Out and About ● Farmer’s Monthly ● Motors ● Professional Service guide and much much more! ●
Gazette & Diary Magazine
HABERDASHERS’ AGINCOURT SCHOOL & NURSERY
A
For more information and to confirm a place at Forest School or to attend our Open Day on 6th May please contact Mrs Jo Bangham, School Administrator on 01600 713970 enquiries@agincourtschool.org.
GINCOURT is a happy, secure environment for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 years, set against a backdrop of the beautiful Welsh hills. Small class sizes ensure their individual abilities are nurtured to the full, helping to build confidence and develop their talents. A highly creative curriculum and dedicated staff bring magical stories to life for every year group throughout their time at Agincourt, inspiring inquisitive and imaginative minds. Our aim at Agincourt is to develop the whole child, both in and out of the classroom, making full use of our extensive grounds regardless of the weather. Let us show you how we put this into practice and join us for a free Forest School taster morning, open to children aged between 3 – 6 years, on Saturday 13th May from 9.30 – 11am. Full waterproof outdoor wear and wellies are essential - you will get muddy!
Shelter and warm drinks are available for accompanying parents. Places are limited so early booking is advisable. The Nursery, for 3 – 4 year olds, has the flexibility to offer morning, afternoon or all-day sessions, with wraparound care available from 8am to 5.45pm. Children are introduced to early years education in a warm, caring atmosphere. They will experience a unique curriculum which encompasses all areas of a young child’s development. Nursery pupils enjoy a smooth transition into Agincourt School for Reception through to Year 2. Most pupils then move on to the two Haberdashers’ Monmouth prep schools: The Grange, for boys aged 7 to 11, and Inglefield House for girls aged 7 to 11. The school diary is full each term with an exciting variety of interesting visitors, trips, music and science workshops.
HABERDASHERS’ AGINCOURT SCHOOL & NURSERY Boys and Girls 3 - 7
OPEN MORNING Saturday 6th May 9.30am - 12 noon Please come to our
FREE FOREST SCHOOL TASTER SESSION
Our creative curriculum inspires happy, inquisitive minds. Let us show you how.
Saturday 13th May from 9.30 – 11am
Ages 3-6 years. Places are limited so early booking is advisable.
Monmouth 01600 713970 2 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
enquiries@agincourtschool.org
www.habs-monmouth.org
Spring is in the air!
Greetings Dear Readers
S
PRING has sprung, the clocks have gone forward and the Easter Bunny is waiting just around the corner with a basket full of eggs to help us forget about the terrible tyranny of old man winter. Hopefully, with the dark days receding, the bad weather that has plagued us for many a moon will soon become nothing more than a terrible memory as we turn our heads towards a warmer, sunnier and far happier time. As usual you will find a bumper selection of features in this month’s Gazette and Diary, and more interesting articles than you can shake a stick at. Believe it or not we’re a literate lot here at the G&D and like nothing more than prancing around the office in our tights, wigs and cod-pieces as we recite Shakespeare dramatically to one another.
in association with
The Abergavenny Chronicle Jenna Hopkins 01873 852187 Ext 35 jenna.hopkins@ abergavennychronicle.com
F A C T O R Y O U T L E T
Part of the Tindle Newspaper Group
Published by the Abergavenny Chronicle, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5AA Printed by Trinity Mirror plc
carp ts south wales ltd
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 2pm UNITS 2 & 3 NOBLE SQUARE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BRYNMAWR, GWENT, NP23 4BS (BEHIND BRYNMAWR RUGBY FIELD)
TEL:
01495 312830
Ciao for now xxx
Nick Ramsay AM Assembly Member for Monmouth Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing
1416643
For information on how to advertise in the next issue, please contact:
With that terrible image in mind, let us leave you with a quote from one of our favourite poets, John Keats, which we feel best sums the lovely month of April up, “But when the melancholy fit shall fall, Sudden from heaven like a weeping cloud, That fosters the droop-headed flowers all, And hides the green hill in an April shroud; Then glut thy sorrow on a morning rose.” Indeedy do do John boy. So until the next time dear readers, enjoy the read, stay poetic and remember whilst you gorge yourself silly on Easter eggs - after every feast there come a famine!
Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB. Email: nicholas.ramsay@assembly.wales 01291 674 898 or 03002007211
A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF CARPETS AND FLOORING TO SUIT EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET CARPETS FROM
3.50 SQYD STRIPED CARPET FROM
£4.50 SQYD
VINYL 3M & 4M WIDE FROM
£3.50 SQYD
SPECIAL OFFER - NEW SAXONYS ARRIVING DAILY
WE ALSO SUPPLY LAMINATE FLOORING
ALSO STOCK ARTIFICAL GRASS £14 SQYD NEW STOCK ARRIVING EVERY DAY
VINYLS
CARPETS
HUNDRED OF AND VINYL IN 2M 3M 4M • CARPETS IN 4M AND 5M
FREE GRIPPER/GLUE WITH ALL CARPETS FITTED
F A C T O R Y O U T L E T
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 3
Gazette & Diary Magazine
OUT AND ABOUT IN NORTHERN FRANCE - CELEBRATING A FRENCH HOME OWNING ODESY
O
UR eight year French home owning adventure began with the first of many voyages from Portsmouth on Brittany Ferries Normandy and Mon St Michelle. It was April and we were responding to a long standing invitation from friends of my wife Jenny to visit their holiday home in the picturesque village of Lassay Les Chateaux. This delightful ' petite city of character' sits in a bowl of hills in the area of Normandy Mayenne just an hour and three quarters along mostly straight and empty roads from the ferry port at Caen Oustram. It was pretty much a case of love at first sight for Lassay with its village square overlooking a rose garden and stream tumbling into a lake dominated by a magnificent chateaux, the longest in continual habitation in the whole of France. Within days we had found a three storey town house in a quiet lane behind the square accessed by an ally besides the bar and tabac,
Undulating parkland course with magnificent views over Abergavenny and The Black Mountains. A long front 9 and a shorter back 9 suits all standards of golfer. 9 hole pitch & putt and driving range. • Society packages available from £16 per person • New members welcome
SUNDAY LUNCHES NOW AVAILABLE;
1468378
2 courses for £10 Please call to book a table Old Ross Rd, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8NG Tel: 01873 856223 Email: info@wernddu-golf-club.co.uk Web: www.wernddu-golf-club.co.uk
just how convenient was that? Our prospective holiday home also had a garden with a shed close by and as we strolled along to see it, the estate agent produced a solid medieval looking iron key which should have been a bit of a giveaway. For the shed turned out to be a two storey barn in a wildly overgrown garden inhabited by several chicken houses so that was it; we were well and truly hooked. It only took eight weeks for the transaction
to be finalised and we were about to go into Leonard Cohen's sell out first world tour venue comeback concert at the O2 Arena when the agent text us with his congratulations. Just what had we done. We didn't speak French and while Jenny is pretty practical, we're not builders and the house really needed gutting. There was a wood burning cooker in the kitchen, the entire stairwell had been battened, covered with hardboard and papered and the oak floor in the now feature top bedroom was completely rotten. Suffice is to say, it took three days to strip out the property and three years to put it back together again but we had great assistance from practical friends and local tradesmen and lots of fun along the way. Not many weeks into that first summer's restoration and repeated visits to the bar for lunch where I had painstakingly asked for two cheese baguettes, mine patron slammed her
