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Gazette & Diary Magazine
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GADGETS &
GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Vintage vinyl player
£89.99
Monkey USB Drive £12.99
HD camera drone £99.99
Spy pen camera £24.99
Cube click clock £29.99
GO-PRO – HERO4 4 £229.99
Retro phone £39.99
Bluetooth headphones £69.99
Retro Jukebox £89.99
Sony Cybershot £79.99
One of Wales’ oldest independent photographic and electronical retailers has launched its online camera store in time for Ch hristmas. Aberga avenn ny-based Shackleton Photographic now offers its top quality range of cameras, optics, audio and electrical goods, for all the family, online. The benefit of shopping at shackletoncameras.co.uk is that you get the same trusted, personal service to make an informed purchase, that you do at their Nevill Street shop.
Win! A Pentax XG-1 camer era worth £199
You can also take advantage of a click and collect service and free delivery on orders over £75 before December 1st.
To enter the competition visit: shackletoncameras.co.uk/win
shackletoncameras .co.uk 2 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
To celebrate the launch of our online shop we are giving a aw way y this 16 megapixel camera.
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Intro in association with
The Abergavenny Chronicle For information on how to advertise in the next issue, please contact: Jenna Hopkins 01873 852187 Ext 35 jenna@abergavennychronicle.com or James Morgan 851 187 Ext 25 sales@abergavennychronicle.com When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine please recycle it.
Part of the Tindle Newspaper Group
Published by the Abergavenny Chronicle, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5AA Printed by Trinity Mirror plc
y e k c o y c H u L HAIR STUDIO
Here at Lucy Hockey hair studio we will offer you a professional service from the moment you book to the moment you leave. From our fully trained, highly qualified stylists (and colour technicians) you will receive a free consultation on every visit, in comfort and relaxation and your style created with only the highest experience and products.
All Aveda products are brimming with pure flower and plant essences and transcending aromas, that exhilarate, calm or nurture. Hair colour formulas are naturally 96% derived and infused with conditioning plant oils for glossy, healthy looking colour.
Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas Loyalty Scheme available
Great Lengths extensions and Kera | Straight available
Lucy Hockey Hair Studio, Hereford Rd, Mardy, Abergavenny, NP7 6LE
Telephone: 01873 859300
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 3
Gazette & Diary Magazine
I
F you're trawling garden centres and nurseries looking for a real Christmas tree, there are certain things you have to bear in mind. Size matters - it's no use trying to fit a wide, dense tree into a narrow space or hoping that a thinner tree will fill a huge space. If you're on a budget, you may bag a bargain - Aldi will be selling Nordman firs up to 110cm (3ft 6in) for £11.99 from December 6 and taller Nordmans (up to 180cm/5ft 9in) for £19.99, against steeper prices from higher end retailers. Nordman Firs are the most popular tree and quite needle-fast with attractive dark colouration. Those looking for something more exclusive and unusual may go for the Fraser and Noble firs which have an almost
Bridgend 7x1
Find the perfect tree
conical shape, tasteful blue or olive green colours and very dense, highly scented foliage. The traditional Norway spruce is less popular but is cheaper, smells good and represents the classic idea of a Christmas tree from childhood. The blue spruce is all about the colour and is ideal as a pot-grown tree, to be kept after the festivities. ● Choose a tree that isn't prewrapped in netting so you can really see the shape and the branches won't permanently be stuck upright. Plus, if trees are left in the net, air is not able to circulate, the tree warms up and a micro-climate forms. This leads to the tree beginning to decompose and needles will drop at a much quicker rate. ● The colour of the needles should be dark green, not pale and washed out, and needles should feel waxy to the touch and not dry. Try stroking the tree and seeing if needles come off. ● Some people prefer a full dense tree, others opt for a more open shape but in general, the tree should be evenly proportioned, not too dense at the bottom or sparse at the top or have gaping holes. Make sure you look around the whole tree for these. ● The top of the tree is important. Look for a straight leader (the long, tall part of the tree, right at the top).
● Keep the tree away from draughts and direct heat and ideally use LED lights, which emit less heat and are better for the environment. ● Don't wait until the last minute to purchase. Christmas trees are cut at broadly the same time in the fields in late October/November so if you buy late, the trees are likely to have been in a stored location for a long period out of water and receiving no care, which may result in them not lasting as long.
● When first brought home, keep your tree fresh for longer by chopping a few centimetres off the bottom and soaking it in a bucket of water outside at least overnight, but for as long as possible before bringing indoors.
Clearwell Caves Christmas Fantasy
Upper Triley Farm | Llan!lio Pertholey | Abergavenny | Monmouthshire | NP7 8DF | T/F: 01873 890523 | M: 07855 473176 | E: enquiries@trifec.com | W: trifec.com
C hr i s t m as H o l i d ay A c t i v i ti e s 2 0 1 5 Saturday 19th December – Sunday 3rd January 2016
Saturday 19th December - Lessons as Normal
F r i d ay 2 5 t h D e c e m b e r - C L O S E D
Sunday 20th December • Lessons as Normal + DRESSAGE SHOW • Including a Dengie Winter League qualifier • 1.30pm start – Schedule Available
S a t u r d a y 2 6 t h D e c e m b e r - CLOS E D
Monday 21 December • GET KIDS RIDING 8.30am – 5.30pm Suitablefornon/beginnerriders. Pleasebringapackedlunch Spend all day at out BHS Approved Centre. Please book early as spaces limited to 8 per day - £30.00 • MINI CAMP 9.00am – 4.00pm (Bring a packed lunch) Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Riders • Own or loan pony - £40.00 • TriFEC pony - £50.00 • Morning/Evening Lessons as normal st
28th -De2cec4mth ber
Nove v mber
OPEN 10.00am-5.000pm Clearwell, Nr Coleford Tel: 01594 8325535
2015
www..cleaarwellcavess.com 4 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Tuesday 22nd December • PONY CLUB CHRISTMAS DAY RALLY – times to be confirmed • Morning/Evening Lessons as normal • GET KIDS RIDING 8.30am – 5.30pm Suitablefornon/beginnerriders. Pleasebringapackedlunch Spend all day at out BHS Approved Centre Please book early as spaces limited to 8 per day - £30.00 Wednesday 23rd December • MINI CAMP 9.00am – 4.00pm (Bring a packed lunch) Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Riders ActivitiesInclude: Flatwork,Jumping&StableManagement • Own or loan pony - £40.00 • TriFEC pony - £50.00 • Morning/ Evening lessons/ Clinic’s as Normal Thursday 24th December - Morninglessonsasnormal
Please bring suitable clothing for the weather Book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited Tel: 01873 890523 Email: suzanne@trifec.com
Sunday 27th December - Lessons as Normal Monday 28th December • JUMPING SHOW – Including a Dengie Winter League Qualifier Clear Round 9.00am – 9.45am/ Schedule available • Morning & Evening Lessons as Normal • GET KIDS RIDING 8.30am – 5.30pm Suitablefornon/beginnerriders. Pleasebringapackedlunch Spend all day at out BHS Approved Centre Please book early as spaces limited to 8 per day - £30.00 Tuesday 29th December • GYMKHANA 11.00am – 12.30pm Suitable for all ages and abilities - £30.00 • GET KIDS RIDING 8.30am – 5.30pm Suitablefornon/beginnerriders. Pleasebringapackedlunch Spend all day at out BHS Approved Centre Please book early as spaces limited to 8 per day- £30.00 Wednesday 30th December • OWN A PONY DAY 12.30pm – 3.30pm Suitable for Novice/Intermediate/Advanced Riders Activities to include: Flatwork, Jumping & Stable Management - £40.00 • Morning and Evening Lessons + Clinic as normal T h u r s da y 3 1 s t D e c e m b e r - C L O S E D F r i d ay 1 s t J a n u a r y - C L O S E D Saturday 2nd January - Lessons as Normal Sunday 3rd January - Lessons as Normal
Lessons as Normal from Monday 4th January 2016 W e wou ld like to tak e this opportu nity to thank a ll of our custome rs for t he ir support du ring 2 015 and wish you a ll a very Merry Christma s a nd Prospe rou s Ne w Ye ar
We wish you a Merry Christmas
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 5
Gazette & Diary Magazine
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W I N G CS H I R E
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MONMOUTH
Real Ale. True Quality...
Raglan’s own microbrewery - producing a wide range of superb beers, including IPAs, Bitters, Stout and Wheat beers. Available to the trade and public in bottle, 5 litre party pin, 36 pint pin and 72 pint firkin. We also carry a range of wines from around the world and great Welsh cider for all your holiday needs!
Ef[d Ced#<h_ '&Wc#+fc Â&#x161; IWj ''Wc#)fc Unit 6, Little Castle Business Park, Raglan, NP15 2BX 4EL s -OBILE EMAIL ENQUIRIES UNTAPPEDBREW COM
WWW UNTAPPEDBREW COM
Friday 4th, Saturday y 5th & Sunday 6th Decemberr The Christmas Fair that ever yone is talking about! See the Fair y ytale Castle e beautifully y dressed for the festive estive season with The Holly & The Ivy, Baubles and Bunting and Christmas Trees that jusst Sparkle and Glow. Over 60 stalls s will be showing their wares with a wide range of ideas and nd gifts for all the family. Come e along and put some Sparkle e into your Christmas at Hamp pton Cour tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Christmass Fair Friday 4th: 10.30am to 5pm Saturday 5th: 10.30am to 5pm Sunday 6th: 10.30am to o 5pm
Entr y ÂŁ3.50 Adults, ÂŁ1.50 Children Enjoy Liz s famous minc ce pies with ger y Restaurant
Hampton Cour t Casttle
Hope-Under Hope Under-Dinmore, Dinmore Leom minster, Herefordshire HR6 0PN
01568 797676 | www w.hamptoncourt.org.uk
6 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Happy holidays at the Untapped Brewing Company
R
AGLANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S own craft brewery, the Untapped Brewing Company, has gone from strength to strength this year and is looking forward to a great Christmas! Head brewer, Owen Davies, says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a great 2015 so far and have our brilliant beers going everywhere from Cardiff to Carlisle!â&#x20AC;? The brewery has collected several awards through the year. A silver medal from the Society of Independent Brewers for their India Pale Ale, Coldharbour and two national Great Taste awards for their pale ale, U.P.A. and winter beer, Ember. They have developed a number of new beers. Monnow, a Welsh best bitter, has proved very popular since its release in June. Broadstone, an oak fermented wheat beer, is a welcomeaddition to the premium â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; range.
