Living Wales Magazine December Edition

LivingWalesMade in Wales!

LEARNING WELSHMUSIC &THEATRE

NEWPORT GWENTDRAGONS RUGBY

INTERVIEWSLATEST FILMS

INTERIORSWEDDINGS

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

FOOD& MUCH MORE...

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2009 ISSUE 45

WIN!Family tickets to

see The Dragonsagainst the

Ospreys

MellowPellowWe speak to pop heartthrob Marti Pellow

YOUR FREE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH EAST WALES & VALLEYS

MellowPellow

DEC09 COVER 14/12/09 13:28 Page 4

DEC09 COVER 14/12/09 13:45 Page 1

Visit Dare Valley CountryPark and enjoy 500 acresof countryside, walks,trails and family fun allwithin a mile of Aberdare.

Dare Valley Country Park near Aberdare offers a full list of familyevents, guided walks, talks and fun days all through the year. Just bring suitable outdoor and walking gear with you and enjoy your visit!

V Visit our new interactive visitor centre VWalk our network of countryside walksand trailsV Experience our birds, countryside andspectacular viewsV Stay on our new camping and caravan siteV Spend a relaxed night after a long walk inour refurbished hotelV Relax in the Country Park Café, 'yCwtch', selling top quality local produceV Or why not base yourself at the countrypark to visit the South Wales Valleys andthe Brecon Beacons? Or even to visit Cardiff, the capital of WalesV Events throughout the yearV New brochure available March 2010

Fresh food served daily Monday to Friday.Come and try our stunning Carvery Every

Wednesday & Sunday for only £5.95

Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare,

Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 7RG

For further information just call

01685 874672 or visit

www.darevalleycountrypark.co.uk(Use CF44 7PT or CF44 7PS for

SAT NAV's)

Santa’s CottageOPEN UNTIL 23rd DecemberSanta Claus is coming to townvia Aberdare and Dare ValleyCountry Park!£5.50 per child which includesa present & photo with Santa.Monday - Fridays Schools Only (pre-booking essential 01685874672)Open to the public onweekends and 22nd and 23rdDecember. Ho ho ho!

Where’s Rudolph?20th DecemberRudolph’s lost again - buthe's left some clues to hiswhereabouts! Once we'vefound him we can go insideand make Christmas things(and get covered in glitter andglue)!Free eventEarly, advanced booking isessential. Limited places (toomany people scare Rudolph!). Book on01685 874672

DEC 09 ADVERTS 14/12/09 09:44 Page 9

4 Living Wales CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2009 www.livingwalesmag.co.uk

welcome

MERRY Christmas to all ourreaders and a very happy 2010.Firstly I would like to thank all

the readers of Living Wales for their kindsupport over the past year and for thosewho have followed us through ourtransition from Out & Out Living toLiving Wales magazine.

This month’s issue is packed with ideasfor the festive season. From gifts and toysfor the young and young at heart to ideas on where to hold yourChristmas party or meal.

We have a wonderful Christmas wedding as we take a look at themarriage of Stephen and Amanda Nicholas who tied the knotrecently at the beautiful Cardiff Castle. We follow their big daythrough from the wedding ceremony and through to the eveningparty. They had a fantastic day as you can see.

A Grand Day out looks at Cardiff Bay and the surrounding area.The Bay is a great place to visit for the whole family, particularly atthis time of year where they arrange a variety of activities to keepeveryone entertained. Of course there are plenty of eateries tochoose from as well as a trip maybe to the Wales MillenniumCentre. Talking about the Centre, Living Wales were fortunateenough to be invited to ffresh their new restaurant to do a foodreview and boy were we in for a treat! (see pages 26 & 27 for thefull review)

No Christmas would be complete without a trip to thepantomime or theatre. Our What’s On Guide and theatre sectionlooks at the shows and performances that are happening throughoutSouth Wales during December and into January.

Once again we lead the way in Wales with our interviews withthe stars, firstly with Welshman John Owen Jones who is set play thelead of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Millennium Centre. Iwas also fortunate enough to speak to pop icon Marti Pellow who isto play Billy Flyn in another musical great, Chicago.

Something, we have all been waiting for, and that is theannouncement of the ACE restaurant of the year. Well, wait nolonger..to find out the winner, tun to page 9.

With all our usual features, there is nothing else left for me to sayexcept Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2010.

Anne-Marie

Publishing EditorNick [email protected]

Assistant PublisherAnne-Marie [email protected]

AdvertisingMark [email protected]

Website ManagerPhil [email protected]

ProductionGlyn [email protected]

[email protected]

ContributersJason Roberts, Michael Took, Phillip Pitman, Jamie Arthur, Patricia Clarke, Catrin Williams, Nick Jones, Meme Morgan, Gavin Watkins.

Office telephone01495 750600

Websitewww.livingwalesmag.co.uk

Living Wales magazine is partof the Out & Out PublishingGroup Ltd,2 Town Bridge Buildings,Park Road,Pontypool,Gwent.NP4 6JE

Out & Out Publishing LtdManaging DirectorNick Clarke

Please note that all views of advertisers orindividuals within the magazine are notnecessarily the views of the publisher.No image, editorial or advert containedwithin this magazine can be reproducedwithout permission from the publisher.

DEC welcome & contents 13/12/09 22:33 Page 2

6 Dragons RugbyLatest news at Newport Gwent DragonsRegional Rugby PLUS win tickets to seethe Dragons play the Ospreys.

8-9 What’s OnYour guide to what’s on this December &January 2010.

10-11 InterviewJohn Owen Jones.

12-14 VisitCardiff Bay.

18-19 Christmas GiftsStocking fillers for your loved ones.

20-21 Welsh LanguageLearning Welsh with Eleri Tyler.

22-23 In The HomeBathrooms.

24 RecipesCooking your Christmas turkey.

24-33 Eating outffresh Restaurant at the WMC, Cardiff.

34-35 At The MoviesFeaturing A Christmas Carol, Avatar and Me &Orson Wells.

36 Music & TheatreWhat’s on at our favourite theatres.

38 InterviewWe spoke to 80s & 90s ladies favourite,Marti Pellow.

40-45 Wedding FeatureWe feature the wedding of Stephen &Amanda Nicholas.

47 LegalDo’s and dont’s at your office Christmasparty from from Ruben, Lewis, O’Brien LLPSolicitors.

49 Places to StayFantastic places to stay home and away.

12 26

5

contents

www.livingwalesmag.co.uk CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2009 Living Wales

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DEC welcome & contents 14/12/09 14:22 Page 3


dragons rugby

Watch the Dragons in style

ST Andrews Junior school pupils recently visitedRodney Parade and had a great time on theSecond Half project, which is supported byNewport City Council.

Two days later, Gilwern Junior Schoolexperienced a real treat whilst on their DragonsSecond Half educational visit. The pupilsenjoyed a Stadium tour, visited the TrophyRoom, undertook various exciting educationaltasks, participated in a health related activitysession and viewed the unique changing roomexperience.

A highlight of every schools visit is theopportunity to interview a Dragons star player.On this occasion they not only met young starsAshley Smith and Jason Tovey but also

interviewed Dragons Captain Tom Willis andfellow front row player Ben Castle.

During the interview, having established bothplayers were from New Zealand, a young girlasked “Would you do the Haka for us please?”What followed was an awe-inspiring, magicalmoment that all the pupils and teachers willremember for many years to come. Tom andBen performed the Haka, in front of the amazedpupils, with the passion and pride seen at thestart of every All Blacks match.

As Gilwern left for the journey back toAbergavenny the buzz was evident with thepupils saying This is the best trip they had everbeen on. Tom and Ben have now made manynew friends!!!

The Second Half Project: Education with a ‘real’ difference

Gwent rugby fixtures

Saturday 2 January14:30 Bedwas RFC v Aberavon RFC14:30 Cross Keys RFC v Cardiff Rugby14:30 Newport v The Wanderers14:30 Pontypridd v Ebbw ValeSaturday 9 January14:30 Aberavon RFC v Pontypool RFC14:30 Carmarthen RFC v Newport14:30 Cross Keys RFC v Llanelli RFC14:30 Ebbw Vale v The Wanderers14:30 Neath v Bedwas RFC15/16/17 JanuarySWALEC Cup Round 1Saturday 23 January14:30 Bedwas RFC v Newport14:30 Cross Keys RFC v Pontypridd14:30 Pontypool RFC v Llanelli RFC18:30 Ebbw Vale v NeathSaturday 30 January14:30 Cardiff Rugby v Newport

LOOKING ahead into 2010, there is plenty to getexcited about at Rodney Parade. With matchesagainst English giants Gloucester and regional rivalsthe Ospreys in January it promises to be anythingbut a peaceful New Year.

If you want to enjoy the comforts of hospitalityfor any or all of these great games, we have thepackage to suit you.

Option 1The Roy Burnett Suite Table of 10 PackageFrom just £80* per personSavour the build-up to the game during your three-course meal and enjoy the panoramic views over thepitch and unique Rodney Parade atmosphere. The Packages include:- Exclusive use of the suite enjoying prime viewingover Rodney Parade- A three-course meal complete with complimentarywine.- Access to a private cash bar- Both the Dragons and the away team come to thesuite post-match.- A premium match ticket*Price based on a table of 10, available from £800

Option 2Brecon Lounge HospitalityFrom £70 per person, including a match ticketIf you are part of a smaller group, or have a smaller

budget, you can enjoy the hospitality package in theBrecon Lounge from just £70 per person. The Packages include:Exclusive access to the Brecon lounge 90 minutesprior to kick-off- A hot buffet meal- A complimentary match programme- A complimentary pre-match bar

Option 3Hospitality Box – Match by MatchFrom under £110 per person*The boxes are fully equipped a bar service area andare staffed to ensure you can relax and enjoy thegame with your guests.The Packages include- Use of the box 90 minutes prior to kick off, forthe duration of the match and for one hour afterthe final whistle for up to 14 guests.- Complimentary match programmes.- Complimentary Parking (two passes per box)- Choice of menu for a hot buffet- A fully stocked complimentary drinks fridge- Visits during the match by members of theDragons squad*Price based on 14 guests for a box priced at£1500For further details, or to make a booking, pleasecontact Lisa Thomas on 01633 816758 or [email protected]

DRAGONS FIXTURESFri 8 Jan 18:30Connacht (A) ML The Sportsground15/16/17 JanGlasgow (A) HC Firhill22/23/24 JanGloucester (H) HC Rodney ParadeFri 29 Jan 19:30Ospreys (H) AWC Rodney Parade

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES

DEC DRAGONS 13/12/09 23:44 Page 2

7www.livingwalesmag.co.uk CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2009 Living Wales

in association with

Anniversary Cupa successON Friday 20th November pupilsfrom Chepstow ComprehensiveSchool’s feeder primary schoolsdescended on Chepstow Rugby Clubfor a fun filled day of rugby, skills andkicking to celebrate Chepstow RFC’s140 year anniversary. Schoolscompeted for a trophy sponsored byChepstow Town Council in a tagrugby event that pitted boys and girlsin mixed teams from years 3-6. Thefinal saw Shirenewton play Thornwelland Thornwell edged the game 5tries to 3. The whole day was playedwith fantastic sportsmanship and verywell refereed by pupils from Year 13at Chepstow Comprehensive Schoolwho have recently completed theirtag leaders award with the WRU. Chepstow RFC supported by the WRUorganised the day and provided eachpupil with a healthy packed lunchand a buffet for all teachers and staff.

