MyValleys Magazine - September 2010

Page 1

SEPT 2010

Ryder Cup Hole-in-One Guide Inside

New Season

Predictions for the upcoming football season

How To Choose the right gym

YSTRAD MYNACH

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Hi.

SEPT 2010

So, here we are in September already. This month’s edition is jampacked with interesting articles and features which I am sure will tickle your fancy over a cup of coffee or tea. Then again, you’d expect nothing less from the South Wales valleys’ fastest growing and most popular free monthly magazine. I am pleased to say that our army of loyal readers is growing quicker than a snake on steroids and our advertisers are getting a very good return on their investments. It has always been our intention to produce and deliver a publication that is actually of some interest to you, the reader, as opposed to becoming one of the ‘directory-styled’ publications that are floating about. With the feedback we continue to receive and the hundreds of visitors to our website each week, it makes us happy to know that we’re achieving our goal. Looking back to August on a personal note, it was a life-changing month for me as sadly I lost my father, who will be missed dearly by all that had the privilege to know him. Not only have I lost my hero but also my best friend. He was the most inspirational figure in my life. This has reinforced the fact that life is such a short journey therefore we must enjoy everyday to the maximum and try to make a difference wherever we can along the way. Life is for living, so get out there and live it! Rest in peace Dad.

What’s Inside On Yer’ Bike

Ryder Cup Hole-in-One Guide Inside

Film Review

New Season

Cool Motor

Predictions for the upcoming football season

How To Choose the right gym

YSTRAD MYNACH

We’vejust spent£5million onyourfuture

MyValleyAd.indd 1

Fitness Ryder Cup

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Horoscopes

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Easy and effective advertising to over 20,000 consumers in the South Wales valleys

The Rant Food Football Focus Environment

Editor: Ross Porter Designers: Oli Salisbury, Alex Spencer

Dear Claire

Contributors: Paul Corkery, Aleks Georgijev, David Jones, Claire Louise, Granny Moi, Oli Salisbury, Charles Sinclair

What’s On Reader’s Lives

Tel: 0845 230 1937 advertise@myvalleysmagazine.co.uk www.myvalleysmagazine.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure that the data contained in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or 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 cause. MyValleys Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising materials 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. MyValleys Magazine is a trading name of Draig Personnel Ltd. Registered in England and Wales: No. 4668506. VAT Registration: No. 801 3642 69. Registered office: The Octagon, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3ED.

Past Issues

or for more info call us on 01633 262626 or visit us at Usk Way, Newport, NP20 2BX

JULY 2010

Exclusive Interview

Ricky Tomlinson

On Wales, Football, and Life

Festival Guide Summer of Music Awaits

View past editions online

www.myvalleysmagazine.co.uk


On Yer’ Bike!

Mountain Biking The Beast Trail Coed Y Brenin can be found in the heart of the Snowdonian National Park in Dolgellau, Gwynedd in North Wales. It was the first of its kind to be set up in the mid 90’s by then Forestry Commission worker, Dafydd Davis. Davis had an idea of creating mountain bike trails in order to lure people away from the city for weekend riding breaks. This proved successful and subsequently, many more biking centres were set up throughout the UK. Coed Y Brenin however, has maintained its status as the premier mountain biking resort in the UK, and many avid and keen bikers still flock to the resort on a regular basis. This is due, on some part, to the recent refurbishment of the centre including the development of the trails and the installation of a new, state of the art eco visitor centre. The resort boasts five trails ranging from family friendly to the extreme. These include Tarw Trail (formerly the Red Bull Trail), Afon Trail, Temtiwr Trail, Dragons Back Trail (formerly the Karrimor Trail), MBR Trail, and the aptly named Beast Trail. The Beast is a massive 38.2km and is rated as “extreme”. It combines parts of the MBR, the old Karrimor and some new single track sections

making it an epic ride. As soon as you start the trail you are thrown right in at the deep end on man made rocky sections and once you’ve cleared this, you’re spat out onto a serious road climb, which is what the majority of the climbs throughout this trail, except a few further on, are about. The descents in the Beast are steep, rocky and rooty and require a lot of balance around some of the tight switchbacks. They are, however, immense fun if you’re up for the challenge, and you’ll feel a great sense of achievement when you reach the bottom, and will be eagerly anticipating the next descent. When you get roughly halfway through the trail, it turns from a rocky terrain to a woodland area which is slippery and rooty and ready to give you a whole set of new challenges to conquer.

