My Local View | April 2011 issue by Paul Adamson

April 2011 NOW FREE to 11,750 homes in Caerphilly

Issue 61

Quest Contract banner 1a:Layout 1 12/01/2011 18:28 Page 1

GYM MEMBERSHIP ONLY

PER MONTH OR

NO CONTRACT TEL: 029 2088 6657

HALF PRICE CARPET CLEANING

Here’s the proven way to completely remove those infested germs, dirt grime and stains quickly without disruptions….You’ll be left with clean, dry, sanitized carpets & sofas, smelling fresh that will look and feel virtually new 100% Money Back Guarantee ‐ the most thorough carpet & sofa clean you’ll ever see If you’re not completely satisfied we’ll give you your money back... It’s Free Quick Drying ‐ you can walk on your carpets straight after we finish cleaning them We Move Your Furniture ‐ we clean under them then put them back in place, it’s included Fully Trained Staff ‐ clean together in pairs, so the cleaning process is fast and efficient Our machines cost over £30,000 and are over 20 times more powerful than the small low-grade, electric powered portable machines used by other carpet cleaners. Our machines commonly clean cinemas & bars, so when you call us to clean your home you will experience a far superior & much faster cleaning process, basically the same service as our big commercial clients How does it Work? Our machines are fixed into the vehicles, they run on fuel & have their own water tank, similar to a fire engine, we simply run 2 pipes into your home, the 1st pipe is similar to a jet-wash which sprays our 100% safe detergent solutions into the carpet, the second pipe disperses steam at 240 degrees Fahrenheit hot enough to kill germs, bacteria & all carpet bugs which then gets extracted into our on board waste tank. This process is the best; most thorough clean you can have for your home

“No Hidden Extras”

Prices below is exactly what you pay and not a penny more Hallway was £22

Landing was £22

Office room was £28

Box room was £28

now £

Rugs Steam Cleaned From

£5

Optional Scotchgard discounted starting from

£5

Arranging the clean is Easy...

Bedroom was £40

now £

Dining room was £50

now £

Flight of Stairs was £40

now £

Lounge or Living room was £69

Through lounge and + diner was £88

3-piece Sofa Suite/Settee was £189

now £

now

£58

£108

Call and Book Today Before these prices go back up

Simply phone us, tell us the rooms you want cleaned and when you want us to clean them

Offer Code: VB‐04

Areas covered:

Cardiff Caerphilly Bedwas Machen

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0800 015 6262 Telephone lines open Mon – Sat 9am – 6pm

02920 501235

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Smart Clean 28 Cathedral Rd Cardiff CF11 9LJ

NOTE: MINIMUM SPEND APPLIES YOU MUST SPEND AT LEAST £50

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

You have to be quick to get this FREE offer 25 free 1 week passes available free, new members only! Call Now 02920 860 860 Ask for Andy or Steve

Air Conditioning, Cardio Suite, Fitness Classes, Separate Free Weights Room, Diet Club, Resistance Machines, Sauna + Jacuzzi, Hair Salon, Sport Massage Therapist, Sunbeds Fitness Solutions Ltd Western Ind Estate, Caerphilly CF83 1BQ To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

4 MY

Regular features Home | Colour Conﬁdence Page 10

Beauty Tips Hi all, It’s that time of the year again when I congratulate myself for reaching another milestone, here at Lower View Towers. Yep, it’s my 5th Birthday actually not mine because I am nearly 47 - it’s the magazine’s birthday. It seems like only yesterday that I sat down with a business advisor and explained my idea for a community magazine and he looked at me in astonishment - that “It will never work” look plastered all over his face....and here we are 5 years on.

Page 16

Caerphilly Events update Pages 18

Wayne David MP Page 34

Dr Roger’s Gardening Column Page 36

To celebrate, I have devoted the centre pages to highlight a special offer for new businesses in the area who have not yet given us a try.

Jeff Cuthbert AM

Normally, I offer a discount of 10% for 3 month bookings - this month it’s an extra 5% off (because it’s our 5th birthday), so if you know a business owner who would benefit by being in our popular magazine, please show them the advert.

Health | Back pain

The weather is warming up and lots of events are being planned so we are offering extra space next month in our “What’s ON Guide for non- commercial and charity listings so please send in details of your activities - it’s free to be listed. I hope you enjoy this month’s mag! Paul

Page 38

Page 40

What’s on in Caerphilly Page 46

Recipe | Fresh Tuna Ideas Page48

The Legal Eagle | A.M Hamer Page 60

p.s. Thanks for supporting local businesses - it’s tough out there at the moment. 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 May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

Recognition for Malcolm Uphill

In 1969 Malcolm Uphill, of Caerphilly, won the Production TT in Isle of Man with a race average of 99.99 mph per lap with first ever over 100mph lap by production motorcycle. He achieved this feat on a Triumph Bonneville 650cc. Malcolm was a true Caerphilly man who lived and worked in our community. We set up our committee to provide Malcolm with some of the recognition he richly deserves in the form of a 400x400 mm engraved bronze plaque. He is an excellent role model to our young people, a man of humble origins who rose to the top of his chosen sport. We hope that businesses and individuals throughout the borough will help with a donation, however small, to enable us to successfully complete this project. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Malcolm Uphill Commemorative Committee’, any monies in excess of that required will be donated to charities working in this borough.

Donations can be made via: JET Models & Hobbies 27 Bartlett Street, Caerphilly CF83 1JS

DRAGON AERIALS OF CAERPHILLY No call out charge • Free estimates • Rapid Response

Our services include: • Digital Aerials • Sky Repairs • Freeview • Freesat

ekends g & We m Evenin b ro p le are no

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The Perfect Setting at Caerphilly Golf Club We cater for: Weddings | Birthday Parties Christenings | Funerals Social Events & Functions

Ideal Town Centre Location

Call Sarah on 07508 948104 to discuss your requirements

CASH 4 SCRAP

We pay top prices for all grades of non-ferrous metals! Sims Metal Management is the world’s largest recycler of scrap metals. We can accept all your non-ferrous metal grades including: Copper, aluminium, lead, cables, stainless steel, brass, car batteries.

We can also accept your household electrical equipment! i.e. irons, toasters, computers, hi-fi’s and CD players.

Present this voucher upon your delivery of non-ferrous metals to receive an extra £50 per tonne on top of the current market price. • New customers only

Sims Metal Management 122 East Moors Road Cardiff CF24 5EE 02920 464555

info.uk@SimsMM.com

Sims Metal Management Unit 17, Greenwich Road Maesglas Industrial Estate Newport NP20 2NN 02920 464555

www.SimsMM.co.uk

Sims Metal Management is a marketing name of Sims Group UK Limited. Registered office: Long Marston, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8AQ. Reg No, 03242331

Easter Sunday Sunday 24th April £14.95 p.p 3 course meal Traditional Sunday Roast

Due to demand Chirpy Spring Offer still on!

off

£29.95 for two three-course meals including a glass of wine each

This advert entitles the bearer to two 3-course meals from any menu at the Fwrrwm Ishta, including a glass of house wine each for only £29.95. This is a saving of up to £55! You must present this ad to get the discount! Voucher is valid every day, excluding Mothering Sunday and Easter Sunday Limited availability on Saturday Evenings. Expires 30/04/11 £3.00 supplement per person applies to Steaks

Hot News! Our NEW Bar & Al a Carte Menus are available now!

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www.fwrrwmishta.co.uk 68 Commercial Street, Machen, CF83 8PG Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

9 Fed Up Performance With High Heating Energy CertifiBills? cates

Do you require an Energy Performance Certiﬁcate (EPC) or are you wondering how energy efﬁcient your home is?

