For those who are aware of Darren Aronofsky’s work, the content we are most familiar with is that of intense drama, presented with no small dose of surrealism. So from the director who gave us soul-wrenching movies like Requiem For A Dream amongst others, this move into the outmoded genre of the biblical epic certainly […]
Focus Magazines
The local magazines for Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Brecon & Talgarth – Events, News and Advertising
Monthly Archives: May 2014
Textiles & Embroidery
Jan Thomas tells us about her newly opened studio workshop where you can learn, hands-on, about the art of textiles. Textiles at The Weir is based at my home – The Weir – a working smallholding on the outskirts of Llanddewi Rhydderch, just 3 miles from Abergavenny. The studio/workshop is a small, quirky, rustic building, […]
Quick Craft: Paper Roses
Here’s something easy and crafty to try. The only thing you’ll need is paper, a pencil, scissors and a spot of glue. Coloured card works well, as does paper that has a print on both sides. Very thin, handmade paper gets great results, but is quite fiddly to work with; the choice is up to […]
A Forager’s Tale
Adele Nozedar, author of The Hedgerow Handbook gives us an insight into the magical world of foraging and how she became involved in this unusual hobby, which is growing in popularity. As some of you might know, after the publication of a book that I wrote a couple of years ago (The Hedgerow Handbook), I […]
History as a Hobby
History is about us -The past opens the door to understanding the present, says Helen Morgan of Abergavenny Local History Society Why do people join a history society? One reason is that they are interested in how the area where they live was shaped by previous generations. In South-East Wales, this means the Celtic tribes […]
Hobbies are good for you!
Have you ever filled in a form that asks ‘what are your hobbies and interests’ and found you come to a grinding halt? Detailing your hobbies can feel a bit awkward; as though you’re filling in an advert in the lonely hearts’ column, but it’s an important question for, say, a prospective employer because it […]
Book Review: Americanah
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest novel is a real treat. Ifemelu and Obinze are young Nigerian lovers. Both have dreams for a future away from Nigeria. Obinze has always been obsessed with everything American and this is where he is determined to go for his education and work. But he fails to get the desired US […]
Nana’s Kitchen: Torta di Cioccolata (Italian Chocolate Cake)
This cake is easy to make and is a treat for anybody with a chocoholic tendency, thanks to its satisfyingly fudgey texture. Interestingly it is made without eggs, so is a good recipe for those with egg allergies. It is impressive enough to serve as a dessert at a dinner party with a splash of […]
In the Garden : May
Did you know that here in Wales, May averages as the sunniest month of the year, with around 170-180 hours of sunshine? Good news for gardeners, as this means you can get outside and get lots of gardening hours in the bag! With the lengthier periods of sunshine during May, comes lengthier dry periods too. […]
In the Firing Line
More than 14,000 men from Monmouthshire went to war in 1914. Many did not return. Helen Morgan from Abergavenny Local History Society reports After war broke out against Germany on August 4th, events moved rapidly. Within hours, the order was sent to mobilise the 3rd Battalion, Monmouthshire. Throughout the night, men from towns and villages […]
Please support our local businesses