mid-travel all day dual suspension bike or a flexy back ended Hardtail with a good fork and a comfy seat that will give you maximum comfort throughout the 38km. The trail should take somewhere between four and five hours, depending on your level of fitness, and really isn’t for the feint hearted. You need a high level of both skill and fitness to tackle this trail comfortably and you should be confident in your capabilities. You should also be sure to take plenty of spares, water and energy bars or snacks, and remember to take suitable riding clothing for all weathers due to the unpredictable Welsh weather, as it’s a very long way to go, especially if you’re unprepared.

There is a lot of technical climbing up and around tree trunks and rocks, and lots of step ups over the massive roots of trees. This is balanced with technical descents that require a lot of stamina, determination and concentration. This trail is a challenge and you really need a

TRAIL STATS TRAIL NAME: The Beast CENTRE: Coed Y Brenin DISTANCE: 38.3km CLIMBING: 990m TIME: 4hr - 5hr


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Film Review

The Other Guys

The Other Guys is a film that embraces all of the clichés of the iconic 80’s cop films and turns them on their head. NYPD ‘super cops’ Christopher Danson and P. K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) are the cops that all other cops aspire to be, and the ‘other guys’ are all the ordinary cops that get left to do the paper work, or that you can find in the background out of focus and with their eyes shut.

In this case, the other guys are detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg), two cops who have been lumbered with each other to plod on through their career. Hoitz was about to get his big break until ill-luck struck which got him demoted and stuck with Gamble, a mild-mannered forensic accountant with a badge, which doesn’t make for a great partnership.

money man who is linked to a shady CEO (Anne Heche), and as Gamble and Hoitz start to delve deeper, they come up against resistance from their own department. Could this be the case that finally catapults the two mundane cops into the heady heights of the ‘super cops’, or will they end up falling flat on their face?

That is, until they start tracking one of the most politically connected criminals of New York City, David Ershon (Steve Coogan). Ershon is a

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Cool Motor

Peugeot RCZ

The Cool Motor for this month is the Peugeot RCZ. Originally a concept car unveiled at 2007’s Frankfurt Motor Show, it received such critical acclaim that Peugeot instantly put it into production and was eventually put on sale in May 2010. The design is based on the 308 hatchback, but the final result somewhat resembles the Audi TT, only it’s better in more ways than one. The attention to detail both inside and out have resulted in a premium sports coupe that has both style and grace. The exterior possesses

aluminium roof arches, distorted rear windows and a ‘double-bubble’ roof that not only looks good, but also adds to the aerodynamics. The signature Peugeot grill is still present along with the redesigned lion emblem, a one piece clamshell bonnet and the flowing front bumper that houses the hawk-like headlights. The interior is much like that of the 308, only more sleek and styled. The mouldings are plastic, and though could have looked tacky and cheap, are actually chic and sharp, giving the overall feel of style and quality. There are many knobs and buttons to play with along the way, but the best has to be the button situated just behind the handbreak to activate the rear spoiler giving you complete control.

This peugeot has clearly been designed for the maximum driving experience and is meant to be enjoyed. It is a four-door and does have passenger seats, but these are merely for show and it has very little head room and leg room, and so it hasn’t been designed for comfort. However, what is lacking in space here has been made up in the spacious rear boot which has plenty of room for luggage when you’re ready to take that road trip, which is a must in this car. The Peugeot RCZ is a car that craves to be driven. It craves speed and craves the open road. This is a sporty car, but yet is subtle and exclusive and is a car to be enjoyed.

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Choose Your Gym Wisely Fitness

Fitness tips from former Mr Wales It was back in 1983 that I first started weighttraining in a gym in Cardiff called Central Boys! It was a council owned and funded place and was more akin to St Fagan’s museum than the swanky health clubs and spas we’re used to today. The equipment was a mix of crude and well worn commercial equipment - the type of stuff you’d expect BA Baracus from the A-Team to knock up from bits he’d forged from a scrap yard. A lot of the ‘plates’ had no markings on them and had ‘teeth’ around their edge. When I asked, I was told they were flywheels salvaged from cars! The dumbells weren’t the immaculate matching sets you expect to find in gyms today, they were a mish-mash of different colours and shapes, with different thickness handles and discs that rattled loosely because they’d been dropped so many times over the years. The walls were covered in

damp stains and faded photographs of bygone champion bodybuilders.

