLY (029

CENTRE CENTRE CAERPHILLY (029) 2080 7711

UNIT 33 CENTRE ZAC We are MOVING !!! but only “ A(029) comprehensive and friendly service 711 CAERPHILLY (029) 7711 CAERPHILLY 2080 7711 We2080 are MOVING !!! but only NOW OPEN AT: EVANS BUSINESS CENTRE CAERPHILLY (029) 2080 7711 around the corner, our new for the the trade & DIY user” around corner, our new King David Tyres UnitUnit 11, 33 Evans Business Centre, Western Ind. Est., Caerphilly CF83 Evans Business Centre, Western Ind. Est., Caerphilly CF83 1BE1BE We are MOVING !!! but only premises are now at:- premises are now at:-Old We areWESTERN MOVING !!! but only IND. EST. ZAC around the corner, our only new We are MOVING !!! our but • Leyland • Crown • Dulux • around the corner, new Depot premises are now at:around the corner, our new • Instore Colour Mixing Systems • premises are now at:CAERPHILLY premises are now at:UNIT 33colours in a instant” “Thousands of individual UNIT 33 UNIT CF83 33 EVANS BUSINESS CENTRE 1BE • Coving • Fillers • Plaster Cornice • Ceiling Centres • UNIT 33 EVANS BUSINESS CENTRE

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UNIT 33 •CENTRE King David Tyres EVANS BUSINESS Old WESTERN IND. EST.Masonry Varnish • Woodstain • Sandtex Range • ZAC CENTRE EVANS BUSINESS Old Old WESTERN IND.CENTRE EST. Depot King David Tyres ZAC EVANS BUSINESS Depot Depot David Tyres CAERPHILLY Old WESTERN IND.•EST. Wallpaper •KingLeyland Ready Mixed Colour Range • IND. EST. ZAC CAERPHILLY WESTERN Depot Old WESTERN IND. EST. ZAC CAERPHILLY CF83 1BEDepot CF83 1BE CAERPHILLY CAERPHILLY CF83 1BE CF83 1BE CF83 1BE ice “ A comprehensive and friendly service “ A comprehensive and friendly service for the tradeand & DIY user” service “ A comprehensive friendly King David Tyres

Designed by Colin Robinson Printers Ltd., CF83 1BQ. Tel: (029) 2086 9131.

“ A comprehensive and friendly service for the trade & DIY user”

“ A comprehensive and friendly service for the trade & DIY user” for the trade & DIY user”

• Leyland • Crown • Dulux • February 2011 for the trade & DIY user” Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd

“ A•comprehensive and • Leyland • Crown • • • Leyland•• Dulux Crown Dulux

• Instore Colour Mixing Systems •

• Leyland • Crown • Dulux •

45

E.H.S Contracts ‘Boiler Insurance at a price you can afford’ Our 3 star boiler insurance looks after your whole central heating system, including your boiler, radiators and pipework.

As well as covering you all year round, our insurance includes a FREE Annual boiler service We are half the price of some of the larger companies!

Some larger companies charge an additional repair fee on top of the annual payment but we don’t.

The annual payment is all you have to pay - no extra fees for call outs or repairs* You can pay monthly too via Standing Order at no extra cost! * Please request our Terms and Conditions

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Same day call out Free repairs Low prices Monthly payments No hidden costs FREE Annual service

3 star cover for conventional boiler £111 per year or £9.25 X 12 months

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All repair work carried out by Gas Safe registered Engineers

Call today

029 20 852602 07973 790 439 Call between 9-6pm Monday to Friday & 9-1pm on Saturday

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

46

Event Guide

Regular Events Bedwas Bridge Club, Venue: Bedwas Community Education Centre, Newport Road, Bedwas. CF83 8BT. Entrance at rear of Workmen’s Hall.

Every Thursday 7.00 until 9.30 pm There’s a warm welcome to all, £1 includes tea/coffee.

Come with or without a Bridge partner. Tuition can be given to beginners if required.

Contact Lynda on 02920 868137 for more info.

Indoor Bowling (Short Mat) Venue: St. Catherine’s Church Mill Road, Caerphilly.

The Parish of Caerphilly Bowls Club.

Would you like to play Indoor Bowls (Short Mat)?

Come and give it a try, all welcome!

Please phone Larry on 029 20886512 for further information and times.

February 2011 Wedding Fair Date : 06 February 2011 Time : 1100 Venue : Llancaiach Fawr Manor Everything you need to make your wedding day special, is on the doorstep. Meet our Wedding Co-ordinator and local exhibitors.

Free Event.

