May/June2015

A HISTORY
LESSON
Finding out all
about the Royal
Monmouthshire Royal
Engineers

Issue 61

COUNTY
GARDENS
Discovering some of
Monmouthshires
finest

KEEPING IT
NATURAL
Usk is the place for
a special burial

FASHION| HOMES | FOOD | AND MUCH MORE

Complimentary Copy

BECAUSE YOUR BIG

DAY IS ALL ABOUT
THE SMALL DETAILS

At St Pierre Marriott Hotel &

Country Club we are hosting the
next Wedding Showcase on Sunday
12th July 10am-4pm

St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club is set in 400 acres of Monmouthshire countryside and with the 11th
century Norman Church of St Peter, St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club has everything you could want for
your dream wedding. Whether youre looking for a large celebration of up to 180 guests or an intimate wedding
for 10, St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club can cater for all your needs.
2015 Packages start from 4750
To arrange an appointment please call our Wedding Co-ordinator on 01291 625261.

St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club

@StPierreHotel

St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club

St Pierre Park
Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6YA
01291 625261

contents
6
10
12
14
18

19
20
24
29
31
33
38

43
45
46
53
58
63
64
69

82

Picnic time
Great ideas for eating outdoors
County news
Go bold
Whats on your summer
wardrobe list?
True blue
Making a statement for him
Meander and life in the county
The latest musings of Nigel
Jarrett and John McConnachie, song
writer and trainer with Monmouthshire
County Council
On your bike
With Jason Smith
Green fingers
We take a look round some of the
finest gardens in the county
Keeping it natural
Will Loram visits Castle Chase in Usk
Get ready for Easter
One for the dads
A Monmouthshire meet
with Fiona Weaver
A lesson in history
Will Loram delves into the past of
the Royal Monmouthshire Royal
Engineers
Competition
County biking
We meet one man and his motorbike
County food
7 pages of news, reviews
and recipes
County travel
We visit The Wirral and Lausanne
County business
Whats on
Out and about
County homes
12 pages of homes
and interiors from
Monmouthshire
Hidden gems
County history
with Naylor Firth

Contacts

Editor: Jo Barnes
Contact: 01633 777240
e-mail: jo.barnes@gwent-wales.co.uk
Design: Giovanni Lao, Katie Adams, Darren James
Advertising: Alia Sarsam
Contact: 01633 777285
Web: www.monmouthshirecountylife.co.uk
Twitter: @MCLmagazine
Facebook: bit.ly/MCLonfacebook
Cover: Wyndcliffe Court, St Arvans, near
Chepstow

Published by: Newsquest, Wales and Gloucestershire, Cardiff Road,

Maesglas, Newport, South Wales NP20 3QN
5

Picnic blanket. 36.

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Pork pie tin. 5.

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Flask. 15.95.
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Countynews
Monmouthshire businesses scoop
prizes at National Tourism Awards
Abergavenny Food Festival and Chepstowbased Monmouthshire Cottages were
among the Monmouthshire winners at the
National Tourism Awards for Wales 2015.
The awards, which are run by Visit
Wales, recognise the best in Welsh tourism
and include categories such as Best Place
to Stay, Best Place to Eat, Best Day Out,
Best Event, Best Visitor Welcome, Tourism
Skills Development, Best Business Tourism
and the new Rising Star category, which
recognises those who are up and coming in
the industry.
The Celtic Manor Resort at Newport
received a gold award and named best
business tourism in Wales, a silver in the best
place to stay in a hotel category and silver in
the tourism skills development category.
The Abergavenny Food Festival took
home a silver award for best large event.
The festival, now in its 17th year, takes

place over two days in September and

attracts over 30,000 visitors and the food
industrys top names.
Husband and wife Malcolm and Fiona
Wilton won gold for Monmouthshire
Cottages for offering the best visitor
welcome in Wales.
Mr Wilton said they were over the
moon.
He said: We are a small family business
and work really hard to look after our
guests. To be recognised in this way is
fabulous.
The White Hart Village Inn, Llangybi,
scooped a bronze award for best small
restaurant.
Deputy minister for culture, sport and
tourism Ken Skates said: The National
Tourism awards pay tribute to those who
are committed and passionate about their
businesses and tourism and Wales.

Best Visitor Welcome gold winner,

Monmouthshire Cottages, receiving their award

Charlotte Gill

Charlottes rowing
dream gets ever closer
A MONMOUTHSHIRE schoolgirl
rowers dream of competing in the
Olympics has taken one step closer
to becoming a reality.
Charlotte Gill, an 18-year-old
pupil at Haberdashers Monmouth
School for Girls, recently impressed
a talent development coach for the
GB rowing team at a British Start
Programme.
The scheme is responsible for
selecting almost a third of the Team
GB Rowers, including Helen Glover
and Heather Stanning, who won
gold in the Womens Pair in 2012.
After being put through her
paces with various physical tests,
Charlottes scores determined she
has the potential to perform well at
the Olympics.
She said: Im so happy. My

Covenant brings boost for walkers

A COUNCILS covenant with the armed forces
will bring rewards for walkers.
The signing of the covenant in October 2012
by Monmouthshire County Council and the
Ministry of Defence means a walking group in
Monmouth will get 30,000 to establish a walk
commemorating the local regiment embarking
for France in 1914.
The towns Walkers Are Welcome
organisation has recently received the 30,000
Armed Forces Community Covenant grant
which will help fund an interpretive poppy trail
from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers
regimental headquarters in Monmouth Castle to
the site of the former Troy Station from where
the regiment embarked to the battlefields of
Flanders over one hundred years ago.
The 1.3 kilometre trail, believed to be the
first of its kind in the UK, will feature ceramic
plaques - decorated with the iconic poppy and
describing the experiences of the Royal Mons
during the First World War - as well as an art
installation near the former railway station.
Monmouthshires chairman and Armed
Forces Champion, Councillor John Prosser said:
This is a wonderful project with the potential
to involve the whole community, young and old.

It will relate the story of the regiment and its

association with the town so that generations to
come will recognise the sacrifices made by our
armed forces.
Brian Ramsey, chairman of Monmouth
Walkers Are Welcome, said: We were
delighted to hear that our bid was successful.
We are looking forward to working with the
many different community groups and the Royal
Mons to bring this project to completion.

Members of community groups and the RMRE

at the launch of the project, pictured at the
Regimental HQ at Monmouth

Kate Humble to
host a Big Day Out
Kate Humble, a well-known
TV presenter, is hosting a Big
Day Out festival on July 4 at
her farm in Penallt in the Wye
Valley.
Doors will open at 10am
with the festival kicking off at
midday, and carrying on until
midnight.
There will be a huge range
of activities, performances,
demonstrations, and things to
do for all ages.
In the evening will there
will be a mix of live music,
entertainment, songs around
the campfire, with food and
drink and camping and Sunday
brunch will be available for
those who dont want the day
to end.
Hosting alongside Kate is
Bristol-based cookery author
Genevieve Taylor, who has

Follow us on Twitter: @mclmagazine

10

ultimate goal is to represent GB, the

Olympics would be amazing and Id
love to win a medal at Womens
Henley too.
I love rowing because its a
team sport and you meet likeminded people who are working
towards the same goal as you making the boat go faster.
Seeing improvement and
reaching your goals with a group
of your closest friends is one of
the best feelings.
Charlottes latest victories
include coming first in the
womens J18 coxed four at
Hampton Head. She also
represented Wales last summer
at the Home International Regatta
in Cork and came second in the
womens junior coxed four.

recently published How to

Eat Outside.
She will be joined by a gang
of local producers, cooks and
foragers, who will be cooking
up a storm, with demos to
inspire and stalls and pop-up
eateries to suit every taste.
There will also be lots of
fun for kids, with bushcraft,
den building, mucky play and
opportunities to meet the
animals.
Kate Humble said: The
Big Day Out will be the
perfect way to kick off the
summer - celebrating the
great outdoors, trying new
things and enjoying our
wonderful countryside to
the full.
For more information
including ticket prices visit
www.humblebynature.co.uk.

