October issue of the Gazette and Diary 2016 by jenna hopkins

age 12 p ring

a Prep istmas hr for C ature Fe e insid

Homes and Gardens ● Autumn Escapes ● Golden Years Education Matters ● Motoring ● Expert Services

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

Welcome ...

T’LL soon be Christmas time and there’s no need to be afraid. That is unless you’re a prize turkey waiting to be plucked, stuffed, roasted and dished up on a plate surrounded by pigs in blankets and hot potatoes. But putting that little ‘poultry’ matter to one side (get it?) it’s best not to dwell on the grim fate which awaits our little feathers friends every Yuletide and instead celebrate all that is great and good about Christmas. It’s not all about squeezing as many gaudy gifts and token trinkets as you can into your stockings you know. The real reason for the season is all about giving, and we’re a generous

bunch here at the G&D. In fact you could call us the gift that keeps giving. You could also call us a lot of other things, but we don’t talk about that. Moving on, as Santa said ad infinitum to Rudolph every Christmas Eve, we’ve got a cracker of a G&D for you. If you’re guilty of drinking far too much sherry, gorging on too many pork pies, and having it large with the Stilton at this time of year, then who are we too judge, but if Christmas is your thing, then you’ll find all you need to know about the party season in our special Christmas feature which has got more tinsel than you can shake a stick at. But worry not if you haven’t found that Christmas glow quite yet we still have an array of autumn reads for you like our homes and gardens, motors and golden years sections!

Nick Ramsay AM

Assembly Member for Monmouth

Can I hellpp you?

in association with

The Abergavenny Chronicle For information on how to advertise in the next issue, please contact:

Jenna Hopkins 01873 852187 Ext 35 jenna.hopkins@ abergavennychronicle.com

Part of the Tindle Newspaper Group

Published by the Abergavenny Chronicle, Nevill Street, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 5AA Printed by Trinity Mirror plc

nick@nickramsay.org.uk nickramsay.org.uk 16 Maryport Street, Usk, NP15 1AB 01291 674898

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S TAY S A FE F RO M

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.

Carbon Monoxide

AVE you turned your heating on life, especially at night when you're asleep yet? Potentially deadly carbon and wouldn't see a visual change. A carbon monoxide alarm should be monoxide is created when a fuel (gas, oil, solid fuels, etc) isn't burning fitted on every floor of your home (ideally correctly and is usually - although not in all the bedrooms) and in every room exclusively - emitted from faulty gas boilers, with a fuel-burning appliance or a flue, even if it's concealed. fires and cookers. Go to www.projectshout.com for more The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, information on alarms and carbon weakness and chest pain, so it can easily monoxide in general. be confused with other illnesses, especially the flu. Carbon monoxide has no The FireAngel CO-9D Digital LCD Carbon colour, taste or smell, which Monoxide makes spotting faulty appliances Alarm difficult - unless, of course, you (£22.49, Screwfix) has fit carbon monoxide alarms. Wired-in alarms should be a sealed-forlife battery installed by an electrician and are always on (unless the designed to power's off ), but most of us last seven have battery-powered alarms. years, so you These have either replaceable won't have to worry about it failing for ages. As well as emitting a loud batteries, or sealed-for-life batteries that can't be replaced audible alarm, it has a digital LCD display that and usually last between shows even low levels of carbon monoxide. seven and 10 years. Make sure your alarm complies with EN 50291 (this should be on the box) and has a quality certification, such as the British Standards Kitemark. The cheapest and simplest detectors only give a visual indicator - they change colour when detecting carbon monoxide, for example - but an audible alarm is much safer. Hearing an alarm could save your

4 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

● Many fuel-burning appliances, such as boilers, should be serviced annually to ensure they're safe and working efficiently, something we often forget to do. A boiler service, which includes safety checks, among other things, must be carried out by a Gas Safe Register engineer , or OFTEC registered for oil-fired boilers.

Matters and Gardens Autumn HomesEducation

Create your dream home with Hafren Furnishers

ITH 50 years’ expertise in furnishing homes, Hafren Furnishers of Llanidloes have reason to celebrate. Their vast showroom, covering seven floors, is a destination in itself for visitors to the scenic town on the River Severn. Every room in the house is covered, from the smallest to the largest, from family rooms to home offices, from bedrooms to conservatories. Every style is catered for, f r o m t r a d i t i o n a l a n d v i n t a g e t o contemporary. Still a family-run business, Hafren Furnishers pride themselves on being experts in the field, and as they’re entirely non-commission based, on offering impartial advice that you can trust. As well as the personal attention and expertise, Hafren are rarely beaten price, plus they offer free delivery in England and Wales and can offer interest-free credit. Home to Wales’ largest Bed Studio, as well as a host of famous brands and a range of bed styles, Hafren have recently brought in a new exciting product from Hypnos – the hidden divan safe. Sleep peacefully at night in the knowledge that your valuables are in a discreet safe hidden behind a drawer front under your bed! Soft furnishings are catered for, too – as well as the Carpet Right concession, there is also a new Curtain Express display in store, meaning you can get customised curtains and blinds in seven days. With a wide range of colours and styles available, you can choose your furniture and then get curtains to match, or just brighten up your home with new blinds, made up in just a week.

available in a choice of finishes and optional extras, so you can select the configuration and accessories and overall design that's perfect for your bedroom and lifestyle. Everything you need for your home is here, from floor to ceiling. And when you’ve finished browsing – or if you just need some time to think! – you can take a break in the in-store café, with its impressive views.

Visit www.hafrenfurnishers.co.uk or call 01686 414000.

Also new in store is the Halo Living Studio where you can browse the latest range of Halo Living luxury handmade dining and living furniture. Plus, of course, Hafren stock all the leading names such as Gplan, Parker Knoll, Himolla, Stressless, Duresta, Ercol and Tempur plus hundreds more. Recently installed in store is an impressive Nolte Mobel fitted bedroom furniture studio. It comprises of over 20 contemporary, fashionable and flexible bedroom ranges and systems. All are

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above the soil surface. Cordons are vertical 'poles' with short branching spurs along their length. Similarly, 'minarette' fruit trees, slender, columnar trees, bear their fruits on short spurs all the way up a vertical stem rather than on long, spreading branches. Six to eight feet tall (1.8m-2.4m) when mature, minarettes are perfect for container growing, and can be planted as close as two to three feet apart in open soil. Apples on rootdwarfing stocks such as M26 or M9 can be grown in large tubs or pots (38-45cm diameter) filled with John Innes No. 3 compost. These rootstocks keep the tree small and slow-growing, as well as bringing it into cropping early on in life, which means you may be picking your first apples within two years of planting. Fill the pot to a level where the graft union of the fruit tree will be above the surface of the compost once it is planted. You will need to anchor a thick

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HETHER you're into a crisp crunch, a sweet, juicy flavour or the tart tang that makes a crumble or pie a dessert to savour, the apple is among the gardener's favourite. We grow more apples both commercially and in the garden than any other fruit tree. But you don't have to have a massive space to get to the core of success, because you can grow apples in pots, although you'll need to give them more tlc than you would to trees in the ground. Pot-grown trees may produce fewer fruit than those grown in the ground, but they can be grown on paved areas and courtyards in the smallest gardens. Many apple trees can be grown in a pot, provided they are bought on the appropriate dwarfing rootstock, supplied with pollinating companion trees and kept well fed and watered. Free-standing trees or upright cordons are best for growing this way, trained as pyramid or bush trees. Dwarf pyramids are conical in shape and trained to produce tiers of branches all the way up the main trunk, starting around 60cm

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Matters Autumn HomesEducation and Gardens also force it into producing a good crop of fruit long before a similar tree that is planted in open soil. According to fruit tree specialists Ken Muir (www.kenmuir.co.uk) it may be tempting to put a small plant into a large container straight away, but this is not advisable, as the volume of compost in relation to the roots is too great to create water movement and air circulation through the soil, which will result in stagnant compost and may in turn cause root death. The vital thing is to keep containergrown trees well-watered, particularly during hot summers. Add water-retaining granules to the soil and mulch or underplant with spring bulbs or shallow-rooted plants that will keep weeds down and moisture in.

