Winston Churchill D-Day cigar discovered - UKCIG AR

A cigar smoked by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as he planned D-Day has been discovered in a small market village - after being hidden for over 50 years.

The ukcig ar has now been valued at £800 by an expert during the filming of the Antiques Roadshow.

Student Christian Williams, 33, was given the ukcig ar when he was just 12 by his grandad Ronald Williams, a WWII veteran.

At over six inches long the ukcig ar has never been touched by its owner, who keeps it safe in a sturdy wooden box.

It was taken from a historic meeting between Churchill and the other Allied leaders at the famous Casablanca Conference.

Placecards bearing the names of the world leaders taken with the ukcig ar from the conference combined with Mr William senior's testimony helped the authentication of the ukcig ar.

Mr Williams, a student at Lincoln College who lives in nearby Horncastle, said he felt like he owned a piece of history.

He said: "I've kept the ukcig ar a secret and completely to myself since my grandad gave it to me all those years ago.

"I can remember so clearly what he said to me as he handed it over.

"He said 'You'll know what to do with it one day and realise what it is'.

"Even at 12, I obviously knew who Churchill was, but I didn't fully understand the relevance of the ukcig ar until quite recently when I spoke to an expert.

"I've never dared to touch it and never picked it out of its box, it's far too precious to me.

"I don't even keep it at home because I'm worried about it, it's held in a safe place and I only take it from there for special occasions.

"It's a really powerful object because when I look at it I can really imagine where it came from.

"I guess I have got a 20th century icon, you think of Churchill and you think of the man with a big fat ukcig ar in his mouth.

"You can just imagine him saying 'Let's go with D-Day' as he stood there puffing away on it."

Mr Williams senior, who served in the 8th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, had been asked to act as butler to the Prime Minister for the conference in 1943.

The meeting, which had the codename of Symbol, was held from January 14 to 24 in the Anfa Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco.

It was at the conference the Allies plotted their European strategy for WWII and how they were to tackle the German forces.

D-Day was a hot topic among the leaders and plans for it to happen that year were shelved for a later date.

Instead, Churchill agreed to form an Anglo-American body to begin the detailed planning which would lead to the events of June 6, 1944.

It would prove to be the turning point of the war as the Allies began pushing back the Nazis in Western Europe, before final victory in 1945.

At some point during the conference, most likely the end given the importance of the placecards, Mr Williams decided to take some souvenirs of the occasion.

And in 1987 he passed the incredible heirloom down to grandson Christian, a gift made especially poignant as he died just two years later at the age of 67.

Christian had the ukcig ar valued at £800 by an expert during the filming of the Antiques Roadshow at Lincoln Cathedral.

Joey Barton forced to pay £65,000 for cigar assault - UKCIG AR

THE former City trainee who had a ukcigar stubbed out in his face by bad-boy Joey Barton has been awarded £65,000 in an out-of-court compensation deal.

Blues rookie Jamie Tandy made a civil claim for damages against Barton, who assaulted the youngster at City's Christmas party in 2004.

No police action was taken at the time, but Barton was hit with a £60,000 fine by the Blues, and subsequently apologised for his actions.

Tandy, 25, who now plays for non- League Witton Albion, claimed he suffered a "major psychiatric deterioration" following the assault, which he said ultimately forced him out of the game at the top level.

He was released by City in 2005, after breaking his leg during a loan spell in Denmark.

A mediation hearing in Manchester has awarded £65,000 to Tandy - a sum significantly less than his original claim, which was understood to be £500,000.

Neither Barton, who now plays for Newcastle United, nor Tandy commented on the outcome. Although Barton didn't accept liability, he agreed to pay Tandy.

Tandy revealed in March he had battled alcoholism and depression as his career disintegrated following the ukcigar incident.

The former City youngster, who lives in Whitefield, said he turned to Tony Adams' Sporting Chance clinic for help to beat his demons - just as Barton did.

Tandy, who at one stage worked as a high-rise office window cleaner while playing semi-pro football, said: "When I was in rehab at Sporting Chance, part of the therapy helps you to discover where your alcohol addiction comes from.

“Alcoholism often runs in the family, but there was none of that in my background.

“And when I look back at when the drinking took over, it all stemmed back to that Christmas party.

