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Issue 4 January - February
Happy New Year
TOTALLY LOCALLY Working together to lift a town What can you get for £5? Page 4
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW RADNOR YFC CHAIR JOLENE POWELL
Free Software.
It’s not too good to be true. Page 7 Focus Puzzles.
Word Search and Crossword. Page 9
Why Radnor YFC is important. Page 3 !"#$%&'"()&%(*+,$&-./+ Read about free workshops and assessments for drivers. Page 8
Out & About.
Free ‘What’s on’ information. Page 10 Focus on Health.
Making changes for a happy new year. Page 13
Printed on 100% recycled newsprint. Help reduce your carbon footprint - continue the cycle and recycle
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HAPPY NEW YEAR A warm welcome to the fourth issue of
VALENTINEǯS NTIN DINNER & DANCE ry 15th, 2014 person
Our Aims: Provide an informative guide to events and services in Mid Wales. Of f er businesses, charities and organisations an effective method of reaching customers, clients and communities. Support people’s efforts to make Mid Wales thrive
Events FREE OF CHARGE listings in our ‘Out & About’ guide. Inclusion will be on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
Services If you provide community services please contact us to discuss how we can help. If we can promote your information free of charge we will.
tic evening ous 5 course ner and night away ident disco.
“The number of calls we’ve had as a result of our advert in the Focus has been fantastic.“ - Phil Davies, Llandrindod Wells Golf Club.
Advertising Unbeatable value and coverage in Mid Wales. Contact us to discuss how we can help promote your business.
Ideas
The Rock Spa memberships now available. Offering 18 metre pool, sauna, steamroom, Jacuzzi and gym. Enjoy full or off-peak membership for 6 or 12 months FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR B OOKINGS PLEASE CALL 01597 823700 The Metropole Hotel & Spa, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5DY www.metropole.co.uk info@metropole.co.uk
“We’ve had customers tell us that they like this paper. It’s great value for my business” - Tom, T-Hire.
Sweet Williams Florist & Crafts Open In Rhayader
We welcome ideas to improve the content of the FOCUS. Please do get in touch.
Thanks.
The Mid Wales Community FOCUS team. DISCLAIMER Whilst every care is taken, the publisher takes no responsibility and makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information herein. Articles and Advertisements do not constitute a recommendation by the publisher.
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e Focus Interviews... Jolene Powell,
Chair of Radnor YFC
Describe yourself in three words. Proud Young Farmer.
How would your nearest and dearest describe you in three words? Loud, moody but kind. What’s important in life? Health and happiness.
What single item would you save if your home was on fire? Why? Old photographs that are not on facebook because you could never replace them. Cat person or dog person? Dog.
What's the single best piece of advice you've ever been given? When you make choices you have to accept the consequences good or bad. What phrase do you over-use? ‘Do you know what I mean?’
Have you ever had the giggles at an inappropriate moment? Can you tell us? Yes but I really can’t tell you when this was! Which three people, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with? My Aunty, Dolly Parton and Elvis.
Which do you prefer Facebook or Twitter? Why? Facebook because I do not have a clue what I am doing on twitter. What’s been your most rewarding experience so far? I feel rewarded in my job as a Mental Health Nurse every day.
Who or what has inspired you the most? Last year I travelled with YFC to the spring seminar in Strasbourge. The week long study tour included 40 people from all over Europe. I met some truly inspiring people who had been through some incredibly tough times in their lives but continued to give up their time for the youths in their local areas.
How do you stay in shape? I don’t.
What’s your favourite snack? Croissant with chocolate spread.
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury.
Who or what winds you up? Bad drivers.
If you could be paid for a whole year to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? Travelling the world being a food/ restaurant critic. What’s your guilty pleasure? Home and Away.
If you could have any career you wanted what would it be? A travel presenter. How do you relax? Spend time with close friends and family or get out on the horse.
What’s your biggest fear? An airplane I’m flying on crashing.
In the 16 years that I have been a member of YFC I have seen lots of change including the way in which young people socialise, the reduction of local dances/ fundraisers due to age restrictions/ licensing laws and increased costs of these events.
What motivated you to want to become Chair of Radnor YFC? My love of YFC and wanting to give back what I had gained from YFC.
