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■ Pets ■ Style & Fashion ■ Homes and Gardens ■ Local Events ■ Competitions ■ Call the Experts ... and much more ...
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The Spring Issue
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Welcome...
In association with
The Abergavenny Chronicle DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk
Welcome to the May edition of the Gazette and Diary monthly magazine. with the weather improving its an ideal time to take a good look at our Lets Get Away section which will give you great ideas for the perfect trip. We also have tips for those with green thumbs and also we have a special feature on solar - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
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.
So get out in that garden while the sun is shinning and enjoy this latest read!
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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 12 Why Malta Rocks Page 06 Oriel Crickhowell
▲ Page 17 The family way
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.
Assembly Member for Monmouth
Page 10 Bagging some old school cool
Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing
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Nick Ramsay AM Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office, 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB
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Page 21 Every little helps
E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk
For further information call: 01291 674 898 or 029 2089 8735
Three Peaks of Wales Sat
22nd June 2013 Supported by
Three Peaks of Wales Sat 22nd June 2013 Are you up to the challenge? We invite you to join us as we climb the three Peaks of Wales: Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan in one day.
www.stdavidshospicecare.org 01633 851051 Find us on:
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Gazette Giggles!
Sudoku Challenge
Q: How do bunnies stay healthy? A: Eggercise Q: What do you call a man with a dictionary in his pants? A: A smarty pants. Q: What do you call ten rabbits marching backwards? A: A receding hareline.
May 2013 Fundraising Event ‘Musical MayFest!’ in aid of Abergavenny Citizens Advice Bureau. 7.30pm. Tickets available from Borough Theatre
Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. Tel: 07842521332, 07761363090 Car Boot Sale, Glangrwyney CC, new venue Cwrt y Gollen Camp
Solution on page 22
Colour me in Carboots every Saturday! Llyncytrych Farm, Glangrwney, Crickhowell NP8 1EE (Opposite the Army Camp). Gates open 12.00 to the public, sellers 11.00. Call Rachel on 07988 745752
Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. Tel: 07842521332, 07761363090
Carboots every Saturday! Llyncytrych Farm, Glangrwney, Crickhowell NP8 1EE (Opposite the Army Camp). Gates open 12.00 to the public, sellers 11.00. Call Rachel on 07988 745752
Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. Tel: 07842521332, 07761363090
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 Local History Society, Frank Olding’s talk will follow the AGM at the Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to join on the night
Abergavenny Alzheimer’s Memory Café, Trinity Hall, 11.30am – 1.30pm, all welcome.
Crickhowell & District History Society Talk by David Woodliffe ‘ Triumph & Tragedy – The Wales 1950 Triple Crown’, Dragon Hotel, Crickhowell, 7.30pm
Elvis and Memphis Mafia Concert in aid of Cancer Research 7.30 Borough Theatre. 01873 850805
Carboots every Saturday! Llyncytrych Farm, See the 11th Cardiff St David’s Hall, evening 7.30pm, St David’s Praise Concert. Orchestra, Choirs, Soloists. Coach/Hall £22inc. Further details 01873 852567
Carboots every Saturday! Llyncytrych Farm, Glangrwney, Crickhowell NP8 1EE (Opposite the Army Camp). Gates open 12.00 to the public, sellers 11.00. Call Rachel on 07988 745752
Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. Tel: 07842521332, 07761363090
ABERGAVENNY MARKET OPEN: TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY Pen Y Fal Car Boot Sale. Sellers 10am Buyers 11am. Tel: 07842521332, 07761363090
FLEA MARKET
For further details contact Geoff Harris
ANTIQUE FAIR
01873 735811
EVERY WEDNESDAY
EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH SUNDAY 19TH MAY
FARMERS MARKET Abergavenny Alzheimer’s Carers Meeting, Angel Hotel, 7.30pm-till late, come along and make a difference
THURSDAY 23RD MAY
CRAFT FAIR
EVERY 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH SATURDAY 11TH MAY
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scintillating - it’s the only word to describe it.”
Oriel Crickhowell
Morgan has developed a technique of using broad brush strokes on rough paper to capture colours quickly before the light changes. He enjoys the bustle of St Mark’s Square, which produces busy and bold images, but he also seeks out less-heralded sights and everyday scenes.
Artist profile: Morgan Llewellyn Artist Morgan Llewellyn exhibits in London and has a painting in a Royal Collection – and now there’s a welcome chance to see and buy his work locally in his Llangattock Court home on Sunday 26th and Monday 27th May during CRiC’s Crickhowell Open Studios and Galleries weekend.
Photograph by Michael Woodward
Understanding people is at the heart of Morgan's portrait work, with much of the pleasure coming from the interaction with his sitter. Personality shines through his portraits, though he shows his chivalry when he admits “I find ladies more difficult to paint. I’m more concerned not to displease them.” Morgan’s military portraits hang in the Officers’ Mess of his old regiment, and he is currently working on the first of two commissions of former Headmasters for Christ College.
Morgan has had diverse careers, but painting has now come to the fore. He is semiprofessional, producing landscapes and portraits in oils and in watercolour.