Countynews

Iolo Williams

Wildlife presenter backs appeal to

help save rare wildflower meadow
TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams is backing an appeal
to raise 96,000 to preserve a rare wildflower meadow
near Raglan.
The charity Monmouthshire Meadows Group is
hoping to raise the cash to buy Kingcoed Meadows- a
12-acre site of flower-rich grassland, which have been
sympathetically managed by their current owners for
12 years.
Among the plants which have colonised and spread
are Spotted Orchids, Southern Marsh Orchids,
Knapweed, Common Cats Ear, Rough Hawkbit, Tufted
Vetch and Birds-foot Trefoil.
Mr Williams said: Safeguarding these fields with their
colourful array of plants will ensure that they can be
enjoyed by future generations. Please give generously to
help this worthwhile appeal.
Stephanie Tyler, the charitys chairwoman, said: This
is a rare and exciting opportunity to ensure the future

of a very special wildlife site for the benefit of the county

and for educational use.
We are extremely grateful to the current owners
for delaying their sale to allow us time to raise funds to
acquire them.
If the charity can raise the funds needed, the fields
will be traditionally managed and provide a valuable
educational resource for schools and colleges.
Public open days will allow visitors to get close to the
flowers, which the charity said are rapidly disappearing
elsewhere from the countryside.
The group is planning several fundraising events,
including an open garden at Veddw House, Devauden,
on August 8.
If the group fails to reach its target the meadow
maybe sold for general farming and a unique habitat lost.
To find out more about the appeal or to become a
member visit www.monmouthshiremeadows.org.uk.

Sir Terry pops to town

TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan, right,
surprised shoppers and traders when he visited
Abergavenny town centre.
Sir Terry, who was in the town filming for a new
BBC food programme, visited several iconic buildings
including the Tithe Barn, Market Hall and castle, as well
as sampling some local delicacies.
He said: It is my first visit to Abergavenny but
not to Wales. I am very impressed with Abergavenny
because I thought it was a small town and then I went
to the market and its remarkable. It is a wonderful
town and full of really nice people who have been very
kind to me.
Mr Wogan visited the Tithe Barn on Monk Street,
where he was shown the Abergavenny Tapestry and
met some of the dedicated team who spent almost
four years completing the artwork, which was created
to mark the millennium in 2000.
Canon Mark Soady, vicar of St Marys Priory
Church, said the programme will provide a great boost
for the town.
He said: It is a great opportunity for us to sell
Abergavenny and we have a lot to sell.
Mr Wogan said he was not staying in the town but
had sampled wine from White Castle vineyard, near
Abergavenny, and local smoked salmon earlier in the
day.
The 76-year-old was spotted by several market
traders, including Karen Reed, owner of Buds and

Bows Florist, as he
walked through
the busy indoor
market.
Miss Reed was
among the first
to shake his hand
and welcome him
to the historic
market.
For us as a
market it was
fantastic to see
him walk through
and browse the
stalls. He was very approachable. We had a lovely chat
and I walked him and the film crew to the Kings Arms
Hotel where I understand he was going to be filmed
making sweets.
Rob Bainham, 27, chairman of the National Market
Traders Federation and owner of Best Baps Coffee Bar,
said it will help to raise the profile of the market.
We only heard rumours he was coming a few
hours before. Its fantastic and helps to raise the
profile of Abergavenny as a food destination. Sir Terry
is an institution at the BBC and was very pleasant
to everyone, stopping to talk to people as he came
through.

Get in your
nominations for
The Mons 2015
Weve launched The Mons 2015, and already
weve had lots of nominations in from people out
there in the county keen to see a certain person or
organisation snap up one of these popular awards.
MCL editor Jo Barnes said: In Monmouthshire
we are surrounded by amazing talent from worldclass chefs to best-selling authors but we are also
surrounded by unsung heroes who work tirelessy in
their own fields to make Monmouthshire the diverse
and vibrant county we love.
It is those unsung heroes we want to hear about.
MCL is asking you to nominate possible recipients
from Monmouthshire and then a panel of judges,
including members of the MCL team, will whittle the
list down to a final five.
MCL launched the awards last year to coincide
with its 10th anniversary, so for that special occasion
it handed out 10 awards. This year it will be five.
Last year saw awards given to the Severn Area
Rescue Association; David Sansom of Usk; the
owners of the Inn at Penallt; Anne Rainsbury, curator
of Chepstow Museum and one of the founders
of Chepstow Festival; Steve Davies, of Homes of
Elegance in Abergavenny; Donald Stewart, of Gwent
Music Service; Henry Ashby, who is an integral
part of the Monmouthshire food scene providing
some of the top restaurants in the area with foraged
food; The Rotary Club of Monmouth; and Jenny
MacGregor, who has run the Society for the Welfare
of Horses and Ponies near Monmouth for 37 years.
A posthumous award was also given to Alison
Beasley, a driving force for promoting Chepstow
and one of the founders of Chepstow Radio. Her
daughter Remy attended the event to accept the
award on behalf of the family.
Each winner received a specially-commissioned
ceramic pot, which was handmade by young Tintern
potter Kristian Vaughan-Adkins and sponsored
by Newport-based public relations firm, DBPR,
whose managing director David Barnes lives in
Monmouthshire.
Jo Barnes said: We were delighted with the
reception we got for last years awards, which were
the inaugural awards. We are planning this years
event and are currently deciding what form the
actual award will take and where the event will be
held.
If you want to nominate someone for
consideration, please e-mail MCL editor Jo Barnes at
jo.barnes@gwent-wales.co.uk.
We will hold a special, invitation-only event
somewhere in Monmouthshire in September 2015
where the finalists will be rewarded with one of The
Mons. The closing date for nominations is August 1,
2015.

Follow us on Twitter: @mclmagazine

11

Maxi dress. 99.

Fine knit jumper. 50.
House of Fraser

Rain mac. 50.

Debenhams

Coat. 99.
Phase Eight

Silk dress. 250.

Jaeger

Bibablack jacket. 99.

House of Fraser

Bag by Julien Macdonald.

39. Debenhams

Spring
dreaming

Poppy Jacob looks at how to style yourself

now the suns shining...

F
Dress by Matthew
Williamson. 80.
Debenhams

Shoe. 59.
Dune

ashion mimics our fantasies

and our seasonal moods. We
barely notice it but for many
of us, our various outts, real or
imagined, are entrenched in our
psyche.
I have a photo album that
exists entirely in my mind and in
it Ive superimposed myself into
aspirational, sometimes clichd
snapshots of various scenes which
have never happened, and what
Im wearing in them is always
important. In one of my winter
shots Im in a kitchen with an open
re (I dont know anyone with
an open re in their kitchen...),
Im wearing something cosy and
luxurious; of burnt gold, brown
and something soft and white. Ive
got my hands wrapped round a
warm drink and theres that feeling
of coming home after a long day
or a breezy walk; accomplishment
and satisfaction heightened by the
contrast. Its a form of escapism
that enhances reality, making me

look forward to things and enjoy

them more when they come.
But after the rst throws of
autumn and Christmas, which were
lovely in their own, doggedly real
way, hope of any scenes like this
dimmed, leaving in their wake only
SAD and chapped skin. Time for a
new picture.
Theres music, mildewed grass
and the sun is starting to set. Its
some kind of garden party, who
knows, but theres denitely
champagne. Everything is light
and fresh and colourful. This is
the spring snapshot and when I
look for clothes in spring, though
i barely register it, I am choosing
them on the merit that theyd be
right for some such imaginary
shindig.
This new season is all about light
and letting it in greedily. Weve got
zesty orange, sheer or light weight
fabrics, pales, pastels and oral
prints.

s
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l
b
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m
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t
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m
Sum
es the fun of choosing
com
s,
thi
th
wi
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An
t.
ou
ab
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Jus
re.
Summer is he
le help from Josh Knapman...
your summer essentials, with a litt

and will work with most

perfect choice for the cooler nights,
n will be a
works well as a shirt
also
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deni
of
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outfits. A darker shad
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great
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the
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option (30, River Island), and
2015.
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mble
colour of choice for spring/summer
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well with
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ally horizontal
The cooler, darker contrasts go hand
Stripes are big again this year. Tradition
im and
Den
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hang
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stripes.
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The combination of the three will be
If, however, you want to keep it simp
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having to break the
save your summer wardrobe, without
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bank with too many new outfits. The
Simple blue t-shirts and shorts should
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.99, New Look) is a
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T-shirt. 29.95
White Stu

T-shirt. 12.50
Marks & Spencer

14

A little
bit of
grooming
By Josh Knapman

Shorts. 14
F&F Tesco

Shorts. 22.99
New Look

Any man who styles his hair will know;

the longer it gets, the more difficult it can
be. This especially applies to upward styles,
such as quiffs.
There are issue with gels and waxes not
being strong enough to hold the length and
most hairsprays leaving a sticky look with
too much product left behind. You dont
have to sacrifice your longer locks to keep
your style, however.
Hair spray will become your best friend,
if youre not already using it.
The trick is to find a lighter spray, which
doesnt leave hair looking overly worked
and brittle.
A great spray to hold longer hair in
a quiff without the look of over-using
a product is Color Wows Get in Shape
hairspray (16.50, 150ml).
This product is great for that natural
look, with the ability to hold but avoid the
brittleness that comes with most sprays.
This also allows for a constant remoulding
ability.
If you have finer hair and find over-using
products is the only way to keep your hair
up, a great product for you would be Colour
Wows Raise the Root (16.50, 150ml).
This volumising hairspray helps give a
thicker look to your hair, again without
giving it the brittle texture. This product
keeps hair looking softer and keeps the hold
for the whole day.
Another product for thicker feeling hair
is Shu Uemuras Muroto Volume (39.50,
200ml). This is a wash-out treatment which
boosts hair, making it feel fuller and easier
to manage.
So you can keep that quiff up-right and
looking natural, whatever your hair type.