We can help, with competitive rates from £45 Caerphilly EPC

Whether you are moving home, renting a property or looking to increase the energy efﬁciency of your home, reducing your carbon footprint and save money at the same time, our assessment will give you an accurate and detailed assessment along with recommendations to improve your homes energy efﬁciency rating. For a free quotation contact Gary on:

Phone: 029 20 861 885 • Mobile: 07826 207 335 Email: gary@caerphillyepc.co.uk

• • • • • •

heaper ars

12 months MOT Part exchange welcome 3 Months warranty Low mileage Pretty cars Used cars purchased 55 cars in stock Most cars are 1 owner with history

Tel: 029 2085 1444

Arctic Windows

We offer quality: Repairs to: • • • • •

Windows Doors Porches Fascias Gutters

• • • • •

Misted Double-Glazed Units Hinges - Handles Letter Boxes Yellowed Door Panels Speedy Locksmith Service

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Contact John Boyland on 07889 932388 or 029 2086 5275 to arrange a quotation

Quality used car sales Long established Company We offer a wide choice of vehicles Finance available

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

Home Improvements

Colour Confidence

Katherine Sorrell This season’s most fashionable colours for interiors are strong and bold: daring blacks and metallics, vivid citruses and a range of sorbet-like Fifties shades. Yet colour can be complicated: stray away from safe neutrals and who hasn’t ended up in a fog of indecision? Our guide to using colour will help you avoid clashes and select the shades that work best for you. Colour is a hugely dynamic tool, affecting the way we feel in a powerful, albeit often subconscious, way. And we each have our own feelings about colour, so that one person’s warm and intimate room is another’s nightmare of brash, clashing shades. All of which makes using colour a rather daunting undertaking. But never fear: there are some simple guidelines to follow. Painting a room a new colour is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to introduce a fresh look. If you’re not sure where to start, there’s a wealth of inspiration to be found in books or magazines, and the paint manufacturers themselves can be a great help, whether in the form of brochures showing their colours in action, a website with the facility to paint a virtual room or colour cards that demonstrate which colours work best together. If you’re wary of using too many different colours, but would nevertheless like to introduce some contrasts, a good rule of thumb is that darker and lighter shades of the same colour are always good together (simply look vertically up and down the paint charts). So far so good. Then, to narrow your choices down, you’ll want to consider the colours of your existing furnishings, the practicalities of how you live (darkish colours are useful in a busy hallway which might suffer from knocks and mud splatters, for example) and the architecture of your property. The latter informs not just the suitability of certain colours – perhaps historic colours for older properties, for example – but also their shades, as you may be able to get away with bolder and/or darker colours in large and light rooms. Another consideration is where to put which paint colours. Bear in mind that hallways, stairways

and landings are linking areas; when you stand in them you may be able to see a number of different rooms, so you should consider how their colours will work together. As a general guideline, restful colours, such as pale blues, lilacs and pinks, often work well in bedrooms, and bolder shades in dining rooms: red is a classic choice, in particular. In a hallway you could make a strong statement with a vibrant colour that introduces the house to visitors, or opt for something paler that will maximise the sense of space. Conventional colours for bathrooms are watery blues and greens, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for something completely different. Colours for living rooms should generally be chosen to work around the existing furnishings – you might pick a colour from a favourite cushion, vase or painting, for example; and the same goes for kitchens, where you’ll already have cabinets and worktops that will dominate a scheme. Finally, in children’s bedrooms and playrooms you’ll probably want to use a mix of fun, bright colours that are lively and stimulating. Experimenting with paint colour is essential, as it can be difficult to get it right first time. Always paint sheets of white card with your chosen samples and tape them up around a room, to observe in different lights (what looks like a lovely purple in daylight, for example, can become black after sunset).

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

11 In a living room you’ll want the colours to work in both daylight and artificial light, whereas in bedrooms and dining rooms it is more important that they look attractive at night-time. Take care with colours that are on the edge between two different shades, as these change more than any others in different light conditions, and while this can be dramatic, it may not be quite what you expect. And be careful to buy the right undercoat – it really does affect the end result.

ZAC ZAC

If the thought of colour everywhere just sounds a bit too much, there are several ways in which it can be introduced in more subtle ways. You could paint just one wall a strong shade, for example, with the others in co-ordinating neutrals. Or how about some beautiful wallpaper, an oversized stencilled motif or easy-to-apply wall stickers? Alternatively, keep walls white or very pale and add colour elsewhere. We are MOVING !!! but only

DECORATING DECORATING CENTRE

ZAC Decor in Caerphilly offer a huge range of paint mixes give Graham a call on 029 20807711 - see ad below

CENTRE

Get handy and paint a chest CAERPHILLY (029) 2080 7711

of drawers or a side table, or make a loose cover for a sofa or chair: think laterally and this is where, for not too ZAC much effort and expense, New it’s possible to ring the Depot changes and make colour work creatively for you. It’s as simple as black and white.

ZAC ZAC

CAERPHILLY (029) 2080 7711 around the corner, our new Changing a duvet cover or a tablecloth, for premises are now at:example, will instantly transform an otherwise neutral bedroom or dining room, while new cushions, vases and pictures will do the same for a living room. UNIT 33

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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 premises areCAERPHILLY now at:• Instore Colour Mixing Systems • premises are now at:UNIT 33colours in a instant” “Thousands of individual UNIT 33 UNIT CF83 33 EVANS BUSINESS CENTRE 1BE • Fillers • Plaster Cornice • Ceiling Centres • UNIT 33• Coving 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. EST. Depot King David Tyres ZAC EVANS BUSINESS CENTRE 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 Depot CF83 1BE 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

“ 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 • E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177 for theTo trade &contact DIY user” advertise Paul: • Instore Colour Mixing Systems “ A•comprehensive • Leyland • • • • Leyland•• Dulux Crown Dulux • Leyland • Crown • Dulux • •Crown

and

Quick tips for Home Improvements Flooring When you choose new flooring take some time thinking and planning before you buy. Decide what fits your lifestyle and taste. The style of flooring you select depends on many considerations. There are so many different flooring options available that sometimes it can get a bit confusing. A floor covering you choose for a kitchen will not necessarily be suitable for the living room. The most important aspect of your choice is what traffic does the area have? You need a floor covering that doesn’t show wear, will be comfortable and easy to maintain. Well-trodden areas such as hallways need a more durable flooring than, for example, a guest room carpet. The bathroom floor needs to be waterproof. Vinyl tiles or linoleum, warmed up with a rug or two, is ideal. Wooden or laminate floors look stylish and are easy to clean, but can be slippery, and while stone tiles look attractive, they can be cold. Carpet is by far the most popular choice and gives an enormous range of textures, colours and styles. Unless you are skilled in doing so, don’t be tempted to lay the floor yourself. For a professional finish, it’s well worth paying someone to fit it.

Freeview Aerials Freesat installations International satellites Home entertainment Cable management

0845 200 1128

e-mail: info@digitel-nation.com web:www.digitel-nation.com Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

Wordsearch

home solutions

Floor & Wall Tiling Plastering Landscaping A reliable, Professional & Clean Service Wall & Ceiling Plastering Dry Lining Floor & Wall Tiling Solid Wood & Laminate Flooring PVC & Wood Skirtings Door Hanging Painting & Decorating Garden Landscaping Fencing | Patio | Decking Landscape Design Service Project Management & Installation of Fitted Bathrooms & Kitchens

Locally based in GlenďŹ elds

T: 02920 887 880 M: 07794 359 005

E: alanjrichards375@btinternet.com Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

Beauty Tips Self-tanning The danger of sitting out in the sun is well documented and, in any case, the UK isn’t blessed with a steady supply of the natural option. But self-tanning options have really improved in recent years and from just a few £s you can gain a completely natural tan. If you just need colour on a small area such as your face, a home self-tan is an ideal option. If you haven’t tried any of the available lotions recently then you won’t know how light or dark the results will be, so you should do a 24 hour patch test. Choose a small area of skin that really won’t notice e.g. on your stomach and

apply some of the product. Take care not to cover the area for the first hour or so otherwise the lotion will just rub off and give you a false ‘reading’. One of the key things to remember when doing home tanning is that it’s imperative to wash your hands post treatment – orange fingers really isn’t a good look. While this is ideal for small body areas, if you want greater coverage – legs, arms, back – then using a salon is a must. Not only can they reach all those difficult areas, but the tan will be more even. With the right skin preparation and with someone else applying the tan (either a lotion or spray), not only will you have better results but it will last longer too.

Ladies Night! Ann Summers wants to give you a

FANTASTIC

Love Zumba then check out your local classes here in Caerphilly at: www.anitbfit.co.uk only £3 per session Come join us and Party and make time for you!! !! exercise in disguise. for further info : contact Anita 07590 263729 or check out my website www.anitabfit.co.uk

Zumba! the fun, easy workout experience!