Aleks Georgijev

This place was hardcore, it was filled with the most unlikely bunch of misfits. A drayman, a couple of solicitors, factory workers, and secretaries. All in pursuit of the same goal - that of the perfect physique.

World class athletes poured out of this place. Not because it had the best equipment or the best instructors, but because it had the soul, something that’s so lacking in today’s chrome and polish gymnasia. Instead their clinical, emotionless set up killing any true subconscious urges to want to push the limits of physical ability.

World class athletes poured out of this place. Not because it had the best equipment or the best instructors, but because it had the soul People travelled from far and wide - I was lucky I lived 15 minutes walk away. They would come because they knew this was where to get the job done. The atmosphere was electric, animal instinct was ever present. You wanted to work hard - you had to otherwise you’d get called a ‘big girl’s blouse’ or worse.

If anyone out there is seeking to change their body, be it lose a couple pounds of excess baggage, or want to get on stage and show-off their hard work one day, choose your gym carefully. If you walk into a place and think: “this is nice, I like those sofas, I could live here”, walk back out. Talk to the staff, see if the place fits your criteria, get a free workout. Don’t be drawn by the Jacuzzi and the sauna. That’s fine if you’re using it as a social event, but not if you want results. Remember, in this life you only get out what you put in...this is never truer than in achieving the physique of your dreams.

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Ryder Cup

Feature

A History

With the Ryder Cup coming to Wales for the first time in it’s dramatic 83 years, MyValleys Magazine clues you up on the history of the event. There is some debate over who originally suggested the idea for the Ryder Cup tournament. James Harnett, a journalist for Golf Illustrated Magazine is thought to have proposed the idea to the UPGA on December 15th 1920, although the idea didn’t catch on. It was then suggested the following year by Sylavanus P. Jermain, president of the Inverness Club, with the first unofficial match taking place in 1921 and another in 1926. Samuel Ryder was present at the 1926 match, and thought that the

tournament was a good idea. Thus, he donated a gold cup and his name to the tournament, and also gave each member of the winning team £5 each. The first official match was held in Worcester Country Club, Worcester, Massachusetts in 1927. Since then, it has been held on a two year cycle, except when it was cancelled during World War II.

European team. The intention was to make the competition greater as there were many great up and coming golfers in Europe at the time. Present day popularity can be attributed to this change, making the Ryder Cup what it is today.

The 2001 match was also cancelled as it was due to be held shortly after September 11th, and from then on it was decided that it would be held on even numbered years. Originally, the teams competing were America and Britain, but the competition became uneven with America winning most tournaments. This led to the decision in 1979 to allow the British entry to become the

Ryder Cup Hole-in-Ones Peter Butler, 1973, Muirfield Nick Faldo, 1993, The Belfry Costantino Rocca, 1995, Oak Hill Howard Clark, 1995, Oak Hill Paul Casey, 2006, K Club Scott Verplank, 2006, K Club

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Horoscopes Aries

Gemini

The month of September will be an exciting and creative one, particularly around the 8th or 9th. However, be careful to pay attention and avoid shortcuts as corner cutting will mean you will have to redo your work.

This month could turn a relationship serious, but if you make sure it is on your terms then you will be happy. September will be the month of creativity with the possibility of a business venture developing from a hobby.

Cancer

Taurus It is time to concentrate on the everyday activities this month and so you may feel like routine is taking over, but take this opportunity to smooth over any differences that may occur. Listen to your instincts when it comes to your love life as a lover may be giving off mixed signals.

Home and family are at the forefront throughout the month of September, and it will be a time for reorganisation and structure. This won’t phase you as you have the energy and willingness to do so. Job changes are on the horizon, but all will work out well.

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Leo Communication is key this month, and you will enjoy sharing your ideas and catching up with friends. It will be a good time for you to start a class or a group, and you may even meet a new love interest. Take extra care of your finances from the 20th.

