Gazette & Diary Magazine The Spring Issue
Issue 01 / 2011
April / May
FREE
With Aberga the ve Chronic nny le
■ Style & Fashion ■ Home & Garden ■ Entertainment ■ Competitions ■ Local Events ■ Travel ... and much more ...
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The Spring Issue
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Your new guide to the finer things in life
It’s spring... and time to start adding dates to your diary!
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Phew!, that was some winter. The second bad one on the run. Thank heaven spring is in the air. Yes, it’s time to come out of hibernation, dust off the cobwebs and make the most of the great outdoors. To help we bring you our first edition of The Abergavenny Gazette & Diary Magazine, 24 pages of things to do, places to go, how to look, and ideas about what to eat. If you’re looking to move house or spruce up your present home we’re got lots of help there too. Wales is a fabulous place to live and the Gazette & Diary will help you enjoy it that little bit more.
And if you like this one, there’s good news ... we’re going to bring you another Gazette & Diary before too long.
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Inside Page 14 Your April Diary Dates
Page 05 Top Tips to Help You Pack for a Trip
John Gaulton john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk
Page 18-19 Easter Fun and Games
Page 09 A Postcard from the Manic Street Preachers
ADVERTISING: Hazel Walding For information on how to advertise in our next issue, contact: hazel@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 31
Page 20 Easter Gift Guide
When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine - please recycle it.
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Page 13 New wood stove shop comes to town
DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk
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Page 06 Countryside Walks and Wonders
The Abergavenny Chronicle
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Page 15 Recipe time - Easter Simnel Cake
In association with
PUBLISHING: Printed and distributed by NWN Media. www.nwnmedia.co.uk Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.
At NWN Media we are committed to addressing the key environmental impacts of printing and the production process, and preserving the environment for future generations. Our environmental policy is achieved through continuous monitoring, annual targets and action plans. The sourcing of newsprint is a major environmental concern for publishers and we at NWN Media source our newsprint from UPM Kymmene in Deeside, utilising their 100% recycled paper, which is produced as a natural, renewable and recyclable fibre from sustainable, responsibly managed forests. UPM is committed to forest management and forest harvesting practices based on the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management. UPM Kymmene is just a mile from the press site, which also keeps carbon footprint to a minimum in the obtaining of our paper. All newsprint waste is taken back to UPMʼs site and fully recycled.
Crickhowell & Area Art Trail Of Open Studios & Galleries 28 - 30 May 2011 Spring Bank Holiday Weekend Explore the area and enjoy the exceptional quality of art and craftsmanship on offer in the heart of of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains ■
Guides available from: ■
Crickhowell ■ Resource & Information Centre Beaufort Street Crickhowell
tel 01873 811970 www.crickhowellinfo.org.uk ●
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WYE VALLEY ART SOCIETY and NELSON MUSEUM, MONMOUTH An invitation to take part in an
ART EXHIBITION on the theme
Monmouth Today Open to all artists currently living in Monmouthshire, the old counties of Gwent and Breconshire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, who are invited to submit work for selection by an independent panel. Paintings, drawings and original prints, and threedimensional pieces can be in any medium, but maximum sizes will be set. All work will be for sale, with the possibility that a piece will be bought for the Museum collection.
Don’t have a riot with wisteria By Hannah Stephenson THERE are few sights more breathtaking than a mature wisteria in full bloom in late spring and early summer, its gorgeous trails of flowers in shades of blue, mauve, pink or white adorning walls or cascading over pergolas and arches. Yet so many gardeners struggle to get this gorgeous climber to flower year after year. So often its refusal to bloom again is down to inadequate pruning.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN MONMOUTH MUSEUM FROM 29th JULY TO 10th OCTOBER 2011, WITH SELECTION TAKING PLACE ON JULY 24th. PREVIEW ON JULY 29th 7.00pm TO 9.00pm
ENTRY FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 15TH THERE WILL BE AN ENTRY FEE OF £10 PER PIECE (£5 FOR WVAS MEMBERS)
For details and an entry form, please email susanpeterken@tiscali.co.uk, with Monmouth Today as your title. Or by post to: Susan Peterken, Monmouth Today Exhibition, Beechwood House, St Briavels Common, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6SL PLEASE ENCLOSE A STAMPED SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE
You have to be patient when planting a wisteria as it may not flower for three or four years after planting, provided it is planted in soil enriched with large amounts of organic matter, is watered religiously while establishing and is placed in a sunny, sheltered position - a wisteria left in the shade will not flower. If you leave wisteria plants to their own devices they can run riot, growing into huge plants which don’t produce a single flower and only succeed in ripping your drainpipes down and blocking the light from your house. Pruning should be done in two stages – in summer, after flowering ends, and again in winter. If you have trained a line of main stems out
along horizontal wires, by the third year there should be a framework of branches. Stop the plant running amok by cutting the long tendrils and side shoots to 20cm (8in), or to six buds from the main branches. This will encourage it to build up plenty of short spurs, so creating fewer leaves and more flowers. At the same time cut the main stems back to restrict the amount of space they take up. In winter new growth will have sprung up which will need keeping in check. Cut back the same laterals and side shoots to within two or three buds of the main branches. Always cut 2.5cm (1in) above a bud. Old neglected plants may be pruned hard and will grow, with new shoots appearing from the base of the plant, but it’s likely to be a few years before they’ll flower again. If you haven’t too much space, wisteria plants can be grown as standards, effectively into small flowering trees, with spirally stems and masses of flowers.
Go for a less invasive W. floribunda, Japanese wisteria, which grows to around 4m (13ft). The variety ‘Alba’ has white flowers with a lilac tint, or ‘Multijuga’ produces fragrant, lilac flowers on slender racemes. Pruning a big wisteria may seem like a thankless task but the wealth of flowers you’ll enjoy next year will be well worth the effort.
Choose your wisteria carefully. The popular variety, W. sinensi, is a rampant grower with flowers 23cm (9in) long, but which can get out of hand (it can grow to 18m (60ft) tall) and is not a good choice for a wall as it frequently gets into gutters and under roofs.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor Easter celebrations at Llancaiach Fawr Manor will have Something for Everyone. From Good Friday until Easter Monday the theme in the historic Manor House will be Fur and Feather including animals in the gardens plus craft activities and games for children in and around the Courtyard. Make an Easter Bonnet (or bring your own) and join the Easter Parade each day or, on Sunday only, follow the special Easter Trail. Or come to Llancaiach the following week and celebrate May Day on Sunday and Monday with maypole, music, dancing and games. www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk or 01443 412248.
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Your new guide to the finer things in life
Top Tips to Help You Pack for a Trip Security and Keeping Details Safe - Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account. You can also store the details of your emergency ‘lost card’ telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport when applying for a new one. ) Also consider writing your home and destination address (and mobile number if you have one) on a self-adhesive sticky label to stick INSIDE your luggage in a visible place. If your luggage is lost and the baggage label has come off, at least the airline can still figure out whose luggage it is. Split up your valuables - Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers’ cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets,
your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won’t be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!). Nalgene/Small Bottles - Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable. You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don’t have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage. Plastic Bags - It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.
Exclusive Cruise Departing from Abergavenny with Miles Morgan Travel Due to the huge success of our 2010 and 2011 escorted cruises, we are delighted to launch our NEW 2012 departure picking up in Abergavenny. The Fred. Olsen ships, Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch are all individual in character, but share the warm atmosphere and home-from-home feeling that is unique to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. They are large enough to provide all your cruising needs, yet small enough to be relaxed and friendly. Fred. Olsen ships don’t have climbing walls or wave machines, but pride themselves on their friendly atmosphere, good company and variety of things to see and do. Relax with a good book from the library, play a hand at Bridge, practice your swing in the golf nets, or splash around in the pools or Jacuzzi, absorb a lecture, catch a show or laze on deck while watching the ocean pass by as you head to a new and exciting port. Whatever you choose to do you will feel welcome the moment you step on board. Our escorted cruises have been a great success and offer the following: ● Free pick up from Abergavenny ● Clare our Cruise Specialist will escort you to the ship and during the cruise. ● We have a dedicated group check-in area especially for you ● We have a private welcome party on board for you to meet fellows cruisers ● Once the cruise has ended the coach will be there waiting to take you back to Abergavenny ● All of this for no extra charge
Split up clothes when travelling with others - When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn’t arrive at the destination, they’ll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don’t compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you. Separate Beach Bag - When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver! Suitcase lovers - For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It
also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily. Shoes - If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock). Carry-On - Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don’t want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.
