Gazette The Summer Issue
& Diary Magazine
June / July Issue 27 / 2013 £1.50 - where sold
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■ Fathers day ■ Food ■ Homes and Gardens ■ Local Events ■ Call the Experts ... and much more ...
Situated in the heart of the Welsh valleys, elevated high on Maesrudded Hill, with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside
www.maesmanor.com Tel: 01495 220011 Fax: 01495 228217 E-Mail: info@maesmanor.com
PRIVATE DINING SUNDAY LUNCH Our Seasons Restaurant extension is available for private hire for parties from 10 - 30. Add that extra sparkle to a special occasion with the luxury of a private room. Choose from a wide selection of Al a Carte, Table dhote, Set and buffet menu's.
Head Chef Nigel Parker & his assistant Mandy have been serving up their renowned Sunday roasts for over ten years, and are more popular than ever. Served every Sunday between 12 and 2 in either the wood panelled Seasons restaurant or the fairy light Islwyn Ballroom. Why not make this Sunday, one to remember?
FUNCTIONS We can take care of any function or private party you have in mind. We have catered for hundreds of people for various occasions such as birthday parties, proms, funerals and anniversaries. Just get in touch with our team to find out what we can do for your special occasion.
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid dissapointment. 02
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The Abergavenny Chronicle
Welcome...
In association with
DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk John Gaulton john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk
to the June edition of the Gazette and Diary monthly magazine. With a fantastic summer hopefully on the horizon there is nothing better than to loose yourself in this great read! In this edition you will find we have a special annual supplement on retiring with care, this features great advise for those later years in life. We have a variety of content running this month, from homes and gardens to fine dinning, we are sure whatever you need we can help. So get comfy, relax and enjoy the read.
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.
The Gazette team.
Page 22-23 Gardening gifts for guys
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.
Page 26-27 Health - Simple Seven ▲
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Page 04 Five minutes with... Martin Kemp
▲ Pages 09-19 Retire with Care Supplement
Monmouth MP David Davies holds regular advice surgeries throughout the constituency. To make an appointment telephone
01291 672817
Nick Ramsay AM
david.davies.mp@parliament.uk
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
▲ Page 17 Building Bridges With Our Communities
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.
AVENUE ROAD NURSING HOME
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Inside...
PUBLISHING: Printed and distributed by NWN Media. www.nwnmedia.co.uk Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.
Page 08 Property of the month
Becoming part of your family Our core values of care:
• Privacy • Dignity • Rights • Independence • Choice • Fulfilment• Security • Respect • Equality
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the band, but you never really get to see them for what they are underneath, the dark areas. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE SHOW? We've tried not to rehash stories about the Kray twins or the Richardsons, stuff that everybody's already read and seen on television a million times. The Kray twins do appear, but instead we tell the story of the gang that was ousted because of them. IS IT GOOD TO BE WORKING WITH YOUR BROTHER ON SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T INVOLVE MUSIC OR ACTING?
Five minutes with... Martin Kemp Martin Kemp first found fame as a member of the band Spandau Ballet alongside his brother, Gary. The actor and singer chats about reuniting with his sibling on the small screen TELLS US WHAT GANGS OF BRITAIN IS ALL ABOUT... It's about the history of gangs. If you imagine Who Do You Think You Are? but for gangs, that's it. In each episode, Gary and I split up, and Gary looks at the historical gangs of one city, and I look at the gangs of today. We examine the correlations, the similarities between the two gangs.
It's brilliant. I absolutely love it, I love working with Gary. We're very different people, we have very different personalities, so it's very rare that we tread on each other's toes. We both understand what each other's good at, and I think that now we've got those lines drawn, it's not a problem. If he's successful at something, I'm very proud of him because I know that usually it's something I couldn't have done. It works in that way.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? The production company came to us and said, 'We want to work with you and your brother, and here's some ideas'. So we threw the ideas around for a while, until we spoke about Gangs Of Britain. I think what always draws me into anything is looking at the dark side of something. We've been around the country so many times, to all these cities, playing with
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WILL YOU BE DOING ANY MORE ACTING SOON? Oh yes, absolutely, I love acting. I'm also talking about directing a movie with Gary we have a script that we've been working on. So we might be able to pull that off this year as well, which will be something completely different for me with Gary.
YOU'VE DIRECTED BEFORE, HAVEN'T YOU? I love directing because it kind of rounds up everything that I'm interested in; it's sort of cinematography, it's drama, it's even music, so it's all of my hobbies coming together in one big ball. IF YOU COULD PICK ONLY ONE THING TO DO, WHAT WOULD IT BE? That's a really difficult question because these are my hobbies, and the beautiful thing about it is I don't have to pick. It's a strange situation to be in. I'll give you an example. Yesterday I had the day off, but what I did was start writing a short film, because that's my hobby, whether I get paid for it or not. I'm lucky enough to be in a position where I can earn money out of it. ARE YOU PLEASED WITH THE WAY YOUR CAREER HAS PANNED OUT? There's a lot of things I'd have done differently, but I'm not going to say what they are. But listen, I can't believe sometimes that I started this career when I was seven years old and I'm 51 now. I can't believe I've spent my life doing something that I love. AND NOW YOUR SON IS FOLLOWING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS... That's right. He's an actor and he's just started a film with Danny Dyer called Vendetta.
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YOU MUST BE VERY PROUD... You're always proud of your kids. What is it you want for them? In the end you want them to be better than you, so of course I'm proud. YOUR DAUGHTER HAS BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER... She's doing really well. She's shooting at the moment for an American magazine. She just shot The Saturdays for a front cover, which is great.
If I bump into it once in a while, I'll watch. But it's one of those shows... I used to be addicted to it, but then I was on it, and it kind of took the fun out of watching it. It was one of the most enjoyable jobs I've ever had, but when you love something, you don't really see it as hard work, do you? You just get stuck in. Sometimes I really miss it, and I'm glad I did it, but you have to move on. ■ Gangs Of Britain With Gary & Martin
Kemp begins on the Crime & Investigation Network on Sunday, April 21 at 9pm
FINALLY, WE CAN'T LET YOU GO WITHOUT MENTIONING EASTENDERS. DO YOU STILL WATCH IT?
Sudoku Challenge
Colour me in
J u n e 2 01 3
Solution on page 26
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Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. 07842521332, 07761363090
Carboots every Saturday! (See the 8th)
Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. (See 9th)
Abergavenny Symphony Orchestra, 8pm Our Lady & St Michael’s Church, Pen y Pound, Abergavenny, £7.50
Llantilio Crossenny Open Gardens, 2 til 5. light refreshments, cake & plant stall and wooden craft items. 01873 855207. £5
Pandy Singing Festival 8pm St Michael’s Church Llanvihangel Crucorney. Practices at Zoar Baptist Church 8pm Sundays May 19, 26, June 2, 9
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Car Boot Sale, starts 3pm, Bryn Garage, Penpergwm. Tel: 01873 840640
Govilon Car Boot. Main Road, every Thursday, mornings, weather permitting. 01873 830834
Crickhowell and District History Society Talk ‘Capel-Y-Ffin and Father Ignatius’ by David Harrison, Dragon Hotel, 7.30pm
Bristol, Thursday Matinee, Gilbert & Sullivans D’Oyly Carte The Pirates of Penzance. Coach / Theatre £40. Early booking advised. Reservations 01873 852567
Abergavenny Alzheimer’s Carers Meeting, Angel Hotel, 7.30pm-till late, come along and make a difference
Govilon Car Boot. - see 6, 13, 20
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Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. 07842521332, 07761363090
Carboots every Saturday! (See the 8th)
Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. 07842521332, 07761363090
Abergavenny Farmers Market, Market Hall, Abergavenny. Fresh local produce
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Girl Talk from a Dad who knows Steve Biddulph's Raising Boys was a worldwide bestseller and helped parents to better understand their sons. The child psychologist tells Leader Living’s Hannah Stephenson why he's now focusing on girls.