Denim jacket. 24.99

New Look

Denim shirt. 30
River Island

15

Ground-breaking laser clinic

goes from strength to strength
in Brecon House, Cwmbran

volve Laser Clinic opened

in August 2014, introducing
Torfaen and the surrounding
areas to advanced laser and injectable
procedures, in a licensed, luxury
environment, with professional
treatment and advice.
Dr Abu Feroz and business partner
Caroline Barnes have combined their
extensive knowledge and experience
in the aesthetics field, bringing to
you medically-advanced treatments which until now were only available
in the city centres - but at much more
affordable price!
The luxury private clinic is situated in
a rural environment, affording privacy
and free parking for its many clients,

16

creating a calm, relaxed environment.

We asked Caroline Barnes about
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Aesthetics.
She said: Dr Feroz and myself have
worked alongside each other for many
years. We have spent the last four
years planning and researching the
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We are the first Syneron laser
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been blown away by the response
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and thankfully our treatments have
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their family and friends.

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17

A Monmouthshire
meander with Nigel Jarrett MyCountyLife

ou could do worse than be a farmer

in Monmouthshire, especially if it
involved first serving an apprenticeship as
a juvenile version of the breed.
When I was a newspaper sub-editor
dealing with reports from the countys
young farmers clubs the YFCs it was
always amazing to see how self-sufficient
and resourceful they were.
I supposed that when you lived miles
from anywhere amid an untold number
of acres and were working all day and
every day, you had to be.
As well as de-horning cattle, mucking
out, and totting up the number of
ewes served by sundry rams rampant,
members put on plays, took part in
debates, entered raft races on the Wye,
and for all I knew held monthly
seminars to discuss the late films of Alain
Resnais.
To check out the standards achieved
in these extra-agricultural activities, I
reached for my drama critics hat and
drove down serpentine B roads on
a wintry night to review one of their
theatrical productions.
I didnt recognise the plays title but I
recall hoping that it wouldnt be a farce
the genre I mean, not the
quality of the performance,
though Id reviewed farces
in which the interpretation
was funnier than the
unfolding story; at least, on
those occasions the actors
raised as many laughs by
unintentionally knocking
each other over as they
did when a vicar appeared
from nowhere in his
Y-fronts.
No, this was serious
effort involving the then
avant-garde device of
having a cast member sit undetected in
the audience for twenty minutes and
then loudly reveal himself as a protester,
or some such.
When this outburst occurred, an old
lady near me had to be accompanied to
the exit, either having sensed imminent,
non-theatrical trouble or having expected
to sit through nothing more distressing
than Charleys Aunt and been culturally
short-changed.
It wouldnt have surprised me if the
cast had shifted to extemporising mode
and convinced the rest of us that the

18

disgruntled and departing punter was

also in on the act.
Thus would a remote village hall have
come to resemble, if only for a few scary
minutes, Lee Strasbergs Actors Studio
in New York.
Id never attended any of the YFC
debating sessions, but I have no doubt
that the speakers would have made
a decent fist of the proposition that
the influence of Laurel and Hardy was
at least as great as the influence of
Laurel on Hardy. Its the sort of thing
compulsive debaters tackle, whether
they farm the land or not.
Apart from nights out down country
lanes or at other places where the YFCs
are to be seen in disguise, as it were, the
best sightings can be had at agricultural
shows, where they usually maintain a
presence if only to signal to us bemused
townies that they exist.
One young farmer told me he planned
a career which required him to wear
a white overall, defying me to suggest
that in the company of others like him
he would be called out to deal with
individuals who had momentarily ditched
their senses.
He was in fact referring to
stock-judging, something Id
only ever witnessed at Usk
Show. Judging stock appeared
to consist in prodding animal
hindquarters or standing to
one side and assessing the
likelihood of being tossed six
feet in the air by a hefty bull,
both procedures of the kind
that might make those other
white-coated characters rush
to your aid with a sedative.
Get the car out, my
wife ordered one afternoon. Were
going for a ride. It sounded urgent but
it was merely an injunction to do what
wed been promising ourselves wed do
for ages; thats to say, take a trip into
deepest Monmouthshire and visit places
wed only ever pinpointed on a map or
seen in the distance from the summit
of Skirrid Hill. It was where the young
farmers were, herding Friesians and
learning their lines.
www.NigelJarrett.wordpress.com

John McConnachie talks to us about Henry V,

music and how fast his greyhound can run...
Who are you?
I was born in Chepstow and
have lived here ever since. Im
responsible for learning and
development in Monmouthshire
County Council and its 4,000
employees. Im also a songwriter
and live with my wife Lynne.
What do you like most about
living in Monmouthshire?
I love that we are the link between
two countries though have a
unique identity of our own. Im
fiercely proud of our county, its
culture, people and heritage and
I love the feeling of coming home
even if it is raining a lot of the time.
Where would you recommend
for an unforgettable dining
experience in Monmouthshire?
My place is quite unforgettable
for a Sunday lunch (though not
open for commercial business!)
as its an important meal for me
with friends and family. A nice
piece of beef from HJ Edwards in
Chepstow Garden Centre usually
steals the show. The Hardwick
in Abergavenny is one of the
best places anywhere to find top
quality, world-class meals.
What do you tell friends about
Monmouthshire?
Its a cool place to live, learn and
work. As you drive over the
Severn Bridge you will notice the
green, Welshness of the fields and
stunning landscape leading up to
the mountains in the north. We
have everything we need, amazing
historical buildings and places of
interest. The Wye Valley is a really
beautiful place and our famous
Chepstow riverbank which is a
musical hub for many months of
the year.
Who would be your ideal
companion on a trip round
Monmouthshire?

Someone who was born here a

long time ago. Weve got a lot
of famous ancestors including
King Henry V, who was born in
Monmouth. Maybe someone
more local who could explain life
many years ago when Chepstow
was a thriving port and the famous
shipyard was in full flow. It would
be amazing to get a feel for how
the town was when it was an
international trading port.
Favourite place in the county?
Great Barnetts Wood for a really
nice long walk with my rescue
greyhound. You can walk for
hours and there are footpaths
through fields where he can show
off his 0-40mph performance.
Favourite place in the county for
a picnic?
Chepstow Riverbank on a Sunday
when theres bands playing and
the whole town comes out and
you catch up with friends until
sundown
If you werent living here, where
would you be?
Ive only lived in three houses in
48 years, all in Chepstow, so cant
really imagine anywhere else,
though longer summers and a bit
more sun would be nice.
What event should we not miss?
Dont miss the Chepstow Castle
events during August, especially
The Levellers, who are one of my
favourite bands. Theres a team
in MCC organising some exciting
events around the county, with
even more in the pipeline so keep
your eye out for those. Next year
we host the national eisteddfod
here in Monmouthshire, which is a
great honour.
Three words which sum up
Monmouthshire for you...
Culture, potential, growth

O yster

Pools and Leisure Ltd

www.oysterpools.co.uk

Welcome to
Monmouthshire?
By Jason Smith, consultant with Bikeaction

recently spent an afternoon and

overnight stay in the Yorkshire
Dales.
I was making my way down from
Glasgow to London on a route recce
for a corporate charity cycle ride
Im leading.
I was struck by how much had
changed since I was last there.
Not the stunning scenery,
back breaking climbs or exposed
moorland, but numbers of cyclists.
I was last there in 2013 and then
the roads were almost deserted.
Now, low mist hid the fells and
rain threatened at any moment,
but despite the weather there were
loads of cyclists, most of whom
were women. What had changed in
less than two years?
Everyone knows that Yorkshire
hosted the start of 2014s Tour de
France.
How could we forget the yellow
bikes protruding from buildings
and millions of fans lining the stone
walled lanes.
Welcome to Yorkshire,
the destination management
organisation responsible for
promoting Yorkshire had boldly
captured the worlds most famous
race.
This year will see the inaugural
Tour de Yorkshire for the pros and
a complimentary sportive for us
mere mortals. Yorkshire is being
heavily marketed as the cycling
destination in the UK.
The hotel I stayed in was full of
cyclists.
The manager told me how
Welcome to Yorkshire and British
Cycling had helped them become
a cycling hotel, attracting cycling
tourists, training camps, weekend
warriors and families.
The hotel had invested heavily
in providing secure bike storage,
drying room, washing facilities
(clothes and bikes!) and even spare
nutritional products.

