november gazette and diary

Gazette

& Diary

Magazine The Winter Issue November / December Issue 08 / 2011 £1.50 - where sold

INSIDE: ✵ WIN A CHANCE TO BUILD YOUR OWN BEAR ✵ RECEIVE A LETTER FROM SANTA ✵ WIN A HAMPER COURTESY OF WILTSHIRE FARM FOODS.

FREE

With Aberga the ve Chronic nny le

■ Style & Fashion ■ Home & Garden ■ Entertainment ■ Competitions ■ Local Events ■ Travel ... and much more ...

Stuff your own collectable animal like me!

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Win a soft toy!!!

Donated

by Elf Bazaar

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this simple question: Q: Where in Brecon is Elf Bazaar?

A: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Closing date 24th November. Send answers to Animaland Competition 13 Nevill Street Abergavenny. Gwent NP7 5AA

✁ Phone: 01874 622033

Email: kizzy@elfbazaar.co.uk

elfbazaar.co.uk

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Your new guide to the finer things in life

Welcome

Gazette & Diary Magazine

WELCOME to the November edition of the Gazette and Diary, with bonfire night lighting up the skies on Saturday, leave it to our popular monthly magazine to brighten up coffee time as you sit and enjoy our lively blend of news and celebrity gossip.

This month we are also offering the chance for one lucky winner to carry off a packed hamper courtesy of Wiltshire Farm Foods and for another to build their very own Teddy Bear at Elf Bazaar, Brecon.

Alongside these exciting competitions are a whole host of fun things to do on bonfire night and some top tips for Christmas...as well as the chance to design the cover for next month's Gazette and Diary!

All in all we think it's a real sparkler!

Inside...

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Page 27 Win a Christmas Hamper Page 05 Optometry comes to Crickhowell

In association with

Page 30-31 Remember, Remember the 5th of November

▲ Page 32-33 Joanna Lumley Still Fabulous!

▲ Page 36-37 The Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival ▲

Page 12 Give Art a Chance!

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The Abergavenny Chronicle

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Page 25 Design a Christmas Cover Competition

Page 46-47 Bubbly Joanna true to her roots

DESIGNERS: Dave Simkiss dave.simkiss@nwn.co.uk John Gaulton john.gaulton@nwn.co.uk ADVERTISING: Jenna Hopkins ext 26 Hazel Walding - Advertising Manager For information on how to advertise in our next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 34 GENERAL MANAGER - Mary Purcell When you have finished reading the Gazette & Diary Magazine - please recycle it.

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

At NWN Media we are committed to addressing the key environmental impacts of printing and the production process, and preserving the environment for future generations. Our environmental policy is achieved through continuous monitoring, annual targets and action plans.

The sourcing of newsprint is a major environmental concern for publishers and we at NWN Media source our newsprint from UPM Kymmene in Deeside, utilising their 100% recycled paper, which is produced as a natural, renewable and recyclable fibre from sustainable, responsibly managed forests. UPM is committed to forest management and forest harvesting practices based on the internationally accepted principles of sustainable forest management.

UPM Kymmene is just a mile from the press site, which also keeps carbon footprint to a minimum in the obtaining of our paper. All newsprint waste is taken back to UPMʼs site and fully recycled.

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Welcome to Crickhowell The picturesque market town of Crickhowell is set in the Brecon Beacons National Park and in the heart of the Usk Valley.

are two schools, primary and secondary, and some light industry on the outskirts at the Elvicta Industrial Estate.

It is bounded to the south by the scenic River Usk while to the north are the spectacular Black Mountains.

There is also great accommodation available in the town and the surrounding area including self-catering, bed and breakfast, hotel, bunkhouse and campsite.

Crickhowell itself has a population of around 2,800 but the surrounding villages of Llangattock, Llanbedr, Llangenny, Glangrwyney, Tretower, and Cwmdu, bring the community population up to around 4,000.

The town has existed at least since the Iron Age, when settlers built a fort on the top of Crug Hywel, or Table Mountain as it is now known.

There’s a wide choice of good food available too in the locality’s many excellent pubs and restaurants.

Crickhowell is especially popular as a base for outdoor pursuits - and there’s something for all ages and all tastes.

Later, the Romans built forts within the region and the Normans built a motte and bailey castle, the remains of which still exist.

The beautiful mountain scenery, river valleys and canal network are accessible to all, making it the ideal location to base yourself for an adventure holiday or short break.

A famous feature of Crickhowell is the 16th century bridge spanning the River Usk. Thirteen of its arches can be seen from one end of the bridge, whilst only twelve are visible from the other end!

Walkers can choose from a gentle stroll along the canal towpath to a guided walk or a self-led walk with a map or a walk leaflet obtained from Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre (see below).

Another well-known focal point is The Bear Hotel, a former coaching inn which retains its ‘post horses’ archway and original cobbles.

Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly way to explore the local area and the Brecon Beacons National Park and there are long and short routes to follow.

The town centre includes an interesting variety of traditional shops and businesses - many family-owned - which cater for both the local community and the town’s many visitors. There

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Two challenging mountain biking routes start from Crickhowell - which is just one of five mountain bike centres within the National Park. There are

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places to hire bikes and equipment locally.

Other activities - from the strenuous to the sedate and all within easy reach - include horse riding, caving, climbing, fishing, geocaching, golfing, and numerous watersports.

Crickhowell also has a wide variety of active voluntary organisations which welcome visitors and new members.

Performing and visual arts groups, sports clubs, gardening and horticultural clubs and family history and local history groups all meeting regularly there.

First-time visitors should make a beeline for CRiC (the Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre) which is open seven days a week and boasts visitor information, internet cafe, fairtrade coffee & tea, a gallery showcasing local art and craft and conference and meeting rooms.

The centre can be found at the carpark entrance to the town.

Whether you ’re interested in some retail therapy, a leisurely meal in relaxing surroundings or an outdoor adventure to remember, you’ll find Crickhowell the ideal destination!

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Optometry comes to Crickhowell

■ Irena Kovaleva BA (Hons), BSc (Hons) MCOptom, Ken Debney FCOptom

A new name in Optometry has recently arrived in Crickhowell.

Crickhowell Optometrists is one of the few independent family practices left in the area. With over 40 years experience between the two partners Irena Kovaleva and Ken Debney have refurbished the well known ‘James Isaac’ premises at 17 High St. Crickhowell into a modern fully equipped practice including the most advanced visual field screener and digital retinal camera.

Retinal photography is carried out free of charge as part of the regular comprehensive eye examination which enables a permanent image of the retina to be stored.

Contact lenses are a speciality of the practice with particular interest in more

unusual prescriptions such as gas permeable, bifocal, varifocal and astigmatic lenses as well as a full range of soft lenses.

Both partners are qualified for WECE (Welsh eye care examination) which enables investigation of minor ocular problems such as gritty/red eyes, lid conditions and foreign body sensation.

The ethos of Crickhowell Optometrists is to provide excellence in optometry in an unhurried and pleasant environment whilst maintaining a highly competitive pricing structure.

Appointments are available 6 days per week and early and late appointments can be arranged.

Please telephone 01873 811887 for information or appointments.

The practice offers a large selection of designer frames including Silhouette, Versace, Bvlgari, Prada, Fendi, Ray Ban, Polo Ralph Lauren, as well as a huge range of budget frames and free frames for patients with vouchers and children up to the age of 16 or under 19 in full time education.

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Family business that’s simply the best In the 1960s Herbert’s sons John and Richard started to help their father and, when they left school, the business grew dramatically. John started laying flooring and carpets, while Richard took over from his father on the van.

Crickhowell is the appropriate setting for a gem of a business that prides itself on traditional values and personal service.

Webbs of Crickhowell, a family-owned department store specialising in quality furniture, was recently voted Best Independent Business in Wales and Best Local Shop in Britain by readers of Which? magazine. Step across the threshold and you’ll soon understand why.

From its foundation in 1936 Webbs has gone from strength to strength. The latest addition is Webbs Bed Barn - a fabulous showroom for quality beds and bedroom furniture set in a converted 16th century granary barn.

The Bed Barn specialises in unusual items that are not always readily available, including storage ottomans, adjustable beds, daybeds, water beds, air beds and 3⁄4 beds. It can also supply beds in special sizes to order.

Prices, which are highly competitive, range from £199 to £15,000!

The showroom can also supply ‘short wardrobes’ and other quality freestanding furniture designed to fit into awkward spaces.

Webbs’ unrivalled service includes free delivery to the room of choice and free assembly where required.

Another popular feature for customers is that Webbs also offers free disposal of items being replaced.

For more than 70 years the Webbs family has given the business an ethos and culture all its own.

“We work very hard and treat everyone the same, whether they’re buying a packet of seeds, a saucepan or a three-piece suite,” John Webb explained.

In the late 1970s their younger brother Michael also joined the business.

“Our job is about talking and listening to people, giving our customers exactly what they want - a great product, at a competitive price and with a level of personal service that others just don’t seem to be able to match anymore. Our aim has always been to treat others as we’d like to be treated ourselves.

Sadly, in the early 90s both Garnett and Dulcie died and were never to see the shop as it stands today.

In 1992 the acquisition of the Cambrian Arms gave the business a new direction. Richard's dream of becoming a furniture retailer was turned into reality thanks to good management, old-fashioned hard work and sheer determination.

“Many of our customers comment on how refreshing it is to deal with a company that has such traditional values, in fact we liked one comment so much we now use it in our advertising: ‘….and with service you had forgotten to expect!’”.

Herbert could never have dreamed that his paraffin round could have turned into what it is today. He too passed away, peacefully, in April 1999.

It is a culture that could only have developed from a family-led business with humble beginnings.

Herbert Webb started the business in 1936 with a paraffin round in the Crickhowell, Abergavenny and Brynmawr area. He borrowed £10 from his mother to get started, repaid her after the first week and the business never looked back.

The new millennium has seen a number of changes.

Peter, Herbert's eldest grandson, became the first of the third generation to enter the business and the opening of the new bed and bedroom showroom soon followed.

Webbs Bed Barn has proved so successful, in fact, that plans are afoot to develop a new warehouse to cope with the increasing volumes.

After an enforced interval while Herbert served his country in World War II it was business as usual again - with his wife Dulcie, and brother-in-law Garnett running the little hardware shop in Crickhowell while Herbert was out until all hours, in all weathers selling paraffin, brushes, candles, soap, and other household items.

The warehouse will enable the family to free up space and redevelop the main store and car park to further expand their range of garden furniture and machinery.

Brecon Road , Crickhowell Powys NP8 1SG Telephone: 01873 810 775 www.cidermill.co.uk

Creative Guitar Solutions Self - expression, joy and sore fingers!

I am a Registered Guitar Tutor, recently moved into the Crickhowell area and I am now taking on students of all ages who are interested in learning to play guitar in any of the following styles: ★ ★ ★

Classical and acoustic guitar Acoustic Blues Guitar Worship guitar

At the foot of the Black Mountains between Crickhowell and Brecon is the award winning Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn.

December Festive Set Menu Starters ~ ~ ~ ~

Butternut squash & sage soup Smoked duck breast salad with pomegranate vinaigrette Beetroot cured gravadlax with brown bread and a lemon & dill creme fraiche Chicken liver & brandy parfait with an orange & thyme glaze and warm toast

Main Courses ~ ~ ~

Escalope of turkey filled with a cranberry & chestnut stuffing with roast potatoes and pan gravy Daube of Welsh beef with creamed potatoes Pan roasted fillet of salmon with celeriac puree and buttered new potatoes

I teach individuals or small groups of up to three students.

For further information contact John Matty on 07711 133199 or email me at johnmatty3357@btinternet.com 06

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Wild mushroom, chestnut & cranberry savoury pudding with a white wine sauce All dishes served with seasonal vegetables

Desserts ~ ~ ~ ~

Rum and raisin bread and butter pudding with caramelised bananas and cream Nantyffin affogato - crushed meringue, vanilla ice cream, espresso cream and a dusting of cocoa Dark chocolate & orange tart with whipped vanilla cream Eggnog pannacotta with spiced berries

2 courses - £20.00 3 courses - £25.00

“As a family we are involved in every aspect of the business, from the buying of stock, unloading of delivers and in-store sales. When we close the doors at 5.30pm we go out delivering!

“Our main focus in everything we do is quality and service. We have developed a reputation which we work hard to maintain.

“Although we are a family dominated business (five of the 17 are family members), we have a fantastic team around us. More than half have been with us for over 10 years.

“We don’t like the word ‘staff’. We see those who work with us more like extended family members.

“You can’t sell unless you buy the right products for your customers. Again, our focus is always on quality. We offer the best products at the best prices, always offering a huge variety, backed up with years of experience and knowledge of all our products.

“Customers often comment that the shop is like ‘Aladdin's Cave’ with something for everyone, for all seasons, for all tastes, whether they be local to the area or from further afield. We truly are a one-stop shop.

“As Herbert Webb always said - “we sell nice things to nice people”.

“He would be amazed if he could see the store today. But some things don’t change. We still treat everyone the same, whether they’re buying a 20p tap washer or placing a major furniture order!”

Location is also a key factor in the store’s success. Sited at the narrowest point of the A40 as it snakes through the Brecon Beacons, many passersby get to stop and stare at the shop front and this has helped to transform Webbs from a local to a nationwide business.

“We now deliver far and wide, particularly along the M4 corridor from West Wales to all areas of London and beyond. We’ve even been spotted in Edinburgh, Paris and Brittany!” said John.

“Many of these customers return year after year and it is fair to say that we very rarely sell anything to someone without them coming back for something else.”

The store also has a unique atmosphere.

“We’re a friendly, comfortable store where everyone is made to feel welcome and wanted.

Customers become friends and very often the store is used as a social meeting point.

“We frequently hear comments like ‘I only came in for a corkscrew and walked out buying a sofa!’.”

In so many ways Webbs can truly claim to be a store with a difference.

Your new guide to the finer things in life

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Welcome to Porthmawr Porthmawr is an intriguing mix of experiences.

It’s historic and contemporary. It lives and breathes the past - but is decidedly of our times.

Set in three acres of sweeping gardens in the charming Brecon Beacons town of Crickhowell, it offers something you don’t often find - bed and breakfast with the accent on luxury. But then again, Porthmawr is no ordinary house.

It’s a splendid Grade II Regency mansion complete with 15th-century castellated gatehouse that has been refurbished with great style and artistic flair.

Plush furnishings, antiques and quirky modern artwork sit side-by-side in its elegant, tallceilinged rooms. It’s a theme that is carried through into the bedrooms, which combine classical features with modern influences.

Weddings and whole house family reunions This intimate country mansion has the grandeur for that special occasion coupled with the intimacy of a family home ●

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Plentiful accommodation at Porthmawr itself and in the immediate area, with an excellent choice of hotels and inns Exclusive use of a house that becomes your own for the wedding Superb, spacious grounds and gardens A scenic, very romantic setting licensed for civil ceremonies A versatile venue that can be tailored to weddings large and small, with ample space for a marquee.

The new banqueting room comfortably wines and dines at least 72 with the fusion medieval style oak and contemporary luxury.

What more do you want from a wedding venue?

You’ll also want the reassurance of a professional - and entirely personal - service. We have that too, tailored to your own needs and budget. And because we do things ourselves, we’re always on hand to advise and help.

We are experienced in handling weddings large and small, and will look after as much - or as little - as you want, from a simple reception to a

full packages that include all printing requirements (invitation cards etc), catering, wine, flowers and live entertainment.