Photograph by Michael Woodward
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His paints and brushes are constantly on hand to capture the inspiration of the moment, whether at home in the Usk Valley, or further afield. Much of his work is inspired by Venice, a city he frequently revisits. “The light is just
Morgan grew up surrounded by art, although he is largely self-taught. His mother was an artist, and a great uncle was Kenneth MacKenzie. “He painted huge Scottish scenes, and exhibited at the Royal Academy in the 1890s”, explains Morgan, “but he died young, so didn’t make a huge name for himself.” Visitors to the Open Studios will see MacKenzie landscapes in Llangattock Court. Hidden in the attic, up a twisting wooden staircase, is Morgan’s studio. The two windows are surprisingly small, and north facing.
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“There’s a similar room on the other side of the house”, Morgan says, “but that’s not as good because the light changes throughout the day, whereas the light is more consistent here”. There is a half-finished portrait and a snow scene of Llangattock Church in progress. “I invariably have more than one painting on the go!” Morgan’s work will be on view downstairs for the Open Studios, to allow easier access for all visitors. Morgan is a long-time supporter of the Open Studios weekend, and has been a popular artist in residence at Oriel CRiC Gallery. His range of work - watercolours of local
landscapes, oils of Snowdonia, portraits, Venetian scenes - will extend further as he plans to challenge himself by tackling abstract works, “If I have the skill to do it”, Morgan modestly adds. View Morgan’s inspirational art at Llangattock Court during the Open Studios and Galleries weekend (check www.visitcrickhowell.co.uk for opening times), or at http://morganllewellynart.co.uk/, and you’ll have great confidence in his ability to achieve his aims.
Haggle for the best deal Almost a fifth of us Brits hate to haggle, but admit that when buying a car in this difficult economic climate they are forced into it. New research completed by online car research and buying portal Recombu Cars, has found that a further third (33%) of British car buyers say haggling does not come naturally to them. Of the 2,000 respondents, 29% said intimidating sales staff influenced them negatively, while 18% were put off by a lack of knowledge about what they were buying. Among the most common symptoms of haggle anguish were racing hearts and blushing at 19% each, stuttering at 13% and then a dry mouth and sweaty palms, both with 12%. However, 21% of the same sample said that information gained online - including prices helped them to haggle in person, with 13% going further and preferring to simply buy online and cut out the haggling process altogether. Rory Reid, editor of Recombu Cars, says: "In the current economic climate everyone is trying to look after the pennies and even though we might not like doing it, Brits are being forced to haggle for the best deal.
Photograph by Michael Woodward
AA Advice
"Access to information online has certainly made the buying process easier and it helps shoppers get away from pushy salesmen who will do anything to get their hands on your money."
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You've found a car you like, you may even have given it a test drive. But how can you be sure you've found one that's roadworthy and worth the money? Let the AA give your potential new car a thorough, mechanical inspection. You can also check its history to avoid cars that have debts attached or been stolen. theaa.com/motoring-advice/car-checking
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Bagging some old school cool... Channel the back to school and college mood with preppy accessories for adults. Lisa Haynes rounds up 10 of the best The bell is about to ring for the start of a new term. But who cares if your actual school days are a very distant memory? You can still be top of the class with this season's preppy look that show you mean business for work or play. Old-school rucksacks and satchels are having a fashion moment, but if you want to channel new cool, dress up your technology gadgets with stylish covers to stand out from the crowd. Make sure you're top of the style class this season.
LAPTOP LESSON Go wild in fashion's print playground with statement leopard. Show your laptop some love with Kurt Geiger's Leo laptop sleeve, £45 (www.kurtgeiger.com). TAN TACTICS Leather plus tan plus structured bag equals good fashion mathematics. Ted Baker's Moro large leather frame bag will survive season after season, £269 (0845 130 4278/www.tedbaker.com).
TEACHER TOTE Functional but fashionable is the lesson to be learned from preppy chic. Accessorize's autumnal collection of satchels and totes should ensure you're head and shoulders above the rest, from £22 (0844 811 0068/www.accessorize.com).
LULU LIBRARY Bookworms rejoice. Browse all the stylish titles that made the cut on the cover of Lulu Guinness's black library large Ethel tote, £245 (0843 208 0177/www.luluguinness.com).
CLASS-Y COLOURS Who says satchels have to be bland? Inject some cheer into your everyday uniform with Fiorelli's bright and beautiful Lorenzo colour block satchel, £59 at House of Fraser (020 7003 4000/www.houseoffraser.co.uk).
CLUTCH EQUATION Save your pocket money with a multifunctional product. Mary Portas's Pouchette bag gets a gold star for doubling up as an iPad case for work and pretty clutch for play, £59 at House of Fraser (020 7003 4000/www.houseoffraser.co.uk).
SATCHEL CHIC The Cambridge Satchel Company has given the classic satchel a detention and reworked the style with neons, pastels and brights, like eye-popping purple, £74. You can even personalise your bag with your initials, for £5 per letter (www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk). STYLE SWOT Trick passers-by into thinking your super-sized bag is stuffed with mind-expanding books. Try Sofie D'Hoore's Fez bag for size, £437 at Fenwick stores nationwide.
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TECHNO READER If your Kindle has become your best pal, make it stand out amidst your handbag jumble. Topshop's bright geo print e-reader case should make reading resumption easier, £15 (www.topshop.com). ORGANISED PREFECT Do your homework pre-splurge and ensure your bag has pockets aplenty. Aubrey's Belmont tote handbag has two internal pockets and five internal compartments for all your essentials, £195 at John Lewis (0845 6049 049/www.johnlewis.com). GET THE LOOK Jessica Biel adds a modern edge to her white dress with neon heels. Step into Kurt Geiger for their similar pair of KG Carey pink courts, £120 (www.kurtgeiger.com). BUY IT NOW Mama-to-be Fearne Cotton goes Geisha glamorous for her eighth collection for Very.co.uk. Key pieces include a kimono-inspired dress, asymmetric jumpsuit and jumper dress. Available now, prices range from £12-£99 (0844 822 2321/www.very.co.uk).
