Gazette and Diary magazine

20
Pets Style & Fashion Homes and Gardens Local Events Competitions Call the Experts ... and much more ... With the Abergavenny Chronicle FREE The Winter Issue January / February Issue 22 / 2013 £1.50 - where sold

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Transcript of Gazette and Diary magazine

Page 1: Gazette and Diary magazine

■ Pets ■ Style & Fashion ■ Homes and Gardens ■ Local Events

■ Competitions ■ Call the Experts ... and much more ...

With the

Abergavenny

Chronicle

FREEThe Winter IssueJanuary / February

Issue 22 / 2013£1.50 - where sold

Page 2: Gazette and Diary magazine

02 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

ST VALENTINES TRIBUTE EVENING with‘ROD STEWART LOVE SONGS’

Friday 15th February 2013£20 per person including a Romantic Two Course Dinner

Back by popular demand‘ADELE TRIBUTE NIGHTTwo Course Dinner & EntertainmentSaturday 27th April 2013£20 per person

‘JOHNNY CASH’ ATRIBUTE TO THE MAN IN BLACK

Two course Dinner & EntertainmentFriday 14th June 2013£20 per person

WEDDING FAYRESunday 17th March 2013 11am-4pm

The Park Hotel, Pandy, Abergavenny

Tel: 01873 [email protected] www.theparkhotelwales.co.uk

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03● The Winter Issue ● January / February

PUBLISHING:Printed and distributed by NWN Media.www.nwnmedia.co.ukMold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold, CH7 1XY.

At NWN Media we are committed to addressing the keyenvironmental impacts of printing and the production process, andpreserving the environment for future generations. Ourenvironmental policy is achieved through continuous monitoring,annual targets and action plans.

The sourcing of newsprint is a major environmental concern forpublishers and we at NWN Media source our newsprint from UPMKymmene in Deeside, utilising their 100% recycled paper, which isproduced as a natural, renewable and recyclable fibre fromsustainable, responsibly managed forests. UPM is committed toforest management and forest harvesting practices based on theinternationally accepted principles of sustainable forestmanagement.

UPM Kymmene is just a mile from the press site, which alsokeeps carbon footprint to a minimum in the obtaining of our paper.All newsprint waste is taken back to UPMʼs site and fully recycled.

When you have finishedreading the Gazette & DiaryMagazine - please recycle it.

In association with

The Abergavenny Chronicle

DESIGNERS:Dave [email protected]

John [email protected]

ADVERTISING:Jenna Hopkins ext 35For information on how to advertise in our next issue,contact: [email protected] or telephone01873 852187 ext 35

GENERAL MANAGER - Mary Purcell

to the first edition of the Gazette and Diary magazine 2013. Allof us here would like to wish all our readers a Happy andprosperous New Year!

Inside this months edition we have Emma Jones helping us with ahandy wall organiser, a fresh start with Court Bleddyn, planning your stay at Llangoed Hall and much more.

So cuddle up with a nice hot drink and get reading!

Welcome...

Page 04Abandonedhorses

Page 07Be as safeas houses

Page 16-17Celebrity confessions

Page 11Plan a stayat LlangoedHall

▲ Page 14Letting littlethings makea difference

Inside...

Page 18Make moreand mend

Page 05Made up it’s Winter

Page 09The most affordablecar in the UK iscoming to Hereford!

Nick Ramsay AMAssembly Member for Monmouth

Hospitals - Schools - Transport -Environment - Housing

Write to: Nick Ramsay AM, Constituency Office,16 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AB

E-mail: [email protected]

For further information call:01291 674 898 or 029 2089 8735

Page 4: Gazette and Diary magazine

04 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

Abandoned horsesTransit and Tinker are two yearling Falabellacolts that were spotted being dumped outof the back of a transit van on land nearMagor. Opal was found emaciated onground near Marshfield.

Arthur, a newborn foal, was discoveredabandoned near Manmoel. These are examplesof recent rescues accomplished by the localcharity SWHP (the Society for the Welfare ofHorses and Ponies).

A report ‘Left on the Verge: the approachingequine crisis in England and Wales’ suggeststhat approximately 6000 horses this winterwill be abandoned, neglected or abused andthat charities will be unable to cope.

The RSPCA took in twice as many horsesduring 2011-2012 as it did the previous year,while HorseWorld saw a threefold increase inits rescues over the same period. Why shouldthis be happening in a non-third world countrysupposedly populated by a nation of animallovers?

Occasionally, neglect is as a result of ignorance:people acquire small horses or ponies and thinkthey can be looked after in their back gardens,which soon turn to mud. They are fed anunusual array of items including leftover scrapsfrom the table, and are denied basicrequirements such as exercise.

It is hardly surprising that the animal has‘suddenly’ developed overgrown feet and aparasitic burden. Fly-grazing is more of an issue:horses are left to wander on common ground orresidential areas of cities such as Newport andCardiff, and left to fend for themselves.

When grass becomes short they will get thinand remain unprotected against the cold andrain. Some of them develop other problems –lameness, traumatic injury and disease but,because they are not checked on a daily basis(a legal requirement), these issues are notaddressed soon enough.

As a licensed dart gun holder, I have beenapproached on a few occasions to help catchinjured animals when other avenues have beenexhausted. On one memorable afternoon weeven had police protection when we removed ahorse from a field in Glamorgan: it hadsustained an injury to the mouth so that it washaving difficulty eating, and the owners werebecoming threatening.

Since 2009 all foals born in the UK have had tobe microchipped and passported within 6months of birth (to comply with Europeanlegislation governing the feeding of meat topeople!) Microchipping has had the knock-oneffect of reuniting lost horses with their ownersand settling disputes, but only for those whochoose to obey the law.

I have assisted local Councils in microchippingand passporting abandoned horses that havebeen rounded up and taken to safe havens;sometimes owners eventually emerge and arepersuaded to make a contribution to defrayexpenses borne by taxpayers, although this isnot always the case.

When chipped horses are returned, owners areexpected to ensure that the process will not berepeated – but what happens if it does?Should these horses be removed from thatperson and added to the growing number ofunwanted equines?

The current economic climate has createdfinancial hardship and contributed in the mainto the numbers of abandoned horses (andabandonment is not confined just to thisspecies: cats and dogs are now being dumpedin increasing numbers, with some animalshelters having pets tossed over their fenceswhile the owners scoot away); the cost ofkeeping a pet has overcome some owners’duty of responsibility.

Summer 2012 was exceedingly wet andharvests were poor, resulting in a spike inprices of conserved forage (and hay is fed tofarm animals as well as horses), as well ascereal-based feeds. In addition, too many foalsare born in the UK.

