Gazette & THE
Diary Magazine FRE E W
ith th e Aber gave n ny Chro nicle
Spooky Halloween fun
Matthew Goode - on starring in
new drama A Discover y of Witches Getting ready for Christmas... 12 page pull-out
Ella Mills on the joys of a plant based diet
The Abergavenny Chronicle’s monthly magazine Issue 90 October 2018 £1.50 where sold October 2018 1
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WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR GAZETTE AND DIARY THIS MONTH 25
MEET
Gazette and Diary Magazine
THE TEAM
EVERYONE IS GETTING READY FOR
CHRISTMAS
as
C hris tm
PA/THINKSTOCK
YOUR 12 PAGE PULL-OUT GUIDE
FEATURES
10
11 EDITOR Liz Davies
READY FOR WINTER? - How to prepare your garden for the chilly months ahead
liz.davies@abergavennychronicle.com
Cover story
A VAMPIRE’S TALE - Downton Abbey star Matthew 22 Goode talks about his new supernatural role BREAST CANCER MONTH -Ten things everyone
25 should know about breast cancer
IN EVERY ISSUE
29 Motoring - the shocking cost of theft from vans 30 Pets’ Corner - do dogs ever need plastic surgery? 31 Call the Experts - your guide to expert services in the area
LFIAA
Technical Director Laoshi Keith Ewers
SENIOR SALES REP Jenna Hopkins
Qigong
jenna.hopkins@abergavennychronicle.com
Beginners 4 Week Taster Courses Starting Oct 2nd & 4th 2018 “Qigong Combines The Soft, Passive, Flowing Movements That Resemble TAI CHI. Alongside The Dynamic Stretching Actions Of YOGA.” Beginners 4 Wk Courses Starting At The Mardy Community Hall, Tuesday Evening From 6pm-7pm Course Cost: £25.00 pp At The Glangrwyney Village Hall. Thursday Evening From 8pm-9pm Course Cost: £25.00 pp
andrew.fowler@abergavennychronicle.com
Tel: Keith On 01873 831 241
The Gazette and Diary is part of the Tindle Newspaper Group and produced in association with
Qin Na-Self Defence Beginners Taster Course Sunday Oct 7th 2018 Easy To Learn, Fast, Effective, Practical Methods Of Self Defence For Children, Women & Men At The Mardy Community Hall From 1pm Until 3pm Cost £25.00 pp Teacher: Keith Ewers Tel: 01873 831 241
SALES REP Andrew Fowler
and printed by Trinity Mirror plc
The Abergavenny Chronicle Tindle House 13, Nevill Street Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP75AA
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The Abergavenny Chronicle abides by the code of practice upheld by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). If you have a complaint please contact the editor Liz Davies. All complaints will be fully investigated If you are not satisfied with the outcome you may wish to contact IPSO c/o Halton House, 20-23 High Holborn, London, EC1N 2JD www.ipso.co.uk
October 2018 3
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
Download newly developed smartphone app to improve dementia diagnosis
Dr Chris Hinds from the University of Oxford’s Big Data Institute, commented: “People using the app are just playing games but their phones are doing much more – collecting data that we can use to learn about the brain, to help us understand what is a natural part of ageing and what’s a warning sign. “Technology can open up these hugely exciting areas of dementia research, but we need people to get involved and help drive the GameChanger project forward. Hopefully with enough support one day we will be able to spot those very early changes in the brain and stop the disease from developing.” Beyond GameChanger, Alzheimer’s Society has a research portfolio of 182 active projects worth over £35 million this year alone, and as a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute it is committed to spending at least £150m in the next decade. To join Alzheimer’s Society in the ground-breaking research and unite against dementia, go to alzheimers.org.uk/gamechanger.
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NEWLY developed smartphone game could help people in Wales improve the speed and accuracy of dementia diagnosis. Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity, is calling on people to download and use GameChanger – a new brain games app – for just five minutes a day over one month. Researchers say data recorded on the app will enable them to understand more about how people usually perform – which will later help them to identify the warning signs of Alzheimer’s. There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, 45,000 of them in Wales. And the national figure is set to exceed one million by 2021. Someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes, but a third of cases are undiagnosed. It is hoped GameChanger will lead to better understanding of the condition which, in turn, will result in improved diagnosis rates. Alzheimer’s Society has worked with scientists at the University of Oxford’s Big Data Institute on the app, which features a series of games designed to test specific aspects of memory and thinking that are affected in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.As World Alzheimer’s Month draws to a close, the charity is calling on the public to download the app and play the games for five minutes a day, every day for a month.It is hoped the app can eventually be used to find people in the very early stages of the disease and develop new treatments to stop it in its tracks.Kevin Whately, famous for starring in Inspector Morse and Lewis, became an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador after his mum was diagnosed with dementia and has been playing the games ahead of the app’s launch . He said: “GameChanger is going to be a very important innovation because the more people play, the quicker we can detect what causes this awful disease. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it will really drive forward dementia research.”Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’ve worked hard with the Government and the NHS to increase dementia diagnosis rates but there is far more to be done. A third of people with dementia still don’t get a diagnosis, and those who do often tell us it was a painfully slow process. A million people in the UK will have dementia by 2021, and if they can get a diagnosis quickly and accurately that will help them to live well with the disease. “Dementia is the only one of the top ten killers that we can’t cure, prevent or even slow down, so we urgently need to better understand this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s Society is investing in research because it will beat dementia – but for research to progress, more people need to take part, and GameChanger is a great opportunity for everyone to do that.”
October 2018 5
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Courtyard awarded Best Conference Venue by Visit Herefordshire
nantyderry garden centre Family business (Established 1956) in beautiful rural setting
Huge selection of plants to fill your garden with colour
Open 7 days a week 10am -5pm
01873 880377 www.nantyderryGC.co.uk
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Take the Chainbridge turn off the A4042 Abergavenny - Pontypool road - and follow the brown signs
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HE Courtyard was delighted to receive the award for Best Conference Venue at the Visit Herefordshire Awards for Excellence 2018.The Courtyard hosts several conferences a year and offers a level of flexibility and choice to organisations which many other venues are unable to provide. Located in the city centre with on-site parking, the venue is an easy commute from all parts of The Midlands and readily accessible from parts of the UK. Offering a variety of rooms including a Main House theatre and a large foyer (which can be used as a greeting area and exhibition space) and private spaces for breakout sessions, The Courtyard provides businesses with a wide choice of spaces in a unique creative environment. As an environment which prides itself on hosting high quality performances and productions, the entire staff are focused on ensuring that customers enjoy their visit to the venue and the same ethos extends to delegates attending events. The Courtyard staff are thrilled to be awarded Best Conference Venue for the second consecutive year. Operations Manager, Phil Pearcy said “I’m delighted that the hard work of the staff at the venue to successfully diversify income streams through conferencing has been recognised. Hopefully receiving this award for a second year in a row will increase the profile of the venue allowing us to subsidise our artistic programme and outreach work in the community.” For more information about hiring space at The Courtyard, visit courtyard.org.uk/venue.