Virgo Throughout the month of September, you will find it the ideal time liberate yourself from the past ready to start a fresh next month. Although not the ideal time for decision making, you should pay attention to your intuition as it will serve you well.


Libra It is a good time for you to socialise this month, as you are full of a new energy. Love us in the air, and there may even be a competitiveness in your relationships, but this will be stimulating for you. However, remember to keep your feet on the ground.

Scorpio September will be a busy month for you, both in your personal life as well as your work life. You are beginning to take charge in the workplace, and even though changes may be imminent, you are feeling good. There is a competitive air in the workplace, but avoid power games.

Sagittarius

Aquarius

September will be a stimulating month for you through competitive relationships with friends. This can either be a positive or negative experience depending on how you handle it. It will also be a time to review your finances, which may be tense, but necessary.

Pisces

Capricorn It is time for you to focus on your career throughout this month as you need to be on top form for new challenges. You should thrive on this and colleagues will begin to see you as being more responsible and confident in your roles.

Tiger LiLy

Quiet contemplation is on the cards throughout this month, and it is best to leave any decision making up to a loved one. It will be a good time to look back and reflect on the past rather than trying to push forward with plans.

This month will require you to prove yourself and your abilities in your job and this will keep you busy. There will be time, however, to focus on the important people in your life and to reaffirm those relationships. Stress may come in the form of either yours or your partner’s finances.

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The Rant

Our Special Friends

Does the UK’s relationship with Obama & co need a re-think? It is often stated that when America sneezes, Britain subsequently catches a cold. Currently we are feeling the pinch in our pockets as a direct result of the collapse of the American sub-prime mortgage market. In essence, the American pursuit of unsustainable profit led to a position where American banks fattened their balance sheets by lending money to allow people, prone to failure, to acquire vastly over-valued properties. I know they’ll eat almost anything, but this was the recipe for disaster! The problems began from our point of view when our Banks panicked at the false forecasts and followed in the obese footsteps of the American bankers in a foolhardy game of catch-up. It was Winston Churchill who coined the phrase “special relationship “ in 1946 to reflect upon the undeniably close links we hold with our former colony. We co-operate with America through mutual economic policy, intelligence sharing, and even nuclear strategy. These exist at levels absolutely unmatched between any other world powers. We are clearly not the tail that wags the Yankee dog and unfortunately

our shared foreign policy excursions have very likely exposed us to a generation of exploding fleas. The adjective “special“, whilst applied sagely by old Winston, is generally the ultimate oxymoron employed by people when they mean entirely the opposite.

I’ll bet Cherie’s lovely smile narrowed a tad at the prospect of those four million silver pieces slipping right through her bony fingers Our headlong leap into Iraq in 2003 led by Tony Blair and Alistair Campbell has not resulted in Iraq being a happy place, despite the massive cost in both humanitarian and financial input. I note that Mr Blair has just pledged all royalties from his forthcoming book to the British Legion. You have to wonder how much the continuing

Charles Sinclair autopsy of Dr Graham Kelly’s death is applying pressure to his ticking Catholic conscience. I’ll bet Cherie’s lovely smile narrowed a tad at the prospect of those four million silver pieces slipping right through her bony fingers and into those of a veteran infinitely more deserving. This one, unlike Dr Kelly, will run and run. Our future success as a sovereign nation certainly needs America’s input, but we need to become better at cherry-picking the parts of the pumpkin pie that are good for us and not gorge upon the whole lot or we risk becoming as obese and indiscriminate as our American cousins. We recently have inherited a decade-spanning economic crisis, a foreign policy time bomb, and an obesity crisis that will cause our underfunded and ageing hospital beds to creak and collapse if we are not careful. What do we give them in return? A one-sided extradition treaty...and Simon Cowell. Can’t we get rid of more of our dross? Why don’t we send them Tony and Cherie and his new book on a one way Virgin flight? Now that really would be “special”.

Get your business noticed in next month’s edition www.myvalleysmagazine.co.uk

Tel: 0845 230 1937


Granny Moi’s

Food

Recipe Corner This months recipe comes from Carmarthenshire where it was known as ‘Tatw Rhost A Bacwn’ or ‘Miser’s Feast’. It’s a cheap, easily prepared dish, and makes a tasty supper. ROA Give it a POTATST try. & BA O

What do you need?

