WYE VALLEY LIFE
WYE VALLEY LIFE
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OCTOBER 2009
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Property WVM
Part exchange your way to a new home at Plas Mynydd in Llanfoist, Abergavenny There’s great news for those looking to move without the hassle of selling their current home, as Barratt is currently offering its excellent part exchange scheme on a superb collection of three, four and five bedroom semi-detached and detached family homes. Barratt will buy your house so you don’t have to find a buyer, there are no chains to worry about, no HIPs to organise, no estate agent’s fees or last minute haggling over price. You can stay in your old property until your new one is ready. The whole process is easy, allowing you to get on with your life in your brand new home.
Adrian Bird, Sales Director at Barratt South Wales, says: “Our part exchange offer removes all the uncertainly associated with moving house. Just like trading in your old car when you buy a new model, we buy your old home for cash, enabling you to relax without the worry and cost of selling a property.� Plas Mynydd, in the beautiful village of Llanfoist, just two miles from the market town of Abergavenny, is close to excellent transport links, with Abergavenny railway station around three miles away and Cardiff International Airport approximately thirty miles.
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Prices for homes currently available through part exchange at Plas Mynydd start from ÂŁ165,000 for a three-bedroom house and ÂŁ309,995 for a four-bedroom house and ÂŁ375,000 for a fivebedroom house. The Sales and Marketing Suite and showhome at Plas Mynydd, Gypsy Lane, Llanfoist, Abergavenny, Gwent. NP7 9LA is open Sunday to Wednesday and Friday 11am to 6pm, Thursday 1pm to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm, telephone 01873 854511. For further information on all Barratt Homes please visit the website www.barratthomes.co.uk
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WVM
Lounges A contemporary look yet hard wearing by Brintons. Floorstyles of Leominster 01568 612322 floorstyles.co.uk
Interior designer Gail Scott offers her expert advice on designing your living room and being on trend for autumn winter 2009/ 2010
Leather provides a practical, durable and stylish solution to living room furniture. Whitestone Interiors Hereford 01432 851 991
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WYEVALLEYMEDIA.CO.UK OCTOBER 2009
Autumn is the season when the lounge really comes into its own again as there is less time in the garden and more time in the home. If you haven’t got a fireplace in your living room do consider having one. There are some fabulous designs available catering for all tastes and styles. If your style is modern and contemporary consider the wall hung fires, particularly the elongated version. They create a natural focal point in the room and come in a variety of finishes from matt black to brushed or polished steel, and if you do not have a chimney then plug-in electric options are available. If you do not have an open fireplace but still want to achieve a traditional feel consider a wood burning stove. Look for stoves which have self-cleaning glass, they are efficient, give out lots of heat and allow you to see the burning logs and as an added bonus are available in several colours. The colour palette for this season falls into two groups. The cool neutral palette is still around with tonal variations of aquatic colours. Add smokey greys to this scheme to keep up with one of
the new trends for 2010. Glass coffee tables and metallic finishes work well with this palette. Using weaves and velvets for textured accessories, throws also add warmth for the winter months. For a more theatrical scheme look at the vibrant palette of deep turquoise and purples. Use it for statement pieces such as cushions, blinds and lamp shades. Low level coffee tables in deep wood finish also works well with this scheme. Walnut is the current trend and enhances this scheme perfectly. The most dominant pieces of furniture in the lounge are the sofa’s and chairs. When choosing seating aim to buy the best you can afford. Consider who is going to use the room. If you have children or pets make sure you choose a fabric which is durable and stain resistant. For a more eclectic feel to your scheme buy a mix of sofa’s and chairs. Plain fabrics work well on sofa’s as they provide a blank canvas to add accessories. This season sees resurgence in the art of upholstered furniture. There is a real note of nostalgia
FLOORSTYLES OF LEOMINSTER
The Avanti Midi by Stovax, a modern twist on the log burner. F.J.Williams of Hay Hay-on-Wye 01497 820644
Specialists of high quality domestic and contract flooring
Flooring such as Crucial Trading, Karndean and Brintons Large selection of handmade and contemporary rugs
Stockists of major brand beds including Rest Assured, Excellent Relax, Silent Night, Dura Beds, Air Sprung and Kozzesleep
www.floorstyles.co.uk
Flooring & Beds Showroom South Street, Leominster
01568 612322
email: mail@floorstyles.co.uk
Lotus paper, by Farrow and Ball Rourke Davies Interiors Brecon 01874 611307 rourke-davies.co.uk with vintage 1930’s styles to classic Victoriana with high backed button detailing. Even if your scheme is contemporary you can still add these details as there is a wealth of luscious velvets and chenille’s on the market both in vibrant as well as muted tones. Consider covering a chair in vibrant pink; lime; turquoise or deep purple to add a statement piece to your room.