We can even arrange for a jeweller to meet you with a selection of engagement and wedding rings - or to arrange individually designed rings.

It’s all part of the service.

Please give Geoff or Linda a call on 01873 812404 to discuss and also use the link to www.porthmawrcountryhouse.com for further details of this Visit Wales 5 star accommodation.

The Bear Hotel 01873 810408 Book now for your 2011 Christmas party High Street

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NP8 1BW

Menu 1

Menu 2

£20.95

£25.95

Chicken Liver and Cognac Parfait, Orange and Mulled Spiced Marmalade, Melba Toast Baked Stuffed Field Mushroom

Chicken Liver and Cognac Parfait, orange and mulled spiced marmalade, Toasted Brioche Goats cheese in Dukkah spices with beetroot puree and balsamic glaze Cream of Welsh leek and celeriac soup, with poached haddock and chive cream Honey glazed Confit of Duck sun dried tomato and feta cheese salad

dog friendly

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.

Log fires add to our charming surroundings.

Cream of Welsh Leek and Celeriac Soup, Parsley Gel

Crab and Sweet corn chowder with onion bread

Waldorf Salad

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Local Roast Turkey, Baked Apple with Chestnut Stuffing, and Seasonal Accompaniments

Traditional Roast Turkey, Chestnut Stuffing and Seasonal Accompaniments

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Seared Fillet of Salmon, Crab and Lemon Risotto with Sauce Messine

Braised Beef with Shallots

Pea and Feta Risotto, Parmesan Crackling and Mint Foam

Luxury Salmon and White Fish Pie in a Creamy White Wine Sauce

Roast Pheasant Tournedos, Sautéed Chestnuts & Bacon, Black Pudding, Braised Red Cabbage & Madeira Jus

Cauliflower and Potato Cake with Tomato Coulis and Mornay Sauce

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Luxury Christmas Pudding, Mulled Wine Glaze and Rum Sauce

Traditional Christmas Pudding with Rum Sauce Apple and Whinberry Crumble with Custard

Spiced Vanilla Parfait with a Sloe Gin and Cranberry Compote Bread & Butter Pudding Made With Rum & Bananas, Served With Brown Bread Ice Cream Coconut Cream with Pineapple Salsa

Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce

Lime Bavoir with Citrus Salad

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Coffee and Cocktail Mince Pie

Coffee and Cocktail Mince Pie

www.bearhotel.co.uk 08

Duo of Pork, Black Pudding and Colcannon with a Cider Cream Reduction

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Your new guide to the finer things in life

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M. T. CASHELL & SONS LTD High Class, High Street Butcher / Green Grocer / Delicatessen

It’s all about the dress If January and February really are the most depressing months of the year, I am proposing that we rename them Glam-uary and Fabruary.

Taking orders for: ★ Local Bronze Free Range Usk Vale Turkey ★ Local Usk Vale Fresh boneless Turkey breast ★ Local Welsh Free Range geese ★ Organic Copas Bronze Free Range Turkeys ★ Local Llanbedr Black Mountain Welsh beef ★ 5lb best mince for £12.00 ★ 5lb Chuck steak for £13.50 ★ 5lb shin of beef for £12.00

53 HIGH ST Crickhowell NP8 1BH

01873 810405

During the cold nights with our purses still recovering from Christmas and trips to the gym failing to work miracles, there is nothing more satisfying than staying in, snuggled up next to the fire, watching TV. I’m not really one for soaps or series dramas so watching telly usually constitutes an informed choice; a Louis Theroux special, Dispatches, Top Gear or America’s Next Top Model finale.

But I do have a yearly TV routine, highlighted by the red carpets of the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, BAFTAs, the Grammys and of course, the crème de la crème of award ceremonies, the Oscars.

Feeling particularly unglamorous on a recent Sunday evening I sat like a child on Christmas morning, waiting in anticipation for my annual fashion treat.

It was the second awards show on my calendar ... sorry, Glam-uary/Fabruary calendar ... the

THE DRAGON INN Crickhowell CHRISTMAS MENU STARTER COURSES

MAIN COURSES

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER AND PER LAS SOUP

TURKEY DINNER OF MONMOUTHSHIRE'S FINEST Pigs in blankets, roasties, stuffing, chef's gravy and cranberry

CHICKEN AND LEEK TERRINE Sweet plum and apple chutney SMOKED SALMON AND GRAVADLAX Salad and chive crème fraiche

ROLLED AND BRAISED BELLY PORK Creamy mash, roasted parsnips with a Welsh apple cider sauce

CREAMED GARLIC AND THYME MUSHROOMS Warm ciabatta bread

RICH AND MOIST LAMB PIE Minted mash and red wine sauce

GOAT'S CHEESE AND PARMA HAM SALAD Tomato pesto and basil croutons

DESSERT CHRISTMAS PUDDING with brandy custard RASPBERRY CREME BRULEE and shortbread CHOCOLATE TART, SPICED CHOCOLATE SAUCE and vanilla ice cream APPLE AND BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE with custard

PAN-FRIED SALMON FILLET Jersey royals, asparagus and crayfish cream

Welcome to

LEEK AND WELSH CHEESE RISOTTO Chesnut and parmesan crust

The Bridge End Inn

www.dragoncrickhowell.co.uk 10

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LUNCH TIME £22.95 for 3 courses and mince pie DINNER TIME £24.95 for 3 courses and cheeseboard CHRISTMAS DAY £44.95 all the above and a welcome glass of Cava

For Accommodation

The Bridge End Inn is quite an exceptional public house of some quality, set on the edge of the Brecon National Park right next to the river Usk - one of the principality’s best fishing rivers. ◆ Restaurant

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For Lunch

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For Dinner

High St, Crickhowell Powys NP8 1BE ●

Crickhowell

ALL MAIN COURSES ARE SERVED WITH VEGETABLES

LEMON AND LIME POSSET

01873 810362

prestigious BAFTA awards.

All the Hollywood stars were there dressed head to toe in perfection.

The cherry red catwalk was embellished with jewel coloured dresses and shiny black tuxedos, with a few actresses and trends, standing out more than the rest.

Similar to the carpets in LA, stars shone in nudes, sequinned gold and silver numbers and even managed the usually difficult patterned dresses on the night. Despite fluffing her lines when presenting an award, my BAFTA for best dressed would have gone to Rosamund Pike in a yellow gold Alexander McQueen gown complete with graphic print.

At the SAG awards a week before, Mila Kunis looked understated in yet another stunning McQueen graphic print dress, even standing next to her Best Actress nominated co-star Natalie Portman, who was blooming with her baby bump in a chic white beaded Azzaro gown.

Christina Hendricks also worked her curves in a black wrapped gown, cut to the thigh - exposing just the right amount of flesh and showing that Hollywood can embrace the real shape of a woman, a quirky classic for which I gave five stars and overall fashion winner on the night.

If the prize was for the figure and not the dress, Hendrick’s shapely, perfectly proportioned body showed how you can look healthy without compromising glamour.

Coming a close second, at the Golden Globes, set with a sunkissed tan, minimal makeup and a knot in her hair, Emma Stone won me over in her orange sorbet inspired XXX backless gown.

Not often does she get it wrong, but a certain Bond girl got a thumbs down from me on the night.

Halle Berry’s tight body con dress, with a sheer split skirt which wafted around awkwardly and did nothing for Hollywood’s hottest actress.

Berry should look to stars like January Jones, who may be more than 10 years her junior but worked a tassled Versace red dress with sass and class.

For me Jones never steps a foot out of the high fashion line. Those that did at the Grammys however

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◆ Bar

◆ Accommodation

◆ Fishing

Bridge Street. Crickhowell. Powys. NP8 1AR Tel: 01873 810338 Fax: 01873 810338 Email: info@thebridgeendinn.com www.thebridgeendinn.com

included young fashionistas Rhianna and Katy Perry.

Their cloud/angel inspired outfits did little for their figures or their reputations as world-class pop stars.

And as for Lady Gaga’s egg - well let’s put that down to sheer insanity.

All of these glamorous award shows got me thinking about fashion choices. When the eyes of billions of people are on you what on earth is a woman to wear?

It’s hard enough for us to find something for work in the morning and the weekly palaver about what to wear on a Saturday night out, never mind something that can make us look pretty and presentable in the sub-zero temperatures of wintry North Wales.

With designers flocking to dress the world’s most famous actresses, I certainly won’t be trying to compete for first prize next to the honed, toned and bejewelled.

Rather I will be taking inspiration and looking to the High Street to see how I can at least try and replicate elements of their million dollar outfits.

I’ll be hitting our region’s shopping centres looking for nude, silver, white and gold dresses, graphic printed pieces and quirky classics for my new spring wardrobe..

Your new guide to the finer things in life

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Apple Store Gallery - Graduate Prize Show “Apple Store Gallery is taking part in Hereford Photography Festival for the second time this November and is featuring the 'Graduate Prize Show' for which two recent graduates of Hereford College of Arts have been awarded a bursary to put on an exhibition of new work.

Other local photographers will also have their work on show. Kerry O'Reilly and Mark Paul the featured graduates, will be in conversation with Caitlin Griffiths the Festival's artistic director on Saturday 12th November from 4 to 5pm.

Painter Janine Thompson from Monmouth and ceramicist Jewels Williams will also have an exhibition from 1st to 26th November."

Apple Store Gallery ‘Graduate Prize Show’ Kerry O’Reilly & Mark Paul

Give Art a Chance!

1st to 26th November Tuesdays to Fridays 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm

The great art of the world is scattered in museums and galleries far and wide thanks to the spoils of war or commerce, and the best art galleries of the world draw millions of visitors year round.

‘In Conversation’ Saturday 12th November, 4.00pm to 5.00pm

So on almost any city break holiday - and many other holiday besides - you can be sure of some great art or gallery nearby.

The problem is, art has become such a commercial 'product', hijacked to help sell holidays in the tour brochure, that galleries have become ordeals - crowds of tour groups racing from room to room, making it hell for them and everybody else.

This is no way to enjoy art! No wonder people feel like slashing the grinning Mona - Leonardo must be laughing in that great studio in the sky.

But don't be put off! There are strategies - first, check out before you go what might be nearby.

And don't feel you need to 'do' the entire gallery - this can often leave you exhausted. An hour and a half is more than enough to concentrate, crowds or no crowds.

3 Bridge Street, Hereford, HR4 9DF Tel: 01432 378436 applestoregallery@btinternet.com www.applestoregallery.co.uk

Find the pictures or sculpture you want to see, ignore the marked route, and get to spend some time in front of each, so that, from time to time, you will get space to appreciate the work when the crowds part. Second, make sure you

read up about the work or works of art you are looking at - knowing the background will enable you to appreciate it and learn from it so much better.

Many of the great collections and art galleries are free, so dipping in and out to see particular pieces can work well.

Any size picture framing made to order Unit 4, Hatherleigh Place, Union Rd., Abergavenny Also at Unit 5, Abergavenny Market on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday

Tel / Fax: 01837 858680 Mobile: 07977 733380 Email: hspictureframes@virgin.net

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artbeat Brecon A group of businesses in the thriving market town of Brecon have got together to market the unique galleries and cultural enterprises in Brecon. The artbeat trail includes Brecknock Museum and Gallery and Theatr Brycheiniog plus some excellent private galleries. www.artbeatbrecon.co.uk

An altogether more pleasurable experience than jostling the tour groups in the Louvre or the Uffizi Gallery.

H.S. PICTURE FRAMING

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The Hay Makers, Hay-on-Wye Situated in the world famous book town of Hay-on-Wye, the Hay Makers is a cooperative of professional design makers which has flourished since the 1980s. Visitors will find a broad range of work on display; throughout the year the gallery has exhibitions showing the work of some of the best contemporary British makers. Whilst in Hay on Wye take the opportunity to visit the Bowie Gallery in Market Street which has a range of ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and textiles. www.hayclay.co.uk

Last, there are also some great lesser known art galleries which we have attempted to list here, like the Wallace Collection or the Sackler Museum which are worth seeking out - they have some wonderful paintings and sculpture and are much less crowded.

And if you are on a tour, refuse the tour group excursion (sensitive, specialist small group tours are the exception). Do it on your own instead. It will be cheaper, and far more enjoyable. Give art a chance!

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Local arts

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Martin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff Established in 1989 the gallery now extends over three floors of a Georgian house plus purpose built extension this well established private commercial gallery specialises in Welsh and Wales based artists present and past. Monthly solo exhibitions are held in the main gallery and a constantly changing exhibition of paintings, print and sculpture on the other two floors. The gallery also has a large stock of work in store which can be viewed on request. www.artwales.com Denise Yapp Contemporary Art, Whitebrook, Monmouth Set in the heat of the Wye Valley Mill House is a gallery with a difference exhibiting works of art from over 35 of the best UK contemporary artists, including paintings, sculpture and glass. www.deniseyapp.com

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Welsh Art Many works of Celtic art have been found in Wales. In the Early Medieval period, the Celtic Christianity of Wales participated in the Insular art of the British Isles and a number of illuminated manuscripts possibly of Welsh origin survive, of which the 8th century Hereford Gospels and Lichfield Gospels are the most notable. The 11th century Ricemarch Psalter (now in Dublin) is certainly Welsh, made in St David's, and shows a late Insular style with unusual Viking influence.

The best of the few Welsh artists of the 1618th centuries tended to move elsewhere to work, but in the 18th century the dominance of landscape art in English art bought them motives to stay at home, and bought an influx of artists from outside to paint Welsh scenery.

The Welsh painter Richard Wilson (17141782) is arguably the first major British landscapist, but rather more notable for Italian scenes than Welsh ones, although he did paint several on visits from London.

The Bard, 1774, by Thomas Jones (1742-1803) It remained difficult for artists relying on the Welsh market to support themselves until well into the 20th century. An Act of Parliament in 1857 provided for the establishment of a number of art schools throughout the United Kingdom, and the Cardiff School of Art opened in 1865.

Graduates still very often had to leave Wales to work, but Betws-y-Coed became a popular centre for artists, and its artist's colony helped form the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art in 1881.

The sculptor Sir William Goscombe John made many works for Welsh commissions, although he had settled in London. Christopher Williams, whose subjects were mostly resolutely Welsh, was also based in London.

Thomas E. Stephens and Andrew Vicari had very successful careers as portraitists based respectively in the United States and France. Sir Frank Brangwyn was Welsh by origin, but spent little time in Wales.

Perhaps the most famous Welsh painters, Augustus John and his sister Gwen John, mostly lived in London and Paris; however the landscapists Sir Kyffin Williams and Peter Prendergast remained living in Wales for most of their lives, though well in touch with the wider art world.

Ceri Richards was very engaged in the Welsh art scene as a teacher in Cardiff, and even after moving to London; he was a figurative painter in international styles including Surrealism. Various artists have moved to Wales, including Eric Gill, the London-born Welshman David Jones, and the sculptor Jonah Jones.

The Kardomah Gang was an intellectual circle centred on the poet Dylan Thomas and poet and artist Vernon Watkins in Swansea, which also included the painter Alfred Janes.

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Today much art is produced in Wales, as elsewhere in a great diversity of styles.

South Wales had several notable potteries in the late 18th and 19th centuries, an early exponent being the Cambrian Pottery (1764-1870, also known as “Swansea pottery") and including Nantgarw Pottery near Cardiff, which was in operation from 1813 to 1822 making fine porcelain, and then utilitarian pottery until 1920.

Portmeirion Pottery (from 1961) has never in fact been made in Wales.