The birth of a foal is a wonderful event: firstthere is nervous anticipation as parturitionbecomes imminent, then the mare getsrestless (and wants you to go away) before shegets down to deliver her precious cargo.

The expulsion of the foetus is usually quickand dramatic, and a few minutes later the foalis on its feet nuzzling for its first meal.

However the plain truth is that mares do nothave to have foals; it’s not good enough tobreed one because “it would be nice”, or that“she’s lame, but at least she can still have afoal.”

If you wish to broadcast your opinion on thisemotive subject, please refer to the UskvetsFacebook page.

Alastair Mitchell MRCVSUsk Veterinary Centre

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05● The Winter Issue ● January / February

ABERGAVENNY

MARKETSituated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny

Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.

AABERGAVENNY MARKET OPEN:

TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY

FLEA MARKETEVERY WEDNESDAY

ANTIQUE AND SUNDAY FLEA

INCLUDING CAR BOOTSUNDAY 20TH JAN

FARMERS MARKETTHURSDAY 24TH JANUARY

For further

details contact

Geoff Harris

01873 735811

Abergavenny67 Frogmore Street

Telephone 01873 859898

With this Voucher(usually £20)

✁✁

✁✁

JANUARY SPECIALYOUR EYE TEST

FOR £10

For more details contact: Chris MurphyMob: 07719 662634 Tel: 01291 690 077

Website: www.raglanparc.co.ukParc Lodge, Station Road, Raglan

Call for information on our Promotional Offers

The Belgrave Hotel

Arrive Friday or SaturdayEnjoy 2 nights mix and match

£89.95 pp3 Nights £127.45 pp

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast on SaturdayBed & Breakfast Friday and SundayCandlelit Dinner & Dance Thursday

and Saturday Gala Menu, Breakfast in Bed SundayMorning

Ring now for Birthdays, Anniversaries and otherspecial breaks.

Come and enjoy the hotels superb

seafront position overlooking Tenby’s

beautiful south beach in a friendly and

comfortable atmosphere.

MidweekB&B from

£37.50pppn

The Esplanade,Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7DUTel: 01834 842377 Fax: 01834 842626

The Belgrave HotelSudokuChallenge

Solution on page 07

Made up it’s WinterBlushers, bronzers, highlighters – where shouldthey all go?

When applying any of these type of products youneed to establish exactly where to apply it for itsmaximum effect.

Blushers should be used for contouring the shape ofyour face and adding colour. For the contouringchoose and a matt colour a few shades darkerthan your skin tone. This needs to be appliedunderneath your cheekbones, if you can’t findthe right spot just suck in your cheeks.

As you are using a colour darker than yourskin tone, you will create depth to your

cheeks, making them look more defined.

To add freshness and youth adda little pink or peach

blusher to theapples of

your

cheeks, apply it slowly until you achieve enough colour,you need to look healthy, not flushed!

Bronzer should be used purely to give colour, its use is togive a slight tanned effect or a summer glow. It can beapplied using a large powder brush.

Simply brush all over the face, neck and chest.

Highlighters are for emphasising the highest points of theface, this should be applied to the tops of cheekbonesunderneath the eye, the inner corner of the eye andthebrow bones.

For a natural cheek colour try the Daniel Sandler award-winning Water Colour Blush, they come in a variety of prettyshades of pink and are waterproof. They are siliconebased and very easy to apply.

Page 6: Gazette and Diary magazine

06 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

That extra special giftFor that extra special person

At extra special pricesIf you are looking for that perfect gift for the special someone in your lifethen we at cashbrokers can help you. We are a family run store and offera fantastic array of beautiful new and pre-owned jewellery at a fraction

of the usual high street cost.

From simple silver sets to stunning diamond rings we have it all.

‘With our help you can make this valentines one to remember!

Tel: 01873 85000611B Market Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5SD

[email protected]

www.cashbrokers.co.uk

MAKE VALENTINES SPECIAL

Celebrate Valentines Daywith CashbrokersValentines Day is the ideal opportunity tosurprise that special person in your life witha beautiful gift of jewellery.

Nothing compares to the sparkle of a whitediamond or the lustre of fine gold and silverjewellery as a special gift for the one you love.

Cashbrokers in Market Street, Abergavenny canprovide you with that special gift at a veryspecial price.

Shop owners, Dean & Iolanda said,

‘We are able to offer quality jewellery at afraction of the cost of the High Street Jewellers.Our jewellery does not attract the high mark-up that is charged on new jewellery. Each itemthat is bought in and offered for re-sale isthoroughly checked and professionally cleanedbefore it is displayed in the window. Alljewellery comes with a personal 28-dayguarantee and a no quibble refund is offered ifthe jewellery is found to be faulty in any way’.

Cashbrokers take payment by cash or card andalso offer a ‘Layaway Scheme’ where you canspread the cost by paying in easy instalments.

An added benefit is that you can exchange any ofyour old pieces of jewellery against the price of

your new item, even if it is damaged or broken.

In addition to the Gold, Silver and Jewellery,Cashbrokers services include Cheque Cashing,Short and Long Term Loans and Payday Advances.

Dean & Iolanda are building upon theirreputation by offering good old fashionedcustomer service and since opening the storein 2011 have built up a sound customer basewith much repeat business.The Cashbrokers motto – ‘Your Friend withSome Cash’ – is taken seriously by everyonewithin the Company.

Other items such as electrical items, phones,iPods, laptops, TVs etc are on sale atCashbrokers and are available in-store orthrough Cashbrokers website on E-Baywww.cashbrokers.co.uk.

You can be assured of a warm welcome whenyou visit the Cashbrokers store in Market Streetwhich is open 6 days a week. There is parkingavailable opposite in the Brewery Yard Car Parkin Market Street.

For more information call us on:Tel: 01873 850006 e-mail: [email protected], www.cashbrokers.co.uk

Page 7: Gazette and Diary magazine

07● The Winter Issue ● January / February

Invest in yourchildʼs future

One to One Tuition(I come to you or you to us)

(reduced rates for two children per session)

Free assessment & consultation

Friendly, very experienced local Ex-senior Teacher and Tutor offers:help and support to ages 6 to 16 in Maths, English and Science.

Regular, intensive, holiday or intermittent courses available weekdaysand weekends

PlusRevision, Entrance Exams, Common Entrance, G.C.S.E., SATS etc.

