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Slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot
Warm up as the cold nights set in with this glorious hotpot, with slow-cooked pork cooked in cider and sage. It’s topped with a crispy layer of potatoes.
Ingredients
3 Pour in the cider, a little at a time, stirring to pick up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and to combine everything. Add the stock, bay leaves and seared pork, then simmer, half-covered with a lid for 1-1½ hrs until the meat is just tender (it will later cook to the point of falling apart in the oven).
l 4 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra l 1kg diced pork shoulder l 20g butter, cubed, plus a little extra l 4 leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced l 4 garlic cloves, crushed l 3 tbsp plain flour l 500ml dry cider l 400ml chicken stock l 2 bay leaves l ½ small bunch parsley, finely chopped l Small bunch sage, leaves picked, 5 left whole, the rest chopped l 200ml single cream l 400g Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes l 400g sweet potatoes
4 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the sauce, if you need to – it shouldn’t be too liquid or the potatoes will sink into the sauce. Stir in the parsley, chopped sage, remaining leeks, and the cream, then season well.
Step by step
1 Heat half of the oil in a deep ovenproof frying pan, or flameproof casserole dish, and fry the pork pieces over a medium high heat in batches until seared all over, then transfer to a plate. Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan, if you need to, while you’re cooking the batches. Once all the pork is seared, transfer to a plate and set aside. 2 Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan with a little butter and fry half the leeks with a pinch of salt for 10 mins until tender. Add the garlic, fry for a minute, then stir in the flour.
Prep: 40 min
2
Cook: 3 hrs
5 Peel both types of potatoes and cut into slices 2mm thick, by hand or using a mandoline. Alternate layers of potato and sweet potato in circles over the pie, or randomly, if you prefer. Dot the cubed butter over the top and bake for 1-1½ hrs until the potato is tender. Nestle in the whole sage leaves, brushed in a little oil, for the last 10 mins. Leave to rest for 10 mins before serving. ly.
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s o tatoe the p ur po all of Slice o y e y’re e sur Mak ed so the reate an c c li s o t e ar ize ing. ilar s a sim ven topp e
Serves: 6
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Welcome....
A warm welcome to our October issue.Lots more businesses added this month and even more money off vouchers from some of our favorite restaurants in Flintshire. Please take the time to have a look through and support our local businesses whenever possible.
We continue we are usual editorials such as must see series on Netflix, our pet section, motoring, gardening and gadget reviews and our popular restaurant review is back with our visit to The Swan Inn Kinnerton, see pages 22-23 for the full review.
So what do we have in this month’s issue?With travel restrictions still imposed on most european destinations, many of which we would be heading off to for a skiing winter holiday, we decided to look a bit closer to home and find out which are the best ski resorts in Scotland, please see pages 10-11.
Please keep supporting our advertiser’s within through these difficult times. If you do use one of the businesses please tell them you saw them in our Flintshire magazines. £25 Cash Winner - W Wilder- Lock & Key Slade Tickets - P Dennis - 23 Book Winner - B Holleran - 1905 Reg, Editor Inside Flintshire Magazines
CONTENTS........ 10-11 Ski Resorts in Scotland
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Recipe
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Must Watch Netflix This Month
Edition 18 October 2020..... The five BEST ski resorts in Scotland
3 Often quiet even when nearby Cairngorm is crowded 8 Low altitude can mean poor snow quality Closest airports Inverness Airport - 50 mi (1 hour drive) Aberdeen Intl. Airport - 50 mi (1 hour drive) Lecht may be one of the smallest Scottish ski areas but it’s a popular choice for families, mainly due to its low lift ticket prices. Additionally, this family-orientated resort has focused its attention on developing the country’s best beginner facilities, with a row of sheltered magic carpets and drag lifts right next to the restaurant and Day Lodge. If you want to avoid crowds, Lecht is definitely a better pick over Cairngorm Mountain.
For more information about these resorts, plus details of the packages available, visit:
snowpak.co.uk
ASTLES, whisky and Nessie; Outlander, kilts and bagpipes Scotland is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for a variety of reasons. But skiing? You might be surprised to learn that the Scottish Highlands are home to no fewer than five ski areas, each unique in character.
1. GLENCOE MOUNTAIN
The oldest ski centre in Scotland (pic above) - it may be small but it’s perfectly formed.
Highlights 3 Amazing views from the summit. 3 Consistent snow and the best natural
terrain in Scotland. 3 Varied, interesting slopes cater equally well to beginners and experts. 8 Small car park can get full during weekends.
