Gazette & THE
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FRE E W
ith th e Aber gave n ny Chro nicle
The Abergavenny Chronicle’s monthly magazine Issue 84 April 2018 £1.50 where sold
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2 April 2018
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Dear readers, don’t know about you but the weather of the past few weeks hasn’t done an awful lot to put a spirit of youth in me, so we can but hope that April really is the promise that May keeps and that its showers hold off long enough for everyone to enjoy a taste of long awaited spring. Thankfully by the time this month’s edition of the Gazette and Diary hits the streets April Fool Day will be passed so you can be assured that all you read in here - no matter how bizarre it may seem - is true but with a nod at the one day of the year when we can all take a joke I did a quick search to find what are regarded as the top April Fools of all time. Unsurprisingly top of the tree comes the BBC’s Swiss spaghetti harvest spoof of 1957, which allegedly even took in Auntie’s director general as well as millions of unsuspecting viewers. Next comes a similar broadcast from a Swedish TV company in 1962 which saw millions of viewers putting a nylon stocking over their TV screens in order to instantly convert the picture from black and white to colour with third place claimed by an Alaskan practical joker with the improbably name of Porky Bickar who set fire to hundreds of old tyres in the crater of an extinct volcano, convincing the residents of the city in its shadow that their days were numbered. Allegedly when Mount St. Helens erupted six years later, a Sitka resident
wrote to Bickar to tell him, "This time you've gone too far!" In fourth place comes the Australian tale of a millionaire businessman who conviced unwitting Sydney residents that he had been able to tow an iceberg from Antarctica to the famous harbour and planned to sell off cubes of fresh ice. Only when it began to rain washing away the firefighting foam he’d used to create his ‘iceberg’ and revealing the plastic sheets underneath, was his scam revealed. Bringing up the rear in fifth place comes the famous story printed in The Guardian which is credited for kick starting the craze for tabloid April Foolery back in 1977 when it printed a seven page supplement dedicated to the newly discovered tropical paradise of San Serriffe with its twin islands of Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot while only a few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer's terminology... I’m disappointed that the Chronicle’s infamous story of the Welsh Government’s plan to install wind turbines on all buildings in Abergavenny’s town centre, which was fiercely opposed by the pressure group Farmers Against Rotary Turbines, failed to make the list...but then again what passed as an April Fool a decade ago may well be a statement of fact today....
Contact the Gazette and Diary Team Jenna Hopkins Senior Sales Executive jenna.hopkins@ abergavennychronicle. com 01873 852187 ext 35 Andrew Fowler Sales Executive andrew.fowler@ abergavennychronicle. com 01873 852187 ext 25 1625407
I
April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. William Shakespeare
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
Thousands visit second careers festival
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round 3,500 young people from all over Powys visited the second Powys Careers Festival at Builth Wells this month.
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 to Class 4 specification – Direct 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.
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Students from high schools, special schools and further education campuses visited the 2018 festival which was organised by the Positive Pathways Powys Group, where they had the opportunity to talk to more than 110 exhibitors. Jackie Parker is Chair of the Group and she commented: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the students, exhibitors and sponsors who made our second festival even better than our 2017 event. I’d also like to say a huge thankyou to our keynote speaker, Alana Spencer, who was the winner of the 2016 BBC TV Apprentice show.” This year, the event was sponsored by Powys County Council, Careers Wales, The North and Mid Wales Reaching Wider Partnership, The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, Cambrian Training Company, The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, the NPTC Group of Colleges, West Ents audio visual, Compact Orbital Gears, Lanyon Bowdler solicitors, Kier Construction and SP Energy Networks Ms Parker commented: “I’d also like to say congratulations to Oriel Davies in Newtown for winning the Best Exhibitor award and to the team of pupils from Crickhowell High School who won the Student presentation competition. “We’re looking forward to inviting these students – and the teams from the NPTC Group of Colleges – to the Powys County Council management team to hear from them how we can make the county better for young people. “Without all of the people involved it wouldn’t have been half as good. Thank you very much,” said Ms Parker. As well as Powys students, this year the festival also welcomed some 40 students from Ysgol Henry Richard in Tregaron, Ceredigion. The Positive Pathways Powys Group is a partnership of Powys County Council, Careers Wales, secondary schools in the county, the NPTC Group of Colleges, Cambrian Training, and PAVO (The Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) which aims to promote the opportunities available to Powys students after compulsory education.
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Gay and Hunt Ltd, Blaenant Industrial Estate, Brynmawr NP23 4AZ Telephone: 01495 312935 www.gayandhunt.co.uk
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Tidy your turf this spring
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T’S coming up to that time of the year where homeowners across the country will be looking to prepare their gardens for the spring. Whether you have an urban garden, or a larger turf with plenty of greenery, it’s crucial to use the right equipment when preparing for & Sons your first mow of the year. • Local • Long Distance est over 30 years Toro, a global leader in turf care maintenance, has prepared est over 30 years • European some top tips for ensuring you make the most out of your outdoor space before the warmer weather kicks in. Preparation is key – Before jumping in headfirst with the mower, it’s equally as important to remove and de• Household Movers • Full & Part Loads • Packing Service bris and leaves from your lawn. Toro’s PowerPlex® • Antiques • Fine Art • Sculptures Brushless Blower easily takes care of any unwanted grass clippings, leaves and dirt. With built in Turbo Boost Power, you’ll be able Family Run Business • Free Estimates STORAGE FROM £8 per week to clear your lawn in no time. Time it right – As we know, your lawn requires less maintenance in the Mon-Fri 9am-6pm winter months, so getting the mow right for the first time of the year is imperative. E: Info@atkremovals.co.uk Sat 9am 5.30pm Head office at Hay-on-Wye You should look to first use your mower around April www.atkremovals.co.uk just as spring starts. However, it’s important to make sure you don’t cut too Open Thursday until time, 8pm close to the ground. This can weaken the grass and make your turf more susceptible Closed Sundaysto drought, moss and weeds. Ideally, you should set your cutting height to the highest setting, and then as you continue to mow over the next few weeks, you can gradually reduce the settings. Pick your tools wisely – Depending on the type of lawn you have, your mowing tools will differ. For those with bigger lawns, Toro’s TimeMaster® is the perfect choice. With its unique Dual Force twin-blade cutting system, mowing is made easy on a large scale. The wide 76cm cutting deck allows you to tackle great amounts of turf quickly and easily, reducing mowing time by up to 40 per cent. For those with smaller gardens, the new PoweReverse® walk power mower by Toro is designed especially to mow in tight areas, such as fence corners and other challenging spots. This is also the first domestic walk-behind mower sold in the UK to include a reverse feature. The mower has power assist in both directions, providing an easier forward and backward motion, and the Automatic Drive System powers the front and rear wheels to ensure a smooth mowing experience. Christopher Cooper, Product Marketing Manager at Toro, said: “Preparing your turf in the spring is the key to a lush looking lawn all year round. With the right equipment and plenty of care, you’ll have a healthy garden in no time. Toro’s range of mowers and handheld tools will ensure top quality and effortless gardening every time.”