Every pupil playing received acommemorative medal and thefinalists received trophies. Further tothis, each pupil from the winningschool received a free t-shirt toremember the day. Finally, as the daycoincided with Children in Need, akicking competition was held with alocal company sponsoring eachsuccessful kick. This raised £100 forChildren in Need.

The day finished with ChepstowComprehensive School playingCaldicot Comprehensive School intheir pool game in this year’s newDragons Schools Year 7 & 8 Cup,sponsored by the MonmouthshireBuilding Society, on Chepstow RFC’sUpton Memorial Ground.

WRU Development Officer, GarethLewis, said, “The day has been agreat success with a positiveexperience for all the primary schoolpupils here today.”

Chepstow RFC Under 10s & 11ssection train on a Sunday morning at10:30am and the U11s section alsotrain on a Wednesday evening at5:30pm. Any enquiries please contactChris Wheeler on 07803 171271 or01291 630923. The club’s email address [email protected] more information on ClubDevelopment in the region pleasecontact Gareth Lewis [email protected]

Player Profile

LUKE CHARTERISLUKE Charteris is one of the Dragons keysenior players, captaining the side severaltimes this season in the absence of TomWillis. He joined the Dragons in 2003 andhas committed his future to the regionfor the foreseeable future after signing athree-year extended contract in December2008.

The 2005–2006 season saw him sufferwith injury but he ended the seasonstrongly and toured Argentina with theWales team. Standing at 6 foot 10 inchestall, Charteris is the Dragons' top line-outchoices.

Born in Cornwall, but raised in Wales,Charteris made his senior debut in theloss to South Africa in 2004. He has alsorepresented Wales at Under 19 andUnder 21 levels.

Charteris enjoyed a strong 2006–2007season with the Dragons; he made 23appearances and gained one crucial try inthe Heineken Cup 24th place play-offagainst Rugby Calvisano in the final gameof the season, ensuring the Dragons aplace in Europe's top-flight competitionfor the 2007–2008 season.

This autumn, Luke firmly planted hisfeet on the international stage when hewas selected to start every one of Wales’autumn series matches and he is a strongcontender for Warren Gatland’s SixNations squad.

On his return to the Dragons after thefourth test against Australia, Luke wasoffered a week’s rest but he was keen toget back on the pitch for the region andcaptained the side in their resoundingvictory over Heineken Cup ChampionsLeinster.

Luke is also patron of our JuniorDragons Supporters club which hethoroughly enjoys, although photoopportunities are often problematic giventhe height difference between Luke andour members!

WIN tickets to watch the Dragons roarLIVING WALES in partnership with the NewportGwent Dragons have 4 stand tickets forthe Dragons match against the Ospreys inthe Anglo Welsh Cup on Friday 29 January.For your chance to win all you have to dois answer the following question:Q. "Which club is Luke Charteris patronof?"

Send your answers to: Dragons Competition,Living Wales magazine, 2 Town Bridge Buildings, ParkRoad, Pontypool, Torfaen. NP4 6JE

The winner will be drawn on Friday21st January 2010 so entries needto be in by this date.

DEC DRAGONS 13/12/09 23:44 Page 3

WHAT’S ON

DECEMBER 11th-16th JANLES MISERABLESWALES MILLENNIUM CENTRECARDIFFTHIS international award-winning musicalsweeps its audience through an epic tale ofpassion and destruction, against thebackdrop of a nation in the grip ofrevolution. Seen by more than 55 millionpeople worldwide in 40 countries and in 21languages, this spectacular adaptation ofVictor Hugo’s masterpiece continues to thrillaudiences night after night.

DECEMBER 12th-24th JANROBIN HOODNEW THEATRE, CARDIFFFOLLOWING his record-breaking run duringthe 2006-07 pantomime season, JohnBarrowman returns to the New Theatre inthe family adventure Robin Hood.The Torchwood Star will take on the role ofRobin and along with his Merry Men, theywill battle the wicked Sheriff of Nottinghamin the pantomime that’s packed withcomedy, music, excitement and plenty ofsurprises.

DECEMBER 18thUB40CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL ARENATHE Birmingham based reggae legends havesold more than 70 million records duringtheir esteemed musical career, havingachieved a remarkable tally of no fewer than54 UK hit singles, including 17 UK Top 10hits and an impressive three worldwide No1's. Ali Campbell may have departed, butthey remain one of the UK's biggest livedraws.

DECEMBER 18thHEINEKEN CUP RUGBYDRAGONS V BIARRITZRODNEY PARADEJOIN the Dragons as they roar towrdsmaking the quarter finals of the HeinekenCup for the first time. Currently the bestplaced Welsh side in the Magners League,the Dragons will be out to prove that goodteam spirit can often be better than having ateam full of stars.

DECEMBER 19thALADDINAMMANFORD MINERS THEATREALADDIN is the lazy son of Widow Twankey.He doesn't seem to have anything to do with

his time - except fall in love with PrincessJasmine. But things are about to change asAladdin soon finds himself part of the evilAbanazer's wicked plot to acquire a magiclamp in the cave of wonders. And the lampholds a very big, very blue secret - but willthe wicked Abanazer get his clutches on it?

JANUARY 21st 2010ELKIE BROOKSSWANSEA GRAND THEATRE QUITE simply one of the most successful andpopular singersthe UK has everproduced. Nowcelebrating her50th year inmusic, Elkie is stillproving to beone of the mostpowerful andversatile vocaltalents of hergeneration.Expect an extensive trawl through the backcatalogue along with material from her mostrecent albums.

JANUARY 22nd 2010CELLO FESTST DAVIDS HALL, CARDIFFTHE Welsh-born tenor cellist Paul Watkinsperforms Elgar's Cello Concerto which speaksof rich autumnal colours and the passing ofworlds, sung out passionately by the solovoice of the cello. There is also a free specialpre-concert performance for concert ticketholders to revel in the sound of the solocello in the atmospheric surroundings of StDavid's Hall.

UNTIL JANUARY 31st 2010FAMILY EXHIBITION: GREENDROPS AND MOONSQUIRTERSNATIONAL MUSEUM, CARDIFFNATIONAL MuseumCardiff host a familyexhibition with adifference featuringPesky Rat’s GrubbyAlley, a magna-doodle, originalillustrations byLauren Child and aDamien Hirst Spotpainting. GreenDrops and Moonsquirters: The utterlyimaginative world of Lauren Child is anopportunity for children and their families toliterally step into the world of Lauren Child’sbooks - for free.

To find out about the latest arts events in Wales, visit

www.whatsonwales.co.uk


DECEMBER what's on 13/12/09 21:41 Page 1


TROLLBEADSLast month, we ran acompetition for ten luckywinners to win a trollbeadstarter bracelet courtesy of A LeaJewellers in Aberdare. Thecompetition question set was...what year did Trollbeadsoriginate? The answer to this question was 1976.We had an overwhelming response to the competition and we drew 10lucky winners with the right answers from the hat.The list of the winners include:-Mrs Mandi Vern, Rogerstone, NewportMrs Sandra Murphy, Abergavenny, MonmouthshireC Mills, Llantarnam, TorfaenMrs Y Barrago-Buckley, Aberdare, Mid GlamorganS Thompson, Fairwater, CwmbranE Vandor, Cathays, CardiffA Teale-Mayo, Blaenavon, TorfaenL James, Abergavenny, MonmouthshireMrs J C Haynes, Pontypool, TorfaenMrs A Jones, Ferndale, RhonddaCongratulations to all our winners and thank you all for entering. Wewould also like to give a huge thanks to A Lea Jewellers for theirgenerosity and support over the past few years.

OSPREYS RUGBY JERSEYThe winner of the Ospreys Rugby Jersey in the September issue was Ms RGullick of New Inn, Pontypool.

Competition winners

Open 7 days a week 9.30-6.30

Tel: 01495 211187www.wildthingz.co.uk

GIVE YOUR KIDS A TREAT AT THELARGEST FAMILY CENTRE IN THEVALLEYS!!!Join us over theFestive seasonand look out forour greatJanuary offersVisit our website forfurther information.

Wild Thingz, UNIT 7,Glandwr Industrial

Estate,Aberbeeg. NP13 2XE


Bringing him home

interview


West End and Broadway star John Owen Jones returns to his homeland to play the leadof Jean Valjean in the touring production of Les Misérables. Nick Clarke spoke to thepassionate Welshman about his theatre life and the release of his new Album.

West End and Broadway star John Owen Jones returns to his homeland to play the leadof Jean Valjean in the touring production of Les Misérables. Nick Clarke spoke to thepassionate Welshman about his theatre life and the release of his new Album.

Bringing him home


ACCORDING to a recent poll on a Les Misérables website, fans of theshow voted Welshman John Owen Jones as the greatest ever toplay the lead role of Jean Valjean. Returning from Broadway the

New York Post declared JOJ as “Powerful and the greatest ever andsecond only to the great Colm Wilkinson in the role”.

The father of two children, Nia aged 7 and Owen aged 6, has returnedto the role he favours in a brand new touring production of CameronMackintosh’s longest running musical which plays at the WalesMillennium Centre until January 16th 2010.

Originally from Bury Port, Carmarthenshire, JOJ grew a fondness forperforming and acting from a young age.

“I suppose I was discovered by my old drama teacher when at school. Ihad a love for acting but had not really thought about singing. Duringone school performance I was singing as part of the backing group whenmy teacher tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘you can sing boy’. Fromthere on I grew a love for singing as part of my repertoire.” Said John.

John then went on the forge a career in musical theatre but had toleave the Principality to find work.

“There wasn’t much in Wales when I started so I had to go to Londonto find work. Now there is much more going on in Wales and, inparticular, we have a fabulous theatre at the Wales Millennium Centre.The WMC is a phenomenal venue and I’m so pleased to be returninghome to play Jean Valjean,” he said.

John Owen Jones played many parts on the West End stage beforebecoming the youngest ever to play Jean Valjean at the tender age of 26.He performed a number of roles such as Billy Flyn in Chicago and has therecord for the number of consecutive performances of the Phantom inAndrew Lloyd Webbers ‘Phantom of The Opera’, which he played for fouryears.

It is however through the lead in Les Misérables that I personally knowof John Owen Jones, having seen him perform at the Queens theatre anumber of years ago, it was this performance which was the catalyst formy personal Les Mis addiction. The role of Jean ValJean is the characterJohn feels more at performing.

“I love playing Valjean and feel so privileged to have played the roleover the years and without sounding arrogant, I’m very good at it. Thereare only a handful of people who can play the character and I haveplayed the role for such a long time all over the world that it just feels likesecond nature to me and I’m just very comfortable in the role,” he said.

“It has been such an honour to be voted the greatest ever by someand I can’t wait to perform in Cardiff,” he added.

Recently I spoke to Cameron Mackintosh about the new production sowas quite eager to hear John’s thoughts on the new version, havingplayed several parts in Les Misérables over the years.

“I’m quite excited really, it’s nice to be working so closely on this newproduction, which will be far more colourful as we use much of theworks of art from Victor Hugo himself as the backdrop to the set. Thereare new costumes and new props. It’s also exciting to be involved intweaking parts of the production, albeit a little nerve-wracking,” he said.

So apart from Les Misérables what else has John been up to in recenttimes?

“When I came back from Broadway, I was basically out of work, soapart from the occasional game of golf I had not been up to that much.