They have also developed their Brewery Door shop. Owen says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anybody can come and buy direct from the brewery, and people have really responded not only to buying locally, but also to seeing where all the beer is made. We wanted to offer more for our customers. You can buy all of our fabulous beers here in Raglan in bottle, gift box or keg, and now we stock a range of top class wines from around the world and great Welsh cider from just down the road!â&#x20AC;? Christmas is always the breweryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest time, and the team at Raglanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Untapped Brewery canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait. O w e n s a y s : â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmas is always exhausting but great fun, and with all nine of our beers available, great wines and ciders, we can supply all your Holiday needs!â&#x20AC;?
21 Royal Arc cade, Card diff ff,, CF10 1AE also
Abergavenny Market Tuesd u ay, We ednesday, Friday & Saturdays y Tokens â&#x20AC;˘ Coins â&#x20AC;˘ Banknotes â&#x20AC;˘ Coins â&#x20AC;˘ Medal M d l â&#x20AC;˘ Gold G ld â&#x20AC;˘ Silver â&#x20AC;˘ Militaria â&#x20AC;˘ Postcard ds Mining Lamps & Checks ALWAYS BUYING COINS â&#x20AC;˘ GOLD â&#x20AC;˘ MEDALS â&#x20AC;˘ SILVER
07968 855288
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Hafren edit
nantyderry garden centre Family business (Established 1956) in beautiful rural setting.
Wales Larrgest Inndependent Furniture Reetailer Our 50th Anniversary Winter Sale starts December 18th and runs until end January 2016
Fantastic range of shrubs and conifers for winter colour
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
Closed 25--27th Dec www.hafrenfurnishers.co.uk - N Now order online. Just off A470 Llanidloes Powys s SY18 6AJ
FREE Delivery in Engglaand nd and Wales
Opening tim mes Mon-Fri 9am m-6pm, Thurs open until 8pm, Sat 9am-5.3 30pm, closed Sun
Tel: 01686 6 414000
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 7
Gazette & Diary Magazine
A GIFT OF GREAT PROPORTIONS STAR QUALITY
MEADE Infinity 70 Refractor Telescope - Blue, £99, www.currys.co.uk
Forget wishing the dark nights away, wish upon a star instead! This great telescope is a great buy for the amateur astronomer. It comes with a 70mm objective diameter which is wide enough to easily enjoy the sky at night. In addition, it has a 77x eyepiece magnification which will give great detail of the natural display in front of you. If you need a helping hand to understand what you're looking at, pop the accompanying
DVD on which features more than 10,000 celestial objects to spot.
USE THE FORCE
Star Wars Stormtrooper Electric Scooter, £99.99, www.argos.co.uk
With the next Star Wars film arriving in cinemas on December 18, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos out there which celebrate the Galaxy Far, Far Away. However you'll struggle to beat this electric scooter. It comes with a 120x motor and a 24v battery which will
to the great outdoors!
give you around 40 minutes of power before requiring a charge. It's suitable for those aged 8+ and comes with a footbrake. One thing, if you are investing in this, don't forget to purchase a helmet and pads too.
TRENDY OPTION Smart Glider Hoverboard, £399.95, www.red5.co.uk
A gadget so popular with celebrities that the ride-on has become the must-have gadget for 2015, there are now many varieties available suitable for different budgets. You may shirk at the price of this one, but it's actually on sale at Red5 and offers value for money. It comes with auto-stabilising technology to keep you well balanced - that said, you'll need to spend some time in the garden practising so you feel confident on it. Speed wise, you can reach the heady heights of 10mph and you'll be able to travel 15½ miles before you'll need to charge it up for a couple of hours. If you are buying this, make sure you know the Highway Laws regarding them - they are banned on pavements and public roads.
YOUR LOCAL OUTDOOR SPECIALIST Hats & Gloves
Warm Fleeces
Insulated Trousers
Down Jackets
Walking Boots
ROSS-ON-WYE - (01989) 565676 3 CROFT COURT (off Broad Street)
keep going for a good 45 minutes. Pick between high and low speed settings and make your child feel safe and secure by using the stabilisers. It reaches speeds of 3.2mph and to add to the excitement, there's a horn and also engine start-up sounds.
VERY SMART
Bush 24 inch HD Ready Smart TV with DVD Player - Black, £139.99, www.argos.co.uk Think Smart TV's have to cost a fortune? This nifty 24 inch from Bush proves otherwise. Whether you want to use it to watch Freeview TV, or access apps including Netflix, Youtube and BBC iPlayer, the LED screen will supply you with all your televisual needs. On top of that, if you're not quite ready to say goodbye to your DVDs, this TV comes with a DVD player too. A TV that will not only look really impressive wrapped up under the tree, but also offers great value for money.
ON YOUR BIKE Ride-On BMW S1000RR Motorbike, £169.99, Maplin
If your children have a taste for adventure, this ride-on will make the perfect gift. Suitable for those aged 3-8 (weighing up to 30kg), it does take a while to charge (8-10 hours) but then it will
Christmas 2015 Party menu now available
8 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Santa has arrived! C
ROWNED ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales and West’ for the past four consecutive years, this combined Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant certainly puts on an impressive show at Christmas time. Incorporating a Nania theme this year the experience offered to children and adults alike is fantastic - recently picking up the second place prize in the annual Wa l e s a n d We s t G C A C h r i s t m a s Competition. The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, in Three Cocks between Brecon and Hay-onWye, offers a wide range of Christmas gifts, decorations, lighting, artificial and freshly
cut trees all displayed beautifully within a journey through scenes from the famous CS Lewis novel, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The displays are inspiring and offer an abundance of ideas of how to display your Christmas decorations at home this year. Manager, Huw Lewis said: “This year we have put lots of time and effort into making our grotto experience extra special! Our grotto is open to children of all ages and is packed with excitement including Santa’s reindeer and a short Frozen walk before meeting Santa, having a chat and receiving a suitable toy and delicious sweets!” “Of course adults have not been forgotten and Prize winning Santa’s Grotto and a wide range of Christmas gifts, decorations, lighting, we have some great artificial and freshly cut trees events planned for them too! A Cheese and Wine Evening on Thursday 10th December provides a chance to try new wines and foods perfect for the festive season and a Late Night Shopping Evening on Thursday 17th December offers the opportunity to get the last of your Christmas shopping done!”
For more information about The Old Railway Line Garden Centre and upcoming events call 01497 847055 or visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.
Opening Timeses... December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 9
Gazette & Diary Magazine
10 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Christmas at CRiC T
he oriel CRiC gallery in Crickhowell is welcoming visitors to its popular annual seasonal exhibition which includes much variety in painting, printmaking,
sculptures, ceramics, glass, jewellery, dolls dressed in pure Welsh flannel and books – all beautifully handcrafted. “Christmas at CRiC” will bring the year’s exhibition program to a festive close, while showing the work of regular, popular local artists and introducing new makers to tempt those looking for a special and unique gift. With the display being constantly refreshed, it is a good place to pop in for a quick look or a leisurely browse to escape the winter chill. In addition to the upstairs exhibition space, CRiC also houses a downstairs retail area with a growing selection of books, cards, small
gifts and interesting products with a local flavour, making it the ideal place to linger and stop for coffee and cake and a relaxed shopping experience. During Crickhowell’s late night shopping evening on December the 3rd a Christmas tree decorating competition will bring local groups together in the centre adding to the atmosphere of fun and festivity. It would of course not be Christmas without a mulled drink or two. Situated in the centre of Crickhowell and central to many community activities and events, CRiC is not only relishing the opportunity to welcome many visitors in the coming months, but also looking forward to 2106 as the charity turns ten. The centre is open daily Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. For further information please contact: gallery@visitcrickhowell.co.uk tel. 01873 811970 or visit the website www.visitcrickhowell.co.uk
Books by Carole King and glass by Kathryn Roberts forming a beautiful collection of handmade items
Textiles by Sue Atkins, oil paintings by Tim Rossiter and Textile sculptures by Helly Powell make for yet another beautiful collection of work in the gallery
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 11
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Everybody loves and advent calendar Top Ultimate advent calendar from Artisan du Chocolat with mini carrier bags £49.99 Kinnerton advent calendars, various designs including Frozen and Thomas £1 each from Tesco Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Advent, Tesco £2 Lindt Bear and Friends Advent House £9.99
DENTURES made in 24 hours - Diirect to the public at Newport Denture Clinic C 40 years professional experien nce
Flexible and Chrome dentures (as well as soft relines) A 24 hour as well as 5 day service
ring now 01633 263125 to book your FREE consultation with our resid dent CDT or visit www.newportdentureclin nic.co.uk
dentures prices fr from… £190 12 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
We will willll be be putting pu utttiin ng a Christmas hrristmas h ristmas ssttm ma m ass twist a wiissstt to w to our b our bu buffe uffffe u et tea et tea selection, se election, leccttiiio on o n, fr n from om turk turk urke rk key ey and ey an nd d crra cranberry an a nb n be b errrry e y sandwiches sa an nd dw wiiccch w he h ess to e to Yu Yu ulle ule e log lo og and og and a te tempting em mp m ptti p tin ng n g selection sse elle e ecct o e ection on n of of homemade homem made ade a de d e Christmas Ch C hrristmas h isstmas tm ma m ass a fancies. fa an a nccies W n We e will wiil w illl even ev e ve en n hav ha av a ve e a Christmas Ch C hristmas h rristmas istmas sttm ma ass blend of blend of tea tte ea e a on on offe offffffe o er.. er. A Christmas Ch C hrriissstttm mas celebration cce ellebration e ebration e brra attiio a on o n is is alwa alw allw a wa w ay a yss helped y he h elllp e pe p ed e d allong with along a wiith w th a drink, th drriink, dr nk, so so in n addition ad ad dd diittiio d on o n to to the th th he e tea tea we w e shall sh ha all a ll be be shaking ssh ha h ak a king k in in ng g up up a Christmas Chr hrriisstttmas mas cocktail cco occcktail o ktail k ta ta aiil il or two or ttw wo w o as as well wellll as as off offfffe ering er e rring iin ng Champagne, Ch ha am a mp mpagne, pa ag a gn g ne n e,, e Prosecco P rro ossecccco o co and and mulled mulle ed d wine. wiin wi ne ne e. Gather G ather up up your yo y ou o ur fr friends rie ri ie en nd n dss and d an a nd n d fa fam milly mily y and an nd d com come ome and and enjoy enj en njo n jo oy o y a Christmas hristmas h rristmas istmas stm ma m as Te Te ea a att Gliff Gliffa liffffffa aes. aes. s.