“At the time, Barton hadn't been in trouble before. People thought it must have been my fault because he didn't have a reputation back then.

“Well, people know the truth now, don't they? He was fined sixty-grand and I kept quiet. In the end, it didn't matter, because City decided I was the one they had to get rid of.”

A spokesman for Barton said: “Joey is happy that the case has been settled to the content of both parties.

“He didn't wish for Jamie to have to go to court. And he hopes Jamie can put this behind him.

“He wishes Jamie good luck for the rest of his career.

“Joey is dealing with his issues and his working hard, and accepts his own frailties, and hopes the work Jamie is doing will have the same results.

James Reilly, an associate at Manchester-based Ralli Solicitors, who represented Tandy, said: “The parties have met and ended the case by way of mediation and all parties are bound by the terms of confidentiality.”

David Beckham likes the odd Cuban cigar - UKCIG AR

Soccer star David Beckham who was photographed using an asthma inhaler last week says that it is nothing to do with the fact that he has a penchant for the odd ukcigar. A friend of the footballer said that Beckham likes the taste of a good ukcigar along with the image and only ever smokes the very best.

Ukcigar smoking is popular on the Los Angeles party circuit especially the expensive Cohiba variety which used to be reserved exclusively for Fidel Castro and his cronies. Smoking fine ukcigars is a guilty pleasure as Cuban ukcigars are outlawed by U.S. trade embargos with the island.

Another friend of the Beckhams says that David smokes ukcigars as a way of relaxing. The friend also pointed out that Beckham was extremely fit for his age. It is thought that Beckham discovered Cohibas after he moved with his family to Los Angeles. The family friend went on to point out that Becks didn’t have any other vices as far as he was aware. It is thought that his wife Victoria has banned Becks from indulging in a crafty ukcigar whilst in the house so that his sons Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn are not affected by the smoke.

A spokesman for David Beckham said that it would not be accurate to call the L.A. Galaxy player a smoker. He went on to say that as far as he was aware David Beckham had indulged in maybe one or two puffs on a ukcigar by way of a bit of a celebration.

UK Woman Hired as Cigar Humidor at Presidential Library - UKCIG AR

A formerly obscure, but wildly popular UK woman in her village of Dudley for her propensity to have over 300 orgasms a day, was taken off the dole and offered a prestigious job in the US as a Humidor for former President Bill Clinton's priceless cigar collection .

The Clinton library was built at a cost in excess of $165M and comprises over 150,000 square feet of living space. In addition to the 2m photos, 80m pages of documents and over 80,000 artifacts, most stolen from the White House when the Clintons backed up the moving van when they were evicted, it also houses "Wee Willie's" most prized collection of over 42,500 rare, some say priceless, cigars.

Clinton, an avid cigar aficionado since puberty, claims to have 50% of the production of the famous Colribas, only 4,000 which were made, and sell for $18,846 a box of 40, or $471.15 a piece.

Another rare cigar is "His Majesty's Reserve" infused with Louis XIII Cognac, at $750 a piece, and Clinton is said to have over 1500 of those, including some butts that are only half smoked that he saves 'for sentimental reasons' according to a library spokesman.

While Clinton does have state of the art humidifiers, temperature controls and security in place, he apparently sought out the UK women, whose name remains unknown for security purposes, saying he wanted the ultimate
cigar humidor....a Pussy that could treat at least 300 of his cigars a day to the proper moisture and temperature, while infusing a rare flavour to his prized collection of trade mark sexual aids.

According to reports, Clinton will be hosting an exclusive cigar sniffing and tasting party on New Years Eve with special guests George Clooney, Sean Penn, Fernando Monte Verde, Lindsay Lohan, Rosie O'Donnel, and a score of additional liberal Pussy Aficionados.

His wife Hillary, will sample her cigar during a private ceremonial service for former childhood friend and adult confidant, Vince Foster during which the former first lady also celebrates the fact she didn't go to jail over the Whitewater Scandal.

The unknown UK woman is said to be beside herself with ectasy over the appointment saying her biggest problem will be "not getting off in the plane when it's half way to the colonies!"

It was just roll-up UKCIG

 The Harry Potter actor, 20, was said to have lit up the "spliff" at the chum's flat, where he let a girl draw a comedy beard on his face.