Choose flooring to reflect your lifestyle. If you have children then a wooden floor might be too noisy. Plain carpet with rugs gives scope to add style and personality to your scheme. Look for carpet which has the natural look of sisal but the durability of an 80/20 wool mix to use with rugs.
Fires & Fireplaces for Nat Gas, L.P.G. or Electric. Providing a complete service from survey to installation by our own qualified engineers Central Heating Systems, Service & Maintenance. Unit 4, Mortimer Trading Centre, Mortimer Road, Hereford HR4 9SP
Tel/Fax: (01432) 272329
www.herefordgasservices.co.uk enquiries@herefordgasservices.co.uk
147 383
PinkTastic
Shop pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Emma Bridgewater children’s lunch box £7.00 and cups £3.50 Cooks Haven 01432 356233 cookshaven.co.uk
Key board £12.50 Hearts and Flowers Ledbury 01531 634622 heartsandflowersledbury.vpweb.co.uk
Gorgeous chunky bracelet £25.00 Juice Jewellery Ledbury 0845 224 0267 juicejewellery.co.uk
Jelly pink Sisal shopper £29.50 Ethos Little Tarrington 01432 890423
Pretty and glittery purse £4.99 Sarah Jane’s Joy of Flowers Hereford 01432 371221
Tin o’ pink twine, £5.99 Hintons Country and Gardens Leominster 01568 612277 hintonscountry.co.uk
Retail therapy WVM
Beautiful beaded necklace from £35.00 J B Gaynan and Sons Ledbury 01531 632992
Leather make-up bag £15.00 Crows feet Ross-on-Wye 01989 763 698 crowsfeet.net
Fab, funky and Fair Trade! Hot pink shoulder bag £34.95 Lizzie Bunting Ross-On-Wye 01989-564542 lizziebunting.co.uk
Breitling Cockpit ladies watch £5660 Beards Cheltenham 01242 516238 beards.co.uk
Fuchsia leather hip flasks from £26.00 Bensons of Ludlow 01584 872 676
Shanghai tea set, in mirrored pink from £7.99 Silver Pear Ludlow 01584 879096 silverpear.co.uk
OCTOBER 2009 WYEVALLEYMEDIA.CO.UK
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Fashion focus WVM
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1. Beautiful brushed gold and silver kokkino necklace, a really striking accessory on a dark shade. Bensons of Ludlow 01584 872 676 bensonsofludlow.co.uk 2. A mini brown leather hand bag is the perfect accessory to complete your casual weekend look. Perilla Perilla.co.uk 3. This cute dress from James Lakeland shouts relaxed Italian chic. This is a key piece for your autumn/winter wardrobe, and paired with killer boots you will certainly turn some heads. The Dressing Room Malvern 01684 567667
It is often difficult to achieve a look that is both relaxed, yet stylish for the weekend, you need something suitable to pop for supplies to the local farmer’s market or out to lunch with friends, but equally comfortable after a hard week’s work. Thick tights are still very much the order of the day, and so twinning this with a woollen maxi dress is an effortlessly cool look without seeming to be trying too hard. Anyone can pull this look off, young or old, teamed with some key accessories to match your character and you will hit that style nail on the head.
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4. Gorgeous stacking silver ‘twinkle rings’ set with freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones are a fun way of making your jewellery relaxed and yet still sparkly enough to catch people’s attention. Beards Cheltenham Beards.co.uk 5. Animal patterns are absolutely the key look this season. So why not adorn your outfit with this outrageously fun watch. J B Gaynan and Sons Ledbury 01531 632 992 OCTOBER 2009 WYEVALLEYMEDIA.CO.UK
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Business WVM
How to determine your strengths and weaknesses with Tim Kidson
Last month we looked at how the Bull’s Eye technique is the most powerful way to clarify direction for your family business. It enables you to determine the excellence of the products and service you intend to offer, the ambition of the directors and the new marketing strategy that will be necessary for you to hit the Bull’s Eye.
Next month: How to work out what needs changing
Once the top team has signed off the Bull’s Eye, the very next job is to conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis against the Bull’s Eye. This requires real openness and honesty from all concerned for the best possible results. Never fudge anything; never avoid any issue however painful it may be. We need to able to talk about anything and everything that could conceivably have an impact on the business. In a typical family business, including my own, we find approximately: a) b) c) d)
TKA are experts in helping family businesses to develop and sustain competitive advantage www.timkidson.com 01432 354136
Three strengths Ten weaknesses Three opportunities Four threats
A SWOT analysis without a Bull’s Eye is like a cart without a horse, it will go absolutely nowhere. The greater the aspiration towards excellence for your family business, the greater the ambition of the directors and the more challenging the new marketing strategy is, the more crucial this exercise becomes.