Border Counties Vintage Club Limited presents
STEAM & COUNTRY SHOW
pencil onto the counter and gave me a lesson I shall never forget. " No. No baguette," said she. 'Sandwich!' Then there was the highly embarrassing morning we attempted to ask if the overgrown garden next to ours might be for sale only to give the entirely wrong impression that we Brits were complaining about its state. Definitely not the way to make friends and influence our neighbours. We spent entire weeks working, including all Saturdays and Sundays, when people simply nodded their heads as they strolled by but gradually the light appeared at the end of the tunnel and we began exploring our surroundings. Heads full of grand ideas we asked to look around a magnificent period property which had been for sale for years at a price that from our Brit perspective seemed an absolute bargain. To our surprise the owner had left it full of lovely old furniture, ceramics, boxes of beautiful patterned tiles and much else which, by a stroke of good fortune, we were able to buy and carry off in triumph to weave into the fabric of our second home like excited magpies feathering their nest. Gradually we began exploring this quiet undulating area of rural France and to realise how much there was to see and experience within just an hour's drive and to weave into our regular visits a rich tapestry of historic towns, castles, chateaus, markets and gardens. The Saturday market followed by lunch in the small and delightful lakeside spa town of Bagnoles del Orne became a 'must' as have been regular in time for lunch visits to the historic hilltop village of St Suzanne and to the riverside hamlet of St Ceneri le Generi whose medieval bridge is one of the most pictured in the region. On more energetic days we'd make the twenty minute drive into Mayenne to cycle or walk along the wide river of the same name
which meanders for 90 kilometres through woodlands, gorges and open country. There is always plenty going on in Lassay itself with the chateaux and grounds being the centrepiece of a whole series of summer events from musical entertainments to tightrope walking between turrets. By 8am on Bastille Day the centre of the village is crammed with stalls as villagers sell of their bric a brac as the curtain raiser to a whole day of celebrations and on that subject, towns and villages all over France have their vide greniers or street sales. We two magpies have spent many a happy day browsing around 'vids' which provide the perfect opportunity for exploring new places and bargain hunting and there is even a popular guide for them. And if we spot a 'Brocante' sign on our travels then we can never resist calling in to these Aladdin's caves of second hand treasures. But sadly the time has come to bid a fond adieu to our French idyll as the growing demands of grandchildren continue to erode our travelling time so now our lovely fully furnished home from home is for sale. Settling in for the new owner will simply take as long as is needed to unpack a suit case and then maybe the time will be right to walk through the ally to the bar for a celebration drink. Those interested in our property which is for sale for Euros 148,000 should call Nigel or Jenny on UK 01600 7133 77
Triley Fields Equestrian Centre
Vauxhall Fields, Monmouth
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th April 2017
VINTAGE AND COLLECTABLE AUCTION (Sat Only) Auctioneer: Gwilym Richards 01600 860 300 www. grichards.co.uk Gates open at 10am!
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
DOG SHOW (sun only) ANIMAL CORNER CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT
PLUS – BELGIUM ORGANS ‘VICTORY’ & ‘RHAPSODY’! PRE-PAY CAMPING & FREE CAR PARKING! IN AID OF LOCAL CHARITIES Contact IAN HARPER (Show Co-ordinator) 07966 117936 www.bordercountiesvintageclub.co.uk bordercountiesvintageclub@outlook.com
4 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Easter Holiday Activities Monday 10th April – Sunday 23rd April 2017 Monday 10th April Morning and Evening Lessons as normal MINI CAMP
9.00am – 4.00pm bring pack lunch Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/ Advanced Riders Activities Include: Flatwork, Jumping & Stable Management Own or loan pony £40.00 TriFEC pony £50.00
Tuesday 11th April Morning and Evening Lessons as normal MINI CAMP
9.00am – 4.00pm bring pack lunch Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/ Advanced Riders Activities Include: Flatwork, Jumping & Stable Management Own or loan pony £40.00 TriFEC pony £50.00
Wednesday 12th April Morning and Evening Lessons as normal MINI CAMP
9.00am – 4.00pm bring pack lunch Suitablefor Novice/Intermediate/ Advanced Riders Activities Include: Flatwork, Jumping & Stable Management Own or loan pony £40.00 TriFEC pony £50.00
Thursday 13th April Morning and Evening Lessons as normal MINI CAMP COMPETITION DAY
9.00am – 4.00pm bring pack lunch Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/ Advanced Riders Activities Include: Flatwork, Jumping & Stable Management Own or loan pony £40.00 TriFEC pony £50.00
Wednesday 19th April LESSONS AS NORMAL OWN A PONY DAY 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/ Advanced Riders Activities include Flatwork, Jumping & Stable Management Lessons £35.00
Morning and Evening Lessons as normal
Friday 14th April AM + PM LESSONS AS NORMAL
Thursday 20th April LESSONS AS NORMAL GYMKHANA 11.00am – 12.30pm £30.00
Saturday 15th April LESSONS AS NORMAL
Friday 21st April EVENTERS CHALLENGE SHOW -
Sunday 16th April LESSONS AS NORMAL
Classes £10 / horse hire £15
Monday 17th April Morning and Evening Lessons as normal PM LESSONS AS NORMAL Tuesday 18th April LESSONS AS NORMAL PONY CLUB RALLY
Usual times (4.30pm-6pm / 6pm-8pm) Mini’s 4.30pm – 6.00pm Older Children 6.00pm – 8.00pm £24.00 Discounted for own pony £18.00 Loan Pony £12.00
Schedule available
Clear Round 9am-9.45am/First class 10am Saturday 22nd April LESSONS AS NORMAL Sunday 23rd April LESSONS AS NORMAL
Lessons as Normal from Monday 24th April 2017
Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited Tel: 01873 890523 Email: suzanne@trifec.com
Out and About this Spring
Easter Wild Wednesday Fun!
C
RAFTY youngsters are invited to visit the award winning, Old Railway Line Garden Centre to enjoy two fun filled workshops this Easter school break. The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, host a different workshop for children every Wednesday of the school holidays. Manager, Katie Eckley explained: “We know it can be hard to keep the children entertained during the school holidays which is why we introduced our popular ‘Wild Wednesdays’ a few of years ago. “On 12th April we have a fun Easter themed workshop planned which includes decorating an Egg Cup and Giant Easter Card to take home. There will also be other Easter themed craft activities and a fun
unt
Egg Hunt around the plant area. “The workshop on 19th April will see the return of the popular ‘Farmyard Fun’ workshop. This event will include painting and planting a pot before visiting our pet lambs and other animals! There will also be other fun crafts to enjoy and a Farmyard Animal Hunt.” The workshops cost just £4 per child including all materials needed to take part. Pre-booking is required on-line or by calling 01497 847055 as spaces are limited and please be aware that all children must be accompanied by an adult. The workshops start at 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm.
For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre or the Wild Wednesday workshop please contact the Old Railway Line directly by calling 01497 847055 or visiting their website www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk
Wild We Wednesdays! 122tth April
- Decorate an Eg gg g cup - Make an Giant Easter Card - Easter Crafftt Activities - Egg Hunt
19th April
- Paint & Plant a Pot - Visit our Pet Lambs & Other Animals - Farmyard Animal Hunt
Fu wo n-f th rks illed ho is Ho Eas ps lid ter ay !
Booking R Re equired. W Wo orkshops cosstt just £4 per child. All children musstt be accompanied by an adult at all times.