FASHION FLASH IN THE GENES When it comes to staples, jeans come top of the clothes pile. Almost half (42%) of women wear jeans at least five times a week, according to Marks & Spencer research. Most women have between four and five pairs of jeans in their wardrobe they wear regularly. The survey marks the launch of the new Body Shape Denim for M&S Woman, which focuses on shape rather than size to achieve perfect fit jeans. Three styles for pear, hourglass and apple are launching on September 5, available in three leg lengths, priced £25 each (www.marksandspencer.com).
RECESSIONISTA ALERT International Fashion Week season is approaching but you can do designer style on a budget at McArthurGlen's first Designer Outlet Fashion Month. Sign up for a 10% privilege card throughout September at your local UK McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at www.mcarthurglen.com/dofm. Take your confirmation email to the customer service desk and you'll bag a free designer Holly Fulton shopper while stocks last.
’ Let s Get Away May 2013
by The Abergavenny Chronicle
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Why Malta Rocks With a colourful history, beautiful beaches and spectacular seafood, Malta makes a perfect break for Debbie Murray The mighty rock towering above us is a vivid reminder that Malta has been central to the history of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. Just how the primitive folk of this small island managed to ease the 20-ton bulk into place is mind-boggling, and today the rock forms part of the ancient temples at Mnajdra, which feature within an impressive heritage park. The park also houses a museum, where exhibits explain how the temples were built as a way of exerting authority, and also to provide a structure to the ancient folks' lives. For instance, they were constructed in such a way that the sun's shadow indicates what time of the year and day it is - a very early example of a clock.
Crosses crop up everywhere, from the eightpointed cross of the Order of St John which protected the country against the Ottoman Empire, to the George Cross awarded to Malta following the merciless bombing by the Axis powers during World War Two. There are also frequent reminders of recent colonial history. Though the days of British rule are long gone, clear British influences remain: English is the co-official national language alongside Maltese, and people drive on the left. As well as being steeped in history, Malta is also ideally set up for exploring. Our base is the four-star, all-inclusive Seabank Hotel, which underwent an extensive upgrade by Thomas Cook last winter.
It's no surprise that, as well as relaxation and the warm weather, Malta's remarkable history is also a big attraction.
Now featuring in their Holidays with Style programme, the rooms are chic and comfortable, there's a large pool and four a la carte restaurants to choose from. The friendly staff keep up an ongoing supply of cool drinks and, for the energetic, an array of activities includes pool volleyball and aqua gym.
The island measures nine by 13 miles and has a population of 400,000. Before you've even landed, old stone buildings and ancient monuments come into view, such is their presence on this little island.
The hotel overlooks Mellieha Beach, the longest sandy beach on the island. Gently shelving sands, an abundance of watersports and bars make this a great place to relax when you want a break from the hotel pool.
After a day lounging in the sun, we venture out to explore and head for the ancient walled city of Mdina, the name of which reveals Malta's historic links to Arab countries. A horse-drawn carriage ride is an interesting, if sometimes hairy, way to take in the tiny winding streets and stunning architecture. A visit to the Carmelite Priory is a must. Dating back to the 17th century, it's survived countless invasions and today is open to the public. There are many waterfront restaurants for lunch, but the Vittoriosa Waterfront serves delicious locally-caught fish - the sea bass is particularly good. We plod on to the spectacular Palazzo Parisio, Malta's most opulent aristocratic home, acquired in the 1800s by the Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna, a wealthy banker whose family introduced the local Cisk beer to the island. It's well worth a visit and the desserts served in the restaurant are a wonderful treat after gazing in awe at the glitzy rooms and impressive gardens. With the Thomas Cook all-inclusive package, you don't have to eat every night in the same place, and other outdoor restaurants in the area are options. One, Maya Beach Club, on the waterfront of Mellieha Bay, has lovely views of boats bobbing in the shallow sea. Slightly further
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back, also with great views, is La Barca, where I tuck into rabbit - Malta's national dish. Local tradition is to eat it off the bone by hand, but I go for a stewed option - very tasty. For less than five euros, you can hop on a ferry and reach Malta's little sister island, Gozo, in around 25 minutes. Gozo is a major tourist haunt too, also heaving with history. The stones at Ggantija, the oldest freestanding structure in the world, puts our own
Caravaning tips
Stonehenge somewhat in the shade at 7,000 years old. Gozo's Citadel was constructed to keep the inhabitants safe following years of invasions. Now it's another tourist attraction, with a peaceful interior and great views. The only restaurant within the walls is the delightful Ta' Ricardu, a family-run establishment reached via a climb up some steep, stone steps. Its trump cards are the locally-produced food and wine which the owner supervises all the way from the field to the plate. The menu includes home-made ravioli, Gozitan cheese a white goat's cheese eaten fresh or dried and some of the best olives and sundried tomatoes I've ever sampled. Gozo is promoted as an eco-tourist destination with an impressive 'green' agenda. Our trip includes a visit to Ta' Mena Estate, where the owners grow vines, fruit and vegetables. We sample their Vermentino, a crisp, white wine, perfect to enjoy in the sunshine, and some crispy focaccia bread, Nestled between Malta and Gozo is the smallest island of Comino and a swim in its stunning Blue Lagoon is an unforgettable experience.