What do you do?

Serves 4

Pre-heat your oven to 190C/375F/ Gas mark 5. Chop the bacon. Heat the oil and bacon together until it begins to brown. Now add the onions and cook until golden. Stir well, place the potatoes in the pan then add the bacon rashers and pour over the stock. Season with black pepper. Bring to the boil, cover and cook in the oven for 40 - 50 minutes. Garnish with parsley. Serve with seasonal vegetables or just chunks of crusty bread.

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Football Focus

New Season Preview

Our football expert highlights his predictions for this season The Barclays Premiership

League Cup or FA Cup.

Once again a new football season is upon us. It is the time of year where all the fans can dream but, inevitably, come May, reality would have hit most of the supporters.

Champions Runners-up Europe Europe 5th 6th Relegated Relegated Relegated

So who do I predict will come out on top this season? The Big Four: Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal will no doubt be involved at the business end of the season. However, as we saw this year when Tottenham Hotspur claimed fourth place, there could be other forces to reckon with this season.

Paul Corkrey

Man Utd Chelsea Man City Arsenal Liverpool Tottenham Blackpool Wolves Wigan

Playoffs Playoffs Playoffs Relegated Relegated Relegated

Sheffield Utd Middlesborough Swansea Watford Scunthorpe Coventry

Football League Division One

The Championship

Manchester City are the obvious choice to do well. They have again spent heavily this summer, as superstars David Silva, Yaya Toure, and Jerome Boateng arrive at Eastlands for a combined fee of over ÂŁ60m.

Cardiff City signing Craig Bellamy will ignite the whole club, they have new investors and many of the players that took them just 90 minutes away from the Premiership last season. Nottingham Forest and Middlesborough will be amongst the favourites and should do well. It is wide open though and just about every club will think they have a chance to emulate Blackpool.

Everton and Villa will also make a challenge, and it is way over due now that Arsenal pick up either the

Champions Runners-up Playoffs

Cardiff City Notts Forest Leicester

Southampton have to be ranked as clear favourites to romp home with the League one title. Their fans have suffered recently, but the club is now on the upturn and I predict the Saints to return to the Championship. Champions Runners-up Playoffs Playoffs Playoffs Playoffs Relegated Relegated Relegated Relegated

Southampton Sheffield Weds Charlton Huddersfield Plymouth Swindon Yeovil Exeter Tranmere Leyton Orient

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Don’t Let Go!

Environment

Ever fed a balloon to a dolphin, turtle or bird?

I’m sure all of us at one time or another have enjoyed watching or have been involved in releasing balloons. After a minute or two they have usually floated away, out of sight and out of mind. You may be surprised to find out that they not only find their way back to earth but also into our seas where they cause a number of problems. There is worldwide evidence that balloons have been responsible for deaths of seabirds, turtles, dolphins and even whales. Whole balloons and fragments can last in the environment for years and cause

entanglement, suffocation, and block digestive systems.

Dave Jones

A study of beaches by the Marine Conservation Society last year found that the number of balloons and balloon pieces found in the UK had tripled in the last 10 years. A US study in 2004 found 63,000 balloons on beaches worldwide and who knows how many are on beaches not surveyed or floating at sea.

worlds biggest - a 3 metre leatherback turtle - washing up on a beach in Harlech, North Wales. A record number of dead turtles were found on Welsh beaches last year with most killed by marine litter. A leather back turtle found at Blackpool also had a balloon lodged in its gut causing it to starve to death.

Balloons are usually in the top five causes of death for birds washed ashore on beaches, while turtles are particularly at risk as they can mistake balloons for jellyfish unwittingly swallowing them, blocking their guts and causing them to starve to death.

Mass balloon releases have already been banned by some local authorities in the UK, Australia, and the US (which held the largest ever balloon release standing at 1.4 million balloons!)

Pygmy sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, seabirds, leatherback turtles, loggerhead turtles, and green turtles have died from balloons with autopsies proving the cause of death. These are just the known cases as most marine creatures will die at sea without being found. We are lucky to have a few species of turtles visit us in Wales with the

Dolphin Swim School  Quality swimming lessons for children aged 3 and over at St. Martin’s pool, Caerphilly.  Small group tuition – a max of 6 pupils per class  Fully qualified, friendly instructors

For further information or to book, contact Hannah on: Recruiting qualified swimming teachers and lifeguards now.

