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Gazette & Diary Magazine
2 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Preparing for Christmas
Christmas preparations Nick Ramsay AM Assembly Member for Monmouth with the Gazette & Diary Hospitals - Schools - Transport Environment - Housing
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Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office, 16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB
CTOBER ushered in autumn but as the last of the leaves change and fall, November will inevitably act as the harbinger of winter. Soon the air will be thick with the smell of pine needles, roast dinners and mulled wine, but in order to ensure that the festivities run as smoothly as possible, preparation is of paramount importance . At the Abergavenny Gazette and Diary monthly we have taken it upon ourselves to make this seasonal transition as smooth as possible. Suffice to say we can all be guilty of leaving Christmas shopping until the last minute but the range of gift ideas enclosed leaves even the most disorganised shopper with no excuse. Should your culinary expertise be limited to cheese on toast, or even if you simply feel indulgent then be sure to take a look at the many Christmas menus and venues nestled within our pages, promising succulent dishes of the highest calibre. Similarly, our homes feature has taken all the stress out of arranging those last minute repairs in order to make your home as comfortable as possible for the relatives who have opted to see out the holidays with you. The list goes on and on. We at the Gazette and Diary hope that you enjoy this edition and hope that it serves you well in your preparations.
01291 674898
E-mail: nicholas.ramsay@wales.gov.uk
For Nicholas.Ramsay@Assembly.Wales further information call: 03002089 200 7211 8735 01291 674 898 orTel:029
To advertise in the GAZETTE AND DIARY please phone 01873 852187 (ext 35) Email jenna@abergavennychronicle.com or James on sales@abergavennychronicle.com
to the great outdoors!
Newport Sewing Centre BERNINA, JANOME, BROTHER, HUSQVARNA HORN SEWING CABINETS ALL AT INTERNET PRICES Courses Available
Sewing Machine Service and Repairs 100% Co!on Fabrics £5.99 per metre � All best quality
01633 284646
www.jbsewing.com Est. over 50 years
Newport Sewing Centre
Curlew Close, Queensway Meadows, Newport, South Wales NP19 4SY November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 3
Gazette & Diary Magazine
The h Pa Parkk Hootell
SANTA A SUND DA AY Y - 20th Dec 2015 TRA ADITIONAL CHRIST TMAS SUNDA AY Y LU UNCH for all the family including a visit from Santa. A GIFT FOR EVERY CHILD FROM F SANTA A (under the age of 10 years) Plus photo opportunity.. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. 3 Course - £16.00 per adult 2 Course - £14.00 per adult Main Course - £12.00 per ad dult Children under 10 years half price inc. a giftt Children under 4 years Free e of charge inc. a giftt.
To o request a menu or make a booking please contact: The Park Ho otel, Pandy,, Abergavenny. T: 01873 890 271 - E: enquiries@ @theparkhotelwales.com - www.the eparkhotelwales.com
4 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Preparing for Christmas
Wales’ Largest Independent Furniture Retailer
W
ITH 50 years experience of furnishing homes, Hafren Furnishers of Llanidloes have every reason to celebrate their success. The business began back in 1965 when Mike Morgan, the current proprietor, spotted a gap in the market for the sale of quality furniture at affordable prices whilst working on his milk round. He began to offer the odd chair, table or stool on the back of his milk float to his customers. Thus the Hafren Furnishers concept was born and the business philosophy remains the same today. Maintaining their enviable position as Wales’ largest Independent Furniture Retailer is testament to Mike, his family and team of dedicated, friendly staff providing an unrivalled personalised service. Located off the A470 in the scenic town of Llanidloes, Powys in Mid Wales, they are within an hour’s reach of Shrewsbury, Hereford, Dolgellau,
Ceredigion and Brecon or 2 hours comfortable drive from Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea. The showroom is vast offering 7 floors of furniture display for the entire home; beds and bedroom furniture, living room, dining room and home office. As you would expect, the choice is endless catering for every style; from contemporary/modern, to vintage or traditional furniture. Leading brands such as Gplan, Parker Knoll, Himolla, Stressless, Duresta, Ercol and Tempur can be found here plus hundreds more. They invite customers to visit their modern Bed Studio, the largest in Wales, and try the range of beds and mattresses in comfort. A ‘state of the art’ Stressless Studio designed by Ekorness (Wales’ first) is located here displaying the latest range of Stressless sofas, chairs and home entertainment units. Delivery within England and Wales
nantyderry garden centre Family business (Established 1956) in beautiful rural setting.
The team at Hafren celebrate their 50th anniversary with opera singer Bryn Terfel
remains FREE; another reason to shop there. Concessions of CarpetRight and Hammonds Fitted Bedrooms, and a café are conveniently located in store under one roof.
Opening hours are: 9am-6pm Monday to Friday; Open until 8pm Thursday and 9am-5.30pm Saturday. Contact the team on 01686
Wales’ Largest Larg gest Independen Independent nt Furniture Retailer
HUGE SAVINGS missable Savee Unm £640Halo Lush Offffer on H £1,579 Hug ge S Savings i £899 on 3 Seater Sofa Was NOW Halo o Lush 2 Seater Sofas 2 Seater Sofa Was £1,439 NOW £799
NO OW £799
Armchair Was £899 NOW £499
(*ava in Statens, matisse sewhilst statens leather leatlast ther only) Available inilable Matisse stocks
BEDS
MATTTRESSES
Start yyour 60 Night T Trial rial ® with TEMPUR R We are so confifident that a TEMPUR® mattress will give you the besst nights sleep, that we are willing to let you try on ne in your home for a full 60 Nights.* If you are not co ompletely satisfied, we will collect your mattress aand give you your money back.* Visit a store tod day to start your T Trial. riaal.
Take the Chainbridge turn off the A4042 Abergavenny - Pontypool road - and follow the brown signs
Open 7 days a week 10am -5pm
PILLOWS
*T Terms erms & Conditions apply pply. Offer ends 3rd November er 2015
Find d out why owners love sleeping leeping m ess on their TEMPUR® mattr
#welov vesleep
Open 9am-6pm. Late night Thursday 8pm. pm. Sat 5.30. Closed Sunday unday CAFE AND FREE PA A ARKING
01873 880377 www.nantyderryGC.co.uk
Llanidloes, Mid Wales , Powys SY18 6ES ( Just off the A470)
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 5
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Make your own felt Christmas decorations
M onmo uthshire Turkeys Traditionally prepared
Organic Bronze Turkeys to order for Christmas call: 01291 691 988
START off a sewing passion with these adorable and festive Christmas decorations. The kits contains everything that you need to create a colourful little character, complete with ribbon, pompoms, stuffing and even a pair of googly eyes! Using the needle and thread or glue provided, sewing beginners and enthusiasts just need to follow the instructions to stitch their Christmas characters. Once complete, thread through the ribbon provided and pop onto your tree! This is a fab family craft project that everyone will enjoy, creating your very own decorations. Kits start at ÂŁ1 each for the
reindeer, Father Chrimas and snowman decorations or ÂŁ2 for two robins or the felted snowmen, from Hobbycraft.co.uk. Each kit includes ribbon, thread, plastic needle, stuffing, googly eyes, assorted pompoms and felt shapes. Suitable for age 6 and over.
w w w. d e w s a l l . c o m
6 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Preparing for Christmas
Book your ticket now for Festive Ladies Night A
S Christmas quickly approaches, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre’s Festive Ladies Night on Thursday 3rd December is a perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit!
