your rhymney valley March 2011 Mag

www.yourrhymneyvalley.co.uk | Call: 01685 845 091

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March 2011www.yourrhymneyvalley.co.uk

keep me...

Useful numbers

Recipes

Money off vouchers

and more

for local people, about local people,produced by local people

follow us on facebooksearch “ ”

local community& advertising

magazine


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Welcome to your first issue of“ your rhymney valley “.

We are very passionate aboutall things local, including thepeople, the businesses and thecommunity we live in.

We hope to bring youthe very best of what theRhymney valley has tooffer.

Throughout this magazine youwill find information from yourlocal painter to delicious recipes,also why not sit back andhave a go at one of ourcrossword / Sudoko puzzles.Have you ever found yourselfsearching for a certain number,well we have included usefulcontacts too, just for you.

The views expressed by anyadvertiser / author in this issueare not those of

“your rhymney valley”. If youwould like to get in touchplease contact us as below:

24 Edmund StreetPontlottynBargoedCF81 9RR

Tel: 01685 845 091

Email:[email protected]

Hmmmm...what’s thatnumber again ?

)Find below some useful numbers:

Smell Gas ?0800 111 999

Loss of electricity ?0800 052 0400

(Western Power South Wales)

Water Leak or loss of water ?0800 052 0130

NHS Helpline0845 46 47

Childline0800 11 11

RSPCA0300 1234 999

Caerphilly Council 01443 815588

(Main Switchboard)

Blaenau GwentCouncil

01495 311556

Non Emergenciesless urgent than

999 Call

Call :101


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NEW FOR SPRING / SUMMER 2011UPTO 50% OFF RRP’s

NEW RANGES ARRIVING WEEKLY

L.A. COLORS£1.99 OR £5

for 3!!

100% REAL HUMAN HAIR

FULL HEAD – 10 PIECES

18” - £39.99

20” - £44.99

22” - £49.99

ALL OUR HAIR INCLUDE CLIPS

FALSE NAILS, TIPS, GLUES FROM £2.99

FALSE EYELASHES FROM ONLY £2.99

BRANDED PREFUMES AT LOW LOW PRICES

PROMS &WEDDING

ACCESSORIES

PRETTY WOMAN FASHIONS DISCOUNT VOUCHER

20% OFF ANY PURCHASEWITH THIS VOUCHER*

Voucher Code: YRV/01 Valid until 31 May 11 (*excludes items already reduced)

SUITCASES &HOLDALLS

FROM £19.99NEW RANGES


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take a break...3 2

5 4 8 9 6 3

6 9 1 5 4

6 8 3 7 1 2 4

1 8

3 2 5 8 7

2 6 3 8 5

1 3 4 7 8 5 9

8 5 9 2 1 7

Answers onpage 18

CentralTechnologyPC & Laptop Repairs

CentralTechnology

PC RepairsLaptop RepairsPaperInk CartridgesCD’sDVD’sComputer Sales

“ for a friendly service”

93 High Street | Rhymney | NP22 5NB

www.centraltechnologytredegar.co.uk

Tel: 01685 843 493 | Mob: 07930 962 462

Email: [email protected]

Advertisehere for

£25

Nail s by Alyson• Waxing• Gel Nails• Acrylic Nails

Available for homevisits

or @ Boys 2 MenRhymney on Fridays

Weddings | Kids Parties & More...Call:07947 372 013


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Call today for afree estimate

07969 470 683

• Scheduled / planned or “one-off” cleans• All equipment & materials supplied• Fully covered by liability insurance• References available upon request• Post building work specialist cleans

£5.00 off your first clean - quoteYRV2011

interiorwindows

partycleanup’s

ironingservice

bathroomcleans

domesticcleaning

ovencleaning

Also available:Commercial Cleaning | Upholstery Cleaning

Leather Cleaning | Exterior Windows

Efficient, Reliable and Cost Effective | Ironing only £18.00 for 40 items

For a free quotation,call Steve: 029 20 86 79 25 or 07971 32 48 02

follow us on facebooksearch “ Y o u r r h y m n e y V a l l e y ”

Wedding & Christening PhotographerFREE portrait sittingin a modern studio

www.timkniftonphotography.com | 07931 234 209email: [email protected]

Home visits availableFlexible paymentOptions available

Range of products& services

(see web site for details)

your viewEmail us

with your views,stories and more

[email protected]

*


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MotorcycleMOT’s | Servicing |Repairs