07518 869 993

E-mail: dolphinschool@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.dolphinswimschool.webs.com

If you are thinking of getting involved in a balloon release then please take a moment to consider where they may end up and what damage they may do. Try using an environmentally friendly Chinese lantern instead, making sure it contains no metal in the frame. If you do hear about any mass balloon releases then get in touch with the Marine Conservation Society and they will help to stop it. Just think before you let go!



Dear Claire...

dearclaire@myvalleysmagazine.co.uk

Dear Claire, I am drinking a lot and I think I may be an alcoholic. It started by just having a few cans here and there at home, but now I am drinking between 7 and 12 cans of strong lager every day and I always feel the need to have a drink. I live on my own and don’t know who to turn to. Please help. Barry Barry, a good place to start is with your GP. Be honest with them about how much you drink. If your body has become dependent on booze, stopping drinking overnight can be dangerous, so get advice about cutting down gradually. Ask your GP about free local support groups, day-centre counselling and one-to-one counselling. You may be prescribed medication to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline 0800 917 8282. Best wishes, Claire x Dear Claire, please help. I met my boyfriend 6 months ago online. He works away and I only see him every 5 weeks. When we see each other it is wonderful and very happy, he then goes and we basically just send text messages to each other everyday. In

the evenings, he doesn’t text me and I think he may be going out with his mates and cheating on me. I love him but the lack of communication is driving me crazy. Charlotte Charlotte, what is wrong with actually picking up the telephone and speaking to him? All this texting is no good as text messages are cold and you cannot gauge his tone of voice. Call him, ask him what he’s up to and dump him if you’re not happy. It’s as simple as that. Claire x Dear Claire, my girlfriend has hairy armpits but is very embarrassing if anyone else sees her armpits. How do I persuade her to shave them without hurting her feelings? Adam Adam, did you not notice her hairy pits when you first met her? It’s a tricky subject to bring up with her, but if it’s bothering you, then say so. Alternatively you could always buy her a razor for Christmas! Claire x

Dear Claire, I think I am addicted to Facebook as I am on it every day and night. What can I do? Jordan Jordan, this is an easy fix - just stay off the internet. Get out, get a job and get a real life! Research has shown that lots of people are developing depression as a result of being addicted to the internet. Change your routine. Claire x Dear Claire, I am 23 and I am almost bald. I never thought that losing my hair would bother me, however, all of my mates and work colleagues are constantly making jokes about it and it’s starting to get to the point whereby I find myself crying to sleep when I get home. Please help. Oliver. Oliver, I really don’t like the thought of anyone being upset, however, get a grip! Worse things, than merely losing your hair, are happening to lots of people in this world so please don’t let something like this ruin your life. Give your mates and colleagues the banter back and be proud of who you are whatever your hair, or lack of it, may be like. Claire x

Hurry! Deadline for October’s Mag is 17th September www.myvalleysmagazine.co.uk

Tel: 0845 230 1937


Oh...What’s Occurring A 1930’s Affair Llanwrda. Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Camarthanshire. Event times: 11am - 5pm. A journey back in time through specialised mining tours highlighting not only the work of the miners in the 1930’s, but the way of life. Real life stories from actual Dolaucothi miners. SEPT

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SEPT

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Cardiff Mardi Gras. Cooper’s field, Cardiff. Telephone number 02920 873573

The Solva Coast - Evening Talk. St Davids Visitor Centre, Pembrokeshire. Event times: 7.30 - 8.45 pm. Andrew Tuddenham, Area Warden, will take you on an illuminating tour along this unspoilt and astonishing stretch of the Pembrokeshire coast. 01437 720385. No charge but donations welcome. SEPT

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Victorian Day. Event times: 10am - 5pm. Taking place in Cardiff Castle set during the Victorian era. Meet maids, butlers, Jack Black the royal rat catcher, and even Queen Victoria with her lady in waiting - Lady Charlotte Ponsonby. Victorian parlour games, a Magic Lantern show (limited places), croquet on the lawn and brass band music. Free entry for those in costume and prizes for the best adult and child costumes. SEPT

