October issue of the Gazette and Diary magazine 2014 by jenna hopkins

Gazette & Diary Magazine

The grounds of The Gliffaes Hotel just outside Crickhowell are home to a stunning collection of mature, exotic and native trees,some dating back over 250 years. Autumn is the most colourful time of the year to see the trees in all their glory.

GUIDED TREE WALKS & LUNCH

You can join us on one of four guided walks through the trees followed by a light two course lunch. ÂŁ22 per person.

SAT 18

TUES 21

SAT 25

WED 29

The walk is no more than a mile, wear boots or wellingtons. Dogs on leads most welcome. All walks start at 11am from the hotel. Please call or email to book.

Located 3 miles west of Crickhowell off the A40. Follow the signs from the main road. Gliffaes Hotel, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1RH 01874 730 371 â&#x20AC;˘ calls@gliffaeshotel.com www.gliffaeshotel.com

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

Greeting Dear Readers

ID you enjoy the hog heaven that is the Abergavenny Food Festival? The rather gluttonous gang at the G&D did. Perhaps a little too much you might say. Like prize turkeys we may have been guilty of all overdoing it a bit, but then we’ve never been the types to pay any attention to the ‘ration’ part of moderation. Talking of prize turkeys, it may only be October, but we’re a festive and red-faced bunch here at the G&D, and as such our thoughts are already turning to baking mince pies, transforming everything with tacky tinsel, pleading with a slightly portly and bearded man in a red suit to look kindly upon our yearly endeavorers and digging out that poor battered fairy for yet another round of festivities. You guessed it! It’s Christmas. Well, not for another couple of months, but like any

scout who’s worth his salt knows, fail to prepare and prepare to fail. And if you want to avoid an epic fail at any time of the year it’s Christmas. So with that in mind we’re going to give you a head-start on all how to make sure you’ve got all the necessary tools of the trade to put the ‘art’ into the party season. To find out more, take a look at our special Christmas supplement. It’s free but the information within is priceless and amongst other useful thing it’ll tell you all you need to know to be the hostess with the mostess this Christmas. You’ll also find the usual informative feature on everything from homes and gardens to planning for your retirement. So what are you waiting for! Rudolph and the rest of the gang to arrive and give you the all clear? Get stuck in, it’ll be Christmas before you know it. Although some cynics mights suggest that Santa Claus may have the right idea by visiting people once a year, in this dark,

Did you know?

“HALLOWEEN” is short for “Hallows’ Eve” or “Hallows’ Evening,” which was the evening before All Hallows’ (sanctified or holy) Day or Hallowmas on November 1. In an effort to convert pagans, the ● The first Jack O’Lanterns were actually Christian church decided that Halmade from turnips. lowmas or All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) should ● The word “witch” comes from the Old assimilate sacred pagan holidays that fell English wicce, meaning “wise woman.” In on or around October 31. fact, wiccan were highly respected people at one time. According to popular be● According to Irish legend, Jack lief, witches held one of their two main O’Lanterns are named after a stingy man meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween named Jack who, because he tricked the night. devil several times, was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was ● Trick-or-treating, thought to be an condemned to wander the Earth, wav- American custom, actually evolved from ing his lantern to lead people away from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats and food to placate spirits who their paths. roamed the streets at Samhain, a sacred festival that marked the end of the Celtic calendar year.

secluded and lonely office of ours we never forget the true reason for the season. So if anyone wants to drop off any early Xmas presents the G&D team are very partial to Milk Tray, Lambrini, and moderately exotic perfume - it doesn’t have to be expensive. We’re a cheap and cheerful bunch. We’re off now to wash our stockings. It’s embarrassing to admit, but they’re absolutely filthy you know. So until the next time. Keep it real and for god’s sake behave, or your name’s coming off the list.

Adios. ... and a taste of next month

BONFIRE NIGHT by Dorothy Baylis

Sparklers held in childrens hands, Catherine wheels and crackerjacks, Circles of stars from rockets high, return to miss us from the sky. Potatoes roasting, chestnuts toasting, what a lovely sight, Toffee apples on a stick, everyone happy on bonfire night. On top of the bonfire sits poor old Guy, for being a traitor he was doomed to die. And so you see on annual day we celebrate and remember, What Guy Fawkes tried to do long ago on the 5th day of November.

Weekends & Midweek in Tenby

BELGRAVE HOTEL Enjoy 2 nights dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £95pp 3 nights £120pp. B&B from £37.50ppn

Entertainment every evening

Candlelit Stay extra Dinner & night Thurs Dance B B& n Su or er nn Di Gala Menu n. pp £10p n pp 5p £2 Thursday & B B& Saturday

Tel: Tenby 01834 842377 email: info@thebelgrave hotel.co.uk Something to celebrate... ring now for birthdays, anniversaries and other special breaks in October, NovemberChristmas and New Year

● “Souling” is a medieval Christian precursor to modern-day trick-or-treating. On Hallowmas (November 1), the poor would go door-todoor offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes.

Celtic Computer Systems

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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

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 3

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Putting the NEW in ReNEWables L

OCAL renewables company Green Park Power rounds up the most recent developments for residential properties. ‘Intelligent Switching’ has quickly become the must-have PV system accessory in the UK. Thousands of households are already benefitting from free hot water using this simple, economical technology. Using your existing immersion tank, the ‘Intelligent Switch’ can be fitted alongside a new PV system or retro-fitted to existing systems. It simply switches unused energy into the immersion element. So instead of losing the energy to the National Grid you get free hot water. Green Park Power are Certified installers of ‘Power Router’ battery backup systems. This emerging technology optimises the energy generated by putting unused energy into batteries to be used in the home through the evening. The system also provides home owners and small businesses peace of mind by providing electricity in a power blackout situation. The recent launch of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has caused quite a buzz. The incentive means that investment in Low Carbon forms of home heating (such as Heat Exchang-

ers or Biomass Burners for example) attracts a generous financial reward over several years – as well as saving you money on fuel for your home heating. The RHI is particularly rewarding if your home is off the gas mains and is reasonably well insulated. Solar Loans from the Gateway Credit Union is another new initiative from Green Park Power (and its sister company Gwent Energy). It is a loan scheme from Monmouthshire’s Gateway Credit Union and is an ideal way for Monmouthshire and Torfaen residents, who wish to benefit from a PV system but do not have the cash available, to purchase Solar Power. A small deposit and a monthly standing order is required but most of the loan is repaid via the Feed in Tariff payments.

Feed In Tariff for the remaining 15 years, ● Daytime electricity is primarily generated by the panels. ● Household bills reduced into the bargain.

● You are still protected by our 10 Year Workmanship Warranty. ● Increases the saleability of your property (ING Home Buyer Survey 2012).

Solar Loan Key Facts A typical 3KW installation would cost £6000 but only requires a £3,500 investment; a £500 deposit, plus £50 per month for five years. The Feed in Tariff (FIT) over those first five years makes up the deficit. Once repaid over the five years, the system is yours; Your benefits: ● An index linked income from the

4 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

For more information, contact Andy from Green Park Power on 01873 269031 or the Gateway Credit Union on 01495 742500.

DECORATIVE solution that's as easy as learning the ABC, designers have taken inspiration from the alphabet this season. They've lifted the written word from our screens, books and magazines to really send the message home. From inky letters and bold initials, to sharp lines and swirly script, typographic pieces are a great way to bring some contemporary flair to our living space, with endless opportunities for making a statement. "The eye is drawn to words in a room, so opt for statement pieces which are a chic way to subtly introduce the trend, or go for brights that pop; a really fun way to individualise any corner," says Ben De Lisi, designer at Debenhams. Indeed, communication is a natural part of everyday life, and with texting one of our favourite pastimes and a keyboard always close to hand, lettering and typography is a great way to create a personal and bespoke decorating scheme, with all sorts of imaginative acronyms. As designer Rory Dobner points out: "Whether it's spelling the family names with whimsical tiles or hanging prints and pictures with sentimental slogans in a favoured font, the options are limitless and a lot of fun!" Taking it one step further, lettering doesn't have to be confined to indoors and can also be used on patios and ter-

HAVE A

Homes and Garden ● Eivor Ord Quilt Cover and 4 Pillowcases, £15, Ikea (www.ikea.com) ● View Quest Retro Radio, £129, View Quest (www.viewquest.co.uk) ● Alphabet Letter Mugs, £2 each, Matalan (www.matalan.co.uk) ● Alphabet T Tea Pot, this page, £29.50, Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com) ● A Z Wooden Bookends, below, £19 (reduced from £35), Littlewoods (www.littlewoods.com)

races, with wall hangings such as 'Don't Forget' signs in slate - that way you can even pen additional quick notes to yourself or a loved one. After all, letter-inspired homewares can be decorative, practical and even secretive. And what could be nicer than reading a special hand written message? Fancy a style spellcheck? Here are some suggestions that fit the script... ● The Alpha Chest (multi-drawer sheesham and mango wood chest), below, £995, Graham and Green (www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

● Rory Dobner Love collection, from £15.50 for the mug to £72 for the large bowl, Liberty (www.liberty.co.uk) available in store midSeptember ● Ben de Lisi Designer Black 'Relax' Cushion, above, £35, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com) ● Lene Bjerre Carola Capital Letter S, £14, Occa-Home (www.occahome.co.uk) ● Andrew Martin Love Letter Wallpaper, £49.90, Occa-Home (www.occahome.co.uk)

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

AFREN FURNISHERS are renowned in the industry for successfully furnishing homes for 50 years. They still trade as a family business, run by Mike Morgan and his sons Tim and Paul. With FREE immediate delivery throughout Wales and England, it continues to offer the best choice of contemporary and traditional leading furniture brands at the most competitive prices. They are located in scenic Llanidloes, Mid Wales, just off the A470, with free parking and lift access. Furniture is available for every room in the house set over 7 floors covering 70,000 square meters - you won’t encounter more choice anywhere! All famous brand names feature such as; GPlan, Parker Knoll, Duresta, Stressless, Sealy and Tempur to name a few. They proudly host Wales’ largest Bed Studio, where expert staff can offer impartial advice in choosing the right mattress or bed for your needs and budget. Hafren Furnishers place great importance on taking your time to select a bed, after all it’s an important decision. They encourage customers to relax and try the range of beds in comfort before making a purchase. The newly extended Stressless Studio, now the largest in Wales, offers

Competitive prices, free delivery and personal, family run service the widest range of reclining chairs, sofas and ottomans. Enjoy the comfort of Stressless whilst working from home with the new Stressless Office

6 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

collection, already proving very pop- open Mon- Fri 9am-5pm, open until ular. 8pm Thursday and open Saturday In addition, they offer furniture for 9am-5.30pm. the living room, dining room, home office and conservatory. A wide variety of bedding, duvets, headboards and accessories, mirrors, pictures and lamps are available. CarpetRight and Hammonds Fitted Bedroom concessions are also located in store. Allow yourself plenty of time, visit the in store café with daily homemade specials whilst admiring the impressive views. Hafren Furnishers are

We look forward to welcoming you.

Homes and Garden

T'S no secret that buying in the right location, location, location is key. Indeed, how many times do house hunters on TV shows say a property would be perfect if only it could be picked up and put in a different location? Of course, an exasperated presenter tells them that this would add thousands to the asking price. But then there's no point buying somewhere you already know you don't like, even if the property is better value - you've got to spend the foreseeable future there, after all. So what's the solution? A good strategy is to look for an up-andcoming area, perhaps on the fringes of your preferred one, or the fringes of the fringes. If prices have risen and other buyers on a budget have been pushed further and further out, this can lead to once undesirable areas becoming more popular and improving as a result. If you can spot improving areas, or areas subject to investment and infrastructure changes, it often pays to get on the local property ladder before prices rise. However, if you're concerned about resale values, be careful not to get carried away and spend more on a property than it will be worth. Even if a property seems like a steal, remember that it may cost more to buy and renovate than somewhere that's more expensive to buy but needs less work. This is where research comes in. Not only do you need to find out how long a property's been on the market, what position the seller's in, what comparable properties are selling for and what property prices are doing locally, but also

The only way is upgrading

quickly when buying a repossession though, as the seller usually wants to exchange contracts and complete the sale within weeks. They'll check that you're in a position to do this before accepting, or even considering, your offer, so it's not a route open to all buyers. It's also a stressful way to buy, as the property remains on the market until exchange. Moving quickly applies to buying at auction too. You have to exchange contracts on the spot, and complete within a set time, often 28 days, so buying with a mortgage isn't always possible. Auctions are full of renovation projects and can be a good place to find bargains, providing you don't get carried away in the heat of the moment and pay too much.