They had teamed up with a local

bike shop to provide bike servicing
and repair services. The local bike
shop had expanded on the back of
this business offering hire bikes and
bike fitting to hotel customers.
The local bakery were also
involved supplying lunches for
training camps and groups of riders.
The hotel was also expanding,
building several cycling themed
rooms.
Since Welcome to Yorkshire
was formed it has grown the visitor
economy from 5.9bn to 7bn and
created 4,000 jobs.
Cycle Yorkshire is a spin out with
the simple goal of more people
cycling, more often.
The scale of the project is
breathtaking.
Everything from bike libraries
ensuring every child has access
to a bike; establishing a network
of cycling businesses and social
enterprises and improving cycling
infrastructure. The scale of the
investment is huge - 500,000 for
cycling infrastructure; 450,000 for
a cycling gateway to the Dales and
the list goes on.
Why have I spent most of this
column writing about Yorkshire?
Im embarrassed and angry at
our lack of ambition.
Having cycled around the UK,
people ask me what were the best
cycling areas.
Yes the Dales is good, but the
cycling around Monmouthshire and
Black Mountains is right up there as
some of the finest cycling areas in
the UK.
In the last year alone,
Monmouthshire has hosted the
National Road Race Championships,
the National Cyclo-Cross
Championships and the queen
stage finish of the Tour of Britain.
Wheres our legacy? Where is our
version of Cycle Yorkshire?

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19

Main: Dewstow
Bottom left: Tony Russell
Bottom right: Wyndcliffe Court

Everything in
the garden...
Jo Barnes turns the pages of a new book on Welsh
gardens and is delighted to nd a good few are here in
Monmouthshire...

e already know that by living in

Monmouthshire, we are living in one of
the most beautiful parts of the UK.
And so it came as no surprise when a copy of
The Finest Gardens in Wales by Tony Russell landed
on our desk to discover that a good many of these
fine gardens are based in our fine county.
Garden writer and broadcaster Tony Russell
uses informative, evocative text and stunning
imagery to capture the very essence of the finest
gardens in Wales, looking at their history, plants and
personalities along the way.
Tony, who was head gardener at Westonbirt
Arboretum near Tetbury in Gloucestershire for 13

years before becoming an author and broadcaster.

He travelled the length and breadth of Wales to
bring us his collection of gardens in the book, which
is published by Amberley priced at 15.99.
He takes us to Aberglasney, Bodnant and the
National Botanic Garden of Wales in this book,
which is essential reading for anyone with an interest
in gardens and their history.
Here are just some of the Monmouthshire
gardens you can find among the pages of The Finest
Gardens in Wales:
Dewstow
Dewstow is a lost garden between Caldicot and
Caerwent. It was regarded during the lifetime of
its Victoria creator, Henry Squire Oakley, as a
unique and wondrous local landmark.
Originally built around 1895 by James Pulham
and Son, who were one of the most respected
landscape gardening companies of the late 19th and
early 20th centuries, the gardens and grottoes were
deliberately buried just after World War II and
were only rediscovered in 2000 when new owners
took over the property.
Today most of the restoration work is complete
and the garden, which covers seven acres in total, is
now fully open to the public. These gardens include
tunnels and grottoes, waterfalls and lakes, a series of
bog gardens and meandering lawns.
High Glanau Manor
Situated high above Monmouth with spectacular
views across the Vale of Usk to the Brecon Beacons,

20

High Glanau is a geautiful grade II listed Arts

and Crafts house and garden designed in 1923
by Henry Avray Tipping in collaboration with a
young local architect, Eric Francis.
From 1907 until his death in 1933, Tipping
was architectural editor of Country Life
magazine and a great exponent of the Arts
and Crafts movement, which championed
a return to the traditional values, quality
craftsmanship and attention to detail practiced
before the industrial revolution.
Present owners of High Glanau, Hilary
and Helena Gerrish, first saw the property in
2002 when little of the original herbaceous
planting remained, the top of the oak and
stone-pillared pergola had fallen down and
Tippings ribbon parterre had been replaced
by an outdoor swimming pool.
Since then the garden has been restored
to Tippings 1923 original design, with the help
of photographs taken by Tipping in 1927 and
provided by County Life.
Penpergwm Lodge
This classic Edwardian house with its attractive
three-acre RHS-recommended garden, is
situated on the southern edge of the Black
Mountains near Abergavenny.
Owned by the Boyle family since 1976, the
garden has not only been lovingly maintained
but enhanced and developed in a way which
pays homage to its Edwardian roots and
at the same time moves forward to reflect
the changing styles of more modern garden
design.
Veddw House
Considering one of the owners and creator
of this garden hidden in the depths of
Monmouthshire near Chepstow has made a
name for herself as being a bad-tempered
gardener, the gardens at Veddw House are,
in the main, remarkable relaxed and full of
charm, wit and reflectiveness.
Anne Wareham, along with award-winning
garden photographer Charles Hawes, has
been gardening at Veddw since 1987 in an
amphitheatre among the wooded hill which
rise majestically aboe the Wye Valley and
the ancient border with England. But, Tony
Russell warns, you must not tell Anne that you
think her garden lovely when you visit Veddw,
or you might find yourself accused of being
provocative. She would much prefer to hear

Outwitting
squirrels
By Anne Wareham
Price: 7.99
Published by Michael OMara Books
Ltd

an honest appraisal of her garden.

Wyndcliffe Court
Another important grade II listed
Arts and Crafts garden designed
by Henry Avary Tipping, this time
created for Wyndcliffe owner
Charles Clay before World War I
and completed in 1922.
The current occupiers of
Wyndcliffe Court, which can be
found on a hill above St Arvans
enjoying sweeping views down
over Chepstow racecourse to the
Severn estuary beyond, are both
artists and entrepreneurs. They
have embarked on a worth garden
restoration and also display an
intriguing array of sculpture in the
gardens in a variety of exhibitions
during the summer months.
From the top: Dewstow,
Penpergwm Lodge, Veddw
House, High Glanau Manor

If you have ever waged war against

the local squirrels to prevent them
from ransacking your garden, you
will know that they are wily beasts
which can find loopholes in the most
cunning of defences.
In Outwitting Squirrels,
Monmouthshire-based gardener
and author Anne Wareham has
compiled a brisk but comprehensive
guide to anti-pest stratagems,
including ingenious tricks and tips
from her years of, occasionally bitter,
experience.
Find out when to tie your
sunflowers to the shed roof, how to
make a slug soup your plants will
love and how to hunt houseflies with
a bright blue, sticky flowerpot.
This wry, honest and witty guide is
set to be every gardeners best friend
when facing their natural enemies.
It even shares with the reader
when to reluctantly admit defeat.
Outwitting Squirrels is not just
about squirrels. Also included are
rabbits, cats, deer, slugs, snails, moles,
voles, mice, biting insects, snakes,
aphids, beetles, mealy bugs, scale
insects, codling moth, red spider mite,
mullein moth, vine weevil, whitefly
and ants.
It looks at infestations including
fireblight and tulip fire, box blight,
clematis wilt, plants which are trouble,
algae, bracken, honey fungus, weeds
you want and weeds you dont want.
And then there is everything from
legislation to experts and plastics to
wind which are all there to outwit us
humans.
Anne Wareham co-created the
inspirational garden at The Veddw,
near Devauden and describes herself
as a thorn in the flesh of the garden
world.

21

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22

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23

Keeping it natural

Above: The oak shelter at

Castle Chase where people
can go to remember their
loved ones
Below and facing page: Castle
Chase offers a tranquil setting
for burials

Will Loram ponders the future of funerals...

f like me, you sometimes ponder the

unfairness of death tax a tax on the
only other inevitability then you may
sometimes ponder to the husk that you
leave behind, and what best to do with it.
Up until 1884, when the eccentric Dr
William Price, Druid, Chartist, Welsh
Nationalist and excellent physician, tried
to cremate the body of his infant son on a
funeral pyre on a hill outside Llantrisant,
cremation was considered not legal. Dr
Price was cleared in court of a crime of
cremation, arguing that although it was not
legal, it was not illegal. The case cleared the
way to a change in the law in 1902, and
cremation became an accepted alternative
to burial.
Now 70 per cent of the dead in the UK
go through a crematorium. But the wheel
has turned, as people think in terms of
carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, issues
like mercury poisoning from cremated
tooth fillings, and other by-products of a
process which might have been seen as a
quick and clean disposal of corpses in the
age of steam.
Cremation is being viewed by some in
terms of a production line process of body
disposal, where a 20-minute slot gives you