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What’s On

9x9x9 Llanmadoc Hill. Event times: 10am - 12.30pm. An approximately 3.6km walk over Llanmadoc Hill to Llangennith (11.30am) or if you’re feeling energetic, on to the Wardens to circle back to Llanmadoc, ending at about 12.30pm. Look out for the iron age fort, bronze age cairns, heathland, and grazing animals along the way. 01792 390636. If ending in Llangennith then you must arrange your own transport back to the start. SEPT

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National Beach Watch at Rhossili Bay. Event times: 10am - 1pm. Take part in the National Beach Watch with the National Trust staff and volunteers in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Surveying litter found whilst cleaning up the beautiful Rhossili beach and helping to protect sea life. 01792 390636. Gloves and bags provided. SEPT

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The Porthcawl Elvis Festival. This unique celebration sees thousands of Elvis fans descend on Porthcawl for a celebration of The King. The main events take place at the Grand Pavilion including The Elvies, the World’s premier event for Elvis Tribute Artists. Booking tickets in advance recommended 07711 419736. SEPT

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Wales to Stage All-Star Ryder Cup Celebration Concert. Please contact venue on 08442 777888 for tickets. “Welcome to Wales” held in the Millennium Stadium to celebrate the Ryder Cup. Will boast a host of musical performances by international superstars including Welsh artists and appearances by celebrity guests. The concert has been organised by the world’s largest producer of live concerts, Live Nation, and will be the signature event that will galvanise the 2010 Ryder Cup celebrations. SEPT

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(Please note: The dates and times of events could change at any time. Please contact the venue directly for confirmation.)

You’re Reading This so are 20,000 potential customers in South Wales! Book now from only £30 per month A DV E RT I S I N G WO R K S

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Tel: 0845 230 1937


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we challenge our ever-growing other publication...each month Not to be confused with a certain little mag, email them to us at zzy selves holding our sna them of ure pict a take to ers read of army mates and don’t be shy as your k. Get out and about, grab your readers@myvalleysmagazine.co.u and best of the bunch and there’ll year we’ll be selecting the daftest mother wasn’t! At the end of the d! Tidy butt! wor So get snapping and spread the be some great prizes to be won.

draigtraining Progressive, Creative, & Seriously Fun

co o L ur nl oo se in k sa e nd fo da r te s

0845 3700 885 www.draigtraining.co.uk

The Octagon ∙ Caerphilly Business Park ∙ Caerphilly ∙ CF83 3ED

Don’t be shy...your mother wasn’t! Send your pics in today readers@myvalleysmagazine.co.uk


Disability Can Do is an organisation which has been set up in Caerphilly to help adults who have a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment and their carers. There are lots of exciting things happening over the next two months. From the 6th September 2010 until 1st October 2010 we are joining onto the council’s mobile library service to answer your questions!

New website

Road show We are going on a road show and coming to a community building

NEAR YOU!

We have just launched our brand new user friendly website. There will be a live web chat where you are able to ask one of the team a question, which are concerning you and then they will be able to give their advice to you about that certain topic or question

25th - 30th October 2010 is our Awareness Roadshow across the Borough. Look below to see when we’ll be descending on your area. th

Monday 25 Oct 10-12 Cefn Forest Community Centre 2-4 Moriah Baptist Chapel, Risca th

Tuesday 26 Oct 10-12 Newbridge Tabernacle Church 2-4 Abertysswg Community Centre th

Wednesday 27 Oct 10-12 Cefn Hengoed Youth Centre 2-4 Maesycwmmer OAP Hall th

Drop in for a chat and pick up some freebies. Log onto the council website to see where and when we will be in your area or contact us.

02920 880774

Volunteering Most of our work is carried out by volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare every week and would like to help us then please get in touch.

info@disabilitycando.org.uk

Thursday 28 Oct 10-12 Senghenydd Community Centre 2-4 Caerphilly Community Centre th

Friday 29 Oct 10-12 Phillipstown Community House 2-4 Rhymney Community & Day Centre th

Saturday 30 10-3 Pierhead buildings, Ystrad Mynach

www.disabilitycando.org.uk

The Community Foundation in Wales Y Sefydliad Cymunedol yng Nghymru



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