Gazette & Diary Magazine
2 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Here comes the festive season! in association with The Abergavenny Chronicle ADVERTISING: Jenna Hopkins Ext 35 jenna@abergavennychronicle.com Luke Walding Ext 36 advertising@tindlenews.co.uk For information on how to advertise in the next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone 01873 852187 ext 35 or 36 GENERAL MANAGER: Mary Purcell DESIGNERS: Jackie Evans jackie@pemedia.co.uk Mark Taylor mark@pemedia.co.uk
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PUBLISHING: Published by the Abergavenny Chronicle, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5AA Printed by Trinity Mirror plc
WELCOME ...
N
OW that Christmas is just around the corner you’ll find the November issue of the Gazette and Diary packed full of interesting seasonal articles and useful festive tips and information. With the nights drawing in, those sunny summer days when thousands of people in and around Abergavenny were enjoying the razzmatazz of the food festival, the thrills and spills of the cycling road race championships and a host of other special events, seem a long way away. But, having survived the much-hyped autumn storm at the end of October, there’s still plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Inside this issue you’ll find everything from great gift ideas to top health and beauty tips. It will also point you in the right direction if you want to dazzle on the dance floor, dress to impress at a special party or enjoy a perfect romantic meal at one of the county’s many top foodie destinations in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year. In fact, whatever you need to make the festivities go with a swing, the Gazette has it wrapped up for you!
Christmas Food Festival and SweetieFest pages 6 & 7
David Jason on life, RonnieBarker and Christmas specials page 15
MONMOUTH MP DAVID DAVIES holds regular advice surgeries throughout the constituency. To make an appointment telephone 01291 672817 or email daviesd@parliament.uk www.david-daviesmp.co.uk
MOHAMMAD ASGHAR AM/AC
National Assembly Member - South Wales East Regional Office Unit 1, Fairoak House 15-17 Church Road Newport NP19 7EJ Tel: 01633 220022 Email: Mohammad.Asghar@wales.gov.uk Web: MohammadAsgharAM.co.uk 1009675
I hold regular advice surgeries and am always eager to hear from constituents. Please fo not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to discuss any local or Assembly related issue Oscar
WILLIAM GRAHAM
Conservative Assembly Member South Wales East Electoral Region
For advice and information on issues affecting your neighbourhood.
953135
WILLIAM GRAHAM AM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES Freepost SWC 4879, CARDIFF CF99 1GZ Freephone 0800 783 8762 Email william.graham@wales.gov.uk
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Step into Christmas in style F
ORGET prints, the latest trend is texture clashing. Whether you're into high-shine or tactile fur, Lisa Haynes offers a masterclass in contrasting fabrics. Some trends focus on prints, others concentrate on colour, but this season there's a look that's based entirely on touch. The fashion premise is simple: pick two pieces in completely opposing fabrics. Think slick patent skirt with fuzzy angora jumper. Or feathers and leather, or sequins and denim - anything goes, but dramatic contrasts emphasise the two-tone texture. If the concept of clashing gives you a headache, look for garments with spliced
Razzle dazzle Furry monster Think showgirl - by day. Feathers, With temperatures sequins and heavy beading are plummeting, furry no longer just for party season. materials are back in Contrasted with casual pieces, like a big way, but think Leather love woolly jumpers and black leather, outside the big coat It's official, leather is the hottest fabric in these eye-catching fabrics are inbox. fashion. With a 52 per cent instantly pared down. Separates have crease in leather pieces availYou'll also find glisbeen given the able online compared to last tening embellishment fuzzy treatment for year, according to fashion on casualwear like a modern take on database EDITD, it's moved sweatshirts and faux fur - jumpers from a luxury item to an jumpers this season, with fur panels or everyday staple. making them instantly bags as cuddly as The shift is evident on the daytime appropriate. kittens. high street, with rails of Black feathers are For a more accessileather skirts, dresses, trousers best reserved for after ble take on the and tops giving the ubiquidark, so try opulent trend, try faux pony tous biker jacket a run for its jewel tones that will skin panels on tops, money. Leather's popularity is transfer easily from little wonder when you conskirts and dresses - it day to night. Brocade sider its longevity, hard-workhas a denser, flatter ing qualities and ability to go and jacquard are other appearance than with just about everything in textured fabrics that 'fluffy' fur, making it your wardrobe. will glide effortlessly more flattering on Black is the obvious choice, from office to dance the body. but you can mix things up floor. Knits haven't eswith chic navy, berry or forest If full-on sequins or SEQUIN sleeve jacket, £25; caped the teddy green tones for a stylish twist. feathers feel a little dress, £15; boots, £18; bear texture If funds are running low, too West End stage, tights, £3; all Primark makeover. Check look to pleather - PVC made look to more subtle out jumpers and to resemble matte leather trims on hems and necklines. dresses with a fuzzy eyelash finish for a with a lived-in, grainy texture. Perfect pairing: Bring glitzy twist on traditional mohair. Perfect pairing: Team your WHEATSHEAF sweater, textures back down to earth Perfect pairing: Faux fur and leather are tough leather staple (skirt or £110; quilted leather teamed with an everyday perfect texture teammates - wear in the leggings) with a girly fluffy skirt, £179; both NW3 slouchy knit. same tone for a put-together look. jumper. at Hobbs fabrics where the texture matches are ready-made for you. With multi-textured layers this cool and cosy, why bother with central heating?
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Christmas crafts made easy Give your loved ones a special surprise this year by making your gifts. We have a range of unique craft ideas to treat the ones you love this Chrsitmas. From cards to presents, Christmas doesn’t have to cost you the earth and makes that gift even more special. So why not try one of our Christmas craft ideas and send your present with homemade love.
Cranberry and popcorn garland Making this tasty Christmas garland couldn’t be easier and it is great to do while sat watching your favourite Christmas film or sat in front of the fire on a cold winter’s evening. It may require parental supervision as it involves a needle and thread for any children wishing to make the garland. You can try using a blunt needle especially for younger children. What you will need: Sturdy needle Heavy thread Fresh cranberries Popcorn What to do: Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end of thread to hold all your goodies in place. Carefully push the needle through the cranberry. You might like to use a chopping board or other non-slippery surface to push down on. Slide the cranberry down to the end of the thread and keep repeating with a pattern of popcorn and cranberries. Tie a knot at the end, leaving some thread to tie your Christmas garland up or to attach to other garlands to make a really long garland to decorate a whole room.
Jam jar tea light holders These gifts are great and cheap to make as most of us have plenty of old jam jars lurking around in the back of our cupboards. You can keep these tea light holders as simple as you like or you can decorate them in a variety of ways, making them unique to the person who receives them. They will also look great on the Chrsitmas table during the festive period. What you will need: Clean jam jars - any shape or size will do Your chosen decorations - ribbons, buttons, crepe/tissue paper, glitter - anything you fancy PVA glue and brush What to do: This gift if very much a case of do what you feel. A great effect includes painting the jar with PVA glue and sticking smalls pieces of tissue paper in a collage design. Once the glue has dried paint another layer over the top of the paper. Wait for it to dry before placing a tea light inside. Alternatively you could keep it siple by tying a ribbon around the jar. Other methods include using glass paints (available at most craft shops) to paint designs or sticking buttons and other bits and bobs to create a unique design.