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
Coleg Gwent students are world class
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INE Coleg Gwent students have reached the national finals of the WorldSkills UK competition in disciplines including forensic science and 3D game art, beating counterparts from colleges across Wales. WorldSkills UK competitions are open to students and apprentices from all over the UK and are held in two stages. First, students are invited to take part in the national qualifiers round, which is held at a regional level. If students are successful in their national qualifiers, they then find out if they have reached the national finals in Birmingham, which will take place during 15-17 November. The nine students from the College first took part in the national qualifier stages in June, which were held in colleges across Wales. The students, who took first and second places during the national qualifiers, found out they reached the finals earlier this month. Richard Wheeler, WorldSkills Uk co-ordinator for Coleg Gwent said, “This is a great achievement by all of the competitors and I would like to say a big thank you to the tutors involved in the students’ training; it’s hard work but very rewarding. And of course, congratulations to the students, their determination has paid off!” The Coleg Gwent students through to the national finals are: 3D Game Art - Manraj Deol Electronics - Callum Gibbs, Samuel O’Connor Forensic Science- Charlotte Hardy, Ben Lund Beauty Therapy – Hands and Face - Lauren Evans Beauty Therapy – Body - Rachel Watson Fitness/Coach Trainer - Stacey Davey, Lesley Jones As part of the national final, students will have to expand on the skills they demonstrated at the national qualifier round and repeat the same challenges. Speaking ahead of the national finals in November finalist Lauren Evans, who won first place at her national qualifier round, said: “ The whole experience of entering the competition itself was so rewarding, then to find out I came first was even more than just rewarding. “It seriously opened my eyes and made me realise I can do anything I put my mind to. “The final consists of the same treatments as the national qualifiers; an eye cleanse, day make up, eyelash tint and mini manicure. “I will practise with the model I bring with me every week running up to the final in Birmingham. I am very excited and ready to take part in WorldSkills UK and be a part of it.”
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October 2018 7
M. E. DAMSELL
GRANITE WORKTOPS Wishing the show a successful dry day
Vanity T ops
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Showroom
71 Newerne Street Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 5RA
8 October 2018
Works
Allaston Grove Saw Mills Allaston Road Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 4EX
Office
Rose Cottage Lydney Road, Bream Gloucestershire GL15 6EW
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Tel: 01594 562535 Email: enquiries@medamsell.co.uk
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Find out more about life at Monmouth Schools with taster day event M ONMOUTH Schools Sixth Form brings day and boarding boys and girls together at this final stage of their educational journey with us, recognising their greater maturity and focus writes a school spokesman. We offer the benefits of single-sex pastoral care within a co-educational academic environment. Teaching Sixth Form students together encourages a wider range of views in lessons. Students enjoy a broad range of academic subjects from which to choose. They are encouraged to explore further their academic interests and to make the most of the shared schools’ facilities, while also benefiting from outstanding opportunities for sports, culture and the arts. “The launch of co-educational teaching in the Sixth Form is an exciting and important refinement to the Monmouth Model,” said Headmaster of Monmouth School for Boys, Dr Andrew Daniel, and Acting Head of Monmouth School for Girls, Mr Tom Arrand. “In the Sixth Form, boys and girls have similar levels of maturity and focus and will benefit from being taught together.” Our aim is to pave the way for a smooth transition between school and university. Extensive careers advice and careful guidance through university applications, combined with excellent results, mean that virtually all Monmouth pupils gain places at their first or second choice university. With more than 65% Russell Group offers, our pupils go on to make their mark in diverse areas including engineering, medicine, languages, business and the arts. Our Sixth Form Taster Day and Information Evening takes place on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. This event is full of opportunities to sample lessons and to attend presentations on all aspects of our vibrant Sixth Form, including life in boarding, university and careers advice. To sign up for the free Sixth Form Taster Day/Information Evening, please contact Mrs Diane Jakes at Monmouth School for Boys on 01600 710433 or email
boys.admissions@habsmonmouth.org or Mrs Karen Stafford-Smith at Monmouth School for Girls on 01600 711104 or email girls.admissions@habsmonmouth.org
Charity Number 525616
Developing rounded, grounded and unbounded young people
Gay and Hunt Ltd, Blaenant Industrial Estate, Brynmawr NP23 4AZ Telephone: 01495 312935 www.gayandhunt.co.uk
Launched in September 2018, we now offer co-educational teaching in Sixth Form combined with all the benefits of single-sex pastoral care RSVP www.habsmonmouth.org/sixthformtaster Day and Boarding. Nursery to Sixth Form www.habsmonmouth.org
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Sixth Form Taster Day 7th November 2018
October 2018 9
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Is your garden ready for the cold months that lie ahead?
O
CTOBER really marks the beginning of autumn, but before we head indoors for the winter it’s essential to give your garden some TLC to prepare it for the cold months ahead. From clearing up fallen leaves that cause messy mosscovered turf, right down to cleaning your tools before packing them into the shed, there are some jobs that just can’t wait until next year. To make these tasks easier you may need a helping hand. Toro, a global leader in turf and landscape maintenance equipment, developed the PowerPlex® range to help with maintaining the garden in any season. The products were designed with quick and easy use for homeowners in
to the great outdoors! YOUR LOCALOUTDOOR OUTDOOR SPECIALIST YOUR LOCAL SPECIALIST
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inter toLthe ined great outdoors!
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Winter W inter LinedrWarmers F le s e e s u H Traots & TENTS cesal Gloves Winter Therhming lot Warmers CWALKING H ats &COURT (off BroadePOLES 3 T-SHIRTS rmal Th Street) GCROFT loves ROSS-ON-WYE – (01989)lo 565676 C thing 3 CROFT COURT (off Broad Street)
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mind. The cordless 40V MAX lithium-ion tools feature an interchangeable T90 battery, with on-board power meter, that charges in a mere 60 minutes and lasts up to 60 minutes depending on which tool you use. Here are some tips from Toro on how to use your PowerPlex® products to their full advantage this autumn: Clear up all those fallen leaves Piles of fallen leaves can be deadly for grass and border perennials. If left on your lawn, the grass beneath the leaves begins to die and your lawn is left patchy once the leaves have gone. Leaves in your borders can also cause problems, with snails and slugs gathering in the piles and your perennials can begin to rot. A leaf blower is the quick and easy answer to this problem. Take the Toro® Brushless DC Blower, designed to incorporate turbo-boost power functionality with speed lock, so that you can move large amounts of leaves quickly. As well as this, the brushless motor means there is more power, a longer runtime and a longer life when compared to a brushed motor. Collect the leaves once you’ve finished and turn them into leaf mould,
This Saturday (6th October) - 8pm BBQ & Live Music: The Lucky 88s
• Arboricultural Contracting • Firewood
Saturday 13th October - 8pm Live music: Russ n’ Roll
Book tickets for our Halloween events Live music: Saturday 27th October - 8pm
• All Aspects of Tree Work
• Tree Consultancy
• Hedge Trimming
• Woodland Management
• Stump Grinding
• Tree Planting
• Wood Chipping
Family event: Wednesday 31st October - 6-9pm
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the perfect soil enrichment to use in spring. Tidy your borders Before winter arrives you should pull up any annual plants and replace with winter beddings such as pansies and wallflowers that will flower in spring. You can also move poorly placed plants and divide overcrowded perennials. To finish off tidying your borders, use the PowerPlex® 33cm string trimmer/edger or the 35cm brushless DC string trimmer around the edge of your lawn. Both have a variable-speed trigger control to handle various applications. They also have a targeted run-time of 40 minutes on a single charge meaning you can get most, if not all, of the job done in one go. Inspect trees and hedges Check your trees for broken branches and remove any you find by cutting them off close to the trunk. Depending on the thickness of the branches you can use either the 61cm hedge trimmer, which has a 90-degree rotating handle and hardened steel blades, or the brushless DC chainsaw, which has a no pull easy start button and reduced kickback. While you have the hedge trimmer out, neaten
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.