Grow your own garlic

Keep container grown trees well watered bamboo cane into the bottom of the container to support the tree. You will also need to make sure the container is stable since, particularly when the tree is in leaf, it can act like a sail and get blown over in a strong wind, potentially damaging both the tree and the container. Containers with a narrow base are therefore best avoided. If you put a stake in the pot, then you may be able to anchor it from the top to a nearby

fence. The RHS recommends the following culinary apples for growing in containers: 'Arthur Turner'; 'Bountiful'; and 'Howgate Wonder', while its desser t apple recommendations include 'Alkmene', 'Discovery', 'Falstaff' and 'Fiesta'. With any pot-grown tree, don't make the mistake of potting into too large a planter too soon. A snug pot will not only keep the tree small and manageable, it should

MOST gardeners plant their garlic in the autumn, as it needs a period of cold weather the grow well. Buy bulbs that have been cultivated for planting, breaking each bulb into individual cloves. You can start them off in modules with large cells in welldrained potting compost, keeping them in a cold frame for the winter, or in a sunny site in well-drained soil. Plant cloves 8-10cm apart with 30cm (24in) between rows, so the tips are just below soil level.

● Apple Day is on October 21. A series of events will be held nationwide during that month, including family days with the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)

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October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 7

Gazette & Diary Magazine

Stunning scenery of mountains and bays After exploring the North and South Islands of New Zealand NIGEL HEATH continues his odyssey in the beautiful island of Tasmania

Wine Glass Bay in Tasmania

Photos by Frank Miller

The town of Sheffield in Tasmania has created its own tourist attraction by painting mural on the buildings.

E were bound for Van Diemen’s Land and what an amazing place Tasmania is, especially as you can see much of what this stunningly beautiful and mountainous island has to offer in a two-week self drive circumnavigation. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to land on the island, originally named it in honour of Anthony van Diemen, Governor General of the Dutch East Indies. Accompanied by trekking companions, Frank Milner and Bob Weir, we took the airport bus into Hobart, the island’s capital city by the sea and gateway to Antarctica. Frank, a Peak Park Ranger, who was in charge of the itinerary, had booked us in to a smart apartment on one of the harbour piers with views over the ocean. Then it was time to lunch on a leafy sidewalk in an area of colonial style sandstone buildings, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. Luckily our arrival had coincided with the city’s massive weekly market in nearby Salamanca Place so we had time for a quick wander before picking up our hire car. Eighteenth and 19th century convicts

bound for Van Diemen’s Land, as the early Europeans called it, would have found themselves coming ashore in Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsular. This World Heritage Site made up of eleven well preserved stone camps is Tasmania’s top tourist attraction and being only 37 miles from Hobart was our destination the following morning. We spent a fascinating time learning all about those felons or guards, who found themselves in what is today the best surviving example of a European penal colony. Now it was time to answer the call of the open road and taking turns to drive we headed for the Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. This stunningly beautiful area dominated by the pink granite peaks of the The Hazards range is virtually all park, studded by narrow secluded bays and long, almost blindingly white, sandy beaches lapped by the Tasman Sea. We could easily have spent several days exploring this breathtaking coastline and I found myself regretting that we were travellers on a schedule. Still we would soon be

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Matters Education Escapes Autumn arriving at our next lodge and had a trek around the famous Wine Glass Bay in our sights. It’s a steep scramble to the bay lookout and a little taxing on the knees coming down but the view from the top is unforgettable, making it one of the most photographed spots in the whole of Tasmania. Descending to the wine glass curved beach we continued our trek around the coast and back through the park to our lodge where there was a surprise in store later that evening. Frank slid back a glass door and, stepping out onto our balcony to retrieve some washing, he suddenly felt something touching his leg in the semi darkness. His alarmed shout brought us running and also scared off the ring tailed wombat which had been sitting there and had made an exploratory probe with its nose. There were a number of theses inquisitive short legged muscular creatures around the lodge and sadly we saw a number of them squashed on the roads as we headed for St Helens on the north east coast and the evocatively named Bay of Fires. Sunny days on mostly empty highways were rewarded by time spent amid mountains and forests and on more pristine daz-

The ring tailed wombat night visitor zlingly white sandy beaches. Our next destination reminded me strongly of our colonial ancestors, carving out a new life in Van Diemen’s land by the sweat of their brows, when we arrived in Launceston and booked into an hotel overlooking the River Tamar! How very far from home they must have felt to want to make believe they were still in Cornwall. It was easy to spend a day cruising on the Tamar and chilling out in sunny Launceston with its spacious parks and elegant colonial and Victorian style buildings before taking to the road once again.

Prior to the 1980s travellers heading for Cradle Mountain, the most famous in Tasmania, would not have spared a second thought for the small rural town of Sheffield but then all that changed. Someone came up with the idea of painting giant murals depicting yesteryear life on the side of buildings as a tourist attraction. The first was unveiled in 1986 and now there are over 60 of them which attract over 200,000 visitors a year, including us! Sadly the sun deserted us when we checked in at our Cradle Mountain lodge hotel and pulled on our walking boots for a trek around the small and now gloomy looking lake in front of the towering peak. Having earlier skirmished with a wombat, another close up encounter with the natural world was awaiting us when we set out on a day’s circular walk through large areas of rainforest and mountain heathland.

Some of the paths reminded me of damp and dripping tunnels so thick and lush was the vegetation surrounding us. Luckily the sun returned the following morning and we spent a glorious day on a mid height trek around Cradle Mountain. Now time was running out and after a swift visit to Strahan, the gateway to Tasmania’s west coast, it was time to head for Hobart and home.

Travel Fact File

We used Travelbag (tel 0871 703 4698) to book our Qantas flights, car hire and all our en route accommodation in Tasmania. We also had chauffeurs to pick us up and take us back to the airports after stopovers in Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore.

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October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 9

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Guess what - it’s National Chocolate Week! BUY IT NOW

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is why 10% of RRP of Folli Follie's Heart4Heart jewellery collection will go directly to the Breast Cancer Care charity. The collection includes the pretty Heart4Heart Classy Watch, £150, available in brown, black, pink and white. www.follifollie.co.uk

IT'S A NO BRA-INER

Kicking off a year-long partnership with Breast Cancer Care, Boux Avenue will donate £1 for every customer who has an in store bra fitting throughout Breast Cancer Awareness month. Customers will also have the option of adding a £1 donation to their purchases during October. Head to www.bouxavenue.com to find your nearest store.