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Art Courses in Llanthony this Autumn Painters and sculptors, printmakers and photographers have enjoyed a variety of courses so far this year in Clare’s studio on Broadley Farm. Landscape painters love to go to the Abbey to paint the views.

Lumps of limestone have been enthusiastically chiselled and carved into wonderful shapes under the guidance of local sculptor Richard Renshaw.

Photographers learn to enhance their photos on photoshop in the studio and take landscape and architectural photographs in differing light conditions, making good use of the spectacular surroundings.

In November Brecon artist Veronica Gibson will teach woodcutting techniques for colourful and expressive work. Susan Sands brings a car load of printmaking equipment from Pembrokeshireusing ancient mangles to make the prints. Original greetings cards can be made on the weekend course.

Most courses are suitable for beginners and also for more experienced artists. All enjoy the welcoming studio and the relaxed atmosphere, cups of tea and home made cakes.

Visitors are welcome to the studio or gallery, please ring Clare for more information on 01873 890343 or have a look at the web-site www.llanthonyart.co.uk

Clare Whitehead teaches some basic skills in Oil Painting using still life and landscape.

At the same time her own paintings may be enjoyed in the studio.

Still a few places available on these courses.

Llanthony Art Courses Be inspired, learn to paint!

Spacious studio in exceptional location Accommodation available

For brochure phone 01873 890343 www.llanthonyart.co.uk

MARY ROSE YOUNG

Her gallery in the Forest of Dean is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and 7 days a week in December

(01594) 563425 www.maryroseyoung.com

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Looking for Lady Gaga Mary Rose Young has been commissioned to make a special cup and saucer for the exciting Lady Gaga….but suddenly she doesn’t know where to send it. The call came in the summer from Lady Gaga’s publishing agent, who wanted to give the famous singer a present to celebrate the launch of her new book.

This is not the first time that Mary Rose’s flamboyant work has been chosen as a suitable celebrity gift, and Mary Rose set about devising a suitable piece.

Apparently Lady Gaga is well known for her love of cups and saucers and one is ever present in her hand: exactly what is inside is not known!

Mary Rose designed an entirely new elegant cup and saucer style with her hand made curly handle. She adorned it with flowers and the star’s name, but the publishing agent did not call back with a shipping address.

Mary Rose and her brother have tried to find a way of sending the piece direct

November / December

to Lady Gaga, but unsurprisingly she keeps her personal details very secret.

“Even though this book / launch / present idea obviously fell through I would love to send it to her” says Mary Rose “she deserves it and I just know she’d like it.”

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Martin’s Framing and Gallery - Abergavenny Martin's Framing and Gallery is a well established business offering a friendly service based in Abergavenny.

Naming the business after himself, Martin Fletcher started the bespoke picture framing business in Abergavenny’s old police station in Baker Street by producing high quality workmanship and friendly customer advice.

His aim was to create a gallery that had a friendly atmosphere and soon he attracted high quality artwork from professional artists living locally exhibiting their work.

Martin’s aim was to provide an opening for original artwork so that people didn’t have to travel to major cities to purchase quality paintings.

And since the business opened in 2005, the gallery has become well known throughout the area for exhibiting fine artwork featuring work from some of the top artists throughout Wales and the rest of the UK. But one of the leading artists to exhibit at the gallery is Goff Danter and so impressed with his work that Martin became his manager. He said: “ I believe Goff foresaw the potential of the gallery from the very beginning and we have become firm friends. Goff has gone from strength to strength and his original work is now being collected throughout the world.

“We feel that now we have established ourselves as a gallery that exhibits some of the best artwork found in Monmouthshire or indeed South Wales.

“And the only way to verify this claim is to pay us a visit. The aim of the gallery in the future is to bring art to our customers’ from all points throughout the UK and further afield.”

But by September 2010 the framing workshop had almost outgrown its

location and was contemplating a move when he was offered three additional adjacent rooms in the same building and took the opportunity to refurbished the gallery by creating exhibition space in the new rooms and using the old rooms to extended the workshop operation.

Martin feels that the 'Art' experience should be enjoyed, whether you are looking for bespoke framing, advice and guidance on available originals and prints or even just taking in the pleasure of the paintings. Martin likes nothing better than the light hearted banter he often shares with his customers.

The gallery opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm each day.

Martin’s Framing and Gallery Martins Framing service provides bespoke framing of all kinds, using a whole range of professional quailty frames.

The best thing is for you to pop and see the types of framing on offer and discuss your requirements with Martin.

You will be amazed what a difference a good frame can make to any painting or picture. Why settle for less?

The Gallery Current Artists on show Goff Danter / Haydn Gear / Peter Seabourne / John Knapp Fisher / John Lines / James Martin / Mike Hatcher & others The Gallery space is a warm and friendly environment showcasing some fine Welsh talent as well as selected artists from other parts of the UK including London. Goff Danter has earned himself wide acclaim in the International art collectors market with his paintings commanding high sums.

His wonderful paintings capture the essence of the dramatic and atmospheric Welsh landscape.

Telephone: 01873 856633 Mobile: 07854 843017 The Old Police Station, Baker Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5BB

www.martinsframing.co.uk

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

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treet, 7 Lion S owys.

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Phone: 01874 622033 Email: kizzy@elfbazaar.co.uk

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Your new guide to the finer things in life

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Noel’s Flying High It's virtually impossible to prepare for an interview with Noel Gallagher. The former Oasis songwriter's notoriously tack-sharp mind can veer between seemingly disconnected topics in a second. It's best to sit there and do your best to keep up.

During an hour with the man known to those who work with him as The Chief, he discusses his new album, his friend David Walliams, his recent Radio 2 show, his plans for a new gameshow, The Beatles, Manchester City and last, but definitely not least, his beloved brew.

“If I'd known you didn't drink Yorkshire tea, I'd never have agreed to this interview," he says with mock horror. “As any tea-maker knows, it's the only bag."

Gallagher's debut solo album, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, was released earlier this week. The story behind the title? “So I wouldn't freak out when I saw it written down. The High Flying Birds don't exist, but I couldn't just be 'Noel Gallagher'," he explains, adding he took the name from High Flying Bird, a song by Sixties psychedelic rockers Jefferson Airplane.

A tour begins in Dublin on October 23 although, not to put a downer on things, the 44-year-old isn't really looking forward to the occasion.

“I wouldn't say I was excited. I'm not excited about anything, really, except the Manchester derby, which is the same day as the tour starts," he says, referring to Manchester City's forthcoming clash with red rivals United. "'Ready' is the word, I'd say. I'm ready for what's about to happen, which is a lot of graft. I'm a level down from excited. If excited is green, then I'm definitely amber, but not red."

By now, most people will be familiar with the story of Oasis's break-up.

After a cancelled performance at V Festival in Chelmsford in August 2009, the band moved on to a show in Paris. Beforehand, Noel and younger brother Liam, never the best of friends, had an argument where things got violent, unpleasant words were said and Gallagher Snr walked out. It signalled the end of Oasis, a band that sold more than 70 million records and inarguably defined the music of the Nineties.

Just as Gallagher moves from subject to subject, he frequently changes tone too, frivolous one second, deeply serious touching even - the next.

Whatever the state of his relationship with Liam, Noel says some sweet things about his mouthy sibling today.

“I need him more than he needs me," he

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admits at one point, while at others, he refers to him as the best rock 'n' roll singer the UK has ever seen.

“I never wanted to be a solo artist," he continues. “I loved being in Oasis, and if the band had stayed together, I would've been the happiest pig in the nicest pigpen.

Unless I'd had this opportunity, it never would've happened. Oasis took up so much of everyone's time, I would have had to make a solo album between Oasis records and tours - and I don't think my wife [Sara MacDonald] would've been too happy if, after a two-year world tour, I'd come home and said 'I'm off again, see you in a year'."

So happy was the guitarist in Oasis that when he found himself sans band, going solo wasn't immediately obvious to him.

It wouldn't be fair to say Gallagher panicked when Oasis broke up, but he does admit to a 10-month period of “not having a clue what to do next".

“When you've been in Oasis, there's no point making another band. They'd only get compared. If you've changed the world once, you can't do it again. Not in your 40s.

“I thought the only noble path was to go solo."

Being an essentially “lazy person", there was some time between Gallagher's realisation and actually getting started on an album. The much-needed shove out of the door and into the studio came thanks to Mrs Gallagher.

“My wife said 'You've got to do something, because you're getting on my tits' so I had to go out," he recalls. “I really started to focus then.

When I was sitting at home moping about, I just wanted to turn the clock back and sort Oasis out, but from the day I decided I had a record to make, I've never looked back."

Whatever Sara said obviously worked, as Gallagher recorded two albums at the same time. An as-yet untitled second album is due in the spring.

Of the 10 songs featured on Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, two - Stop The Clocks and (I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine - have been around for years, often lined up to be included on past Oasis albums.

“They're really good songs - too good to be left out - and if I don't put them out now, when am I going to release them?" says Gallagher, refuting the accusation that songs available on YouTube since around 2008 shouldn't have been included on his first solo effort.

“The rest of the songs are post-Oasis, although I was writing them while in the band. They've never been recorded, demoed or anything."

The debut is, as you might expect from the

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man responsible for the now hymn-like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, Live Forever and Champagne Supernova, a melodic affair.

There's no radical departure in style, but then why would there be? If it ain't broke, why worry about trying to fix it?

“I'm not one for wildly changing my musical hat every two minutes. I'm not a musical chameleon, like Damon Albarn," he says, referring to his one-time sparring partner. “Damon's very adept, and can do anything. I'm not like that, although I sometimes wish I was. I'm quite happy with what I do."

There is one unexpected song on the album, AKA... What A Life (it was originally called Ride The Tiger, hence the AKA part of the title).

In a nod to his late-Eighties raving days in Manchester's infamous Hacienda, the song, initially an acoustic lament, now features a hypnotic piano riff and robotic beat underneath Noel's yearning vocal, reminiscent of Rhythm Is Rhythm's Strings Of Life, for any aging clubbers out there.

AKA... What A Life was first heard on an advert for Vauxhall.

“I wasn't sure about that at first," he explains. “But the advert doesn't have loads of cars driving around, and the England football team are in it, so that's OK. I want everyone to know, though, that through all

this, I was only thinking about the money. I had to fill it with subliminal messages, too," he jokes.

“Anybody listening to that song will find themselves staggering towards a Vauxhall dealership, buying a Corsa."

And with that, he's off; a mysterious meeting at Radio 2 and a session in the gym beckon. “I work out at home," he says.

“No man should ever be seen in public wearing shorts unless they're on holiday."

As for whether he thinks the solo career is going to be a success, he's not sure.

“I'll tell you after the first show. I might come off stage vomiting and decide to never play a single note again. We'll have to see..."

■ The self-titled debut from Noel

Gallagher's High Flying Birds is out now.

He begins his first solo UK tour in Manchester on October 26.

Your new guide to the finer things in life

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How the Victorians spread the Christmas message The modern-day Christmas greetings card is a quintessentially British invention dating back to 1843.

Sir Henry Cole, first director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, commissioned Royal Academician John Callcott Horsley to come up with a specially designed form of greeting to send to friends at Christmas.

The card was lithographed on stiff cardboard, with a design of a trellis of rustic-work divided into a centre and two side panels.

In the panels were figures representing two of the acts of charity - ‘feeding the hungry’ and ‘clothing the naked’. In the centre was a picture of a merry family party, including three generations quaffing draughts of wine. One of the children is being shown how to consume the wine while three others tuck into a plum pudding.

■ The earliest Christmas cards featured flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs ■ The first Christmas card, illustrated by John Callcott Horsley

Written across a banner covering the bottom half is the greeting, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You". This expression was to become the ‘standard' Christmas card message.

An edition of 1,000 of these first Christmas cards were printed and placed on sale in London.

Costing one shilling (5p) each, the equivalent of a working man’s weekly wage, the card was not an instant success and even brought disapproval from the Temperance League who feared it would encourage drunkenness!

The following year, however, another Christmas card was put on sale illustrating the 'Spirit of Christmas'. This one was produced by W.C.T. Dobson and sold many more copies than Horsley's earlier card.

The Christmas card's popularity - aided by the introduction of the ‘Penny Post’ in 1840 - had begun.

While the earliest cards may have been too pricey

for the average Victorian, the sentiments they carried struck a chord and many children Queen Victoria's included - were encouraged to make their own.

fanciful designs were featured to remind the recipient of the approach of spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular too, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials.

The 1850s saw an increasingly mobile population as more people than ever before moved from the countryside to the new industrial towns. Christmas cards were a great way to stay in touch with family during in these changing times.

But the designs soon developed to include Santa Claus, robins (the nickname for Victorian postmen who wore red uniforms), decorated Christmas trees, Nativity scenes and other seasonal images familiar today.

Although Christmas cards were already popular by 1870, the introduction of the halfpenny postage rate really made them a part of everyone's lives.

The advent of the postcard eventually spelled the end for elaborate Victorian-style cards, but by the 1920s, cards with envelopes had returned.

Colour printing technology had quickly become more advanced too, causing the price of card production to drop significantly.

During both World Wars it was popular to feature patriotic messages on Christmas cards while idiosyncratic ‘studio cards’ with cartoon illustrations and sometimes risqué humour caught on in the 1950s.

By the 1880s the sending of cards had become hugely popular, creating a lucrative industry that produced 11.5 million cards in 1880 alone.

The Christmas card publishing industry created unheard of opportunities for artists, writers, printers, and engravers.

In the UK today Christmas cards come in every conceivable form and account for almost half of the volume of greeting card sales. In the 2008 festive period nearly 669 million Christmas cards were sold!

Many of the great artists of the day responded with their best ideas. Kate Greenaway, Walter Crane, and Thomas Crane were among numerous 19th century artists famous for their greeting card designs.

Thousands of pounds were spent in finding the right poems and suitable Christmas sentiments to accompany the designs and many literary writers of the time seized the opportunity to cash in.

The earliest cards rarely showed winter or religious themes. Flowers, fairies and other

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■ Victorian postmen with their red uniforms were nicknamed Robins

Christmas Gift Ideas Stripy Crocheted Bunny

by LindenFrench

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A self stirring mug for plain lazy people £9.95 AVAILABLE AT www.prezzybox.com

Filthy Rich Monopoly Money Tea Towels £14.99 AVAILABLE AT www.needapresent.com

80's Retro iPhone Case

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Together Forever Voodoo Dolls £3.99 AVAILABLE AT www.flamingogifts.co.uk

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Gazette Magazine Poll

Recipe Corner

LAST MONTHS RESULTS We asked you who you thought Peter Barlow from Coronation street should be with? 62% of you voted for Leanne, 36% say carla and 2% Sylvia!

This months poll

LEANNE

62% CARLA

Lamb Turque Ingredients ● ● ● ● ● ●

For stuffing ● ●

36%

Do you think that it is it is a good idea for Andy and Debbie to have a baby to save Sarah?

Let us know what you think Text Yes, or No to 07800 609944 or email jennahopkins@yahoo.co.uk Standard rates apply please ask the bill payers permission.

See next months edition for results.

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SYLVIA

2% Voter Comments: “That Sylvia would soon have Peter kicked into touch!" says Beth from Mardy “I think that Carla and Peter are soul mates” says Margaret from Raglan

3lb leg or shoulder of Welsh lamb, boned 1 clove garlic, cut in slivers 1oz dripping or lard, melted salt and freshly ground black pepper half pint lamb stock 1tbs flour

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3oz lambs liver, chopped 2oz raisins 3oz long grain rice, cooked 1tsp freshly chopped rosemary or half tsp dried half egg, beaten 1oz butter 1 small onion, skinned and finely chopped

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1 medium tin prunes, drained and stoned apricot chutney or sweet pickle

Method To prepare stuffing: melt butter, add onion and fry for 5 mins or until golden. Add liver and fry briskly until juices run pink. Remove from heat, stir in other stuffing ingredients and season to taste.