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Plle P Please ea assse e call alll us a us to o book. bo b ook ok k.. If you If yo y ou o u would ould o ullld u d like lik lik ke e to to come come along lo ong ng please ple ea e asse a would w ou o uld you yo y ou call all us us to to book bo ook ok on ok on 011188774 01874 0 4 730 773330 0 371 37711 or 37 or drop drrop us d us an an email ema aiil at at calls@gliff cca calls@gliffa alls@gliff a lls@gliff llls@ llls@ ls@ ls s@g @g glif liffa lliff li iffffa aeshotel.com esh e sh ho otel.com ot tte el.c e el.com l.com Ch C Christmas hrriissttm h ma m ass Te a Te eas ass will a wiil w ill cost cosstt £16.50 £116.50 £ 16.550 16 0 per per person pe erson rrson sso on o n witth with h drinks drrriin d nk ks fr from ro om m the th he e bar ba b ar extra. ar extra. xtra. ra. a Children Chilld drrren d en e n un un under nd de d err 10 e 10 years yearrss old ld £10. £110 £ 0.. 0
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Dine at the Raglan Arms Burn’s Supper – Saturday 23 January To be pre-booked
PROSECCO AND CANAPES ON ARRIVAL AMUSE BOUCHE -------
CULLEN SKINK Leek & potato soup with soft poached egg, truffle oil
SHELLFISH PLATTER TO SHARE Oysters, mussels, crab, prawns with bloody mary jelly, cucumber, salt and vinegar, Valentine’s bread OR TAPPAS PLATTER TO SHARE Hummus, Valentine’s bread, tzatziki, roast vegetables, grilled goat’s cheese, falafal, potato bravas, mushroom fritters
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HAGGIES, NEEPS & TATTIES, Whisky jus – served with a dram NEEPS & TATTIES AND WINTER BARLEY NUT STUFFING, Whisky jus – served with a dram -------
ROAST VENISON STEAK, Dauphinoise potato, onion tartan, savoy cabbage, peppercorn sauce BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO, Crumbled goat’s cheese, crispy sage, Parmesan tuile
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LLANDENNY ‘BLACK CROWDIE’ MOUSSE, Port reduction, sea salt toast -------
CRANACHAN ‘DEEP FRIED MARS BAR’ £35 PER PERSON
Chef’s Winter Supper Club 2016
Mothering Sunday 6 March 2016
January and February Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6.30pm to 7.30pm
To be pre-booked
2 courses £18 3 courses £22
includes a small glass of house wine, a print of beer or a soft drink
Valentine’s Weekend Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February 2015 To be pre-booked
2 courses £21 3 courses £27 5 choices each course
WHOLE SEA BREAM TO SHARE Roast fennel, confit cherry tomatoes, scampi fries, wilted greens, lemon and caper sauce OR DUCK TO SHARE Honey roast duck breast, duck pie, glazed duck wings, duck fat roast potatoes, curly kale, heritage carrots, duck gravy OR TASTE OF THE GARDEN TO SHARE Stuffed butternut squash, crèpinette de byaldi, forest mushroom arancini, courgette fries, poppy seed vegetables, heritage tomato salsa -------
CHOCOLATE TASTING PLATTER TO SHARE Mini chocolate fondant, white chocolate crème brulee, hot chocolate doughnut, pickled kirsch soaked cherries, caramalia chocolate ice cream, valrohna angelica hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows OR LEMON TASTING PLATTER TO SHARE Lemon posset, lemon meringue pie, glazed lemon tart, lemon sorbet, lemoncello cheesecake TEA, COFFEE AND PETIT FOURS £50 PER PERSON
Nestling in the heart of the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside, Raglan Arms at Llandenny near Usk, offers a dining experience in a relaxed pub restaurant atmosphere. Here, award winning Head Chef, Matthew Long is producing exceptional dishes from a small but frequently changing menu using the best of fresh local produce.
BOOK A TABLE 01291 690800 Raglan Arms, Llandenny nr Usk, NP15 1DL www.raglanarms.co.uk info@raglanarms.co.uk
TUESDAY – SATURDAY LUNCH: 12pm – 2.30pm EVENING: 6.30pm- 9.00pm SUNDAY LUNCH: 12pm – 2.30pm December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 13
Gazette & Diary Magazine
The h Pa Parkk Hootell
SANTA A SUND DA AY Y - 20th Dec 2015 TRA ADITIONAL CHRIST TMAS SUNDA AY Y LU UNCH for all the family including a visit from Santa. A GIFT FOR EVERY CHILD FROM F SANTA A (under the age of 10 years) Plus photo opportunity.. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. 3 Course - £16.00 per adult 2 Course - £14.00 per adult Main Course - £12.00 per ad dult Children under 10 years half price inc. a giftt Children under 4 years Free e of charge inc. a giftt.
To o request a menu or make a booking please contact: The Park Ho otel, Pandy,, Abergavenny. T: 01873 890 271 - E: enquiries@ @theparkhotelwales.com - www.the eparkhotelwales.com
14 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
We wish you a Merry Christmas
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Christmas Markets 5th and 6th, 12th and 13th December: The areas largest Christmas markets featuring all you need to celebrate the festive season in style. Food and drink, arts and crafts, gifts and toys, local choirs, free entry and free parking.
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LLangorse half
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 15
Gazette & Diary Magazine
16 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Day into night
If your desk becomes your dressing table right about now,a strict cosmetic edit is a must.A palette will save you carting round a mountains of make-up, while also giving you flexibility to chop and change your look, should the mood take you. Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Love Makeup Palette, £59, (www.houseoffraser.co.uk) offers interchangeable eye, lip and cheek options in a sweet kiss-print compact
December can take its toll on our bank balances and sometimes, a visit to you colourist just isn't an option. But you needn't worry about revealing regrowth, because there are now a plethora of root cover-up products on the market. Most come as a powder or spray, but Kazumi Root Varnish, £30, is a gel formula that can be brushed onto wet or dry hair, allowing greater precision in five shades, from blonde to black (www.boots.com).
A UV-cured manicure is your best bet for polish that will make it through the 12 days of Christmas chip-free, but if you haven't got time to get to the salon, a DIY gel effect polish, like Nailed London, will still go the distance. You need a shade that will complement all your outfits, so dark or nude is best, and the Perfect Classics Collection, £24, Amazon, offers both (www.amazon.co.uk).
We can't cure your hangover (sorry), but there are ways to hide the evidence of your festive excess. Get those eye-bags to budge with a couple of Masque Bar Dark Circle Reducer Eye Patches, currently reduced to £6 from £9.99 for five pairs (www.boots.com). Keep them in the fridge to boost their post-party potential.
T r a i n i n g
PARAGLIDING and PARAMOTORING
Over 20 years experience Fully skilled and qualified instructors.
Look at Abergavenny from a new perspective
B H PA
REGISTERED
SCHOOL
01873 850111 07970 421373 35 Mount Street, Abergavenny NP7 7DT www.paraglide.co.uk December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 17
Gazette & Diary Magazine
AWS PA U P FOUR RY CHRISTMAS RR MER
B OA R D ING KENNEL S
dly and comfy Outside walks Small friend on to ensure your dog has a “Happ Holiday” personal individual attentio Bambrough J Janet wn, Herefordshire HR2 0HP longto oed, Maesc Lower
01873 860237
PAWS
Grooming Salon Now Open
PASSIONATE ABOUT PETS
For Dogs, Cats & Small Animals
• Specialist Pet & Aquatic Supplies & Accessories • Unique Products • Small Anima l & Reptile Boarding • Local Deliveries • Nutrion & Animal Advice WWW.PAWSPETS.CO.UK
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ME R R Y
C H R I S T M A S
IUI Debt Collectors We are old school
01873 851998
EVER YTHI NG YOU NEED FOR YOUR VERY IMPO RTAN T PET
Qualified Local Reliable
All aspects of building wor ks • Flat roofing • Damp proofing • Facia and gut ters • Wet rooms and bathrooms • Lime plastering.