Home schooling support and adviceAdult literacy & numeracy

Maurice MarkwellMobile: 07796 344615

www.onetoonetuition.netReferences available/enhanced CRB

Visitnew

website

Visitnewwebsite

Top 10 tips to MakeSure You’re Propertyis safe1. Fit strong locks to external doors

and windows, and make sure theyare locked at all times

2. Always remove all keys from insidelocks, and keep them out of sightand in a safe place

3. Fit sturdy deadlocks (BritishStandard BS3621) to all doors

4. Make sure your doors and framesare strong and in good condition -wood doors should be at least44mm thick

5. Mark your property - having itmarked helps police verify it's beenstolen

6. Fit a door chain or bar and doorviewer (spy-hole), and use them.

7. Never leave a spare key in aconvenient hiding place such asunder the doormat, in a flowerpot orbehind a loose brick - thieves knowto look there first

8. When you are out in the evening,leave your lights on and shut thecurtains

9. Install outside security lighting; ifother people can see your propertya burglar may think twice

10.Keep your tools and ladderssecurely locked up – a burglar coulduse them to get into your house

Be as safe as housesReduce the risk of your home being burgledby making sure you’ve taken these simple(and often inexpensive) precautions.

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunistthieves. In two out of 10 burglaries, they don’teven have to use force - they get in through anopen door or window. So fit strong locks to yourdoors and windows and make sure you alwayskeep them fully locked.

If you are replacing or fitting new doors andwindows, get ones that are certified to BritishStandard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors).Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes.

How would you get in if you’d forgotten yourkeys? If you can get in, so can a burglar.

Are there places where they could break inwithout being seen?

Would noise of breaking glass alert the neighbours ?

Windows■ A third of burglars get in through a window. ■ If you are replacing windows, take the

opportunity to install new ones that arecertified to British Standard Windows ofEnhanced Security’ and consider usinglaminated glass, particularly in ground-floorand accessible windows, as this is much harderto break.

■ Otherwise, window locks that can easily beseen from outside may put some thieves off,because the thief would have to break theglass and risk attracting attention. And even ifthey do break the window, they still can’topen it so risk cutting themselves climbingthrough the broken glass.

■ Home security and DIY shops sellinexpensive, key-operated locks to fit mostkinds of windows. You may need more thanone window lock, depending on the size ofthe opening you need to secure. Fit windowlocks with keys to all downstairs windows andwindows that are easy to reach – for example,those above a flat roof or near a drainpipe.

■ Even small windows such as skylights orbathroom fanlights need locks. A thief can getthrough any gap that is larger than a humanhead.

■ Remember to keep windows locked. Removethe keys and keep them out of sight in a safeplace.

■ Louvre windows are especially vulnerablebecause thieves can easily take the slats outof the frame. Glue the slats into place, and fita special louvre lock. Better still, replace themwith fixed glass.

■ Before fitting locks to PVC-U or metalwindows, talk to the installer to make surethis will not affect your warranty.

■ Consider fitting security grilles to vulnerablewindows - but only if these windows are notescape routes in case of fire. Many DIY shopsnow sell decorative wrought-iron grilles.

Doors ■ Secure all doors ■ If your front and back doors are not secure,

neither is your home. Two thirds of burglarsgain entry through a door.

■ If you are replacing a door, take theopportunity to improve your security byinstalling a door that is certified to BritishStandard 'Doors of Enhanced Security'.

■ Ask for it to be fitted with a chain or bar and,if it doesn’t have a window or other means ofchecking who’s at the door, a door viewer.

■ Glass panels on or around doors are especiallyvulnerable, so replace them with laminatedglass. Or, you can buy special film to stick tothe inside that will do the same thing.

■ Make sure the doors and frames are strongand in good condition. Wooden doors shouldbe solid and at least 44mm (1 3 /4") thick.

■ Fit five-lever mortise deadlocks (KitemarkedBS3621) to all outside doors, including Frenchdoors. And make sure you use them.

■ You can make wooden doors stronger byfitting a steel strip and plates to the doorframe and around the lock.

■ Keep your doors locked even when you’re athome. Use the mortise deadlock or, on PVC-Uor other enhanced security doors, the fully ordouble-locked mode especially at night.

■ Fit mortise bolts to the top and bottom of alloutside doors, including both sides of Frenchdoors.

■ Remember to fit all security devices withstrong screws or bolts.

GazetteGiggles!Q.What do you call a

Frenchman wearing sandals?A. Philippe Philoppe.

Q.What do you call an alligatorwearing a vest?

A. An investigator.

knock Knock...Who's There?Soup.Soup who?Souperman!

Q.What do you call asleepwalking nun?

A. A "Roamin" Catholic.

A duck walks into a bar...Says... Hey Bartender... Give mea beer and put it on my bill.

Sudoku Solution

Page 8: Gazette and Diary magazine

08 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

There’s a common belief that yourcar always drives better afteryou’ve spent hours cleaning andwaxing it. when what it really

needs is a a regular service.

What with runningthe kids here andthere during thesummer holidays,doing the gardeningor clearing out thegarage, lookingafter your car isoften overlooked

at this time ofyear .

Don’t forget, however,that regular servicing ofyour vehicle will not onlyimprove its reliability,safety andenvironmentalperformance but alsosignificantly protect itsre-sale or trade-invalue.Research has shown,however, that manymotorists rely purelyon the annual MOT,

which is both a false economy andpotentially dangerous.

A vehicle’s service history can not onlyboost its value but also make thedifference between a desirable andcompletely unwanted car.

The absence of a service history mayreduce the car’s value or, even worse, putoff potential buyers completely.

The advice from the Institute of theMotor Industry (IMI), the professionalassociation for individuals working in themotor trade, is ensure that your car ismaintained by qualified professionals.

Modern vehicles have more computingpower and electronics than the Apollomoon rocket and systems such as ABS,ASC, AWD, EBA and ESP arecommonplace. Such technologydemands a high level of technicalknowledge and expertise, so it isparamount that your vehicle is entrustedto safe hands.

An IMI member said: “Most of us rely ona car every day so it’s vital that it ismaintained properly and at themanufacturer’s recommended intervals.

“When it comes to a service,communication with the garage iseverything, and you have a right to dealwith fully trained and qualified staff.

“If you are shopping around for the bestdeal, make sure that technicians areadequately qualified to work on yourparticular make of vehicle.”

For more information visitwww.motor.org.uk

Find the right garage■ Ensure that the garage is familiar

with your car’s make and model■ Before booking your car in, consider

how it’s been running. Be honestand tell the service staff of anyproblems and/or any recent workcarried out

■ Check what is included within theservice – ask to see a copy of theservice schedule for your vehicletype

■ Check the breakdown of costs,including all parts, consumables,labour and VAT – know exactly whatyou are paying for

■ Insist no additional work isundertaken without your expresspermission.

■ Ask for any replaced parts to beretained for your inspection uponcollection.