TRAVEL FACTS Debbie Murray was a guest of Thomas Cook Holidays with Style, which offers seven nights' all-inclusive at the Seabank Hotel & Spa, Mellieha Bay from £575, ex-Gatwick in October. ExManchester November 13 from £470, ex-Glasgow October 30 from £519. Thomas Cook has summer 2013 Malta holidays on sale. For reservations call 0844 871 6650 or visit www.Thomascookstyle.com or your nearest Thomas Cook, Going Places or Co-op Travel. For Malta travel guides, priced £4.99, call 01733 416 477 or visit www.thomascookpublishing.com
Gas safety Never store a cylinder of gas on its side. There must be a gap between the LPG and the valve. If there isn’t and liquid escapes it immediately expands to about 200 times its volume, e.g. 1cc of liquid becomes 200cc of vapour.
Strike camp early When using an awning, take it down the evening before you leave the site. Even on a summer’s morning there is a risk of early morning damp, which can damage the awning fabric if it is packed away before it is thoroughly dry.
Get it taped When you fit the numberplate to the van, use double-sided number plate tape down each edge but not along the top and the bottom. It helps prevent the build-up of dirt and grime behind the number plate.
Shake it up Fire extinguishers in caravans are almost always powder type. Therefore give it a good shake each week to prevent the powder becoming solid. Bear in mind that they only give a few seconds discharge, so it’s wise to also have a fire blanket too.
Be a barrow boy (or girl) Instead of lugging heavy objects around, take a small folding sack barrow and save your back.
Slope off If you are pitching on a sloping pitch, always park with the van facing down the slope. It makes it easier to pull off the pitch at the end of your stay.
Road to recovery If you belong to a car recovery scheme check that they will recover your caravan if it breaks down (or loses a wheel, for example). Many will only recover a caravan as part of recovering a broken down car, and some may not recover a caravan at all. If you have any doubts, become a member of one of the two major clubs and join its dedicated recovery scheme. Don't be afraid to ask for advice Whether you ask other caravanners on-site, other people's experience is invaluable to helping you on your way. Pocket interpreter When travelling abroad, if you aren’t confident speaking the native tongue, invest in an electronic language interpreter. You type in a word in English and the machine instantly works out a Spanish, French, German or whatever equivalent. Mirror manoeuvres If you have to correct the outfit when reversing, look in your towing mirrors and turn the wheel towards the one in which you can see the side of the caravan. This will correct the situation.
Use your head A head torch is useful if you need to change a wheel at night. The latest LED versions are cheap, incredibly bright and very efficient when it comes to batteries.
Copy your documents If you’re going away on holiday – especially if you are travelling on the continent – hide photocopies of your debit and credit cards, passports, and full driving licence, etc in the van. Then if the worst happens you can use the photocopies to help obtain replacements.
Air con on the cheap Your Truma blown air heating system is an effective way of cooling the caravan in hot weather. The fan alone will efficiently move air around the interior. Reverse the direction of the extractor fan and that will also ‘suck in’ cooler air. Break the mould Before winter storage, flush the toilet and rinse the tank with Milton Fluid to stop black mould forming in the tank. It’s a gas If you are using butane gas and the air temperature drops below 1ºC (34ºF) the butane will not turn into a gas. To get it to do so, shake the cylinder. Better still, use propane all year round. Smooth operator If you intend using an awning, spray the awning channel with a polish containing silicone to make it easier to pull the awning through.
Wernddu Campsite is situated 1 mile from Abergavenny Town Centre and has over 60 pitches, the majority of which are hard standing and have all their own individual electric hookup points, water supply and grey water waste.
Brake away If you have to push the outfit off a boggy pitch, push the car not the caravan. Pushing the caravan towards the car applies the caravan brakes. Doh!
Old Ross Rd, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 8NG. Tel: 01873 856223 Fax: 01873 852177 Email: info@wernddu-golf-club.co.uk Web: www.wernddu-golf-club.co.uk
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Caravans Towed and Transported Well-stocked Accessory Shop for all your Caravanning Needs
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast on Saturday Bed & Breakfast Friday and Sunday Candlelit Dinner & Dance Thursday and Saturday Gala Menu, Breakfast in Bed Sunday Morning
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www.forestofdeancaravans.co.uk only 9 miles from Monmouth
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Handy check lists and tips to help you plan your trip without forgetting a thing Essentials ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
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Passport Visa ID card Airline ticket or E-ticket Reservation numbers: hotel and car rental Money: both local and foreign currency Credit cards House keys
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Tip: Call your bank and let them know exactly where you’re travelling to and the dates you’ll be gone to avoid having your credit/debit card declined.
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Pyjamas Underwear Trousers/jeans Socks Skirts Dress Shirts: casual and dressy Belts Sweater Jacket Shoes: comfortable and dressy Slippers Swimsuit Shorts Accessories: Scarves, hats, and jewellery.
Electrical ■ ■ ■
Shampoo/conditioner Soap Body wash Cleanser Lotion Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss Shaver/shaving cream Cotton buds Deodorant Hair brush/comb Tweezers
Tip: It’s always a good idea to pack a light sweater or a shawl for cool nights.