PEND a little or splurge a lot in celebrating National Chocolate Week, from October 10, by unwrapping one of these deliciously decadent buys SPEND ● Slice of Hollywood... Compartes California Love Salted Pretzel Dark Chocolate, Apple Pie Milk Chocolate Bar and Toffee Temptation Milk Bar, £6.95 each (85g), Harvey Nichols ● Spoilt for choice... Lady Betty Chocolate Selection, £15.95 (120g), Bettys www.bettys.co.uk ● Tuscan treat... Fortnum & Mason 28 Piece Assorted Napolitains, £17.50 (128g), Fortnum & Mason

SPLURGE ● Squirrel Nutkin... Hotel Chocolat Just One More, £20 (430g), selection of Brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias and Malty Munchies in 50% milk, Hotel Chocolat - available from October 10 ● Top drawer... Pierre Marcolini + Ami Chocolate Box, £45 (320g), with two trays of pralines, caramels and nougat, Selfridges ● Go wild... Roberto Cavalli 25 Piece Zebra Praline Chocolate Selection, £49.95 (275g), Harrods

Celebrity Gossip ◆ SIR Tom Jones will return to The Voice UK when the show makes its debut on ITV, after he previously slammed the BBC for firing him from the line-up in 2015. The Voice UK moved channels when ITV acquired the rights to it last year, after a five-series run on BBC One. Sir Tom will be joined on the panel on the series by Oscarwinning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson and rock star Gavin Rossdale. Long-running coach Will.i.am, who will complete the line-up for the singing competition, admitted he had missed his Welsh co-star and welcomed his move to ITV for the series, set to air in 2017. Singing veteran Sir Tom said: "I'm looking forward to returning to my big red chair on The Voice UK. "I had some great times on the show and I can't wait to again discover and help some brand new talent. And of course be back with my pal will.i.am." ◆ DISNEY has announced it is remaking animated classic The Lion King. The studio is teaming up with director Jon Favreau for the new take on the 1994 children's film. It follows the success of Disney's The Jungle Book remake, directed by Fabreau, which debuted in April and has made £742.7 million worldwide. It is thought the reboot will be a live action version of Simba’s tale.

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10 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

A new business is born in Abergavenny

THE JEWELLERY EXCHANGE

AVING spent the last five years trading in her home town of Abergavenny, local business person Iolanda Jackson-Johns spotted a gap in the market. A jewellery store with a difference, offering a wide range of pre-loved quality jewellery where you can Buy, Sell, Exchange, BuyBack or Layaway items of value including watches, sovereigns, coins, bullion antique silver etc. The Jewellery Exchange is situated in Market Street, a relaxed shopping environment just off the High Street and close to Abergavenny’s vibrant Market. Based on her concept of exceptional service and value for money, The Jewellery Exchange has had a promising start with satisfied customers already providing much valued business. As Iolanda explained, she is able to offer a varied range of services to all her customers. You can BUY, choosing from a wide range of quality pre-loved items ranging from diamond rings to silver charms with everything in-between, including wellknown names such as Clogau, Pandora, Tiffany, Links of London etc. You can SELL, best prices are paid for all precious metals be it a heavy chain or a broken earring – every item has a value.

12 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

You can EXCHANGE. Bring in your old items and trade them against a new item from the wide range of jewellery and interesting items on offer at exceptional prices. You can BUYBACK i.e. if you have items of value you are able to raise funds quickly and then buy your item back at an agreed amount within an agreed period of time. (terms and conditions apply). You can LAYAWAY. Any item in the store can be reserved with a 25 per cent nonrefundable deposit and the balance paid within 12-weeks. We also offer a full Jewellery Repair and Cleaning Service at very reasonable rates. The Jewellery Exchange is open 5-days per week, Tuesday – Saturday 9 till 5. Iolanda looks forward to welcoming you to her new store and you can even say hello to her trusted companions, Benson and George, the dachshund brothers. All customers and their four-legged friends are very welcome. The Jewellery Exchange 11B Market Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5SD Tel: 01873 850006 email: admin@jewelleryexchange.co.uk www.jewelleryexchange.co.uk

Preparing for Christmas

Why you should buy Wye Valley Ales for Christmas

OOKING through Wye Valley Brewery’s beautiful new website, we couldn’t help but be impressed by this quote that is featured on the Homepage:

The finest ale is still put into barrels by Timothy Taylor of Keighley, Batemans of Wainfleet, Harveys of Lewes, Fuller’s of Chiswick, Joseph Holt of Manchester, and the Wye Valley Brewery. Others play their part, but that little lot is good enough. Michael Henderson, Sunday Telegraph, 3rd April 2016 With this sort of high-profile endorsement, and following major re-branding this year, we decided to speak to Wye Valley Brewery’s Marketing Manager, Abbie Gadd, to find out what exciting plans the brewery have for the Festive season and the New Year…

With Christmas on the horizon can we expect a Christmas ale?

We will indeed be brewing a Christmas special – Three Wye’s Men, a rich, dark beer (4.7% ABV) will be available in cask for pubs to serve

wyevalleybrewery

throughout the Festive season. As for our bottled beers, popular Christmas purchases include our smooth and indulgent Wholesome Stout (4.6% ABV), the ever-popular Butty Bach (4.5% ABV), as well as Dorothy Goodbody’s Glorious IPA (6.0% ABV) and Country Ale (6.0% ABV).

What is your idea of the perfect post work tipple?

Depending on what day I’ve had, it would either be something refreshing and light, such as HPA or our new lager, 1985, or something more smooth and intense, like The Hopfather, which at just 3.9% ABV, amazes everyone by its depth of flavour.

What is your New Year’s brewing resolution?

We will obviously continue to brew beers of excellent quality, including 12 exciting monthly specials; but the bottling of our latest beer, The Hopfather, as well as our new lager, 1985, will be our biggest goals for 2017… It’s definitely going to another busy year for us!

To find out more about Wye Valley Brewery beers, events and other news, visit the new website: www.wyevalleybrewery.co.uk

@wyevalleybrew

October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 13

Gazette & Diary Magazine

risk mornings, autumn colours ... and deck the halls, really? In a word, yes. Now is the perfect time to think ahead and start Christmas planning so you will reap abundant benefits come December. ‘Don’t remind me, I can’t even think about it’ we hear you say but starting now makes sense - and will help you have more time to enjoy all the activities that take place in December, knowing that you can just enjoy yourself because things are so well organised at home. Those who wait until the spirit moves them to plan their festive season often find their decisions swept away by the Christmas tide, not made by their conscious choice. Whether they over-spend, over-schedule or over-indulge, they're dancing to the season's tune, not in charge of their own celebration. The result is debt, stress and feeling that the whole thing is just too much work. Advance Christmas planning puts you - not sentiment -in the driver's seat. When setting a present budget, making travel plans, or scheduling your time, you're more likely to have a realistic view of your limitations and your family's values when considering the season from a safeand early distance. Decide first, celebrate later! Make it an all-cash Christmas For too many families, Christmas is the gift that keeps on giving, in the form of credit card balances that linger for months into the new year. When buying decisions are swayed by last-minute sentiment or the pressure of deadlines, it's too easy to turn to plastic to bankroll the whole thing. Setting a Christmas budget now makes it easier to plan and achieve an all-cash Christmas. Better still, having gift lists and food needs organised in advance helps savvy shoppers take advantage of seasonal specials as they arise throughout the autumn weeks. Starting now means you'll spend less, get more, and keep the bills off the credit card balance - consumer debt is nobody's idea of a Christmas gift! Who are you buying for Growing families or economic circumstances can signal a need to renegotiate gift exchanges. Perhaps an office

Secret Santa tradition has gone over-the-top in recent years. It may be time to readjust present-giving practices in your extended family, or reel in inflated expectations. Whatever the scenario, starting early makes it easier to renegotiate present exchanges with a minimum of drama or hard feelings. Don’t wait until December to announce that you are only buying presents for children this year as adult members of the family may have already purchased their gifts. Raising the issue before the festive season provides breathing room for what is often an emotional exchange. Even if the decision to scale back or renegotiate gift-giving isn't welcomed by all the participants, doing it now means there is plenty of time to have it out and have it over with before the day arrives! Embrace homemade gifts Will you create your own presents and crafts this year? Planning ahead is essential to success; nobody wants to spend December nights rushed and harried glueing cards or baking biscuits. Whether you're new to giving handmade gifts or not, starting preparations now gives you plenty of time to start - and finish - handmade gifts or decorations. Similarly, crafters will find the season's best selection of kits, materials and supplies on sale now.