Crowned ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales and the West’ for the past four consecutive years, The Old Railway Line offers a stunning Christmas display alongside delicious festive food and drink within the Railway Restaurant and Farm Shop. Manager, Katie Eckley said: “Our Ladies Nights are always very popular offering a relaxed and enjoyable evening of delicious food, festive shopping, demonstrations and live music for all the ladies who attend. This
time we are also offering 20 per cent off offer all Christmas items, gifts, clothing and Yankee Candles. It’s the perfect opportunity to start your Christmas shopping! “On arrival enjoy a glass of bubbly and live music from Matt Lewis before heading into our Railway Restaurant for a delicious two course meal. After dinner enjoy the garden centre to yourselves to enjoy browsing through our extensive range of Christmas decorations, lights, artificial trees and gifts. In our Farm Shop there will be an opportunity to taste a variety of festive food and drink as well as watch informal floral arranging demonstrations at the florist desk. Tables are filling fast so be sure to book yours as soon as possible.” “We also have a Cheese and Wine Evening with wine expert, Ian Hudson on Thursday 10th December; an excellent opportunity to taste new wines and cheese perfect for the festive season.” 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.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.
Bringing the he magicic f Christmas too fe...
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November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 7
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2015 according to Hamleys... 1. INTERACTIVE TRACY ISLAND, £80 Put on the International Rescue communicator and John Tracy will set the countdown to launch a Thunderbird vehicle as the latest situation unfolds!
2. SKATE & SING ELSA, £40 Parents who missed out on the Elsa Snow Glow doll last year might want to get their skates on for what is predicted to be a winner this year. All singing, all dancing and all skating via remote control, the doll will continue to delight Frozen fans while driving their parents crazy!
3. I-QUE INTELLIGENT ROBOT, £65 By using speech-to-text technology I-Que can move, 'think' and speak. He can tell jokes, make cheeky sound effects and test its owner's IQ with games and quizzes 4. LITTLE LIVE PETS – CLEVER KEET, £60 Clever Keet replicates a real parrot and can be taught to talk, sing, dance and swing on a perch. This feathered friends even drives his very own cart. 5. ONCE UPON A TIME PRINCESS ROSE PEPPA, £20 Peppa's appeal continues with tots and this year they'll all want this interactive toy who sings 'ring a ring a roses' when her hands are held.
Friday 4th, Saturday y 5th & Sunday 6th December The Christmas Fair that ever yone is talking about! See the Fair y ytale Castle e beautifully y dressed for the festive estive season with The Holly & The Ivy, Baubles and Bunting and Christmas Trees that jusst Sparkle and Glow. Over 60 stalls will be showing their wares with a wide range of ideas and nd gifts for all the family. Come e along and put some Sparkle e into your Christmas at Hamp pton Cour t’s Annual Christmass Fair Friday 4th: 10.30am to 5pm Saturday 5th: 10.30am to 5pm Sunday 6th: 10.30am to o 5pm
Entr y £3.50 Adults, £1.50 Children Enjoy Liz s famous minc ce pies with ger y Restaurant
Hampton Cour t Casttle
Hope-Under Hope Under-Dinmore, Dinmore Leom minster, Herefordshire HR6 0PN
01568 797676 | www w.hamptoncourt.org.uk
8 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
6. KINETIC SAND, £20 Kinetic Sand is modern day Play Doh. It's easy to shape and mould so children can use it to create any shape they want. Parents will be pleased to hear 'it sticks only to itself and not to you' so it's easy to clean up after play. 7. 3D Magic 3D MAKER, £40 The 3D Maker is a revolutionary toy that allows children to create 3D masterpieces from scratch using gel pens and the UV Creation Station. 8. MY FRIEND FREDDY, £40 My Friend Freddy Bear is a cuddly toy that also comes to life thanks to being linked to a free app available on iOS or Android smart device. Parents can set up the app so the bear will know all about what their son or daughter likes and dislikes making Freddy their ultimate BFF.
9. SHOPKINS 'SCOOPS' ICE CREAM TRUCK PLAYSET, £20 This playset will bring a taste of summer to Christmas as children will be able to push around their own ice cream van and set up their own picnic area with the accompanying table and umbrella. 10. LEAPPAD PLATINUM, £120 LeapPad Platinum is the next generation hi-res Wi-Fi learning tablet for children with a fast, powerful processor and sleek design. Endless selfies can be taken with the front and back cameras and music and games can be played but rest assured there are enhanced parent controls.
Preparing for Christmas
Archery, Air Rifles, Air Pistols Air Cylinder Charging While You Wait and Much Much More www.bromsports.co.uk email info@bromsports.co.uk November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 9
Gazette & Diary Magazine
KONG’s Restaurant and Take away
Tel: 01873 850 320 www.kongsorientals.co.uk Kong’s Restaurant, Lion Street Brewery Yard, Abergavenny NP7 5PB
OPENING HOURS Monday: CLOSED (Bank Holidays 5:30pm – 10:00pm) Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday & Thursday: 5:30pm –11:00pm Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm – 11:30pm Sunday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm
All–You-Can-Eat Banquet Our All You Can Eat table service banquet is a three courses meal set menu that contains selected dishes that is chosen by our Head Chef and freshly cooked from the wok to your table. Sunday –Thursday (5:30pm – 10:00 pm)
£17.99 (Adult) PER PERSON min of 2 person £ 8.95 (Child) 10 years old and under
Friday and Saturday (5:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
£18.99 (Adult) PER PERSON min of 2 person £ 9.95 (Child) 10 years old and under
Sunday Lunch Buffet
Why not enjoy our two courses meal Sunday lunch table service buffet, where you can choose a selection of our bestseller Starters and Main courses for a nice Sunday treat. Sunday (12:00 noon – 2:30 pm) £9.90 Adult; £5.90 kids (9 years old and under)
We are now taking Christmas bookings, please ring 01873 850 320. BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
A la Carte and Take away Menu available Terms and Conditions apply.
10 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Preparing for Christmas
CLEARWELL CAVES
Christmas Fantasy 2015 HERE is Father Christmas in his real underground Grotto with fantastic colourful displays. Forget Lapland, this event is spectacular and really popular with children and adults alike. The wonderful seasonal scenes tell the delightful seasonal story of ‘Evie’s Aeroplane.’ Evie wakes on Christmas morning to find a toy aeroplane in her Christmas stocking; then her adventure begins... See Father Christmas, then walk through the displays – it’s like walking through a life-size pop up book. Half way through the Caves, an underground Christmas Market sells gifts, decorations and stocking fillers and there is an underground cafĂŠ for those in need of refreshment. Free car and coach parking. The Christmas Fantasy runs from 28th November to 24th December 2015 10am to 5pm daily (except Xmas Eve – 10am – 4pm). After Christmas, (displays
only) re-open 27th Dec to 3rd Jan. 10am to 3pm (last entry) daily. Pre-book if possible as online bookings with timed tickets, will be given priority. Entry is ÂŁ10 each for adults or children, including a quality gift for children between 2 and 14 years old. There is a magical late evening every Friday until 8pm. Take a look at the website www.clearwellcaves.com for more details and to book.
