MARCH 2019 ISSUE 59 THE ,FOCUS & The Usk Valley YOUR FREE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE, PROMOTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Save The Planet!

• CRICKHOWELL • LLANGATTOCK • TRETOWER • GLANGRWYNEY • • • • LLANGORSE • LLANFRYNACH • CWMDU • • TALYBONT-ON-USK • BRECON • Home is Everything

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Hay Road Talgarth Powys LD3 0AL e [email protected] www.tbs.wales Dear Readers, CONTENTS Everyone is aware that where our planet is concerned, there are some pretty scary statistics to be aware of, Editorial & Contents 5 like the twelve million tonnes of plastic in our oceans Next Month’s Focus: Try Something New 28 and the warnings given by experts that urgent and unprecedented changes are needed to address global Puzzles! 30 warming. Without taking action, in as little as twelve COMMUNITY & EVENTS year’s time, we’ll be in catastrophic trouble. It’s scary isn’t it? But it also feels like a problem that’s insurmountable. Fundraising for Velindre 7 What can we possibly do that would make any kind of Artists of the Usk Valley difference? 7 I was so surprised when I put out a call to readers of the Crickhowell Walking Festival 9 Focus to contact me about stories and news concerning March at Theatr Brycheiniog 11 what’s being done to protect our environment at a local level. In short, there’s a lot going on and a lot that you can International Women’s Festival 12 do yourself or get involved in within our community. Take Brecon Women’s Festival 13 a look at our featured articles on the topic to find out more. Perhaps they will inspire you to get involved or take further Events Calendar 14 action if you haven’t done so already. SAVE THE PLANET! Lots more to enjoy in this month’s Focus too - it seems March is a time for Festivals, with the International Women’s Natural Weigh is 1 16 Festival, Brecon Women’s Festival, Crickhowell Walking Turning Ocean Plastic into Fabric Blinds 19 Festival and, in April, the Abergavenny Writing Festival, all taking place! We really are spoilt for choice with the amount Is it Still Worth Investing in Solar PV? 21 happening in our local area. Biodiversity Information Service for Powys 23 Naturally we have all of our regular articles for you to get stuck into as well, so get comfy and enjoy this month’s read. LIFESTYLE & CULTURE Abergavenny Writing Festival 25 Spring at CRiC [email protected] 01873 856614 27

7 13 16 27

Publisher: Focus Magazines Ltd Whilst every care is taken with materials ADVERTISE WITH US! Tel: 01873 856614 submitted to Focus Magazines, the The Focus offers a unique advertising Editorial & Advertising: publisher cannot accept responsibility for opportunity. The magazine is hand loss or damage to such materials. Opinions Hannah Hill: [email protected] delivered to 5,500 homes and businesses expressed in articles are strictly those of the in the NP8 and LD3 7 post code areas at Graphic Design & Accounts: author. This publication is copyrighted and Pete Hill: [email protected] may not be reproduced in any form without the beginning of each month. We offer Cover: Martin Truefitt-Baker written permission from the publisher. cost effective advertising rates which Prices, conditions and details are subject start at just £21 per month. Your advert Contributions: will appear in full colour. We provide Ken Barwise, Andy Green, Sophie to change and the publisher can take no a free, professional design service and Lesbirel, Phillippa Lloyd, Chloe & Robin responsibility for omissions or errors. The big discounts for bookings of 3 months Masefield, Karin Mear, Ben Mullen, Lucie inclusion of an advertiser in this magazine is Parkin, Suzette Pratton, Nia Sandford, not necessarily a recommendation. or more. Call Hannah or Pete today on Elizabeth Sullivan, David Thomas, Ryland © Focus Magazines Ltd 2019 01873 856614 or email: Wallace [email protected] VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 5 HEALTH & WELLBEING AT PETERSTONE COURT SPA

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6 COMMUNITY afternoons and prize bingo, look out GREAT WALL for details locally and on facebook. They also hope to raise sponsorship by taking part in local hiking OF CHINA challenges such as, the Three Peaks Challenge in March and the Black TREK MAY Mountain Challenge in May, all in preparation for the Great Wall! 2020 FOR We all know of family, friends and loved ones who have been touched VELINDRE by cancer. Velindre Cancer Centre do an exceptional job caring for patients and their families. The ladies CANCER hope to raise a massive £4,500 over the next year in appreciation of this. CENTRE All donations made will go straight to Velindre Cancer Care as Phillippa In May 2020 two local ladies be a tough challenge. They will be and Sophie are funding the costs Phillippa Lloyd and Sophie Lesbirel trekking for between 4-8 hours a day of travelling and accomodation will lace up their hiking boots and for 5 days over undulating terrain, themselves. head for China to take part in The on uneven rocky trails and up and If you would like to make a donation Velindre Cancer Centre - Great Wall down thousands of steps! Some please go to their Just Giving page of China Trek. They are keen to sections are steep and have drops www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ challenge themselves physically on either side. Luckily they have dragonwallwalkers whilst also committing to a year of plenty of hills and mountains locally fundraising for a most deserving to practise on! They wish to thank friends, family, hospital - Velindre Cancer Centre. community members and work The ladies have already started Velindre, the Hospital of Hope, is colleagues who have already given fundraising through their Just Giving the major provider of radiotherapy so much support, sharing ideas, craft page; knitting and crocheting and other specialised anti-cancer skills, enthusiasm and donations, “it’s items for sale, holding bake sales treatments in Wales. been overwhelming”. Follow their and a bucket collection at the progress on Facebook by searching Although the trek is still over a Liberty Stadium. More fundraising for ‘Dragonwallwalkers’ year away Phillippa and Sophie events are to come; car boots sales, are already in training as this will swishing events, crafts and coffee Phillippa Lloyd and Sophie Lesbirel