Property of the month Located just minutes from the heart of Abergavenny town centre, this semi-detached Victorian property comprises 3 double bedrooms, 2 large reception rooms as well as a large kitchen diner. The property also boasts a wealth of original features, as well as having off road parking for several vehicles and enclosed gardens to the rear. With the river Usk, local supermarkets, castle and bus and trains stations just a short walk away, this property is the perfect family home and must be viewed to appreciate. It has also recently been reduced in price and is offered with no onward chain for a quick sale”
Having a 13-year-old daughter who prefers shopping to sport, spends too much time in front of the mirror and would rather read a celebrity magazine than a Harry Potter novel, I can hardly wait to hear some sound parenting advice from renowned child psychologist Steve Biddulph.
"The other four won't do that. They might have sex at around 16 with a boy they like.
Some 15 years ago, Biddulph captured the mood of parents worldwide with his softly softly, common sense approach to bringing up boys, detailed in his bestselling book Raising Boys.
"It's about gentle talking, not fingerwagging. That way, your daughter may get into more scrapes than you'd like her to, but far less than the girls who haven't a clue and are being allowed to do their own thing.
He was the voice of reason, penning ideas and solutions that everyone else had been thinking that fathers have to be good role models but they have to also be present, that boys want your time, not your money.
"You have to be involved and sometimes you have to be unpopular."
Today, he is addressing the various problems of the fairer sex in his latest book, Raising Girls. Listening to my plight, the softlyspoken British-born author, who now lives in Tasmania, advises: "I wouldn't treat shopping as a mother-daughter recreation or talk about weight in the house or buy fashion magazines. Don't show an interest in it." The main problem with today's girls is that they are simply growing up too quickly, he reflects. "The problem with girlhood in 2013 is that we've lost four years of childhood. What you and I were learning at 18 they now confront at 14. What we did at 14 they did at 10. But you can't navigate sexuality at 14. Our culture has robbed girls of four years. "About one in five girls has a serious psychological disorder some time during her growing up," he continues. "It could be anxiety and depression, binge drinking, risky sex and eating disorders. It's an alarming crisis." My own alarm bells ring when he starts talking about daughters having under-age sex. "Statistics show that when a girl is 14, about one in five of her friends will start having sex with boys.
"There's this divide. From research, it's the girls whose mums discuss things with them that fall into the second category [and have sex later].
The book covers all sorts of issues which affect girls, including their premature sexualisation, the dangers of too much TV, social media, not enough sleep, alcohol and drugs, weight and food issues. His advice smacks of common sense - talk to your daughters gently about their problems, limit screen time, encourage family activities and conversation, ensure they get enough sleep and make them feel secure enough to be happy with the way they are on the inside, not fretting about how they appear on the outside. Most of all, it's about spending time with them and raising their sense of being loved and feeling secure. Many of the problems come down to what Biddulph calls the 'toxic flood' of cues coming from the media - TV, movies, music videos and magazines. Images sold by marketeers to make girls feel insecure about their looks, clothes, weight and skin make those very girls want to buy the product solutions the companies are selling, he says. He believes that the problems start much earlier than teenagehood. "You can make girls strong if you start at the beginning and you know where you are going," Biddulph says. "In recent years, parents haven't had a plan. In the old days people had character goals for bringing up their young. It really mattered that your kids were good-hearted, fair and generous and kind and strong in what they stood for. "People worked on those personal traits. But in our consumer society, we feed them and clothe them and get them off to school. The deep down part of parenting has become lost. It's needed in ways it has never been before. "We've never experienced Facebooking in the middle of the night and pornography on little boys' mobile phones. It takes a couple of generations for mums and dads to get a handle on some of these things." Back at home, I chuck out the fashion magazines, prepare a cosy family dinner, cancel those plans for a shopping trip with my daughter in favour of an afternoon's cook-out with her - and keep my fingers firmly crossed for the future. ■ Raising Girls by Steve Biddulph is published
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by HarperCollins. Available now.
Nursing Homes Care Homes Residential Homes Mobility
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PENPERGWM HOUSE Residential Home ABERGAVENNY
Offers full day care and respite facilities for older people who live alone in their own home or with family, but who would like to enjoy new activities with people of their own age group. The House is set in country surroundings but very close to the bustling market town of Abergavenny. We offer a wide range of activities including keep fit, creative writing, art and craft and story-telling. Our guests enjoy a home cooked lunch served in our dining room overlooking the garden and surrounding hills. We have full wheelchair access and our fully trained carers provide all necessary support. Transport can be provided at a small charge.
Summer Fair & BBQ Please telephone Sylvia Bird to arrange a visit. We will be pleased to welcome you. Tel: 01873 840267 www.penpergwmhouse.org
Open Day
Friday 21st June from 3-5pm - with a Willow and Tissue Sculpture display and refreshments
Sunday 23rd June 12.30 - 4.30
Guests: Shetland Pony with Jenny MacGregor MBE The Society for the Welfare of Horses & Ponies
Proceeds for Residents Fund
12.30 1.00 2.00 2.30 3.00 3.30 4.00
OPEN with FREE Sherry served BBQ £3.00 BAR OPEN STALLS OPEN home made cakes and more GARDEN WILLOW Demonstration SILENT AUCTION masses of items MUSIC listen in the beautiful garden TEA AND RAFFLE
For further information Call Sylvia Bird 01873 840267
Penpergwm House, Penpergwm, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 9AE 10
Telephone: 01873 840267 Web site: www.penpergwmhouse.org.uk email: enquiries@penpergwmhouse.org.uk
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Editorial kindly submitted by Independent Living www.independentliving.co.uk Living with a disability; caring for someone who cannot live independently; bringing up a disabled child - we have information on benefits, legislation, keeping warm and well, fall prevention, generally coping with being a carer. Hello and welcome to the latest Independent Living newsletter.
Legal Challenge to PIP
Two law firms, Public Law Solicitors and Leigh Day, challenged the legality of the introduction of the new benefit, on the grounds that the government failed to consult properly, before changing the distance a claimant can travel from 50 metres to 20 metres, in order to qualify for the mobility component. The change was made after consultations were complete.
reduction to 20m in their consultations and so those who might be affected did not have the chance to put their case and explain how devastating the consequences will be.” Her client, Stephen Sumpter, has ME and walks only short distances with a stick, otherwise using a wheelchair to get about. By agreement with the Court and government solicitors, his is the only case that is proceeding currently, and it is expected that the full hearing will take place in July.