01873 812686 or 07880 877090
Dave@harrisplumbing.co.uk
ol Gavenny Pest Contrcial G • Agricultural • Domestic • Commer P Traditional & modern methods used C n 12 hrs • Mole Control Specialists • Wasps Nests Treated withi 20% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT OAP Special Rate Any general quote beaten
07803 722436 07870 648109
No job too small
Harries Plumbing
Matthew Jones
tel: 01873 856035 / 07772 186159 mjones@gavennypestcontrol.co.uk
ntecpropertysolutions@gma
TAXI EXECUTIVE CARS ● MINIBUS HIR
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il.com
01873 811764 01873 810479 C T E CRICKHOWELL TAXIS ●
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info@crickhowelltaxis.com S ● AIRPORT TRANSFERS WEDDING
A. J. Bishop
Domestic Appliance Repair Specialist covering Cwmbran, Chepstow, Pontypool, Newport, Rogerstone, Newbridge, Usk & surrounding areas. I specialise in repairing all makes of Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Cookers, Dishwashers and Refrigeration.
WTA
Whitegoods Trade Association
Call Mark today Tel: 01633 462228 Mob: 07572 841027
E AG ARand NT |G VIandLO GO Repair Car MO Servicing ocycle Mot
Church Lane Govilon, Monmouthshire NP7 9RP Telephone Abergavenny - 01873 831696
18 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
MOT Trade Centre
Garden Machinery Specialists Sales and Repairs Tredilion Market Gardens, Abergavenn y
Tel: 01873 857117 Mobile: 07812 757223
Establi Establi shedover since shed 391976 years
• VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC • CODE READING • WELDING • SERVICING • MOT
Union Road Ind Est, Abergavenny | 01873 854383
mErrY cHrIstMaS
All the staff at
The Barber Shop would like to wish our customers a Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 37 Frogmore Street, Abergavenny Ring us now on 01873 850855
fRom aLl Off us
MONMOUTH MP DAVID DAVIES
holds regular advice surgeries throughout the constituency. To make an appointment telephone 01291 672817 or email daviesd@parliament.uk www.david-daviesmp.co.uk
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
01291 674898
E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk
For further information call: Nicholas.Ramsay@Assembly.Wales 03002089 200 7211 01291 674 898 orTel:029 8735
gartsides
Dorrell Oliver Ltd chartered accountants
Linden House, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NF Tel: 01873 852113 Fax: 01873 858523 www.dorrells.co.uk
✦ ACCOUNTANCY ✦ AUDIT ✦ TAX ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESSES
Cuddle & Cw wttch
Gartsides is a long-established local practice with expertise across a whole range of areas including property, wills, probate, commercial, crime and family work. Whether you have a legal problem, are moving house or needing advice about a will, our experienced team is on hand to help.
NO MORE LEGAL AID? Competitive Fixed Fee Packages are now available for all family work at Gartsides. Call us on 01873 857555 for details. Also with offices in Newport (01633 213411) and Ebbw Vale (01495 302109)
Walterstone, Nr. Pandy Vera Watkins, family and staff would like to wish customers old and new a very Merry Christmas
01873 890353 J.Straker,, Chadwick & Sons - Established 1872 -
Auctioneers, Valuers, Valuers, Surveyors, Surveyorrs, Land & Estate Agents
Wishin ng all our custtomers a Merry Christm mas and a Happy New Y Year ear
SOLICITORS
In the Family Department, solicitors with specialist accreditations are available to advise across all aspects of family work to include relationship breakdown, divorce, financial disputes and issues involving children.
Carpenters Arms
MARKET STREET CHAMBERS, ABERGA AV VENNY Y, GWENT GWEN NT NP7 5SD
TEL: (01873) 852624 | FAX: (01873) 857311 email: enquiries@strakerchadwick.co.uk | Website: www w..strakercchadwick.co.uk
&
Hand Carved Memorials • Granite Worktops • Additional Inscriptions • Vanity Tops • Renovations & Cleaning • Shower Cladding • House Names • Fireplaces
Family Run Firm
Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas 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
Wyndee Kennels nels
Indi dividual Care ~ Attention Guarranteed
Open e 9am-6pm
Happy Christmas Ch to alll o customers our
Newbu bbuury, Aberga gaavven e ny, Blaenavon
01495 790571
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 19
of th 6 o he best Monmouthsire house
Jolly
quality homes and maintenance Painting & Decorating Plumbing Gas & Heating Insulation Roofing Kitchen & Bathroom Installations Plastering Electrical PVs & Solar Lettings Sales New Homes Waste & Recycling
Don’t delay - contact Capsel today for all your home and maintenance needs.
0333 207 9000 t www.capsel.co.uk @CapselLtd
www.facebook.com/CapselWales
Novalux energy
novaluxenergy.com
rmj homes
01600 463 008
CHP: Heat & Power Through Wood
Produce enough heat and electricity for the annual needs of a farm. Use your own woodchip Enjoy a revenue stream for 20 years through RHI & ROCs.
Spend next Christmas in your dream home From supply only or supply and erect timber frames to complete build solutions...
cwmbran upvc centre
tel 01982 560 751 m 07979 356362
www.rmjhomesltd.co.uk
portfolio
P VAT FREE! PO Counter Open to both Trade and Public or shop online at www.cwmbranupvcshop.co.uk Free delivery within a 20 mile radius!
office Lower Orchard Lodge Erwood Powys LD2 3EZ
ON ORDERS PLACED IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER *T&C’s Apply
OL LIO A N C Y Ltd L
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Find us on Llantarnam Road, next to the Co-Op Unit 2, Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran NP44 3BB,
01633-483568 20 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Offfice fif e Un 10/1 Unit 0/11, New Inn Inn, Pont Pontyp 132
5
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Celebrate the festive season in style ... at the Abergavenny Christmas Food and Drink Fair
O
N Sunday December 13, Abergavenny is opening its doors once again and inviting you all to celebrate the festive season in style. With plenty of fantastic seasonal activities, entertainment and produce on offer, it really will be the most wonderful time of the year! The one day event will run across three venues in the market town, each of them transformed into a winter wonderland and laden with festive delights for ticket holders to try and take home. Throughout the day, there will be live Chef Demonstrations taking place on the Market Hall stage, giving guests plenty of inspiration to take their Christmas feast to the next level; from canapes right through to dessert.
The whole family will be given the chance to get crafty at one of the Secret Treat Workshops that are happening throughout the day. For just £5 per child, everyone can try their hand at creating seasonal goodies from Gingerbread Men and gift boxes to Christmas cards and tree decorations; Fair Trade will also be on hand to keep the parents fed and watered with warm drinks and mince pies, a winning combination. With over 85 producers on the line-up for the Christmas event, there will be mountains of tempting morsels for guests to try. Offering the best selection of everything from traditional Christmas eats to more adventurous delicacies, stall holders are sure to have something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. For those wanting to get into the festive spirit earlier, acclaimed mixologist Dom Jacobs will be starting the party the night before the Fair on Saturday 12 December with his show-stopping cocktail masterclass so you can wow your guests this Christmas. To top it all off, guests are invited to make their own lanterns and join in with the Christmas Musical Feast and Festive Light Parade. The procession will follow the Abergavenny Town Band to the church for a concert and foodthemed evening service which promises to be a magical ending to the day. Tickets are just £5 and free for under 16s with a paying adult
For tickets and the full festive line-up visit abergavennyfoodfestival.com
ny FooD Festival presents Abergaven
Saturdayy Courses C
ABERGA AV VENNY
CHRISTMAS FO OOD & DRINK FA AIR SUNDA AY Y 13 DECEMBER 2015 DYDD SUL 13 RHAGFYR 2015
chef h demonstr attions
in French, Italian, Stress Free e Dinner Parties… Partties…
F r om 10am to 3p m
TICKETS ONLY
£5.00
Under 16s free with a paying adult
over 80 produ p cers ers
Join us now fo or…
Cooking experien nce es for all abilities. • All our courses are fun and will help build your confidence in th kitchen the kit h • ‘Hands on’ practical classes • Learn the tricks of the trade
Fo or the full l festive t tiv line-up visit
abergavennyfoo odfestival.com f ABERGAV VENNY-FOOD-FESTIVA AL l @AFOODFESTIVA AL AFOODFESTIVA AL
Phocle Farm, Phocle Green, Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshi hire HR9 7TW
Looking for the ideal gift or stuck for a Christmas present? 1 Daayy
Tr y one of our gift vouchers. Want to buy a cookery course as a gift – but don’t know which course to choose? Don’t worry – all you need is one of our gift vouchers and your recipient can choose the course that they want.
rssee Cours
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December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 21
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Wedding Fayre - 31st January - 12noon till 4pm - Free Entry
TheManor
The Manor Hotel Brecon Road Crickhowell Powys NP8 1SE
Simply Beautiful Weddings 22 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
T:01873 810212 info@manorhotel.co.uk www.manorhotel.co.uk/weddings
Winter Weddings
Wedding in a Winter Wonderland W
EDDINGS aren't just spring and summer affairs these days. More and more couples are opting to marry during what used to be the "off season" and why not? The romantic ambience of a snowy landscape, the relative lack of competition for vendors and sites - there's lots to love about a winter wedding.
You shouldn't feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests. Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you're getting married. It's completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves - go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids' bodies. Remember, though, you can't be overly picky about what yur bridesmaids wear when they are outdoors (which they will be, even if it's just to dash from the limo to the church). If you've opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them bringing along trainers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must in many parts of the country, it'll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. There are plenty of ways to make your
reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille cushions and throws in a lounge area. There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter-themed favours are always favourites, like ornaments with each guest's name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine's Day. What about an extra latenight snack - hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren't left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough hall or entrance, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren't left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.