Weekends & Midweek in Tenby
BELGRAVE HOTEL
Enjoy 2 nights RING NOW for Bed & Breakfast £75pp 1 ⁄2 term 3 nights from £85pp & Xmas dinner from £13.50pppn Entertainment Every Evening *CANDLELIT DINNER & DANCE WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY* 6 course choice Gala menu Tel: TENBY 01834 842377 Something to celebrate Mid week or Weekends? Ring Now for Birthdays, Anniversaries and other “Special Breaks” Turkey + Tinsel In November, December & Christmas, January, February and March.
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Gazette & Diary Magazine
Abergavenny Food Festival
T
■ Photo by: Lucienne Evans
6 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
he perfect festive celebration involves forward planning and careful thought on the culinary front. Get it right and you’ll be giving friends and family a Christmas to remember. This year’s Christmas Food & Drink Fair takes place on Sunday, December 8, 10am to 5pm. The event has been supported by Welsh Government funding and in-kind contributions from Monmouthshire County Council, Griffiths Civil Engineering and Construction, and Homes of Elegance. Box Office goes live on November 5. Buy tickets at www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com or through the Borough Theatre (01873 850805). An adult stroller ticket costs £4 and gets you into the market venues: Market Hall, Upper Brewery Yard and The Priory. Free entry to children if accompanied by an adult. Discover the sensory delights offered by around ninety hand-picked local and regional speciality food producers. Stock up your cupboards with every imaginable seasonal treat. There will be fresh and cured meats, poultry and game, cheeses and chocolates, cakes and desserts, wine and liqueurs, ales, ciders and more. This year you’ll be able to indulge your taste for top-class traditional confectionery too, because SweetieFest is coming to town. This new event (all part of the stroller ticket offering) has been conjured up by Adele Nozedar, author of a forthcoming book: Great British Sweets: A History of Old Fashioned Sweets and How to Make Them At Home. A whole host of old-school favourites will be on sale, plus workshops too. Buy great stocking fillers and learn how to make your own, which as
we all know, make the very best presents. See the festival website for more details. As well as shopping and tasting you can absorb some festive foodie know-how through the rolling programme of chef demonstrations in the Market Hall. Liz Knight and Kather Marland, creators of Forage Fine Foods and Kather’s Kitchen use rosehips to make things that little bit wilder; Denise BakerMcClearn of Moel Faban Suppers dishes up the perfect pâté; and Iain Sampson (The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell) teams up with Jim Hamilton (The Kings Arms Hotel) to produce a lip-smacking threecourse dinner in 30 minutes.
■ Photo by: Lucienne Evans
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Christmas Food & Drink Fair plus SweetieFest! Meat or Veg? Karl Cheetham and Steve Williams from Gliffaes and Buckland Hall cook meat and vegetarian versions of the same dish. You decide the winner. Penny Lewis, creator of the Culinary Cottage Cookery School demonstrates how to make quick and easy 5-minute edible gifts, while Jane van Rossum of Hay Wines explains how for-
tified wines are made and invites you to taste interesting examples. Tim McDougall, Head Chef at Celtic Manor’s flagship fine-dining restaurant Terry M will also be in the mix with top tips to impress. And last, but certainly not least – particularly if you’ve got a sweet tooth – remember the Curly
Wurly? The last dem of the day sees Adele Nozedar, the conceptualiser and curator of SweetieFest, and Karl Cheetham attempt to make history by creating the largest ever Curly Wurly. Will they pull off this giant chocolate-coated piece of caramel heaven? Be there and find out - could be sticky!
■ Photo by: Nathan Morgan
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Gazette & Diary Magazine
WHAT’S ON...
AT THE MAES THIS AUTUMN & WINTER SUNDAY LUNCH
£12.95 for 2 courses £15.95 for 3 courses Head chef Nigel Parker & his assistant Mandy have been serving their sumptuous Sunday lunches together at the manor for over ten years. The ever popular menu is now served weekly in either the Isllwyn suite with its fairy light ceiling & backdrop or the wood panelled Seasons restaurant. Booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
SEASONS RESTAURANT Open daily for lunch & evening bookings The superb cuisine at Maes Manor has made our Seasons Restaurant one of the most popular dining venues in the area. The menus are a combination of classical and traditional British dishes which are changed seasonally.
ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER SUNDAY 8TH TOM JONES & TINA TURNER TRIBUTE THURSDAY 12TH 2 COMEDIANS & KYLIE MINOGUE TRIBUTE SUNDAY 15TH COMEDIAN, CHER & PHIL COLLINS TRIBUTE THURSDAY 19TH MEATLOAF & BON JOVI TRIBUTE
FESTIVE SUNDAYS £19 per Adult £13 per Child
Under 3’s complimentary (Terms Apply)
Take some time out of the preparations for the big day and join us for a pre-Christmas family treat here at the Mae Manor Hotel. Enjoy a classic Festive Sunday Lunch with all the trimmings, then sit back and relax in front of the fireplace in our cozy Cocktail bar soaking up the festive atmosphere. Offering large selection of wines, lagers and beers and beautiful buckfuls of festive trimmings.
Sunday 1st December, Sunday 8th December Sunday 15th December, Sunday 22nd December
MAES MANOR HOTEL
MAESRUDDED LANE, BLACKWOOD, NP12 0AG TEL. 01495 220011
www.maesmanor.com • info@maesmanor.com 8 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Christmas dinner with all the trimmings . . . and not a saucepan in sight! C
hristmas is a time for relaxing, so leave mealtimes to us. We’ve created a range of classic Christmas meals and desserts to celebrate the festive season that will really excite your taste-buds, all delivered by your regular local driver. Our Hearty Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, followed by a Luxury Christmas Pudding is the perfect choice for a winter meal. If you fancy something different this Christmas, we offer a delicious Roast Pork with Cranberry Stuffing - succulent pork loin with a port sauce, and seasonal vegetables, a great alternative to turkey. For dessert our Sherry Trifle is sure to hit the spot, layers of silky custard, fruity raspberry jelly and sherry soaked sponge, topped with cream. A delicious way to celebrate the season! To start you off, you might like to order our Christmas Selection Pack, with 6 festive meals and 4 desserts plus a FREE Christmas tea towel (available while stocks last) all for just £29.95! It’s a great way to try a variety of our favourite meals.