Karen Ashton, founding partner at Public Law Solicitors, said: “I am very pleased that the court has found that this case deserves a full hearing. The higher rate of mobility benefit can make an extraordinary difference to a disabled person’s life. But the Government failed to mention the
Belmont House
We have a new showcase page on the site for Mobility Hire, a company that provides an increasing range of equipment on a longterm or short-term basis, including care beds, hoists, wheelchairs with power packs even all-terrain scooters. And this is a link to the care rental section of Independent Living: http://www.independentliving.co.uk/rental.html
Continued
▲
I first wrote about the legal challenge to the government over PIP in April, and I am pleased to be able to report that the action has successfully completed its first step – persuading a judge that the challenge has sufficient merit for a full judicial review hearing.
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28 Avenue Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 7DB Tel: 01873 857607 Fax: 01873 857607 Mob: 07830 385435 (Dr. A. Bansal) ●
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Product Safety - Adverse Incidents Disability Rocks! You may recall that I have been writing about problems caused to users of mobility aids by poor product design, and we are still receiving accounts from you, and awaiting responses from the manufacturers concerned. Meanwhile, I thought it might be helpful to have information on the website about what you should do to highlight any problems with a mobility aid, or medical device. The answer is to complete what is known as an "adverse incident report". These reports are sent to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), which is part of the Department of Health charged with ensuring public health and safety.
You can read guidance about what equipment is covered and how to proceed, at our website: http://www.independentliving.co.uk and I'd like to highlight two points: 1) Anybody can report an adverse incident – you don't have to be a healthcare professional, and 2) If you have concerns about a medical device, you should raise them immediately – don't wait until someone is actually injured. For example, we were told recently about a walker that continued to move when the brakes were applied. Because the health professionals who picked up the problem were able to let the manufacturer know, they are now working to resolve it, before any harm is caused.
Dementia management - tellJoan I did promise a review of the excellent "Essential Guide To Avoiding Dementia" by Mary Jordan this week, but I'm afraid the timetable has slipped a little. It should be ready for the next issue, and in the meantime, I would like to direct your attention to an interesting new computer-based system for managing dementia symptoms, called tellJoan.
utilising an old computer set up in her mother's house, proved an effective solution. You can read the story of how she developed this simple but ingenious system here: http://www.independentliving.co.uk/news/?q=no de/1549
Lynda Cunliffe, a former computer analyst, found herself struggling to cope with her mother's constant anxious phone calls, as dementia left her worried about everything from missed appointments and unpaid bills, to sending Christmas cards - despite regular reassurance that all was in order. A permanent message display,
Is it summer yet? Most of us have just enjoyed a sunny bank holiday weekend, at least, so perhaps we can be cautiously optimistic. And for fans of live entertainment, summer means just one thing – festival season. Here is a new one to add to the calendar. Disability Rocks is a live music and arts fest, to be held on June 8, at Nell Bank in Ilkley, Yorkshire. Stand-up comedian Francesca Martinez will be joined by music group, Singing Hands, performing their unique Makaton singing and signing show for children, and there will also be live music from Danny & The Champions Of The World, The Loose Salute, Bo Weavil, Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou, and Bethia Beadman; as well as drumming, DJ and arts
workshops and, intriguingly, a sensory yurt. Performances by the Peace Artistes, and The Ossett Ukelele Club are also promised. They hope to have a busking stage, where people will be able to book their own 15 minutes of fame playing without power but with their own unique style from saxophone to acoustic guitar or even kazoo. Disability Rocks is a new, not for profit Community Interest Company set up by Richard Sutton, whose young son has a disability, with the aim of presenting music and arts events for anyone affected in any way by any form of disability. You can read more and buy tickets from the Disability Rocks website: http://disabilityrocks.org/ or by phone 0844 870 0000.
Before I go - dance taster, new MHF Ambassador, and more TIN Arts in Durham is looking for new members to join their dance courses in September, and are holding a series of taster sessions. GeTIN2 is aimed at people who are aged 18 and above with a learning disability.
more about the work of MHF and Josh's role, on our website: www.independentliving.co.uk
The sessions include a chance to try some dance, drama and music – or just observe. Dates are as follows: Friday 17th and 31st May, Friday 14th and 28th June, all from 10.30am 12noon. Book your place by calling 0191 384 0728. The muscular dystrophy charity, Muscle Help Foundation, has a new ambassador in 19-yearold racing driver, Josh Webster. You can read
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Happy retirement! I thought something strange was happening last year when people started giving up their seats for me on public transport. Then in November my state pension became due and I began to realise I was now officially classed as on old person and not the 35 year old I still thought I was. Like most people I suspect, I hadn’t thought too much about retirement. Some slightly older friends had described their retirement as having less money, less time and more aches and pains! They were still supporting their children financially. They were working regularly as unpaid child minders and carers for their grandchildren as well as spending more time and money caring for their elderly parents. One of my friends was just recovering from her hip replacement operation and her partner has to monitor his rising blood pressure. A recent study found that retirement increases the chances of suffering from depression by 40%, while you are 60% more likely to suffer from a physical condition than someone who continues working. Well, it can’t be all bad can it? We are living longer and we are healthier than ever before. There really is nothing like the joy of grandchildren, and who would want to live anywhere else? Free bus passes, cheaper rail fares, free prescriptions and eye tests, winter fuel allowance, index linked state pension, occupational pension (if you are really lucky), and great part time job opportunities at B&Q and Asda. You might be lucky enough to have a nest egg built up, too. But hang on! According to the Government we really don’t merit these perks but as a softener for taking them away they will only ask us to pay £72,000 for our care when we get even older. Interest rates are at an all time low with inflation eroding the real value of savings. So there go our nest egg and perks! So how long have we got left to enjoy our ‘Happy retirement’? According to current average life expectancy tables, at age 65 a man has 20 years left and a woman 27. Life expectancy depends on a number of factors and if you would like to find out what yours is likely to be then use the calculator on this website www.uwic.ac.uk/shss/dom/newweb/lifestyle/age_expec
tancy2.htm. These calculators are constructed by actuaries. One once told me his retirement plan was to calculate what he was worth on the day he retired, work out how much longer he had to live, divide one by the other and spend it at a rate so he had nothing left on the day he died. If only it was that easy. The odds are if you are already 65 you have a 1 in 4 chance of living to 100! So what practical steps can you take to help make your retirement years happy? Approaching retirement? 1. Increase your pension contributions: this is the most tax efficient way of saving and it can be even more valuable if your employer matches your contributions. 2. Put money into ISAs: use your tax free annual allowances to build up a lump sum and once you retire you could use it to supplement your income. 3. Defer taking your pension: continue to work and continue to boost your pension fund. 4. Defer taking your state pension: you don’t have to start taking your state pension when you reach your state pension age. If you defer taking it you can either have an enhanced pension or a lump sum when you eventually decide to take it. Make sure you claim your state pension by ‘phone or via the DWP web site. It doesn’t start automatically these days. 5. Buy back missing years of NI contributions: currently if you have not worked, or if you had time off to bring up a family, you may not have enough years of National Insurance contributions to qualify for your full state pension. You can buy these years back so that you get the full amount. 6. Keep working: more and more of us decide to continue working past our normal retirement date. If you do you can take your state pension while you are working or defer it. You may also be able to defer any occupational or private pension and continue to contribute to it. A recent study found this can help you both for economic and health reasons, though my wife, who is a retired teacher, disputes this!