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To keep clothes from creasing, roll instead of folding them and place tissue paper between your delicates.
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Tip: Electrical appliances in the US work at 110 volts - while most countries in the world use 220 - 240 volts. Always have an adapter or converter handy.
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And to avoid unwanted leaks, place liquids in resealable plastic bags.
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On the day of travel:
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Miscellaneous
Tip: Always save any samples you pick up at stores to take with you or buy travel size bottles and fill them with your favourite products.
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Hairdryer Adapter Portable speakers iPod or CD player Camera (film, if needed) Recharging equipment for electrical equipment, i.e. mobile, camera
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Sun block Sunglasses Mosquito repellent Plasters Nail clippers and/or nail file Any prescription medicine you’re taking Extra locks - in case you lose any
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Make sure all electrical appliances are not switched on or plugged in. Throw away any perishable goods you have in the fridge. Lock all windows and doors. Turn water heater and heating down to lowest setting or change timer to once a day. Leave shades down and drapes closed. Park your car either in a garage or buy a special steering wheel lock for maximum security. Secure all your pieces of luggage with a small lock and put keys in a safe place. If you’re worried about losing your keys buy a lock with a code number instead. Double-check that you have all your travel documents: passport, visa and tickets. Don’t forget to take these items in your hand luggage: paracetamol, bottled water, a book, lip balm, lotion and anything else you’d need on the flight.
Gardening Tips By Hannah Stephenson
Tips on how to boost your lawn to help it survive the worst of the British weather - plus, find out what else needs doing in the garden this week. Gardeners who didn't want to venture out in the freezing weather at the beginning of the month may now be looking at a moss-ridden, lumpy lawn with scatterings of bald patches, a world away from the velvet carpet of grass they desire. But there's still time to give your lawn a boost, even if it might look a bit forlorn now, or consider re-seeding or turfing if you think it's beyond hope. If you have loads of moss, it's worthwhile applying a moss killer before you scarify, and wait a few days before raking it up. Improve badly draining soil by aerating the lawn, driving a garden fork into the ground all over the lawn when it is moist, making holes to a depth of 10-15cm (4-6in). I once bought a pair of lawnaerating shoes, but they kept falling off so I went back to the old faithful fork. Others use hollow-tine lawn aerators which remove plugs of soil from the ground, but they are hard work and aren't very good on stony soils or heavy, dry soils. The holes you make allow air and water to get into the grass roots and should then be filled with a mixture of sharp sand and organic soil conditioner to stop the holes from closing up.
If the soil is heavy and air is forced out due to excessive rain, spread a large bucketful of sharp sand per square metre over the surface, working it into the holes with the back of a rake. Feed the grass with lawn fertiliser available at most garden centres. This can be done by hand, applying approximately two grams per square metre, and water it in. All lawns need good drainage and oxygenation, so scarify it with a springtine rake to remove thatch dead grass that mats beneath growing grass - and moss. For larger lawns, it's worth renting a petroldriven lawn scarifier to do the same job. Some lawn dressings incorporate a slow-release fertiliser but if this isn't the case, add a little amount of general lawn fertiliser (not containing weed or moss killer) before applying it. Make sure you brush it evenly over the area or it will become patchy when the fertiliser kicks in. A few weeks later, if your lawn is still patchy, oversow it lightly with a quality lawn seed. Once it's ready to cut, make your first few cuts, keeping the blades set quite high. If your grass is already long, give it a few cuts over a number of weeks, lowering the blades a little at a time, so
that you cut the grass length down gradually. By summer, you should be mowing weekly, stepping up to twice a week when necessary, but don't mow the grass shorter than 2.5cm (1in) high and keep on top of weeds in the lawn. Annual weeds which emerge in any bare patches will be removed by mowing. Of course, in the unlikely event that we have a sustained period of warmth in the summer, go easy on the mowing and don't worry about
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letting the grass go brown because it will recover. When you mow during drought, leave the cuttings on the lawn to stop the roots drying out and help keep in the moisture. Continue to feed the lawn monthly through the summer, then you can apply a high-potash fertiliser in the autumn to keep the grass in good condition in the cooler months.
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Delicious Dishes to look forward to every day... Our brand new Spring & Summer Brochure 2013 is now available and contains over 260 nutritious frozen meals and desserts. There are 17 new dishes, including a Roast Chicken with Lemon & Herb Stuffing, Breaded Cod Topped with Tartare Sauce and some delicious additions to our Hearty and Mini Meals. We cover all mealtimes and offer main meals, mini meals, hearty meals, breakfasts, afternoon tea and desserts. Our chefs have also developed a new Extra Tender range which offers you delicious dishes containing melt-in-the-mouth, bite size pieces of meat, fish and vegetables – perfect for those times when you just fancy something easier to eat. Just ask us for more details.
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The family way Playing out is great for kids, and they love it
half (54%) of parents. The study found 43% of children would rather watch television than go outside to play with friends, while another 42% preferred to play computer games. In addition, a third of parents polled said their children would only play outside when it's sunny, with just 17% going outdoors whatever the weather. In comparison, almost one in three parents said they enjoyed the fresh air come wind, rain or shine when they were kids. "One of the big differences nowadays," says Prisk, "is that there's so much more stuff to do inside and it's so controlled. Similarly, in 1971, 86% of primary school children were allowed to travel home from school alone. By 1990, this had dropped to 35%, and to 25% in 2010.
