Gazette and Diary magazine

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The Winter Issue January / February Issue 22 / 2013 £1.50 - where sold

■ Pets ■ Style & Fashion ■ Homes and Gardens ■ Local Events ■ Competitions ■ Call the Experts ... and much more ...


ST VALENTINES TRIBUTE EVENING with ‘ROD STEWART LOVE SONGS’ Friday 15th February 2013 £20 per person including a Romantic Two Course Dinner

WEDDING FAYRE Sunday 17th March 2013 11am-4pm Back by popular demand ‘ADELE TRIBUTE NIGHT Two Course Dinner & Entertainment Saturday 27th April 2013 £20 per person ‘JOHNNY CASH’ A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN IN BLACK Two course Dinner & Entertainment Friday 14th June 2013 £20 per person The Park Hotel, Pandy, Abergavenny

Tel: 01873 890271 enquiries@theparkhotelwales.com 02

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www.theparkhotelwales.co.uk


Welcome...

to the first edition of the Gazette and Diary magazine 2013. All of us here would like to wish all our readers a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Inside this months edition we have Emma Jones helping us with a handy wall organiser, a fresh start with Court Bleddyn, planning your stay at Llangoed Hall and much more.

Inside...

So cuddle up with a nice hot drink and get reading!

Page 07 Be as safe as houses

Page 05 Made up it’s Winter Page 04 Abandoned horses

In association with

Page 16-17 Celebrity confessions ▲

Page 14 Letting little things make a difference

Page 09 The most affordable car in the UK is coming to Hereford!

Page 11 Plan a stay at Llangoed Hall

The Abergavenny Chronicle DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk John Gaulton john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk ADVERTISING: Jenna Hopkins ext 35 For information on how to advertise in our next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 35 GENERAL MANAGER - Mary Purcell

When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine - please recycle it.

Page 18 Make more and mend

PUBLISHING: Printed and distributed by NWN Media. www.nwnmedia.co.uk Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.

At NWN Media we are committed to addressing the key environmental impacts of printing and the production process, and preserving the environment for future generations. Our environmental policy is achieved through continuous monitoring, annual targets and action plans. The sourcing of newsprint is a major environmental concern for publishers and we at NWN Media source our newsprint from UPM Kymmene in Deeside, utilising their 100% recycled paper, which is produced as a natural, renewable and recyclable fibre from sustainable, responsibly managed forests. UPM is committed to forest management and forest harvesting practices based on the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management. UPM Kymmene is just a mile from the press site, which also keeps carbon footprint to a minimum in the obtaining of our paper. All newsprint waste is taken back to UPMʼs site and fully recycled.

Nick Ramsay AM Assembly Member for Monmouth Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office, 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk

For further information call: 01291 674 898 or 029 2089 8735 ●

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Abandoned horses Transit and Tinker are two yearling Falabella colts that were spotted being dumped out of the back of a transit van on land near Magor. Opal was found emaciated on ground near Marshfield. Arthur, a newborn foal, was discovered abandoned near Manmoel. These are examples of recent rescues accomplished by the local charity SWHP (the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies). A report ‘Left on the Verge: the approaching equine crisis in England and Wales’ suggests that approximately 6000 horses this winter will be abandoned, neglected or abused and that charities will be unable to cope. The RSPCA took in twice as many horses during 2011-2012 as it did the previous year, while HorseWorld saw a threefold increase in its rescues over the same period. Why should this be happening in a non-third world country supposedly populated by a nation of animal lovers? Occasionally, neglect is as a result of ignorance: people acquire small horses or ponies and think they can be looked after in their back gardens, which soon turn to mud. They are fed an unusual array of items including leftover scraps from the table, and are denied basic requirements such as exercise.

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It is hardly surprising that the animal has ‘suddenly’ developed overgrown feet and a parasitic burden. Fly-grazing is more of an issue: horses are left to wander on common ground or residential areas of cities such as Newport and Cardiff, and left to fend for themselves. When grass becomes short they will get thin and remain unprotected against the cold and rain. Some of them develop other problems – lameness, traumatic injury and disease but, because they are not checked on a daily basis (a legal requirement), these issues are not addressed soon enough. As a licensed dart gun holder, I have been approached on a few occasions to help catch injured animals when other avenues have been exhausted. On one memorable afternoon we even had police protection when we removed a horse from a field in Glamorgan: it had sustained an injury to the mouth so that it was having difficulty eating, and the owners were becoming threatening. Since 2009 all foals born in the UK have had to be microchipped and passported within 6 months of birth (to comply with European legislation governing the feeding of meat to people!) Microchipping has had the knock-on effect of reuniting lost horses with their owners and settling disputes, but only for those who choose to obey the law.

January / February

I have assisted local Councils in microchipping and passporting abandoned horses that have been rounded up and taken to safe havens; sometimes owners eventually emerge and are persuaded to make a contribution to defray expenses borne by taxpayers, although this is not always the case. When chipped horses are returned, owners are expected to ensure that the process will not be repeated – but what happens if it does? Should these horses be removed from that person and added to the growing number of unwanted equines? The current economic climate has created financial hardship and contributed in the main to the numbers of abandoned horses (and abandonment is not confined just to this species: cats and dogs are now being dumped in increasing numbers, with some animal shelters having pets tossed over their fences while the owners scoot away); the cost of keeping a pet has overcome some owners’ duty of responsibility. Summer 2012 was exceedingly wet and harvests were poor, resulting in a spike in prices of conserved forage (and hay is fed to farm animals as well as horses), as well as cereal-based feeds. In addition, too many foals are born in the UK. The birth of a foal is a wonderful event: first there is nervous anticipation as parturition becomes imminent, then the mare gets restless (and wants you to go away) before she gets down to deliver her precious cargo.