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April 2018 5
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
Is energy storage the future?
Y
ou know the most disliked word? It’s that word ‘but’. It really does get in the way of lots of things in life. Just when you think everything’s fine, along comes a ‘but’. And this, unfortunately, is the same with energy storage. Just ask that bloke in the pub who knows everything, he’ll tell you – energy storage is the future… But the price isn’t low enough yet But they’re not yet safe enough But they’re still too big and heavy for many domestic settings But they don’t hold enough charge But their life isn’t long enough to achieve an attractive payback period All wrong, in most cases. When we talk about energy storage, don’t just think batteries. Heat storage units, such as immersion controllers, are an extremely effective addition to renewable energy production. If you have Solar and an immersion tank but (oops another but!) you don’t have an immersion controller, you are almost literally throwing away money. Call Green Park Power to get this resolved. But (another one!), this article is about Domestic Electrical Energy Storage Systems, to give them their full title. Most people refer to them as batteries. Battery Storage Battery Storage comes in all shapes and sizes and is nothing new. In 1800 Volta invented the first true battery – a real coincidence that he already had an electrical sounding name. one of the uK’s most impressive batteries is an actual mountain. Situated in Llanberis in Wales and known as 'Electric Mountain’. Grid electricity is used to pump water up the mountain when the uK has a surplus of power and it’s therefore cheap (even free). Then, during peak times, the same water is used to drive a hydropower turbine. Increasingly the National Grid and Network operators are installing huge battery storage units to ease the peak pressure on the grid – a bit like truck batteries but the size of actual trucks! Domestic Batteries We’ve been using primary batteries in our homes for decades. Primary batteries are those that we throw away (put into the appropriate recycling unit), whereas secondary batteries can be recharged. We measure battery life in ‘charge cycles’, and we are now seeing domestic batteries that give at 10,000 daylight cycles – as much as 27 years! Many Lithium batteries available now have a 10 year warranty and an expected average
lifespan of 17-18 years. Household batteries are not the future – they’re already here and contributing significantly to the self-consumption of many consumers. There has been a lot of investment in batteries; they have got smaller in size, larger in capacity, lighter, safer, more efficient and longer lasting. For owners of solar PV the future has already arrived. The next development in domestic energy storage systems will be to most consumers – not just those who have solar, wind or hydro. Grid Interoperability on their own, a 3, 5 or even 10-kilowatt battery will make little difference to our national energy challenge, but put thousands, or even millions of these domestic storage units together, and they become a powerful proposition. Modern sophisticated battery managers can already top up the battery, automatically, from low cost off-peak tariffs. The next software updates will bring the possibility of tracking a customers’ usage so that it can predict how much energy will be spare at peak times, then sells it to the Grid. Then, when energy is at its cheapest, the batteries charge up again – either for self-consumption or to sell back for a profit. Homes that do have renewable energy will be able to take even more advantage of this system, either way it will become commonplace for most domestic households. By using this type of technology – known as grid interoperability – the payback period is reduced significantly. It also helps the country’s energy imbalance, particularly as the Grid can call upon this storage in seconds – far quicker than other, less desirable sources, such as coal or nuclear. So when can we look forward to this happening? Is this another of those inventions that we were promised and are still waiting for? Like the hoverboards from Back to the Future? on a small scale, this is already happening, Green Park Power have already installed multiple, on grid, domestic, lithium battery, storage systems in 2018. Is energy storage the future? Yes, but (last big but!) call Green Park Power today and battery storage could be your present. •The award winning Green Park Power team - Lead Electrician Gareth Gray, Director Andy Green, Secretary Katie Parkin, Head of Sales Huw llewellyn
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6 April 2018
djandp.co.uk newlandrennie.com Residential
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Asking Price £620,000 Abergavenny Monmouthshire
Asking Price £600,000 Llanelly Hill Monmouthshire
Presented to an immaculate standard is this exceptionally stunning 4 double bedroom detached family home, enjoying 3 fine reception rooms and landscaped manicured gardens, affording a glorious vista across the beautiful Vale of Usk towards the Blorenge, the famous market hall and the Sugar Loaf mountain, situated within walking distance of Castle Meadows, the railway and bus stations, and the town centre. EPC rating D. Ref: 1827 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Sitting in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park is this superb conversion of a substantial Victorian school house, transformed into a fine family home through the preservation of period features. Within easy access of Abergavenny and Crickhowell, and the road and rail networks providing access to Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea. In all just over an acre (approximately). Extra land available separately. EPC rating D. Ref: 1824 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Offers In The Region Of £500,000 Abergavenny Monmouthshire
Offers In Excess Of £250,000 Gilwern Monmouthshire
Monmouthshire We are delighted to offer for sale this substantial semi-detached family home, situated in a small cul-de-sac setting within the charming village of Grosmont and enjoying superb views across the gently undulating countryside. This medieval village is famous for its 11th century Norman castle which is within a short walk, and also benefits from a village shop, post office, plus a popular public house. EPC rating D. Ref: 1819
A traditionally constructed detached 3 bedroom bungalow with pitched tile covered roof and rendered colour washed elevations, occupying a very good size plot close to the centre of the sought-after village of Gilwern. Viewing strictly by appointment. EPC rating D. Ref: 1805
Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
N EW
Affording views towards the famous mountain peaks surrounding Abergavenny, and situated in arguably one of the most appealing new developments in this historic market town, is this sumptuously decorated, 5 double bedroom executive family home, exuding both a fine quality and attention to detail throughout, complemented by stylish living spaces, all arranged over three floors offering adaptable accommodation to suit personal preferences. EPC rating B. Ref: 1807 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Asking Price £274,950 Grosmont
RENTAL PROPERTIES REQUIRED TO MEET HIGH DEMAND APPLICANTS WAITING - NO LET NO FEE
Asking Price £239,950 Gilwern
Asking Price £232,250 Gilwern
Monmouthshire An incredible opportunity to acquire a 1930’s detached family home requiring refurbishment and situated on a large plot, with room for extension subject to the necessary consent. Ideally positioned in a village setting in the Brecon Beacons National Park, betwixt the market towns of Abergavenny and Crickhowell and with easy access to schools, local amenities and transport links. EPC rating F. Ref: 1828
Monmouthshire Nestled in a cul-de-sac setting in the thriving village of Gilwern, and sitting in attractive well-kept gardens, is this light-filled 3 bedroom detached family home with generous rooms and broad windows filtering the light throughout, arranged in an unusual configuration that will appeal to those seeking flexible accommodation. Offered to the market with no onward chain. EPC rating D. Ref: 1811
Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
DAVID JAMES
PARTNERS
WITH
DJ&P Newland Rennie are currently looking for properties, ranging from 1 bedroom apartments to multiple bedroom properties. We have a long list of applicants on our database who are currently looking for properties. Please contact our Newport office for a free, no obligation valuation. Please call: 01633 221441 Email: clair.powell@newlandrennie.com
NEWLAND RENNIE 1656133
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8 April 2018
Gazette and Diary Magazine
The weird and wonderful world of worms Everything you need to know about these wriggly creatures, and why your garden needs them.