complacency, a silo mentality in some areas?” If this is true, loyalty of staff may be a fact, but it is not a strength. However if dad at 54, for example, were demonstrably passionate, enthusiastic and committed to the ongoing success of the organisation, then this would be a genuine strength. For nine family businesses out of ten the most common weaknesses include the reluctance to adopt accepted best business practice. Dad and mum have done a fantastic job getting the business to where it is these last thirty years, but this process is all about the next thirty years. Opportunities and threats are external to the organisation and whilst some can be addressed, other items are sometimes outside our control. Typical family business opportunities include taking our existing products and services into new markets, or devising new products and services for our existing markets. This would be part of a marketing strategy document. If you haven’t got one of these, that is a weakness. It is the weaknesses of the organisation, as volunteered by the Board, sometimes helped by a trusted outsider, that are so often the clue to what needs to
change. Some weaknesses, such as poor quality and irregular management meetings, can always be corrected, providing there is a will to do it. At a recent Bull’s Eye day, one family shareholder said, “Directors do not do what they say they are going to do”. That is what I call a below the waterline weakness. Threats often include new and challenging competition in the market place, government legislation from home or overseas, climate change, fuel prices and so on. It is always important to acknowledge these since some can fundamentally affect your business model. The magic in this part of the process is that the more open, honest and transparent you are, the more valuable it will be for your family business.
We are only looking for items that link directly to the Bull’s Eye. So if you want to put loyalty of staff as strength someone like me may say “Well, let’s turn that coin over. Can loyalty of staff have anything to do with reluctance to change, OCTOBER 2009 WYEVALLEYMEDIA.CO.UK
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WVM
What’s On
WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2009
Fairs and Festivals
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3rd October Brecon Beacons Food Festival Market Hall, Brecon A great day out for all the family with more than 50 local food stalls. For more details tel: 01874 624979. 10th and 11th October The Big Apple In and around Much Marcle An annual harvest-time celebration of apples, pears and orchards in the Herefordshire parishes of the Marcle Ridge. The programme includes talks, demonstrations, fruit displays, tastings and identifications. For more details: 01531 670544 or www.bigapple.org.uk Until 11th October Ludlow Photographic Festival 2009 Ludlow Assembly Rooms Events include, on Tuesday 6th October at 8pm, a stimulating lecture by Clive Nichols, one of the world’s most successful flower and garden photographers and an exhibition of work by members of the Royal Photographic Society. For full details visit www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk. 12th and 13th October Ledbury Hop Fair Ledbury A traditional street fair along the town’s main street with funfair, rides, candy floss, swings & roundabouts. For more information: 07831 232259 17th October Leominster Apple Fair Lion Ballroom, Broad Street, Leominster. Display of apple varieties, apple identification experts on hand plus a selection of local foods, including apple juices and cider. Details: 01568 780886 17th and 18th October Cidermaking Festival Cider Museum, Ryelands Street, Hereford. Demonstrations of traditional cider making, Herefordshire bee keeper’s exhibition, coopering demonstrations, fairground organ and a display of apples. For more details: 01432 354207 or www.cidermuseum.co.uk 23rd – 26th October Brecon Baroque Festival Brecon, venues include Brecon Cathedral and Theatr Brycheiniog Inspired by the town’s Georgian architectural heritage, this four-day event features outstanding international performers as well as the annual Baroque Ball. The Festival opens with a special Festival Evensong at Brecon Cathedral and concludes with a concert given by the Brecon Baroque Festival Orchestra. For details visit www.breconbeaconsmusic.com or email: breconbaroquefestival@gmail.com 24th – 25th October 10am - 4.30pm Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival Hereford Race Course A fantastic foodie event for all the family featuring demonstrations by celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo, Slow Food Talks, a Food Market and Farmers’ Market. Admission: Adults £5, Concessions £4.50, Under 14s £1.50, Children under 3 free. www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com
Music 3rd October 8pm - 12.30am Tigerfish Session The Globe at Hay The second in a series of evenings of live music and
WYEVALLEYMEDIA.CO.UK OCTOBER 2009
poetry, on the first Saturday of the month. With charismatic Irish singer Brendan Fahey, and Powysbased actor Semele Xerri reading poems in the female voice by Tony Walton. Good food & drink, great atmosphere. Tickets: £8. (10% goes to Habitat For Humanity.) 01497 821762 www.globeathay.org 10th October 7.30pm The European Union Chamber Orchestra with Tasmin Little Ludlow Assembly Rooms A chance to hear an orchestra with a formidable reputation plus the opportunity for intermediate/ advanced players to join a workshop with Tasmin Little at no charge, 3 – 4pm. For workshop details contact 01584 813703. Tickets: £15, concessions £14. A limited number of free tickets available to young people under 26. Box Office 01584 878141. www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk 10th October 7.30pm The Magic of Motown, Reach Out – 50th Anniversary Tour The Blake Theatre, Monmouth Celebrating 50 years since Berry Gordy created the Tamla record label, this fabulous production leaves all other Motown shows standing in its shadow. Tickets: £16. Box Office: 01600 719401. www.theblaketheatre.org 15th October 7.30pm The Band of the Welsh Guards The Blake Theatre, Monmouth Quite simply one of the finest military bands in the world, the Band of the Welsh Guards, under their Director of Music Major Stephen Barnwell, is always in demand both in the UK and overseas. Tickets: Adult £17.50, Student £10. Free to Merlin Music Society members. Box Office: 01600 719401, www.theblaketheatre.org