Want to control your boiler when you're far from home, to make sure everything's cosy when you finally open your front door? Well you need Worcester's clever new Wave room thermostat and programmable controller PHIL Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp from Location, Location, Location (available through heating engineers, see www.worcester-bosch.co.uk). how much this property will cost to reno- buy. Mortgage lenders usually Providing you have a compatible vate. Get a full structural survey (the RICS expect the property to be habWorcester boiler, you can use the Building Survey) and then quotations for itable and although it's perWave to manage and change your the work needed, so you're realistic about fectly possible to buy an heating and hot-water settings your budget. To get an idea of costs before unmodernised property with a using your smartphone (or making an offer, go round the property mortgage, lenders sometimes tablet or smart TV), a wireless with a good builder or surveyor. retain some of the money until internet connection Some properties are in such a bad state essential repairs are done. and the free With interest rates likely to rise that only cash buyers are welcome. This Wave app. can also be the case with properties of un- fairly soon, property repossessions usual construction, so if you need a mort- should increase, which is another way to gage, you're more limited to what you can find a bargain. You have to move very

Madness

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 7

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Plant now for T

GNOME ON THE RANGE!

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! 4& +/ $0+/ % ! 4+$+, & +00 " ! ! 2 .) * %!( %"

If you're looking for step-by-step DIY projects, check out the new blog from U-Can, the range of easy-to-use buildingrepair products available at B&Q. The current project is making your own garden gnome and there's a gnome-themed competition on until October 10 - go to www.u-can.tv/blog to find out more.

HERE'S a nip in the air which sigand for much longer nals the end of summer and than many older provides a wake-up call to varieties. start planting some spring bulbs auLast to brighten up borders and patios tumn, trialnext year. lists chose 50 Yet the wealth of varieties on newly bred varioffer, from crocus and dwarf eties of springnarcissi to fragrant hyacinths flowering bulbs and and majestic tulips, can leave grew them alongmany gardeners wondering what to side five wellchoose. known varieties Suppliers are constantly trying to help daffodils 'Delnashaugh' customers select the best combinations. DAFFODIL and 'Dutch Master', and Suttons (www.suttons.co.uk), for instance, Ferris Wheel tulips 'Ballerina','Mount has a range called 'Plant-O-Mat', pre- Tacoma' and 'Red Riding Hood' - for complanted bulbs inserted in individual com- parison. partments in a biodegradable tray. You Bulbs were planted in October: hyjust dig a hole, put the tray in and cover it acinths 15cm deep, narcissus twice their with compost. The range features a numown depth and tulips at three times their ber of combinations, colours and sizes. own depth. In spring, the bulbs' developThey also cater for window ment was monitored, when they flowboxes and containers. ered, how long they lasted and their If you want somesizes, colours and scents. thing different which In the latest batch of testing, reis going to stand the searchers noticed a lot of colourtest of time, Garchanging varieties (such as tulip dening Which?, the 'Caribbean Parrot') with flowers Consumers' Associthat open in one colour then ation magazine, has change to another as they age, recently trialled a adding a new element of interest. number of new bulbs New daffodils which came out on to see how they fared. top included 'Ferris Wheel' (youtulip, Researchers found that www.youtulip.co.uk), a large bright some new varieties will TULIP flower more consistently Caribbean Parrot yellow variety which grows to 40cm

â&#x2014;? OCTOBER may be a bit of a let-down weatherwise, but if you can dodge the showers, Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint (ÂŁ30 for 5ltr, or two 5ltr tins for ÂŁ40, B&Q) is just the thing for protecting exterior walls. Not only does Weathershield give 15 years of guaranteed protection against the elements, it's also flexible, breathable and UV, mould and algae resistant. â&#x2014;? GREY is big news in interiors, but finding a good grey exterior wall paint is quite hard. Look no further than Weathershield in Concrete Grey, an easy-on-the-eye midgrey that's fashionable but won't date. For a feature wall in dark grey, mix Concrete Grey with a little Weathershield in Black. Black is also ideal for painting the 'skirting' around the outside of your home. This paint is nice to apply and becomes rainproof after just 30 minutes, so those showers are less of a problem.

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8 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

â&#x2014;? REVAMP your garden wood before winter sets in, and add a coat of Cuprinol Garden Shades in Urban Slate ÂŁ23.49 for 2.5ltr tin, and ÂŁ25 for two 2.5ltr tins, a gorgeous dark grey that transforms boring brown wood. Urban Slate is not only an on-trend colour perfect for chic courtyards, it looks fantastic against greenery on a lawn too. Cuprinol Garden Shades has a contemporary matt finish and gives four years of weatherproof protection to any garden wood, so it's longlasting and versatile. Another advantage is that it can be sprayed on - and if you've ever painted a garden shed or fence with a brush, you'll know how much of a luxury this is!

Homes and Garden

spring colour and produces immense trumpets with a much larger and better formed than any frilly rim, flowering in April for around of the other varieties, with a fantastically potent scent. Unlike the other hyacinths three weeks. A more subtle variety whose flowering grown in the test, they managed to stay period lasted up to 32 days was 'Beautiful bolt upright throughout the trial - essenEyes' (J Parker's, www.jparkers.co.uk) tial if you're going to use them in the garwhich has small, straight stems holding den, although they looked good in pots clusters of two or three creamy flowers too. with yellow centres and gives off a heady ● The full report is in the latest edition of fragrance. Which? Gardening. Visit www.which.co.uk Tulips recommended included 'Mistress Mystic' (Spalding Plant & Bulb Company, www.spaldingbulb.co.uk), a pink goblet-shaped flower which grows to 60cm and looks ideal in the middle of a border, and the zingy 'Caribbean Parrot' (Thompson & Morgan, www.thompson-morgan.com), which lasted much longer than any other parrot-type tulip in the trial and looked wonderful in a pot. Its most impressive feature, though, was its colourchanging flowers - which started mainly yellow, but deepened as they aged, until eventually they were almost completely red. Among the top-performing hyacinths was 'Pink Angel' (Bloms Bulbs, www.blomsbulbs.com), whose brightly PLANT-O-MAT BULBS: are pre-planted in a coloured flower spikes were biodegradable tray

AUTUMN FRUITING RASPBERRIES They are so expensive in the shops, yet autumn-fruiting raspberries, which ripen from late August until the first frost, are much tastier than the shop-bought ones and aren't difficult to grow. The canes are also shorter than summer-fruiting types, so they won't need supporting. LEMON GRASS THE grassy stems of this delicious herb add a fantastic flavour to fragrant Thai curries and other Indonesian cuisine. While it's not a terribly attractive plant because of its coarse leaves, it's best grown indoors at room temperature in the winter but can be put outside in a sunny, sheltered spot in summer.

BLUEBERRIES

These delicious deep blue berries which can be added to summer pudding and other red fruit desserts are related to the wild, moorland bilberries, but form bushes rather than low, straggly plants. Best planting time is late autumn to early spring, although container-grown bushes can be planted at any time when the soil is workable.

SPINACH

If you want some leaves later on, sow a variety of winter-hardy true spinach in September for picking between October and April. Winter varieties will need some sort of protection from October onwards such as cloches or straw. Good winter types include 'Giant Winter' and 'Atlanta'.

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

Protect our POLLINATORS! W

E know bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects provide a welcome sight for gardeners in spring and summer, pollinating our flowers and helping us to reap rich harvests, but these valued species also need plenty of protection in the winter to ensure they return in years to come. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) are urging people to do more to support the UK's vital pollinators during the cooler months. RHS senior entomologist Andrew Salisbury says: "Pollinators and other invertebrates need sheltered places to spend the cold winter months. By being a little less tidy, particularly around the base of hedges and in garden borders, creating bug hotels and log piles, we can provide much needed overwintering sites, giving pollinators a head start in the spring." The two organisations have produced a winter survival guide for the UK's 1,500 species of pollinating insects. People with outside spaces are urged to: ● Make an insect hotel or overwintering habitat - Insect hotels provide shelter and overwintering habitats for many pollinators. WAG week is featuring a 'build a bug hotel' competition to encourage gardeners, schools and community groups to get building and share photographs of their projects to inspire others to get involved.

24 per cent of European bumblebee species are at risk of extinction and we have already lost 23 bee and flower-visiting wasp species in Britain

More details about the competition can be found at www.wildaboutgardensweek.org.uk/buildabughotel. Entries close on October 31. ● Create log piles - Some pollinating insects nest or overwinter in dead wood and many uncommon insects such as the stag beetle rely on it for a large part of their lifecycle. Half bury some logs, leave dead wood where it falls, and keep tree

stumps in place. ● Cut back on the cutting back - instead of cutting flower borders back in late autumn, leave the dead stems all winter until early spring. The hollow stems of perennial plants provide shelter for overwintering insects. ● Let your lawn grow - Leave a long patch over the winter, before cutting it back, resuming mowing in early spring and it'll help many creatures hibernate. ● Ensure your garden contains a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs that produce pollen and nectar resources throughout the year. Autumn and winter nectar plants to consider include: Spanish traveller's joy (Clematis cirrhosa), winterflowering crocus (Crocus species), ivy (Hedera helix), Purpus honeysuckle (Lonicera × purpusii), Michaelmas daisy (Aster), perennial sunflower (Helianthus × laetiflorus), winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) and sweet box (Sarcococca confusa). ● Be considerate to dandelions and nettles, which are crucial for many pollinators. A recent study highlighted that 24 per cent of European bumblebee species are at risk of extinction and we have already lost 23 bee and flower-visiting wasp species in Britain. Paul Wilkinson, The Wildlife Trusts' head of living landscape, said: "Although the importance of bees is now widely recog-

nised, let's also give credit to and raise awareness of our lesser-known pollinators, including the peacock butterfly, hummingbird hawk moth and marmalade hoverfly. "Ultimately, it's looking after the 'small stuff' which helps to create a healthier bigger picture for wildlife and the natural environment. Collectively, our gardens make up the biggest nature reserve in the UK. Let's make it the biggest and best it can be."

CREATE a bug hotel

nantyderry garden centre Family business (Established 1956) in beautiful rural setting. OCTOBER OFFERS 20% off all Chapelwood bird feeders and bird tables 20% off Botanico Plant Support Systems Plus lots more offers in store! Take the Chainbridge turn off the A4042 Abergavenny Pontypool road - and follow the brown signs

Open 7 days a week 10am -5pm

01873 880377 www.nantyderryGC.co.uk

10 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Homes and Garden

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 11

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01873 770007

01873 859988

24 Cross Street, NP7 5EW 01873 859988

Unit 116, Springvale Ind Est NP44 5BG 01633 864444

12 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

100 St Cenydd Road CF83 2TE 02920 020203

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Why thousands of customers are choosing Wiltshire Farm Foods’ frozen meal delivery service

OR people who want to enjoy life to the full, there’s not always enough time in the day to prepare a meal from scratch or go shopping. With a delicious range of frozen meals delivered directly to the front door, Wiltshire Farm Foods is here to help people eat well and look after themselves in their own home, whatever their plans.

driver, who is always happy to stack meals away neatly in the freezer.

Wiltshire Farm Foods’ award-winning chefs and dietitians have cooked up a range of over 260 delicious dishes – from breakfast through to lunch, afternoon tea and an evening meal. Each meal is prepared in the Wiltshire kitchens using quality ingredients that are selected from carefully approved suppliers, before being frozen straightaway to lock in the freshness.

Another big benefit of Wiltshire Farm Foods is that the service is completely commitment-free – customers can order as much or as little as they like, whenever it suits them. And with main meals starting at just £2.95, they offer good value as well as nutrition and flavour.

Convenience is a big part of the Wiltshire Farm Foods’ service. All meals can be ordered over the phone, online or by post. They’re then delivered directly to your front door for free by a friendly, police-checked delivery

When you’re ready to eat, simply remove the meal you fancy and pop it straight in the microwave or oven to cook from frozen in a matter of minutes. There’s no preparation, no pots and pans, just delicious meals to be enjoyed in your own home, in your own time.

Pork & Leek Sausages with Somerset Cider

Enjoying life and eating well has never been easier. For more information about Wiltshire Farm Foods in Abergavenny, you can contact Sara and Brian and their team on 01600 892855 or visit wiltshirefarmfoods.com for a free brochure.

West Country Bread & Butter Pudding

Nationwide reach. Local team. Wiltshire Farm Foods Abergavenny Ordered b Ordered by y callin calling ng our local number number,, deliver delivered vered b by y one o off our local l l tteam. eam. W e offer offer a choic ce of of over 260 ttasty asty dishes, s, including We choice special diet op tions. O ur meals ar e cr eated e using car efully options. Our are created carefully selected select ed ingr ingredients, edients, fr frozen ozen and then deliver delivered ivered with fr free ee delivery b yy our local tteam. eam. T hey can be st ored in the by your They stored fr eezer and cook ked in minut es. freezer cooked minutes.