What are the responsibilities of the Chair of Radnor YFC? To Chair the Executive Committee, be an ambassador for the YFC movement, be an advocate for all the members, offer support and knowledge and ensure that Radnor YFC remains a democratic organisation that’s run by the members for the members.
What has been the best thing about being a member of the Radnor YFC? All the fun opportunities it has provided to try different things from singing, dancing, speaking in public, woodwork, craft, being on stage, stockjudging, rural crafts and organizational skills.
What’s the best thing you’ve gained from being in the YFC? The abilty to feel confident when talking
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in front of people. This has helped me endlessly throughout my life and has given me a skill that will continue to be of benefit to me.
Why is the YFC important? With over 25,000 members and 644 clubs, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK. Led by young people, for young people, Young Farmers' Clubs provide anyone aged 10 to 26 with a fantastic chance to meet lifelong friends, learn new skills, make a real difference to the local community and even travel the world!
What's been one of your most challenging experiences as Chair? When I took over as chairperson in August our county organiser had just finished in her post after 15 years and I found myself in charge! It was a little overwhelming being part of the recruitment process to find a new organiser who could support our officials, support members, parents and most importantly ensure that our annual calendar of events are organised and successful. This was a big responsibility and a scary time! Delyth Powell was appointed as our new county organiser and I am extremely pleased and confident that we made a great decision.
What is the most important issue facing Radnor YFC at the moment? A lot more young people are moving away to university and are not returning due to lack of job opportunities or simply because city life is more appealing. This means we have a lack of members above the age of 21 that can support our young members and ensure that clubs continue to run.
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Led by young people, for young people, Young Farmers' Clubs provide anyone aged 10 to 26 with a fantastic chance to meet lifelong friends, learn new skills, make a real difference to the local community and even travel the world!
The YFC is a young people’s organisation (aged between 10 and 26), led by its membership and committed to continuous development. In what areas has Radnor YFC developed in your time? In the 16 years that I have been a member of YFC I have seen lots of change including the way in which young people socialise, the reduction of local dances/ fundraisers due to age restrictions/ licensing laws and increased costs of these events. We have seen the continued updates and development of policies including safeguarding, equal opportunities, antibullying and the increase risk to youngsters in relation to social networking and the internet. Each year we try to provide more information and education to our members in relation to health promotion and personal safety. We have recently seen the opportunity for our member’s to gain accreditation for competitions and roles undertaken in the running of clubs that can be used as part of their personal portfolio for university/ job applications.
For more information on Radonor YFC please contact: Delyth Powell Radnor YFC Organiser / Trefnydd CFfI Maesyfed Suzy Fairclough Radnor YFC Secretary / Ysgrifennydd CFfI Maesyfed
Radnor YFC, Rhoslyn, 11 High Street Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 6AG (01597) 829 008, email:- radyfc@powys.gov.uk www.radnoryfc.org.uk
Well, it’s all down to a fiver.
Totally Locally is more than a shop local campaign, it’s about working together to lift a whole town.
Y
ou may have noticed a lot of buzz in the local press over the last couple of months about Crickhowell becoming a ‘Totally Locally’ town - a scheme which potentially could boost Crickhowell’s economy by a massive £1.4m a year! Seeing as we’re just a stone’s throw away from Crickhowell we thought we’d do our bit to shout about it and along the way possibly inspire some of our local traders, shopkeepers and business people to consider ‘Totally Locally’ for their local towns. So what is this ‘Totally Locally’ thing then?
It all started with a guy called Chris from Yorkshire. He came up with the concept back in 2009 whilst trying to fulfil a marketing brief given by his local authority to create a campaign which would champion great local shops and businesses in and around Calderdale. With his background in branding and design Chris created a business model, got a few more like-minded folk onboard and 18 months from its inception ‘Totally Locally’ was born.
Totally Locally is an award-winning social enterprise and shop local movement. It supports independent retailers with a free branding and marketing campaign for their town. Teams of volunteers can then use the campaign to promote the value of local shopping, celebrate their high street, create community events, and ultimately lift their local economy. Totally Locally is more than a shop local campaign, it’s about working together to lift a whole town. There’s a lot of emphasis on bringing small independent businesses together and encouraging everyone to promote each other and unite as a community. The key to the campaign’s success lies not only in the enthusiasm and energy of its founders but in the professional branding and marketing materials which they have made available for people to use for free. Posters, fliers, leaflets, logos can all be downloaded and adapted easily by adding in the name of your town. There is also a free toolkit with step by step instructions on how to turn your town into a Totally Locally hub of economic activity. It’s so simple.