Place stuffing into cavity of boned lamb, roll up meat and tie securely with string.

Make incisions in meat and insert garlic slivers. Brush joint with dripping or lard and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast joint on rack in roasting pan at top of oven at 230C, 450F or Gas Mark 8 for 1520 minutes, basting occasionally.

Transfer to middle shelf. Reduce temperature to 180C, 350F or Gas Mark 4 and roast for 60-90mins or until juices run pink. Remove meat to serving platter and keep warm. Drain fat from pan, add lamb stock and bring to the boil, stirring continuously, and season to taste. (Work in flour before adding stock for a thicker gravy, if preferred).

Carve lamb and arrange on platter, surrounded by prunes stuffed with apricot chutney or pickle. Serve gravy separately and accompany with new potatoes, broccoli, roast parsnips and carrots.

Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery Christmas Events Christmas Craft Fair 3rd December 10:30am - 4pm

Make your own Victorian Crackers

Find the perfect present at our Christmas craft fair.

8th December 6:30-8:30pm Create your own personalized Christmas crackers filled with Victorian treats. Workshop for Adults. £4 per person, booking essential. Contact the museum on 01685 727371 or e-mail museum@merthyr.gov.uk

Christmas at Cyfarthfa 14th & 15th December 5:00pm & 6:00pm Meet Father Christmas and take part in festive craft activities in this beautiful Victorian setting. £3.50 per child (present included), booking essential. Contact the museum on 01685 727371 or email museum@merthyr.gov.uk

Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery is home to a fantastic collection of artefacts spanning 2000 years of Merthyr's history and its Free to visit.

Cyfarthfa Castle, Brecon Road, Merthyr Tydfil. CF47 8RE www.museums.merthyr.gov.uk 24

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Miniature Railway in Park 3rd, 7th - 21st December. £1 per person to ride.

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✁ Your new guide to the finer things in life

COMPETITION Would your children like to design a....

(drawn or photographed)

For the Christmas Edition of the Abergavenny Gazette Send your childrens design along with their details and this cut out form to: Cover Competition. 13 Nevill Street Abergavenny. Gwent NP7 5AA (Closing date 19th November 2011)

Your Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your Childs Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

November 2011 Cardiff. Wales Annual Festival of Remembrance. Inclusive cost Coach/Hall £35. Depart Abergavenny Bus Station 5pm. Early Booking advisable. Tel: 01873 852567.

FREE

With Aberga the ve Chronic nny le

Gwent Bach Society Concert – 7.30pm, St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny Tickets £10 from Abergavenny Music or 01873 890259.

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Birmingham Bull Ring Christmas Shopping £15 pp. Tel: 07779155202

✁ Borough Theatre, 7.30pm.

Grant Muter will talk about Vernacular Architecture in Monmouthshire 1480-1680.

Call: 01873 850220.

KHS Old Boy’s Annual Reunion Dinner, Angel Hotel, Abergavenny 7.30, reserve your place, 01873 854237

Crickhowell District History Society, Frank Olding ‘The Archaeology of Black Mountain 3. 7.30 At Crickhowell Scout Hall. All Welcome.

Abergavenny Alzheimer’s Memory Café, Holy Trinity Church Hall, drop in between 10.30am – 1pm for coffee and a chat, brunch now available, all welcome.

WI Trip to Gloucester, 9am, Seats Available, Tel: 01873 821246 / 821493.

RBL Remembrance Day Parade. At the Town Hall at 10.30 am.

Fun Bingo, Pandy Hall, further details, Tel; 01873 890591.

Christmas Fayre, Jack and Jills Pre- School, Goytre, 2pm, £1, inc free drink.

Cardiff, Sunday Evening, John Barrowman in Concert, Coach / Arena £45. Tel; 01873 852567.

Crickhowell Choral Society. St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny, 6.30pm. 01873 85739. www.crickhowellc horalsociety.org Crickhowell Christmas Craft Fayre, Clarence Hall, 10–4pm. Tel: 01873 811618

Chepstow School Arts Hall, 7pm Charity Concert.

Coach/Hall £20. Tel: 01873 852567

IKEA, coach from Abergavenny, Tel; 01873 856044

Llanbedr Village Hall 7.30pm, Once Upon A Time Christmas Theatre, for all the family. Tickets 01873 811808.

Bath Christmas Market day trip, pick ups, Crickhowell / Abergavenny. £10pp, Tel: 01873 890104.

Abergavenny Carers Group, Angel Hotel, 7.30pm – 9pm, all welcome.

28 / 29 / 30 Wendy’s Coffee Mornings, Llanfoist, Raffle in Aid of Welsh Air Ambulance.

Tel: 01873 854719

Toy and Train Collectors Fair, Gilwern Village Hall. Evening 7pm to 9pm. Tel: 07790224804.

Aditional acctivites for the 12th of November Crafts in the Village, Llanfoist Village Hall, 2-5pm, Exhibition and Sale.

Cwmdu Eisteddfod at Cwmdu Village Hall, afternoon at 1pm, evening 6.30pm approx. Refreshments. Contact 01874 730529.

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Recipe Corner Braised Shank of Lamb Ingredients ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

4 Lamb Shanks 375mls Red Wine 2 Litres lamb stock 1 large onion, diced 2 large carrots, diced 1 stick of celery, diced Half leek, diced 4 cloves of garlic 1 bunch of rosemary

Method

Restaurant

Cross Ash, Abergavenny Tel: 0845 388 1861 Lunch - Tuesday to Sunday Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday Fantastic meals created with fresh local produce, on a daily changing seasonal menu

Fry the Lamb shanks until golden brown, remove from the pan and brown the vegetables, then return the shanks to the pan and deglaze with the red wine, reduce by half and cover with the lamb stock, add the rosemary and bring the pan to the boil, then braise in a low oven approximately gas mark 3 or 140oc for about 2-2half hours until the meat is tender.

Remove the shanks from the pan and keep warm. Strain the stock and reduce by half to create the sauce. Serve the shanks with lots of buttery mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Simon & Kate King (Skenfrith Road NP7 8PB)

The Coach & Horses Inn Cwm Crawnon Road, Llangynidr, NP8 1LS Tracey & Ken extend a warm welcome to customers old & new

A great atmosphere and friendly staff await you STARTERS ROASTED PARSNIP AND SAGE SOUP HOME CURED SALMON WITH DILL CREME FRAICHE AND SALAD HOMEMADE VENISON TERRINE WITH BEETROOT CHUTNEY, TOAST WARM FIVE ONION TART WITH ROCKET SALAD

MAIN COURSES ROAST TURKEY WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS HONEY GLAZED HAM WITH SPICED RED CABBAGE AND CRANBERRIES, BREAD SAUCE FILLET OF HADDOCK ON A LEEK POTATO CAKE WITH A CHIVE CREAM SAUCE PUMPKIN AND GOATS CHEESE LASAGNE

● October Friday 28th – Game Night (menu made up of ● October Saturday 29th – Faye (Fantastic solo singer) ● November Saturday 19th – Denis and the Dinosaurs

www.coachandhorses.org The Winter Issue

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What’s on at the Coach and Horses?

DESSERTS

2 courses £15.95 3 courses £19.95

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Christmas menu now available, book now to avoid disappointment!

Deposit of £5 required per person to secure booking

CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE MULLED WINE POACHED PEAR WITH CHESTNUT ICE CREAM CHOCOLATE AND HAZELNUT CHEESECAKE WITH CARAMEL ORANGE SAUCE CHEESE AND BISCUITS TEA OR COFFEE WITH A MINCE PIE TO FINISH

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Lunches served 12 noon ~ 2 pm Closed Mondays for food . Drink’s 5.30~11pm Sunday lunch 12 noon ~ 3 .00pm Dinner served 6pm ~ 9pm Bar open 11am ~ midnight A wide selection of real ales available

November / December

☎ 01874 730245

locally sourced game)

(local music band) ● December Friday 2nd – Beats Work (4 piece cover band) ● December Saturday 10th – 2 Can (Fab pop duo) ● December Saturday 17th – dai version ( Welsh covers band)

info@coachandhorses.org

Wiltshire Farm Foods

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Taking care of Christmas mealtimes...

“Relax this Christmas and let Wiltshire Farm Foods do all the hard work! The perfect yuletide treat.”

The festive season is approaching, so to celebrate we have created a range of classic Christmas meals and desserts to really excite your taste-buds! Our Hearty Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, followed by a Christmas Pudding & Custard, is the perfect choice for a winter meal.

To make life even easier we have put together a delicious Christmas Selection Pack of tasty meals such as Steak in Creamy Mushroom & Brandy Sauce and a tempting slice of Cranberry & Port Cheesecake!

✁

✁

The Abergavenny Gazette has teamed up with Wiltshire Farm Foods to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Christmas Selection Pack worth £29.95.

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question and send your entry using the coupon to: Wiltshire Farm Foods Competition, 13 Nevill Street, Abergavenny.

Closing date 24th November.

The first correct answer drawn on that day will win the selection pack!

Question: Which festive berry can be found in our cheesecake slice?

Answer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................ ............................................

Tel No: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

✁

Your local Wiltshire Farm Foods team is headed by Brian and Sara Stringer and together with our friendly, caring team we deliver nutritious frozen ready meals to your door. All main meals are suitable for Diabetics and we also cater for a variety of other special dietary requirements.

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Abergavenny Market When the Filipino community first arrived in Wales to work for the National Health Service But as the newly recruited doctors and nurses from the Philippines settled down to the British way of life ten years ago they often said amongst themselves that they missed certain comfort items from back home.

So when the market trader husband of a Filipino nurse working at the local hospital joined the rest of his family, the asian community kept on asking him to obtain various items for them.

And gradually the orders started to pile up, so much so that Jess Carreon was persuaded to set up a stall at Abergavenny’s Tuesday Market.

“But it’s not just the Filipino or Asian people that come flocking to my stall,” said Jess, “It seems as if the food from the Orient is a favourite across the whole of the Abergavenny community.

“A lot of the things people are buying from soft drinks to sauces and dips have British equivalents, but people tell me it’s nice to be able to obtain what they are used to.

“It's like the British living abroad, they like a certain brand of tea, as the local variety does not have quite the same taste to what they are used to and seek alternative ways in which to obtain their preferred brand.”

Jess was able to launch his stall selling these hard to get items as a service the public at the same time as the Abergavenny Filipino British Association was being formed in May this year.

Jess said that since his arrival in the market, one Filipino resident in the area has made the effort to come back every week to stock up with all sorts of items.

■ Jess Carreon with his Asian food

stall in Abergavenny market

ABERGAVENNY

MARKET

Organic Free Range Bronze Turkeys

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.

MARKETS EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAYS

Carpenters Arms

Farmers Market Thursday November 24th

Walterstone, Nr. Pandy

Stamps, Cards & Militaria Sunday 27th November

Craft Fair Saturday 12th November

Arts & Crafts Thursday 10th November

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For further details contact Geoff Harris 01873 735811

Telephone Mrs Holt-Wilson 01291 690428

Vera Watkins, family and staff would like to wish customers old and new a very Merry Christmas

01873 890353

Your new guide to the finer things in life

N - NURSING HOME

B - BARN DRIED FIREWOOD

AVENUE ROAD NURSING HOME

TREE E E B A SERVICES JEM

Becoming part of your family

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Specialised knowledge of trees – assessment, maintenance & disposal Tree surgery – pruning & crown reduction, NPTC qualified All garden services from lawn mowing & hedgetrimming to weeding & digging Patio cleaning • Firewood for sale

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and

JOHN EVANS BSc (Hons) OST. D.O. REGISTERED OSTEOPATH

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N - NATURAL PRODUCE

CONTACT – JAMES 01873 857603 or 07540 658152 Sunnyside . Llanellen . Abergavenny Monmouthshire . NP7 9HF Email: alocaldelight@btinternet.com

G - GARDEN SERVICES

Helping Hand Home & Garden Services Reliable and Friendly help Tackling the jobs you can’t. (or would rather not) For example... ● Grass cutting ● Digging ● Hedge Trimming ● Fencing ● Leaf clearing ● Putting up cupboards, shelves and curtain rails ● Clearing out lofts & garages Etc, etc,etc…..

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MD Morgan I.T Consultancy PC and laptop repairs and maintenance, virus removal, data recovery.

New build PC’s and gaming rigs

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Mini digger for hire with own operator (C.P.C.S. licensed) PHONE FOR FREE QUOTE

All aspects of Tree Work Undertaken Arboricultural Contractor Report Writing and Consultancy 8 Western Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7AA Tel: 01873 859273 Mobile: 07976 515 722 e-mail: clive4trees@aol.com

Mob: 07871 415919

Digging out Drives - Landscaping - Ponds - Tree Stump Removal - Digging out Patios - Clearance - Ditches - Drainage - Digging Trenches for Utilities and Services - Digging Footings for Conservatories - Other tasks can be carried out such as Turfing - Fencing etc

HUW WATKINS Proprietor 24 Dan-y-Grug, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1DD Tel: 01873 811164 Mobile: 07841 514091 www.hwatkins.co.uk

Olympic Sized Horse Menage

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ANTIQUE FISHING TACKLE SPECIALISTS IN COLLECTABLE & USEABLE VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE

WANTED REELS, RODS, FLIES, LURES. FLY BOXES & CABINETS, LEATHER CASES, BRASS REELS, CREELS, STUFFED/CASED FISH, CARVED SALMON CATALOGUES, BOOKS ETC. TEL: 01291 – 672710 MOB: 07738 000045 EMAIL: bjayers@vintagefishingtackle.com

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New Roofs, Slate and Tiles, uPVC Fascias and Guttering, Repairs and Maintenance, Leadwork and Chimney Repair Free Estimates 01874 711554 • 07720 859621

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Remember, Remember the 5th On November 5 every year we light bonfires and set off fireworks to celebrate the failure of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill the King in1605.

Ironically Guy Fawkes, whose effigy is often burnt on those bonfires, was named the 30th Greatest Briton in a poll conducted by the BBC in 2002!

Guy Fawkes (or Guido Fawkes as he preferred to be known) wasn't the leader of the so-called Gunpowder Plot - but he arguably had one of the most important roles.

The aim of the conspirators was to assassinate King James I at the formal opening of Parliament in the House of Lords and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne.

The plot was concocted in May of 1604 with Robert Catesby, Thomas Percy, John Wright, Robert Keyes, Thomas Wintour and Robert Wintour.

Fawkes, who had considerable military experience and a good understanding of explosives, had been introduced to Catesby by a man named Hugh Owen. Some accounts indicate that Thomas Wintour was the prime mover in the plot and Fawkes was the tool towards its ultimate execution.

In March 1605, the conspirators rented a cellar below the Houses of Parliament and filled it with 36 barrels of gunpowder, enough to have completely destroyed the building and damaged others within a one mile radius.

Fawkes was in charge of guarding the gunpowder, and, if he hadn't been caught, would have been the person that lit it.

MAKES: 8

(It is claimed that the gunpowder had actually 'decayed' and, if it had been lit, would not have exploded!)

Prompted by the receipt of an anonymous letter, a party of armed men led by Sir Thomas Knevytt (or Knevett) searched Westminster Palace during the early hours of November 5, and Fawkes, posing as a Mr John Johnson, was arrested. In his possession were a watch, slow matches and touchpaper.