24

only just enough time to contemplate the

former life of someone held dear, until
their remains go up in smoke, and the
funeral party is quickly moved on to make
way for the next paying customer.
As in the Victorian times, South Wales
is again leading the field in thinking about
the body after death. Concern for the
planet, and what is sustainable, and what is
the most appropriate way to say goodbye
to family member or a friend in a mostly

secular state, has led to a quiet meadow in

Usk becoming a beacon of best practice for
natural burial.
Natural burial? What does that involve,
you may ask.
A lot of consideration and as little as
possible, is the short answer. The long
answer involves burying the body of
someone you love in a natural and beautiful
surrounding, where you can come back
and connect, with your back against an

old beech tree, or sitting on the edge of

a meadow where sheep crop the grass,
and the thought that the body of the
person you have gone to grieve is adding
to the natural regeneration of the land
is a comfort, as their soul has departed
to another place. And there is beauty in
this place you are looking out on. And
although it is just a meadow, its future
is assured, because it is just a meadow.
And it will not fall into decay, unloved in
neglect as an abandoned graveyard of
a church with falling congregations and
falling finances to keep pristine the stone
edifices of the faith in life and death.
So how did this quiet revolution come
to settle itself in Monmouthshire?
A timely introduction by a mutual
friend is the answer.
More than a decade ago Rosie
Humphreys at Castle House in Usk
was approached about land for a
graveyard, as the churchyard was full,
and the county council was looking
for alternatives. She had heard a radio
programme about natural burials,
and the two trains of thought became
intertwined.
After starting to explore the
possibilities, serendipity then put
here in touch with Monmouth-based
James Leedam, of Leedam Natural
Heritage, who had organically moved
into running natural burial grounds
after the experience of searching for an
appropriate place and way of putting his
aunt to rest in Dorset.
And so the foundations of the awardwinning Usk Castle Chase natural burial
ground was laid out.
With his background as a surveyor
and his experience on his Scottish burial
grounds, James was able to negotiate the
planning maze, and provide the service to
the bereaved to make sure arrangements
for laying the body to rest was as
sympathetic to their wishes as possible,
while Rosie helped shape the ethos and
best practice for Leedams natural burial,

which makes the company a leader in its

field in providing sympathetic, sustainable
and enduringly beautifully natural places
of final rest.
To achieve that, Castle Chase had to
be a meadow which could be part of the
fabric of the Usk Castle farmed land
although it would only be lightly grazed
with the occasional crop of hay taken
off it.
What Rosie and James did not want
was trees with ribbons, or closely planted
sapplings acting as headstones, and teddy
bears, and plastic flowers, and other brica-brac known in the industry as burial
waste.
It had to be simple, and what
we wanted to was strip out all the
unnecessary things usually with funeral
directors, Rosie said.
This was reinforced by an experience
of a 12-year-old girl who was dying
of leukemia. She came and visited the
meadow, and said that it was the place
where she would like to be buried.
She was critical in understanding what
we should be providing for people. She
was our guide to quality control.
However, Rosie learned that there was
a need for some sort of centre where
people could base themselves for the
burial and somewhere to place some
sort of commemoration of the body that
lay beneath the earth. So a shelter of
home grown oak nestles a short distance
from the parking area for the site, where
wooden plaques can be added to line the
rafters.
More importantly it is about
creating somewhere which people find
comfortable to bury their dead, and then
feel comfortable about coming back to
remember, and contemplate, because it is
a naturally beautiful setting, in a stunning
landscape.
With only 10 per cent of the burial
ground being occupied over the last 10
years, at the current pace it will take 100
years to fill.

25

Top: A plot list

Middle: Leaving a memorial
Bottom: The beautiful
arroundings at Castle Chase

26

Rosie may have moulded Castle

Chase into a burial ground that won
the Institute of Crematorium and
Cemetery Management Cemetery
of the Year in 2008 and was
nominated again in 2014, but James
is about the bigger picture, managing
eight sites the length and breadth of
the country.
How he came to where he is was
as a result of being tasked by his
aunt to find a suitable place for her
to be laid to rest, and finding the
existing sites wanting.
Eventually he found a suitable
place in a copse deep in Hardy
country, run by a farmer. And with
a small legacy left by the aunt, he
embarked on his journey to help
find and provide good solutions to
people wanting a burial freed from
religious ties, but putting the body to
rest in a good and appropriate way.
Quite a lot of it is about
education, as people are not aware
of the choice of natural burial.
Although James is strict about the
quality of the sites he will manage,
there is no premium for arranging
burial in a natural burial site.
So what is natural burial, and
why do more people not take this
option? After all, there is more
flexibility. A family can plan how
they want to celebrate a life in
death. There are no queues behind
them. Unless you have religious ties,
which the majority of people in this
country no longer have, it seems a
far more gentle and contemplative
experience.
Natural burial encourages
natural process and the return to
nature. We dont do green corners
of cemeteries, or parks and gardens,
or use trees as head stones. We use
ground that is actively farmed so it

remains productive and sustainable,

James says.
People choose natural
burial because the landscapes
are outstanding, and there is a
connection with the old way of
life and the Great Outdoors. It is a
positive choice which people can be
proud of, as well as being gentler,
more relaxed, more private and
more personal.
Its also about what people do
not want. They do not want to be in
a queue at a crematorium. They do
not want exactly the same format as
everyone else, he adds.
But probably the biggest obstacle
to wider acceptance is it is not on
the list of favourite options for
funeral directors. In a conservative
trade, it takes time to change
opinions, and the tendency is to
think that a natural burial takes a lot
of time, and it is less costly in time
and convenience to direct clients
down the well worn path of the
crematoriums smoke stack. The
choice is often seen between half
a day for a natural burial or half an
hour for a cremation.
The funeral directors can take
the body there and help lower it
into the ground, and then leave the
family to whatever ceremony they
have arranged for themselves. It
should not take that long, he says.
Education is obviously the key,
and making people aware that there
is more than one option.
Its the only long-term
sustainable option, but going green
is not something that is at the top
of peoples minds when they are
dealing with a death in the family.
For more information about Usk
Castle Chase and natural burials visit
www.leedam.com or contact:

chaos on
aisle 12
Jenny Gilder

CPsychol. MPsych. BSc(Hons).

outstanding childcare

As mothers, were consistently

trying to do the best for our child.
We question whether were making
the right decisions, doing all that we
should or taking the right approach.
Weve all been there in the confectionery aisle of
the supermarket and theres a dispute over a bar of
chocolate. It can soon descend into chaos on aisle
12 when Olivia cant have what she wants. Youre
tired and the situation can quickly become stressful
and embarrassing in equal measures.
How can such misbehaviour be avoided? How
much is our expectations and how much is the
childs natural behaviour? Sometimes we expect
too much and are left frustrated when our
approach doesnt work. Much of what we label as
misbehaviour in young children has more to do
with their level of development - its simply age
appropriate behaviour.
Acknowledging a childs level of development
allows us to alleviate some of our own frustrations.
Whilst talking to and explaining things to your child
is good, trying to rationalise and negotiate with an
upset two year old is unlikely to work. She is driven
by impulse - she sees it, she wants it. Olivia simply
doesnt yet have the ability to understand she cant
have everything she wants.
       
can often achieve a different result. Simply picking
Olivia up and removing her from the emotionally
     
to distract her, can achieve more than trying to
appease her in a public setting under the watchful
eyes of other shoppers. So accept the tantrum,
dont buy the chocolate bar and move swiftly on.
In the long term youll be teaching your child
valuable coping skills, and in the immediate, it
makes it easier for you get through the weekly
shop.

Call now to
request an
information pack
or to arrange
a visit
We love the setting
and the fact the children make
full use of the outdoors
Oaks Park delivers a unique and
convenient approach within a
picturesque rural setting.
Empathetic staff provide a tailored
learning journey for each child.

To request an information pack

or arrange a visit, get
in touch with Jenny:

(01291) 629876
oaksparkm
oaksparkm
www.oaksparkmontessori.co.uk
admissions@oaksparkmontessori.co.uk
27

Al fresco entertaining at Leekes

If youve unearthed last years garden

furniture and it hasnt weathered the
winter chills, re-discover outdoor
living with our stylish al fresco
furniture collections and beautiful
garden accessories. Take time to
enhance your home with some of
2015s most fashionable outdoor
trends and create the perfect setting
for your spring and summer soires.

Tea for two

For sunny breakfasts, light lunches
or afternoon tea for two, consider
investing in a Bistro set that will last
for many seasons to come. Cast
aluminium is a durable yet attractive
option and the Berkeley is a superbly
stylish option for small spaces.

Entertaining with friends

For entertaining on a grander scale,
consider the Jamie Oliver six seat
grilling set. Featuring a central

integral grill, its the perfect party

size for hosts to relax and spend
time amongst family and friends,
without having to replenish supplies
too often.

Family feasts
If you like the look of indoor furniture
but want the benefits of outdoor
durability, the Bentley set could be
just the job with its contemporary
looks and weatherproof weave finish.
This casual dining set comprises a
table corner sofa, stools and seat
pads and is a comfortable option
ideal for relaxing with family and
friends.

the canopy can also be removed to

allow the sunshine in!