commemorate the centenary of eminently qualified to speak on the the end of the First World War – theme. Among other enterprises, ARTISTS OF THE the Crickhowell District Archive William was instrumental in the Centre is now planning a number setting up the Tower Gallery in of new initiatives. One of these is a High Street, Crickhowell, in order USK VALLEY series of illustrated talks focussing to promote and showcase the on a variety of local themes. The work of the strong community of first will take place on Wednesday artists based in the Usk Valley. As 3rd April, at 7.30 pm, in the Sports a historian, Elizabeth has, among Pavilion (the home of Crickhowell other publications, jointly edited, Bowls, Cricket and Tennis Clubs). and contributed to, a collection of essays entitled Henry Vaughan and Its title is ‘Artists of the Usk the Usk Valley (2016). Valley’ – a look at Crickhowell and the Usk Valley through the Admission is £10 and will include a ollowing the considerable eyes of various artists over the glass of wine. Tickets are available Fsuccess of ‘Lest We Forget’ centuries. The presenters are two from the Crickhowell District – the recent exhibition to archive members, William Gibbs Archive Centre: 01873 810922. and Elizabeth Siberry. Both are Ryland Wallace VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 7 Crickhowell Walking Festival 9th to 17th March 2019

“…...one of the UK’s greatest” TGO magazine Feb 2019 “It’s brilliant, having attended many of the mountain festivals in the UK, I love that Crickhowell keeps walking at the very centre of its focus.” Kenton Cool, Mountaineer

We have been leading great walks in and around the Black Mountains in the National Park since 2008 —come and join us! www.crickhowellfestival.com

8 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] EVENTS

IT’S SPRING SO CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL MUST BE HERE!

t’s that time of year again – walks are guided by local expert For your evening’s entertainment, Spring is on the horizon, if not in guides and range from easy half the Festival is being joined by Kate Ithe air, birds are starting to sing day walks to longer treks across the Humble on the 9th March, talking and Crickhowell Walking Festival tops of the mountains. Whatever about her latest book “Thinking is getting ready to welcome your abilities, you’ll be able to find on my Feet”. There is a film night people from all over the country something that suits you and you on Sunday 10th March featuring a to sample the Black Mountains know you will be safe wherever you selection of films from the Sheffield and our wonderful countryside. are as you’ll be well looked after. Film Festival and, during the rest of The Festival is now in its 12th year This year the Festival is supporting the week talks on subjects as wide and has built up a loyal following the charity Combat Stress, which ranging as The Drovers, Famous as well as being recognised as one supports ex-servicemen and People of Crickhowell, the Cistercian of the leading walking festivals in women with mental health related Way and a Walking Festival Quiz. the UK. issues. There is a chance to raise Once again, the organisers have The Festival starts on 9th March – a money for this worthwhile cause by pulled out all stops to create a little later than in previous years getting sponsorship to complete memorable week. Just go to www. – and runs through to the 17th the Llanbedr Horseshoe Challenge crickhowellfestival.com to see for March with up to 12 walks each day – a 15 mile hike on the hills above yourself. Booking is easy on line. and an event each evening. All the the Grwynefechan valley. See Walk David Thomas 63 on Saturday 16th March.

9 EVENTS

L@BRYCHEINIOG MARCH AT THEATR 01874 611622 C/THEATRB BRYCHEINIOG.CO.UK @THEATRBRYCHEINIOG TIM MARSHALL ENCORE DANCE: BRYCHENIOG DIVIDED: DRIP DRIP DRIP WHY WE’RE LIVING IN AN AGE OF WALLS SAT 23 MAR, 7:30pm KAB-ER-ESQUE WED 6 MAR, 7:30pm £12 / £10 MON 25 MAR, 7:30pm £12 / £10 £11.50 / £10.50 / £9.50 On a hectic oncology ward, diverse clinicians treat David - cancer patient, discredited academic, and Author of the No. 1 Sunday Times ‘race scientist’. bestseller, Prisoners of Geography, Tim Unfortunately Marshall will be speaking about his Professor new book Divided: Why We’re Living in A unique fusion between Tring an Age of Walls. Which side of the fence David Jeffs is more interested in Park School for the Performing Arts’ are you on? Every story has two sides, finishing his final lecture, about a Nazi graduating dancers, and students and so does every wall. We’re in a new doctor, hanged at Nuremberg, whose on its senior musical theatre era of tribalism and the barricades are story now seems to be weaving into courses. Think ‘Cabaret meets going up. his. And he’s running out of time. Burlesque’ 1 High Street, Crickhowell, POWYS NP8 1BW POWYS Crickhowell, 1 High Street,

10 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] EVENTS Talking. The evening will be hosted and compered by local outdoor MARCH AT THEATR enthusiast, Juliet Parker Smith who has spent her working life in Adventure Education. Juliet will be introducing Sian Sykes and Ruth BRYCHENIOG Pickvance. High quality musical work will come from Mid Wales Opera as power and passion collide in Puccini’s Tosca (Sat 9); and folk due Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman (Thu 21) will perform self-penned songs from new album ‘Personae.’ More music will come from returning faces Barry Steele: The Roy Orbison Story (Sat 16) and The Fureys (Wed 27).