Roast Chicken Breast with Stuffing £3.95 Introductory Menu Introductory Menu Pack Pack a onl only y £19.95 with 5 main courses wi th vegetables: Bangers Bangers & Mash Mash Chicken C hicken & V Vegetable egetable C Casserole asserole S Shepherds hepherds Pie Pie Steak S teak & Kidney P Pie ie Roast Roast Chicken Chicken Breast Breast w with ith Stuffing S tuffing 4 desserts: Lemon Lemon Sponge Sponge with L Lemon em mon Sauce Sauce & Custard Custard A Apple p pple P Pie ie & C Custard ustard A Apple pple e Custard Crumble & C ustard J Jam am Sponge Sponge & Custard Custard Order O rder code IN3

W hat’s mor e the ere’s no commitment. Order Order d what y ou What’s more there’s you want, when y ou u want. M ealtimes ttaken aken car c eo f. S imple. you Mealtimes care of. Simple. Delivered Delivered d FREE b by yo our ur local tteam eam m

Main meals Main from fr om £2.95

23 y years ears of of great great service

For your FREE br brochure, rochure, or to order an Introductory Menu M Pack, call us on

01600 0 1600 892855 892855 wiltshirefarmfoods. wil tshirefarmfoods.com

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 13

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Buy a bike for Christmas - with M&D Cycles W ITH cycling taking over the nation this year, bikes are certain to be at the top of most peoples Christmas lists this year. But buying a bike outright can be quite difficult for some, so M&D Cycles are inviting you to come down and be part of their Christmas Club. The Christmas Club is a way to break up payments on bikes or equipment into affordable sums that you can build up in the months leading up for Christmas. If you have a bike in mind, just pay a 10% deposit and pay in instalments that you set over the next 12 weeks until Christmas. Miles Preece said: “Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year, and buying presents outright can be quite a hit. “ With our Christmas Club, you can spread out the payments, making it easier for you to get a good quality bike for your loved ones.” It also takes away that struggle of hiding the bikes until Christmas Eve, and then rushing to assemble them at the last minute. Mechanic Argo Bowsher said: “So many people buy bikes online and then have to struggle to assemble them on Christmas Eve. We put the bikes together, and offer one free

14 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

service, all ready for pick up on Christmas Eve. Therefore you have a professionally put together bike ready to ride on Christmas day. So if you want to get a BMX for your child, or a bike for your spouse then look no further. M&D’s have BMX’s from Hoffman and We The People, children’s bikes from Raleigh, GT and Marin, and bikes for all from brands such as Whyte, Willier, and more. And as part of the Christmas Club, even if you pay for the bike outright, they will still hold it for you until Christmas Eve, saving you a lot of stress over the festive season. So for a healthier Christmas present that will last for years to come, head down to M&D Cycles and ask about their Christmas Club, or call them on 01873 854980.

Gazette & Diary Magazine

A beautiful Christmas experience

HE Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir near Llandrindod Wells has all 52 rooms decorated for Christmas from 1st November 2014 to 6th January 2015.

“Each room has its own tree and theme, and every year is different” says owner Victoria Humpherston. “This year the theme in the Entrance Hall will be

16 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

“time”, and the Drawing Room will greet visitors with a tree containing over 70 Royal Doulton Ladies. The Dining Room tree will contain over 100 pieces of crystal, the Library will be showing military figures and, as examples, other room trees and themes will include cats and dogs, song and dance, knitted figures, a casino and childrens toys. All of this in the midst of the outstanding architecture, stunning interiors and fascinating collections which have made The Hall a renowned tours venue. Since we are unique in the UK in what we offer demand is high, and we do recommend that those couples, small parties and groups who may wish to see our Christmas, book in as soon as they can”. To book a tour of The Hall phone 01597851727 or email info@abbeycwmhir.com The guided tour of all 52 rooms costs £15.00 pp, or £13.00 pp for groups or repeat visitors. Children under the age of 12 are £5.00 pp

Christmas Parties

PARTY?

So, who is going to organise the

EING shouldered with the responsibility of organising your office Christmas party can often be a thankless task and you are under huge pressure to make sure everyone enjoys their one big office night out of the year. There may be a large range of ages and tastes to cater for, plus budgets if work colleagues are paying their own way. You will want it to run smoothly and be remembered for all the right reasons, particularly by your boss! Here are some tips on how to organise your office Christmas party: ● Form a Christmas Party committee: Ensure it’s made up of a good range of office staff. That way decisions about the event can be made fairly and openly, so everyone gets their say. Remember, you can never please everyone though! ● Decide on an invitation list: Is the party just for office staff or should clients and/or suppliers be invited too? It may be great PR to invite clients to a glitzy, extravagant bash you are holding, but do you really want them to see you at the end of the night? If you think you or your team members may jeopardise your company’s reputation, don’t invite ‘outsiders’! ● Set a date: Ensure this is done a few months ahead as Christmas is a busy time for everyone. Email to ensure that nobody is forgotten. Midweek parties can be a bit cheaper than those at the weekend, but is your boss happy about hangovers in the office the day after? ● Agree a budget: If the party is going to be paid for by your boss, check the maximum spend per person and what this should include? Ie food, drink, entertainment, accommodation, transport etc. If individuals are going to pay for themselves, check with everyone what their budget for the party is…..nobody wants any nasty surprises on the night.

● Decide on the nature of the event: Lunch or Dinner? Joiner party or exclusive party? Just a meal, or a disco afterwards? Additional entertainment such as a live band, cabaret act, comedian or casino? Advise the party goers of the dress code, particularly fancy dress themes, well in advance. ● Ensure the drinks are flowing: There’s nothing worse than a party running dry but not everyone will be drinking alcohol, so a good selection of soft drinks is important too. ● Feed the masses: Remember to cater for everyone’s dietary requirements when choosing a venue menu. Are there any vegetarians, vegans or coeliacs amongst you, and does anyone have a food allergy you need to alert the venue of? To ensure the evening runs smoothly, getting everyone’s menu choice and preordering well in advance of the night is essential. ● Be accommodating: Is your Christmas party venue too far away for guests to travel home, and would the company or individuals budget stretch to overnight accommodation also? Many venues have a special rate for overnight stay booked at the same time as the party, or, if the venue doesn’t have bedrooms, they may have a preferential bedroom rate with a local hotel. ● Show me the way to go home: If party goers are going home at the end of the party, ensure that there are transport options for those who’ve had a beer or two. Check with the venue whether they would advise taxis to be booked in advance or even consider hiring a coach or minibus if more cost effective. ● Enjoy yourself! This is the one night of the year to let your hair down with your work colleagues. So sit back and relax knowing that you have have helped to arrange the best office Christmas party.

Christmas Lunch/ Dinner Party Menu

Lunch £14.50 - 1 Course, £16.50 - 2 Courses, £18.50 - 3 Courses Monday to Friday 12-2pm, Saturday 12-3pm Dinner - 2 Courses £18.50, 3 Courses £21.50 - all night (5.30pm-9.30pm) Available to 1st to 23rd December A private Riverside patio area available free to parties of 12 plus -00 Starters 00-

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP Y Fenni rarebit crouton PANT-YS-GAWN GOAT’S CHEESE AND RED ONION MARMALADE TARTLET Rocket, beetroot salad with beetroot glaze LOCAL SMOKED MACKEREL PATE Crusty bread and lemon dressing DUCK AND ORANGE BALLOTINE Apple & mint chutney and homemade walnut bread

-00 Main Courses 00ROAST PEMBROKESHIRE TURKEY BREAST Apricot & sage stuffing pigs in blankets, turkey gravy BAKED VAR SALMON SUPREME ON A LEMON AND ROCKET RISOTTO Pea and mint pesto SLOW ROAST BRECON BEACONS LAMB SHOULDER Bubble & squeak, rosemary jus GRILLED FILLETS OF CORNISH SOLE With a cockle and laver bread sauce

CHICKEN BREAST WRAPPED IN BACON Wholegrain mustard on a wild mushroom sauce BUTTERNUT SQUASH, PARSNIP, SPINACH AND CHESTNUT WELLINGTON Lightly spiced tomato sauce

-00 Desserts 00TRADITIONAL STEAMED CHRISTMAS PUDDING Earl grey soaked raisins and brandy sauce PASSION FRUIT CRÈME BRÛLÉE Shortbread biscuit INDIVIDUAL BARA BRITH Ginger ice cream and macerated fruits DARK CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE CHEESECAKE Cointreau cream and white chocolate sauce COCONUT PANNACOTTA Carpaccio of pineapple and mint syrup POACHED PEAR Mulled wine jelly and Brecon honey ice cream SELECTION OF ICE CREAMS OR SORBETS WELSH CHEESE SELECTION With celery, apple and biscuits Included - COFFEE AND MINCE PIES

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 17

Gazette & Diary Magazine Now is the time to put on your pinny, dust off those cake tins and get your Christmas cake in the oven - giving it time to mature before the big day. This delicious recipe from Cake and Jam will get your on your way.

NOW THE FUN PART

Christmas Fruit Cake INGREDIENTS

225g/8oz butter 225g/8oz soft brown sugar 1/2tsp gravy browning (optional) 225g/8oz plain flour pinch of salt 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1tsp mixed spice 4 medium eggs 225g/8oz currants 225g/8oz sultanas 50g/2oz chopped cherries 50g/20oz chopped peel

Soak the fruit the night before in hot water/strong tea or brandy Grease and line an 8" round/6" square tin. Wrap 2 layers of brown paper or newspaper around the tin and tie with string. Preheat your oven 140c/120 fan/275f/gas 1. Mix the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Mix the gravy browning with the eggs and whisk by hand until combined. Put the flour, spice and salt in a bowl together. Then introduce the eggs and flour alternatively.

Place in your tin and make a hollow shape in the centre. Bake for 3 to 4 hours. I cover the cake at first with one of those teflon sheets and check the cake after an hour and again later, turning the cake when the mixture looks stable. These are approximate as each oven is different. If desired when cool dip a skewer all over and brush or gently drizzle brandy over to keep moist and seal those flavours in. Wrap in greaseproof until needed.

Abergavenny Bake Off

Cakes, Bakes & Classes Award Winner at the n d a Ja 2nd & 3rd Great e k a

Check out our website where you can order cakes, buy cake equipment, handmade sugar decorations or find a cake class to learn how to make beautiful creations.

• Cake Clubs • Cake Classes • • Birthday Parties • Corporate Events •

Follow me:Tel: 07950 636 368 email: infocakeandjam@gmail.com 18 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

- Decorate your cake! You will need: apricot jam, 500g marzipan, 500g fondant icing in white, a selection of white, green, red, yellow and black modelling paste, edible glitter, snowflake sprinkles, small black edible pearls, large rolling pin, small rolling pin, a cake board 3” larger than your cake, coordinating ribbon to fit around your board, small star cutter, round cutter, small scissors, edible glue, cake smoothers, sharp knife, cocktail sticks or dry spaghetti. Check your cake is level, trimming as necessary. Use a clean spirit level if desired. Pop your jam in the microwave for 30 seconds and sieve. Secure to the cake board with a little jam and brush more all over the cake. Roll out your marzipan (don’t forget to sprinkle icing sugar underneath to stop it sticking) and lift carefully and place on your cake. Gently smooth until covered and trim. Leave overnight to dry. Roll your fondant big enough to cover your cake. Brush the marzipan with water and cover the cake using the same method. Use a smoother to gently smooth out the icing and trim with the knife. Snow people: make two walnut sized balls of white and glue on top of each other (use a cocktail stick or spaghetti to make more stable – just remember to warn everyone!) roll a smaller ball and place on top for the head. With the smaller rolling pin, roll a small

amount of black and cut out a circle to form the base of the hat, pop to one side to firm up slightly. After about half an hour roll a ball of black big enough for his hat. Glue both pieces on. Mix red and yellow to make orange and make a small carrot shape for the nose. Use the pearls for eyes and buttons. Roll a thin rectangle of red and snip the ends to make a fringe. Wrap around his neck to form a scarf. Make as many snow people as you want, creating different accessories, for example eyelashes for Mrs Snow. Trees: Roll a larger ball of green then gently roll one side to create a cone. Use your scissors to snip V-shapes. Cut a star out of the yellow and secure with the glue on the top. Roll small balls in your choice of colour and stick all over the tree. Form cube shapes to make presents. Roll small balls of white to make a scattering of snowballs. Arrange your decorations and secure into place with glue. Roll enough small balls of white to make snowballs to fix around the base of your cake where it touches the board. Fix your ribbon around the edge of the board with glue stick. Sprinkle glitter and snowflake sprinkles over your cake. Stand back and admire your work! Email me a picture to make a collage of you clever lot!