that healthy plants need. Worms can also 'eat' their own weight in decaying organic matter every day, breaking it down to release nutrients for plants to feed on. A healthy soil full of worms is a magnet for other wildlife. They are an important part of the food chain and diets of many animals, from blackbirds and robins to frogs, toads and mammals including hedgehogs and badgers. Here are some tips for welcoming worms into your garden: Make your own compost You can use a compost bin with a lid
to make your own simple compost. Make holes in the base of the bin if it doesn't have any, then place it on or close to the bare soil to let worms wriggle in. Start adding compostable ingredients such as veg peelings and grass cuttings, as well as brown materials like straw and cardboard. Then turn with a fork around once a month and in six months or so you'll have rich, dark compost to nourish the soil. Let the earth breathe Artificial turf and hard surfaces such as concrete or paving are pushing worms and wildlife out of gardens. Try and reduce the amount of hard surfacing in your garden to provide a habitat for worms and other beneficial creatures.
Small changes can make a big difference - consider lifting up a few paving slabs to make mini flower beds. Mulch your plot Keep moisture in the soil and smother annual weeds by mulching borders with peat-free garden compost or composted bark once a year. Spring is an ideal time to apply mulch and will bring masses of worms to the surface to improve the soil structure. Add compost when planting When planting a new plant outside in the ground, work in a little peat-free compost into the soil before infilling. This will not only provide food for worms, but will also help your plant establish. Go natural Consider replacing chemical fertilisers with manures, compost and natural fertilisers such as seaweed. These will feed the many microbes and mini-beasts that make soil fertile. For more information about worms and the Wild About Gardens campaign, go to wildaboutgardens.org.uk.
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ID you know that cutting an earthworm in half doesn't give you two worms? It just gives you one happy worm or one dead one. Or that worms breathe through their skin? Or that they are hermaphrodites so each worm has both male and female parts? Britain has about 16 species of earthworms likely to be found in gardens (and 29 species overall). With this in mind, this year's Wild About Gardens campaign, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts, is calling on gardeners to help worms and watch their garden thrive from the ground up. Described by Charles Darwin as 'nature's ploughs', they turn the soil by tunnelling through it and mixing the earth, enabling air and water to flow easily, providing plant roots with the oxygen and good drainage
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April 2018 9
Gazette and Diary Magazine
I
AM always wary of making generalisations but having been a regular holiday visitor to Normandy and Brittany, I have come to realise that the French view of gardens is rather different to ours just over the Gran Sur Mere. "Why waste time and effort on flowers and mowing grass when you can grow vegetables," seems to be the prevailing attitude among older people in rural communities. But, of course, there are colourful exceptions to every rule as my wife Jenny and I found on our latest holiday roaming around this gentle picturesque region of small towns, quiet villages, Norman castles and romantic chateaux. Only ninety minutes due south of Caen, our traditional gateway to Normandy and Brittany, lies the lovely spa town of Bagnoles de l'Orne and here, just beyond the lake and the casino, we found the first exception to my ' more vegetables less flowers' rule. For tucked away amid a grove of mature trees and behind an ornate set of double gates on the Avenue Robert Cousin lies the superb shade garden of Le Jardin Retire. No one seemed to be about so we pushed open the gate and entered, feeling a little as if we shouldn't be there, but ahead of us beyond the shady bower which formed the entrance, was a patch of early afternoon sunlight. Here, still half in shadow, we spotted a table displaying a glossy gardening maga-
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zine and some information about Le Jardin Retire whose creator Annie Blanchais had already spotted us through an open window and was coming down her front steps to welcome us. Annie and Laurent Blanchais, it transpired, began creating their two and a half hectare garden, already secluded behind a boundary of ancient trees and shrubs, some eighteen years ago. They decided to divide it into a series of semi secluded areas, each with its own identity and harmonious atmosphere. These allow the visitor to enjoy the progress of the seasons through the imaginative planting of a diverse range of trees, shrubs, perennials and herbaceous plants all intermingled with creatively positioned ceramics, rustic antique garden furniture and stone sculptures. Only twenty minutes away in a small bowl in a higher landscape lies the delightful town of Lassay les Chateaux and here, according to my generalisation, there are few private flower gardens but dozens of allotments, crammed with produce. However this ' Petite cite de caractere,' as its name board proudly proclaims, is blessed with a magnificent public rose garden just below its friendly flower dressed square. Most all the communities in this part of France put a huge public effort into their floral arrangements and Lassay is certainly no exception with the subject of art appearing to be the current theme. For in the shady parkland beyond the rose garden, the visitor will come across two giant replica paint tubes spewing flowers with an artist easel tucked discretely away in the background. Close by is the entrance to The English Garden which descends through a series of smaller gardens to emerge beside a lake with Lassay's magnificent chateau mirrored almost to the water's edge. All over France one will come across distinctive yellow signboards at the entrance to towns and villages proclaiming that the
Goose and Cuckoo
Thursday 24th May
Upper Llanover, Abergavenny NP7 9ER Sunday 1st April - Open Mic Night
Join us for an entertaining evening of music at our Open Mic Night on Sunday 1st April from 7pm. If you’re interested in doing a spot then please call Dan on 07776098325
Llangoed Hall
Saturday 21st April - Live Music: Henry Marten’s Ghost Irish Band
Come along to our new and exclusive Wine and Dine Club Evenings in 2018 each with a Guest Speaker. Arrive at 7.30pm for Pre-dinner Drinks & Canapés, followed by a Sumptuous set 4 - Course Gourmet meal, created by our Award Winning Head Chef Nick Brodie
Join us for a wonderful evening of live music from Irish rock and folk band Henry Marten’s Ghost Irish Band from 8.30pm.
