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

Monthly Archives: December 2012

Nana’s Kitchen: Lebkuchen Christmas Biscuits

Hannah and I have been busy creating a beautiful Lebkuchenhaus (German Gingerbread House) featured on the front cover and pages 32 & 33 of this month’s Focus. Using the same dough recipe, you can make and decorate lovely biscuits to hang as edible decorations or to give as festive gifts.  They are easy to make […]

Awards for Gwent Young People’s Theatre

Gwent Young People's Theatre

The Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Maureen Powell congratulated members of Gwent Young People’s Theatre on the presentation of certificates to senior members at the Melville Theatre, Abergavenny on Saturday (17th November). Working with the WEA (Workers Educational Association) Gwent Theatre organised rehearsals and workshop sessions for more than 4,500 young people between the […]

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was SAD!

rudolf

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a medical condition that contributes to cases of depression in winter.  I put it to you that Rudolph was depressed as proven by his red nose. Dedicated readers following the column may have waded through last month’s genetic snowstorm to appreciate that coat colour is, of course, determined by your […]

Don’t have a nightmare this Christmas!

CSO Jo Powell checking on cars in Abergavenny

Abergavenny Officers are beginning a campaign to tackle car crime in Abergavenny. The campaign which will last throughout the Christmas period aims to educate residents about the risks of leaving valuables on display in cars and leaving cars unlocked. Officers are particularly concerned about people leaving their Christmas shopping on display in their cars whilst […]

Calling all Abergavenny musicians!

Monmouth Concert Orchestra

The Monmouth Concert Orchestra is an amateur adult orchestra based in Monmouth with members from all over the surrounding area. It was founded in 2007 in order to provide an outlet for players of all abilities who otherwise had nowhere to play. Many of the founding members are parents of children who play or played […]

Shop Indie this Christmas!

Help support local independent businesses and have a chance of winning £600 ‘Celebrate an Independent Christmas’ is a nationwide campaign to improve and boost sales for our local high street businesses and to support our local community and economy. 2012 is the first year that the campaign is being run, and a large number of […]

Blorenge Walk

Blorenge Top Walk Map - Abergavenny Focus

A nice simple walk this month. If the weather is good, this route would be ideal for a Boxing Day walk. Being less than 3 miles long it’s suitable for all the family – although if your family aren’t feeling very energetic, you can make it even shorter by following route B.  There’s fantastic views […]

Wildlife From Your Window

It’s that time of year when the wind howls, leaves tumble from the trees and the very idea of setting foot outside the warm comfort of your home makes you shiver. Coincidentally, it’s also the time of year, when many species of wildlife need a helping hand to survive the coming months and scarcity of […]

Discover Broadleaf Books!

For a book lover, the smell of a secondhand bookshop can be as intoxicating as the most expensive perfume. For me, the familiar dusky cinnamon scent is a powerful allure and I can happily lose myself for hours between bookshelves, combing, browsing and poring over books, books and more books. How lucky we are, then, […]

Navarin of Lamb scented with Rosemary

Recipe by local chef Simon King,  proprietor of 1861 Restaurant in Cross Ash. Ingredients 1kg diced neck fillet or shoulder of lamb 375mls white wine 1 litre reduced lamb stock 3 large carrots diced 3 large onions diced 4 cloves of garlic Large sprig of rosemary   Method Fry the lamb and vegetables until golden […]

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