Sian Sykes is one of the speakers at ‘Women Talking’, for International Women’s Day arch at Theatr Brycheiniog Hijinx Theatre will present Into begins with a celebratory the Light (Sat 2), a daring physical Barry Steele: The Roy Orbison Story M St David’s Day concert from theatre piece about the right to the Band of the Welsh Guards (Fri be seen and heard by a cast of School pupils are invited to come 1), featuring guest soloist Lucie performers with learning difficulties. along to Pen-blwydd Poenus Pete Jones. From Leonard Bernstein The piece promises to be surprising, (Mon 11), a sparkling comedy about to Karl Jenkins, this celebration provocative and thought provoking Dad’s birthday which features a conert features music from entertainment. Taking Flight’s very mischievous cat; One Small popular classics, music from the Peeling (Thu 14) is a play within Step... (Mon 18) an interactive show stage and of course, plenty of a play exploring the relationship from Mid Wales Music Trust and Welsh traditional favourites. between women, their bodies and Sinfonia Cymru; and Pinocchio (Tue children against a backdrop of man- 19), the much loved story about a Hijinx Theatre will present made conflict. At times riotously disobedient and naiive boy who Into the Light funny, recipes, insults and secrets loves adventures. are shared and women’s control over their bodies explored. The Drama audiences will love Drip Drip show will include BSL, captions and Drip (Sat 23), a break-neck, darkly Audio Description. comic and taboo-busting journey through an NHS phantasmagoria. Author Tim Marshall (Wed 6) will The piece will make you laugh, give a talk on his book ‘Divided: cry and maybe see the world Why we’re living in an age of walls’; from a new angle. Also returning and Prys Morgan will give a talk this March is BANFF (Wed 13), an on county historian Theophilus evening of extraordinary short films; Jones for the 22nd Sir John Lloyd Encore Dance (Mon 25), who for the Memorial Lecture (Fri 22). For first time will feature pupils from International Women’s Day on Tring Park’s musical theatre courses; Fri 8, there is an evening of talks and by very popular demand, Rich from Wales’ most inspiring and Hall (Fri 29) for the second leg of his adventurous women, titled Women Hoedown tour! Nia Sandford VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 11 EVENTS Budding writers can enter a short story competition. Open to adults or children. Closing date April 5th. See your local library for details. We are serving a delicious tea with prosecco and lots of inspirational lady guests. Tickets hile raising awareness for for this event sell out quickly. International Women’s W Day Friday March 8th, For further details on all these CFA, (Cancer Funds Action) are events please go to www.cfa- staging events with all monies wales.org or call: 07714294047 raised going to Women’s Elizabeth Sullivan MBE Cancers at Velindre. Our first event was a celebration of women through dance with guest Dilys Price OBE who gave a uplifting and inspiring talk. There will be a sponsored walk along the Brecon-Mon Canal on May 19th open to all. Walkers can choose between 14 miles or 4 miles.