The expulsion of the foetus is usually quick and dramatic, and a few minutes later the foal is on its feet nuzzling for its first meal. However the plain truth is that mares do not have to have foals; it’s not good enough to breed one because “it would be nice”, or that “she’s lame, but at least she can still have a foal.” If you wish to broadcast your opinion on this emotive subject, please refer to the Uskvets Facebook page. Alastair Mitchell MRCVS Usk Veterinary Centre


Made up it’s Winter Blushers, bronzers, highlighters – where should they all go?

Bronzer should be used purely to give colour, its use is to give a slight tanned effect or a summer glow. It can be applied using a large powder brush.

When applying any of these type of products you need to establish exactly where to apply it for its maximum effect. Blushers should be used for contouring the shape of your face and adding colour. For the contouring choose and a matt colour a few shades darker than your skin tone. This needs to be applied underneath your cheekbones, if you can’t find the right spot just suck in your cheeks. As you are using a colour darker than your skin tone, you will create depth to your cheeks, making them look more defined. To add freshness and youth add a little pink or peach blusher to the apples of your

Sudoku Challenge

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Midweek B&B from £37.50 pppn

Arrive Friday or Saturday Enjoy 2 nights mix and match

cheeks, apply it slowly until you achieve enough colour, you need to look healthy, not flushed!

Simply brush all over the face, neck and chest. Highlighters are for emphasising the highest points of the face, this should be applied to the tops of cheekbones underneath the eye, the inner corner of the eye and thebrow bones. For a natural cheek colour try the Daniel Sandler awardwinning Water Colour Blush, they come in a variety of pretty shades of pink and are waterproof. They are silicone based and very easy to apply.

ABERGAVENNY

MARKET

Situated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.

£89.95 pp 3 Nights £127.45 pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast on Saturday Bed & Breakfast Friday and Sunday Candlelit Dinner & Dance Thursday and Saturday Gala Menu, Breakfast in Bed Sunday Morning Ring now for Birthdays, Anniversaries and other special breaks.

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FARMERS MARKET

THURSDAY 24TH JANUARY

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Celebrate Valentines Day with Cashbrokers Valentines Day is the ideal opportunity to surprise that special person in your life with a beautiful gift of jewellery. Nothing compares to the sparkle of a white diamond or the lustre of fine gold and silver jewellery as a special gift for the one you love. Cashbrokers in Market Street, Abergavenny can provide you with that special gift at a very special price. Shop owners, Dean & Iolanda said, ‘We are able to offer quality jewellery at a fraction of the cost of the High Street Jewellers. Our jewellery does not attract the high markup that is charged on new jewellery. Each item that is bought in and offered for re-sale is thoroughly checked and professionally cleaned before it is displayed in the window. All jewellery comes with a personal 28-day guarantee and a no quibble refund is offered if the jewellery is found to be faulty in any way’. Cashbrokers take payment by cash or card and also offer a ‘Layaway Scheme’ where you can spread the cost by paying in easy instalments. An added benefit is that you can exchange any of your old pieces of jewellery against the price of

your new item, even if it is damaged or broken. In addition to the Gold, Silver and Jewellery, Cashbrokers services include Cheque Cashing, Short and Long Term Loans and Payday Advances. Dean & Iolanda are building upon their reputation by offering good old fashioned customer service and since opening the store in 2011 have built up a sound customer base with much repeat business. The Cashbrokers motto – ‘Your Friend with Some Cash’ – is taken seriously by everyone within the Company. Other items such as electrical items, phones, iPods, laptops, TVs etc are on sale at Cashbrokers and are available in-store or through Cashbrokers website on E-Bay www.cashbrokers.co.uk. You can be assured of a warm welcome when you visit the Cashbrokers store in Market Street which is open 6 days a week. There is parking available opposite in the Brewery Yard Car Park in Market Street. For more information call us on: Tel: 01873 850006 e-mail: abergavenny@cashbrokers.co.uk. website, www.cashbrokers.co.uk

MAKE VALENTINES SPECIAL Tel: 01873 850006 11B Market Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5SD abergavenny@cashbrokers.co.uk

www.cashbrokers.co.uk

That extra special gift For that extra special person At extra special prices If you are looking for that perfect gift for the special someone in your life then we at cashbrokers can help you. We are a family run store and offer a fantastic array of beautiful new and pre-owned jewellery at a fraction of the usual high street cost. From simple silver sets to stunning diamond rings we have it all. ‘With our help you can make this valentines one to remember! 06

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Top 10 tips to Make Sure You’re Property is safe

Be as safe as houses Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you’ve taken these simple (and often inexpensive) precautions.

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In two out of 10 burglaries, they don’t even have to use force - they get in through an open door or window. So fit strong locks to your doors and windows and make sure you always keep them fully locked. If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors). Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes. How would you get in if you’d forgotten your keys? If you can get in, so can a burglar. Are there places where they could break in without being seen? Would noise of breaking glass alert the neighbours ? Windows ■ A third of burglars get in through a window. ■ If you are replacing windows, take the opportunity to install new ones that are certified to British Standard Windows of Enhanced Security’ and consider using laminated glass, particularly in ground-floor and accessible windows, as this is much harder to break. ■ Otherwise, window locks that can easily be seen from outside may put some thieves off, because the thief would have to break the glass and risk attracting attention. And even if they do break the window, they still can’t open it so risk cutting themselves climbing through the broken glass. ■ Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. You may need more than one window lock, depending on the size of the opening you need to secure. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and windows that are easy to reach – for example, those above a flat roof or near a drainpipe. ■ Even small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks. A thief can get through any gap that is larger than a human head. ■ Remember to keep windows locked. Remove the keys and keep them out of sight in a safe place. ■ Louvre windows are especially vulnerable because thieves can easily take the slats out of the frame. Glue the slats into place, and fit a special louvre lock. Better still, replace them with fixed glass.

Before fitting locks to PVC-U or metal windows, talk to the installer to make sure this will not affect your warranty. Consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows - but only if these windows are not escape routes in case of fire. Many DIY shops now sell decorative wrought-iron grilles.