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 5
Gazette & Diary Magazine
CRICKHOWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL
2017
Thursday 27th April 2017 at 7.30pm The Manor Hotel, Brecon Road, Crickhowell NP8 1SE
JAZZ AT THE MANOR: THE MIROSHNICHENKO BAND Saturday 29th April 2017 at 3pm St Catwg’s Church, Llangattock NP8 1PH
CELEBRITY RECITAL: A MUSICAL BANQUET Sunday 30th April 2017 at 10am St Catwg’s Church, Llangattock NP8 1PH
FESTIVAL SERVICE
something to look forward to this April!
to the great outdoors
25% OFF
YOUR LOCAL OUTDOOR SPECIALIST All Winter Clothing 3 CROFT COURT (off Broad Street) ROSS-ON-Wye (01989) 565676
End of Season Sale
Dates for your Diary
April
1 – Jumble Sale Llantilio Pertholey VPA Mardy Village Hall. Doors open 1.15. refreshments. Raffle. 1 - Gwent Bach Society Choral Concert Stainer Crucifixion, Britten Rejoice in the Lamb, Finzi Lo the Full Final Sacrifice Conductor Roger Langford Organist Hilary Norris 8pm in Our Lady and St Michael’s Catholic Church Abergavenny Tickets £10 from Abergavenny Music / 01873 810145 2 - OLSM Church. 8pm. Concert by Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra Sibelius - En Saga Strauss - Horn Concerto No 1 Tchaikovsky Symphony No 2 6 – Abergavenny Local History Society, Kirsti Bohata will talk about Amy dillwyn: Suffragist & Pioneering Industrialist. Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to join on the night.
unusual and exciting activities see our website for more details
7 – Abergavenny Alzheimers Fund Raising Group, Market Hall from 8am to 3.30pm. Please come and support us. Easter Bargains Galore! 14 - Hymn Singing Festival Llanwenarth Baptist Church, Govilon 6.30pm. Tel: 01873 831937.
‘a great underground experience for all the family’
9 impressive caverns NEW for 2017! Exciting caving activities experience the atmosphere of Café working Free parking miners in Educational groups welcome our exciting OPEN Tuesday-Sunday new moving 10.00am-5.00pm Clearwell Nr Coleford displays… Tel: 01594 832535
www.clearwellcaves.com
6 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
16 – Glangrwyney Cricket Club, Cwrt Y Gollen, Car Boot Sale. 7 am sellers, 8am buyers. 16 – Easter Service at Llanfoist Cemetery Chapel, 2.30pm. All Welcome. 27 - Crickhowell Music Festival: 27th April 7.30pm, Jazz at the Manor Hotel with the Miroshnichenko Band. Tickets from Abergavenny Music, Webb’s Crickhowell or Genet Bevan 01873 810935. http://crickhowellchoralsociety.org 29 – Table Top and Plant Sale, Mardy Village Hall, 10 am to 12 noon, Fund Raising for Llanfoist Cemetery Chapel. Tea and Coffee available. All Welcome. 29 - 3.00pm, St Catwg’s Church, Llangattock, Celebrity Recital with Catherine King (soprano) and Jacob Heringman (lute). Tickets from Abergavenny Music, Webb’s Crickhowell or Genet Bevan 01873 810935. http://crickhowellchoralsociety.org 30 - 7.30pm, St Edmund’s Church, Vivaldi Gloria RV588, Handel, Delalande and Campra. Tickets from Abergavenny Music, Webb’s Crickhowell or Genet Bevan 01873 810935. http://crickhowellchoralsociety.org
CLAY SHOOTING Woodland Park, Brecon | www.wpshoot.co.uk EXPERT TUITION
novice to experienced shooters
PRACTICE
100-clay automatic layout
FUN EVENTS
Stag / Hen / Family Corporate sessions
VOUCHERS
a gift with a difference
For more information about ordering a voucher or booking a session, please call Gill at 01874 623 602
Spring Homes and Gardens
Sunny Side Up
Bring on the sunshine indoors with yellow shades. Even a hint of sunshine peeping through grey skies instantly lifts our spirits, and the good news is yellow shades can work that same magic indoors. A yellow palette - from bright daffodil through to custard or zingy citruses - is guaranteed to bring a whole lotof cheer to any room, and will have an uplifting quality that sings spring has arrived.
• A Bluebellgray Saffron Pom Pom Cushion. £58
• The Andromeda Clock in citrus yellow, £60, Newgate Clocks
• Rust-Oleum, Chalky Finish Furniture Paint, mustard, 750ml, £12. homebase.co.uk
• Anna Jacobs Chinese tree lamp shade, medium, grey zig zag flex lampbase, £185. amara.com
• Bright Blue and yellow Hydrangea Melamine Tray, £33, Emma Britton. www.emmabritton.net
• Hay Autumn Yellow Towels bath towels, £25 each, and guest towels, £13 each. amara.com
MARK A LEWIS ALL ROOFING & BUILDING LOFT CONVERSIONS & PLASTERING SPECIALISING IN HOT TAR FLAT ROOFING
OFFICE NUMBER: 01633 401034 07793 155202
01686 41 14000 Order online www.hafrenfurnis shers.co.uk
Wales’ Largest Independent Furnitu ure Store
Interest free credit available on requestt
www.markalewisroofing.co.uk Fa i r T Trrade Commission Approved Confederation of Roofing Contractors
Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm | Sat 9am - 5:30pm Open Thursdays until 8pm | Closed Sundays s
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 7
Gazette & Diary Magazine
TOP TIPS FOR FAB WOODEN FLOORS
• To expose and enjoy your home's period floorboards, uncover them, do any repairs and sand them with an industrial floor sander and edger - which is hard, hot and dusty work. Although more expensive, employing someone to sand them for you is often worth it, and they usually include the cost of the wood stain or varnish in the price. They should also be able to do the job quicker than you can and should have better sanders than those available from hire shops.
• Period floorboards often have more modern boards mixed in where repairs have been done over the years. You can, of course, replace the new boards with period ones, but there's no guarantee that the colour will match perfectly when sanded, and it can be hard to find ones the same width, especially if your boards are an unusual width.
• If you don't have period floorboards or you'd prefer not to expose them, consider laying wood or wood-effect flooring. Laminate flooring, which has a picture of wood printed onto the boards, is an inexpensive way to get the look, but laminate isn't as fashionable as it once was. If you want the real thing, other types of wooden flooring are now as easy to fit as laminate and can be reasonably priced. Boards that simply click and fit together are widely available in both engineered wood and solid wood flooring.
PATCRETE Imprinted concrete supplies colour release sealer tools mat hire from £50 per set per job Free trowel with every order over £500 til the end March. We also have lots of patterns from USA by (Proline) new on the market. If you would like a quote on your driveway patio or pathway give me a ring Firewood logs £35 a ton dumpy sack or 3 for £90
8 x 6 sheds from £325 6x4 sheds from £175
Tel 07773354449
rt
Fencing and decking supplied and fitted Log Cabins and Summer Houses.
P £4 o s .5 t c w 0 a ret it e ad h th ba v e is g
5ft 6 inch featheredge boards £65 per 100. 400 for £220
• Painting them makes it easier to disguise the new boards than with wood stain or varnish, although dark stains and varnishes can work really well. Painting floorboards white is a classic look and will go with any wall colour, although it isn't the most practical choice for high-traffic areas of the home. An oil-based white floor paint will cover in fewer coats, but it's likely to yellow, so if you want the boards to stay white, use a water-based paint. The latter is also ideal if you need to use the room that day because it will dry quickly.
WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR FUEL? Reading this probably makes Fast Fuel your closest supplier. We have started a drive to reduce our environmental impact, IF WE ARE YOUR CLOSEST SUPPLIER WE SHOULD BE DELIVERING TO YOU. We must acknowledge our industry’s environmental effects and we are leading the way by being more responsible; we are striving to reduce our journey times and therefore our carbon footprint. By switching to Fast Fuel not only will you enjoy our unrivalled customer service, but together we can reduce emissions. We now offer match guarantee for anyone within our area as a commitment to this. Let Fast Fuel keep you warm this winter; join our family and make a difference.
E t 1981 Est. 1
Maanuf M ufacturerrss & Ins Installerrss of of all a tyyyppes of of purp rpose made joiinerryy, windows, w doorrs, rs, stairs s rs, conservatoories, in many ny timber t rs. rs. Crickhowell Joinery Tiimber Craft Park Llangattock a Crickhowell Po owys, y , NP8 1HW Email:inffo o@crickhowel @ ljoinery. y.co.uk k
Tel: 0 01873 810156 www. w.crickh howellj ljoinery. y.co o.uk
Call: 01291 691 402 or 0800 093 8445 e-mail: info@fast-fuel.co.uk www.fast-fuel.co.uk
8 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Spring Homes and Gardens
VEG OUT
Noticed the fresh veg aisles have been looking a little bare lately? If you're concerned about stocks of your favourite greens, why not take matters into your own hands and grow your own?
HOW TO GROW LETTUCE
Now is a good time to create your own fresh supply of lettuce, if you want a crop that's ready to eat from April or May. As spring arrives, sprinkle lettuce seeds in a good compost within a propagator or protected area such as a greenhouse. Scatter a few seeds every two weeks to ensure a regular and sustained supply of lettuce to eat. Water regularly and heavily once a week they get thirsty! When your lettuce begins to form, move it outside - they love sunshine. And then in six to eight weeks' time, harvest and enjoy.
BOUNTIFUL BROCCOLI
Broccoli requires dry conditions and watering thoroughly every 10 days. An occasional liquid seaweed feed and nitrogen fertiliser will also encourage growth. Covering your plants with fine netting or horticultural fleece will help to stop butterflies laying eggs on the leaves and birds eating the leaves. Cut the central head once the broccoli is fully formed, but before the flowers open. If sown in April or May, the crop should be ready to harvest during July or August.
PLAN YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN
Firstly, pick your site. Make sure there is good drainage, some direct sunlight and it's not too near trees (they take nutrients away from the crops). Ideally, the bed should be designed so you can reach the centre without walking on the soil and compacting it. Prepare the soil by removing all grass and weeds, ensuring you have taken all the roots out. Covering with black polythene or old carpet for several months will do this for you. Loosen the soil by digging and feed it with organic matter, such compost and leaf mulch. Good healthy soil helps to create strong, productive plants.
TASTY TOMATOES
With tomatoes, consider which type you want - cherry, salad, plum or beefsteak - and the space available for growing them. "Tomatoes need warm conditions from the outset, at least 18C. A heated greenhouse or a warm, sunny windowsill will both work well," says Sage, noting that they'll need to be watered regularly and evenly, especially after the fruit starts to form. "The crops will come to an end in October. If there are still any fruits on the vine that haven't yet ripened, pick them and bring them indoors."
OU R UT I M AT E
CHAINSA AW W PR O M O TI T ON
nantyderry
FREE HASAWTCHEHOTRS+E
WHEN YOU PU RCHASE A STIHL CHAINSAW
OF F ER
BUY A MS 170, MS 171, MS 18 0, MS 181 OR MS 181 C-BE AND RECEIVE A
RTH WO
£35 RP RR
2
OF F ER
1
F REE POLY YA A M I DE HATCHE T
OF F ER
3
BUY A MS 211 OR MS 211 C C-BE AND RECEIVE A
F REE HATCHE T PL US WOODEN SAW HORSE
BUY A MS 231, MS 231 C- BE, MS 2 51 OR MS 2 51 C- BE AND RECEIVE A
F REE H ATCHE T PL US ME T TA AL SAW HORSE
RTH WO
£77 RP RR
+ RT WO
H
Call us on: 01495 312935
Visit: www.gayandhunt.co.uk
Family business (Established 1956) in beautiful rural setting. Cottage garden perennials...
8 plants for £10.00!
5 £11 RRP
+
Terms & c onditions apply. w w w.s tihl.c o.uk/c hains aw. *Saw hors e only available w hen pur cha sing MS 211, MS 211 C - B E, MS 231, MS 231 C - B E, MS 251 and MS 251 C - B E.
Gay and Hunt Ltd Blaenant Industrial Estate Brynmawr NP23 4AZ
garden centre
Take the Chainbridge turn off the A4042 Abergavenny - Pontypool road - and follow the brown signs
Open 7 days a week 10am -5pm
01873 880377 www.nantyderryGC.co.uk
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 9
Gazette & Diary Magazine
10 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Farmer’s Monthly
“Wales is not England”, FUW tells Tory Party Conference favour, unfettered by sectional or external financial interests. He said that given the political uncertainty and the unclear future facing farming, one must remember why the FUW is in existance. “This Union was formed in 1955 when the voice of Welsh farming was not being heard in London. We will not let that voice go unheard again. “So this is exactly what we will continue to do – we will fight for the survival of farming in Wales and those businesses who derive an income from agriculture. Let us not forget that Welsh agriculture’s gross output is almost £1.5 Billion and that the food and drinks exports are worth £302 million to the economy of Wales.
▲ Byron Davies MP, FUW President Glyn Roberts and Craig Williams MP
F
ARMERS’ Union of Wales officials reinforced the difference between Wales and England in terms of agriculture, at the Welsh Conservative Party Spring Conference in Cardiff. Speaking at the event was FUW President Glyn Roberts, who said: “Agriculture in the UK and in Wales has to be profitable and sustainable. In Wales the family farm is the cornerstone of much of our agriculture and our way of life. Far more so than in England. Therefore we must ensure that the role of such farms in rural Wales is recognised. “Welsh agriculture fundamentally differs in terms of need, product and social importance. Hence why we can’t have an ‘England Centric’ policy once we leave the EU. We need the UK Government to appreciate the difference and repatriate powers from Brussels to the Welsh Government, ideally within a new UK framework.” The Union President further highlighted that the Farmers’ Union of Wales is the only Union that speaks exclusively on behalf of Welsh farmers, without fear or
“In Wales the family farm is the cornerstone of much of our agriculture and our way of life. Far more so than in England” “There are things happening in regards to our exit from the EU. Whilst the focus will be on the big issues of exit negotiations, there are critical UK issues that need to be resolved through discussion and agreement with
▲ David Melding AM with FUW President Glyn Roberts
devolved nations. “But, we can work in parallel and continue to plan our future here at home and that’s why I urge our devolved administrations to work together closely and with a sense of urgency in developing the necessary UK agricultural framework,” added Glyn Roberts. The Union President proceeded to say that: “If we value our communities, our public services, our countryside, our heritage, our schools and our jobs, then we must protect them. “We can have a prosperous future for the sector after we leave the EU and there are plenty of opportunities to be explored but a lot of it depends on the willingness of our politicians to recognise how different farming across the devolved nations is and that they have very different requirements.”
▲ Byron Davies MP, Darren Millar AM, FUW Gwent CEO Glyn Davies, Nick Ramsey AM and Paul Davies AM
WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR FUEL?