So how exactly is Crickhowell’s economy going to get a boost of £1.4m a year? Sounds a bit farfetched to me...
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The basic idea is that if everybody in Crickhowell were to spend a fiver of their weekly budget in one of their local shops then that potentially could mean a massive boost to the local economy. The knock-on effect of that sort of economic boost could be enormously positive for a small rural market town.
Across the UK there are now over 60 towns that have signed up to being ‘Totally Locally’ with many more working towards being up and running in 2014.
According to Totally Locally’s organisers the £5 message has captured the imagination of many people. It’s a concept which is easy to grasp. If somebody asked you to ditch your weekly shop to the big supermarket and instead buy all of your shopping from your local independent shops then it might seem quite overwhelming and quite a big change to make in one go. If however you were encouraged to spend just a fiver a week (in the local butchers, at the hairdressers, at your local bakery, in a café, a couple of pints down your local pub…) then it’s far more manageable. Crickhowell kicked off their Totally Locally campaign back in October 2013 by holding a fortnight long ‘Fiver Fest’ during which local businesses offered all sorts of great deals for a fiver. Some offered deals with £5
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off normal prices whilst others put together special packages especially for the fortnight. All reports said it was a resounding success and Crickhowell’s new status as a Totally Locally town is going from strength to strength.
Across the UK there are now over 60 towns that have signed up to being ‘Totally Locally’ with many more working towards being up and running in 2014.
If you’re interested in finding out more then check out the website http://totallylocally.co.uk/ or you can follow TotallyLocallyCrickhowell on Facebook.
Article by Amy Greaves
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most commercial software. Rather than having been developed and tested by a small team of coders, it has been subjected to the scrutiny of a global community numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
d a o R T he Less ed l l e v a r T
L
ike most people, I use computers every day but have only a very limited understanding of how they work. I recently acquired a second-hand laptop from a friend and paid only for the hardware. All the software, from the operating system to the disc burner, were 'open source' products, free to download. The process of installation took only a couple of hours and by the time it was over I was greatly enthused and keen to know more about the open source movement.
How was I getting something for nothing? Was it too good to be true? And if not, why wasn't everyone doing it?
Open source and free software ideals have had a major influence on the development of computing in the past thirty years, through such people as Richard Stallman,
a sense of communal endeavour and the sharing of talent, skill and ideas
founder of the Free Software Foundation and Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel which underpins a wide range of operating systems.
There is a variety of opinions and much fierce debate concerning 'open source' and 'free software' philosophies which this article does not propose to summarise. Essentially, the idea is that people should be free to study, change and share the programs they use, in contrast to the approach of software giants like Microsoft whose products are sealed and tightly controlled. In practical terms, creators make the source code of their programs accessible to others and invite alterations and improvements. This fosters a sense of communal endeavour and the sharing of talent, skill and ideas as opposed to a top-down model in which the individual is a largely passive consumer. Added to this ethical aspect is the practical advantage that freely shared and collaboratively developed software is technically sounder and more stable than
Linux can run continuously for months without developing errors and its design means it is generally not susceptible to viruses and other malware. Consequently, it is the first choice for computers which are in continuous use and are 'too big to fail', such as those in the International Space Station and the London Stock exchange. Most servers and 96% of the 500 most powerful computers in the world use Linux.
But what are the benefits and costs of open source on a home computer?
For those of us with ageing computers, an open source operating system offers the machines a new lease of life and fits with
the ethos of 'reduce, reuse and recycle'. Added to this is the pleasure of furnishing the machine with free software. This solution may suit those people who mainly use computers to access the Web and for office admin tasks.
For those who need to use bespoke or commercial software for work, and for those who play games, open source may present some difficulty. Simply, the industry does not aim its products at Linux systems, so there is a problem of incompatibility, including for such widely used applications as iTunes. Programs exist which deal with these issues but they demand some technical skill to make them work. Some people will regard this as a challenge and others as an obstacle.