Don’t get stressed - get organised!

Separate the chores from the celebration One last reason to make Christmas plans early? Enjoyment! Buying presents in decorated shops while a band plays carols might be the ideal scenario but who really enjoys it when they're burdened by a long present list, the shops are hot and crowded and you are under time pressure? By tending to Christmas chores on the early side, you're free to enjoy the things that make the season festive. Break down the work into small, easy-to-achieve steps. Doing a few chores each week, you'll be ready to celebrate the season more fully and without the stress that comes from too much to do and too little time to do it. Get organised and enjoy yourself!

T H E S Q UA R E

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14 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

Preparing for Christmas

Christmas is coming T

HE festive spirit is already flowing through The Old Railway Line Garden Centre where last Friday evening more than 400 people enjoyed the opening of the 2016 Christmas displays; showcasing some of the best Christmas decorations, gifts and festive foods on the market this year. The award winning garden centre, crowned ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales and the West’ for five consecutive years by the Garden Centre Association always impresses in the build-up to Christmas through a number of events and magical experiences for children. Excitement is building amongst the local younger demographic, and further afield, as visits from Santa and his reindeer to the garden centre draw near. Open to children of all ages, the Old Railway Line Garden Centre’s grotto experience really brings the magic of Christmas to life. Shop Manager, Katie Eckley said: “Renowned throughout mid Wales, south Wales and Herefordshire our grotto experience is packed with festive magic, incorporating real life reindeer and a short festive walk before meeting Santa, having a chat and receiving a suitable toy and delicious sweets. “On selected days throughout December the Breakfast and Tea with Santa experiences offer something different to the traditional grotto visit. Children, parents and grandparents can enjoy a delicious meal in the Railway Restaurant before Santa personally visits each table,

distributing presents and speaking to each child individually. After the success of last year we have ‘Santa’s Grand Arrival’ planned for the evening of Friday 25th November (6.30pm); Santa will pull up outside the garden centre on his sleigh before enjoying a fun disco, bouncy castle and a festive menu in the Railway Restaurant with everyone who attends. “Don’t worry… adults haven’t been forgotten! We have a series of evening events planned for adults to enjoy too. Our Festive Ladies Night (Thursday 1st December) and Late Night Shopping Evening (Thursday 22nd December) offer the perfect opportunity to do a little last minute Christmas shopping before the big day! Also our Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday 15th December provides a fantastic opportunity to try new cheese and wine with an expert’s opinion before stocking up for the festive period.” 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.

thhe magic of Christmas to life. e ..

October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 15

Gazette & Diary Magazine You can freeze these festive recipes for the big day - or maybe you need to test them out first!

Get your bake on! Gingerbread People

Clementine Poppy Seed Loaf 140g butter softened, plus extra for greasing 50g crème fraîche 200g golden caster sugar 1 tsp orange or vanilla extract 3 large eggs 225g self-raising flour 50g cornflour 2 tbsp poppy seeds, plus extra for sprinkling 4 clementines zest from 3 and 100ml juice For the icing 140g unsalted butter, softened 300g icing sugar 140g crème fraîche zest 2 clementines 1 tbsp chopped candied peel (optional)

350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for rolling out 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon 125g/4½oz butter 175g/6oz light soft brown sugar 1 free-range egg 4 tbsp golden syrup To decorate writing icing cake decorations

gether the butter, icing sugar and crème fraîche until pale and fluffy. Add half the clementine zest and beat just a couple of times to incorporate, then cover and leave in the fridge to chill until the cake is ready to ice and the icing is firm enough to spread or pipe. Spread the icing all over the cake or put in a food bag or piping bag, snip off the corner and pipe thick stripes over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining clementine zest, the candied peel (if you like), and a pinch more poppy seeds. Will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze.

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and grease a 2lb loaf tin. Line the base and ends with a long strip of baking parchment. Beat the butter, crème fraîche, sugar and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy. Whisk in the eggs, one by one, followed by the flours, poppy seeds, zest and juice. Scrape into the prepared tin and bake on a middle shelf for 1 hr–1 hr 10 mins until a skewer poked into the centre comes out clean. Cool the cake for 20 mins in the tin, then carefully tip out and cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, make the icing – beat to-

Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger and cinnamon and pour into the bowl of a food processor. Add the butter and blend until the mix looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together, add to the food processor and pulse until the mixture clumps together. Tip the dough out, knead briefly until smooth, wrap in clingfim and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes or you can freze the dough at this point. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Roll the dough out to a 0.5cm/¼in thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using cutters, cut out the gingerbread men shapes and place on the baking tray, leaving a gap between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden-brown. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes and then move to a wire rack to finish cooling. When cooled decorate with the writing icing and cake decorations.

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16 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

Preparing for Christmas Christmas White Chocolate Traybake

Stollen Muffins 200g plain flour 50g ground almonds 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp ground cinnamon 100g golden caster sugar 100g marzipan, diced 25g pistachios, roughly chopped 50g toasted flaked almonds 25g sultanas or raisins 50g dried cherries or cranberries 50g dried apricots, diced 2 large eggs 100g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 125ml full-fat natural yogurt 1 tsp almond extract 2 tbsp icing sugar 12 paper muffin cases

225g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 225g light brown soft sugar 4 medium eggs 200g mincemeat, from a jar zest 1 orange 200g plain flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground nutmeg 200g white chocolate, plus extra for grating 100g double cream Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line and grease a 20cm square brownie tin. Beat the butter and sugar using an electric whisk for about 5 mins or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Add the mincemeat and orange zest, and beat again for a few secs to combine. Sift in the flour, cinnamon and nutmeg, and stir with a large metal spoon until completely mixed. Tip into the tin and smooth using the back of the spoon. Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Meanwhile, make the white chocolate icing. Put the chocolate in a large bowl. Pour the cream into a small saucepan

and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and it’s all combined, then set aside and leave to cool. Leave the traybake to cool in the tin for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing on top of the cake, then finely grate over the extra chocolate and cut into squares. More recipes at bbcgoodfood.com

still a few floury bits. Quickly divide the mix between the cases and put in the oven on the top shelf. Bake for 5 mins, then lower the heat to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and bake for 15 mins more until they are risen, golden, and a skewer inserted into the middle of them comes out clean. Once they have cooled a little and are firm enough to handle, lift out of the tin onto wire racks and cool for 5 mins. Mix the icing sugar with the remaining 1/4 tsp cinnamon and sieve over the muffins. Serve warm. Will keep for 3 days in an airtight container.