Anita 07590 263729 Professional fitness & ZUMBA Instructor Check out my class schedule at www.anitabfit.co.uk for other areas

girls night in! Available for all occasions; Hen Parties, Birthdays, Pub Events Ladies Nights or a girly night with friends. Book now to receive a free goody bag worth

£10

Call Carla today on

07922976648 Over 18s only

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

Caerphilly event update

Wow, how fast are the months going? It’s a very exciting time for us at the moment, there is a great buzz in the office about the BBC Proms in the Park. We have regular meetings with the BBC and have set up a creative working group and an operations group who are meeting regularly to progress the event. We need to ensure this event runs as smoothly as possible so we are trying to tackle all of the potential problems beforehand – these include getting over 5,000 people back to the Park & Ride and limiting their waiting time. This is going to be an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the County Borough of Caerphilly. The stage will be positioned to maximise the opportunity for the castle to be in background camera shots, giving us the platform to showcase the County Borough of Caerphilly throughout this exciting event.

Just to remind you all; BBC Proms in the Park takes place on 10th September. We are hoping to be in a position to inform you about ticket prices and times in April, so if you would like to be added to our database to receive this information as and when it becomes available, please e-mail us at events@ caerphilly.gov.uk.

Also, why not follow us on twitter and join in with the discussions www.twitter.com/visitcaerphilly . It’s a busy times ahead in the office, where we plough through all the application forms that have been received for all our events. We try to have as much variety as possible. This year’s Flower Festival in Caerphilly will have a ‘Nature meets Industry’ theme. The thinking behind this is to encourage the churches to explore Caerphilly’s industrial past, to celebrate its natural beauty and acknowledge the new industry of today and even tomorrow. We are looking forward to this event, which will take place on 25th and 26th June! Have you seen the Spring / Summer Event Guide in your local shop yet? They are also available in The Visit Caerphilly Centre if you want to call in and collect one. There are discount vouchers included in the guide for The Visit Caerphilly Centre, Cwmcarn Forest’s Raven Café, The Winding House and Llancaiach Fawr Manor.

As mentioned in our previous articles, keep an eye on the main Council website for all upcoming events. We are notified of new events daily from tribute nights to walks! There is always something going on. Lastly, if you are ever at a loose end and are looking for things to do; log on to www.visitcaerphilly.com where you will also find plenty of attractions and activities to keep you occupied. Come on…let’s have a Spring in our step – the sun is shining as I type this article. Speak to you next month – but follow us on Twitter in the meantime. Best wishes, Sarah-Kate Ackerman Events & Marketing Officer Advisory Services, Economic Development, Caerphilly County Borough Council Follow us on twitter.com/visitcaerphilly

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

DOG WALKING Regular or occasional walks (incl. weekends). Time and duration to suit. Please call for details. DOG GROOMING Just a bath, nails clipped or the full treatment. Mobile service available for nervous & elderly dogs. X-breeds catered for. CATS & SMALL DOMESTIC PETS cared for in their own home. DOGS BOARDED as part of the family.

NEW for 2011 9am-5pm 7 days a week DAYTIME DOGGY NURSERY Please call for details.

Fully insured

CRB checked

Call Sue on 02920 881778 or 07749 660738

e-mail: petminderwales@yahoo.com

R.M.H SERVICES T:02920 888 645 M:07971 287922

Accurate Accounting 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.? IF SO, GIVE ME A CALL (NO JOB TO SMALL) REASONABLE RATES, AGREED IN ADVANCE FULLY INSURED Alison Hewett is licensed and regulated by the AAT under licence number 7177

GATES • RAILINGS • HANDRAILS BALUSTRADES • JULIET BALCONIES WOOD AND WROUGHT IRON FENCES LIGHT FABRICATION WORKS Email: roger.m.hewett@btinternet.com

ALISON HEWETT, M.A.A.T. 15 CHESTER COURT, HENDREDENNY, CAERPHILLY, CF83 2UP.

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

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

Promoting your Business!

The Power of Networking

Hundreds of people get up at the crack of dawn in the morning to do it, others wait until lunchtime while yet more people do it in the evening or online. What is it? Networking. From business breakfasts to wine bar soirées, people all over the country are networking together, making new contacts and expanding the contents of their address books. You’ll know a great networker when you meet one. They are the first people to shout “I do!” when they overhear someone asking “does anyone know of a good plumber?”, or asking for a great painter and decorator or a good restaurant to take their elderly parents to. Good networkers listen and they learn, making a mental note of people who they like and who they would like to stay in touch with. They are the Cilla Blacks of the business world, connecting people who may be able to help each other or who they think may have a common interest or bond.

where the other members act almost like a larger company behind each individual member.

From plumbers to printers, solicitors to accountants good networking benefits people in every sector and in every size of company. Done effectively it’s not just about randomly passing out your business cards, rather it’s about face to face contact, about actively listening and about asking the right questions about another person’s business. Effective networking offers you exposure to people from all walks of life, to all sorts of businesses and it gets your name out into the business community.

Sole traders and self employed members especially can call upon the services of the members of their groups and find themselves with, for example, a design department, an accounts department, an IT department and a marketing department whose work they understand and trust because they meet the same people each week. Highly successful and lucrative groups tend to work very well when members from particular sectors join and work together, for example when a printer passes work to a designer, a builder to a plumber, decorator and carpet fitter.

Organised networking groups exist all over the country and offer their members benefits on many levels. Going along to visit a group can be a great way for people to dip their toes in the water of meeting and greeting new people. Existing members will usually watch out for new faces and step in to help anyone who is standing by themselves with introductions to other members of the group. Networking doesn’t come naturally to some people and a structured environment can help with any first time nerves.

In recent years networking has moved beyond the breakfast table or the wine bar to the online world with sites like LinkedIn and Twitter spreading the word of individual businesses far beyond the confines of town and county. The basis of this virtual networking is based upon the same principles as face-to-face meetings: it’s about finding people with whom you have things in common, about shared interests or bonds and adding them to your network of contacts. Networking - it’s not what you know, but who.

For home based businesses the opportunity to get out of the office once a week and meet with other people can be a source of huge support; for others membership can offer a co-operative

Why not join Business for Breakfast in Caerphilly? See their article on page 62

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

Both businesses have moved next door!

Studio now at: 1st Floor, 2, Piccadilly Square Caerphilly, CF83 1PB

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Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm Sat:10am - 5pm Closed on Sundays

We are now at: 2 Piccadilly Square, Caerphilly, CF83 1PB

We are opposite Blockbusters | All major credit cards accepted Visit our website at www.handhcomputers.co.uk Email us at: andrew@handhcomputers.co.uk To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Fun Quiz

Crime and Punishment 1. A gang led by Bruce Reynolds committed which famous crime in the 1960s? 2. Who was described as “the Napoleon of crime” in the novel The Final Problem by Arthur Conan Doyle? 3. In 2010, there were 46 cases of capital punishment in the USA. Which method of execution was used for all but 2 of these cases? 4. Why was Stephen Gough arrested on a number of occasions when walking from Land's End to John o' Groats in 2003 and 2004? 5. In 1988, which famous singer was arrested after a high speed police chase and served three years in prison after being convicted of carrying an unlicensed gun, assaulting a police officer, and various drug-related and driving offences? 6. By what name is the Central Criminal Court in England more commonly known? 7. In 2001, 14 people, including 12 from Britain, were arrested in Kalamata in Greece and charged with espionage. What was their hobby? 8. Replaced by youth custody centres in 1982, what name was given to prisons for young offenders and was also the name of the village in Kent where the first of these institutions was established? 9. In England and Wales, how many jurors make up a jury on criminal cases? 10. In 1812, John Bellingham committed a particular crime that had never been committed before and has never been committed since. What did he do? Quiz answers are on Page 36

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

J and J Home Improvements • • • • • • • •

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Painting and Decorating (Internal & External, Coving and Wall Paper Hanging) Tiling (Wall & Floor) Carpentry Garden services (Decking, Fencing, Paving, Driveways) UPVC Windows and Doors Plumbing Repairs and Maintenance Other aspects of work also considered No jobs to Small Flat packs put together