The Wiltshire Farm Foods Service Established for more than 20 years, Wiltshire Farm Foods creates and delivers a delicious range of frozen meals that can be cooked in minutes. From the field, to the freezer, every detail is considered in order to offer nutrition, value, flavor, all this and Award-Winning personal service. Ingredients are selected from carefully-approved suppliers and are then prepared by a team of nutritionists and award-winning chefs in our Wiltshire kitchens. Once cooked, the meals are placed into handy trays that fit easily into the freezer, then frozen almost immediately to lock in the freshness. Wiltshire Farm Foods regularly delivers meals to many satisfied customers living throughout Abergavenny and the surrounding area. Delivery is free and there is no minimum order. For your copy of our Wiltshire Farm Foods Christmas Menu 2013 or to order the Christmas Selection Pack for £29.95, call 01600 892855 or visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com to shop online. We look forward to hearing from you.
HEARTY Roast Turkey
ROAST Pork with Cranberry Stuffing
LUXURY Christmas Pudding
SHERRY Trifle
A full festive dinner and not a saucepan in sight. What more could you want for Christmas? CHRISTMAS SELECTION PACK
for only £29.95 + FREE Tea Towel
Christmas is a time ffor Christmas or putting y your our ffeet ee et up, so leave mealtimes tto o Wiltshire Wiltshire F Farm arm F Foods. oods. They They offer offer over individually 260 delicious,, individuall y portioned dishes, dishes including Christmas options. C hristmas op t tions. Come C ome rrain ain or shine their local drivers will deliver direct your you’re dir ect to to y our freezer. freezer. Then, Then, when y ou’rre rready, eady, just your microwave pop y our meal al in the micr owave or oven en - and enjoy. enjoy.
FREE Christmas Christm mas T Tea ea Towel Towel with every eve ery pack. While stocks stock ks last While
6 Meals with vegetables: ŐŐ Honey Roast Turkey Breast Ő Roast Pork with Cranberry Stuffing ŐŐ Beef with Roast Potatoes & Yorkshire Pudding ŐŐ Pork & Leek Sausages in Bacon & Tomato, Bean & Bacon Casserole ŐŐ Chicken, Thyme Hotpot ŐŐ Chicken Kiev Christmas Pudding ŐŐ Sherry Trifle 4 Desserts: ŐŐ Luxury Ő Mincemeat & Apple Crumble ŐŐ Brandy in Clotted Cream Ice Cream
Available to order from 14/10/13 to 31/12/13
your brochure order Ask ffor or y our FREE F br ochure ttoday, oday, and d or der over the phone or online. Y Yule ule be glad y you ou c chose hose Wiltshire Farm Foods Christmas! Wiltshir eF arm mF oods this C hristmas!
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wiltshirefarmfoods.com wil tshirefa armfoods.com November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 9
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Festive cakes on offer at Emmeline’s A
S we approach the festive period, Emmeline’s are offering a huge range of whole cakes that are perfect for any party, celebration, or just a delicious treat. Located on Baker Street in the Old Police Station, Emmeline’s creates its magnificent treats of Norwegian cakes with fat free sponge, seasonal fruit and generous helpings of cream. Not only this, but Justin and Emmeline Vieregge also have their wheat free cakes made with almonds on offer, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. From their chocolate cake with almonds and apricots, to their hazelnut cake with apple and apricot cream, and their plum and blackberry cake, their cakes are fruity, busting with character and tradition, and most importantly of all, absolutely delicious. They even can provide whole cakes for special occasions, when the customer requires something extra unique and delicious, and all they need is 24 hours notice. Justin said: “We offer these services all year round, and hopefully with the Christmas period just around the corner people will think of us, and come in to try some of our cakes.” With locally sourced produce, Emmeline puts a lot of importance on the commu-
nity economy, and said: “As an independent business ourselves, we think its a good thing to put money back into the local area.” And along with their cakes, they have a selection of herbal teas, soft drinks, and cafetiere coffee, all to be enjoyed in their spacious and classically decorated shop. You can even purchase one of their selection of books on the premises, and with free WiFi with your sweet treats, you’ll find it almost impossible to leave. Justin and Emmeline also cater for private functions in their shop, which can be booked via their email on emmelineshomebaking@gmail.com or by calling 01873 854 676 Emmeline’s is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with additional hours available for bookings and functions.
THREE OF THE BEST to spice up your winter meals
● GEETA'S PREMIUM MANGO CHUTNEY, £2.09 for 320g, Ocado Thick, sticky and not just great with curries as tradition dictates, but excellent with hams and cheeses too. And, if you feel inclined, spread on doorstep toast instead of marmalade, or use as a dip for crisps or tortillas.
● MAILLE PEPPER SAUCE With A Touch Of Armagnac And Espelette Pepper, £1.49 for 200g, Tesco Mustard and sausages are a perfect match but try this instead. It's smooth and creamy yet packs the necessary kick.
● TIPTREE ORGANIC ONION RELISH, £1.69, available online or from various delis and wholefood stores Sweet, but not overly so, there is no finer accompaniment for a lip-smacking mature cheddar sandwich. EMMELINE’S Peanut Cake
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Gazette & Diary Magazine
Sign up for Save the Children’s Christmas jumper day Buy, borrow or decorate your own Christmas jumper and wear your woolly on Friday 13 December. Donate £1 or more to Save the Children SAVE the Children are aiming to make the world better with a sweater this Christmas by hosting national Christmas Jumper Day. Sign up now for your free fundraising kit by visiting www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day. The charity are encouraging eveyone to get involved asking poepe to get colleagues, friends and family to join in. Some of the fundraising ideas include: Have a woolly fun day at work - Get everyone at work to show some good wool by wearing festive sweaters and raising money together. Or split into teams and compete to see who can reach the highest total. Fashion your own jumper - Sweater style knows no limits, so why not get creative and decorate your own glitzy knitwear with tinsel, stars, baubles and
snowflakes? Sign up online to receive a fundraising pack and to download free knitting pattersn (pictured left). You can also hit the high street and choose from a stylish range of specially
designed John Lewis Christmas knitwear available in stores from 21 October. £25 from the sale of each jumper will generously be donated to Save the Children. See stores or shop online at johnlewis.com.
