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The future’s green for Raglan Parc Seventeen years on our course now provides us with mature tree lined fairways leading to what are now some of the best greens in the County. We are continuing with our policy of providing enjoyment and challenge, in equal measure, for the full range of golfing abilities off the 6131 yard yellows, to 6615 yard whites and visitors able to use the full 7100 yards off black tees this year. Seniors particularly enjoy the comfortable walk, sometimes interrupted by golf, playing at the level they feel happy with in a seriously convivial atmosphere. Developments over the coming year will see us opening a three hundred and fifty yard, ten bay Driving Range and an Academy Course, for families and those just starting out can begin to experience the pleasures of golf. The range will be open from April 2012. Buggy tracks for winter golf are now available on the front nine holes. These will be consolidated and improved this year and a start made on the tracks for the back nine holes. Chris our pro has a new reception area/shop and will be involved in providing lessons and instruction in particular for juniors on the new academy course. Equally important to the playing golf is the friendly atmosphere within the club and the many social events that members have during the year.
WOODLAKE CHALLENGE CUP
SOME GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS OF 2011. Raglan Parc Golf Club celebrated the closing stages of this year with two special occasions, the Club Presentation Night, and the Senior and Dinner Dance. Both were well attended and much enjoyed, even by those who were not prize winners. A major winner was the Club’s chosen charity, Help for Heroes. The Club and Ladies Captains Tom Rigby and Eirlys French, kicked off the Club proceedings by presenting the charity representative Diana McCrea with a cheque for £2300. This year has proved particularly rewarding for the Club, as members in various sections, and each generation, have gained successes in national and regional competitions. Teams from the Senior Men’s Section won the Woodlakes Challenge Trophy, competed for by 8 teams at The Bells
HELP FOR HEROES CHEQUE
Golf Club Coleford and the South Wales Classic Plate, a knockout competition with the final at The Grove Golf Club, South Cornelly, Bridgend. Individual achievements were; Graeme Fletcher who won the Welsh national championship cup and Alys Thomas who won the under 18's Monmouthshire county net competition. All these achievements crowned a great year, and it is hoped that they will prove inspirational for the future. LADIES Raglan Parc has a thriving and friendly Ladies section with Ladies of varying ages holding a range of Golf handicaps, who meet every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the year. The section has 2 league teams, enters teams in the Daily Mal national competitions and always takes part in the Ladies Welsh Team Championship. They also play many
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SOUTHWALES CLASSIC
friendly matches each season, which starts in April, and field a mixed team in the local Wydean league as well as our own mixed league, which meets each month during the season. There are not many junior ladies in the section but the club would welcome more and actively encourage those we do have to play in both Ladies and junior competitions. Last year the section programme was packed to the hilt with events, for all ages and abilities. In addition to the regular Ladies competitions our Club days – Captains Charity, Captains and Presidents are always popular. The Lady Captains away day this year took them to Wenvoe Castle and a very enjoyable day was had by all who attended. The section is granted courtesy of the course for 2 fundraisers and an invitation event each year – the Spring Coffee Morning and the Winter Christmas Bazaar are always well supported from within and without the Club, whilst the Ladies invitation day is always popular. In addition the Club hosts 2 Ladies opens and 2 mixed opens each year. The children’s Christmas party, always attended by Santa Claus, was held recently and to really get the festive season underway our annual Christmas Carols evening is held every December in the clubhouse. SENIORS This thriving section increased in numbers during the year and provides regular golf in a friendly and competitive nature.
There are currently 77 members and for much of the year between 30 and 40 members turn up on Monday and Wednesday morning for stableford competition including a monthly medal competition between April and September. Throughout the year there are also other competitions, individual and team for the members. During the summer there are some 28 friendly matches, home and away against other clubs with members of all handicaps welcome to participate. Our Club’s carvery meals after these matches are considered t be the best on the circuit. Teams have been successful this year, winning the Woodlake Park Challenge competition and the South Wales Senior Classic Bowl; however we consider the crowning achievement is the camaraderie of the members.
ALYS THOMAS
EXISTING MEMBERS CAN ENJOY A £50.00 VOUCHER WHEN THEY INTRODUCE A NEW MEMBER
PARC LODGE, STATION ROAD, RAGLAN, NP15 2ER FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CHRIS MURPHY ON 07719662634 / 01291 690077 OR VISIT WWW.RAGLANPARC.CO.UK . EMAIL INFO@RAGLANPARC.CO.UK 02
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The Winter Issue
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February / March
Welcome
In association with
The Abergavenny Chronicle
Welcome to the February edition of the Gazette and Diary Magazine. What a mild month its been, fingers crossed that it stays this way, We have even come to notice daffodils in full bloom in the month of January! However, our sources tell us that early February is to bring rather cold and dry conditions with frost and perhaps a little snow... For all our Rugby fans, Six Nation Fever is upon us this month, with matches taking place on the 4th February onwards it's going to be an exciting time, will Wales win??? Romantics this Valentines take a look inside this month for great places to eat and exciteable ideas for gifts for him and her. Finally for all you homemakers, we have a great guide for home improvements including kitchens all the way through to solar panels, so if moving or just improving this is a must for you!
Inside...
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When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine - please recycle it.
Page 20 Spotlight on Abergavenny Market
▲ Page 11 Titchmarsh works towards his ideal garden
▲ Page 12 Making solar power pay ▲
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ADVERTISING: Jenna Hopkins ext 26 Hazel Walding - Advertising Manager For information on how to advertise in our next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 34 or ext 26
PUBLISHING: Printed and distributed by NWN Media. www.nwnmedia.co.uk Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.
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Page 14 DIY your way to feeling warmer
John Gaulton john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk
GENERAL MANAGER - Mary Purcell
Page 06 Let the tranquil waters flow Page 05 Building for the future - The Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools
DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk
Page 22 The allnew Ford Ranger
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Page 19 M&D Cycles Abergavenny
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.
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Page 27 Recipe Corner
Tuesday 14th February 2012
▲ Page 26 Valentines Gifts for him and her
▲ Page 29 Five minutes with... Sir Cameron Mackintosh
St Valentines Evening Menu £29.95 per person. 5 Course Candlelit Dinner for two or more Sunday 18th February 2012
Mothering Sunday Lunch £25 per person. Three Course Lunch including a glass of house wine on arrival, tea or coffee to finish and Gift for every Mum Friday 2nd March 2012
Adele 2 Tribute £20 per person including two course dinner and entertainment until midnight Sunday 11th March
Wedding Fayre 11am - 4pm Free Admission
For more information please contact Jane or Jemma on 01873 890271 or visit our website www.theparkhotelwales.com ●
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Warm up to wood-burning stove Visit our showroom in CHEPSTOW to see our stylish range of traditional and contempory stoves in multi fuel, gas & electric. Stove expertise at competitive prices. Offering the complete package from supply to installation by Hetas qualified engineers and we will ensure you have the perfect stove.
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Building for the future The best possible start for your son or daughter The Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools benefit from strong links with the Haberdashers’ Company and offer exceptional facilities and educational expertise. A team of experienced and dedicated teaching staff are geared up for the different learning styles of girls and boys. Sport, music, drama and dance add to the rich variety of life at the Schools, encouraging children to achieve their own personal best and instil a lifelong love of learning. Each year a high number of scholarships are awarded as boys and girls move confidently onto Monmouth School and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls. The Governors have recently introduced means-tested bursaries up to 100% of the fees for entry from age 7. The Grange - Boys aged 711, with boarding from 9
Independent research has placed The Grange, Monmouth Preparatory School, as one of the top three prep schools in the UK. Boys thrive in a happy, vibrant, atmosphere with a new, state-of-the-art building, providing excellent facilities complete with a large central library, spacious classrooms, dining facilities with fully equipped kitchen, science lab, ICT suite and music studios. In addition, the new site is right next door to the Monmouth School Sports Complex with indoor sports hall, astro-turf, 25m pool and over twenty five acres of sports fields. There is a full programme of after school clubs and activities, enabling us to offer 8am to 6pm care is available. Subject specialist teachers transmit their passion for their subject to their pupils who excel in this school community.
Inglefield House - Girls aged 7-11, with boarding from 9 Inglefield House is the preparatory school of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, offering an outstanding education with a varied and exciting curriculum for girls aged 7-11. This close-knit, happy
school has the additional benefit of sharing the extensive facilities in the senior school. This includes the stunning swimming pool, extensive sports grounds, theatre, dance studio, dining room, ICT and science laboratories. A broad range of extracurricular clubs and activities are available
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to cater for all interests. An after-school club allows flexibility for parents, extending the school day and giving a helping hand with homework if needed. With a strong emphasis on pastoral care and an experienced teaching team, girls flourish in this environment.