Bill Child Formal Wear
Herefordshire’s leading specialist in men’s and boys’ formal wear to hire. Wedding, evening and highland wear. A superb selection of waistcoats, neckwear and accessories, all available to hire or buy. Guaranteed friendly professional advice. Individual attention. Top quality outfits and service. No deposit, easy parking Come and see us at 17 King Street, Hereford, HR4 9BX Telephone: 01432 344700 Everything to dress men and boys from head to toe for every occasion
www.billchildformalwear.co.uk December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 23
Gazette & Diary Magazine
A FAMILY RUN WEDDINGS AND EVENTS VE ENUE ES T. 1969
24 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Winter Weddings
Wedding in a Winter Wonderland Your Eyes - The best part about winter? The festive cheer. The worst part? The dreary light that makes dark circles look darker and puffy eyes look puffier. Create a glow by using a little under-eye highlighter and having a hint of shimmer in your eye makeup. Your Lips - If your wedding falls in the middle of the festive season, consider making your lips appear glossier and add a touch of sparkle and shimmer to your makeup. Do your lips or your eyes, not both. Your Skin - Go for a radiant, lit-from-within look. Concentrate on warm, glowing hues. If you tend to look pale in winter, invest in a self-tanner and check that your foundation is still a proper match with your skin tone. Add moisturising oils to your bath; use a petroleum jelly product on your nails, heels, and elbows; and drink lots of water.
Winter Wedding flowers
Winter Wedding face
Little Black Cat Wedding & Celebration Cakes
Aw ward winning wedding cake designer based in Raglan, Monmouthshire. Contact: Kathleen Butler-Donnelly email: kathleen@littlebla l ckc k at.co.uk or tel: 01291 691234
ww ww w.littlle eblackcat.co.uk
West Country Marquees IF you want to highlight that your wedding is in winter, add some icy touches, silver ribbons, fluffy pieces and pine cones. Or why not make a contrasting bouquet of red or violet flowers that would create an accent. While the light is low add a bit of bling - pearls, crystals and brooches reflect the light and catch the winter theme.
Website:www.westcountrymarquees.co.uk | Telephone: 01874 938005
Winter Wedding cake
SNOWFLAKES, glitter, icicles, glowing white tones, rich reds, and metallic accents all instantly come to mind - your basic winter wonderland.
Claire Hamilton
Beautiful music for your wedding, celebration or special occasion. Classical, romantic, light music, pop ballads.
01594 530698
www.hamiltonharps.co.uk December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 25
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Ededa page
26 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Dates for your diary - December
4 – 7.30pm Govilon Baptist Chapel, Phoenix Singers 'an evening of well loved Choral Numbers and Carols'. Supporting The Monmouth & District Eisteddfod Appeal Fund Tickets £5 from 01873 859192, 830417 831186 or at door. Refreshments. 6 – Christmas Fair Glangwryney Village Hall 10am -3.30pm. Various Christmas and Craft Items, face painting. Raffle, teas etc. 4 - A Christmas Market and Shopping Evening Glangrwyney Village Hall 6pm to 9pm. Local crafts, food and pampering. Tel: 01873 890155. 5 – Pandy & Monnowside Ploughing Society Fun Bingo, Pandy Hall 7.30 for 8pm. 01873 890591. 5 – League of Nevill Hall Friends Coffee Morning – Outpatients 1, 10-12. All Welcome for a free coffee & chat. 5 – Christmas Fayre, Pandy Village Hall 1-4pm. Refreshments available. For a table ring Tel: 01873 890691.
6 – Glangrwyney Baptist Chapel Carol Service at 6.30pm. Chairman Malcolm Watts (Newbridge). All Welcome. 11 – Pandy Village Hall Pantomime Sleeping Beauty. £7 Adults £4 child. 7.30pm. Tel: 01873 890691. 17 DEC- Abergavenny Farmers Market, Market Hall, Abergavenny. Fresh local produce19 – 7pm at Govilon Baptist Chapel “Vital Spark” - West Gallery Carol Singers. Carol s sung in original form using folksongs & country dance tunes. Tickets £5 at the door, to include light refreshments. Enquiries 01873 856512. 23 – Christmas Whist at Llangynidr Hall, 7.30pm. Usual array of prizes. Tel: 01874 730228,/730469/730287. 31 – Llangynidr Hall, New Years Eve, Ceilidh with Morris Ponk and the Ticker Fixers, Proceeds in aid of the National Eisteddfod, Abergavenny 2016, 7.30pm, shared party food. Tel: 01874 730287, 730228, 730469.
THE SECRET FOOTBALLER: ACCESS ALL AREAS by anonymous is published by Guardian Faber Publishing, priced £12.99 (ebook £4.20). Available now Just who is The Secret Footballer? Whoever the former Premier League player behind the pseudonym is, their ability to lift the lid on our national sport continues to make for fascinating reading. The anonymous author takes you through the murky backwaters of modern-day football, making some uncomfortable claims in this open, cutting and, at times, crude book. His opinion of the country's top clubs in a hotchpotch A-Z is as funny as it is interesting, while some of the subjects he shines a light on are important if uncomfortable. I am sure many of those claims would be refuted, but writing anonymously allows him to make comments others in the game would not dare to. One day The Secret Footballer will be unmasked. Until then, we can continue to enjoy his amusing, informative writing.
Holiday Reads
STARS OF FORTUNE by Nora Roberts is published in hardback by Piatkus, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.49). Available now The New York Times bestseller returns with another set of three tales about magic, destiny and love. In the first book, reclusive painter Sasha Riggs is plagued with haunting dreams involving herself and five enigmatic people on the Greek island of Corfu. As she frantically paints her visions, she finds herself repeatedly painting a man who commands the lightning. Desperate to understand what it means, she travels to Corfu where she meets those from her visions and finally the man from her paintings. Irish magician Bran Killian understands his destiny: find the mysterious jewel known as Fire Star. He realises Sasha's visions are the key to finding the jewel. However, he never expected to fall for her so soon. As the six band together to search for the Fire Star, an evil entity threatens to destroy their existence. Like her previous trio collections, Roberts has you captivated from the start.
Where’s Santa? The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) has a special website where you can track Santa on his journey around the globe. www.noradsanta.org You can also find him on the Google Santa Tracker at https:santatracker.google.com
Wood treatment is a hot topic, and one local, family run company is telling you about their procedures of effectively treating and selling timber for fencing. Woodland Services, based on Hereford Road, Abergavenny, has been trading for over 50 years with the current owners entering their fourth year in the business and are ensuring the quality continues. They specialise in providing quality, locally sourced and appropriately treated wood for both agricultural and domestic use, and pride themselves on their endeavour to bring their treatment process as up to date as possible with a lot of money invested into their programme for machinery and tools. Tracey O’Leary from Woodland Services said, “Before we treat our timber in house in our fully upgraded, computerised treatment plant we ensure that the wood is dried to 28% or less moisture content. It is then pressure treated soil or fresh water contact using Koppers Celcure AC500 – giving it a 15
year life. This whole process is computer linked and closely monitored by our treatment suppliers Koppers who support the projected 15 year life of the product. “Even though certain chemicals have been removed from the treatment solution by EU legislation in the past, this means that it is very important that the wood is dried to 28% or less moisture content then the penetration and the treatment will be as effective as it was prior to the change, and here at Woodland Services we ensure this procedure is adhered to.” Tracey has spoken about her experience with peoples concerned about the treatment of wood, and wants to let the people of the local area know that at Woodland Services they can get properly treated wood from them for a great price. A high percentage of our business is repeat business which makes it even more important that we maintain the quality of our treatment process. Tracey said, “I go to market on
Wednesdays and I hear a lot of peoples concerns about timber treatment, so we wanted to show that we have put a lot of time, money and expertise into our treatment programme and assure people that our service is safe and effective.” They also put a lot of emphasis on locally sourcing their timber that they prepare and treat, to go back to the local community. Tracey said, “When dealing with natural resources, it is important to stay as local as you can, and by using local businesses in our supply chain it benefits the whole community.”
So to find out more about their work, contact Woodland Services (Abergavenny) Ltd on 01873 855431 or email Tracey on tracey@woodland-sa.co.uk.
or you can write him a letter via Royal Mail at Santa/Father Christmas, Santa's Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 27
Gazette & Diary Magazine
A Dickens of a Christmas WILL Lady Edith get her man? That’s what Downton Abbey fans will want to know of ITV’s Christmas Special. At the end of series 6 Lady Edith, played by Laura Carmichael, left, was heartbroken when her sister Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) ruined her engagement by blurting out to fiance Bertie about Edith’s illegitimate daughter Marigold. Producers have revealed that Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton) will feature in the Christmas Special along with his mother played by Patricia Hodge - so perhaps Edith will get her happy ending after all. The programme will also feature the return of Lady Rose played by L Lily James
STARTING at Christmas on BBC1 is a new 20-part drama series, set within the fictional realms of Charles Dickens’ critically acclaimed novels. Dickensian brings together some of literature’s most iconic characters, including Scrooge, Fagin and Miss Havisham, as their lives intertwine in 19th century London. The Old Curiosity Shop sits next door to The Three Cripples Pub, while Fagin’s Den is hidden down a murky alley off a bustling Victorian street. With a wealth of back stories sourced from the novels, Dickensian delivers fast-paced storylines with surprising twists and turns. Award winning actors Stephen Rea, Pauline Collins, Caroline Quentin and Peter Firth will be starring.
We supply Musical Instruments and accessories, as well as Sheet Music and other resources.
26 Broad Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7ED 01989 566856
www.river-music.co.uk 28 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
CHRISTMAS wouldn’t be Christmas without an Agatha Christie and the BBC is providing And Then There Were None in a three-part adaptation set on an isolated Devon island in 1939 and starring Poldark heartthrob Aidan Turner looking much more suave.
DOWNTON Abbey's Hugh Bonneville can also be heard bringing a bit of family magic to BBC1 in Stick Man - a special festive adaptation of the picture book. The enchanting children's tale – written by Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler – is being adapted for the small screen by entertainment company Magic Light Pictures. Bonneville will lend his booming tones to Santa, while Sherlock’s Martin Freeman will voice the Stick Man. Jennifer Saunders serves as narrator with Russell Tovey, Rob Brydon and Sally Hawkins completing the cast.