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and put the muffin cases in a 12-hole muffin tin. Mix the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, bicarb, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, the sugar, marzipan, nuts and dried fruit in a mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, yogurt and almond extract, then pour over the dry ingredients and very quickly mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture has just come together – the most important thing is to not overmix – don’t worry if there are

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October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 17

Gazette & Diary Magazine

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Preparing for Christmas

Christmas courses at Humble by Nature C

HRISTMAS craft and food courses at Humble by Nature are already selling out! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots going on from making a door wreath, to curing your own Boxing Day ham, creating beautiful willow and felt decorations or making delicious chocolates. Catherine Gray Flowers are back for their sell-out wreath making workshops. Great if you want to get together with friends or come alone. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go home with a wreath that will be the envy of the neighbours! Make stunning willow Christmas decorations with Wyldwood Willow. These stars, angels, trees and baubles will be decorations that you just can't wait to get out, year after year. Discover how to make cute

needle-felted robins, angels and snowmen with FfolkyFfelt. If cookery is more your thing, join Native Breeds and cure your own Boxing Day ham (youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take it home at the end of the course) and make your own bacon, perfect for wrapping the Christmas bird. Make your own delicious chocolate truffles with Kokoblas Chocolates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the perfect gift if you can bear to give them away! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make and package three different kinds of truffles, 10 of each. Find out more and book online at www.humblebynature.com or call 01600 714595.

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Cider Making - Sun 16th Oct Photography: Natural World Sun - 16th Oct Crochet a Wool Cowl - Fri 21st Oct Dark Skies Photography - Sun 30th Oct Needle Felted Xmas Decorations - Fri 18th Nov Weave a Hedgerow Basket - Sun 20th Nov Willow Xmas Decorations - Sat 26th Nov Curing for Christmas - Sat 26th Nov Christmas Door Wreath - Thurs 1st Dec Christmas Chocolate Truffles - Sat 10th Dec

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October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 19

Gazette & Diary Magazine

20 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

Preparing for Christmas

10 top tips for a stress-free Christmas 1 Prune the to-do list. Ask, “If I don’t do this, what will happen?” Aim to knock down the list of chores to the rock-bottom necessity. 2 Cut the gift list. Rein in gift exchanges that have been outgrown or lost their meaning. Limit gifts to children only, draw names, or organise a gift exchange. 3 Wrap as you go. Who needs to spend Christmas Eve catching up on wrapping chores? Sticky notes will help you keep track of gift contents. 4 Buy, don’t bake. Turn your back on the oven this year. Supermarkets, bakeries and the freezer department of the discount warehouse are a great source for delicious, pre-baked holiday treats. 5 Call, don’t send cards. Reach out and touch someone … the easy way. Online greeting cards are easy, inexpensive and fun to send. No more queues at the post office! 6 Scale back décor. Substitute a simple door wreath for outdoor lighting, a tabletop tree for the over-the-top tannen-

baum. Focusing your decorations on the Big Three - front door, tree and focal point- can bring a festive feel to the house without day-long decorating sessions. 7 Cut the clean-a-thon. Focus cleaning attention on kitchen and public rooms; private areas can slide until the season’s end. Better to schedule deep-cleaning chores like carpet cleaning until after the wear-and-tear of the holiday season. 8 Downsize dishwashing. Hand-washing fine china is nobody’s idea of a good time, so move to everyday stoneware. Simpler still - paper plates! 9 Finger food, not feast. A smorgasboard of tasty tidbits is easier on the cook and kinder to the waistline than a sit-down dinner. Share the work by hosting pot-luck events. 10 Stay home! Cuddling down close to the hearth beats festive travel any day. A holiday "stay-cation" allows for evening drives to see the lights, family camp-outs in front of the Christmas tree, and evenings spent with carols and popcorn. Fun!

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Gazette & Diary Magazine

22 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

Gazette & Diary Magazine

App of the moment A COLOR STORY

Canon Powershot G9 X, £399.99, John Lewis

CONSIDERING its size and price, this smart, retro-looking camera delivers remarkable results. Best of all, it easily slips into your pocket. A 1-inch sensor and wide f/2-4.9 lens aperture allows the camera to let in plenty of light, improving the quality of pictures; and, if you're shooting stills or video in low light, the image stabilizer is a handy aid. It's a lot lighter than market competitors (weighing just 207g), making it an ideal travel companion.

Nikon D5 (body only), £5,199, www.wexphotographic.com

MANY will balk at the price of Nikon's flagship full-frame DSLR, which launched earlier this year, but for both professionals and serious snappers, it's money well spent. The 20.8MP sensor delivers a good balance between image quality and manageability of file size, while the 12 frames per second burst is bliss for shooting fast moving sports and wildlife. It might sound like you're firing a machine gun, but catching every moment guarantees great shots - plus, there's no annoying buffering (an issue hindering older models). In terms of both performance and size, it's by no means a lightweight camera (it comes in at 1,405g), but if you want to step up your game, this is the model to buy.

Leica Sofort, £215, www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk

It won't be on sale until November, but the hype surrounding Leica's first instant camera means pre-orders are already available. Operating like an old-school Polaroid, this neat bit of kit delivers vibrant images on demand and will appeal to those with a love for spontaneity. It's a no-brainer to use, with just a few simple modes to choose from - including a selfie option, assisted by a mirror on front of the camera - but there is the option to be creative with multiple exposures and manual setting of focussing distance too. The affordable price tag is obviously appealing; for many, the opportunity to own one of these iconic red dot beauties is too good to pass up.

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TOP 10 BEST SELLING IPHONE APPS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

JOEMOJI Keyboard by Snaps Media, Inc The Official DVSA Theory Test by TSO (The Stationery Office) Plague Inc. by Ndemic Creations Facetune by Lightricks Ltd. 7 Minute Workout Challenge by Fitness Guide Inc Minecraft: Pocket Edition by Mojang Heads Up! by Warner Bros. Great North Snowdogs by St Oswald's Hospice Trenches by Catapult Consulting, LLC Flightradar24 - Flight Tracker by Flightradar24 AB

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Leica SL Mirrorless Camera (Typ 601), £5,320, www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Leica are world famous for making quality equipment, and this full-frame compact system camera is of expected high calibre. Controls are minimal and intuitive, making it ideal for those who hate thumbing through manuals; in the heat of the moment, when rapid responses are required, it's also much easier to use. Shooting 11 frames per second and with an ISO range from 50-50,000, it's up there with most professional DSLRs. The only downside is its weight; it's much heavier than other mirrorless cameras. But given the performance, it's a compromise you might be willing to make.

Fuji XT-10 (body only), £469, www.amazon.co.uk

The X-T1 was a roaring success for Fuji; this slightly stripped-back, more affordable model is just as impressive. Featuring a 16MP sensor, it has an ISO range of 200-6,400. Controls allow full creative control, with shutter and aperture easily adjusted via a top wheel; other functions have to be set via a back screen menu, although it's simple enough to follow. A built-in viewfinder will please purists, while a pull-out back screen can be handy when shooting from the ground. In the absence of a mirror, the shutter burst is fast - eight frames per second - and it's super-light even with a telephoto lens attached. Small and discreet, it's perfect for street photography.

Nikon COOLPIX S7000, £149, John Lewis

If you simply want a sturdy snapper that does all the work for you, this could be your weapon of choice. A 20x optical zoom (equivalent to 25-500mm in 35mm terms) caters to different needs, while inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC allows straightforward connectivity. A VR system compensates for wobbly hand shake in low light, and a scene auto selector helps the camera select the best settings. It's also possible to download a free companion app for phone - ideal for selfies. Given the price, images are respectable, and the option to manually select the focus point is a bonus. Expect noise at higher ISOs, but otherwise, this is a great little compact.