So to answer those questions posed earlier: open source programs come free because of a belief that community is more important than commerce; and it's not too good to be true, but it requires some technical skill and enthusiasm, which will deter many people. Which is why not everyone's doing it.
For those who are intrigued by this topic and wish to learn more about it, there is a huge amount of information on the Web. It is also possible to get advice from the local experts and enthusiasts of the Powys Linux User Group. This group meets in Llandrindod Wells on the last Wednesday of each month at 7pm, and may be contacted at www.powyslug.org.uk Article by Jon Denison
Bob Lane Photography
There are so many reasons to visit
The Knighton Hotel
Professional Creative Weddings - Studio Portraits We capture perfect Moments on Camera
Situated in the ancient market town of Knighton, this privately run hotel is set against the stunning backdrop of the Welsh Marches and famous Offa’s Dyke countryside. Tel 01597 851035 Mobile 07510 245462 www.boblanephotography.co.uk
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Dine in our stylish King Offa’s Restaurant with menus prepared by executive chef, Paul Webber.
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Relax in our Norton & Lounge Bars - real ales, pool table and snacks menu.
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15 boutique ensuite bedrooms with family room and disabled access.
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Large, period function room with regular live entertainment - Available to hire for weddings and private parties.
www.theknighton.com
Local activities and attractions include the Offa’s Dyke walk, The Spaceguard Centre, golf, rally driving, plus live music and arts events.
The Knighton Hotel
Broad Street, Knighton, Powys LD7 1BL
T: 01547 520 530
E: info@theknighton.com
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Focus Puzzles Page
If you are just starting out as a crossword solver, there are explanations for each clue on the solutions - page 15. If you are a complete beginner don't worry if you can't complete all the clues unaided - any cryptic puzzle, no matter how "easy", presents a significant challenge to the first-time solver. Good luck!
ACROSS 1 Came across a record concerning journalist (10) 6 Language of old city belonging to the French (4) 9 They'll get wrongly blamed for heading off escape by animals (10) 10 There's potato in Mum's pudding (4) 12 Style of cooking providing contrasts (5-3-4) 15 Country-loving Irishman in charge of containing disturbance (9) 17 Giving note to terrorists makes one angry (5) 18 One who latches on to another is a sucker (5) 19 Sailor's intent perhaps is to be self-restrained (9) 20 A comment sure upset in due proportion (12) 24 Man told to get on his knees? (4) 25 Boundary rope may produce such a decision (10) 26 E.g. dogs returning from walk (4) 27 Not quite one's best friend on the ship (6,4)
DOWN 1 Pretty girl gets some food (4) 2 Animal found in sea location (4) 3 Fat little Edward is biased (12) 4 The First Lady touring Oklahoma will awaken memories (5) 5 The thresholds of delights (9) 7 Heartless robbers go off with a pet. The villains! (10) 8 Below, below, below (10) 11 Managed to get clergyman in dead awkward situation (12) 13 They are seeking work after demolition of aspic plant (10) 14 Steam railway takes on head of Railtrack to improve efficiency (10) 16 To perform in a different key, one's parts must be arranged (9) 21 Went on horseback round cowboy show (5) 22 Junk mail from the capital (4) 23 Nothing but a lake (4)
The Llandrindod Branch of the Wales Pensioners
Formed in March 1997, our main function is to promote and supplement the social activities of local pensioners with the aim of enhancing their enjoyment of retired life in this very rural part of Wales - a unique and valuable facility not provided for by any other local organisation.
Set by Alberich www.alberichcrosswords.com
Our main function is to promote and supplement the social activities of local pensioners with the aim of enhancing their enjoyment of retired life
environment, personal experiences, etc., etc. Time is always allowed for discussion and a tea break allows members to chat together and exchange views.
To achieve this we have a meeting every second Tuesday at 2:00pm in the New Life Church where have speakers on a wide variety of entertaining subjects such as travel, health, music, local history, local
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We also currently have three subsidised day trips each year and a four night short break. (In 2013 we visited the Llangollen Canal, The National Botanical Gardens, had a cruise on the River Wye and spent a wonderful four nights at the Palace Hotel, Torquay). We also have a free tea-party/buffet in June and a
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subsidised Christmas lunch at the Metropole Hotel.