Advent to Candlemas
A Celebration in Flowers Presented by Abergavenny Flower Arrangement Society & Friends
A Message from the Vicar
St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny 21–26 November 2013
In this Festival of Flowers we are able to look at the four seasons which tell of our Lord's Incarnation. ADVENT is a time of waiting and anticipation for that much promised coming of the Messiah. CHRISTMAS is the celebration of the Messiah's birth, but in a very unusual setting in a stable. EPIPHANY and CANDLEMAS are a showing off of the Messiah to the world. In this Festival we hope in a small way to show the 'Word made flesh' to this corner of the world. Light is the common thread that runs through these seasons, from lighting the Advent Wreath, through carols by candlelight, to blessing the candles on Candlemas, so candles will feature largely in our displays. We have also attempted to show how these seasons and Feasts have been celebrated and marked here in Abergavenny, from the Christmas Day massacre at Abergavenny Castle to the present day. Although the Festival of Flowers will be held in late November, I am sure that all who visit will receive a warm Benedictine welcome! Fr Mark Soady
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Having a wonderful Christmas time at HAMBURG’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS Historical Christmas Market at the Rathausmarkt (Town Hall Square) 25th Nov – 23th Dec 2013 daily 11 am – 9 pm, Fri + Sat to 10 pm White Magic at Jungfernstieg 25th Nov 2013 – 6th Jan 2014 daily 11 am – 9 pm (closed 24th + 25th Dec) St. Petri Church 25th Nov – 30th Dec 2013 daily 11 am – 9 pm (closed 25th + 26th Dec) Spitalerstraße 25th Nov – 30th Dec 2013 daily 11 am – 9 pm (closed 25th + 26th Dec)
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S a Segway zips past, I almost choke on my roasted chestnuts when I realise who’s behind the wheel, writes Polly Weeks. Wearing a red hat and a bushy beard, it’s Father Christmas, who appears to have left his sleigh and reindeer at home this year. I’m in Hamburg in December and, as I’m quickly discovering, they don’t celebrate the festive season quietly here. Trees twinkle with lights, markets bustle and there are more than a few cups of gluhwein going round to keep shoppers
Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz / Mönckebergbrunnen 25th Nov – 30th Dec 2013, daily 10 am – 9 pm (closed 25th Dec) The Gänsemarkt 25th Nov–23th Dec 2013 Sun – Thur 11 am–9 pm Fri + Sat 11 am–10 pm Fleet Christmas market 25th Nov – 23th Dec 2013 daily noon – 9 pm Santa Pauli 21st Nov – 23th Dec 2013, Mon – Thurs 4 pm – 11 pm, Fri + Sat 1 pm – 1 am, Sun 1 pm – 11 pm Hamburg Winterdom 8th Nov – 8th Dec 2013 Mon – Thurs 3 pm – 11 pm Fri + Sat 3 pm – half past midnight Sun 2 pm – 11 pm
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happy. Nuremberg, Cologne and Dresden may be the shining stars of Germany’s Christmas markets, but Hamburg offers the same dose of festive fun, only with fewer tourists. There are nine main markets to choose from (most open daily from November 25 - although merriment begins with the Hamburg Winterdom on November 8), and a few shorter, charming markets to enjoy if you time your visit for the correct weekend. This historical city also has plenty of
local attractions to explore - including the rather bizarre Miniatur Wunderland (the world’s largest model railway exhibition) and Submarine U-434, a retired Russian spy submarine now open to tourists. My base for the weekend is the beautiful 4-star Movenpick Hotel, a converted water tower brimming with character and located in the Sternschanzenpark area of town. The view from my bedroom stretches as far as the eye can see, and I’m almost blinded by the sparkling Christmas lights on the horizon. I certainly have a serious amount of
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Hamburg’s festive markets Christmas shopping to do! I head to the Hamburger Dom, North Germany’s biggest funfair, which has been dressed up for Christmas. Teenage boys try to impress girls by jumping on whiteknuckle rides, adults browse the stalls, and little ones look bemused by the odd choice of festive decorations - a series of oversized scarecrows. But in Hamburg, I’m quickly realising, people like to do things differently. Nearby, on the Reeperbahn (Hamburg’s own version of Soho), I find the rather unusual Santa Pauli, an ‘adult’ Christmas market selling a selection of erotic gifts. These certainly aren’t the sort of things you’d give to Granny! There’s a jovial atmosphere
and the grown-ups, supping on their potent drinks, make their way indoors to enjoy the “topless” shows..Instead, I take the opportunity to return for a peaceful night’s sleep back at the hotel. I need my energy for the Hamburger Weinachtsmarkt, the biggest market in the city, located in front of the beautiful town hall. Divided into alleys, the stalls are categorised by the types of products on offer. On Handwerksgasse (craftsman alley), expect to find woodcarvers and silversmiths, while Naschgasse (the nibble alley) specialises in edible gifts, and handmade wooden playthings can be found in the Spielzeuggasse (toy alley). Carried away by the upbeat atmosphere,
I leave having purchased far more than I intended to. From Weinachtsmarkt, I make my way through to the other city centre markets; each one leads into another. I head to St. Petri Church for more peaceful sales, then end up at the Spitalerstrasse, where most shoppers come to recover with a hot drink. I’m here on a Saturday when a weekly Christmas parade makes its way through the city centre. Fake snow falls from the floats while hundreds of dancers fill the streets. I find it hard to resist joining in. The following day, I opt for a more serene Christmas experience. The first weekend in December, St. Michaelis Church host their Christmas market in the church’s crypts. Homemade jewellery, art, crafts and preserves are sold beneath the grand vaulted ceiling. But even if you miss their two-day market, it’s worth visiting to climb the church tower and admire views of the city. With so many markets to visit, I know I won’t have time to see them all. I take advice from the locals and visit the Gansemarkt, an upmarket foodie affair, and the Jungfernsteig market, which has wonderful views of the Binnenalster lake. But I still find time for a hot chocolate back at the Movenpick hotel’s restaurant. As I look out of the giant windows at the snowflakes falling on the surrounding woodland, I almost break into a festive ditty. I’m sure I’m not the only one who whispers to the very hospitable Hamburg, ‘Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night’.
MARION Meek at Shiraz
Shop at Shiraz WHEN Marion Meek made some jewellery to help funds for her local church she had no idea it would be the start of a whole new career. Satisfied customers urged her to make more of her talent and her business began to grow. Marion has developed her ranges using semi-precious stones including Swarovski crystals and pearls for her jewellery and added tiara making to her skills. After several years of supplying her creations to shops throughout Monmouthshire and Herefordshire, Marion launched Shiraz in Lewis Lane, Abergavenny, where she makes most of the jewellery herself. Marion is able to match the colours and sizes to her clients’ needs and bridal tiaras can be created to each bride’s individual requirements. Marion aims to offer unique, but affordable jewellery, along with a tempting array of accessories.
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Christmas delights at Pets don’t like loud noises Apple Store Gallery Photography in the Marches
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S part of Hereford Photography Month, local photographers and Digital Artists will be exhibiting
new work at Apple Store Gallery until November23. Artists included are Jill Barneby, Michael Fieldsend, Ian Gorton, Brian Griffiths, Chris Hall, Maurice Piper, Jillie Reynolds, Jacky Thomas and Ken Wheeler. There will also be work by Sarah Marty, a recent graduate from the BA Photography course at Hereford College of Arts and Kim Bellamy, BA Fine Art, winner of the Apple Store Gallery Prize for Fine Art 2013.