16th October 7.30pm Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment The Courtyard, Hereford The Courtyard in association with Orchestras Live present the UK’s leading period instrument ensemble. Tickets: £19 to £23, Friends and Corporates £17.10 to £20.70. Box Office: 01432 340555. www.courtyard.org.uk 17th October 7.30pm Kington Choral Society’s Autumn Concert St Mary’s Church, Kington The autumn concert will feature Beethoven’s Mass in C-major and Mendelssohn’s magnificent Hymn of Praise. Tickets: Adults £8.00, Children and Students £4.00. Price includes interval refreshments and programme. Details: 01544 230319 or www.kingtonchoral.org.uk 29th October 7:30pm T.Rextasy Borough Theatre, Abergavenny The ultimate dedication to Marc Bolan. Tickets: £14, Concessions £12. Box Office: 01873 850805, www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk
Opera 24th October 7.30pm The Marriage of Figaro The Courtyard, Hereford Sung in English, Mozart’s opera is perfect for both opera fans and newcomers alike. The talented performers, picked from National Opera Companies, are joined by the Mid Wales Opera Chamber Orchestra. Tickets: £16 to £19, Concessions £14.50 to £17.50, Under 16 £10. Box Office: 01432 340555. www.courtyard.org.uk
What’s On WVM EXHIBItIOns 17th – 25th October 10am - 4.30pm The Real Colour Show Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes An exhibition of wonderful naturally dyed textiles from all over the world, plus talks, demonstrations, workshops and traders. Free entry to exhibition. talks and demonstrations £2 (tickets available at the exhibition). For more information: 01588 638712 or enquiries@textiletechniques.co.uk. 24th – 25th October 10am – 5pm (Saturday) 10am – 4pm (Sunday) Showing Off Exhibition Ludlow College, Ludlow Contemporary craft show by shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft and Worcester Guild of Designer Craftsmen.
tALKs
tHEAtrE
CHILDrEn’s EVEnts
2nd October, 7.15pm Clarissa Dickson-Wright Leisure Centre, Chepstow Celebrity chef and champion of the countryside Clarissa Dickson-Wright, one of the original two Fat Ladies, will entertain with her inimitable wit and outspoken views. tickets: £6, redeemable against the purchase of her new book. Also on 10th October at 3pm at the same venue, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the acclaimed chef, smallholder, television presenter, writer and campaigner will talk about his new book “river Cottage Everyday”. tickets £8, £4 of which is redeemable against the purchase of his book. Both events are organised by Chepstow Bookshop, in partnership with the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding natural Beauty (AOnB) Unit. tickets from the Chepstow Bookshop, by phone on 01291 625 011 or by email shop@chepstowbooks.co.uk
22nd October 7:30pm James Seabright presents My Grandfather’s Great War Borough theatre, Abergavenny Cameron stewart’s acclaimed one-man show views the First World War diaries of his grandfather Captain Alexander stewart from a 21st century perspective. tickets: £11, Concessions £9. Box Office: 01873 850805, www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk
28th October 10am – 4pm Ludlow Castle Green Games Day Ludlow Castle A day full of half-term fun for all the family, including Have-a-go Archery and Birds of Prey flying displays. tickets: Adult £6, Child (6-16) £3, senior/ student £5.50, Family £15. www.ludlowcastle.com
BALLEt 8th October 7.30pm Cinderella the Blake theatre, Monmouth this magical and most enchanting of all fairy tales is presented by the exceptionally popular European Ballet. tickets: Adult £15, Concessions £13. Box Office : 01600 719401. www.theblaketheatre.org 10th October, 7:30 Nutcracker - The Russian State Ballet Academy of Perm theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon the magical spirit of Christmas Eve is perfectly captured in tchaikovsky’s most famous of all fairytale ballets, the nutcracker. tickets: £15.50 and £17.50. Box Office: 01874 611622. www.brycheiniog.co.uk 24th October 7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ludlow Assembly rooms Independent Ballet Wales presents a breathtaking version of shakespeare’s play which creates a world of magic and mayhem, with the help of Mendelssohn’s joyous music. tickets: £14, Concessions £12. A limited number of free tickets available to young people under 26. Box Office 01584 878141. www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
28th - 31st October 8pm Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood the Market theatre, Ledbury Ledbury Amateur Dramatic society’s (LADs) Autumn Production tells of the dreams and innermost thoughts of the inhabitants of an imaginary small Welsh village. Tickets: £7, Students £4. Box Office: In person at Ledbury tourist Information Centre or on 01531 636147. www.themarkettheatre.com
30th October 2:30pm Something Else Borough theatre, Abergavenny Internationally acclaimed tall stories present a magical adaptation of the awardwinning picture book by Kathryn Cave and Chris riddell. A tale of fantastic friendship filled with upbeat songs and lots of laughs. suitable for ages 3+. tickets: £5. Box Office: 01873 850805. www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk
31st October 2.45pm The Snow Queen the Courtyard, Hereford Hans Christian Andersen’s tale is presented by Cornelius and Jones Productions. suitable for age 4+. tickets: £7, Concessions £6.50, Kids Club £6. Box Office: 01432 340555. www.courtyard.org.uk