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OPEN 10.00am-5.000pm Clearwell, Nr Coleford Tel: 01594 8325535
2015
www..cleaarwellcavess.com November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 11
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Christmas at the Raglan Arms, Llandenny
Christmas at the Raglan Arms is an exciting time for us all. This year, Head Chef Matt Long and his small team of dedicated professionals want to give diners that extra special experience. All Festive menus are to be pre-booked and pre-ordered. CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU Available 1 December – 23 December Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 9.00pm 3 course set menu at £35.00 per person Prosecco and Canapés Roast Butternut Squash Soup, sautéed chestnuts, crumbled goat’s cheese crostini. Santa Claus King Prawn and White Crab Martini, baby gem lettuce, Bloody Mary jelly, cockle popcorn, cucumber, lemon and chive mayonnaise. Confit Chicken and Sage Terrine, celeriac and pear remoulade, clementine salad,cranberry relish, spiced mini loaf. Slow Roast White Onion and Cornish Blue Cheese Tart, Amanda’s baby leaves, aged balsamic, toasted hazelnuts. Roast Ballotine of Usk Valley Free Range Turkey, thyme and apricot stuffing, pigs in blankets, duck fat roast potatoes, port jus. Chargrilled Roast Cefnmawr Sirloin of Beef, Granny Freda’s Yorkshire pudding,duck fat potatoes, red wine sauce.
NEW YEAR’S EVE 6.30pm with last orders 9.30pm 3 course set menu at £50.00 per person
Baked Newlyn Hake Fillet, dauphinoise potato, roast confit fennel, spinach,tartar sauce velouté, scampi fries. Slow Cooked Homity Pie, Christmas nut stuffing, crispy egg, leeks,slow cooked cherry tomato compote. All roasts served with a selection of Chef’s Christmas vegetables. Traditional Steamed Christmas Pudding, caramelised orange, brandy crème anglais. Mount Gay Rum Panna-Cotta, winter berries, vanilla shortbread, toasted almonds. Poached William’s Pear, mulled wine jelly, mince pie ice cream, salted walnuts, red wine syrup. Valrhona Dark Chocolate Tart, clotted cream, kirsch soaked cherries,poppy seed tuile biscuit. (Cheese Selection as an extra course: £7 per person). Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies.
Prosecco And Canapés Roast Tomato Soup, mascarpone cream, pesto ravioli. Pressed Ham Hock Terrine, port cheese fritter, apple and cider chutney, sage and onion mini loaf. Newlyn White Crab Tian, roast peach, bloody mary jelly, bread crisps, pea shoots. Pan Seared Pidgeon Breast, Charley Barley black pudding, crispy pancetta, confit chicken wing,celeriac puree, roast hazelnuts, charcoal wafer. Sauteed Wild Mushrooms, crispy hen’s egg, toasted brioche, black truffle dressing. “Surf ‘N’ Turf”, Roast Creedy Carver Duck Breast, Curried Monkfish, vanilla pomme puree, baby vegetables, rich bbq jus. Panfried Wild St Agnes Seabass, River Fowey mussel chowder, chive oil, saffron potatoes. Chargrilled Venison Steak, confit tomato, shallot rings, dauphinoise potato, winter cabbage, chocolate sauce.
‘Fisherman’s Delight’, Oven Roast Mousehole Cod, Mini Trawler Pie, Cod Cheek Scampi,sweet potato gratin, mint smashed peas, tartar velouté, lemon and parsley. Roast Butternut Squash And Sage Tortellini, sunblushed tomato, parmesan crisps, wilted spinach, walnuts, beurre noisette dressing. White Chocolate And Marmalade Croissant Bread And Butter Pudding, malt ice cream, ginger crumble. ‘Trio Of Apple’, Caramalised Apple Tart Tain, Apple And Vanilla Panna-Cotta,Apple Sorbet. Triple Valrohna Chocolate Brownie, popcorn ice cream, orange salad, poppy seed tuile biscuit. Baileys Crème Brûlée, pistachio ice cream, cinnamon shortbread. Selection Of Homemade Ice Cream, honeycomb shards, seasonal berries. (Cheese Selection as an extra course: £7 per person). Tea, Coffee And Petit Fours.
Nestling in the heart of the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside, Raglan Arms at Llandenny near Usk, offers a dining experience in a relaxed pub restaurant atmosphere. Here, award winning Head Chef, Matthew Long is producing exceptional dishes from a small but frequently changing menu using the best of fresh local produce.
BOOK A TABLE 01291 690800 Raglan Arms, Llandenny nr Usk, NP15 1DL www.raglanarms.co.uk info@raglanarms.co.uk 12 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
TUESDAY – SATURDAY LUNCH: 12pm – 2.30pm EVENING: 6.30pm- 9.00pm SUNDAY LUNCH: 12pm – 2.30pm
Christmas Parties NEW YEAR’S EVE Chef Matt Long’s 7-course Tasting Menu £80.00 per person Prosecco and Canapés Amuse Bouche Poppy Seed and Goat’s Cheese Cookies, curried popcorn Pre Starter Watercress Panna-Cotta, white onion puree, crispy pork cheek, smoked pancetta foam tender pea shoots Starter Seared hand dived Looe Bay Scallop, Charley Barley Black pudding Bon-Bon, cauliflower puree, Granny Smith apple, cumin velouté Sorbet William’s lager and preserved lime sorbet Mains Roast fillet of Cefnmawr Steak, poached Newquay lobster tail, fondant potato, wilted greens, forest mushrooms, seared Foie Gras, red wine jus Pre Dessert Whipped Sharpham Cremet Brie, sea salt toast, Marche lettuce, port reduction Dessert Valrohna Chocolate Delice, salted caramel jam, pistachio ice cream, pop corn brittle, white chocolate soil Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours
Christmas Turkey Orders k n. now being take Also and swedes. sa ns ion nio ts off on o atoes, net Pot s etc., Local eggs and cakes
Our own Beef
ure and the hung for three weeks to matu butchered here at the farm
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Also Hay, Straw & H Haylage for sale (large & sma all Bales) Williams Brook Farm F Chepstow Road, Road R Raglan Open all day ever y day Tel: 01291 690319 or 078 836 382348
1205130
NEW YEAR’S EVE Chef Matt Long’s 7-course Vegetarian Tasting Menu £70.00 per person
Raglan n Fa F Farm F m Shop
Prosecco and Canapés Amuse Bouche Poppy Seed and Goat’s Cheese Cookies, curried popcorn Pre Starter Watercress Panna-Cotta, white onion puree, pearl barley, smoked pancetta foam tender pea shoots Starter Roast Butternut Squash and Sage Tortellini, squash and chilli soup, chestnut mushrooms, parmesan crisp, Beurre Noisette dressing Sorbet William’s lager and preserved lime sorbet Mains Roast root vegetable mille feuille, carrot puree, tomato compote, salted hazelnuts, watercress
Trileey Fields Equesttrian Centre Upp per Triley Farm Tel: l 01873 890523 Email: su uzanne@trifec.com (On the A465 to Herefford ford, 3 3.5 5 miles north of Abergavenny)
Pre Dessert Whipped Sharpham Cremet brie, sea salt toast, Marche lettuce, port reduction Dessert Valrohna chocolate delice, salted caramel jam, pistachio ice cream, pop corn brittle, white chocolate soil Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours NEW YEAR’S DAY 12 noon to 4.00pm 3 course set menu at £24 per person
Riding Lessons, BH HS Exam training, Liveries and P Pony Loans, L Sh Show Jumping Shows, Dressage Shows.
Cross Country an nd Working Hunter Courses ava ailable for hire
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 13
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Christmas 2015 Party menu now available
14 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Preparing for Christmas
Happy holidays at the W Untapped Brewing Company
R
AGLAN’S own craft brewery, the Untapped Brewing Company, has gone from strength to strength this year and is looking forward to a great Christmas! Head brewer, Owen Davies, says: “We’ve had a great 2015 so far and have our brilliant beers going everywhere from Cardiff to Carlisle!� The brewery has collected several awards through the year. A silver medal from the Society of Independent Brewers for their India Pale Ale, Coldharbour and two national Great Taste awards for their pale ale, U.P.A. and winter beer, Ember. They have developed a number of new beers. Monnow, a Welsh best bitter, has proved very popular since its release in June. Broadstone, an oak fermented wheat beer, is a welcomeaddition to the premium ‘Rare’ range.