Closest airports
18-19 Kitten Questions Answered
3. NEVIS RANGE
Scotland’s newest ski area, boasting legendary terrain and offering fabulous views.
Highlights 3 Expert off-piste terrain is what sets this resort apart. 3 Spectacular “high mountain” views from the summit. 3 Notable lack of queues on all but the busiest days. 8 Beginner slopes are low and can suffer from poor snow. Closest airports Inverness Airport - 71 mi (2 hour drive) Glasgow Airport - 105 mi (2.5 hour drive) Nevis Range only opened in 1989, at the top of Scotland’s only mountain gondola. From the top, there are sensational views of Ben Nevis and Loch Eil. For experts, but the back of the mountain is where it gets really interesting: the yellow itineraries marked on the trail map are epic, ungroomed runs.
Glasgow Airport - 72 mi (1.5 hour drive). Glencoe - also known as White Corries - is the oldest ski area in Britain. The upper third of the mountain is basically a freeride playground with natural half-pipes and jump features. The steepest runs are never groomed and include Scotland’s gnarliest black: the Flypaper, with gentle beginner slopes covering the plateau below.
2. GLENSHEE SKI CENTRE Scotland’s largest ski area, spread over three valleys with an ever-improving lift system.
Highlights 3 Great beginner-friendly slopes for families. 3 Excellent intermediate cruising runs. 3 Lift system generally copes well with
crowds. 8 Close to Edinburgh and the Central Belt can mean weekend queues.
Closest airports Edinburgh Airport - 82 mi (2 hour drive). Glenshee is Scotland’s biggest ski area, boasting runs spread across three valleys with the most interesting skiing at either end. Stand at the top of Glas Maol and it feels like you’re on the edge of a vast wilderness. In the middle, there’s a decent amount of easier ski terrain, though not much for absolute beginners.
4. CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN
Historically Scotland’s most popular ski resort (pic above), with snowsure top bowls.
Highlights 3 Most reliable snow in Scotland. 3 Plenty of activities to do in the area on bad weather days.
3 Decent tough terrain in the underused Ciste sector. 8 Long queues during Christmas and school holidays. Closest airports Inverness Airport - 49 mi (1 hour drive) Cairngorm splits into two parts, with exposed but snowsure beginner bowls at the top. The right side serves mostly intermediate terrain whereas over to the left, you’ll find the steeper Ciste sector for advanced skiers. Cairngorm Mountain is also not far from Speyside where you can sample a dram of whisky, and just 10 minutes away from Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd.
5. LECHT 2090
The best beginner slopes and learning facilities in Scotland.
Highlights 3 Family-friendly resort for kids and beginners. 3 A reasonable selection of trails for all abilities.
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34-35 Motoring Review 24-25 Restaurant Review 30
More Gadgets
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This Month + Lots More
ARTWORK DEADLINE DATE 18TH OCTOBER Enterprise House, Aber Road, Flint CH6 5TG Telephone: 01352 870 760 Email: reg@insideflintshiremagazine.co.uk Published by Inside Magazines. 4
Interior
The biggest difference here between the regular F-Pace and this range-topping SVR model is the sports seats in the front. They hold you in place really well around corners and yet, crucially, remain comfortable on longer journeys. The F-Pace is relatively easy to see out of and standard parking aids include front and rear sensors, along with a 360deg bird’s eye view camera that’s displayed on the central 10in touchscreen. Interior quality is more impressive than in the Alfa Stelvio and there aresoft-touch plastics and leather and vinyl coverings on all the surfaces you touch regularly.
Passenger & boot space
Jaguar F-Pace SVR If you aren’t familiar with the SVR badge, it’s used to denote Jaguar and Land Rover models that have been breathed on by the company’s ‘special vehicle operations’ department. A bit like AMG does for Mercedes.
To mark it out from lesser versions of the F-Pace, the SVR has more aggressive looking front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes, along with extra vents on the bonnet and in the wings. Jaguar claims that none of it’s for show: it’s all to help that mighty V8 engine breathe properly or, in the case of the wing vents, to help cool the huge brakes tasked with stopping this two-tonne SUV.
Performance & drive With 542bhp, this BMW X3-sized SUV can hit 62mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds - only slightly longer than it takes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Mercedes GLC 63 AMG to do the same sprint. But it’s the glorious V8 bellow the SVR makes when doing so that’s more intoxicating, especially when you switch the sports exhaust to its loudest setting. It doesn’t even abate when you lift off the accelerator pedal, because you get angry pops and crackles from the exhausts.