OUt AnD ABOUt 11th October. Castle 2 Castle (C2C) Cycling Challenge routes between Berkeley Castle and Chepstow Castle The Stroke Association’s first sponsored charity bike ride between England and Wales leads across the Old severn Bridge, between Berkeley Castle and Chepstow Castle. Participants can experience an historic family friendly ride through the villages of Gloucestershire on a 44 mile circular route or a 22 mile linear route. For more information or to request an entry pack: 0117 953 1200 or email: c2ccylingchallenge@stroke.org.uk
WINNERS 07/08/09
Miss Sheila Chamberlain, Kings Caple, Herefordshire 14/08/09
Mrs J Wood,
Ledbury, Herefordshire 21/08/09
Mrs S Farr,
Dymock, Gloucestershire 28/08/09
Mrs E Criddle,
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
What’s on MONTV? Find out today at
www.mon-tv.com MONTV Local TV for Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley, on the internet! OCTOBER 2009 WYEVALLEYMEDIA.CO.UK
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WVM
Hereford food festival
24 - 25 October 09
Tempting the
taste buds By Sharon Chilcott
A programme packed full of mouthwatering morsels is set to tempt the crowds to the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October.
The event, at Hereford Racecourse, celebrates local food and drink, with a vast and varied choice from more than 120 stallholders including pastries and puddings, meats and cheeses, fruit and vegetables, wine, beer, cider and perry, liqueurs and cordials, fruit and vegetables, home-made ready meals and handmade chocolates. A series of inspirational cookery demonstrations is headed up by celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo, who can be seen combining selected local ingredients with his customary Italian flair each day at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm in The Rangemaster Cookery Theatre. The Heart of England Fine Foods Cookery Theatre will showcase the skills of local celebrity chefs, plus the stars of the future and a man who is passionate about fish. Their demonstrations will show how imagination and local, fresh and seasonal food can be combined in quick and simple recipes that keep the culinary traditions of Herefordshire alive. In “Passionate About Fish”, Duncan Lewis will show how to handle good quality raw fish to create a fantastic eating extravaganza. Cooking with the best produce of Herefordshire, as the title of his demonstration
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suggests, Matt Slocomb from the Crown Inn in Woolhope will create truly tasty dishes using the best seasonal products from his locality including pork and perry. Two of the county’s rising stars will demonstrate the imaginative dishes which brought them the accolade Young Chef of the Year in the Flavours of Herefordshire Awards Scheme. Encouragement of new culinary talent is just one aspect of the scheme, which for the past nine years has promoted the development of local products, dishes and recipes. It includes hotly contested awards for budding gastronomic geniuses aged from 16 to 21, with a category for those who are already cooking in Herefordshire’s restaurants and another for those training in the county’s catering college in Hereford. The youngsters are expected to show a commitment to sourcing locally and to delivering an authentic taste of the county to every customer. This year’s four short-listed entrants had just 90 minutes to produce a two-course menu at a cook-off at Herefordshire College of Technology in September. In the Industry category, the judges had the difficult task of choosing between last year’s winner
Scott Davies from Holme Lacy House, Holme Lacy and Rachel Williams, who now works at the Wilton Court Hotel in Ross on Wye and last year won the student category. Scott’s menu comprised poached tenderloin of pork with wild mushroom tortellini, savoy cabbage, apple puree, black pudding and cider jus followed by Court Farm pear tarte tatin with blue cheese and walnut ice cream. Meanwhile Rachel tempted the judges’ taste buds with local slow roasted belly pork with a black pudding ravioli and apple foam, followed by blackberry clafoutis with crème anglaise. In the student category Shea Bevan battled for the honours against Oliver Russell. Shea cooked fillet of Herefordshire beef, little Hereford dauphinoise, roasted beetroot and shallots with pumpkin puree, followed by blackcurrant and apple mousse with a Westons Vintage granite. Meanwhile Oliver prepared pork neck fillet with a mustard hint mash potato, apple, cabbage and bacon stuffing served with baby carrots and parsnip crisps drizzled in onion gravy, followed by fruit crumble and lemon custard. Alongside the varied programme of cookery demonstrations there’s also a series of talks and tastings organised by Slow Food
Herefordshire, which brings together artisan producers, consumers and entrepreneurs who all agree with the message that food should be good to taste, natural in production and offer a fair price to producers. Their events provide the chance to find out more about traditional breeds, methods of production, the pleasure of digging or picking your own fruit and vegetables and the Slow Food Youth Movement. Discover the history of the Ryeland sheep breed, which originates from Herefordshire or learn about the traditional process of producing perry, a unique drink made from carefully selected varieties of pears, which is capable of standing alongside a fine wine. Find out what’s in season from Herefordshire grower Tim Gilbert, who cultivates 40 varieties of fruit and vegetables, from asparagus to zucchini, blueberries to yellow egg plums and learn how the family farm adapts to the weather and the future. Finally there’s the chance to hear from Christine Hope, Slow Food Herefordshire delegate to the 2008 Terra Madre Youth Network, how a global network of young farmers, artisans, activists and students are actively changing the future of food and farming.