For further details please telephone Llancaiach Fawr Reception on 01443 412248 Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Date: Tuesday 8 February 2011 Time: 10.15am Venue: Windsor Road Church, Windsor Street, Caerphilly CF83 1FW Will all members please try to attend the AGM for election of new committee members.

New members are welcome.

Contact: Barbara on 029 2086 2091

Messy Church Date: Saturday 12th February Time: 2pm-4pm Venue: St Catherine’s Church Hall, Mill Road, Caerphilly Come and join us for fun, games and crafts with a religious theme in a family atmosphere.

Shared tea.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. No charge.

For further information contact Gaynor Rees on 02920 865 960 Caerphilly Miners’ Centre Committee Fund Raising event Date: Wed 16th February Time: 7.30pm Venue: Wesley Church, Crescent Road, Caerphilly, with Caerphilly Ladies’ Choir and guest artistes.

Tickets are £5 each and are available from the tourist information centre and choir members. For further details please contact Katherine Hughes on 029 20886569.

Sleeping Beauty (3D)!!

Date: Wed 16th, Thurs 17th, Fri 18th February at 7pm // Saturday 19th Matinee 3pm Venue: Caerphilly Workmens Hall & Institute, Castle Street, Caerphilly.

Price: Adult £6. / Child £4.

The baby Princess Rose is cursed by an evil fairy to die on her sixteenth birthday. Can the good fairies save the day? Join the cast for songs, fun & frolics, and help Price Truelove as he battles to save Princess Rose from her 100 year sleep!!

Tickets available from: The Visit Caerphilly Center, The Twyn, Caerphilly Tel 029 20880011 Further Information : Caerphilly Players Secretary: 07792 253 474 Come along to Caerphilly Players production of “Sleeping Beauty” (3D) Crime & Punishment Date : 21 February 2011 Time : 1000 Venue : Llancaiach Fawr Manor See justice done 17th century style. Col Prichard is again in

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

residence to fullfil his duties as the local Magistrate.

Court Times 11.00, 12.30, 2.00 and 3.30pm. Children activities in the Education Block.

For further details please telephone Llancaiach Fawr Reception on 01443 412248 Mindfulness & Yoga Half-Day Retreat Date: Sunday 27th February Time: 9:30am-1pm Venue: Mindfulness and WellBeing Centre, 2a-4a Cardiff Rd, Caerphilly, CF83 1JN Cost: £15 pp with a £5 nonrefundable deposit This half-day workshop will integrate mind and body using yoga and mindfulness techniques, helping one to relax and unwind in an informal and calm atmosphere. Anna Polya will lead the Yoga sessions and Lorraine Harris will lead the Mindfulness sessions.

To book your place, please email: bookings@sfwales.org or ring 02920860054 Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Date: Tuesday 8 March 2011 Time: 10.15am Venue: Windsor Road Church: Windsor Street: Caerphilly: CF83 1FW Talk on Fire Brigade by Sgt. Gareth Jones. Please come along and bring a friend.

Contact: Barbara on 029 2086 2091

Notice | Smallprint My Local View have listed the above events in good faith but cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies, changes to the event or cancellations.

Please check with the organisers before attending the event.

To advertise your community event please email the details to paul@mylocalview.co.uk or call 029 20880378.

47

Air conditioning & Refrigeration We are a long standing family run company with offices in Caerphilly, Bristol & Reading covering the whole of the UK. We specialise in all forms of process and comfort cooling from 3MW Water Cooled Chillers, VRV systems and even small 2.5kW Wall Mounted Split systems for all industrial, commercial & residential environments.

Cooltherm cater for Sales, Installation, Service, & Maintenance of all air conditioning and refrigeration plant.

We are accredited with major manufacturers such as Geoclima, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric & Airedale and can offer bespoke turnkey solutions covering a diverse range of applications.

Energy usage and financial aspects are carefully considered for every application helping to reduce end user costs and environmental impact, promoting a greener more efficient future.

Why choose Cooltherm?

• • • • • • • •

24/7 response 52 weeks of the year ISO 9001 guarantees you efficient management and standardised procedures.

ISO 14001 Environmental standard Elite Members of REFCOM F-Gas 2079 Certified SAFE contractor accredited Fully trained ACRIB certified engineers Data protection registered

Our manufacturing accreditations mean we can offer market leading warranties covering parts and labour giving clients and end users peace of mind.

If you have existing or need new air conditioning or refrigeration why not give Cooltherm a call and we might be able to save you money.

We are happy to work on any type of equipment whether or not we have installed it.