SUVs are never as agile as conventional sports cars but, compared with its direct rivals, the F-Pace SVR is good fun through the corners, too. It’s slightly bigger than the Stelvio, so unsurprisingly leans a little more through tight twists and turns, although is still surprisingly capable and its precise, deliciously weighted steering allows you to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
The SVR may be faster, louder and more agile than any other F-Pace you can buy, but, fortunately, it’s just as practical. You’re unlikely to have any issues with space in the front, even if you’re really tall. Even on versions with a panoramic glass roof, there’s plenty of head room to accommodate those well over six feet tall. Some of Jaguar’s saloons, particularly the XE, are a little cramped inside, but the F-Pace is easily big enough for most families. It’s certainly roomier in the back than a Porsche Macan because a couple of six-footers won’t just fit, they’ll have head and leg room
to spare. Fold down the rear seats and you’re left with a virtually flat extended load bay to slide in longer loads. A powered tailgate is standard across the range, while a ‘gesture’ tailgate (you wave your foot under the rear bumper and the boot opens automatically) is on the options list.
Safety Euro NCAP has crash tested the Jaguar F-Pace, where it scored a maximum five stars. Automatic emergency braking is on hand to help you avoid a shunt, as is a lanedeparture warning system. On the options list you’ll find blind-spot monitoring and reverse traffic detection. The latter alerts you about moving vehicles when backing out of a parking space or your driveway.
Costs If you’re a company car driver, the only Jaguar F-Pace really worth considering is the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel. If you want the lowest possible tax bills then go for the cheapest rear-wheel-drive version equipped with a manual gearbox. The V6 models have obvious appeal, but are available only in range-topping S trim, so are very pricey. You could buy a much larger SUV, such as an Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, for less money, although neither of those rivals is as fast or as sharp to drive as the F-Pace.
There’s plenty of road noise - as with the GLC 63 AMG and Porsche Macan. If you want something more hushed, we’d recommend looking at a luxury SUV rather than one this sporty.
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Dave Hemingway’s new band release stunning debut album
and Robert Plant, the album captures truthful, open-hearted, funny and sometimes painfully honest songs, turning the page to a new chapter for Dave Hemingway and The Beautiful South story. The formation of Sunbirds also
science here,” says Phil. “We’re just enjoying ourselves and expressing whatever we want, whether it’s about love, greed, social isolation or Gary Lineker’s crisp adverts”. Cool To Be Kind is released on 30th October 2020 on Nectar Records.
The Beautiful South founder member Dave Hemingway has announced that his new band Sunbirds will release their debut album ‘Cool To Be Kind’ on 30th October 2020 on the independent label Nectar Records. Having retired from the live scene at the back end of 2016, Dave has been keeping busy with guitarist, songwriter and collaborator Phil Barton, with Cool To Be Kind signalling the arrival of the new band, new songs and a new sound. The music Sunbirds make takes on board all of the bands and artists Dave and Phil have loved over the years. It chiefly blends the musical instruments of rural America with an occasional twist of grungy guitars and sets them against lyrics that remain very much at home in the towns and cities of England. “Although a lot of the songs have a Country feel.” says Dave. “They’re still about life in England. You’re going to feel a bit daft singing about pickup trucks and low down honky-tonks when you live in Yorkshire.” Produced by cult producer Teo Miller, who was responsible for Daisy Chainsaw’s breakthrough single ‘Love Your Money’ and subsequently worked with The Pretenders, Placebo 8
sees the introduction of new discovery Laura Wilcockson on vocals and violin. Laura comes from a classical/orchestral, as well as folk background. If you’re lucky, you might spot her busking around Mansfield. Completing the line-up is legendary UK session drummer, Marc Parnell, who has toured with Joan Armatrading, The Blockheads and Jethro Tull to name but three. Marc can be heard on recordings by Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys and Gabriella Cilmi’s hit single ‘Sweet About Me’. Cool To Be Kind is the result of a few transitional years in Dave and Phil’s individual personal worlds. It tells tales that cover contemporary themes as well as age-old matters of the heart and soul - all viewed through the bottom of a recently drained pint glass. “There’s no exact
Win a copy
To win a signed CD copy of the album, simply answer the following question: Who was the founder member of the Beautiful South? Send your answers to: reg@insideflintshire magazine.co.uk along with your full address, contact details and the date you received the magazine. Closing date 16th October
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The five BEST ski resorts in Scotland
ASTLES, whisky and Nessie; Outlander, kilts and bagpipes Scotland is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for a variety of reasons. But skiing? You might be surprised to learn that the Scottish Highlands are home to no fewer than five ski areas, each unique in character.