Call Jason on 07931 553881 Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

Rayban’s New Collection Just in Choose from a wide selection of Rayban Frames and Sunglasses All designer sunglasses are at VAT free prices Stewart Greenberg Opticians

02920 888846 Castle Court Shopping Centre, Caerphilly

Paul McCarthy Painter & Decorator For all your decorating needs

CB ELECTRICAL SERVICES CAERPHILLY

including:

Interior & Exterior Decorating Picture & Dado Rails Coving • Tiling FREE, No obligation Quotes 10% discount for OAP’s Call Paul on 02920 864619 or 0779 1142813 48, St.Christopher’s Drive, Caerphilly

For all your domestic electrical needs,

Rewires, New consumer units, Lights, Sockets. BS7671 17th Edition and Part ‘P’ compliant

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

Lily of the Valley - Convallaria majalis Imagine being able to pick deliciously fragrant, beautiful flowers from your garden to put in a small vase where their scent will fill your home. If you grow Lily of the Valley it won’t be long before you can do just that. This herbaceous perennial is perfect for creating ground cover in shady, woodland-type locations and in the right conditions spreads so easily that it could be considered a weed. Rhizomes reach out underground to create new plants. The stems grow about 15cm tall with a cluster of dainty white bells hanging from the end. Depending on where you live, this plant could bloom as early as April or as late as June. Lily of the Valley really prefers to grow in alkaline soil; so unfortunately, those of you in acid soil areas may be wasting your money if you try to make a scented carpet of these flowers. Buy plants ready potted in spring to ensure they establish. Sometimes dried crowns are available but these are notoriously tricky to grow. Lily of the Valley is traditionally sold in France on 1st May as a symbol of love and is the national flower of Finland.

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Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

25 We are a locally based business and pride ourselves in providing a reasonably priced reliable service with professional results. We provide flexible payment options including our popular standing order option where you can pay a set amount every month for any services throughout the year.

Hallmark Exterior Maintenance Services • • • • •

• Exterior Painting • Gutter, Fascia and Soffit Cleaning • Fence Repairs • Deck Repairs • Gutter Repairs

Grass Cutting Window Cleaning Hedge Trimming Weeding and Pruning Pressure Cleaning • Conservatory Cleaning

Give Chris a call for a free quote on: 07837 957226 www.hallmarkems.co.uk

Specials Board & �l a carte available

April Specials

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

Probus Club of Caerphilly

Caerphilly Probus is a well established gentlemen’s club of 60 members, of whom at least 40 attend at any one time to enjoy our well organised meetings. We meet once a month, on the first Monday whenever possible, at the Caerphilly Golf Club, Pen Capel, Caerphilly. Our meetings start at 10.30am with a business session followed by a speaker presentation which conveniently finishes so as to allow ten minutes or so of fellowship at the bar before lunching. The Ladies are catered for with an Annual Dinner, a Ladies Day Excursion and occasional visits to venues of interest. Of late, annual week-long coach holidays have been quite successful.

The Club is actively seeking new members at the present time and will be pleased to hear from any retired business or professional man living in or near Caerphilly, who might wish to join a Club which offers fellowship coupled with a variety of invited speakers at monthly meetings throughout the year. The Club can be readily contacted by mail or telephone via the Secretary (029 20 884514), or by e-mail on cjpope1@yahoo.co.uk. Come and visit us. You are more than welcome.

The Club also supports a Bowls Section which plays twice a week – outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. This certainly helps to broaden our contacts and learning can be great fun.

We are a local company with over 20 years experience. We don’t have the overheads of larger Window Companies so you benefit from substantial savings. Installers of High Quality PVCu: • Windows & Doors • Patio Doors • French Doors • Conservatories We comply with Building Regulations Part L Pilkington “K” Glass used throughout

Need a repair on existing fixtures? • Broken/ Misted Glass Units • Discoloured Door Panels • Locks & Hinges replacement We also offer:

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Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

FLOWERS OF DISTINCTION CAERPHILLY

Address: 24 Church Street, Bedwas, Caerphilly

Wedding & Funeral Specialists Individual Hand Tied Bouquets Affordable tailored designs for all occasions Functions, Corporate events & Hotel flowers a speciality Free delivery within 5 miles.

10% off all delivered Bouquets in April We are open 6 days a week. Monday 9am – 1pm • Tues & Weds – 9am – 3pm • Thurs & Fri – 9am – 4.30pm • Sat – 9am – 1pm

Call Mary on 029 20880449/ 07974 198603 flowersofdistinction@btconnect.com All debit/credit cards taken. Telephone orders welcomed.

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

Time for a Cuppa

Quick Crossword 1

19 21

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 15. 17. 20. 21. 23. 24.

Tradition (6) Collected by bees (6) In this place (4) Sews (8) Elevating (7) Big and solid (5) Take a firm hold (5) Extremely hot oven (7) Preceding all others (8) Entrance (4) Occasion (6) Messy (6)

Down

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 12. 14. 16.

Certain (4) Capital of Greece (6) Funny (7) Gastropod (5) Hanging spike of ice (6) Dignified (8) Flying vehicles (8) Core group (7) Communicate information (6) 18. Make ineffective (6) 19. Chemically inactive (5) 22. Rise and fall of sea level (4)

FULL MARKS TUITION ARE YOU WORRIED THAT YOUR CHILD IS FALLING BEHIND? WE HAVE QUALIFIED, PRIVATE TUTORS, IN ALL SUBJECTS, READY TO VISIT YOU AT HOME

Junior - Secondary G.C.S.E - AS/A2-Languages

Prefer to study in a group? WE OFFER REDUCED PRICES FOR GROUP STUDY! ASK FOR DETAILS.

For more information call Andrew any time on: 029 20832828 or 07846 657351 E-mail: a.linnard@mypostoffice.co.uk Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

The Black Cock Inn 029 2088 0534

Great Food | Real Log Fire | Guest Beers | Functions

Tuesday is Curry Night Curry and a Pint

for only £4.95

Wednesday’s Steak Night

6oz Rump Steak & a drink

for only £5.95

We are now taking bookings for: Easter Sunday - Sunday 24th April

Quiz Night Every Sunday

Always on offer: • Á la Carte menu • Daily Specials • Fresh Fish • Popular Function Venue • Dogs welcome in Bar

8.30pm

We are just One mile from Castle View Estate

Caerphilly Mountain, Caerphilly, CF83 1BD www.theblackcockinn.com Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

Llanbradach Bowling Club’s refurbished Function room is available for private hire for just £30.00*

“

Perfect for Wedding’s, Christenings, Funerals, s. Birthday’s, get together’s and Business Meetings. Our function room is available for daytime, evening & weekend hire. Our facilities include free parking, well stocked bar, CD sound system, flat screen TV, Sky TV, small dance floor & disco lighting. We can also provide a catering service.

Join our social club for just £5 a year First year membership for NEW bowling members is FREE!

For further information call

Ivor on 07913 330449 or Roy on 07895 075446

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Just 10 minutes from Caerphilly Castle

*We require a £100 refundable bond, subject to the room being left in a reasonable condition, for all parties for 15 - 18 year olds

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

eed n u o y o D osure p x e l a c lo ness i s u b r u for yo rphilly in Cae

Believe it or not My Local View is celebrating its 5th Birthday this month! To celebrate, we are offering a 15% discount on 3 month bookings*. You have to be quick though – offer only applies to bookings received by 15th of April 2011. Simply pick a deal from our handy price guide and give us a call.

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Got a design?

Great – whizz it over and we will pop you in the mag.

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Call Paul TODAY on 02920 880378 or email: paul@mylocalview.co.uk www.mylocalview.co.uk *Offer only applies to NEW customers or returning customers who have not advertised in the last 6 months

Wayne David - MP for Caerphilly

What the cuts mean in Practice All too often when talk of public spending cuts is heard on the television, people often assume that the cuts will not affect them. A few weeks ago a couple came to one of my advice surgeries worried about how the Government’s cuts would affect their son. The example of Mr and Mrs Owen and their son Jordan of Tir y Berth demonstrates the unfairness of the Government’s spending cuts.

This would mean that either Jordan would not be able to have the love and support of his parents when he is in a residential home or his parents will decide to keep Jordan at home, even though that would not be the best thing for him or indeed his family.