I have an eclectic taste of music to accompany me and am a fan of

rock music, listening to the likes of Muse and Metallica. I like watchingmovies too and, as bizarre as it seems, always cry during the end ofTerminator 2,” he said.

“I decided to work on an album of my favourite songs and havingspoke to Chris Craker of BMG I started work on ten tracks which are ofparticular appeal to me. It’s an honour to sing with fellow WelshmanBryn Terfil and Michael Ball, and I obstinately chose songs I think, andhope of course, everyone will like. In particular, Bryn is a force of natureand has been a fantastic help and good friend over the years,” he said.

With the X Factor coming to an end I was interested to know John’sthoughts on talent shows such as these.

“I’m not a great fan of the X Factor and watching the likes of Jedwardwas like car-crash TV and pretty awful. However Britain’s Got Talent hasdone wonders with Susan Boyle who, in turn, has done wonders forraising the profile of Les Misérables with her performance of ‘I Dreamed aDream’,” he said.

“I was recently driving and on the radio heard a song I thought waslovely, the vocals were outstanding and I wondered who it was? It turnedout to be Susan Boyle herself, proving she is certainly not a one songwonder,” he added.

Finally back to Les Misérables and the role John enjoys the most. Iwondered what his most memorable moments were over the years?“Well, starting with the ten year anniversary concert at the Royal AlbertHall, where I was in the choir, I was honoured to sing alongside ColmWilkinson, who made the role of Valjean famous, at the 20 yearanniversary concert. Singing ‘Bring Him Home’ means so much to me andthe emotion is more important than the tune itself. The end when weperform ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ is like the Holy Grail of musicals,its the finest and most powerful finale there is,” he said.

John Owen Jones is a proud Welshman and, in short, a bloody nicebloke. I spoke to him for much longer than my allotted time and washonoured to chat to one of my personal heroes. Despite travelling theworld to critical acclaim, he chatted to me like a mate which is testamentto the down to earth nature of the Bury Port performer.

His album, which is now available from HMV and Tesco stores acrossWales, is superb, and I know it will not disappoint fans of musicaltheatre, and will make a perfect stocking filler this Christmas.


John Owen Jones



Cardiff Baya grand day out

You won’t do much ‘Sittin’ on the Dock’ of Cardiff Bay during thisyear’s festive season there’s far too much to see and do, and if you’revery good, you might even get to see Father Christmas himself!

Cardiff Bay of plenty

WORDS Patricia Clarke PICTURES Nick Clarke

DECEMBER VISIT 13/12/09 23:01 Page 2

ESCRIBED as 'Europes most excitingwaterfront development', (I think I'd goalong with that!) Cardiff Bay is filled to thebrim with a great deal more to interest andentertain the visitor than any other similarwaterfront I have seen, offering walks,

restaurants, and impressive watering holes, the unusual WelshAssembly building, seating areas with views across the bayand, of course, The Wales Millennium Centre bringing usthe most amazing entertainment, both cultural and theatrical,including the Urdd Eisteddfod, art and craft exhibitions andtheatrical productions such as the great CameronMackintosh’s ‘Les Miserables’ right now playing to packedaudiences. For the, as yet, uninitiated you might, however,be surprised to know there's more, much much more, so let’sbegin at the beginning.

HISTORYThe docks area of the Welsh Capital known as Tiger Bay, andthe birth place of our own Dame Shirley Bassey, wasdeveloped on the back of the Coal, Iron and Steel Industriesbeginning in the late 18th century. Transportation of theseproducts really began when the Glamorgan Canal waslinked with Merthyr which brought coal and iron from theCynon and Rhondda valleys for shipping across the world.

With the development of the railways came the expansionof the docklands by the Marquis of Bute, and Cardiff Docksbecame one of the most important ports in the world,bringing a population explosion which included theforefathers of many of modern day Cardiff's multiculturalcitizens. The decline in demand for coal leading to theclosure of most of Wales' coal mines in the 1960's followedby the demise of the local steelworks at East Moor, and workdried up in Tiger Bay's docklands; today there are just twoworking docks remaining.

The docklands’ buildings descended into decay and itbecame a rough, even dangerous, area where most residentswere poor with little or no work, until in 1987 Cardiff BayDevelopment Corporation began to implement a plan toimprove the area and attract business.

NEW BEGINNINGSIt all began with the Barrage which, stretching right acrossthe bay, created a huge lake for the moorings of yachts andboats of all kinds, closely followed by several iconicconstructions which attract millions of people each year. It isdifficult to choose which part of the bay is the mostmagnetic, the Sennedd (Welsh Assembly) attracted good andbad reviews at first, but now we are so proud of what itstands for.

Then there’s the kind of building which brings thehistoric fans such as the Norwegian Church, now theNorwegian Church Arts Centre which was founded byHerman Lunde as a Seaman’s Mission serving thousands ofScandinavian sailors until the aforementioned collapse of theport. The Church fell into disrepair, but was saved, takenapart piecemeal, and re-erected in its present position, re-opened by Princess Martha Louise of Norway in 1992, andnow this beautiful Church is home to the Arts Centre, withfunction rooms and a coffee shop. Although most of usknow that the great Roald Dahl was born in Cardiff, hisparents were Norwegian and his family not onlyworshipped in the church but Roald and his sisters were alsoChristened there. Forming the central role of Christianityand the Church in Wales in the bay is the former HelwickLV14 ship bought in the late 1980's and converted into theGoleulong 2000 Lightship which is an ecumenical charityproviding counselling and worship, meetings and residentialyouth group retreat; also available is a refreshment area andbookshop.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?Unusually for this column we are not starting with a Welshplace name translation, but an explanation of a namerecognised as belonging to Cardiff by people the world over,yes it’s the curiously named Tiger Bay, now the renamedCardiff Bay. The reason for its name is that where the RiversTaff and Severn meet, their joint fierce currents produceraging torrents likened to the ferociousness of angry tigers bynervous sailors. Welsh speakers will recognise that theGoleulong 2000 Lightship is actually repetitiously named inthat Goleulong itself translates as ‘Lightship’. As expected ofthe Welsh capital,Welsh place names abound so here are


a grand day out

DCardiff Bay



Cardiff Baya grand day out

some of the most interesting. The 'Senedd' often spoken ofwith reference to the Welsh Assembly building means'Parliament' and we know that Llan is 'parish or church of' soLlanishen is dedicated to St. Isan, Llanederyn to St. Ederyn,Llandaff to St. Dyfrig, and Llanrumney (or Rhymni) after theriver Rhymni. Canton in Welsh is Treganna or the 'Town ofSt. Canna', and in the same way Pontcanna is (Pont meaningBridge) 'Bridge of St. Canna', and Pontprennau or Pont-y-prenau means 'Bridge of the trees'. Rhiwbina is 'Pinetree Hill',and it is said that Dinas Powys or originally Dinas Powis isderived from the latin Dinas (City) Pagus surprisinglytranslating as 'City of Pagans', but my favourite of the month isthe wonderfully named SPLOTT a name which has alwayspuzzled me, well I say it's my favourite, I had high hopes ofsomething really exotic, but I have discovered that it comesfrom the Welsh word 'Ysblad' meaning 'Flat land', and at firstevolved into a very uninspiring SPLAT!. -- DOH!

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTREHaving celebrated its fifth anniversary in November, thiswonderful building with its unique styling houses two theatres,five function rooms available for hire, restaurants, shops andgalleries. Also available for weddings thisNational award winning world class artsvenue has the Platinum Business Class Gradefor its high quality conference facilities andservices.

There are workshops for school children,daily guided tours, Ice cream parlour, coffeeshop and a Portmeirion gift shop with itswonderful Welsh collectable china ware andpottery. Other entertainment is listed as'opera, (the centre is the base of the WelshNational Opera Company) ballet,contemperory dance, hip hop, stand upcomedy and art exhibitions, and last but byno means least West End musicals such as Chicago,TheMusical which is coming to the centre in January next,Hairspray the end of March to 24th of April 2010, and LesMisérables, already mentioned, playing to packed audiencesright now.

Check out the forthcoming Christmas celebrations such asthe Christmas Tea Dance, and Christmas Family Day on the8th and 12 of December respectively, and the Christmas Fairstarting on the 18th of December. The ffresh restaurant at theWMC (pictured right) is also well worth a visit. See thismonths restaurant review pages 26 & 27.

'THE TUBE' AKA CARDIFF BAY VISITOR CENTREWith the looks of a slightly flattened cigar shaped airship, theVisitor Centre displays a large scale model of the whole bayarea and has the low down on anything else you want to knowabout the interesting parts of not just the Bay but also the City,such as Cardiff Castle and Museum, the Taff Trail andnumerous other tourist attractions. There are various historicand wildlife exhibitions, with the most recent being a test ofthe person on the street on their knowledge of how to reducetheir carbon footprints.

THE RED DRAGON CENTREThis is one of the most popular venues inthe Bay especially due to the Doctor Whoexhibition, entertainment including OdeanKids throughout the holidays and thenSaturdays and Sundays, if you take Mum andDad with you kids, they can go in free!AND from December 5th the kids can visitSanta's Grotto.

TECHNIQUESTA great opportunity to get the children and

perhaps yourself thinking about the fascinating wonders of theworld of science with loads of puzzles and exhibits.

IN CONCLUSIONCardiff Bay has indeed attracted many businesses and, since it issuperbly loaded with ample car parking and public services, isalways bustling with an unusual mix of calm and electricity inthe atmosphere. Whether visiting the Welsh Assembly buildingor the more entertaining venues listed above, there are alwaysmilling crowds ambling comfortably around, sitting on theAssembly steps or various seats watching the activities on thebay including trips on the waterbus, and other bay cruises.

There is a Bay train to carry you from one end to the other,restaurants, cafes and bars, some of which have outside seating,so that you can enjoy a meal or a glass of your favourite tipplewhilst watching the girls/boys go by, and for those feeling a bitmore restless, the sports village and skating rink will soak upexcess energy. Whether it's summer or winter time, rain orshine, there's always something going on for everyone, and thisfestive season with its Christmas stalls and activities will be noexception; I'll be there too - see you!


For information on Newport In Bloom and advice on how your communitycan get involved call: 01633 656656www.newport.gov.uk/newportinbloom

FOR those families who celebrate Christmas, onetradition is the Christmas tree and is perhaps themost recognized symbol of Christmas in any home.So, with the Festive season once again upon us,what better way to show our love for Christmasthan to decorate our homes, gardens andbusinesses to reflect the meaning of Christmas.The Newport In Bloom team work around the yearto ensure the city of Newport is a beautiful place tolive and work. From it's 'Newport in Bloom'campaign held throughout the spring/summerperiod right through to Christmas, Newport's City'sCountryside section encourages residents andbusiness owner's to take an active pride in their city.

This year, Newport Countryside launched a newinitiative that was unique to the UK to encouragetraders to enhance their shop displays by featuringa real tree that they pledge to plant afterwards.The scheme was also held open to the residents ofNewport who were planning an outdoor festivedisplay. Obviously, the commitment to plant thetree afterwards helps towards the environment andencourages recycling.

With the prize of a crate of champagne for thebusiness with the best display or a weekend breakat the Newbridge on Usk for a winning Newportresident who pledges to plant their tree, thecompetition was open to all. The response to thecompetition was overwhelmingwith the streets ofNewport taking on anew, festive glowand people'sgardensdecorated toembrace thespirit ofChristmas.

