Focus Magazines The local magazines for Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Brecon & Talgarth – Events, News and Advertising

Monthly Archives: June 2012

Welsh Princes and Chinese Legends Come to Rural Wales

Treberfydd House

On display in Powys for the first time, renown welsh artist Ivor Davies’s life-sized paintings of medieval Welsh princes will feature in this year’s summer art exhibition at Treberfydd House, Brecon. The Exhibition, “Welsh Princes and Chinese Legends,” will run from July 14 to July 29th and marks the first international exhibition that Ivor Davies […]

On track to discover Llanfoist’s industrial heritage

Llanfoist historic map

Whichever way you walk from town to the towpath you will pass a plethora of clues to life in Victorian times. Helen Morgan from Abergavenny Local History Society reportsHistory Society reports   It was 150 years ago that the Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny railway opened, enabling coal and iron to be moved to the Midlands […]

Your local Oxfam shop

Ed Howells at oxfam

Abergavenny has a fine range of charity shops, of which Oxfam is one. Situated in the heart of town in Frogmore Street, Oxfam Abergavenny prides itself on being a quality shop which raises money for charity. Nicola Prosser, the shop manager, says: “Sadly, people sometimes have a negative image of charity shops, but we have […]

Securing your home for the holidays

An important message from Gwent Police. If you are preparing to jet off to sunnier climates this summer, then remember to check your home security before you leave. It may be the last thing on your mind before you go away, but taking a few moments to review your security, will help to reduce the […]

Garden Pea and Mint Risotto

Nettle Risotto

Recipe by local chef Simon King,  proprietor of 1861 Restaurant in Cross Ash.   Ingredients   50g butter 1 cup full of Garden Peas, frozen or fresh 6-8 nice large leaves of fresh mint 25g chopped onions 100g short grain rice 185ml chicken stock 25g grated parmesan cheese/or cheddar if you prefer   Melt your […]

‘Food Bank’ has come to Abergavenny

Despite the name Foodbank, you can neither deposit a bacon sandwich nor withdraw a chicken tikka masala.     Food Banks are valuable initiatives that are spreading throughout the UK and beyond. They have been set up to help anyone in genuine need. We are part of the Trussell Trust networlk of Foodbanks. Currently there […]

Out of Hours

After several trips to Neville Hall Accident and emergency with my daughter, we began to get slightly concerned when the receptionist greeted us on sight by our Christian names.  Thank you to the fantastic staff by the way!  However, few pet owners consider out-of-hour (OOH) provision when they choose a vet. All veterinary practices in […]

Sail Away

Fjord Cruise

In light of the sinking of the Costa Concordia earlier this year, cruising hasn’t had great PR recently. If you’ve never been on a cruise or ever considered one, don’t let recent press and publicity put you off. Cruising really doesn’t live up to its stereotyping – it’s not all stuffed shirts and formality, neither […]

Nana’s Kitchen : Florentines

florentines

Although we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in May’s issue of the Focus, there are still plenty of Jubilee Celebrations happening throughout June. It’s also the season for school and church fetes and other outdoor celebrations which require something special and luxurious. These biscuits popped into my mind. They are delicious as part of an […]

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Emma from Bookish in Crickhowell gives us an insight into what’s good to read this month The story follows Marco and Celia, pitted against each other since childhood. A game is initiated, where the rules are unclear and the winner can take decades to determine. Their arena? Cirque des Rêves. But the plot focuses on […]

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