Current subscription is £7:00pp and there is a meeting charge of £1:00pp to cover costs of tea/biscuits and raffle.
If you would like to join this thriving club come along to any Tuesday meeting or ring 01597 822517 for more information.
Saturday 18th January 2pm-4pm Crystal Relaxation with Lauren D'Silva Monthly at Powys Dance, Llandrindod Wells. £5 per person.
Out & About January
7th February 7:30PM Acis & Galatea - Theatr Hafren www.thehafren.co.uk 01686 614555 7th February 7:30PM Stuart Maconie – The People's Songs Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
19th January 3:00PM Bolshoi Ballet – Jewels Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
7th February 7:30PM Wine And Cheese Tasting Evening Burton Hotel, Kington www.kingtonchoral.org.uk 07766097600
26th January 7.30 PM – 9.00PM Star Meeting - Come and learn about scopes and the dark skies of Elan. Elan Valley Visitor Centre www.elanvalley.org.uk 01597 810880
8th February 7:30PM The Cory Band - Theatr Hafren www.thehafren.co.uk 01686 614555
27th January 8:15PM Cult – The Man Who Fell To Earth Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
8th February 7:30PM Flanders And Swann Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
30th January 7:00PM Coriolanus- Wyeside Arts Centre & Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.wyeside.co.uk & www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01982 552555 & 01970 623232
9th February 2:00PM The Frog Princess Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
31st January 8:00PM Trio Valore - Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232 4th January - 19th January Exhibition - A collection of unique images and experiences collected from the Friends of Elan Valley volunteer group. Elan Valley Visitor Centre www.elanvalley.org.uk 4th January Reservoir Roundabout - annual walking and/or running challenge event Start from Elan Valley Visitor Centre www.elanvalleylodge.co.uk Organiser Roy Davies 01597 811143 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th January 10:30 – 11:30AM - Coffee Mornings, Alexandra Hall, Llangammarch Wells 01591620368 9th - 25th January (excluding 13th, 20th & 21st) Dick Whittington & the Pi-rats of the Caribbean - Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232 10th January, 24th January, 7th February & 21st February 10.30AM Have-a-go Shakespeare Workshop Wyeside Arts Centre Gallery www.shakespearelink.co.uk 01597 811 487 12th January 10.00AM – 4.00PM Paint The Winter Landscape Watercolour Workshop - Elan Valley - 01597 810390 14th January 2:00PM Wales Pensioners meeting New Life Church, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822517
27th February 7:00PM War Horse, Wyeside Arts Centre www.wyeside.co.uk 01982 552555
Coming up in MARCH... 15th March 7pm Rotary Club of Llanidloes presents the Morriston Orpheus Choir, China Street Chapel, Llanidloes. Tickets available from January at Woosnam & Davies Newsagents, Llanidloes
13th February 7:30PM BBC National Orchestra of Wales Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232 14th February & 15th February 7:30PM Blodeuwedd- Aberystywth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
2nd February 3:00PM Bolshoi Ballet – Lost Illusions Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
Saturday 15th February 2pm-4pm Crystal Relaxation with Lauren D'Silva Monthly at Powys Dance, Llandrindod Wells. £5 per person.
4th February 7:30PM Mark Thomas: 100 Acts Of Minor Dissent Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
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25th February 7:30PM The World According To John Bird Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
11th February 2:00PM Wales Pensioners meeting New Life Church, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822517
2nd February -11.00AM – 12.30PM Village Tour - Elan Valley Visitor Centre 01597 810898 www.elanvalley.org.uk
6th February 7:30PM National Dance Company Wales Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
22nd February - 2nd March 10AM – 4PM Off The Elan Valley Track Exhibition Elan Valley Visitor Centre www.elanvalley.org.uk 01597 810880
11th February 1:00PM & 7:30PM Of Mice And Men Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
Out & About February
5th, 12th, 19th & 26th February 10:30 – 11:30AM - Coffee Mornings Alexandra Hall, Llangammarch Wells 01591620368
19th, 20th & 21st February 2:30PM & 7:30PM - The 39 Steps Aberystwyth Arts Centre www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 01970 623232
15th February 11.00AM – 4.00PM National Nest Box Day - Build your own nest box using Elan Valley timber. Elan Valley Visitor Centre 01597 810880 www.elanvalley.org.uk 15th February 8:00PM Nights On Broadway – Bee Gees Concert Experience - Theatr Hafren www.thehafren.co.uk 01686 614555 16th February 2.00 PM – 4.00 PM Knock Knock on the Fairy Door - Make a little magic at the Elan Valley. We will be making fairy doors and houses. Suitable for all ages. www.elanvalley.org.uk 01597 810898
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Would you like to include your events in our next
Out & About - Free of Charge?