We have found that these little extras make the whole cruise experience something really special and we now have customers coming back year after year. We have taken a variety of cruises including the Norwegian Fjords, The Mediterranean, The Canary Islands & Portugal. We are pleased to announce that next year Clare from our Monmouth branch will be escorting a cruise to the beautiful Norwegian Fjords on 3rd August for 8 nights sailing from Southampton. This wonderful cruise on board Balmoral is available to book now with prices starting from as little as £899 per person*. To celebrate the launch of this escorted cruise from Abergavenny we would like to invite you to a Cheese & Wine Evening at The Angel Hotel on Monday 13th June at 7 pm. Tickets are limited so please call today to reserve your place on 01600 715736. We are sure that you will enjoy one of our fantastic escorted cruises and once tried you will be back year after year to meet up with new friends and experience another amazing destination with Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines and Miles Morgan Travel. For more details please call Clare Hughes your Cruise Specialist at Miles Morgan Travel on 01600 715736 - we look forward to hearing from you.
*based on 2 sharing inside cabin ●
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Gazette & Diary Magazine:
Countryside Walks and Wonders LLANGYNIDR - BRECON CANAL - RIVER USK - LLANGYNIDR This walk uses the canal as well as the river walk. DO NOT ATTEMPT IT IF THE RIVER LEVEL IS HIGH. The part of the river walk after Waymark 5 is under water when the river is high. Look out for dippers near the bridge, as well as grey wagtails. I saw a common sandpiper when I walked it in June 2005. There are otters in the river but I have never seen one here. This part of the River Usk is very pretty as it cascades down, before becoming narrower and deeper just as the walk ends. LLANGYNIDR - ABERGAVENNY BRECON CANAL - BELLIAU This walk is classed as moderate only because the overall height gain is over 100 metres. The climb is fairly gradual, as is the descent. Once the route leaves the canal and reaches higher ground the views are extensive. The Usk Valley is very beautiful in all seasons and has a backdrop of the mountains.
FORGE CAR PARK - BRECON CANAL GILWERN - FORGE CAR PARK The Abergavenny & Brecon Canal is said to be the prettiest in the country. I can well believe it. The canal meanders between trees and fields, with lovely views across the Usk Valley. There are kingfishers here and you are certain to see heron as well as mallard. This stretch has recently been altered near Gilwern, due to extensive road improvements which closed the canal for a while. If a visit to a pub helps your walk there is a choice available. There is a notice near the first bridge you come to, as well as the Bridgend and Navigation Inns in Gilwern and the Lion next to the footbridge over the A465. LLANGATTOCK - ABERGAVENNY & BRECON CANAL - DARDY LLANGATTOCK The Abergavenny & Brecon Canal is unusual in that the canal contours along the side of the mountains. This unusual setting provides lovely views of the
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mountains and countryside of this part of South Wales. There are no steep climbs and very few stiles, suitable for dogs and most family members. The canal, which connects Brecon with the Monmouthshire Canal, some 33 miles (53km) to the south-east, was built between 1793 and 1812. The canal is now an attractive waterway for pleasure boats, but it was once a very important way of carrying heavy and bulky goods for industry and agriculture. Heavily loaded barges towed by horses moved huge quantities of coal, iron, limestone and timber during much of the Victorian age, until the new steam railways took away most of the canal trade. CRICKHOWELL TOWN WALK This walk round Crickhowell takes in many of its interesting features, including the bridge, with twelve arches on one side but thirteen on the other.
What to wear? Conditions in Britain can change quickly. A sunny stroll on the Lakeland fells can turn into something altogether more serious if it starts to rain and the wind begins to blow. When this happens you need to allow for the ‘wind-chill’ factor – if your inner clothes get wet you will feel colder still. So, unless you are going on the shortest of outings in the height of summer, you should carry a small rucksack with a spare top, hat and waterproofs. The key is being able to put on and take off layers of clothing at will and so keep an even, comfortable temperature throughout the day. A hat is an extremely effective temperature regulator – you lose a lot of heat through your head (must be that brain working away!), so covering your head makes a disproportionate difference in cold weather. What you wear on your feet is also very important, not just for comfort but also to support your feet and ankles on uneven ground. In most cases boots are best as they provide you with ankle support and protection. A lightweight pair should be fine if you have no intention of venturing up big hills or over rugged terrain. Make sure you have boots that fit well and are comfortable. If you are not sure what to get, go to an outdoor shop and ask for advice.
Catch that Mole! Moles in the garden are not harmful as such, but they can make a right mess of your garden by the tunnels and chamber systems they dig. They are attracted to gardens because of the earthworms and other insects that live beneath the soil but they are not harmful to plants and roots – the havoc they can wreak upon your garden is simply a by-product of the kind of lifestyle they lead. There are several different methods of dealing with moles and ways in which you can deter them from using you garden in the first place. Trapping - You can buy different variations of humane mole traps from a good garden centre but they can have their drawbacks. Firstly, to work effectively, it’s usually advised that you have the traps set by an expert, which will cost you extra money and it’s not really a longterm solution, as the job will have to be repeated every year or so. Moles are very territorial so, even if you think you have got rid of the problem, the chances are that another mole(s) in the area will seize the opportunity to take up residence in the vacated territory. Therefore, trapping is not a sure-fire solution to eradicating your mole problem and can be quite expensive. Mole Prevention - The best way of dealing with moles in the garden is to prevent them from setting up home in the first place. Moles do not like noise or disturbance and there are several vibration and electronic buzzing devices which you can buy from your garden centre which, when strategically placed, can drive moles mad and soon have them scurrying away from your garden. Some gardeners choose to devise their own makeshift devices out of things like buried empty bottles which, when the wind blows, causes vibration or they might plant a child’s toy windmill close by. You can
also buy electronic probes which emit a sonic pulse and there are other repellent solutions available at garden centres where you’ll be able to obtain advice. Moles have a dislike for stony soil, heavy clay or areas of soil which have been compacted. This is because they use their heads to tunnel with and because their skulls are quite frail, any resistance in the soil is likely to put them off digging there. Animal urine is also reputed to be a good deterrent so if you have a pet cat or dog, it can help – some people even use human urine and claim it works just as well and others swear by placing garlic bulbs or pickled onions nearby. The use of poisons, however, is strictly regulated and you should seek advice from your local council’s environmental department if you are considering this option as it’s heavily regulated and you could be breaking the law. Call Pest Control - If all of this sounds too much you can always call your local pest control force who will be happy to help.
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Gazette & Diary Magazine:
Barking Mad! Hello, I’m Peter Howard and I am your local Barking Mad franchisee for the Newport, Wye Valley and Forest of Dean areas. I live in Monmouth with my wife Marjorie and our Chocolate Labrador Hugo. Our two boys are now adults and now live about 100 miles away. We have owned dogs all of our married life and thoroughly enjoy walking with them in the lovely countryside around us. Most of our holidays have been in the UK with our dogs as we have always been reluctant to use kennels.
Our Service If there’s anybody who knows about dogs’, then it’s us. For 11 years we’ve been arranging ‘homey’ holidays just as good as the one we had with Grandma when we went to the beach, ate ice cream and everything. Every day, everybody says thank you, and we don’t think life can get any better than that!
I first encountered Barking Mad when I saw a silver MPV vehicle emblazoned with the corporate logo, parked where we often take our dog for his morning walk. Soon afterwards we became a host family and haven’t looked back.
When you book a Barking Mad holiday, you can be confident your dogs’ are going to have as good a time as you - although secretly we hope it’s even better!
If you are interested in becoming a host or if you want to know more about using the service then I would be delighted to talk to you. I am really looking forward to welcoming you and your four legged friends to Barking Mad.
Holiday home - Selecting the right host family
is very important and your input into this process is invaluable. You will want to know exactly where your dog is going, so during our time together you are going to see all of our dog-loving families. They are just like you and me, and guaranteed to meet our extremely high pet sitting standards. Together we’ll make the right choice, and you can decide whether your best friend stays in a home with or without a resident dog, depending on his needs. 5 Star - Our service includes door-to-door, chauffeur driven transport for your dog. Being collected from home is far less stressful, and completely overcomes the anxiety caused to dogs when left behind by their owners. Our experience has shown visiting dogs settle more quickly with their home comforts around them including bed, food, toys and treats, arranged as they would be at home. In no time at all, they’ve become part of the family, with their paws placed firmly under the table.