October Special Events
01873 880277 | gooseandcuckooinn.wales Upper Llanover, Abergavenny
up any hedges in your garden ready for winter too. Clean and put away tools Remember to clean your tools properly, especially if you have been using them on diseased plants. Once you have cleaned them, make sure they are fully dry and store them away for winter.
Tel: 01600 460468 | Mobile: 07780 331220 Email: oli@monmouthshiretreeservices.com 1686371
EVERYONE IS GETTING READY FOR
CHRISTMAS
s a m t s C hri
YOUR 12 PAGE PULL-OUT GUIDE October 2018 11
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Three Stunning Restaurant Venues...
... Across the Brecon Beacons
http://www.tasteinnwales.com 12 October 2018
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Simple tricks to get you to the front of the bar queue at the Christmas party
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T'S not always easy getting a round in quickly especially when you’re at a busy Christmas party so to help you get to the front of the queue at this year’s festive celebrations we reveals 10 hacks for beating the crush and getting served at peak times. Getting a drink in a bar can be a frustrating experience. You stand politely at the back of a wall of people, who all seem (suddenly) a foot taller than you, and edge your way to the front. Even if you manage this without elbows, you're left wondering what to do once there. You attempt to catch the bartender's eye and smile sweetly, while your breathing is being steadily constricted by the crowd closing in behind you. You want to be served and get out of there asap. So why not try clicking your fingers? Tapping on the bar? Waving your money around? Why not, even, extend your arms outwards in front of you like some kind of drunken Kate Winslet (aka Titanic)? The trick to getting served is a lot simpler than you'd think, and you probably don't have to test the limits of human decency to do it. We spoke to David EdenSangwell, owner of BartenderHQ - a resource for bartenders who want to move up to the craft cocktail scene - for some tips on getting a round in at peak
times. 1. Firstly, don't wave your money around According to Eden-Sangwell, there's "nothing more irritating" than people who do this. 2. And, simple as it may seem, be friendly It IS important to smile and make eye contact. 3. Stay still You might need to work to claim your position at the front, but once there, don't stray from it. Bartenders may well be covering one particular section of the bar, and if you move to try and get their attention, you could be disappearing from the view of the one person who was going to serve you next, and to the end of the queue of a different bartender covering another section. 4. Know what you want to order A big no-no is forgetting, or not knowing, what drinks your mates are having then having to go back and ask them while the bartender waits. They may be reluctant to serve you again after this. 5. Order all your drinks at once A bartender will be able to arrange your order in their head, so they know what to pour and when. If you want a Guinness, for example, they'll know to pour that first,
and can sort things so they don't need to make multiple trips to the fridge. 6. If you HAVE to order in stages, try and put the more time-consuming drinks first A frozen daiquiri can be buzzing away in a blender while the rest of your drinks are being poured. 7. But if the bar is busy, try and avoid ordering more complex drinks This isn't such a big issue, but it's still probably best to steer clear of things like mojitos at peak times. 8. If you want to get the bartender on side, order bottled instead of draft beers Firstly, they're a lot quicker to serve, and then have the added benefit that you can carry more back to your mates. 9. Give tips Due to the rise of contactless card payments, the amount of tips being given has fallen in recent years. However, if you do have cash ready to tip, it's going to make you stand-out to the bartender. 10. Ultimate hack: Build a friendship with a bartender (and tip) According to Eden-Sangwell, the best advice for getting served quickly is going to a bar regularly and building up a rapport with a bartender. If you get into the habit of tipping them as well, they'll remember you each time you come in.
learn a rural skill on our working farm in penallt
upcoming courses on kate humble's farm
Wild Food Foraging - Sun 14th Oct Cider Making - Sun 14th Oct Learn How to Spin Wool - Fri 19th Oct Dark Skies Photography - Sat 20th Oct Biltong Making - Sun 21st Oct Hedge-Laying - Sat 17th Nov Weave a Willow Reindeer - Sat 23rd Nov Curing Ham & Bacon - Sat 24th Nov Willow Christmas Decorations - Sat 1st Dec Christmas Door Wreath - Fri 30th Nov - Fri 1st Dec Christmas Chocolate Making - Sat 8th Dec
1714010
www.humblebynature.com 01600714595
Real Ale. True Quality... Cwrw Go Iawn. Gwir Ansawdd... Raglan’s award winning brewery We offer a wide range of superb beers made on site, including pale ales, bitters, stout and wheat beer. Available in bottle, 5 litre party pin, 36 pint pin and 72 pint firkin.
Mae’r bragdy yn Raglan wedi ennill nifer o wobrau Rydym yn cynnig amrywiad mawr o gwrw arbennig wedi creu ar y safle, gan gynnwys cwrw golau, chwerw, stowt a chwrw gwenith. Mae’r diodydd ar gael mewn poteli, pin parti 5 litr, pin 36 peint, a ffircyn 72 peint.
We also sell great Welsh ciders and a range of wines from around the world!
Rydym hefyd yn gwerthu seidr Cymreig ac amrywiaeth o winoedd o bedwar ban y byd!
Open to the public and trade Monday-Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-3pm Unit 6, Little Castle Business Park, Raglan, NP15 2BX Take the Clytha exit at the Raglan roundabout on the A40. Then take the next right signposted Llantilio/Crossenny.
Tel: 01291 690074 • Mobile: 07988 199794 Email: enquiries@untappedbrew.com
Ar agor i’r cyhoedd a masnachwyr Dydd Llun-Gwener 10yb-5yh • Dydd Sadwrn 10yb-3yh
Uned 6, Parc Fusnes Castell Fach, Raglan, NP15 2BX
Cymerwch y tro ar gylchfan Raglan, ymlaen i’r A40. Nesaf, cymerwch y dde nesaf wedi ei arwyddo Llantilio/Crossenny.
Ffoniwch: 01291 690074 • Symudol: 07988 199794 Ebost: enquiries@untappedbrew.com
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
When Christmas was banned
I
F YOU lived in Abergavenny in the mid 17th Century, Christmas would have cost you a lot less money. This is because the Puritan movement that came into being after the civil war banned any sort of Yuletide cheer. One of the few places where the festivities might have continued was the Gunter Mansion, which still stands on Cross Street in Abergavenny. Thomas Gunter, a lawyer, was an ardent Catholic and allowed mass to be held in secret in the attic of the house, at great risk to him and his family. The Gunter family might well have continued to observe some Christmas traditions during the austere Puritanical years. Between 1645 and 1660, Christmas was frowned upon and ultimately ‘banned’ by the two Houses of Parliament against a backdrop of civil war between Charles I’s Royalists and Oliver Cromwell’s ‘Roundheads’. There were few Christmas cards, trees, crackers or Church services on Christmas Day. And gifts–traditionally given at New Year–would have been exchanged in secret. The Puritans argued that Christmas was not mentioned in the Bible and declared
it to be an invention of the old Catholic faith. Up to this point, they had tolerated the boisterousness of Christmas festivities even though they decried it as “trappings of popery and rags of the beast.” Before the ban, the twelve days of Christmas–December 25 to January 5–with the emphasis on driving away the winter blues, would have been marked by games, dancing, music, food and drink all over the country. Churches and other buildings were decorated with rosemary, bay, holly and ivy and carol singers would have carried wassail bowls of spiced ale. Lords might have organised Christmas dinners for their servants and tenants, and employers would have given their servants presents in boxes, thought to be the origin of Boxing Day. With the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 came the restoration of Christmas, not too dissimilar to what we know today. After 15 years of Puritan austerity, it was referred to fondly as ‘Old Christmas’. Most people would have started again to deck the halls with holly and ivy, play cards, go bowling, hawking or hunting, give money or presents to children, servants and apprentices and send the traditional present of a couple of capons (fattened, castrated cockerels) to a friend. They might well have eaten mince pies throughout, but made with chicken and tongue laced with sugar and spice. Only the most ardent Puritans would have continued to view the Christmas festivities with a jaundiced eye.
