In 1912-13 a scandal involving a well-known local character rocked the area of Crickhowell and Abergavenny. Irvine Rowland Blennerhassett, clerk to the Rural District Council and the ‘Spike’ workhouse in Llangattock, was discovered to have been embezzling public money. He was born in London into a doctor’s family in 1863. He moved to Wales from […]
Focus Magazines
The local magazines for Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Brecon & Talgarth – Events, News and Advertising
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The Changing Face of Brecon
Brecon, as a town, developed below the Castle which was built in AD1093. The flat land across the Honddu was a good site for traders, artisans and other shopkeepers to set up in business providing services to the household at the Castle. As the town was established more and more people moved in. The range […]
Did you know..? A glance into our past
St Catwg’s in Llangattock was founded in the 6th century. It is considered one of the oldest churches in Britain, although it has been largely rebuilt over the years. Its relatively recent additions include a 14th century nave, 16th century tower and two incredibly old yew trees. On the approach to Corn Du in the […]
CRICKHOWELL ADVENTURE STORE IN THE RUNNING FOR TOP PRIZE
Crickhowell’s adventure shop has been named one of Britain’s best outdoor stores – and it could take the top prize if enough people vote for it. Crickhowell Adventure Gear has been shortlisted in The Great Outdoors Awards 2015 competition to find the best independent retailer. Shop Manager, Jane Bradbury, said she was “gob smacked” when […]
Book Review: A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
A great family story, this covers American life from the Depression to the present time. Red and Abby are the two main protagonists together with their children. Denny is perhaps the most interesting member of the family. Intensely private, guarded, sometimes he disappears from their lives, then reappears with a daughter, Susan. His wife doesn’t […]
Nana’s Kitchen: Baklava
My family and I love these lovely sweet, nutty slices. They are especially good to make over the festive period, either as small party bites, as a dinner party dessert or just for pure indulgence! They are very quick and easy to make which, during the busy festive season when we all have so much […]
‘Spirit of Christmas Past’
Anticipation is rising in Gilwern as preparations are under way for the Annual Victorian Christmas Market and Concert. The centre of the village will magically transform into a Fair from the bygone era of Dickens. Craft stalls will line the main street in front of Hope Church who are organising the event with local support. […]
Monmouthshire shortlisted for UK Bus awards
Monmouthshire County Council in Wales is celebrating the outstanding talent and hard work of its staff this week after hearing they have been shortlisted in the Local Authority Bus Project of the Year category of the prestigious UK Bus Awards for 2015. This follows work by ten local authorities in South East Wales led by […]
Stay safe and well this Autumn
With the dark nights drawing in, follow our advice to make sure you and your family stay safe and reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals. Don’t tempt thieves At home… Keep expensive items out of sight and close curtains as soon as it starts to get dark so people can’t easily see in. […]
Q & A with Catherine Fookes; Labour’s Assembly Member Candidate for Monmouth
Why did you stand as a candidate and get involved in politics? I decided to stand as a candidate and get involved because I couldn’t stand the fact that the UK – one of the richest countries in the world – is not tackling child poverty, has rising numbers of homeless people and has seen […]
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