1. GLENCOE MOUNTAIN 2. GLENSHEE SKI The oldest ski centre in Scotland (pic above) CENTRE - it may be small but it’s perfectly formed. Highlights 3 Amazing views from the summit. 3 Consistent snow and the best natural terrain in Scotland. 3 Varied, interesting slopes cater equally well to beginners and experts. 8 Small car park can get full during weekends.
Closest airports Glasgow Airport - 72 mi (1.5 hour drive). Glencoe - also known as White Corries - is the oldest ski area in Britain. The upper third of the mountain is basically a freeride playground with natural half-pipes and jump features. The steepest runs are never groomed and include Scotland’s gnarliest black: the Flypaper, with gentle beginner slopes covering the plateau below.
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Scotland’s largest ski area, spread over three valleys with an ever-improving lift system.
Highlights 3 Great beginner-friendly slopes for families. 3 Excellent intermediate cruising runs. 3 Lift system generally copes well with crowds. 8 Close to Edinburgh and the Central Belt can mean weekend queues.
Closest airports Edinburgh Airport - 82 mi (2 hour drive). Glenshee is Scotland’s biggest ski area, boasting runs spread across three valleys with the most interesting skiing at either end. Stand at the top of Glas Maol and it feels like you’re on the edge of a vast wilderness. In the middle, there’s a decent amount of easier ski terrain, though not much for absolute beginners.
Please mention Inside Flintshire Magazine when responding to advertisements
3. NEVIS RANGE Scotland’s newest ski area, boasting legendary terrain and offering fabulous views.
Highlights 3 Expert off-piste terrain is what sets this resort apart. 3 Spectacular “high mountain” views from the summit. 3 Notable lack of queues on all but the busiest days. 8 Beginner slopes are low and can suffer from poor snow. Closest airports Inverness Airport - 71 mi (2 hour drive) Glasgow Airport - 105 mi (2.5 hour drive) Nevis Range only opened in 1989, at the top of Scotland’s only mountain gondola. From the top, there are sensational views of Ben Nevis and Loch Eil. For experts, but the back of the mountain is where it gets really interesting: the yellow itineraries marked on the trail map are epic, ungroomed runs.
3 Often quiet even when nearby Cairngorm is crowded 8 Low altitude can mean poor snow quality Closest airports Inverness Airport - 50 mi (1 hour drive) Aberdeen Intl. Airport - 50 mi (1 hour drive) Lecht may be one of the smallest Scottish ski areas but it’s a popular choice for families, mainly due to its low lift ticket prices. Additionally, this family-orientated resort has focused its attention on developing the country’s best beginner facilities, with a row of sheltered magic carpets and drag lifts right next to the restaurant and Day Lodge. If you want to avoid crowds, Lecht is definitely a better pick over Cairngorm Mountain.
For more information about these resorts, plus details of the packages available, visit:
snowpak.co.uk
4. CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN Historically Scotland’s most popular ski resort (pic above), with snowsure top bowls.
Highlights 3 Most reliable snow in Scotland. 3 Plenty of activities to do in the area on bad weather days.
3 Decent tough terrain in the underused Ciste sector. 8 Long queues during Christmas and school holidays. Closest airports Inverness Airport - 49 mi (1 hour drive) Cairngorm splits into two parts, with exposed but snowsure beginner bowls at the top. The right side serves mostly intermediate terrain whereas over to the left, you’ll find the steeper Ciste sector for advanced skiers. Cairngorm Mountain is also not far from Speyside where you can sample a dram of whisky, and just 10 minutes away from Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd.
5. LECHT 2090 The best beginner slopes and learning facilities in Scotland.
Highlights 3 Family-friendly resort for kids and beginners. 3 A reasonable selection of trails for all abilities. To advertise text ADVERT to: 01352 870 760
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CROSSWORD
ACROSS
SUDOKU
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Diagnosis Angry Small pointy beards Let loose Canine Looked lustfully Action word Painters Enthral Punishment Towered over Spoken exam Pungent bulb Yuck! Heartless Smiled widely Heredity units Fails to concur
DOWN 1
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Summoned over loudspeaker Borneo ape (5-4) Unnecessarily Nuns Wring Inactive Die down Showed Relieving itch Ratifying Wealth Pined (for) Inundates Pale-faced Conceals Noel
ANSWERS: P42 14 14
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WIN ÂŁ25 CASH!