PARADE HOUSE Ideally situated for the elderly, being within level walking distance of the town centre
Parade House is situated in the heart of the beautiful Wye Valley in the centre of the bustling market town of Monmouth. It is ideally situated for the elderly, being within easy level distance of the town with its shops, churches, coffee houses and inns. The building dates from 1970 and has been carefully restored to recreate a country house atmosphere, planned as a comfortable environment in which residents can continue to enjoy their individual way of life. Fully carpeted and centrally heated, the house offers a warm welcome. The Single Room pleasant drawing room and sun lounge both offer views of the secluded garden and are agreeable surroundings for reading and Available conversation.
Newly completed Large en-suite rooms
• Lift to first floor • High standard of cuisine
01600 712821 Fax: 01600 772228
Email: enquiries@paradehouse.co.uk
• For long term or respite care • Friendly,caring atmosphere
For a brochure telephone the proprietor, Maureen Rayner
The Parade, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3PA
Already retired? Well, if you are a homeowner aged 55-95 you may be able to use some of the equity in your home to release a tax free lump sum. This could be used to make improvements to your house, clear outstanding debts, take the family on the holiday of a lifetime, supplement your income, or to help out family and friends. Equity release can provide financial freedom but it’s not for everyone and, as all plans reduce the value of your home, you need to involve your family in the decision. Releasing equity could affect your entitlement to state benefits too. It’s normally a lifetime commitment and needs to be paid back upon death or if you go into long term care. Speaking of long term care, most people are in denial regarding this aspect of later life. We all say: “They will never put me into a home” but the reality is that 1 in 3 of us will go into a care home or need full time care in our lifetime. The cost of this is truly horrific with most homes charging from £25,000 to £35,000 per year. The average stay in a care home is around 3 years. Yes, the Government is considering proposals limiting this cost but these will only apply to very few people and the likelihood is that it’s going to cost you a great deal of money. However, there are ways you can plan for this. In reality this will usually mean looking at ways to cover the cost from your savings and investments at the time you need care. So consider carefully before giving away anything in your lifetime as you may well need it for your own or your parents’ care. If you or your parents are at a stage where care is needed now the following are things you could consider to cover the cost and/or preserve capital to pass on to your family when you die: 1. Investigate the help available from the NHS and Local Authority: however, relying on this, in most cases, will be wishful thinking. 2. Look at what income you can generate from your savings and investments: use this income to supplement your other pensions to cover the costs of care. You will probably have to deplete your savings as well and hope they last for the rest of your life. 3. Buy an annuity now: this can cover part or all of the costs of care for life and leave something for your family or friends.
4. Set up a family trust: this can be done to protect family assets such as property, but you will need to take professional advice regarding this to see if it is suitable for your circumstances. An annuity is basically a lump sum payment made to an insurance company and in return they pay you an agreed income for the rest of your life. Whilst annuity rates are currently low for standard annuities, 1 in 2 of us qualifies for an enhancement due to our lifestyle or medical condition. There are also special annuities available for individuals with severe immediate needs in care. So you can choose to give up some of your savings and investments now but have the assurance that your care costs are covered for life, and that there is something left for your relatives and friends. Unlike my actuary friend, if, at the end of your ‘Happy retirement’, you are lucky enough to have anything left then the Government will be looking for a slice of it. The Inheritance Tax threshold is frozen at £650,000 for couples and £325,000 for single people. Even if you have a modest family home and a few investments you may find there is significant tax to pay when you die so careful estate planning is required now by revising or drawing up your Will and looking at ways in which any potential tax could be covered or mitigated. Don’t forget to arrange Lasting Powers of Attorney, too. My conclusion for achieving a ‘Happy retirement’ is: make the most of today, enjoy the now, but prepare carefully for your financial health for however long you have left. All these issues are complex and specific to your particular circumstances so it is important that you seek qualified professional advice to help you make the right choices for your ‘Happy retirement’. Clive Norbury 01873 810630 clive.norbury@lighthousefa.co.uk Clive Norbury is a Professional Financial Advisor, qualified to advise on investments, pensions, equity release and long term care. Lighthouse Financial Advice is an appointed representative of Lighthouse Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Worried about your pension Unsure about your investments? Your Lighthouse adviser can help you make sense of your finances. Contact Clive Norbury Professional Financial Advisor Tel. 01873 810630 Mobile 07810 792214 clive.norbury@lighthousefa.co.uk www.lighthousefa.co.uk
Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited is an appointed representative of Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lighthouse Group plc. ●
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Herefordshire
Care Homes
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Enjoy the taste of Summer Our brand new Summer Menu 2013 is now available and our head chef, Phil Rimmer, has been working with his team to create some tasty new recipes, so we can spoil you this summer! You can try them by ordering the new Summer Menu Pack, which includes seven seasonal main courses and three delicious desserts. All perfect for warmer and brighter days. Order your menu pack today at just £29.95 and you’ll also receive a pack of our delicious Chocolate Éclairs (worth £2.95) FREE*.
We hope you enjoy our summer menu! Meals are delivered FREE of charge and direct to your door by our caring, police-checked drivers and if you wish, your driver will even pop the meals in the freezer for you. Whenever you’re ready, you can simply heat your meal from frozen in an oven or microwave and enjoy. So a piping hot meal is only ever minutes away! We cover all mealtimes and offer main meals, mini meals, hearty meals, breakfasts, afternoon tea and desserts. We’re here to help take care of all your mealtimes.
Fantastic Summer Flavours Each meal in the pack is also available to order individually. Try our new Chicken & Summer Vegetable Casserole or our tasty Lincolnshire Sausages & Gravy followed by a gorgeous Summer Pudding packed with juicy berries or a cooling Rum & Raisin Ice Cream! Simply order the pack to try them all or just choose the dishes that suit you. It’s completely up to you.
Brian and Sara Stringer and their award winning team at your local Wiltshire Farm Foods have earned a reputation for delivering quality meals and outstanding customer service. Give the team a call on 01600 892855 – they’ll be happy to take your order or answer any questions you may have. They can also arrange to send you your own copy of the free full colour Spring & Summer 2013 brochure.
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Moving into a care home is a big step. Whatever the circumstances it represents a major life change, not only for the person concerned, but also for family and friends. At Milkwood Care we believe it can and should be a positive, lifeenhancing experience. And that is why we try to make the transition as smooth as possible. Selecting the right home is important, and looking at the homes available for the first time can be a daunting and stressful experience, that’s why you can rest assured we run specialist care homes of the highest standard. Our managers and their teams will try to help you through this process, and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have on care, amenities, ongoing support and lifestyle choices.
Our team ca n make the tra nsition into ca free as possib re as stress le and tailore d to suit your needs
Milkwood Care own three specialist homes in this area, so if you need ongoing support, are looking for long-term help or if you just need some advice on care then please call or visit one of our superb homes where our staff will welcome you or feel free to visit our website to find out more about our homes and the care that we provide www.milkwoodcare.co.uk
Our team can make the transition into care as stress free as possible and tailored to suit your needs:
Ganarew House Near Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3SS 01600 890273
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The Mountains Libanus, Brecon Powys, LD3 8EN 01874 624242
Castleford House Castleford Gardens, Tutshill, Chepstow, NP16 7LF 01291 629929
Building Bridges With Our Communities This momentous day is set to be a real highlight for our surrounding communities; with confirmation from the Mayor, local businesses, teams and community residents that they will be attending.