Service with a smile

Page 9: Gazette and Diary magazine

09● The Winter Issue ● January / February

The Dacia Sandero has created automotive history with a carpriced so competitively, from just £5,995, that it’s makingpeople look twice.

As part of the Dacia brand, the new Sandero supermini is the UK’smost affordable new car. The last time a car entered the market ataround this price, it was 1989.

The Dacia Sandero arrives on the UK market hot on the heels ofthe Sandero’s bigger sibling the Dacia Duster SUV which is pricedfrom only £8,995. Both cars are now available from local HerefordDacia dealer Callow Marsh.

There are three versions of the Dacia Sandero to choose from,starting with the entry-level Access at the incredible price of just£5,995. It has the safety features you’d expect from a car from theRenault stable; ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, ASR tractioncontrol, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), driver, passenger andfront side airbags and ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats.

It comes with a 1.2 16V 75 engine, power assisted steering and a60/40 split folding rear seat. There’s a practical boot, cloth‘Element’ upholstery and a smart, modern-look centre console.

The mid-level Ambiance includes the above, as well as remotecentral locking, electric front windows, 2x20W radio CD playerwith fingertip remote controls, USB and AUX input and Bluetoothconnectivity. It also offers chrome touches for the air vent,instrument dial and steering wheel logo surrounds while the range-topping Laureate version offers all of that plus two-tone ‘Atom’cloth upholstery.

The 1.2 16V 75 engine can be upgraded for Ambiance andLaureate versions to a frugal, yet powerful, TCe 90 petrol and dCi90 diesel engine.

David Harry, sales manager at Callow Marsh, said: “We areastounded by the fantastic package that is available forsuch a small price and we’re certain our customerswill be too.

“As people are looking for a gooddeal these days, the DaciaSandero and Duster modelsoffer an extraordinaryamount, leading mostpeople to ask ‘how’?The reason is that Daciais a no-frills solution tomotoring and ourmodels simply containonly the necessary.

“There’s nocompromiseon build quality ortechnology, and despite not having launched yetin the UK, Dacia has already won awards for quality and reliability.

“As a global brand,owned by Renault, it has access

to the very best in technology and researchand its cars are built to withstand the extremities of climate fromBrazil to Russia. It’s an outstanding package.

“It even comes with a 3 years/60,000 miles warranty, with 3years/60,000 miles free roadside assistance. For peace of mind, 5year/60,000 miles and 7 year/100,000 miles upgrades areavailable, costing just £395 and £850.

“So whether you’re a parent looking to buy a sturdy, reliable carfor a youngster, or you’re a student or simply hard-pressed forcash, come and see us!”

For more information, visit Callow Marsh on Ross Road, Hereford(01432 842000) or click onto www.callowmarsh.co.uk.Alternatively, visit www.dacia.co.uk, or call 0800 991199.

The most affordable car in the UK is coming to Hereford!

Page 10: Gazette and Diary magazine

10 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

Cwrt BleddynH o t e l & S p a

Usk. Monmouthshire. NP15 1PG Tel: 01633 450521 www.cwrtbleddyn.co.uk

Valentine’s DayWhy not join us for a wonderful fourcourse candle lit dinner in the hotelRestaurant for only £24.95 perperson. Not only available on the14th we will be offering ourromantic menu on the 15th and 16thof February too, or why not make a weekend of it, andjoin us for a romantic overnight stay with dinner?

Mothering SundayWe will be offering a traditional three course Sunday Luncheon with asmall gift for all Mothers. Why not give Mum the day off and join us in therelaxing surroundings of the hotel for lunch between noon and 3pm andall for only £19.95 per person, children under 12 half priceAlternatively, why not join us for a full afternoon tea, served between3pm and 6pm in the bar and lounge. A selection of dainty sandwiches, cakes,pastries and of course the scones with jam and cream will be laid out, along with a selection of teasand coffee. Weather permitting we will also be serving on the patio. Only £9.50 per person

What’s on at the Best Western Cwrt BleddynHotel and Spa in the New Year?

The new owners of an Usk hotel havepledged to rejuvenate the historic localwedding venue following the recenttakeover.

The Court Bleddyn Hotel and Spa in Llangybi,near Usk, has been purchased by leisureinvestment in Oxshott Global Limited in adeal which protects almost 50 local jobs withthe owners and management determined torevitalise the landmarks hotel's fortunes.

The 16th century hotel, which was once aprivate manor house and famously hostedtwo of Henry VIII wives as guests, was placedinto administration in July this year.

The Cwrt Bleddyn continued to operatewithout interruption during theadministration retaining all the managementand team working at the hotel.

Administrators continued investing Inmaintaining the property until a new ownerwas found.

David Spoor (pictured) general manager atthe venue, said: '' The hotel has been part ofmany people's lives across Monmouthshireand beyond so we are obviously delighted itsfuture has been secured along with a numberof local jobs''.

Fresh start for historicUsk Wedding Venue

Don’t Menshin itShe's been a best-selling novelist and is currently a Conservative MP. NowLouise Mensch is taking on Twitter, with a social network all of her own.

Conservative MP Louise Mensch and Laboursupporter Luke Bozier have joined forces tocreate Menshn (www.menshn.com), aTwitter-like discussion site forpeople who want to "talk on topic".

The primary focus of the site ispolitics, but other topics includetechnology, sport, TV and theweather.

It does a few things very differentlyto Twitter. On Twitter, you choosewho to follow. On Menshn, youautomatically follow 100 otherrandom Menshn users from themoment you sign up. You can unfollow themlater if you wish.

Also, Menshn gives you "points". You get onepoint if someone

clicks the "rate" button on one of your posts.You get five points if someone follows you, or ifyou favourite a room.

It's unclear, though, what the point of the pointsis. There is a league table of Menshn users,showing who has scored the most points. Butother than getting to the top of this table, there

doesn't seem to be any purpose for earningthem.

Although "rooms" have beencreated for each topic, the firstthing you see when entering one isa confusing mess of commentsfrom people, all discussing slightlydifferent sub-topics.

It feels rather off-putting tonewcomers who find themselvesunsure where, or how, to join theconversation.

There's no doubt that Menshn is abold step, and an interesting experiment. Itmight even evolve into a fascinating discussionforum, but it has some way to go yet.