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Restaurant review
7 Church Street, Monmouth
01600 712600 pregomonmouth.co.uk
Experienced by Nicola and Ian Morgan
As we travelled down to
Monmouth from Hereford the
heavens opened and it felt like a winter evening. We got to Prego in Church Street just before
7pm and most of the tables were already full, what a great first impression on such a nasty evening.
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It’s a bustling restaurant with fantastic aromas of fresh cooking, with happy customers tucking into their delicious looking food. We were shown to our table straight away, which was situated right in front of the kitchen, so we could see everything that Head Chef Steve Robbins and his team were up to through the open viewing hatch. The menu is extensive and extremely tantalising and it proved to be quite a challenge to decide what to eat. Dieshes change weekly or fortnightly, depending on what is available. They try to locally source as much as possible and Steve has an eye for quality ingredients. With his experience he also knows where he can find the best fish, game and anything else he needs to keep his customers coming back for more. I chose the moules mariniere, always a favourite of mine, Ian opted for a smoked haddock fishcake with crab bisque. We were both transfixed watching the great teamwork of the front of house and kitchen staff as they coped with the busy early diners Everything ran like a military operation, no sooner was the food cooked, a bell was rung and the front of house team leaped into action. I love to see the food other people order and there were certainly some delicious dishes being prepared. Our starters arrived and I could immediately smell oodles of garlic. The
Sample Menu Insalata Caprese ( Tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad with basil and balsamic) V £6.50 Moules mariniere £6.00 Speck with mozzarella, figs and aged balsamic vinegar £6.50 Salad of pea shoots, rocket, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds and balsamic £6.00 vinegar V Smoked haddock fish cake with crab bisque £6.50 Parma ham with melon £6.00 Crispy courgette flowers stuffed with mozzarella, ricotta and spinach V £6.50 Warm salad of artichokes, fennel, parmesan and chickpea fritters V £6.75 Tagliolini with sun dried tomates, chilli, garlic and parsley V £5.00/£9.00 Tagliatelle with venison sauce £6.00/£11.00 Spinach and ricotta raviolini with sage butter V £6.00/£11.00
Vincisgrassi 18thC baked pasta with porcini mushrooms, Parma ham and truffle £8.50/£15.50 Tagliatelle with green beans and pesto V £6.00/£11.00 Herefordshire rib eye steak with red wine and shallot butter and chips £18.50 Breast of chicken with panzanella (Tuscan bread salad) £11.50 Rack of Welsh lamb with piperade £16.50 Saddle of venison with celeriac and potato gratin and spinach £13.50 Breast of duck with roasted potatoes, figs, strawberries and orange sauce £15.50 Cod with rösti and aubergine £12.50 caponata Seabass with fennel alla Giudia, spinach and sauce vierge £13.00 Homemade potato chips £2.50 Mixed leaf salad £3.00 New potatoes £2.50 Green beans £2.50
V - Suitable for vegetarians
mussels were absolutely delicious, tender and scrumptious. Even Ian, who is not a lover of them, had one at my insistence has now become a mussel convert already planning a return visit for lunch so he can have a bowl to himself! His fishcake was equally as deliciousas was the crab bisque which we also tried.
potato gratin and spinach which was divine. The portions are just right and incredible value for money, you end up fully satisfied. Struggling to squeeze in a dessert we decided to share a lemon and blackberry cheesecake. It was so light and fluffy, not at all rich, in fact a fantastic end to an excellent meal.