Newport bloomsall year around

Advertisment feature

DEC NEWPORT 14/12/09 13:55 Page 1

ONE shop that has taken great pride in its window display over the years isthe Wardrobe located on Friars Street just off John Frost Square. Thisdesigner menswear shop celebrated its 20th year of trading in Newport inOctober of this year and over twenty years at its location in Cardiff.

Owners Rob Porter and Manuel Lima pride themselves on the qualityof their clothing and the service that they offer. "We provide the world'smost exclusive brands and provide a personal service. Customer servicehas always been a high priority for us and that is why we havemanaged to maintain our existing customer base as well as welcomingnew customers into our shop," said Rob. The Wardrobe tries to do adifferent window display each Christmas that reflects the style andambiance of the shop. Historical props are used to create a nostalgicfeel with each window reflecting an era of times gone by.

As you can see from the photographs, the Wardrobe hasachieved a real festive feel and enhances the look of this beautifuldesigner menswear shop.

The Wardrobe stock brands that include :-- Ralph Lauren- Armani Jeans- Lyle & Scot- Lacoste- Tommy Hillfiger- Henry Lloyd &- Timberland.They also stock a number of accessories from cuff-links,underwear, wallets and Rayban Sunglasses.The Wardrobe open: 9:30-5:30pm (Monday to Saturdaywith late night shopping on Thursday until 7pm)Sunday - 11-4pm01633 262837

Retail Christmas Window display - Wardroabe

Residential displayMRS Matthews of Ringland inNewport boasts an outstandingfestive display in her front gardenand has been adding to hercollection of Christmasornaments and lights for thepast fifteen years. "I think it isimportant for people to makea special effort over Christmas.There is so much doom andgloom at the moment andthe past year has beenparticularly bad for a lot ofpeople, so what betterexcuse than to cheerpeople up with a littlefestive spirit," said Joyce.

With her home locatedright in the heart ofRingland Joyce is keen tomake an impact, and for people tostop and admire her handywork. You can judge foryourselves how great Mrs Matthews’ work is.


For information on Newport In Bloom and adviceon how your community can get involved call:

01633 656656


Retail Christmas Window display - The Queens HotelTHE Queens' Hotel on Bridge Street in Newport reopened afterrefurbishment in July 2009 as a J D Wetherspoon pub.This grade II listed building was built in 1863 and stands proudly onthe corner of Bridge Street. The building was named after the reigningmonarch of that period Queen Victoria. The hotel wasbuilt by Henry Pearce Bolt, astonemason from Devonwho lived in Newportand later served asMayor of Newport from1875-1876.

The building hasundergone manytransformations over theyears, but has alwaysremained the focal point onthe streets of Newport.From hotel to the Aussiechain Walkabout to a verypopular Wetherspoon's pub,the Queen's Hotel has certainlystood the test of time. Theinterior currently looks beautifulwith its Christmas decorations,and a huge real Christmas treeadorns the front of the building.A true jewel in Newport's crown.

TANYA Philips from Duffryn alsoshares the same views andenthusiasm as Mrs Matthews."The enjoyment I get out of myfestive display is seeing thechildrens' faces when they stopto admire my garden. It makesall the hard work and effort areal pleasure," said Tanya.Tanya, who is a very keengardener makes an effort allyear round to keep thegarden in a tidy andpresentable condition takingpride in the fact that she livesin the city of Newport. Her love forChristmas is evident in the care and dedication she hasshown to her festive display and plans to continue adding and enhancingher creation year on year. "The work that the council does to encourageresidents to take pride in their city is excellent. Their Newport in Bloomcompetition and their Pledge to Plant a Real Christmas Tree initiative issomething that should be embraced by the whole community and issomething that I actively take part in each year," said Tanya.

Residential display


www.newport.gov.uk/newportinbloom



Christmas gifts

...for her

Republic Black Bag £34.99www.republic.co.uk

Pearl earrings £85www.elodiecollections.com

Elodie Heart Necklace £275

www.elodiecollections.com

Black Heart Necklace £50.50

Kit HeathBracelet £125.95www.kitheath.com Also available at John LewisRed Heart Bag

£19.99www.republic.co.uk

DEC xmas gifts 13/12/09 21:21 Page 2


...for him

Christmas gifts

Johnstons Fisherman Cashmere Scarf, Blue£90John Lewis

Osprey London LeatherRugby Ball Wash Bag, Brown£50 John Lewis

Limited Edition Hand Watch £49.99www.republic.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood RedDiamante Heart Cufflinks£60.00www.thornjewellery.co.uk

Batman Boxers £10NEXT

DEC xmas gifts 13/12/09 21:22 Page 3

Welsh language


PERHAPS I can start with Nadolig Llawen(Merry Christmas). If you are looking torespond then you could say ac i chithau(and to you) as you don’t know me verywell yet. Next year when you know mebetter you’ll probably be less formal andsay ac i tithau in response.

Have you addurno (decorated) the houseyet? Perhaps you like celyn (holly),uchelwydd (mistletoe) or have a favouritevariety of coeden (tree). My noble fir iscreating a lovely persawr (fragrance) inthe lounge. Some cardiau (cards) arealready hanging from the ribbons on thebannister.

Ydych chi wedi gorffen siopa? (Have youfinished shopping?) I am afraid I still havemore anrhegion (presents) to buy.

Even worse I haven’t ordered thehwyaden (duck) from the cigydd(butcher) yet. Beth fyddwch chiín fwytaar ddydd Nadolig? (What will you beeating on Christmas day?) Twrci, gwyddneu darten gaws gafr efallai? (Turkey,goose or a goat’s cheese tartletperhaps?). I’m afraid the pwdin(pudding) and the cacen (cake) will haveto be bought this year. I’m late, late, late.

Still the essentials will all get done I’msure and I can shut the door on NoswylNadolig (Christmas eve) and get to bedearly safe in the knowledge that SionCorn (Father Christmas) and Rudolph ycarw (the reindeer) know the way to ty ni(our house)

Blwyddyn newydd dda (Happy New Year).

Living Wales is pleased to introduce our Welsh page. Our new monthly sectionwill introduce and encourage those who wish to learn the Welsh language.

Welcome to the Welsh pageCroeso i’r dudalen gymraeg

WORDS Eleri Tyler

Ydych chi wedi gwneud adduned iddysgu Cymraeg yn 2010? (Have youmade a resolution to learn Welsh thisyear?). If you live in Gwent you can find alist of courses on Coleg Gwent’s website.If you would like to practice the Welshyou already know here is a list ofinformal sessions. Why not try one ofthem?

Newport Library, John Frost SquareEvery Wednesday 10.30-11.30Saturdays (2 Jan, 6 Feb, 6 Mar, 10 May10.30-12.30)

The Powerhouse, St Dials, CwmbranWednesdays 12.00 ñ 1.00 pm.

Raglan Baptist Chapel Every Friday at 9.30.

The Beaufort, RaglanEvery Tuesday at 10.00.

UskUsk Youth Centre coffee loungeThursdays at 10.00.

The Railway Tavern, Tredegar Every other Monday 7-9.00 pm

Abertillery Leisure Centre (in the bar)Once a month on a Thursday 7-9.00 pm

The White Hart, BedwasFirst Monday of the month 7:30ñ8:30 pm

Cwmcarn Forest Drive CafeThursdays 1:30-2:30 pm

Oxford House, Risca2nd Friday of the month 11:45ñ12:45pm

Informal sessionsat a place near you

DEC 2009 WELSH PAGE 13/12/09 23:40 Page 2

Welsh language


The benefits of a bilingual education areavailable to your child in Monmouthshire

Ysgol Gymraeg Y FenniSt David’s Road,

Abergavenny,Monmouthshire.

NP7 6HFO1873 852388

ysgolygymraegyfenni@monmouthshire.gov.ukwww.ysgolygymraegyfenni.co.uk

Manteisiwich ar y cyfle i roi addysgcyfrwng-Cymraeg i’ch plentyn yn Sir Fynwy

The school was established in September 1994and can now accommodate 210 pupils.

Free transport provided by the LEA to childrenliving more than 1.5 miles away.

FFAIR NADOLIG/CHRISTMAS FAYRE YSGOLGYMRAEG Y FENNI, ABERGAVENNYSanta Claus with the children of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni atthe Ffair Nadolig/Christmas Fayre. For further information about the school visitwww.ysgolygymtaegyfenni.co.uk or call 01873 852388.

DEC 2009 WELSH PAGE 13/12/09 23:40 Page 3


in the home

s

DESIGNERFLOORINGof UsklNatural FlooringlSolid & engineered woodlCarpets & RugslLaminate FlooringlFREE quotation servicelHome sample servicelHigh quality at affordable priceslMade to measure blinds, curtains &upholstery available

67, Bridge Street, Usk. NP15 1BQTel/Fax: 01291 671314

www.ukdesignerflooring.com

Designer Flooring located on Bridge Street in Usk offers a wide variety offlooring choices from carpets and hardwoods to vinyls, ceramics and rugsas well as a made to measure blinds, curtains and upholstery service.

This family run business opened in Usk in march 2008 with a smalleroutlet in Cwmbran inshops, which sell cheaper end of flooring and rugs.Julia and her husband Paul (who does the fitting) employ two part-timemembers of staff to help run the shops as well as a dedicated fitting teammany of whom have been with the company for over 15 years. Paul isvastly experienced and has always had a keen interest in interiors anddesign. Previously Paul had the contract fitting for George Street Furnishers,David Morgans and Allied carpets, to name a few. He also expanded intocommercial work fitting boxes and lounges at football grounds. He alsofitted the showrooms for Bentley cars, and louis Vuitton's offices in London.

The company offers a home sample service, so if you can't get to them,they will come to you. They will even move your furniture during the fittingprocess, and dispose of old carpets. They also offer a free quotation andmeasuring service. and free local delivery on rugs.

It’s no surprise then that Designer Flooring have customers from all overEngland and Wales and have even had people come from Windsor to buy arug that they saw in the window, whilst in Usk for a wedding. They cameback the following weekend to buy it!

Neptune(launching on 26th December)

Here our designers have taken the fabulously spacious and luxurious Neptunedouble walk-in shower as a focal point and used iridescent mosaic tiles to definethe area. The pure white sunken tray sits beautifully against dark grey stone floor

tiles, while the Star showerhead sits in a fixed position above formaximum impact and function.

Add a wall hung WC, Envy white furniture for storage, a Gelcast double basin, astate-of-the-art towel rail and the look is complete.

CappuccinoWith Cappuccino the warm coffee colour floor tiles blend beautifully with theglossy milk coloured wall tiles to create Dolphin's latest design - which doesn'tnegotiate on style. Perfect for relaxing after a busy day, this brand newbathroom has a calming feel where it's easy to imagine washing your troublesaway. With the gorgeous recessed mirror and wall-hung heated towel rail,Cappuccino has all the contemporary features you can expect from Dolphinwhilst remaining functional at all times. With glossy, wenge-toned wall tileson the lower walls and bath panel, combined with the light beige tiles, theroom makes the most of the space without looking cluttered or cramped.