Have you used one of the businesses within our magazines in the last twelve months? To enter our competition, simply email reg@insideflintshiremagazine.co.uk, tell us which business you have used, what date (roughly) and provide your full address and contact details. Closing date 18th Closing date 18th OctJuly. 2020
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New Natural, Healthy Dog Treats Now Available In Store
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Your top KITTEN questions answered... Y
ou might have recently welcomed a new kitten into your home, or you’re thinking about expanding your family by four legs, or maybe you’ve got some unanswered questions from when your feline friend was smaller. Whatever the case may be, we want to answer your top kitty-related queries and searches. MY KITTEN KEEPS SNEEZING A sneeze here or there is usually nothing to worry about, as their noses tickle randomly just like ours do, too. If your kitten’s sneezes
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are more than just occasionally it might be a sign of a cold or virus and a visit to the vet will be needed for proper diagnosis and treatment. MY KITTEN HAS DIARRHOEA A kitten can develop runny stools from a change of diet or environment. Once you notice this change in your cat’s bowel movements, you need to start monitoring their stools to make sure the diarrhoea is not an indication of something more chronic. If it doesn’t seem to be going away, make sure to visit your vet.
MY KITTEN KEEPS MEOWING Your kitten meows to communicate with you, just like they did with their mother. This might be to let you know they’re hungry, cold, that they want a little attention or even as a greeting. You’ll learn to
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averaging at least 15 hours. A sleeping kitten is completely normal, but make sure that they’re interested in playing and other activities when they’re awake as lethargy could be a sign that something is wrong.
recognise your cat’s vocalisation and what they mean as they grow. MY KITTEN WON’T EAT There are lots of different reasons as to why a kitten might turn their nose up at their food, with most being down to fussiness. A bowl’s location, size and cleanliness can make a big difference to a cat’s appetite. If you’ve changed your kitten’s food, this should be something that’s done slowly and gradually over a week or two so that your cat gets used to the change. If the behaviour persists, it could be down to stress, illness or a toothache so don’t hesitate to speak to your vet if your kitten’s not eating. MY KITTEN WON’T DRINK WATER The amount of water a cat needs depends on the environment and the kind of food they eat. So, you might think your cat isn’t getting enough liquid to stay hydrated when, in fact, they’re drinking the right amount to match their lifestyle. Always provide your cat with around-the-clock access to clean drinking water and learn the signs of dehydration so that you can make sure your kitten receives the right care when they need it.
WHY DOES MY KITTEN STARE AT ME? MY KITTEN KEEPS BITING ME Your kitten will try and bite or nibble you when you’re playing because it’s part of their natural hunting instinct, they’re simply practising for the day they will need to hunt for their prey. To stop them from thinking that toes and fingers are fine to chew, you should invest in some kitten toys for them to play and practice with.
When your kitten stares at you, it’s important to read their entire body to try and figure out what’s behind their gaze. It can be a simple search for attention, a fearful look as you’ve spooked them, a warning that they’re not too happy or a friendly gesture of happiness. WHY DOES MY KITTEN LICK ME?
MY KITTEN HAS FLEAS If you spot fleas on your kitten, it’s recommended that you treat your kitten with a suitable treatment. Your vet will be able to advise on a product based on their age, size and species. You’ll also need to treat your home with kitten-friendly pesticides that will get rid of any fleas and eggs hiding in the nooks and crannies of your rooms. MY KITTEN SLEEPS ALL DAY As kittens, cats will sleep for most of the day, the same as the young of other species. Cats will get as much as 20 hours sleep a day, with most
Often, kittens will lick as a sign of affection, something that is learnt from their parents. We know that being licked by a cat is not the most pleasant experience thanks to the backwardsfacing hooks that cover their tongue, but you’ve got to admit it’s still kind of cute, right?
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It happened this month ... in1931:
Al Capone jailed
On October 17, gangster Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion and fined $80,000, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals of the 1920s and 1930s. Earning his nickname “Scarface” after being sliced across the cheek during a fight, Capone became Chicago’s crime kingpin by wiping out his competitors through a series of gangland battles and slayings, including the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929, when Capone’s men gunned down seven rivals. Among Capone’s enemies was federal agent Elliot Ness, who led a team of officers known as “The Untouchables” because they couldn’t be corrupted. Ness and his men routinely broke up Capone’s bootlegging businesses, but it was tax-evasion charges that finally stuck and landed Capone in prison.
