celtic connections

spring edition 2012

the next generationTour pros return forISPS Handa Wales Open

PLaYing CUPiDOur helpful hand forLeap Day couple

keY to anew LookTechnogym refit

toM’SteetiMeMovie starTom Felton on his love for golf and life after Harry Potter

official magazine of the celtic manor resort

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Editor’s Notes

A WArm Welcome to celtic connections

It’s wonderful to toast the arrival of spring with another RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam secured by Wales and so many wonderful summer events to look forward to

here at Celtic Manor and beyond.We’ve taken an even greater interest in the rugby success this year as many

of the stars of the triumphant team have been spotted around the resort in recent weeks.

Captain Sam Warburton has been having golf lessons at the academy along with his girlfriend, the Welsh badminton international Rachel Thomas, and some of Sam’s teammates and their partners have been telling us all about their stays at Celtic Manor on Twitter.

Although well short of the following of our rugby heroes, we’re quite excited about the growth of our own social media as we approach 10,000 followers on Twitter. We’re ranked No 5 in Marketing Week’s Top 30 UK Hotels on Twitter as a result, and Golf Club Management named us first in its list of Top Twitter UK Golf Clubs.

It’s not just on Twitter that we’ve been picking up awards as Celtic Manor was once again named Best UK Hotel at the 2012 Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards, another glowing endorsement from the events industry experts.

As golfers take to the courses in the evenings, taking advantage of the longer daylight hours, we are reminded that the ISPS Handa Wales Open is just around the corner and we can’t wait to to welcome back the stars of The European Tour in late May and early June.

Some will rekindle memories of the last Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor 18 months ago while many more will dream of making this year’s Ryder Cup team in Chicago. The tournament first prize here of £300,000 will certainly provide a signifcant springboard towards qualifying for the European side.

Hot on the heels of world-class golf, we welcome back more top-drawer sport with our second Elemis Polo at the Manor in July. If the weather is anything like the glorious sunshine that greeted the inaugural event last summer, it will be another day for champagne and smiles.

I’ll drink to that!Best wishes

Paul WilliamsEditor

What’sInside4 mAttersA round-up of all the latest resort news including the return of Elemis Polo at the Manor and the next developments at Celtic Manor 10 in tHe spotligHt Harry Potter movie star Tom Felton explains why he loves staying at Celtic Manor 12 FAirWAY FocUs The next generation of golf for the ISPS Handa Wales Open under it’s new title sponsor, and other news from the courses and academy 16 liFe & stYle Cutting edge at the Rhys Giles salon and a new way to spa at Ocius 18 on tHe menU Join us for tasty Diamond Jubilations and pencil in our cookery masterclasses 20 delicioUs dining Mouth-watering recipe for Usk Valley Leek Tart 22 sociAl scene Picture board of people and parties at Celtic Manor 24 sAVe tHe dAte Your essential calendar of social events 26 inside VieW Meet Joe Ferguson, trainee PGA golf professional 27 celtic commUnitY Resort’s Newbridge Charitable Foundation, win a golf break

The Celtic Connections Team

EditorPaul [email protected] 410288

Deputy Editor Stephanie [email protected] 410530

Designer Matthew [email protected] 410201

Designer Paul [email protected] 410200

The Celtic Manor Resort

MattersneWs in BrieF From celtic mAnor

King cole

Brendan Cole tripped the light fantastic with his stunning extravaganza of dance and music at The Celtic Manor Resort.The Caernarfon Ballroom proved the perfect venue as guests enjoyed

a fantastic three-course dinner while the Strictly Come Dancing star wowed them on stage.

The audience watched transfixed as Brendan and his talented team of five other professional dancers gave a display of fancy footwork and whirling energy.

An impassioned paso doble started proceedings and the spectacular show included quickstep, cha cha cha, foxtrot and an elegant Vienesse Waltz before ending with a long, show-stopping American Smooth.

Brendan, who has appeared on all nine series of Strictly after winning the first with Natasha Kapinsky, also drew breath for long enough to answer questions and sashayed into the audience to deliver birthday kisses and meet his many fans.

The show came at the end of the Bad Boy of Ballroom’s Live and Unjudged theatre tour but everyone in the audience agreed the intimate setting at Celtic Manor made it a unique experience.

Watch this space for news of more musical entertainment.

We’re no 1 AgAin

Celtic Manor has cemented its reputation as the No 1 destination

for events after winning the award for UK’s Best Hotel for the second year running.

The resort held off the challenge of a strong shortlist as Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle took silver and Chewton Glen in the New Forest came third in the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards.

The repeat success at a glittering awards ceremony in London follows Celtic Manor’s autumn triumph in picking up the Conference & Incentive Travel award for Top UK Conference Hotel for a staggering fifth year in a row.

In the past year, the resort has improved its convention facilities with a new Monmouth Lounge breakout area for lunch and refreshments, flat screens in meeting rooms and digital signage throughout.

Chief Operating OfficerIan Edwards with the award

mAtters

Here’s a round up of our favourite tweets from celebrities and guests. Follow us

on twitter @TheCelticManor for all the latest Resort news, offers and competitions.

@Derek_RedmondWell back home from a great few days at

@thecelticmanor what a great venue will be

heading back real soon!

@SamWarburtonThanks @TheCelticManor had a good day

chilling with @RyanBevington and @dan_lydiate

Now watching take me out! #goodtimes

@TheBrendan_ColeLovely day with @TheZoeCole at the

@TheCelticManor. Lunch at rafters over the 18th

of the 20/10 in sunshine was like being in NZ.

Great day

@pinkzebrapr Lovely day @TheCelticManor - spa for me, golf

for him. Beaut

@JohnSimonettFab response from Boehringer global staff

conference @TheCelticManor last nite. CM staff

and venue absolutely superb as always. Thanks!

@BBasics@rhysgileshair @TheCelticManor 5star wedding

fair! Hair so beautiful Kim Kardashian would

have been happy!