Professional and high quality ofservice at designer flooring of Usk

DEC 2009 INTERIORS 13/12/09 22:20 Page 4


bathrooms

FIRE DESIGN STUDIOFREE ConsultationGas safe engineers

All major credit cards acceptedPayment plans & finance available

SALE STARTS MONDAY 28TH DECEMBER

118 Caerleon Road, Newport, Gwent. NP19 7GZ

01633 215600E.mail: [email protected]

www.firedesignstudio.com

DOLPHINCube (launching on 26th December)Using vertical and horizontal lines as their inspiration, here our designershave created a bathroom with a beautiful symmetry about it. The Lshaped integrated shower bath complements the generous proportionsof the room, while wall-hung Envy furniture in anthracite adds all thestorage you could possibly want or need. Then all that's left to do is addGlide chrome accessories and a pure white basin and WC to ensure that,with Cube, all the style boxes are ticked.

WaveThis space saver bathroomdesign demonstrates howeven the smallestbathroom can be made tolook stylish and spaciouswith careful planning andexpertise. Incorporating acompact D-Bath and WCto maximise available floorspace and provide aneffective solution for smallbathrooms, the new SpaceSaver design from Dolphinalso features a curvaceousspace saving Wavefurniture unit. The Waveunit is perfect for awkwardcorners as it allows a basinand mirror to be usedalongside a window, whichcan often be a problemarea.

DEC 2009 INTERIORS 13/12/09 22:20 Page 5


recipe

Cooking your Christmas Turkey

OK the results are in, each restaurant in our comeptition was visited byour judges during the last month and were secretly judged on thequality of food, service, ambience, cleanliness, toilet cleanliness, serviceand originallty.

The first year of our ACE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARDS havebeen an incredibe success and we at Living Wales look forward the2010. Our February 2010 issue will have more detail of each of theindividual winners as well as our flagship food spread for the overallwinner.

This year The White Hart in Llangibby, near Usk not only won theGastro Pub of the Year catagory just pipping the Nantyfin Cidermill buthas been awarded the honour of overall RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR2009. Many congratualtions to brothers David & Gregg Pell whotogether continue to treat food lovers of South Wales to a culinarydelight.

2009Restaurant of the YearACE

Awarding Culinary Excellence

Restaurant of the Year

SIZE OF TURKEY SERVINGS COOK (180C/Gas 5)

3.5kgs (8lbs) 4 2hr 45mins5kgs (11lbs) 6 3hr 15mins6.25kgs (14lbs) 10 4hrs9kgs (20lbs) 15 4hrs 40minsAt the end of cooking time pierce the thickestpart of the leg with a skewer. If the juices runclear the turkey is cooked. Cover with foil andrest for 20minutes before carving. Enjoy!The above times should be used as a guide only.

CHRISTMAS CHOICE FOR DADWHISKY OF THE YEARMACALLAN 18 Yr OLDSingle Malt, IslayTHE 18 year old adds amazing complexity to the 10year old - a lovely sherried whisky, and a bit of abenchmark for this style. This is an absolute classicand a must-try for anyone learning about malt.Currently the 1990 vintage.

The Macallan's benchmark excellence is nowheremore evident than in the 18 Years Old. LightMahogany in colour, a nose of dried fruits andginger with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. On thepalate displays rich dried fruits, spice,clove, orange and wood smoke witha finish full dried fruits and sweettoffee, with a hint of ginger andwood smoke.

Like its younger brother, the 10year old, this fine single malt is top ofthe pile when it comes to quality,and in my top 5 all time greats. At£80 per bottle it is certainly a specialoccasion drink and I have it in verygood faith is one of Theatre ProducerCameron Mackintosh’s (LesMisérables & Phantom Of The Opera)favourites, well he told me himself!!

White Hart wins Restaurant of the year 2009

Best Gastro Pub The White Hart, LlangibbyBest Asian CuisineThe Shahi AbergavennyPub Grub The Castle Inn, Usk.

Best European Cuisine The Yew Tree Italian Restaurant,PontypoolBest Hotel RestaurantThe Inn at the Elm Tree, St Brides,Newport

DEC 2009 FOOD 13/12/09 23:30 Page 8

OOppeenn 77 ddaayyss aa wweeeekkLLuunncchhttiimmee:: NNoooonn ttoo 22::3300ppmm && EEvveenniinngg:: 55::3300 ttoo 1111::3300ppmm

SSuunnddaayy LLuunncchh BBuuffffeett‘‘EEaatt aass mmuucchh aass yyoouu lliikkee'' JJUUSSTT ££1111..5500 ppeerr ppeerrssoonn

TTIIFFFFIINN BBIITTEESS LLUUNNCCHHTTIIMMEE SSPPEECCIIAALL OONNLLYY ££77..5500

0011663333 889944336655//889944337755www.threemughals.co.uk

TThhee 33 MMuugghhaallss RReessttaauurraanntt

Merry Christmasto all our customers

Still taking bookings for your Christmas Party!

WWeesstteerrnn VVaalllleeyy RRooaadd,, PPyyee CCoorrnneerr,, RRooggeerrssttoonnee,, NNeewwppoorrtt,, GGwweenntt.. NNPP1100 99DDSS

DEC 2009 FOOD 13/12/09 23:28 Page 9

WHEN Living Wales were recently invited down to theWales Millennium Centre to sample their new menu intheir restaurant Ffresh, we jumped at the chanceparticularly with the knowledge that experienced chefKurt Fleming would be cooking for us.

The restaurant area itself is very spacious withample seating and beautiful views overlooking CardiffBay. The service is attentive and professional just asyou would expect and everything seems to runsmoothly with great care and attention to detail.

I was quite surprised when I looked at the menuhow reasonable the lunch courses were. Just £10.50for one course, £12.95 for two and £16.95 for threewith all courses including a coffee to finish. Settling down into our seats we were left to make ourchoice from the menu whilst enjoying a portion of

warm, crusty homemade walnut bread.The menu itself was filled with a choices to satisfy

every palate. The Maitre de, Salar helped us to makea choice from the list of mouthwatering starters andmain courses. My eye was drawn to the Trio ofDipping Pots, whilst Nick couldn't decide between theScallops and Pumpkin Ravioli, so guess what, heordered them both!

The StartersMy Trio of Dipping Pots consisted of Per Las savouryMousse, Goats cheese Brulee and White Onioncustard. They were presented in creme brule stylepots and with a portion of bread for dipping. For acheese addict such as myself this was heaven on earth.I simply couldn't decide which one I liked the best andbelieve me I was very reluctant to share! I have to say,I loved the idea of this as a starter - it is something Ihave never tried before and can't wait to try again..The Pumpkin Ravioli was served with flash friedspinach with a pumpkin seed pesto. This proved to bea very tasty dish indeed. Not only did it taste divine,the presentation of this starter was exceptional.

The final starter was the Pan Seared Scallops withBelly of Pork and Curried Parsnip Purée. The scallopssat atop three slices of pork served with parsnip purée.

The meat tasted absolutely heavenly and dippedinto the purée added a different flavour altogether.The meat, fish and puree all combined in a flavourthat was truly outstanding.

The MainsOnwards and I really don't want to say upwards as Ifelt we had already reached the dizzy heights ofexceptional cuisine. Again we found it way toodifficult to make two choices from the mains, so yes


quintessential cuisine

TOP LEFT Ravioli.

TOP RIGHT Belly Pork with mustardmash and red cabbage

RIGHT Trio of Cheeses

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT Goats Cheese Tart

TOP RIGHT Pan seared scallops

ABOVE Sea Bass

FAR RIGHT MIDDLE Apple Crumble

FAR RIGHT BOTTOM Treacle Tart

BOTTOM LEFT Panacotta

There has been much development in Cardiff Bay in recent years, with manyrestaurants opening on the waterfront. The Wales Millennium Centrecertainly has one of the best eateries in the bay.

Getting ffresh on the waterfront

WORDS Anne-Marie Smith PICTURES Nick Clarke

ffresh Restaurant, Wales Millennium Centre

DEC 2009 FOOD 13/12/09 23:36 Page 2

27

quintessential cuisine

you have guessed it, we were presented with threedishes (what a blow that was!).

Firstly, we had the Pan Fried Sea Bass servedwith Spinach and Coriander with Butter Beanscooked in Lemon Grass Butter. All the flavours inthis dish infused beautifully with each other andalthough the taste of the lemon grass camethrough discreetly it was quite distinct.

We also chose a vegetarian dish for a change.The Warm Pantysgawn Goats Cheese and CaponataTart with Warm Basil Pesto. The tart looked and Ihave to say tasted fragrant in the nicest possiblesense. The cheese was soft and creamy and madein Wales. It had a lovely salty/lemony taste thatwas quite difficult to describe but extremelygratifying!

Finally, the Belly Pork. This dish was served with

braised red cabbage and mustard mash. The mashwas very tasty, light and fluffy, and the meat wascooked to perfection and ample in quantity.

Combined with the red cabbage a reallydelicious meal that surpassed all expectations.

The DessertsYes, you've guessed it, we tried more than weshould have done - four in fact! I was particularlydrawn to the Steam Golden Syrup Sponge Puddingas it reminded me of my childhood. It wasscrumptious (nearly as good as yours mum!). Thepudding was light and airy and the syrup oozedthrough and over the pudding making it a calorificdelight. Simply outstanding!

Nick chose the Apple and Cinnamon Crumble(again I think to re-ignite childhood memories).This dessert was a surprise in its presentation andcontent. The topping was outstanding andincluded a crispy, crunchy layer of crushed nutsatop the apple and cinnamon base. It tasteddivine.

So, the last two desserts that we sampled werethe Treacle Tart with vanilla ice cream and theVanilla Pannacotta with a Cranberry Compote,Orange Biscuit. Both desserts were outstandingwith the latter being crammed with cranberries andthe treacle tart tasting just as good as mum usedto make!

ConclusionI have to say that our experience at ffresh wasawesome. Great service, exceptional food and awonderful environment, this place is a real find andtruly one of the best restaurants, in my humbleopinion, to come out of Cardiff in a long time.

Additional Informationwww.ffresh.org.uk 029 2063 [email protected] Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay CF10 5AL

www.livingwalesmag.co.uk CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2009 Living Wales

DEC 2009 FOOD 13/12/09 23:37 Page 3

nTO BOOK YOUR TABLE CALL

01633 864 323SUNDAY LUNCH SERVED 12PM-6PM

nThe Castell-Y-Bwch

T HE Castell-Y-Bwch is located on Henllys lanebetween Cwmbran and Rogerstone and itsname is translated into the castle or

residence by the buck. Under new ownership since October, this

beautiful pub has undergone a completetransformation. The restaurant has been restoredto a lovely, light area complete with a beautifuland welcoming open log fire and views across theTorfaen valley. The children's play area has beenreplaced with bird tables and stations toencourage the local wildlife and the bar area nowoozes charm and sophistication with a hint of aby-gone era. Thankfully, the ladies and gentsfacilities have also been upgraded to bring themup to a standard that one would expect, and thekitchens have been refitted to comply with current

standards and legislation.The owner, Bob Jude is keen to see the pub

bought back to its former glory by offering notonly a place where people can relax and enjoy anice drink, but where they can also sample firstclass cuisine. Their new menu designed by chef

Steve Molynuex reflects the change that Bob islooking to make by offering a variety of dishesranging from pub classics such as ham, egg andchips and cod fillet with chips and mush peas tohalibut with wild mushroom with a white wineand cream sauce and medallion of beef with aport and cream sauce for the more discerning ofdiners.

Of course, with Christmas on the horizon, theCastell-Y-Bwch would be the perfect venue tocelebrate your Christmas party or enjoy a mealwith close friends and family. The pub also offersa wonderful Sunday lunch choice and welcomesthe whole family.