At Milkwood Care we are in the throws of organising very special events that will be taking place at Castleford House Care Home, Ganarew House Care Home and The Mountains Care Home on 21st June 2013. The homes will be celebrating the First National Care Home Open Day, set up to create an opportunity to build links between care home residents and their local communities. We are looking to build bridges with our local community and feel that this day will be the perfect opportunity to get to know our neighbours that little bit better.
If you would like to be involved in the run up to, or on the day of the event, please do get in touch. Milkwood Care Limited 01730 233993.
I can’t stand up for falling down Although the number of falls taken by our residents has always been low, Milkwood Care set out in the middle of last year to fight against this statement and to set out new objectives to get all the care teams working with one aim - to reduce the falls in our care homes to the absolute minimum. After a period collecting data from all the homes on the number of falls and the results of these falls on resident’s lives, we found that between them our 230 residents were falling over 26 times a week on average, and that this resulted in 3 hospital visits because of injuries sustained. To try to reduce this number the managers all agreed on unified action and set these simple objectives:
by impending infection, hypotension, or perhaps the on-set of diabetes. Mrs H had started to experience falls and shortly after she developed a chest infection. We now know that by analysis of her restless behaviour we are able to call the doctor before the infection develops, thus preventing her falling. By looking at this kind of feed-back we have realised that it’s not just preparing a fall’s risk assessment that’s important, but it’s analysing the results and finding a solution. Our environmental reports have come back with some easy fix results, which we actioned immediately, and others which take a change of culture. At one home we found some small stairs were giving a problem - but only in the lunch time rush. A couple of small removable handrails for use over this period took away the problem. But apart from the creation of physical barriers and re-arranging room layouts, we also found that noise in the environment can upset some people and make falls more likely - so monitoring TV and music noise can improve the fall-free environment. Miss G became agitated, annoyed and fell as a result of hearing too much Vera Lynn. Change the music and the problem has reduced.
1. To ensure that every one of our residents has a comprehensive fall’s risk assessment. 2. To ensure that each of our homes has a comprehensive environmental risk assessment to reduce the risk of falls. 3. To introduce an exercise and well-being programme to help our residents stay on their feet. 4. To further increase awareness in all our staff to prevent falls.
Improving the health of our increasingly frail residents is not so easy. We already ran music and music exercise classes, so we have looked for new ways to meet this objective. We have some seated cycles on trial to see if they work and will be used. Our activity organisers are being asked to support exercise around the home, and one of them now has an indoor golf team who are top of the league!
Let’s look at what we found. Firstly, a fall can be the result of declining health, and can be caused
But every member of our staff is key to all of our objectives being met. They are learning to
RAGLAN FORD
question professional judgements and relate them to an individual’s situation. They are, for example learning to check slippers to make sure they fit properly and cannot cause a fall. They are looking at chairs and residents to ensure they suit each other. And some cases can be complex. Take Mr T who came back from two specialist fall’s clinics with a new zimmer, but still kept falling over. After careful observation our team found that if they walked behind him to catch him if he fell, he became distracted and unsteady. Move away and he carries on safely. So what of our overall progress? Well the number of falls has reduced dramatically, and is down to 14 per week - a reduction of 46%. And, not surprisingly, the ambulance trips to hospital are down as well, to only one per week. The whole team are changing lives for the better and have found that is far from inevitable that you will fall over as you get older and frailer. And we’re still working on it....
“The number of falls has reduced dramatically, and is down to 14 per week - a reduction of 46%”
Call us now: 01291 690423
Your Local Ford Dealer For All Your New And Used Cars
SERVICING MOT TESTING STATION AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST
High Street, Raglan, Monmouthshire Tel: (01291) 690423
Email: raglanford@euroline.com www.raglanford.com
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Recipe Corner
Asian Spiced Burgers with Mango Salsa Serves 4 Ingredients: ● 450g/1lb lean beef mince ● 1 onion, peeled and grated ● 10ml/2tsp garlic paste or 2 large garlic
cloves, peeled and finely chopped ● 10ml/2tsp fresh root ginger, peeled and
finely chopped
not the refrigerator. 4. Cook the burgers on a prepared barbecue or preheated grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked and any meat juices run clear. 5. Serve the burgers in mini naans with the salsa.
● 15ml/1tbsp garam masala ● 5ml/1tsp turmeric ● Salt and freshly milled black pepper ● 15-30ml/1-2tbsp freshly chopped
coriander ● Mango Salsa: ● 1 ripe mango, peeled, stoned and finely
chopped ● 1 small red onion, peeled and finely
chopped ● 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely
chopped, optional ● 30ml/2tbsp freshly chopped mint ● 15ml/1tbsp freshly chopped coriander ● Grated rind and juice of 1 lime
Preparation time: 15 minutes plus chilling time Cooking time: 12-16 minutes
Method: 1. In a large, shallow bowl mix all the burger ingredients together. 2. Using slightly damp hands shape the mixture into 4 x 9cm (3½inch burgers). Cover and chill for 20 minutes. 3. To make the salsa, mix all the salsa ingredients together in a large bowl, cover and set aside in a cool place, but
Miracle Workers Agency Providers of Live-in Care
We are an independent, family-owned and run business that has over 18 years experience in providing live-in carers to our clients across the UK. Our goal is to assist you to live a full and independent life in the comfort of your own home. Working directly with you and your family, our very personal service will establish a support system which aims to provide the very best of care.
You are at the heart of what we do. To discuss your needs and how we can help, call today to speak to Miriam Warner, the founder of our company, or one of her team of dedicated and experienced Care Managers. Please Telephone: 01873 881 306 Visit our website: www.miracle-workers.co.uk Or email: miriam.warner@miracle-workers.co.uk
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Penpentre, Llanfaes, Brecon, Powys. LD3 8DL
Tel: 01874 623311 Tel: 01874 611421 Fax: 01874 610325
www.breconcarsales.co.uk
Brecon Car Sales is a family run business in the small town of Brecon. Established for 30 years we will endeavour to provide you with the best customer service within the market place. Although we specialise in Renaults we will service, MOT and carry out work on all makes and models. Our technicians are fully trained to Renault standards. We are a friendly garage and welcome all of our customers. Coffee is complimentary and provided to you while you wait. Transportation issues will gladly be addressed within the local area. Why not have a day out in Brecon while you’re up here?