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UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS St Valentines Dinner Menu 14th, 15th and 16th February Three courses £29.50 Mothers Day Sunday Lunch The BRECON Driving 31st March Academy From £22.00 Please find our menus here: Learn to drive with an thekestrelinn.com/events experienced Instructor 01874 731044 Taniya Keoghan ADI Watton, Brecon LD3 7EL WWW.THEKESTRELINN.COM 07941 311685 BRECON ROAD. NR CRICKHOWELL, NP8 1SB 12 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] EVENTS Theatr Brycheiniog’s programme includes Extraordinary Women Talking – an evening of talks and images from some of Wales’s most inspiring women - and Celebrating the Ordinary and the Extraordinary, an exhibition of art and photography. There are also outdoor events such as canoeing, walks and a canalside amble with ‘dinky’ donkeys raising money for BRECON Brecon Foodbank. The Muse is holding art workshops and an evening of music with Bristol based songstress, Lady Nade, WOMEN’S FESTIVAL while Brecon Library is offering Planting the festival tree 2018 various workshops including a coding club, a Lego Club and a recon Women’s Festival, which Emma Bevan, organiser of the Poetry Group event. marks International Women’s Artisan Craft Market in Brecon Brecon Women’s Festival will close B Day, is now an established Market Hall on Saturday 2nd March with the planting of a tree on event on Brecon’s cultural says: “Brecon Women’s Festival has Brecon Promenade on Sunday 17th calendar and takes place 27th expanded, with new venues and March. February to 17th March. organisations getting involved to celebrate the achievements of Details of these and more Longstanding venue, The Hours women and it’s also an opportunity venues and events are on www. Café, Bookshop & Deli, which to raise awareness of local charities”. breconwomensfestival.co.uk and is owned by two of the festival The Artisan Market is open from programmes are available at most founders, Leigh Hendra and Nicky 10am – 4pm with free entry. venues – be quick though as Bickerton, will again host the supplies are limited and they’re Brecon Women’s Festival Exhibition, Other venues include Theatr very popular! For more information where 25 women artists will be Brycheiniog, The Muse and Brecon call 01874 622800 or follow Brecon showing self portraits. Leigh says: Library. Women’s Festival on Facebook. “We are thrilled to be putting on Karin Mear the eighth Women’s Festival in Brecon and we’re proud to have organised the Art Exhibition and other events including a workshop with artist Karin Mear, a display of children’s work organised by Calan DVS and a Poetry Reading celebrating women in words. Ardent Gallery is showcasing the work of women artists while Kathryn Roberts at Gate Gallery Karin Mear Self Portrait & Glassworks is also displaying Dinky Donkeys at The Hours art by women. New to Brecon Women’s Festival this year are the Aberhonddu Angels (WI), who are holding a special open meeting at Bishop Bevan Hall featuring a talk from Ceri Williams of Victim Support. Poetry at The Hours 13 and well behaved dogs welcome 20TH MARCH For more information and to register Crickhowell and District then head over to our website.www. Historical Society hospiceofthevalleys.org.uk All Day ‘UP TOP’ – THE HISTORY OF Events event. Registration £5 or £25 for a THE MID WALES HOSPITAL, team of 8. Tel: 01495 717277 TALGARTH. calendar 5TH MARCH All Welcome. 7.30pm, Parish Hall, CRICKHOWELL U3A MEETING Crickhowell 10am-12.30pm, Clarence Hall, 22ND MARCH Crickhowell Book-ish Event: MARCH 5TH MARCH AN AFTERNOON WITH CRICKHOWELL WOMEN’S JOHN LEWIS-STEMPE INSTITUTE MEETING Come along and listen to the 2pm-4pm, Parish Hall, Crickhowell wonderful John Lewis-Stempel discuss his new book, Still Water. 9TH-17TH MARCH Written in gorgeous prose, Still CRICKHOWELL Water tells the seasonal story of 2019 WALKING FESTIVAL the wild animals and plants that Clear away the winter cobwebs live in and around the pond, from and join us for 9 days of wonderful the mayfly larvae in the mud to walks and talks during the the patrolling bats in the night Crickhowell Walking Festival. Walks NOW UNTIL 17TH MARCH sky above. Tickets to include tea/ for all abilities with experienced BRECON WOMEN’S FESTIVAL coffee on arrival. 1pm, Crickhowell Various locations and events. Guide plus entertaining and informative evening events Parish Hall. For tickets visit www. Please see article on Page 13 for book-ish.co.uk or see advert on full details Booklet available from tourist info centres but all information is also Page 28 1ST MARCH online. To book a walk or evening 24TH MARCH BRECON DEMENTIA FRIENDLY event, please visit the website: www. CHORISTER EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING crickhowellfestival.com. See AFTERNOON our article on page 9 for more & BRING AND BUY SALE For children in years 3 to 6 with an information. Hot and cold drinks, homemade interest in singing. 1.30pm-4.30pm, cakes and lots of goodies for 11TH MARCH – 20TH MAY Brecon Cathedral. Call 01874 623837 sale, as well as a range of useful for more details information relating to all aspects SPRING EXHIBITION of Dementia. ORIEL CRIC GALLERY 28TH MARCH 10am-1pm, Guildhall, Brecon. For CRiC Centre, Beaufort St, DRESSED TO IMPRESS more info contact Joan Brown: Crickhowell. See our article on FASHION SHOW Page 27 for more info 07533 768575 Organized by Dressed To Impress of Brecon, with a portion of 2ND MARCH 12TH MARCH Hospice of the Valleys: Arts Society Brecknock Lecture all proceeds going to Tenovus Cancer Care, Brecon. Tickets are BIG WELSH WALK ‘THE CHAIR – 2000 YEARS OF £5 and include a glass of wine or Join the Hospice and Life Size SITTING DOWN’ Lecture by Marc soft drink. Pop-up shop available. Models in climbing the highest Allum. 2.30pm-3.30pm, Theatr Tickets from Dressed to Impress, mountain in , Brycheiniog, Brecon Wheat Street, Brecon, or from following on in the footsteps of 15TH MARCH some Big Welsh Icons. Become a Tenovus, Brecon. Crickhowell Cosy Cinema 7pm-9pm, The Castle, Castle Square, Hospice Trooper! A STAR IS BORN Perfect for friends, families, Brecon. For more info Trisha Turner: 7.3pm, Clarence Hall, Crickhowell. individuals, teams and colleagues 01874 938 692 Tickets £4, Bar available 14 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] EVENTS 31ST MARCH walker, traversing the highest and glass of wine on arrival. LLANGYNIDR FARMERS’ MARKET wildest parts of Wales. Richard 7.30pm, Book-ish, 18 High St, Regular monthly market selling Tyler, of the Cambrian Way Trust, Crickhowell. For bookings visit local produce and craft will describe, in his illustrated www.book-ish.co.uk or see advert 10am-1pm, Llangynidr Village Hall talk to the Brecon Beacons on Page28 Park Society, the history of the 3RD APRIL development of the 290 miles of 6TH APRIL ARTISTS OF THE USK VALLEY the Cambrian Way and will share GRAND MID WALES CYCLE An illustrated talk looking at his experiences of this iconic walk. JUMBLE & AUCTION OF SURPLUS Crickhowell and the Usk Valley 7.30pm, Manor Hotel, Crickhowell. MUSEUM STORES CYCLES through the eyes of various artists For more information contact Janet Cycle Jumble and auction of over the centuries. (William Gibbs Callear: 01874 636116 surplus stores cycles from the and Elizabeth Siberry) National Cycle Museum in 7.30pm, Crickhowell Sports 4TH APRIL . 11am, Cefnllys Pavillion, Brecon Rd, Crickhowell Book-ish Event: School, Llandrindod Wells (near the Tickets £10. Contact Crickhowell AN EVENING WITH ANSTEY museum) District Archive Centre: 01873 HARRIS ‘THE TRUTHS & www.cyclemuseum.org.uk 810922 TRIUMPHS OF GRACE ATHERTON’ For fans of The Keeper of Lost 11TH-13TH APRIL 3RD APRIL Things, The Truths and Triumphs ABERGAVENNY WRITING CAMBRIAN WAY: THE MOUNTAIN of Grace Atherton is the story of a FESTIVAL CONNOISSEUR’S WALK woman who has her heart broken, See article on Page25 for more From to Conway, the but then puts it back together info Cambrian Way provides a route again in the most uplifting and of beauty and challenge for the exquisite way. Tickets to include a