Christmas Delights
OUR annual selection of seasonal works by local artists will follow from November 26 to December 21. Gildings, fused glass, ikons, paintings, prints, photographs, textiles and ceramics will feature. Andrea Richardson, Georgina Fowler, Nell Glover, Stella Hidden, Ronald Moore, Beryl Morgans and Jan Thompson are among our regular exhibiting artists and we shall be introducing work by artists new to the gallery including Frances Green, Valerie Jordan, Andrew Matthews, Carol Randell, Carolyn Spiller and Barbara Stephens. For additional Christmas opening times, please see our website. The gallery is normally open Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.30 to 4.30 and Saturdays, 10.00 to 1.00. Other times by arrangement. FLOWER CAT POT: Georgina and Linda Fowler
OUR pets have ears like us that are incredibly clever at detecting a range of noises. Hearing range is astounding, and defined from near silence - 0 decibels, past that of a jet engine (120 decibels) – a trillion times louder! Coincidentally 120 decibels is legally the loudest noise a firework at 15 metres can make – a level at which permanent hearing damage can be expected with little reexposure. We choose to live in a modern world where jet engines, pneumatic drills and traffic assault our ears daily. But unlike our pets, we communicate reasonably well and can be taught about things like jet engines at school. We see them up close associated with planes that take us to Spain. As children we are taken to fireworks displays and watch firework celebrations and bonfires topped with Guy Fawkes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to get your cat to understand about jet engines
or your dog about fundamentalist Catholicism. Imagine never having experienced a very loud noise before fireworks night! So is it any wonder that most animals are terrified of the noises of firework night? “Pyrotechnophobia” is the medical term that includes a fear of fireworks and half of all dogs and loads of cats suffer from it. For most pets it is a welfare and health issue. So please ensure your pets are kept safe and calm: • Keep all pets inside and especially NEVER take them to a firework display! • Feed them early in the day and exercise your dog to tire them out • Block out noise, draw curtains and turn up the TV (if they are used to it) • Do not give pet them too much they will take it as praise for being so scared • If you need more advice or products that help reduce anxiety come see us at Abbey Vets Ben Hynes MRCVS, Abbey Vets.
“A caring, friendly, professional vets”
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14 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Still open all hours! Book Review D The Ocean at the End of the Lane By Neil Gaiman SUSSEX, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy. While things may be told from an adult's recollection, this book is excellent at conveying a child's experience, whether the arbitrariness of the adult world which makes magical goings-on down the lane and the weird behaviour of one's parent equally expected (or unexpected) or the aloofness of an unhappy child who takes refuge in his books. At only 175 pages long this is a quick read and maybe because this started out as a short story it doesn’t have the detailed characterisation seen previously. It is however full of Gaiman’s trademark realistic and vivid style and it’s plain that he mined the depths of his own childhood to flesh out some of the story. It’s not just the length that makes it difficult to compare to other ‘adult’ books by Gaiman, such as American Gods. And some people may prefer to classify it as more suitable for young adults. Emma Corfield-Walters Book-ish, Crickhowell
AVID Jason, the 73-year-old awardwinning actor, whose credits read like a list of TV classics - Only Fools And Horses, Open All Hours, Darling Buds Of May, A Touch Of Frost, to name but a few - is in fine fettle as we meet to discuss his memoir, My Life. There are too many amusing anecdotes to mention as he relives the fun he had with the late, great Ronnie Barker, who became his mentor and friend during his early days at the BBC, and his later escapades as the inimitable Del Boy alongside Nicholas Lyndhurst and Lennard Pearce. Barker always saw Jason's comic potential and wrote a number of parts with him in mind, including the hapless Granville in Open All Hours, a role Jason will be reprising in a Christmas special, along with Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, played by Lynda Baron. Filming starts in three weeks' time. "I always wondered what happened to Granville and thought that he might have taken over the shop - Roy Clarke [the writer] had the same thought," says Jason. "Of course, it will seem strange without Ronnie. I don't believe I can stand up to his Arkwright but we are going to have Ronnie's presence there. We refer to him all the time and his picture is there, looking down." For all his fame and fortune, Jason remains a private character living a quiet life away from the screen at his home in Buckinghamshire with his wife Gill Hinchcliffe, 20 years his junior, and their 12-year-old daughter, Sophie. He says theirs is not a celebrity lifestyle and on the odd occasion he and his wife find themselves on the red carpet, it's generally not a comfortable experience. "I didn't set out on this journey to chase fame. I chased success. I wanted to be better at my job than I was." Of course, Only Fools And Horses remains the show for which Jason is most famous and he recalls how the show raised his profile to new heights. "When we walked out on the street, I would get people shouting, 'Hello, Del Boy',
One of Britain’s favourite comedy actors - David Jason - will be starring in a BBC1 Christmas special of Open All Hours - reprising the role of Granville that he played as a young man alongside his mentor Ronnie Barker
CHRISTMAS TV SPECIAL: David Jason whereas Nick would get, 'Rodney, you plonker!' It was very difficult for him. I learned to live with it." His fame has impinged on his time with Sophie: he's tried Legoland and Thorpe Park but is approached so much that it's easier to stay at home or go to theatre matinees in the West End instead. "Anything with songs and ice cream in it is fine by us. That's our time together and it's a precious thing. I show her the theatre. I show her where I come from."
Jason became a father for the first time at the age of 61. He was never worried about being an older dad, more about how his life would change. "When I first discovered Gill was pregnant, that was the big worry. For three months after that I was wrestling with how it was going to change my life. There was a lot of heart-searching at first. "But by that time my career was pretty firm. When I first started, I was footloose and fancy-free because I had to go where the work was. I've been very lucky." Looking back on his career, Jason says Ronnie Barker was a major influence and they worked together on such shows as Hark At Barker, Porridge and Open All Hours. Jason called him 'The Guv'nor'. "He taught me that you could be very famous but you don't have to be adifficult, rotten so-and-so. "The reputation of a lot of famous people was one of difficulty and Ronnie proved to me that if you enjoy what you're doing, there's no need to be difficult." While he clearly loves family life, Jason shows no signs of slowing down on the work front. He's doing the voices for a series of new children's cartoons on Five and has other projects in the pipeline. "How many people can say they wake up in the morning and really look forward to spending the day at work? That's been my life's reward." Lovely jubbly. My Life by David Jason is published by Century, priced £20.
PARAGLIDING and PARAMOTORING Over 15 years experience
Fully skilled and qualified instructors
Look at Abergavenny from a new perspective 01873 850111 • 07970 421373 35 Mount Street Abergavenny NP7 7DT www.paraglide.co.uk
November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 15
Gazette & Diary Magazine
November 2013 Monday
Tuesday
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Thursday
Friday 1
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Crickhowell & District History Village Hall Trip to Chel- 22 20 Society 21 Gilwern - ‘History of Firearms’ by tenham 9am – 4.30pm. Names Robin Williams at The Dragon Hotel, Crickhowell at 7.30pm.
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& Train Collectors Fair, Gilw- 27 26 Toy ern Village Hall, evening 7pm – 9pm.