Christmas Parties

From run down pub to award-winning country inn

OUR years ago owners Jackie and Andrew sold their house and bought a near closed pub just outside of Monmouth. Following a complete refurbishment and having been joined by head chef Peter Hulsmann they re-opened in March 2010 as The Inn at Penallt. Since that time The Inn has firmly established itself amongst Monmouth’s array of quality restaurants and inns. The Inn’s first AA Rosette was quickly followed by being named AA Pub of the Year for Wales 2012/13, inclusion in the 2014 Michelin Guide to Eating Out and earlier this year a second AA rosette. Peter and his team’s ethos is simple, source the best local ingredients, take

time in the preparation, care in the cooking and let the dishes speak for themselves. The results are classic favourites, with intense depths of flavour and interesting twists Autumn brings out the best of The Inn, a warming log fire, rich slow cooked dishes a great wine list and of course local ales & ciders. Out front the welcome is as warm as the log fire in winter or the stunning views in summer, after all as Jackie said ‘ If I’m going to own an Inn, it has to be one I would like to visit.’ Why not book a table and enjoy some of the very best Monmmouthshire has to offer.

SEE OUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MENUS ON PAGE 20

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day 2014

01600 772 765 enquiries@theinnatpenallt.co.uk

THERE are so many ways to start the jumper joy today – start knitting or customising your jumper, and start organising tinselly festive fundraising activities for your friends, family or colleagues. Sign up at www.savethechildren.org.uk for a free kit packed with crafty ideas to decorate your jumper or you can download a pattern on the same website to knit your own. What is Christmas Jumper Day? Save the Children are asking people to make the world better with a sweater by wearing a Christmas jumper for the day and donating to Save the Children (they suggest asking grown-ups for £2 and schools and children for £1 per woolly). So dig out your winter knitwear and join in! If you don’t own a festive sweater you could tinsel up an ordinary jumper, go all out with sequins and snowmen, or even knit your own. When is it? Christmas Jumper Day 2014 is on Friday 12 December. Can I do it at another time? Yes! We’d love as many people as possible to organise their Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 12 December, but if you can’t make this date then please pop on your pullovers any time around Christmas. Who can take part? Everyone! Spread the jumper joy to offices, schools and homes around the country. So get your workplace, school, friends and family involved, and help to raise as much as possible to help transform children’s lives.

Do I need to be in a group? No. Christmas Jumper Day is for everyone – individuals and groups. If you decide to go solo you can still have loads of fun, just make sure you tell everyone you meet why you’re wearing novelty knitwear – they might even make a donation. Taking part is easy: 1. Sign up. 2. Tell everyone! Get family, friends, classmates and colleagues to join in the fun. 3. Buy, make or borrow a festive sweater. 4. Wear your woolly on Friday 12 December 2014. 5. Donate. And then...show the world how you got on! Tweet pictures of everyone wearing their Christmas jumpers with the hashtag#xmasjumperday, or post them on the Save the Children Facebook page. Will my donation make a difference? Yes. A donation of just £2 really can save lives. Your £2 could buy potentially lifesaving antibiotics to treat three newborn babies fighting infections. If you have any questions, you can contact Jumper HQ on 020 7012 6400 or email

celebrate the festive season at the bell let the bell’s professional team organise a fabulous festive party for you with all the trimmings. visit thebellatskenfrith.co.uk for marc montgomery’s festive menus our award-winning wine list has a wine for every taste and budget and we can help suggest a wine that will complement the menu choices.

christmasjumper@savethechildren.org.uk.

the bell at skenfrith monmouthshire np7 8uh

call us on 01600 750235 and we will be happy to talk through your party plans. October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 19

Gazette & Diary Magazine

THE INN AT

PENALLT

s enu NewYears Eve a m t s i r h C M On Arrival... Selection of Home Baked Bread & Churned Butter

To Start... Home Made Soup with Freshly Made Bread & Butter Prawn & Crayfish Tail Risotto, Roasted Garlic & Fresh Herbs Wild Mushroom & Goats Cheese Cocotte with Truffle Oil Home Smoked Packington Farm Chicken Breast, Mixed Leaves, Raspberry & Walnut Dressing, Welsh Bacon, Croutons & Shavings of Parmesan Cheese

Why Not Join Us To see In The New Year With Some Of The Favourite Dishes From 2014

New Year Eve 8 Course Tasting Menu

with Optional Wine Match. 7.30pm for 8pm Selection of Our Home Baked Breads With Dipping Oil & Aged Balsamic Vinegar ***** Borscht with Balsamic Sour Cream Chianti Riserva Campobello 75ml

The Middle Bit...

*****

Slow Roasted Haunch of Brecon Venison, Juniper Berry & Redcurrant Jelly Cream Sauce.

Seared Calamari, Fresh Ginger, Red Chillies, Garlic & Coriander Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling 75ml

Fresh Salmon Wellington, Crab Farce & Lemon Beurre Blanc Packington Farm Chicken Breast, Roasted Parsnip Puree & Red Wine Sauce. Roasted Pepper, Sun Dried Tomato, Garlic & Red Chilli Pasta Bake. ***Above Dishes Served With a Selection of Fresh Vegetables & Buttered New Potatoes***

To Finish. The ‘Inns Own’ Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Affogato; Vanilla Ice Cream, Shot of Tia Maria & Espresso Coffee Vanilla Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Stewed Plums

***** Green Apple Sorbet ***** Crispy Fried Ragstone Goats Cheese, Cauliflower Cream, Truffle Oil & Polenta Cake ***** Chateau Tanunda Three Graces Marsanne Viognier Roussanne 75ml Roast Saddle of Bwlch Venison, Deeside Black Pudding, Apple Crisps, Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage, Quince Jelly, Venison Sauce, Potato & Home Smoked Welsh Bacon Croquette Pago de Valdoneje Mencia Joven 125ml

Selection of Home Made Ice Cream Selection of Welsh & Welsh Border Cheese, Home Made Pickles & Celery Sorbet (£2.75 Supplement)

2 Courses £19.95pp • 3 Courses £24.95pp Include Tea/Coffee & Warm Mince Pies £2.75pp Available 2nd - 24th December, Minimum of 6 persons Pre Booking & Deposit Required

***** Warm Treacle Tart & Ginger Ice Cream Chateau du Levant Sauternes 50ml ***** Hand Made Truffles

Tasting Menu £44.95pp Optional Wines £17.50pp

* Pre Booking Deposit Required *

01600 772 765

www.theinnatpenallt.co.uk enquiries@theinnatpenallt.co.uk

20 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Christmas Parties

Tafarn y Bont (formerly The Bridgend Inn)

Introducing our new autumn menu

Church Lane, Govilon Nr Abergavenny NP7 9RP

ranging from lite bights and bar meals to a la carte.

Tel: 01873 830720 OPEN DAILY Monday - Friday Noon til 2.30 & 5.30pm til late Saturdays and Sundays: Open all day from 12 noon

Amongst events to note are -

Wednesday night chippy supper - along with our standard menu A choice of burger/fish night’s £10.95 per person, meal + glass of wine.

Beaujolais night celebration - Friday November 21st a NEW event with a 3 course French menu at £19.95 per person - tickets available with special Beaujolais Nouveau prices and the accompaniment of vocal entertainment

FREE PRIZE DRAW For guests in October/ November to win a table for 4 (value £80.00) for our Festive High Tea available during December pre booked £18.95 per person. A selection of teas and infusions, savouries seasonal finger sandwiches, cakes and tiramisu delight all served in a festive atmosphere. Champagne available.

The Beafort a la carte Christmas Menu - with 6 choices on each course, bookings now being taken for evenings, for groups, individulas and parties. Excluding Sunday 2 courses £19.95 3 courses £24.95

For all events now and in the New Year, held here in the relaxed atmosphere of the Beaufort please visit our website

TWO CAN DINE FOR

EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY EVENING

£9.99

See menu for available meals

FISH & CHIPS FRIDAYS

£9.99

2x fish, peas & chips Eat in or takeaway

Sunday & Monday Evenings

Eat-As-Much-As-You-Like Thai Buffet Includes Starter, Main & Dessert course dishes

TRADITIONAL

SUNDAY ROASTS

£8.95

Served from noon to 3pm

£7.95

THURSDAY NIGHTS

LIVE MUSIC

with our resident entertainers SENIORS’ LUNCHES THAT ARE NOT JUST FOR SENIORS

2 courses for under a fiver! Availabe Monday to Thursday throughout October and November

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHES 2 courses for just £8.95 Available from 1st December

High Street, Raglan, Gwent. NP15 2DY Tel: 01291 690412 • Fax: 01291 690935 e-mail: enquiries@beaufortraglan.co.uk web: www.beaufortraglan.co.uk

Visit us at

www.govilonpub.com Eat with Confidence

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 21

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas Party Nights 2014 7pm until midnight

Book early to avoid disappointment. A £10.00 per person non refundable deposit is required upon booking.

Friday 12th December

Full payment for your booking must be received by 1st December 2014.

Johnny Cash Tribute Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

A pre order form for dinner and wine will be sent out when booking.

Tuesday 16th December 70’s Disco Party Night - Fancy Dress

To request a menu or make a booking please contact us.

Two Course Festive Dinner & Disco £20 per person

Wednesday 17th December 80’s Disco Party Night - Fancy Dress Two Course Festive Dinner & Disco £20 per person

Christmas & Ne2w014Year Wedding Offer 2015 - £2500 This all inclusive offer is available throughout 2015* For 40 guests. • Red Carpet Arrival with Canapés & House Champagne** • 40 beautiful chair covers – in your choice of colour** • Room Hire of our Hatteral function suite* • White Linen Table Clothes & Napkins** • Cake Stand & Brides knife provided • Silver service • A special three course wedding breakfast menu** • One glass of Red or White

House Wine Per Person served with meal** • House Champagne Brut to toast The Bride & Groom, one glass per person** • Evening finger buffet for a maximum of 100 guests** • Local DJ Regan Dugan Disco • Overnight accommodation for the bride and groom in our Bridal Suite • Special Accommodation Rates for your Family & Wedding Guests

Thursday 18th December Black Rat Effect Live Band Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

Friday 19th December The Ultimate Tribute to Soul & Motown Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

Saturday 20th December Waterloo Road Live Band 60’s/70’s Night Two Course Festive Dinner with Entertainment £25 per person

Wedding Fayre

Sunday 2nd November 2014 11am-4pm Free Admission. Exhibitors Welcome

*Subject to availability **Additional guests are chargeable at the full menu price

Sunday Lunch from £8.95 The Park Hotel, Pandy, Abergavenny NP7 8DS To make a booking please telephone 01873 890 271

email: enquiries@theparkhotelwales.com l www.theparkhotelwales.com 22 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Christmas Parties

Considering how much ladies love a glass of sparkle, it's surprising how few cellar masters wear the heels in Champagne. One of the celebrated few,Caroline Latrive focuses on quality when crafting Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur, France (£28.99, www.waitrosecellar.com). A low dosage (less sugar) champagne for connoisseurs fond of a dryer style, it's an equal blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, with a top up of pinot meunier and the freshness, elegance and sheer silkiness is dressed up with delicate citrus notes on the long finish.

e v a h s ! t L e o me s

! z z i F

Inaugural rose wins gold... Wiston Estate sparkling wine producer has romped home with a trio of medals including Gold for its Wiston Estate Rose 2011, Sussex, England (£35.95, www.wistonestate.com) which was one of only three wines awarded Gold among the 102 UK sparkling wines entered into the Decanter World Wine Awards. The wines are made by Wiston's winemaker, Dermot Sugrue, using a traditional coquard press, one of only four outside of France and the only one in use in the UK. The Rose 2011 was judged as "rich, refined and very appealing". For more info visit www.wistonestate.com

The Bull’s Head, Craswall A unique dining pub in South Herefordshire with delicious food and warm hospitality. Join us for one of our ever-popular lunch clubs each third Thursday of the month. The Independent Top 3 UK Country Pubs, Dec 2012 Waitrose Good Food Guide 2014 Alistair Sawdayʼs UK Pub Guide ~~~ ʻYou are hereby mandated to visit this peculiar and peculiarly wonderful joint if you possibly canʼ, 8/10 Matthew Norman, The Daily Telegraph, May 2014

OPENING HOURS: Friday 12.00 – 3.00 and 7.00 – 11.00pm Saturday 12.00 – 3.00 and 7.00 – 11.00pm Sunday 12.00 – 3.00pm Open at other times for groups of 10 or more. The Bull’s Head, Craswall Herefordshire HR2 0PN Tel. 01981 510616 www.bullsheadcraswall.co.uk October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 23

Gazette & Diary Magazine

New w Menus Men nus - Sa Same ame Owner! Ow wner! OAP P Special - Every Tuesday Tueesday £7.50 0 for 2 courses cou urses New Pasta Menu Men nu New a la Cartee Menu Child Children dren under 8 eat free from children’ children’ss menu (when acc accompanied companied by 2 adults) ults)

www.rectoryhotel.co.uk www ww .rectoryhotel.co.uk

24 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Christmas Parties

@LL @ ANGYNIDR @LLANGYNIDR

T HE LLATEST ATEST TESST VENTU RE FFROM ROM SSISTER ISTER PU PUB UB THE VENTURE O THE O OF LD D RECT ORY, OLD RECTORY, LLANGA A ATTOC CK LLANGATTOCK REAL PU PUB PRICES! UB FOOD AAT T REAL P RICE ES! OAP SPECIAL EVERY OAP SP PECIAL - E VE ERY THURSDAY THURSD DAY

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 25

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas at Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel

HE popular Glen-Yr Afon House Hotel in Usk invites you to celebrate the festive season with friends, family or colleagues. With a wide selection of dining options available, there is still time to make your booking. The Hotel has a great reputation for excellent service, food and entertainment. For the festive season of 2014 , the team at the Glen-Yr-Afon will again be offering their wide selection of traditional menus and more and invite you to come and sample the festive hospitality! Dance the night away… Dinner dance evenings are a particular favourite for office parties or a great night out in the company of family and

26 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

friends whilst enjoyed the sumptuous menus that are always offered at this highly recommended popular hotel. These events are guaranteed to be an entertaining and lively event for those who like to dance the night away. So why not take your party to their party?