New Renault Clio - from NIL Advance Rental
Opening Hours (Mon-Fri) 8:30am to 5:00pm (Sat) 9am to 12.30pm (Sun) Closed
Renault Megane Hatchback from £350.00
Dacia Sandero - from NIL Advance Rental
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Mourning for Amy - A dad’s grief As fans remembered the first anniversary of Amy Winehouse's death last month her father Mitch tells Hannah Stephenson how he's coping with the emptiness in his life. Like so many grieving parents whose children's lives have been cut short, Mitch Winehouse has thrown himself into work since the death of his famous daughter, Amy. His focus over the last year has been to raise funds for the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity he set up to help young people facing difficulties. He's also pursued his own singing career and written a harrowing book, Amy: My Daughter, with proceeds going to the charity. He has written the book, he says, to help his own recovery, but also to set the record straight over any misconceptions that Amy was still on drugs when she died. He blames her descent into cocaine and heroin on her ex-husband, Blake Fielder-
Civil. It was only when they split up that Amy started to recover, he says, but Back To Black became a noose around her neck because the autobiographical album was all about her doomed relationship with Fielder-Civil. Despite this, Mitch says his daughter had been drug-free for nearly three years prior to her death. Indeed, an inquest found that she had died from alcohol poisoning and there were no traces of drugs in her bloodstream. The coroner recorded a verdict of misadventure. "To be able to write it all down was cathartic for me," says Mitch. "I wanted people to know what a lovely, generous, charming, wonderful person she was, even during those dark periods.
Exasperation, frustration and helplessness are all words that spring to mind when you read Mitch's account of the rebellious girl from Southgate, north London, who went on to become a millionaire recording artist. Mitch had been around during so many of the tumultuous times: throwing drug pushers out of her home, taking her to detox centres, picking up the pieces when she was arrested for assault, when she failed to turn up at important recording sessions or arrived late and drunk at gigs. But her childhood wasn't without its share of heartache. Mitch and Amy's mum Janis split up when Amy was 10, and he went to live with his now second wife, Jane.
psychiatrist helped me to replace that memory with another, of Amy just laughing.
Today, the anxiety Mitch felt while Amy was battling her addictions has been replaced by grief, and a guilt that he can now actually sleep at night, even though his daughter is dead.
"I wanted people to know how funny Amy was. Even during those terrible, terrible times, we managed to laugh."
After her death, Mitch sought psychiatric help because he couldn't rid himself of the image of her in the mortuary.
■ Amy: My Daughter, by Mitch Winehouse, is published by Harper Collins, priced £20. Available now.
"Although she looked lovely and she was at peace, I didn't want that memory. The
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.
ABERGAVENNY MARKET OPEN: TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY
FLEA MARKET
For further details contact Geoff Harris
EVERY WEDNESDAY
TV to look out for The Vikings exclusively via Lovefilm.com
ANTIQUE FAIR
01873 735811
EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH SUNDAY 16TH JUNE
FARMERS MARKET THURSDAY 27TH JUNE
CRAF T FAIR
EVERY 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH SATURDAY 8TH JUNE
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Gardening gifts for guys By Hannah Stephenson
Tips on buying gardening gifts on this Father's Day - plus, find out what else needs doing in the garden this week. If your dad wants to make the most of the garden in so-called 'flaming June' and beyond, then you can make his Father's Day by buying him a gift which will make his job easier or simply make him smile. Top of the list must be Hozelock's new Flexi Spray, the winning garden product of this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It's a terrific multi-purpose watering attachment which can be moulded into an array of shapes for different watering functions, from stretching to hanging baskets, to shaping to use as a lawn spray. Available from DIY stores, leading garden centres and specialist retailers, RRP £29.99. Among the most practical presents for the keen, active gardener is the Bosch AMW 10 Multi-tool, an all-inone device for tackling unruly lawn edges, dishevelled trees and unkempt hedges. The 1000w motor will allow users to cut through thick twigs and branches, while the attachment heads can be changed easily, without the need for additional tools. It will be a great help if your dad has trouble reaching high hedges, as it's capable of cutting overhead with the 180degree-angle hedgecutter, trimming stubborn growth with the heavy-duty trimmer and pruning overhead branches with the pole pruner. The motor unit retails from £79.99, the hedgecutter attachment from £69.99, the pole pruner attachment from £69.99 and the heavy duty trimmer attachment from £59.99. The complete kit is available from £199.99 from selected retailers including Argos and Homebase. For details, visit www.bosch.co.uk Those who are on a tight budget may prefer to go for more frivolous gifts which look great and do a fine job
Gazette
in the garden. House of Bath sells a delightful Robin Teapot Nester, an open nesting site made from a frost-resistant ceramic teapot with a lovely rustic finish that robins, flycatchers, wrens and wagtails will love. Priced £16.95 from www.houseofbath.co.uk or phone 0871 230 0867. It was news last week that the Chelsea Flower Show was lifting its ban on gnomes, so if they're good enough for the RHS, they're good enough for Dad and there's some pretty funky gnomes on the market. My favourite is Woodland Wilf Born To Be Wild, a pint-sized figure sitting on a motorbike. It's frostproof, weather resistant and features a solar light as its headlamp. Every dad should have one. RRP £19.99. For stockists details, visit www.woodlandwilf.co.uk or phone 01905 791 984. Outdoorsy dads will have a laugh flicking through a useful manual entitled Be Prepared: How To Light A Wet Match And 199 Other Useful Things To Know, drawn from the archives of the Scout Association, with a foreword by Bear Grylls. It offers advice on the right way to hold an eel, wield an axe or string a hammock and offers tips on how to survive in the wild, predict the weather or shine at a party. Published by Simon & Schuster, priced £14.99.