£65.00 per person
The only Hotel in Wales to be in the 2018 Harden’s Top 50 List Voted No 1 ‘Most Romantic Hotel in Wales’ 2018 by the Daily Telegraph
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
The gardens of France Join Gazette travel writer Nigel Heath as he visits four French gardens bucking the ‘more veg less flowers’ trend
community has been awarded up to four red flowers for its floral endeavours No more than an hour's drive away along quiet country roads and in an area known as H a u t e Mayenne, close to the small market town of Gorron, lies Les Jardins Renaudies. This lovely garden set amid rolling farmland is great for a quiet family day out and to set the rural scene, it even has a maze carved out of an adjoining maize crop. Besides harbouring a small collection of farm animals, the garden reflects its rural heritage through a giant water wheel beside a pond, a recreated early farm kitchen and living room and an extensive array of early agricultural equipment. Lots of other surprises lay in store as vis-
itors wander around the 35 hectares including some gaily decorated tree trunks. Another garden simply not to be missed
in this quiet corner of rural France, has to be Le Jardin de la Pellerine. This magnificent private garden has been lovingly created over 30 years by Sylvie and Alain Douinot from farmland surrounding their picturesque 17th century manor house. Just a small sign on the right hand side of
the road from the town of Ernee to historic Fourgers with its magnificent Norman castle, leads to a floral oasis set in peaceful rolling countryside. All again seemed deserted as we wandered through the entrance and out onto the lawn in front of the house where Sylvie quickly spotted us Similar to Le Jardin Retire, but on a far larger scale, this stunning five acre garden encloses a whole series of smaller themed gardens providing much interest and variety through its series of packed and extremely colourful herbaceous borders enclosed by box hedges and old stone walls. The ground slowly slopes away towards a series of large ponds, full of fish, and spanned by rustic wooden bridges. The water's edge is a riot of aquatic loving shrubs and plants including the dramatic giant leafed Gunnera. Sylvie, presented us with a detailed guide before going off with her wheel barrow to continue what can only be described as a life time's labour of love.
Nigel’s Fact File For a full list of opening times for Les jardins des Renaudies and La Jardin de la Pellerine call 0243 080208 and 0243 059331 respectively. Brittany Ferries offer a comprehensive programme of return sailings to Northern France from Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole throughout the year. We have been sailing from Portsmouth to Caen for some years and have always enjoyed an excellent service on the large and comfortable ferries Normandy and Mont St Michel. “For further information on ferry travel, Brittany Ferries package holidays or to book a trip, please go to brittanyferries.com or call 0330 159 7000.”
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April 2018 11
Gazette and diary Magazine Addasiad Cymraeg o glasur Strindberg i fynd ar daith o amgylch Cymru yn ystod gwanwyn
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ydd addasiad Cymraeg newydd sbon Theatrau RhCT o ddrama glasurol August Strindberg, Miss Julie, yn mynd ar daith o amgylch lleoliadau yng Nghymru yn ystod y gwanwyn. dyma gyfle prin i siaradwyr y Gymraeg fwynhau'r cynhyrchiad yma yn y Gymraeg. Mae'r adfywiad gwefreiddiol yma o glasur bythol Strindberg, wedi'i addasu i'r Gymraeg a'i osod yng Nghymru ar droad yr 20fed ganrif, yn stori o angerdd a grym, lle mae rhwystrau dosbarth cymdeithasol ac agweddau cymdeithasol yn cael eu torri'n deilchion. Mae Miss Julie wedi'i chyfarwyddo gan Gareth John Bale, sydd hefyd yn chwarae prif ran. Cafodd Gareth John Bale glod gan feirniaid yn ddiweddar am ei bortread gwefreiddiol o'r arwr rygbi a'r eicon diwylliannol Cymreig, Ray Gravell, yn ei sioe un dyn arobryn, Grav, a aeth ar daith o amgylch lleoliadau yng Nghymru ac sydd hefyd mewn theatr 'Off Broadway' yn Efrog Newydd ym mis Mawrth 2018. Mae modd ei weld yn aml ar y llwyfan ac ar y sgrîn, ac mae e'n actor llais profiadol hefyd. Mae'n rhoi ei resymau dros awch i berfformio yn y sioe yma: “Mae'n ddrama ryfeddol a naturiolaidd. Ers astudio'r ddrama am y tro cyntaf yn y coleg dwi wedi bod yn awyddus i gymryd rhan ynddi. Mae themâu'r ddrama, sef statws cymdeithasol, gwrthdaro rhwng y rhywiau ac agwedd y dramodydd tuag at fenywiaeth, yr un mor perthnasol nawr ag oedden nhw adeg ysgrifennu'r ddrama ym 1888. “Efallai hyd yn oed yn fwy berthnasol. Mae cynifer o bethau yn y fantol yn y ddrama yma, ac mae hynny'n fy nghyffroi. Mae tri chymeriad y sioe yn cyflwyno her i'r actorion ac i'r cyfarwyddwr. y temtasiwn yw edrych arnyn nhw fel cymeriadau un dimensiwn, ond mae cymaint yn fwy na hynny iddyn nhw. Ein nod ni yw cloddio'n ddyfnach er mwyn deall beth sy'n digwydd i'r tri ar Noswyl Ifan." Mae Gwenllian Higginson hefyd yn ymddangos yn y sioe yn chwarae'r brif ran. Mae Miss Julie yn gynhyrchiad Theatrau RhCT gyda chefnogaeth Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru. dyma sioe gyntaf y cwmni o'u rhaglen reolaidd o berfformiadau theatr drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.