• Tyres supplied & fitted• Electronic wheel balancing• Fully fitted workshop facilities• In house shot & bead blasting• General parts - on & off road• Metal polishing• Custom parts and accessories• Service & repairs

“ for all your motorcycle& trike repairs”

Est 2006

Bethel Building | Picton Street | Pontlottyn | Mid Glamorgan | CF81 9PS

Custom Bikes & Trikeswww.sw-customs.comTel: 01685 845 111

Across1. Group of musicians (9)7. Eye socket (5)8. Jockey (5)9. Epoch (3)10. Part of the foot (6)14. Shrewd (6)15. Cacophony (3)18. Thighbone (5)20. Ice hut (5)21. Court game (9)Down

1. Woodwind instrument (4)2. Floor show (7)3. Consumes (4)4. Despot (6)5. Assistance (3)6. Precipitous (6)11. One of three (7)12. Perplex (6)13. Gaped (6)16. Flightless bird (4)17. Metal money (4)19. Disorderly crowd (3)

Time for a quickie ?

Answers on page later on...


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Terry’sGeneral Store

Flowers for all occasions

2 Merchant Street | Pontlottyn | CF81 9PDTel: 01685 843 104

• Helium Balloons• Cards• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables• Groceries• Confectionery• and much more...

Weddings | Funerals |Christenings | Special Occasions

Getting FIT for Summer for FREE

Get the perfect beach body this Summer, follow these simple tips

• When you go shopping park at the far end of the car park.

• Take the stairs rather than the lift.

• Get off the bus one stop earlier.

• Take a stroll around the park.

• Walk to the local shop rather than take the car.

Please consult your GP before taking up any sort of exercise regime.

Electric Beds Rise & Recline

10 River Road, Pontlottyn | CF81 9PNBy The Blast Furnace

Call Today: 01685 842 664

- Furniture Showroom -

Corner SuitesWardrobes

Also AvailableRe upholstery and Repairs


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rhymney valleyno grown upsallowed !

with Lightening the Bat

Welcome to your page,

I’m Lightening the Bat,

let’s play...

Kids

Knock knock ?

Who’s there ?

Boo...

Boo who ?

Don’t cry, it’s only a joke!

now colourme in...If you have any jokes,

stories or anything elsethat you would like to see

here, then please email:

[email protected] write to Lightening the Bat:24 Edmund Street, Pontlottyn,

Bargoed, CF81 9RR

join the dots. . .


9

Open 8:30am - 8pm

SANDWICH BARPontlottynMerchant Street

Phone

ord

ers

avai

labl

e...

Jacket PotatoesHot Dogs& Burgers

Sandwiches

& Rolls

Sweets | Bread | Milk | CakesAlso available...

Call today:01685 84 33 33

There are 10,000+ other peoplereading this too - get in touch today

for more details

www.yourrhymneyvalley.co.uk

Tel: 01685 845 091

E: [email protected]

Time for a quickie - answers

Pssst... look over here

ICEBOX Electrical• Inspection & Testing• PAT Testing• Domestic Electrical Work

Call Peter on:Mob: 07770 256392

Tel: 01685 701090

4FIT LIVINGF I T N E S S C E N T R E

• Selected Weights• Free Weights• Cardiovascular Equipment• Punchbags• Sunbeds• Supplements• Qualified Instruction

Opening Times:Monday - Friday 9am -9pm

Saturday - 9am-1pmSunday - 9am-1pm

Rhymney High Street 01685 842 450

All ages and abilities,friendlyatmosphere ,all Welcome

Ladies Only FitnessClass - Wednesday

7:30pm-9pm


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“ Your Rhymney Valley “Surrounded by green mountains that stand so proud and strong,

with a scattering of villages,in which a river runs along.Where underground the 'blackstuff' hides,the precious shiny coal.No longer mined by valley men ,it took each miners heart and soul.

And of course it has a Railway,which is called 'The Valley Line'with 17 stations on it , and it always runs on time.

It even has 2 castles and a roman fort in Gelligaer.And lots of other interesting things,for everyone to share.

This is your Rhymney Valley be proud of where you live.Be grateful of the things it holds ,as it has a lot to give.

Where family,friends and neighbours are always close at hand.Because Valley people are the best,the finest in all the land .