Mr and Mrs Owen’s 18 year old son is deaf and blind. He currently attends Trinity Fields Special School in Ystrad Mynach. As a pupil here, with very obvious special needs, he is in receipt of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has justified this cut on the basis that people in residential homes should be treated in exactly the same way as patients in hospital. This is completely wrong. The point is that people in residential homes should not be “prisoners” in those homes and their needs are very different to the needs of patients in hospital. Due to huge public pressure the Government has decided to delay the implantation of this cut for one year. This increases the uncertainty for the Owen family, but it also provides an opportunity for the Government to look again at the way this cut would impact upon thousands of people who have special needs.

Because there is no appropriate residential home in the area it seems likely that Jordan will move into a residential home in Monmouth or further afield in England. At present, Jordan and his family would continue to receive the mobility component of DLA. This would enable Mr and Mrs Owen to visit their son regularly and to take him out to experience what he can of life outside of his residential home. But, the Government has recently announced that it is actively considering ending the mobility component of DLA for people in residential homes as part of their welfare reforms.

I hope that the Government will think again and realise that people like the Owen family should not be made to suffer because of the banking crisis and its aftermath.

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Visit our showroom at 6 Llanfabon Drive Shops, Trethomas, Caerphilly, CF83 8GZ Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

Commercial & Domestic Cleaning Carpet Cleaning • Ironing • Intensive Oven Cleaning All Equipment / Products Provided • Go Eco Products Available Interior and Exterior Window Cleaning Fully Insured • No Contracts

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K.L.F

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StudioOne Tel : 029 20 850808 / 07792 921618 Our Team: Award Winning Design Specialist: Sean and Freehand Specialist: Swambo Beauty Makeover Specialist: Yvette • Nails • Spray Tan • Waxing etc Piercing: Adrian & Mel Walk in available Fully registered CCBC

We accept all major debit/credit cards Call today for book an appointment Studio One | 4, Piccadilly Square, Caerphilly

TATTOOS | PIERCING | JEWELLERY | TEETH WHITENING To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Dr Roger’s Gardening Surgery

The Italian Job Beloved and I love Italy, and Italian food. Years ago, we started conversational Italian evening classes – hoping to develop our vocabulary beyond ‘Una Birre per favore’ standard. I knew my attempt at international relationship building was doomed when, during a session of open conversation in Italian, my classmate rather smugly reeled off a whole load flowing Italian in my direction – apparently this was a long question which required an equally long and flowing, nay almost poetic answer from me .. all I could manage was ‘Si…?’ Well each to their own, and thankfully I have enjoyed much more success at ‘talking Italian’ in our Garden. You too can grow your own Pizza, and April is the time to sow seeds of two essentials of any Italian dish – Tomatoes and Basil. Trust the Italians eh – they call Tomatoes ‘Pomodoro’, which can be translated ‘apple of love’; and frankly I can see why they get all passionate about the little red ‘flavour bombs’, and when picked fresh from the garden they are even more tasty…oh yum, I can taste them now!

For the best flavour I like to grow the little cherry tomatoes, such as ‘Gardeners delight’ and the gorgeous ‘Sungold’. You can grow both of these varieties outside on the patio, either in a big pot or a big ‘Gro-bag’, but you need to start them off soon by sowing seed in small pots on a windowsill. To make life easy I would just put 1 seed in each 4 inch pot, and the baby tomatoe plants should be about 6 inches high by late may – and ready to go outside on the patio – Bingo! Basil is great to grow in pots too, you could start them in the same way on a window sill, and don’t be afraid to start pinching out tips of new growth (a few leaves) as they become big enough to use in the kitchen, this will encourage even more new growth and bushy ‘side shoots’.......Buon Appetito!

Roger Crookes - rogercrookes@lcsuk.net 02920 864730

Rain or Shine Landscapes Carpentry & Joinery Specialists UPVC Windows & Doors General Building Works Roof Repairs & Renewals

We design & construct whole gardens

Mobile: 07976 741 770 Tel: 02920 830 152 Please visit our website at www.caerphillyhomeimprovements.com

Fun Quiz Answers

1.Achilles 2.Stromboli 3.Mariah Carey 4.Freddy Krueger (in the Nightmare On Elm Street films) 5.Beowulf 6.Inspector Gadget 7.Batman 8.Goldfinger 9.MacGregor 10.The Terminator (a villain in the film The Terminator, a hero in the sequel Terminator 2: Judgement Day)

Patios - Natural Stone • Garden Maintenance Decking • Fencing • Gates • Turﬁng Pressure Washing • Planting • Ponds

All work is fully insured

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

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

The

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Come to Caerphilly Timber Supplies for great deals on wood!

Excellent Timber • Excellent Service • Excellent Advice • Quality Softwood Decking • Fencing Materials • Carcassing KD & Treated • Planed Timber • Mouldings

Caerphilly Timber Supplies Ltd

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Tel: 029 2088 8820

It’s easy to ﬁnd us! We are opposite Bedwas RFC

Delivery Service available! Trade & Public Welcome

Opening Hours: Mon ~ Fri 8am to 5pm • Open Saturdays To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Jeff Cuthbert

Can I say how pleased I am that the people of Wales gave a clear and unambiguous “Yes” to greater powers for the Assembly.

We can now make laws that affect only Wales faster and more efficiently than before. But I’m conscious that many people voted “No” and the majority didn’t vote at all. In terms of the latter point it’s a great shame that people living in a democracy do not take more interest in affairs that concern them. Democracy may have many faults but surely it’s much better than living in a dictatorship like Libya. One of the laws that we’ll be able to address properly following the Assembly elections on 5 May is the issue of organ donation. Currently people willing to donate must declare so and normally that’s done by carrying a donor card. I’ve had a card for many years. But unfortunately most people do not, and Wales has one of the lowest rates of available donors in Europe. This leads to obvious problems. We want to move to a system of “presumed consent”. This is the opposite to the current system and people will have to choose to “opt out” if they don’t want their organs used after their death. I accept that some people will have religious or other views that prohibit them donating organs and that must be respected.

AERPHILLY

FUNERAL SERVICES LTD

PARC AVENUE FUNERAL HOME Dignified, professional service in time of need.

Independent Funeral Directors covering Caerphilly & surrounding areas. Private Rest Rooms Traditional & Eco Funerals Pre-paid Funeral Plans by Golden Charter Member National Association of Funeral Directors Volvo Limousines also available for Weddings

But I’m confident that the clear majority will be content for their organs to be used to help someone else. Under our new powers we’ll be able to move relatively quickly whereas the old system would have taken about two years. Hopefully, and by using our new powers wisely, we’ll persuade those that voted “No” that they were mistaken and have nothing to worry about. There’s no question of us moving towards separation from the rest of the UK as many fear. And perhaps we might encourage those that took no part that they should take an interest in affairs that could affect them.

Jeff Cuthbert Bargoed YMCA Aeron Place, Gilfach, Bargoed CF81 8JA Tel: 01443 838542.

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

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Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

B.Sc. (Hons) Podiatry, B.Sc. (Hons) Psychology, M.Ch.S., HPC Reg.

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

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Available Weekdays, Saturdays and Evenings

DAVID MORGAN

blinds and interiors

IRONMONGER AND TOOL MERCHANT

blinds and interiors

Caerphilly’s oldest established Ironmongers Established 1912 (Current Owner Since 1978)

We stock; Ironmongery, Tools, Hardware, Bicycle spares, Paints, Diy, Electrical, Gardening, Security etc.

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Multi Purpose Compost Durstons 60Litre 3 Bags for £10.00 8ft Bean Canes now in stock!

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Call for advice on 029 20 885247 Email:- theironmonger@btconnect.com Cardigan House, 8 Central Buildings, Trethomas, Caerphilly CF83 8BU

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

Health Watch

Hearing Problems It is estimated that there are around 9 million deaf or partially deaf people in the UK. Although many will acknowledge that they have hearing problems particularly those that are diagnosed when young or people who are very elderly and accept hearing loss as part of aging, there are a significant number of people who are in denial about their problems. For example you may have no problems when speaking face to face with someone, but really struggle to make out what is being said on the phone, in a group or in a situation where there’s a lot of background noise. But for young or even early middle-aged people there’s a stigma around admitting that you can’t hear clearly, and it’s all too easy to blame the situation rather than acknowledging the problem.