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Let the tranquil waters flow If you want to attract wildlife and add colour, light and movement to your garden, create a pond. Time to think ahead to next Spring so get out into the garden and start planning a soothing water feature. Your pond should suit the style and size of your garden. Square, circular and rectangular ponds are ideal for formal gardens, while irregular-shaped ponds are best suited to informal spaces. Choose a good place for your pond so you don't spend too much time maintaining it. Avoid shady spots and those near overhanging trees and bushes. Because you'll be sinking the pond into the ground, the site should be free from underground obstacles, such as drainage pipes. You also need to think about how the pond will fit into its surroundings. Look for a spot where you can plant a border along one side, because this will help the pond to merge into the rest of the garden. Larger ponds are generally easier to look after, providing you put them in the right place. If you want a pond filled with fish and aquatic plants, you'll need a surface area of at least five metres squared for it to be self-
sustaining. The deepest area should be around 60cm, with 15cm-deep shelves around the edges where shallow-water plants can grow. If you want a smaller pond, be prepared to maintain it regularly, or don't have fish in it. Plant-only ponds can look just as nice and are great for wildlife - in fact, fish will eat many of the creatures you're trying to attract. For more information, see www.getintogardening.co.uk
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Doleq Carpets "I liked the business so much, I bought the company," is a variation on a well known slogan, but for two local entrepreneurs it’s just what they have done. For the past couple of decades Alan Watson ran Doleq Carpets from the Noble Square Industrial Estate in Brymawr and the factory outlet was very much part of the fabric of the town. But at the end of last year the owner decided to retire and sell up. However two of the company’s fitters who had been working for Doleq Carpets for over 25 years each, had other ideas and brought the company between them. Shane Whelpton and Anthony Lewis swapped their overalls for suits and took over the organisation, which employs five people, at the end of December 2011.
The company, which is renowned for selling a good range of carpets and stocks of other floor coverings, including laminate flooring and vinyl coverings has even taken on an apprentice in its first weeks of trading under new management. Shane said: “I’ve compared the order book with this time last year and we have already doubled last year’s fittings. “We are ambitious and while we aim to continue to cultivate our regular customers we are planning an expansion. This will be done over a period of time as we don’t want to run before we can walk.” Anthony added: “Taking over the business has given us renewed enthusiasm and we are up for the many challenges that will be presented to us. “We don’t intend standing still and we shall be looking at broadening our customer base by gaining additional contract work and our long term aim is to open up a second outlet.” Neville Whitestone, who has also been with the company for more years than he can remembers remains as the showroom’s salesman.
Bespoke Kitchens, Furniture and Interesting Carpentry Mick McNamara specialises in bespoke kitchens, furniture and unusual assignments.
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The new owners of Doleq Carpets Shane Whelpton and Anthony Lewis outside their outlet in Brynmawr.
Mick McNamara Cabinet Maker
Mick feels that the demands placed on kitchens in the 21st century are very exacting and he believes they must be ‘seriously beautiful and effortlessly functional’, whatever their style. “The key to ensuring a seamless combination of the two is the bespoke kitchen, designed and built to provide unique solutions to your specific needs.” This includes an innovative solution for flood prone areas. He works with a variety of woods and man made materials. Items can be fitted or standalone. Style could be minimal or contemporary, traditional with a twist or even
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Telephone 01600 715509 07860 736755
just timelessly traditional. Kitchens are only one element of the Mick’s portfolio as he provides the creativity and expertise to bring any idea to life. He has a talent for problem-solving and he loves the opportunity of facing a challenge to create exclusive solutions. From initial concept to completed project, Mick provides unrivalled attention to detail and finish and the promise of individuality. When he undertakes commissions on older buildings he aims to work in harmony with the structure to ensure a sympathetic solutions without sacrificing 21st century efficiency. Mick emphasises that every commissioned piece is tailor-made, with every project being of a unique design which is created exclusively to the most exacting standards.
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UPVC windows benefits, cost and building regulations UPVC windows can really transform the look of your home; as well improve security and energy efficiency.
Durable - "uPVC is hard wearing and durable, much more so than wood frames," says window installer Tom. Unlike other materials, uPVC won‚t rot; warp or crack, even in extreme conditions and is fire resistant.
uPVC windows are the most popular kind in the UK "The most popular type of window frames are definitely uPVC" says Tom Rawcliffe, from Dee Windows in Cheshire. UPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinylchloride (sometimes referred to as Vinyl or ridged plastic) and is a common window and door frame material.
Long lasting - good quality uPVC windows can last around 35 years Good for security - "Because it is such a tough material, uPVC provides good security," explains Graham. UPVC windows can be fitted with extra safety features like locks and childproof hinges.
UPVC windows are: Energy efficient - because uPVC keeps the heat in and is an insulating material; "they can reduce heat loss from your home", says Graham Dear, from Addlestone Windows and Conservatories in Surrey. "This helps to lower both your fuel bills and carbon footprint". Low cost - in comparison to other window frame types like wood, uPVC is a cheaper option. Good for reducing noise pollution the thickness and insulating nature of uPVC window frames will reduce noise pollution, which is especially handy if you live near a main road.
Attractive - new windows will appeal to buyers and may even increase the value of your home. Low maintenance - the occasional clean is all your uPVC windows will need; "Unlike wood frames which need repainting or staining regularly," points out Tom. Available in different colours and finishes this means you can choose uPVC windows to suit your homes existing style. UPVC frames with a wood grain finish are popular.
What are Sash Windows? Sash windows, are sliding windows, which usually slide vertically, but which can slide horizontally and which are normally in pairs. The original design of the sash window is attributed to the English inventor, Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703) and sash windows were a very common type of window, especially in Georgian residences and also Victorian houses. In these residences, the most common sash window used was and is the classical style of two frames each with six panels. This however, was a style particular to those types of residence and is not a fixed rule - many different styles of these windows survive and are in use today. Sash windows have an advantage that allows them to be partially opened without the window falling back into the closed position, as would be expected of a heavy vertical frame. This can be achieved in different ways. Earlier types of these windows had ropes and counter weights (or sash weights) that were set into the window frame. More modern types of sash type windows use friction tracks to achieve the same result. This is a preferable method in the construction of modern houses with thinner outer walls. Other types of windows with sashes can have hinges on one side, which, when the counter balance is disconnected on the other side, allows the window to be swung open. This can be used as a safety measure or for cleaning purposes.
In the past the materials used in the construction of these window frames was entirely of timber. With the development of new products, it is quite usual to see metal (particularly aluminium) and uPVC being used instead of wooden sash windows. Many people have to make what can be a difficult choice between timber and uPVC sash windows. In a further development with regard to the evolution‚ of sash windows, it is now common to install double glazed sash windows or triple glazed windows, and there has been a reversion to traditional sash timber windows, which can be painted or stained, according to the owner's wishes. Sash Window Restoration. Sash windows have contributed in a major way to architecture, and the evolution in design of these windows show the changes in architectural and social history over several centuries. There are window companies which specialise in the sash window repairs - some older windows can have quite a complicated counter weight system. If at all possible, it is in the future interest of our architectural heritage that every effort be made to repair your sash windows and retain their fantastic features for future generations. Maintaining your timber sash windows and painting your sash windows can be a slow and sometimes difficult undertaking and installing replacement sash windows can be a tempting option, but they are tasks that will bring their rewards.
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Monmouth Repairing, Servicing and Improving Traditional Sash Windows Are your windows draughty? Difficult to open and close? In need of repair? Do they let in unacceptable noise levels? Do they rattle in the wind? Are they fitted with adequate locks and fittings? Do not replace your sash windows. The Sliding Sash Solutions system for overhauling traditional sash windows is an effective way to eliminate all these problems without changing the appearance of your original windows. Our specialist renovation and repair service for sliding sash windows includes any timber repairs, replacement of rotten sills and re-glazing of damaged panes along with the installation of our unique Solutions Brush Pile System TM
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Titchmarsh works towards his ideal garden As the ideal gardens ambassador for this year's Ideal Home Show, TV gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh needs to stay ahead of the times. Keeping a keen eye on gardening trends, landscaping designs and what the public will be growing in 2012 and beyond, he predicts that the 'grow your own' campaign will be as strong as ever this year. "Growing your own will still be popular," he says, "and veg can be fitted into pockets on the flower border as well as on a dedicated veg patch. "Climbers on house walls are set to make a resurgence - who needs to look at boring brickwork? Just make sure that adequate wire or trellis supports are provided. "And repeat-flowering roses should be in every garden - in and among border perennials and shrubs - dedicated rose beds are now out," he says. Despite heavy TV commitments, Titchmarsh will be out in his Hampshire garden this winter, preparing it for spring and beyond. "Getting my garden ready for spring is something that, like everybody else, I try to fit in around work. But it's vital and my garden is my safety valve as well as my canvas. "My garden has good lines. Perspective, proportion and form are every bit as important to me as colour. There is lots of evergreen
topiary - clipped box and yew - but within the borders there are billowing banks of perennials, shrubs and roses. "I also have a wild flower meadow and a wildlife pond, providing great entertainment and a really good way of doing my bit for conservation. My garden is my sanctuary." Winter offers time for planning new borders and allows gardeners time to do jobs little by little, he says. "The great thing about winter is that things move slowly in the garden and we have a chance to catch up. It's not all about tidying, though there is some of that to do - border perennials to cut back (I like to leave some old foliage on in winter to help insects and birds), the last of the leaves to clear up and compost. "I lightly fork over the earth between plants in early spring, working in a sprinkling of blood, fish and bone and then, among shrubs in particular, I mulch with chipped bark to seal in moisture and keep down weeds." Winter is a great time to take a long, hard look at the garden and work out where there are gaps in terms of interest, he reflects. Deciduous trees and shrubs are best planted now (provided the soil is not waterlogged or frozen) to give them a head start in spring, while perennials should be ordered now for planting in early spring so that the year can get off to a flying start.