See Santa! The Glen Yr Afon cater for those looking to dine with young children - the family lunches are a delightful family occasion with a delicious five course meal with coffee and mince pies to follow and a visit from Santa with a gift for each child.

Evening Elegance If you prefer a special dining occasion, you can experience a festive dinner menu designed with a contemporary twist served in the relaxing surroundings of Clarkes restaurant.

New Year’s Eve Gala Ball After the lavish Gala dinner put your dancing shoes on and enjoy music from our live entertainment. At midnight the celebrations will begin with our cascade of balloons and fireworks on the lawn. Should you require any assistance in selecting your dining experience, please contact our the hotel’s Christmas Coordinator Gemma on 01291 672302 or emailenquiries@ glen-yr-afon.co.uk

Lunchtime Luxury The lunchtime Christmas menu offers the same excellent service and great food - offering a choice of dishes with all the trimmings!

Christmas Parties BUTTERNUT SOUP SHOTS WITH CRISPY PANCETTA SOLDIERS

FETA AND CUCUMBER BITES

1 garlic clove, crushed 200g feta cheese 100g ricotta 4 tbsp chopped dill, plus extra fronds, to garnish 1 large cucumber, halved lengthways, seeds scooped out and discarded cracked black pepper, to serve

8 slices pancetta 2cm-thick slice white bread, cut into 8 chunky soldiers splash olive oil 850ml-1 litre butternut squash & sage soup soup (recipe at http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/ drizzle cream and a few snipped chives, to serve

Add the garlic, feta, ricotta and dill to a food processor and whizz until smooth but thick. Fill the middle of the cucumber with the cheese mix and smooth over. Cut into 3cm-thick slices. Sprinkle with cracked pepper and garnish with the dill fronds.

SWEET POTATO STACKERS

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and each cut into 8 chunky discs 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp mayonnaise Heat oven to 200C/fan good squeeze lemon juice 180C/gas 6, then toss 8 slices prosciutto, halved the potato chunks few watercress sprigs, to serve with the oil and some seasoning on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 mins until golden and crisp on the outside, then leave to cool. To serve, mix the mayonnaise with the lemon juice. Pile a scrunched up piece of ham on each potato, then top with a blob of the lemony mayo. Arrange on a platter with the watercress, then serve.

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Wrap a pancetta slice around each soldier. Toss with a little olive oil and bake for 5-8 mins until crisp, turning halfway through cooking. Reheat the soup, then divide evenly between 8 espresso cups or large shot glasses. Serve drizzled with cream and sprinkled with chives, with a crispy pancetta soldier for dipping.

Everybody loves a Christmas canapeÂ´

BRIE AND CRANBERRY TWISTS

12 sheets filo pastry 100g butter, melted 250g brie, cut into 18 chunky fingers 18 tsp cranberry sauce 50g walnuts, roughly chopped sprinkling of poppy seeds

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Stack 2 of the filo sheets. With a widest edge facing you, brush with some melted butter. Put 3 Brie fingers at even intervals across the bottom of the filo. Top each finger with 1 tsp cranberry sauce, then sprinkle over a few chopped walnuts. Roll up the filo from the bottom. Cut into 3 parcels, and twist the ends to seal. Brush with more butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Bake for 10 mins.

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October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 27

Gazette & Diary Magazine

HERE'S certainly no skimping on dramatics this season. Make-up looks backstage at the international catwalks saw loaded-up lashes, otherworldly supernatural skin, and eyes resembling artists' palettes. The season summed up? "Autumn and winer 2014 is all about skin," says Val Garland, make-up artist for L'Oreal Paris. "There's a lot of graphics on the eyes but lips are just stained." Update your look for Christmas by acing these top trends.

She’s got the look! To book call 01874 730223 Homemade Mushroom, Stilton & Port Soup served with a Roll Homemade Chicken Liver Pate with Onion Chutney served with Toast & Salad Garnish Spicy Prawn Cocktail with Wholemeal Bread ~~~~~ Roast Turkey with all the festive trimmings

Festive Duck Breast served with Greens Beans, Sauté Potatoes and a Marsala & Cranberry Sauce

Smoked Fish Chowder served with a Crusty Roll & Butter

10oz Rib Eye Steak (cooked to your liking) served with Chips, Tomato, Onion Rings & Mushrooms with a choice of Peppercorn or Stilton Sauce

La Tua Beetroot & Ricotta Tortelloni with Melted Butter & Grated Parmesan served with Salad & Garlic Bread ~~~~~ Lemon Cheesecake | Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce Yule Log | Spiced Apple Crumble | Sticky Toffee Pudding ---------------------------

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28 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

RAINBOW WAVE One colour is not enough when it comes to this season's eyelids. A myriad of shades beamed from sockets in rich, decadent hues. This painterly trend is more wearable than it sounds. Stick to matte eye shadows and use soft washes of two or three autumnal hues, applied with your fingers. This season's new-trend palettes will do all the colour combining for you. PRO TIP: "Be free and fabulous with this sort of eye look," Garland advises. " It's colourful and artistic, so you should be relaxed and fluid in the application. And it doesn't have to be too 'pretty' remember, colour can still look tough." MINIMAL SKIN Juxtaposing this season's bold eyes, minimal skin is in. Luxuriously naked complexions should look effortless, but technique is everything to achieve that 'real' but beautiful finish . Think gentle highlights to bring the features forward, and multiple concealer tones to adapt to your skin. Forgo your fingertips for the precision of make-up brushes. PRO TIP: "It's about really priming the skin with moisturising treatments and oils first," says Aaron de May, make-up artist for M.A.C. "Use concealers to cover only redness and spots, but nothing else. Foundation covers and masks, concealers allow you to detail more." IMPERFECT POUT With eyes the main draw this season, downplay your lips with a stain. There's no need for lip liner or precise application, edges are soft and smudged. For a siren autumnal look, dip into deep burgundy or plum tones. Stains are a great multi-tasking product. Experiment with echoing the same colour on your cheeks for a wintry flush. PRO TIP: "Stains are buildable," says Sharon Dowsett, Maybelline UK makeup director. "You can build them up for a light layer of colour, or go for something more dark and vampish with the intensity in the centre." EYE FOCUS To play on dramatics, look to your eyes rather than your lips this season. The catwalks even used gel textured eye make-up that imitated plastic. While black is the go-to definition shade, the same look can be achieved with dark coffee or deep purple liners and mascaras for a softer spin. PRO TIP: "You don't have to be extreme," reassures Pat McGrath, Max Factor global creative design director. "Sometimes, it's the combination of eye-

liner, brows and lashes that can turn a look up a notch or two. "Keep brows groomed, intensify your mascara, and don't be afraid to play up your eyeliner to create a bolder shape."

Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara, £12.99 Boots/Superdrug)

VIRGIN BROW Untouched eyebrows are the order of the day for AW14 - except you'll need to do exactly the opposite to achieve the look. Think romantically soft, brushedup arches. The finished result should look as though your brows have barely even met a pair of tweezers. PRO TIP: "Begin by taking a stiff angled brow brush and eye shadow in the same tone as your hair colour," recommends Marc Reagan, manager of artistry for Bobbi Brown. "Lightly apply from the inner corner of brows and brush straight up. For the rest of the brow, brush up and over." Accessorise your cocktail glass with metallic red nails. Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Nail Lacquer, £6 www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk) This colour is more of a deep purpleon the nails than the red it appears in the bottle. The subtle metallic shimmer adds some stylish sparkle and the dark tone means it's great for evening glamour, but sadly, it chipped easily. 3/5

NYC Expert Last Nail Polish in 'Red Me The News', £2.49 (Superdrug) After two coats, this polish delivered a brilliantly vibrant metallic red, perfect for party season. Although it claims to last 10 days, after five days, chips started to appear. But it proved great value for money. 4/5

Leighton Denny Nail Colour in Attention Seeker, £11 (www.leightondennyexpert nails.com) Great for those in a rush, this polish is quick drying to leave a shiny-smooth finish. The opulent red colour is packed with shimmer and lasted for around five days before starting to chip around the edges. 5/5

Christmas Parties

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Christmas dining

Pizzorante, Market Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5SD t : 01873 85 77 77 | e : info@pizzorante.co.uk | w : www.pizzorante.co.uk

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 29

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Mesh and Lace fabric with a sheer yoke, embellished neckline and contrast lace panels - a real party winner ASOS Lace Godet Dress £65.00 www.asos.com

Little black dress It’s a Christmas party staple but black doesn’t mean boring! Turn heads in this stunning statement Lipsy lace appliqué dress. It's figure flattering shape will make you feel glamorous all night! £60 from the Next website www.next.co.uk

Emily slit neck cap sleeve peplum midi dress £18 www.boohoo.com For a seriously glamorous look, this dress is a failsafe choicefor a Christmas party.

30 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Step out in style in this fit and flared dress. Fitting perfectly to your waist to show off your figure, the flared out skirt is a must-have for giving your look that feminine edge. £55 www.axparis.com

Designer black embellished mesh sleeve dress. This beautiful black dress from Principles by Ben de Lisi will ensure you stand out from the crowd. Reduced from £50 to £40 www.debenhams.com

Christmas Parties minute to memorise the items. Take the tray away and have them write as many down as they can remember in 30 seconds.

WHETHER you are having a Christmas party with family and friends or an office party with colleagues, here are some games that will add some fun to your celebration.

● The night before Christmas. Give each person the name of some part of Santa Claus' outfit—sleigh, reindeer, belly, etc. As the host reads “The Night Before Christmas”, each participant listens for his word and when he hears it, he stands up, turns around and sits down. When the host mentions Santa Claus, everyone changes places and participants try to get a seat. The one left out continues the story until it is complete.

● Christmas gift wrap relay. Set up assembly lines of gifts, boxes, scissors, wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape for each team. Either have each player wrap one gift or make an assembly line of workers. Then race to wrap! ● Word Find. Using Christmas words such as Christmas, poinsettia, candy cane, etc. -have each person make as many smaller words from it as possible before the timer runs out. ● Christmas Carol Charades. Get dramatic! You can’t beat this crowd pleaser, as it is sure to bring the laughs.

Party games aren’t just for kids!

● Photo booth. Provide silly props and backdrops for guests to use to get silly in front of a photographer (keep in mind it doesn't have to be a ● Snowman wrapping contest. Wrap a professional). person as a snowman in toilet paper and decorate. First or best one wins. ● Two truths and a lie. This is a great ice breaker! Each person tells three ● Decorate a person as a Christmas stories about themselves, two of t re e. Us i n g g re e n c re p e p a p e r, which are true and one that is not. A ornaments, tinsel - whatever you can great Christmas twist is to name their find - decorate your “tree”. First or best three worst Christmas gifts; two one wins. would be true and one would be false.

● Name that carol. Make a list of lyrics from songs that only provides 3-4 words from each song (not the title). The person who names all - or the most - songs in a certain amount of time wins.

●. Gift hot potato. Pass around one unwrapped gift at a time. When the ● Pin the red nose on Rudolph. The music stops, whoever holds it is out of Christmas version of Pin the Tail on the the game, keeping the gift they are Donkey. holding. ● Ornament guess. Have guests guess the total number of ornaments on the ● Christmas tie game. Use those old tree as they come into the party. The Christmas or ugly ties to have some closest guess wins. fun. Give each team of two a tie. Using ● Christmas memory game. Put Christmas only one hand one person must tie his items on a tray and give people one partner's tie. First one done wins.