"But kids need time outside, with things to play with that aren't single-sided - with sticks, leaves, sand, mud and space to chalk in and build in, the world is your imagination."
As a new campaign to get kids playing in the fresh air is launched, an expert tells Lisa Salmon that identifying local outdoor play possibilities is key to getting more children outside Yet despite the huge physical and developmental benefits of playing outside, it's no surprise that today's kids are spending half the time outdoors that their parents were when they were young.
During the 1970s and 1980s when the current generation of parents were children, they enjoyed more than two hours of outside play each weekday, and a further nine hours at weekends, whatever the weather. But today's youngsters venture outside for just over an hour each weekday and less than five hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The Fresh Air campaign, which is supported by Play England, aims to increase the time children throughout the UK spend playing outside through highlighting the issue and even organising a children's mock protest demanding more outdoor play. JCB Kids spokesperson Sam Johnson says: "Playing outdoors is so important for children -
"As parents we need to encourage adventurous spirit and create imaginative, and of course safe, opportunities for them to get out there." Play England's director Cath Prisk says JCB Kids' research findings are no surprise, but she hopes they'll highlight children's lack of outdoor play, and encourage more parents to help their kids play outside.
To help tackle the problem, Play England wants parents to 'reclaim the streets' for their kids, by thinking about how they played in the street as a child, and what could be possible where they live.
She says traffic, other possible dangers outside, and the fact that there's much more to do indoors than there was in the past, all combine to make children play out less.
That might involve assessing whether a nearby car park could sometimes be used for children to play in safely, whether they could play in a culde-sac, or if there's green space nearby that could be used.
And yet research by the Policy Studies Institute found that in 1971, around 50% of seven-yearolds travelled to local places other than school by themselves, compared to 20% in 1990, and 10% in 2010.
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Research commissioned by JCB Kids to launch its Fresh Air play campaign found that today's children are more inclined to stay indoors and watch TV or play computer games than go outside to play.
not only to help them stay active and healthy, but also to socialise with friends, and create treasured childhood memories.
Prisk points out that children used to get much more time to play during the school day than they do today - and yet 43% of the parents in the JCB Kids survey said they relied on school to ensure their children got plenty of time outdoors through PE and playtimes.
Many parents are afraid to let their children play outside because of the perceived risks from traffic and strangers, and while Prisk says she understands their fears, she warns: "Think about the risks inside - what are the implications for a child's mental health, their ability to make friends locally, and their physical activity levels?"
"This reiterates the key issue that kids aren't playing outside as much as they were but if they've only ever sat in front of the telly, played on the computer and only gone outside for a play date, then that's what they'll want to do. "If they're told to go outside and there are regularly lots of friends out there, in a place where they feel safe, they'll be out every night and all weekend." The poll of 2,000 parents also found that 44% wished their children played outdoors more often, with 58% saying their children didn't play out as much as other youngsters they knew. Indeed, such a lack of outdoor excitement is a serious worry for more than
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Prisk asks: "What could be possible where you live? "It's not just about kids playing out in their own back garden, it's about retaking our own neighbourhoods." In areas such as Hackney, Bristol and Oxford, residents are being allowed to regularly close their streets to traffic so children can play out. Prisk points out that this year's UK-wide Playday in August, which is supported by Play England and its sister organisations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is urging parents, communities and local officials to consider areas where children can play, whether that's a street, park or disused green space. "We want everyone to think about how we can make our places more playful," explains Prisk. And finally, she issues a green warning for the future. "If kids aren't outside digging their toes into mud and making daisy chains, and loving their own environment, who's going to be the next Chris Packham and Sir David Attenborough? "How will children develop that love of the environment so they'll campaign for it?
Ask the expert Make a change Q: "Should I be concerned about the current measles outbreak in Wales? My young children aren't vaccinated, but I thought measles was a minor childhood illness, so why does it matter if they catch it?"
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"There are some children that can't be vaccinated for health reasons, and so it's important to remember that by vaccinating your child with two doses of MMR vaccine, you're not only protecting your child's health, but you're also protecting the health of those children who are unable to get vaccinated.
"They need to play out now."
"If you're unsure if you or your child has had two doses of the vaccine, speak to your GP who will have a record.
She adds: "If kids can play out with people they know in a familiar place, it's just so good for them. They're happier, healthier, and they're having fun. "We've got to reclaim our streets and neighbourhoods to give them that opportunity."
"We want to make sure that parents know it's never too late to have their children fully vaccinated. Two doses of MMR vaccination provides optimum protection against three diseases, measles mumps and rubella."
Babymule Pegasus A canvas changing bag that can be carried in three different ways and has two outer pockets and a zippered pouch on the front and two separate compartments inside, featuring an insulated bottle holder, wipe-clean changing mat, changing pouch and a wet bag. Available from www.babymule.co.uk, £65.
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should qualify for payments, with a different tariff applying to each. The tariffs are due to be paid for seven years for every kilowatt-hour of heat produced.
this year, so time is fast running out. Also finishing at the end of March is the Home Renewables Loan scheme, an initiative in Scotland to provide interest-free loans to help with the cost of buying and installing heat and electricity-generating domestic systems. Loans are on a first come, first served basis, with up to £10,000 available for renewable heat technologies and up to £2,000 for electricitygenerating equipment.