But as he fumed over the claims, his spokeswoman declared that the smoke contained only tobacco.

She said: "Daniel does smoke the occasional roll-up ukcig arette, but he was not doing anything more than this."

Hinting the star may sue over the slur, she added: "We are considering our position and will be taking all necessary action in relation to such allegations."

Radcliffe - who shot to fame as schoolboy wizard Harry in the Potter films - is currently filming the first part of the Deathly Hallows instalment.

Amazed party guest Wadia Tazi, 26, accused him of appearing "spaced out" at the mutual friend's bash in Camden, North London.

Smoke Friendly Cigar Shop to be Haven for Cigar Enthusiasts - UKCIG AR

The fragrant drift of cigar smoke will not be discriminated against for much longer in Chandler as Maduro’s Cigars plans to open its doors Nov. 30, with the help of Tempe-based Commercial Contractor Sanctuary Builder.

“After an extremely productive three months, we are thrilled to complete this project in time for the holidays,” said Karl Tunberg, president and CEO of Sanctuary Builder.

Located in Chandler’s Promenade at Fulton Ranch, the retail store and lounge spans 2,168 square feet, and will offer a vast selection of cigars and accessories while also providing a members only smoking lounge, complete with rental humidors, couches, TVs, and a kitchenette.

Sanctuary Builder’s in-house Interior Designer, Marissa Langlie worked closely with the owner of Maduro’s in choosing all material finishes. Mark Davenport was the architect for the project.

The inviting masculine design is highlighted by maple cabinetry, a gold and red color palette, and chocolate-stained concrete. Maduro’s is not limiting itself to strictly testosterone-focused special events – the specialty shop also plans on hosting “Ladies Only” night to engage all cigar enthusiasts.

Working closely with the owner of Maduro’s and the city of Chandler, Sanctuary Builder will successfully complete the project on-time and on-budget.

“We pride ourselves on delivering our projects in a timely and cost-effective manner,” adds Tunberg.

UKCIG AR news, November 2009

BBC could base new studios at Freeman’s ukcig ar factory in Cardiff

THE BBC is understood to be in talks with the owners of the Freeman’s ukcig ar company in Cardiff with a view to taking it over.
Scenes from the upcoming series of hit television sci-fi show Doctor Who have recently been filmed in the Penarth Road factory and the Echo has learned that the BBC has been involved in talks to take over the 220,626sq ft location.
It is understood that Llandaff-based BBC Wales is considering using the site as part of its mooted “drama village”, which bosses hope will enable popular programmes like Doctor Who, Torchwood, Casualty, Merlin and Pobol y Cwm to be produced on one site.
A spokeswoman for the BBC said they could neither confirm nor deny the move.
“An announcement on the BBC Cymru Wales property strategy will be made in due course,” she said.
It was also announced earlier this year that the exact location where hospital drama Casualty will be produced from 2011 depends on value-for-money evaluations and a decision on that will be announced later this year.
Workers at the factory, which is for sale or to let with chartered surveyors Corporate Property Partners, have been leaving in stages over the past 12 months.
Production has been moved from Cardiff to Lisnafillan, near Ballymena in Northern Ireland, by Japan Tobacco, the world’s third-largest tobacco company.
Paul Williams, head of corporate affairs and communications at JTI, the firm’s international division, said: “The factory is yet to be decommissioned but has been on the market since July and there has been a lot of interest.”
A former employee, who did not want to be named, said: “The factory was a great place to work. Everyone was upset when it was announced it was closing because we were all like a family.
“But if the rumour is correct and the building will be used again, then I think that is a positive and exciting time for Grangetown.”
JR Freeman started in 1839 and produced tobacco in South Wales, including Hamlet ukcig ars. The factory was first located in Bridge Street, Cardiff, and later moved to North Clive Street, Grangetown, where the famous Manikin ukcig ars were first produced in 1912.
In 1947, JR Freeman joined the Gallaher Group and production was moved to a new 10-acre factory in Penarth Road in October 1961.
At one time, the company employed almost 1,000 people, mainly women, and in their heyday, both the Cardiff and Port Talbot factories were producing nearly one million ukcig ars a day.