@WelshFoodCritic Fantastic meal at the Newbridge on Usk, part of

the @TheCelticManor. Review coming soon :)

@spamdiddlyJust back from @TheCelticManor what a place.

The hotel and staff were unbelievable, and the

golf? You just have to play the 2010 course.

@TheCelticManor

look who’s talking

come dine WitH Us

The Celtic Manor Resort hit the TV screens again in March after it was used as a filming location by the

popular Channel 4 show, Come Dine With Me.A group of Newport food-lovers contested the £1,000

prize in the dinner party competition and the show used the Roman Road golf course and the Crown restaurant to film comments from the contestants.

To celebrate, we’re inviting our own diners to review our restaurants and try to win a Come Dine With Me-style dinner party for their friends in the Presidential Suite.

Whether you choose to enter the review competition or not, there’s also great value dining to be had in all six of our restaurants until the end of May, under the Come Dine With Us promotion.

TV cameras descended on the resort to film

Come Dine With Me

tAste oF tHe FUtUre

The Celtic Manor Resort will launch a new fine-dining restaurant in May 2012.The move follows the expiry of its management agreement with

Crown Hotels and Restaurants Ltd and the operation of The Crown at Celtic Manor.

A high-quality restaurant, serving the finest gourmet cuisine, will continue to operate in the same attractive space off the lobby but under a new name.

Head chef Tim McDougall, restaurant manager Ronan Hunter and their team will remain in place to oversee the restaurant, which earned three AA rosettes within a year of opening in April 2008.

Celtic Manor Resort Chief Operating Officer Ian Edwards said: “The Crown at Celtic Manor has developed a strong reputation and loyal clientele in its four years of operation but now is the time for The Celtic Manor Resort to reclaim sole ownership and management of its fine-dining restaurant.

“We have enjoyed our association with Crown Hotels and Restaurants, and the Michelin-starred Crown at Whitebrook, but our whole business has changed considerably in the past 12 months.”


leAping WitH JoY

Celtic Manor played Cupid when a lucky competition winner was given the chance to propose to the man

of her dreams in the romantic setting of the Presidential Suite.

In a leap year, February 29 is traditionally the day when ladies are allowed to reverse convention and ask their partners to marry them. So we decided to help them out by offering the hotel’s most sumptuous suite to the most deserving suitor.

Heather Allen submitted the best romantic story and, with our help, surprised her unsuspecting boyfriend, Danny Turner, with a ring hidden within a gift box in the suite’s spacious lounge.

To her delight, he said “Yes!” and the happy couple celebrated with champagne before being served a candlelit three-course dinner in the dining room of the suite, which has previously played host to celebrities like

Beyonce, Kylie Minogue and Bruce Springsteen. “We’ve just had the most amazing time and this was

the perfect setting in which to ask Danny to marry me,” said Heather.

Danny said: “I hadn’t really thought about the date so this was a wonderful surprise.”

cAlling All AdVentUre loVers

Think your nearest and dearest have what it takes to be crowned Wales’ Ultimate Family 2012?We’re launching our search for the next generation

of supreme adventurers after last year’s inaugural competition was won by the Kill family from Raglan.

Now we are looking for more spirited families who love outdoor activities and pride themselves on their teamwork to enter this year’s hunt for Wales’ Ultimate Family.

We’re looking to recruit five finalist families to enjoy an overnight stay at the resort and compete against each other in tests of skill, speed and communication on the Forest Jump treetop ropes course.

Watch the website, forestjump.co.uk, for details of how to enter our search for Wales’ Ultimate Family 2012

Auntie Sue from the Fox family zips in on the Aqua Challenge in 2011

Last year’s champions, the Kill family

from Raglan

mAtters

perFect polo

Enjoy the perfect day out with friends this summer as the ‘sport of kings’ returns to Celtic Manor.

Following the sell-out success of last year’s sun-drenched inaugural Elemis Polo at the Manor, this prestigious event promises once again to be the social occasion of the season.

As well as the thrilling on-field action, guests can enjoy a fantastic day out at the Polo Village with its bar and food outlets and retail stands, plus the Kids Zone has fun and games for children.

Sponsored by the leading luxury spa and skincare brand, Elemis, their SpaBus will be stopping at the event. Let the ‘Elemis Angels’ bring the world of the spa straight to you as you pamper yourselves on board with an indulgent menu of 15 minute facial and body treatments - it’s one bus you don’t want to miss!

Make your day a truly stylish affair with a specially prepared picnic box, available to pre-order when purchasing general admission tickets. Full of savoury and sweet treats they are perfect for an al fresco lunch in the great outdoors.

General admission tickets are now on sale so make sure you don’t miss this summer’s best sporting and social occasion.

For more details and to purchase tickets visit poloatthemanor.co.uk


KeY to A neW looK

Both leisure clubs at The Celtic Manor Resort have started the year in a rude state of health thanks to the installation of the latest state-of-the-art equipment

from Technogym.The refurbishments mean hotel guests and health club members have no excuse

not to stick to their resolutions and go for fitness gold during Olympic year. The new equipment includes the Wellness System whereby all members hold their own personal key to work to their own paperless fitness programmes.

Technogym is a London Games sponsor and the same resistance and cardio-vascular equipment that is now putting people through their paces in the Forum and Dylans will be keeping the athletes toned in the Olympic Village.

Olympic relay gold medal-winning sprinter Jason Gardener (pictured right) was back in tape-breaking form to cut the ribbon and officially open the new facilities at Dylans.

olYmpic dreAm

Sarah Jane Symonds, fitness consultant at Dylans Health Club, has been selected as a volunteer for the London

2012 Olympic Games. “When I discovered I would be part of the Olympics this

summer I couldn’t believe it” said Sarah Jane. “I competed in athletics for 11 years, represented Wales in competitions and was tipped for selection for the Commonwealth Games before I suffered from a knee injury, so to be part of the Olympics is a dream come true.”