We are always available to offer no obligation quotations and presentations. If you would like any free advice regarding any air conditioning or refrigeration issue

feel free to give us a call on 02920 887077 Cooltherm Wales Ltd Unit 5 & 6 Maritime Court Bedwas House Industrial Estate Caerphilly CF83 8HU

www.cooltherm.co.uk enquiries@cooltherm.co.uk

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

48

Recipe of the month Chinese five-spice paste is an aromatic blend of cinnamon, fennel, star anise, ginger and cloves.

It’s great for adding an authentic Oriental flavour to meat, fish and poultry. You’ll find small jars of it in the herb and spice sections of most supermarkets.

Five Spice Chicken with Soy and Honey Sauce

You need...

4 chicken fillets with skin 10ml (2tsp) Chinese fivespice paste 10ml (2tsp) sunflower oil 60ml (4tbsp) light soy sauce 30ml (2tbsp) runny honey 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 225g (8oz) hot cooked long grain rice, to serve Shredded spring onions and finely chopped red chilli, to garnish

Serves - 4 Ready in 50 minutes 1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Spread the five-spice paste over the skin of each chicken fillet and place in a foil-lined roasting tin. Drizzle over the oil and roast for 30-35 mins until the chicken is cooked through and the spice coated skin is lightly charred.

2. Remove the chicken from the tin and cover and keep warm. Pour any juices from the roasting tin into a small pan and add the soy sauce and honey. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 mins until slightly thickened, Stir in the sweet chilli sauce.

3. Slice each chicken fillet into 5 pieces and arrange on a bed of hot cooked rice. Garnish with the shredded spring onion. Serve the soy and honey sauce in small bowls, garnished with chopped red chilli.

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

49

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177 27/01/2010 13:30:33 27/01/2010 13:30:33

50

Kids Page

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

51

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Open 7 Days a Week from 10am - 6pm Including Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm Parent Toddler Session Weekdays £3.00* Under 4’s - £3.30 / Over 4’s - £3.90 Variety of party options available Snacks and refreshments & Free Parking Unit 6 Taff Business Centre Tonteg Road CHOOL S R E T F Treforest Ind. Est. A E CF37 5UA IRAT

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

52

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

53

OFFER NOW ON 20 % DISCOUNT

all under armour welsh rugby tops home and away plus welsh hoodies and under armour cold gear products during the month of Feb

Also Sale now on in shop of Samurai Sports products during Feb!

come to TSS for all your garment printing and embriodery Hen Stag Workwear Schoolwear Teamwear TSS are proud to annouce they have become official stockist of Gilbert Rugby Total Sporting Solution 76 Bedwas Road Caerphilly CF83 3AT

Contact us on 029 20869452 www.totalsportingsolution.co.uk

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

54

Dance Factor Ballet & Princess Parties Disco’s • Face Painting • Mini Make Overs Party Host • & much more..

Other Themed Parties Available

Disney Pirate Adventure Ballet / Princess Elle Ballerina mascots available for parties too! sses azz Cla ntre Ballet/J nity Ce u m m o C d illy enyd Caerph at Trec ntastic and Fu ge 2-8 A

For all other classes including Adult Zumba

please call 077379 72467

or visit www.dance-stagefactor.co.uk

Call 07737972467

www.dance-stagefactor.co.uk

J.M.H PLASTERING COVING & ARTEXING SPECIALIST Old Artex Walls & Ceilings replastered Old Ceilings renewed Coving supplied & fitted

Call Russell for a free, no obligation quote today

01443 812647 / 07974 537784 jmhplastering@fsmail.net Insurance work undertaken Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

55

Caerphilly Power Tool

SERVICES

Spring is coming, get your servicing done now!

We are offering the following services on small plant repairs for example, Sthil saws, lawnmowers, chainsaws, mixers, wacker plates plus lots more!

We also repair electrical tools such as Dewalt and Black and Decker etc.

Other services available are:

• Chain / Blade sharpening • Collection and delivery on all types of equipment free of charge • Pat Testing • Spares only supplied if needed • All types of small engine repairs and services We have a fully equipped work shop facility for any repair or maintenance which can not be carried out on your premises. We can offer a replacement machine if needed at a reduced hire price to reduce the risk of any down time.

If you are interested and would like to know more please call CPT

Office (029) 2088 5980 Mobile 07944 456943 Email cptservices@live.co.uk

We offer a free collection and delivery service Locally based in Caerphilly (Hendredenny).

To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

56 4

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

4

19

17 24

7 6

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AERPHILLY Dignified, professional service in time of need.

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Our services include:

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Data recovery including hard drive recovery A limited printer repair and maintenance service Insurance reports & quotes Student discounts available (See Instore for details)

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Thought for the Month

So, how are those New Year resolutions going then?