Under torture, it took up four days for him to admit to his part in the plot and give names of other people involved in it. His signature on the written confession after torture, which is still held by the National Archives, was very faint and weak. A signature on a confession written eight days later shows his name, which he wrote as 'Guido', much more clearly.

A nominal trial then ensued on January 27 1606 at which the sentences had already been predetermined. On January 31, Fawkes, Wintour, and a number of others implicated in the conspiracy were taken to Old Palace Yard in Westminster to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Immediately before his execution however, Fawkes jumped from the scaffold, breaking his neck in the fall and thus avoiding the agony of the drawing and quartering that followed.

Toffee apples No Halloween or Bonfire Night party is complete without some traditional toffee apples. To create the classic sticky and sweet treat, just follow this simple toffee apple recipe Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Total time: 30 mins (plus cooling time) Ingredients ● 500g demerara sugar ● 75g unsalted butter ● 225g golden syrup ● 150ml water ● 2 tsp malt vinegar ● Lollipop sticks ● 8 medium eating apples, washed and dried

Did you know?

Method - Put the sugar, butter, syrup water and vinegar onto a large, heavy based pan. Heat gently for about 5 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

Using a clean pastry brush, brush the inside of the pan with cold water just above the level of the mixture, then bring to the boil. Boil rapidly for 5-10 minutes or until the temperature reaches the soft crack stage or 143°C. Meanwhile push the wooden sticks into the centre of the apples. Place a sheet of baking parchment on a tray.

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the bubbles to settle. Dip the apples very carefully into the toffee to coat well. Twirl each around a few seconds to allow the excess toffee to drip off and place on the paper to cool and harden.

An uninhabited island to the north of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands is named Isla Guy Fawkes, or Guy Fawkes Island. Maybe he planned to escape there?

Nowadays the word 'guy' is used to refer to a man - but originally it was a term for an 'ugly, repulsive person' in reference to Guy Fawkes.

Straw effigies made of Guy Fawkes and thrown onto bonfires to remember the Gunpowder Plot were also known as 'guys'.

Book Review - Spotlight on new fiction releases The Sealed Letter by Emma Donoghue (Picador, £16.99).

Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Room comes The Sealed Letter, a reissue of one of Emma Donoghue's earlier works.

Readers could be forgiven for thinking there was nothing to connect the gripping saga of a woman and her young child imprisoned in a shed and this salacious tale about a Victorian court case.

However, both are based on real-life events: Room being inspired by the story of Josef Fritzl, and this new release about a particularly scandalous divorce trial for which Donoghue scoured 19th century newspaper cuttings.

It tells of the Codringtons and their relationship with Emily 'Fido' Faithfull, a publisher and women's rights campaigner.

Helen Codrington recommences her friendship with Fido upon her return to London from Malta, where her Admiral husband had been posted.

But their bond is stretched to the limit when Fido is forced to turn a blind eye to Helen's affair with another man - and then becomes embroiled in the court case that could blacken her own name.

It may not quite match the dramatic intensity of Room, but The Sealed Letter is an enjoyable

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romp with subtle intrigue woven into the plot and demonstrates a deftness for dialogue, bringing to life the well-painted characters.

7/10 Lauren Turner

Nesser paint a colourful picture of police life and a gripping story of revenge served very cold indeed.

8/10 Roddy Brooks

The Unlucky Lottery by Hakan Nesser (Mantle, £16.99).

Inspector Munster is faced with a real mystery in The Unlucky Lottery. On the face of it he should be happy when an old woman confesses to the brutal murder of her husband. But Munster doesn't believe her.

Hakan Nesser was dominating Swedish fiction before Stieg Larsson came on the scene and has sold five million books worldwide.

A three-time winner of the Best Swedish Crime Novel and also the winner of the European Crime Fiction Star Award, Nesser has put together an intriguing plot that keeps twisting right to the very end.

Munster peels back the complex layers of the Leverkuhn family to eventually uncover a dark and long buried secret that holds the key to the whole sorry tale of human depravity.

At the same time Munster uncovers and debates the complexities of his own character.

With Munster aided by a disparate band of fellow police officers, The Unlucky Lottery sees

Snuff by Terry Pratchett (Doubleday, £18.99).

Lately there has been a risk that Sir Terry Pratchett's knighthood, and his new-found role as a campaigner on euthanasia and Alzheimer's, might eclipse his initial claim to fame - the majestically detailed fantasy realm of Discworld.

The latest Discworld book sends tough but honest cop Sam Vimes on a reluctant holiday to his wife's country estate, where, as inevitably happens when a city policeman holidays in the country, he stumbles upon a murder.

Gently poking fun at the conventions of the crime novel, Pratchett also takes advantage of its ability to take a scalpel to society, using Vimes's investigations to dig up racism and worse at this rural idyll's heart.

At times, though, there seems to be more material here - on deference, the culture of the Discworld's goblins, the nature of criminality than Pratchett can fully marshal. Nor has Snuff many of the laugh-out-loud moments one expects from the Discworld.

7/10 Alex Sarll

November / December

Best-Sellers (week ending October 8) Paperbacks 1 2 3 4 5

One Day, David Nicholls Snowdrops, AD Miller A Discovery Of Witches, Deborah E Harkness Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, John le Carre The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz, Denis Avey & Rob Broomby 6 Zog, Julia Donaldson 7 The Help, Kathryn Stockett 8 The Ugly Sister, Jane Fallon 9 The Secret Life Of Bletchley Park, Sinclair McKay 10 One Day - Movie Tie-in, David Nicholls

Hardbacks 1 2 3

The Affair, Lee Child Home Cooking Made Easy, Lorraine Pascale Heroes Of Olympus: The Son Of Neptune, Rick Riordan 4 Death Of Kings, Bernard Cornwell 5 The Fear Index, Robert Harris 6 I, Partridge: We Need To Talk About Alan, Alan Partridge 7 Sapphire Battersea, Jacqueline Wilson 8 The Great British Bake Off, Linda Collister 9 The Life Of Lee, Lee Evans 10 Jamie's Great Britain, Jamie Oliver

Your new guide to the finer things in life

of November

Colour me in

Sudoku Challenge Bonfire Night Safety ★ Keep pets indoors and make sure all windows and doors are closed so they cannot get out ★ Do not smoke near unlit fireworks ★ Never put fireworks in pockets ★ Never run with fireworks ★ Make sure you know what to do in an emergency - that you know basic first aid for cooling and protecting a burn and that you have emergency numbers to hand.

Safety with sparklers

Gazette Giggles!

You wont find me sitting on top of a bonfire tonight.

I'm not that type of guy...

Latecomer: Am I too late for the bonfire?

Host: No jump up there on the sticks, there is room next to that Guy. How come the village Guy Fawkes won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Cause he was outstanding in his field.

How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start your Guy Fawkes bonfire?

★ Sparklers are not suitable for children under five - they cannot understand how to use them safely ★ Wear gloves when holding sparklers and keep them at arm’s length away from the body ★ Children over five can safely hold sparklers but an adult should light them. Make sure children do not run with sparklers or wave them around near anyone else ★ As soon as a sparkler is finished plunge it hot end down into a bucket of water. Empty the bucket when you have finished children can drown in just a few centimeters of water. ★ Never hold a baby or small child and a sparkler at the same time

First aid advice ★ Advice on first aid can be obtained from: ★ St John Ambulance.

See www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50 British Red Cross. See www.redcross.org.uk or call 020 7235 5454

For statistics on firework injuries or safety advice on other areas see the Child Accident Prevention Trust website www.capt.org.uk

Sudoku Solution

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Still Fabulous? Absolutely!

By Hannah Stephenson

Joanna Lumley talks about reprising her role of Bolly-swigging Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous and reveals her views on being targeted in a recent Facebook hate campaign for her role in attracting huge numbers of Gurkhas into the country.

Patsy Stone would no doubt be toasting the success of her alter ego Joanna Lumley with a bottle of Bolly in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

The acclaimed actress is once again hitching up her hemline, backcombing her hair into oblivion and smearing on the lipstick to reprise her role as the jealous, sponging magazine editor addicted to sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.

Three new episodes of Absolutely Fabulous will be shown at Christmas, New Year and just before the Olympics, to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary.

The elegant actress, who looks much younger than her 65 years - and recently urged older women to go for the 'muttondressed-as-lamb' look - says she couldn't be happier to be reunited with original cast

members Jennifer Saunders, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks and June Whitfield.

“We hadn't worked together for six years, so it was just uncanny. It was like we'd never been away," she says.

They recently finished filming in London and are remaining tight-lipped about the plots. But in her latest pictorial memoir, Absolutely, Lumley reveals she actually tried to get out of playing Patsy when the show was first piloted.

When she first met Saunders, she wasn't sure what to make of her and at the first read-though, Lumley thought she'd blown it.

“I couldn't seem to make my character Patsy sound like the person Jennifer was hoping for. Jennifer wasn't very communicative and I thought she didn't like me.

“To save embarrassment I thought I'd better see if I could back out of it so they weren't stuck with someone they'd hate.

I've quite a low opinion of myself in that sense. But that wasn't the case.

“Jennifer was shy, which is strange when you see people who can be so desperately

funny. She's much less shy now, but in those days she was inscrutable. Someone once said she looked like a sphinx with a headache."

Lumley's agent, however, persuaded the actress to stick with it.

“All I can remember is inventing a person, largely based on a cartoon version of me, who had her own life and history, and a way of walking with a hunched back and a sneery voice, and trying it out in scenes with Jennifer.

“Rehearsing for those shows was easily one of the happiest times of my life because we just laughed till we cried, day after day."

Yet she can't see any of herself in the hilarious, ghastly character she has created.

“I'm not a party pooper but I can't bear drunkenness or people being drunk. It's great to make fun of it through the ghastly way they behave, falling around with their pants coming down."

She may have blossomed late in the world of comedy, but the actress and former model is now a national treasure, having been on our screens for more than 40 years, appearing in films and TV series,

including On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The New Avengers, Sapphire & Steel, Jam & Jerusalem and, of course, Ab Fab. At one point she was even Ken Barlow's squeeze in Coronation Street.

“I've been banging around for centuries," she laughs. “But I don't feel old. I don't exercise at all but I rush up and down stairs and run around a lot. I have been a vegetarian for 40 years and I think that might help. I never get ill and I have a lot of energy."

She may be older, but Lumley's still hot property - she's currently presenting a fourpart documentary on Greece entitled Joanna Lumley: A Greek Odyssey, on ITV1, and has just started rehearsals for a West End production of The Lion In Winter, directed by Trevor Nunn.

And there's another big celebration on the cards, as this year marks her 25th wedding anniversary to acclaimed musician, composer and conductor Stephen Barlow, who is eight years her junior.

“Where has the time gone?" she exclaims, before pondering the question of why their marriage has lasted so long.

Any spare weekends?

Powys & Monmouthshire Short Break carers needed We need you to provide occasional overnight weekend stays for children and young people with learning and / or physical disabilities.

Whilst experience and qualifications are not essential a passion for working with young people is. In return, we offer: ▲ ▲ ▲

financial allowances 24-hour support preparation and training

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www.actionforchildren.org.uk Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092/company no. 4764232 Produced by Action for Children 04/2011. 10/11 0538

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“We have worked at it, which means you never take the other person for granted.

“Plus, we're as soppy as dates really, writing notes and remembering things and having small secret surprises and presents all the time."

They live in London but also have a cottage in Scotland, which they won't be escaping to until next year, because of the play.

In recent years Lumley became the highprofile figurehead in a campaign to force the Labour government into a rethink on allowing Gurkhas to settle in Britain.

She's aware that she is now the target of an angry Facebook campaign, 'Lumley's Legacy', launched by residents of Aldershot and Farnborough who blame her for affecting their towns by paving the way for a 'massive influx' of Gurkhas.

But Lumley is unrepentant. “It always makes my heart hurt when people are discriminated against because of their race.

“It is now English law that Gurkhas are welcomed and allowed here. If there are problems in Aldershot, we must ask the Government to step up and see what they can do. What we mustn't do is talk about the men who have been prepared to lay down their lives for this country for 200 years as asylum seekers. They have paid their stamps all their careers."

The daughter of a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, Lumley was born in Kashmir and had a peripatetic childhood, living in Malaya and Hong Kong before settling in Kent.

PA Photo/Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Your new guide to the finer things in life In the Sixties, she became a model (most notably for the fashion designer Jean Muir) as well as a single mother at 21, after her relationship with photographer Michael Claydon (her son Jamie's father) broke down.

Her first marriage to the comedy writer Jeremy Lloyd was also short-lived.

Her parents would help look after Jamie while she sought work to keep the wolf from the door and she admits that during her early career she took on jobs that, had she been in a more secure position, she otherwise might have turned down.

“There's nothing like the clomp of bills on your doormat to make you sit up and smell the coffee.

“I was bloody lucky to have a lot of energy and determination, and an enchanting child to look after."

Today, she has two other enchanting children to dote on: her grand-daughters, Alice and Emily, aged eight and seven.

“When Alice was tiny, she tried to call me 'Granny Jo' and it came out as 'Daddy Doe', and that's stuck."

The family ties are strong, but for now she has no thoughts of retirement.

“I'm on a hot schedule at the moment, but it's bound to cool down. I can't think of how you retire from something you love so much."

Absolutely by Joanna Lumley is published

by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, priced £20.

■ Solar PV Domestic /

Agricultural / Commercial ■ Solar Thermal ■ Biomass ■ Wind Turbines

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

LaplandUK to open it’s magical doors for fifth Christmas season 26 NOVEMBER - 24 DECEMBER 2011 TICKETS ON SALE FROM 10AM TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER LaplandUK, the UK’s leading and award-winning Christmas experience for children, has today announced that tickets for this year’s festive season will go on general sale from 10.00am Tuesday 20 September.

Now in its 5th year, LaplandUK will once again delight and enchant both children and parents who come from all over the UK for this highly authentic and magical Christmas experience.

LaplandUK opens to visitors on Saturday 26 November and closes on Thursday 24 December (Christmas Eve) - in time for Father Christmas’ deliveries!

Tickets for LaplandUK (at 2010 prices) can be purchased at www.laplanduk.co.uk.

Set deep in the woodlands of Bewl Water, Kent, LaplandUK has become a much loved highlight of the Christmas calendar, and has thrilled tens of thousands of young children since its inception, receiving national and international acclaim for its charming and high quality Christmas experience.

LaplandUK promises a unique and unforgettable Christmas journey for all young children, transporting them into a fairy-tale world of wonder, with a traditional and imaginative range of activities on site. Having travelled along the

Elves’ magical forest pathways with their LaplandUK passports freshly stamped, visitors arrive in the snowy wonderland where first they visit the Toy Factory to help the Elves before moving on to Mother Christmas’ Kitchen to decorate gingerbread and gather for storytelling.

It’s then skates on for LaplandUK’s brand new ‘Ice’ Rink located in the Elf Village before getting the chance to get up close and personal with LaplandUK’s resident huskies and reindeer and meeting the Sami people.

A very special personalised meeting with Father Christmas in his snowy woodland home, where he will give each child a collectable soft toy husky dog, tops off this highly magical day out for the whole family.