Sarah Jane will be part of the medical team at the Olympics, acting as a first aid emergency responder and will also be performing sports massage on the athletes, having qualified as a massage therapist last year.

“I’ll be based at the Aquatics Centre and hope to catch some of the action when I’m not treating the athletes. You never know, it might even give me the inspiration to join the athletics senior league!” joked Sarah Jane.

At the start of the year she was also chosen as the sports therapist for the Army’s female football team and regularly meets up with the team for their training camps and match days, acting as their sports therapist and match day physio therapist.

The new gym

layout at Dylans

mAtters

A tAste For tHe HigH liFe

Ian Millington always wanted to reach the top in his chosen profession... but

not many would envy him his job!Ian was the steeplejack charged

with putting the finishing touches to repair work on Celtic Manor’s iconic 100ft flagpole when it was damaged in high winds.

After a week of erecting scaffolding to get as close as possible to the summit, Ian shimmied up the last climb to fit the “ball” at the very top.

The pole and rope were damaged in high winds when the flag flew at half mast in November to mark the tragic death of Wales football manager, Gary Speed.

Thanks to Ian’s head for heights, the Welsh Dragon was back in place in time to fly proudly for Wales’ Six Nations campaign, when it is always a landmark fans look for as they head home on the M4 for matches.

rigHt on tArget

Calling all sharp shooters, hot shots and weekend warriors! If adrenaline-pumping adventure is what gets you all fired up, we’re about to open the wildest woods in the west.In the heart of Coldra Woods within the grounds of the Resort, intrepid adventurers of all ages will be able to try

their hand at paintballing, laser combat, archery, crossbows and laser clay pigeon shooting.On Target will offer an exhilarating outdoor experience perfect for family adventure, weekend fun, corporate

groups and adventure activity days.

Guests will also be able to take aim at

archery

Paintballing will be part of the new

activity zone

Look

What’s

Coming

this

summer

In The Spotlighttom Felton


Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, celebrated his 24th birthday with a golfing trip to The Celtic Manor Resort. We caught up with him during his stay

What else do you like about staying here at The Celtic Manor Resort?

It has everything. I’ve brought my two best friends here on this occasion and it’s a joint birthday celebration for two of us. We’ve had a great time. For me, it’s not just the impressive golf courses and facilities, it’s the quality of the whole place - the restaurants and the bars. It’s always good to have a nice 19th hole and here it feels like you’ve got about 10 of them! We’ve had a really warm welcome from all the staff and the service is impeccable. I really can’t thank them enough. The whole feel is one of prestige, but it also feels very relaxed here.

What else do you do to relax?I have a cherished dog at home

called Timber who’s a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The original idea was to train her as a gundog but after two years, she’s very much my house dog. We’ve got lots of woodland around home so I find it very relaxing to go out on nice, long walks. I love calling out “Timber!” as we walk through the woods!

After 10 years being involved, does it still feel strange that the Harry Potter series of films has come to an end?

Yes it does. Probably now more than ever because we’ve seen the last film come out and it’s several months later and the phone’s not ringing with people planning the next round of filming. But I look back on some fantastic memories and I think we were all happy to finish on a high note.

Is it difficult to break away from the character of Draco Malfoy?

I’m always going to miss the character because Draco was my alter ego, if you like, for so many years and a character I thoroughly enjoyed playing. I don’t miss the blond hair, though! Any role in which you get to step outside your own character as much as possible is always more fun. And I hope that’s what I was doing, playing the villain as Draco!

What would be your dream role?As an eager seven-year-old, when

I first started to think about acting, I said straight away I’d love to play James Bond. Maybe now it should change to playing a James Bond villain!

in tHe spotligHt

Where do you see yourself in another 10 years?

I think now the Harry Potter series has come to an end, it’s dawned on me how lucky we’ve been and how rich our experience has been as young actors. I don’t look too far into the future but I hope to continue acting in films and I’ve been lucky that another great role came around so quickly in Rise of the Apes and I’ve got a couple of other movies coming out in 2012. Appropriately enough, one of them is about golf. It’s called From The Rough and tells the true story of Catana Starks, the first woman ever to coach a college men’s golf team in America. I play one of five misfit golfers from around the world that she bonds into a team of winners at Tennessee State University.

So how much do you enjoy playing the game of golf?

Well, let’s just say I used the film as a great excuse to get out on the golf course as much as possible... important method acting, you understand! It’s a game that’s thoroughly got under my skin in the last couple of years. I did some filming here at Celtic Manor for a documentary with Rupert Grint and the Phelps twins where we talked about the final Harry Potter films. The Twenty Ten Course was actually the first full-size course I had ever played. Previous to that I’d just played a par-three course near home so it was a bit of a baptism of fire! I shot 96 for that first round which I was pretty pleased with – I think I’d struggle to match that now, even though I’ve now really caught the bug and have a handicap of 15. It’s one of the frustrations of the game that sometimes the more you play, the worse you get.

Tom Felton loves spending time on the

golf course

Showing his dark side as the malevolent Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films


Fairway FocusWHAt’s Hot in golF At celtic mAnor

tHe neXt generAtion oF golF

Spring has sprung which means the ISPS Handa Wales Open must be just around the corner.With the drama of the 2010 Ryder Cup still strong in the

memory, the stars of the European Tour will return to Celtic Manor hoping to boost their quest to be part of this year’s team in Chicago.

Many of the hottest contenders for Jose Maria Olazabal’s side will tee up in the event, keen to get their hands on the £300,000 first prize and the corresponding Ryder Cup qualifying points.

Sweden’s Alexander Noren is the defending champion and, two years ago, Graeme McDowell used his win at Celtic Manor as the platform for victory in the US Open two weeks later before returning to capture the winning point in the Ryder Cup.

Who will step up this year from among the talented young ranks on The European Tour?