The Drill Hall Chepstow A DIAMOND EXPERIENCE Saturday 4th May The Drill Hall Chepstow 4th Avenue Saturday 20th April provide their Greatest Hits Show A night dedicated inspired by the great Motown groups of to the legendary singer /songwriter the past. The show has classic songs NEIL DIAMOND and great routines that have entertained Performed by international performer all over the UK. ‘Bob Drury’ tickets £10 from Hannah’s Music tickets £10 from Hannah’s Music Chepstow 01291 627122 Chepstow 01291 627122

VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 15

To advertise Your Business email [email protected] or call 01454 300 900 Natural Weigh is

On a snowy day in March 2018, Natural Weigh opened its doors for the first time as Wales’ first zero waste shop. It was scary and exciting in equal measure and we can’t really believe it has been1 a whole year since that first day. But here we are, March 2019, and what a year it has been. We wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on all the amazing things which have happened over the past 12 months and to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been in to see us and shop with us. It is down to all of you that Natural Weigh has been a success and we are overwhelmingly grateful for your support and enthusiasm.

ver the year, we have gravity dispensers (selecting the Environment, and Simon been graced by visits cannellini beans over chocolate!) Thomas, another supportive Ofrom several prestigious and chatted to us about the Assembly Member. Each of these persons, the most exciting of challenges of reducing plastic individuals has their own area whom was His Royal Highness in a supply chain which is often of influence and we are hopeful Prince Charles! On a sweltering varied and diverse. We have they will have continued to day in June, Prince Charles also received visits from Kirsty spread the positive message we came to officially open The Corn Williams, our very supportive discussed in the shop around Exchange. He popped in to our local Assembly Member, Hannah encouraging people to choose shop, had a go with some of our Blythyn, the Welsh Minister for plastic free options when shopping. 16 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] SAVE THE PLANET THE YEAR IN NUMBERS with the snow as deep as it was, we had several offers from people • >1,200 reusable straws sold of somewhere to stay if we got • >1,200 bamboo toothbrushes sold stranded. This warmth and support • >300 reusable water bottles sold has continued throughout the last • >50 reusable sanitary pads and >30 year. Thank you Crickhowell for such menstrual cups sold a warm welcome! • >1,000 plastic bottles of washing up This wonderful local community, of liquid avoided which we very much feel a part, won • >500 plastic bottles of shampoo the Great British High Street award avoided in 2018,, fending off Altringham, • Total of 140 kg of plastic avoided Portadown and Alness to win the title. This is such a deserving reward for a town which is bursting with were shortlisted for the Sustainable independent shops and thriving at a Business Award. We also had a time when many high streets seem trip to the House of Lords as one to be struggling. How lucky we are of 100 small businesses in the to be a part of it! UK as part of a campaign to encourage consumers to All of these experiences over the last shop local. This recognition year, would not have been possible has helped us to maintain without the support of so many our momentum and people, from our own family and continue to drive Natural friends, to the wonderful people of Weigh to do more and Crickhowell and to all our customers keep improving. both near and far. We were lucky to receive a grant award from UnLtd When we first opened our as one of their selected social doors last year, it was after businesses. We also got business a huge amount of planning support from Business Wales. Thank and careful consideration of you to everyone who has been a where we wanted to be based. part of the Natural Weigh journey. Some people ask us why we chose We will continue to do our best to Through Crickhowell but most people provide high quality, plastic free the year, we also did a bit of who have been to this beautiful food and lifestyle products. visiting others. We gave a talk to bustling town know. On our first Transition Cardiff on the concept anniversary, we want to highlight Looking toward the next year, we behind our shop, and went to the wonderful community of have some exciting developments. the IEMA conference to highlight people and businesses based in We have recently launched our what we have done in Crickhowell here. Crickhowell attracted our online shop, offering customers from and why we did it. In October, we attention because of its fiercely further a field and those not able were invited as a speaker to the independent high street but also to pop into the shop, the chance to first Zero Waste Conference which its community of committed buy plastic free food and support was a huge honour. All of these individuals working to make our dream. We are also committed experiences enabled us to spread positive change. The building we to finding new and innovative ways the message about Natural Weigh are based in (The Corn Exchange) to combat unnecessary packaging and plastic free shopping and met was destined to be turned into within our supply chain and will with very receptive audiences. We a supermarket but was instead be exploring this avenue further in even went to a primary school to bought by the local community the next year. We will continue to discuss the problem of plastic with and converted into shops and respond to customer demand and the children. That was almost the flats. This is the sort of community introduce new and exciting products most daunting visit! which looks after its members. In and to work within the community to encourage and enable others to Towards the end of 2018, we were the months after we opened, many reduce their reliance on single use delighted to be shortlisted for a of the other high street traders plastic. number of awards and to even came into our shop to introduce win one. Natural Weigh won the themselves and offer their support Year one was fantastic, but here’s to One to Watch award at the Social and assistance should we need an even better second year! it. Indeed, on those first few days, Business Wales awards and we Chloe & Robin Masefield VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 17 DIY GARDEN FURNITURE RESTORATION KITS Martin Shepheard Do you have an old bench in your garden that Martin Shepheard is falling down? While the wooden slats may be rotting away, the cast-iron bench ends will last PAINTER & DECORATOR forever. With one of our DIY kits, you can restore BESPOKE WALLPAPER HANGING your own bench to its former glory! Fully Insured • Domestic & Commercial Quality Workmanship City & Guilds Qualified Tel: 07971 454879 For further details: or 01873 830943 www.arbc.co.uk [email protected]