Until the Renewable Heat Incentive is introduced for homeowners, the Renewable Heat Premium Payment provides grants to help with the cost of installing renewable heat technologies at home. The grants apply in England, Wales and Scotland, and range from £300 towards the cost of solar thermal panels to £1,250 for water or ground source heat pumps. However, the scheme is due to finish at the end of March
Detailed information on all these schemes is available at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk, where there are links to other relevant websites.
Every little helps Get those jobs done with a little help from DIY guru Julia Gray. This week: how to make use of Green Deal schemes to invest in improvements that make your home more energy efficient. Last time I explained how the Government's new Green Deal scheme works. It provides a loan for you to invest in improvements that make your home more energy efficient, such as double glazing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. You can also use a Green Deal loan to invest in electricity and heat-generating technologies for the home, such as solar panels, biomass boilers, and ground and air source heat pumps. The loan is paid off through your electricity bill over a number of years and as the improvements are designed to cut your home's energy bills, the loan becomes the responsibility of the new owner if you sell up and move on. Extra help is available under the Green Deal for people who live in period properties, have a low income or are on benefits. There's a Green Deal Cashback Scheme in England and Wales (visit http://gdcashback.decc.gov.uk) and a Green Homes Cashback Scheme in Scotland (visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland).
The Green Deal is new, but other Government schemes with similar aims have been going for some time. If you're considering installing electricitygenerating equipment, such as solar electric panels or a wind turbine, the Government's Feed-In Tariffs scheme won't help with the cost of the installation, but it will (providing the equipment qualifies) pay you once the equipment's up and running. Introduced almost three years ago, Feed-In Tariffs pays out for both the electricity you generate and use at home and any surplus electricity you export back to the National Grid. Add to this the savings you'll make on your electricity bills by generating your own electricity, and it can be an attractive option. You get the payments from your energy supplier, and the tariffs are guaranteed for up to 20 years. If you're interested in using a renewable heat technology at home, another Government scheme, the Renewable Heat Incentive, fits the bill, but it's not due to start for homeowners until later this year. Providing they meet the scheme's criteria, ground and air source heat pumps, solar thermal (hot water) panels, pellet stoves with back boilers, and biomass boilers
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Are you up for a big green project? Get those jobs done with a little help from DIY guru Julia Gray. This week: how to make your home more environmentally friendly, if you have a reasonable amount of money to spend. With winter on the horizon, making your home's central heating system as energy efficient as possible should be a priority. Replacing an old Grated boiler (the least energy efficient) with a super-efficient A-rated (condensing) boiler is expensive (typically £2,000 upwards), but could save you around £300 a year on running costs, according to the Energy Saving Trust. This is based on replacing the boiler and heating controls in a three-bed semi with gas central heating.
If your home's windows aren't double or triple glazed (or have secondary glazing), the heating will be disappearing out of them. Again, replacing the windows is an expensive business, typically costing several thousand pounds, but it is worth doing if you can afford to, and you don't have to go for period imperfect windows - double-glazed sashes offer the best of both worlds, for example. With listed buildings and homes on 'designated land', such as conservation areas, there are stricter rules about replacement windows (and doors), so ask your local council. To make further savings on your energy bills, you may want to consider fitting energy-efficient
glazing, such as Planitherm. This glass has a special coating that helps to retain radiated heat in the room and also captures the sun's energy to heat the room further. Your home's external walls are another big area of heat loss. Houses built from 1920 onwards usually have cavity walls and these can be injected with insulation (a job for the pros) to keep the heat in and cold out. Solid walls let through twice as much heat as cavity walls, but insulating them isn't as straightforward - it can be done internally or externally. Measures like these that make your home more energy efficient go a long way, but you can go further down the eco route. Have you considered generating your own electricity? This is typically done with a wind turbine or solar panels (a different type of solar panels can be used to heat your home's water). Domestic wind turbines only work well in certain locations, so solar panels are the best bet for many of us.
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When working on gutters, especially metal ones always wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands. Do not use the downpipe as a rubbish chute as it may become blocked or the rubbish may sink into the drain. Instead, sweep or scoop the debris straight into a bucket. If there is a blockage in the downpipe that will not move or is out of reach you will need to hire or buy a sink or drain cleaner.This tool consists of a flexible wire spiral which is inserted into the blocked downpipe. When its handle is connected and turned the wire rotates to clear the blocked pipe. Gutters are normally fixed on a slight slope to ensure a good flow of water to the downpipe. To realign your gutter system you will need to replace the fixing screws and refit the brackets. If you have an extension lead and an electric
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drill fitted with a wire cup brush it will not only make cleaning the rust areas easier but also save a lot of time and hard work. To prevent rust use a rust resistant primer. Sections of gutter netting are available to keep leaves and debris out gutters. Check that wet leaves do not coat the netting and cause water to flow over the gutter rather than into it. Water constantly pouring down an outside wall will eventually penetrate inside, spoiling decoration and causing mould growth. Plastic rainwater systems have an advantage over metal ones because they are light, durable and need little or no decoration. You can make the most of waste water by using your gutter to fill a water butt or plant irrigation system for plants that don’t mind a lot of water.