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12 April 2018
1654040
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Welsh language adaptation of Strindberg classic to tour Wales
Rural Rural
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th May 2018 A great day out for the family! Indulge yourself in a touch of shopping with a variety of Trade and craft stalls. Along with Children’s entertainment, Licensed bar and refreshments and a Car Boot Sale (Saturday and Sunday) Vintage auction (Saturday) organised by Gwilym Richards (01600 860 300 or grichards.co.uk) Novelty dog show (Sunday) Come and experience….. ‘Victory’ & ‘Rhapsody’ the two Fair Organs all the way from Belgium playing simultaneously and our Interactive Animal Corner for the little ones Along with…A Working section, Steam Engines, Vintage Cars and Caravans, Commercials, Tractors, Motorcycles, Military Vehicles, Models, Stationary engines, and more!
Free Car Park
1647978
Asking Price £1,400,000 GrosmontAsking Monmouthshire Price £1,400,000 A versatile farm or equestrian premises with two separate residences to include a 3 bedroom bungalow Grosmont Monmouthshire and a separate 3 bedroom cottage, pasture land of approximately 122 acres, plus a range of outbuildings and A versatile farm or premises with two residences include a 3 bedroom bungalow stables. Situated in aequestrian highly accessible position withseparate excellent transport to links and stunning far reaching hillside and a separate pasturelots. landEPC of approximately views. Available3asbedroom a whole cottage, or in separate ratings G & F. 122 Ref: acres, 1815 plus a range of outbuildings and stables. Situated in aAbergavenny highly accessibleoffice position with 859331 excellent transport links and stunning far reaching hillside Newland Rennie 01873 views. Available as a whole or in separate lots. EPC ratings G & F. Ref: 1815 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
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Asking Price £795,000 Govilon Monmouthshire Asking Price £795,000 Nestled in the Brecon Beacons National Park and affording the most Govilonpanoramic Monmouthshire breathtaking views across the Vale of Usk, encompassing Nestled in the Mountains Brecon Beacons National and mountain affording the most stunning Black scenery and thePark famous peaks breathtaking Abergavenny panoramic views the Valeis of encompassing surrounding and across Crickhowell, thisUsk, substantial family stunningplus Black Mountains scenery and the famous mountain peaks home, a superb self-contained annexe and a conservatory. surrounding and Crickhowell, is this various substantial family Gardens andAbergavenny grounds of approximately 16 acres, outbuildings home, plus arights. superb and aE.conservatory. Ref: 1782 and grazing Noself-contained onward chain.annexe EPC rating Gardens grounds of approximately 16 acres, outbuildings Newlandand Rennie Abergavenny office 01873various 859331 and grazing rights. No onward chain. EPC rating E. Ref: 1782 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Offers In The Region Of £500,000
Asking Price £479,950
Abergavenny Offers In Monmouthshire The Region Of £500,000 Affording views towards the famous mountain peaks surrounding Abergavenny Monmouthshire Abergavenny and situated in what is arguably one of the most appealing Affording views towards the been famous mountain peaks surrounding new developments to have built in this historic market town, is this Abergavenny decorated, and situated5 in what bedroom is arguablyexecutive one of thefamily mosthome, appealing sumptuously double new developments to haveand been built in attention this historic town, is this exuding both a fine quality individual to market detail throughout, sumptuously 5 double family home, offeringbedroom adaptableexecutive accommodation to suit arranged overdecorated, three floors exuding both a fine quality individual personal preferences. EPC and rating B. Ref: attention 1807 to detail throughout, arranged over threeAbergavenny floors offering adaptable accommodation Newland Rennie office 01873 859331 to suit personal preferences. EPC rating B. Ref: 1807 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Blackrock Monmouthshire Asking Price £479,950 A beautifully presented single storey property, with approximately Monmouthshire Blackrock 17 acres of land, that is situated in an idyllic and peaceful hillside location A beautifully presented single storeywithin property, with approximately above the small village of Gilwern, the Brecon Beacons National 17 acres land, that is situated in an idyllic and peaceful location Park. Theofproperty enjoys breathtaking panoramic views hillside across the above village of Gilwern, within the Brecon Vale of the Usksmall towards Monmouth and encompasses theBeacons famous National peaks Park. property enjoys breathtaking views EPC across the D. of theThe Blorenge, Skirrid Fawr and Sugar panoramic Loaf mountains. rating Vale 1813 of Usk towards Monmouth and encompasses the famous peaks Ref: of the Blorenge, Skirrid Fawr and Sugar Loaf01873 mountains. EPC rating D. Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 859331 Ref: 1813 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
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LANGSTONE, NEWPORT LOT 1: A detached 3 bedroom property, EPC rating: E LOT 2: Building Plot with consent for a detached two-storey dwelling. For Sale by Auction at The Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel, Usk On 10 May 2018 at 7.00pm Asking Price £450,000
Goytre Monmouthshire Asking Price £450,000 Smallholding with 15.75 acres. Monmouthshire Goytre Available to the market for the first time is this 3 bedroom detached Smallholding 15.75 acres. residence withwith approximately 15.75 acres, situated in a semi-rural Available to the market for lane, the first time thisvillage 3 bedroom detached setting alongside a country close to isthe of Goytre and residenceenormous with approximately 15.75 acres, situated in a semi-rural affording potential for renovation. setting alongside a country lane, close to villageclause, of Goytre anddetails Uplift Clause: The property is subject to the an uplift further affording on enormous for G. renovation. available request.potential EPC rating Ref: 1822 Uplift Clause: The property is subject to an uplift clause, further details Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331 available on request. EPC rating G. Ref: 1822 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Asking Price £325,000
Monmouthshire Abergavenny Asking Price £325,000 Sitting in an enviable position in a favoured cul-de-sac is this superbly Monmouthshire Abergavenny appointed 4 bedroom semi-detached family home, immaculately Sitting in an enviable position a favoured cul-de-sac is with this superbly presented and boasting a 25’ in shaker style kitchen/diner breakfast appointed 4 bedroom semi-detached familyconservatory. home, immaculately bar and island unit and a well-proportioned Affording presentedviews and boasting 25’Deri shaker kitchen/diner beautiful towards athe andstyle Llanwenarth Citra with and breakfast bar and island unit and a well-proportioned conservatory. Affording conveniently located under a mile from the historic town of beautiful viewsEPC towards Llanwenarth Citra and ratingthe C. Deri Ref: and 1711 Abergavenny. the01873 historic 859331 town of conveniently locatedAbergavenny under a mile from Newland Rennie office Abergavenny. EPC rating C. Ref: 1711 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Asking Price £274,950
Monmouthshire Grosmont Asking Price £274,950 We are delighted to offer for sale this substantial semi-detached family Grosmont home, situated in Monmouthshire a small cul-de-sac setting within the charming village We are delighted to offer for sale this substantial semi-detached family of Grosmont and enjoying superb views across the gently undulating home, situated in a small cul-de-sac setting within countryside. This medieval village is famous for its the 11thcharming century village of Grosmont andwhich enjoying superb viewswalk, across gently undulating Norman castle, is within a short andthe also benefits from a village is famous for its 11th century countryside. This medieval village shop, post office, plus a popular public house. EPC rating D. Norman Ref: 1819castle, which is within a short walk, and also benefits from a village shop,Rennie post office, plus a popular public house.859331 EPC rating D. Newland Abergavenny office 01873 Ref: 1819 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Portwall House, 5 Bank St, Chepstow NP16 5EL Phone: 01291 626775
DAVID JAMES DAVID JAMES
PARTNERS PARTNERS
WITH WITH
NEWLAND RENNIE NEWLAND RENNIE
‘a fantastic underground experience for all the family!’