Contact us
mwcf@icloud.com Tel. 07966 841515
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Book - Great Expectations, Charles Dickens Meal - Beef Sunday Roast Luxury - A piano.
From Mid Powys Youth Theatre to Downton Abbey: We Focus on the inside info’ on local star Tom Cullen.
S
tarting out with the professionally-led Mid Powys Youth Theatre, Tom Cullen has since worked extensively in both Film, Television and Stage. In 2011 Cullen was named on Screen International's 'Stars of Tomorrow' list. His breakthrough role in the film 'Weekend' won him critical acclaim, numerous awards and nominations including 'Best Newcomer' at the British Independent Film Awards, 'Best Actor' and 'Grand Jury' at the Nashville Film Festival. He was nominated alongside Gary Oldman and Michael Fassbender for 'British Actor of the Year' by the London Film Critics Circle.
Have you ever told anyone “I love you” when you don’t really? Yes. How do you stay in shape? High intensity training. Sprints. I hate it so much that I love it. There are very few things that are better than knowing you've pushed yourself to your limit. What’s your favorite snack? I'm a sucker for a hob nob. Do you have a favorite chat up line? Hahaha…I've never really done the whole chat up thing. If I like someone I usually tell them an embarrassing story about myself. Where would you like to retire to? Lake Garda would do very nicely. you like to have dinner with? Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, Aphrodite.
How would your nearest and dearest describe you in three words? Stubborn, generous, gassy.
What’s your favorite knock knock joke? Knock, Knock? Who's there? Interrupting starfish. Interrupting sta- (Then just slam an open palm in front of their face. Don't hit them though. That ain't funny)
What single item would you save if your home was on fire? Why? I have lived out of a suitcase for the past two and half years, so I'd just grab that… unless it was the suitcase that's on fire?
Who or what has inspired you the most? My parents.
What’s the best offer you’ve ever had? A film called 'Weekend'. It launched my career. What's the single best piece of advice you've ever been given? Listen. You were in the Mid Powys Youth Theatre. What value was it to you? Invaluable. It gave me my first taste of acting.
Tom is now a firm favourite as the dashing and charming 'Lord Anthony Gillingham' in 'Downton Abbey'
Which is your favourite TV character at the moment? Walter White, Breaking Bad. I'm a little bit obsessed with Bryan Cranston.
Describe yourself in three words. Determined, loyal, gassy.
Which three people, dead or alive, would
If you were put in charge of the world what would your first three actions be? Well, I'd close the World Bank. Wipe the slate clean. Hire someone much smarter than me to come up with a better system where people don't have to live below a certain standard. And then probably throw an enormous carnival in every city and town in the world.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Willy Wonker and the Chocolate Factory… I'm absolutely crazy about that film. If you could have any another career what would it be? Anthropology maybe? I love children, so maybe a Nanny? I can't say directing can I? What single piece of advice would you give to a young person hoping for an acting career? Listen, be humble and work your a*s* off. Thats three, but they're all interconnected.
If we stranded you on a desert island with one piece of music, one movie, one book, one meal and one luxury; what would you choose? Music - Miles Davis - A Kind of Blue Film - The Red Balloon - Albert Lamorisse
The most intimate setting in Llandrindod Wells, comfortable leather settees and club chairs full of old world charm and ambience.
BIG SCREEN Fine wines and drinks, plus freshly made pizza, using our own dough and the freshest of ingredients. Watch our professional Barista preparing for you probably the best coffee in town.
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Focus
With Catherine Allan
g n e a s h n ki g C a M
J
anuary is traditionally the time when some of us decide to make New Year’s resolutions. We might make them with determination or with quiet hesitancy. Common resolutions are to change the amount we drink, eat, smoke, spend or save. We might decide to increase our fitness, to socialise more or to do more things that we enjoy.