If the little ones want to buy something they can do with their dad, look no further than Seed Pantry's delightful new Dad And Me Veg Seeds starter pack, designed for allotments and containing a fantastic selection of 10 easyto-grow summer season vegetable seeds, including two gourmet lettuce varieties, chard, spinach, tumbling tomatoes, carrots, sweet peppers, French beans, tasty courgettes and Italian beetroot. Younger gardeners grow four varieties of vegetables and herbs - sweetcorn, cress, pumpkins and sunflowers - and the packs contain all the equipment you need to get started, including mini propagators, bio-degradable rice husk pots, coir coconut husk pots, seed tray, organic mini compost disks, dibblet and seedling markers. The seed varieties grow well in pots, containers and the garden veg patch in sheltered sunny positions. The starter pack is priced at £48.75 and available from www.seedpantry.co.uk
GWENT YFC COUNTY RALLY & DANCE
SATURDAY 15TH JUNE 2012
‘THE CELTS NOW & THEN’
SKIRRID SKIRRID FARM, FARM, LLANDEWI LLANDEWI SKIRRID SKIRRID NP7 NP7 8AP 8AP (BY (BY KIND KIND PERMISSION PERMISSION OF OF THE THE BEAVAN BEAVAN FAMILY) FAMILY) COMPETITIONS COMPETITIONS START START AT AT 10 10 AM AM (NO (NO DOGS DOGS ALLOWED) ALLOWED) RALLY RALLY DANCE DANCE –– 8PM 8PM –– 1AM 1AM £8 MEMBERS/ £12 NON MEMBERS U18’S YFC MEMBERS ONLY (ID AND MEMBERSHIP CARDS) GWENT YFC HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRY (NO OVER NIGHT CAMPING ALLOWED) 01291 672602 gwent@yfc-wales.org.uk
ALL PROCEEDS TO GWENT YFC – CHARITY NO 524397 22
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Gardens Sharp tools can make or break a gardening task, so if he needs a new pruning tool, treat him to the newly launched Fiskars Quantum bypass pruner, which has a comfortable cork handle, superior blades and a smooth, light and strong aluminium body. The blade is made of hardened steel and anti-friction coating. Available nationwide in garden centres, DIY stores and online. RRP £54.99. For more information, go to www.fiskars.co.uk We are all being told to encourage beneficial insects to our gardens and it is hoped the ChapelWood Bee Box will do just that. Made from FSC cedar, it provides an ideal and safe habitat for bees which will hopefully pollinate more of Dad's homegrown fruit and veg. Priced £12.99, stockists details on 01905 791 984 or visit www.chapelwoodwildlife.co.uk
comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack connection, enabling users to plug in their portable music player or smartphone. When they're finished with the mat, it can be rolled up with the speakers attached and comes with a handle for carrying ease. RRP 34.99, from www.spinninghat.com and www.iwoot.com
Good enough to eat protect your strawberries
Eco-friendly fathers may want to water their plants with rainwater and now they can with a hose attachment from Pure Rain, which adds millions of microscopic nano-bubbles to tap water to re-oxygenate it to emulate rain water. Tests show the extra oxygen helps plants absorb nutrients quickly, making them healthier. Available in three models Handheld Gun (RRP £19.99), Handheld Gun Plus (£29.99) and Handheld Gun Pro (£34.99). For more information, visit www.purerain.co.uk
Your strawberries may be a little slow to ripen compared with previous years but be patient and they will make it worth your while, and when you see the high price of Dutch and Spanish imports in supermarkets, growing your own makes good economic sense too. Now is the time to be taking particular care of your plants, while the fruits are still young. Weed regularly because strawberries are shallow-rooted and can be quickly over-run by weeds if you don't stay vigilant. When the small green fruits form, spread straw or lay synthetic strawberry mats down between the plants, tucking them under the leaves and around the plant collars to stop weeds and protect the fruit from mud splashes, damp and dirt. This is the time you need to water them carefully, watering between the plants as wet strawberries will often go mouldy. You'll need to protect the plants from birds by either growing them in a fruit cage or using lightweight netting, draped over a framework of canes. Avoid putting nets straight over the strawberries because the birds will peck straight through them.
Dads who want to add a little life and soul to their outdoor party may love the innovative Speaker Blanket from Spinning Hat, a fold-away picnic blanket which houses an AA batteryoperated music system into a fold away picnic blanket so Dad will never be without his favourite songs on a hot summer's day. The gadget
Tracey & Ken extend a warm welcome to customers old & new
High Street
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Crickhowell
Twice Voted Pub of the Year in The last 10 years
JULY 27th and 28th.
NP8 1BW
Recommended by the AA in The Best Places to Stay and the Good Pub Guide
Recommended in the Good Food Guide 07
Christmas 2013 Party Menu now available
The Annual Beer Festival.
Saturday - BBQ - Sunday - Hog Roast Live music from - Bbc Band, Hired Gun, Black Rat Effect and Nice and Sleazy
Evening and Lunch Parties catered for throughout December
Our new summer menu is now available
www.coachandhorses.org Tel: 01874 730245 info@coachandhorses.org
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01873 810408
What’s on at the Coach and Horses?
More events may be added closer to the time. Please contact us on 01874 730245 for more details or follow us on Facebook - Coach and Horses Llangynidr group or Twitter - Coach Llangynidr
▲
The Coach & Horses Inn The Bear Hotel Cwm Crawnon Road, Llangynidr, NP8 1LS Continued
Please phone of email for your copy
THE HOTEL WITH AWARD WINNING FOOD Come and enjoy the atmosphere in the award winning Bear Hotel. Excellent bar food with a family bar, restaurant and accomodation. Autumn flowering baskets and log fires add to the charming surroundings.
dog friendly
www.bearhotel.co.uk ●
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Best of the bunch - geum This sizzling perennials provide a splash of colour before other early summer blooms have emerged, offering shades varying from fiery red to orange and zingy yellow. Growing to around 60cm (2ft), they look good in the front of borders or in containers or as cut flowers. Some types look good in rockeries and others go well in wildflower gardens.
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The popular clump-forming types, which grow to 30cm or more, produce flowers from late May until July and make easy border plants. Their bright colours, particularly the oranges, go well with deep purple plants or dark-leaved shrubs, such as smoke bush or purple berberis, and contrast well against lime green euphorbias.
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For more subtle colours, go for new varieties such as 'Totally Tangerine'. Stick to single flower varieties if you want to attract bees and other pollinating insects. Geums thrive in virtually any soil as long as it's not too dry or too waterlogged, in sun or partial shade. Cut back the old stems after the first flowers have finish to encourage a later display.
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Check that containers and hanging baskets aren't drying out. They may need watering every day, even if the sun hasn't been shining. Continue to harden off outdoor tomatoes and courgettes as temperatures rise. Disbud border carnations for larger blooms. Cut back alyssum and aubrieta in the rock garden after flowering. Sow seeds of fast-maturing annuals directly into the ground and thin any seedlings sown earlier in the year. Sow spring-flowering biennials such as forget-me-nots, sweet Williams and wallflowers. Divide early-flowering perennials such as primulas. Lift spring bulbs when the foliage has died down (after about six weeks) if you need the space and store the bulbs in boxes in a well-ventilated shed. Hand weed carefully where seeds are sown directly into the ground, and use a hoe in larger spaces between blocks of plants. Check for powdery mildew and other diseases on plants such as Michaelmas daisies, lilies and peonies. Tie new canes of blackberries and hybrid berries loosely to supports to prevent them from blowing about and damaging the fruiting canes. Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings of chrysanthemums, fuchsias, herbs and many perennials, to root in the greenhouse. Water peppers and aubergines in the greenhouse regularly and give them a liquid feed every two weeks. Watch out for red spider mite and whitefly.
Three ways to... succeed with asparagus 1. Only plant it if you have room for 30 crowns, or you won't get a big enough crop. 2. Be patient. allow at least three years before you start cutting any spears, and longer if you're growing from seed. 3. Plant crowns in a warm place - avoid frost pockets - on well-drained, fertile soil, soaking them for an hour if they look dry and spreading the roots.
Gazette Motors
C-MAX Hybrid – Ford’s Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle
Renault reveals crazy V6 'Twingo' concept The hottest news from the world of motoring. This week: Renault reveals crazy V6 'Twingo' concept. The Twin'Run concept, which wears a special oneoff glass-polyester composite Twingo-esque bodyshell over a tubular steel racing chassis, is powered by a mid-rear-mounted 3.5-litre V6 taken from a Megane Trophy racing car. The car led a three-car procession around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, heading a Clio V6 driven by French Formula 1 driver Charles Pic, and a classic Maxi 5 Turbo driven by former rally champion Jean Ragnotti.
car. In terms of balance and ride, it brings the R5 Turbo to mind to some extent," he says. Despite vocal approval from fans of the Clio V6, Renault will not build a production version of the Twin'Run. Instead, the company says the concept's true purpose is to hint at the styling of its replacement for the Twingo.