They have also developed their Brewery Door shop. Owen says: “Anybody can come and buy direct from the brewery, and people have really responded not only to buying locally, but also to seeing where all the beer is made. We wanted to offer more for our customers. You can buy all of our fabulous beers here in Raglan in bottle, gift box or keg, and now we stock a range of top class wines from around the world and great Welsh cider from just down the road!� Christmas is always the brewery’s busiest time, and the team at Raglan’s Untapped Brewery can’t wait. O w e n s a y s : “Christmas is always exhausting but great fun, and with all nine of our beers available, great wines and ciders, we can supply all your Holiday needs!�
ITH harvest 2015 safely in the vats Robb and Nicola Merchant of White Castle Vineyard, llanvetherine, Abergavenny, can look towards the festive season ahead. This has been an exceptional year for the vineyard having won seven awards, including one international award. They were also pleased to host Sir Terry Wogan and Mason whilst filming their Great food trip to Abergavenny. In May for their first entry into the International Wine Challenge 2015 White Castle received a commended award for their Regent 2013 red wine. During June 2015 an entry into the United Kingdom English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition was a great success, gaining three bronze awards for Gwin gwyn 2014, Rose 2013 and Regent 2013. June 2015 also saw the completion of the restoration project Croft Barn and the vineyard later hosted the South West Vineyards Association summer meeting. The members meeting in the historic Welsh Barn was long talked about after the event. D ur ing S eptember White Castle attended the annual Welsh Vineyard Association AGM & Competition where they triumphed again with bronze awards for their 2013 & 2014 Gwin gwyn, and a silver award for their 2013 Rose wine. Looking forward.... An evening of Welsh wine and artisan chocolate pairing is on the horizon Friday 4th December. Booking is essential as numbers are limited - log onto www.whitecastlevineyard.com The annual festive weekend at the cellar door will be held on Saturday 5th and
Festive events at White Castle Vineyard Sunday 6th December. This is when the long awaited 2014 Rondo red wine will be released in time for the festive season. For those of you who have yet to visit it's well worth going that extra mile for quality award winning Welsh wines and gift ideas such as "Adopt A Vine�.
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Real Ale. True Quality...
Raglan’s own microbrewery - producing a wide range of superb beers, including IPAs, Bitters, Stout and Wheat beers. Available to the trade and public in bottle, 5 litre party pin, 36 pint pin and 72 pint firkin. We also carry a range of wines from around the world and great Welsh cider for all your holiday needs!
Ef[d Ced#<h_ '&Wc#+fc Â&#x161; IWj ''Wc#)fc Unit 6, Little Castle Business Park, Raglan, NP15 2BX 4EL s -OBILE EMAIL ENQUIRIES UNTAPPEDBREW COM
WWW UNTAPPEDBREW COM
Are holding an evening of
Wine & Artisan Chocolate pairing
on Friday 4th December 2015 6-7.30pm ÂŁ15.00 per person
to include a glass of wine on arrival.
Booking is essential as numbers are limited... info@whitecastlevineyard.com or 01873 821443
FESTIVE WEEKEND 5th & 6th December 10:00 to 17:00 Visitors are warmly invited to visit the Cellar Door.
Quality award winning Welsh Wines & the eagerly awaited release of the 2014 vintage Red Wine An array of gifts to include Artisan Chocolates & Cheese
www.whitecastlevineyard.com
Twitter: @welshwines
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 15
Gazette & Diary Magazine
It’s not too late to make your own Christmas pud! BY KATE WHITING
N
O matter how many pigs in blankets you've scoffed on Christmas Day, you can always make room for some pudding, can't you? The Japanese say we have a separate stomach for dessert, and it's never more true than on December 25. In recent years, shops have battled to outdo one another to produce the most tempting Christmas pud on the planet and it might seem much easier to pop one in your shopping basket than to make your own. But old traditions die hard, and in the next few months, the heady scent of spice and sugar will be wafting around the nation's kitchens, as we get cooking our own. Being a keen baker but a total novice when it comes to all festive fayre, I thought it was about time I rolled up my sleeves - and enrolled on a Christmas pudding masterclass at The Landmark London in Marylebone. "The traditional time to make Christmas pudding is the fifth Sunday before Christmas - Stir-up Sunday (November 22, the last Sunday before advent) - but you can make them any time," says pastry chef, Pierre Rebuzzi. On Stir-up Sunday, traditionally, each member of the family would have a turn stirring the 'plum pudding' (plums were another word for raisins pre-Victorian times) and make a wish. Then there was the custom of hiding a silver sixpence in the pud, which would promise to bring
wealth to whoever found it in their bowl later on. For many years, Rebuzzi, who hails from Lyon, the food capital of France, has made around 500 Christmas puddings to serve at the hotel, so who better to take me through my paces to make my very first Christmas pud? ★ KEEP IT LIGHT It does seem a little strange to be taught how to make such a traditionally English dish by a Frenchman, but it turns out that Rebuzzi has a unique take on the old classic.
21 Royal Arc cade, Card diff ff,, CF10 1AE also
Abergavenny Market Tuesd u ay, We ednesday, Friday & Saturdays y Tokens • Coins • Banknotes • Coins • Medal M d l • Gold G ld • Silver • Militaria • Postcard ds Mining Lamps & Checks ALWAYS BUYING COINS • GOLD • MEDALS • SILVER
07968 855288 16 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
"As a French person, Christmas pudding is not something I traditionally eat, but the way I like my Christmas pudding is light and fruity," says the 30-year-old, who has been macerating his fruit for six weeks in a mix of rum, brandy, kirsch and lemon and orange juice. "I don't like it too hard or too flavourful of spices - I like something very light, because it's something you will eat after a big meal and you will not have much space!" Rebuzzi uses just one spice - nutmeg - to flavour his pudding, although cinnamon, cloves and ginger are traditionally used too.
★ MIX IT UP It turns out that the Christmas pudding itself is quite quick and easy to make - but there are a whopping 22 different ingredients in Rebuzzi's version, which have all been 'prepared earlier', including the fruit that's been steeping for weeks. All I need to do is mix them all up in the bowl, and grate the tart Granny Smith apple in too! "Christmas pudding is actually a very basic mix to make, you just have to incorporate your dry items with your wet items, your nuts, your fruits, and mix everything properly," says Rebuzzi, warning me to "be very careful not to have patches of flour". ★ FULL STEAM AHEAD Once mixed, you squash the squishy mess into your pudding basin, cover with a layer of greaseproof paper and then another of aluminium foil, all tied up with string. The time-consuming part, which I do at home, is to steam the pud for four hours in a big saucepan, making sure you keep the water topped up throughout. Rebuzzi says the pudding will happily keep in the fridge or a cool, dry place 'til Christmas Day, when you'll need to steam it again for another hour, before serving with your favourite brandy butter or cream (he serves his with brandy custard, yum!). ★ FEED AND FLAME IT To ensure that boozy flavour, Rebuzzi suggests: "Every so often, maybe once a
Preparing for Christmas week you can add a little bit more alcohol, like brandy, on top, and it will still keep a lot of flavour." The piece de resistance is to flambe the pudding by pouring over a ladleful of brandy and setting light to it. Make sure you perform this ritual safely though; you don't want Christmas Day to end in a flaming disaster. Fancy giving it a whirl at home? Find the hotel's recipe below...