My main one (there may have been 1 or 2 others – but I am not telling you about them!) was to find more time, and more ways, to pray.

I wonder what image came to your mind when I mentioned ‘the P word’?

How does the Lords’ prayer start?

“Our Father”.

Maybe you think of school days reciting some strange sounding, and possibly meaningless, words with your hands together and head down in the classic ‘I wonder how long this will go on for’ sort of school kids prayer position.

Now, there’s a relationship for you – father and child. That is him and us: and that is how he wants us to approach him, as a child approaches a good Father, a really good Father, the best Father you could hope for actually.

What a shame!

Have you noticed that sometimes Kids can be very honest, almost blunt, in what they say – before they learn to be more diplomatic … well some of them!

Religion has a lot to answer for; we so easily get caught up in what seems to be the right way ... the way we have always done it. But thankfully, prayer has more to do with relationship than religion.

Successful communication is the key to any successful relationship. And those of us who have been on a communication workshop (they are great aren’t they!) will recall that communication is not just about talking – it is about listening, talking and most importantly understanding.

This Father wants us to approach him honestly and naturally, not in some ‘religious disguise’ using unnatural language. I can let him know what I think, what I really really think; and then be prepared to listen, and to be open to change the way I think in order that I understand…and there’s a challenge - to change the way we think.

Roger Crookes - rogercrookes@lcsuk.net

Real People, Real God, Real Lives

Gateway Church Welcomes you to a relaxed Family Sunday Service at the Twyn Community Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly Meeting Times Service from 4.30 - 5.30pm Tea/ Coffee after service!

Further Information Tel: 07719 356240 www.gatewaychurchcaerphilly.co.uk

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

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The Legal Eagle. Being Full & Frank!

When it comes to the separation of financial matters following divorce, you will undoubtedly be concerned as to what steps to take next, let alone what information you think you need to provide to your matrimonial solicitor at your initial appointment.

It is in your interest to provide as much information at the outset so that you can utilise the time with your solicitor accordingly. Therefore, you may begin beforehand and in advance of the meeting with a gathering of information exercise. Any information you hold relating to your financial affairs will, of course, assist your solicitor and provide to them a much clearer picture in the long-run.

However, should you come across information which was not addressed to you (e.g. your partner instead), and you feel this may be of interest to you, simply taking that information to your solicitor to assist your case, could cause you and your solicitor problems.

A recent Court of Appeal helpfully deals with this potentially complex issue. The case itself deals with several features that most family practitioners should be aware of, let alone a client.

In essence, and by no ways is this an exhaustive explanation, since the reporting of the Court of Appeal decision in 2010, ‘any information that a client

possesses which is addressed not to them, will raise suspicion by a family lawyer’.

You may face questioning as to how you came into possession of that information, as it may potentially attract a form of protection owed to the owner.

And a result the owner could potentially seek an Injunction and/or costs as a result of the taking of such personal information.

Therefore, in adopting the correct procedure by way of asking for ‘full and frank disclosure’, each party is asked to disclose information throughout the case to the other side and the court. It is what is known as an ongoing duty, to ensure at the end of the day the correct result is received based on up-to-date figures.

If you are in doubt, it is best to seek advice from your solicitor, before acting with haste.

Anne-Marie Hamer Messrs Evans and Greaves Solicitors

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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World Dance Championships Paris 2010

In December 2010 seventeen young dancers from The New Cottage Dance Centre travelled to Paris to take part in the World Dance Championships.

Members of two Latin American formation teams, they were making the return journey to try and retain the two world titles they had won the previous year.

Success came their way again as they proudly waved the flag for Wales. The youngsters, all from within Caerphilly Borough, ranged from 13-17 years of age.

The youngsters were a credit to their dance school, their families and most importantly to themselves.

Meirwen Jones

They have also all regularly competed at the British Championships held in Blackpool every Easter. The event was a wonderful collection of international competitors and was an experience to be cherished.

Several of the dancers also competed in other events during the weekend and had further success. Gold, silver and bronze were won in the All Girls Latin, Intermediate Latin, Youth Ballroom and Under 14 Latin.

Abbie -Becky –Sam-Stacey-Chelsea-Alysha-Rhian-Anna-Bethan-Abbie Alex-Emily-Lizzie-Rowena-Katherine-Aimee-Luke

Would you like to play Indoor Bowls (Short Mat)?

Come and give it a try, all welcome!

St. Catherine’s Church Mill Road, Caerphilly.

The Parish of Caerphilly Bowls Club.

Please phone Larry on 029 20886512 for further information and times.

Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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