The best bit for us is seeing dogs happily settled-in and comfortable with their host. We will, wherever possible, be sure to use the same family each time you book a holiday. There are no minimum or maximum time limits, we’re here whenever you need us.
ESF - New On-Line Shop Now Open! from ponies to national hunt racing and thoroughbred breeding.
ESF services have been established with the aim of providing efficient, reliable and cost effective services for horse owners using the latest Hi-tech equipment.
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Computerised Laundry Equipment Based in Monmouthshire, South Wales, we are able to provide rug washing & repairs, clipper servicing and blade sharpening as well as
We have over thirty years first hand experience in dealing with all things equine
Nurses qualified as Hills Pet Health Advisors to help with your pet’s diet - call us now for free appointment to discuss diets.
www.barkingmad.uk.com Are you looking for an alternative to kennels? And donʼt want pet sitters in your home? Would you like a loving cosy ʻhome from homeʼ for your dog when you go away?
For more information, please call Peter on 01600 719204 The Spring Issue
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The Old Station, Caerleon
48 George Street, Pontypool
01633 430053
01291 672637
NO CHOKE CHAINS OR RATTLE BOTTLES JUST KIND EFFECTIVE METHODS! Mondays & Thursdays from 6.30pm Puppy Classes Adult Dog Training Classes Weekly Classes Individual Training Sessions Court Farm and Oakfield Community Centre, Llantarnum, Cwmbran
Call Shaun:
07890 996093
www.k9traintime.co.uk
Leather work and Bridle work A black card case with nickle Sam Brown fitting. All leather work is hand stitched for strength and made from the finest quality English leather. English leather is considerably stronger and longer lasting than the equivalent inferior imported examples that are widely available from larger retailers. ▲
Porth-y-Carne Street, Usk Tel: 01291 672637 24 hour service for all creatures great and small Branch Surgeries at:
Home from Home Pet Care
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Camping & Walking Equipment As well as washing & Reproofing equestrian equipment, we can now also wash and reproof your walking and camping gear as well. Please contact us for further information and prices.
USK Caerlleon Pontypool
Newbury, Abergavenny, Blaenavon 01495 790571
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We can provide a one-stop service, your items will be collected from your stables and delivered back after treatment and repairs have been completed. A 24hr turn around service is available, please phone or email for further details.
THE VETERINARY CENTRE, USK
Wyndee Kennels Individual Care~Attention Guaranteed Open 9am-6pm
bridle and leatherwork services at affordable prices to local and surrounding areas.
We can also offer a collection and delivery service for South Wales, Hereford, Bristol, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Somerset. Please contact us for further information. Rug Wash & Repairs We use a state of the art computerized laundry machine specifically designed for washing horse rugs and equipment, along with Nikwax hypo-allergenic Rug-Wash and Re-Proofer, to restore your horses rugs and equipment to their former condition.
Emma Flynn T: 01600 780051 M: 0759 598 5747
Rug Wash, Re-proofing & Repairs Camping & Walking Equipment Re-proofing Bespoke Leatherwork & Repairs Now Available - Equus Health Products www.tackrepair-rugwash.co.uk
For more information on our services please visit our new on-line shop at www.tackrepair-rugwash.co.uk
Your new guide to the finer things in life
A seaside Postcard from the Manics AFTER walking the dog – an “enthusiastic” seven-month old boxer pup – and popping to the butcher to pick up something for dinner, James Dean Bradfield picks up the phone for a quick chat. While the passage of time may have seen the band members settle down a little, the enduring appeal of Manic Street Preachers certainly has not. The band’s latest album, Postcards from a Young Man, went straight into the top 10, following on from the success of 2009’s Journal For Plague Lovers which featured lyrics left to the band by guitarist Richey Edwards before he disappeared in 1995. Having formed at Oakdale Comprehensive School in 1986, the Manics exploded on to the music scene in the early 1990s with celebrated debut Generation Terrorists. Their popularity grew over the next few years and continued to do so after Edwards’ disappearance, the band winning Best British Band and album at the Brits in 1996 and 1999. Their 2004 album, Lifeblood, had a mixed reception but two years later they were back on form again. “We always had a process at the start of the band where Nick and Rich would give us lyrics and Shaun and I would spend time seeing if they inspired music,” the singer continued. “In ‘99 we started experimenting a bit more and between 2000 an 2004 we made some of our most patchy records. “In 2006, with Send Away the Tigers, we went back to the source, writing the songs and then taking them into the studio. If the song didn’t work in the first 15 minutes, if we instinctively bounce off each other, we knew that song wasn’t going to work. “I’m glad of the fact we haven’t become a museum band. You have a lot of bands now reforming to play their best albums because they don’t have the new material. “But on the tour we did before Christmas we were playing at least five new songs and the two new singles went down the best all night. “I think it shows we are still connecting with the audience. It makes you feel you are still a creatively viable entity.” Last month the band really did return to their roots, playing their first show in 25 years in their hometown of Blackwood.
Manic Street Preachers - selected discography Generation Terrorists 1992
Gold Against the Soul 1993
The Holy Bible 1994
Everything Must Go 1996
This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours 1998
Know Your Enemy 2001
Lifeblood 2004
Send Away the Tigers 2007
Journal for Plague Lovers 2009
Postcards from a Young Man 2010
“I’m still a Blackwood lad,” James said emphatically. “My optician is there, I still go for fish’n’chips and my dad still works there so it’s not as if I was going back and saying ‘My god it’s changed’. “It did feel different because we were playing there for the first time since 1986. It was a lot more soothing – a comfy, warm experience which was the opposite to playing Newport Central which was a barnstorming gig with a drunken Saturday night crowd. “Blackwood was like a family gathering, you saw people in the crowd you recognised from when you were growing up.”
MIKE GEDDES
REMOVALS OF MONMOUTH
Cost effective fuel - now and forever Save Money! Switch from fossil fuel to woodfuel. ●
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Top quality friendly personal service at rock bottom prices... BUDGET MAN + VAN SERVICE AVAILABLE
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References available - 30 Years experience Telephone 01600 715509 07860 736755
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TEL: 07960 442755 7 HILL CREST CROSS ASH NEAR ABERGAVENNY NP7 8PF TEL 01873 821355 OFTEC Registered
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Gazette & Diary Magazine:
TaylorMade by Stanton TaylorMade by Stanton, Bespoke Furniture Designers and Manufacturers have taken the decision to re-locate from their Monmouth Showroom to refurbished Showrooms at their Longhope, Gloucester Head Office. Now in their 11th Year of Trading TaylorMade by Stanton have an enviable reputation for producing individually designed one off kitchens. They also design and make fitted furniture for any other room in the home such as bedrooms, studies and libraries. The decision to leave Monmouth, where they opened their beautiful Showroom in 2006, was not an easy decision to make. However, with much unused space available at Longhope, together with amply parking areas, it made sense to the Partners to create one stunning Showroom. This way clients will have a better opportunity to see everything they need under one roof. Another important aspect is the ability to show prospective clients various projects under construction in the adjoining workshops and also the way units are painted or lacquered in the finishing shop. One major benefit to all our clients and prospective clients will be our ability to
hold frequent in house cookery demonstrations on a variety of ranges. We will have a fully operational French kitchen area incorporating the world renowned La Cornue Le Grand Palais 180. There will also be opportunities to do cookery demonstrations on many of the other well known ranges such as Wolf, Redfyre, Mercury and Falcon. As a small family Partnership we see this re-location as an opportunity to strengthen our business and protect our client base during these very difficult times. During the coming weeks there will be opportunities to purchase some of our ex-display kitchens individual furniture and appliances from both our Showrooms. The Partners would like to thank all our clients who have supported us at Monmouth and Longhope since we started in 2000. We look forward to working with you from our refurbished Showrooms at Longhope for many years to come. For more information - please see our advert on the back page of this publication.