THE LANDMARK LONDON'S CHRISTMAS PUDDING (Makes 3 x puddings in bowls 14cm in diameter) 140g vegetable suet 140g demerara sugar 75g soft flour 75g breadcrumbs 30g lemon juice 4g nutmeg 1 pinch salt
Dates for your diary NOVEMBER 5,12,19,26 - Govilon Car Boot, Main Road. Every Thursday. Mornings. Weather permitting. 01873 830834. 6 - K H S Former Pupil’s Annual Reunion Dinner, Angel Hotel, Abergavenny, 7.30pm prompt. Reserve your place 01873 850596 or 01873 854237. 7 - Gwent Bach Society Choral Concert, Cherubini Requiem and Haydn Mass in Time of War, Conductor Roger Langford with professional 7 – Xmas Vintage & Antiques Fair, Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, NP8 1BN, 10-4. Over 20 specialist dealers. 01977 846509. We support Wales Air Ambulance. 7 – Jumble Sale at Mardy Hall for Llantillio Pertholey VPA. Doors open 1.15. Refreshments and Raffle. 8 – RBL Remembrance Day Parade, Assemble at Town Hall at 10am. 13 – Abergavenny Alzheimers Carers Group Charity Market Stall. Find yourself a bargain and help make a difference. 8am – 3pm. 14 – Our Lady & St Michael's Autumn Fayre, lots of stalls come and see. All Welcome. 14 - 94th Cwmdu Eisteddfod at Cwmdu
South East Wales
Village Hall. Afternoon session 1pm, evening 6.30 approx. Programme available. Tel: 01874 730 351 14 – The Mayor's Charity Concert, Gwent Music, including local Scool children, 7pm St Mary's Church. 07890 043796. 19 – Abergavenny Local History Society, Martin Johnes will talk about History of Christmas in Wales. Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. Non members are welcome to join on the night. 21 - Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre and Vintage Tea Room, Gilwern Village Hall , 10.30am - 4.30 pm, admission £1. Proceeds in aid of Oncology Unit, Nevill Hall Hospital. 26 - Abergavenny Farmers Market, Market Hall, Abergavenny. Fresh local produce DECEMBER 4 – 7.30pm Govilon Baptist Chapel, Phoenix Singers ' an evening of well loved choral numbers and carols'. Supporting The Monmouth & District Eistedfodd Appeal Fund Tickets £5 from 01873 859192, 830417, 831186 or at door. Refreshments. 5 – Pandy & Monnowside Ploughing Society Fun Bingo, Pandy Hall 7.30 for 8pm. 01873 890591.
EnergyAdviceCentre
20g jam 90ml Irish stout 1 grated apple 500g marinated fruit (see below) 2 eggs 200g walnuts For the marinated fruit: 100g dry apples 100g raisins 100g dry apricots 100g dry cranberries 100g golden raisins 20g navy rum 40ml brandy 20ml kirsch Juice and zest of 1/2 an orange Juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon Marinate the dry fruit for several days adding more liquor if necessary. Butter the pudding basins. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring that there are no pockets of flour or breadcrumbs. Pour the mixture into the buttered basins and cover with a circle of greaseproof paper and aluminium foil. Tie firmly with a string. Put the basin in a pan, add boiling water to a quarter of the way up the basins, cover and steam for at least four hours. Top up with water if needed. The longer the mixture is steamed, the darker it will get. Steam for another hour before serving. ★ The Landmark London will be selling Christmas puddings to the public for the first time this year, from December 1-21, with proceeds going to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Visit www.landmarklondon.co.uk
and if you just don’t have the time . . . Heston from Waitrose Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding, £16, Waitrose Heston Blumenthal's pudding was a sell-out success when it first hit shelves in 2010 - and even started selling on eBay for £250! The secret of this deliciously gooey and citrus-infused pud lies in the whole candied orange hiding inside. Buy one quick! M Signature Cherry Crowned Christmas Pudding, £4, Morrisons Last year, Morrisons' Jewelled Fruit Christmas Pudding beat Harrods and Fortnum & Mason in a blind taste test. This is the 2015 offering all shiny, Am a re t to - s o a ke d cherries and whole almonds. Mmmm! Snowy Lodge Cherry & Pecan Topped Christmas Pudding, £9.99, Lidl Cherries are something of a theme this year, but Lidl's offering pairs them with pecans to get an American-flavoured twist on the classic dried fruit festive staple. With orange slices on top, it looks the part too.
Get Ready for Winter! With cold dark nights upon us, now is the time to make a few changes to keep homes comfortable and escalating bills away. Check out these top tips… • Check doors and windows for drafts. Use sealants (found in most DIY stores) to fill any holes around the frames. • Check the loft insulation. If the insulation is below the top of the joists you may be able to have a free loft top up installed. If above the joists, you could consider installing loft insulation yourself. Your local DIY store will have everything you need. • Need Cavity Wall insulation? There are free grants still available to fill the cavities saving you approximately £200pa on your fuel bills as well as making the home more comfortable. • Open curtains and let the sun heat your home for free, but remember to close them at dusk to help keep the heat in. • Rearrange your room. Move furniture so you are sitting near interior walls which are likely to be less cold and drafty. • Make sure furniture doesn’t block radiators allowing warm air to circulate effectively.
For many more ideas on keeping your home warm and affordable,contact the South East Wales Energy Advice Centre on
0800 622 6110 or visit www.sewenergy.org.uk
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 17
Gazette & Diary Magazine
The Force is strong with this one IT’S THE big one and The Force is back. The long awaited seventh instalment of the Star Wars film series, The Force Awakens, will be released in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D on December 18, more than ten years after the last episode. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher from the original Star Wars film head back to take part in the story that is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The franchise now belongs to Walt Disney Studios and this is expected to be the smash film hit of Christmas.
Sherlock’s Gothic Christmas special BENEDICT Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return to the Sherlock franchise with The Abominable Bride. The Christmas Special has been described as a ‘Proper Gothic Horror’ by Amanda Abbington. Sherlock and Dr Watson head to BBC One and selected cinemas around the UK on January 1st.
What will it be for John Lewis? THE WAIT is nearly over for what is fast becoming a modern festive tradition; the John Lewis Christmas advert. The retailers’ adverts have become synonymous with heart-wrenching imagery and emotive songs, including Ellie Goulding’s take on Your Song, Gabrielle Aplin’s The Power Of Love, and Lily Allen’s Somewhere Only We
Know. Speculation is rife this year as to what song has been selected, with Oasis’ Half the World Away known as the theme tune to TV comedy The Royle Family - tipped as a favourite. See for yourself on Friday, November 6th from 8am, when the advert is released online.
It’s the night before Christmas SEASONAL family comedy Christmas Eve sees six groups of New Yorkers trapped in elevators during a power cut on Christmas Eve where they find that laughter, romance, and a little bit of holiday magic will get them through- and change their lives in unexpected ways. A bit of festive fun, released in cinemas on December 4.
COULD YOU ADOPT?
The adoption team at Herefordshire Council are looking for permanent families for children of all ages who are in foster care and ready to move on. We will prioritise out of county applications for assessment.
Do you
• Live in a neighbouring county? • Want to start a family? • Want to increase your family?