11B Market Street, Abergavenny, Mon, NP7 5SD
01873 850006 www.jewelleryexchange.co.uk 1616743
14 October 2018
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
Christmas is coming to the Old Railway Line
T
HE festive spirit is building at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre which recently enjoyed its popular annual Christmas Preview Evening. The award-winning garden centre; crowned ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales and the West’ for seven consecutive years, always impress in the build-up to Christmas through stunning displays, events and magical experiences for children. The centre’s general manager, Katie Eckley said “Our Christmas Preview Evening saw the launch of this year’s events and experiences for children including our Santa’s Grotto which is renowned throughout mid Wales, south Wales and Herefordshire. “Our grotto experience is packed with festive magic, including real life reindeer and a short magical walk before meeting Santa, having a chat and receiving a suitable toy and delicious sweets. “On selected days throughout December our Breakfast and Afternoon Tea with Santa experiences offer something different to the traditional grotto visit. Children, parents and grandparents can enjoy a delicious meal in the Railway Restaurant before Santa personally visits each table, distributes presents and speaks to each child. “Santa’s Grand Arrival is always a very popular event and is planned for the evening of Friday, November 23 from 5pm including a fun disco, bouncy castle and
games.
“Be sure to be here in plenty of time of Santa pulling up outside the garden centre on his sleigh at 6pm. There will also be a festive menu to enjoy in the Railway Restaurant!” “Don’t worry… adults haven’t been forgotten! We have a series of events for adults leading up to Christmas including the popular ‘Festive Ladies Night’ on Thursday, December 6 and ‘Christmas VIP Night’ on Thursday, December 13. Tables are filling fast though; so be sure to book ASAP.” For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre and upcoming events please contact the Old Railway Line directly by calling 01497 847055 or visiting their website www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.
Awarded ‘Best Garden Centre’
in Wales & the West in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 by the Garden Centre Association
Bringing the magic of Christmas to life... Christmas Shop
Festive Events
- Decorations - Lights - Trees - Wreaths & Garlands - Christmas Village - Christmas Dining - Festive Food & Drink
- Grotto & Real Reindeer - Santa’s Grand Arrival - Breakfast & Afternoon Tea with Santa - Ladies Night
Events & Shop Online @ www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk
Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SG
/ Tel: 01497 847055
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THIS SEASON'S GAME CHANGERS
Wholesome Stout is turning heads, winning fans, and rivalling even the world’s leading ‘black nectar’. This smooth, dark, kegged stout boasts roasted coffee notes and a dry, bitter finish. 1985 is a deliciously refreshing Kolsch-style lager brewed using the best of British hops * together with European lager hops for a cool, crisp taste. Try them and be converted!
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
Pleasure without the guilt - a piece of delicious chocolate for the same calories as a slice of apple
E
VERYONE overindulges a little bit at Christmas but now thanks to Red we can all enjoy the taste of amazing chocolate with a fraction of the calories. Red is a rich tasting creamy chocolate, created by master chocolatiers for chocolate lovers, with no added sugar, 45% less calories, 32% less fat and only 17 calories a piece so its ok to let your passion for the sweet stuff run wild! Available for the first time in the UK you will love the taste and enjoy the added benefits of this uniquely scrumptious chocolate –pleasure, without the guilt! Natural alternatives replace sugar and deliciousness is guaranteed with only the finest Cote d’Ivoire cocoa beans. Watch out for this deliciously different way to enjoy your favourite treat and stay healthy – available to grab and go from WHSmith High Street shops across the country. The ridiculously low calorie 100 gram bars cost just £2.49 and the UK launch includes the following irresistible flavours: · Red Delight – Milk Chocolate with Nut Filling – 23 calories a piece.
· Red Delight – Hazelnut and Macadamia Milk Chocolate 23 calories a piece. · Red Delight – Extra-Dark Chocolate – only 19 calories a piece! · Red Delight – Orange and Almond Dark Chocolate – only 17 calories a piece!! (Winner – Great Taste 2018) A special Christmas collection is already available online – RED Delight Milk Chocolates with a Praline Filling – a box full of loveliness at only 42 calories each little diamond shaped chocolate. Each box contains 12 pieces of wonderful guilt free chocolate pleasure. RRP £4.99
CHRISTMAS 2018 MENU MENU A - £25.50 *Chicken Liver Parfait with a Cranberry Chutney and Melba Toast *Leek and Potato Soup with Chives (v) *Creamy Garlic Mushroom served with CrustyBread ***** *Traditional Roasted Usk Valley Turkey, Chestnut Stuffing and Pigs in Blankets *Festive Glazed Gammon served with a Honey and Mustard Sauce. *Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce *Christmas Nut Roast (v) ***** *Traditional Christmas Pudding, Brandy Cream Sauce *Apple and Winter Berry Crumble, Vanilla Custard *Orange Scented Panna Cotta with Pistachio Biscotti ***** *Warm Mince Pies served with Filter Coffee ALL MAINS SERVED WITH SEASONAL FESTIVE VEGETABLES
T H E
B E A R
H O T E L
MENU B - £30.95 *Cauliflower Soup, Stilton Crouton and Truffle Oil (v) *Pressed Ham Terrine with Melba Toast & Cumberland Chutney. *Luxury Prawn Cocktail. *Home Cured Gravadlax, Honey Grain Mustard and Crème Fraiche ***** *Usk Valley Turkey Paupiette, Chestnut Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets and Cranberry Baked Apple *Braised Rump of Welsh Beef, Shallots, Pancetta and Mushrooms with Cream Potatoes. *Sea Bass with Jerusalem Artichoke Puree, Roasted Garlic and Red Wine Jus. *Roasted Medallions of Pheasant, Parsnip Puree, Sweet Braised Red Cabbage with Pancetta *Wild Mushroom, Black Truffle and Rocket Risotto with Parmesan Shavings (v) ***** *Luxury Christmas Pudding, Brandy Sauce and Christmas Pudding Ice-cream. *Assiette of Chocolate Desserts *Vanilla Crème Brulee *Selection of Welsh cheese, Grapes, Celery & Biscuits ***** Warm Mince Pies served with Filter Coffee ALL MAINS SERVED WITH SEASONAL FESTIVE VEGETABLES
H i gh Street, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1BW info@bearhotel.co.uk
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October 2018 17
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Adopt a pony for Christmas
DISCOVER
I
t’s the perfect Christmas present! Adopt a Dartmoor pony – and follow its activities all year round! The Dartmoor pony is now on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s ‘Endangered’ List. To help fund its work to ensure a future for the traditional native Dartmoor pony bred on the Moor, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) now offers a “Dartmoor Pony Adoption Gift Pack”. The Adoption Pack includes a beautiful line drawing, photos, newsletter and an adoption certificate. Adopters receive three newsletters each year, with news about ‘their’ ponies as well as the Charity’s activities to support the pony keepers (breeders) and to promote the ponies’ vital role in improving the biodiversity and management of the moor. The cost is GBP20 per year for UK residents: GBP25 for those who live abroad Adopting a Dartmoor Pony is a gift suitable for anyone, of any age, who loves horses and ponies. By buying an Adoption, you will be funding the DPHT’s training of ponies so that they have a greater value and are more suitable for domestic and conservation grazing homes than coming straight off the Moor as wild, untouched animals. Ponies available for adoption are George, Charlie, Smartie and Rolo; they live at the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Centre, at Parke, Bovey Tracey in Devon. Visitors are welcome on Event Days (see the website www.dpht..co.uk) and by special arrangement, to groom and handle the ponies, find out all about them, follow their interesting lives and discover how important they are to the Dartmoor landscape. The DPHT is also well known for its Equine Assisted Learning programmes for students of all ages and abilities, called ‘Ponies Inspiring People’ (PIP), using our own Dartmoor ponies – including George, Charlie, Smartie and Rolo. The ‘PIP’ ponies demonstrate just how well tempered, adaptable and gentle Dartmoors are as family ponies, for riding, driving and conservation grazing. Single-coloured with long manes and tails, Dartmoor ponies still run semi-wild on Dartmoor, but their numbers are in serious decline. Our charity’s aim is to ensure the retention of the native Dartmoor pony gene pool and to preserve this iconic British native pony on the Moor, for future generations to enjoy. If you are interested in adopting a pony, or wish to make a donation, or would like to find out more about the charity’s work, please look up the website www.dpht.co.uk or phone 01626 833234