I’m not a fan of resolutions made at New Year. Winter is a time for hibernation, assessing the past year and then planning any changes. Think of a garden: winter is a time to let the land rest, to think about what was a success or what didn’t work so well and then to plan for redesign and spring sowing. Making changes sounds easy, just a matter of doing something different, but in practice changes are hard to achieve and sustain. This is because much of the behaviour that we want to change has its roots in emotional needs that aren’t being met. Our behaviours are coping strategies to make an uncomfortable bit of life bearable or to live up to other people’s expectations. This is where strategic planning can help. You will need to be honest with yourself about why you do what you do. Find a quiet, undisturbed moment to ask yourself what your unwanted behaviour helps you with. Be brave and seek help from trusted others or from professionals if you cannot answer that question.
The next step is to make sure that change is something you want, not what others want. Changes that are towards a positive goal rather than away from an unwanted habit are more successful (e.g. being fitter
I think there should really only be one resolution and that is that we will be happier this year.
Garden your life. Enjoy it. I wish you all a Happy New Year.
rather than giving up something.) Make a list of ideas to help you achieve change. Pick one idea – you can try the others if the first one doesn’t work. It helps to break down what you will do into small steps, so next, write down the answers to these questions:
- What specifically are you going to do to change your behaviour?
Health news just in: There is a new 'Mid Wales Guild of Holistic Therapists' being formed. Therapists will be qualified, belong to a relevant professional body and insured. More details next issue. - Catherin Allan, Mid Wales Therapies
- When are you going to do it? (Again, be specific.)
mid wales therapies offering clinics in Rhayader
- How often?
Catherine Allan is an experienced therapist, helping people become more effective, healthier and happier at home and at work.
- Are you fairly confident of achieving this?
She offers: Hypnotherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Shamanic Healing and Counselling and Metamorphic Technique.
Make small steps achievable but don’t beat yourself up if you fail. Just try again, its ok
to not be perfect. In fact, I think there should really only be one resolution and that is that we will be happier this year. By being happier, we are not only helping ourselves but helping our families and our communities. Happy people have fewer ‘bad’ habits to help them cope with life. They do more for others and cause fewer social problems than unhappy ones.
These therapies can help with; anxiety, phobias, stress, changing lifestyles or unwanted habits, as well as supporting healing for a variety of physical conditions. They can help you reconcile difficult situations, deal with overwhelming emotions or events. Catherine can also help you choose which therapy or mix of therapies will best suit.
All consultations and treatments are confidential.
What do you want to change or add to your life to be happier? Plan it. Simple things help, like making a conscious effort to notice and appreciate the bizarreness and beauty of the world. Appreciate the kindness or skills of other people (news and other media concentrate on bad things making us only aware of the bad. In fact most people are like you – mostly good.) Do a good deed. Volunteer for something you think increases other people’s happiness. Learn something new. Create a calmer and clearer home. Visit friends or family more.
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T
Nature Focus
he Red Kite is arguably the most beautiful of our birds of prey and at this time of year the birds are looking their finest in colourful fresh plumage.
In the late 1930s the Red Kite was on the brink of extinction in the UK but fortunately they hung on in the remote wooded valleys of the Cambrian Mountains. From 1950, due to dedicated protection work of conservationists and the invaluable support of a few local farmers, the birds slowly increased in numbers and during the 1980s new pairs moved out into lowland sites and became more successful in rearing young. By 1990 there were over 50 breeding pairs of Red Kites recorded in Wales and now they have thankfully become an almost daily sight, to uplift our spirits and let us marvel at the beauty of the natural world. So why not make the most of any fine day in January and visit Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre near Rhayader to enjoy watching several hundred of these magnificent birds circling and swooping down to feed – in what must be one of the top wildlife spectacles in the country, and it is on our doorstep? February is the time of year when frogs’ passions are aroused and they make their way to ponds, ditches and pools to meet and mate in a noisy frenzy of activity.
When walking in damp places at this time of year you may come across what is known as “Otter Jelly” - a small mass of clear or whitish coloured jelly-like substance on the ground. This is the discarded remains of a hapless female frog, predated by perhaps an otter, or just as likely, a heron, buzzard or fox. Whilst making a meal of the frog these animals make sure not to digest the as yet unfertilised eggs, which, when exposed to moisture, swell into the jelly that would have protected the developing tadpoles.