For the main course I had cod with rosti and aubergine caponata, the cod literally melted in my mouth. I later found out from Steve that regulars to Prego also like the cod and he has tried to take it off the menu a few times to present other things, but due to popular demand it remains a regular fixture. Ian had saddle of venison with celeriac and
Prego is open 7 days a week from 10am for coffee and from 12 to 3pm for lunch, and 6.30pm to 10pm for dinner. They offer a traditional Sunday roast using only free range and locally reared meats such as Herefordshire beef and Welsh lamb with a choice of four starters, four mains and four puddings with 1 course at £9.50, 2 courses
£13.50 or 3 courses for £15.50. Look out for the forthcoming themed Wine, Fish and Game evenings coming up this winter. Everything is cooked from scratch on the premises; it really is worth a visit. Also don’t forget about Christmas parties, bookings are being taken now. They also have 8 en-suite bedrooms, so if you are travelling from further afield for business or pleasue in Monmouth this is an ideal option. The great thing about Prego is that it is like a big family, the service is excellent, food delicious, everyone is looked after and made to feel special. We are already planning our next visit.
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Market place
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The Olive Press is based near Ludlow and is dedicated to the provision of the finest quality Greek olive oils and olives. They stock a range of pitted and nonpitted olives including plain, stuffed and marinated; they also offer a delicious array of Mediterranean antipasti. Shown in the picture are red pepperdew peppers stuffed with feta, their award winning Kalamata olives marinated with cardamom and orange and sundried tomato stuffed olives. You can find The Olive Press at Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Usk and King’s Heath Markets and at various food festivals throughout the Wye valley and Marches region. The Olive Press Craven Arms 01584 823214
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A taste of the Mediterranean
Local lavender
The Mill Race in Walford is an award winning village pub known for serving great food, local ales, ciders, and an extensive wine list in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They also aim to use their own produce wherever possible from their 1000 acre farm, confident that the quality and condition of their food is at its best - you can’t get more local. They also offer a range of luxury gift hampers which include their own branded lavender sugar which is infused with the fragrant flower and a delicious alternative for cakes, desserts, biscuits and all sweet cooking. Mill Race Walford 01989 562 891 Millrace.info
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Refreshing
Three Wells Water Company have produced 3W, a pure-spring water that is bottled at source in the heart of mid Wales. The quirky packaging is both stylish and extremely practical, as the pouch will withstand freezing, which makes it great for lunch boxes and backpacks, with the added bonus of becoming completely flat when empty, the easy to squeeze into pockets and bags, being both flexible and durable. 3W is available from outlets across Powys. 3wthreewellswater.co.uk
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Time for tea
Murroughs Welsh Brew Tea is the only major tea brand to be packed and blended for the Principality of Wales. The special blend of quality African and Indian teas, perfectly compliment the waters of Wales, yielding that traditional flavour and colour relished by true tea drinkers. For more information visit welshbrewtea.com
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Yummy honey
Gareth and Bernice Baker have apiaries situated along the Welsh border following the River Wye from Chepstow for almost a hundred miles up the river to Glasbury on Wye, in varied environments ranging from broadleaf woodland in the south through huge orchards and fields of clover to heather moors in the north. This varied forage produces honey ranging from almost clear to extremely dark with numerous flavours and textures. The bees provide the Bakers with a fascinating living as well as providing vital pollination, especially important since the loss of significant wild bee colonies to Varroa. Available from farm shops and local outlets, so why not try some of their delicious, locally produced honey? Gareth and Bernice Baker Mill House Monmouth
WVM
Weddings
REAL
weddings
The marriage of Leanne, daughter of Nigel and Julianne Jenkins of Redbarn, Hereford to Stuart, son of John and Julie Evans of Westfields in Hereford took place on Saturday 14th February 2009 at a civil ceremony at Ayelstone Court in Hereford followed by a reception at the venue. Leanne and Stuart met in1998, when they were just 15 years of age. Their childhood romance stood the test of time, and the couple moved into their first home in 2004. The following year, as a surprise Christmas present, Stuart had planned a romantic getaway to Paris, where he confronted his fear of heights and proposed to Leanne on Boxing Day, high in the sky, at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Leanne happily accepted and the couple swiftly made their way back down to the safety of the ground to 32
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begin celebrations with a candle lit meal and champagne. The couple enjoyed a long engagement whilst Leanne returned to studying and Stuart became a partner in C. Stanley Jones Signs of Hereford. They finally planned their wedding day for Valentine’s Day 2009. The service was conducted by Lynn Pugh in the Orangery at Ayelstone Court. The bride wore a white sequinned gown with diamante detail and a long train, along with a crystal and diamante tiara. Leanne was given away by her father, and walked into the ceremony to Paul Weller’s ‘You do something to me.’ The bridesmaid was Leanne’s sister, Katie, and she wore a striking red rose ball gown. The best man was Mark Jones, and the ushers were Elton Evans and Craig Jenkins, Mitchell was the pageboy.