Fast Fuel continue to impress with their focus on customer service and support for the local rural community. As we approach spring, Fast Fuel are turning their attention to the local farmers and the agricultural fuel market and they are alone in offering same day or next day deliveries in their area for no added surcharge. This ‘FAST PROMISE’ ensures that when you get busy you will never have to worry about experiencing machinery on stop. With over 15 years’ experience in the market and key employees in agriculture themselves, Fast Fuel know that farmers need to have fuel security, delivered with great service at a great price; the ‘FAST PROMISE’ - our same day/next day delivery offer and price match guarantee coupled with our industry beating customer service meet all 3 needs. Fast Fuel really is the rural supplier and farmer’s friend, give them a call and join the team.
Call: 01291 691 402 or 0800 093 8445 e-mail: info@fast-fuel.co.uk www.fast-fuel.co.uk April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 11
Gazette & Diary Magazine Triley Fields Equestrian Centre Tel: 01873 890523 Email: suzanne@trifec.com
FIVE ST TA AR BREEDERS LTD LTD
Why not give this hearty dish a go
FOR ALL Y YOUR OUR AI NEEDS NEEDS A full range of Dairy y & Beef Bulls availab ble Call Mark 07375 5115554 James 07375 04122 25 Delivering excellence & value to local farmers
HAYLAGE Quality home produced especially for horses Small bales £6 4’ square bales £25 Burly bed bedding £7 per bale Free delivery subject to quantity and distance
Ingredients
• 450g (1lb) Lean Welsh beef braising cubes • 15ml (1 tbsp) Oil • 6 Shallots, peeled and halved • 2 Cloves garlic, squashed • 1 Leek, roughly sliced • 2 Celery sticks, cut into chunks • 2 Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks • 2 Turnips, peeled and cut into chunks •Sprigs of fresh parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme • 300ml (½ pt) Beef stock • 300ml (½ pt) Ale • 100g (4 oz) Self-raising flour • 50g (2 oz) Suet • 45ml (3 tbsp) Fresh parsley, chopped • 30ml (2 tbsp) Horseradish sauce • Cold water to mix
Method
1. Preheat oven to gas mark 4, 180°C, 350°F. 2. Heat oil in a large ovenproof pan or casserole pot. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. 3. Add the shallots and garlic and continue to cook for 1-2 mins. Add all remaining ingredients and bring to the boil, cover with lid or foil. Cook in preheated oven for 1½ hours. 4. In a bowl mix together the flour, suet and parsley. Add the horseradish sauce and a few spoonfuls of cold water and mix together with a spoon. Using your hands press the mixture together to form a ball. Break off small pieces of the pastry and roll in your hands to form a small ball/dumpling (the mixture should make about 10-12 small dumplings). 5. Remove stew after 1½ hours, remove lid and drop the dumplings into the stew. Return to the oven for a further 30 mins until the dumplings are fluffy but golden. 6. Serve in bowls with dumplings and extra steamed seasonal green vegetables.
WITH AND
Call Mark Haines 07811357117 or 01497 851240
UPCOMING WINE AUCTIONS Friday 24th March Friday 26th May Friday 30th June Friday 4th August Friday 6th October Friday 8th December
NOTABLE DATES Antique & Furniture auction; 28th April Standing Straw; 4th July Black Welsh Mountain sheep sale; 25th August In-lamb Suffolk sheep sale; 28th October Welsh Black cattle sale; 10th November Sporting guns & fishing auction; 14th November
We are a long established firm who believe in traditional values, whilst utilising modern techniques in order to provide you with a truly personal service. We cover many disciplines from the valuation and sale of residential and agricultural property to holding regular fine wine auctions and antique auctions. We also conduct annual pedigree livestock sales and provide a range of professional services.
Market Street Chambers, Abergavenny. NP7 5SD * Tel: 01873 852624 * Email: enquiries@strakerchadwick.co.uk www.strakerchadwick.co.uk
12 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Farmer’s Monthly
How to register your poultry
T
HE FUW strongly encourages all poultry keepers, even those with fewer than 50 birds, to provide their details to the Poultry Register. This will ensure you can be contacted immediately, via email or text update, in an avian disease outbreak enabling you to
&
protect your flock at the earliest opportunity. You must register poultry flocks of 50 or more birds that you own or are responsible for. They don’t have to all be the same species. This applies even if your premises are only stocked for part of the year. You should register your poultry within one month of their arrival at your premises.
PEST CONTROL
By email: Complete the registration form (available at https://www.gov.uk/govern-
ment/publications/poultry-keepingcustomer-registration) and email it to
customerregistration@apha.gsi.gov.uk There are guidance notes to help you complete the form. Welsh versions of the registration form and guidance notes are also available. By phone: Ask for a registration form by contacting the GB Poultry Register Helpline on 0800 634 1112.
Lines are open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday.
Your Number One Local pest control Co. ● Fast response ● Reasonable rates ● Wasp nests treated within 24 hours
TELEPHONE 01873 830204 Fernybank, Quarry Road, Clydach, Nr Abergavenny
Creating Stability in Uncertain Times Brightwells is your local approved agent for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation plc (AMC). Irving Parry and Jeremy Jehan are both members of their valuation panel and can assist you in securing loans for most rural business activities. AMC’s Standard Loan provides long-term funding of up to 30 years, so whether you’re looking to diversify or consolidate, you can not only plan more accurately for the future but also help reduce any associated risk. There are no annual reviews and loans are available for most rural business activities. AMC’s Flexible Facility is designed for short-term working capital, helping you manage annual cash flow peaks and troughs for up to five years at a time without annual reviews and providing a genuine alternative to an overdraft (subject to AMC credit criteria and obligations to AMC continuing to be met). AMC loans are specifically tailored for farm and rural businesses and AMC has a straight forward, no nonsense approach to doing business. AMC Margins are set for the Term of the Loan, unlike hardcore borrowings on a bank overdraft, where margins can be increased. Please contact Irving or Jeremy to discuss your proposal in strict confidence.
Irving Parry
Jeremy Jehan
Tel: 01982 553614 Mob: 07778 276699 irving.parry@brightwells.com
Tel: 01432 261325 Mob: 07974 193667 jeremy.jehan@brightwells.com
brightwells.com
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 13
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Steve Kedward 07971 151766
USK ROAD - RAGLAN NP15 2HL
01291 690205
Rob Farr 07790 394238
TOP QUALITY FARM MACHINERY IN STOCK
MF 4700 Proper Ag size 4wd c/w Cab for under £27,000 with 0%
World’s No 1 Telehandler
MF 5700 a serious contender for best Loader tractor on the market
Reliability & Performance assured
MF 7700 fantastic Engine (no re-gen nonsense) Choice of 4 speed or 6 speed Powershift or CVT
Hay & Silage equipment
RFM have our own Katana for demo in Grass or Maize. If you are interested in a Forager for this or next season we would be delighted to demonstrate
Rock solid Balers & Wrappers
Fendt Rake 3.6m £2,999
SPECIAL OFFER! NEW & UNUSED 14 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Fendt 6.6m 6 Rotor Tedder £5,999
MF 4.5m Rake £3,999
MF 2.42m 6 Disc Mower £3,680
MF 9305 3T to 5.8m Hydro Static £43,000
Farmer’s Monthly
Quick Checklist - Calving Essentials Calving season is always a stressful time of the year on any farm. Here are a few of the essentials that will help you have happy and heatlhy calves this year.
Full length gloves
Disinfectants
Calcium supplement
Navel Treatment
Hot water
There are a lot of situations when calving where you just need to get your hands dirty to find out more or to intervene. Given the locations and type of fluids involved there is a significant risk of infection from either farmer to cow or cow to farmer. A box of disposable vet gloves is very cheap and is a small price for protection as most diseases are much easier to catch through fluid contact with the skin.