We wish you a Merry Christmas
OPENING HOURS S
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CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES
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December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 29
Gazette & Diary Magazine
I
F Hollywood wanted to cast Superwoman, Kate Winslet would effortlessly fit the bill. The actress, who's just turned 40, is currently promoting not one but two films, bringing her total this year to four, with another one slated for release in February. She's also bringing up daughter Mia, 15, and sons 11-year-old Joe, and Bear, who turns two in December. So, how does she do it and still manage to look so fabulous? "I don't know!" exclaims Winslet, dressed head-to-toe in black with a tuxedo jacket and three gold necklaces, blonde hair swept back into a casual ponytail. "Honestly, I sometimes say, 'How am I doing this? It requires a lot of forward planning.â&#x20AC;? Being happy in her personal life helps too. "I have a wonderful, very present husband that really makes a huge difference, because then I don't have to feel guilt if I'm in London for a whole entire day, as I am today - he's there," she says of husband of three years, Ned Rocknroll (she was previously married to directors Jim Threapleton and Sam Mendes). Her latest roles couldn't be more different. Opening within a week of each other, Steve Jobs sees her playing the late Apple Inc. co-founder's Polish-Armenian right-hand woman Joanna Hoffman, while in The Dressmaker she puts on an Australian accent as couture seamstress Tilly Dunnage, who's returned to her small-town home to seek revenge. The last time two Winslet films came out in the same calendar month in the UK (The Reader and Revolutionary Road) was January 2009. and the following month, she finally won an Oscar (after five previous nods), for her portrayal of a former Nazi guard in The Reader. With awards season around the corner, she could be a contender for the Danny Boyle-directed Steve Jobs, given that everything Boyle touches turns to gold. "He's such a lovely man," Winslet says of the film-maker. "He's got incredible energy, everybody adores him, and that really makes a huge difference to your day." Written in three parts, by Oscar-winning The Social Network scriptwriter Aaron Sorkin, the film explores Jobs' (Michael Fassbender) personality through three product launches in 1984, 1988 and 1998. Hoffman is one of the few people to tolerate his outbursts - and so dense and wordy was the script, Boyle built in rehearsal time. The director credits Winslet with being "the enabler" on the set ("she helped Michael in the way Joanna Hoffman helped Steve, and she would help me. She would constantly solve problems on set. She's a bit of a film-maker on the quiet, she understands all the business"). Winslet baulks at the idea of directing, though. "I think I would find it really stressful," she concedes, adding that she's full of admiration for Jocelyn Moorhouse, who helmed The Dressmaker. "She has four children of her own and somehow she seems perfectly calm, together and never seems flustered. I'm not sure that I could remain that calm if I was a director."
as a mother now that my daughter is that little bit older, and playing a different role as a daughter now that my mother is a little bit older, it's a wonderful, evolving thing." One of her biggest challenges as a mother recently has been social media ironically, for someone who plays Apple's marketing executive, she admits she's not at all tech-savvy. "I enjoy being terrible because it means I never have to get a computer, I don't have one. We have no social media in our home," she adds. "My daughter has only just been given an iPhone, [but] there are big restrictions on that, she has to hand it in at night and it's switched off. "Children do have to have a childhood, and I do worry that exposure to social media and all these devices could get in the way of children just knowing how to climb a tree." Chatting today, it's hard to think that as a child at theatre school, Winslet was bullied for being "chubby", having "the wrong shoes" and "bad hair", as she's previously revealed. Winning her Oscar, she admits, was the perfect revenge. "You can't imagine..." she whispers. "I think bullying can take on different forms, it can come in very aggressive physical forms or just in the way of horrible isolation, intimidation and saying very unkind, cruel things, and that was the case for me. "So yeah, it was a pretty satisfying moment; to be in the position I'm in now and to have won an Academy Award, and to stand tall and proud, and have achieved something great." Hollywood also has a reputation for making actresses insecure about their looks, but Winslet's never let that get to her, and has spoken out against being airbrushed. As she heads into her 40s, she's not feeling the pressure to look ever-beautiful. "I actually don't really care! It's nice to feel pulled together in the moments when I need to be, like on a red carpet, and I really enjoy those moments, because I don't sit at home getting manicures and massages and having people cook for me," Winslet confides. "So actually, I do still find those occasions really quite glamorous and exciting, and a real treat." Kate Winslet at the screening of The Dressmaker and, right, as Joanna Hoffman in Steve Jobs
Winslet ways While Winslet plays second fiddle to Fassbender's Steve Jobs, she's very much the lead in Fifties-set The Dressmaker. Shot on location in Australia, and starring Judy Davis as Tilly's mother 'Mad Molly', and Liam Hemsworth as the strapping love interest, the film's a black comedy about one woman's mission to discover the truth about her past. Bullied at school and sent away from her single mother at 10 for her part in a death, Tilly returns as a glamorous, world-wise vixen, who turns heads in her stunning
30 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
creations and soon has the smallminded women (and men) of Dungatar in her thrall. When she arrives home, Tilly finds her mother bed-bound in a filthy house and sets about restoring her to health. The Reading-born actress says she's fascinated by how her relationships with her own mother and daughter are constantly evolving. "[We're all] getting older and you learn to enjoy all the shifts and changes in relationships. Also, playing a different role
â&#x2014;? The Dressmaker and Steve Jobs are in cinemas now
Education matters
A
THIRD of children reported being bullied in the last 12 months, and half of them don't tell anyone about it. Young people bullied in school say it impacts their mental health, and that they experience anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. About half of young people don't report bullying to anyone when it's happening, which is a really serious issue. Lauren Seager-Smith, national coordinator for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: "We can't just have young people speaking out without teachers responding appropriately, and parents being supported around the conversations with their children about bullying and what they should do. "Children are often quite worried about telling their parents, because of how they're going to respond. "If we don't support children to speak out, schools aren't responding appropriately, and parents aren't supported to speak out about these issues, then children don't tell anyone about bullying and there can be a really serious impact on mental health." While more than 16,000 children are absent from school at any one time because of bullying, over half of six to 15-year-olds don't know how to get help if they're being bullied. This is compounded by the fact the AntiBullying Alliance survey found that teachers and GPs feel ill-equipped to support children with mental health issues related to bullying. Bullying is strongly linked to eating disorders, self-harm and suicide, and being a
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS
Time to stop the bullying? victim increases the risk of being depressed later in life by more than half. And it's not just the victims who feel the weight of bullying, as the bullies themselves are more likely to become depressed as adults. Seager-Smith says that, in the past, there's been a tendency to provide more services for victims of bullying than interventions with children who bully. But now restorative approaches, where bullies meet their victims in a controlled environment and the devastating impact of their actions is much more evident, are being used very effectively. "Restorative approaches work," says Seager-Smith. "If a child bullies at school and is then excluded, they're being punished but not learning about the impact of their behav-
iour, what needs to change and why. "The benefit of a restorative approach is that the child understands the damage that's been caused and what needs to change, which is also much more helpful for the person on the receiving end of the bullying." Overall, Seager-Smith stresses that children need to understand that it's vital to speak out about bullying, whether it's happening to them, or they've seen someone else being bullied. "It's about breaking the taboo about bullying - there's still a sense that if you tell, you're a grass. If bullying's going on, you're not a grass - bullying is so serious that you could be saving someone's life. "You shouldn't stay quiet about it, but breaking the culture of not telling is a challenge."
◆ If your child is being bullied, don't panic. Take it seriously but explain that the bullying isn't their fault and together you'll sort it out. ◆ Try to establish the facts. It can be helpful to keep a diary of events, and if the bullying is online, save or copy images and text. ◆ Find out what your child wants to happen. Help to identify steps you can take; and the skills they have to help sort out the situation. Make sure you always keep them informed about any actions you decide to take. ◆ You may be tempted to tell your child to retaliate, but this can have unpredictable results. Your child might get into trouble or get even hurt. Instead, role play non-violent ways they can respond to the bullies. Show them how to block or unfriend people if the bullying is online and help them identify other friends or adults that can support them. ◆ Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and esteem, and help them to form friendships outside school (or wherever the bullying is taking place).
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Coming home for Whether they love shimmer and shine, pared down elegance, or are fun and funky, there's a decadent deco or heavenly homeware out there with their name on... LITTLE TREASURE Italian designer Fornasetti enjoys a cult following, and these highly-collectible scented candles are not only decorative and individual, but the ceramic jar makes a beautiful keepsake. ● Fornasetti Astronomici Scented Candle, £125 (www.selfridges.com) (left)
18/10 stainless steel hob kettle.