If the ground's too hard or wet to work on, curl up on a winter's evening with some seed catalogues and work out what you want to grow this year, making your order quickly for the best selection, he suggests. If you're creating a new veg plot, decide what you like eating and how much space such crops will take up. Then work out sowing and harvesting times so that the best use is made of your veg patch. "Order your seeds early and store them in a shoe-box in order of sowing times," he advises. "Don't sow too much of quick-maturing crops such as lettuce and radish at the same time, but make smaller sowings every few weeks to ensure a succession of tender young crops." Indoors in January and February, you can sow geranium (pelargonium) seeds early - they take
a long while to grow and will flower sooner if they are raised on a warm windowsill. Sprout seed potatoes so that they get off to a flying start when they are planted out later. At the Ideal Home Show 2012, Titchmarsh will be judging the Ideal Young Gardeners of the Year competition in which six colleges go head to head to create sustainable show gardens. "We need to do much more to promote horticulture as a career and to pass on our gardening skills. It is the most rewarding of jobs, tough at times, yes, but one which allows us to do our bit for the future of the planet." The Ideal Home Show at London's Earls Court runs from March 16 to April 1. To book tickets, visit www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or call 0844 858 6763.
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Making solar power pay Just as you can’t fail to have noticed the increasing number of solar panels that have been appearing on roofs over the last couple of years, it’s almost impossible to have missed the debate surrounding the Government’s proposed reduction in the feed in tariff (FIT) – the amount of money that householders with solar panels receive for generating their own electricity. Midland’s based solar panel installer Eco2Solar is not immune from the fall-out of the FIT reduction. However, according to its managing director Paul Hutchens, the news isn’t necessarily as bad as it first seems. “Before the FIT announcement, householders were promised annual returns of up to 15% from solar panels; which were always unsustainable in the long-term. The proposed new 21p rate, for every kWh of electricity generated, is seen by the Government as more realistic”. Eco2Solar believe that a 10% annual return is possible, based on the proposed 21p tariff; which if viewed simply as an investment, beats anything currently available from any UK bank. “We can confidently offer this return on the 21p FIT because Eco2Solar has lowered its costs by reducing our margins and working closely with our suppliers to achieve a better deal” he explains. If you would like to know more about Eco2Solar, call us on 01562 977 977, or visit our website www.eco2solar.co.uk
You’ve worked hard for your home. Now it can begin to pay you back. Despite the recent drop in feed-in tariffs, installing solar panels is still one of the best investments you can make. As well as benefiting from much-reduced energy bills, the Government backed scheme will pay you a good return on the electricity you generate more than you could expect from a bank or building society. And you can bask in the warm glow of knowing you’re reducing your building’s carbon footprint.
Act now and don’t miss out. To discover how Eco2Solar could help you save energy and make money, call us on:
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Kick start for self-build projects We looks at whether self-builds are ripe for a comeback and reveals how Britons are seeking out potential bargains in Greece Housing minister Grant Shapps has thrown his weight behind a new campaign to persuade more families to undertake self-build projects in which they find their own plot of land and build the home of their dreams. Self-building is hardly an easy option, but when prices are rising, capital gains can be spectacular. When the housing market was booming until summer 2007, self-builders produced about 20,000 homes a year. Now self-build produces barely half that total, and interest in the concept has plunged. According to the UK Self-Build report, compiled by Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, the number of self-build homes produced in the year to March 31,2011 was 13,860 - a decline of 11.5% on the previous year. That is barely 10% of the total 105,000 new homes we build each year, while the level of demand, say forecasters, means we should build around 240,000. Michael Holmes, editor in chief at Homebuilding & Renovating, says: "The average duration of a self-build
project is 18 to 24 months, compared to eight to nine months for the speculative development market, so the latest figures reflect conditions and sentiment during 2008/09 when the mortgage crisis was at its worst. "Numbers are unlikely to improve significantly until the availability of self-build funding returns to more normal levels and confidence in the housing market recovers. "The consensus is that this will not be until 2012 at the earliest."
Wye Valley Reclamation Herefordshire’s largest reclamation yard Flagstones • Sleepers Bricks • Stone Troughs Gazebos • Garden Features and much more! Monday–Friday 8-5 Saturday–Sunday 8-4 Lloyd George House, Fordshill Road, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6NS sales@wye-valley-reclamation.co.uk
01432 353 606 ●
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Feel the warmth
Here’s how to DIY your way to feeling warmer 1. Strip wallpaper An electric wallpaper stripper is like a big kettle and creates lots of steam, so it's a great way to get warm. Moving the scraper up and down will help, too, especially if the wallpaper is hard to remove. 2. Paint your walls Similarly, moving your paint roller up and down can keep you warm. If you want to paint after dark, use powerful work lights so you can see what you're doing - they give off a surprising amount of heat. 3. Paint your woodwork Using quick-drying wood and metal paint is a good idea at any time of year, but especially in winter. Freezing temperatures will slow down the drying process, though, so train a fan heater on your freshly painted woodwork to speed things up and make you toasty. 4. Sand Sanding is often vigorous work, so it'll keep you warm. You won't get a good finish if you don't sand thoroughly, so put your back into it and you'll benefit in more ways than one. 5. Silicone seal To silicone seal around a bath, you need to fill it with water. This replicates the weight of someone having a bath and helps to prevent the sealant from cracking. When you're doing the sealing, sit on the edge of the bath with your feet and legs in the water - as long as the water's hot, you'll be warm.
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Ask the expert... DIY news bulletin Q: I like the look of a slate floor, but I'm worried that slate tiles will be too hard for me to lay myself, which I want to do to cut costs. Is there an easier alternative?
The B&Q winter sale has already started and it's a sale with a difference because the company will beat any price in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom market (terms and conditions apply).
A: You should find ceramic intimations of slate easier to cut and lay, or, if you want to avoid tiling altogether, slate-effect laminate, which is straightforward to fit once you've got the hang of it. If you'd prefer real slate, choose tiles that aren't very thick and buy a diamond-wheel flatbed tile cutter - it's easy to cut them on one of these. Cutting is the hardest bit, so as long as you can do that, you should be able to lay the floor yourself.
It's also launched a four-year interest-free credit deal to help customers spread the cost of their kitchen, bathroom or bedroom in these cash-strapped times. The best deals include the Cooke & Lewis Helena bathroom suite, reduced from £1,036 to £642; the Cooke & Lewis Cascata walk-in shower enclosure, reduced from £549 to £275; and the Cooke & Lewis Carisbrooke kitchen, reduced from £3,575.50 to £2,512.66 for an eight-unit example. The event is on until the beginning of March. See www.diy.com for details.
Seasonal task... Check the exterior of your home, especially the roof, for damage inflicted by the recent storms and high winds. Missing tiles, for example, can cause leaks, so use a pair of binoculars to help you to assess the condition of the roof safely, without having to go on it.
Recipe Corner Steamed fish with Chinese greens & plum sauce For the fish ● 2 sole fillets, skinned ● salt and freshly ground black pepper ● 1 monkfish fillet ● 300g/11oz salmon fillet, skinned ● 500g/1lb 2oz mixed Chinese greens ● 1 mackerel, filleted ● 1 tsp olive oil For the plum sauce ● 1 tbsp olive oil ● 3 spring onions, sliced ● 1 cinnamon stick ● 2 whole star anise ● 500g/1lb 2oz plums, stoned & roughly chopped ● 125ml/5fl oz rice wine vinegar ● 75g/3oz caster sugar
February 2012 Pick up your copy of the Abergavenny Chronicle every Thursday
Potato Day at Mcdonalds Garden Centre, Llanfoist with Mr David Chappel, the expert. 10am– 3pm
Pick up your copy of the Abergavenny Chronicle every Thursday
Method: 1. Cut the sole fillets into four even-sized pieces and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roll each one up. 2. Cut the monkfish and salmon into the same sized pieces as the rolled sole, then season lightly with salt and black pepper. 3. Place the fish into a steamer set over a pan of simmering water, cover and steam for 3-4 minutes, or until just cooked through. 4. Meanwhile, place the greens in a separate steamer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until just tender. 5. Cut the mackerel fillets into four even-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper. 6. Heat a frying pan until hot, add the olive oil and mackerel skin-side down. 7. Fry for two minutes, then flip and cook for a further minute. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest. 8. For the plum sauce, heat a deep-sided frying pan and add the olive oil and spring onions. Fry for one minute, or until just softened, then add the spices. 9. Stir fry for a further minute, add the plums and stir to combine. 10. Add the vinegar and sugar and bring to the boil. 11. Cover and simmer for five minutes, or until the plums have softened. 12. Remove from the heat and remove the
cinnamon and star anise. 13. Place the mixture into a blender and process to a purée. 14. Pass through a sieve into a bowl. Season with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper. 15. To serve, pile the greens onto each plate, place the fish on top and a spoonful of plum sauce alongside.