For a venue with a perfect atmosphere, finefood and attentive service, the Castell-Y-Bwch isnot to be missed.

A fresh start to one of Cwmbran’s finest pubsis something that the new owners of theCastell-y-Bwch are keen to achieve and theyare certainly going the right way about it!

Henllys, Cwmbran

STARTERSFresh Chicken & Liver pate served with warm bread............£4.50

Fresh Crab & Avacado with a fresh basil dressing with crusty

bread................................................................

........................£4.99

Ogen Melon & Parma Ham with red pepper dressing............£4.00

Soup of the Moment with Crusty Bread..................................£3.50

Mussels in a White Wine Cream & Garlic Sauce...................£4.99

MAINHam, Egg & Chips................................

...................................£8.95

Cod Fillet with Chips & Mushy Peas......................................£8.50

Braised Lamb Shank with Mash & Onion Gravy....................£9.95

Halibut & Wild Mushroom with a White Wine &

Cream Sauce................................................................

..........£12.50

Half of Duck in a Plum Sauce...............................................£12.95

Rack of Lamb with a Minted Cream Sauce..........................£11.95

Medallion of Beef with a Port & Cream Sauce....................£13.95

Steak Baguette with Fried Onions...........................................£7.50

Selected dishes are served with fresh vegetables & potatoes

DESSERTSHomemade Dark Chocolate Tart served with a chocolate sauce

Brandy Snap Basket filled with

Banana's & Butterscotch

Homemade Brandy Ice-cream

All Desserts just...............................................................

...... £4.50


‘Tis the season to be jolly, andwhat better time of year to startsupporting your local traders.

Local and fresh isbest so supportyour local producer

INDOOR MARKETOPENING TIMES

Monday 8.30pm - 2pm Tuesday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm

Saturday 8.30am - 4pm

OUTDOORMARKETEVERYWEDNESDAY

For all your Christmasfood & gifts visit

Pontypool Markets

For further information callPontypool Regeneration office on

01495 766029

Supportyour localtrader thisChristmas!

Whether it’s for aspecial gift or yourChristmas fayrePONTYPOOLMARKETS haseverything you needthis festive season!

AT Living Wales, we are always trying to encourage people to shop intheir local high streets and markets rather than the bigger supermarkets.We should try to shop where possible locally before our small markettowns and quaint town centres disappear completely.

For example, Pontypool now has a thriving outdoor market everywednesday and an indoor market that the town can be proud of.Between the two markets you will find a variety of goods including giftsand toys as well as produce to see you through the festive season.Whilst browsing around the markets, you will not only be able topurchase a wide variety of goods, you can also soak up the wonderfulatmosphere and smells associatedwith a local market. Indoors atPontypool you will find Randellsthe Butchers who sell high qualitymeats, cheeses and condiments,various fresh fruit and vegetablestalls, Welsh Produce stand andmuch more.

Why face the hustle and bustleand rugby scrum associated withthe supermarket when you canbrowse at your leisure? At thesame time, you are helping tosupport local businesses, themajority of whom ensure theirproduce is sourced locally. Thisensures business stays local and atthe same time we are doing ourlittle bit to help the environment.

DEC 2009 FOOD 13/12/09 23:35 Page 5

SSHHAAHHEEEENNTTaannddoooorrii TTaakkeeaawwaayy

Opening Times: 4:30pm-11pmMeals can be ordered by telephone and will be ready on arrival. Telephone orders must be picked up by 11:30pm

Greenview, The Highway, New Inn, Pontypool.

01495 763356/769931

Wishing all ourcustomers a very

Merry Christmas!!!With a menu that offers a huge array of

starters (Tandoori and Non-Tandoori), Masalla,Biriani, Balti, Kurma and Madras or Vindaloocurry dishes to name but a few, as well as

Sundries and Side Dishes, the Shaheen goesthat extra culinary mile for our customers.

01633 822822/822055Restaurant & Takeaway

30 Malpas Road, Newport, South Wales - Just 1 minute from Junction 26 the M4

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Newport Immigration Advice Centre1 Corporation Road, Newport, NP19 0AJ

01633 222005 I 07881673281

Immigration issues?“I am a member ofthe joint council forthe welfare ofimmigrants and myrole is to safeguardyour wellbeing inthe UK”

Advice on how to bring family members to te UK

Advice on how to obtain an employers license fromthe UK Border agency and to bring chefs to the UK

Advice on busines related issues

CALL NOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

DEC 09 ADVERTS 13/12/09 16:47 Page 2

01633 257939/2459672 Constance Street, (Off Caerleon Road) Newport, South Wales., NP19 7DB

Pas

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Merry Christmas to all our customers!Book your festive feast with us now!

Merry Christmas to all our customers!Book your festive feast with us now!

PASHA 14/12/09 00:33 Page 1


Tiffins Indian Buffet Restaurant celebrated its first birthday this December in style with a party for all its customers.

WORDS & PICTURES Nick Clarke

First year celebrations at TIFFINS

THE doors were open on Tuesday 1st December for people tohelp Tiffins celebrate a successful year in the new development inCwmbran where glasses of bubbly flowed and food was servedthroughout the night.

The Cwmbran Leisure complex incorporates a cinema andbowling alley as well as a number of eateries including the highlycommendable Tiffins who have recently been nominated forWelsh Curry House of the Year.

There are three owners at Tiffins, Mark Riley, Foyshal Bakshand Iqbal Meah all of whom are very good friends and wantedthe opportunity to work together and to bring a very successfulindian restaurant to Cwmbran. The restaurant is buffet style andthere is no limit to the amount of times that you can go up andfill up your plate. With a wide variety of starters, main coursesand desserts the choice is incredible and for those who havedifficulty making up their minds what they would like to eat, thenthis style of eating is the answer.

From traditional favourites to the chef specials there is

something to suit everyone even the children. There is also achoice of rices, naan breads and accompaniments to enhanceyour choice of meal whether you opt for the chicken korma or themadras or many of the other curries on offer. for the sweet loversthere is a delicious choice of desserts and an icecream machine.

Foyshal Baksh, co-owner of Tiffins said, “We have had greatsupport over the last twelve months and I would like to thank allof those who have supported us. We know that 2009 has been adifficult year for many people, and for that reason we are verygrateful to all those who have made Tiffins the success that it istoday. We always strive to give good customer service andexcellent food and we feel that this has largely contributed to oursuccess. We look forward to 2010 and welcoming customers oldand new.”

Tiffins Indian Buffet Restaurant is great for families wanting aquick bite to eat with prices starting from £2.95 for the kids and£6.95 for adults, this ‘all you can eat’ buffet option is superbvalue.

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DEC TIFFINS 13/12/09 22:01 Page 2


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DEC TIFFINS 13/12/09 22:02 Page 3

movieof themonth

AVATAR (12A, 156MINS)FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBERRATING ****Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang,Sigourney Weaver

Avatar is the story of an ex-Marinewho finds himself thrust intohostilities on an alien planet filledwith exotic life forms. As an Avatar, ahuman mind in an alien body, hefinds himself torn between twoworlds, in a desperate fight for hisown survival and that of theindigenous people. More than ten

years in the making, Avatar marksCameron's return to feature directingsince helming 1997's Titanic, thehighest grossing film of all time andwinner of eleven Oscars® includingBest Picture. WETA Digital, renownedfor its work in The Lord of the RingsTrilogy and King Kong, willincorporate new intuitive CGItechnologies to transform theenvironments and characters intophotorealistic 3D imagery that willtransport the audience into the alienworld rich with imaginative vistas,creatures and characters.

movieof themonth


at the movies

DEC 2009 FILMS 13/12/09 23:48 Page 2

Also released thisChristmas & New YearFriday 4 December 2009The Box (12A)Cracks (15)Departures (12A)The Descent: Part 2 (18)Disgrace (15)The Girlfriend Experience (15)Me And Orson Welles (12A)The Merry Gentleman (15)Planet 51 (U)Friday 11 December 2009Carriers (15)The Step Father (15)Unmade Beds (15)Where The Wild Things Are (PG)Thursday 17 December 2009Avatar (3D)Friday 18 December 2009Humpday (15)Nine (U)St. Trinians 2Monday 21 December 2009The Alvin And The Chipmunks 2:The SqueakquelSaturday 26 December 2009My Father My LordThe Queen Of Spades (PG)Sherlock HolmesFriday 1 January 2010Did You Hear About The Morgans?I'm Gonna Explode (15)Post Grad (12A)Tokyo Story (R/I)Friday 8 January 2010Ninja Assassin (18) The Road (15)Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (18)

ME & ORSON WELLS(12A, 113MINS)FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBERRATING ***Zac Efron, Christian McKay, Claire Danes

ME AND ORSON WELLES, RichardLinklater's new coming of age featureset in 1937 stars Disney teen throbZac Efron, star of High School Musical,who stretches himself as an actorplaying the young aspiring actorRichard who lands a job with OrsonWelles (played by newcomer Christian

McKay) and his legendary MercuryTheatre Company. The whirlwindexperience of working with the boygenius and appearing in Welles' soon-to-be groundbreaking production ofJulius Caesar as Lucillus sets his life ona new course. In that same week, healso finds romance with older womanSonja (Claire Danes). Experiencingromance and immersed into a creativeprocess few are afforded, Richard alsolearns a few lessons about crossingswords with the imperious andbrilliant Welles. He must grow up fast.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (PG, 96MINS)OUT NOWRATING ****JIM CARREY, GARY OLDMAN, COLIN FIRTH

THIS seasonal favourite was released towards the endof last month but is fitting here in our Christmas issue.Director Robert Zemeckis (THE POLAR EXPRESS)continues to work his holiday magic with ACHRISTMAS CAROL. This 3-D adaptation of theCharles Dickens classic uses the motion capturetechnology previously seen in the filmmaker’sBEOWULF.

Getting life-like creations has been the Holy Grail ofthe animation industry since the introduction ofGolum in Lord Of The Rings and the, not-so-great,creation of the Hulk, but the Character of Scroogehimself are as near as anyone has managed to reach.

Jim Carrey is fantastic as the voice of Scrooge, and

Gary Oldman as the helpless Bob Cratchet once againshows the skill and versatility of the British actor. From the hairs on the end of his nose, to the wrinklesin the weathered face of Scrooge, the creation issuperb, though that can’t quite be the same said ofthe other characters.

The movie starts with Scrooge visiting the recentlydeceased Jacob Marley, and sets the tone of the movieand straight away enforces the meanness of thecharacter himself. Now most people would think ofthis as a children’s movie but check it out first becauseas its PG rating suggests because as Scrooge is visitedfirst by the ghost of his former workmate Marley, thescenes to follow are enough to put the frighteners onanyone and having a 7 year old son myself, I wouldcertainly not take him to seen it. However the filmitself, from a more mature perspective, is superb, andten minutes in I totally forgot I was watching ananimated movie. A definite movie to see thisChristmas but not one for the younger children.


at the moviesedited by Jason Roberts

DEC 2009 FILMS 13/12/09 23:49 Page 3


music & theatre

PETER Karrie returns to TheCongress Theatre on the30th of January 2010 withhis hugely popular ‘AnEvening With’ Peter Karrieand Friends’.

The show starts at 7.30pmand features the manydifferent roles that Peter hasperformed throughout hislong career at the top of the worlds musical theatre tree.