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Sudoku Solution
If you're worried about the cost (usually many thousands of pounds) of having solar panels fitted, there are ways to cushion the financial blow, such as special loans and 'rent a roof' schemes. With the latter, you get the solar panels free of charge, but you have to give the company that provides and installs them the income you receive from the Government's Feed-In Tariffs scheme. This scheme pays you for both the electricity you generate and use at home and any surplus you supply to the national grid. Another Government scheme (although it isn't up and running for homeowners yet) is the Renewable Heat Incentive, which is expected to financially reward people who use renewable heat technologies at home. This should apply to heat pumps, which extract warmth from the air, ground or a water source and use it to heat the home.
From page 05
Product of the week The new Bosch PPR 250 power paint roller (£123.90, www.amazon.co.uk) makes painting a room quick and easy and it's a lot less messy than a conventional roller, as it doesn't splatter. Best of all, unlike some power rollers, you can use it with any sort of emulsion. The power unit has two tubes - a short one that clips on to the side of the tin and dips into the paint and a really long one that's attached to the roller, which you can use with or without the extension pole. Once it's hooked up and switched on, you simply press the trigger, wait for the paint to reach the roller, and away you go - coverage is excellent. You can detach the roller head to clean it separately, and the tubes are washed out by pumping water through them in the same way as the paint (there's a tap attachment, but if it doesn't work with your taps, you can use buckets of water). It's best to clean it the same day as you use it, so start early and you'll be able to get a couple of coats done and the PPR 250 washed out. This is a great way to paint!
How-to tip
Then there's the Government's Green Deal, which may provide finance for energy-efficient home improvements such as insulation and double glazing. Go to www.decc.gov.uk to find out more.
Opening a paint tin? Be careful to lift the lid off horizontally and away from the tin to prevent any dust and dirt on the lid from falling into the paint.
Big eco home improvements are often most cost-effective as part of a major renovation or build, rather than being retrofitted.
The best way to try out a paint colour is to apply a little to all the walls, or at least the wall that gets most light and the wall that gets least, so you have a good idea of how the whole room will look.
With large projects, the world's your oyster in terms of making your home greener and cleaner. You could, for example, install a water-saving system for reusing 'grey' water, which includes used water from showers, baths and the washing machine. Systems like this aren't something most of will be able to retrofit to our homes, but they are the future.
Do two coats and leave to dry for the full effect, but don't apply the paint too thickly, or you'll have to sand it afterwards. You can paint pieces of paper instead of the walls. These are easy to move from wall to wall, but the colour won't necessarily look the same on the paper as on the walls, which could be disastrous.
Solar power - sustainable, renewable, affordable! After the developments of the last 12 months in the solar industry, it seems that there are a number of common misconceptions still held about Solar Panels and Feed-in-Tariffs. Many have heard that there were big incentives in the form of Feed-In-Tariffs for owners of solar systems, but due to government cuts these have now gone. Not so! It’s true that payments have come down, however they are still being paid at a high enough level to provide a good reason to install PV on its own. When you add in the potential saving on our ever rising electricity bills, solar is just as attractive an option as it was a year ago. At that time it was common to see larger systems costing over £12,000, which was way beyond the budget of most. Today these same systems are costing half that amount, with some smaller installations costing as little as £3,500 and making it much more affordable for all. There are now a range of payment options available for potential clients; renewable measures can be funded via the Green Deal, and Solarkinetics are accredited to install both solar pv (for generating electricity) and solar thermal (for heating hot water) under this recently launched Government backed scheme. As an added incentive for residents of Powys, the Robert Owen Community Fund is able to offer zero interest loans, repayable over 5 years, for homeowners installing renewable technologies like solar pv, solar
thermal or heat pumps. To find out more, visit their website www.rocbf.co.uk. Elsewhere in Wales, Robert Owen Community Banking can provide you with access to energy advice (via the Energy Saving Trust) and connect you to local finance through the network of credit unions across Wales. Solarkinetics Ltd is a well-established renewables company, based in South Herefordshire and operating across the surrounding counties - they pride themselves on great customer service, from the initial stages of quotation through to hand-over and completion. They have been experts in solar pv for a number of years and are now pleased to be able to offer solar thermal systems to their clients. Their background in the construction industry means that they are well equipped to provide clients with any technical or structural advice required when carrying out a suitability survey and to provide a competitive service. Every system installed is bespoke and they spend time ensuring each system maximises its potential and gives their customers absolutely best value for money. Gordon Yule, Director of Solarkinetics, goes on to point out – “Being local, family run and a little smaller than some of the major players in the renewables market means our overheads are lower, allowing us to pass on a substantial cost saving to our customers as well as that real personal service that we feel is so important.”
Every prediction on future energy costs shows huge increases with many seeing a doubling of electricity bills by 2020 as the world demand soars. When we are faced with the reality of £2000 annual electricity bills in years to come, the opportunity to save £1000/year makes a solar PV or thermal system very compelling!
STILL
GREA SOLAR PO T VAL WER UE
Solar PV and Thermal Systems ● ● ● ●
Design Supply Installation Maintenance
Protect yourself against the rising cost of energy and gain a long term income ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤
Save money on your electricity bills Heat your water with solar power Reduce your carbon footprint Enjoy a tax free income for the next 20 years
Zero Interest loans available for Powys residents!
Solarkinetics Ltd Warley, Fownhope, Hereford HR1 4PA. Telephone 01432 861047 www.solarkinetics.co.uk ●
The Spring Issue
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May/June
23
your local green deal expert