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Hereford Gas Services Ltd For all your gas requirements Abergavenny Chronicle
13-18 Abergavenny Pantomime Company presents Peter Pan. Tickets available from the Borough Theatre – further details. Tel: 01873 850805
16,17,18 Llangynidr Pantomime “Sheer Luck Homes”. 7 pm. Tickets £4, concessions £3. Tel: 01874 730179, 01874 730287
Brecon. 15th Annual Concert Rorkes Drift. Evening 7.30pm. An outstanding musical occasion with over a hundred musicians and performance of military personnel taking part.
Abergavenny Chronicle Abergavenny Farmers Market, Market Hall, Abergavenny, Fresh Local produce. Borough Theatre, 7.30pm, Jonathan Jenkins talk about Howick Farm 1306 to present. ALHS. Members to bring cards, non members can join on the night, or call 01873 850220.
Tony Benn will talk about “Palestine”: a Central Moral Issue of Our Time”, In St Mary’s Priory Centre, Abergavenny 6.30p.m for 7pm. Free entry. Contact Tel : 01873 812541.
Brecon. 15th Annual Concert Rorkes Drift. Evening 7.30pm. An outstanding musical occasion with over a hundred musicians and performance of military personnel taking part. Inclusive cost £20 per person, Coach/Theatre. Coach departs at 6pm from Abergavenny Bus Station. Limited tickets. Reservations 01873 852567.
Pandy & Monnowside Ploughing Society, Fun Bingo, 8pm, Pandy Hall.
7 Year Warranty on selected boilers! Hereford Gas Services is a local independent company specialising in gas installation, servicing and maintenance. We have the largest showroom in Herefordshire with over 80 gas fires and fireplaces on display. Hereford Gas Services prides itself with an excellent reputation across the country with many of our valued customers visiting us year on year. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Toy and Train Collectors Fair, Gilwern Village Hall evening 7pm to 9pm
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Central Heating Installations Boiler Servicing LPG / Oil / Solar Systems Updates Repairs Large display of fireplaces Gas Fires Cookers and Ranges on display Showers Competitive Prices
Tel / Fax: (01432) 272329 Unit 4, Mortimer Trading Centre, Mortimer Road, Hereford www.herefordgasservices.co.uk ●
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Cashbrokers Valentines Day is the ideal opportunity to surprise that special person in your life with a beautiful gift of jewellery. Nothing compares to the sparkle of a clean cut white diamond or the lustre of fine gold and silver jewellery as a special gift for the one you love. Cashbrokers in Market Street, Abergavenny can provide you with that special gift at a very special price. Shop owners, Dean & Iolanda said, ‘We are able to offer different and exciting pieces of jewellery at a fraction of the cost of the High Street Jewellers. Our jewellery does not attract the high mark-up that is charged on new jewellery. Each item that is bought in is thoroughly checked and cleaned and only the best pieces are offered for re-sale in the window. All
jewellery comes with our personal 28-day guarantee and a no quibble refund is offered if the jewellery is found to be faulty in any way’. Cashbrokers take payment by cash or card and also offer a Layaway scheme where you can spread the cost by paying in easy instalments. An added benefit is that you can exchange any of your old pieces of jewellery against the price of your new item, even if it is damaged or broken. In addition to the Gold, Silver and Jewellery, Cashbrokers services include Cheque Cashing, Short and Long Term Loans and Payday Advances. Dean & Iolanda are building upon their reputation by offering good old fashioned customer service and they have already built up a sound customer base with much repeat business. The Cashbrokers line – ‘Your Friend with Some Cash’ – is taken seriously by everyone within the Company.
Nick Ramsay AM Assembly Member for Monmouth Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office, 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk For further information call: 01291 674 898 or 029 2089 8735
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Other items such as electrical items, phones, iPods, laptops, TVs etc are on sale at Cashbrokers and are available through Cashbrokers website on E-Bay www.cashbrokers.co.uk or ask in store. You can be assured of a warm welcome when you visit the Cashbrokers store in Market Street which is open 6 days a week. There is parking
available opposite in the Brewery Yard Car Park in Market Street. For more information call us on: Tel: 01873 850006 e-mail: abergavenny@cashbrokers.co.uk. website, www.cashbrokers.co.uk
M&D Cycles Abergavenny In January this year Miles Preece took sole control of the Internationally known Abergavenny Bicycle shop and is now moving into the next stage of its development. Miles along with Argo Bowsher, mechanic, wheel builder and salesman are always there to offer honest, impartial advice on all types of bikes and accessories. They carry out repairs and servicing to the highest standard, custom bike and wheel builds, and can get you just about anything you might need, want or desire for your bike. For many years M&D Cycles have been running a cycle race team, taking part in time trials, road races, track and mountain biking. The riders have had varying degrees of success, being Welsh team time trial champions, the Ladies mountain bike team taking second place in the Mountain Mayhem 24 hour race. Now with the new direction in the shop, a new challenge is being undertaken. Last year in the Junior Tour of Wales Miles was aware that in the premier junior cycle race in Wales, there were only seven WELSH riders. As a result he made plans to form a Junior cycling team made up of purely Welsh cyclists. A team of like minded people wanting to develop young Cyclists was formed to follow in the footsteps of people like Geraint Thomas, Jon Mould and Luke Rowe and they are looking towards the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Olympics and professional cycle contracts. Miles and the team then approached the governing body of Cycling in Wales, Welsh Cycling. With the ideas and commitment to develop a group of young cyclists to a cycling future. As a result, five riders were been selected, those being Owen James, Owen Thomas, Matt Cross, Robbie Westwood (one of the lucky people to be selected to carry the Olympic Torch through Wales) and Scott Davies. The first Team ride out saw all the juniors , the management team and some of the senior team, as well as Para-olympian, Mark Colbourne, who along with other prominent pro-cyclists have agreed to be ambassadors for the team and will help mentor the younger riders. Miles approached various suppliers within the cycling trade and secured sponsorship for the team form Kinetica, at sports nutrition company, whose European Sales Manager lives locally in Abergavenny, Merckx Bikes, Kask Helmets, Northwave Shoes and Continental Tyres. With these sponsors, and the new the new direction that Miles is taking the shop, the White and black cycling kit has undergone a radical change in both colour and design, which will be revealed soon when the team is officially launched to the public. These five 16 year old racers already hold a various number of Welsh Youth championship medals in track racing, road racing and time trialing, with Matt and Owen both taking part in the televised Revolution track cycling series from the Manchester velodrome. The senior team of cyclists who stayed with the team after all the upheaval, are no slouches either, NIck Jones and Ross 'Nogie’ Farley competed in the Trans Wales seven day stage race, as a pair, finishing third, and both
of them getting regular high placings in the MTB Marathon series. M&D Cycles stock some of the best bike brands in the world, including Specialised, Wilier, Felt, Whyte and their newest acquisition, bikes designed by the best cyclist in the world and five time Tour de France winner, Eddy Merckx. They also stock entry level bikes for families and
children from Claud Butler, Falcon , as well as from Felt and Specialised. Accessories you can also find in the wide stock range instore come from Shimano, Endura, Castelli, Kask, Continental, Polar Northwave, Fulcrum and Enve, to name but a few. A huge range of accessories are available , and if we haven't got it, we can get it.
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The junior team on our first ride out as the M&D Cycles / Kinetica Cycle racing team. Left to right - Karl Nielson (Team Manager), Matt Cross, Owen James, Owen Thomas, Robbie Westwood, Scott Davies, Miles Preece (Team Director)
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TEL: 01873 854913 Abergavenny www.cartridgesaver.co.uk
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Over the past couple of years M&D Cycles in Frogmore Street have gone through some changes since it opened over eight years ago.
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Spotlight on Abergavenny Market You can never tell when life changing experiences will occur. And for one engineer, affected by the foot and mouth disease epidemic in 2001, it was the time he decided to set up his own business as a market trader initially selling antiques - a hobby of his at the time. Today Frank Williams says that from selling bric-a-brac oddities, his stall has evolved into selling a wide range of tools and other items related to engineering, gardening and DIY. He said: “In the early days I noticed that another market
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trader was selling a wooden box full of old tools and I noticed how much interested this was generating and I had to go and investigate. “It dawned on me that instead of competing with other glass and porcelain traders that I should specialise in tools as this subject was also a subject that interests me.” Over the past eleven years Frank has travelled the country attending house clearance auctions and specialist sales selling tools used by skilled tradesmen in the past that have almost disappeared today as power tools and technology has made many of the traditional skills of the past redundant. Mr Williams added: “Over the years I’ve got to know what some of my customers are collecting or they have asked me to look out for something particular. Its knowing what creates an interest helps make the stall a success and the more unusual the items, the better.” Odd spanners, a range of planes, a handful of mallets and a grease gun are just some of the items lining the stall. Mr Williams added: “People come from miles around to see what I have got. One person I know from West Wales regularly travels to the Market in Abergavenny to see what scientific tools I have and its surprising how many casket makers came to me as they always seem to prefer traditional tools like steel rules to help them make their coffins. “I’ve got model engineers, vintage car restorers and gunsmiths who often tell me what I’ve got in my possession if I am unsure of something. In the past a tool was created for a certain job, however
St. Mary’s Bakery
some tools like a spokes-shave do have crossover uses as it can be used by a cooper or a wheelwright.” Running the stall is the easy side of the business for Frank as explains that there is a lot of running around to acquire his range of ordinary and unusual tools. John Norman from Bryngwyn, a regular customer to the stall interrupts and says: “The stall is like a goldmine to me and other model engineers as he has items that are difficult to find along with lots of other interesting and unusual items.” A woman then interrupts and purchases a job lot of spanners from a clearance box and reveals that
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they will be used for a sculpting project. Mr Williams observed: “Examining the tools of yesteryear, you can see they were of good quality and made to last, which is why they are still around today - and in many cases a century after they were first made. I don’t think many of today’s tools made today will be around even in 50 years time.” “I love everything about engineering and to me being a market trader is one of the best jobs in the world. Its great to see the delight on people’s faces when the find something that they have been looking out for over a number of years.”