... in1908:
Model T Ford debuts
Released on October 1, the Model T, sold by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927, was the earliest effort to make a car that most people could actually buy. Fashioned from vanadium alloy steel, it offered superior strength despite its light weight, and was the first Ford with all its parts built by the company itself. Selling for $850, it was considered a reasonable value, though still slightly higher than the income of the average American worker. After selling 10,607 Model Ts, founder Henry Ford announced that the company would cease to sell the Model R or Model S cars, famously remarking that “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants - so long as it is black.”
... in1922:
Formation of the BBC
The British Broadcasting Company, as the BBC was originally called, was formed on October 18, 1922 by a group of leading wireless manufacturers including Marconi. Daily broadcasting by the BBC began in Marconi’s London studio, 2LO, in the Strand, on November 14. It is the world’s oldest national broadcaster, and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees, employing over 22,000 staff in total, of whom more than 16,000 are in public sector broadcasting. From its inception, through the Second World War to the popularisation of television in the post -WW2 era and the internet in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the BBC has played a prominent role in British life and culture.
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THE SWAN INN HIGHER KINNERTON
R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W
THE SWAN INN
W
e were excited to review the Swan in Higher Kinnerton as it not only had new owners but also a new chef. The Swan prides itself on being a traditional county pub within heart of the local community and is even offering a free taxi service to get customers to the pub and back home again! We were shown to our table by the waitress who swiftly took our bar order and presented us with our drinks whilst we viewed the menu. We were extremely impressed with the extensive variety of dishes on the menu and quickly decided on our starter and main dish. The waitress was extremely polite, chatty and attentive particularly ensuring our drinks were full which is always a good sign! For starter Reg choose Confit Chicken wings these were marinated in a lime. Ginger and harissa sauce these were garnished with watercress
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and a finished with chilli reduction. the speed he polished them off I think he certainly enjoyed them! I had gone for Fleuelle de bric duck Purse which if I am honest I really did not have a clue what to expect but I was intrigued and looking forward to a surprise. On arrival the presentation was exceptional the duck had a Chinese flavour and it was encased in crispy filo pastry it was served with toasted pine nuts and was drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction. I certainly was not disappointed it was one of the nicest starters I have ever tasted especially if you like Chinese crispy duck.
For main course Reg chose the slow roasted Pietrain belly pork this particular breed has a significant percentage of lean meat to fat compared to other pig breeds.The pork was succulent and melted in your mouth , it also had the crispiest piece of crackling perched on top. It was served with Eadam beans and silverskin onion ragu, roasted crushed new potatoes, apple and vanilla coulis, black pudding bon bons and a honey and mustard gravy. All Reg could say was “wow” the mixture of different flavours was impressive and all worked impeccably together he was particularly impressed with the black pudding bon bons which were so tasty! The choice of main course was easy as Lamb is one of
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Oh my god goodness this is the most amazing rice pudding we have ever tasted! Needless to say we cleared the plate it was divine!
my favourites, therefore I plumped for Welsh best end Lamb Loin Chops. Two huge Lamb Chops were served on a bed of crushed buttery new potatoes, with super sweet chantenay carrots and purple sprouting broccoli on the side. Another tasty addition was Pea and mint risotto bon bons which like the black pudding bon bons were absolutely delicious. Also to add to the excellent presentation of the meal was a generous drizzle of pea and mint
puree, not only did the vibrant colour add interest to the presentation of the dish but the mint added a beautiful aroma too. I really enjoyed the Lamb chops and loved all the different flavours that accompanied them the chef really did have a fine eye for detail of which flavours married well together. The food had been amazing so far, so we could not resist trying a dessert, I suggested that we share one, so we went for White Chocolate Risotto served with berry compote and homemade biscuits. On arrival we were a bit like oh rice pudding , but when tasting it we were like
All in all we really could not fault anything about the Swan ,the service and welcome we received was amazing but most of all the food really was top notch so complements to the chef you really must try this place you will not be disappointed!
The Bill Chicken wings ........................£6.50 Fleuille de bric duck purse £6.50 Slow Roasted Pietrain belly pork..................................£16.95 Welsh Best End Lamb Loin Chops ..............................£16.95 White chocolate Risotto ..£5.25 Total............................................£52.15
TO BOOK A TABLE PLEASE CALL US ON: 01244 660660
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Canolfan Gymunedol Buckley Cross Community Centre, CH7 2JT 07708 220895 cylch.bwcle@gmail.com Ysgol Gwenffrwd, Treffynnon, CH8 7NJ www.facebook.com/cylchbwcle 07484 905714 pwyllgormudiadtreffynnon@gmail.com Ysgol Gymraeg Mornant, CH8 9JQ 07824 758754 michelleebj@aol.com www.facebook.com/cylchmeithrinmornant
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October highlights The Haunting of Hill House
1 season Starring: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton Creator: Mike Flanagan In the summer of 1992, Hugh and Olivia Crain and their children move into Hill House to renovate it in order to sell it and build their own house However, due to unexpected repairs, they have to stay longer, and begin to experience increasing paranormal phenomena, resulting in a tragic loss and the family fleeing from the house. Twenty-six years later, the Crain siblings and their estranged father reunite after tragedy strikes again, forcing them to confront how their time in Hill House has affected each of them.