Picnic time
Whether its a picnic in the garden
or family fun at the beach, a tasty
barbecue is always on the menu
and weve a wide range to suit
every location from leading brands
including Bodum and Weber.
Complete your look with the all
important finishing touches such as
lanterns, chimeneas and cushions.

Let the sunshine in

Plus serve up in style with our fun

and fabulous range of picnicware with so many inspirational summer
dining choices, all thats left to do is
ensure theres plenty of tasty treats
on the menu!

If your garden is lacking a spot of

shade, a pergola is the ideal retreat
when the sun is shining. Our cast
aluminium Pergola will add a unique
feature to your garden space and

For more information on your

nearest Leekes store contact
0333 222 4120 or
online at leekes.co.uk

Tel: 0333 222 4120 | Online: leekes.co.uk

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30

McTimoney
Chiropractic

Tui Na Massage

Louise Price

CBT Counselling

Hypnotherapy,
Reiki

Liz Barnett

Amy Bullock

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For relaxed, professional care, superb facilities,

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Castle Court is unsurpassable.

For more information, visit

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Swedish Massage,
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Castle Court, situated in the centre of Chepstow,

enjoys a unique location. But this is not the only
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Why not come and see us, just call in at any time.
It could be just the answer youre looking for!

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31

Stunning new care home

opens its doors in Castleton

Show suite is now open, offering a first glimpse of our new care home
In response to growing
demand for our bespoke care
services, were proud to
announce the opening of a
new Barchester care home
in Castleton this summer!

This purpose-built care home

for older people will offer
professional and personalised
nursing and residential care,
as well as expert care for the
ladies and gentlemen living with
dementia in our dedicated
Memory Lane Community.
Our carefully selected and highly
trained care team will take the

time to get to know the people

we care for. Residential care will
be available to those who need
help with the tasks of daily
living, and nursing care will
provide an additional level of
assistance to those who may
require it.

Our Memory Lane Community

is designed to encourage and
enable individuals to continue
to live a full and active life.
Features like our life-skills
kitchen will enable residents to
get involved with everyday
household tasks, such as setting
the table for dinner.

Show suite
now open!

Visit our brand new show

suite to find out more about
life in a Barchester care home
and the care services and
facilities that will be available.
Why not pop in for a chat
over a cup of tea?

Show suite
opening times:
MonFri: 10am5pm
Sat: 11am3pm

For further information on our new care home, please call me:

Tel: 01633 731 758

Helen Randall General Manager

Former Wyevale Garden Centre, Castleton, Cardi, CF3 2UQ

32

www.barchester.com

A Monmouthshire meet
Keen Monmouthshire horsewoman Fiona Weaver talks
point to point, Royal Welsh Show, her birthday, a new
saddle and the trials of tribulations of living with her
trusty ex-racehorse Woody...

Hold your
horses

If you love horses,

youll love these...

o the clocks have finally gone forward and spring is

here along with many, very cute new-born lambs
lets just hope the weather picks up too!
The Curre & Llangibby point to point meet at Howick
Farm in Chepstow on Mothers Day, although very cold
and windy, had a fantastic turnout. It was a thoroughly
enjoyable day and it was great to see friends catching
up and it was also good to see our Monmouthshire
Conservative politician David Davies supporting this
important event.
The going was good to soft, soft in places and a good
thing about point to points is that you can really get up
close to the jumps and the horses. I love hearing that
roar of hooves coming towards you at a very fast pace
when you are stood safely behind post and rope fencing.
Inevitably, there are falls but there werent too many
this year and none were serious. Any loose horses were
caught efficiently. For those who arent horse fans, the
obvious enjoyment of the younger riders racing their
ponies at the end of the day was an added attraction.
On a more mundane note, it is that time of year
when I have to give my trailer a spring clean and sit
down and work out my entries for the forthcoming
show season. Top of the list is The Royal Welsh Show
held in Builth Wells my favourite! I am also looking
forward to attending the dressage held regularly at
Chepstow Racecourse.
Of course, this year the feature county at The Royal
Welsh is Gwent and that adds an extra interest for those
of us attending from this area. Many fundraising events
are being held to raise money to build new stables, level
the lorry field and in time, build an all-weather arena.
Woody (my ex racehorse) has been off for a few
weeks over winter and after a diagnosis from my vet,
Nick West, it turned out to be a bruised sole caused by
a hidden sharp stone wedged under his shoe but fingers
crossed he is now back on full form (galloping around
losing shoes!). In order to get us both back up to scratch
I recently had a lesson with Katie Williams, in Trellech,
where Woody tried very hard to dump me of the floor,
but thanks to Katies expertise I stayed put. As its his

1
2

Fiona Weaver
and Sara Jones

11th birthday this month Im going to treat him to a new

saddle (arent I Dad?). For many years, I have relied on
Steve Taylor, at Caldicot Saddlery, his advice has always
been excellent and I think its very important to continue
to support our local businesses here in Monmouthshire.
A particular event I am looking forward to this year
is Badminton Horse Trials. I attend every year and this
year it falls on my birthday so there is even more of a
reason to go!
Fingers crossed the sun shines. It is also a great
opportunity to meet up with my fellow alumni from The
Royal Agricultural University and have a good catch up
hearing what they are all doing.

3
4

5
6

Fiona Weaver
and Lottie
Williams

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5. Jug. 132. www.athomeinthecountry.co.uk
6. Mug. 10.99. www.millygreen.com

33

DOORS, WINDOWS, CONSERVATORIES,

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34

Do you really
need a facelift?

here are now new ways to lift

and firm the face without having
to resort to surgery. The world
of aesthetic treatments has moved
on greatly during the past 15 years.
The forward momentum has brought
many positive innovations to existing
treatments.
When it all heads south
For those of us who cant face the knife,
a thread lift could be the alternative.
Facial thread lifts provide immediate
results which continue to improve over
three months and which are scalpel-free.
PDO collagen stimulating threads
improve areas which in the past have
been very difficult to treat without
resorting to surgery - such as a slack jaw
line and a saggy, lined neck. The threads
are fully biodegradable, dissolving over
a two to nine-month period, with the
results lasting two to three years.
Due to the way the threads are placed
in the skin, and the collagen stimulating
properties of the PDO threads, treatment
effects are:
Lifting and tightening of the skin
Rejuvenation of the skin
Smoothing of wrinkles
Narrowing of pores

When your eyes age

Anti-wrinkle treatments are still the best
for lines at the sides of the eyes, and
frown lines in-between brows, and if
done well, can open the eyes and create a
natural but fresher more youthful look to
the upper face.
This natural look is achieved by artfully
injecting the face to avoid the frozen
look. Our practitioner Karen Lockett
(pictured) is a master of this treatment.
She explains that anti-wrinkle treatments
can be delivered providing great results
while still keeping expression.
When your cheeks sag
Dermal fillers become your skin support.
Pillow faces and overinflated lips are a
thing of the past at the Mayhill.
As with anti-wrinkle treatments,
dermal fillers should also be about less is
more, keeping effects subtle and natural,
rather than pumping up with excessive
volume.
Karen said dermal fillers, positioned
subtly in the mid-face, help to lift and
reposition the cheeks providing a more
youthful look. We can also use these
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35

Sinfonia Cymru go
baroque with Rachel Podger
W
ales leading chamber orchestra Sinfonia
Cymru will be teaming up with one of
the UKs foremost specialists in baroque
music for a tour to three venues across south west
Wales this May.
Guest director and violinist Rachel Podger, left,
will join the orchestra for performances of music by
Bach, Purcell, Vivaldi and Telemann at The Ffwrnes,
Llanelli (Friday, May 29), The Royal Welsh College
of Music and Drama (Saturday, May 30) and The
Riverfront, Newport (Sunday, May 31).
The all-baroque programme is a new venture for
the orchestra and as general manager Sophie Lewis
said: We could not have asked for a better person
to direct us through the music of the period than
Rachel. The breadth and depth of her understanding
is unrivalled and that is why working with her will be
such an inspiration for our players.
As well as establishing the hugely popular annual
Brecon Baroque Festival, Rachel Podger has also
garnered critical acclaim for her recordings of
baroque masterpieces with particular praise for her
interpretation of Bachs Violin Concerto in A Minor
and Suite No 3 in D Major.
Rachel will perform both pieces in Mays concerts
alongside Concerto No 10 from Vivaldis LEstro
Armonico, subject and title of her recently released
CD recording with Brecon Baroque.
Also included in the programme are works by