Walk through time and discover the incredible iron mines deep beneath the Forest of Dean
OPEN DAILY 10.00am-5.00pm Clearwell, Nr Coleford Telephone: 01594 832535 www.clearwellcaves.com
T UN il G H pr EG 2 A ER h - iz ST rc Qu ril EA 0 Ma Cave- 15 Ap 3 3
In aid of local Charities GATES OPEN AT 10am Admission Fees: Adults: £6; OAP: £5; Children 12-16: £3; Children 11 or under: Free! Family Ticket: 2 Adults & 2 Children: £15 For craft and trade enquiries: 01600 860 552 For all other show details: 07966 117 936 www.bordercountiesvintageclub.co.uk bordercountiesvintageclub@outlook.com
Offers in Excess of £1,725,000 Abergavenny Monmouthshire Offers in Excess of £1,725,000 Tredilion Park - Public Notice Abergavenny Monmouthshire We are acting in the sale of the above property and have received an offer of £1,725,000. Any interested Tredilionmust Parksubmit - Public parties anyNotice higher offers in writing to the selling agent before an exchange of contracts takes We areEPC acting in the of the place. ratings G, sale F & G. Ref:above 1816 property and have received an offer of £1,725,000. Any interested parties must submitAbergavenny any higher offers in writing the selling agent before an exchange of contracts takes Newland Rennie office 01873 to 859331 place. EPC ratings G, F & G. Ref: 1816 Newland Rennie Abergavenny office 01873 859331
Y ND EARS O A DV F EN T UR E S
Vauxhall fields, Monmouth, NP25 5BA
Design Design
1578248
BORDER COUNTIES STEAM AND COUNTRY SHOW
Commercial Commercial
FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION IN 2 LOTS
R
CT Theatres’ brand new Welsh language adaptation of the classic August Strindberg play, Miss Julie, will tour venues in Wales this spring. This is a rare chance for Welsh speakers to enjoy this production in the Welsh language. Adapted in the Welsh language and set in Wales at the turn of the 20th Century, this thrilling revival of Strindberg’s enduring classic is a tale of passion and power, where class barriers and social attitudes are torn apart. Miss Julie is directed by and stars Gareth John Bale, who gained recent critical acclaim for his moving portrayal of Welsh rugby legend and cultural icon, Ray Gravell, in the award-winning one-man show Grav which toured venues in Wales and is also in an Off-Broadway Theatre in New York in March 2018. He is a regular on stage and screen, as well as an experienced voice over artist, and gives his thoughts on why he wanted to perform this piece, “It’s a wonderful, naturalistic play. I first studied it at college and have wanted to do it since. “The themes in it - social status, gender conflict and the playwright’s attitude towards feminism are as relevant now as they were when the play was written in 1888. Perhaps more so. The stakes are high in this play, and that excites me. The three characters in the play present a challenge to the actors playing them and the director. The temptation is to see them as one-dimensional but there is so much more to them than that. “We intend to dig a little deeper to explore what happens to these three people on Midsummers Eve.” “We’re absolutely delighted to present this Welsh Language adaptation of Strindberg’s classic text, and to be working with Gareth John Bale again. This production is something we feel passionate about, it’s the first time we have produced and toured nationally a Welsh Language production and it marks the start of an annual event. The play also stars Gwenllian Higginson in the title role. Miss Julie is an RCT Theatres production supported by Arts Council Wales and is suitable for ages 14+. The production can be seen at the Borough Theatre in Abergavenny on Friday, April 20 and tickets are available from the theatre box office on 01873 850805
Residential Residential
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Y FIF T OU R RG E D N U
1642480
April 2018 13
1656694
Three Stunning Restaurant Venues...