● Tea Rex, £108, features a dragon whistle, set of two,
£39 (store.alessi.com) (below left)
THE GOLDEN AGE Jazz up a dressing table with this ornamental silver glass jar, that harks back to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the Thirties. ● Pineapple Jar, £24.95 (www.handpickedcollection.com)
CHEF'S PERK A kitchen essential for festive entertaining, this oven glove will keep hands safe and protected - and add a touch of seasonal cuteness. ● Robin and Holly Oven Mitt by Thornback & Peel, £23.25 (www.notonthehighstreet.com) (right)
WHISTLE BLOWER
SPELL IT OUT Make a space dazzle and give a gift that will light up the home - quite literally - with these striking aluminium letters with built-in twinkly lights. ● Light-Up Letters: Home, £59.95 (www.handpickedcollection.com)
FAT OF THE LAND Serve your party appetisers of cured meats, cheeses and olives on this posh platter, which comes with a fork tipped cheese knife. ● Just Slate Acacia Antipasti Set Medium, £48 (www.selfridges.com) (above)
MAY THE FORCE BREW WITH YOU Their favourite espresso will taste that much stronger and more robust in one of these Galactic Empire Mugs, printed with Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper, Bo ba Fett and Chewbacca. ● Half Moon Bay Stacking Mugs Set of Four, £32 (www.selfridges.com) (right)
You can count on Alessi to produce a cutting edge kettle that looks and sounds the part when it comes to a rolling boil. This stylish piece is designed by Michael Graves to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this
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01495 405060 / 07557 097073 32 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
HOME SWEET HOME
Christmas BLOOMING MARVELLOUS
SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER
The fruit and floral design on this luxurious designer cushion has timeless appeal and will dress up a sofa. ● Studio Lisa Bengtsson Cushion - Boudoir Multi, £45 (www.amara.com) (right)
This adorable bear cub can be stacked with pressies and will look equally charming with a few of your favourite hardbacks or a table lamp. ● Penny Polar Bear Side Table, £125 (www.design55online.co.uk) (right)
RADIO OOH-AHH
ALL SEWN UP
A sound choice, Liberty has teamed up with Roberts and dressed this Revival radio in one of their famous pretty prints. ● Flowers of Liberty Wiltshire Roberts Revival Radio with full DAB functionality, £225 (www.liberty.co.uk) (left)
TEA ETIQUETTE
Why hide those silk ribbons and colourful spools away, when they can be beautifully housed in this enchanting wooden house? It might even encourage some make-do-and-mend... ● The Makery Haberdashery House, £24.95 (left) (www.bloomsburystore.com)
HANDS OFF
Enjoy the tradition and charm of a Fortnum's tea by hosting, or hanging rather, one at home. ● Fortnum & Mason Tea Tray Ornament, £20 (www.fortnumandmason.com) (right)
Not just for Christmas, this stylish nutcracker makes a great centrepiece on a coffee table. ● Brass Hands Nutcracker, £198 (available mid-November; uk.jonathanadler.com) (left)
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BEST BAR NONE Put the cheer into festive entertaining and celebrate Happy Hour with this glamorous bar set. ● Malachite Rocks Glasses, £25 each; Malachite Decanter, £198; Malachite Ice Bucket, £198 (available mid-November; uk.jonathanadler.com)
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34 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
HOME SWEET HOME
Branching out
into small areas
Amelanchier Ballerina
F A C T O R Y O U T L E T
other plants from spring through to autumn. If you want a variety which will hang gracefully over water, go for A. palmatum var. dissectum, a type with finely cut foliage which is broader spreading, growing 2m high by 3m wide. Acers generally prefer slightly acid soil, so if you are planting them in a pot add some ericaceous compost. They are slow-growing and if you plant them in pots their growth will be slower still. Sorbus: Also known as rowans, these trees are among the best for a small garden, providing white spring flowers, masses of autumn berries and divided foliage which often changes colour in autumn. S. aucuparia 'Fastigiata' has a tight, tidy shape and offers white flowers followed by deep red berries and brilliant autumn foliage, while S. 'Joseph Rock' produces yellow fruits and fieryred and orange foliage in autumn. These trees are ideal for urban gardens as they are pollution tolerant and will withstand extremes of heat and cold. They prefer Prunus fertile, non-chalky soil in sun Shogetsu or light shade.
IF any of you think that you can Sorbus Joseph Rock only plant a tree if you have a large garden, think again. There's a plethora of trees out there, which are compact, but look amazing as stand-alone features in a small space, providing colour, texture and form to a smaller garden. Here are some of the best: Amelanchier: These unsung heroes have started to become popular at the large horticultural shows in recent years and among the most gorgeous is A. x grandiflora 'Ballerina', which produces profuse white spring flowers before the bronze tinted young leaves emerge. A. lamarckii, the snowy mespilus, is often grown as a multi-stemmed type but can be trained as a light standard. Its elegant branches carry copper-coloured leaves in spring at the same time as starry white flowers, while in autumn the small oval leaves colour brilliantly. Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus Shogetsu): This is a stunning stand-alone specimen which enjoys a long season of interest, from its spring blossom of double pink-and-white flowers to its bronze leaves which turn fiery red throughout autumn. It prefers a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil. Acer palmatum: The amazing autumnal foliage of the Japanese maple, along with its elegant architectural structure, cannot fail to impress and there are plenty of compact types which are suitable for the small garden, whether planted in the ground or in large pots. Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' will be as at home in both, its rich red-purple foliage providing a striking contrast to
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HOME SWEET HOME
THE power of scent is well-known - it can turn back time, bring back memories and transport us to other worlds in a nanosecond, which probably explains why more and more of us are embracing home fragrances. Especially at Christmas time, when we feel nostalgic as well as merry. The season, of course, has its characteristic scents, from fir trees and woodsmoke to mince pies and mulled wine and just a hint of those conjured by the magic of a room spray, candle or diffuser, can evoke the warm, welcoming spirit of holiday time. Those seeking glamorous scents for late-night winter soirees could embrace warm oriental notes; rich frankincense, sweet myrrh, velvet rose, sandalwood, cedar and golden amber, to conjure a party atmosphere. Choose super scents for every seasonal occasion, whether to soothe stress as you battle with the preparations, conjure festive atmosphere or simply ramp up the party spirit...
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BOUT a third of the water we use at home is for flushing the loo, but you can save a lot by restricting the amount of water used for each flush by fitting a water-saving loo, such as a dualflush one that has a big and a little flush. You can also put something (a brick, or a plastic bag designed for the job - some water companies provide these free of charge) in the cistern, so it doesn't use as much water to flush. Taking a shower uses around two-thirds less water than taking a bath, but this is providing you're only in the shower for a few minutes and it's not a power shower power showers can use more water than a bath. You'll save most water by fitting a flow-restricting shower or an aerating shower head. Mira Showers' Eco showers, for example, use flow regulators to limit the maximum flow of water, while their Eco shower heads use aerating technology to create the sensation of a normal flow using a lot less water.. If you have a dripping tap, fix it as quickly as possible because it will soon waste litres of water. Often the tap just needs a new washer, which isn't hard to fit. One of the best ways to save water is to install a grey-water recycling system. This typically takes waste water from the bath, shower and basin (and sometimes other waste water too) and uses it for the loo and outside tap. There are various ways to do this, some of which are expensive, but it can be as straightforward as fitting a waste-pipe splitter to separate the water from your bathroom's loo from the room's other waste water. In the garden, rainwater can be collected in a water butt by connecting it to a down-
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38 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Save water
Save money pipe, which is a fairly simple DIY job. This makes watering the garden easier, especially when there's a hosepipe ban. More than half of the mains water we use at home could be replaced by rainwater in this way, so it could make a big difference. If you discover a frozen pipe at home this winter, act quickly before it bursts and causes a lot of damage. To defrost it, first check that it hasn't split and that the fittings haven't been pushed apart, then apply heat gently along the length of the pipe using a hairdryer - if the pipe leads to a tap, make sure it's turned on. Call in a plumber immediately if you're not confident you can deal with this yourself.
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HOME SWEET HOME
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B-Warm inventor, Martin Lewis from Usk, was delighted to learn the news his product had won: "Winning a Green Apple Award is an honour and is another welcome piece of good news following on the back of the recent communication from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that the B-Warm is congruent with their recent guideline aimed at preventing fatalities and illnesses associated with cold homes.” The awards were presented to winners at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on Monday November 16, pictured above. For more information on the B-Warm call 01291 672974 or visit our website at www.homeglowproducts.co.uk
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FAIRWAY
ACCESS STAIRLIFTS CURRENTLY BEING SET
40 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Golden Years
Hearty Roast Turkey
Sherry Trifle
Relax, put your feet up and let us do Christmas this year ... T
HIS Christmas, make every day delicious with Wiltshire Farm Foods. With over 300 individually portioned dishes to choose from – including all your festive favourites like Roast Turkey and, naturally, Christmas Pudding – you can put your feet up and relax as we deliver tasty meals direct to your freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply
pop your meal in the microwave or oven and enjoy. To really make this season something special, why not try our Christmas Selection Pack: seven delicious main meals and four tempting desserts for just £34.95 and receive a FREE Christmas Tea Towel worth £3.95. Our pack also makes an ideal Christmas present – it’s the perfect
yuletide treat! Wiltshire Farm Foods has been established for more than 24 years and offers award-winning foods and customer service. From the field to the freezer, every detail is considered in order to offer nutrition, value and flavour! With no minimum order, no contract or commitment and with free delivery there really is no better
time of year to discover Wiltshire Farm Foods! Call 01600 892855 today for your FREE brochure, and order over the phone or online. Brian and Sara and the team at Wiltshire Farm Foods will look forward to hearing from you!
Re R elax el e lax la ax, x, p pu ut y yo ou o ur fe fee eet e et up up a and nd n dl us d us do oC Ch Chr hrist hristma stmas as th tthis his y ye ear ea ar. CHR CH CHRISTMA RISTMA STMA AS S SELE SELECTION CT ON CTI N PA ACK CK
ffo orr on only nly £34. £34 4 95 95 + FREE FR RE EE* Tea Tea a Tow To ow we l wel
Seven Main Courses, all with vegetables: •W Wiiltshir lt hi e Ham • H Ho oney Roast o s Turkkey Br B east s • Gammon G mm n in C Cran anberry b r y & Orange a ge S Saucce • Roast o st Pork ok with Cr with C anberry nbe y Stu tuffing ffi g • Wiltshir il sh re S Sausages s g s • Duck ck i Plum in l m Sa S ucce • Ch Chick h ken, en n Bac B on on & Th T yme ym Hottpot pot Four Des Desserrts: • Luxury x ryy Christmas C Ch is ma m s Pudding u ding • Sherry S e ryy Trifle ri e • Brandy a dyy in an in Cl Clottted ed Cream am Ice C Cream eam • Minc M ncemea emeat & Ap Apple peC Crumble umble Available to order fro rom m 12/10/15 to 31/112 2/115 5
This Christma as, make every day delicious icious with Wiltshire Farm m Foods. With over 300 0 individually portione ed dishes to choose from – includ ding all your festive fav vourites like Roast Turkey and, n naturally, Christmas Pudding – you can put your feet up a and relax as we deliverr tasty meals direct to your freezer e . When you’re ready to eat, simply pop your meal in tthe microwave or oven and enjoy. Ask for your F FREE brochure today, and order over the phone or online. There’s no better time of year to discov ver Wiltshire Farm Foods.