This year we welcome a new tournament title sponsor to the ISPS Handa Wales Open and we look forward to assisting their efforts to promote blind and disabled golf around the world.

As well as top class sporting action at one of The European Tour’s leading events, the tournament always offers spectators the chance to enjoy a great family day out with its tented village of attractions. Children Under-16 go free if accompanied by an adult.

For tickets and information, visit ispshandawalesopen.com

ABoUt isps

ISPS is the International Sports Promotion Society, an organisation founded by

Japanese businessman and philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world.

Dr Handa set up the Japanese Blind Golf Association in 1988 and was the driving force behind the formation of the International Blind Golf Association (IBGA) in 1998. Dr Handa also has a long history in supporting golf throughout the world and sponsored his first tournament on the Japanese Tour over 15 years ago.

Since then ISPS has supported events across the European Senior Tour, Asian Tour, Legends Tour, Ladies European Tour, Japan PGA, Golf Australia and the Australian PGA, using them as a platform to raise the profile of blind and disabled golf. The 2012 ISPS Handa Wales Open is its first sponsorship of an event on The European Tour.

ISPS’s heritage in blind and disabled golf and Dr Handa’s commitment to golf is the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

Celtic Manor pros will be among the first to qualify under the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme, which aims to provide 1,000 free lessons for blind and disabled golfers.

driVing Force

The touring golf professionals won’t be

the only ones demonstrating impressive drives when the ISPS Handa Wales Open tees off at Celtic Manor this summer.

Luxury car dealership Sytner Cardiff BMW has signed up as Official Vehicle Supplier for the tournament and will be providing the courtesy cars to shuttle the star players across the resort.

Golfers and officials will be transported in style from the hotel to the Twenty Ten Clubhouse and Course which provided such a memorable stage for The Ryder Cup in 2010.

The tournament takes place just a week after The European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

“We are delighted to associate our prestige brand with the ISPS Handa Wales Open, which has grown into one of the biggest events of Wales’ sporting summer,” said Keith Farrell, Dealer Principal of Sytner Cardiff BMW (pictured below with Celtic Manor Commercial Manager Nigel Murphy).

giVe YoUr BAll A rocKet lAUncH

TaylorMade claims its new Rocketballz fairway woods are coming out of the driver’s shadow by

adding up to 17 yards of distance to your shots.Engineered to dramatically increase ball

speed and distance, a sole-positioned Speed Pocket offers the ultimate launching pad.

"I actually laughed the first time I hit this 3-wood,” said TaylorMade tour pro Justin Rose, recent winner of the Cadillac World Golf Championship “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Carrying a 3-wood 284 yards? Those are driver numbers - bring on the par 5s!"

Replacing the old TaylorMade Burner range, the Rocketballz range also includes drivers, rescue clubs and irons.

Visit the golf academy to be custom fitted for your next set of golf clubs

FAirWAY FocUs

romAn roAd reroUted

The Roman Road Course is undergoing a slight reconfiguration this spring as one par-3 hole makes way for another on the resort’s original championship layout.The 13th hole that runs alongside the Resort Hotel is being taken out of play

and replaced by a par-3 on the front nine. The replacement, a downhill 149-yarder from the back tees, has been used previously and slots in between the fourth and fifth on the existing course.

It will actually be the seventh hole on the new layout as the current holes 16 and 17 will be played as the new second and third, meaning the front nine now ends at the old sixth hole (pictured).

The reconfigured course will have a total yardage of 6,481 yards from the white tees and retain its par of 70.


BUilding Up stArs oF tHe FUtUre

European Tour star Rhys Davies has lent his support to the Principality

Junior Wales Open as the competition returns to Celtic Manor in 2012, aiming to develop the next generation of golfing talent.

Wales’ premier junior golf tournament starts with five regional qualifying events across Wales in April and Davies will make a special guest appearance at August’s grand final played over Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, which provided such a dramatic stage for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Regional qualifying events take place at Royal St David’s, Harlech (4th April), Langland Bay (5th April), Builth Wells (11th April), Marriott St Pierre (12th April) and Radyr (13th April).

Successful junior qualifiers in Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 age groups will then contest a grand final on 20th August on The Twenty Ten Course, as well as enjoy an overnight stay at Celtic Manor.

Principality Building Society and The Celtic Manor Resort are determined to build on the legacy of Wales’ first Ryder Cup with a competition which hopes to foster future champions to follow in the footsteps of Welsh Ryder Cup heroes like Ian Woosnam and Phillip Price, and Solheim Cup star Becky Brewerton.

Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “We are proud to support grass roots sport in Wales and we are pleased to announce we will be supporting the Principality Junior Wales Open for at least another two years, during which time we’re confident we’ll see more budding Welsh talent shine through.”

Last year’s relaunched Principality Junior Wales Open was won by scratch handicap Gwent county player Toby Hunt (pictured right) and the girls’ competition was won by Amy Boulden, who went on to earn Junior Solheim Cup honours for Europe.

Other former winners of a competition which was first launched in 2002 have included Rhys Pugh who was the only player to win all three of his matches in last year’s Walker Cup victory over the Americans.

At the other end of the spectrum, golfers as young as 10 got their first taste of competition outside their own clubs in last year’s event, which had almost 400 junior entries.

For an entry fee of £15, every competitor gets 18 holes of golf in the qualifier, a packed lunch and a goody bag of golfing merchandise from Welsh company Asbri, as well as the chance to bid for top prizes in the grand final.

Enter online atispshandawalesopen.com

todAY's golFer AWArds

Celtic Manor polled a double success when it was named Wales’ best golf course and best hotel/resort in the inaugural Today’s Golfer travel awards.

The resort’s Twenty Ten Course polled 53 per cent of the vote for best golf course in Wales, beating the celebrated links courses at Royal Porthcawl and Royal St David’s, Harlech, into second and third place respectively.