Cobra Kai
2 seasons Starring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Xolo MaridueĂąa Creators: Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Thirty years after their final confrontation in the original Karate Kid movie, Johnny Lawrence is at rock bottom. However, when he rescues a troubled kid, Miguel, from bullies, he is inspired to restart the notorious Cobra Kai dojo. However, Johnny soon finds himself restarting his old rivalry with Daniel LaRousso, a successful businessman who may be happily married, but is missing an essential balance in life since the death of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi.
Rectify
4 seasons Starring: Aden Young, Abigail Spencer, J. Smith-Cameron Creator: Ray McKinnon A convict who spent 19 years on death row is released and must reindoctrinate himself into society and reacquaint himself with his family in a small Georgia town. His efforts to make a new life won’t be easy, as the politician who was instrumental in putting him behind bars makes it his business to see that he gets sent back to jail. Rectify is a vital and compelling drama, poignantly driven by a story that envelops its characters in complexity, humanity and a bittersweet beauty. 28
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More gadgets that will transform your home ed Continu t s from la month August Smart Lock Pro+ Connect The idea of being keyless and still being able to unlock and lock from miles away sounds like a dream. Compatible with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant, the Smart Lock Pro+ not only controls the door lock but also tracks who comes and goes from your place. But the best feature of the lock is that it can be attached to your existing deadbolt so when you do feel like using your keys, you can switch right back.
EvaDrop Shower Head Make a smart decision and opt for a shower head that has been specifically designed to save water. Fitted with an advanced sensor system that customises the water flow according to your convenience, this smart accessory might just be designed to save the environment one shower at a time.
Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator
Petcube
No one likes leaving their pets home alone, but wouldn’t you feel better letting your dog roam if you could keep a close eye on his every movement? Enter this device, which lets you spy and play with your pets from anywhere with Wi-Fi. Using your smartphone, connect to the HD camera to supervise even when you’re far from home.
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Meet the fridge of the future. With a Wi-Fi touchscreen, the Family Hub fridge lets you view your calendar, notes, recipes, and the weather forecast. Plus, you can watch TV shows or movies, or stream music through the screen. At the supermarket and don’t remember if you have milk? There’s an interior camera that lets you peek inside your fridge through an app. Or, if you don’t feel like heading to the market, you can order groceries straight from the fridge.
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Jaguar F-Pace SVR If you aren’t familiar with the SVR badge, it’s used to denote Jaguar and Land Rover models that have been breathed on by the company’s ‘special vehicle operations’ department. A bit like AMG does for Mercedes.
To mark it out from lesser versions of the F-Pace, the SVR has more aggressive looking front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes, along with extra vents on the bonnet and in the wings. Jaguar claims that none of it’s for show: it’s all to help that mighty V8 engine breathe properly or, in the case of the wing vents, to help cool the huge brakes tasked with stopping this two-tonne SUV.
Performance & drive With 542bhp, this BMW X3-sized SUV can hit 62mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds - only slightly longer than it takes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Mercedes GLC 63 AMG to do the same sprint. But it’s the glorious V8 bellow the SVR makes when doing so that’s more intoxicating, especially when you switch the sports exhaust to its loudest setting. It doesn’t even abate when you lift off the accelerator pedal, because you get angry pops and crackles from the exhausts.
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SUVs are never as agile as conventional sports cars but, compared with its direct rivals, the F-Pace SVR is good fun through the corners, too. It’s slightly bigger than the Stelvio, so unsurprisingly leans a little more through tight twists and turns, although is still surprisingly capable and its precise, deliciously weighted steering allows you to thoroughly enjoy the experience. There’s plenty of road noise - as with the GLC 63 AMG and Porsche Macan. If you want something more hushed, we’d recommend looking at a luxury SUV rather than one this sporty.