Frank Williams at his tool stall at Abergavenny Market
ABERGAVENNY
MARKET
Situated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.
MARKETS EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAYS
Antique Fair
Outside Catering: Delicious Finger Buffets for Birthdays, Christenings, Weddings, Funerals, Children’s Parties or business lunches. Whatever the Occasion we can put together a tasty selection of Sandwiches, Savouries, Fruits and confectionary to your specification. No matter how large or small the order, buffets start at just £3.75 per head. For more information pop into the bakery or call -
Abergavenny: 01873 268183 St. Mary’s Bakery, 15 Frogmore St, Abergavenny 20
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Sunday 19th February
Farmers Market Thursday 23rd February
For further details contact
Flea Markets
Geoff Harris 01873 735811
every Wednesday
Gazette Motors Full hybrid Yaris set for Geneva
Vauxhall ‘Tech Line’
Here is a sneak peek of the first full hybrid supermini on the market, the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. With the ability to run solely on electric power, with zero exhaust emissions, it also acts as a closed system and never needs to be recharged. The system is similar to that seen in the Auris Hybrid, but redeveloped in key areas to make it 20% lighter. The Yaris Hybrid's 1.5-litre petrol engine is new, while the motor, battery pack and associated components are smaller. The result is a Yaris just like any other with the family face to match, but combining 98bhp with what Toyota is calling "segment-leading CO2 emissions." Its key rival is the Honda Jazz Hybrid, which doesn't run a full hybrid system and emits 104g/km, so expect sub-100g/km from the Yaris. Toyota is staying tight-lipped about final
numbers until official tests have been run and the data confirmed. What's particularly impressive is that Toyota has been able to package all the hybrid technology without compromising interior or boot space at all, leaving it with the same 286-litre luggage capacity as any other version. Modifications have been made, however, to the aerodynamics of the hybrid model to make sure it's as efficient as it can be. There will be driving modes available for using the electric motor as much as possible, creating a zero-emission, super-quiet car for in-town driving. When the batteries' energy is depleted the petrol engine will cut back in and help to recharge them. Final specifications are yet to be confirmed, but all models will come with continuously variable automatic transmissions and climate control.
improves bottom line Vauxhall has announced details of a new 'Tech Line' trim which focuses on efficiency-boosting technology and could mean significant savings over other models. Applied only to the Astra and Insignia ranges, Tech Line trim means certain models of Astra fall to 99g/km of CO2, making them road tax free under the current rules. The Insignia drops as low as 115g/km, putting it in the same road tax bracket as much more expensive options. Tech Line has been designed primarily to offer business users the cheapest cost of ownership, with the least-polluting of the models offering large benefit in kind savings when compared to other versions in Vauxhall's line-up. But these are no stripped-out boxes riding on small wheels to eke out every last unit of MPG. All Tech Line models have sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB
connectivity for MP3 players and phones, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a chrome-effect side window surround as standard. There is also a massive choice of engines, although only certain diesel options achieve the lowest costs. In the Astra, that's the 1.7-litre EcoFlex with stop/start technology. Both 108bhp and 128bhp forms weigh in at only 99g/km. In the Insignia, the most efficient option is the 2.0-litre, 158bhp CDTi EcoFlex diesel, again with a stop/start system. It's narrowly more efficient than the cheaper 128bhp 2.0-litre CDTi EcoFlex; the more powerful motor recording 115g/km while the less powerful version makes do with 116g/km. Tech Line specification is available now on the Astra and Insignia, but there are no plans as yet to introduce it to any other model lines.
MIKE’S DRIVING SCHOOL Friendly, Patient & Professional Instruction
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Mike’s Driving School Do you have the dilemma of being a driver but without a licence? A local driving instructor is offering help to unlicensed drivers the help they need to pass the driving test. Mike Hassell who helps many students pass their driving test says that for many reasons unlicensed drivers, many who have been driving for years, are increasingly turning to him for help in obtaining a full licence. He said: “One pupil could not face the prospect of his teenage children embarking on driving lessons when he had never obtained a driving license himself throughout the years the children had been growing up. He knew he had to become legitimate and with our help he obtained his full licence.” Mr Hassell has been told of numerous instances of people not taking a driving test
with others assuming they were a driver because they had always driven. Mr Hassell: “I offer a service with complete discretion and understand that a driver may not wish anyone to know what they are doing. I can assure anyone that confidentiality will be maintained and the train could be conducted in an area many miles from where the driver lives or works.” There is no shortcut to obtaining a full driving licence. You need to obtain a provisional licence; pass the theory test and then pass your practical driving test. Mr Hassell concluded: “This is a confidential way that an unlicensed driver, knowing it was wrong to drive but did not know how to get out of the situation, to pass their driving test.”
Pass Plus Registered Instructor Guided Theory Lessons & Hazard Perception
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Detroit: Audi goes off-piste with Q3 Seen in public for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show, Audi has unveiled a new concept based on the current Q3 SUV. Dubbed the Q3 Vail, it is a more dynamic version with a winter sports theme - although the key change is the adoption of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine seen elsewhere in the Audi range. The Vail adds a two-tone colour scheme with a bespoke body colour - Energy Red - combined with matt grey lower sections, prominent running boards, a single-frame grille and a slick
roof rack with LED lights built in. However it is the powerful 310bhp engine that is the most interesting feature, delivering a 5.5 second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 163mph. Although many of the Veil's features remain conceptual, the adoption of this characterful five-cylinder engine points the way to a future Q3 production model wearing the S badge which will be the flagship of the range. Although Audi remains tight-lipped on the subject, a production Q3 with this engine layout would be likely to appear towards the end of 2012.
The all-new Ford Ranger The all-new Ford Ranger - the latest in a wave of global vehicles - made its worldwide debut at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show.
How Chiropractics can support your health and wellbeing in the New Year Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that primarily focuses on the musculo-skeletal system and the spine and the effects on the nervous system as it relates to the patient’s health. The majority of patients who consult a chiropractor do so for back and leg pain, neck and arm pain and headaches. Chiropractic is also beneficial in the treatment of sports injuries affecting joints as well as a variety of other conditions including infantile colic, childhood asthma and bedwetting and in treating pregnant women with chronic pelvic pain during and after pregnancy. Another area chiropractic treatment can help is with sleep problems: learning the optimum positions for rest and a good night’s sleep can be a primary factor in maintaining or regaining a healthy life balance. Lucy Benning, an experienced Monmouth based chiropractor, believes that as we live longer the challenge for all of us is to maintain an active life for as long as possible. We are not helped, however, by our increasingly sedentary
desk/computer based lifestyles and it is not surprising that more and more people are experiencing lower back and neck pains and headaches. Most people take medication when they are in pain and, as Lucy explains, there is nothing wrong with that but pain is the result of a problem and not the cause of it. A professionally qualified chiropractor aims to treat the cause of the pain. Chiropractic treatment can be the key to a body functioning healthily throughout and chiropractics helps each person to get the best of what they have by keeping things in line. Lucy practices Chiropractics at the newly opened Monmouth Chiropractic and Wellbeing Clinic located in Commerce House, Monnow Street, Monmouth. The Practice also includes a Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy Practitioner and a Certified Bodytalk Practitioner (BodyTalk is a new Holistic Therapy system to Wales). To make an appointment contact Lucy on 07585 552462 or email monmouthclinic@yahoo.co.uk
MONMOUTH CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLBEING CLINIC Commerce House Monnow Street Monmouth
FEBRUARY OFFER
25% saving on: ❏ Initial Chiropractic consultation and one treatment ❏ Clinical Hypnotherapy - Weight Management Sessions ❏ BodyTalk Holistic Therapy Sessions
Contact Lucy or Michele on 01600 714452 or 07585 552462 or email monmouthclinic@yahoo.co.uk
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The all-new Ranger has a powerful presence and promises to give pickup truck owners more can-do capability and a transformed truck ownership experience. From impressive gains in power and safety to exceptional towing capability, the nextgeneration Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous Ranger heritage of pickup truck capability, but it also gives truck owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience they would expect to find only in a car. Amongst the most high-tech in its segment, Ford Ranger is the impressive result of an allnew global compact pickup truck platform
from Ford - the latest to emerge under the company's One Ford initiative - and Mazda. It replaces two previous-generation compact truck platforms currently in production to present a new face of Built Ford Tough to customers around the world. Built on innovation, it boasts a list of technologies and features to lead the segment - including a new Rearview Camera System, Rear Park Assist, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control. Ford plans to reveal even more new Ranger technologies in the coming months. Destined for sale across five continents and more than 180 markets, Ford Ranger will be offered as a complete family of compact trucks - with three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and up to five series choices, depending on the market. Contact 01291 690423 Raglan Ford
The power of F1 The cars used in F1 championships are quite different from usual cars. Just go through these interesting facts on these cars and you will know how different both the versions are. Approximate 80,000 components come together to make an F1 car. The cars have to be assembled with cent per cent accuracy. If it were assembled 99.9% correctly, it would go on the track with 80 components wrongly placed. F1 car engines complete their life in about two hours of racing. Just compare this with normal engines which go on serving us faithfully for decent 20 years. When an F1 driver puts brakes on his car he experiences huge retardation or deceleration. It could be compared to a regular car driving through a brick wall at the speed of 300kmph. An F1 engine usually revs up to 18000 rpm. This means that the piston travels up and down 300 times a second. Road car engines rev up to 6000 rpm at max. The brake discs in an F1 car have to withstand the operating temperature of approximately 1000 degrees Centigrade. They are made of
carbon fibre which is much harder than steel and has a higher melting point. The cars have more than a kilometer of cable linked to about 100 sensors and actuators which monitor and control the car. An F1 car can accelerate from 0 to 160 kph and decelerate back to 0 in just four seconds. An F1 car weighs around 550 kg. Gear cogs or ratios are replaced after each race for they have to resist high degrees of stress. Gear levers are located on the back of the wheel. The clutch levers are located below the gear paddles. Most racing cars have their tyres filled with nitrogen. The reason being nitrogen has a more consistent pressure compared to normal air. Road car tyres can last 60 000 to 100 000 km. On the other hand, racing tyres are designed to last only 90 to 120 km. The tyres lose weight during the race. In a GP each tyre loses about 0.5kg in weight due to wear. The cars can be refueled at 12 liters per second. The rig used would take just 4 seconds to fill the tank of an average road car. Pit stop crews take only 3 seconds to refuel and change tyres
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. . . o u D Dear
Sudoku Challenge
Q: What did the valentine card say to the stamp?