16 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
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before 14 Nov. Xmas Dinner 12th or 19th Dec. Names before 14th Nov. Mb 07812538067. Answer Phone 01873 810559.
Local history 28 Abergavenny Society, Rick Turner will talk
about How Chepstow Castle was Built. Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. Non-Members are welcome to join on the night. Abergavenny Farmers Market, Market hall, Abergavenny. Fresh local produce.
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Saturday 3
2
KHS Former Pupil’s Annual Reunion Dinner, Angel Hotel, Abergavenny. 7.30pm. Reserve your place 01873 854237 or 01873 850596.
Palestinian Child Prisoners: how the Israeli military criminalises a generation. Abergavenny Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s speakers include a former child prisoner. Priory Centre, St Mary’s Church, Monk St, Abergavenny. 7pm. free entry. Tel: 01873 812541.
Once Upon A Time Theatre Co proudly presents Rapunzel, Pandy Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets Adults £7, Children £4. Tel: 01873 890458.
9
Sunday
92nd Cwmdu Eisteddfod at Cwmdu Village Hall. Afternoon 1pm, evening 6.30 approx. Programmes from 01874 730282. Pandy & Monnowside Ploughing Society an evening with Mark Chamberlain at The Hog’s Head, Ploughmans Supper £12.50 inc. 01873 890160/860637. All proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Unit at Nevill Hall.
Remembrance Parade, as10 RBL semble at Town Hall at 10am.
Anyone requiring Poppy Wreaths please Tel: 01873 854930. Abergavenny Alzheimers Society, Memory Café, 11.30 – 13.00 Trinity Hall. All Welcome
Crickhowell Choral Society, Beethoven: 9th 16 Symphony, Bruckner Te Deum, St Mary’s Church, 17 Abergavenny, 7.30pm, Details, Tel: 01873 857392. www.crickhowellchoralsociety.org. Our Lady and St Michael’s RC Church Autumn Fayre. 11am in School Hall. Crickhowell Vintage & Antique Fair, lots of wonderful stalls selling fantastic treasures. Tearoom with homemade cakes. Clarence Hall 10-4. 07977 846509. We support Cancer Research UK.
Church Concert, 8pm, Abergavenny Alzheimers Soci23 OSLM Abergavenny Symphony Orches- 24 ety Carers Meeting, Angel Hotel, tra, Standford Irish Rhapsody No 1, Britten Matinees Musicales, Vaughan Williams Symphony No 3.
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7.30 til late. All Welcome.
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Forgotten Abergavenny W
hen was the last time you saw a queue this big in Abergavenny? These days you’d only get that many people forming a line to use one of the town’s sporadic and criminally rare public conveniences (take note council!). The photo taken by Udo Schultz in 1958 is of Lion Street’s Coliseum Cinema in all its pomp and splendour ahead of one of its hugely popular matinees. Abergavenny’s original cinema was a Victorian corrugated iron hall in Park Road known as ‘The Picture Palace’ or ‘The Tin Hut’, but when the purpose-built 600 seat capacity Coliseum opened its doors for the first time on Monday, November 3, 1913, the magic and wonder of the silver screen captivated the townsfolk like never before. The first film shown there was ‘Quo-Vadis’. In those early days all the films were usually silent and accompanied by a pianist or orchestra. In 1930 a sound system was installed and an extra 100 seats added. The first ‘talkie’ to be shown there was ‘Rouge Song’. For years this little corner of Lion Street was where everyone in town went to get their slice of Hollywood pie served up with sprinkle of make-believe. The Coliseum has now been turned into a pub, but what we want you to share with us, dear readers, are any personal memories or anecdotes from your time visiting and watching films in this long gone but never forgotten palace of delights. If you’ve got a tale to tell, please get in touch by emailing time@tindlenews.co.uk or writing to Forgotten Abergavenny, Tindle House, 13 Nevill Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AA.
November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 17
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Bigwell Fly Fishery This trout fishery is set in the heart of the Wye Valley at the edge of the small village of Redbrook. Bigwell has been under new management since 1st May 2013. Gary Gray is the new proprietor and is a former client. The fishery has been significantly improved since Gary took the reins and returning anglers have been very complimentary. The venue itself comprises 3 main pools and a nursery pool. Main pool no. 1 is a crystal clear pool where stalking your prey is the order of the day. Pools 2 & 3 are slightly coloured though vision through the water is still very good - wear those polaroids! The fishery is stocked weekly with 2½-3Lb high quality trout maintaining a very healthy head of fish. Also stocked is a quantity of large trout 6-12Lbs, as sporting fish to be released, for our clients added pleasure.
Competions are regularly held for great prizes, visit our facebook page for details! New or old clients; we look forward to welcoming you to a great days fishing! Facilities: Disabled anglers are welcome, Toilets with Disabled facilites All day full English breakfast; Lunch time special; Sandwiches; Cold drinks. Complimentary beverages for clients.
Bigwell Flyfishery, Tinmans Green, Redbrook, Monmouth, NP25 4NB 01600 772904 email: info@bigwellflyfishery.co.uk facebook.com/bigwellflyfishery web: bigwellflyfishery.co.uk
18 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
T
HIS trout fishery is set in the heart of the Wye Valley at the edge of the small village of Redbrook. Bigwell has been under new management since May 2013. Gary Gray is the new proprietor and is a former client. The fishery has been significantly improved since Gary took the reins and returning anglers have been very complimentary. The venue itself comprises three main pools and a nursery pool. Main pool number one is a crystal clear pool where stalking your prey is the order of the day. Pools two and three are slightly coloured though vision through the water is still very good - wear those polaroids!
The fishery is stocked weekly with 2½-3lb high quality trout maintaining a very healthy head of fish. Also stocked is a quantity of large trout 612lbs, as sporting fish to be released, for our clients’ added pleasure. Competitions are regularly held for great prizes, visit our facebook page for details. New or old clients - we look forward to welcoming you to a great days fishing! ● Facilities: Disabled anglers are welcome Toilets with disabled facilites All day full English breakfast; lunch time specials; sandwiches; cold drinks and complimentary beverages for clients.
Bigwell Flyfishery, Tinmans Green, Redbrook, Monmouth, NP25 4NB 01600 772904 email: info@bigwellflyfishery.co.uk facebook.com/bigwellflyfishery web: bigwellflyfishery.co.uk
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Ward off those winter colds
Echinaforce is a traditional herbal remedy used to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, formulated using a combination of 95 per cent Echinacea herb and five per cent root It's inevitable that the on-set of autumn means the on-set of colds. But what is worse is the constant threat of a cold that hangs over you in the winter months - forever feeling run-down, a bit achey, and on the verge of a full-blown chill. Try echinacea to combat this. There’s nothing complicated or expensive about Echinaforce Echinacea Drops. You simply pour 15 drops from the bottle (it has a small nozzle to control the amount) into a glass of water up to three times a day, then drink it. Admittedly, it
doesn't taste especially nice, but after a few days it’s not really noticeable. After a few days you should definitely notice the benefits - no aches or shivers or tinglings of a sore throat. There's still a lot of the winter to go, but taking echinacea should see you through with fewer colds. A.Vogel Echinaforce Echinacea Drops costs around £3.95 for 15ml.Available at Boots, Holland and Barrett and selected pharmacies.