FOR RENT Casa de la Luna Stunning Villa situated in a beautiful part of the Costa Brava with local owners. The Villa is a Kilometre from the pretty old village of Begur and has fantastic views over the mountains to the sea. It can accommodate 2-10 people and has a private garden and pool. There are several superb beaches nearby.

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18 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] SAVE THE PLANET world’s oceans. In fact, it is estimated has introduced Greenscreen Sea-Tex. Turning that we have six times more plastic This fabric has been developed than plankton in our oceans! using recycled shoreline plastic, Ocean Plastic Most of us know very little about which has been recovered from the devastation that occurs under beaches, remote coastlines and the surface of the water. The durable inland waterways. The plastic is into Fabric nature of plastic can take hundreds of processed, and spun into Bionic years to degrade. Take a plastic cup, yarn to be used within the woven Blinds! for example, which takes 50 years to structure of the Sea-Tex fabric. Sea-Tex Evergreen Blinds are at the biodegrade, and a plastic fishing net is a semi-transparent roller screen forefront of design innovation, that takes a staggering 600 years. fabric with Flame Retardant features and is available in 5 neutral shades! recently becoming suppliers of The problem with plastic pollution Turning ocean plastic into fabric is the groundbreaking Greenscreen doesn’t just hurt marine species, both inspiring and environmentally Sea-Tex: blinds made from fabric it’s also harmful to us humans. As friendly. Isn’t it time to live smarter? sourced from ocean plastic! plastic debris floats in the seawater, Evergreen Blinds are thrilled to be We’re surrounded by plastic. Just it absorbs dangerous pollutants. able to source and supply these think about every piece we touch These chemicals are highly toxic and premium blinds. Contact them today in a single day: shopping bags, food have a wide range of chronic effects, including endocrine disruption and for further information. 01873 811113 containers, straws, water bottles – the cancer-causing mutations. When Ken Barwise list is endless. animals eat plastic pieces, the toxins Plastic pollution is a growing and are absorbed into their body and worrying problem. In the first decade passed up the food chain. Up to 1 in 3 of this century, we produced more fish caught for human consumption plastic than all the plastic ever now contain plastic so this problem produced in history up to the year affects everyone. 2000. And unfortunately, every In an attempt to make a difference year, millions of tons of that mass to the growing problem of plastic produced plastic ends up in the infiltrating our oceans, Style Studio

local business great aftercare free quotes and fitting special offers on the website complete range of We provide quality new and used vehicles, blinds many available to order We will Service, MOT & Repair most makes and models. Diagnostics on most makes Is Our Specialty Full Air Conditioning facilities available your local manufacturers of high quality blinds We supply Tyres, Exhaust, Batteries, etc. For friendly service & fast delivery call Why not ring or email us for a quote? Ken or Catherine Barwise Penpentre, Llanfaes, Brecon. LD3 8DL [email protected] 01873 811113 Tel: 01874 623311 or 611421 w: evergreenblinds.co.uk www.breconcarsales.co.uk email: [email protected] VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 19

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O’Loughlin Wealth The Handy Team Management Many years experience. No job too small; try us and see. General maintenance/garden work. Hanging pictures, shelves, curtains and blinds. Painting & decorating. Flat pack assembly, installation. Call us on: 07860857990 Nr. Crickhowell I provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in: DOMESTIC APPLIANCE • Investment • Inheritance Tax REPAIRS & SALES Planning Planning • Retirement • Estate Planning Quality repairs to all brands of: • Mortgages • Protection •ELECTRIC COOKERS & HOBS •WASHING MACHINES Melinda O’Loughlin Dip PFS, Cert CII (MP) • TUMBLE DRYERS •DISHWASHERS•FRIDGE Glanusk Estate, Crickhowell. Powys. NP8 1LP FREEZERS•VACUUM CLEANERS Phone: 01873 810631 Fax: 01873 810631 Email: [email protected] Tel: 07572 289243 Website: www.oloughlinwealthmanagement.co.uk www: philevansdomestics.co.uk D Email: [email protected] Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage 20 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01873 856614 OR EMAIL [email protected] SAVE THE PLANET Is it Still Worth Investing in Solar PV?