A good disinfection routine for your calving pens and equipment will make a significant difference to the long term health of your cow/calf. Given that there will be plenty of bodily fluids involved, it is good practice to disinfect any tools used in the calving and the calving pen, in reality you may be too busy to manage this, but the more the better when it comes to hygiene.
This could be considered a must for dairy farmers, as milkers are more prone to suffering from calcium deficit than beef breeds tend to be. However, a beef cow that is in poor body condition or has not been eating well in the lead up to calving can have issues with low calcium. If it’s a case that they stop contracting, consult your vet as to calcium deficit being the issues and if intravenous calcium/ magnesium is necessary.
One of the biggest vulnerabilities in the new-born calf is the exposed navel. As soon as possible the navel should be dipped/sprayed with a treatment solution, generally a tincture of Iodine >7% will suffice to disinfect and speed the drying out process as the Iodine will remove moisture as it sublimes.
All you need is a kettle somewhere close to the calving pen, something small many people would forget, but having easy access to boiling water is useful: for sterilising tools, defrosting colostrum or warm handwashing and cleaning ropes/chains used in the calving. www.moocall.com
Harold R. Johns Ltd ers Serving Monmouthshire Farm
HAROLD R JOHNS LTD
‘OPEN DAY’ - FRIDAY 7TH APRIL 11:00AM ’TIL LATE - HOG ROAST - RAFFLE - REFRESHMENTS
‘EVERYONE WELCOME’
Class Tractors - Green Harvesy Machinery Lely - Marshall - Teagle Wide range of other machinery on display Whitelye Farm, Catbrook, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6NJ TEL: 01291 689278 / 689745 MOBILE: Harold 07860 700001 - Huw 07515 5870025 www.haroldrjohns.com April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 15
Gazette & Diary Magazine
WOO ODHOUS SE ENGINEERING G Estaablished in 2015
• Dropside • Dum mper • Bale • Sila age/grain trailer • Refurbishments • Workshop Serv vices
BE ESPOKE Woodhouse Engine eering provides a service to build bespoke trailers traile ers to suit your requirements. We are gradually increasing our range of prroducts and services and are able to off ffer er one off ff,, bespoke b designs to suit your individual requirements without compromise.
SHEPHERDS HUTS Aswell as agricultural trailerrs, we also design and build small moveable buildings such as the shepherds shepher huts. All our shepherds huts are built to a high specificatio on and attention to detail is keyy. They are hand built to tthe highest quality, with featuress like steel chassis and fraame, treated timber and full insulaation ensuring that your hut will remain comfortable and in its best condition forr as long as p possible.
General Enquiries Woodhouse Engineering, Barleyfield Industrial estate, Nantyglo, Ebbw V Va ale, Blleanau Gwent, NP23 3 4YF
Te T el: 07885415715
Email: woodhouse.engineering@aol.co.uk Visit: www.woodhouseengineering.co.uk 16 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Farmer’s Monthly
Vehicle shown with optional accessories
TAKE THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH Polaris ATVs and UTVs have built an enduring reputation for working in the roughest conditions.
Take the powerful and practical 2017 Polaris Ranger Diesel HD. It comes with legendary Polaris suspension, Active Descent Control, Electronic Power steering, 7-pin trailer socket and on-demand true All-Wheel Drive. Customize it from the many accessories available; from Lock & Ride PRO-FIT cab accessories to brushguards, lightbars and storage boxes. What’s more, the 2017 Ranger Diesel comes with a PRO-FIT premium roof and poly rear panel as standard. Just add a screen and doors to complete your cab. Ready for a smooth and comfortable ride.
5% special discount for NFU members*
polaris@lanes-garage.co.uk
01873 821388
Terms and Conditions apply. Please contact us for further details.
$SFBUF Q QPXFS GGSPN X XBTUF X XPPE &BSO B BO JJODPNF GGPS Z ZFBST 4JNQMF 7JTJU /PWBMVY &OFSHZhT 03$ DPNCJOFE IFBU BOE QPXFS QMBOU DBMM April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 17
Gazette & Diary Magazine
‘Our farmers are top of the crop’ YOUR LOCAL LEADING INDEPENDENT SPECIALISTS SINCE 1996 FOR RANGE ROVER, DISCOVERY, DEFENDER, FREELANDER
Service 01600 891201 Fax 01600 891200 Parts 01600 891202 Mobile 07860 843419 or visit www.bg4x4.co.uk email bglandrovers@aol.com
Run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts Here at BG Landrovers we offer more than just great servicing and repair deals on all Land Rover models. Our customers tell us we provide higher standards of service and we save them money.
Hillcrest Works, Crockers Ash, Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 6DW. We are located near Whitchurch just off the main A40 between Ross and Monmouth.
FUW reminds Labour Party Conference
T
HE FARMERS’ Union of Wales highlighted that farmers in Wales and the UK are at the top of their game and reached out to people to strengthen the relationship between producer and consumer at the Labour Party annual Spring conference in Llandudno. FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We had a great time here ▲ ‘Llafur Cefn Gwlad – Labour Friends today at the Labour Party conferof Farming’ launch. ence reaching out to people and telling them about the fantastic work our helps to retain our young people in rural farmers do every day of the year. Our communities. “That’s why it is so important to remind farmers are the top of the crop and produce fantastic food for us 365 days a year. people that #FarmingMatters and why “It was also a fantastic opportunity to the FUW continues to strive for the right remind people of the important work our deal for our farming communities once farmers do – they don’t just produce food, we make an exit from the EU.” In addition, the FUW was pleased to which is recognised worldwide for its superb quality, taste and outstanding host the launch a new partnership ‘Llafur animal health and welfare standards but Cefn Gwlad – Labour Friends of Farming’ they are the custodians of the countryside at its stand. The partnership between the Labour party and the Farmers’ Union of we all love so much. “Our farmers manage 1.8 million Wales, aims to stress the importance of hectares of land in Wales; that’s over 80% backing the industry as the UK exits the of the land area in Wales and the Welsh European Union. “The FUW is delighted to be a part of countryside that is managed by your local farmer provides the backdrop for the this new partnership. It is essential that tourism industry which is worth over £2.5 we all work together to get the backing for agriculture we desperately need once billion. “And farming is also the cornerstone of we make an exit from the EU and I hope the £6.1 billion Welsh food and drink sup- that through this initiative we will get the ply chain industry, which employs 76,000 message that #FarmingMatters across to people in the food and farming sector. It’s key decision makers,” added Mr Roberts. worth remembering that all of this also
AL LL-NEW W DISCOVERY
IT’LL GET YOU INTO AMA AZING PLACES. IT’LL ALSO HELP GET YOU OUT AGAIN. AT A STARTING PRICE OF JUST £43 3,495
Likes Land Rover
18 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
Gazette Motoring
A
new track-focused Abarth 595 has been revealed in the form of the Trofeo, with uprated performance parts and a price tag below £20,000. Based on the Fiat 500 and modified by the Italian manufacturer's tuning arm Abarth, the standard 595 has a reputation for being a raucous little hot hatch. But now the tuner has revealed a more track-focused version to sit between the base model and the top-spec, highperformance 695 Biposto. To mark the Trofeo out as a more focused performance car than the 595, it gets perforated and ventilated brake discs, Koni rear suspension and Abarth's raucous "Record Monza" exhaust pipe with a quiet mode. The 157bhp, 1.4-litre engine is unchanged, though. At £17,290 for the hatchback version, it
offers great value for money. As evidence of its track day-biased attitude, the 595 Trofeo comes with a unique satellite navigation system that has some of the world's most famous tracks built in. While visiting tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps or the Red Bull Ring, drivers can save and analyse their lap times. Created by racer Carlo Abarth in 1949, the company became a hugely successful racing team and made a name for itself modifying cars for use on track. The company was bought by Fiat in 1971 and became responsible for the company's rally cars. The name slowly died out, occasionally used in the 80s and 90s to denote faster versions of Fiat's cars, but in 2007 the company was resurrected to build proper performance cars based on the Italian manufacturer's more common vehicles. It's best known now for its hotter versions of the Fiat 500, such as this new 595 Trofeo model. However, it has recently added the 124 Spider to its range, which is a two-seater convertible sports car.