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 31

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas is coming… T

HE festive spirit is already flowing through The Old Railway Line Garden Centre where last Friday evening over 400 people enjoyed the opening of the 2014 Christmas displays; showcasing some of the best Christmas decorations, gifts and festive foods on the market this year. The award winning garden centre, crowned ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales and the West’ in 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the Garden Centre Association always impress in the run-up to Christmas through a number of events and magical experiences for children. Excitement is building amongst the local younger demographic and further afield as visits from Santa and his reindeer to the garden centre draw near. Open to children of all ages, the Old Railway Line Garden Centre’s grotto experience really brings the magic of Christmas to life. Shop Manager, Katie Cleary said: “Renowned throughout mid and south Wales our grotto experience is packed with festive magic, incorporating real life reindeer and a short woodland walk before meeting Santa, having a chat and receiving a suitable toy and delicious sweets. “On selected days throughout December the Breakfast and Tea with Santa experiences offer something different to the traditional grotto visit. Children, parents and grandparents can enjoy a delicious meal in the Railway Restaurant before Santa personally visits each table, distributing presents and speaking to each child individually. Also this year we have planned ‘Santa’s Grand Arrival’ on the evening of Friday 28th November; Santa will pull up outside the garden

32 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

centre on his sleigh before enjoying live festive music, food and special offers with everyone else who attends! “Don’t worry… adults haven’t been forgotten! We have a series of evening events planned for adults to enjoy also. A Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday 4th December provides a fantastic opportunity to try new cheese and wine with an expert’s opinion before stocking up for the festive period. The Festive Ladies Night (Thursday 11th December) and Late Night Shopping Evening (Thursday 18th December) offer the perfect opportunity to do a little last minute Christmas shopping before the big day!” For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre or any of the events mentioned above please contact the Old Railway Line directly by calling 01497 847055 or visiting their website www.oldrailwaylinenursery.co.uk.

Christmas Parties Hide the telltale signs of a heavy night and get the tricks to feign eight hours sleep. BAD hair days are one thing, but add a bad face day to the mix and you've probably got an almighty hangover on your hands... 'Tis the season to be merry, and you don't have to be especially badly behaved for the party season to take its toll on your skin. The odd late night here, one too many cocktails there, and your complexion can end up looking like it's been through the festive ringer. Thankfully, beauty saviours are available to provide some emergency relief the morning-after-the-night-before. When party hangovers strike, follow these tricks to camouflage the evidence. Eye Elixir Fight the signs of fatigue - dark circles and eye bags - by taking action before your head hits the pillow. "When you finally crawl into bed, prop yourself up with an extra pillow to avoid puffy eyes in the morning - sleeping slightly elevated helps to drain excess fluid out of the face," advises Jill Zander, founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic. If one too many tipples means you forget the pillow plumping, invest in a de-puffing eye cream for a morning miracle. "Look for one that deals with dark undereye circles," Zander suggests. "For bloodshot eyes, prepare two camomile teabags wet and refrigerated, or have a trusty chilled teaspoon on standby. When you wake up, hit the snooze button for five minutes and let these quick-fixes de-puff your telltale party baggage."

Party animal recovery plan For those not familiar with the refrigerated teabag or spoon methods, simply lie back and pop the bags onto closed eyelids, or hold the rounded side of the spoon gently over the area, and let them work their magic. Complexion cure The less sleep we get, the less time our skin cells have to repair and regenerate. The more alcohol you drink, the more likely your skin will be zapped of hydration. The result? Dull, dry and lacklustre skin meltdown. If you've woken up to a painkiller breakfast and dull reflection, cheat a brighter looking face with a morning scrub. "Gentle exfoliation can really perk up a post-party complexion, leaving it looking

the ready to get your circulation going, exfoliate away dullness, and make you feel more awake. Help bring your skin back to life by massaging your face using your fingertips. Apply moisturiser in firm circular motions to help stimulate blood flow and give your skin a rosy glow. Apply a radiance booster over your regular moisturiser to work wonders on hungover skin and make you look fresher. :: Avoid piling on make-up and don't apply eyeliner or mascara to lower eyelashes as this will draw attention downward instead of up. Your post-party best friend will be a good under-eye concealer, especially one with light reflective particles to help scatter light and minimise the appearance of dark circles.

British women are plump and fresh," says Caroline Frazer, suffering from thinning hair as Simple skincare expert. they struggle to balance work-life "Next, slather on moisturiser while pressures. On average, women skin is still damp, as this helps lock in mostly experience hair loss at the age of much-needed moisture." 45, according to new research by L'Oreal Keep a water misting spray in your Professionnel. handbag to pep up dehydrated skin One in three (30 per cent) admit they throughout the day, which will act experience a degree of hair thinning, like an energy drink for your face with almost three quarters blaming life and instantly refresh when hangover and work stress. Women were most likely slumps kick in. to discover their depleting mane by examining their hairbrush Morning-after glow (51 per cent), while 9 per cent said it No need to hide under your Santa hat was from talking to when the party season peak gets too their hairdresser. much. Supercharge your body when you wake up with a cold-hot-cold shower. Keep a pair of exfoliating mitts in the shower at

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CChristmas hri ristmas 22014 0 13 Party Menu Paarttyy m enu nnow ow aavailable vailable Evening and a lunch parties catered for thhroughout December mee andd enjoy the atmos m sphere inn the award winninng Be B ar otel, E Exxcellent ffoo ood an and ndd comfforrttablee accommoddaation. Autumnn fflow lowerinng baskets andd llog ogg ffir irres adddd to the charminng surroundinngs. www.bearhotel.co.uk

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October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 33

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Christmas Party Nights 2014 Wednesday 3rd December - £35pp

Take That Tribute Act

Plus our resident DJ (includes 2 course meal)

Saturday 6th December - £28pp

The Black Rat Effect Band (includes 2 course meal) Thursday 11th December - £28pp

Olly Murrs Tribute Act

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34 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Feeling good

The power of positive thinking W

E all experience periods in our lives when everything feels a little heavier and darker, when we just can’t seem to muster the energy or motivation to bring ourselves out of it. This can be especially so at this time of seasonal change, with the weather becoming colder, leaves falling from the trees and the nights beginning to draw in. Whilst autumn and winter bring their own beauty, for many of us the prospect of the long dark nights can feel like an endurance test, as we hanker for those light sunny mornings and evenings. But even though it seems never ending, inevitably winter makes way for spring, as the leaves grow back and the evenings become lighter again. As I write this article, it occurs to me how seasonal change is like a metaphor for many of life’s challenges that we have to face. Just like the weather, we may not always have control over what we are dealt, but the good news is that we always have choice as to whether we use the experience to grow or hold ourselves back. This all begins with shifting our negative thinking patterns to positive, more life affirming ones. Glass half full thinking instead of half empty. As you read this you may be thinking ‘Easier said than done!’ well, maybe at first. Because the more you focus on the positives in your life and all that you have to feel grateful for – no matter how insignificant it may seem, the easier it becomes and the better you feel both emotionally and physically. You don’t

need to just take my word for this. According to Professor Martin Seligman Ph.D. author of the book ‘Learned Optimism’, over the last 30 years, laboratories around the world have produced a steady flow of evidence that optimistic thought patterns can produce good health…….and there’s more! Because our subconscious minds cannot differentiate between reality and imagination, when we fantasise about and reconnect with positive experiences, it stimulates areas of the brain and body. This again, can be beneficial to our overall wellbeing. There is a wealth of self-help resources available from bookshops and online, that can support you in making those positive shifts. You can also contact me at lou-price@outlook.com and I would be more than happy to send you a list of recommended resources. If however you feel that your issues may be of a more deep rooted nature and are having a detrimental effect upon the quality of your life, there are practioners - myself included, who can help you to move forward. To quote Louise Hay ‘ By changing your thinking – you can change your life for the better’ By taking this on board, as you move forward through the autumn and winter months, you can keep your light shining bright on the inside even when it is dark on the outside. Louise Price is a Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner and Coach, based at Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre, Cross Street Abergavenny. Email aberhealing@gmail.com telephone 01873

DATES TO REMEMBER

October

3-4 - Flower Festival Tretower Church. Refreshments available. 10am – 6pm. 5 – Blessing of Pets 11am St Michael’s Church Llanvihangel Crucorney (off A465 Hereford Rd). All Welcome. Refreshments for all. (01873 890532) 11 – Jumble Sale Llantilio Pertholey VPA, doors open 1.15. Refreshments, Raffle. Mardy Hall. 15 – Crickhowell & District Society Talk – Malcolm Meadows “To Alchemy And The Passage Through History to Apothecaries And Pharmacy”. 7.30pm at the Dragon Hotel,

Crickhowell. 16 – Abergavenny Local History Society, Dr Huw Bowen will talk Copperopolis in Swansea – past and present. Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to join on the night. 17/19- Wedding Exhibition, 10am5pm, Raglan Church. 18 - Buttonhole workshop 2pm, Raglan Church, everything provided just bring scissors, £7.50 25 – Pandy & Monnowside Ploughing Society Fun Bingo, Pandy Hall. 01873 890591

85839. Louise can also be contacted directly on 07790 166943. Email louprice@outlook.com Using a combination of techniques and approaches, I specialise in providing individual programmes for Confidence and Self Esteem Building, Anxiety and Stress Management and Self Development Coaching. I provide a free half hour initial consultation for all my programmes. As well as working with you on a one to one basis, I offer relaxation group sessions and workshops for Stress Awareness and Self-Management. I am also currently working with an educational performance support programme, which I would like to take into schools and colleges for helping pupils and students develop self-management strategies. This includes focusing and relaxation techniques for exam preparation and performance and for helping pupils and students who may be underachieving generally as a result of lack of confidence and low self-esteem. As a result of personal experience of cancer, I spent two years practising Hyp-

notherapy at a cancer support centre in West Sussex, where a wide range of therapies were provided for both patients and their families affected by cancer. At Abergavenny Therapy Centre, we are now in the early stages of setting up a cancer support drop in centre, initially offering a relaxation, guided visualisation group. Formerly a general trained nurse, I went on to work in the patient safety field for 17 years, developing, managing and delivering advisory and support services to people affected by patient safety incidents. As a result of my experiences, I am passionate about the importance of effective support programmes and systems for healthcare staff. I also have experience of developing and facilitating groups and national mutual support networks. After living in the South East of England for 25 years, last year, I returned home to my beautiful homeland of Wales, with my family. I am absolutely loving being back and living and working in Abergavenny.

LOUISE PRICE

is a Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner and Coach Based at Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre, Cross Street Abergavenny. Email aberhealing@gmail.com Tel: 01873 85839 Louise can also be contacted directly on 07790 166943 Email lou-price@outlook.com

Using a combination of techniques and approaches, I specialise in providing individual programmes for

Confidence and Self Esteem Building, Anxiety and Stress Management and Self Development Coaching I provide a free half hour initial consultation for all my programmes. October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 35

HEN a child asks a factual question, the automatic response from any parent is to answer it if they can. But often, argues the former children's laureate Michael Rosen, instead of simply being told the answer, a child can learn a lot more by finding out the answer themself. So if a child asks, "Why is the sky blue?" his mum or dad - even if they know the answer - might do well to say "I don't know. I wonder how we can find out?" Bestselling children's author Rosen explains that much of children's learning should be about the world around them, and their parents can make learning about that world much more exciting and learn a lot themselves in the process - if they point children in the right direction to discover more about it. To help show mums and dads what he means, Rosen has written a book - for adults, rather than children - called Good Ideas: How To Be Your Child's (and Your Own) Best Teacher. In order to be such a teacher, Rosen stresses that the message parents need to give to children is: "Be curious. There's nothing out there, whether it's knowledge, culture, high-brow or low-brow things, that you're not entitled to. Rosen says that when he was young, like many children, he used various memory techniques to learn things off by heart. But he points out: "It didn't teach me how to find things that I really wanted to learn about. "It didn't take me down interesting side-

Point your child in the right direction

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"It's vitally important to share this bit of thinking with our children: was it too hot, not hot enough, did we cook it too long, or was there too much flour in it? "But how does cooking work anyway?" There are a multitude of other questions children or parents can ask and find out about in the rest of the house and garden. Rosen looks at all areas of life in the book, ranging from the beach, woods and the sky, to railway stations, days out and going abroad on holiday, where exploring the differences and similarities in a foreign land, ranging from language and food, to history and culture, can teach children valuable life lessons. He says he finds it "distressing" when he hears children ask parents questions and they respond with a request not to bother them. "That gulf can be bridged with a conversation about whatever it is the child's asking about," he suggests. "If you can't answer the question, it doesn't matter because you can say, 'I wonder how we can find out?' "One of the most important things you can show children is that the stuff they want to know can be found out. "The job of a parent is to open those doors, and show they're not hidden. Find enjoyable and fun ways of exploring life." Rosen urges parents to always take children's questions seriously, and never dismiss them. "It's very easy to put children down, treating them as if they're smaller, less worthwhile versions of ourselves. That doesn't help their learning - it discourages them massively, and we should do just the opposite." And he promises: "It's exciting taking part in your child's growth and development, and this approach is a fantastic way to enjoy them doing well. "It's a way of getting them to know about the whole world and, as it happens, it will probably help them get good exam results as well. "It's massive fun - you see the world from a child's perspective as well as your own."

alleys where I would find things that I didn't know I would be interested in until I found them." He says such "invisible learning" helps children massively at school, as such a breadth of general knowledge is always useful. As its name suggests, his book is crammed with good, practical ideas, plus games and activities, for parents to use to capitalise on life's learning opportunities in a way that's fun for both them and their children. It's asking, explains Rosen: "Where is the stuff we might want to know?" And the answer is everywhere. Take the kitchen, for example. Most people understandably think of the kitchen as just being a place to prepare food. But Rosen, a seasoned father-of-five, points out: "Your kitchen, whatever it's like, is the best classroom ever invented." He explains that kitchens are laboratories, as cooking uses physics (heat, light, microwaves, refrigeration), chemistry (mixing), biology (ingredients), and maths (weighing, measuring, timing, buying, calculating,estimating). And on top of the science, there's culture and tradition, and the opportunity to share stories about family - as Rosen often does in the book. Not forgetting, of course, the actual cooking, where literacy is needed to read recipes, as well as some improvisation within the chemistry of creating dishes. Rosen explains that every time something goes wrong in the kitchen, we use â&#x2014;? Good Ideas: How to Be Your Child's (And Your Own) Best Teacher is published by science to figure out why. John Murray Publishing, priced ÂŁ16.99.