Doors Secure all doors ■ If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Two thirds of burglars gain entry through a door. ■ If you are replacing a door, take the opportunity to improve your security by installing a door that is certified to British Standard 'Doors of Enhanced Security'. ■ Ask for it to be fitted with a chain or bar and, if it doesn’t have a window or other means of checking who’s at the door, a door viewer. ■ Glass panels on or around doors are especially vulnerable, so replace them with laminated glass. Or, you can buy special film to stick to the inside that will do the same thing. ■ Make sure the doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm (1 3 /4") thick. ■ Fit five-lever mortise deadlocks (Kitemarked BS3621) to all outside doors, including French doors. And make sure you use them. ■ You can make wooden doors stronger by fitting a steel strip and plates to the door frame and around the lock. ■ Keep your doors locked even when you’re at home. Use the mortise deadlock or, on PVC-U or other enhanced security doors, the fully or double-locked mode especially at night. ■ Fit mortise bolts to the top and bottom of all outside doors, including both sides of French doors. ■ Remember to fit all security devices with strong screws or bolts. ■

Sudoku Solution

1. Fit strong locks to external doors and windows, and make sure they are locked at all times 2. Always remove all keys from inside locks, and keep them out of sight and in a safe place 3. Fit sturdy deadlocks (British Standard BS3621) to all doors 4. Make sure your doors and frames are strong and in good condition wood doors should be at least 44mm thick 5. Mark your property - having it marked helps police verify it's been stolen 6. Fit a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole), and use them. 7. Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick - thieves know to look there first 8. When you are out in the evening, leave your lights on and shut the curtains 9. Install outside security lighting; if other people can see your property a burglar may think twice 10.Keep your tools and ladders securely locked up – a burglar could use them to get into your house

Gazette Giggles! Q. What do you call a Frenchman wearing sandals? A. Philippe Philoppe. Q. What do you call an alligator wearing a vest? A. An investigator. knock Knock... Who's There? Soup. Soup who? Souperman! Q. What do you call a sleepwalking nun? A. A "Roamin" Catholic. A duck walks into a bar... Says... Hey Bartender... Give me a beer and put it on my bill.

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Service with a smile There’s a common belief that your car always drives better after you’ve spent hours cleaning and waxing it. when what it really needs is a a regular service. What with running the kids here and there during the summer holidays, doing the gardening or clearing out the garage, looking after your car is often overlooked at this time of year . Don’t forget, however, that regular servicing of your vehicle will not only improve its reliability, safety and environmental performance but also significantly protect its re-sale or trade-in value. Research has shown, however, that many motorists rely purely on the annual MOT,

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which is both a false economy and potentially dangerous. A vehicle’s service history can not only boost its value but also make the difference between a desirable and completely unwanted car. The absence of a service history may reduce the car’s value or, even worse, put off potential buyers completely. The advice from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the professional association for individuals working in the motor trade, is ensure that your car is maintained by qualified professionals. Modern vehicles have more computing power and electronics than the Apollo moon rocket and systems such as ABS, ASC, AWD, EBA and ESP are commonplace. Such technology demands a high level of technical knowledge and expertise, so it is paramount that your vehicle is entrusted to safe hands. An IMI member said: “Most of us rely on a car every day so it’s vital that it is maintained properly and at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.

Find the right garage ■ ■

Ensure that the garage is familiar with your car’s make and model Before booking your car in, consider how it’s been running. Be honest and tell the service staff of any problems and/or any recent work carried out Check what is included within the service – ask to see a copy of the service schedule for your vehicle type Check the breakdown of costs, including all parts, consumables, labour and VAT – know exactly what you are paying for Insist no additional work is undertaken without your express permission. Ask for any replaced parts to be retained for your inspection upon collection.

“When it comes to a service, communication with the garage is everything, and you have a right to deal with fully trained and qualified staff. “If you are shopping around for the best deal, make sure that technicians are adequately qualified to work on your particular make of vehicle.” For more information visit www.motor.org.uk


The most affordable car in the UK is coming to Hereford! The Dacia Sandero has created automotive history with a car priced so competitively, from just £5,995, that it’s making people look twice. As part of the Dacia brand, the new Sandero supermini is the UK’s most affordable new car. The last time a car entered the market at around this price, it was 1989. The Dacia Sandero arrives on the UK market hot on the heels of the Sandero’s bigger sibling the Dacia Duster SUV which is priced from only £8,995. Both cars are now available from local Hereford Dacia dealer Callow Marsh. There are three versions of the Dacia Sandero to choose from, starting with the entry-level Access at the incredible price of just £5,995. It has the safety features you’d expect from a car from the Renault stable; ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, ASR traction control, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), driver, passenger and front side airbags and ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats. It comes with a 1.2 16V 75 engine, power assisted steering and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. There’s a practical boot, cloth ‘Element’ upholstery and a smart, modern-look centre console. The mid-level Ambiance includes the above, as well as remote central locking, electric front windows, 2x20W radio CD player with fingertip remote controls, USB and AUX input and Bluetooth connectivity. It also offers chrome touches for the air vent, instrument dial and steering wheel logo surrounds while the rangetopping Laureate version offers all of that plus two-tone ‘Atom’ cloth upholstery. The 1.2 16V 75 engine can be upgraded for Ambiance and Laureate versions to a frugal, yet powerful, TCe 90 petrol and dCi 90 diesel engine.

David Harry, sales manager at Callow Marsh, said: “We are astounded by the fantastic package that is available for such a small price and we’re certain our customers will be too. “As people are looking for a good deal these days, the Dacia Sandero and Duster models offer an extraordinary amount, leading most people to ask ‘how’? The reason is that Dacia is a no-frills solution to motoring and our models simply contain only the necessary. “There’s no compromise on build quality or technology, and despite not having launched yet in the UK, Dacia has already won awards for quality and reliability.