MORGANNWG HOUSE
Glamorgan Street, Brecon Tel: 01874 610018 MORGANNWG HOUSE was built around 1804 in a traditional elegant Georgian style. This grade 2 star listed building is situated in the centre of Brecon and within walking distance of the local shops, pubs, theatre and canal walk. Morgannwg House looks onto a beautiful formal garden with a back drop of the stunning Brecon Beacons. It has been tastefully converted and decorated to provide 20 spacious and elegant en-suite bedrooms. Each room is single, has en-suite facilities and a nurse call system. Residents can personalise their rooms, with their own furniture and pictures. Some rooms enjoy magnificent views of the gardens. Morrannwg House has two sitting rooms, which also overlook the gardens. There is a separate dining room with a small conservatory, which offers access to the garden.
The aim of the home is to offer a friendly, homely atmosphere whilst offering excellent care. Residents benefit from a close relationship with our staff to make their stay comfortable. Our staff are trained to provide a high level of individualised care tailored to meet each resident’s needs. Other professionals, such as optician, dentist and chiropodist visit the home to provide complementary services. A GP from the local health centre visits weekly to attend to the residents’ health needs. Traditional home-cooked meals are provided using fresh produce sourced from local suppliers. These may be served either in the dining room or resident’s own room. The home has recently been awarded a rating of level 4 from Environmental Health. A range of activities are available for the residents to participate in and the home liases with Dial-aRide to run joint functions such as a Strawberry Tea Garden party.
November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 19
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Are you decorating before Christmas?
I
F you can get through quite a few paint rollers in a short space of time, the brilliant value Harris Woven Roller Sleeves Medium Pile 7 Piece Set (£7.89, Screwfix) is a must-have.
You get a paint tray, roller frame and five 9in roller sleeves for it, so you won't run out any time soon. The medium-pile sleeves give a great finish and, unlike most sleeves, are quick and easy to wash out, which is a big plus. With so many sleeves for so little money, there's no hurry to wash them out - an even bigger plus! ARE your home's UPVC windows discoloured? Replacing them is the best option but there is a cheaper and less disruptive way to give them a new lease of life. You may not realise it, but you can paint UPVC windows (and doors) and make them white again, or any other colour you choose. Start by giving the window frames a good clean - try Sandtex PVCu Cleaner (£7.49 for 500ml, Homebase), then sand with fine sandpaper and wipe clean. When the frames are dry, apply Sandtex PVC-U Primer (£22.99 for 750ml, www.ebay.co.uk) to create a suitable surface for the topcoat Sandtex does some lovely exterior satins and glosses, which can be used for the topcoat.
FAST FUEL LTD – your
trusted local fuel supplier FAST Fuel Ltd is an independent fuel distribution company offering fuel solutions, wherever you are, whenever you want. Since being under new management for the last three years, Fast Fuel has fast become the most trusted local independent supplier in the market, servicing domestic, agricultural and commercial customers throughout South Wales and the Forest of Dean. We specialise in supplying heating fuel and agricultural diesel. We also stock road diesel for our regular customers and premier paraffin. We stock 200 litre barrels and 25 litre containers, so we can match all our customers’ needs no matter how small. We also supply tanks and can
source all other accessories related to the sale of fuel. We know that our customers need fuel at all times and in all delivery amounts, which is why we have an emergency outof-office service so you can get hold of one of us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are happy to discuss pricing with our customers and to give advice on where we think market pricing is going. In this way, we can offer you the best advice on when to fill your tanks so that you can achieve the best savings possible. For further information, give us a call on 0800 093 8445. We look forward to helping you.
BRYNMAWR’S ONE AND ONLY FACTORY OUTLET Whatever room you are improving we have A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF CARPETS, RUGS AND FLOORING TO SUIT EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET COME AND SEE ALL OUR OFFERS • 100s OF ROLLS & REMNANTS IN STOCK
THIS MONTH’S OFFERS Primo Delight was £16.95 NOW £12.99 (10 year guarantee) Trident £12 per Sq/yd reduced from £16.50 Tuftex Stain free twist £12.00 NOW £6.50 room size EG 9x13 only £85 12x13 ONLY £113 fantastic value for money Apollo heavy domestic stain free twist £12.00 NOW £8.75 Monte Carlo Wilton was £15 NOW £7.50 Ibiza structured loop pile ONLY £4.75 Sweat Home Structured Berber £6.50 ONLY under £115 for a 12x13 room size EG 9x13 only £85 Loads of Vinyls in stock 2, 3 & 4m £6.00 9ft x 3mt ONLY £60 Goliath vinyl was £20 now £8.95 PLUS MANY MORE WITH HUGE REDUCTIONS
Brynmawr’s
one and only factory outlet!
Phone for free estimate on 01495 312830 Unit 2 & 3 Noble Square Ind Est, Brynmawr Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9.30am to 2pm
20 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
ALSO LOTS OF REMNANTS IN STOCK
Brintons Majestic was £100 sq/yd NOW £15 Marrakesh was £65 NOW £20
LIMITED STOCK
Have your carpets and wood floor fitted by our top class Team. Satisfaction guaranteed with over 25 years experience. As the new owners of doleq carpets we would love to see old and new customers. Come and see us for the A1 service and low prices, all prices per Sq Yd. 83m2
Gazette & Diary Magazine
November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 21
Penpentre, Llanfaes, Brecon, Powys. LD3 8DL
Tel: 01874 623311 Tel: 01874 611421 Fax: 01874 610325
www.breconcarsales.co.uk
Brecon Car Sales is a family run business in the small town of Brecon. Established for 30 years we will endeavour to provide you with the best customer service within the market place. Although we specialise in Renaults we will service, MOT and carry out work on all makes and models. Our technicians are fully trained to Renault standards. We are a friendly garage and welcome all of our customers. Coffee is complimentary and provided to you while you wait. Transportation issues will gladly be addressed within the local area. Why not have a day out in Brecon while you’re up here?