Thanks to a six-speed sequential gearbox, a weight of just 950kg and a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio of 333bhp per tonne, the rear-wheel drive Twin'Run sprints from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and is limited to a 155mph top speed. The Twin'Run doesn't just have huge power and performance. A limited-slip differential ensures maximum traction when exiting corners, while a 57% rearward weight balance is typical of midengined cars and should help guarantee driveability. Ragnotti was involved in the final tuning of the chassis system of the Twin'Run. He shared his impressions while taking a look back at the R5. "Following this first drive, I'd say that this is a sound car with a strong pedigree. It's easy to control. You can feel straight away that it's a sports
Preview: New Vauxhall 1.6-litre SIDI engine to block-shift smoothly, while each ratio locates easily with just the right amount of initial resistance.
As well as the engines, there are new gearboxes, both manual and automated manual type, aimed at improving shift accuracy, smoothness and feel.
The engine pulls harder above 3,000rpm until acceleration starts to fall away by 5,000rpm, making it a lowrevving unit by petrol standards. Ultimately, that should help reduce engine wear many years down the line.
The first to arrive is a new breed of turbocharged petrol in 1.6-litre guise, dubbed SIDI to signify Spark Ignition Direct Injection. With 13% lower fuel consumption and emissions than its predecessor, the engine ticks the eco boxes, but power and torque have been boosted by up to 30% so that the unit can replace older, less efficient 2.0-litre ones across several model lines.
The turbo's extra thrust arrives smoothly after 1,500rpm, making it very flexible around town, and then there's the new gearbox which is now happier
Vauxhall's engineers have confirmed that the SIDI 1.6 will be built with a variety of power outputs and should find applications across every range from the Corsa to the Insignia and Zafira. Only the diminutive Adam will definitely not see it. With ongoing improvements on the cards, the new engine is leading the way for its successors and stablemates to follow.
Skoda cars take top two positions in JD Power survey The Superb was voted the UK's best car - up from fourth place last year while the Yeti was just behind, taking second place. Both won their respective categories, helping Skoda into fourth place in the 'best brands' classification. Judged by thousands of car owners who live with their vehicles day-to-
day, JD Power is one of the most influential and eagerly anticipated reports in UK motoring. The full results are published in the July edition of What Car? magazine. Chas Hallett, What Car? editor in chief, says: "Skoda continues to win fans. Owners really rate their cars and the Skoda network. The brand works hard
and it shows." Alasdair Stewart, brand director for Skoda UK, comments: "JD Power is all about customer satisfaction and for the Superb and Yeti to take the top two positions is fantastic. It's testament to Skoda's innovative thinking, quality of the cars, and the outstanding service offered by our dealers."
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P r i n t e r C a r t r i d g es
RE F ILLE D w hi l e ‘ u’ w a i t
Health - Simple Seven
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A recent study reveals that seven lifestyle steps designed to improve heart health can also massively reduce the risk of cancer. Experts outline the Simple Seven and explain why following these relatively small steps can make a huge difference to overall health.
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The Simple 7 were revealed to reduce the risk of cancer by up to 51%, compared with people who didn't follow any of the rules, as well as having a significant impact on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, by Northwestern University in the US, also found that following four of the seven steps led to a 33% risk reduction in cancer, and adopting just one
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And Pav Kalsi, clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, says: "There's good evidence that eating a healthy diet, keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. "For a person who already has diabetes, maintaining healthy blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure levels will reduce the chance of complications, such as heart attacks, stroke or kidney disease." Amy Thompson, a senior cardiac nurse from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), says heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in the UK, and points out: "We already know that they share some common risk factors. "Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do
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Laura Rasmussen-Torvik, lead author of the study, says: "This can help health professionals provide a clear, consistent message about the most important things people can do to protect their health and lower their overall risk for chronic diseases."
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However, new research has now found that the seven steps, which include eating well, being active and watching your blood pressure, can help keep other major diseases at bay too.
or two rules cut risk by 21%.
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for your heart health, but getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet and watching your blood pressure and blood cholesterol are all vital ways to protect your heart." She suggests people over the age of 40 who have any health concerns should ask their GP for a free health check, which aims to identify problems early, and give advice on simple lifestyle and health measures like the factors outlined in the Simple 7. "These factors all link in with each other," stresses Thompson, "so try to address as many of them as you can. But any reduction in risk is beneficial, especially if you start young - so do it now!" Dr Helga Groll, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, adds: "The study is a reminder that a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of more than one type of disease. "Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't guarantee a person won't develop cancer or other diseases, but it helps stack the odds in our favour."
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Life’s simple 7
cholesterol builds up and narrows the walls of the coronary arteries to the heart.
Here's an outline of the seven steps...
HDL 'good' cholesterol (found in foods like fruit, veg, oats and oily fish) helps remove 'bad' cholesterol from the blood and return surplus amounts to the liver.
● Eat a healthy diet A balanced diet is advised, with a good variety of vegetables and fruit - five a day is a good aim - as well as daily portions of wholegrain fibre and carbs such as potatoes, rice and wholegrain bread and pasta.
Dairy and protein-rich meat and eggs are important too but portions should be controlled, and two portions of oily fish a week is great for heart health. Food and drinks high in saturated and trans fats and/or sugar shouldn't be consumed too often. Maintain a healthy weight The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) says the evidence that being overweight increases the risk of cancer is stronger than ever. After not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important cancer prevention measure. Research shows fat cells release hormones such as oestrogen, which can increase the risk of certain cancers. Excess fat, particularly stored around the waist, can have a similar effect. ●
Being overweight can also significantly increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. One of the easiest ways to check you're a healthy weight is by measuring your body mass index (BMI), which should be between 18.5 and 24.9. (Visit www.bhf.org.uk/bmi/BMI_Calc.html) ● Maintain healthy cholesterol levels Too much saturated fat and trans fats can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood which, over time, can lead to heart disease because too much 'bad' LDL
As well as being a crucial factor in heart health, studies have found that high levels of HDL cholesterol may reduce the risk of some cancers. Plus, people with diabetes are more prone to having unhealthy cholesterol levels. Keep blood pressure down Eating too much salt can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure - because the body holds extra water to wash the salt away, which can increase pressure on blood vessel walls. Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause the heart to become enlarged and pump less effectively, possibly leading to heart failure. ●
High blood pressure is a big risk factor for strokes, too, and studies have also found that high blood pressure may sometimes lead to a greater risk of certain cancers. Increasing physical activity, losing weight, reducing salt intake (particularly hidden salts in many types of bread and convenience foods, for instance), cutting down on alcohol and eating a balanced, healthy diet can all reduce blood pressure. ● Be active Being physically active provides long-term benefits for both the heart and general health, helping control weight and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
Being active in middle age can increase life expectancy
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Government guidelines recommend a total of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity - which makes you feel warmer, breathe harder and makes your heart beat faster - each week. This can include everyday activities like brisk walking and gardening, as well as things like swimming or playing sport. Don't smoke Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack as people who have never smoked, warns the BHF. Smoking damages the lining of the arteries and narrows them, makes the heart beat faster, and blood more likely to clot.
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Cancer Research UK says smoking accounts for one in four UK cancer deaths, and nearly a fifth of all cancer cases. It causes the majority of lung cancers, and increases the risk of more than 12 other types including cancers of the mouth, liver, pancreas, stomach, kidney, bladder, cervix and bowel.
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For people with diabetes, smoking increases the risk of complications including cardiovascular disease, nerve,
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