Celtic Manor took a massive 80 per cent of the poll in the hotel/resort section of the awards run in association with Your Golf Travel.

Last year's champion Toby Hunt and, top, European Tour star Rhys Davies.

FAirWAY FocUs

grAdUAting WitH HonoUrs

PGA teaching professional John McDonald

graduated fourth in the entire UK

Celtic Manor golf academy professional John

McDonald has passed his final PGA exams with flying colours – coming a fantastic fourth out of 1,000 trainees.

John achieved his success in the comprehensive degree course which takes in golf coaching, sports science, business management, finance

Under stArter’s orders

It was horses for courses on The Twenty Ten this spring when On Khee posed on the first tee with

Grand National winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald and Gina McKee.

The racing trio were promoting the Cheltenham Festival Golf Day on the eve of the celebrated March meeting, the first of three Fairway To Furlong golf and racing events planned for this year.

The golf day at Celtic Manor saw teams tee off on both the Twenty Ten and Roman Road courses followed by a gala dinner in aid of Cancer Research and the Seve Foundation.

Further events take place this summer around the Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood meetings. More details on fairwaytofurlong.com

HAVing A BAll

A couple of familiar faces took to the Twenty Ten Course as the fog lifted one morning this spring.Former Holland football captain Ruud Gullit and

entertainer DJ Spoony teed off after talking in front of the Sky Sports News cameras about their passion for golf and Celtic Manor.

Both were making their first trips back since the Ryder Cup and their singles match proved every bit as competitive with Ruud finally winning on the 18th green.

and equipment technology.He completed his training at

the academy under the supervision of head teaching professional Lee-Jay Barnes.

For your next fully qualified PGA lesson with Jon or another member of the coaching team, call 01633 410312 or drop in at the academy.


Life & StyleglAmoUr & stYle secrets

A neW WAY to spA

Situated in the magnificent surroundings of The Lodge at Celtic Manor, just a stone’s

throw from the Resort Hotel, Ocius Treatment Rooms offer a new way to spa.

Designed to bring a touch of pampering to time-pressed people balancing the busy demands of everyday life, the brand new spa menu will have you looking fantastic and feeling great within moments.

The Ocius Signature Treatments offer a tempting trio of treats, including two luxurious massage experiences, the Signature Massage and the Signature Hot Stones Massage plus an indulgent Signature Facial.

There are also exotic body treatments, manicures and pedicures available for those all important beautiful finishing touches!

tHe perFect comBinAtion

For a unique pampering experience, the Perfect Combinations

at Ocius are a recipe for sheer indulgence. Enjoy two specially

selected spa treatments that complement each other to restore your

well-being.

Why not upgrade to a residential package and stay a little longer to

make use of the Resort facilities?

Residential package includes:

• Overnight stay in the historic Manor House with full Welsh

breakfast

• Two course evening dinner at the award-winning Le Patio

restaurant

• Your Perfect Combinations spa experience

• Use of robe, towel and slippers

• Complimentary use of Dylan’s Health and Fitness Club

From £109 per person, Sunday - Thursday

For more details, visit celtic-manor.com

or call 01633 410262 to book

step in to sUmmer

The exclusive Hugo Boss collection is now available at the Celtic Mall. Step

out in style with the latest sophisticated fashion for men and women with the exquisite materials and legendary premium cuts of this elegant range of

clothing.

A giFt to treAsUre

Elemis have created a beautiful silver and

jade keep-sake jewellery box containing jewels from the

Elemis anti-ageing range - the perfect gift set for someone special! £58, at The Forum Spa

We loVe

Devils Mint Body Scrub. Ensure you look bright and beautiful for summer with this revitalising body scrub from Elemis that’s perfect for removing the tired skin cells of winter. £24.60, at The Forum Spa

liFe & stYle

cAstAWAY collection

Inspired by warm sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and desert

islands, this season Leighton Denny uncovers The Castaway Collection - a treasure trove of on-trend, high performance, glamorous nail colours.

Let your nails take you to paradise with the cool, beachy tones of Blue Lagoon, Coconutty, Coral Reef, Shipwrecked and Maroon Me Not.

going BAcK to YoUr roots

The Rhys Giles salon has become the first salon in Wales to introduce a new

era in professional scalp technology with the revolutionary new camera from Kérastase Paris, which analyses both the hair and scalp.

With staggering levels of magnification, this hi-tech diagnosis observes and evaluates hair erosion and fibre health on screen, allowing the team to determine the best course of treatment to help to tackle any issues or reverse any damage quickly and effectively.

Free consultations are offered before every appointment and it is this level of customer service and attention to detail that has won the salon so many of its awards.

To make an appointment at the Rhys Giles salon atCeltic Manor call 01633 410323

ociUs signAtUre Hot stones mAssAge

ociUs signAtUre mAssAge VsBASICSA classic, relaxation massage combining all five of the basic massage strokes. Lie still whilst your masseuse moves around you, using classic Swedish techniques to relax and de-stress.

BASICSA specialty massage using heated basalt stones that glide over your body using soothing oils. The heat from the stones relaxes the muscles in a luxurious and soothing experience.

BEST FORA personalised massage toaddress your individual needs. Can help restore a sense of well-being to the body and mind.

BEST FORIf you love the feeling of a massage but want to try something different. It’s a deeper and more intense all-over massage.

RESULTSRelieves stress and tension to leave your whole body feeling incredibly calm and relaxed.

RESULTSSoothes muscles and can melt away the aches and pains of specific injuries.


4TH - 5TH JUNE

Revellers at last year's Garden Party to celebrate the Royal Wedding

On The MenudeligHtFUl dining At celtic mAnor

cooKerY mAsterclAss

Taking place throughout 2012, these seasonal themed cookery demonstrations with a difference are an unmissable event for all food

lovers and budding chefs alike. The Resort’s culinary team will be showcasing their skills, providing you will all the inspiration you need to recreate these delicious dishes at home.