“As a global brand, owned by Renault, it has access to the very best in technology and research and its cars are built to withstand the extremities of climate from Brazil to Russia. It’s an outstanding package. “It even comes with a 3 years/60,000 miles warranty, with 3 years/60,000 miles free roadside assistance. For peace of mind, 5 year/60,000 miles and 7 year/100,000 miles upgrades are available, costing just £395 and £850. “So whether you’re a parent looking to buy a sturdy, reliable car for a youngster, or you’re a student or simply hard-pressed for cash, come and see us!” For more information, visit Callow Marsh on Ross Road, Hereford (01432 842000) or click onto www.callowmarsh.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.dacia.co.uk, or call 0800 991199.

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Fresh start for historic Usk Wedding Venue The new owners of an Usk hotel have pledged to rejuvenate the historic local wedding venue following the recent takeover.

The Cwrt Bleddyn continued to operate without interruption during the administration retaining all the management and team working at the hotel.

The Court Bleddyn Hotel and Spa in Llangybi, near Usk, has been purchased by leisure investment in Oxshott Global Limited in a deal which protects almost 50 local jobs with the owners and management determined to revitalise the landmarks hotel's fortunes.

Administrators continued investing In maintaining the property until a new owner was found.

The 16th century hotel, which was once a private manor house and famously hosted two of Henry VIII wives as guests, was placed into administration in July this year.

David Spoor (pictured) general manager at the venue, said: '' The hotel has been part of many people's lives across Monmouthshire and beyond so we are obviously delighted its future has been secured along with a number of local jobs''.

Don’t Menshin it She's been a best-selling novelist and is currently a Conservative MP. Now Louise Mensch is taking on Twitter, with a social network all of her own. Conservative MP Louise Mensch and Labour supporter Luke Bozier have joined forces to create Menshn (www.menshn.com), a Twitter-like discussion site for people who want to "talk on topic". The primary focus of the site is politics, but other topics include technology, sport, TV and the weather. It does a few things very differently to Twitter. On Twitter, you choose who to follow. On Menshn, you automatically follow 100 other random Menshn users from the moment you sign up. You can unfollow them later if you wish.

doesn't seem to be any purpose for earning them. Although "rooms" have been created for each topic, the first thing you see when entering one is a confusing mess of comments from people, all discussing slightly different sub-topics. It feels rather off-putting to newcomers who find themselves unsure where, or how, to join the conversation. There's no doubt that Menshn is a bold step, and an interesting experiment. It might even evolve into a fascinating discussion forum, but it has some way to go yet.

Also, Menshn gives you "points". You get one point if someone clicks the "rate" button on one of your posts. You get five points if someone follows you, or if you favourite a room. It's unclear, though, what the point of the points is. There is a league table of Menshn users, showing who has scored the most points. But other than getting to the top of this table, there

Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa

What’s on at the Best Western Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel and Spa in the New Year? Valentine’s Day

Mothering Sunday

Why not join us for a wonderful four course candle lit dinner in the hotel Restaurant for only £24.95 per person. Not only available on the 14th we will be offering our romantic menu on the 15th and 16th of February too, or why not make a weekend of it, and join us for a romantic overnight stay with dinner?

We will be offering a traditional three course Sunday Luncheon with a small gift for all Mothers. Why not give Mum the day off and join us in the relaxing surroundings of the hotel for lunch between noon and 3pm and all for only £19.95 per person, children under 12 half price Alternatively, why not join us for a full afternoon tea, served between 3pm and 6pm in the bar and lounge. A selection of dainty sandwiches, cakes, pastries and of course the scones with jam and cream will be laid out, along with a selection of teas and coffee. Weather permitting we will also be serving on the patio. Only £9.50 per person

Usk. Monmouthshire. NP15 1PG 10

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Tel: 01633 450521

www.cwrtbleddyn.co.uk


Beautifully situated in the Brecon Beacons Plan a stay at Llangoed Hall Situated in the imposing Brecon Beacons National Park, Llangoed Hall was rescued by Sir Bernard Ashley, co-founder of the Laura Ashley fashion empire. Now the new owner, a British businessman, is keen to restore the “at home” experience, which was established by Sir Bernard in 1990s. Llangoed Hall has an impressive history, which dates back to 560AD when it is thought to have been the site of the first Welsh Parliament. Inspired by this legend, the architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis transformed the Jacobean mansion he found here in 1914 into an Edwardian county house. Situated deep in the valley of the River Wye, the hotel commands magnificent views of the Black Mountains.

The rooms are warm and welcoming, furnished with antiques, oriental rugs, and an outstanding collection of oil paintings, watercolours and line drawings acquired by the previous proprietor, Sir Bernard Ashley. The luxurious and spacious 23 bedrooms enjoy fine views of the Wye Valley. An electronic surveillance system is situated along the drive in order to ensure that someone is waiting by the door ready to carry your case to your room for you, where a decanter of sherry awaits you. Llangoed Hall has no reception desk, just a gleaming antique table with a visitors’ book, meant to encourage the idea that the hotel is the site of one continuous Edwardian house party. There is no bar, just a cheerful and friendly member of staff to get you a drink.

A library, complete with window seats and snooker table adds refinement and, for those with the inclination, a gentle game of croquet is available on a specially designed lawn. The first phase of a comprehensive development plan will see in excess of two million pounds being invested on refurbishing the hotel’s 23 bedrooms and bathrooms. Comprehensive works are currently underway, with a new drive and turning circle, new carpets, curtains, painting, reupholstery, planting, new banqueting chairs, the finest cut crystal glassware and china, new silverware, bed-linen and much, much more.

venue and an ideal location for corporate and mid-week leisure market business. The hotel’s managing director is Calum Milne, who has returned to Llangoed Hall having managed some of the top hotels in the UK, including Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William and Lower Slaughter Manor, Stow-onthe-Wold.