Page 11: Gazette and Diary magazine

11● The Winter Issue ● January / February

Tel: 01874 754525Email: [email protected]

www.llangoedhall.co.uk

Non ResidentDinners Available£75.00 per person

VALENTINES PACKAGES9TH, 14TH & 16TH FEBRUARY 2013

HAVE A ROMANTIC VALENTINES BREAK AT THEFINEST COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL IN WALES

Including:◆ Full Afternoon Tea for Two◆ Dinner, Bed & Breakfast◆ A Glass of Cool, Crisp, Rosé Champagne◆ Fine Handmade Truffles◆ Vase of Beautiful Red Roses◆ Super Fluffy Bathrobes and Slippers

Prices from

£350.00 - £750.00(prices are per couple, per room)

Llangoed Hall

Beautifully situated in the Brecon Beacons

Situated in the imposing Brecon BeaconsNational Park, Llangoed Hall was rescued bySir Bernard Ashley, co-founder of the LauraAshley fashion empire. Now the new owner, aBritish businessman, is keen to restore the“at home” experience, which was establishedby Sir Bernard in 1990s.

Llangoed Hall has an impressive history, whichdates back to 560AD when it is thought to havebeen the site of the first Welsh Parliament.Inspired by this legend, the architect, Sir CloughWilliams-Ellis transformed the Jacobeanmansion he found here in 1914 into anEdwardian county house. Situated deep in thevalley of the River Wye, the hotel commandsmagnificent views of the Black Mountains.

The rooms are warm and welcoming, furnishedwith antiques, oriental rugs, and an outstandingcollection of oil paintings, watercolours and linedrawings acquired by the previous proprietor, SirBernard Ashley. The luxurious and spacious 23bedrooms enjoy fine views of the Wye Valley.

An electronic surveillance system is situatedalong the drive in order to ensure that someoneis waiting by the door ready to carry your caseto your room for you, where a decanter of sherryawaits you. Llangoed Hall has no reception desk,just a gleaming antique table with a visitors’book, meant to encourage the idea that thehotel is the site of one continuous Edwardianhouse party. There is no bar, just a cheerful andfriendly member of staff to get you a drink.

Plan a stay at Llangoed Hall A library, complete with window seats andsnooker table adds refinement and, for thosewith the inclination, a gentle game of croquet isavailable on a specially designed lawn.

The first phase of a comprehensive developmentplan will see in excess of two million poundsbeing invested on refurbishing the hotel’s 23bedrooms and bathrooms. Comprehensive worksare currently underway, with a new drive andturning circle, new carpets, curtains, painting, re-upholstery, planting, new banqueting chairs, thefinest cut crystal glassware and china, newsilverware, bed-linen and much, much more.

Other exciting plans are in the pipeline for theLlangoed Hall Estate, which comprises 17 acresof gardens and grounds in the Wye Valley. Thehotel is set to improve dramatically and thehotel continues to be an outstanding wedding

venue and an ideal location for corporate andmid-week leisure market business.

The hotel’s managing director is Calum Milne,who has returned to Llangoed Hall havingmanaged some of the top hotels in the UK,including Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, FortWilliam and Lower Slaughter Manor, Stow-on-the-Wold.

Page 12: Gazette and Diary magazine

12 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

Page 13: Gazette and Diary magazine

13● The Winter Issue ● January / February

The Thrombosis & General Research fund was started in 1968 toprovide urgently needed funds to Dr Aneurin Hughes and his farreaching research in to heart disease.

Four decades on the fund has raised several million pounds forNevill Hall Hospital, providing funds for research and coming to theaid of a number of projects.

Funds were raised for all of the gym equipment atthe cardiac rehabilitation unit where recoveringheart attack patients undergo a program of exerciseand education to help them towards healthier living.

If you can help contribute to the fund though donationsand bequests or youʼd like to volunteer to help organisefund raising events then please contact us

Mr Derek Jones (treasurer)Lloyds TSB Bank plc

AbergavennyMonmouthshireNP7 5HB

01873 857979

Jeffery Maddock MBEEmail: [email protected]

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Transport incubator gives the warmth, oxygenand continuous monitoring needed by sick babieswho have to be transported between the deliveryand the neonatal units or to other hospitals.

And maybe its greatestachievement the purchase of the

hospitals first MRI Scanner

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Cardiff Panto,Joe Pasquale inSleepingBeauty. Evening7pm. Coach /Theatre. £35per person.Reservations01873 852567

Sports ForumChaired by GeraldDavies CBEjoined by TerryCobner, JohnPerkins and BrynMeredith. BettwsNewydd VillageHall at, 7.30pm,all proceeds toKen J Jones OBEMemorial Fund,Admission £5,(students £3).

AbergavennyLocal HistorySociety, WilliamGibbs will talkabout Artists ofthe LlanthonyValley at theBoroughTheatre,7.30pm. non-members arewelcome to joinon the night.

AbergavennyFarmersMarket, MarketHall,Abergavenny.Fresh localproduce

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Mates or soulmates?A new report, entitled Friendships, Financeand the Future: The rise of Singledom in theUK, has revealed that almost three quarters ofsingles have friends who will be friends forlife, and four in five say that friendships lastlonger than romantic relationships.

Men in particular are saying no to marriage. Justthree in 10 single men think they will ever getmarried, and 48 per cent think single people aremore fun.

The Confused.com report also identifies a newdemographic in UK society: FLAPers (FinanciallyLiberated and Positively Single).

This is a new breed of single people who areturning the tables on the stereotype of the sadsingleton and embracing theadventure and spontaneity.

Like the flappers of the 1920s,who threw away their corsets andsought independent lifestyles,these FLAPers are celebrating anew era of positivity andempowerment in the wake oftroubled times.

Experts at Future Poll, the researchdivision of The Future Laboratory,predict that the future could seefriendships among single peoplerecognised as relationships thatwork while marriage increasingly

fails. Laws will protect best friends and singlepeople might formalise their friendships byentering into 'mate-trimony' agreements withtheir best friends.

Relationship status on passports and censusforms could include ‘mate-trimony’ as an option,next of kin will automatically be friends, andmore and more singles will protect theirfriendships with life insurance – 59 per cent ofsingles would consider insuring the life of a friendif they bought a house together.

To many single people, marriage is viewed as anold-fashioned idea. 21 per cent of single menthink marriage is out-dated while 34 per cent ofsingle women think marriage lacks the value itonce had.

Page 14: Gazette and Diary magazine

14 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

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Letting little things make a differenceLazy lie-ins, neatly avoiding aMonday morning feeling orsimply having time for aleisurely walk are treatsmany of us will haveappreciated over thebank holiday weekend.

But generally, weprobably underestimatethe healing power of thesmall pleasures in life toboost our wellbeing andenrich our lives.

"Good bread, warm towels, crispmornings, girls' nights out, eating the froth onthe cappuccino are ordinary things which canmake life worth living," says Maeve Haran, whofound fame with her first novel, Having It All,and whose latest book is Small Pleasures To SaveYour Life.