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wiltshireffarmfoods.com December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 41
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RUN A BATH Wonder why we're more prone to catching flu in winter? There are a number of factors, of course (and no, it's not merely because of a drop in temperature), but flu viruses love cold, dry air. These conditions dry up people's mucus, making it harder for the body to repel particles of the influenza virus. With this in mind, a hot steamy bath might not just be soothing and warming on a cold winter's evening - it could help keep those vital mucus functions in top bugbeating condition too.
HANCES are, you're going to get at least one cold at some point this winter. Of course, there are things that can help (or at least make us feel like we're trying!) to ward off the germs - and that doesn't just mean spritzing the antibacterial hand gel and popping Echinacea and vitamin C. But there are some less common methods for beating the seasonal sniffles... DRINK CAMOMILE TEA Growing up, I had a Peter Rabbit plate with a picture of the bunny in bed that read: 'Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed, and made him some camomile tea'. Turns out mummy Rabbit was right - people who drink camomile tea have high levels of the anti-inflammatory hippurate, which can ease cold symptoms. Plus, the herbal drink will help you keep hydrated, which makes your body more able to fight infection.
SWAP SEATS It might seem rude, but as airborne germs can fly up to 3.5 metres when someone coughs or sneezes (according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the easiest way to avoid them is by moving away from the person on the bus/train/desk with a cold. ADOPT A DOG Stroking a dog for 18 minutes can boost immunoglobulin A antibodies that fight infection, according to a study in the US. So what are you waiting for? But remember: a dog's for a life, not just to help you fight colds.
HIBERNATE OK, we don't actually mean go to bed until spring, as tempting as that sounds. But a good night's sleep helps us fight off infections. Those who sleep for less than six hours a night are four times more likely to get ill than those who regularly got more than seven hours' shut-eye. So turn in a little earlier each night to give your immune system a fighting chance.
Beating the seasonal sniffles
WHILE we're supposed to be shopping for our loved ones right about now, you'd be forgiven for indulging in one of Murad's gift sets, because they represent some amazing savings. The £75 Beautiful Firm Skin set, for instance, which comprises a cleansing cream, eye cream, serum and make-up bag, is actually worth £148 www.johnlewis.com
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42 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
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consistency of having the same worker visit each week, month or fortnight. We recognise that sometimes people find it difficult to admit that they need help and therefore aim to make the experience as friendly and personal as possible. All potential clients are visited in their own homes so that we can talk them through the service, explain how things work and answer any questions which they may have. We are happy for relatives to be present at the time of the initial visit should they so wish. We appreciate that everyone has the right to consider the pros and cons of our service before signing on the dotted line and, to this end, we are happy to visit more than once should that be necessary. We guarantee ongoing support and are always available to discuss any problems, issues or concerns which may arise. We will resolve these in the best way possible. So, say it with diamonds this Christmas …….Diamond Home Support!
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December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 43
44 December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue
Gazette Motoring
■ AS SEVERE weather hits parts of Wales and England, the Institute of Advanced Motorists has released tips on driving in the worst kinds of rainfall. Drivers are being advised to set their fans to blow onto the windscreen, with their air-conditioning turned on if they have it fitted. This, says the IAM, will help avoid sudden misting-up of the screen. Dipped headlights should be turned on whenever the windscreen wipers are needed for more than an occasional one-swipe action, and the road safety charity says to switch the wipers to their fastest setting before overtaking. Plan even further ahead than usual, is
the advice. All inputs to the car should be as smooth and considered as possible. Braking distances can approximately double in the wet, making it crucial to leave more room to the car in front. The IAM is urging people to slow down rather than risk an accident. Cruise control is a no-no in heavy rain, says the group. It's better to manually adjust the car to the conditions at all times. The IAM is a road safety charity dedicated to reducing accident and casualty rates by offering education and training to improve drivers' and riders' skills, rather than imposing restrictions or taking responsibility away.
WHEELS & DEALS ■ A RANGE ROVER SPORT designed and first owned by David Beckham is to be auctioned in Warwickshire this month. The 2007 supercharged V8 model was customised and upgraded to the former England captain's specification by Kahn Conversions at a cost of around £100,000, but at auction the 62,000mile car is expected to reach £25,000. Unique interior trim includes black quilted leather seats and 'Beckham' logos on the floor mats. There is also a plaque inscribed "Designed for David Beckham". Two owners are recorded on the car's FOR AUCTION: V5C form, with Beck- The Range Rover ham as the first and Sport designed the current seller as and formerly the second. owned by David It originally wore Beckham the number plate 'DB1001', but unsurprisingly this is not included in the sale and is likely to have found a home on another of Beckham's cars. "This amazing personalised Range Rover with its impeccable provenance offers a unique future investment opportunity," said classic car specialist Arwel Richards of Classic Car Auctions, which is managing the sale. The auction is scheduled for Warwickshire Exhibition Centre on December 5.
December/January 2015 - The Christmas Issue 45
Christmas Pets
Abbey Vets - here to help
Take another look at the Astra
T
HE Astra is an underrated, but evergreen compact family hatch, as happy taking the kids on a short break away as it is cutting a path through the city. There's no radical departure for 2016, although the sharp-eyed will notice a nip here and a tuck there. There's an excellent new colour touchscreen that's standard across the range. It gives the whole product a lift and helps it make a better first impression. Looks and image It's a sharp-looking thing, if a bit on the conservative side. Being built in Britain won't do its appeal this side of Dover any harm, either. Whichever model you choose, you end up with a pleasantly stylish and definitely inoffensive car. You'll never object to having it on your drive. It's quite sensitive to trim grades, though, so whereas the fantastic top-spec cars with all the interior trimmings look like they've come straight from the top drawer, the fragile rubberised handbrake grip and cheap-looking plastics on the low-end versions leave a lot to be desired and can start to look tatty very quickly. Space and practicality There's a handy boot at the back, more than big enough for most tasks, but if you're toting babies, you'll struggle to get much more than a chunky pushchair into it without putting the conveniently split rear seats down. Front seaters will be happy enough, especially with the uncommonly wellshaped seat backs that give superb lumbar support. Behind the wheel Under the bonnet there is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It can't make the Astra a rocket ship, but if you're gentle, you'll see fuel economy you'd struggle to better in an eco-diesel. I found it no prob-
C
lem to hover around 60mpg in relatively traffic-free driving. Alright, you do need to put some effort in, but the potential is there. The dinky engine is perfect for chopping around urban and suburban routes. It's impressively linear once the turbo kicks in, making it smooth, forgiving and easy to get used to. It warms up faster than a moth on a sunbed and it's perfect for nofuss short trips. The five-speed gearbox is light and precise, with tall gearing that partly offsets the lack of a sixth, but it's clear this version isn't meant to cover serious motorway mileage. It's a nice steer, though, responding quite keenly to tugs at the wheel and scampering along winding roads with gusto. The brakes on this nearly-new car were very grabby, but that should hopefully settle down with mileage. Value for money The Astra is a solid car. You know what you're getting and, although some of the materials on basement models aren't up to scratch, at the very least, the car does a good job of providing straight-down-theline mid-size transport for people who don't want to spend the extra on a slightly more spacious compact crossover or SUV. Who would buy one? This is a car for ordinary people. People who want a well-rounded car to give them transport, enough space and, crucially, the ability to cope with everything from taking the in-laws to Sunday lunch to taking the kids to the seaside. Parents will appreciate this sort of versatility, while some might prefer the lower seating position relative to SUVs, for the better outward view it offers during low-speed manoeuvres. This car summed up in a single word: Studious
OLD damp weather can unmask signs of arthritic change in dogs and cats, and now is a great time to take a good look at your pets and make sure they are comfortable. Do they seem stiff or lame? Do they have difficulty getting up or lying down? Does it take a while for them to get going in the morning? If so, your pet will benefit from a check over to identify any problems and work out how best to treat them. The joints that are most susceptible to arthritis are those permitting free limb movements – called synovial joints. The ends of the bones that meet at these joints are covered by very smooth articular cartilage and lubricated with synovial uid. In pets with arthritis, this protective cartilage is damaged and worn away, resulting in exposure of the underlying bone causing pain and in ammation. Secondary new bone is commonly deposited around the joint and may be seen on x-ray. Affected joints commonly appear stiff, swollen and painful. Although arthritis cannot usually be cured, there are several things we can do to help. ● Weight control: overweight pets tend to struggle far more with stiffness and arthritis than slender ones, as the extra weight puts more strain on diseased joints and weight loss can really help. ● Exercise regimes can also make a difference. Most stiff dogs benefit from two or three shorter walks every day than one long one from time to time. Other forms of exercise may also be helpful, and hydrotherapy may be useful in some cases. ● Food supplements and medication may also be required. We can advise on appropriate food supplements such as those containing EFAs (essential fatty acids) and glucosamine, and can prescribe anti-in ammatory treatments as required. If your pet is showing any signs of arthritis, please come and see us for a check-up today.
Insurance – is your pet covered?
With continual advances in veterinary medicine and surgery, we can now diagnose and treat more conditions than ever before. But how prepared are you if your pet requires more in-depth treatment? To take a couple of examples, a common injury in medium and larger breeds of dogs is rupture of the cruciate ligament. Surgical treatments for this condition can easily cost upwards of £1,500. And to take a feline example, there are a range of treatments for an overactive thyroid gland, from lifelong medication to radioactive iodine treatment – which can cost in excess of £2,000. These are just a couple of examples – but they illustrate the sort of treatments available for pets. With appropriate pet insurance we can hopefully ensure that any treatment decisions are made on the basis of need rather than cost. So don’t take any chances – get your pet insured today!
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