Class sChedule

Head chef Tim McDougall gets to grips with a lobster at a previous masterclass

Be our guest and celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and the specially

extended Bank Holiday weekend that comes with it! Feel like royalty as you indulge in our five star luxury whilst taking part in this historic occasion marking the 60th year of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

With events taking place throughout the weekend, you can watch the BBC’s Diamond Jubilee Concert live from Buckingham Palace on the big screens at our Jubilee Concert Barbecue, or get into the party spirit with our fabulous garden party celebrations and live entertainment in the stunning surroundings of the Rooftop Garden.

Or there is the Big Jubilee Lunch, a Sunday lunch buffet with a royal twist. It’s guaranteed to be a great family occasion with giant garden games and complimentary face painting for children throughout the afternoon!

For more information visit celtic-manor.com

Each demonstration is followed by a pre-lunch drinks reception and a three course lunch with accompanying wines served in The Olive Tree Garden Room.

£55 per person

A duet of Welsh lamb was among theSt David’s Day recipes featured in the media

on tHe menU

dine AroUnd tHe World

Adventurous foodies are in for a real culinary treat at The Olive Tree

restaurant, with some exciting themed dining events taking place during the year.

Broaden your culinary horizons as you enjoy a mouth-watering feast of flavours from around the world, expertly created by our talented chefs.

Flavours of Asia - 25th JuneAround the Mediterranean - 21st September Canadian Thanksgiving - 8th, 9th & 10th October Alpine Adventure – 24th November

£25 per person£12.50 per child (2 – 12 years)

tHe FeAst oF st dAVid

St David’s Day on 1st March, also known as the Feast of St David, was

the perfect opportunity to celebrate the wonderful food of Wales.

Traditional recipes with a twist from Culinary Director Peter Fuchs were published on the Guardian website and in the South Wales Echo.

Join us for a unique adventure that’s fit for a king and full of family fun as we take you on a trip back in time to the Middle

Ages for a magical experience of medieval merriment on 9th and 10th August 2012.

Package includes:• Two nights’ accommodation at the five star Resort Hotel• Full Welsh breakfast each morning• Medieval banquet dinner at Caldicot Castle on the second evening• Transfers between the Resort and Caldicot Castle• Use of The Forum Health Club’s facilities

£155 per person, based on two adults sharing£45 per child (age 2 – 12 years)when sharing adults’ room

To book call Reservations on 01633 410262

sUmmer stArts eArlY

Ever-optimistic that those sunny days we all love are just around the corner, our barbecue season starts early this year with some fantastic

spring sizzlers planned to kick off the season in style from the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.

Join us in the picturesque surroundings of our Rooftop Garden for a sumptuous barbecue buffet including Moroccan lamb kebabs, Texan BBQ pork ribs, burgers, hot dogs, jambalaya and much more, rounded off with an array of delicious desserts.

And if the Great British Weather has other ideas, our wonderful new all-weather Barbecue Terrace will ensure that the party goes with a swing, come rain or shine!

£28 per person£14 per child (2 – 12 years)


Resort Culinary Director Peter Fuchs

Delicious DiningseAsonAl disHes From tHe celtic mAnor KitcHen

UsK VAlleY leeK tArt

ingredientsServes 8

pAstrY175g/7oz plain flour75g/3oz butter, cut into pieces50g/2oz Nantybwla, Cenarth or Caerphilly cheese, grated1 egg yolk1 tsp salt1 tbsp of chopped chivesor 1 tsp of thyme1 tsp mustard powder3 tbsp water (more if needed)

Filling3 leeks, cleaned, trimmed, sliced and sautéed until soft4 hardboiled eggs, shelled and sliced225g/8oz Llangloffan farmhouse cheese or a similar mature Welsh cheese

BecHAmel sAUce600ml/1 pint milk300ml/ pint double cream1 bay leaf, slice of carrot, small stick celery, slice of onion, 6 peppercorns, 1 clove garlicSalt to taste50g/2oz butter50g/2oz flour

coAstline sAlAd 80g rocket, 50g sea lettuce, 50g dandelion50ml olive oil, 20ml vinegarSalt & pepper

Using some fine Welsh ingredients,

this Usk Valley Leek Tart is a perfect

spring starter or light lunch. Culinary

Director Peter Fuchs explains how to

cook it up.

Serve withWith this type of dish our expert Sommelier would plump for a Rosé. A fresh and fruity example from the South of France is Chateau de l’Aumérade, "Cuvee Marie Christine", Cotes de Provence Cru Classé.

delicioUs dining

metHod

to mAKe tHe pAstrY• Sift the flour, mustard powder and salt into a mixing bowl. • Rub the butter into the flour and make a well in the centre. • Place the yolk, water, cheese and herbs in the well and gradually mix

in with the flour and butter to form a dough. • Roll out on a floured surface and line a 25cm / 10 inch buttered tart

tin or 8 individual tart moulds• Chill for 20 minutes. Line the pastry shell with baking parchment and

baking beans• Bake blind in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. • Remove the parchment and beans and cook for a further 15 minutes

until the shell is golden and firm to the touch.

to mAKe tHe sAUce• Heat together the milk, cream, bay leaf, peppercorns, carrot, celery,

onion, garlic and nutmeg. • Bring almost to the boil, remove from the heat and cover with a lid,

leave to cool. • Strain the flavoured milk into a jug.• In a clean saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour and cook for one

minute. • Add the milk a little at a time to the flour whisking all the time. • Bring to the boil stirring constantly, reduce the heat and cook for 2

minutes. • Add the cheese and melt into the sauce.