She entertainingly details a host of little thingsin life which can help lift our mood; smallchanges which can make us more efficient andtherefore less stressed, and life tips which canjust generally help us smile more often.

Her suggestions in the book range fromblackberry picking to gossiping and flirting,

through to taking a candle-litbath or simply relishing the

small, comforting routines ofplumping cushions andfolding freshly launderedsheets.

Try 10 of her favouriteways to bring pleasure,order and calm to your

life.

BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS In a perfect world, all of us

would receive flowers throughoutthe year on special occasions, says

Haran.

"Sadly the truth is rather different, which is whythe only person who will get you the flowersyou deserve is you," she points out.

"Personally, I feel flowers are more of anessential than a luxury. Flowers are like sunshineor familiar music - they instantly lift yourmood."

Pick from your garden, buy reduced bunchesfrom a supermarket and boost them with plantfood, or for a big occasion, visit a wholesaleflower market.

DO SOMETHING YOU'VE BEEN PUTTING OFF This sounds like torture more than pleasure, butit actually works, she insists.

"You can get real pleasure from doing somethingyou've been really dreading," she says.

"The pleasure comes in that you've done it atall, and it usually wasn't as bad as you thought,and possibly you've achieved some sort of result.

"But oddly enough, even if you haven'tachieved much, the mere act - making thecall, having it out with someone, riskingfailure - can make you giddy with relief andpinging with excitement."

PRETEND TO BE A TOURIST Sometimes we spend large sums of moneyvisiting other cities but forget the pleasures ofwhere we actually live ourselves, she says.

"From time to time, I try to see the city I live inas if I were a visitor. I ask myself what I'd do if Iwere only here for a weekend," she says.

"Work out which landmarks to look at, whichmuseums to visit, or consider a river trip orlounging in a pavement cafe. The point is tolook at the familiar with new eyes."

Making tiny changes to your life can make a world of difference.-- GabrielleFagan looks at a new lifstyle book and explores its sanity-saving list.

Page 15: Gazette and Diary magazine

15● The Winter Issue ● January / February

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WALLOW IN A GOODWEEP IF YOU NEED ONEWe live in a culture whichis dedicated to 'movingon' and anyone whohasn't recovered fromtheir relationship break-up, job loss or pet's deathwithin three months isconsidered a wimp, shesays.

"Actually, I think it's perfectlyjustifiable to wallow, make late-night phonecalls to your friends, moan endlessly, hide underthe bed covers and ignore all housework as longas you need," she says.

"People are different. Some recover bypretending nothing has happened, while otherslike to suffer in technicolour. The reassuringthing is that in the end people do come out ofthe dark tunnel of loss and disappointment(unless they're suffering from clinicaldepression) and they should be given all thetime in the world to do it.

"So don't move on until you're ready. Buyanother box of tissues, hit that sofa, and ignoreany complaints from friends - one day it will betheir turn too!"

TELL YOURSELF YOU'RE WONDERFUL Like most busy women, I have an endless 'to-do'list and the other day I was scurrying aroundtrying to do several things at once when I feltthat sense of internal rushing, rather like a waveapproaching and dragging you down with it, shesays.

"Suddenly I stopped and had tomentally take myself aside. Itold myself sternly, 'You'vebeen to the supermarket,bought dog food andpicked up a new washbasin- and it's only 9.30am.Most people aren't even at

work yet!'

"You should remind yourselfhow amazing you are - I did and I

try to do it regularly."

LEAVE 10 MINUTES EARLY This is a hard one to put into practice becausefor some reason fate conspires against you andthe very moment you're about to leave for acrucial appointment, the phone rings, your keysmysteriously bury themselves in the waste bin,and you realise you've forgotten to write downthe address of where you're going.

"By leaving 10 minutes early, you give yourselfthe incredibly precious gift of not beingstressed," she says.

"You may even have time for a relaxedcappuccino (and its froth), instead of a racingheart, a sense of failure at your owninefficiency, and a nasty attack of high anxiety."

AVOID MIRRORS The singer Jarvis Cocker was once asked to givea piece of advice on life, and his answer was,'Avoid looking at yourself in mirrors in lifts', shesays.

"I feel there's a grain of truth here and I extend

it to all mirrors. The idea is not to get tooobsessed with how you look because mostpeople don't really study you and it just makesyou feel bad," she says.

"I have evolved the ultimate confidence-boosting 'getting ready to go out' system. Iwork out what I'm going to wear, right down totights and jewellery, and hang it up on ahanger.

"Then I whizz and change into it in record time,looking in the mirror for just one brief secondto make sure my skirt isn't stuck in my tights.It's amazing how much more attractive andpositive this makes me feel."

USE THE FIVE MINUTES There's something about multitasking which isa huge pleasure, perhaps because the rewardcomes in feeling that you're yanking back a fewprecious moments from the hamster-wheel oflife, says Haran.

"I interpret it as getting on with somethingwhile you're sitting at a traffic light, waiting forthe washing machine to finish, or on the traintravelling to a meeting," she says.

"There's great joy in sorting out a problem inyour head, writing a postcard, doing therecycling and generally achieving something inthe 'free' five minutes."

PUT PHOTOS IN AN ALBUM In this high-tech age, photos are stored oncomputers, shared on Facebook or left incameras, but there's nothing like the fun ofmaking an album.

"I try to do one of our family holiday as soon aspossible when I get home," she says.

"With my own children, I've made them albumsin which as well as photos I've stuck scraps ofpaper, school reports, cards and letters they'vesent me, programmes of concerts they'veappeared in, drawings and funny little notesthey've sent each other.

"Somehow these capture their individualpersonalities in a different way from photos andthey love reading them."

HAVE SOME RUNNING-AWAY MONEY Spending too much can be a dizzying pleasure,but an even greater one lies in keeping somemoney back, she says.

"There are so many situations in life that arefraught with stress: a bad relationship, a job thatbores you, the threat of debt closing in.

"Running-away money gives you a passport tofreedom - whether actual freedom or justfreedom from feeling trapped.

"And just having the capacity to choose canchange things. I've never needed my little nestegg, but the fact that Iknow it's there makes mefeel free."

Small Pleasures To SaveYour Life by Maeve Haranis published by HayHouse, priced £8.99.Available September3TRIED & TESTED

Page 16: Gazette and Diary magazine

16 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

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A bumper crop ofcelebrity confessionsPop stars, comedians and elder statesmenof fame are all contributing to a rich harvestof celebrity memoirs this autumn.

It's going to be a bumper season for thecelebrity autobiography, as a bevy of bignames from Cheryl Cole and Rod Stewart toArnold Schwarzenegger, David Walliams andMiranda Hart roll out their life stories.