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18 October 2018
Christmas toys are not just for kids A
Gazette and Diary Magazine
utchers B g n i n n i W KS Award DRINK AL FOODS AND
CCORDING to findings from a recent survey , 57% of adult males between 25 and 45 still buy children’s toys for themselves, with 49% admitting they will ask for toys this Christmas. The UK toy industry is worth a massive £3.4billion with more innovative toys than ever before on the market, with legions of Generation X-ers (35-54 year olds) and Millennials (18-34 year olds) clamouring for must-have toys. However, the survey found that it’s not only people treating themselves to toys, with many questioned admitting to buying kids toys for the older males in their family. In fact, 45% say that they always buy kids toys for the adults in their family and of that 45% the majority plumped for remote-controlled toys or action figures. The survey which questioned 500 adults aged between 25-65 was commissioned by HEXBUG to celebrate the launch of the new HEXBUG Robot Wars range. The research looked at the motivation behind these purchases and found that while 36% of those surveyed were collectors and had been since childhood, the majority just want to get to grips with the latest toy innovations. Six out of 10 people surveyed admitted to often buying their children toys at Christmas just so they can play with them regardless if it’s on their Christmas list. Men are more likely than women to hold on to toys as seen on TV presenter Paddy McGuinness’ Instagram channel – the Bolton-born star recently documented an array of toys stored in his garage including He-Man figures and a retro Nintendo Donkey Kong console. In fact, of those surveyed over 60% of men still regularly played with toys or had them on display at home. One respondent said: ‘My husband has all his old Star Wars Toys and sometimes brings them down from the loft but the kids are only allowed to look, not touch!’ Heather Corbett, Marketing Manager for HEXBUG comments,‘Our survey found that many toy purchases particularly at Christmas are made by adults due to lack of inspiration. “Rather than opening socks and underwear, adults are dumbing down their purchases and buying novelty presents which are in fact some of the most sought-after toys on the market. Keeping and playing with your favourite toys into adulthood is not unusual and the majority of people we surveyed were more likely to hang on to or purchase toys that were attached to their favourite TV show or film as a child. “ These nostalgic pop-culture type toys represent a simpler more care-free time and in today’s fast-paced world, adults want to hang on to those great memories and of course have fun’
O R LOC CENTRE FOR C
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The Bell Glangrwyney is situated within the small rural village of Glangrwyney just outside Abergavenny and is ideally placed for walkers, adventure seekers or those just wanting a warm retreat in a classic country pub.
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EXTENSIVE MENU AT AFFORDABLE PRICES DAILY SPECIALS BOARD CHILDREN’S MENU B&B ROOMS DOG FRIENDLY
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Give us a call on 01873 811115 Email: info@bellinnglangrwyney.co.uk The Bell Inn, Glangrwyney, Crickhowell. NP8 1EH 1706312
October 2018 19
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Make it a musical Christmas
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AMAHA Music London, Yamaha’s world famous music store in the heart of London’s West End has unveiled its first peek of the best music-related gifts to inspire beginners, aspiring musicians or lapsed music makers this Christmas. UK parents spent an average of £339 on toys during 2017 on each child. Many of those toys, quickly lose their “cool factor” especially at Christmas when children are inundated with presents which often end up forgotten at the back of a cupboard. The most memorable gifts are often creative and rewarding experiences. For example, learning to play a musical instrument genuinely makes you feel good and you will reap the many health benefits regardless of age, including improved concentration, increased memory skills and lower stress levels. Purchasing any musical instrument has a lasting value. It is an investment in the future, the start of a hobby and a family activity that can be shared and enjoyed for a lifetime. Among the top gift ideas for the budding young musician are Yamaha’s amazing guitar and keyboard options. The amazingly affordable Yamaha Pacifica Electric Guitar & Spider Amp Package is the perfect introduction to rock guitar. The great looking and great sounding, full sized electric guitar is based on the Yamaha bestselling Pacifica 112. Line 6’s Spider Classic 15 is the perfect beginner’s amp, giving you instant access to the essential tones every guitarist needs. The Pacifica guitar and Spider amp sound awesome together. Also includes guitar strap, cable, guitar picks, string winder and pack of strings for around £241 inc VAT For the keen keyboard player -Yamaha’s PSR-E363 Home Keyboard is the smart choice for the beginner. The touch-sensitive keyboard is easy to play and the high quality built- in instrument Voices mean that any music genre can be played. The digital effects can be customised to sound as if you are playing in a concert hall, a small club or a cathedral. You can even play along with your favourite songs by connecting your portable music player to hear your favourite music through the instrument's speakers. Play along and feel like you've joined the band! On board lessons will help build your skills and you will soon sound like a pro! The wide keyboard duo mode allows two people to play together on the same instrument and costs £177 inc VAT
1573058
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20 October 2018
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Create the picture perfect look for your home this Christmas R
visual texture, and festive impact to your dining room. “These creative touches are not just a subtle nod to the wild outdoors, but they’re also easy to craft and personalize as fun holiday activities.” Don’t forget the finer details - During this special time of year, Christmas feasts should be delicious – and pretty too! “Details go a long way, especially with the table setting ,” Rebecca advises. “Get creative with unexpected prints, patterns, and colours on smaller elements like tableware and napkins.” “And as for colour: silver, blues and greys can lend a soft, luxe touch, while deeper hues like emerald and burgundy set the tone for a glamorous, festive meal.” Add some sparkle to a neutral setting - Neutrals are always chic and a great starting point for any table setting - white and silver tableware are always on-trend - but the trick is in dressing it up. “For this time of year, setting a festive dining table just wouldn’t be complete without some glitz and shine,” says Rebecca. “Using brass and gold in strategic doses adds warmth and glamour in equal measure. Consider golden candle holders and even gold ribbons for the napkins as easy ways to integrate this into the overall look.”
