Dear Readers,
The strange part about my job is that I work a month ahead of myself. In January, I work on February’s magazine and so on. This means that most of the time I’m confused about what month we’re actually in. As I write this to you and look out of the office at Focus HQ, the surrounding countryside is swathed with a thick and beautiful blanket of snow. By the time the magazine goes to press and reaches you, the snow will have thawed and the day-to-day goings on that seem so difficult during disruptive snowy weather, (getting the kids to school, doing the shopping etc), will have got back to normal. It hardly seems right, however, not to mention the snow. Those of you who follow the Focus on Facebook and Twitter will know that we asked you for snowy snapshots to feature on our website. We had such a wonderful response that we decided to put some of them in the magazine, and you can find them on page 14.
February, as we all know, is the month of love (although St Dwynwen’s Day – Welsh Saint of lovers and friendship – occurred on 25th Jan). As such, we have put together a magazine full of warm fuzziness for you to enjoy. If you’re already smitten and planning a wedding (or your partner proposes on Feb 14th) turn to pages 29 to 41 for our very special Wedding Feature, which is packed with plenty of Bridal ideas.
Finally, a quick note to let you know that way back in December we ran a Gingerbread House competition in support of The Heart Research Fund for Wales. The winner of this architectural confection was Mr David Peters – well done to him – and we raised £40 for a very worthwhile and deserving cause. Many thanks for those who entered and donated.
Happy Loving,
Hannah
What’s in the Issue
REGULARS
- Editorial
- January’s Weather
- Abergavenny Events Calendar
- Pets: ‘Murmurs of the Heart’
- Quick Crossword
- Kids’ Puzzles
COMMUNITY
- Gwent Police : ‘Helping Hands’
- Abergavenny Museum Collecting Volunteers
- Your Snow Photos
- Friends of Chernobyl’s Children
- Community Contacts
FOOD
- Nana’s Kitchen: Shortbread Valentines
- Family Recipe: Chicken & Chorizo Bake
FOCUS WEDDING FEATURE
- Wedding Flowers
- Ice Ice Baby!: The Ice Academy
- Wedding Hair Tips
- Bridal Make-up
- Do me a Favour: Wedding Favours
- Weddings at the Park Hotel
FICTION
- Book Review: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
- Story: ‘New Beginings ‘
LOCAL BUSINESS
- 14 Days of Love: Best Of Abergavenny
- Internet Not Your Cup of Tea?: Matthew Searle
HISTORY
- Medieval Mystery