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.
Dear Duo I smoke and I am thirteen … and I cannot stop. I have been smoking ever since I was twelve and I am finding it difficult to stop and I seem to smoke more and more each day. My friends think its cool. I am too scared to speak with my parents as I know they will be mad. Im starting to think im going to die at a young age. Please Help! S Dear S Congratulations! Being able to see that something is a problem is the first, and sometimes the hardest step. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, nicotine (contained in ciggarettes) is a drug, this makes smoking very addictive. The good news is that there is plenty of help out there. It is very important to be able to talk to people for support, however if you do not have anyone that you feel that you can talk to about this, you could try using a telephone service like childline who you can talk to about any problems you have on your mind (0800 1111) or quitline (0800 00 22 00) who are specifically there to help people quit smoking. The health effects of smoking in your future could be deadly, but that aside smoking has immediate effects for you too, it causes; bad skin, bad breath,bad smelling clothes and hair, reduced athletic performance, greater risk of injury and slower healing time as well as an increased risk of illness. Be strong, know what you want, try to resist peer pressure (as hard as that might be) and don’t be affraid to ask for help. You CAN do it! J I am glad that you have finally decided to give up smoking. It will inevitability be hard as it is so addictive. I would make an appointment to go and get advice from your doctor. They will be able to prescribe patches that could help you. This will eventually damage your health but after only smoking for a year the damage will be less if you do give up now. Do niot be swayed by your peers, smoking is definately not cool !!!!!
once, we have talked over facebook but it seems as though he would prefer talk to other girls. When I ring him up he always has an excuse to either having to go or a reason that he has to talk to one of my friends instead of me. Sometimes he makes me feel really awful and hurts my feelings a lot, but then he is all sweet and every time I can’t help falling for him once again, and before I realise what mistake I made he turns on me again. He has made me cry a lot recently. I feel like I forgive him to easy but I find it impossible to be angry with him…please help me out! sara Hi Sara I completely understand the struggle that you are in, it seems you know that he is bad for you and yet you can’t give him up. However, you need too! He most certainly does not deserve you, as you appear to care so much more about him then he does about you. You need to explain to him that he simply isn’t treating you right and then really try and distance yourself. Delete his number, his friendship off of facebook or twitter or any other social networking sites! If you happen to be at the same party or something just stick with your friends and don’t get drawn into him! He seems to be ignoring you and enjoying the attention that he gets, so just cut him off now! You are worth more.
A: Stick with me and we'll go places!
Gazette Magazine Poll
Are you enjoying EastEnders Ben ‘out of control’ storyline Let us know what you think
The Winter Issue
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Q: What is a vampire's sweetheart called? A: His ghoul-friend.
Text yes, or no to 07800 609944 or email jennahopkins@yahoo.co.uk Standard rates apply please ask the bill payers permission. See next months edition for results.
Hi Sara If I was you I would make myself less dependant on him, go out with your friends and when he contacts you dont answer the phone. When he realises that you are not at his beck and call and have another life he will not keep taking advantage of you. While you are there answering his calls and talking to him on facebook etc he thinks your sat there waiting for him !! Eventually you will either start to gain respect from him or you will break away and find a much more worthwhile relationship. H
RBS 6 Nations Date Sat 4th Feb 12 Sat 4th Feb 12 Sun 5th Feb 12 Sat 11th Feb 12 Sat 11th Feb 12 Sun 12th Feb 12 Sat 25th Feb 12 Sat 25th Feb 12 Sun 26th Feb 12 Sat 10th Mar 12 Sat 10th Mar 12 Sun 11th Mar 12 Sat 17th Mar 12 Sat 17th Mar 12 Sat 17th Mar 12
KO (GMT) 14:30 17:00 15:00 16:00 20:00 15:00 13:30 16:00 15:00 14:30 17:00 15:00 12:30 14:45 17:00
Home Score France v Scotland v Ireland v Italy v France v Wales v Ireland v England v Scotland v Wales v Ireland v France v Italy v Wales v England v
Away Italy England Wales England Ireland Scotland Italy Wales France Italy Scotland England Scotland France Ireland
Venue Stade de France Murrayfield Aviva Stadium Stadio Olimpico Stade de France Millennium Stadium Aviva Stadium Twickenham Murrayfield Millennium Stadium Aviva Stadium Stade de France Stadio Olimpico Millennium Stadium Twickenham
Colour me in
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A: Can I hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand
TV to look out for
J
Dear Duo
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Q: What did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus?
Q: If your aunt ran off to get married, what would you call her? A: Antelope.
H
I have a boyfriend and I have been with him for 7months now, at the start of the relationship he seemed really keen about it, but now it seems as though he doesn’t want to know me, and I feel like his love for me is slipping. I have tried to let him know on how I feel but every time I do it just leads to us arguing. I really do love him and I really don’t know what I would do without him. He used to make more of an effort but now its been 3weeks and I haven’t seen him
Gazette Giggles!
Funny Valentine Quotes 'Women are cursed, and men are the proof.' Rosanne Barr 'Get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day.' Mickey Rooney
Sudoku Solution
Sorry to those who have not had their problems answered yet we have limited space but we will eventually get round to you!
February / March
Who - What - Where - When? WHO... had uncles called Stretch, Fatso and Stinkie?
WHO... is the Greek counterpart of the Roman god, Dis?
WHO... wrote Around The World In Eighty Days?
WHAT... fine parchment was made from the skin of a calf, kid or lamb?
WHAT... was the name of the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima?
WHAT... is the largest living bird?
WHERE... is the National Stud located?
WHERE... is Wytch Farm, the UK's largest onshore oil field? WHEN... was the Boston Port Act passed?
WHEN... was the US battleship Maine blown up in Havana? Answers: Jules Verne; Ostrich; Along the Welsh border; 1898.
WHEN... was Sven-Goran Eriksson appointed England manager?
WHERE...is the earthwork known as Offa's Dyke?
Answers: Casper the Friendly Ghost; Vellum; Newmarket; (January) 2001.
Answers: Pluto; Enola Gay; Dorset; 1774. WHO... in 1995 achieved the first hattrick by an England bowler since Peter Loader in 1957? WHAT...is a rorqual? WHERE... is the industrial port of Catania? WHEN... was the Democratic party formed by Thomas Jefferson? Answers: Dominic Cork; A whale; Sicily; 1792.