To find out more and to begin your journey to becoming an adoptive parent, get in touch with us
• Call us on 01432 383 241 • Email us on adoption@herefordshire.gov.uk • Visit our web www.herefordshire.gov.uk/adoption • Follow us @HfdsAdoption 18 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Preparing for Christmas
Christmas at Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall “WE have finished decorating all 52 rooms with Christmas trees and to individual themes in readiness for our Christmas opening on 1st November”, says Victoria Humpherston, owner of the gothic mansion The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir near Llandrindod Wells. “The results are breathtaking, and for a bit of fun I asked the villagers who have created the spectacle to nominate their favourite rooms and their trees. The results are shown right. We do hope that visitors from Wales and The Marches come to enjoy something unique in the UK. Within a true family home, we have flights of fancy from the sublime, to the unusual, to the serendipity and back to the sublime again.”
Favourite Tree
Paul the Hall
Val Bryan the Soft Furnish the Blacksmith
Gemma the Office
Karen the Motocross
Angela the Farm
Sandra the Artist
1
Button tree
Dolls House tree
Crystal tree
Decoupage tree
Dolls House tree
China tree
Pandora`s Box tree
2
Decoupage tree
Crystal tree
Crochet tree
Hot Air Balloon tree
Crochet tree
Record tree
Dolls House tree
3
Crystal tree
Pandora`s Box tree
Tor`s Red tree
Chandelier tree
Pandora`s Box tree
Timeless tree
Tor`s Red tree
4
Hat & Shoe tree
Crochet tree
Seaside tree
Vintage tree
Crystal tree
Knitted tree
Hot Air Balloon tree
5
Crochet tree
Wine Bottle tree
Cherub tree
Reindeer tree Wine Bottle tree
Pandora`s Box tree
Wine Bottle tree
6
Pandora`s Box tree
Knitted tree
Victorian tree
Button tree
Crystal tree
7
Letters tree
Teddy Bear tree
Purple tree
Music tree
Crochet tree
8
Casino tree
Reindeer tree
Crystal tree
Timeless tree
9
Victorian tree
Gold Droplet tree Risque tree
Hat & Shoe tree
Wine Bottle tree
Gothic House tree
10
Phantom of the Opera tree
Crochet tree
Victorian tree
Chandelier tree Gold Droplet tree Timeless tree
China tree
Wine Bottle Knitted tree tree Decoupage tree Bah Humbug tree
Dogs & Cats tree Motorbike tree Ballerina tree Dogs & Cats tree
To book a tour Of The Hall phone 01597851727 or email info@abbeycwmhir.com Tour fees are £16.00 pp, or £14.00 pp for groups or return visitors. Children 12 or under £5.00 pp
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 19
Gazette & Diary Magazine
CLIVE FRANCIS Tech Cert (Arbor.A.)
- Arboricultural Contractor All aspects of Tree Work Undertaken Report Writing and Consultancy outhshire NP7 7DN 31 Chapel Road, Abergavenny, Monm il: clive4trees@aol.com e-ma 22 5157 6 0797 le: Mobi Tel: 01873 859273
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Preparing for Christmas
Where do you buy your fuel?
I
F you are reading this then it is very likely that Fast Fuel is your closest supplier. At Fast Fuel we pride ourselves on high levels of customer care and our “can do” attitude. Our drivers are all friendly and helpful and office staff are as happy to chat about fuel pricing and give advice on when to buy, as they are chatting about your family or the weather. At Fast Fuel we really do run a family business and we would love for you to join our family. Recently we started a drive to reduce our environmental impact; as a fuel distributor Fast Fuel must acknowledge its industry’s
effects on the environment and we are leading the way in being more responsible, aiming to reduce journey times and therefore our carbon footprint. If Fast Fuel is your closest supplier, we believe we should be delivering to you. Not only will you enjoy the service we provide, but also be responsible for helping to reduce our emissions and in turn our collective carbon footprint. To show our commitment to this, Fast Fuel is offering a price match guarantee for anyone within our catchment area. Call 01291 691402 or visit www.fast-fuel.co.uk for more information.
Wood burning stove shop in South Wales
T
OWN and Country Heating has been trading for over 35 years. It was co-founded by the late Peter Hillebrand in 1976, using his technical knowledge, excellent customer service and high quality products to develop the business. Over the years these standards have been the keystone of Town & Country Heating's success. We pride ourselves in continuing to offer the same high standards to all our customers past and present and will endeavor to build on these skills and extend our services. We have invested in the development of a new website in order to offer help
and assistance to all our customers. With a large showroom we have a wide selection of top of the range woodburning and multi fuel stoves on display from well known companies like Jotul, Stovax, Parkray and Franco Belge to name but a few. If you are looking to buy a wood burning stove and you have found the make and model of stove you'd like, either online or from another retailer, tell us the best price you have found and we'll tell you ours. You might well be pleasantly surprised! We extend a warm welcome to all and hope you will visit us in the near future.
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Quote Ref AC1415 For Special Offers www.fast-fuel.co.uk 0800 093 8445 01291 691 402 e-mail: info@fast-fuel.co.uk
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 21
Gazette & Diary Magazine
◆ ALL windows on the ground and lower ground floor, and any others that could be targeted by an intruder, should be fitted with locks and, ideally, laminated glass, as this won't break into pieces that can be removed. New UPVC and metal windows should have adequate built-in security, but wooden windows rarely come with locks, so you'll have to fit them yourself. ◆ THERE are locks for all types of wooden window, most of which can easily be fitted by DIYers. Many of us have sash windows, which look great, but can be opened from the outside by forcing up the bottom sash. Sash catches will secure the bottom sash, but fitting locks as well will make the win-
dows more secure. Sash stops allow the window to be opened slightly for ventilation (or opened fully with a key), but not enough for someone to get in (providing they're fitted at the right height), so they're a good security measure. ◆ PERIOD leaded windows may look safe, but they're not unless you add an internal metal grille or laminated secondary glazing. If you live in a listed building, there will be restrictions on making changes to the windows, so check with your local council's conservation department about what you can and can't do - listed building consent may be required. ◆ GARDEN sheds and other outbuildings
will always be vulnerable to break-in because they're separate from the house, and thieves know they often contain valuables like lawnmowers. If you have to store valuables in the shed, mark them with your postcode and house number using a UV pen, and lock the shed with a sturdy chain and padlock or an anchor device. However, if the shed has glazed windows that could be smashed, or a door bolt or hinges that could be unscrewed, it won't be secure without modifications. Dremel has Christmas sorted ◆ GARAGES are also vulnerable to for DIYers, hobbyists and crafters, with break-in and if they have internal three different kits - bronze, silver and gold. access, could be an easy way in Each kit includes one of Dremel's versatile to the house. While you can 3000 multitools, plus a range of accessories for all improve the security of sorts of tasks. The kits cost £39.99, £79.99 garage windows and back and £99.99 respectively, so there's something for doors with locks, grilles and every budget. The silver and gold kits include a laminated glass, the main selection of Dremel's EZ SpeedClic accessories, door (where the car goes which can be changed in three simple steps - pull, in) can't be ignored. Upclick and twist - without using and-over doors usually any tools. Go to have a key-operated hanwww.dremeleurope.com dle, which can easily be refor more placed if it doesn't work, information. and there are locks to suit other types of garage door. You can also fit doorstops in front of the main door to prevent it being opened, or secure it from inside with a padlock. Again, security-mark any valuables stored in the garage and, if you can, chain them together or to an anchor device with a good padlock to make them harder to remove.