It is an evening full of amusing anecdotes, of great theatricalsolo's, of informal conversations and gentle audience repartee. Theshow will also feature soaring duets with both his leading lady, themulti talented Kate Quinnell and his 'Live and dangerous' BBC Walesaccompanist, John Quirk.

Should anyone fancy getting up to join Peter on stage for anumber (And to win a prize), then please call The box office on01633 868239 and register your name for the ‘In the spotlight’challenge. Starts 7:30pm Tickets £12/£10.

AFTER numerous criticallyacclaimed national tours since2000 and FOUR years inLondon’s West End,“Christmas with the Rat Pack”this really is the coolest partyin town!

Take a trip back in time tothe glamorous, glitzy nights ofLas Vegas in the late 1950sand early 60s where, in thecompany of three of theworld’s most popularentertainers, the fabulousBurrelli Sisters and The RatPack Big Band, you will experience Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr &Dean Martin performing at the famous Sands hotel. Hit follows hit,including: Witchcraft, The Lady is a Tramp, Mr Bojangles, I’ve Got YouUnder My Skin, That’s Amore, Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime,New York, New York, My Kinda Town, Fly Me to the Moon, Sway,Volare, Me And My Shadow, My Way, Memories Are Made Of Thisand many more.

Seasonal classics include: Baby it’s Cold Outside, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, White Christmas, WinterWonderland and Auld Lang Syne.

The show runs from Sunday 3rd to Tuesday 5th January and startsat 7.30pm. For tickets visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or call theBox Office on 029 2087 8444.

Not an empty chair at theWales Millennium Centre

Christmas with the Rat Pack Welsh stagegreat at theCongress

CAMERON Mackintosh is delighted to announce that a new 25thAnniversary Production of the World’s Longest Running Musical LesMisérables will embark on a major International Tour opening here at WalesMillennium Centre on 12 December 2009.

Broadway and West End star John Owen Jones was recently hailed bythe New York Post as the best Jean Valjean since Colm Wilkinson. He hasstarred in both West End and Broadway versions of the show and is theyoungest actor ever to play Valjean after winning the role at the age of 26.

John – who started his career with Llanelli Youth Theatre – has alsoappeared as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’sTheatre where he gained the record of the West End’s longest-runningPhantom.

Gareth Gates needs no introduction. A multi million selling popstar whostill has the second best selling single this decade, more recently he hasplayed the title role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre and was a semi finalist inDancing on Ice 2008.

The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs, I Dreamed aDream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing, OneDay More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and manymore.

This international award-winning musical sweeps its audience throughan epic tale of passion and destruction, against the backdrop of a nation inthe grip of revolution. Seen by more than 55 million people worldwide in40 countries and in 21 languages, this spectacular adaptation of VictorHugo's masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night.Les Misérables will be at Wales Millennium Centre from 11 December 2009– 16 January 2010. For more information, or to book tickets, call the boxoffice on 08700 40 2000 or visit www.wmc.org.uk

DEC 2009 MUSIC&THEATRE 13/12/09 22:37 Page 2

DEC 2009 MUSIC&THEATRE 14/12/09 13:57 Page 3

Celtic connection

interview


Lead singer of Wet Wet Wet Marti Pellow returnsto the WMC in January to star in Chicago.Anne-Marie Smith had the enviable task ofspeaking to the ladies favourite.


CHEEKY Scottish heartthrob Marti Pellow stars as Billy Flyn in Chicagoearly next year at the Wales Millennium Centre and had just flownback from LA when I caught up with him.

Marti was last seen at the Wales Millennium Centre in the Witches ofEastwick and is returning shortly to play lawyer Billy Flyn in Chicago. Iwanted to know how the centre compared to other venues he hadperformed at over the years.

“Acoustically it is wonderful and the seating area is outstanding, thereisn't a bad seat in the house. It has been beautifully designed and incharacter with he rest of the area. When I have performed at the centre Ihave received a great deal of support from the Welsh audience which I feelis down to our Celtic connections,” he replies in a soft Scottish accent.

We should all remember (those of us who are old enough anyway) hisfame and success as lead singer in Wet, Wet, Wet in the 80's and 90's. Theband reformed in 2004, but how different was it the second time around?

“Very different. As you get older your priorities change and you look atthings differently. When I was in my 20’s and fronting the band, that wasmy main focus day in day out. Now the music fits around me and my lifeand although I am very passionate about it, it doesn't take over my life like itdid back in its heyday.”

Although Marti Pellow achieved great success as the lead singer in Wet,Wet, Wet, he has also been a very successful solo artist, “being a solo artistdoesn’t mean that you are on your own. You will always have a band withyou so you are constantly surrounded by musicians and perform as part of ateam. So although I sing solo not as in with Wet, Wet, Wet, I never feelalone.”

I wanted to know if he had the opportunity to duet with anyone who itwould be. Without hesitation he replied, “K D Lang, I have always been ahuge fan of hers and would love to duet with her. She is a fabulous singer.”

As he has performed before in musicals, I was keen to know what hisdream part would be and what his favourite musical was, “I would love toplay the lead part in the musical Nine. A musical about film director GuidoContini that opened on Broadway in 1982. And my favourite musical hasto be Jekyll & Hyde. Based on the book written by Scottish writer RobertLouis Stevenson, it has to be,” chuckles Marti who also throughout theinterview hums a tune between questions (God I hope he wasn’t bored!)

Marti appeared in Sir Tim Rice's concert revival of Chess in May 2008. Ienquired as to how that came about. “Quite simply, Sir Tim Rice contactedme and explained what he was planning and asked if I would like to beinvolved. I was a bit apprehensive as I only knew the big hits from thismusical such as ‘I know him so well', but when I actually watched themusical I realised that I knew a lot more of the music than I originallythought and therefore jumped at the opportunity. It was fantastic to bepart of the show,” said Marti

A true Glaswegian who hasn’t lost his beautiful Scottish accent, currentlylives in Mississippi but does he hanker after Scotland? “I go to Scotland alot to visit friends and family. Although I don't live there anymore you neverforget your roots. Being Scottish is something I am really passionate aboutand its something I will always carry about inside me.”

I read somewhere that Marti Pellow was once given the keys to the cityof Tennessee and that May 9th is officially Marti Pellow day in the city, I waskeen to find out if this was true? “Aye it is true. They gave me the keys tothe city when I was a wee lad at the tender age of 19. (he now sitsalongside the likes of B B King and Nelson Mandela in being given theFreedom of Memphis in 2001.) It was such a huge honour and to have aday named after me as well is fantastic. I go back to Memphis quite a lot asI love cities with rivers,” he chuckles. He then goes onto challenge me tospell Mississippi and I do much to his surprise, particularly as I spelt it right!

So, as an all round musician, actor and performer, I wanted to knowwhere his heart lay. “Well, I just love to be involved in the arts and whichever form that may take. If I get passionate about something it doesn'treally matter what it is as long as I love doing it. Whether it be theatrework or performing with the band I love it all,” Marti replied.

And, what about spare time (if he did manage to get any) what did heenjoy doing? "Spending time with my family, cooking and watching TV."

And finally his thoughts on shows such as the X Factor? "Well they haveto be a good thing don't they for discovering new talent? The proof is inthe ratings!"

It was such an honour to interview Marti Pellow. He was absolutelycharming and although I did giggle and sound a bit 'girly' at times I think itwent well although I am still a little worried about the humming betweenquestions!



Although the day couldn't bedescribed as a crisp, winter day, thestyle and theme of the wedding wasthat of a festive occasion set in thegrounds of one of Cardiff’s iconiclandmarks.

Christmaswedding atCardiff Castle

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Making your day more specialin spectacular surroundings!

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Function room available for Weddings &Private Parties. Able to seat 100 guests.

weddings


ON Saturday 5th December at 4:30pm Stephen Daniel Nicholasfrom Peterston Super Ely and Amanda Christina King originallyfrom Tremorfa got married to each other after twelve years ofdating. Their first date took place at a party held at St DavidsCollege and the marriage proposal at the Burj Al Arab Hotel inDubai.

Although it was raining on the day in question, the weatherdid little to dampen the spirits of the bride and groom andtheir guests who enjoyed every minute of the day and fullyembraced the whole occasion.

The colour theme for the day was deep red and ivory thatnot only incorprated the spirit of Christmas, but also theessence of Cardiff Castle, its history and heritage. The bridelooked simply stunning as she stepped out of a Classic creamrolls royce in her ivory dress and red cloak which sheaccessorised with Clogau gold earrings, necklace and braceletand a black baccara & white rose bouquet. The bridesmaidVanessa Nicholas (aged 28) and Flower Girl Caitlin Weaver

DEC wedding 14/12/09 13:20 Page 2


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(aged 2) looked fabulous in their hunter green dressesSteve's two brothers Richard Nicholas (aged 34) and Gareth

Nicholas (aged 28) both took on the role of Best Man ensuring thateverything ran smoothly and to ensure Steve was well looked afterbefore and during the ceremony. Steve himself looked fantastic inhis suit, shirt and cravat and matching button hole and lookedevery inch the proud groom.

Both the ceremony and reception took place at Cardiff Castle.The bride made her grand entrance into the ceremonyaccompanied by the song The Rose by Better Midler sungbeautifully by Amanda's school friend Emma Rees. Following thevery moving ceremony performed by registrar Sally Ann Coates(partner of Gareth Nicholas, Steve's brother and Best Man), thecouple then signed the register. During the signing Emma sangKissing You by Des'ree/Romeo & Juliet accompanied by friend Jayneon the piano. The married couple then left the room to the soundsof 'The Throne Room/End Title (Medley) - Star Wars Episode IV.'

The couple and their guests then made their way to enjoy theirwedding breakfast. This consisted of a hot fork buffet of CelticPride Beef with cracked black pepper & green peppers in creamsauce, breast of chicken with welsh honey and mustard sauce,vegetable penne pasta with wild mushroom caerphilly cheese,poached salmon with citrus dressing, hot new potatoes with parsleybutter. Absolutely delicious!


Steve and Amanda then went on to cut the cake. AChocolate sponge with gnache icing and decorated with freshflowers (Roses) made by Steve's mother (Lindsey Nicholas). Allthroughout the day and into the night, David Powell of KapowPhotography the official wedding photographer helped tocapture the moment by constantly taking photographs but in avery unobtrusive manner. As you can see from the imagesthroughout, he managed to capture the essence and beauty ofthe day perfectly.

The night party consisted of a disco in one of the rooms atCardiff Castle with their first dance being the classic FrankSinatra, 'Cant take my eyes off you.

So, for banker Steve and Doctor Amanda, the month ofJanuary will be the time for them to enjoy their honeymoon, andthey are certainly doing it in style. A trip of a lifetime toSingapore, Cambodia and Thailand. We wish them all the best for their future together.

weddings


If you would like KapowPhotography to photographyour wedding. Please contact uson 07590 551042 or visitwww.kapowphotography.co.uk


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Our opening times10am to 5 pm Tuesday to Saturday.

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DEC 09 ADVERTS 15/12/09 10:31 Page 14

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legal

‘Tis the season to be jolly... but careful

It’s the season of the office party and for those who will becelebrating with their colleagues at work it is also the time tobe careful! Employment Law Solicitor Catrin Williams ofRubin Lewis O’Brien LLP Solicitors explains.