CASTAWAY
Gardening made easy Summer is often the time when gardeners plan what to grow in their vegetable and flower borders the following year and look into changing their garden’s design. Changes in design are often made to accommodate the lack of time available to tend their garden. This can mean losing areas of lawn which are high maintenance and fiddly to mow, replacing perennial borders with evergreens to add interest all year round, and introducing large all-year plants to containers rather than annuals which have to be changed from season to season. Cottage gardens are probably out for the time-strapped gardener as they are generally teeming with plants which need some care, including annuals, perennials and roses and although they may look natural, they need an awful lot of cutting back and dead-heading.
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But you can create a visually pleasing space which won’t take huge amounts of time to tend if you plan carefully. Small, enclosed spaces are perfect for paving, which could be
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living room
bedroom
dining room
lounge
surrounded by raised beds, narrow borders and pots. You might include different textures to your hard landscaping to create interest, such as ceramics or cobbles. Raised beds can also offer casual seating and changes in level to an otherwise-featureless space. Low-maintenance larger gardens can be separated into compartments which can be screened from each other to provide surprises and changes in mood. Many ornamental grasses, including Stipa tenuissima and sedges (Carex), can be dotted at ground level in gravel or slate to provide texture to otherwise boring areas. Large single specimen plants of architectural interest, such as Japanese maples or phormiums, stand out if placed against uncluttered backdrops and can provide a far more pleasing picture than a series of smaller pots containing a variety of different plants. To reduce maintenance use fences with climbing plants rather than hedges which need trimming, paths of gravel or bricks instead of grass ones and selfwatering hanging baskets instead of freedraining ones. Paved or decked areas, which are easy to keep tidy and weed-free, provide the hard landscaping for you to tend your surrounding plants, which ideally should include a selection of low maintenance flowering shrubs and evergreens.
Your new guide to the finer things in life
Be a sale success Summer is here and clusters of For Sale boards are decorating streets near you. If you’re planning to put your home on the market and want hordes of eager buyers knocking on your door, your property needs to be ‘fit for sale’.
Top tips for making your home sell...
That means it should sport the most sought after features and also be in tiptop condition. A top international sales guru advises: “Refreshing a home pre-sale is a shrewd move for potential sellers. Those who do are significantly more likely to sell faster and have a higher number of offers.”
Amanda Lamb
There’s no need to splash the cash, even giving walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint can revitalise a jaded home. And don’t just think cream or taupe as soft grey’s also popular, and a fashionable choice is a feature wall in a single colour to give a room character. Our expert says: “Do clear away clutter as buyers want to visualise a space as their own and personal keepsakes and collections can be a distraction. “But don’t forget to set the scene. For instance, present a dining room as though it’s ready for a dinner party, and in the rest of the house add colour with accessories like cushions, throws and fresh flowers.” Use our guide to get your home ready for sale with these value-adding features. GADGETS & GIZMOS: Forget those old tricks like the alluring smells of coffee or fresh baked bread to lure buyers. Now the size of a plasma screen TV has more impact, and the bigger the better. Amanda Lamb, presenter of TV’s A Place In The Sun, says: “Potential buyers are always impressed with modern technology and in my experience it’s been known to clinch a sale. “It doesn’t matter that the TV or sound system will no longer be there they move in, it’s simply being able to see how good the house looks with the latest gadgets and equipment.” A Comet survey revealed that one in three buyers were influenced by plasma screens, home cinema systems, American style fridge freezers, wine coolers and remote control garage doors. Agent advice: It’s all about selling a lifestyle and it particularly influences first-time buyers. Also, people like to be able to see that there’s enough room for a large flat screen TV. CONSERVATORY CHIC: One of the easiest ways to follow the fashion for blurring the boundary between inside and out is to add a conservatory, which the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors says can add around five per cent to the value of an average home. A spokesman said: “Many households are using their conservatories as lounges, which is a good move because these rooms always look better if they are well used and integrated into the rest of the home.” His tip: Give an existing conservatory a makeover with quality blinds and furniture that will be able to withstand extremes in temperature. Agent advice: Generally conservatories aren’t as popular as they once were. Instead garden rooms with large windows and skylights are finding more favour. If you do invest in one make sure it suits the period and style of the house and is properly ventilated and insulated so it is an all-weather room.” CASH IN THE ATTIC: Turning a loft into a room can add up to 15 per cent on a home’s value, according to experts.
Tarmacadam & Asphalt Specialist (Est 40yrs)
Update your kitchen with a Magnet printed unit door It’s a popular choice with young homeowners who are most likely to carry out a loft conversion before putting their home on the market. A survey found that nearly 20 per cent of homeowners aged under 25 opt for the improvement. Our DIY expert advises: “Pitched roof constructions mean lofts often have limited space and it’s very easy for the area to feel cramped. “Squeezing in two or three small rooms can make a loft space feel top heavy and out of proportion to the rest of the house. Instead, opt for converting the space into a single large bedroom.” His tip: Utilitise areas behind the eaves as cupboard space, and always insulate. He points out The Energy Savings Trust estimate that 26 per cent of heat is lost through the roof, making uninsulated loft spaces extremely cold in winter. Agent advice: A desirable conversion has an ensuite shower/toilet and enough ceiling height so that you’re not bending to move around the room. Opt for a door to the room for privacy rather than a stairway leading directly to it.” KITCHEN APPEAL: Kitchens are still key in selling properties, and as a rough guide if you spend five per cent on a new kitchen it can add up to 15 per cent on the potential selling price. Alternatively opt for an economical makeover with new door fronts and worktops. Buyers look for quality above anything else so don’t attempt to install a kitchen yourself unless you’re very experienced. A bad kitchen definitely reduces the market
The Belgrave Hotel The Esplanade, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DU Tel: 01834 842377 Fax: 01834 842626
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value of your home. Our tip: Be a little more daring and use bold colours as well as gloss or metallic finishes.
Roads, Drives, Car Parks, etc laid by hand or paving machine..
SPLASH OUT: Giving a dreary, dated bathroom a ‘wash and brush up’ pre-sale is a must. For the last 10 years kitchens have been more important than bathrooms, but bathrooms are increasingly becoming the means to differentiate from other properties and with so much choice of style and price it is easy to achieve a look on most budgets.
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Your new guide to the finer things in life
New wood stove shop comes to town One of the UK’s leading suppliers of wood burning stoves has opened in Monmouth. Topstak is the exclusive South Wales dealer for leading stove makers including Clearview, Stûv of Belgium and Scan of Denmark, which have stoves featuring the latest clean burn technology for better efficiency. They also distribute other brands such as Chesney’s, Esse, Franco Belge, Woodwarm together with a comprehensive range of accessories for hearth and home. Their Cowbridge showroom in the Vale of Glamorgan is said to have the biggest display and stock of stoves in Wales. They are also major suppliers and stockists of systems for building, repairing and relining chimneys. “Our reputation for offering very competitive prices with a friendly and professional service is the key to our success” said Christian Pedersen, who is a Director of this family business run with his wife Lynda and son Adam. He added that their dedicated sales team headed by Sales Director Richard Finucane is another reason for this success. “Over 80% of our sales are created by recommendation from happy customers who have bought from us.” said Adam
“Many people from the Monmouthshire area regularly visit our Cowbridge showroom and often say we should have a shop in Monmouth, so here we are”. “We are delighted to have found 109 Monnow Street. It is a lovely old building and an ideal setting for showing our stoves, many of which are totally new to the area” said Christian. “Our preference is for British-made products but the most important thing is that the stoves offer high efficiency and clean burning, which is an important part of the UK strategy to reduce carbon emissions”. Topstak also offers an installation service using its dedicated team of HETAS registered engineers. “Burning good, dry wood on a clean burn stove is a proven way to reduce fossil fuel carbon emissions” says Christian, “It is a renewable carbon neutral fuel and using an efficient stove can help to reduce your home heating costs. Customers often report they have reduced their heating bills by over 50% by using one of our stoves” “We really look forward to seeing people in our Monmouth shop, and many of the stoves we have on display can be viewed on our new website at www.topstak.co.uk” says Adam.
Topstak - the leading South Wales and UK specialists for chimney systems, wood burning stoves, cookers, Neptune kitchens... and much more
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Gazette & Diary Magazine:
Just for fun Wordsearch
April 2011 POLLARD CELTIC PRINTERS LOCKSMITH
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Carpenters Arms Walterstone, Nr. Pandy
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Pen-Y-Parc Rd, Raglan, Mon NP15 2BC Tel: 01291 691044 Mob: 07932650525 Email: welshblue@btconnect.com www.abergavennybreaks.co.uk
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Open Sat / Sun Salamy and Parmaham style available as well as dried meats.