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http://www.tasteinnwales.com 14 April 2018
Rugby fans donate more than £3,000 to Centenary appeal for St John
Gazette and Diary Magazine
R
UGBY fans – who attended Wales’ 6 Nations victory over Italy at the Principality Stadium – have donated more than £3,000 to St John Cymru’s Centenary fundraising appeal. Volunteers from the first aid charity were present at the recent match, many on duty providing medical cover, while others were at the stadium gates collecting donations before kick-off. During the singing of the anthems, Welsh Rugby Union players also wore specially designed jackets, featuring the charity’s Centenary logo on the right sleeve. Julia Hobbs, Chief Executive for St John Cymru, said,“It’s an incredibly exciting year for the charity and we’re extremely grateful to the WRU for supporting us as we celebrate ‘100 years of being there’. “Rugby fans are used to seeing our volunteers on duty at the Principality Stadium and over the years we have been fortunate to be there for Wales’ grand slam wins. “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who stopped to put money in our yellow buckets before the match. With the support of the people of Wales, we can make sure St John Cymru continues to be there.” As part of St John Cymru’s Centenary celebrations, a replica World War I ambulance will be taken to key events and schools across Wales, to share the charity’s history and to encourage more people to learn first aid. The charity’s also set up a special website to capture people’s stories from over the decades, to show how it’s as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. Share your stories at www.stjohn.wales/100 or tag them on Facebook and Twitter @StJohnWales using #SJCW100
1656367
Cupid’s Marquee & Bars
Marquee Hire for your special occasion Bar Hire available for weddings Christenings, shows, events and parties Fully Licensed
KENTCHURCH COURT
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Exclusive venue hire with packages tailored to suit each bride and groom
For more information or to arrange an appointment please cont act Jenny on 07985558574 or email: kentchurchweddings@outlook.com. April 2018 15
THE BARN
07921 191937
UPPER GRANARY
LOWER GRANARY
Upper Granary
4 FURTHER LETS COMING SHORTLY
THE COURTYARD STANDARD STREET, CRICKHOWELL
Lower Granary
Local business owners, Stephen and Jayne Williams of Outshine Windows Limited of Abergavenny are excited to unveil their newly renovated Commercial buildings at The Courtyard, Upper House Farm, Standard Street, Crickhowell. The unique site is situated in a quiet pedestrianised courtyard setting. Jayne and Stephen purchased the medieval farm buildings last April, the site comprises of a granary, stable block and two barns. The stable block was already converted when they purchased the site with thriving businesses already in situ. Our aim is to provide new business space for the local community of independent businesses/traders. We are also offering our units at a reduced rental rate compared to the high street. To make the Courtyard an extension of the high street. We are hoping to attract new and old businesses, those just starting out or businesses looking to relocate. We’d like to focus on independent businesses, keeping Crickhowell thriving in its diversity. At present we’ve just finished renovating the building called The Granary. This building comprises of three beautiful units, the two smaller units known as the Upper Granary and Lower Granary are 35 sq meters with wood flooring, one has a WC and storeroom and the Lower Granary has a shower room and small kitchenette. These two units are currently up for rent for £350 per month and benefit from 100% small business rate relief. The newly finished Granary East covers two floors with a store/kitchen at the rear of the premise along with two WC’s. The main space has an exposed stone wall and a beautifully handmade oak staircase to the second floor. This unit is spacious and light. The Granary East is 90 square meters in total and is up for rent at £850 per month. This unit also comes with a parking space at the rear of the stable block. We are hoping to start the two barns as soon as we have the reliant planning permission agreed. The two barns are a much larger project as they both need new roofs, floors, windows, doors, water, electric and toilets. At present they are just shells waiting to be put to good use again. The east barn will be split into three large unit with an open walkway through the centre from standard street through to the inside of the courtyard with floor to ceiling windows and doors on either side. These units will be unique as one will be two storeys that will over look the walkway and on the other side their will be open ground floor unit with access from the walkway and another first-floor unit with access from the rear of the property that will have an outlook over the walkway too. These units will also benefit from a parking space each. We would love to work with potential tenants and develop each unit to suit their individual needs. We’re planning on fitting underfloor heating and keeping as much of the stonework exposed as possible. Each unit will be approximately 95 Square meters which includes storerooms and WC’s. We would be looking for around £800 to £1000 per month for rent for these units as they are rather large but much, much cheaper than the high street.
The Barn
1656588
16 April 2018
6 THE BEST... Gazette and Diary Magazine
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MTS is an experienced and fully qualified tree and ground clearance business specialising in the site work where ecological (European Protected Species) constraints have been identified. Founded in 1999, we are a family run business with over 17 years experience working in SSSi and SAC designated sites where tree work and ecological surveys are required. We provide a unique tree contracting service which encompasses ecological surveys as well as ecological contracting such as ground clearance and reptile fencing.
If you’re looking for horse riding lessons, to put your horse into livery, show jumping, training or schooling, this is the place to come. We hold a number of shows at TriFec including, showjumping, open shows, one day events and clear round jumping.
1578248
Upper Triley FarmLlantilio PertholeyAbergavenny MonmouthshireNP7 8DFT/F 01873 890523 M: 07855 473176E: enquiries @trifec.comW: www.trifec.com
• Arboricultural Contracting • Stump Grinding • All Aspects of Tree Work • Wood Chipping • Hedge Trimming • Firewood
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1603930
ROOFING SERVICE
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April 2018 17
1656347
18 April 2018
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Look out for vulnerable road users
A
very well. So make sure you have a good look, not just a quick glance. A good tip is that if you’re specifically looking for motorcyclists or cyclists, then you are more likely to see them. Richard said: “The importance of sharing the road space and understanding the needs of other road users cannot be stressed enough. “If we are aware of vulnerable road users, we can make provisions to keep us all safe. Remember to treat others how you would like to be treated.”
Bailey Bros MOT TEST CENTRE • Take note that there are two types of mobility scooters. Class 2 scooters are only allowed on pavements and have a top speed of 4mph. Class 3 mobility scooters should be registered and are driven on the road with a top speed of 8mph. Bear in mind that this group of road users may have restricted movement, vision or hearing so give them plenty of space and time. • Have you thought about taking a more scenic route now that the days are getting lighter for longer? You may come across a horse and its rider walking along the side of the road. To avoid scaring the horse, turn the radio down and keep the engine revs low. Slow down and take your time when
passing a horse. Keep your car well away from them and proceed with caution. The British Horse Society campaign encourages ‘Wide and Slow ’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ 0FO7eECQo) which reiterates driving no more than 15mph and leaving at least a car’s width gap. • Who has heard of SMIDSY (“Sorry mate, I didn’t see you”)? This is a regular acronym in a motorcyclist’s dictionary and often our strategy when looking for a culprit! The science behind this is called Saccadic Masking. The simple explanation is that people don’t see clearly when their head or eyes are moving, and they don’t pick up objects travelling towards them
Cars, Vans & Motorcycle (Free Retest) Servicing & Reairs all makes Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny
01873 853058
1570264
S we make the same commute every day to work and back, we can get used to seeing pedestrians on the streets, motorcyclists on the road and even a few cyclists appearing now that the season is officially changing. But this can sometimes mean we get a little too used to the things around us and may unintentionally stop paying attention to our surroundings. Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, provides a set of tips to refresh your knowledge on how to manage vulnerable road users. • Check to see the type of pedestrians around you. Do you see an elderly person crossing the road? They may be walking slowly so ensure they feel safe by reducing your speed. Children can be easily distracted and are unpredictable too, especially when crossing the road, so do all you can to help them out. Drive with care and be vigilant as a few extra seconds added to your day may make all the difference. • A cycling club will often cycle as a group rather than in single file. This makes it safer for all of us; a simple overtake on a short group is often easier and safer to achieve than 30 overtakes on separate cyclists. Before you overtake them, make sure you have given them enough room as they could adjust their road positioning unexpectedly for a pothole or drain. A few seconds delay is better than a lifetime of regret. It’s always good to remember that a young, fit individual on a bike is likely to be more stable than an older person doing their shopping run.