Dates for your Diary October 7 - Abergavenny Alzheimers Fund Raising Group, Market Hall, tables opposite Pet Shop. Come & Support us. Lots of Bargains. 8.30-3.30. 13 – Abergavenny Local History Society, Christopher Parry will talk about the Story of Cyfarthfa. Borough Theatre, 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to join on the night. 19 – Gilwern U3A Inaugural Meeting, 2pm Community Centre, Common Rd, Gilwern. All Welcome. 21, 22 - Suitcase Theatre Company presents 'Picasso's Women' by

Brian McAvera at The Melville Theatre, 7.30pm. Tickets: £8. Tel: 01873 853167 or email: melvillecentre@outlook.com. 22 – Pandy & Monnowside Ploughing Society Fun Bingo Pandy Hall. Light Refreshments. 7.30 for 8pm, Tel: 01873 890591. 22– Jumble Sale, Llantilio Pertholey V.P.A, Doors Open, 1.15pm, Raffle and Refreshments. 28 – Govilon Gardening Club Meeting, 7.30pm at the Village Hall. Talk by Keith Sweetzer “Fruits”. New members very welcome.

October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 23

Gazette & Diary Magazine

MONMOUTHSHIRE & POWYS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

t is a sad fact of life that many elderly and disabled people in our community are having to find their own domestic support due to local authority budget cuts. It is though, sometimes difficult to know where to turn to for this support and help. Look no further! Diamond Home Support has brought back the Home Help. Whether it be domestic support, meal preparation, shopping or simply someone to chat to and brighten up your day we can help. Our Home Assist Service aims to provide vital support for the elderly and less able in a friendly, caring and professional manner. All of our workers are thoroughly vetted and are chosen specifically for their personality, ethos and attitude. They are all paid well and are encouraged to be proactive and to â&#x20AC;&#x153;go the extra mileâ&#x20AC;?. Loss of independence can be humiliating and frustrating, and that first vital step of admitting that you can no longer cope alone is sometimes very difficult. We therefore try to make the experience

as friendly and personal as possible. All potential clients are visited in their own homes so that we can talk them through the service, explain how things work and answer any questions which they may have. Relatives need not be concerned that their family members will be pushed into signing up for our services if they are unsure as to whether or not it is right for them. We respect the fact that each individual, however old, frail or disabled, has the right to consider the pros and cons of our services before signing on the dotted line and, to this end, we are happy to visit more than once should that be necessary. We are also happy for family members to be present at this initial meeting; in fact, we positively encourage it. We guarantee ongoing support; are always available to discuss any problems, issues or concerns and will do our utmost to resolve these in the best way possible.

RELAX IN COMFORT THIS AUTUMN

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

24 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

Golden Years

RE you itching to consign your work clothes to the back of the wardrobe for good - or would you miss your colleagues, the challenge of the job - and a regular wage coming in? Research has found nearly one in three people approaching retirement are considering changing their financial plans following the vote to leave the EU. Around 30 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds think they will have to make new arrangements - and many of these people may delay retirement until the economic picture becomes clearer - Prudential found. With around half a million people retiring across the UK each year, this could equate to 150,000 of these people changing their financial plans and 55,500 possibly pushing back their retirement. Recent falls in annuity rates may also be partly behind some people's decisions to go back to the drawing board. When many people retire, they use their pension pot to buy an annuity, which can give them a fixed income for the rest of their retirement. However, the pension freedoms introduced in 2015 mean retirees are no longer required to buy an annuity and they generally have a wider range of options. Prudential's research also found that across different age groups generally, one in five people think they will need to change their retirement planning and, of these, more than half think they may retire later. There's also some evidence that people will look to ramp up their savings amid the uncertainty. One in six people surveyed plan to increase their savings, while 58 per cent will continue to save the same amounts - despite low interest rates. Prudential's survey of more than 700 people across the UK also found 36 per cent are concerned about the property market. Many people, including buy-to-let investors, may be pinning their hopes on the value in their property to help finance their retirement. And a recent report from Royal London suggested as many as three million working age Britons are relying on

Will you push back your retirement?

This is Sarah. She’s busy cleaning her oven...

their home to fund their retirement - by downsizing to a smaller property. However, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), the average value of a UK home is still expected to be around £40,000 more in five years' time, according to its projections. Low interest rates also mean that many people are getting feeble returns on their savings, which could also prompt some to consider working for longer. So how can those approaching retirement improve their position in the current economic uncertainty? Vince Smith-Hughes, Prudential's saving and retirement expert, says many people may well be thinking about their savings and pensions a bit more. Firstly, he suggests getting an idea of how much money you have and tracking down any "lost" pensions from previous jobs. Speaking to the Government-backed Pension Wise service could also be a good step. Smith-Hughes says a financial adviser will also be able to offer help in looking at the best way to draw an income. For many, working for longer is already a reality. As many as 1.2 million people aged 65-plus are still in employment, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. Smith-Hughes says: "There are a lot of people now considering working past what would have been considered their state pension age. "That's due to a combination of things. Some of them are looking at going part-time, perhaps with the same employer, some of them are looking at different employers. "Some of them are even looking at starting up a business when they get to their state pension age. "We talk about retirement these days, and we have this idea that one day people are working five days a week, the next day they're retired - it doesn't really happen that way."

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Put the sparkle back into Your kitchen today! October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 25

Taming fussy eaters

HERE can be nothing more frustrating than slaving over a hot stove to make a delicious new family meal, only for the kids to refuse to eat simply because they don't like the look of it. Married couple Zoe Bather and Joe Sharpe know the feeling. But rather than just entering battle with their kids, they decided to do something positive about picky eating, and wrote a book in a bid to help solve the problem for other parents. The book, Around The World With The Ingreedies, is a children's picture and cookbook that aims to get kids excited about new foods. "There's nothing worse than feeling like you're accepting an ever-growing list of 'I don't eat...', and consequently everdiminishing options for family meals," says Bather. "We don't expect kids to like everything they're given to eat. But we do believe if you tell them about the history and culture of food, it will inspire them to try something new. "Eating together should be a pleasure, not a pain." Bather suggests the following tips to combat dinnertime dramas:

Expose children to new cultures

Through books, TV, or trips out, encourage children to explore the history and culture that surrounds food from around the world. Chinese tea rituals, Mexican pinatas, Spanish tomato throwing festivals - these weird and wonderful, exotic tales of food will spark their interest in associated ingredients, flavours and recipes.

Plan meals together

Get some cookery books out and involve the kids in deciding what you're going to eat. If they see you implementing some of their ideas, they'll be much more accepting of what's put in front of them. Plus they'll realise it's no mean feat accommodating everyone's likes and dislikes, and so start appreciating the need for compromise.

Go shopping together

If they're old enough, you could challenge them to find some of the ingredients on your list. But simply handling some veg or counting out some fruit gets them familiar with raw ingredients - demystifying what's in their dinner. They'll also see how much effort goes into preparing meals, and start to value the food they eat more.

Grow an ingredient

A yoghurt pot of cress, some herbs on your windowsill, or sugar snap peas up a wigwam - there are loads of crops that are easy to grow and good for small spaces. Watching a tomato seedling emerge from the soil, develop fruit, and slowly ripen, is a tantalising, magical experience.

Involve them when cooking

If children have invested even a small amount of their own time in meal preparation, and understand the ingredients used, the chances of a clean plate increase dramatically. Get them to taste or smell an

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26 October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue

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Matters Education MATTERS Education

How to have that difficult conversation

ingredient, and have them play some small part in the preparation or cooking (a stir here, a teaspoon of something there), and they'll be excited to try the end result with you.