01873 739250 01291 639175 01594 540224 01452 768943 01179 595894
22 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
(Abergavenny) (Chepstow) (Forest of Dean) (Gloucester) (Bristol)
Homes & Gardens
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Put the sparkle back into Your kitchen today! November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 23
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Save money with Renewables and local company Green Park Power
P
OWER storage is the biggest challenge to our energy infrastructure, despite great steps forward in battery technology, driven by Mobile and Tablet devices, affordable and reliable battery storage for generated energy has been slow to emerge. Green Park Power are Certified installers of ‘Power Router’ battery back-up systems. This 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. Another means of storing, otherwise wasted, energy is using it to heat water which can be stored in a well insulated tank. ‘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. If you do not have an immersion tank a brand new British designed unit is making intelligent switching an option
for homes that use a ‘combi-boiler’ to heat water. The technology uses a heat exchanger and crystal phase change processes to store and release energy. This is a very new and promising development. Anyone familiar with hand warmers, where one clicks the metal disc to start a reaction within the crystals enclosed, giving a heat energy release, will already be familiar with the principle. Large scale versions for commercial settings are also available. The best way to reduce waste energy, reduce your bills, reduce your ‘carbon footprint’ and make your home more comfortable is by ensuring you have the optimal insulation and heating. It is not always easy to know what needs doing, what will save the most money (for the least expenditure) and what to do first. A home energy survey (‘EPC’) is inexpensive and swift and gives a guide to what will work for your home. The survey is also essential should you come to sell or rent out the property and provides entry to the governments ‘Green Deal’ scheme. Whilst the Green Deal is not without its ‘issues’ it can, in many cases, be a fair means of funding home energy improvements. Call us to book a survey or find out more. For more information visit www.greenparkpower.co.uk or call us on 01873 269031 or 07792 970406.
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24 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
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November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 25
Gazette & Diary Magazine
Gammon in Cranberry & Orange Sauce
Luxury Christmas Pudding
Relax, put your feet up and let us do Christmas this year ... T
HIS Christmas, make every day delicious with Wiltshire Farm Foods. With over 300 individually portioned dishes to choose from – including all your festive favourites like Roast Turkey and, naturally, Christmas Pudding – you can put your feet up and relax as we deliver tasty meals direct to your freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop
your meal in the microwave or oven and enjoy. To really make this season something special, why not try our Christmas Selection Pack: seven delicious main meals and four tempting desserts for just £34.95 and receive a FREE Christmas Tea Towel worth £3.95. Our pack also makes an ideal Christ-
mas present – it’s the perfect yuletide treat! Wiltshire Farm Foods has been established for more than 24 years and offers award-winning foods and customer service. From the field to the freezer, every detail is considered in order to offer nutrition, value and flavour! With no minimum order, no contract
or commitment and with free delivery there really is no better time of year to discover Wiltshire Farm Foods! Call 01600 892855 today for your FREE brochure, and order over the phone or online. Brian and Sara and the team at Wiltshire Farm Foods will look forward to hearing from you!
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26 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Golden Years
A
major drive to help people stay well this winter has been launched by Public Health England and NHS England. The NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign is urging people age 65 or over, or those with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease or respiratory illness, to prepare for winter with advice on how to ward off common illnesses. The campaign is asking the public to: • If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, then get help from your pharmacist quickly before it gets more serious.
• Make sure you get your flu jab if eligible. • Keep yourself warm - heat your home to least 18 degrees C or (65F) if you can. • Make sure you get your prescription medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve. • Always take your prescribed medicines as directed. The Stay Well This Winter campaign will make sure that people have the information they need to help them look after themselves this winter and also to know the best place to go for urgent advice, whether that’s their local pharmacy, NHS Choices, NHS 111 or A&E. As in previous years the flu vaccine programme is an important part of this campaign. The adult flu vaccine will be offered free to those in groups at particular risk of infection and complications from flu including those age 65 or over, those age under 65 with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and carers.
MONMOUTHSHIRE & POWYS
THE POWER OF TWO DO you have an elderly relative who is struggling with domestic chores and is increasingly relying on you for help? Are you finding it difficult to provide that help and support? Do you feel guilty and overwhelmed? Then let us help. Diamond Home Support have now been in Abergavenny for a year, and our Home Assist Service has already transformed the lives of many of our elderly clients and their relatives. This service provides vital support for the elderly and less able in a friendly, caring and professional manner. We challenge the preconceptions of domestic care by providing a client-led rather than a company-led service. Our workers are thoroughly vetted and are chosen more for their personality, ethos and attitude than 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. The same worker visits each week, month or fortnight, allowing the client and the worker to build trust and develop a relationship. Loss of independence is humiliating and
frustrating, and we therefore aim to make the experience as friendly and personal as possible. All potential clients are visited in their own homes. We talk them through the service, explain exactly how things work and answer any questions which they may have. We encourage relatives to be present at this visit so that they can satisfy themselves that their family members are not pushed into signing up for our services if they are unsure as to whether or not it is right for them. We appreciate 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 so we are happy to visit more than once should that be necessary. We appreciate that people lead busy lives and often find it difficult (if not virtually impossible) to provide the amount of support which their elderly relatives require. This leads to stress and guilt, with relationships becoming fractured and sometimes damaged beyond repair. Don’t suffer in silence; pick up the phone and use the power of two.
Harness the power of two….. you and Diamond Home Support
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
01873 859 289 or 07581 747 328 heidi@diamondhomesupport.com
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 27
28 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
Gazette Motoring
Is your car smarter than you?
M
ODERN cars are outsmarting their owners, according to new research that flies in the face of studies suggesting car buyers want plenty of advanced technology. A survey of 1,000 car owners, carried out by BookMyGarage.com, found that 73 per cent of people don't understand how to use all the high-tech gadgets in their car. Tyre pressure monitoring systems, cruise control, stability control and parking sensors are among the facilities that have put drivers' heads in a spin. Of the many technologies available to them, 45 per cent of the drivers questioned said they regularly use between three and four. Almost one in five people only use one or two of the driver aids their car boasts. According to the survey, cruise control was the gadget most likely to cause confusion and therefore gets left alone the most. Special eco-settings were a solid second, with Bluetooth connections also thought bewildering. Karen Rotberg, director at BookMyGarage.com, said: "What is particularly interesting from the findings is that so many car owners claim
they specifically chose the car they did because of its features, yet lots haven't got to grips with them or don't use them - which is a shame considering a car is one of the biggest investments an adult will make."
GOVILON GARAGE
Bailey Bros MOT TEST CENTRE
Motorcycle and Car MoT Servicing and Repair
MOT
Trade Centre
Church Lane, Govilon, Monmouthshire NP7 9RP Telephone Abergavenny 01873 831696
CONFUSING GADGETS: Nearly half of motorists arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sure how to use them
Cars, Vans & Motorcycle (Free Retest) Servicing & Reairs all makes Old Hereford Road, Abergavenny
01873 853058
YOUR LOCAL LEADING INDEPENDENT SPECIALISTS SINCE 1996 FOR RANGE ROVER, DISCOVERY, DEFENDER, FREELANDER
Service 01600 891201 Fax 01600 891200 Parts 01600 891202 Mobile 07860 843419 or visit www.bg4x4.co.uk email bglandrovers@aol.com
Run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts Here at BG Landrovers we offer more than just great servicing and repair deals on all Land Rover models. Our customers tell us we provide higher standards of service and we save them money.
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.