LaplandUK has introduced even more new activities and features for its young visitors this year, all carefully designed and created to enhance the unique experience of LaplandUK. From exciting new ‘Elf Jingles’ - the official currency for LaplandUK (which visitors can use to make purchases on site) new toy-making activities with the Elves in the Toy Factory, gingerbread decorating in Mother Christmas’ kitchen to the Husky Heaven clothing for the toy huskies, LaplandUK truly delivers an exceptional Christmas experience for all the family to enjoy again and again.

Elf Jingles and unique ‘Night Before Christmas’ hardback books can be purchased in advance with tickets. Please refer to website for more information and pricing.

AVENUE ROAD NURSING HOME Becoming part of your family Our core values of care: • Privacy • Dignity • Rights • Independence • Choice • Fulfilment• Security • Respect • Equality

28 Avenue Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 7DB Tel: 01873 857607 Fax: 01873 857607 Mob: 07830 385435 (Dr. A. Bansal) 34

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www.laplanduk.com Listings Information: Opening date Closing date -

26th November 2011 24th December 2011 (Christmas Eve)

Ticket booking On sale 10am 20th September 2011 Admission: Despite the VAT increase prices are being held at 2010 levels Tickets priced at £44.50 - £62.50

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Chalet Chic

By Gabrielle Fagan Winter might be fast approaching, but it's not all downhill from here. A cosy and colourful array of ski lodge-inspired pieces has hit the high street, bringing a warm and cheerful trend to the season's interiors.

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From subtle heart motifs emblazoned on everything from jugs to rugs, and mock moose heads to adorn your walls, it's time to pop on a poncho and grab a glass of gluhwein chalet chic has never been as cool.

Red Heart Hand Warmer, £4.95, from home home home (www.homehomehome.co.uk/01252 713 423)

■ Pair of Love Book Ends, £7, from Wilkinson

(www.wilkinsonplus.com/08456 08 08 07)

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Single Heart Zinc T-light Holder, £1.95, from Shabby Chic Originals (www.shabbychicoriginals.co.uk /020 8671 6000)

▲ Red Wooden Reindeer Ornament, £19.99, from The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net) ▲

■ Red Knitted Scandinavian Heart (small),

£3.95, from home home home (www.homehomehome.co.uk/01252 713 423)

Alpine Christmas Stocking, £16.98, from stylishlife (www.stylishlife.co.uk/01269 822 288)

■ Stoneware Snowflake Teacup and Jug, £5.99

and £14.99, from The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net) ■ Love Nice Cuppa Hot Chocolate Gift Set, £5,

from Wilkinson (www.wilkinsonplus.com/08456 08 08 07) ■ Large Antique White Photo Frame, £18.95,

■ Red Chocolate Fondue Set, £15.50, from Red

from dotcomgiftshop (www.dotcomgiftshop.com/020 8746 2473)

Candy (www.redcandy.co.uk/0121 224 7728)

For budget homeware ideas and advice on interior trends which won't break the bank, visit www.homesandbargains.co.uk

Alpine Postcard Cushion, £19.95, from dwell (www.dwell.co.uk/0845 675 9090) ▲

wherever you are Industrial /

■ White Chalet Frame, £8.50, from home

home home (www.homehomehome.co.uk/01252 713 423) ■ Standing Deer Hessian Cushion, £20, from

■ Red Hand Painted Bird House, £15, from

Not On The High Street (www.notonthehighstreet.com)

Berry Red (www.berryred.co.uk/0845 450 3937)

■ Set of 30 Snowflake Vinyl Stickers, £12, from

■ Steve The Skier Bottle Holder, £19.95, from

Not On The High Street (www.notonthehighstreet.com)

For Her From You (www.forherfromyou.co.uk)

■ Green Reindeer Door Mat, £16.99, from The

■ Deer Head Wall Art, £29.99, from Garden

Gifted Penguin (www.giftedpenguin.co.uk/01642 763 000)

Beet (www.gardenbeet.com/020 3397 2377)

PARADE HOUSE Ideally situated for the elderly, being within level walking distance of the town centre

Newly completed Large en-suite rooms

Email: enquiries@paradehouse.co.uk

PRIZE DRAW Anyone ordering* between NOW and 11th November will be entered into a prize draw.

The winning name will be drawn in Mid November and will receive a free delivery of 500 litres.

A nice Christmas present from your trusted local fuel distributor. (*All orders must be of 500 litres or over)

■

Independent local firm with depots in Raglan and Bream ■ Fuel and tank specialists ■ Next day delivery

Fast Fuel is one of only two remaining independent fuel suppliers in Gwent, Monmouthshire and the Forest of Dean.

Fast Fuel has been under new management since July 2010 and we have made customer service our number one priority, and at this we are unbeatable! We still employ the same friendly drivers and office staff who are always free to give you advice on tank and fuel purchasing.

• Lift to first floor • High standard of cuisine

Fax: 01600 772228

FAST FUEL IS HOLDING A

We are dedicated to our local community; we sponsor the Raglan Youth and Senior football teams, Usk rugby club, The Welsh junior horse trials and an Abercarn Youth football team.

We are always looking at ways to give back the support we receive from our local customers and we are grateful for any ideas.

• For long term or respite care • Friendly,caring atmosphere

01600 712821

Domestic

For a brochure telephone the proprietor, Maureen Rayner

The Parade, Monmouth, Monmouthshire NP25 3PA

We promote group buying with our Fast Club scheme. Consortium or collective purchasing is a sensible to way to save you and your neighbours money when buying fuel and we offer any advice needed to set up these schemes. We are Fast Fuel committed to working for you.

Address: Grangemill Industrial Estate, Raglan NP15 2BX Telephone: 0800 093 8445 ● Fax: 01291 691401 Website: www.fast-fuel.co.uk ● Email: info@fast-fuel.co.uk

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

The Flavours of Over 140 people attended the annual Flavours of Herefordshire Food Awards, organised by Visit Herefordshire, with at a glittering gala dinner at Hereford Racecourse on 21 October.

MIKE GEDDES

REMOVALS OF MONMOUTH Top quality friendly personal service at rock bottom prices...

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Get the FOG out Free Quotations

Tel: 01600 718608 Monmouth@crystalclearwindow.co.uk www.crystalclearwindow.co.uk 36

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The evening was compered by lively seasoned presenter and self-confessed foodie Katie Johnson, along with Sir Ben Gill, Chairman of Visit Herefordshire.

Presentations of personalised display plaques to the commended, highly commended and winners of each of the categories were made by celebrated French Chef Jean Christophe Novelli, himself in possession of 5 AA Rosettes and numerous Michelin Stars. Novelli was also the star attraction at the county’s Food Festival during that same weekend, where he entertained with three daily cookery demonstrations and the judging of several cook-off competitions.

The plaques are a symbol of achievement that the owners can display in their establishments and the awards can also be used for their own business promotion.

This year’s Young Chefs awards were kindly sponsored by Axon Enterprises in partnership with national appliance manufacturer Electrolux, who provided the additional prizes of a days mentoring with Michelin Star chef Glyn Purnell, to be taken at his restaurant Purnells in Birmingham, plus smart branded chefs jackets. Stuart Flint, Sales Director for Electrolux Professional, also judged the categories at Herefordshire College of Technology.

A special new award was given this year to celebrate Herefordshire’s Year in the Orchard project and the 200th anniversary of Herefordian Thomas Andrew Knight’s book on the culture of Herefordshire apples and pears, Pomona Herefordiensis. The RHS Pomona Award was presented by Lawrence Banks, Vice President of the RHS, who also manages the Hergest Estate and Hergest Croft Gardens in north Herefordshire with

his wife, RHS President Elizabeth Banks, to Whitehorn Farm Carey Organic Orchard.

Three more new awards were also presented for Outstanding New Entrant, to A Cook’s Kitchen near Pembridge, an Outstanding Achievement Award went to Oliver’s Cider and Perry and White Haywood Farm received a Food Champion award.

A full listing of the winning businesses can be seen in a special supplement that is to be circulated within the second edition of the Essence of Herefordshire food magazine, available for free pick-up from foodie businesses around the county and from the Discover Herefordshire Centre in King Street Hereford.

Sir Ben Gill divulged that the 2012 food awards would look forward to some changes and put out a call to send ideas for new judging criteria, categories or constructive feedback to Visit Herefordshire for consideration.

The Flavours of Herefordshire Awards The Flavours of Herefordshire award scheme recognises quality and excellence in the marketing and use of the local food and drink that is served and produced here in the County, and how that distinctiveness is promoted to the wider public. From this starting point, the scheme aims to promote the unique produce of Herefordshire through the development of local products, dishes and recipes, and raising awareness of these products through promotion via marketing literature, websites and the annual Flavours Food Festival. The scheme welcomes all business operators with a dedication to providing a quality eating experience for their customers, from the smallest B&B to the most innovative food producer. The profile of the scheme, now celebrating it’s twelfth year, continues to grow and the Awards themselves are more hotly contested than ever.

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Herefordshire Food Festival

Winners of Flavours Awards 2011 Breakfast of the Year

Outstanding Achievement Award

Winner The Olde Rectory Highly Commended Walford Court Commended Wilton Court

Sponsored by Visit Herefordshire Oliver’s Cider & Perry

Pub/Inn of the Year Sponsored by Wye Valley Brewery Winner The Grapes Highly Commended The Mill Race The Crown Inn Commended The Sun Inn The Red Lion

Restaurant of the Year Winner Highly Commended Commended -

Wilton Court White Haywood Cooks Kitchen Glewstone Court

Pomona Award Drink Producer Winner -

Jus Once Upon a Tree Highly Commended Oliver’s Cider & Perry Commended - Jo Hilditch British Cassis

Food Producer Winner Franks Luxury Biscuits Highly Commended Court Farm Tillington Commended Just Rachel

Shop/Retailer Winner Pengethley Farm Shop Highly Commended - Glyn Slade Jones Commended Hopes of Longtown

Tea Room Winner Mrs Muffins Highly Commended - Blueberry Tea Room Mistletoe House Commended Old Stables Tea Room

Outstanding New Entrant Sponsored by Visit Herefordshire Cooks Kitchen

Flavours of Herefordshire Food Champion Sponsored by Cargill White Haywood Farm Restaurant

Young Chef in Industry 2011 Sponsored by Axon Enterprises in partnership with Electrolux Winner Cal Banner Wilton Court

“This year's thirteenth annual Flavours of Herefordshire Food Awards were widely acknowledged as being an exceptional evening from start to finish, with a high quality dinner based on excellent Herefordshire produce. A significant number of first time entries with a great range of diversity made for a closely fought competition and this bodes well for the future of Herefordshire's food and drink industry. We are looking to develop the scheme further and ideas as to how this can be achieved to the benefit of Herefordshire's food and drink offer in the county will be welcomed at the Visit Herefordshire offices."

KEITH HOCKEY PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES & BUILDING SERVICES

TEL: 07960 442755

Sir Ben Gill, Chairman Visit Herefordshire

Young Chef in College 2011

7 HILL CREST CROSS ASH NEAR ABERGAVENNY NP7 8PF TEL 01873 821355 OFTEC Registered

Sponsored by Herefordshire College of Technology Winner Dale Williams Herefordshire College of Technology

8x6 log stores, heavy duty £300 Softwood logs, seasoned Dumpy bags £50 5 sacks and a log store £525 delivered

Tel 01495 302 069 Mob 07773 354 449

Wye Valley Reclamation Herefordshire’s largest reclamation yard Flagstones • Sleepers Bricks • Stone Troughs Gazebos • Garden Features and much more!

Monday–Friday 8-5 Saturday–Sunday 8-4 Lloyd George House, Fordshill Road, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6NS sales@wye-valley-reclamation.co.uk

01432 353 606

Hardwood logs available ●

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Architecture Favorites What are the most significant, most beautiful, or most interesting buildings of the past 1,000 years? Some art historians choose the Taj Mahal, while others prefer the soaring skyscrapers of the 20th century. There's no single correct answer. Perhaps the most innovative buildings are not grand monuments, but obscure homes and temples. In this quick list, we'll take a whirlwind tour through time, visiting the buildings our readers selected, plus some often overlooked treasures.

1.

1137 : St. Denis Church in Saint-Denis

3.

1406 - 1420 : The Forbidden City , Beijing

During the middle ages, builders were discovering that stone could carry far greater weight than ever imagined. Cathedrals could soar to dazzling heights, yet create the illusion of lace-like delicacy. The Church of St. Denis, commissioned by Abbot Suger of St. Denis, was one of the first large buildings to use this new vertical style known as Gothic. The church became a model for most of the late12th century French cathedrals, including Chartres.

More: St. Denis Church

Occupying a rectangular area of more than 720,000 square meters, the Forbidden City was the imperial home of 24 emperors of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The Forbidden City is one of the largest and best-preserved palace complexes in the world. There are over a million rare and valuable objects in the Museum.

More: The Forbidden City

2.

4.

1205 - 1260 : Chartres Cathedral Reconstruction

In 1194, the original Romanesque Chartres Cathedral in Chartes, France was destroyed by fire. Reconstructed in the years 1205 to 1260, the new Chartres Cathdral was built in the new Gothic style. Innovations in the cathedral's construction set the standard for thirteenth century architecture.

More: Chartres Cathedral

In the late 1500s, Pierre Lescot designed a new wing for the Louvre... and popularized ideas of pure classical architecture in France. Lescot's design laid the foundation for the development of the Louvre over the next 300 years. In 1985, architect Ieoh Ming Pei stirred great controversy when he designed the stark glass pyramid entrance to the palace-turned-museum.

More: The Louvre

5.

Recently completed project at the top of Avenue Road Abergavenny

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New Build and Extensions ● Renovation and Remodelling ● Barn and Loft Conversions ● Planning Building Regulations ● Listed Buildings ● Interior Design ● 3d Visuals and modelling ● Construction services

Stoves ● Fireplaces ● Surrounds Gas Fires ● Ecofans ● Free quotations ● Restoration

CASTAWAY & MULTIFUEL The complete service

Wallbrook Farm Allensmore, Hereford HR2 9BE 01981 570456

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1549 and Later: Palladio's Basilica, Italy

During the late 1500s, Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio brought new appreciation for the classical ideas of ancient Rome when he transformed the town hall in Vicenza, Italy into the Basilica (Palace of Justice). Palladio gave the remodeled building two styles of classical columns: Doric on the lower portion and Ionic on the upper portion. Palladio's later designs continued to reflect the humanist values of the Renaissance period.

More: Palladio's Basilica

6.

NEW STOCKS OF MULTIFUEL STOVES

1546 and Later : The Louvre, Paris

1630 to 1648 : Taj Mahal, India

According to legend, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build the most beautiful mausoleum on earth to express his love for his favorite wife. Or, perhaps he was simply asserting his political power. The Taj Mahal may have been designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, an Indian architect of Persian descent.

Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic elements combine in the great white marble tomb. The Taj Mahal is just one of many architectural wonders in a land of majestic tombs and erotic temples.

More: The Taj Mahal

7.

1768 to 1782 : Monticello, Virginia, USA

When the American statesman, Thomas Jefferson, designed his Virginia home, he combined the European traditions of

November / December

Palladio with American domesticity.

Jefferson's plan for Monticello resembles Palladio's Villa Rotunda ... With a few innovations. Jefferson gave Monticello long horizontal wings, underground service rooms, and “modern” conveniences.

More: Monticello

8.

1889 : The Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Industrial Revolution in Europe brought about a new trend: the use of metallurgy in construction. Because of this, the engineer's role became increasingly important, in some cases melding with or rivaling that of the architect. The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris, and reigned for 40 years as the tallest in the world.

More: The Eiffel Tower

9.