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E.D. MARKETS ☎ 077680 00854 14
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Govilon Car Boot. Main Road. mornings. Weather permitting. 01873 830834.
April / May
Holiday trampolining fun / fitness sessions, Crickhowell sports centre, qualified advanced coach, 11.301pm, Tel: 07952 584240.
Govilon Car Boot. Main Road. mornings. Weather permitting. 01873 830834.
Abergavenny Alzheimer’s Society Memory Café, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 10.30am12.30pm, drop in for coffee and a chat
Holiday trampolining fun / fitness sessions, Crickhowell sports centre, qualified advanced coach, 11.301pm, Tel: 07952 584240.
Crickhowell Horticultural Society Lecture, Creating a cottage garden – Carrie Thomas, Clarence Hall, Crickhowell 7.30pm, Tel: 01873 810145
Abergavenny Alzheimer’s support group Carers Meeting at Angel Hotel, 7.30pm– 9pm, All Welcome
Crickhowell Horticultural Society – Robin Williams Pontypool & Usk Japanware meeting at The Scout Hall, Castle Road, Crickhowell, 7.30pm
Llanwernarth Baptist Church, Govilon, 6.30pm, Tel: 01873 831937 Govilon Car Boot. (7&14)
Abergavenny Farmers Market. Market Hall, Abergavenny. Fresh local produce Govilon Car Boot. (7&14)
Christchurch Govilon presents a spring concert, Abergavenny Borough Youth Band at 7pm Tel: 01873 830197
Car boot table top sale, Pandy Hall 10am – 2pm. Tel: 01873 890691 Pandy and Monnowside Ploughing Society, Fun Bingo, Pandy Hall, 8pm, Tel: 01873 890591
Your new guide to the finer things in life
Easter Simnel Cake This is a new angle on a traditional recipe. Simnel Cake was not originally baked at Easter but on Mothering Sunday as a kind of mid-Lent treat. This version is baked with chunks of marzipan interspersed in the cake mixture, which melt deliciously into the fruit. Once baked, a thin layer of soft icing is added as a background to a simple toasted marzipan trellis pattern. We’ve also borrowed the Christmas idea of using a jar of mincemeat in the mixture, which, as everything gets mixed in about five minutes flat, helps to make the whole thing blissfully easy. Ingredients ■ 1 x 100 g pack whole blanched almonds ■ 1 x 500 g pack golden marzipan ■ 8 oz (225 g) plain flour ■ 3 level teaspoons baking powder ■ 1 rounded teaspoon mixed spice ■ 5 oz (150 g) light soft brown sugar ■ 5 oz (150 g) butter, well softened ■ 2 tablespoons milk ■ 3 large eggs, beaten ■ 1 egg yolk, beaten ■ 1 x 411 g jar mincemeat ■ 12 oz (350 g) mixed dried fruit ■ 2 oz (50 g) whole candied peel, chopped ■ grated zest 1 orange ■ grated zest 1 lemon ■ icing sugar for dusting ■ 1 x 250 g pack ready-to-roll icing ■ 1 dessertspoon redcurrant jelly ■ Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 6, 400°F (200°C) to roast the almonds, then lower it to gas mark 2, 300°F (150°C) when you come to cook the cake. Equipment You will also need a deep, round cake tin measuring 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, the base and sides lined with a double layer of buttered greaseproof paper. Method You need to begin by toasting the almonds to give them some extra crunch and flavour. So spread them out on a baking
sheet and pop them in the pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes. Don’t guess the time, please use a timer – they need to be lightly toasted to a golden brown colour and you could end up with an expensive mistake if you try and guess! Now remove the almonds and reduce the oven temperature to gas mark 2, 300°F (150°C).Then, when the almonds are cool, chop them roughly.
Next unwrap the marzipan, cut the block into two halves, re-wrap one of them for use later and chop the remaining half into ½ inch (1 cm) cubes. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of the flour from the cake. Now for the cake. Take your largest mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and spice in, then simply place all the ingredients, except the marzipan, icing sugar, icing, redcurrant jelly and egg yolk, into the bowl. Then, take an electric hand whisk for preference or, failing that, a wooden spoon, and give everything a really good mixing – which will take about 2-3 minutes – to get it all perfectly and evenly distributed. Finally, gently fold in the squares of marzipan and any remaining flour. Now, using a rubber spatula, spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, levelling the surface with the back of the spatula. Place a suitably sized square of double greaseproof paper with a hole the size of a 50p piece in the centre over the top. Place the cake on the centre shelf of the oven and bake for 2¾-3¼ hours at the lower temperature of gas mark 2, 300°F (150°C). Have a look after 2¾ hours – the cake is cooked when the centre feels springy when lightly pressed. When it is cooked, leave it in the tin for 30 minutes before turning it out on to a wire rack to cool. For the decoration, first dust a working surface with icing sugar and roll out the icing to the same size as the top of the cake (you can use the base of the tin as a guide here). Then brush the top of the cake with redcurrant jelly and fit the icing on top of the cake, pressing it securely all round and using a rolling pin to level it as much as possible. Trim off any overhanging pieces. Roll out the reserved marzipan to a
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This recipe is taken from How to Cook Book Three and Delia Smith’s Book of Cakes and has also appeared in Sainsbury’s Magazine (April 1996)
Serves 12
rectangle about 9 x 6 inches (23 x 15 cm), then cut it into 12 long strips about ½ inch (1 cm) wide for the lattice topping. Assembling the lattice goes as follows: first lay half the strips across the cake, leaving about ¾ inch (2 cm) gap between each strip. Then begin to thread the rest of the strips, one at a time, under and over the first ones, going at right angles. Finally, use some scissors to snip the overhanging marzipan away and press firmly all round to make the edges as neat as possible.
Now pre-heat the grill, and when it’s really hot (it will take at least 10 minutes to come up to full blast), brush the marzipan strips with the egg yolk and place the cake under the grill, about 4 inches (10 cm) from the heat. Give it about 30 seconds, watching it like a hawk, until it turns a toasted brown colour. The cake is now ready to serve or be stored. It looks very pretty if you tie a ribbon round the circumference and decorate with some Easter flowers.
The Bear Hotel Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1BW Tel: 01873 810408 GOOD Fax: 01873 811696 PUB GUIDE bearhotel@aol.com UK INN OF THE YEAR www.bearhotel.co.uk
T
he Bear is situated in the charming small market town of Crickhowell, which is listed as one of the most desirable areas in Powys and is within the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is well known for its antiquity and reputation for good food and has been owned for over 30 years by the Hindmarsh family. It is unique in its atmosphere which is obvious as one enters the Hotel and there are a number of areas in which one can eat and drink, each one having its own character and eccentricities. Some have the original oak beams dating back to the mid 15th Century, some have flagstones others have wooden floors, log fires in winter and a lovely little garden to enjoy in the summer are added attractions. Certain things have had to change over the years but all the updating and refurbishment has been done with great care and style but still retaining a rare uniqueness of an old Welsh Inn offering comfort and friendliness to all those who visit. It is also a favourite with many well behaved family dogs. The cooking is modern British but the trend is towards the wholesome dishes of the past. Slow cooking is a long established practice here and wherever possible locally produced ingredients are used. Welsh lamb and Welsh Black beef are firm favourites and are offered alongside Salmon from the Usk and Wye when available and River Trout from the River Towey. Local game is also used to advantage and venison pie is very much in demand. The present favourites are Lamb Shanks, Welsh Black beef steaks, beer battered fish and chips, homemade faggots and mushy peas, fresh salmon fishcakes, also baked salmon cutlet or braised rump beef. There is always a standard menu which offers the house favourites and also daily specials for lunch and evening.
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Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre Art Trail The Art trail of Open Studios and Galleries in Crickhowell and area has proved so successful and popular during the past two years that this initiative of CRiC (Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre) will be repeated during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend of 28 – 30 May 2011. With the support of Collabor8 it has already become an annual highlight on the calendar for both visitors to the area and local residents. It is a joy to see the exceptional quality and variety of art and craft on our doorstep. The trail will this year include more than 50 artists exhibiting their work at 31 venues across the area showcasing a rich variety of work including sculpture, ceramics, glassware, textiles, photography, original paintings, prints and furniture. It is the ideal opportunity to explore the area, meet the artists and makers and enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of the work.