Written by Debbie Carter - Rhymney

VICTORIAQ u a l i f i e d M a k e - u p A r t i s t• Functions• Weddings• Hen Nights• Day , Evening and Any Wear• Private Lessons• Kids Parties Tel: 07890 881 259

Make-up tip

When choosing afoundation, use part

of your neck to colourmatch, not your hand.


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Aaran Carpet Centreof Bargoed

01443 820 28201495 223 588

Fitted carpetspecialists

FREEEstimates

Rugs also available

Natalie’sof Bargoed

• Wedding• Bridesmaids• Prom Gowns• Cruise & fashion wear

All types of alterations /repairs undertaken

01443 822 044 (opposite Barclays Bankon the high street)

Please Mention“your rhymney

valley”when getting in

touch Withbusinesses.

If you would like tobe part of YRV...

please get in touch01685 845 091

Maxi’s Meats

Church Street | Rhymney01685 84 44 61

Butchers

Also availableFilled Rolls

Ham, Chicken, SaladMini Lunches

All £1.00

Quality Meats

Did you know ?...The English meaning of the town's Welsh language name, Bargoed,

is border.The town is currently undergoing redevelopment, with a bypass recentlyconstructed, running through the valley, with links to Bargoed town centre,

Aberbargoed and Gilfach.


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TheRailway

InnPontlottynBuilt 1867

The Railway Inn, which was built under the arches, was only demolishedIn 1997. The railway company forced the removal of the inn, stating

they needed maintenance access for the bridge.

Not that long ago...

Have you got something to sell ?

your rhymney

valleyswop shop

swop shop

Search for

YourRhymney-valley SwopShop

Or maybe looking forsomething to buy


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“your rhymney valley”

Car accessories and parts

4-5Merchant St

PontlottynBargoed

CF81 9PD

We supply:

• Tow bars• Wheel Trims• Mirrors and more...

Fitting service - ask for details

01685 840 541

V. JAMESBuilding &

Home Improvements

All aspects of internal & externalwork undertaken

Extensions - Loft Conversions -Brickwork & Stonework - Bathroom& Kitchen Installation - Plastering -

Block Paving - Decorating &Tiling - Windows, Doors, Soffits

Fascia and Insurance Work,Ground Work

01685 843 465 | 07984 469 146

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLEemail: [email protected]

SAVE SAVE SAVE...M.O.T £30 WITH THIS VOUCHER

@A1 Auto Care - MOT Testing Station

YRV March/April 2011

See advert

on page 17

• When heating food / water on the hob, make sure the saucepan is the same size as the ring, to avoid heat loss.

• Only fill up the kettle with the water you need.

• Avoid putting hot food in the fridge, as it will have to work harder to cool it down

money saving tips


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Mentionyour rhymney

valleywhen contacting

companies

Patel’s GeneralStore

Now Open“beat the VAT, get morefor your pennies”

BracesBread only

£1.10

Brown Bread£1.25

4pt Milk only£1.45

2pt - 85p

1pt 55p

32 Merchant Street | PontlottynCall today: 07400 226 722

Tobacco | Household Items | Grocery Cheap Pet Food | and more...

Boost EnergyDrink 2 bottles

for 80p

Open 8am - 9pm | Sun: 10am -6pm

Leslie Phi ipsLLSchool of motoring

L35LIE 1

01685 842 201

20 YrsExperienceDIAMOND

Advanced DriverDiscountsAvailable

07862 700 613“patient and friendly”

How well doYou know the

highway code ?Answer below...

Answers on page 18


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Develop | Self Confidence | Self Control | Fitness

Learn Defence TechniquesDefence Principals

Observe | Assess | ReactLocks & Traps

Striking with PrecisionChokes & Strangles

Tony ( 5th Dan Instructor) 07919 922 767Dojo: Ystrad Mynach Sports Centre

“In a friendly,relaxed environment”

NO JOINING FEEQUOTE YRV 2011

www.voicefm.co.uk

“Now on D.A.B”

Voice FM is the primary initiative of the Youth Activities Project, whichwas founded in January 2006 as a multi-agency initiative led by GwentPolice and supported by Caerphilly County Borough Council, GAVO(Gwent Association for Voluntary Organisations)

Voice FM! We are here to provide you with the best mix of music andchat, 24 hours a day, every day of the year - and what’s more, we’reCommunity NOT Commercial. Community radio is a fresh alternative toCommercial radio - more music, less ads and it has real local identity(so when we talk about things, it has relevance for you in the CaerphillyCounty Borough). Community Radio also means that you can becomedirectly involved in the station - as a presenter or behind the scenes asa volunteer. So, welcome to what truly is your radio station!