1890 : The Wainwright Building, St. Louis, Missouri

Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler redefined American architecture with the Wainwright Building in St. Louis, Missouri. Their design emphsized the underlying structure. Except for the large, deep windows, the first two stories are unornamented. Uninterrupted piers extend through the next seven stories.

Intertwined ornaments and small round windows form the upper story. “Form follows function," Sullivan told the world.

10. The Modern Era During the modern era, exciting new innovations in the world of architecture brought soaring skyscrapers and fresh new approaches to home design. Keep on reading for favorite buildings from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Your new guide to the finer things in life

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Your Life in the Stars

By Cassandra Nye

surprise! Did you say 'never again'?

Aries (March 21 - April 20) Some inspiring people come your way this week, Aries. Of course you will only gain from their example if you pay full attention! What seems like a lacklustre invitation turns out to be a sparkling affair. You may be very glad that you made the effort! Cash is up and down so be sure to put some aside when it is on the 'up'. A bit of extra expense at the weekend is not welcome but provides an opportunity.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23) Start the week off by arranging some kind of get-together at month's end. Widen your circle of friends and get to know your neighbourhood more. It is through this that an opportunity shows itself midweek. Demands on your cash at the weekend seem to coincide with a romantic liaison. Keep someone guessing rather than seem too keen. Mystery makes you more attractive!

Taurus (April 21 - May 21) A busy time continues to take up your time and energy. There is so much to be gained from this spurt of activity, however, that you try to 'go with the flow'. Look forward to a quieter time leading up to the weekend when it seems that everything is dealt with. Of course, there is the matter of your personal relationships. Here you need to be careful what you say.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) A reward for work done in the past is likely as this week begins. The start of a new month heralds the start of a new chapter at work. Not everyone is getting what they want, so have patience. The rekindling of a romance is likely.

However, those who are single find that love springs out at them and really takes them by

Call for information on our Promotional Offers For more details contact: Chris Murphy Mob: 07719 662634 Tel: 01291 690 077 Website: www.raglanparc.co.uk Parc Lodge, Station Road, Raglan

The Perfect Gift

Leo (July 24 - August 23) Some recognition for your efforts at work should be enjoyed, even if you do feel that it is long overdue! A little bit of jealousy on the home front could be due to a misunderstanding, so set the record straight. There is no point in being angry.

Consider any problems as water under the bridge. Looking ahead to the weekend you realise that it is a good time to get people together.

Virgo (August 24 - September 23) It is a great week to join in some local group activities. Be generous with your time and advice. Remember that it is not possible to have too many friends. The temptation to overwork is strong but, if you get overtired, you will not be much use. Keeping a balance between home and work is hard, especially when there are new responsibilities around the corner.

Libra (September 24 - October 23) A few extra pounds in the pocket could tempt you to overspend this week, Libra.

How you love those little luxuries. If you are entertaining is can be very hard to resist a few treats. Still, that is what this week is about - having fun without breaking the bank. Those romantic feelings return at the weekend and can cause some confusion in your mind.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22) Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to save cash this week.

The Belgrave Hotel The Esplanade, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DU Tel: 01834 842377 Fax: 01834 842626

A flight with

Tiger Airways

Come and enjoy the hotels superb seafront position overlooking Tenby’s beautiful south beach in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.

Arrive Friday or Saturday Enjoy 2 nights mix and match

Visit www.tigerairwaves.co.uk

Gift Certificates Available Credit Cards Accepted

Phone 01452 854 141 Give a gift that will never be forgotten, the chance of some real ‘hands on’ flying in a 1930's designed military trainer.

Perhaps even a loop and a roll?

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Midweek B&B from £37.50 pppn

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

November / December

Double-check bills and small print to avoid mistakes. Travel is likely, but take care and plan ahead if possible.

When it comes to talking about the future with a loved one, be careful what you say. Actions and words are both open to misunderstandings. Watch that sting when someone puts your back up!

Sagittarius (November 23 December 21) Working with others is still in your best interests. Try not to overdo it midweek, though, when energy could be low.

Think about how you could enjoy your leisure time more. Be honest about what you would like to do in this time.

Others may have too strong an influence on your personal choices. This could lead to resentment in the long term. Just be honest.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19) With family matters taking up much of your time this week, things at work could slip a little. Keep safety in mind and ask for help as you need it.

Someone wants to be a part of your life but perhaps you do not realise it. Try looking more closely at those you see every day and ask yourself a question: what do they see in you? The answer brings understanding.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) Home life is still eventful but any misunderstandings or mix-ups can be dealt with. Humour comes to your rescue in a subtle and charming way. An older member of the family gives timely, if obvious, advice. If you are asked to deal with a problem, show others how to look for the answer.

Sometimes it is better to 'teach' rather than 'do'. Be inspirational.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20) Keeping a low profile and avoiding signing anything contentious is essential as this week begins. There are opportunities, for sure. Even so, look at the small print and seek advice where possible. A less complicated situation arises where romance is concerned. You may even be planning a journey of the mind or body that is truly exciting.

Enjoy every minute.

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Gazette Gardens Vaughan MacKenzie A November gardening calendar really highlights the differences in regional gardens. For many there is no November garden to speak of.

■

Others can't wait for the cool days and slower pace of fall gardening. But even if your garden is already covered in snow, there are still garden tasks calling.

Unfortunately insect pests are much hardier than their tiny size would suggest.

■

Take a look at what you should be doing in your November garden and try to schedule a little time outdoors before the holidays claim you.

■ ■

■

■

In General ■ Rake leaves and make leaf mold or compost ■ Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools.

■ Start forcing bulbs like paperwhites, hyacinth and amaryllis for the holidays ■ Add organic matter to beds ■ Cover compost so that rain doesn't flood and leach the nutrients ■ Keep weeding Frost Free Areas ■ Perennials can be divided now ■ Plant Roses ■ Azaleas, Camellias & Tropical Fruit Trees suited to your areas, as they become available ■ Prune flowering trees as they drop their blossoms ■ Keep planting bulbs that don't require a cold period (amaryllis, anemone, calla lily, freesia, homeria, lilies, oxalis, Ranunculus, Sparaxis, watsonia) and garlic ■ Plant cool season vegetables and perennial herbs ■ Replace summer's annuals with cool season bloomers ■ Sow wildflower seeds ■ Keep an eye out for insect pests Frosty Zones (Zones 6 and down) ■ Keep watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes

■ ■

Protect your roses by mounding soil around the crown and covering the bud union. Tie down climbing rose canes to protect them from cold winds.

Clean up garden debris and cut back and remove any diseased or infested foliage.

Protect evergreens from deer damge by circling with stakes and burlap.

Protect young trees from mice damage by wrapping wire around the bottom portion of the trunk Protect plants from vole damage by not mounding mulch too close to the plant Get those bulbs into the ground NOW Drain and store hoses If you're planning on buying a live Christmas tree with the intention of planting it this winter, dig the hole now, before the ground freezes.

Remember to keep the soil covered, so that it too does not freeze and can go back into the hole.

Borderline Zones (Pacific NW, Southwest & Southeast) ■ Plant cool season vegetables ■ Plant asparagus and cut back tops of existing asparagus plants after they are yellowed by frost ■ Still time to plant a cover crop in the vegetable garden ■ Watch for frost warnings. Extend the harvest by protecting plants with row covers ■ Sow wildflower seeds ■ Beef up snail patrol ■ Ward of cankerworms on trees by applying sticky barriers, like Tanglefoot, once leaves have dropped (Southeast) Indoor Plants ■ Check that indoor plants are receiving enough water, humdity and air circulation.

■ Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites and scale, and take care of them before they become a problem.

With summer borders dying back and shrubs and trees losing their leaves, the colder months can be a dreary time in the garden. You might think there’s nothing to be done but one of the very best reasons for consulting a professional garden designer is to find out how to get the most from your garden all year round.

Winter is the season when a strong layout and expert plant selection can really pay off. Choosing evergreens for shape and texture, pruning plants for maximum effect in snow and frost, planting the very earliest bulb varieties and the most exciting winter berrying and flowering shrubs are some of the techniques that can transform the cold weather garden .

Guin Vaughan of Vaughan MacKenzie Plan and Plant, based near Abergavenny, has 30 years’ experience of practical garden making and has designed both structure and planting for gardens all over our region.

Please contact Guin Vaughan on 01873 880102 or 07791 650166 and find out how you can really get the most from your garden.

Designs are always based on a full discussion with garden owners and plans are carefully tailored to suit them and their garden.

Guin has valuable local knowledge of materials, contractors and plant nurseries. She specializes in planting design and planting with built-in seasonal interest and can provide a complete buying and planting service if required.

A well planned, attractive garden which is simple to maintain not only adds value to your property but can bring you and your family so much pleasure all through the year.

Nick Ramsay AM Assembly Member for Monmouth Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office, 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk For further information call: 01291 674 898 or 029 2089 8735 ●

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Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Love your body

By Lisa Salmon Most of us have parts of our body we dislike, and would love to swap that big nose, large chin or ugly scar for something a little more 'perfect'.

The chances are, however, that you can live with your 'bad bit' - unless you have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). If that's the case, then a perceived flaw can ruin your life, and even drive you to suicide.

And what's particularly cruel about this psychological condition is that the terrible 'flaw' that sufferers obsess about isn't at all noticeable to others. It may not even exist, and even if it does, its size and significance is all in the mind of the person with BDD. The condition is by definition an obsession with a part of your body that only you think there's a problem with, and that's why it's also known as imagined ugliness syndrome.

People with BDD will often resort to plastic surgery in an attempt to improve their perceived physical problem.

It's a condition that Michael Jackson was said to have, and may well explain why his appearance changed so much since he was a child star.

However, Dr David Veale, a consultant

Don’t shiver!!!

This Winter Call us now to get your oil fired boiler serviced and checked before the cold sets in.

We offer friendly practical advice and installation services on all domestic energy matters. So if you are considering a replacement boiler, a thermal store, or solar panels give us a call.

Bayliss & White Ltd For Professional Oil Fired Boiler & Oil Tank Installations and Servicing Tel. 01873 852036 or 07523 382781 Maintenance Plans and Service Contracts Available

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psychiatrist at London's Priory Hospital and an expert in BDD, points out that even if sufferers are satisfied with their plastic surgery results, it doesn't necessarily bring an end to their turmoil.

He says: “Often, people with BDD will have plastic surgery and aren't very happy with it. The problem just gets transferred and they become preoccupied with other parts of their body."

Michael Jackson was just one of several celebrities either thought to have BDD, or who have admitted they have it. Just last month, Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar said she suffered from the disorder, and singer Lily Allen is also reported to be a sufferer.

Veale, co-author of the book Overcoming Body Image Problems And Body Dysmorphic Disorder (Robinson, £10.99), says: “For people with body dysmorphic disorder, the problem is on their mind all the time, although they're fixating on a feature that's not noticeable to others.

“It causes a great deal of distress and shame, and can be devastating in social situations."

The condition often begins in adolescence, when young people's bodies are changing and they're becoming more sensitive about them. It can sometimes occur in those who've been bullied, and perhaps in people who are artistic and have a strong sense of the importance of aesthetics.

It affects both men and women, and Veale explains: “If they highlighted their problem to you and you got really close, sometimes you might just about be able to see what they're going on about.

“But they see themselves as being a crooked nose, or whatever it is they have a problem with, and that's all they are."

Veale, who is also a patron of the charity Anxiety UK, which helps people with anxiety problems including BDD, says many people with the condition can suffer for as long as 15 years before being diagnosed.

While some have it mildly, in others it can be so severe that they're suicidal.

He adds: “It's purely a psychological problem. We all dislike our own body in some way, but that's very different from BDD." The skin is the most common location for a perceived body defect in a BDD sufferer, followed by hair, nose, eyes, legs/knees, chin/jaw, breasts, lips and stomach/waist.

It's not known what proportion of the population has BDD, although Veale says surveys have estimated it could be 1% to 2% of people.

Psychologist Kasia Szymanska, of the British Psychological Society, says the condition is probably under-diagnosed: “Individuals with BDD often don't want to tell their doctor about how they feel because they're ashamed, or worry their doctor may think they're vain."

November / December

Sufferers tend not to believe relatives or friends who say they look OK, and may spend long periods in front of a mirror trying to disguise their 'flaw'.

“This fixation on one or more aspects of their appearance can lead to anxiety or even depression," says Szymanska.

“Some people may even start to avoid seeing their friends or struggle to go to work because in their mind, they see themselves as ugly or abnormal looking."

Anxiety UK says more than 90% of BDD sufferers perform repetitive, timeconsuming behaviours, usually to examine, improve or hide their perceived defect. Around 60% have major depression, 40% have social phobia and a third have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Some also have substance misuse disorders.

“We all have days when we believe we look better and days when we look worse," says Szymanska. “But a person with BDD is constantly preoccupied with their appearance, to the extent that it can start to wreck their life."

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the “treatment of choice” for BDD, sometimes in combination with antidepressants. Hypnotherapy may also be used.

CBT helps people think differently about themselves and their perceived flaws, and spend less time focusing on their appearance.

“The ultimate aim of the therapy is selfacceptance, so individuals can learn to like themselves as they are," says Szymanska.

“There is help available for people with BDD, but they need to have the courage to ask for it."

Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms ■ Frequently comparing your appearance with others and scrutinising their appearance.

■ Often checking your appearance in mirrors and other reflective surfaces - or completely avoiding mirrors.

■ Camouflaging the perceived defect with clothing or make-up.

■ Seeking surgery, dermatological treatment or other medical treatment for appearance concerns, when doctors and / or other people have said it's unnecessary.

■ Seeking reassurance about the 'flaw' or attempting to convince others of its ugliness.

■ Excessive grooming, e.g. combing hair or applying make-up.

■ Frequently touching the defect.

■ Picking the skin.

■ Measuring the disliked body part and excessively reading about it.

■ Exercising or dieting excessively.

■ Avoiding social situations in which the perceived defect might be exposed.

■ Feeling very anxious and selfconscious around other people because of the perceived defect.

For more advice on body dysmorphic disorder, call the Anxiety UK helpline on 08444 775774, or visit www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Your new guide to the finer things in life

Fashion to dye for A lack of disposable income doesn’t mean you have to lack style. LAURA JONES gets crafty to work this season’s trends

■ Tie dye mania at TopShop Smile t-shirt £18 and tie dye bikini £tbc, both TopShop; Dylon Machine Dye in Sunflower Yellow £6.49 from Hobbycraft

A lack of disposable income doesn’t mean you have to lack style. LAURA JONES gets crafty to work this ■ Alexa Cheung shows some leg with season’s trends

her denim cut-offs

SAT at my laptop the other night, working out my budget and pondering my finances, I nearly let myself get down about the prospect of being able to spend just £60 a month on a few new pieces for my festival fashion wardrobe. investing in a sewing machine and indeed a stud gun is my counsel. These are lifelong friends and even when you are past working the studded denim look in 20 years time, they will forever be a great upholstering aid.

Tassling is a trend that just won’t go away, so why not loop lengths of leather through the zipper holes of your biker jacket?

Indeed, ruffling is a recurring theme on the catwalks so choose a contrasting fabric colour fabric, cut it into a strip and sew accordingly on any boob-tube dress or top you may have laying around. If time allows and I’m feeling brave, I will dye a few of my white goods hot pink, sizzling

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Boring priorities like bills, new ‘sensible’ work shoes (3in heel instead of 5in) and a new kettle for my flat (my current one is sure to burn the house down very, very soon) have taken precedence and I got to thinking about how savvy I could become if I really put some thought and effort into my festival fashion style.