The Crickhowell and Area Art Trail will benefit local businesses, provide something distinctive for visitors to see and do over the bank holiday whilst raising the profile of the area as a destination where local art and craft flourishes”. Details of all the participating artists as well as images of their work and maps to the various venues can be found on www.crickhowellinfo.org.uk A colourful guide has been produced, indicating opening times and accessibility. It can be picked up from Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre, Beaufort Street, Crickhowell. Contact: Suzette Pratten on 01873 811970 or e-mail facilities@crickhowellinfo.org.uk
Richard Tyler, Sustainable Tourism Manager BBNP said, “We are delighted to be working with CRiC and Crickhowell and Black Mountains Tourism on the Collabor8 project and supporting this initiative. Collabor8 is about bringing economic development through promoting a sense of place.
Pure Love For Pets Pets give us so much joy. They make us laugh. They share their unconditional love. We share our lives together. National Pet Month is all about giving back. First to pets, helping them live happy, satisfied lives. And to pet owners, helping you celebrate and nurture your pets. Show them your love and support all year long with these fun tips. 1. Celebrate National Pet Month with a Mani-PETi! Make a day of it – pamper yourself with a pedicure while also treating your pal to a day of welldeserved grooming and nail clipping. 2. Give your cats “me-ow time” by creating personal areas where they can retreat. Consider adding elevated perches, scratching posts, and cozy sleeping nooks to provide safe outlets for their natural behaviors. 3. Reward good behavior. Whether human, feline or canine, we all like to be recognized for good behavior. Provide extra love and treats to each of your pets as a deserving reward and they will likely continue the good behavior. 4. Have you ever given your pet a massage? Show your appreciation for your dog during National Pet Month with a healthy indulgence that’s not only relaxing, but will strengthen the loving bond between you and your best bud.
5. Planning to welcome a needy cat into your home during National Pet Month? WONDERFUL. Find adorable adoptable pets near you. Visit our Search for Pets section to get started. 6. Pets love presents too! Surprise your favorite furball with cool new stuff for feeding, playing and grooming. 7. Schedule three or four, 5-10 minute play sessions with your pet throughout the day. 8. Consider installing a bird feeder or an aquarium. Think of the hours of fun your kitties will have with either of these additions to your home. 9. Give the gift of activity by building a dog run or mini obstacle course in your yard. 10. Treat your pet to their favorite snack.
National Pet Month in a Nutshell From 2 April – 2 May 2011, you are invited to be a part of National Pet Month.
favourite charity in fun-filled events. Why not be a part of this? National Pet Month’s aims are to ● Promote responsible pet ownership ● Make people aware of the mutual benefits of living with pets ● Increase public awareness of the role of pet care specialists ● Raise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animals available from www.fififashions.co.uk £28.49
For more information - visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk
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Email: enquiries@paradehouse.co.uk
The Parade, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3PA ●
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. . . o u D Dear
if you would like dear duo to help with your problems, please write to Dear Duo, The Gazette and Diary, 13 Nevill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA.
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(Solution on page 19) Send us your nd a Artworkill w we print it!
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Hi Boy trouble, don’t feel pressured ! Explain to him that you are not ready and when you are you want it to be just the two of you. Many people feel pressured to keeping up with their peers please the only answer is when you are ready. H Hey Boy trouble, Number 1 is there a reason that you do not want to kiss this boy? Maybe its your friendship that is great, what ever the reason you need to speak truthfully with him and tell him why you feel this way, as everything should be based on honesty. J
My name is Matt. For some reason, women seem to walk all over me. Can you help?
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my boyfriend is really great..only he keeps asking me to kiss him. i say no and he says ok...but he keeps asking. we have been going out for 2 1/2 months, so is it wrong for me to say no. plus he asks me at school, so i really don’t want my first kiss to be with a whole bunch of people around... but everyone at my school kisses. Im so confused
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Hi Matt You really need to be firm but yet nice as no women wants to be treated bad. Some women do like a man to be a man and treat her with respect and yet be someone that they can rely on at the same time. I personally like a man to make decisions and be a strong person that I can rely on when things get tough ! So don’t be a doormat stand tall ! H Hi Matt Women walk all over you because you let them! If you don’t do something about it then it will continue. Most women want a guy to stand up for themselves you don’t need to be harsh just firm. You sound like you are not a very confident person, work on this. Perhaps being single and gaining some self confidence is what you need to do right now. Good Luck. J
Dear Duo For my birthday I got loads of cash, about £100, and I know for a fact what I want to spend it on. My first choices were a South Park or a Family Guy box set, or a book that I had been dying for. I knew they weren’t cheap, but I was prepared to spend my money on them. However, my dad had other ideas, and wouldn’t let me spend it on any of them! Just because the South Park thing was from eBay and he thinks that the family guy boxset is “inappropriate” and I haven’t even bothered to tell him about the book, because I know that he’ll just say no. How am I supposed to convince him to let me spend my money on what I want? Katy Hi Katy You should try talking to your father, I know that the saying ‘older and wiser’ is a bit of a cliche but after all your father is only thinking of you and in my experience you may in a few weeks decide that you want to buy something else. When you talk to him explain that you will take some time to think this through but ask him to respect your decision either way. Talking to him like an adult will help him to see that you are mature enough to make this decision. H Hi Katy Don’t tell my mother I said this but as you get older you come to realise that however much you hate to admit it, ‘your parents were right'. I feel that your Dad wants you to appreciate the money you have and to spend it wisely as you may look back and think, why did I waste it? Perhaps you could make a deal with your Dad that you will save half and then do what you want with the other half. This way you can show that you have taken his advise and you also get to treat yourself. J
Your new guide to the finer things in life
Horoscopes
Easter Egg Coloring for Kids
4. Marbled Eggs In a mug or jar large enough to contain one egg, place 1 Tablespoon of oil, 1 Tablespoon of vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of food coloring. Add enough water to cover egg, stir quickly with a spoon and drop in hard boiled egg. Pull egg out quickly and pat dry with paper towel. 5. Sponge Painted Eggs Cut a sponge into small pieces. Pour some acrylic paint into a shallow dish or onto wax paper. Clip the sponge pieces onto clothes pins, one for each color of paint. Dip the sponge into the paint and dab the egg with it. Start with your darker colors first for the best effect. Put the egg in an egg cup to dry. 6. Waxing Easter Eggs Drip wax from a lit taper candle onto the egg. After the wax is set, drop the egg into food coloring dye. Remove from dye and pat dry. You can scrape the wax off and dip into another dye, or leave the wax on if you wish.
Colour me!
Taurus - This could be a tough old week for everyone as Mercury appears to slow down in the sky prior to turning retrograde on 30th. After that we have a few weeks for reflection and rebalancing. In your case you may need a rest - and time to reflect on what has to go out of your life. It may be time to mark a ‘full stop’ and say a ‘no’ to those tasks which are clearly taking more out of you than you can afford. It’s not all negative in that you may be reminded of something (or someone) that (who) brought pleasure in the past: rekindling this contact might suit you very well indeed. Contact with health care professionals is possible but may be for the nicest of reasons (welcoming a new baby). The big theme though is letting something go as you welcome in the new.
Virgo - At one level you may be at a loss for words - at another you may have so, so much to say! The issue is about being overwhelmed versus needing to acknowledge actions. It won’t be surprising if you tire so, so quickly. Certainly you should factor in more sanctuary time. Yet even that might not be so simple! There may be a queue of people who feel they have something useful to say to you and/or who feel they could render assistance. And maybe they’re right. What they might not appreciate is that you need a little time to come to terms with recent events and would do so best given some space. What can be deferred until next week perhaps ought to be. There’s one task that you could do however: and that’s to make clear before the weekend that you’ve come to the end of the road in a financial relationship. The costs of continuing may be just too high.