November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue 29
Precious Pets
Legal & Finance
Keep your pets safe in the festive season NOW that festive season is almost upon us and we are all rushing around with a million things to do it is important not to forget that Christmas can be hazardous time for our pets. Take care with floral arrangements and plants especially if you have cats. All lillies are toxic to cats and the pollen can easily get on their coats if they brush past an arrangement, they can then ingest the toxins when they groom themselves. Poinsettias are also a common addition to the home
PAWFESSIONAL
TOUCH
Dog Grooming Services
01495 310944
Book your dog a grooming appointment - 10% off (new clients only)
Wyndee Kennels Individual Care~Attention Guaranteed Open 9am-6pm Newbury, Abergavenny, Blaenavon 01495 790571
Don’t ignore the workplace pension
at Christmas they are toxic to your pet if ingested. Many households hang chocolate treats on the tree or wrap presents containing chocolate and place them underneath the tree. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats as it contains a substance called theobromine. Dark chocolate is the worst as it contains a greater concentration of theobromine. Dogs especially are attracted to the smell of chocolate treats. It is important not to leave any chocolate treats in reach of pets, remember to shut them out of the room where the tree is when you go to bed or go out. Cats love to play with string and tinsel is even more attractive as it sparkles. So again take care not to leave them unattended with the Christmas tree decorations. Tinsel can get stuck in the digestive tract if ingested causing serious problems for your pet and often requiring an operation to remove it. If you have a “real” Christmas tree then be careful to pick up any dropping needles as they can get stuck in your pets paws. Pine trees can also be a cause of skin irritation in pets with skin allergies. A lot of us like a “tipple” at Christmas, but remember not to leave your glass unattended, as often dogs will finish off”your beverage. Pets have a low tolerance for alcohol and it can damage the liver. SW
Pampered Paws Dog Grooming Salon
A variety of grooming packages available please ring for further information Want to treat your dog to a special Christmas present, then we have just the package... Doggie Xmas Pamper (2/3 hrs): • Woodland walk Collection/Return • Paddle in Clydach Gorge service for £5 • Wash, dry and a brushout within 10 miles • Scented spray • Santa’s gift Limited spaces - Bookings being taken now for December
Follow us on:
Tel: 01873 832728/07562 020818 www.pamperedpawssw.co.uk
“A caring, friendly, professional vets”
Building Society launches support service A SUPPORT service to help ease the financial worries of people affected by cancer has been launched by Britain's biggest building society. The service from Nationwide Building Society was set up in response to a report from Macmillan Cancer Support, which found that more than four in five cancer patients face average additional costs of £570 a month due to their illness. This extra cost - which is similar in size to having a new monthly mortgage payment to cope with - can come from increased energy bills due to patients needing to keep warm, changes in food and clothing requirements and being unable to work due to treatment.
A GIANT fluffy creature named "Workie", pictured, is spearheading a new £8.5 million campaign to raise awareness of workplace pensions. The character, which has huge eyes, horns and a FINANCIAL FACT: s m i l i n g , More than 5.4 million friendly face, workers have been placed is intended into a workplace pension to be a by nearly 61,000 "striking employers since physical emautomatic enrolment bodiment of the started in 2012. workplace pension", according to those behind the awareness drive. The campaign, coordinated by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Pensions Regulator, is aimed at smaller employers and their employees as the next phase of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions gets under way.
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
gartsides SOLICITORS
Gartsides is a long-established local practice with expertise across a whole range of areas including property, wills, probate, commercial, crime and family work. Whether you have a legal problem, are moving house or needing advice about a will, our experienced team is on hand to help. In the Family Department, solicitors with specialist accreditations are available to advise across all aspects of family work to include relationship breakdown, divorce, financial disputes and issues involving children.
Puppy & Kitten Starter Packs £49.99 Puppy & Kitten Starter Packs..............................................£49.99 PetPlan nominated Practice & Vet of the Year 2014
PetPlanBritish nominated Practice Association & Vet of the Year 2013 Dog Groomers’ Salon British Dog Groomers’ Association Salon
24 hour Onsite Nursing Care 24hr Onsite Nursing Grooming Room nowCare open Appointments 0900 1830hrs (Mon Fri) 0900 -- 1230 1230 (Sat) (Sat) Appointments 0900 - 1830hrs (Mon-Fri) 0900 www.abbeyvets.co.uk 01873852391 852391 www.abbeyvets.co.uk •● Tel: Tel 01873 30 November/December 2015 - The Winter Issue
NO MORE LEGAL AID? Competitive Fixed Fee Packages are now available for all family work at Gartsides. Call us on 01873 857555 for details. Also with offices in Newport (01633 213411) and Ebbw Vale (01495 302109)
1245513
CALL THE EXPERTS REMOVALS
domestic help
Removal specialists based in Ebbw Vale We provide local and nationwide removal services to both domestic and commercial clients looking to relocate
Fully insured | Full house to single items 5 Mount Pleasant Road, Ebbw Vale NP23 6JH Tel: 07811 452504
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
DUSTER DUST S ERS ST DOMES DOMESTIC S IC ST SERV SE RV RVICES VICES S Cooking, Cleanin ng, Wa ashing, Ironin ng & Shopping
debt collection
IUI
computers
Debt Collectors We are old school
01873
851998 SCRAP & RECLAMATION
Donna Guppy, Manager 15 Derwen Way, Abergavenny Abergavenn ny T: 07426 126802 E: dustersDS@gmail.com
01495 226657
www.blackwoodchainsaws.co.uk Mill Garage, Gelli Groes, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 2HY
OSTEOPATH
taxi service
TAXIS TAXIS
PEST CONTROL
FENCING SUPPLIES
Wood treatment is a hot topic, and one local, family run company is telling you about their procedures of effectively treating and selling timber for fencing. Woodland Services, based on Hereford Road, Abergavenny, has been trading for over 50 years with the current owners entering their fourth year in the business and are ensuring the quality continues. They specialise in providing quality, locally sourced and appropriately treated wood for both agricultural and domestic use, and pride themselves on their endeavour to bring their treatment process as up to date as possible with a lot of money invested into their programme for machinery and tools. Tracey O’Leary from Woodland Services said, “Before we treat our timber in house in our fully upgraded, computerised treatment plant we ensure that the wood is dried to 28% or less moisture content. It is then pressure treated soil or fresh water contact using Koppers Celcure AC500 – giving it a 15
year life. This whole process is computer linked and closely monitored by our treatment suppliers Koppers who support the projected 15 year life of the product. “Even though certain chemicals have been removed from the treatment solution by EU legislation in the past, this means that it is very important that the wood is dried to 28% or less moisture content then the penetration and the treatment will be as effective as it was prior to the change, and here at Woodland Services we ensure this procedure is adhered to.” Tracey has spoken about her experience with peoples concerned about the treatment of wood, and wants to let the people of the local area know that at Woodland Services they can get properly treated wood from them for a great price. A high percentage of our business is repeat business which makes it even more important that we maintain the quality of our treatment process. Tracey said, “I go to market on
Wednesdays and I hear a lot of peoples concerns about timber treatment, so we wanted to show that we have put a lot of time, money and expertise into our treatment programme and assure people that our service is safe and effective.” They also put a lot of emphasis on locally sourcing their timber that they prepare and treat, to go back to the local community. Tracey said, “When dealing with natural resources, it is important to stay as local as you can, and by using local businesses in our supply chain it benefits the whole community.”
So to find out more about their work, contact Woodland Services (Abergavenny) Ltd on 01873 855431 or email Tracey on tracey@woodland-sa.co.uk.
November/December 2015 - Winter Issue 31
C
CELEBR AT T E YOUR CHR IS TM A S M O M EN T S
PA N D O R A Aberga Ab venny 5 High Street, Abergavenny 01873 856847 Be inspired at pandora.net