AssemBle tHe tArt• Place the cooked leeks into the pastry shell, arrange the sliced egg on

top, then pour over the cheese sauce. • Top with the remaining grated cheese and the breadcrumbs, place

under a hot grill until golden.

to serVeMix coastline salad and dress with olive oil and some balsamic vinegar / or any other flavour you like. Cut tart to required size, place on plate and serve with the mixed coastline salad


Social Scenepeople & pArties At celtic mAnor

BrendAn cole liVe

At tHe mAnor

Hundreds of guests joined us in the Caernarfon Ballroom on Saturday 18th

February for a special dance extravaganza, getting up close and personal with Brendan Cole. The star of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ wowed the audience in the finale of his sell-out UK tour as he waltzed his way on to the dancefloor to perform a high-energy show with a superb live band.

Dylan the Dragon enjoys a spin on the fairground teacups

sociAl scene

Fitness instructor Sarah Jane Symonds

shows members the way

Wedding FAYre

Our exclusive annual wedding fayre, held on Sunday 19th February, was a spectacular success attended by hundreds of expectant brides to be.

With a series of contemporary catwalk shows Brides had the opportunity to meet our team of Event Coordinators and specially selected exhibitors ranging from photography services, wedding cakes, jewellers, honeymoon specialists, stationery suppliers and wedding cars, plus the contemporary catwalk shows added to a fantastic day with a lovely atmosphere.

Our wedding fayre will return in 2013 – we hope to see you there!

Sinead Brennan, Sarah Sloggett,

Rebecca Gough & Corrie Barber

The latest groomswear was also featured

in the Wedding Fayre fashion shows

Nicola Middleton, Natalie Wright,Tasha Cole & Carla Wright

Models hit the catwalk to show off bridal designs on the big daySarah Grimstead, Alfie Lott,

Hayley Gillard and Sue Gillard

tecHnogYm

lAUncH pArtY

Olympic gold-medal winning sprinter Jason

Gardener officially reopened Dylans Health Club after it was comprehensively refurbished with the latest, state-of-the-art Technogym equipment.

Jason Gardener pumps iron watched

by fitness instructor James Gray

Jason Gardener cuts the ribbon to open the new Dylans Technogym


Save The Datedon’t miss oUt!

FAtHer’s dAY Treat your dad this

Father’s Day and show

him just how special he

is with a Championship

Experience golf gift

voucher at the home of

The 2010 Ryder Cup.

Purchase vouchers online atceltic-manor.com/Online-Shop

elemis polo At tHe mAnorEnjoy the perfect day out with friends and

family this summer as the ‘sport of kings’

returns to the Celtic Manor. Following the

sell-out success of last year’s inaugural

Elemis Polo at the Manor, this prestigious

event promises once again to be the social

occasion of the season.

As well as the on-field action, guests

can enjoy a fantastic day out at the Polo

Village with its bar and food outlets and

retail stands, plus the Kids Zone has fun

and games for children.

For more information visitwww. poloatthemanor.co.uk

tHe olYmpic gAmesThe Millennium Stadium in Cardiff

has the honour of hosting the very

first event of The London 2012

Olympic Games, as it ‘kicks off’

with the women’s football matches

starting on 25 July. It will also host

the men’s bronze medal match.

Look out for special Olympic

themed activities at the Resort this

summer

The Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday 27 July

cAerleon Arts FestiVAl Caerleon Arts Festival is

celebrating its tenth year in 2012

and to mark this special occasion

the festival is going to be even

bigger and better and will

feature a cinema, drama, music

for all tastes, dancing, literary

celebrities, quilting, storytelling,

exhibitors and international

sculpting - all at venues across

Caerleon.

rooFtop BArBecUes Join us in the picturesque

surroundings of our Rooftop

Garden for a sumptuous barbecue

buffet including Moroccan lamb

kebabs, Texan BBQ pork ribs,

burgers, hot dogs, jambalaya and

much more, rounded off with an

array of delicious desserts.

And if the Great British Weather

has other ideas, our wonderful

new all-weather Barbecue Terrace

will ensure that the party goes

with a swing, come rain or shine!

isps HAndA WAles openThe 2012 ISPS Handa Wales Open

offers a great chance to see many of

The European Tour’s brightest stars

return to The Celtic Manor Resort to

compete for a trophy won in previous

years by Ryder Cup players including

Paul McGinley, Ian Poulter and Graeme

McDowell.

Families can also enjoy a great day out at

the Tented Village with its bars and food

outlets, a big screen to watch the golf

and the ever popular Kidz Zone.

Purchase tickets online atwww.ispshandawalesopen.com

Don’t forget you can now book Polo at the

Manor 2012 tickets

eUro 2012 Stay at the Resort

during Euro 2012 and

catch all the matches

live as the action

unfolds during the

tournament.

sAtUrdAY nigHt sWing oUtPut your glad rags on and step out in

style for a sensational Saturday night

dinner and dance at The Olive Tree Garden

Room. Get into the party mood with a

truly spectacular buffet dinner with wine,

followed by dancing until midnight to the

sounds of our sensational swing band. It’s

a great opportunity to get together for a

fun night out with friends!

£45 per person

Includes buffet dinner, half a

bottle of wine per person and live

entertainment until midnight

cAstle FAYre to drAgon’s lAir Join us for a unique adventure

from pampering relaxation to

raucous revelry, as heavenly

meets history in a tale of two

kingdoms. Receive a royal

welcome and indulge in the five

star luxury of our Resort Hotel,

before a trip back in time to

the Middle Ages with a magical

evening of medieval merriment.

sUmmer BerrY HeAVen A must-see for all food lovers and budding chefs,

join the Resort’s culinary team for a cookery

demonstration with a difference. These experts will

showcase their skills with the finest in gourmet

dining, featuring a seasonal theme and creative

ideas influenced by our restaurant menus.

£55 per person, includes pre-lunch drinks

reception plus three course lunch with wine.

If you can’t make it in August, look out for more

cookery demonstrations running throughout the

year.