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Rachel said: While Bach and Vivaldi need little
introduction to audiences today, it is actually the
names of Purcell, Fux and Telemann which were
probably better known during their lifetimes.
Telemann and Purcell definitely enjoyed significant
celebrity status back then.
The full concert programme for the tour is Bach
Suite No 3 in D Major, Purcell Suite from The Fairy
Queen, Bach Violin Concerto in A Minor, Vivaldi
Concerto No 10 from LEstro Armonico, JJ Fux
Ouverture in G Minor and Telemann Concerto in D
major.
Friday May 29, 7.30pm
Ffwrnes, Llanelli
Tickets: www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk |
0845 226 3510
Saturday May 30, 7.45pm
RWCMD, Cardiff
Tickets: www.rwcmd.ac.uk | 029 2039 1391
Sunday May 31, 3pm
Riverfront, Newport
Tickets: www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront |
01633 656757
For full tour details visit
www.sinfoniacymru.co.uk

37

One of the exhibits at the

Royal Monmouthshire
Royal Engineers museum in
Monmouth

A lesson in history
By Will Loram

n the year which commemorates

600 years since the king born in
Monmouth Castle won a historic
victory over the French through the
effective use of mainly Welsh or Marcher
longbowmen, Monmouthshire is in danger
of keeping a truly historic institution under a
bushel.
Even to get to the museum and what is
left of the medieval defences which kept
its strategic post on the banks of the river

38

Monnow, you have to take the narrow lane

next to that bigger landmark of the Iceland
store opposite the Shire Hall.
The castle was obviously in better shape
when Henry V was born there, managing to
survive the Wars of the Roses and the Owain
Glyndwr rebellion intact, but after changing
hands three times in the Civil War, it was
effectively destroyed as a fortification.
Where the Great Tower of the castle once
stood, is Great Castle House built by the

first Duke of Beaufort, using stone from the

castle, and now is headquarters to another
ancient institution: The Royal Monmouthshire
Royal Engineers.
If you are looking for a regiment that really
stands out from the crowd, then this is it.
It is the only regiment with two Royals
in its title one from its days as a militia
regiment as the Royal Monmouthshire Militia,
and one when it became part of the Royal
Engineers.

Next on the list it is the only surviving militia

apart from the Jersey Field Squadron of the Royal
Militia of Jersey, but they are under the same
command so that does not really count.
It is the only Royal Engineer and TA unit to
have an honorary colonel, HRH the Duke of
Gloucester.
And it is also most senior regiment of the
Army Reserve, which these days is the Territorial
Army.
So it is the next best thing to being in the
regulars.
It is also the only regiment in the Royal
Engineers to have colours the flag which is
now brought out for ceremonial occasions, but
in years gone by was the rallying point for troops
in the battle, and is the standard which bears a
regiments battle honours.
And the only Sapper regiment that has a
different and distinct cap badge of the prince of
Wales Coronet, plumes and motto of Ich Dien,
surmounted by the St Edwards crown, with R
and E either side for Royal Engineers, and the
letter I below for infantry.
Confused? Let me take you through the tale
of this regiment, that was first mustered before
regiments came into existence. It does all make
sense.
When you turn on the news, and there is a
scruffy reporter in body armour standing among
war-torn buildings talking about militias, it not
quite the same type of organisation that marches
around the streets of Monmouth or for that
matter Cwmbran, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol,
Oldbury, Stoke-on-Trent, St Helier and St Peter
Port, where the squadrons of regiment have their
Army Reserve Centres.
In fact, the militia we are talking about has its
roots in the feudal system of raising men from the
estates of lords and gentry to form the backbone
of any army.
At the time of the first recorded Muster
in Abergavenny in 1539, the weapons would
have been longbow and pike, and it would have
been part of the General Levy of the medieval
tradition. In 1577 it became a Trained Band when
the Tudor king Henry VII abolished the Marcher
Lordship and extended the General Levy to
Monmouthshire.

A memorial to the fallen

Capt Fran Bullock, the Adjutant of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal

Engineers

As a Militia, its purpose was to

prevent invasion and tackle any civil
unrest at home, and was organised
and staffed by local gentry.
As the Monmouth Militia, and later
the Monmouth and Brecon Militia,
the regiment received its Royal
monika in 1793, and then changed
to the Royal Monmouthshire Militia
in the 1820s, and then in 1852 to
the Royal Monmouthshire (Light
Infantry) Militia.
Sitting in her office at Great Castle
House, the HQ of the regiment,
Capt Fran Bullock, the Adjutant of
the Royal Monmouthshire Royal
Engineers, picks up the story of the
regiment.
Its the second oldest regiment
in the country after the (HAC)
Honourable Artillery Company,
she says.
Henry VIII created
Monmouthshire after the Union
of England and Wales, because
he wanted to tax the Welsh and
so needed soldiers to enforce tax

collection.
So far, so heroic.
As a militia, it was an early Home Guard.
It was county based, where local men could be
called out for local problems of riots or invasion.
This went on for several hundred years, but in
the 19th century things began to get a bit more
organised and the militias had to more logistical
or local regiment troop systems.
It went from Infantry, to Light Infantry, joined
and broke up with the Brecon Militia regiment,
and picked up a Royal on the way, until the militia
regiment system became a military backwater in
the 19th century as the threat of French invasion
faded.
The officers of the regiment saw this trend
and took the opportunity to become a reserve
regiment of the Royal Engineers in 1877.
Particularly they were motivated because the
Crimean War showed that a militia could not
serve overseas. So the regiment served in the
Boer War as well, and since then regiment
has fought in the two World Wars, and all the
smaller engagements since like Iraq, says Capt
Bullock.
Although the officers of the regiment had
raised large funds to be able to join the fight in

39

the Crimean War, it was literally left on the dock, just being
assigned to serve at Pembroke Dock.
In the post-Crimean army reforms The Royal
Monmouthshire Militia saw an opportunity to be involved in
future conflicts when it was invited to become a Special Reserve
section of the rapidly expanding Royal Engineers.
Originally the militia in the Tudor times would have been
known as a Posse Comitatus (the Power of the County) before
in Elizabeth Is reign evolving into what were called Trained
Bands, that then evolved into Militia Regiments.
During the Civil War the Monmouth Trained Band remained
loyal to the Crown, guarding Raglan, Chepstow, Newport and
Monmouth. After the restoration of the monarchy, the King
retained a small regular army, to ensure that the army did
not have the power it had during the Civil War and under the
Protectorate.
In 1757 a Militia Act allowed Lord Lieutenants of the County
to raise men by ballot to serve part time for a three year
stint. But this fell into disrepute, with unwilling winners of the
ballot paying for substitutes. But successive Dukes of Beaufort
commanded the regiment, with other members of the gentry
buying their commissions to enhance their social standing in the
county.
Because it goes back such a long way there are a number of
extra perks that it inherited, like the regimental colours and a
band. It is unlike other TA regiment, Capt Bullock says.
These days the regiment consists of three Field Squadrons
of around 140 personnel, with a HQ based in the grounds of
Monmouth Castle and Vauxhall Camp in Monmouth.
The regiment is a Combat Engineer Regiment, and trains
alongside regular RE units.
Unlike the distant past of the balloted members of the
county, the Royal Monmouthshire now relies on volunteers
who have the spare time to commit to training days and
weekends, who have a decent level of fitness.
The upsides to being a part of the regiment, is that soldiers
can learn a trade, or gain engineerignand cicil engineering
qualifications that can help in civilian life, while serving in the
TA. The military exercises take them to places like Kenya,
Cananda, as well as conflict areas. But on the outdoor pursuits,
as part of the military bonding and adventure, the regiment go
on adventure training trips that include ski-ing and diving.
For more information about The Royal Monmouthshire
Royal Engineers visit www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/
units/28725.aspx or contact or contact Email: rmonrem.
recruiting@hotmail.co.uk Telephone: 01600 711455
For information about The Royal Monmouthshire
Royal Engineers museum visit the website www.
monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk

40

There is plenty to learn

on a visit to the Royal
Monmouthshire Royal
Engineers museum in
Monmouth

USK VALLEY
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Disappointment
41

Sponsored feature

Art set to take over

town for festival
T

and perhaps even take home a unique piece

of original art. A total of 28 homes, studios,
workshops, beautiful exhibition spaces and
galleries representing well over 200 artists
will once again extend a warm welcome to
visitors over the three days of the event.
Open Studio co-ordinator, Suzette Pratten
said: As an initiative of CRiC, the Oriel
CRiC Gallery is at the heart of the weekends
activity and will be showcasing the selected
work of artists who have entered the
second Crickhowell Open Art
Competition. The competition
is being funded by the EUs
Interreg IVB NWE program
together with the Welsh
Governments Targeted Match
Funding programme, as well
as generous donations of prize
money by the Brecknock Art
Trust and private donors.
Our volunteers will also be
on hand to direct visitors to
what else they can enjoy while
following the trail of artists in
Crickhowell and further afield.
The weekend aims not only to
support artists by highlighting
Penny Hallas was awarded the first prize of 500 by the judges in the the quality of art produced in
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2014 Open Art Competition

he Spring Bank Holiday weekend (May

23 to 25) has become synonymous
with art and creativity in Crickhowell
and the surrounding area.
About ten days before the weekend, art
starts appearing in shop windows, giving a
taster of what will be on offer.
The towns businesses show great support
for the weekend which brings with it an air of
festivity for the many visitors who come to
enjoy the day out, meet artists, be inspired

42

Artist interrupted by Glenn Ibbitson captured the imagination of

visitors during the weekend and was awarded the Visitors Choice
Prize

our visitors have a memorable experience.