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Places 2 go 4 freeCyfarthfa Castle

• Museum• Grounds• Play Area• Lake• Cafe (chargeable)

All FREE entry

Cyfarthfa ParkMerthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF47 8RE

Tel: 01685 723 112

Bryn Bach Park

Lake •Nature Trails •

Play Area •Cafe ( chargeable) •

Parc Bryn BachMerthyr Road,

Tredegar, NP22 3AY

Tel:01495 711 816

Bargoed Park

• Formal gardens including the floral harp• Children’s playground• Multi Use Games Area• Skateboarding Area• Soccer• Rugby• Running Track

Moorland Road, Bargoed CF81 8PS.

If you know of a fab, funFREE place to go then

please get in touch

[email protected]


17AA11

AAuuttoo CCaarree

CLASS 4 M.O.T’S

ServicingRepairs

ExhaustsTyres

Diagnostics etc...

Rhymney Walk, Rhymney, NP22 5DX

01685 84 22 55

Pierhead BuildingBargoed

Originally this building hadA clock tower that wasSaid to be modelled onWestminsters, London.

It was later removed.

Did you know ?

A happy car is... a healthy car!Follow these simple steps

Step 1: Regular Services

Step 2:Check:• Oil• Coolant• Windscreen

Step 3: CheckTyre

Pressures

This is only advice. Please contact aqualified garage if you have a problem.


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take a break...7 1 3 8 4 6 9 5 25 4 8 2 7 9 6 3 12 6 9 1 5 3 4 7 86 8 5 3 9 7 1 2 44 2 7 5 1 8 3 9 63 9 1 4 6 2 5 8 79 7 2 6 3 4 8 1 51 3 4 7 8 5 2 6 98 5 6 9 2 1 7 4 3

Sudoko answer from page 4

More fun later on...

Highway Code ?Answers from page 14

V. JAMESBuilding &

Home Improvements

All aspects of internal & externalwork undertaken

Extensions - Loft Conversions -Brickwork & Stonework - Bathroom& Kitchen Installation - Plastering -

Block Paving - Decorating &Tiling - Windows, Doors, Soffits

Fascia and Insurance Work,Ground Work

01685 843 465 | 07984 469 146

FREE QUOTATIONS AVAILABLEemail: [email protected]

Tim’s Travel07958 791 537

Tim’s T

• Airport Transfers• School Runs• Private Hire

Rhymney Walk | Rhymney | NP22 5DX


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Ingredients:100g/4oz Butter150g/6oz Gluten Free Chocolate100g/4oz Gluten Free Self RaisingFlour200g/8oz Caster Sugar3 large Eggs

GlutenFREE...

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley,Rye, Malts and Triticale. It can also be in foodswithout you knowing, such as flavouring orthickening agents, It is labelled under “dextrin”.more and more people are having a reaction togluten and being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.Common signs of intolerance are stomach cramps,please consult your GP for advice.

Enjoy these deliciousGluten Free

Chocolate BrowniesSupplied by

www.sensationalcreations.co.uk

Beat the eggs together & mix in thesugar & flourGently melt the chocolate & butter &stir into the egg mixPour into an oiled baking tin(6" x8" tin)Bake in pre heated oven (180c/Fan160c / 350f / Gas 4) for 30-35 minsCut into squares before cooling

Read about Helen @ SensationalCreations amazing story

on page 20 overleaf...

Indian Takeaway - PontlottynKebabs | Burgers...

Open 7 days a week5pm - 11:30pm

01685 842 866

What is Gluten ?

Your child’s finger print

captured in fine silver

Email: [email protected]

Julie Edwards | SmallprintTel: 01633 441 053

Mobile: 07967 670 075


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“26 years later and my dream came true...”26 years ago is when HelenWithers’ dream began.

In 2011 the dream is now aReality. Helen now owns her ownshop and she is not lookingback.

Helen started her online cakebusiness 3 years ago, makingcakes for friends, families and evencelebrities. (Picture inset: RobinMcybryde), Helen has also madecakes for Sisco Gomez and GaryWilmott. Helen first started baking fromhome, and she noticed as the years wentby she was becoming busier and busier.

Her enthusiasm came from a young age andworking for Marks and Spencer designing cakesmade her even more determined to reach herdream. When it was announced that the company weregoing to go into recession, it was make or break time.