1573070
Lee Jowitt AUTO REPAIRS
• Servicing • MOT’s • Tyres • Diagnostics
FULL RANGE OF VEHICLE REPAIRS We now also offer servicing and repairs for Hybrid Vehicles
TEL: 01873 859100
OPEN: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.30pm Sat 8.00am - 12.30pm
1571109
1584820
Conveniently located at the rear of Nevill Hall Hospital 73 Union Road Ind Est, Abergavenny, NP7 7RQ • Tel: 01873 859100 • Mob: 07591 521752 Email: ljowittautorepairs@yahoo.co.uk
April 2018 19
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Food is the fuel of life F
RELAX IN COMFORT THIS AUTUMN
OR the people at Wiltshire Farm Foods, food is definitely seen as the fuel of life. “It’s fuel for the mind, fuel for the body, and fuel for living and laughing. That’s why, for over 25 years, Wiltshire Farm Foods has been delivering delicious food throughout the UK for our thousands of customers to enjoy whenever they like,” writes a spokesman for the company. “However, like a comfy sitting room or homely kitchen, every now and then it’s nice to have a spruce up; so, this year we’re giving Wiltshire Farm Foods a fresh new look. “You’ll spot some exciting new changes. We have a smart new uniform and van livery for our drivers, proudly displaying our heritage. There are 75 new and improved delicious meals ready to order from our brochure and website. Bright new labels, clearer and easier to read but still free from cardboard sleeves and unnecessary waste; and we’ve launched new television adverts, featuring our very own drivers, some of which you may recognise. “Rest assured, while we’re very pleased with our new look, we would never dream of changing the things you hold so dear. That means you can continue to look forward to the same dedicated local team and the same strong values you have come to expect from Wiltshire Farm Foods. “If our food doesn’t hit the spot, we’ll replace it for free with our satisfaction guarantee, because good food can put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. “So, if you’d like to choose from our selection of over 300 tasty dishes, call your local office at Symonds Yat on 01600 892 855 for a free copy of our new brochure.”
1578252
12
YEARS 2006 - 2018 & SERVICE
1632443
20 April 2018
Diamond Support for Diamond Families
Gazette and Diary Magazine
D
o you have an elderly relative who is struggling with domestic chores and is increasingly relying on you for help? Are you finding it difficult to provide that help and support? Do you feel guilty and overwhelmed? Then let us share your load writes a spokesman for Diamond Home Support. Diamond Home Support have been trading in Abergavenny since 2014 and our Home Assist Service has already transformed the lives of many of our elderly clients and their relatives. This service provides vital support for the elderly and less able in a friendly, caring and professional manner. We are challenging the preconceptions of domestic care by providing a client-led rather than a company-led service. Our workers are thoroughly vetted and are chosen more for their personality, ethos and attitude than anything else. They are given plenty of time between appointments, so there is never the need for visits to be cut short in order for the worker to be on time for their next appointment. The same worker visits each week, month or fortnight, allowing the client and the worker to build trust and develop a relationship. Loss of independence is humiliating and frustrating, and we 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 exactly how things work and answer any questions which they may have. We encourage relatives to be present at this visit so that they can satisfy themselves that their family members are not pushed into signing up for our services if they are unsure as to whether or not it is right for them. We respect the fact that each individual, however old, frail or disabled, has the right to consider the pros and cons of our services before signing on the dotted line and, to this end, we are happy to visit more than once should that be necessary. We appreciate that people lead busy lives and often find it difficult (if not virtually impossible) to provide the amount of support which their elderly relatives require. This leads to stress and guilt, with relationships becoming fractured and sometimes damaged beyond repair. Don’t suffer in silence; pick up the phone and let us help. 1571052
SAVOUR
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OVER 300 DELICIOUS DISHES FREE FRIENDLY DELIVERY TRUSTED LOCAL SERVICE 1656129
April 2018 21
Gazette and Diary Magazine
PETS’ CORNER
Collie Meg needs surgery after taking a tumble
M
EG is a lovely collie who loves playing with her ball. However, recently she suffered an injury whilst chasing after said ball and falling down some steps and hitting her nose writes Hannah Welsman of Abbey Vets. Her owner brought her straight down to the Abbey Vets branch in Monmouth where she was examined by the vet and given pain relief. In addition to a nosebleed and a scrape above her eye, Meg also seemed to have a deep cut to her upper lip that was too painful to examine with her
conscious so she was booked in for a general anaesthetic. Vet Alicia Jones anaesthetised Meg the next morning and discovered she had suffered an upper lip avulsion, in which the soft tissues of the upper lip became separated from the maxilla (the upper jaw bone). Luckily, while these injuries look fairly gruesome, the soft tissues of the gums are very vascular and tend to heal well. Alicia placed sutures to anchor the soft tissue back down and realign Meg’s nasal passageways. Meg
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was sent home with antibiotics and pain relief. It’s important to remember that while balls can be great fun for dogs, there are also risks involved. Meg has made a fantastic recovery and still wags her tail and smiles whenever she comes in to see us in Monmouth – although we’re sure all the treats we keep giving her help!
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The annual Petplan Veterinary Awards are open now for 2017! Vaccination Amnesty You can nominate your favourite members of our team if they have Has it been more than 18 months since your impressed you this year. Entries can be made online or you can pop in cat or dog’s last vaccination? to any of our branches for an entry form.
We are holding a Vaccination Amnesty during April allowing you to restart your cat or dog’s vaccinations for the price of a booster. Call us to find out more and book your appointment. Experts in Equine Health
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