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Interior
The biggest difference here between the regular F-Pace and this range-topping SVR model is the sports seats in the front. They hold you in place really well around corners and yet, crucially, remain comfortable on longer journeys. The F-Pace is relatively easy to see out of and standard parking aids include front and rear sensors, along with a 360deg bird’s eye view camera that’s displayed on the central 10in touchscreen. Interior quality is more impressive than in the Alfa Stelvio and there aresoft-touch plastics and leather and vinyl coverings on all the surfaces you touch regularly.
Passenger & boot space
The SVR may be faster, louder and more agile than any other F-Pace you can buy, but, fortunately, it’s just as practical. You’re unlikely to have any issues with space in the front, even if you’re really tall. Even on versions with a panoramic glass roof, there’s plenty of head room to accommodate those well over six feet tall. Some of Jaguar’s saloons, particularly the XE, are a little cramped inside, but the F-Pace is easily big enough for most families. It’s certainly roomier in the back than a Porsche Macan because a couple of six-footers won’t just fit, they’ll have head and leg room
to spare. Fold down the rear seats and you’re left with a virtually flat extended load bay to slide in longer loads. A powered tailgate is standard across the range, while a ‘gesture’ tailgate (you wave your foot under the rear bumper and the boot opens automatically) is on the options list.
Safety Euro NCAP has crash tested the Jaguar F-Pace, where it scored a maximum five stars. Automatic emergency braking is on hand to help you avoid a shunt, as is a lanedeparture warning system. On the options list you’ll find blind-spot monitoring and reverse traffic detection. The latter alerts you about moving vehicles when backing out of a parking space or your driveway.
Costs If you’re a company car driver, the only Jaguar F-Pace really worth considering is the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel. If you want the lowest possible tax bills then go for the cheapest rear-wheel-drive version equipped with a manual gearbox. The V6 models have obvious appeal, but are available only in range-topping S trim, so are very pricey. You could buy a much larger SUV, such as an Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, for less money, although neither of those rivals is as fast or as sharp to drive as the F-Pace.
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Buying a house during the recession Part One
F you’re thinking of buying a house during the recession there are some key things to look out for - particularly first time buyers, as the stamp duty holiday* adds more appeal. There are many factors to weigh up before making the decision.
Save, and then save more
It sounds like a cliché, but the more money you have saved, the better. You need to establish how much money you can put towards the cost of a new home. The bigger your deposit, the better mortgage rate you’ll be offered. Plus, your monthly repayments will be lower. We advise saving a minimum of 10 per cent of the cost of the property to obtain a mortgage, but a deposit of 25 per cent will allow you to get a better deal.
Speak with a financial adviser
a home during this time, we suggest you speak with a financial advisor. Using a financial advisor and their expertise will ensure you get the best possible mortgage for your circumstances at the best possible rate. They’ll also help you to navigate the market with it being your first time and explore different options.
Shop around
Recessions lead to job and income losses and there are consequently less people looking to invest in a new home, meaning house prices generally fall during a recession. Although this can cause issues for sellers, lower prices mean it can be easier for people to get on the property ladder and buy a home, especially first-time buyers. You may find current homeowners are willing to lower their asking price to sell their home quickly, which also means you can get a great price on a property during a recession. However, you should be wary of these cheap house prices before committing to buying the property.
It’s never been more important to protect your finances. Therefore, if you’re looking to purchase
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* The stamp duty holiday will be discused in more detail next month.
More great garden lighting ideas ... continued from last month
Make pretty DIY paper lanterns Nothing makes a bigger garden lighting impact than the repetition of lights on a darkened path - for both striking simplicity and after-dark safety. With a garden party in mind, these steps (main pic) are smartly lit with decorative paper bags, which can be bought with a pretty punched design or create it yourself with a hole-punch and a few minutes of your time. The trick is to weigh the bags down with gravel or rice and most definitely use LED tealights. Whether it’s the eco-friendly aspect, the freedom that comes from being wireless or the sleek, industrial look, a solar-powered light is the simplest option for hassle-free garden lighting.
Add texture with woven materials Sculptural electrical lights make an attractive garden lighting alternative as they can be brought outside onto a deck or patio when weather permits. Or, positioned near the door, will illuminate the area from inside. The woven material on these bottle-shaped designs creates attractive shadows. Above all, let safety be your watchword. Select fittings designed for exterior use, with an IP rating for water resistance that suits the area they are to be used in, usually IP44 or higher. Employ a qualified electrician to install them safely.
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Use uplighters to catch the eye Clever lighting is the key ingredient for bringing wowfactor to your garden at night. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles, using both uplighters to enhance walls and hanging pendants in covered areas to create cosiness. And if you’re really lucky, make sure to illuminate the swimming pool at night…
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