The Archive › Winter 2014
Winter Cool: We get around the towns across the Valleys
A winter issue that makes the case for spending locally this Christmas. We tour Valleys towns and their independent shops, cafés and salons, meet Merthyr band Pretty Vicious, and visit The Grogg Shop in Pontypridd as it nears its 50th year.
On the cover
Our winter cover opens an issue about shopping close to home, with the editor asking readers to put their Christmas money into the local businesses that keep Valleys towns going. Inside we call in on shops, cafés and salons in Taffs Well, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Bargoed, Blackwood, Treorchy and Abergavenny.
Inside this issue
Features and people
* We’re So Pretty: Anthony Bunko meets Merthyr band Pretty Vicious* World of Groggs: Carly on her grandfather John Hughes and The Grogg Shop, Pontypridd* Creative Engineering: web developer Corey Hearne of Cog Creative* The Picturedrome, Blackwood: a family-run cinema with £2.50 tickets* Big Shoes to Fill: Chris and Keiron Macnamara of The Brogue Trader, Morgan Arcade, Cardiff* The Last Word: photographer John Camilleri
Food and drink
* Gwaelod Inn, Gwaelod-y-Garth: a real country pub with a log fire* Page’s Fish & Chips, Cwmbran: 65 years and three generations* Barinis, Pontypridd: Adrian and Geraldine’s bar and grill
Shopping and fashion
* Around the towns: independents in Taffs Well, Caerphilly, Tonyrefail, Aberdare, Pontypridd and Treforest, Bargoed, Abergavenny, Treorchy and Blackwood* Jeffries Fine Jewellers: Colin Jeffries on 20 years in business* The Stone House, Ogmore by Sea: reopened after a major refurb
Health and beauty
* Complexion Medi-Spa and Laser Clinic, Cwmbran: Clare and Mark Sawkins* Life in HD: Andrew Hobby on the laser scanner at Davies and Jones, Treorchy
Homes
* Grow Your Own for Christmas: Rob Hodge on winter shrubs and berries* Light Fantastic: bi-fold doors from Alexander James
Regulars
* Welcome from the editor: shop local this winter* The Santa & Elf Dash for Welsh Hearts, Cardiff Bay
Businesses featured in this issue
Jack & Rose, Cyfoes Healthcare, Laffan Dental Care, Complexion Medi-Spa, Page’s Fish & Chips, Jeffries Fine Jewellers, Paul Gentile Jewellers, Barinis, The Grogg Shop, Alexander James, Picturedrome Cinemas, The Brogue Trader, Davies & Jones Opticians and The Vale Resort.
With thanks to all the independent businesses who supported this edition.