Other exciting plans are in the pipeline for the Llangoed Hall Estate, which comprises 17 acres of gardens and grounds in the Wye Valley. The hotel is set to improve dramatically and the hotel continues to be an outstanding wedding

Llangoed Hall VALENTINES PACKAGES 9TH, 14TH & 16TH FEBRUARY 2013

HAVE A ROMANTIC VALENTINES BREAK AT THE FINEST COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL IN WALES Including: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Prices from

Full Afternoon Tea for Two Dinner, Bed & Breakfast A Glass of Cool, Crisp, Rosé Champagne Fine Handmade Truffles Vase of Beautiful Red Roses Super Fluffy Bathrobes and Slippers

£350.00 - £750.00 (prices are per couple, per room)

Non Resident Dinners Available

£75.00 per person Tel: 01874 754525 Email: info@llangoedhall.co.uk www.llangoedhall.co.uk ●

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Mates or soulmates? A new report, entitled Friendships, Finance and the Future: The rise of Singledom in the UK, has revealed that almost three quarters of singles have friends who will be friends for life, and four in five say that friendships last longer than romantic relationships. Men in particular are saying no to marriage. Just three in 10 single men think they will ever get married, and 48 per cent think single people are more fun. The Confused.com report also identifies a new demographic in UK society: FLAPers (Financially Liberated and Positively Single).

Januar y 2013

This is a new breed of single people who are turning the tables on the stereotype of the sad singleton and embracing the adventure and spontaneity.

fails. Laws will protect best friends and single people might formalise their friendships by entering into 'mate-trimony' agreements with their best friends. Relationship status on passports and census forms could include ‘mate-trimony’ as an option, next of kin will automatically be friends, and more and more singles will protect their friendships with life insurance – 59 per cent of singles would consider insuring the life of a friend if they bought a house together. To many single people, marriage is viewed as an old-fashioned idea. 21 per cent of single men think marriage is out-dated while 34 per cent of single women think marriage lacks the value it once had.

Like the flappers of the 1920s, who threw away their corsets and sought independent lifestyles, these FLAPers are celebrating a new era of positivity and empowerment in the wake of troubled times. Experts at Future Poll, the research division of The Future Laboratory, predict that the future could see friendships among single people recognised as relationships that work while marriage increasingly

Thrombosis Nevill Hall Hospital

General & Research Fund

The Thrombosis & General Research fund was started in 1968 to provide urgently needed funds to Dr Aneurin Hughes and his far reaching research in to heart disease. Sports Forum Chaired by Gerald Davies CBE joined by Terry Cobner, John Perkins and Bryn Meredith. Bettws Newydd Village Hall at, 7.30pm, all proceeds to Ken J Jones OBE Memorial Fund, Admission £5, (students £3).

Abergavenny Local History Society, William Gibbs will talk about Artists of the Llanthony Valley at the Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. nonmembers are welcome to join on the night.

Abergavenny Farmers Market, Market Hall, Abergavenny. Fresh local produce

Cardiff Panto, Joe Pasquale in Sleeping Beauty. Evening 7pm. Coach / Theatre. £35 per person. Reservations 01873 852567

Mini Flea Market at St Faith’s Parish Hall. Llanfoist, plus refreshments from 10am onwards – come and buy some bargains

Four decades on the fund has raised several million pounds for Nevill Hall Hospital, providing funds for research and coming to the aid of a number of projects. Funds were raised for all of the gym equipment at the cardiac rehabilitation unit where recovering heart attack patients undergo a program of exercise and education to help them towards healthier living. Transport incubator gives the warmth, oxygen and continuous monitoring needed by sick babies who have to be transported between the delivery and the neonatal units or to other hospitals. And maybe its greatest achievement the purchase of the hospitals first MRI Scanner If you can help contribute to the fund though donations and bequests or youʼd like to volunteer to help organise fund raising events then please contact us Mr Derek Jones (treasurer) Lloyds TSB Bank plc Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 5HB

Jeffery Maddock MBE Email: Jeff@maddock77.plus.com Telephone

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Letting little things make a difference Making tiny changes to your life can make a world of difference.-- Gabrielle Fagan looks at a new lifstyle book and explores its sanity-saving list. Lazy lie-ins, neatly avoiding a Monday morning feeling or simply having time for a leisurely walk are treats many of us will have appreciated over the bank holiday weekend.

through to taking a candle-lit bath or simply relishing the small, comforting routines of plumping cushions and folding freshly laundered sheets. Try 10 of her favourite ways to bring pleasure, order and calm to your life.

But generally, we probably underestimate the healing power of the small pleasures in life to boost our wellbeing and enrich our lives. "Good bread, warm towels, crisp mornings, girls' nights out, eating the froth on the cappuccino are ordinary things which can make life worth living," says Maeve Haran, who found fame with her first novel, Having It All, and whose latest book is Small Pleasures To Save Your Life. She entertainingly details a host of little things in life which can help lift our mood; small changes which can make us more efficient and therefore less stressed, and life tips which can just generally help us smile more often. Her suggestions in the book range from blackberry picking to gossiping and flirting,

BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS In a perfect world, all of us would receive flowers throughout the year on special occasions, says

DO SOMETHING YOU'VE BEEN PUTTING OFF This sounds like torture more than pleasure, but it actually works, she insists. "You can get real pleasure from doing something you've been really dreading," she says. "The pleasure comes in that you've done it at all, and it usually wasn't as bad as you thought, and possibly you've achieved some sort of result. "But oddly enough, even if you haven't achieved much, the mere act - making the call, having it out with someone, risking failure - can make you giddy with relief and pinging with excitement."

PRETEND TO BE A TOURIST Sometimes we spend large sums of money visiting other cities but forget the pleasures of where we actually live ourselves, she says. "From time to time, I try to see the city I live in as if I were a visitor. I ask myself what I'd do if I were only here for a weekend," she says. "Work out which landmarks to look at, which museums to visit, or consider a river trip or lounging in a pavement cafe. The point is to look at the familiar with new eyes."