If you suspect that your hearing isn’t as sharp as it could be, the first thing to do is to take a test. The Royal National Institute for Deaf (RNID) offer a completely free online test at www. rnid.org.uk or a very low cost telephone test on 0844 800 3838. Alternatively get in touch with a private hearing aid centre for a more comprehensive test which is also usually free. Like all technology, hearing aids have become more powerful yet significantly smaller over the last 30 years. Your friends may not even be aware that you have any deafness, but only if you actually seek treatment.

Apart from age, exposure to loud noise, illness, injury medication or hereditary factors are all recognised causes of deafness.

WAYNE ATWOOD

Guitar & Bass Lessons

All aspects of Plastering & Plaster Boarding New Build & Renovation or Repair

For more information or to sign up today, please contact Richard:

Plastering Specialist

FOR A RELIABLE & 1ST CLASS SERVICE

Call Wayne on 029 20865392 Mobile 07813 910689 ~ Established 25 Years ~ Full Public Liability Insurance

Primary Maths and English Tuition Primary school teacher - with 25 years experience

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Evenings or weekends Tuition given to children aged 6 to 12

with RR Music Tuition

Mobile: 07961 688577 E-Mail: rrmusictuition@hotmail.co.uk

( Based in Trethomas )

The Disco Den Disco’s for all occasions All tastes catered for

Very reasonable rates - reduced prices for group study

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

Check us out every Friday at The Golden Age, Treforest, Pontypridd from 8pm to late.

Call Den on 07968 219004

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

FREE OF CHARGE Collection and Delivery Service available to the patients of all Caerphilly Surgeries

“With a personal service we’re proud of” Let the team at Nelson’s Pharmacy take care of all your pharmaceutical needs

Telephone: 02920 888008 NELSON’S PHARMACY 6 Cae Meillion Castle View Shopping Centre Caerphilly, CF83 1SN Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday - 9.00am to 5.30pm To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Tongue in Cheek - Working from Home

Working from home Shoes

by Ted Bruning

I have done it. I have taken the plunge. I have gone out and bought a new pair of slippers. Some time ago, you may remember, I wrote of my horror at finding that I still had my slippers on at lunchtime. At the time I saw it as an ominous portent of decline, a herald of the day when, having no-one to impress, I would stop bothering even to change out of my pyjamas. I formed a resolution then always to get fully dressed – which to me includes shod – before sitting down to work. I have rigorously maintained my self-imposed dress code ever since. But now we have a white carpet... I would never buy a white carpet myself, and I was surprised to find one in the front room of the house we rented last August. Traditionally, landlords bought patterned carpets, often in swirly autumn shades, to hide the dirt. The suspicion is natural, if yet unproven, that the white carpet is an opportunity for a bit of profiteering, and that the cost of cleaning it that will inevitably be deducted from our deposit when we leave would actually clean a carpet ten times its size. Perhaps I’m being too cynical, but you can understand where I’m coming from.

Anyway, the grim winter had a profound effect on our white carpet. No matter how hard I wiped my feet, a fair bit of leaf-litter, mud, and other substances were transferred from my shoes to the carpet. The effect was compounded by the dog’s negligent habit of not wiping its feet at all. Everybody else, including visitors, takes their shoes off when they come in, so the blame was entirely mine and Flossie’s. And I had to concede that we hadn’t half made a mess. My old slippers having long ago resolved themselves into their constituent parts, I trotted off to get a new pair and, although there’s not much we can do about the dog, at least I have now joined the ranks of the blameless and shall henceforth only wear slippers, not shoes, indoors. This does not, I have promised myself, presage that slow decline into working-from-home slobbishness I fear so much. It does, though, raise a question in my mind. I still have a horror of taking my shoes off in other people’s houses. Why?

It’s a perfectly reasonable request now that everyone on the planet seems to have fitted carpets that are at least biscuit-coloured if not actually white. But somewhere deep in my psyche there is a commandment that will not be denied, and it says: Thou Shalt Not Take Thy Shoes Off, Even In Other People’s Houses. Our friends seem to be resigned to my being their only shod visitor; in strangers’ houses I make no move to remove, and no-one has challenged me yet, thank God.

Perhaps it’s a class thing. I am resolutely middleclass: I have a sitting room not a lounge, and a loo not a toilet. My dad, who would be 103 if he were alive, was even more middle-class than me: upper middleclass, if you like. I cannot begin to imagine his amazement if anyone had asked him to take his shoes off before coming indoors! And would you insist on Prince Charles slipping off his 500-guinea loafers if, for some reason, he turned up at your door? Or David Cameron? Well, maybe David Cameron; and indeed it’s such a part of modern etiquette that he might do it without being asked. Which makes me a real pariah! I shall, I have decided, only start taking off my shoes unasked when I see the Sweeney breaking down some villain’s door to be greeted by a wife not screaming hysterically, in accordance with cop show protocol: “Leavehimalonehesdonenuffinkwrongyouslags”, but calmly ordering Jack and George: “Shoes off please, lads – new carpet in the lounge”. And not before.

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

Could you save someone’s life? Very few people in regularly organised society would know how to administer adequate “First Aid” correctly, if at all. A lot of people would apply an “Old Wife’s Tale”, because it was something they heard a long time ago, or because it was either something that “mam” or “dad” did or said. How do you treat a bleeding nose? a) Sitting up, feet in a bowl of warm water b) Squeeze soft part of nose, with head forward c) Squeeze the bridge of nose, with head back 1st Choice Training was established in 2005, and has worked within your community to provide accurate information for the benefit of others. Its aim is to raise awareness that the correct application of first aid is essential. Would you know what to do if someone needed Your help in an emergency? 1st Choice Training is a local professional “First Aid” training company that can help you to take better care of your family, friends or workforce should the unfortunate need arise. Do you think you could provide adequate life support when called upon? 1st Choice Training is fully approved by the “Health and Safety Executive” and can provide training courses from the full First Aid at Work to the short 1 Day course to fulfil your Appointed Person requirement and to meet all of your moral and civil duties. First Aid is not just responding to an unexpected incident, but it is also looking after someone who is or becomes ill or unwell. 1st Choice Training has provided first aid in community centres, doctor’s surgeries, schools, colleges, factories and offices. If you would like to learn how to apply first aid correctly – Call David on 07870 739 061 for details Did you answer the first question correctly? Answer to question: b

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

QUEST FITNESS CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR Sarah Hart IAL

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Call Quest today on 02920 886657 www.questfitnessclub.co.uk info@questfitnessclub.co.uk To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Event Guide

The weather is getting better now so the perfect opportunity to use our handy guide to get out and about in Caerphilly Borough. 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.

April 2011 Mother’s Day Gifts and Jumble Sale Date: Saturday 2nd April Time: 11 a.m. Venue: Bedwas O.A.P. Hall, St. Mary St., Bedwas Admission: 25p. Raffles, Bric-a-Brac, Clothes, Cake Stall, Gifts, and refreshments available. Please support your local O.A.P. club. Photography walk “ Nature’s calendar” Date : 10 April 2011 Time : 1000 Venue : car park opposite The Rock Public house A walk along the Sirhowy river and northern Sirhowy Valley cycle track with Tim Collier. There will be some steep sections. Please bring lunch, waterproofs and a camera. Length: 4 miles approximately Please book for this event on 01443 875557 or email bowerj@

caerphilly.gov.uk For further details please telephone James Bower on 07836217110 Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Date: Tuesday 12th April 2011 Time: 10.15am Venue: Windsor Road Church, Windsor Street, Caerphilly, CF83 1FW Talk on Community Policing with Sgt. Gareth Jones. Please come along and bring a friend. Contact: Barbara on 029 2086 2091 Mindfulness and Yoga half day retreat with Anna and Lorraine Date: Sunday 17th April Time: 9.30am - 1pm Venue: The Mindfulness & Well being Centre, Caerphilly Please wear loose and comfortable clothing. Cost: £20 with a £5 nonrefundable deposit To book your place, email: bookings@sfwales.org or ring 02920 860054 Easter Activities and Fur & Feathers Date : 22 - 25 April 2011 Time : 1000 Venue : Llancaiach Fawr Manor Good Friday - Easter Monday between 10am - 5pm last entry to the Manor House 4pm. Ducks, geese, chickens and rabbits! Easter activities, Easter egg trails, games and Easter Traditions in the Manor. Normal admission applies. For further details please telephone Llancaiach Fawr Reception on 01443 412248 Easter Bunny Hunt Date : 23 April 2011 Time : 1000 Venue : Cwmcarn Forest Drive Join us on the hunt for the elusive Easter bunny, and follow his clues to find him and the Golden Egg!!! Once you have gathered all the clues come and claim your prize!