New Renault Clio - from NIL Advance Rental
Opening Hours (Mon-Fri) 8:30am to 5:00pm (Sat) 9am to 12.30pm (Sun) Closed
Renault Megane Hatchback from ÂŁ350.00
Dacia Sandero - from NIL Advance Rental
22 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
Gazette Motoring
November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 23
BMW have revealed their new 4 Series Convertible
W
ith styling closely related to the 4 Series Coupe's, the Convertible has a folding metal roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 8mph. BMW has also introduced a new Air Collar to keep front seat passengers' necks toasty by blowing warm air on to them from vents in the headrest. The same engine line-up as the Coupe will be offered with the 4 Series Convertible, so there are 428i, 435i and 420d models from launch, with more engines to follow soon afterwards. The 435i is the swiftest and offers 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, while the 420d will be the more popular thanks to 55.4mpg and 133g/km carbon dioxide emissions coupled to 062mph in 8.2 seconds. Standard
24 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
equipment levels for the 4 Series Convertible have been improved over its 3 Series drop-top predecessor. All 4 Series Convertibles come with leather seats, cruise control, dual zone air conditioning, Drive Performance Control and a 6.5-inch colour display screen. There are five different trim levels for the Convertible, comprising SE, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport. With the M Sport, BMW's firmer suspension setup is standard to offer even better handling, but this can also be ordered on other models as an option that comes with uprated brakes too. BMW promises the new 4 Series Convertible will be better to drive than the car it replaces thanks to lighter weight and improvements to the car's stability and agility.
Gazette Motoring
First Drive: Porsche 911 Turbo S T
he supercar has been reinvented for the 21st century. Mention the 'S' word to most people and they think of crazy looks and monstrous performance but crucially the other thing that springs to mind is a near-absence of usability. For some people at least it's not a supercar if you can see out of it and your spinal column is still intact at the end of the journey. There's another element at work here too.
The Porsche 911 has been an aspirational sports car for exactly 50 years, since it was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963. And yet for all that love for some reason it hasn't be regularly regarded as supercar material. But that might well be about to change. Turbocharged 911s have always delivered a fearsome amount of performance in a pretty compact package, but the current
Looking after your car – and that’s not an MOT! Lee Jowitt explains more...
C
ARS these days are expensive necessities and it’s a real pain when they breakdown and disrupt daily life. To avoid those disruptions a car needs to have regular checkups. Some people get confused thinking that their MOT is a service. It isn’t. The MOT ensures the car meets statutory criteria such as brake performance, lights, and seat belt operation for safety, to
name but a few. A service ensures that the vehicle is performing to its optimum and will run effectively to its next due service. I have two levels of service – basic and full. The basic includes: oil and filter change, visual check of brakes, fluid (e.g. water) and tyre checks and diagnostic inspection. A full service includes all that plus a full brake strip down and inspection, brake fluid change, and air and pollen
filter change. As a minimum I would recommend a full service every two years. A check-up, which is now being offered for £20 this autumn to ensure your car is ready for winter, includes a check on the water and oil levels, tyre pressures and lights. So to avoid the disruption of breakdowns and being car-less, just take a little time to look after your car – they really are worth it!
991-series of 911 now has a turbo model of its own. Two, to be precise; the Turbo and Turbo S. Both use the same 3.8-litre twinturbocharged flat six engine, but the faster S has a mighty 552bhp and 516lb.ft of torque - although there's an overboost function which serves up 553lb.ft for short bursts. That sounds like a lot because it is. Squeezing 552bhp into 1,600kg is going to deliver spectacular performance, particularly when all that power is harnessed so well. The Turbo S uses the same four-wheel drive system already seen in the 911 Carrera 4, alongside the superlative seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. A further refinement to the gearbox includes 'virtual' gears - additional ratios created by a degree of clutch slip to boost efficiency. Efficiency might seem pretty unimportant in a car like this
but the fact that the Turbo S is still capable of 29.1mpg when driven with restraint just illustrates its remarkable versatility. Just like any current 911, the Turbo S offers a very civilised drive when required. The seats are comfortable and very supportive, the PDK gearbox operates seamlessly and that mighty engine is quiet when you want it to be. That might sound like a recipe for a dull machine, but in truth even a car like this will spend the majority of its time being driven sedately, in town, in traffic or on its way to somewhere possibly more exciting. When you're in the mood to just get home with a minimum of fuss, it's happy to oblige and more than capable too.
Brecon
"RECON "RECON #AR 3ALES #AR 3ALES Car Sales
Llanfaes, Brecon Tel: 01874 611421 or 623311 www.breconcarsales.co.uk
November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 25
Gazette & Diary Magazine To advertise in the
Christmas issue of the Gazette and Diary Magazine call Jenna or Luke on 01873 852187 ext 35 or email advertising @tindlenews.co.uk
SMOKERS!
Are you fed up of smoke? We offer wide range of electronic cigarettes in stock & starter kits from ÂŁ20.
Unit 1 Station Road, Station Enterprise Park (by Abergavenny Train Station) 01873 854913
26 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue
Classified
Classifieds Cash Paid for MOT Failures / Scrap Cars and Commercial Vehicles
RAGLAN FORD
FIREPLACES R.G.M. FIREPLACES
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Made to individual specifications Fireplaces & accessories at competitive prices Installation Service Available~Also Plumbing and Heating Specialists
High Street, Raglan, Monmouthshire Tel: (01291) 690423
or 07795 565702
Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm 19 Whitcross Road, Hereford 01432 265364 www.rgmfireplaces.com
Email: raglanford@lineone.net www.raglanford.com
BLACKWOOD CHAINSAWS
Celtic Computer Systems
H. Waters & Sons
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with manufacturers 12 mth warranties wherever you are in the UK starting from £399 incl. VAT with legal software
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BEST BROADBAND DEAL! go to www.utilitysavers.org.uk
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Reduced pricing on legal Microsoft Office with CD and licence
Not just added to computer as other suppliers do
Telephone: 01873 858111 email: celticcomputers@uwclub.net
www.celticcomputers.co.uk
www.blackwoodchainsaws.co.uk Mill Garage, Gelli Groes, Blackwood, Gwent. NP12 2HY
Qualified Local Reliable
Harries Plumbing
No job too small 01873 812 686 or 07880 877 090
Dave@harriesplumbing.co.uk
LINDA J. GARRATT D.O. REGISTERED OSTEOPATH
BROOKS PLACE, 56 UNION ROAD WEST, ABERGAVENNY NP7 7RH
01873 856818
Dorrell Oliver Ltd chartered accountants
Linden House, Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NF Tel: 01873 852113 Fax: 01873 858523 www.dorrells.co.uk
✦ ACCOUNTANCY ✦ AUDIT ✦ TAX ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESSES
GOVILON GARAGE Motorcycle and Car MoT Servicing and Repair
MOT
Trade Centre
Church Lane, Govilon, Monmouthshire NP7 9RP Telephone Abergavenny 01873 831696
Cwmbran Gates & Fencing Wrought Iron Gates Balustrades Handrails Made to Measure Service FREE INSTALLATION/QUOTES
0800 783 7458 or 07771 560 633
Bailey Bros MOT TEST CENTRE Cars, Vans & Motorcycle (Free Retest) Servicing & Reairs all makes Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny
01873 853058
For information on how to advertise in the next issue, contact: advertising@tindlenews.co.uk or telephone Jenna Hopkins on 01873 852187, ext 35 November/December 2013 - The Winter Issue 27
ROBERTS & CO