Photography by Powerful Imagery
Following the service, guests enjoyed a pink champagne reception and canapés, followed by a sit down meal of roast Herefordshire beef. After the entertaining speeches, the evening was spent dancing to a live band followed by a disco in the beautifully decorated marquee. The couple finally took to the floor for their first dance to Millie Ripperton’s “Loving You”. The newly married couple stayed in one of Aylestone Court’s luxurious suites. The following day the wedding party awoke, and enjoyed a breakfast brunch where everyone reminisced on the events of the previous day. The couple then set off to London to enjoy their honeymoon. Stuart and Leanne have also planned a honeymoon to The Atlantis Palm in Dubai.
To feature your wedding in the magazine email: editorial@wyevalleylife.co.uk
WVM
Social life 1
Fundraising frivolity at The Chequers Grand Summer Ball 2009 On Saturday 12th September guests arrived at Eaton Bishop adorned in their most glamorous attire to help raise funds for the County Air Ambulance at The Chequers Grand Summer Ball. Set up by Becky Wall and Mary Kimber in 2006, the Chequers goal was to raise funds for worthwhile local charities.The first event raised more than £16,000 for the Acorns Hospice. Hence, following the success of the last ball, the team reconvened and set about hosting an even bigger bash to raise funds for another worthwhile charity.This year over 440 people attended and enjoyed a fabulously sunny evening kicked off with canapés and champagne, followed by a delicious meal, a charity auction, live-band, Roddy on the disco, a bucking bronco and a spectacular fireworks display.The event was supported by several local businesses, who all donated generously to help make the night a success, such as Monnow Marquess who kindly donated the vast marquee and Charles and Becky Wall of A Plush Flush who donated their luxurious loo’s.
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1. Colin and Sally Smith 2. Brian and Chris Allon 3. Camilla Whitney and Michael Thomas 4. Chris and Joy Daniel 5. Matt Chamberlain Jones, Andrew Nicolson-James, Ian and Niki Morgan Iain Steele, Heidi Chamberlain Jones and Victoria Nicolson-James 6. Jenny and Patrick Johnston 7. Clare Skinner, Jane Preston and Sandra Knight 8. Kevin and Sally Johnston 9. Julliette and Andrew Johnston, David and Alice Hancorn 10. Glen and Annette Lewis 11. Keri Stephens, Meir Watkins and Hazel Whistance 12. Lynn and Pip Bullock
13. Louise David, Alex Tempest, Jackie Howell, Caroline Dudley, Emma Webster and Louise Jones 14. Phil and Angela Sayce 15. Paul and Caroline Morgan 16. Phill and Angela Sayce, Chris and Joy Daniel, Steve and Jo Shaw, Colin and Sally Smith, 17. Mary and Adrian Kimber, Jo and Nick Craddock, Jan and Ray Bullock and Becky and Charles Wall 18. Steve and Jo Shaw 19 19. Becky and Charles Wall 18
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Family firm mark centenary with celebratory cricket match. This summer Burgoynes of Lyonshall and Brightwells Auctioneers held their annual cricket match at Kington recreation ground. This year was an extra special celebration as Burgoynes celebrated their centenary year.
1. Team Captains Mark Burgoyne and Richard Binnersley 2. Nick, Matthew, Lionel, John, Reg, Andrew, Michael, Joseph, David, Mark, Steve, Doug and Peter Burgoyne 3. Umpires Julian Gallimore and Ian Scott 4. Frank Morgan 5. Brian Layton, David Bradborne 6. Barbara Bradborne Val Hall, Andrew Burgoyne, Tricia Hern, Jen Layton, Sue Powell 7. Angela Wilkes, Louise Roper, Jane Kynaston, Stephan Kynaston, 8. Annie Baker, David Wilkes, Shan Preddy, Don Preddy, Nick Avery, Liz Avery 9. Sasha Burgoyne, Mandy Burgoyne 10. Simon and Margaret Edwards 11. Doug Burgoyne, Tim Jessop 12. Peter Burgoyne, Terry Court
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Social life
Celebrating 70 years in style
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This summer Peter Burgoyne celebrated his 70th birthday with family and friends in style, with a themed party, in a lavishly decorated marquee, supplied by the family business. Photographs by Richard Weaver 1. Percy Pudge, Nick Layton, Bill Davies 2. Lois and Robin East 3. Peter Burgoyne, Jack Pritchard, Claire Burgoyne, Jane Burgoyne, and Josh Pritchard 4. David Rogers, Adrian Daniels, Oliver Daniels 5. Nicholas Burgoyne, Amanda Burgoyne, Doug Burgoyne, Andrew Burgoyne 6. Jane E. Burgoyne, Tim Jessop, Lucie Oliver, Georgina Daniel 7. Mervyn Jones, Ann Rogers 8. Olivia Roper, David Roper, Charlie Roper (front), Annabel Roper, Louise Roper, Beth Roper 9. Gina Children, Mike Perlman, Tina Perlman, Roy Baker 10. Lt. Col. Roger Roddick, Bill Eaton, Harry Ellam 11. Sally and Richard Williams 12. The Burgoyne’s 70
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