For further details please telephone Cwmcarn Visitor Centre on 01495 272001

May 2011 CRAFT EXHIBITION & PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY Date: Saturday 7th May Time: from 10.30am Venue: Wesley Methodist Church, Crescent Road, Caerphilly. Refreshments available Admission 50 pence Caerphilly Community Chorus Concert Date: Friday May 20th. Time: 7.30 p.m. Venue: Blackwood Miner’s Institute. Concert featuring award winning trio - Triawd. Tickets available from box office tel: 01495 227206 or blackwoodminersinstitute.com For further details, try our website: caerphillycommunitychorus.org.uk

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.

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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.

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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

Seasonal Recipe

This quick and easy warm salad can be served as a main meal or simple starter. If you like strong ďŹ&#x201A;avoured blue cheeses choose Stilton or Roquefort, but if you prefer something a little milder pick Danish blue or creamy Dolcelatte.

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Serves - 4 Ready in 15 minutes

Warm Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad 1 tbsp olive oil

Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the pear slices and fry gently for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and light golden. Add the walnuts to pan for the last 2 minutes of cooking time.

Divide the salad leaves between four serving plates. Top with the warm pear slices and walnuts and scatter over the blue cheese.

Place all the dressing ingredients in a jug and whisk until thoroughly blended. Adjust the seasoning to taste and pour the dressing into the frying pan. Heat gently for about 1 minute then pour over the salads. Season with a little more ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Small knob of butter 2 large firm pears, halved, cored & thickly sliced 55g (2oz) walnut halves, roughly chopped 1 large bag mixed rocket salad 115g (4oz) blue cheese, diced or crumbled DRESSING 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp caster sugar 5 tbsp olive oil Salt & freshly ground black pepper

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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Kids Page

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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

Time of Year - April

“April is the cruellest month,” wrote TS Eliot, but then he was a terrible old grump who saw the worst in everything (except cats). Still, the fact that he chose this observation as the opening line of The Wasteland shows that April had a particular resonance with him, as indeed it has done with poets down the ages. For them, though, April meant something a bit more cheerful. It’s widely (although not universally) accepted that the month’s name comes from the Latin verb aperire, to open, signifying the opening of buds, blossoms, and leaves – “Between Merch and Averil, when spreye beginneth to springe,” says the anonymous writer of “Alison” in about 1300; of the same vintage is “Fairest Between Lincoln and Lindsey”: “The wodes waxen green, lefe and gras and blosme springs, in Averil”. For these two poets, though, nature’s rebirth is not an end in itself, but leads on to love: in both poems, stirring buds and blossoms prompt similar stirrings elsewhere. Chaucer, a century later, also took the April reawakening as his starting point, opening the Canterbury Tales with: “Whanne that Aprille with his showres soot the droghte of March hath perced to the root”. For him, it inspired people to go on pilgrimage rather than follow than any earthier pursuit; later poets, though, returned to equating April with love – “April is in my mistress’ face,” wrote Thomas Morley in 1584 (although, sadly for him, in her heart was a cold December). For Shakespeare, it meant youthful love in particular: “the lovely April of her prime,” he wrote in the Sonnets, and: “April, dressed in all his trim, hath put a spirit of youth in every thing”. I make no apology for choosing poetry as a topic for April rather than Easter or St George’s Day or April Fools’ Day. Easter is meaningful only to Christians; St George is meaningful only to the English, Portuguese, Catalonians, and Maltese whose patron saint he is; and April Fools’ Day is meaningful only to fools. But poetry is meaningful to anyone who can read it; and April, when life and beauty return to the land and love stirs in human hearts, is surely the right month to celebrate it.

Actually, the Americans do. National Poetry Month was proclaimed, without irony, on 1st April 1996 by President Clinton; two years later he hosted a poetry gala at the White House to celebrate it; and in 2005 the Empire State Building was festooned with blue lights to mark its 10th anniversary. April was also designated National Poetry Writing Month in 2003 by the American publisher and poet Maureen Thorson, when she challenged all comers to write a poem a day for 30 days. Canada made April its National Poetry Month in 1999, but in the very same year UNESCO named 21st March as World Poetry Day. At least UNESCO got the time of year pretty much right, unlike us Brits. We too have a National Poetry Month, and have had since 1994: it’s October. This is all wrong. There’s nothing especially poetic about October. April, by contrast, has not only spreyes of blosme but also daffodils, primroses, cuckoos, and swallows; the birthdays of Charlie Chaplin, Hans Christian Andersen, Buddha, and Our Own Dear Queen; and the anniversaries of the first manned space ﬂight, the publication of the Highway Code, and the discovery of DNA. Oh, and the introduction of VAT and the sinking of the Titanic – but they, too, surely have their poetry. So I hereby propose that Britain should fall into line with the US and Canada and switch National Poetry Month to April and that UNESCO should move World Poetry Day to the most significant date in the poetic calendar, the Christmas of poetry: 23rd April... Shakespeare’s birthday (probably). One last snatch of poetry to keep you in the mood, this time from the great Buddy DeSylva. All together now: “Though April showers may come your way, they bring the ﬂowers that bloom in May.”

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

www.lyonscarpentry.com City & Guilds Registered Timed Served Carpenters

Kitchen & Bathroom Design & Installation Loft & Garage Conversions House Refurbishment Shop Fitting, Bars & Counters Roofing & Decking Ceramic & Natural Stone Tiling Quality Assured Friendly & Reliable Service For a free estimate contact: Rob Lyons

Tel: 07976 929920 / 029 2086 0261 Email: lyonscarpentry2@btinternet.com 16 Heol Y Cwm Watford Park, Caerphilly CF83 1NN

the joshua foundation

fab midnight

walks

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.

a fabulous

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

girls

night out

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

Stressfree travel to the airport

10% off fares to all UK Airports with this voucher via Minibus or Taxi

(24 hour service)

Celtic Taxis

02920 867 575

have reached the end and made a difference to children with terminal cancer.

Discount valid until 1st September 2011 To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

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 8

14 4

4 22

21 26

2 14

4 4

INTEXT Painter & Decorator Inside & Outside Decorating

Good Rates & Reliability Discounts for OAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE Quotes No job too big or small

Telephone Derek on

10 23

2 11 4

T 25

16 22

4 8

8 2 15

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5 19

21 4

22 22

15 18

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24 2

25 7

14 26

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

07929 042866 : Daytime 029 2088 4593 : Evening

This ad size only costs ÂŁ30+VAT per month! Interested? Call and have a chat about your business :-)

Call Russell for a free, no obligation quote today

01443 812647 / 07974 537784 jmhplastering@fsmail.net Insurance work undertaken

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

SpriNG HAS Arrived At CAerpHiLLy GArdeN CeNtre We shall be serving delicious homemade

SuNdAy LuNCHeS 3rd MotHeriNG in our Palms Restaurant between 12pm - 4pm April .99 3-Course lunCH £12 Junior BuG CluB

Junior GArdeners Club Thursday 28th April Thursday 2nd June Thursday 28th July

next bug Club will be on

Tuesday 19 April 10.30am - 12pm th

when we will be having a bug Hunt around the Garden Centre - please contact the Garden Centre to book your child’s place.

All from 10.30am 12.00pm

Please contact the Garden Centre to book your child’s place. Have some fun with us in the garden!