Haran. "Sadly the truth is rather different, which is why the only person who will get you the flowers you deserve is you," she points out. "Personally, I feel flowers are more of an essential than a luxury. Flowers are like sunshine or familiar music - they instantly lift your mood." Pick from your garden, buy reduced bunches from a supermarket and boost them with plant food, or for a big occasion, visit a wholesale flower market.

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"Suddenly I stopped and had to mentally take myself aside. I told myself sternly, 'You've been to the supermarket, bought dog food and picked up a new washbasin - and it's only 9.30am. Most people aren't even at work yet!'

WALLOW IN A GOOD WEEP IF YOU NEED ONE We live in a culture which is dedicated to 'moving on' and anyone who hasn't recovered from their relationship breakup, job loss or pet's death within three months is considered a wimp, she says. "Actually, I think it's perfectly justifiable to wallow, make late-night phone calls to your friends, moan endlessly, hide under the bed covers and ignore all housework as long as you need," she says. "People are different. Some recover by pretending nothing has happened, while others like to suffer in technicolour. The reassuring thing is that in the end people do come out of the dark tunnel of loss and disappointment (unless they're suffering from clinical depression) and they should be given all the time in the world to do it.

"You should remind yourself how amazing you are - I did and I try to do it regularly." LEAVE 10 MINUTES EARLY This is a hard one to put into practice because for some reason fate conspires against you and the very moment you're about to leave for a crucial appointment, the phone rings, your keys mysteriously bury themselves in the waste bin, and you realise you've forgotten to write down the address of where you're going. "By leaving 10 minutes early, you give yourself the incredibly precious gift of not being stressed," she says.

"So don't move on until you're ready. Buy another box of tissues, hit that sofa, and ignore any complaints from friends - one day it will be their turn too!"

"You may even have time for a relaxed cappuccino (and its froth), instead of a racing heart, a sense of failure at your own inefficiency, and a nasty attack of high anxiety."

TELL YOURSELF YOU'RE WONDERFUL Like most busy women, I have an endless 'to-do' list and the other day I was scurrying around trying to do several things at once when I felt that sense of internal rushing, rather like a wave approaching and dragging you down with it, she says.

AVOID MIRRORS The singer Jarvis Cocker was once asked to give a piece of advice on life, and his answer was, 'Avoid looking at yourself in mirrors in lifts', she says. "I feel there's a grain of truth here and I extend

&

PEST CONTROL

it to all mirrors. The idea is not to get too obsessed with how you look because most people don't really study you and it just makes you feel bad," she says. "I have evolved the ultimate confidenceboosting 'getting ready to go out' system. I work out what I'm going to wear, right down to tights and jewellery, and hang it up on a hanger. "Then I whizz and change into it in record time, looking in the mirror for just one brief second to make sure my skirt isn't stuck in my tights. It's amazing how much more attractive and positive this makes me feel." USE THE FIVE MINUTES There's something about multitasking which is a huge pleasure, perhaps because the reward comes in feeling that you're yanking back a few precious moments from the hamster-wheel of life, says Haran. "I interpret it as getting on with something while you're sitting at a traffic light, waiting for the washing machine to finish, or on the train travelling to a meeting," she says. "There's great joy in sorting out a problem in your head, writing a postcard, doing the recycling and generally achieving something in the 'free' five minutes." PUT PHOTOS IN AN ALBUM In this high-tech age, photos are stored on computers, shared on Facebook or left in cameras, but there's nothing like the fun of making an album.

"I try to do one of our family holiday as soon as possible when I get home," she says. "With my own children, I've made them albums in which as well as photos I've stuck scraps of paper, school reports, cards and letters they've sent me, programmes of concerts they've appeared in, drawings and funny little notes they've sent each other. "Somehow these capture their individual personalities in a different way from photos and they love reading them." HAVE SOME RUNNING-AWAY MONEY Spending too much can be a dizzying pleasure, but an even greater one lies in keeping some money back, she says. "There are so many situations in life that are fraught with stress: a bad relationship, a job that bores you, the threat of debt closing in. "Running-away money gives you a passport to freedom - whether actual freedom or just freedom from feeling trapped. "And just having the capacity to choose can change things. I've never needed my little nest egg, but the fact that I know it's there makes me feel free." Small Pleasures To Save Your Life by Maeve Haran is published by Hay House, priced £8.99. Available September 3TRIED & TESTED

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A bumper crop of celebrity confessions Pop stars, comedians and elder statesmen of fame are all contributing to a rich harvest of celebrity memoirs this autumn. It's going to be a bumper season for the celebrity autobiography, as a bevy of big names from Cheryl Cole and Rod Stewart to Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Walliams and Miranda Hart roll out their life stories.

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After 2011, which saw a 44% drop in autobiography sales publishers are confident that the raft of celebrity memoirs will send gifthunters scuttling to the tills. The big push comes on October 11, when many

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of the memoirs are published, including those of Will Young, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa Contostavlos, Paul O'Grady, Pete Townshend, Stewart, Walliams, Hart and Schwarzenegger. We‚ve already had offerings from actress and Loose Women star Denise Welch, Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli and actor Rupert Everett. Later in October will see the publication of memoirs from Kerry Katona and Danny Baker, while even Uggie, the canine star of the film The Artist, makes a tongue-in-cheek appearance in print on his own rise to fame. Alison Barrow, Transworld executive, observes that this year's offerings broadly fall into three categories: those for younger fans, which have the feeling of an annual, including books from One Direction, Little Mix and McFly; those of older celebrities, including Stewart, Schwarzenegger and Townshend; and comedians' autobiographies, featuring memoirs from David Mitchell, Lee Mack, Walliams, O'Grady and Hart. Comedians' memoirs are quite a gamble to publishers, says Barrow, because their sales reflect the popularity and profile of the person at the time. However, with such an array of celebrity books on offer, many will be jostling for position, she agrees. At the end of the day, celebrity memoirs are largely bought as gifts - here's a few which may fill Christmas stockings nationwide.