EBECCA Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, shares her four best ideas on putting together a warm, inviting dining setting that celebrates Christmas. It’s not all trees, tinsel and fairy lights, Christmas is also a time of year for dinner parties and celebrating over eggnog and mulled wine which also means setting the scene with a picture-perfect, rustic dining table. Go big with the table -Start with an excellent foundation: a good table. “Dark wood is perennially elegant and classic - look for a sturdy table that will stand the test of time, but also has interesting details, such as a charming pedestal or trestle,” advises Rebecca. And then layer on a bold, attention-grabbing centrepiece - something that gives the dining room a visual focus. This approach also reduces decor work, since it will do most of the heavy lifting. “This could be as simple as being artful about how food is arranged on the table, for a visual (and literal) feast. But for a change, it can be about what’s above the table and not on it. Rather than having decor take up space on the table, consider hanging the baubles and lights from the ceiling - this also has the effect of opening up the space, adding a sense of airiness, height and drama.” Embrace natural elements -An easy step to dressing up the dining table is by taking a leaf out of nature’s playbook – literally. “Natural elements are classic Christmas staples, so to update the style, it’s about being more adventurous and creative in the approach,” says Rebecca. “Even simple details like rosemary and cinnamon sticks can add an organic, chic touch to napkin arrangements, while wreath chandeliers are becoming a modern go-to look.” For a bigger and more dramatic take, why not combine the best of both worlds with a statement DIY: a hanging wooden branch centrepiece immediately adds character,
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Come and visit us, weÕre bigger than you think!
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22 October 2018
ATTHEW Goode, 40, plays a vampire living in plain sight in A Discovery Of Witches - a new drama adaptation from Deborah Harkness's bestselling All Souls trilogy. Gemma Dunn finds out more. WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS PROJECT? I met producer Jane Tranter, who is a force of nature. I've never known anyone to do a better take on a book that is 750 pages in absolute detail. By the end of that meeting I wanted to be a part of it because it sounded like an incredible world to inhabit. I'd never played a vampire before and there's a kind of a dark mythology to it. The whole point of A Discovery Of Witches was that it was going to turn that on its head; it's more about my character's involvement with this human woman. So it has a love story and notions about equality. It has a lot to say about the politics of our time. TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO HIM. Matthew Clairmont is a professor of biochemistry and an expert in genealogy. At the start, he is searching for the ancient manuscript, Ashmole 782. It talks about how vampires, daemons and witches came to be, and he's been looking for it for hundreds of years. Matthew is so many different things: a chemist, a poet and he is also lethal. He is multi-faceted, but he is without love. He doesn't have all the answers yet and he is an intriguing figure that's what attracted me to him. He's mysterious and charming but at the same time he's deadly. It's a lot to play. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT MANUSCRIPT? There is a board, effectively, which looks after the regulations. There's three of each of the creatures - daemons, witches and vampires - on this thing called The Congregation, and there's sets of rules to keep them separate. So you can't have interrelationships but all of their powers are dwindling; vampires are failing to sire. So Matthew wants to find the Book of Life in which there's the secrets of why they are how they are and how they were created, and he wants them all to be able to live peacefully. That's his main thrust in the story. But unfortunately he falls for somebody he's not allowed to be with. THAT CHARACTER IS A WITCH, DIANA BISHOP, PLAYED BY TERESA PALMER. HOW DOES HE FEEL ABOUT HER? When he first meets her his only consideration is that he wants to find the Book of Life. Then, obviously, his opinion of witches is not great because of the wars that have been fought over many centuries. So he first finds her quite intriguing. I think given the chance he would like to eat her because they are obsessed with witch blood, as witch blood sings to them. That's how he talks about it: "I can hear your witch's blood singing in your veins". He has been training himself not to fall in love again, but there is just something about her. THESE ARE CHARACTERS THAT ARE BELOVED BY FANS. WERE YOU AWARE OF THAT BEFOREHAND? I like the book. I actually don't read that many books anymore because you're always piling through scripts or, you know, I've got three kids! But there's a lot of fantasy books out there and I don't know what my opinions of them had been, but it was really pleasantly surprising. I thought the really strong element of the book was the love story and so it was pleasing to have Teresa to go on the journey with. WHO'S INSPIRED YOUR PORTRAYAL OF MATTHEW CLAIRMONT? When I did think about who could be a vampire like Matthew Clairmont, I was like 'Roger Federer'! Roger Federer, to me, sort of looks like a vampire in a weird way. I'm meant to be the most formidable assassin of all time, from the vampire world, and I thought he was quite a good person to base the performance on, physically, as he's an assassin on the court. WHY DO YOU THINK FANTASY BOOKS ARE SO POPULAR AT THE MOMENT? I think it reminds you of your childhood a bit, books about magic and stuff. It seemed so hugely important when you are developing your own imagination when you're a kid - and we're coming off the back of lots of Harry Potter, which was one of the first books to appeal, massively, to children and to adults. Although this really isn't for children, although I think they've tamed it down a little bit for a younger audience too, which is great. WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF VAMPIRES AND WITCHES THEY THINK OF HAMMER
HORROR AND TWILIGHT. WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS SERIES? There have been many degrees of how people wanted to portray this extraordinary figure. Some of it is like Gary Oldman; the Count Dracula thing, which is great, but that is very Machiavellian and seems a lot darker. What I think is great about Deborah Harkness's work is that it takes the nuances of that to a greater degree and sees them living in a modern society.
Matthew Goode talks about the new role he can really get his teeth into...
PA Photo/ŠSky UK Limited
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Gazette and Diary Magazine
October 2018 23
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Is it still worth investing in Solar PV?
N
ot so long ago the ‘Feed-in tariff’ (the money Solar PV owners are paid for being a mini power station) was remarkably generous at over 40p per unit (kWh) on the meter. Since those heady days in 2012 the payment level has dropped significantly and will be phased out by April 2019 – so is solar still worth it? Crucially, while the Feed in tariff (Fit) rate has fallen, the cost of installing solar panels has also dropped. A 12 panel PV system that might have cost £12,000 in 2011 can now be fully installed for between £4000 and £5000, this is primarily due to the dramatic reduction in material costs. this means that while the return is more modest the initial outlay is considerably less – PV can still give a great return on investment but with less upfront cost than ever before. According to ESt the average size of home installations has increased to 3.5kWh (14 panels) simply because it is more affordable. the cost of electricity is, increasingly, the reason to invest in solar PV rather than the tariff. Having PV means a reduced electricity bill and with the application of smart switching, or battery back-up, PV can also lead to a cut in water heating and lighting costs respectively. Local installers Green Park Power report that they typically still achieve a 10%, or better, return on investment for their customers. the Feed in tariff is index linked while the energy saved will increase in value as the cost of energy rises making Solar a great investment for a predictable fixed income for many years to come. Furthermore, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has conducted research into the importance of energy efficiency and its influence on property prices. the report from June 2013 concluded that energy saving measures boost house prices by up to 14%, solar panels, could increase property values by on average £16,000. It was found that by improving a home’s Energy Rating from band G to E – or from a D to a B – property prices rose significantly.