Post Natal Exercise Exercise as we all know is important at anytime in our lives keeping our hearts healthy and our weight in check, but never more so than when you’ve just had a baby. There are always the questions, how soon can I start, can I just resume my normal exercise regime, what if I’ve had a Csection? And most frequently what are the best exercises to get my body back to how it used to look? If you’ve had a baby you don’t need to have it spelt out how your body changes during pregnancy, these changes cause a Mums posture to alter, the abdominal muscles become stretched and weakened, in some cases even separate creating a diastasis recti., all of which put added strain on the lower back. The core muscles are compromised during pregnancy and are a first step to getting your shape, posture and strength back in the post natal stage. Pelvic Floor Muscles are also a key part of your core muscles that become weakened during pregnancy not just from giving birth but also from the strain of supporting the weight of the baby for 9 months, so even if you’ve had a C-section these muscles will be weaker and need some attention to get back to full working order. Why Post Natal Exercise? Any exercise I hear you say has got to be better than none? True, but a post natal
body has specific imbalances that will need to be corrected, a post natal exercise class targets the weakened muscle groups to ensure that Mum’s body improves posture and core strength first and foremost before progressing to more strenuous exercise, more general exercise classes will target all muscles and so the imbalances won’t necessarily be corrected and may worsen. A post natal class will also incorporate the all important fat burning element. The presence of the hormone relaxin in a new Mums body will also have an impact on the type of exercise that she should undertake, (the joints can feel loose for a while following the birth) so it’s recommended that any high impact exercise is avoided or minimised for up to 6 months post partum, a post natal class will start off gradually and build up at Mums own pace until she’s ready to move on. But perhaps just as importantly, a post natal class will be full of like minded Mums who’ll be able to share your experience and know exactly how you feel, so you could come away with a stronger body and some new friends. Article written by Gemma Hewitt, Be Fit Mummies, Personal Trainer, Pre & Post Natal Exercise Specialist. For more information on classes in your area visit www.befitmummies.co.uk
“Play & Tone” Post Natal Programme designed to get you back in shape after having your little one, bring them along to play while you tone (0-12 months)
@Abergavenny Leisure Centre Tuesday 1.30-2.30pm For more details visit www.befitmummies.co.uk, or call 07595739655 Places are limited so reserve yours now. ●
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Name a s tar
Auto Stun t School av
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Sam’s Floral Designs Heavenscent Flowers 78 The Avenue, Govilon, Abergavenny, NP7 9PR
The Tanta lising Tap as Kit available fr o
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Air Swim Remote C mer ontrol Sh ark available
Valentine’s Hamper
from www.iwan toneoftho se.com
£40.49
£40.00 for 2 people Please choose 2 dishes from each course
A selection of canapés
❤ Black Mountain smoked salmon and king prawn terrine with a herb and caper dressing ❤ Oriental duck and noodle salad with a soy and sesame dressing ❤ Leek and goats cheese filo pastry tart with caramelized onions
❤ Slow Cooked wye valley Beef with red wine and thyme sauce served with fondant potatoes Local Lamb with cider honey and mint served with Chive mash ❤ Breast of free range chicken wrapped in smoked bacon with a creamy wild mushroom and white wine sauce ❤ Fillet of sea bass with a pea and mint puree served with roasted cherry tomatoes ❤ Polenta with spiced aubergines sweet potato and taleggio
❤ Chocolate fondue to share ❤ Welsh cheeses with oat cakes and red onion marmalade ❤ Platter of mini desserts (Crème brulee lemon and lime mouse chocolate roulade)
To Order your Hamper Please call 07814401117 Orders can be collected from Unit 2 Castle Meadows Park Abergavenny NP7 7RZ Or delivered to you door (delivery charges may apply). All Items are fully prepared and have cooking instructions where applicable. Latest time for collection and delivery is 5.00pm on 14th February
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You Captu re image atta d My Heart Neckla ched to em ce ail - availa at www.tre ble ather.com
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Recipe Corner
Roast belly of pork with root vegetables Ingredients: 1.8 kg/3lb 15½oz belly pork, skin on ● 4 tbsp cider vinegar ● 3 tbsp pork dripping or ● 8 bay leaves, crushed ● 1 whole garlic, sliced in half For the root vegetables ● 4 parsnips, cut into long wedges ● 400g/14¼oz carrots ● 6 whole shallots ● 3 sprigs fresh thyme ● 1 tbsp olive oil ● 55g/2oz spinach ●
Method: 1. The night before, boil a kettle and pour the boiling water over the pork skin (this method will give you better crackling). Discard the water. 2. Next, baste the raw joint with cider vinegar; rubbing it all over to ensure the vinegar gets into the rind. Place the joint on a plate in the fridge, uncovered, overnight. 3. Remove the pork from the fridge and spread with the dripping or butter, crushed bay leaves and garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, set aside for the flavours to develop.
4. Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
Serv es 4
5. Place the pork ,skin side up, on a wire rack that fits over an empty roasting tray. Roast for one hour and then reduce the oven temperature to 180C/350F/Gas 4. 6. Place the parsnips, carrots and shallots into the bottom of a roasting tray; add the thyme and olive oil and a glass of water. 7. Remove the tray from beneath the pork and pour any fat that has gathered in the bottom of the tray over the vegetables; place the vegetables tray underneath the pork. 8. Roast for a further hour, basting the vegetables with the juices from the pork in the bottom of the pan from time to time. 9. Remove the pork from the wire rack and allow to rest for 15 minutes in a warm place. 10. Toss the spinach leaves with the vegetables from the roasting pan. Drain off any fat leaving the cooking juices behind. 11. Carve off the crackling in one piece and portion. Serve the pork with the roasted root vegetables and gravy.
Carpenters Arms Walterstone, Nr. Pandy VALENTINES BOOKING NOW BEING TAKEN A warm welcome awaits you from Vera Watkins & family.
01873 890353
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Wiltshire Farm Foods From the field to the freezer... How Wiltshire Farm Foods carefully prepared frozen meals are helping people stay independent For those who’ve worked hard all their lives, maintaining independence is particularly important - especially when it comes to mealtimes. Wiltshire Farm Foods is one company that’s keen to help those who can’t get out and about as much, so they can eat well and look after themselves. Established for more than 20 years, Wiltshire Farm Foods creates and delivers a delicious range of frozen meals that can be cooked in minutes. From the field, to the freezer, every detail is considered in order to offer nutrition, value, flavour and award-winning personal service. Ingredients are selected from carefully approved suppliers and are then prepared by a team of nutritionists and awardwinning chefs in their Wiltshire kitchens. Once cooked, the meals are placed into handy trays that fit easily into the freezer, then frozen almost immediately to lock in the freshness. Convenience is a key part of the Wiltshire
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Farm Foods offering. All meals can be ordered over the phone or online. They’re then delivered by a friendly, local delivery driver, who is always happy to put meals away in the freezer if preferred. With the freezer stocked up, you know that a hot meal is only ever a few minutes away. Most dishes take 8-12 minutes in the microwave or 35 minutes in the oven. As they are cooked in their trays, there is no preparation, no pots and pans, just delicious meals that you can enjoy in your own time. Maintaining independence has never been easier. Recently, national treasure Ronnie Corbett has joined Wiltshire Farm Foods for a TV and magazine campaign promoting the delicious meals - and the independence they bring. The TV adverts also feature Edith and Eric, who talk to Ronnie about the benefits of the service. If you’ve not seen them yet, keep a look out. For more information about Wiltshire Farm Foods in Abergavenny, you can contact 01600 892855 or visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com for a free brochure.
February / March
Five minutes with... Sir Cameron Mackintosh Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh was born in Enfield, London in 1946. He has been responsible for some of the most successful theatrical productions of the past 30 years, including Cats, Les Miserables, The Phantom Of The Opera and Mary Poppins. SIR CAMERON, NOW THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA ANNIVERSARY CONCERT IS AVAILABLE TO BUY, IT MUST BE A THRILL TO SEE YOUR WORK ON SCREEN Yes, a thrill and a relief. It seems so easy to say, ‘Oh, let’s do it at the Albert Hall with a great cast', and then, ‘Of course we can do the whole show!', when the actual reality of what we had to achieve in very little time... And it came over so miraculously both as a theatre show, and I’m glad to say on the DVD and in cinemas. Everyone seems to have absolutely loved it. IT HELPS THAT FANS GET TO SEE IT HIGH DEFINITION Absolutely, and the wonderful things you can do with close-ups and things like that, which is obviously something you can’t do in the theatre; it gives it a different feel, and so you don’t feel in any way, ‘Oh, I wish I’d see that on the stage'. People who have seen both the DVD
TELL US ABOUT THE TOURING VERSION OF ‘PHANTOM’ WHICH CAN BE SEEN IN 2012 I’m doing a completely new version of it which opens in February, March, with complete new scenery; staging; new direction, choreography and everything like that. I’m delighted to say that having just opened the box office in Plymouth and Manchester, it looks absolutely marvellous. I think people are intrigued to see something new as long as we make sure it’s as good as the original.
and were in the Albert Hall love it equally. WHY DO YOU THINK THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST LOVED MUSICALS? It’s one of the greatest scores Andrew’s (Lloyd Webber) ever written. Part of its attraction is its simplicity; it is a brilliant reinvention of The Beauty and the Beast myth; it’s a wonderful love triangle, which is the thing Andrew brought to it, which wasn’t really in any of the films or indeed even the Gaston Leroux book; it’s sketched but it’s not as defined. None of the other versions are as emotionally overwhelming as this one. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S NOW 25 YEARS OLD? I know! For Andrew and I this has really wound the clock back for us because we haven’t done another show together for 25 years. We had great fun doing it at the Albert Hall.