FOR THE YOUNGER MARKET McFly: Unsaid Things... Our Story (Bantam, Oct 11, £18.99): The boys tell their own story, from being catapulted to

stardom as teenagers, when their first album debuted at number one, to coping with their new-found fame. Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started (HarperCollins, Sep 13, £16.99): Fans can take a peek behind the scenes in this '100% official' life on tour of the Canadian teen heart-throb. Cheryl Cole: Official Autobiography (Harper, Oct 11, £20): The ex-X Factor judge is remaining tight-lipped about the contents of her autobiography, but will be fighting for a number one slot against current X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, whose memoir is published the same day. Olly Murs: Happy Days (Coronet, Oct 11, £16.99): Fans will love flicking through the many exclusive photos taken both onstage and behind the scenes of the popular X Factor singer and TV presenter. The book also features some words from the singer himself.

COMEDIAN CONFESSIONS Miranda Hart: Is It Just Me? (Hodder, Oct 11, £19.99): The award-winning comedy actress and midwife reveals her own awkward experiences while she was growing up and offers herself advice on her many gaffes and difficult situations. This could be one of the bigger sellers from this year's comedy offerings. Rod Stewart: Rod: The Autobiography (Century, Oct

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PACKAGE 1 11, £20): "Forget skeletons in the closet this one's going to be socks and knickers under the bed." So says the spiky-haired, football-mad pop icon, who has finally put his adventures on paper, taking a candid and funny look at his 50 years in music, his three marriages and eight children. It won't be dull.

enigma despite being such a high-profile figure. Often described as 'a bundle of contradictions', he has disarmed people by being camp and a lady-killer, a hedonist and a sportsman. Let's hope this book makes him slightly less of a mystery.

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of the media spotlight to his struggles against depression.

OLDER STATESMEN OF FAME Arnold Schwarzenegger: Total Recall (Simon & Schuster, Oct 1, £20): The star of the Terminator movies and ex body builder-turned governor of California recalls his life, from his childhood in Austria to becoming one of the biggest movie stars in the world.

Paul O'Grady: Still Standing - My Savage Years (Bantam, Oct 11, £20): The third volume of the comedian's hugely successful memoirs sees the creation of blonde bomb-site Lily Savage, the early years on stage, the journey to stardom and the hilarious misadventures along the way. If it's as well-written as the previous two, it should be a bestseller.

Pete Townshend: Who I Am (HarperCollins, Oct 11, £20): Described as the 'thinking man's rock star', The Who's lead guitarist and songwriter reveals the turbulence of time spent in one of rock's greatest bands, the sex, the drugs, the smashing of guitars, the death of Keith Moon... and much more. David Walliams: Camp David (Michael Joseph, Oct 11, £20): The Little Britain star, children's author and fund-raising swimmer remains an

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BEST OF THE REST Pamela Stephenson: The Varnished Untruth (Simon & Schuster, Sep 13, £18.99): The former comedian-turnedpsychologist recalls her complicated childhood in Australia, a bold move to London, Not The Nine O'Clock News, becoming Mrs Billy Connolly and beyond.

Antonio Carluccio: A Recipe For Life (Hardie Grant, Oct 8, £20): The Italian cook recounts the early years, from his humble beginnings on the Amalfi coast to his first experience cooking simple suppers on a two-ring stove, followed by his unplanned rise to fame as a restaurateur, writer and TV presenter.

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Will Young: Funny Peculiar: The Autobiography (Sphere, Oct 11, £18.99): In this memoir which he has written himself, the pop star who shot to fame on Pop Idol in 2001 recalls the highs and lows of his life and career, from coming out in the glare

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Colour me in

Make more and mend Happy New Year! It’s that time again, when we declare our Resolutions and vow to stick to them. Some are less appealing than others (gym membership anyone??), so maybe in addition to getting fit and healthy, this could also be the year that you take up an enjoyable, rewarding and USEFUL hobby?? A popular New Year’s Resolution is to have a good tidy-up, and what better way to stash all those new toys and gadgets than a handy wall organiser? It can be used all over the house: in the kids’ rooms for little toys, in the bedroom for jewellery or make-up, the bathroom, the kitchen, you decide! You can decorate it using buttons, sequins, embroidery, choosing any theme you like. And if you’ve already started clearing out cupboards, a great free source of material is old duvet covers – use the kids’ old ones as a keepsake! It also works on any scale, (always remember to include 2.5cm for seam allowance!) so the following instructions are simply a guide:-

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This design works best with medium – heavy fabric for the main body, to give stability. However, you can use a lightweight fabric and attach some iron-on / fusible interfacing before sewing together.

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4. Decorate the panels before making up the organiser – it will be much easier to do it this way, and will give a neater, more professional finish. Use the trimmings you selected to create your design, or draw on using fabric pens. 5. Next, make up each of the individual panels. Using one plain and one patterned piece, place right sides together, and pin along the seam allowances on the two long edges. Machinestitch using a straight stitch. Leave the shorter ends open. Turn right side out and press. 6. Position each panel in the correct place on the large patterned piece, with the wrong side of the panel and the right side of the larger piece together (as they will look when finished), remembering to leave 5cm between each panel. Pin securely in place. Match raw edges. Pin along seam allowance of the short panel edges where they meet the seam allowance of the long edge of the larger piece. Stitch short panels to main panel just inside the seam allowance as shown. These stitches will not show once the panel is made up.

8. Place the plain fabric panel on top, with right sides together, and match all the raw edges. Pin along the seam allowance on the two longest edges, leaving the top and bottom open. Stitch along both seams. Clip the seams of the pocket panels to remove any excess bulk.