Gemini - It’s entirely possible that you’ll feel torn in two or more career directions. And yes, it may be that one option is what you think you really, really want to do - but discover that only when for some reason you learn it won’t be possible. Yes, these are contrary times: as you determine on one course, then find that’s denied but another is on the horizon. By the weekend it may be clear that there really is only one way ahead - even if that looks (temporarily) as though it’s a cul-de-sac. It may be that you need to take this route just to finish something off. There’s high probability of increased contact with those who live a very long way away (and/or who seem to inhabit a different world). As you seek to see things from their perspective you might decide to turn your back on a way of life that’s taken too much out of you (too many meetings) : an interesting ‘spiritual’ development.
Libra - We’re half way through your person year and at the end of this week The Sun oppose Saturn in your sign - suggesting you might be ready to finish something off or take a partnership to the next level - or both! What’s clear early on is that what’s been a dream, a plaything, a hobby and certainly not given full ‘professional’ attention, will need to be given just that (especially if it’s Internet or 21st century-technology-related). It might also be that you need to accept you’ve been carrying too much responsibility and now need to offload a little. Just as one door is closing though it seems another is opening - bringing increased contact with those who are young at heart, willing to travel and to learn. It wouldn’t be surprising if you were asked to be involved in an educational programme yourself - and asked to make a decision about this by 23rd of next month.
Cancer - Facing up to the fact that doing what you want to do will deplete resources considerably might be tough. Yet perhaps you feel you have no option: short term pain for long-term gain. With extraordinary activity affecting the very backbone of your solar chart shake-ups both within the domestic environment and ‘emergencies’ affecting you in the working scene, there may be times when you don’t know quite what to do. Bear in mind that Mercury reaches a station (on 30th) and that this might offer a platform from which you can survey probable outcomes of various decisions. You might then decide it would be better to go back before you move forward. True, ‘back to the drawing board might sound like a negative plan - it could protect your assets however. It might help to remember that friends and colleagues born under Aries, Libra and Capricorn are facing similar dilemmas and that harmony may be some weeks away.
Scorpio - These are unsettling times for everyone. On the one hand you may be pleased that certain individuals are now taking action (as you hoped they would some time back) - on the other hand you may feel you’re ‘too old’ to go through the upheaval they suggest. It may be that you feel they’re going over old ground for the umpteenth time. Yet it’s possible that someone from the past (and who was actively involved some years ago) will return to the scene bringing with them both understanding and energy. Yes, it might feel as though your faith is being tested. You might also notice that an increasing number of inexplicable ‘miracles’ are taking place - leaving you wondering about mysteries generally and, possibly, drawing you closer to someone who’s mentally trained to tune into these ahead of time. Obviously you need to take care here - but it may be that this relationship will be pivotal as a rescue exercise gets underway.
Leo - For all sorts of reasons you could experience pangs of regret this week. Decisions taken a decade ago
Sagittarius - A big issue presently is wondering what it is that others expect of you. You may feel as though
you’re at the first stage of a diving platform! It’s not that support isn’t forthcoming - it’s probable though that others don’t yet know what you want or need - like you, they may be awaiting clarity. These are energies with which you might not be entirely comfortable preferring to know exactly which crusade you’re expected to undertake. It doesn’t help that difficulties within a group (could be family or professional) seem to require you to put down boundaries. By Friday you may be craving laughter! That could be on its way though and be tangible reward for dealing with upsetting facts early in the week. The rejuvenation of a partnership where you both share a passion is probable on Thursday and should go some way toward alleviating anxiety. It’s next week though when the fun really starts. Capricorn - It should be clear that major shifts are taking place and that it will be some weeks before you know whether a situation is to your liking. For now perhaps you need to give it all time. It might be helpful to know that Mercury will be retrograde from March 30th to April 23rd and that during this period you will need to go back over old ground (probably because you’re showing someone the ropes). This though could be a near perfect time to advance a project that’s been a hobby but which could turn into a useful second revenue stream. Conversations about this after Thursday should be most interesting. Meanwhile, in your more regular world you might not be best pleased to discover that a financial situation is confused to say the least and that your needs have not been taken into account. The fact that someone is either away from their desk or too unwell to talk about this might not help your mood. Hold on to the fact that next week will be quite different. Aquarius - It’s not hard to discern a link between your sign and space-fantasy: it does appear that you’re turned on by the new and not afraid to try out different ideologies - which would be useful if journeying to other planets! Yet even you could be disorientated by what’s on offer this week. It doesn’t help that the behaviour of others is SO confusing and that, in the main, though you can see they’re fire-fighting, you’re not sure if this isn’t wasted energy. As for many people, you need dust to settle. It may be that the best use of your time would be to conserve energy and yes, accept some disappointment. It might also be that travel plans have to be changed (increased prices). On the upside, what’s unearthed whilst you’re searching for something completely different could make a very real difference to your mood - and give you a base line from which to barter at the weekend. Pisces - You can play at being wistful (you might even be in love) but early this week you do need to come down to Earth! There are some practicalities which simply can’t be avoided. Painful as it may be to conclude that a project isn’t going anywhere and needs to be drawn to a close - or passed into the hands of experts - the upside is that you’ll be free to do the things for which you have a real gift. Actually, as early as this Thursday renewed contact with a group with whom you’ve had dealings in the past could make a real difference. They may be fully aware of the magic you bring to developments and anxious to return you to their fold. Yet you might still need time to think things through - there may be issues of trust to resolve. It might help to discuss matters with a Libra whose understanding of the history of a situation helps you gain perspective as to what’s worth building or rebuilding. In short, a week for reflection.
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3. Rubber Band Designs Wrap elastic bands around hard cooked eggs, then drop them in food-coloring dye. Remove eggs, pat dry with paper towel and remove rubber bands. The parts of the egg covered with rubber bands will not be colored. Once the rubber bands are removed, you can drop the egg into a different color dye.
could come back to haunt you. You might also wonder why certain people are in your life and why they seem to be hanging about despite everything that’s gone on since the start of the year. Accepting that there is a flow of time and that you’re at a turning point might help (this is no time to be too ‘Fixed'). Though it’s clear that some decisions will need to be made quickly, it’s as important to remain flexible and not to assume that rules and regulations which appear dominant can’t be bent (next week). The fact is that there’s extraordinary goodwill in the air too and that once this catches it will put great wind in your sails and take you forward. Friends born under Aries and Libra especially could smooth your path.
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2. Crayon Resist Easter Eggs Color on the Easter eggs before placing in the dye. Simple Dots, lines shapes swirls. The wax will resist the dye and your picture will show through. If you are dying Easter eggs with little ones and do not want to use dye...The children can simply color the eggs with crayons and leave it at that.
Solution 4
1. Make your own food color dye. Combine 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar in a cup that is deep enough for the eggs. Add water to about the half way point. Gently place the eggs into the cups. The longer they are left in the dye, the darker the color shade. When you remove the egg from the dye, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a holder.
Aries - This could be a tough week for everyone - and perhaps especially for Aries. It might seem that the buck is stopped with you and that there’s no place to hide. Even close partnerships could be under excess strain. With Mercury stationing in your sign on Thursday you might even experience moments of compassion and understanding fatigue. If anything is clear it’s that you may need to consider giving up on an idea or hope and instead accept that the winds of change have been so strong that you need now to go off in a different direction entirely. True, it could be early next month before final arrangements are made - but that’s not that long away and in the interim it might be interesting to see what others plan to do. It may be that far from ending definitively, a partnership is actually mutating into something that’s more right for the times.
Solution 3
Everything you need to know to make artistic, traditional and even silly Easter eggs.
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The history of Easter eggs It’s pretty much common knowledge that Easter is a Christian celebration of Christ’s rising, but this holiday also has pagan origins. Where did the colored eggs, cute little bunnies, baby chicks, leg of lamb dinners, and lilies come from? They are all symbols of rebirth and the lamb was a traditional religious sacrifice.
Easter falls in the spring, the yearly time of renewal, when the earth renews itself after a long, cold winter. The word Easter comes to us from the Norsemen’s Eostur, Eastar, Ostara, and Ostar, and the pagan goddess Eostre, all of which involve the season of the growing sun and new birth. The Easter Bunny arose originally as a symbol of
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fertility, due to the rapid reproduction habits of the hare and rabbit.
to house begging for Easter eggs, much like Halloween trick-or-treaters.
The ancient Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians, and Hindus all believed the world began with an enormous egg, thus the egg as a symbol of new life has been around for eons. The particulars may vary, but most cultures around the world use the egg as a symbol of new life and rebirth.