After 2011, whichsaw a 44% drop inautobiographysales publishersare confident thatthe raft of

celebrity memoirswill send gift-

hunters scuttling tothe tills.

The bigpushcomes onOctober

11, whenmany

of the memoirs are published, includingthose of Will Young, Cheryl Cole, TulisaContostavlos, Paul O'Grady, PeteTownshend, Stewart, Walliams, Hart andSchwarzenegger.

We‚ve already had offerings from actressand Loose Women star Denise Welch,Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioliand actor Rupert Everett. Later in Octoberwill see the publication of memoirs fromKerry Katona and Danny Baker, while evenUggie, the canine star of the film The Artist,makes a tongue-in-cheek appearance inprint on his own rise to fame.

Alison Barrow, Transworld executive,observes that this year's offerings broadlyfall into three categories: those foryounger fans, which have the feeling of anannual, including books from OneDirection, Little Mix and McFly; those ofolder celebrities, including Stewart,Schwarzenegger and Townshend; andcomedians' autobiographies, featuringmemoirs from David Mitchell, Lee Mack,Walliams, O'Grady and Hart.

Comedians' memoirs are quite a gambleto publishers, says Barrow, because theirsales reflect the popularity and profile ofthe person at the time. However, with such an array of celebritybooks on offer, many will be jostling forposition, she agrees.

At the end of the day, celebrity memoirsare largely bought as gifts - here's a fewwhich may fill Christmas stockingsnationwide.

FOR THE YOUNGER MARKET McFly: Unsaid Things... Our Story(Bantam, Oct 11, £18.99): The boys telltheir own story, from being catapulted to

stardom as teenagers, when their firstalbum debuted at number one, to copingwith their new-found fame.

Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started(HarperCollins, Sep 13, £16.99): Fans cantake a peek behind the scenes in this'100% official' life on tour of the Canadianteen heart-throb.

Cheryl Cole: Official Autobiography(Harper, Oct 11, £20): The ex-X Factorjudge is remaining tight-lipped about thecontents of her autobiography, but will befighting for a number one slot againstcurrent X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos,whose memoir is published the same day.

Olly Murs: Happy Days (Coronet, Oct 11,£16.99): Fans will love flicking through themany exclusive photos taken both on-stage and behind the scenes of the popularX Factor singer and TV presenter. The bookalso features some words from the singerhimself.

COMEDIAN CONFESSIONS Miranda Hart: Is It Just Me? (Hodder, Oct11, £19.99): The award-winning comedyactress and midwife reveals her ownawkward experiences while she wasgrowing up and offers herself advice on

her manygaffes anddifficultsituations. Thiscould be one ofthe biggersellers from thisyear's comedyofferings. Rod Stewart:Rod: TheAutobiography(Century, Oct

Page 17: Gazette and Diary magazine

17● The Winter Issue ● January / February

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11, £20): "Forget skeletons in the closet -this one's going to be socks and knickersunder the bed." So says the spiky-haired,football-mad pop icon, who has finally puthis adventures on paper, taking a candidand funny look at his 50 years in music, histhree marriages and eight children. It won'tbe dull.

OLDER STATESMEN OF FAME Arnold Schwarzenegger:Total Recall (Simon &Schuster, Oct 1, £20):The star of theTerminator movies andex body builder-turnedgovernor of Californiarecalls his life, from hischildhood in Austria tobecoming one of thebiggest movie stars inthe world.

Pete Townshend: WhoI Am (HarperCollins,Oct 11, £20):Described as the'thinking man's rockstar', The Who's leadguitarist andsongwriter reveals theturbulence of time spent inone of rock's greatestbands, the sex, the drugs,the smashing of guitars, thedeath of Keith Moon... andmuch more.

David Walliams: CampDavid (Michael Joseph,Oct 11, £20): The LittleBritain star, children'sauthor and fund-raisingswimmer remains an

enigma despite being such a high-profilefigure. Often described as 'a bundle ofcontradictions', he has disarmed people bybeing camp and a lady-killer, a hedonist anda sportsman. Let's hope this book makeshim slightly less of a mystery.

Paul O'Grady: Still Standing - My SavageYears (Bantam, Oct 11, £20): The thirdvolume of the comedian's hugely successfulmemoirs sees the creation of blondebomb-site Lily Savage, the early years on

stage, the journey tostardom and the hilariousmisadventures along theway. If it's as well-writtenas the previous two, itshould be a bestseller.

BEST OF THEREST Pamela Stephenson: TheVarnished Untruth(Simon & Schuster, Sep13, £18.99): The formercomedian-turned-psychologist recalls hercomplicated childhood inAustralia, a bold move toLondon, Not The NineO'Clock News, becomingMrs Billy Connolly andbeyond.

Will Young: Funny Peculiar:The Autobiography(Sphere, Oct 11, £18.99): Inthis memoir which he haswritten himself, the pop starwho shot to fame on Pop Idolin 2001 recalls the highs andlows of his life and career,from coming out in the glare

of the mediaspotlight to hisstruggles againstdepression.

Antonio Carluccio:A Recipe For Life(Hardie Grant, Oct8, £20): The Italiancook recounts theearly years, from hishumble beginningson the Amalficoast to his first experience cooking simplesuppers on a two-ring stove, followed by hisunplanned rise to fame as a restaurateur,writer and TV presenter.

Page 18: Gazette and Diary magazine

18 ● The Winter Issue ● January / February

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Happy New Year! It’s that time again, whenwe declare our Resolutions and vow to stickto them. Some are less appealing than others(gym membership anyone??), so maybe inaddition to getting fit and healthy, this couldalso be the year that you take up anenjoyable, rewarding and USEFUL hobby??

A popular New Year’s Resolution is to have agood tidy-up, and what better way to stash allthose new toys and gadgets than a handy wallorganiser? It can be used all over the house: inthe kids’ rooms for little toys, in the bedroom forjewellery or make-up, the bathroom, the kitchen,you decide! You can decorate it using buttons,sequins, embroidery, choosing any theme youlike.

And if you’ve already started clearing outcupboards, a great free source of material is oldduvet covers – use the kids’ old ones as akeepsake! It also works on any scale, (alwaysremember to include 2.5cm for seam allowance!)so the following instructions are simply a guide:-

This design works best with medium – heavyfabric for the main body, to give stability.However, you can use a lightweight fabric andattach some iron-on / fusible interfacing beforesewing together.