CoaCH Trips Thursday 19th May

Hampton Court Gardens in Hereford £28.50 for Garden Club Members

£31.50 for Non-Members

Thursday 9th June

Aberglasney Botanical Gardens in West Wales £29.50 for Garden Club Members

£32.50 for Non-Members

Thursday 7th July

National Botanical Gardens in Carmarthen £29.50 for Garden Club Members

£32.50 for Non-Members

Tuesday 26th July

Forde Abbey Gardens in Somerset £32.50 Garden Club Members

£38.50 for Non-Members

For more information please contact the Garden Centre or email coachtrips@caerphillygardencentre.co.uk

Garden Centre

Caerphilly Garden Centre Penrhos, Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7UN Tel 02920 861511 www.caerphillygardencentre.co.uk To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

Caer Rufeinig Gelligaer Roman Fort SCHOOL PACK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ACTIVITY SHEET

Roman Soldiers Equipment In the wordsearch, find the names of items that would be carried or worn by a Roman soldier. The words are listed below it.

GLADIUS

W A

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Find out: 1. What was a gladius? 2. On what part of the body would a galea be worn? 3. What was the lorica made from? 4. Which of these items was used to carry equipment? 5. Where would a soldier put his cingulum? 6. How would a soldier carry his sarcina? 7. What was the tunica made of? 8. Where would a soldier wear his caligae? 9. What would the waterskin be made from? 10. What was the shovel for? Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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Explore Gelligaer Roman Fort The fort was excavated over 100 years ago – now you can explore the site and discover the stories of the Archaeologists, the Romans and the local Silure who made life a challenge for the Romans. Pick up a walk leaflet and guide from St Catwg’s Hall – and younger children can follow the ‘Clue Trail’ around the site. Bring a picnic and you can have a free day out discovering the story of the Romans in the Valleys.

On B4254 1.4 miles east of Llancaiach Fawr

www.romangelligaer.org

Walk in the footsteps of the Romans in Gelligaer We all know that the Romans occupied places like Caerleon and Cardiff – but did you know that they built forts in the Valleys to keep control of the native Silure tribe? Gelligaer, a village close to Llancaiach Fawr, is proud of the fact that they have 2 Roman forts – the site of the original wooden fort as well as the stone fort that was built around 111AD. Yet, until recently most people had no idea that the remains of the second fort lay beneath a field where horses run freely! The community has worked hard to secure funding from HLF and RDP – and now they have installed interpretation, created a viewing area and published a new guidebook and walk leaflet to help bring the story of the Romans and the native Silure to life for locals and visitors. There is even a clue trail for younger children to follow. The community would be delighted to welcome you and your family to a free day out – walking in the footsteps of the Romans in Gelligaer.

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If you would like a free copy of the guidebook and the new walk leaflets, then send a large self addressed and stamped A4 envelope to Roman Guide Book, Gelligaer Community Council, Llwyn Onn, Penpedairheol, Hengoed. CF82 8BB or call into St Catwg’s Hall in Gelligaer.

Explore Gelligaer Roman Fort over 100 To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.ukThe T: fort 029 was 2088excavated 0378 M: 07737 610177 years ago – now you can explore the site and discover the stories of

Thought for the Month

Easter - what about Sunday then? Whenever I think of Easter, I tend to get an image of the events of ‘Good Friday’. Anyone who has seen the film Mel Gibson ‘the passion of Christ’ will know what I mean; and I guess as I call myself a Christian, it is absolutely right that I remember, and value, the day when ‘it all went horribly right’.

But there is another vitally important day during Easter – when we look down at the humble horror of the Friday; we can also look up at the amazing new life of Sunday. As the preacher famously said – get excited ‘cos Sunday is a coming! I guess we all need a Friday and a Sunday experience?

When everything seems lost, without hope, dead in the water, gone, pointless and wasted – Jesus turns up again, arms outstretched, big grin, saying“Didn’t you listen to what I told you? now, any chance of a meal around here?!” So natural and simple; and yet I tend to look for the catch, there’s always a “Yes, but…” just waiting around the corner. But, there are no ‘buts’ required! As some-one said to me recently ‘the sky is the limit’.

For me, the Friday experience is often about dealing with the past, and stuff that is wrong; Friday tells me it has been sorted, completely – I just need to accept it…really believe it.

We have been sowing dead looking sunflower seeds recently; and despite their lifeless appearance, I firmly believe that within a few months they will have produced glorious 8ft – 10ft high flowers each bearing hundreds of new seeds for next year…

But to be honest with you, I am still working out how to apply the message of the Easter Sunday.

Let’s learn how to apply some Easter Sunday hope to our lives.

There is so much hope for the future released in the Easter Sunday experience.

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 Our NEW Meeting Times Service from 4.30 - 5.30pm Tea/ Coffee 5.30 - 6pm We meet MOST Sundays For up to date information please call 07719 356240 or visit our website

www.gatewaychurchcaerphilly.co.uk

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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www.holisticsos.co.uk Covering South Wales area To advertise contact Paul: E: paul@mylocalview.co.uk T: 029 2088 0378 M: 07737 610177

The Legal Eagle - Divorce ‘One click and you are divorced’. 60

That is what some of the readers may have read elsewhere in national magazines and newspapers, detailing the new online systems providing to new potential divorcees the ability to obtain a complete divorce online.

As family lawyers will say, ‘you only get one bite of the cherry’, so making the right choice as to whether to obtain a divorce online or through the traditional method is something you will need to consider carefully. How far can the online divorce consider issues such as Pension Sharing Order and Capital Gains Tax?

Some of the online providers suggest that you can get divorced and resolve all financial matters, for a fixed fee and in essence avoid the need to instruct a solicitor.

Such issues as like this do need to be explored and investigated carefully as part of the divorce.

However, the question remains as to whether a divorce online can provide to you to succinct and successful outcome that you desire.

Also, with the introduction of the new Family Procedure Rules in April 2011, such providers will need to be up-to-date, as most family practitioners will.

Are you confident enough to feel that you can firstly understand what you are looking to achieve, and secondly, thoroughly examine all the assets and liabilities that are normally discussed as part and parcel of the divorce process?

Anne-Marie Hamer Messrs Evans and Greaves Solicitors

Call to book your FREE 30 minute consultation: • • • • • •

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Evans & Greaves Solicitors

5 Piccadilly Square, Caerphilly, CF83 1PB Telephone: 029 2086 6001 | www.evansandgreaves.co.uk Deadline for our March issue: Wednesday 23rd February 2011

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

Business News - Networking Success

Business for Breakfast, one of the UK’s leading and most successful networking organisations, is celebrating two years in Caerphilly. Business for Breakfast, one of the UK’s leading and most successful networking organisations, is celebrating two years in Caerphilly. The networking forum helps SME’s in the area to beat the recession by meeting regularly and getting to Know, Like and Trust fellow members in order to refer business leads and to share contacts etc. The group meets at The Crossways Restaurant, Pontypandy every other Tuesday morning from 06.45 where guests and members enjoy a fantastic breakfast before having the opportunity to tell the group about their businesses, listen to Business Spotlights from fellow members, get the chance to give and receive business leads as well as having time to chat informally with fellow business members and guests.

It is a well known fact that a business referral generates 80% more results than a cold call and that approximately 70% of all jobs are found through networking. In today’s economic climate, pooling contacts and business intelligence through business networking has never been so important and is an extremely cost-effective method of marketing.

Regional Director Merv Smith says; “Many businesses are looking at cost-saving initiatives and now is the perfect time to evaluate the marketing budget and activities and assess what is working. Networking is a marketing element which is, and will continue to be, an invaluable way to attract new clients, suppliers and make strategic alliances. By working with other business, it also provides the most cost effective, route to many markets.” BforB always welcomes new guests along to see for themselves, how the group works and to experience first hand what BforB can do for them. A £10 cost is required to cover breakfast, refreshments and room hire etc and all guests are asked to bring along their business cards. Business for Breakfast groups operate on a first come–first served basis and once a business discipline is registered and accepted for membership, nobody else with that discipline can become a member in that group.

Our next meeting is Tuesday March 8th and local businesses are invited to contact the Executive team to make sure that their business discipline is available before being invited to attend and to sample the way Business for Breakfast works.

For further information on Business for Breakfast membership, please visit the website at www.bforb.com For further information on the new group or to book your attendance at the next event, please contact Merv Smith on 07960 698417 or email: merv@bforb.co.uk

Deadline for our May issue: Tuesday 19th April 2011 - Our deadline is earlier than normal!

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