36 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Pampered Pets

A dog is for life - and for good W

E often refer to dogs as being part of the family, but that statement doesn't fully do them justice - not only are they part of the family, they're a unique, unwaveringly wonderful, part of the family. Always happy to see you, there with a reassuring wag when you need it, they never judge or answer back, and somehow just being near them can lift the spirits. The power of man's (and woman's) best friend to boost our mood and general wellbeing should not be underestimated, and they can be a lifeline for people experiencing serious depression - an illness currently in the spotlight following Robin Williams' recent tragic death. "The research evidence is pretty clear that pets in general, and in particular dogs, seem to work in a number of ways to be helpful to human health," says Samaritans trustee Steve Platt. "One is their actual involvement in therapeutic activity, whether that's helping children with autism or people with dementia. They also seem very sensitive to ill

CHERISHED MUTTS - Esther Rantzen says her dogs helped her to get over the death of her husband Desmond Wilcox

and having a brief chat with a fellow dogwalker might be the only interaction they have. "They help structure the day, too. We all need structure and one of the problems that arises for people who are lonely, or living in isolation, is the collapse of structure which can have severe consequences. A dog can help provide that structure, in terms of feeding times and walking times." ● My Dog, My Friend, compiled by Jacki Gordon, is published by Hubble & Hattie, priced £14.99.

ANTHONY Worrall Thompson says his dog helped him through a nervous breakdown health in others and can help alert in situations like epileptic seizures or even cancer, being able to detect them at an early stage. And there have been many examples where dogs help people with depression, and the elderly. They can have a profound effect." This profound effect is at the heart of new book, My Dog, My Friend: HeartWarming Tales Of Canine Companionship From Celebrities And Other Extraordinary People. In it, a number of people, including some high-profile names, share personal tales about the roles their beloved pooches have played in their lives. TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson writes: "It is well documented that in 2012 I had what can only be described as a mental breakdown. During that time I was grateful for the support of my family. And classed as family are my two faithful dogs..." Walking them was a much-needed source of "strength and solace", he reveals. Esther Rantzen talks about the joy and comfort a string of cherished mutts have brought her family over the years, from perking her up after a stressful day at work

to helping them all through the dark days of grief following the death of her husband, Desmond, in 2000. Also featured is Nanette Mutrie, professor of physical activity for health at the University of Edinburgh, who is a firm believer in the power of exercise for keeping us well, inside and out - but that doesn't have to mean pricey gym memberships and gruelling triathlons, regular dog-walking will work wonders too. The brilliance of dogs doesn't end there either. This book - supported by Samaritans with all author donations being donated to the charity - is also a reminder that owning a pooch can make a difference to your all-important social life too. "Dogs are a fantastic aid for socialisation," says Platt, who has written the book's foreword. "They encourage people to get out, and they also attract attention and help you get into conversation with others. For some people, taking their dog for a walk

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Have a heart WHILST most of our pets take normal heart function for granted, its a sad fact that heart disease is suprisingly common in dogs and cats. The heart is a muscular pump that is responsible for supplying the tissues of the body with oxygenated blood. The heart receives de-oxygenated blood from the tissues of the body and pumps to the lungs where it is re-oxygenated. This reoxygenated blood flows back to the heart, where it is then pumped back round the body. Heart disease - which can be gradual or sudden onset, is the loss of the normal pumping action of the heart. Whilst there are many possible causes of heart disease, most problems are associated with the

heart valves or muscular walls of the heart. In dogs it is generally more common in older pets, but in certain breeds it can be more prevalent at an early age. In cats it is often associated with an over-active thyroid gland. Signs of heart disease include: coughing(exluding minor coughs lasting a few days), laboured or rapid breathing, reluctance to excercise, fainting or collapse. If your pet is showing any of the signs listed above, come and see us for a full clinical examination. Happily new diagnostic techniques and novel medications are now greatly improving and extending the lives of pets with heart conditions. Abbey Veterinary Centres

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

UTUMN will soon be in full swing and keeping warm is vitally important for older people. and it won't be long before the central heating is cranked up in many British homes. But, as the central heating is switched on, as well as warming people up, it could also bring with it a silent killer. Faulty appliances that use fossil fuel (coal, gas, oil or wood) can produce carbon monoxide, a difficult to detect colourless, odourless and tasteless gas - which can also cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and even death. It's estimated that more than 4,000 people in the UK attend A&E departments each year because of carbon monoxide poisoning, with at least 40 dying from it. The Department of Health estimates the true number of people exposed to sublethal amounts of carbon monoxide is even greater, however. Older people and those with breathing problems or cardiovascular disease, are at increased risk of its effects. Yet, research suggests that 43% of Britons don't have their gas appliances checked annually, as is advised, and 10% have never had them checked at all. Gas Safety Week (September 15-21) aims to draw attention to this potentially fatal safety check omission, in a bid to cut poisoning cases. When inhaled, carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, and so starves vital organs of oxygen. As more carbon monoxide is breathed in, less oxygen can be carried in the blood and symptoms, which can include headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, chest pains, nausea and vomiting, worsen.

Beware the silent killer High levels can potentially lead to organ failure and can kill, sometimes quite rapidly. Long-term exposure can also be associ-

38 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

ated with lasting neurological problems, like difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can often mimic flu or food poisoning, and Scott Darroch, spokesper-

son for the Gas Safe Register, the register of qualified, legal gas engineers which runs Gas Safety Week, warns: "People with carbon monoxide poisoning might not necessarily put two and two together. You're feeling dizzy and a bit ill - is it flu? Carbon monoxide poisoning can be very hard to detect." Darroch explains that Gas Safety Week aims to highlight the fact that carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as fires or explosions, can occur when a gas appliance is unsafe, usually because it hasn't been serviced regularly or fitted and maintained properly. The Gas Safe Register estimates there are around 7,500 illegal gas fitters operating across the UK, and up to 250,000 illegal gas jobs may be carried out each year. "Carbon monoxide is a risk people should really be aware of," warns Darroch. "It's pretty easy to spot a fire, but you might not be aware that you've been exposed to carbon monoxide." Dr Simon Bouffler of Public Health England's Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE), says: "Many carbon monoxide poisoning deaths are preventable. "To lower the risk, people should ensure their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances are regularly checked by an appropriately registered engineer. " He recommends that appliances and flues are checked before the start of winter, and that rooms in which appliances are used are adequately ventilated. He also advises people with potential carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms to visit their GP, and tell the doctor that they may have been exposed to the gas.

Golden Years Carbon monoxide alarms, which can be bought from most DIY stores, are increasingly fitted in British homes. However, the Gas Safe Register stresses that the most important precaution, with regards to avoiding leakage of the lethal gas, is to make sure appliances are well maintained. "A carbon monoxide alarm is a good second line of defence, but getting an appliance installed, serviced and maintained by a qualified person on an annual basis is the best thing you can do," stresses Darroch. Carbon monoxide can also be produced when fuels such as oil, charcoal, coal and wood don't burn completely. It can also build up when flues or vents are blocked, for example, where a bird builds a nest over a flue. The dangers associated with carbon monoxide poisoning should never be underestimated, as Stacey Rodgers knows from personal experience, as it caused the death of her 10-year-old son, Dominic, in 2004. Extra shockingly, the leak came from a faulty flue and boiler in the

house next door to theirs. The devastated mum, from Huddersfield, set up the Dominic Rodgers Trust in memory of her son, in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. "The carbon monoxide seeped through brickwork underneath Dominic's bedroom, and killed him while he was sleeping," she explains. "Be aware people, make sure you get all your fuel burning appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and in the second line of defence, fit a carbon monoxide alarm. The alarms have proven to save lives; this is the only way you will know carbon monoxide is present." It's also important to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, she stresses. "Recognising the early symptoms will save your life. Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it has no smell and no taste - you can't see it, so you don't know it's there. Some people could be getting poisoned now, so we need to get the message out and stop innocent victims from being killed."

CARBON MONOXIDE CLUES Watch out for these potential warning signs in your home: ● Black, sooty staining on or around an appliance. ● A yellow gas flame from gas appliances, rather than a blue flame - although this doesn't apply to fuel-effect, livingflame or decorative-flame gas fires. ● A lot of condensation inside. ● Smoke accumulating in rooms due to faulty flues. ● People, and even pets, living in the same house are displaying symptoms which could indicate poisoning. ● You're experiencing symptoms which improve when you're outside. For more information, visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Bringing back the Home Help DIAMOND Home Support has recently opened an office in Abergavenny and we’re bringing back the Home Help! We recognise that with local authority budget cuts many elderly and disabled people in our community are having to find their own domestic support. Our Home Assist Service provides this. Our aim is to provide vital support for the elderly and less able through our Home Help services in a friendly, caring and professional manner. All of our workers are thoroughly vetted and are chosen as much for their personality, ethos and attitude as anything else. They are given plenty of time between appointments, so there is never the need for visits to be cut short in order for the worker to be on time for their next appointment. We recognise that loss of independence can be humiliating and frustrating, and therefore aim to make the experience as friendly and personal as possible. All potential clients are visited in their own homes so that we can talk them through the service, explain exactly how things work and an-

swer any questions which they may have. Relatives need not be concerned that their family members will be pushed into signing up for our services at the time of the initial visit if they are unsure as to whether or not it is right for them. We respect the fact that each individual, however old, frail or disabled, has the right to consider the pros and cons of our services before signing on the dotted line and, to this end, we are happy to visit more than once should that be necessary. We guarantee ongoing support; we are always available to discuss any problems, issues or concerns which may arise and will do our utmost to resolve these in the best way possible. Give us a try; we guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Home Assist Service

The Home Help is Back! Helping you to remain independent We offer the following services: Escorting to appointments and social activities Cleaning, gardening, ironing and laundry Light meal preparation Bed making/changing Respite sitting service Medication reminders Companionship Shopping Please note we do not offer personal care

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October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 39

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Forgotten Abergavenny W

E’VE got a double whammy for you this month folks and have included not just one but two pictures from Abergavenny’s yesteryear. Didn’t Frogmore Street look different in those days? “What days?” You ask. Well that’s where you come in dear reader. The scouts and town dignitaries pictured are definitely marching but for what purpose and to where we’re not too sure. Nor for that matter do we know the exact year or the identity of anyone in either photograph. As you can see, it was definitely before the Abergavenny Chronicle left its long-term base and moved to new premises in Cross Street after being purchased by the Worcester based company Berrows Newspapers Ltd in 1965. The question is when? So if you would be so kind as to put your thinking caps on and take a trip down memory lane to see if their are any random hitchhikers you’d like to bring back to the present day on the return journey, who can furnish us with a few more details, we’d be much obliged. And by the way. If you've forgotten anything else about Abergavenny you really think we should remember, then please get in touch by telephoning Tim Butters on 01873 852187 or be emailing tim@tindlenews.co.uk. And remember, the world don’t march to the beat of just one drum y’all.

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Ample Parking

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Golden Years

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 41

A Tovey Fears over state of the dairy market 07900 216368 A local, quality supplier of rolled corn and corn-based blend feeds for livestock and equestrian use BOCM and Farmgate compounds available Large & small quantities for delivery or collection.