Tariffs are being phased out Electricity costs more could increase property values by Not so long ago the ‘Feed-in Tariff’ The rising cost of electricity is, on average £16,000. It was found (the money Solar PV owners are increasingly, the reason to invest that by improving a home’s Energy paid for being a mini power station) in solar PV rather than any grants Rating from band G to E – or from was remarkably generous at over or tariff. Having PV means a a D to a B – property prices rose 40p per unit (kWh) on the meter. reduced electricity bill and with the significantly. Since those heady days in 2012 application of smart switching, or the payment level has dropped battery back-up, PV can also lead to Take care to choose the right significantly and will be phased a cut in water heating and lighting out by April 2019 – so is solar still costs respectively. Local installers installer Homeowners should only deal with worth it? Green Park Power report that they MCS accredited installers – they typically still achieve a 10%, or are quality checked each year and Solar now costs much less better, return on investment for must conform to a recognised Crucially, while the Feed in Tariff their customers. Consumer Code. It is not enough (FiT) rate has fallen, the cost of for the company to be a friend of installing solar panels has also Solar panels can increase the an accredited installer - you are dropped. A 12 panel PV system value of your home less protected. Look for the MCS that might have cost £12,000 in The energy generated will increase and RECC logos on adverts and 2011 can now be fully installed for paperwork. between £3500 and £4500, this in value as the cost of energy rises making Solar a great investment is primarily due to the dramatic Overall there is still a strong case for reduction in material costs. This for a predictable income for many Solar PV after the end of the Feed means that while the return is years to come. Furthermore, the in Tariff but if installed now there more modest the initial outlay Department of Energy and Climate is a little extra help on offer too. If is considerably less – PV can still Change (DECC) has conducted you should have any questions or give a great return on investment research into the importance of comments, please email Green Park but with less upfront cost than energy efficiency and its influence Power on info@greenparkpower. ever before. According to EST the on property prices. The report from co.uk or call on 01873 269031 to average size of home installations June 2013 concluded that energy book a free no obligation survey. has increased to 3.5kWh (14 saving measures boost house panels) simply because it is more Andy Green affordable. prices by up to 14%, solar panels, VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 21 TheTheManorManor SimplySimply Magical Weddings Weddings CrickhowellCrickhowell CivilCivil Ceremonies Ceremonies && ReceptionsReceptions up up to to 200 200 Guests Guests WonderfulWonderful Views OverOver the the Brecon Brecon Beacons Beacons

Contact Our Team for More Information [email protected] Contact Our T:Team 01873 for 810212 More Information [email protected] T: 01873 810212 22 ONLINE RECORDING WiReD enables you to submit records quickly and easily on your laptop or computer. The species dictionary and mapping tool allows you to search for your sighted your WILDLIFE RECORDING species and location. Before you can submit wildlife records using the App or WireD you’ll MADE EASY need to register for an account with each. Using the same email address The Biodiversity Information Service using WiReD, our Wildlife Recording to register for both will link them and (BIS) is your Local Environmental Database. you’ll be able to see all your wildlife Record Centre (LERC). We gather WILDLIFE RECORDING IN THE sightings online in WiReD. Automatic wildlife records for your area and DIGITAL AGE checks will help spot potential the rest of Powys & the Brecon The LERC Wales App offers a fully errors, and experts can review your Beacons National Park area. bilingual user interface. It works sightings. offline - connection is only needed The bulk of our wildlife records to download the App and to submit Connecting with nature is proven are provided by local volunteer your records once you’ve added to be beneficial to your health recorders. You can join the Welsh them to your phone or tablet. Your and wellbeing, so when you’re out recording community by submitting phones GPS will plot your location and about across Wales take some your wildlife sightings to us. The new allowing you to add your sightings wildlife records, submit them to LERC Wales App allows you to record with minimal effort using the species us and contribute to science and any species on the go in Wales using dictionary. You can easily add a conservation. your smartphone or tablet. If you’ve site name and comments on the Ben Mullen - BIS Communications Officer not got one, or like mine it’s too old, species you have seen along with a you can submit your sightings online photograph to aid verification. LERC Wales App Record any species on the go in Wales  Bilingual user interface  Works fully offline  Add new records with minimal effort BE SEEN  Support the Welsh LERC community

ADVERTISE FROM ONLY £21 reach up to 13500 homes & businesses from Abergavenny to Brecon Call Hannah or pete 01873 856614 FOCUS MAGAZINES VISIT THE FOCUS ONLINE AT WWW.THEFOCUS.WALES 23 Let’s Make Life Easy Great Products. Great Prices Enjoy our range of top brand appliances at low prices