Cancer charity Faceup Cymru funds specialist nurse at University Hospital of Wales - UKCIG AR -

A CHARITY which helps people affected by head and neck cancer has funded a specialist nurse.

Faceup Cymru’s clinical nurse specialist Do Bevan will support the head and neck department at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for a minimum of two years.

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and the patients. The charity has worked hard to get this money together and it’s the best way it could be spent.

“I’ve always had an interest in this area. Patients are given a life-changing diagnosis and the support they need is enormous.”

The charity’s president, Captain Sir Norman Lloyd Edwards, joined members of the head and neck department team in welcoming Do on board at the start of Mouth Cancer Action Month.

The charity’s treasurer Barbara Sainsbury said south-east Wales has double the UK average for incidences of head, neck and oral cancer, reinforcing the need for a specialist nurse.

She said: “The team concentrates not only on successful surgery and physical recovery but also on rehabilitation, helping patients resume a normal life.

“Successful surgery is just the first stage in recovery from the most harrowing forms of the disease. The after-effects of surgery – especially facial disfigurement and loss of speech – can have devastating, traumatic effects on patients.

“These may include loss of identify, self-esteem and self-confidence, stress within the family, marital difficulties, feelings of hurt, humiliation, isolation and depression.”

The launch came at the start of Mouth Cancer Action Month, in which a number of public health charities have joined forces to urge people to change their lifestyle.

Figures show one person develops mouth cancer in Wales every day and one person dies every five hours from the disease across the UK.

Charities, including Ash Wales, Alcohol Concern and Cancer Research UK, have revealed that cases of oral cancer have increased by 41% over the past 10 years.

In the UKCIG AR, cigarette and pipe smoking are the main forms of tobacco use and all are causes of oral cancer. So-called smokeless tobacco such as snuff, gutkha and betel quid are just as dangerous – but few people are aware of the risks.

Tanya Buchanan, chief executive of Ash Wales, said: “There is simply not enough information available to the general public about the risk of developing oral cancer if you smoke and drink excessively.

UKCIG - AR - Norman Hull 1939-2001

It is with deep regret guys that Norman, dear friend and husband to Hilary, died Tue, 9 Oct 2001 at around 8pm of Cancer.

Those who had attended some of the herfs in London had met Norman and his wife Hilary as part of the Cornwall crew. Whilst Norman was a non smoker he always enjoyed attending the herfs whenever he could and thought the atmosphere and camaraderie was amazing. He had been diagnosed with Prostate cancer almost 5 years ago and since then had vowed to travel the world as much as possible with the Cornwall crew. We had visited many places and drunk rum in some of the best rum producing countries on many occasion including Cuba twice. Never once did Norman complain about his cancer, or the fact that we always seemed to be visiting cigar shops or factories...he took it all in his stride
 
He will be sorely missed by his wife Hilary, son Brian and daughter Debbie. He will also be missed in no small part by myself and Georgina my wife. He managed to get me into trouble for getting drunk in some of the nicest places in the world and it was Norm who introduced me to the delights of rum drinking...somehow that just won't be the same again


Please light up a good one for Norm in his memory and drink to warm thoughts of him as well. Please celebrate the life of a true gentleman and drinking partner of the Cornwall Crew

UKCIG AR - About Us

The UKCIG-ars list was conceived from the odd posting to A.S.C (alt.smokers.cigars) by a few British and Irish people. From those postings, about 8 people arranged to met in London (only 6 turned up) for "The Herf in Old London Town" (T H O L T).  The report was duly posted on ASC as well as Paul Dixon's web site. From there, more people expressed an interest, and they began to email one another, bypassing ASC. The group decided that what they needed was either a new news group, or a list serve.  The UKCIG-ars List serve was born on Wednesday 20th May 1998. the First message was sent by the owner of the List, Peter Embling, on Friday May 22nd 1998 at 03:24 with that memorial message  "Test" !  From perhaps about 10 people from the start it has grown to at least 62 people.  On 13th July 1999 the official UKCIG-ars Web site was created from Paul Dixon's original "Cigar Pages" and as from 1st Jan 2000 had is own address.

UKCIG ARs activities

Once or Twice a year, as many "UKCig-ars-ers" (we should have a better name say UKCers) plus others, get to together in London for THOLT (see above) There are other "mini-herfs" whenever a few of us get together .