IS THERE ONE PARTICULAR THING THAT DRIVES YOU TO CREATE A SHOW? My career has been entirely driven by my reaction to writing. The gift I was blessed with was spotting a piece of original writing and then helping the writers make the most of it. I’m great at rewriting, but someone else has to come up with the idea! I have this chameleon ability with many, many different kinds of writers to go, ‘I think we’re missing this or I’m missing that', and get the piece written to the best of its ability. That’s the bit that I enjoy the most. THEATRE FANS IN WALES WILL BE ENJOYING ANOTHER OF YOUR PRODUCTIONS FROM DECEMBER 12 Yes, I’ve got a new version of Oliver, which is opening in Cardiff just before Christmas with Neil Morrissey and Samantha Barks taking the leads. It’s in very good shape. I’m thrilled with it. TELL US ABOUT THE BIG FILM YOU HAVE IN THE PIPELINE Well, I’m flat out at the moment producing the movie of Les Miserables, which we’re
getting an astonishingly good cast for, with Tom Hooper at the helm. We’ve got Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne and many more to follow. That starts filming in March in England. WHEN CAN WE SEE THAT IN CINEMAS? We’re certainly shooting through to the summer. I don’t know how long it’ll take us to do post production. I don’t know if we’ll make it by Christmas of next year, but certainly by some point in 2013.
The Phantom Of The Opera At The Royal Albert Hall is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray, CD and download.
The Belgrave Hotel The Esplanade, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DU Tel: 01834 842377 Fax: 01834 842626
Come and enjoy the hotels superb seafront position overlooking Tenby’s beautiful south beach in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.
Midweek B&B from £37.50 pppn
Arrive Friday or Saturday Enjoy 2 nights mix and match
£89.95 pp 3 Nights £127.45 pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast on Saturday Bed & Breakfast Friday and Sunday Candlelit Dinner & Dance Thursday and Saturday Gala Menu, Breakfast in Bed Sunday Morning Ring now for Birthdays, Anniversaries and other special breaks.
SKLcars.com
St. Davidʼs Foundation Hospice Care
Spring Bike Rides
Stephen Lowe
Car sales announcement! Please be informed that: Stephen Lowe can no longer be contacted at Raglan Ford. However, I have now formed my own car sales company and car brokerage: SKLcars – Stephen Lowe car broker. I will be specialising in nearly new Ford cars and vans. Also, I will value or buy your car or offer it for sale via my adverts, and of course, the internet.
If you require any help or advice regarding your motoring needs, I can be contacted at home: 20 Ty Brith, Dingestow, Monmouth NP25 4DP Tel: 01600-740388 Mob: 07904047569 Email: stephen527@btinternet.com I look forward to hearing from you, customers and friends - longstanding and new. Customer care, as always, will be my number 1 priority. Best wishes and good Health. Join me on Facebook and Twitter. Many thanks for your continued support, Stephen Lowe. NEARLY NEW - CAR LIST:
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11 Ka Studio 1.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7450 11 Fiesta 1.4 Titanium Automatic 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11295 11 Fiesta 1.4TDCi Zetec 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10495 11 Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Econetic 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10995 11 Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10995 60 Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Zetec S leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11495 60 Fiesta 1.25 Edge 3dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8450 61 Fiesta1.25 Zetec 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9995 61 Fiesta 1.4 Titanium 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10995 61 Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Titanium 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11995 60 Focus 1.6 Tdci Zetec 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11995 60 Focus 1.6 Automatic Zetec Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10995 11 New Focus 1.6 Edge 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £12995 11 New Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13295 61 Ka 1.2 Zetec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £9495 11 Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium 163ps 6sp. 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15995 11 Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium 163ps Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16995 61 Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X Sport 163ps. 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . £19995 Choice of Galaxy, S-Max, Kuga @ tremendous savings 11 Mercedes C200 Sport CDi Blue Effiency Estate Auto . . . . . . . . . £25995 11 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 Di-Dc LWB Elegance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £31995 (£2000 extra for Diamond) 61 207 Peugeot 1.6 HDi Active 92ps. 5dr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10995
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Diamond in the Rough In the corner of her manager’s office, hiding underneath a giant floppy hat, sits Rebecca Ferguson. She looks like a singer, but one that would have graced the stage of a smoky jazz club in the 1950s, rather than someone who appeared on a prime-time TV talent show. Underneath the big brim, however, is a rather normal girl; mum of two and reality TV fan (she’s been watching, and laughing at, Desperate Scousewives) who enjoys a rare night out with friends over the weekend. "Hiya," she says in broad Scouse, leaping up to say hello, before ordering a cup of tea. Milk and one sugar, if you were wondering. Ferguson says she’s coming out of the busiest week she’s ever had; 3am alarm calls, 11pm
bedtimes, and non-stop talking, promotion and travelling in between. She’s not had a chance to do any Christmas shopping yet, but is planning to "get to Argos and do it all in one hit". Fortunately for her, time spent dreaming of being a singer since she was seven has stood her in good stead for the reality of being a popstar. "I always knew what it was going to be like," she says. "I don’t know how, maybe it was things I read or saw, but I’ve always known it was going to be hard work," says the 25-year-old. "I think a lot of people are disillusioned and think being a singer is more about turning up at fancy events, having loads of money and not really working for it. The reality is early mornings and lots of hard work, but I wouldn’t want it any other way."
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had the voice of a ready-made recording artist and, thanks to her renditions of Anthony Newley’s Feeling Good, Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come and jazz standard Why Don’t You Do Right?, that she should concentrate on retro soul. Her album doesn’t stray too far from that formula, and given the popularity of Adele this year, it’s certainly very current. White had actually worked with Rolling In The Deep singer Adele, while other collaborators on Ferguson’s album include Steve Booker, who has written songs with Duffy, and Fraser T Smith, best known for his production work with Ellie Goulding, James Morrison and, again, Adele. "I wrote a song a day for about six months," begins Ferguson, "but we scrapped loads before recording. "I was looking for songs that I felt especially connected to, and while some of the songs we got rid of were brilliant tunes, I just didn’t think I could sing them night after night for a year, if not longer, without feeling really close to them." Too Good To Lose is Ferguson’s favourite song on the album, while she says Teach Me How To Be Loved has the most meaning for her. When she first appeared on X Factor and stunned the judges, it wasn’t the first time she’d auditioned on the show. There were failed attempts in 2005 and 2006, a rejection from Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and, most painful of all, she was turned away from P Diddy’s Starmaker in 2007, which her family had clubbed together to fund. "I didn’t just dream of becoming a singer," she points out. "I was really active in trying to make it happen. When I was 14, I got a job to be able to afford my singing lessons, and I was constantly looking for other things.
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The recent work-related plane journeys, zipping her around the country for interviews and performances, have been on easyJet flights, rather than British Airways as she was promised, but there were no diva fits here. "I’m not bothered about stuff like that. I just sat down and went to sleep." Ferguson finished second on 2010’s X Factor, runner-up to Matt Cardle. As his career already shows signs of stalling an album at No 2 and a single only reaching No 6 in the charts is deemed a failure in talent-show-TV world - hers is getting off on the right foot. There have been positive reviews in the broadsheets - one gave debut album Heaven five stars - and a general feeling that Ferguson could go on to become one of the most popular former contestants in the show’s history. "The feedback has been amazing, and the album’s been getting praise from people I really didn’t expect to like it," she explains. "I was saying to Eg (White, co-writer and producer) when it was finished ‘If this doesn’t work, I’m leaving that big house, packing the kids up and going back to Liverpool', to which he said, ‘No pressure then, Becky', and worked even harder." While Ferguson was in X Factor, she was constantly told by the judging panel that she
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Extra time - Rebecca Ferguson
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Rebecca Ferguson was born in Anfield, Liverpool. She is a qualified legal secretary. Ferguson has two children, Lillie May and Karl. After X Factor, she was in a relationship with One Direction’s Zayn Malik, but it ended after four months. ● She predicts Little Mix will win this year’s X Factor, and is still an avid fan of the show. ● Rebecca Ferguson’s debut album Heaven is out now
"I thought ‘Maybe if I do a bit of modelling, maybe I’ll get noticed and I’ll have a foot on the ladder that way'. "Getting those rejections was hard, though," she continues. "The first time was really bad, because I thought I had talent and could do it. I thought ‘Maybe I can’t sing. Maybe I’m one of those deluded ones who just thinks they can'. "It was tough, but I went back again, and got knocked back again. I still thought they were wrong, but with the third and fourth knockback, I started to doubt myself. "I tried sending demos off, and got nothing back. It’s funny that people say they love my voice now because it hasn’t changed at all." So what has changed? Whatever changes in music, there has consistently been a demand for beautiful voices and pretty faces to go with them. "I’m a lot more chilled. And maybe I ‘really’ wanted it before," she says, impersonating a typical X Factor-hopeful, "and that put people off? "I don’t know what it was, but I believe in timing and things happening when they’re meant to." With two children, now aged five and seven, it’s perhaps easier that Ferguson’s career takes off now. Her own childhood has been written about extensively since she first appeared on X Factor, but she doesn’t regret for a second telling journalists about her time in foster homes while she growing up. "I’m too honest to lie, and I’m too polite to say ‘I’m not talking about that’ so if I’m asked something, I just answer," she explains. "My childhood was hard, and I was in foster homes, but it’s no different from what thousands of kids are going through today. And me talking about it might help someone. "I could shut up about some things - and you have to keep some things back - but a child in foster care could see me and think ‘She’s
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doing OK, maybe there is hope?' and that’s great. "There are positives and negatives, and I’m learning fast. I’m still Becky from Liverpool, but this is what I always wanted, and now I’m doing it." ■ Rebecca Ferguson’s debut album Heaven is out now. She begins her first headline UK tour in Rhyl, North Wales on February 17.
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