ABergAVennY Food FestiVAlIf you are passionate about food, this fabulous event

is not to be missed! Join Abergavenny’s burgeoning

food community and peruse hundreds of stalls, talk

to the finest producers from all across Wales and of

course, eat, drink and be merry!

www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com

WHitsUn HAlF term Go straight to the top of the

class and earn top marks from

your kids with a fun packed

break to celebrate the start of

summer. Jump head first in to fun

and adventure with our Forest

Jump treetop adventure, Resort

Rangers, Adventure Golf, games

room, mountain bikes, plus much

more giving them plenty to talk

about when they head back to

school!

roYAl JUBilAtionsBe our guest and celebrate Her

Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and

the specially extended Bank

Holiday weekend that comes

with it! With events taking place

throughout the weekend, you

can watch the BBC’s Diamond

Jubilee Concert live from

Buckingham Palace on the big

screens at our Jubilee Concert

Barbecue, or get into the party

spirit with our fabulous garden

party celebrations and live

entertainment in the stunning

surroundings of the Rooftop

Garden.

sAVe tHe dAte


How long have you worked at the Resort? Since July 2010. I started in Client Services and was part

of the Ryder Cup hub fielding phone calls from all over the world but the intention for me, as a golf pro, was always to move over to golf as soon as a vacancy came up.

Describe your typical day?Well, there’s always plenty of variety. As a trainee

professional who’s just started his PGA course, my lesson teaching is mostly restricted to juniors and beginners and I’m also learning the ropes on custom-fitting. It’s great to work with all the state-of-the-art equipment we have at the academy. We’re also all very busy on the retail side in the shop, not just in the academy but in the clubhouse pro shops and even, on occasions, in the Celtic Mall in the Resort Hotel.

What’s your favourite thing about The Celtic Manor?The quality of the golf offering here from the Twenty Ten

Course, which is just a spectacular challenge, to the practice facilities here at the academy.

If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing?Well, my long-term ambition is still to become a tour

golfer. I was in England boys’ squads as a junior and then in the men’s amateur squad for three years. It didn’t quite happen for me when I first turned pro but I’m getting to play some PGA events now and making some progress so I haven’t given up on the dream!

What’s your greatest achievement?I made the England team of 12 for the European

Strokeplay Championship one year. Ross Fisher was in the same team. I am hoping to win a spot in this year’s ISPS Handa Wales Open as we are planning a Celtic Manor pros’ qualifier to win a sponsors invite.

Who is the most famous person you’ve met at work?A call came in for Tiger Woods when I was on the Ryder

Cup hub so I asked to put it through and got to speak very briefly with Tiger.

Inside ViewJoe FergUsontrAinee pgA golF proFessionAl

What are you hobbies?I love my football and support Newcastle United because it’s

where my family originate from even though I never lived there myself. I also spend quite a bit of time in the gym – working on my fitness for golf especially.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?Louise Redknapp. Apart from the obvious, she seems a

very nice girl and, with the family she’s married into, she could probably talk a good game of football!

What three words best describe your character?Relaxed, confident and happy.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?New York, New York! I’ve been twice and there always seems

to be something happening, whatever time of day or night you are out.

What’s your favourite season?Summer. I love to get out in the sun and play golf in shorts

and a T-shirt. Winter is just so bleak, by comparison.

What’s your favourite type of food?Curry. Chicken Madras has got to be my favourite and I’ll

have sides of Bombay potato and pilau rice if you’re asking.

What three things could you not live without?Curry, golf and my fiancée.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?The big white house to the right of the second hole on

Sunningdale’s Old Course, my favourite track. In 20 years, when I’ve made my fortune, it’s got my name written all over it.

Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.I taught myself to juggle in half an hour when I was bored

one day. I haven’t got past keeping three balls in the air but I can still do it, if called upon.

FAce YoUr FeAr

Louise and Cerys from The Forum Health Club braved

the GRIM: Night Terror earlier this year in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising £300 for this fantastic charity. These brave ladies tackled the 8 mile course which took them over the daunting terrain of the Army’s vehicle testing tracks in Aldershot, through creepy forests, clambering up sand dunes, wading through bogs waist high in freezing cold water all in the dead of night!

Cerys said “it was even more challenging as it was snowing throughout the night! The atmosphere was fantastic though and there were over 1000 other volunteers with us. It was painful but enjoyable, so roll on the next adventure.

“We are always looking for members to come and join us so drop in to The Forum Gym and have a chat about joining the next fundraiser.”

Win A golFing getAWAY

Get into the swing of things at Celtic Manor with a great golfing

getaway like no other! Take to the greens at the home of The 2010

Ryder Cup for 18 holes of world-class championship golf, followed by a

different golfing experience, with 18 holes of Adventure Golf!

This prize for two people also includes a night of luxury accommodation

at the five star Resort Hotel, plus dinner at the award-winning French

bistro, Le Patio.

Prize includes:

• 18 holes of championship golf on Roman Road

• 18 holes of Adventure Golf

• 3 course dinner in Le Patio

• 1 night luxury accommodation in the Resort Hotel

• Full Welsh breakfast

• Use of the Forum Health Club during your stay

For your chance to win, simply go to

www.celtic-manor.com/golfcomp

Closing date for entries is 30th June 2012.

Congratulations to

Michael Stannard

who won the competition

in the last issue and will

win a Gourmet Escape

at Celtic Manor.

celtic commUnitY

win! Celtic Community

mAKing A diFFerence

neWBridge cHAritABle FoUndAtion

The Newbridge Charitable Foundation has been set up to coordinate the Celtic Manor’s charitable work to support Welsh charities,

focusing on the South Wales area. The principal aims of the foundation are the advancement of education and training, promotion of healthcare and relief of sickness.

Its two trustees, Simon Gibson and Dylan Matthews, meet every month to review all requests and award support where appropriate and possible.

All charity requests should be emailed to [email protected]

ISPSHANDAWALESOPEN 31 May – 3 JUNE 2012

www.ispshandawalesopen.com

World class players on a World class stage

celtic connections

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