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A FORMER chairman of the Farmers' Union of Wales milk and dairy produce committee has expressed frustration at the significant cuts in the price farmers are to be paid for their milk. First Milk announced a drop in the price it will pay for both liquid and manufacturing pools by three pence per litre (ppl) - taking effect from October 1. This reduction brings the liquid pool down to just 25.1 ppl and the manufacturing pool to 26.1 ppl. Dairy Crest also recently announced a price reduction of 1.1ppl to farmers on standard Liquid and Davidstow contracts which took place from September 1. "We are frustrated that milk prices are once again plummeting just as the industry is beginning to gain the confidence it needed to invest in a better future," said former FUW milk and dairy produce committee chairman Eifion Huws who runs a dairy farm at Bodedern on Anglesey. "These price cuts are unsustainable and will have a serious impact on members cash flow. "The volatility in the global dairy market is well documented and the Russian trade embargo will no doubt exacerbate the continuing fall in global and European dairy markets. "Russia imports less than one percent of the UK's cheese, butter and skimmed milk powder, however the loss of trade for bigger exporters such as Germany and the Netherlands could cause downward pressure on prices through an increase in available supply," added Mr Huws. In response to the Russian trade sanctions, the European Commission has taken action

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to minimise the negative impacts of the ban. The Commission has opened private storage aid for butter, skimmed milk powder and certain cheeses to cover the costs of storing these products for the next three to seven months. "The FUW has consistently reiterated that the loss of quotas in 2015 will only compound an already volatile market place and the recent steps undertaken by the EU to try and counter the increase in available stocks following the Russian dairy ban further serve to highlight our position on this matter," added Mr Huws.

Gwent YFC ploughathon

MEMBERS and supporters of Gwent Federation of Young Farmers Clubs will be taking part in a 48 hour 'Ploughathon' on the 3rd,4th and 5th October. The aim is to plough 400 acres of farmland across Gwent non stop in 48 hours. This acreage would normally take several days. Local businesses Harold R Johns, RFM, Frank Sutton, TH Whites, David Evans and Edwards Farm Machinery are kindly providing the equipment and Estuary Oils are kindly providing the fuel. Mole Valley Farmers, Paul Jarrold

Tyres, Morspan and Green and Co are also supporting. Money raised from this challenge will be split between Gwent YFC and charities supporting those that have suffered due to the flooding on the Somerset Levels back in the spring. â&#x2014;? Gwent YFC exists to provide 10-26 year olds with competitions, travel opportunities and social events and is proud to have been in existence in Gwent for over 75 years. Contact 01291 672602 for further information.

at Tredilion Fruit Farm, Abergavenny NP7 8BG

Victoria plums, Edward Plums, Bramley Apples, Cox Orange Pippins, Golden Delicious and Pears A Variety of Apples and Pears are also available ready picked from the farm shop. Ready picked veg also available.

42 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Gazette Farming

New student takes the reins Tanat YFC. Caryl has been on hand at Llyndy Isaf during Tudur’s first month in order to pass on the valuable skills and knowledge that she has learnt over the past year. Caryl has encouraged Tudur to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way. “It has been an unforgettable experience that will be stand me in good stead for a career in the farming industry. The skills I have learnt during my time at Llyndy Isaf will be invaluable to me as I look to gain more experience in this area of work, before eventually taking over the reins at the family farm,” she said. Tudur said: "I am very grateful to the National Trust and Wales Young Farmers Clubs for this unique opportunity to manage Llyndy Isaf farm. I look forward to the responsibility of farming stock on the challenging landscape of Nant Gwynant.” Tudur Parry will then hand over the keys to the next successful applicant in a year’s time. So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Llyndy Isaf Scholar, contact Wales YFC’s Rural Development Officer, Sarah Llyndy Isaf Scholarship Presentation at the 2014 Royal Price, for more details; Welsh Show. Left to Right: Caryl Hughes (First Llyndy Isaf 01982 553502 / Scholar), Kate Miles (Wales YFC Chairman), Iwan Thomas s a r a . p r i c e @ y f c (Wales YFC Rural Affairs Chairman), Tudur Parry (Second wales.org.uk Llyndy Scholar) & Rhys Evans (National Trust Eryri). THE winner of the second Llyndy Isaf Scholarship began his new role as Farm Manager in Snowdonia in September. The partnership between Wales YFC and the National Trust Eryri has given one lucky YFC member the chance to run their own farm for a year. Llyndy Isaf is a 614 acre upland livestock unit in the Nant Gwynant Valley. Tudur Parry from Garndolbenmaen, is a member of Dyffryn Madog YFC and was announced as the winner of the second Llyndy Isaf Scholarship at the Royal Welsh Show in July. This scholarship gives applicants a valuable insight into running an upland farm and helps them develop the skills needed for a career in the farming industry. Tudur will be following in the footsteps of the first scholar - Caryl Hughes, from Dyffryn

More education needed

over fly-tipping? WHILST welcoming the Welsh governments draft strategy for dealing with fly tipped waste, the Farmers' Union of Wales remains concerned that fly-tipping continues to be a significant problem to private landowners, particularly in rural areas abutting the urban fringe. "Fly-tipping has health, visual and financial implications for land owners and the wider local economy. We need a well-resourced strategy, that incorporates industry bodies and government to tackle the problem," said FUW land use and parliamentary committee chairman Gavin Williams. "Recent moves by local authorities to either close local Civic Amenity Sites or introduce charges for domestic waste, will inevitably impact on the prevalence of fly-tipping in the future and could undermine any strategic actions Welsh government seeks to put in place.

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"The Welsh government draft strategy contains few actions which address the costs and bureaucracy laid on private landowners when dealing with the removal and disposal of fly-tipped material and until there is a concerted effort to facilitate the disposal of this waste the industry will see no positive advantages in reporting fly-tipped waste," added Mr Williams. The FUW also believes that more could be done to raise awareness and educate the wider public on their responsibilities to ensure that their waste is disposed of legally. This provision of advice and information needs to encompass both the legal aspects of waste disposal but also the provision of advice and guidance on the local facilities available for the various waste streams.

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October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 43

44 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

Gazette Motoring

Wheels & Deals ■ BMW has added a new drop-top to its range, with a convertible version of its recently launched 2 Series slated to reach showrooms early next year. The 2 Series Convertible replaces the popular 1 Series drop-top, which proved to be the bestseller in its market segment This new model will come with a choice of four engines - three petrol and one diesel - and boast a power-operated roof. Longer and wider than the model it replaces, BMW claims the 2 Series Convertible offers a genuine four-seater ex-

perience. Standard specification on all models is said to be comprehensive, and includes alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, Drive Performance Control, Keyless go, a Sport instrument cluster. Sports seats and a Sport multi-function leather steering wheel are available on higher performance variants. Prices start at £29,180 for the 220i Sport variant and rise to £37,710 for the flagship M235i performance model.

Keith Price Garages are realigning their services ABERGAVENNY KEITH PRICE GARAGES LIMITED has invested more than £30,000 in a state of the art alignment bay for its Llanwenarth Citra premises. The dealership, which has been on the site for over 40 years, is adding value for its customers with a free quick-check alignment with every service completed using the latest cutting-edge technology in wheel alignment. The new Hunter HawkEye Elite TD is able to complete a four-wheel alignment check very quickly and efficiently on all Subaru models brought to the dealership, with the technology reporting any issues back to the technician. The equipment also has no metalto-metal contact, ensuring no damage to customers’ wheel rims. Alignment carried out on all other makes and models Having correct wheel alignment is important to the running of any vehicle; if wheels are out of alignment, the tyres will last for much shorter periods resulting in more frequent replacements and overall higher running costs. Vehicle handling will also be optimised, making for a

■ VAUXHALL is to resurrect the Viva name as it plans to launch an entry-level car to sit alongside its Mini rival the Adam and its soonto-be-launched new Corsa supermini. For now, the car maker isn't giving much away, although it has revealed that the new car will be a five-door model. And while the new Viva will be a significant step up in terms of refinement and sophistication over

its 1963 namesake, it's clear that Vauxhall is keen to tap into the current trend for producing low-cost cars that's proved so successful for the likes of Dacia. The car's launch is a long way off though, as Vauxhall has slated its release for next summer. And, curiously, despite the company-wide adoption of the Adam name for the Vauxhall and Opel-badged Mini rival, the latter will be choosing its own name for the firm's new model.

smoother drive with less tyre rolling resistance. Service Manager of Keith Price Garages, Michael Rodway, commented: “We have invested heavily in our workshop to ensure we can continue to provide our customers with the best possible service offering. “The instalment of the Hunter HawkEye Elite TD is a much-welcomed piece of equipment to the service team as the advanced technology has allowed us to provide an improved, faster and more comprehensive check for our customers.” Keith Price Garages is a local family concern, situated on the outskirts of the picturesque market town of Abergavenny, surrounded by the beautiful Welsh countryside - yet conveniently situated with easy access to the Midlands, M50, M4 and Newport and Cardiff. Keith Price Garages has been in the motor trade for over 40 years, continually building on customer care, dedicated to supporting all our customers with the highest standards of sales, service and assistance.

October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 45

Driving traffic to the Citroen showroom CITROEN dealers have never been short of willing buyers for the C1 city car. But the new model, is driving even more showroom traffic thanks to the new 1.2 litre engine option as well as automatic transmission. Younger buyers love the model – small Citroens have been appealing to them since the Saxo was launched in the 90s, a real break from what they imagined to be the beard-and-sandals brand that made the 2CV. The C1 is a joint enterprise between Peugeot Citroen (PSA) and Toyota, manufactured at a shared European plant. But the Toyota lacks the 1.2 litre engine choice you enjoy with the C1, a very interesting engine to have under the control of your right foot. Although ranked among city cars, the C1 is more than capable of undertaking long journeys with ease. It helps in traffic that although still a small package the C1 has substantial looks. Nobody is going to mess with it. For those who prefer, there is still the original 1.0 litre engine in the list. And those with a budget will appreciate the £8,245 starting price for the C1 range. Low running costs are a strong feature across the C1 range, satisfying the demands of the current market with zero road tax and great fuel returns. But the deep boot, split folding rear seats to in-

SMALL AND COMPETENT: The Citroen C1

crease load space, pleasant interior with good space for four, and excellent driving position make the C1 feel far larger than its physical dimensions suggest. It’s definitely a car that can fulfil the roles of single person commuter or workhorse for the family. For those who realise they don’t need a big car, they’ll want this Citroen as soon as they C1.

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■ IN what's expected to be a significant move for owners of classic models, Jaguar Heritage has opened a brand new workshop facility at Browns Lane, Coventry - the spiritual home of the car maker. The workshop - the same facility in which Jaguar's six new Lightweight E-type period competition cars will be built - will offer warrantied servicing and restoration of its classic models. Customers will be able to visit while work on their vehicles is in progress and, upon completion, they can obtain both a photographic record of the work carried

out and a Jaguar approved service logbook. The Jaguar Heritage workshop can collect and deliver vehicles for service or restoration from any location in the UK or, in the case of overseas customers, any UK airport or port. This development follows Jaguar's recent reorganistion of its heritage fleet and a bigger push to promote its history, which has been timed to coincide with events such as the Goodwood motorsport events and product launches such as the recent XE unveiling.

Service 01600 891201 Fax 01600 891200 Parts 01600 891202 Mobile 07860 843419 or visit www.bg4x4.co.uk email bglandrovers@aol.com

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Hillcrest Works, Crockers Ash, Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 6DW. We are located near Whitchurch just off the main A40 between Ross and Monmouth.

46 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue

JON WILDING AUTO REPAIRS

VW AUDI SPECIALIST Servicing all makes MOT Prep

(01873 853774)

CALL THE EXPERTS

CALLTHE ACCOUNTANTS

SCRAP Cash Paid for MOT Failures / Scrap Cars and Commercial Vehicles

A&J* Cleaning Services * Property clearance & maintenance * Domestic & Commercial cleaning * Ground maintenance * Gutter clearance * Deep Cleans * Portable Offices * End of Tenancy Cleans * Oven Cleans * Free Quotations ajcleaningservices.or jessicamoriarty@ajcleaningservices.org

01873 268702 / 07747 751531

Containers Supplied 1129687

EXPERTS

CLEANING SERVICES

01981 580412 or 07795 565702

RECLAMATION

GARDEN SERVICES

EVERGREEN GARDENING SERVICES • Gravelling • Turfing • Tree Pruning • Hedge Trimming

Tel: 07799 454433 DEBT COLLECTION COMPUTERS

pest control

01873 851998 OSTEOPATH

LOCKSMITH

TIMBER & SUPPLIES

CHAINSAWS

BLACKWOOD CHAINSAWS H. Waters & Sons

Lawnmowers • Chainsaws • Garden Machinery

RIDE-ON MOWERS FREE DEMONSTRATIONS

SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS 45 years experience serving our community We accept part exchange / new & reconditioned Demonstrations available

01495 226657

www.blackwoodchainsaws.co.uk Mill Garage, Gelli Groes, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 2HY

Oak Sleepers and Beams Pattern, Imprint Concrete and Block Paving Sealer. Creosote, Fence Stakes and Wire. Best Prices Working Dog Food Chicken and Rice. Raw Dog Meats Best Quality

Tel: 07773 354449 October/November 2014 - The Autumn Issue 47