Christmas is coming and people are looking forwardto frivolity and festive frolics. This does not mean,however, that you, as an employee, can throwcaution to the wind. Dangers lurk for theunrestrained employee at work, during officeorganised Christmas outings and even in their owntime.

Whilst at workWhilst your bosses may take a more relaxed viewduring the festive period, you should remember thatyour Contract of Employment still exists and bindsyou. You must continue to:- turn up to work on time;- do the job you are employed to do (and be able todo it properly); and follow any reasonableinstructions, irrespective of what you think of them.

You can still be disciplined for behaviour duringthe Christmas period. In fact, historically, HRdepartments are very busy dealing with conductissues during and just after the festive season.

During the office partyYou may think that because the party is after workand in “your own time”, it does not matter how youbehave. This is not the case. The EmploymentTribunals have found that work organised events,even when outside normal working hours, can bringliability upon an employer and also upon the“defaulting employee”, namely the employee whohas acted out of line. In fact the legislation dealingwith sex, race and disability discrimination specificallyprovide that where an employer is vicariously liablefor a discriminatory act done by an employee thenthe employee is "deemed to aid the doing of the actby the employer ......" and shall be treated "as himselfdoing an unlawful act of the like description".

So what are the risks to you? You could findyourself:- being disciplined under your employer’s disciplinary

procedures; and/or- having to pay an award to the employee whohas been subjected to the discriminatory action.

As an example, two white prison officers wereeach ordered to pay £500 to a black colleague fortheir racially discriminatory behaviour to him.

On top of this, if your behaviour is sufficient tobe considered harassment, there is also the risk ofcriminal prosecution. So, if you are thinking oftrying to grope one of your colleagues during thework party, think again; you could land yourself indeep waters.

In your own timeYou may have had enough of your boss and,lubricated with the nectar from the vines, decideto vent your frustration on Facebook or to start totweet about him/her.

Think twice as this too could land you introuble. There is an implied term in every contractof employment of trust and confidence betweenthe employer and employee; you have anobligation not to bring your employer intodisrepute and negative comments on socialnetworking sites have been found to breach thisimplied term.

There have been some interesting cases on thisissue where employees have found themselves“dooced” (which means to lose one’s job becauseof one’s website), and this has occurred evenwhen the employee has tried to hide the identityof the employer or boss because it was deemedthat those reading the blog could identify who itwas.

So remember, whilst Christmas is still a time forfun and frolics, the normal rules of decency andrespect (as well as contract) still apply.

This article is only intended as a generalstatement and no action should be taken inreliance on it without specific legal advice.

In association with Ruben Lewis O’Brien LLP SolicitorsGwent House, Gwent Square, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Tel: 01633 867000www.rlob.co.uk email: [email protected]

DEC LEGAL 13/12/09 23:52 Page 3


opinion

MERRY CHRISTMAS... YEH RIGHT!ANOTHER year has passed and once again November and Decemberseem to be the months to make people redundant! Why do firmsannounce redundancies at this time of year...it seems so unfair! Theymust know that the business is struggling months prior to Christmas,so wouldn’t it be kinder to let employees know then that they arefacing unemployment rather than a couple of weeks before Christmas?Or, let them enjoy their Christmas before giving them the bad news?

I have heard so much doom and gloom on the radio and on thenews and read so much in the newspapers that it doesnít really createChristmas spirit and goodwill. I just hope that all those who findthemselves redundant over Christmas get something from theGovernment in the form of benefits like the millions of people whocan’t be bothered to work in the UK year after year and claim forsitting at home all day watching Jeremy Kyle!

X FACTOR OFFThank goodness X Factor has finished. It has dominated our lives forthe past few months and frankly I was getting very bored of it.Everywhere you looked it was X Factor this and X Factor that. Jedwardspoilt the whole show for me making it a real farce and frankly nothingto do with talent whatsoever.

In fact it seems that the show was more about what Danni Minogueand Cheryl Cole would be wearing and how Danni would style her hair.Who cares? Well it seems that millions of viewers did, so what on earthare they going to do on a Saturday and Sunday from now on?

They will no longer be able to scan Cheryl’s hand for a wedding ringor wonder what idiotic comments Louis is likely to make next. Maybenow people can get back to their normal lives and get on with what’simportant like going to the pub!

GIVE A LITTLE JOY THIS CHRISTMAS TO OTHERSFinally, I would like to make a little bit of a plea to those of you whohavn’t already done something for charity this Christmas. I’m notasking for you to dip deep into your pockets and cough up £20 or £30to give to your chosen charity, but a couple of pounds could go a longway. Better still, have a good clear out of old toys and games anddonate them to your local charity shop. By doing this you will have agood spring clean ready for all the new Christmas presents and you willalso be helping a local cause of your choice.

Also, many supermarkets are running the ‘donate a Christmaspresent’ appeal whereby you can buy an extra toy and donate that tocharity. Many charities are also running their annual ‘shoebox’ appealwhereby you can fill a box with items for a boy or girl with age of yourchoice. Some of these gifts stay in the UK and some are shipped toneedy countries such as Romania. Finally, don’t forget our furryfriends. Such local charities as All Creatures Great & Small in Cwmbranneed extra blankets and food for the animals over the Christmas andwinter period and would appreciate anything that you can spare forthem.

Have a great Christmas and please remember those who arenot as fortunate as yourselves - they will appreciate yourkindness.

Final word by Meme Morgan

We deal with the insurance company directWe arrange for you to pay your excess over 3 monthsPersonal injury claimsCourtesy CarFrom a scratch to a smash

Pontypool Accident Repair CentreTel: 01495 769700

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DEC OPINION 13/12/09 23:11 Page 2

PLACES TO STAY HOME & AWAY TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL 01495 750600

Hirwaun Hotel/Restaurant

The Ty-Newydd Country HotelCF44 9SX, Hirwaun T. 01685 813433E. relax@tynewyddcountryhotel.co.ukwww.tynewyddcountryhotel.co.ukOpen: All year Rooms: 28 Ensuite: 28The Ty Newydd Country Hotel is set at the end of alengthy drive off the A4059 on the edge of the BreconBeacons National Park and has everything you havebeen looking for - tranquillity, comfort, excellent foodand some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales righton its doorstep.The 28 en suite bedrooms are complemented by theelegant Foxhunter Suite with its adjoining Olympic Bar;a particularly popular choice for weddings andbanquets, the George Restaurant, serving freshlyprepared locally sourced food, the residents bar withthree quarter height oak panelling and residents loungewith an open fireplace and adjoining gallery.All our standard rates include full Welsh breakfast.

Standard Room Rate: Single £65 Double £85Twin £85 Family £105

Deluxe Room Rate: Single £80 Double £80Twin £80 Family £120

Superior Room Rate: Single £95 Double £115Twin N/A Family N/A

Special Corporate RateDinner Bed & Breakfast

£70

Crickhowell Hotel/Restaurant

The Dragon HotelCrickhowellT. 01873 810 362www.dragoncrickhowell.co.ukOpen: All year Rooms: 15 Ensuite: 15The Dragon is a very old hostelry located onthe High Street. The town is regarded as a jewelof the Brecon Beacons /Black MountainsNational Park. Nestling in the gorgeous Uskvalley, Crickhowell is surrounded by mountainsand comprises a Norman castle and acollection of early Georgian houses andcottages. It's a beautiful spot and a perfect basefor adventures in the National Park.

Standard Room Rate: Single £45Double/Twin £65

Family Roome.g. 2 Adults + 2 Children(16 and under) - En-Suite£105

Superior Room Rate: Double £78Twin N/A Family N/A


Torfaen Pub/Restaurant/Accomodation

The Rifleman’s ArmsNP4 9QS, BlaenavonT. 01495 792297Open: All year Rooms: 5 Ensuite: 5Plus sauna roomWelcoming, quality accommodation in comfortable, well equipped guestrooms. Fully Licensed, large family dinning room.Room rate: Single £30 Double £60 Family £80.

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DEC 09 ADVERTS 13/12/09 16:54 Page 7

DAILY DELIVERY SLOTSAbergavenny : 12-2, 2-4, 4-7Aberdare: 12-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8 Mon-Fri, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6 SatBlackwood: 10-12, 12-2, 2-4, 4-6Cwmbran: 12-8 Mon-Fri, 10-6 SatEbbw Vale: 12-6 Mon-Thurs, 10-8 Fri, 10-6 SatMerthyr Tydfil: 12-2, 2-4, 4-7Newport, Clarence: 2-4, 4-7Newport, Littlewoods: 11-1, 1-3, 3-5, 5-7Newport, Dock Street : 11-7 Mon-Fri, 9-6 SatSEE INSTORE FOR DETAILS

Abergavenny8 Cibi Walk, Frogmore Street, Abergavenny.Tel: 01873 858946

Newport, Clarence63 Clarence Pl, Newport..Tel: 01633 267216

Cwmbran18 Monmouth Walk, Cwmbran.Tel: 01633 863951

Newport, LittlewoodsCommercial Street, Newport.Tel: 01633 252474

Newport, Dockstreet1 Upper Dock Street, Newport.Tel: 01633 267744

Ebbw ValeUnit 1, The Walk, Ebbw Vale.Tel:01495 350844

Merthyr Tydfil15, Graham Way, Merthyr TydfilTel:01685 379800

Blackwood12, The Market Place, BlackwoodTel: 01495 224479

Aberdare9-10 Commercial Street,

AberdareTel: 01685 884330

Direct Booking Line 01685 884465

COVER REDESIGN 15/10/07 00:42 Page 11

EE xx ppee rr ii ee nn ccee tt hh ee hh ii gg hhee ss tt qq uuaa ll ii tt yy oo ff II nn dd iiaa nn cc uu ii ss ii nn eeww ii tt hh aa rr ee llaa xx ii nn gg aa nn dd ccoo nn tt eemm ppoo rr aa rr yy aa mm bb ii ee nn ccee

5 Mill Street,Abergavenny. NP7 5HE

EExx pp eerr ii eenn cc ee tt hhee hh ii gghhee ss tt qq uu aa ll ii tt yy oo ff II nn dd iiaa nn ccuu ii ss ii nn eeww ii tt hh aa rr ee ll aa xx ii nn gg aa nn dd ccoo nn tt ee mm pp oo rr aa rr yy aa mm bb ii ee nn ccee

Shah

i

uTakeaway serviceuChildren’s mealsuFacilities for disableduOutside catering availableuExtensive Cocktail MenuuFully air conditioned and licenseduExtensive Speciality DishesuVegetarian Dishes available

FFoorr bbooookkiinnggss aanndd ffuurrtthheerr iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ccaallll

0011887733 885599220011 oorr 885522552255

ShahiIndian Restaurant

ShahiIndian Restaurant

MM ee rrrr yyCChhrr ii ss ttmmaass!!SStt ii ll ll ttaakk iinngg bboo ookk iinn ggssffoorr yyoo uurr ffeess tt ii vv eepp aa rr tt yy !!

MM ee rrrr yyCChhrr ii ss ttmm aass!!SS tt ii ll ll ttaakk iinn gg bb ooookk iinn ggssffoo rr yyoo uurr ff eess tt ii vv eeppaa rr tt yy !!

SHAHI 14/12/09 13:25 Page 1

2009ACEAwarding Culinary Excellence

Restaurant of the Year

LIVING WALESMAGAZINE

DEC09 COVER 14/12/09 00:04 Page 2

Living Wales Magazine December Edition

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Transcript of Living Wales Magazine December Edition