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3. Decide how many pockets you want to have on each of the panels. On the right side of each of the smaller patterned panels (47 x 20cm), mark a line 2.5cm in from the edge, around all 4 sides. This is the seam allowance, and will leave you with an overall area of 42cm x 15 cm. Then mark a line to separate each panel, so e.g. if you want 2 pockets, mark halfway along the length within the seam allowance. If you want 3 pockets, divide the panel length by 3 within the seam allowance.

7. Then, using the guides you marked earlier, stitch the pocket panel to the main panel, thus creating the pockets. Repeat with the other 2 panels.

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that line, measure 15cm and mark. Carry on in this way until the bottom – you should have two 5cm panels at the top and bottom, with 3 x 15cm panels in between, each separated by 2 more 5cm panels.

(Here I used curtain off-cuts and leftover denim. The designs have been appliquéd and handembroidered) You will need: ● 2 pieces rectangular fabric, (1 patterned, 1 plain), each measuring 70cm x 47cm ● 6 pieces rectangular fabric, (3 patterned, 3 plain), each measuring 20cm x 47cm ● 2 x 9 mm dowelling rod, each measuring 40cm in length ● Contrasting ribbon / bias binding ● Fabric / trimmings for decoration e.g. buttons, beads, sequins, ribbon, felt etc. ● (all measurements include seam allowances/turnings) ● A long ruler / fabric pencil / pins / matching threads / scissors This organiser has two rows of two pockets, and then three on the bottom. At the top and bottom there will be pockets into which the dowelling rod is inserted – this helps to give shape and stability to the organiser once it is hung. 1. On the wrong side of the large piece (70 x 47cm) of patterned fabric, measure 5cm from the top, and using a ruler and a fabric pencil / tailors chalk, mark with a straight line all the way along the width of the piece. Repeat for the bottom edge. 2. From the top line you have just marked, measure another 5 cm, and mark. Then from

9. Turn the whole thing right side out, and press. Along the top edge, make a turning of 1 cm along the raw edge, press, turn under another 2cm and press again. Pin in place and stitch all along the turning, close to the folded edge. This makes the pocket for the dowling rod. Repeat along the bottom edge. 10. Insert the rods into the pockets and stitch closed by hand if liked. To finish, cut a length of ribbon or cord, and stitch by hand onto the reverse just under the dowling pocket, about 5cm in from the edge on both sides, to create the hanging loop. EMMA JONES December 2012

Emma Jones has run a sewing service locally since 2008, providing alterations, soft furnishings and bespoke accessories. As a qualified Adult Education Tutor, she teaches formal classes in Blaenau Gwent. She also provides freelance Sewing Workshops in partnership with Vintage Vision, and Childrens’ Workshops with The Wool Croft. If you would like further information contact ejsewing@btinternet.com or follow her on twitter @EmmaJonesSewing


Greens are good for you If you like to grow your own veg, now is the time to start thinking about spring cabbage. Many gardeners like cabbages that mature in the spring, avoiding the threat of butterflies leaving hungry caterpillars to strip leaves. Most pests and diseases which attack brassicas only wreak havoc on undernourished plants struggling to survive in poor soil. The remedy is simple – rich fertile soil which has been well manured for a previous crop. Because spring cabbages mature quickly after the worst of the winter weather is over, they never grow as large as winter cabbages.

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Varieties to consider include Harbinger, which is very early, with small pointed hearts; Flower of Spring, a little later, but with a large delicious heart; Wheeler’s Imperial, a mild, tender cabbage with small heads and April, an early maturing compact variety which is ideal for close spacing. Sow the seeds thinly (in cold areas at the end of July, in warm areas early in August) in shallow drills in a seed bed 15 cm apart. Keep the seedbed moist.

SLUGGING IT OUT Slugs are everywhere and will attack almost any garden plant. Getting rid of them is not always an easy task – but here are some cost and time effective tips to stop these slimy pests destroying your garden. ●

Transplant the seedlings to moist soil in September or October when the seedings are 57,5cm tall, in rows 45 cm apart with 20cm between plants.

● ●

Remember, all members of the cabbage family like firm soil, so tread it down before planting. When transplanting, always use a dibber, firming the roots of each plant. A month after planting out, hoe between the rows. From February on, when growth begins, hoe in 60 g per square metre of nitro-chalk or sulphate of ammonia.

Slugs, like snails, are at their most active at night time and will only venture out in the daytime if it is wet. Slugs prefer tender shoots on most plants but will also eat algae, fungi, lichens and rotting vegetation. Good soil drainage is one of the best way to keep slugs away from your garden. Another way to combat the problem is enlist the help of local wildlife, and the best way to do this is to have a pond. Frogs and toads love slugs and once they are breeding in your garden, they will return year after year to feast on the destructive little pests. Many Victorian gardeners used to keep a couple of toads in their greenhouses to keep slugs under control. Another predator that loves the taste of slugs is, of course, birds. They will also help rid your garden of snails, caterpillars and aphids, so they

are certainly to be encouraged. Again, they need water, trees, nesting boxes and feeding in the winter. If you do not like the idea of a bird table, if you have a cat or are worried about attracting vermin, then providing plenty of berrying shrubs and trees will be just as effective. Another friend that is handy to have on your side are hedgehogs. You can encourage them into your garden by providing a pile of logs where they can live, but they are do like moving around. Putting down dog food to attract them into your garden may be good for the hedgehogs, but it will do little for their appetite for slugs.

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January / February

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Warm up to wood-burning stove Visit our showroom in CHEPSTOW to see our stylish range of traditional and contempory stoves in multi fuel, gas & electric. Stove expertise at competitive prices. Offering the complete package from supply to installation by Hetas qualified engineers and we will ensure you have the perfect stove.

Telephone for a survey: 01291 621545

Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday

Classic Stoves Chepstow Garden Centre, Pwllmeyric, Chepstow NP16 6LF 01291 628080 www.classicstoves.co.uk


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