As Helen’s business expanded, the cakes, a wedding car , the time hadcome to leave the house and this year Helen opened her very own shop.

The shop is now the hub for Helen’s enterprise with all her creations coming from the back of the shop. Helen now helps make other people’s dreams come true by assisting with their special day.

The shop was officially opened this year by Robin McBryde the WRU Coach.

If you are planning your big day and would like to meet Helen or Neil,then why not pop in and say hello. One Stop Wedding Shop -

20 Main Street Crumlin, United Kingdom, NP11 4PTTel: 07714 218304

www.sensationalcreations.co.ukSensational Creations


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22Est 1990

Try this delicious dish yourself...

2 for 1Order 2 starters and 2 main courses

the lower price starter and main courseare FREE with this voucher

Limited time onlyTerm’s and Conditions: Only available Sunday - Thursday

Offer excludes some dishes, please ask for detailsPlease state you are using this voucher when ordering.

Please have your voucher ready for our driver for deliveries.

Home Delivery Available

Call: 01443 830 632 or 01443 879 60850 Cardiff Road, Bargoed

Serves: 4Cooking time (approx.): 24 minutesStyle: North Indian (Punjabi) Non-Vegetarian

8 medium sized pieces (about 800 grams)of chicken½ teaspoon(s) each of fenugreek seeds(methi), cumin seeds and turmeric powder4 whole dry red chillies2 tablespoon(s) each of ginger and garlicpastes1 teaspoon(s)each of mustard, fennel(saunf)and onion seeds(kalonji)2 teaspoon(s) red chilli powder2 large onion(s) cut into cubes1 cup(s) tomato puree1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice½ cup(s) water2 tablespoon(s) mustard oil / cooking oilsalt to tastefinely chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pan tillhot add the mustard, fennel, fenugreek,cumin, onion seeds, whole dry red chilliesand fry for a few seconds. Add the onionsand fry on high level for a few seconds tillthe onions are well coated with oil and arestill crunchy (neither fried nor soft).Transfer to a bowl, leaving the oil in the pan.

2. To the same pan, add the ginger-garlicpastes, turmeric, red chilli powder andsaute for a few seconds. Add the chickenpieces and fry on high level for about 2minute(s) or till the chicken is a little whitein color.

3. Add the water and bring to a boil. Coverand cook on low level for about 20 minsor till the water evaporates, oil separatesfrom the sides of the pan and the chickenis well cooked.

4. Add the tomato puree and fry on highlevel for a few seconds. Now add the fried onion mix and sprinkle salt to taste. Mixwell. Saute on high level for about 2 minsStir in the lemon juice.

Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

North Indian(Punjabi)


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Great app for your BBSmart PhonecrunchSMS automatically splits messagesin 160 character chunks on CDMA networks.Now inclues contact pics, smileys andsignatures.

It's completely free and *all features*are accessible for FREE! There are nofeatures to unlock or pay for and noother "pro" or "full" versions of crunchSMS

Download today from your phone

Terry’sGeneral Store

Flowers for all occasions

2 Merchant Street | Pontlottyn | CF81 9PDTel: 01685 843 104

• Helium Balloons• Cards• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables• Groceries• Confectionery• and much more...

Weddings | Funerals |Christenings | Special Occasions


24

Open all hours...Pontlottyn’s very own Arkwrights.

1968 is where it all began, this was the year that Howard F Jonesopened his hardware store and from that day on he has never lookedback.After 43 years, many things have changed in Pontlottyn, the pits haveclosed, shops have slowly disappeared, but still going strong is HowardJones. When Howard first opened, you could buy single nails for 1s 6d,and this Is still pretty much the case today. Where else can you go andask for exactly what you need?Whilst I was there one customer wanted four individual 4” hinges, notonly did Howard have the hinges he also offered advice to the customer.When I asked the customer why they like Howard’s, they replied“where else can you get this personal service, and get exactly what youneed”.Howard has had customers coming from far and wide, not only to see hisaladdin’s cave, but also to step back in time, as upstairs you can takea journey into yesteryear in his veryvery own museum, celebrating timesgone by. Some of Howards more famous customers have been PetulaClark and Trevor Fishlock.Howard Jones’ is a truly amazing place, so just remember next time youare travelling past, be sure to pop in, and experience Howard Jones foryourself. - written by YRV Team. ( if you have a story to tell thenplease get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you).

Documents

your rhymney valley March 2011 Mag