C
ITROEN has pulled the wraps off the latest addition to the Cactus range - the C4 Cactus OneTone. The special edition features a host of dark elements, including Obsidian Black metallic paint, black Airbumps and 17-inch black alloy wheels. Unique OneTone graphics feature on the rear quarter panels, while the interior of the model is based on the rangetopping Flair trim. This brings a number of technological features to the cabin, including a navigation and hi-fi pack with six speakers and an Arkamys digital amplifier, Bluetooth handsfree functionality and media streaming. A two-tone leather steering wheel and tinted rear windows continue the dark theme throughout the cabin. Meanwhile, the driver can benefit from Citroen's City Park Pack with front parking sensors, gap measurement and Park Assist self-parking. A seven-inch touchscreen with navigation and reversing camera is included in this extensive spec. The model is powered by Citroen's PureTech 110 S&S powertrain, and coupled to a manual transmission. When it arrives at dealerships, it will be priced from £19,020 on the road. At the same time, the French manufacturer
WHEELS & DEALS
has introduced another special edition, the C4 Cactus W. Again, this model is based on the range-topping Flair trim, but features pearl white paintwork and white and grey detailing.
Bailey Bros MOT TEST CENTRE Cars, Vans & Motorcycle (Free Retest) Servicing & Reairs all makes Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny
01873 853058
GOVILON GARAGE Motorcycle and Car MoT Servicing and Repair
MOT
Trade Centre
Church Lane, Govilon, Monmouthshire NP7 9RP Telephone Abergavenny 01873 831696
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 19
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Wiltshire Farm Foods Brochure Launch Spring & Summer 2017 Delicious & delivered…
Home Assist Service
The Home Help is Back! Helping you to remain independent We offer the following services: Escorting to appointments and social activities Cleaning, gardening, ironing and laundry Light meal preparation Bed making/changing Respite sitting service Medication reminders Companionship Shopping Please note we do not offer personal care
01873 859 289 or 07581 747 328
We’ve got a new look for the new season and lots of exciting food stories to share with you in our brand new Spring & Summer 2017 full colour brochure out NOW! Of course, we’re as committed as always to bringing you fantastic foods that’s delicious and nutritious. We’ve got lots of tasty meals you can treat yourself to, and a great selection of new and improved recipes we’re sure will tickle your tastebuds.
New for you…
Meals for Two Now for even more convenience, we’ve created a brand new range of meals specially designed for sharing. Whether you’re tempted by tradition Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding, or want to treat yourselves to a light and summery Cauliflower Cheese & Broccoli Bake, we’ve got a delicious range of meals that have been carefully prepared and designed to satisfy two. Mini Meals Extra Satisfying meals for small appetites. A great new range of small, manageable meals perfect as a main meal for those with a small appetite. These satisfying dishes contain 501-522 calories and at least 20g of protein, packed into a small easy to manage serving.
Indian & Chinese With our new and improved range of delicious Indian & Chinese meals, you can treat yourself to an authentic tasting, fullflavoured takeaway whenever the mood takes you. Full of bold bright flavours, our Indian and Chinese meals are cooked using a tantalising selection of authentic spices, creating beautiful flavours that taste as good as any takeaway meal! With over 300 tempting dishes, from tasty British classics like Roast Lamb in Mint Gravy to more modern favourites like Chicken Tikka Masala, we really do have something for everyone. Wiltshire Farm Foods gives you the opportunity to enjoy tasty meals at home, when the time suits you. You can enjoy our meals every day or just keep a few in your freezer as a convenient back up – the choice is yours! As well as quality, taste and flavour you can rely on, speedy service with a smile also comes as part of the package. Delivery is always free, there’s no contract or commitment and no minimum order. So don’t hesitate, call us today for your free copy of our full colour Spring & Summer brochure. Call Brian and Sara and the team on 01600 892855
Delicious & delivered
heidi@diamondhomesupport.com
NEW
Spring & Summer 2017 Brochure
F R E E N A T I O N W I D E D E L I V E R Y | M E A L S F R O M O N LY £ 2 . 9 9 O V E R 3 0 0 T A S T Y R E C I P E S | N O C O N T R A C T, N O C O M M I T M E N T Call us today for your FREE brochure
01600 892855
wiltshirefarmfoods.com 20 April/May2017 - The Spring Issue
Golden Years
IS LOW PROTEIN THE REASON 50-SOMETHINGS ARE SO TIRED?
L
OTS of people say their appetite changes a bit as they get older, but did you know your nutritional needs might change too? As we get older, our body uses proteins, vitamins and minerals differently, so ensuring we have enough of these nutrients in our diet to support good health is important in order to maintain a busy lifestyle. Getting plenty of protein also plays a role in maintaining energy levels and helping you feel less tired.
RELAX IN COMFORT THIS SPRING
HOW TO GET MORE PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET • Swap your yoghurt - plain Greek yoghurt is packed with far more protein than your average yoghurt. • Boost it with lentils - bulk up soups and stews with proteinfull lentils. • Add nuts - if you're having a salad for lunch, add a handful of unsalted nuts to pep it up. • Skip cereal - swap your usual cornflakes for scrambled or dippy eggs and a protein hit first thing in the morning.
• Step away from the mayo - instead of spreading sandwiches with butter and mayo, use hummus for extra flavour and extra protein. • Change your meats - having ham or salami in your sandwich? Swap them out for healthier, protein-heavy lean meats like chicken and turkey instead. • Peas with everything - for a green veggie, peas are very high in protein, and what meal isn't improved by a side of peas?
April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 21
Top Gadget for your Dog! GET THE BALL ROLLING Throwing balls for a dog can get tiring if the dog in question has more energy and interest in fetching a ball than you do. This is where technology can help. The PetSafe Ball Launcher is an investment, but it does relieve the pressure on tired arms. Add the balls (it comes with two, but you can use ordinary tennis balls) to the device and programme it to launch them, either in your garden or at the park you can choose up to nine different distances (of between 2.5-9m). To keep it going, either plug it in or add six D batteries so you can roam free. There's also an automatic rest mode to ensure your dog doesn't tire.
PetSafe Ball Launcher, £134.99, Argos
Feisty Ferret Makes Remarkable Recovery
CODY is not your usual ferret - in many ways! He came in to see our senior Brecon vet, Ysobel, with a cough. On examination it was discovered that his colour wasn't as pink as it should be, his abdomen was swollen and his back legs were quite weak. Examining his heart was a bit tricky because he is quite a wriggly chap - however a more friendly ferret you could never wish to meet! After a bit of patience his heart was found to be beating too fast and his liver was swollen as a result. Ferrets are known to have a condition which stops the heart muscle contracting properly called 'cardiomyopathy'. This can
Wyndee Kennels Individual Care~Attention Guaranteed Open 9am-6pm Newbury, Abergavenny, Blaenavon 01495 790571
cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and the liver and means that they can cough. Because the heart doesn't move as well as it should be, it also sometimes means that the blood can start to slow down on its journey thorough the heart, and can allow blood clots to form. Cody's diagnosis was a heart problem with a clot in his artery and this was causing his back legs to not work very well. Giving a ferret tablets is not easy! Ysobel was worried about how a ferret would take to being given medication twice a day but his owner, Kate, had a trick up her sleeve. Cody loves cream cheese and jam... (not the usual diet we'd advise for your ferret readers!)... however in small amounts it meant she could get his tablets down - in fact he loves tablet time. After a few days Cody was a lot better. His cough has gone and his tummy was smaller. The movement in his back legs is now almost normal and he is living life to the full! Well done Cody and well done Kate for thinking of the cream cheese!