Homeowners should only deal with MCS accredited installers – they are quality checked each year and must conform to a recognised Consumer Code. It is not enough for the company to be a friend of an accredited installer - you are less protected. Look for the MCS and RECC logos on adverts and paperwork. overall there is still a strong case for Solar PV after the end of the Feed in tariff but if installed now there is a little extra help on offer too. If you should have any questions or comments please email Green Park Power on info@greenparkpower.co.uk or call on 01873 269031 to book a free no obligation survey. • Gareth Gray, Andy Green, Katie Parkin and Huw llewellyn of Green Park Power
1713767
24 October 2018
Gazette and Diary Magazine
Ten things everyone should know about breast cancer
S
hock, disbelief and fear are just some of the emotions that might follow when a doctor tells you you've got breast cancer. It's something more than 55,000 women and around 350 men experience every year in the UK - regular people who often have little idea what the coming months or years of treatment may entail.But just because they're usually on the other side of the consulting room, doctors aren't immune to the disease either - and one of them, breast cancer surgeon Dr Liz O'Riordan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, is now on a mission to share her knowledge and insights with other patients.She's teamed up with fellow doctor-turned-breastcancer-patient Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, to write the new book The Complete Guide To Breast Cancer (Vermilion, ÂŁ14.99). O'Riordan, 43, who was also diagnosed with a local recurrence of her breast cancer in May (meaning cancer had returned), and Greenhalgh, a GP and Oxford academic who was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 at age 56, have both had chemotherapy and mastectomies. Here are 10 things the pair think the one in eight UK women who develop breast cancer at some point in their life should know right from the start... 1. It's not your fault You can't prevent breast cancer. There are some lifestyle factors, such as smoking, being overweight and binge-drinking after the menopause, that may play a role in increased risk, but slim teetotallers and healthy-living folk get breast cancer too. "The biggest reason women get breast cancer is simply because they are women who are getting older," says Greenhalgh. "Both are beyond your control. Stop feeling guilty - it's not your fault." 2. There are many new words to understand There are several different types of breast cancers, depending on which bit of breast tissue the cancer grew in. Most cancers are 'ductal' because they grow in the milk ducts. There are other types, such as 'lobular' cancers which grow in the lobules (milk-producing glands) between the ducts. Breast cancers are also described by the three hor-
mones and chemicals they're sensitive to. The first is oestrogen, and your cancer will either be ER-positive or ERnegative (it's called ER because oestrogen is spelled 'estrogen' in America). The second is progesterone, another female sex hormone, and your cancer will either be PR-positive or PR-negative. The third is a protein that makes cells grow, called HER2, and your cancer will either be HER2-positive or HER2-negative. If your cancer isn't sensitive to any of these, it's called 'triple negative'. 3. Mastectomy isn't the only option O'Riordan, who blogs about her experiences at liz.oriordan.co.uk, explains that the surgery you need depends on the size of your cancer, and the size of your breast. "Your surgeon can remove about a fifth of your breast tissue and leave you with a good cosmetic result. However, there are lots of techniques to help women with large tumours keep their breasts, such as a breast reduction, or using fat from your chest wall to fill in any gaps," she says. 4. It's OK to stay flat-chested Anyone who needs a mastectomy should be offered a breast reconstruction, using either an implant or your own fat and muscle, says O'Riordan - but you don't have to go for it. "Some women, however, choose to stay flat-chested for lifestyle and personal reasons, and that's OK too," she stresses. 5. Not everyone needs chemotherapy Only a third of women need chemotherapy, the authors point out. Most will have a simple lumpectomy, followed by a three-week course of radiotherapy. If your cancer is sensitive to oestrogen, you'll be given a tablet like tamoxifen or letrozole to lower the levels of oestrogen in your body as well. Although you'll feel tired after treatment, you may only need a few weeks off work. 6. Chemo isn't fun, but you won't remember it Both women admit: "Chemotherapy is the thing no one wants, and we'll be honest, it's not fun. It takes five months in total, and you'll feel poorly." However, they stress there are lots of things doctors can give you to help with side-effects, and there are also cookbooks and classes (such as Life Kitchen; search @LifeKitchen on Twitter) to help with eating when you lose your sense of taste. In addition, there are ways to try and help
prevent hair-loss during chemo, like wearing a cold-cap during treatment which cools the blood flow to your scalp. Most women who try this keep most of their hair, they say, "and six months after you've finished treatment, we promise you won't remember how bad it was". 7. Breast cancer can come back Around 30% of women with breast cancer will get a recurrence in their lifetime says O'Riordan, who's currently dealing with this herself. This can happen even after 1020 years, she notes, and it's important to know what the symptoms of recurrent breast cancer are. "Waiting to get the results of your yearly mammogram or any other test or scan is horrible - we call it 'scanxiety', and your family and friends may find it hard to understand what you're feeling," she says. "That's where social media and online forums can be a godsend, so you can talk to other cancer patients who can give you the support and friendship you need." 8. Exercise is important There's lots of evidence to show exercise is good for cancer patients, says Greenhalgh. As well as reducing the risk of a recurrence, it helps with the side-effects of treatments like chemotherapy. Tablets like letrozole can cause osteoporosis, and weight-bearing exercise like walking and running can strengthen bones and help prevent it. And of course, exercise just helps you feel good, especially important when life gets tough. 9. You can get your sex life back Breast cancer can have a devastating impact on your sex life, say the authors. You have to cope with an altered body image due to surgery and chemotherapy, and the menopause. 10. You can't cure breast cancer with diet or supplements There's no evidence to show cutting any single food out or taking supplements will have a major impact on whether your cancer recurs, says Greenhalgh. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet most of the time (as being overweight can increase the risk of a recurrence, as well as the risk of getting heart disease). "However," she adds, "you've had cancer, and if you want to drink bubbly or eat cake every once in a while, don't feel guilty about indulging yourself!"
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October 2018 25
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26 October 2018
RELAX IN COMFORT THIS AUTUMN
1578252
1571052
12
YEARS 2006 - 2018 & SERVICE
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October 2018 27
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28 October 2018
T
OOL theft from vans has soared by 15% in the last three years costing businesses over £46 million, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Police forces across the UK have recorded over 64,000 cases of theft from commercial vehicles since April 2015 with a record 23,859 incidents in 2017/18. Figures obtained by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles via a Freedom of Information request* reveal the total cost of equipment stolen from vans – which includes power tools and heavy machinery – is more than £46 million over the last three years. And according to analysis of police figures, September is when van drivers should be most vigilant with over 2,000 cases recorded across the UK in September alone last year. The worst area for tool theft is central London with the Metropolitan Police recording over 8,000 cases a year worth
an average of £11 million. Northumbria (4,000 reports a year) and West Yorkshire (1,000) were second and third. Humberside police recorded the biggest rise over the three years with incidents up by over 1,000%. The cost of tool theft to businesses is more than just replacement equipment with drivers often unable to work while vans are restocked and locks repaired. Downtime costs companies an estimated £550 a day per van. The first step to protecting your vehicle is thinking about where you park it. Parking in a well-lit area or in a car park with CCTV will definitely help reduce unwanted attention. Where this cannot be achieved or if you have more than one vehicle, parking them de-
fensively – in other words, where doors are blocked by another vehicle or object – can be a good deterrent. For those van owners who wish to further increase the security of their vehicles there are various options available. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a range of solutions to ensure your van remains protected. As part of the Business Pack available across its range of Caddy, Transporter and Crafter, an antitheft alarm system can be specified with interior monitoring, a back-up horn and tow-away protection. As part of its Working With You promise, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also offers a variety of lockable racking solutions and storage boxes for expensive tools. Another option is Volkswagen’s CarNet Security and Service (currently available on Crafter) which allows van owners and fleet managers to keep track of their vehicles via a smartphone app. The Online Anti-Theft Alarm alerts you via your smartphone or by email if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle
and provides you with a report. A Doors and Light function also reassures you that the vehicle is fully locked. Trevor Hodgson-Phillips, Head of Service and Parts at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Today’s findings are startling as it shows the problem is only getting worse right across the UK. Tool theft costs owner drivers and businesses millions of pounds each year in insurance claims and downtime. “Any amount of time where a van can’t be used is additional cost on top of the replacement tools. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to supporting our customers wherever possible and that includes preventing them from becoming victims of tool theft.”