(Here I used curtain off-cuts and leftover denim.The designs have been appliquéd and hand-embroidered)

You will need:● 2 pieces rectangular fabric, (1 patterned, 1

plain), each measuring 70cm x 47cm ● 6 pieces rectangular fabric, (3 patterned, 3

plain), each measuring 20cm x 47cm● 2 x 9 mm dowelling rod, each measuring

40cm in length ● Contrasting ribbon / bias binding● Fabric / trimmings for decoration e.g. buttons,

beads, sequins, ribbon, felt etc.● (all measurements include seam

allowances/turnings)● A long ruler / fabric pencil / pins / matching

threads / scissors

This organiser has two rows of two pockets, andthen three on the bottom. At the top and bottomthere will be pockets into which the dowellingrod is inserted – this helps to give shape andstability to the organiser once it is hung.

1. On the wrong side of the large piece (70 x47cm) of patterned fabric, measure 5cm fromthe top, and using a ruler and a fabric pencil /tailors chalk, mark with a straight line all the wayalong the width of the piece. Repeat for thebottom edge.

2. From the top line you have just marked,measure another 5 cm, and mark. Then from

that line, measure 15cm and mark. Carry on inthis way until the bottom – you should have two5cm panels at the top and bottom, with 3 x15cm panels in between, each separated by 2more 5cm panels.

3. Decide how many pockets you want to haveon each of the panels. On the right side of eachof the smaller patterned panels (47 x 20cm),mark a line 2.5cm in from the edge, around all 4sides. This is the seam allowance, and will leaveyou with an overall area of 42cm x 15 cm. Thenmark a line to separate each panel, so e.g. if youwant 2 pockets, mark halfway along the lengthwithin the seam allowance. If you want 3pockets, divide the panel length by 3 within theseam allowance.

4. Decorate the panels before making up theorganiser – it will be much easier to do it thisway, and will give a neater, more professionalfinish. Use the trimmings you selected to createyour design, or draw on using fabric pens.

5. Next, make up each of the individual panels.Using one plain and one patterned piece, placeright sides together, and pin along the seamallowances on the two long edges. Machine-stitch using a straight stitch. Leave the shorterends open. Turn right side out and press.

6. Position each panel in the correct place on thelarge patterned piece, with the wrong side of thepanel and the right side of the larger piecetogether (as they will look when finished),remembering to leave 5cm between each panel.Pin securely in place. Match raw edges. Pin alongseam allowance of the short panel edges wherethey meet the seam allowance of the long edgeof the larger piece. Stitch short panels to mainpanel just inside the seam allowance as shown.These stitches will not show once the panel ismade up.

7. Then, using the guides you marked earlier,stitch the pocket panel to the main panel, thuscreating the pockets. Repeat with the other 2panels.

8. Place the plain fabric panel on top, with rightsides together, and match all the raw edges. Pinalong the seam allowance on the two longestedges, leaving the top and bottom open. Stitchalong both seams. Clip the seams of the pocketpanels to remove any excess bulk.

9. Turn the whole thing right side out, and press.Along the top edge, make a turning of 1 cmalong the raw edge, press, turn under another2cm and press again. Pin in place and stitch allalong the turning, close to the folded edge. Thismakes the pocket for the dowling rod. Repeatalong the bottom edge.

10. Insert the rods into the pockets and stitchclosed by hand if liked. To finish, cut a length ofribbon or cord, and stitch by hand onto thereverse just under the dowling pocket, about 5cmin from the edge on both sides, to create thehanging loop.

EMMA JONESDecember 2012

Emma Jones has run a sewing servicelocally since 2008, providing alterations,soft furnishings and bespoke accessories.As a qualified Adult Education Tutor, sheteaches formal classes in Blaenau Gwent.She also provides freelance SewingWorkshops in partnership with VintageVision, and Childrens’ Workshops with TheWool Croft. If you would like furtherinformation [email protected] or follow her ontwitter @EmmaJonesSewing

Make moreand mend

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Page 19: Gazette and Diary magazine

19● The Winter Issue ● January / February

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If you like to grow your own veg, now is the time tostart thinking about spring cabbage.Many gardeners like cabbages that mature in thespring, avoiding the threat of butterflies leavinghungry caterpillars to strip leaves.

Most pests and diseases which attack brassicas onlywreak havoc on undernourished plants struggling tosurvive in poor soil.

The remedy is simple – rich fertile soil which has beenwell manured for a previous crop.

Because spring cabbages mature quickly after the worstof the winter weather is over, they never grow as largeas winter cabbages.

Varieties to consider include Harbinger, which isvery early, with small pointed hearts; Flower ofSpring, a little later, but with a large deliciousheart; Wheeler’s Imperial, a mild, tender cabbagewith small heads and April, an early maturingcompact variety which is ideal for close spacing.

Sow the seeds thinly (in cold areas at the end ofJuly, in warm areas early in August) in shallowdrills in a seed bed 15 cm apart. Keep theseedbed moist.

Transplant the seedlings to moist soil inSeptember or October when the seedings are 5-7,5cm tall, in rows 45 cm apart with 20cmbetween plants.

Remember, all members of the cabbage familylike firm soil, so tread it down before planting.When transplanting, always use a dibber,firming the roots of each plant.

A month after planting out, hoe between therows. From February on, when growth begins,hoe in 60 g per square metre of nitro-chalk orsulphate of ammonia.

SLUGGING IT OUTSlugs are everywhere and will attackalmost any garden plant. Getting rid ofthem is not always an easy task – but hereare some cost and time effective tips to stopthese slimy pests destroying your garden.

● Slugs, like snails, are at their most active at nighttime and will only venture out in the daytime ifit is wet.

● Slugs prefer tender shoots on most plants butwill also eat algae, fungi, lichens and rottingvegetation.

● Good soil drainage is one of the best way tokeep slugs away from your garden.

● Another way to combat the problem is enlistthe help of local wildlife, and the best way to dothis is to have a pond. Frogs and toads love slugsand once they are breeding in your garden, theywill return year after year to feast on thedestructive little pests. Many Victorian gardenersused to keep a couple of toads in theirgreenhouses to keep slugs under control.

● Another predator that loves the taste of slugs is,of course, birds. They will also help rid yourgarden of snails, caterpillars and aphids, so they

Greens are good for you

are certainly to be encouraged. Again, they need water,trees, nesting boxes and feeding in the winter. If you donot like the idea of a bird table, if you have a cat or areworried about attracting vermin, then providing plenty ofberrying shrubs and trees will be just as effective.

● Another friend that is handy to have on your side arehedgehogs. You can encourage them into your garden byproviding a pile of logs where they can live, but they aredo like moving around.

● Putting down dog food to attract them into your gardenmay be good for the hedgehogs, but it will do little fortheir appetite for slugs.

Page 20: Gazette and Diary magazine

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