Visit our dedicated Small Animal Team
The annual Petplan Veterinary Awards are open now for 2017! You can nominate your favourite members of our team if they have impressed you this year. Entries can be made online or you can pop in to any of our branches for an entry form. Our Abbeycare plans are proving very popular as 'the perfect way to reduce costs and budget for your pet's preventative healthcare' Contact your local branch for more information or telephone Denplan on 0800 1699958
Abbey Vets Abergavenny branch St Arvans Chambers, Hereford Rd, Abergavenny NP7 5PR Tel: 01873 852391 22 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue
CALL THE PROFESSIONALS
Call the Professionals
Pets Corner
ROOFING
M. Preece Roofing Contractor
New Roofs ● Slate and Tiles uPVC Fascias and Guttering Repairs and Maintenance Leadwork and Chimney Repair Free Estimates
01874 711137 07720859621
01874 711554 07720859621
GARDEN SERVICES
TARMACADAM
Tarmacadam & Asphalt Specialist (Est 40yrs)
GATES
CHAINSAWS BLACKWOOD CHAINSAWS H. Waters & Sons
Lawnmowers • Chainsaws • Garden Machinery
RIDE-ON MOWERS FREE DEMONSTRATIONS
SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS 45 years experience serving our community We accept part exchange / new & reconditioned Demonstrations available
01495 226657
www.blackwoodchainsaws.co.uk Mill Garage, Gelli Groes, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 2HY
GRANITE SPECIALIST &
Hand Carved Memorials • Granite Worktops • Additional Inscriptions • Vanity Tops • Renovations & Cleaning • Shower Cladding • House Names • Fireplaces
Family Run Firm Rose Cottage, Lydney Road, Bream, Glos, GL15 6EW Allaston Grove Saw Mills, Allaston Road, Lydney, Glos, GL15 4EX
Tel: 01594 562535 / 562570 Fax: 01594 560613
www.medamsell.co.uk
Call the Professionals
CALL THE PROFESSIONALS BLINDS
BLINDS
DIGITAL SERVICES
ROOFING
Problems with your picture? We have got the solution • Aerials fitted • TV’s wall mounted • Problems with Sky? • Open 7 days a week • Same day call out
ABER AERIALS INSTALLATION & REPAIRS
Call or text Now! 01443 741159 | 07811 397933 or email aberaerials@icloud.com
PLUMBING
WINDOWS
OUTDOOR SUPPLIES
Tel. 018 874 712 224 247 Mob. 07770 56 563 63 6 3020 302 CRI CKHOWELL ADVENTURE
Tel: 07494 989887 thomascrew2000@yahoo.co.uk Gwent, Monmouthshire
REMOVALS Mark Alder
wind w indow dow wizard wiz zard
Maintenance and repairs to: windows, doors, conservatories, sky & roof lights, guttering, handles, hinges & locks, any age any make.
MIKE GEDDES
REMOVALS OF MONMOUTH
Top quality friendly personal service at rock bottom prices...
w
BUDGET MAN + VAN SERVICE AVAILABLE v
PRESSURE WASHING
TV REPAIRS DEAN’S T.V. SERVICES a digital vision for everyone
Main Road, Gilwern Tel 01973 831313 Mobile 07957 867113 E-mail deans-tvs@live.co.uk Website www.deans-tvs.com
GPM
Gavenny Park Mowers
Experts in our field, we have over 30 years experience and supply top brands in garden equipment such as:
Garden machinery services in Abergavenny. For more information why not visit our website www.gavennyparkmowers.com or ring 01873 855 404
MEMORIALS Gwent Memorials Est. 1991 QUALITY HEADSTONES AND MEMORIALS Friendly personal service Realistic prices - Free coloured brochure 30 Ty Gwyn Rd, Little Mill, Pontypool Email: gwentmemorials@gmail.co.uk 01495 785532 anytime
References available - 30 Years experience
n
ww ww w.window-wiz.co.uk
Telephone 01600 715509 | 07860 736755
GLASS AND GLAZING
ADVERTISING
No w in 23 our rd yea r!
FLAT SCREEN TV, SALES & REPAIRS Supply & Installation (inc wall moutning) of Plasma Screens, LCD Screens & LED/LCD Screens HUMAX Freesat (HD) Recorders Aerial & Satellite Supply & Installation Freeview & Freesat available now
MOWERS
r
DAMP PROOFING
Glass Cut While You Wait Double Glazed Units UPVC Doors, Windows, Etc. 24 Emergency Service Window Repairs & Replacements
Unit 8, Station Rd.Abergavenny Tel 01873 850300 • Mobile 07974 491699 webbsglazing@gmail.com
Call 01873 852187 ext 35
TREE SURGERY
ACCOUNTANT
PCR Preservation
Dorrell Oliver Ltd chartered accountants
SPECIALISTS IN THE CURE AND PRESERVATION OF RISING DAMP WOODWORM, WET AND DRY ROT
Linden House, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NF Tel: 01873 852113 Fax: 01873 858523 www.dorrells.co.uk
Tel: 01443 690893 or 07974771681 Email: philip.pcr@tiscali.co.uk
REMOVALS
✦ ACCOUNTANCY ✦ AUDIT ✦ TAX ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESSES
OSTEOPATH
DOORS
ATK REMOVALS LINDA J. GARRATT D.O. Specialist Removals & Storage Household Movers • Antiques Fine Art • Sculptures
• Full & Part Loads
• Packing Service Available Local & Long Distance FREE ESTIMATES
STORAGE
FROM £8 per week
01497 831507 07717 323356 Based at Hay-on-Wye
anthony.keil@btinternet.com www.atkremovals.co.uk
Run an advert this size for as little as £35 plus vat a month.
REGISTERED OSTEOPATH
BROOKS PLACE, 56 UNION ROAD WEST, ABERGAVENNY NP7 7RH
01873 856818
NIGEL’S DOORS • Transffo orm your home with a new set of doors. • All types of internal doors supplied and fitted, or fit only. Ring Nigel ffo or ffrree estimate:
01443 266310 OR 07583 108791 April/May 2017 - The Spring Issue 23
The Premier Rooffiing Company m Solutions arre e our Business Serrv vicing Herefor ford dshirre e ffo or over 50 y ye earrs s (3 Ge enerra ations s))
CENTRAL
Roofing & Building Services Ltd
Frre ee e Gutterriing w wiitth h all Fascia and Sofffiit ord rderrs s!!!
Slates Tiles Ti Liquid Coattiing gs s Fiib breglass l Felt Flatt--Pitched Sheeti tin ng Cl dd Clad diing n uPVC Fascia uPVC Gutteriin ng Approved by: NHS Local Authorities NEC HM Coasttg guard MOD To name but a ffe ew!
Follow us on o :
Link ke ed
Tel: 01432 354000 Fax: 01432 268263 Email: info@centralro oofing.co.uk W ww.centralroofing.c co.uk 1519889