Give choices

Look for recipes that have some optional bits and can be communal in their presentation, like Mexican wraps where everyone can pick a selection of fillings. Try putting bowls and platters of food on the table, along with side dishes and condiments, rather than plating-up everything beforehand. Giving kids a feeling of choice means they'll be more open to trying a few things, as they're not burdened with the commitment of finishing a plateful.

YEAR 6 ACTIVITY MORNING 12th NOVEMBER MONMOUTH School and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls are warmly inviting prospective pupils to experience first-hand some of the subjects and extracurricular activities on offer. The annual Activity Morning is a free event open to pupils currently in Year 6 and considering joining the Schools in Year 7 in 2016. A relaxed, fun-filled morning, this is a great way for pupils from a wide range of primary schools to meet one another and get a taste of life at the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools. The boys are able to try their hand at art, sport, design technology and witness the ‘magic of chemistry’ before they tuck into a hearty lunch. And the girls will be able to sample dance or sports workshops, taster sessions in German, geography, design technology or a chemistry experiment, before they too get to enjoy a delicious lunch with their parents. To sign up for the free Activity Morning, please contact Mrs Karen Stafford Smith at HMSG on 01600 711104 or email admissions@hmsg.co.uk , or Mrs Diane Jakes at Monmouth School on 01600 710433 or email admissions@monmouthschool.org.

Embrace feedback

Kids won't always like everything you cook. But talking about what they liked or disliked in a dish goes a long way to keeping stuff off the dreaded dinner table blacklist. Get them to describe the tastes or textures they weren't keen on, and perhaps you can change that for next time by going easy on the lemon, leaving out a spice, or swapping couscous for rice etc.

One meal for all

Eat together round the table whenever possible, and eat the same thing. Don't separate what they're eating from what you're eating, as you're setting yourself up for making several dinners each night. You're not a restaurant. On the subject of

eating out, hunt out restaurants that don't have a separate kids menu, but offer half portions.

Make food exciting Try something new as a family once a week - explore an unfamiliar cuisine, have a go at a new recipe, or just try using a new ingredient. If they see you trying something new, they'll want to be part of the experience and fun, and will ultimately have a much more open and less anxious attitude towards food. ◆ Around The World With The Ingreedies is published by Laurence King, £12.99. Available now

DISCOVERING your child is taking drugs is every parent's nightmare, and most would go to great lengths to ensure illegal substances - or even legal highs - are never part of their child's world. But ongoing conversations about drugs with children, starting well before the age they're likely to first be offered them, may be all it takes to prevent experimentation:: Don't wait till there's a crisis to start talking about drugs - begin the conversations years before this possibility could arise. ◆ Prepare what you're going to say, ideally with the other parent. Reliable information is available from the Government website www.talktofrank.com ◆ Begin with less personal questions like, 'What have you learned at school about drugs?' ◆ Don't lecture - make sure it's a two-way discussion. ◆ Give your opinion of drugs, but explain why and don't exaggerate. Instead, give a realistic summary of the risks. ◆ Discuss alcohol too. ◆ Tell your child where they can find accurate information. ◆ Mention any history of drug problems in the family. If you've taken drugs yourself, decide beforehand how much you'll say about this. ◆Take time for questions, and ask them questions - what do they think of drugs? ◆The Drug Conversation by Dr Owen Bowden-Jones is published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, priced £12.99. Available now

HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS Day and Boarding Boys 3 - 18

Girls 3 - 18

YEAR 6 ACTIVITY MORNING 12 NOVEMBER 2016

Inviting all pupils considering entry to Year 7 for September 2017

www.habs-monmouth.org/y6activity October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 27

WHEELS & DEALS MATT LeBlanc will return as host for the next series of Top Gear, the BBC has confirmed. The former Friends actor will join motoring journalists and Extra Gear hosts Chris Harris and Rory Reid as main hosts, while Sabine Schmitz, Eddie Jordan and The Stig will make regular appearances. LeBlanc proved popular with audiences when he co-hosted the last series of the revamped motoring show alongside former host Chris Evans, and has now signed a two-series deal with the BBC Patrick Holland, channel editor for BBC Two, said: "I am thrilled that Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear. "He's a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious. I can't wait for the series to return to BBC Two next year." Series 24 of Top Gear will be on UK screens on BBC Two next year. Claire Pizey will be executive director, while Alex Renton will be series editor.

FORD'S award-winning Fiesta ST hot hatchback is now available in five-door guise. The ST, which is widely regarded as the best small hot hatch on sale, has been sold as a five-door in the USA, but this is the first time it has come to Europe in its more practical shape. Offered only on the better-equipped ST2 and ST-3 variants, the extra doors have no effect on the car's impressive performance. As with the three-door version, power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 180bhp, resulting in an unchanged 6.9-second 0-62mph time, but fuel efficiency has taken a small hit. Whereas the three-door returns 47.9mpg and 138g/km CO2 emissions, the five-door is slightly less economical, managing 46.3mpg and 141g/km emissions. The usual ST fittings, such as the tuned suspension, steering and brakes, have all been carried over to the more practical car in a bid to maintain the much-lauded handling. Prices start from ÂŁ19,495, which makes the five-door car ÂŁ600 more expensive than its three-door equivalent, but that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, the wide ST grille and a sculpted rear diffuser, as well as privacy glass and halogen headlights.

28 October/November 2016 -

WHEELS & DEALS

Matters Education MOTORING

HE Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has given drivers trips on how to drive safely in the wet. With heavy downpours currently affecting vast areas of the UK, it is more important than ever to make sure you are properly prepared to deal with difficult driving conditions. Drivers are urged to check the weather at their destination beforehand, making sure to use main roads as these are less likely to become flooded in a downpour. Wiperblades and headlamps need to be checked before any journey too, as a malfunction in either of these could have a dangerous effect on a drive. Make sure to avoid stopping in standing water, but if there's any doubt, IAM advise you not to try it - there's a good chance it's deeper than it appears. Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart's head of driving and riding standard, said: "If your tyres begin to lose traction, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking and allow the

ATERHAM has revealed its newest model, but it's not quite how you'd imagine. Far from being a highpowered sports car crafted from steel and aluminium, this 620R is created from something slightly different - LEGO. It is the first time that a Caterham has been made from the iconic plastic bricks, with this model standing 10cm tall and 28cm long. All-in-all, it is made up of 770 pieces, making it a challenge for even the most ex-

speed to naturally decrease until you have full control of your car again. "Driving in wet weather can be challenging, and with delays and increased concentration needed, it can be more tiring too. By allowing increased time to stop, and extending your following distance, you can remain safe." One of IAM's biggest tips is to give yourself more time to react when driving in wet weather, compared to the times given when proceeding in the dry. Keep a close eye on the amount of spray given off by other vehicles too, as this can also have an adverse effect on your ability to judge a situation properly.

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perienced modeller. The kit even includes a replica Caterham engine and gear stick. There's also a removable nose cone and engine cover, as well as functioning axle standard and a working steering wheel. The car was originally submitted to the LEGO ideas platform, where it gained 10,000 votes. The LEGO Ideas Review team then chose the 620R to go into full production. Priced at ÂŁ69, the Caterham LEGO 620R is available now.