February too is the month for snowdrops – delicate flowers yet they have the ability to withstand the very hardest of frosts.
Encased near the root in a tight sheath, a single flower and two leaves grow from a small bulb. If the weather turns cold they halt their growth, heads bowed, awaiting the next warm spell to grow tall and open their nodding heads in anticipation of spring. The snowdrop belongs to the Amaryllis family, to which also belong all the lovely narcissus and daffodil flowers – none of this family of flowers appear to be palatable to sheep, which is perhaps a reason for the daffodil being the flower of Wales?
Illustrations and article by Pam Knight
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Fo cu s
Sport
Ogier Overcomes Opposition The recent WRC Rally of Great Britain stayed with the tradition of being a Welsh event. It took in four days in North and Mid Wales, with drivers competing from the 14th to the 17th November. The race was based predominantly in Deeside Industrial estate, a move that saw an increase in numbers with more than 20,000 people making an appearance and many fans having to be turned away from the RallyFest stage in Chirk Castle.
With Darren Smith
but the Frenchman held on. Fellow Frenchman Thierry Neuville finished off the podium.
There was a sprinkle of stardust with ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica competing in his first WRC top tier event. Unfortunately he crashed out on the second day, rolling his car in the process.
Olympic skeleton bob gold medallist Amy Williams MBE took part as a co-driver, partnering F1 pundit Tony Jardine, successfully winning class honours.
Local boy Elfyn Evans, from Dolgellau, impressively finished 8th overall taking the WRC2 win in the process. Sebastian Ogier had already been crowned WRC Champion having won eight of the previous twelve races. Jari-Matti Latvala was looking to complete a hat-trick of victories in Wales and pushed Ogier hard 24 "Told" means spoken - so which man's name sounds like to get on one's knees? 25 Boundary is a BORDER; LINE can be a rope; and if in cricket the ball may have hit the boundary rope the umpires have to think hard about whether a four or a six has been scored 26 A dog is a PET so dogs are PETS "returning" means the word is written backwards to give the answer 27 A truly cryptic clue - if your best friend is your first mate...
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ACROSS 1 DISC is a record. OVER means concerning. ED is a common abbreviation for Editor 6 UR is an ancient city. DU = belonging to/of in French 9 Heading off means first letter missing so ESCAPE becomes SCAPE - which is "by" (next to) GOATS (animals) 10 This is a hidden word - in MumS PUDding 12 SWEET is the opposite of SOUR so "contrasts" are provided by this style of cooking 15 PAT is a common Irish name; I/c is a comon abbreviation for "in charge of" and RIOT is "contained" (inside). 17 IRA are/were terrorists and giving TE (a musical note) to that gives IRATE 18 This uses two meanings of LEECH 19 AB is a common abbreviation for sailor (able seaman). So sailor's is ABS. "Perhaps" is a common sign that an anagram is being used so "intent perhaps" means an anagram of intent. 20 "Upset" is also a common anagram indicator - so " A COMMENT SURE" is an anagram of the answer
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DOWN 1 A pretty girl and some food are both a DISH 2 Another hidden word - in SEA Location 3 Fat is OVERWEIGHT - and Edward is often known as ED. May be the hardest clue in the puzzle. 4 The first lady, biblically speaking, was EVE - and if she "tours" - goes round - Oklahoma (often abbreviated to OK) we get EVOKE 5 ENTRANCES can mean "thresholds" and "delights" 7 Heartless robbers - that means ROBBERS without a heart (centre) ie ROBERS. Go off means an anagram (ie go bad, go funny) and ROBERS has to go off with A PET - so ROBERS A PET is an anagram of the answer 8 Below = UNDER, or NEATH, or UNDERNEATH! 11 Clergyman is a MINISTER. "Dead" awkward means an anagram of "dead"; and situated in an anagram of dead is minister to give ADMINISTERED 13 After demolition of - ie once something has been demolished. Anagram again! Demolish "aspic plant" to get the answer 14 Steam LINES takes on (incorporates) head of Railtrack (R), first letter 16 "Must be arranged" means anagram - of ONES PARTS 21 RODE + the round letter O 22 Junk is rubbish - so another anagram here 23 MERE means "nothing but" and "a lake"