1573070
Bailey Bros MOT TEST CENTRE Cars, Vans & Motorcycle (Free Retest) Servicing & Reairs all makes Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny
01873 853058
1570264
Tool theft from vans costs UK businesses almost £50m
Gazette and Diary Magazine
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
October 2018 29
Gazette and Diary Magazine
PETS’ CORNER This month the experts at Abbey Vets explain why dogs sometimes need plastic surgery...
Isabella says ‘grazie’ to vet Chris for sore mouth help M
EET Isabella - she is a gorgeous seven year old Italian Spinone. Isabella has got the most wonderful temperament and is always a pleasure to see at Abbey Vets Monmouth. Recently poor old Isabella has been in to see our Vet Chris Walker because she developed a reddening of her skin folds on her bottom lip. Isabella typically has been very stoical about it all, and not made a fuss, but they certainly do look uncomfortable. Skin fold dermatitis is fairly common in Italian Spinones and as it didn't resolve with good oral hygiene and anti-septic wipes Chris took a swab and cultured a nasty but not uncommon bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thankfully it wasn't multi resistant and so Angharad her dedicated owner has been able to treat it with Flamazine cream. In some cases of lip fold dermatitis when this doesn't work Vets have to resort to plastic surgery! This isn't as drastic as it seems, and interestingly there are no plastics involved in plastic surgery. The name comes from the same
A full range of Dairy & Beef Bulls available Call Mark 07375 511554 James 07375 041225 Delivering excellence & value to local farmers Support local business Diy top ups available 1677253
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Greek word that we get 'plastic' from, and implies sculpting or reshaping. So in the case of dogs and plastic surgery it means reconstructive surgery to improve it's function. In this specific case it would be to remove the skin folds so that it's better aerated and less likely to get infected. If you have any questions or concerns or there's any way we can help just give us a ring at Abbey Vets.
Visit our dedicated Small Animal Team
The annual Petplan Veterinary Awards are open now for 2017! FIREWORK SEASON ISofCOMING! You can nominate your favourite members our team if they have impressed you this year. can to be made online oryour you can pop in If you would likeEntries to talk us about pet’s to any of our branches for an entry form. firework phobia then please give us a call.
101, Bailey Street, Brynmawr, NP23 4DN
It’s a very common problem and we are
DON’T FORGET ABBEY EQUINE here to help with tips, tricks and sometimes
01495 618377
Experts in Equine Health medications if appropriate.
1684985
Abbey Vets Abergavenny branch
30 October 2018
St Arvans Chambers, Hereford Rd, Abergavenny NP7 5PR Tel: 01873 852391
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REMOVALS 1571118
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Our success is due to a few things Our prices which are always competitive OSTEOPATH Our service which is second to none But, most of all I have the best customers! Thank you for all your loyal support over the last 9 years, and I hope you continue your support into 2012.
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We are now your local Ford dealer, located just 10 minutes from Abergavenny • SALES • PARTS • SERVICING • MOT
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Central Garage High St, Raglan, NP15 2DY Tel: 01291 690423
ROOFING
S.P. ROOFING Est 1975
Dorrell Oliver Ltd chartered accountants
Flat Roofing Fibre glass and Felt Roofs. Slating and Tiling. UPVc Fascias and Guttering Chimney repairs and removal and rebuild. Carpentry. All roof repairs free estimates
Linden House, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NF Tel: 01873 852113 Fax: 01873 858523 www.dorrells.co.uk 1570285
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October 2018 31
CAR CLINIC
After spending 13 years as the local police’s go-to mechanic, local man Lee has always been passionate about all things auto, and a self-confessed petrol head. With 25 years under the bonnet, Lee has built a network of repeat customers who trust only him to take care of their vehicles. But he says prevention is better than cure. And that is the ethos at Lee Jowitt’s Auto Repair. “It’s like anything, really. If you take care of your car, it’ll take care of you. That’s what I try and get across here,” he says. The fully-qualified technician is fortunate enough to do something he loves doing for a living. And he can do it all. From servicing high-performance police vehicles, and riot vans, Lee moved into the car clinic just behind Nevill Hall Hospital six years ago. Lee and the team offer a comprehensive range of services including onsite MOTs, vehicle servicing, tyres, full diagnostics, general repairs, air-conditioning services and more. The workshop is open throughout the week from 8am until 5.30pm and is even open on Saturday mornings from 8am until 12.30pm. There’s even a 10% discount across his full range of services for emergency personnel, including hospital staff. Our cars need to be in top shape. We rely so much on our cars to get us from A to B. An unexpected repair bill can run into hundreds and even thousands of pounds. Lee says his outlook is avoid that nightmare, by keeping your car in fighting shape. The philosophy at Lee Jowitt’s is that prevention is better than a cure. A certified car-obsessive, you can be assured when you leave your vehicle in Lee’s capable hands that you’re going to get a consummate and considerate service, with honest and reasonable advice on how to keep your motor out of the realm of bills littered with zeroes. What makes Lee Jowitt’s different is the personal and intimate service which begins from that initial phone call, right up to the moment he hands over your keys. Lee prides himself on his meticulous attention to detail, and says his customers keep coming back because they know what they are getting, with no nasty surprises. The clinic is spotlessly clean, and gleaming from wall-to-wall. Lee says this makes a difference, and shows his professional approach and serious standards of work. An enthusiast of all things auto since he left school, Lee constantly updates his skill-set by attending courses to sharpen his abilities in an industry which is forever becoming more advanced. Lee prides himself in offering a personal and professional service from your initial enquiry, through the entire service process right up until you collect your vehicle. Alongside his attention to customer service, is Lee’s professionalism and standard of work which he takes great pride in. He’s keen to assure all clients that he keeps his skills right up to date by — ADVERTORIAL — 32 October 2018
attending training courses, ensuring he is constantly honing his technical abilities. • Servicing including Hybrids • Onsite MOT’s • Vehicle Diagnostics • Tyres • Puncture Repairs • Digital Wheel Alignment • Air-conditioning Diagnostics, Re-gassing and Repairs • Free WiFi • All General Vehicle Repairs, including: Brakes; Exhausts; Electrical repairs
1714372
Lee Jowitt’s auto repair shop isn’t your typical grease-laden garage. The impeccably clean surrounds suggest more of a surgery than a workshop.
CAR CLINIC
Lee Jowitt AUTO REPAIRS
• Servicing • MOT’s • Tyres • Diagnostics
TEL: 01873 859100
Full range of vehicle 10% DISCOUNT repairs, carried out FOR EMERGENCY by a fully trained PERSONNEL Including ex-police hospital staff technician OPEN: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.30pm Sat 8.00am - 12.30pm 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