It is time to get back to basics and get crafty. And a recent survey found I am not alone. An online statistic site found visits for arts and crafts equipment had increased by 58 per cent and since January’s VAT increase.

There have been significant rises in searches for sewing machines, which are up more than 300 per cent, and sewing patterns are up by a staggering 500 per cent.

But it doesn’t stop there. Knitting and jewellery making have gained popularity as well, as shown by a 200 per cent growth in searches for jewellery making equipment and 50 per cent for knitting yarns and needles.

This festival fashion season I will be looking to my local haberdashery and rummaging through to make some crafty and creative one-off pieces to see me through the summer.

Fake flowers are a good place to start and a piece of elastic length fitted around my head with some fake flowers sewn on for good measure will save me a festival fashion fortune and have me looking like the brightest bloom on the field.

Tie-die is a big trend at the moment so for that Fearne Cotton-look, a piece of string, an old big pink t-shirt and some bleach is all that is required to get the uber-cool nonchalant DJ look.

My brother’s worn out old Levis have needed a bit of TLC for some time, so with a pair of scissors to hand I can make them into a teeny tiny pair of hot pants that will knock the socks off any festival fashionista, al a Alexa Cheung.

There are lace trims emerging everywhere on the high street, so for just a few pence and a little sewing, your shorts, shirts and dresses could be instantly updated to spring/summer 2011.

At Topshop sleeveless shirts are the must-have item in their basic range and with a snip to your old button ups, and perhaps a new button here or there, you can work the look for less.

If you are really riding the craft craze then

orange and even acid green and work this festival fashion season’s colour blocking trend on a budget with the help of my good old friend Dylon.

Finish off the look with iron-on fabric letters with your own personalised message. With a bit of thought and only a little more effort, my bank will be thanking me for spending less but my wardrobe will be embracing me with open arms, thanks to my festival fashion craft creations.

43

Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Post party rescue Disguise those tell-tale signs of the morning after the night before with beauty essentials.

By Lisa Haynes Just like budgets, diets and alcohol limits, beauty regimes tend to go out of the window during the party season. Seasonal drinking, dancing and cavorting make for fun times during December but it's our face and body that suffer on those dreaded mornings-after-the-night-before.

Luxurious beautifying mornings are replaced by a hungover scramble for any quick-fix that will leave us looking vaguely human again.

Luckily the beauty world is more than equipped to help us hide night owl habits in a flash. Time to stock up on Alka-Seltzer and an armful of SOS after-party products.

WAKE-UP CALL The alarm has gone off and crawling to work in your duvet is just not an option. Hit the shower for a reviving wake-up call. Avoid turning the temperature gauge into the red - a lot of moisture evaporates from your skin during a hot shower, making you even more dehydrated.

“Invigorating citrus oils can be very effective at supporting post-party recovery," says Geraldine Howard, founder of Aromatherapy Associates.

“Pink grapefruit and rosemary are particularly good at stimulating the circulation and helping with the removal of toxins."

TRY: Molton Brown Enlivening Toko-Yuzu Bath & Shower Gel, £16 (www.moltonbrown.co.uk); Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil, £30 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com); The Organic Pharmacy Party Girl pack, £63.62 (www.theorganicpharmacy.com).

EYE BAG ALERT If sleep has become a rare commodity during the party season, your under-eyes might resemble your Christmas shopping bags. But lack of sleep isn't the only cause of dark circles.

“In Chinese medicine dark circles and bags under the eyes are an indication that there is stress on the kidneys, which makes sense after lots of parties and late nights," explains Sally Penford of the International Dermal Institute.

“Look for light diffusing products. These will act like a multitude of tiny microscopic mirrors that deflect the light away from the eye and help disguise dark circles."

TRY: Anatomicals I Will Survive Kit, £10 (www.asos.com); MAC Fast Response Eye Cream, £19.09 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk); Champneys All-In-One Complete Eye Care, £7 (www.champneys.com); Jemma Kidd I-Perfector Prep & Brighten Duo, £18 (www.spacenk.co.uk).

FACE S.O.S Avoid magnifying mirrors at all costs after a wild

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night on the tiles - you don't want to see red eyes, blotchy skin and puffy cheeks staring back at you. Ensure your face is make-up free, then begin your fresh-faced disguise.

“Achieving a public-friendly fade is the way to look at it," says David Horne, education director at the Jemma Kidd Make Up School.

“Concealer is going to be your best friend, whether you're backstage at a party or waking up on the hotel floor. You can mix it with your eye cream to make it more hydrating if the skin's dry, put it straight on from the product to get more coverage or even use it as a foundation if you mix it with some moisturiser."

TRY: Soap & Glory Off Your Face cleansing wipes, £3.99 (Boots); Collin Minute Lifting Mask, £30.00 (01767 682288); Dermologica MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque, £26.80 (0800 591818); The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protection Concealer, £10; YSL Touche Eclat, £23 (01444 255 700).

HAIR REPAIR Woken up with locks like Amy Winehouse after an all-nighter? There's only so far you can go using the 'I'm working the bed-head hair trend' excuse every day at the office. If your boss is giving you funny looks it's time to put some effort into your crowning glory - minus pricey salon brow dries.

“Apply serum through the lengths to add definition and a glossing effect to tired or dull hair," hairdresser Mark Hill recommends.

“A shine serum will not only smooth down unruly morning after hair and reflect shine from the sleek finish, but also nourish deep into the shaft and cuticle."

TRY: Tangle Teezer brush, £9.77 (www.tangleteezer.co.uk); Mark Hill De Frizz Shine Serum, £5.99 (Boots); Toni & Guy Model.Me Erin Quick Fix Dry Shampoo, £5.37 (Boots).

01989 730580 44

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The Winter Issue

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November / December

TRIED & TESTED Face full of party slap? Create more sleeping time with a speedy eye make-up remover. We eye up three contenders.

Johnson's 3in1 Eye Make-up Remover, £2.99 (nationwide) This product removes a full set of eye makeup with minimal effort. Although oil-based, it is light in consistency and absorbs quickly so you're not left with a greasy face.

4/5 L'Oreal De-maq Absolute Eye and Lip Makeup Remover, £5.99 (nationwide) I was a bit wary when I first saw this harshlooking blue astringent but it gently removed even the most stubborn traces of mascara.

Great for removing gloss and lippy too.

5/5 Decleor Eye Make-up Remover Gel, £18 (020 7313 8780 / www.decleor.co.uk) For hungover, sensitive eyes this product's a dream - the gel has a super-cooling effect. It made fast work of removing eye make-up but has a hefty price tag.

3/5

BUY IT NOW Bolt the bathroom door and soothe partied-out limbs with NEOM's new range of Luxury Organic Bath Oils, £32 each (0870 460 4677 / www.neomorganics.com).

PIN PICK-UP Agyness Deyn may be supermodel of the moment but the party girl is regularly snapped with her long limbs covered in bruises. If you're prone to bumps and knocks, you may wake up after a night out looking like some rare breed of purple leopard.

Dr Chris Steele, GP from This Morning says: “There isn't anything you can do to prevent bruises, but it is possible to minimise the longevity and appearance of them by using arnica, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help speed up the healing process."

BEAUTY BULLETIN Located at Pengethley Garden Centre Between Ross & Hereford on the A49 SAT NAV: HR9 6LL

TRY: Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cooling Gel, £4.65 (www.arnicare.co.uk); Boots Alternatives Bruise Relief, £4.16; Kiwi Smiling Feet Heel Liners, £3.29 (Tesco nationwide).

SIENNA STYLE Forget the lovelife scandals, Sienna Miller looked radiant at the recent British Independent Film Awards.

You can steal her style with an all MAC make-up kit.

Terry Barber, director of makeup artistry for MAC UK, created her gorgeous smoky eyes using Graphblack Technakhol Liner, Black Track Fluidline and Zoom Lash Mascara, and topped off her look with Cream Colour Base in Hush on the cheeks and Jubilee lipstick. Visit www.maccosmetics.co.uk for more inspiration.

SCISSOR HAPPY There were scissors at dawn at the British Hairdressing Awards but Akin Konizi emerged triumphant. The Artistic Director for Hob Salon group picked up the award for 2008 British Hairdresser of the Year.

“I couldn't believe it when my name was called out - winning the title is a dream come true," he said.

For a full list of the winners visit www.britishhairdressingawards.co.uk

Your new guide to the finer things in life

. . . o u D r Dea

if you would like dear duo to help with your problems, please write to Dear Duo, The Gazette and Diary, 13 Nevill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA.

Dear Duo My current gf of 6 month wants a baby. it driving me crazy. ive had to stop sleeping with her because shes come off the pill and i know for a fact she's been poking needles in my comdoms? how the hell do i get her off the idea. shes only 16 and im 23.

Jay Hi Jay Right first of all young man, why on earth are you dating someone with a 7 year age gap? Obviously your girlfriend is showing her immaturity with this clingy behaviour.

But if you feel that she is the one then Id have a talk with her then look into getting a Baby Think it Over doll, you should be able to get one from www.realityworks.com, i think it would be a big shock to her having to deal with the responsibility of a baby that should make her think twice. Good luck.

J Hi Jay Well I do agree with J she is way too young, I suggest you look for someone your own age and forget this relationship.

Your girlfriend should be more interested in her school or her friends and a bit of fun at her age not tied down with a child.

A baby is hard work later on in life and at 16 is no way ready for this.

H

Dear Duo Most women I know wouldn't feel comfortable that their husband was still friendly with his ex, but I've always tried to be mature and enlightened about it.

But it's not just that my husband is friends with his ex...she's his best friend. He's always said she always was more like "one of the guys" but I can't help feeling betrayed when he's out with her. They watch rugby at the pub together (I tried to join in but I hate it), go shooting together and are both very much into their 4x4's, I can see how she's one of the guys but she's also an attractive woman. I always dress up nice when I know she's coming round because even when this woman has her hair scraped back and is caked in mud or oil from the cars, she still looks good.

My husband is forever saying he loves me as I am and that his ex's curves hold no appeal to him as they held too much appeal to others in the past.

But that comment doesn't install much confidence. This weekend he and her have a shooting weekend with a few of the other chaps, I don't enjoy these weekends so I won't be going but I worry that too much alcohol and talking about "the good old days" will cause them to trip on memory lane, tumbling into bed!!!

They've never done a whole weekend together, he's always been with other men only but when I bring it up he says I'm crazy.

Should I trust him or just go with him? Should I tell her she's spending too much time with my husband?

That she should find herself a chap of her own?

G

Gazette & Diary Magazine To advertise in Next months Christmas Edition of the Abergavenny Gazette please contact Jenna or Hazel on 01873 852187 ext 26/34.

Hi G All I can see you doing is torturing yourself. I always think if its going to happen it will and asking about it all the time only pushes the partner away. Trust is a huge thing and any relationship should be based on it, enjoy your husband, show him the happy confident person you are not the one that is scared to loose him. If something ends up happening between your husband and his friend then deal with it then. You could always try to get to know her, you never know you ould end up just as good friends.

J Hi G Well I must agree I would be so jealous !!! you have two choices 1. you could go along and use the weekend as a relaxing break perhaps a good book, if staying in a hotel take advantage of any spa tratments while they are shooting. 2. Try to come to terms with it and hard as it might be trust him. I seriously would have an issue with this also and he should try and respect your feelings by scaling down the time he spends with her.

H

Sorry to those who have not had their problems answered yet we have limited space but we will eventually get round to you! â—?

The Winter Issue

â—?

November / December

45

Gazette & Diary Magazine:

Bubbly Joanna true to her roots Actress Joanna Page, who found fame as Stacey in BBC comedy Gavin And Stacey, talks about her life-changing health condition and her addiction to thrill-seeking A conversation with blonde, bubbly Joanna Page is quite breathtaking.

She talks at the pace of a high speed train and constantly peppers her anecdotes with ‘Oh, my God’ and ‘It’s amazing’ and also giggles infectiously.

It makes her seem like a carbon copy of her role on the hit BBC comedy Gavin And Stacey, which was set in Barry, South Wales, and also starred Ruth Jones, James Corden and Rob Brydon.

Joanna played Stacey Shipman, fiance of Gavin (Mathew Horne), and while over the course of three series they eventually became Mr and Mrs West, she evolved into one of the nation’s favourite stars.

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“People really do think I am Stacey and I suppose I am similar to her in some ways,” says Joanna.

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“She’s a real down-to-earth Welsh girl and loves her family, so that’s just like me. And we share the same enthusiasm and optimism and she’s feisty like me although it’s a bit more exaggerated in her.

“But she’s rougher and tougher than me we’re definitely opposites on that.''

Initially, like many young actresses, she had to battle to gain recognition in the profession - her accent wasn’t a selling point while she was training at RADA and she was instead encouraged to learn

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Your new guide to the finer things in life accident near their home and suffered a broken leg and a head injury.

“It was horrible. He’d just popped out to the local shops one evening and was crossing the road. He ended up on the bonnet, hitting the windscreen,'' she recalls.

“He called me on his mobile and I was able to go in the ambulance with him. I was very upset but I knew he was okay because he was conscious and talking, although he had to have a brain scan as a precaution.''

English, Scottish and Irish accents.

Joanna, who grew up in Swansea, says: “It’s so amazing that being Welsh has become really popular all of a sudden because I love my accent and I’m so proud of coming from Wales.''

Five years ago, Joanna, 32, needed all her determination to cope with an undiagnosed health problem.

“Gradually I just started to feel I was in slow motion all the time, which I know might a bit difficult to believe!'' she says.

“But I just had no energy. I’d get out of bed, load the washing machine, and then be so drained I’d have to sit around staring into space for the rest of the day.

“And I was continually freezing cold. I’d have the central heating on full blast, be wearing three layers of clothing including thermals, and my husband James (Thornton) would have to walk around in shorts because it was so hot in the house.''

Publicly she kept up a front fearing she might affect her career if she was anything other than her normal energetic self and talking 19 to the dozen.

Blood tests revealed an underactive thyroid, where the thyroid gland in the neck does not make enough hormone, thyroxine. It’s more common in women

than men and conventional treatment is thyroxine tablets.

“It was a shock at first because I didn’t have some of the common symptoms, weight gain and hair loss. But my mum has it too, following an operation for an overactive thyroid many years ago when unfortunately they took too much away so she became underactive,'' she says.

“After only two weeks on thyroxine I started to feel like me again and get my sparkle back.

It was amazing. I have to be on the medication for life, and I’m careful to have the tablets with me all the time, because if I don’t take it regularly I could fall into a coma and die. I’ve only missed taking it on one occasion and I started to feel odd and tired almost immediately.''

Joanna’s appeared in a variety of classical theatre roles at the Royal National Theatre and the Old Vic, had a nude role in the film

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“I tie my dressing gown cord round my waist and then tie Daisy’s lead on to that and we pound the streets together. I must admit we do get a few weird looks,'' she says.

She and James were running together until earlier this year he was involved in a car

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“Oh my God, that parachute jump was the closest I’ve ever got to feeling I was going to die - my stomach flipped 30 times, and I thought I’d drained my body of adrenaline!

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Love Actually, and in 1999 appeared as Dora Spenlow in a television film of David Copperfield, which is where she was first spotted by her husband, James Thornton, 34.

They married in December 2003.

While that incident was a scare on the personal front, she experienced sheer terror when she took part last year in ITV2’s Celebrity Adrenaline Junkie, presented by Jack Osbourne, and among the hair raising challenges undertook a bungee jump, parachute jump, swung over a canyon in New Zealand and took part in power boat racing.

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