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October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 29

Precious Pets

Purr-fect picks for top cats Feeding time

SureFlap Microchip Pet Feeder, £99.99 (www.sureflap.com) Think microchip-operated cat flaps are the height of kitty technology? SureFlap make a range of microchipcontrolled mechanicals, including this pet feeder, which enables households with multiple four-legged family members to ensure each one gets their full share of grub (handy if one of your furry brood's on a special diet, too). A lid keeps meals fresh too: simply follow the instructions to set it up, and it'll open when the desired microchipholder approaches.

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Pet cam

Motorola SCOUT85 Connect HD Wi-Fi Pet Monitor, £79.99 from £99.99 (motorolastore.co.uk) Aside from the endless entertainment and YouTube hit possibilities (I jest), if you want to check in with Puss while you're out of the house, this RSPCA-endorsed hi-tech indoor camera lets you do just that. Link it up to your device with the free Hubble app, and you can watch live or review earlier footage, all in HD 720p quality. There's an infrared night-vision mode too, and the camera can rotate to follow your feline around the room.

Tail spin

Hexbug Remote Control Mouse, £14.99 (www.hexbug.com) Cats love chasing things. We all love a remote control toy. Everyone's a winner with this mechanical mouse, which can spin around and shoot forwards and backwards. Don't expect state-of-the art robotics, but it's good fun and handy for when you want to slump on the sofa but kitty wants to play and at this price, you can't go wrong.

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Real treat

Pawbo Wi-Fi Pet Camera and Treat Dispenser, £179.99 (www.thefowndry.com) Quality pet cam: tick. Link up and watch a live feed of Tinkerbell while you're out and about: tick. But Pawbo's capabilities go much further than that: you can also talk to your cat remotely, operate sound effects, and even play with them thanks to an in-built laser. Best of all though, you can operate the treat dispenser, all via the free Pawbo app. Now that really is the cat's whiskers.

Laser quest

Ferplast Phantom Laser Cat Toy, £18.99 (www.worldstores.co.uk) Often, the simplest toys really do prove the biggest hit, and if you've ever kept your cat occupied with a basic laser pen, you'll know how much they love chasing those darting beams around. This batteryoperated gizmo will do all the arm-work for you. Simply switch it on, choose one of three speed settings, and watch Puss put those pouncing skills into action.

Diagnosing the cryptic cat

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Merry go round Cat's Meow Cat Toy with Motorised Revolving Mouse Tail, £14.99 (JMLDirect.com) In my experience, cats soon get bored of more hi-tech toys, but if your Puss can't resist a bit of peeka-boo, then this is definitely worth a go. Pop in some batteries (not included), and a motorised 'mouse tail' wand swings back and forth beneath the canvas cover. The speed and direction changes at random, to keep kitty on her toes, and it can be folded away for tidy keeping afterwards.

ATS can be a confusing and more complex medical challenge than their friend or enemy, the dog. A feline patient will present with illness with particularly vague symptoms and consequently they require us vets to take an accurate history and use careful observation to reach a diagnosis. One of the more common symptoms as your pet cat ages to look out for is probably a change in thirst. Some of you will barely register your young or middle-aged (say under-8 years) cat drinking at all. They are well adapted to conserving water and can obtain much of what they require from the pouch of whatever brand of food you choose to give them. It is no mistake when you hear us talk about a pouch, foil or tin can as ‘wet’ food. This is not simply because it is the opposite choice to dry kibble but the moisture content of these diets is all most cats need to keep them hydrated. However, as cats are living longer we recognise that when their kidney function

begins to reduce, they often lose the ability to produce the concentrated urine months or even years before the kidneys actually fail. The inability to produce a darker, more concentrated urine is familiar to us all if we sweat a lot on a particularly hot day and/or miss our day time litre of water. This first stage of so-called kidney disease we label as renal insufficiency. It is often missed or misinterpreted as your feline friend just starts to take a more obvious interest in water. These symptoms are critically important to me because it is at this early stage that I can best advice on how to preserve kidney function. So please, watch your cat carefully. If you notice a consistent change in behaviour, even as subtle as a regular visit to the drinking bowl, a check up may well be in order at the vets. Ben Hynes MRCVS Abbey Vets

Matters Education and Finance Legal

Holding steady On the ladder HOUSEHOLDS' expectations about their finances have held steady despite the Brexit vote, a survey suggests. The Markit Household Finance Index said the current financial strain on households remains "relatively muted", with a stable picture emerging amid rising workplace activity and low inflation. Construction sector workers were the most upbeat about their financial prospects, while manufacturing employees were also relatively optimistic.

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THERE is a seven-year age gap across the country in the age at which firsttime buyers are typically getting on the property ladder, according to Halifax. The average first-time buyer age ranges from 27 in Carlisle in Cumbria and Torfaen, South Wales, to 34 in Slough and parts of London. Across the UK, the average first-time buyer age is 30.

Eating your cash BRITONS eat up seven per cent of their wages each month by dining out with Sunday roasts and fish and chips topping the list of favourite foods, a survey suggests. On average, people spend £155.19 a month in restaurants and cafes, equating over the course of a year to more than £1,862 spent on breakfasts, lunches and dinners, according to Groupon.

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October/November 2016 - The Autumn Issue 31

COMPOSITE DECKING So many reasons to choose Twinson Terrace decking While traditional wooden decking is often an instinctive choice for residential gardens and terraces, modern alternatives can form more advantageous solutions. Deeplas Twinson Terrace decking is made of a purpose-designed wood and UPVC composite - which gives it strength, durability and natural good looks. Twinson Terrace decking is easy to install, requires minimal maintenance and is available in a range of colours. Its double-sided planks offer a choice of structure makes it a robust decking solution that can be used and enjoyed for many years.

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• Each of our Twinson Terrace decking boards is 140mm-wide and 28mm-deep. The decking planks are designed to span substructure supports positioned up to 500mm apart, and just like conventional wooden decking, the planks can be easily cut-to-size. The patented concealed clip system makes fixing the decking planks to the supporting framework simple, and our range of complementary trims allows for a beautiful and completing finish.

•

TILING Depending on your project requirements and personal preferences, here are a few snippets of information that may help you make a decision on the type of tile that would best suit your needs and taste. Ceramic: ranging in colour, size and shape, ceramic tiles area popular and versatile choice for bathrooms and kitchen walls. They are easy to work with , which can contribute to a quicker turnaround to complete your project. Porcelain: a stronger tile, often produced in larger sizes. As a result it is an effective and robust tile suitable for areas with a higher footfall. Natural stone: a popular choice for those wanting to create a luxury feel to their project. Natural stone requires a level of

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EMBOSSED UPVC EXTERNAL CLADDING

Deeplas PVC-U embossed cladding provides an attractive, low maintenance, weather resistant solution for replacing rotten timber cladding, concealing unsightly areas of brickwork or adding an interesting new feature to a property. Available in shiplap style, embossed cladding is designed for easy installation. Our range of colours and realistic unique appearance, whether you want a rustic All cladding comes with a 20 year guarantee and a choice of 167mm or 333mm depth at 6m lengths and a range of colours to enhance any project why use anything else?

DECORATIVE CLADDING Our decorative cladding is a range of high quality PVC wall it is a favourite in bathrooms and kitchens due to it s water resistant qualities, ease of scrubbing and bleaching of old tired grouting, cleaning the PVC a wipe down with soap & water being enough to remove the vast majority of everyday stains.

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Hygienic & Eco Friendly. No messy grouting required. range of DIY tools. Waterproof for et areas.

01633 483 568 Units 2 & 3 Barbarian House • Llantarnam Road Llantarnam • Cwmbran • NP44 3BB

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