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*Terms and Conditions apply. Sold asTO an agentADVERTISE of Euronics CALL Limited. 01873 All rights 856614 reserved. OR AllEMAIL offers [email protected] subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges 24 may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2018. E&OE September 2018. LIFESTYLE & CULTURE The BBC Writersroom will give a talk about writing a TV script. ‘YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER’ This exclusive session will explore the key elements needed to ABERGAVENNY WRITING FESTIVAL create a standout TV script; it is aimed at anyone with an interest in screenwriting regardless of ‘Your Words Have Power’ is the in them?’ with panellists including experience. theme of this year’s Abergavenny local writers Cath Barton and Jack Writing Festival, to take place 11- Strange and chaired by Hannah Hill. Chester’s Wine Merchants will 13th April. Three days packed with host an event on Saturday 13th From 6-7pm speechwriter and events for aspiring and established April with award-winning Cardiff author Simon Lancaster will talk writers as well as anyone who food bloggers Ed Gilbert and Jane about his latest book ‘You Are Not might like to express their feelings, Cook as they share their insights Human: How Words Kill’. Then in the passions, and beliefs through on food blogging; from finding a early evening a session where writers words - from letter to novel writing niche, building an audience, and and illustrators are invited to meet in and poetry to blogging. navigating issues of ethics and a fun speed-dating format. transparency, right through to It all begins on Thursday 11th On Friday 12th April there will be turning a food blog into a full-time April with a full day of events at talks and workshops on writing career. Lynn Clausen will lead an the Kings Arms. There will be five for wellbeing, non-fiction writing, intergenerational writing session daytime sessions including advice letter writing and documentary based on memories of the castle at and insights from a publisher and story-telling. Successful author Abergavenny Museum on Saturday a copyright lawyer, a session on and journalist Marianne Kavanagh morning and there will be a One Day self-publishing, a motivating and (whose fourth novel has just been Writers’ Retreat at St Mary’s Priory. practical talk on how to write a novel published) will share her thoughts in a month and a panel debate And lots of activities for young on the pleasure of writing. entitled ‘does everyone have a novel people too, including local writer Sarah KilBride’s ‘Bookworm Clockwise from top left: Marianne Kavanagh, Rufus Mufasa, Woodnote and Skunkadelic, Mari Dunning Boogie’ and a Poetry Slam all on Saturday 13th April at The Chapel in Abergavenny. The 3 day event will culminate in an evening at The Chapel, featuring readings from exciting Welsh poets Mari Ellis Dunning and Jonathan Edwards. There will be dazzling bi- lingual poetry and music from Rufus Mufasa and a unique set from Afro Cluster frontman Skunkadelic and Mr Woodnote who freestyles beats and bass lines with the use of his loop- station, saxophones and beatboxing. And an extra performance from the winner of the Christie Residential local talent search. The event is made possible with the generous support of Christie Residential and Literature Wales as well as Abergavenny Town Council and the Abergavenny Rotary Club. More information and tickets available at www. abergavennywritingfestival.com

Lucie Parkin 25 ORIEL CRIC GALLERY

CRICKHOWELL WALKING FESTIVAL

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DIRECTORS & REPRESENTATIVES LOCAL BUSINESS SPRING AT CRIC LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

Martin Truefitt Baker at work in the oriel cric gallery. The exhibition continues until 9 March

he alluring first signs of printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, becomes even more of a feast spring are already offering furniture makers and jewellers and of the eye with art on display in Tthe promise of lighter days this exhibition is no exception - unexpected places. and the oriel CRiC gallery’s spring there is something here to suit all Artists are once again invited to exhibition always reflects the tastes with a core of artists who live become part of this celebration colour and light of the season. and work in Wales. The exhibition of creativity by submitting entries starting on 12 March will also give to the Crickhowell Open Art CRiC was delighted to welcome a tempting taste of what lies ahead competition in the oriel CRiC gallery more than 55 000 visitors to the during the Spring Bank Holiday The closing date for entries is 31 Centre and the gallery during 2018 (25 – 27 May 2019) weekend March 2019. as an ideal starting point for both when more than twenty venues, visitors and local residents to linger including studios and galleries, The Crickhowell Resource & over a cup of coffee while browsing will open their doors to welcome Information Centre is open seven days the leaflets on attractions and visitors Crickhowell bustling with per week (Monday to Saturday 10am accommodation in the area, before wonderful shops and an amazing to 5pm, Sundays 10am to 1.30pm) exploring Crickhowell and the selection of restaurants and cafes Suzette Pratten Brecon Beacons. The books, maps, cards and gifts on offer very much have a local and Welsh flavour. The volunteer and staff team relish supporting and promoting local producers and the wonderful quality of Welsh products at CRiC, enabling visitors to take home a taste of Wales. The gallery has always prided itself on the high standard of work from a wide variety of painters, Louise Collis chatting to Denise Jones in the oriel cric gallery during the gallery’s inspirational Artist At Work February programme 27 Next Month’s FOCUS… Try Something New!

In April’s Focus, we’ll be encouraging our readers to try something new. That might involve taking a course to learn a new skill or hobby or trying something different such as volunteering, befriending or discovering a therapy you haven’t tried before. We are looking for articles and adverts on this theme and we’re interested in hearing from you if you have something to contribute or advertise. We’ll also be celebrating Easter and the arrival of Spring! The deadline is 20th March. Please get in touch via email or give us a call If you’d like to find our about advertising rates, please visit our website: www.thefocus.wales CALL US ON 01873 856614 OR EMAIL: [email protected] TO MAKE A BOOKING OR FOR MORE INFO

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TEL: 01633 862426 OR MOB: 07779 759006 [email protected] WWW.CWMBRANKITCHENS.CO.UK Unit 325, Woodside Way, Springvale Ind. Est., Cwmbran, Gwent. NP44 5BR

Family run business over 25 years