Called pace-egging, it comes from the old word for Easter, Pasch. Many old cultures also attributed the egg with great healing powers. It is interesting to note that eggs play almost no part in the Easter celebrations of Mexico, South America, and Native American Indian cultures.
A notation in the household accounts of Edward I of England showed an expenditure of eighteen pence for 450 eggs to be gold-leafed and colored for Easter gifts. The first book to mention Easter eggs by name was written five hundred years ago. Yet, a North African tribe that had become Christian much earlier in time had a custom of coloring eggs at Easter. Long hard winters often meant little food, and a fresh egg for Easter was quite a prize. Later, Christians abstained from eating meat during the Lenten season prior to Easter. Easter was the first chance to enjoy eggs and meat after the long abstinence. Some European children go from house
Egg-rolling contests are a symbolic reenactment of the rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb. The decoration of small leaf-barren branches as Easter egg trees has become a popular custom in the United States since the 1990s.
Your new guide to the finer things in life
Take your summer style to Her curves, her sex appeal. It’s the return of
When waltzing the streets this summer you may notice a new fashion fad. Fashion comes at a price - remember last year’s oh-so-hot big dangly earrings featured on the runways of Louis Vuitton? - and this summer’s latest trend is no different. Within five minutes you’re likely to see a girl acting strangely. She will be doing one of the following: tripping, taking small hobbling steps or self-consciously tugging at her attire. These, my friends, are the results of the maxi dress. The dark fashion lords that reign over this country decreed that this summer was the summer to wear the maxi. Never mind that they said this last year too, we were to obediently throw away our minis and embrace billowing reams of patterned material.
Nipped-in waists, full-circle skirts and heaving cleavages caused quite a fluster on the catwalks when Prada and Louis Vuitton unveiled their take on the feminine 50s trend. But you can get the catwalk look at a fraction of the cost as the high street enjoys a seriously sexy retro moment.
If you love the look but need a little help in the curves department, snap up some vintage style underwear. Next have a set, bra (£20) and girdle (£16). Finally, no selfrespecting 50s vixen would be seen without some drop dead gorgeous accessories.
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dresses and skirts mixed with leather waistcoats, cable knit cardigans, sherling biker jackets and slim fitting jumpers and chunky winter boots, which will help us into the new season with aplomb. Get practising girls – the maxi is here to stay.
Grab a mock croc handbag (Next £30, below), a pair of fancy heels (peep-toes from Littlewoods, below), and pearls your grannie would be proud of (necklace £12 New Look, brooch £14 at Talullah Tu). Add a dash of red lipstick, a spritz of Paco Rabanne’s Lady Million (£32.50 for 30ml from The Perfume Shop, below) which has sensuous notes of neroli, orange flower, Arabian jasmine, all in a fabulous diamond shaped bottle, and get working those womanly curves.
All things 50s are back with a vengeance – clothes, hair and make up.
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They’re a big hit online too, with internet retail giant Asos reportedly making £61.7 million in just three months this summer, partly due to its rise.
Not a big fan of florals? Try updating the 50s full skirt with a new version from Marks and Spencer (£99) teamed with some sensuously soft knitwear or this linear print dress from Tesco’s F+F range (£20, bottom left).
Add to that the fact that the Sunday Times has listed Rockabilly as one of the looks this year and you already have a great introduction to the world of quiffs, glamour, taboos, cute pin-up girls, 50s cheesecake, burlesque beauties and vintage fashion.
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The good thing though is that every shop I’ve entered recently, including the glorious plus size mecca Evans, the more mature ladies options such as Ann Harvey and Wallis, and supercheap supermarket chains, is awash with dresses trailing on the floor to suit all shapes and sizes.
IN a nutshell, curves are back. Following hot on the kitten heels of super stylish TV series Mad Men, 50s-style fashion hasn’t been hotter since, well, the 1950s.
With its chic tailoring and sophisticated pastel grey rose print, this Linea dress (bottom right) from House of Fraser (£130) could have come straight from the Mad Men costume department.
The problem with this kind of sartorial pressure is that the maxi is essentially a pretty cloak, likely to make you look like you’re going to a wedding in a yurt, rather than to a more sober office. Fashion editors, writers and wannabes have tried to dispense some kind of advice when it comes to these lengthy creations, but I am afraid the maxi, whether it be a tight jersey number which will make you waddle like a Geisha girl - or a billowing boho number (hold on to your front teeth) is a tough nut to crack.
(Sasha dress, £130, top right) or Beyond Retro which does a to-die-for range of real vintage dresses.
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It’s this season’s must-have look and the maxi dress looks like hanging around the high street and our ankles for quite some time. But we reveal, floor-length fashion isn’t easy – or risk free – to carry off
Maybe it’s a reaction to all the super skinny jeans and tomboy tailoring we’ve been squeezing ourselves into lately, but this winter sees the return of the ‘All Woman’ woman.
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All these combine with retro tunes from old-school bands like the Stray Cats and newcomers such as The Baseballs and Imelda May. This is music with a quirky 50s twist, songs you can jive to and let loose with some shake, rattle and roll.
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And it’s no passing trend, apparently. On the catwalks of Dolce and Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and British-born Erdem, we saw an array of floaty maxi
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Colour in the home... Neutral shades get the boot as vibrancy now rules Memories of winter’s cold winds are all too recent, but thankfully welcome winds of change are blowing through home style.
Throw caution to the wind and mix elements of different styles, eras, colours and patterns to create a look that works for you.
Bland neutrals have finally been given the boot and colour has triumphed, meaning that in 2010 rooms will glow with warmth and character.
“Generally, people are more at ease about their taste and this year will be ready and willing to experiment,” predicts leading interior designer, Anita Kohn at Living In Space.
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It’s about being imaginative rather than feeling you have to slavishly follow one style, agrees Alan Hughes, director of Inchbald School of Interior Design. “Interior design has grown up in the last few years,” he says. “Homes should be personal reflections of their owners, where treasured possessions complementary in colour, texture and form are displayed, and the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed.” But whichever style you follow, make sure you make it your own. There’s no need to worry about busting the budget, a few rolls of wallpaper, a pot of paint and a new accessory could be all you need to give your home a New Year lift.
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and garden! By HANNAH STEPHENSON I love the huge flowers of hybrid clematis as they climb up trellis and fencing or weave their way through less interesting shrubs, wrap themselves around tree trunks and scramble over old walls to create a burst of colour, often in shadier places. They make perfect companions entwined with deliciously scented climbing roses covering arches and pagodas in the romantic garden, or simply climbing up unsightly walls or fences to act as a colourful screen. In fact, different types of clematis can provide you with flowers for most of the year. Yet clematis are the climbers which cause the most confusion when it comes to pruning because there are three groups of them and if you prune the wrong type at the wrong time you’ll ruin your chances for blooms this year. Group 1 clematis, which flower in spring, bloom on stems which grew the previous year and are generally pruned after flowering. They are often rampant growers with large numbers of relatively small flowers. Prune them straight after flowering by clipping the sideshoots back to a few buds of the main framework. They should not be pruned in the winter or you’ll cut off all the shoots and lose the new season’s flowers.
Now is the time to prune summerflowering clematis, the Group 2 types, which bloom on stems produced in the current season. They are pruned in late winter or early spring to remove much of last year’s growth. If left unchecked they will produce flowers, but they will tend to be at the end of the plant where you probably won’t be able to see them.
In the first year prune them back in late winter or early spring to the lowest pair of healthy-looking buds you can find, which will be about 30-90cm above the ground. This may mean cutting off green, healthy shoots, but the plant will reshoot from the base and be better for it.
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Roller Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Conservatory Blinds, Blackout Blinds, Curtains, Awnings & Roman Blinds
FREE Advice, FREE Measuring & Fitting
High Street, Raglan, Monmouthshire Tel: (01291) 690423
We will beat ANY written quotations Free Quotations any day or evening
ABERGAVENNY 01873 852299
Email: raglanford@lineone.net www.raglanford.com ●
The Spring Issue
●
April / May
23
TaylorMade by Stanton will be relocating to our refurbished Showrooms at Longhope
Various Showroom Displays on Offer for the next few weeks ● ● ●
tel: 01452 831 538 ● fax: 01452 831 048 email: info@taylormadebystanton.co.uk web: www.taylormadebystanton.co.uk
ʻTruly TaylorMadeʼ