Free guides with further details are available from the
Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre and other
tourism outlets.

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Show your support

for our museums
MCL and our sister title The Free
Press is supporting a drive to
boost the number of supporters
at Monmouthshire museums in the
next year.
It is backing a drive by museum
bosses to protect the countys
leading museums in Chepstow,
Monmouth and Abergavenny along
with a collection at Caldicot Castle
to get 500 people to sign up as
supporters.
Your help by signing up to the
service would enable education
work to be extended across the
county, to conserve collections
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are kept, boost them with new
developments and projects and to
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Monmouthshire museums
fundraising officer Joanne Terry
said: We are hoping the benefits
will appeal to anyone who wants
to get more involved with local
history, their community group
and exclusive news.
Museums are expensive places
to maintain. A two-hour learning
visit run by Monmouthshire

museums staff costs more than

100 to run.
While opening just one of the
buildings for a day costs 400 and
each of the collections cost 1,000
a week to care for.
Individuals can pledge 15 or
a couple who live together can
pledge 25. Corporate supporters
are also encouraged.
More information can be found
on the schemes Facebook page
and on its Twitter page,
@SupportMuseums.

Wychwood is one of the UKs

best loved family festivals set in
the beautiful surroundings of the
Gloucestershire countryside and this
year its being staged from May 29
to 31.
Across the weekend the
festival will showcase artists
including UB40 and The
Proclaimers, festival
favourites Craig
Charles and Andy
Kershaw, plus the
best in up-andcoming music
curated by London
promoters, Smashing
Blouse.
On top of the music
there is an innovative and
packed programme of activities and
events for all the family including
yoga, crafts, comedy, childrens
workshops, craft beer festival and
Wychwoods famous headphone
disco for late night revelers.
This year Wychwoods very own
Childrens Literature Festival returns
in association with Waterston and
will be headed by comedy duo

Dick and Dom. Wychwood offers

a diverse programme of music and
entertainment for all the family, a
brilliant variety of food stalls and is a
festival not to be missed this summer.
Wychwood Festival takes place at
Cheltenham Racecourse on May 29
to 31, 2015.
MCL has team up with
the festival to give one
lucky reader the
chance to be there.
To be in with a
chance of winning
two adults tickets
and two childrens
tickets just write
in and tell use which
comedy dup will be
heading up the Childrens
Literature Festival.
Send your answer, along with
your name, address, phone number
and date of birth to Wychwood/
MCL competition, Monmouthshire
County Life, Cardiff Road, Maesglas,
Newport NP20 3QN.
Closing date for entries is May 15,
2012. Usual Newsquest rules apply
and the winner will be notified.

The Monmouth Branch

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to be held in the Orangery
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12.30 for 1pm
when luncheon will be served
The Show will commence at 2.30
a raffle, suprises and a bar
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Tickets 38 - to include Pimms
on arrival and delicious lunch
To apply for tickets please contact
Clare Tuggey on 01600 740647
email:
claretuggey@uptodatematters.co.uk

43

Time for beauty

Brush with Beauty UK was set up by

owner Amy Westlake in 2004 and over
the years she has built a reputation as
a specialist in luxury bridal make-up and hair
artistry, available at homes and venues across
the UK.
Amy said: Along the journey I have
added other elements to grow ABWBUK
steadily. I only ever provide treatments that
I have experienced myself and that I know
work well. These services include therapies
such as Japanese Natural Lift Facials and Skin
Retreat Facials; also a select range of aesthetic
treatments inc. Semi Permanent Make-up and
Inch-Loss Strawberry Laser Lipo. I also provide
a seven-step bespoke Brow Treatment and
SmartPolish 14-day Gel Polish.
Amy lives in a rural setting just outside Magor
with her husband, son and two dogs.
She said: When I first saw the house with
its beautiful garden room I knew it was the
perfect setting for a tranquil @Home Spa.
Im really excited to be opening this month
and I just know Monmouthshire ladies are
going to love coming here for their pampering
treatments.
ABWBUK is truly a home-grown beauty
company which has grown steadily for more
than 10 years and only ever provides quality,
proven-to-work treatments.
Were always looking at gaps in the beauty
market so were able to recognise innovative
ways of doing things differently, said Amy.
Her mantra for her bridal work has always

been: Look and feel your most beautiful self.

She said: Its something I have always
believed in and my clients always say how
wonderful they feel after a make-up or spa
treatment with me.
Clients often praise me for having a serene
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a busy wedding morning, or indeed a new client
who may be a bit nervous.
Amy has been working on a franchise model
designed to help beauty professionals and
makeup/hair artists into business, by providing
a ready-made Business in a Box. It is ideal for
start-ups and are priced to be achievable.
She said: We have four franchise
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We have also launched our UK beauty
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We launched these two exciting initiatives
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We have made a great start and currently
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Before

County biking
Top: Shirt sponsors for the Tour de Gwent model the race shirts
Below: Riders set off in the rain

Tour de Gwent
cycle challenge is
a huge success

our de Gwent cyclists overcame

heavy blustery rain and swirling
winds during the inaugural
staging of the charity bicycle ride.
Some 500 Cyclists battled the
conditions to complete the 74, 36 or
24-mile course meandering through
Monmouthshire and south east Gwent
in the event organised and in aid of St
Davids Hospice Care.
The event is expected to rise in the
region of 20,000 for the Newportbased charity.
The challenging event saw riders
start from Rougemont School in
Newport and cover a route which
took in places such as Usk, Tintern,
Monmouth and Chepstow before
returning to Newport.
Keen cyclist Rhys Morton, of

lead sponsors Whitehead Building

Services, who took part in the event,
said: It was a hugely enjoyable event
through some of the most wonderful
countryside in Wales which, in spite
of the adverse conditions, everyone
appears to have enjoyed immensely
with many saying they are signing up
already for next year.
Wales rugby greats Rhys Williams
and Alix Popham were among those
who took part in the ride on Sunday.
Organiser Franca Nigro, of St
Davids Hospice Care, said: Were
thrilled with the enthusiasm and
sheer determination shown by all the
riders on the day in what were testing
conditions.
Were now putting plans in place
for next years Tour de Gwent.

This year is the 50th staging of the Monmouth Raft Race by the Rotary Club
of Monmouth in aid of St Davids Hospice Care and local charities. The race
will be held on Sunday, September 6. For details on how to enter and other
information visit www.monmouthraftrace.com

You know how it goes. The sun finally appears, it gets a little warmer
and the days are longer. Its time to get the motorbike out.
Which in turn makes you have a look for the bike in the shed and,
in my case, discover that the battery is flat.
Then before you know it youve bought two pots of paint and
have transformed the bikes wooden home into a gleaming example
of garden shed excellence and youre contemplating doing the same
to the garden fence.
The inside of the shed, to be honest, remains a chaos of clutter
which over the winter months has somehow managed to congregate
all around and on top of the bike.
However, the current bike battery pronounced dead and a new
one acquired and fitted now Monmouthshires roads and lanes
beckoned.
Before you get the wrong impression, let me say that Im more of
a born to be mild than wild kind of motorcyclist. However, I do enjoy
the twists, turns, the odd unexpected hair pin, dips and summits
which characterise our rural roads but at less hair-raising swiftness
than some of my fellow two-wheel road users.
Monmouthshire, it must be said, is a powerful magnet for
motorcyclists with the Easter weekend, especially if its sunny as was
most recently the case, regarded as the start of the season.
There is quite a considerable number of the more hardy, what
may be termed, dedicated, all-weather motorcyclists, who enjoy the
roads throughout the year putting their gleaming machines though
their paces irrespective of the prevailing conditions but an appreciable
amount save their machines for Monmouthshire in the sun.
I dont pretend to be numbered among the hardy band of
365-day-a-year bikers but I do venture forth outside the summer
months.
Which is why my motorbike gear consists of the counteract-allweathers type of clothing - great in the cold, wind and rain but not so
good in our occasional heat waves.
And so it was dressed as what must surely have resembled an
errant extra from the re-make of Mad Max that I ventured down
Monmouths high street recently in search of aforementioned shed
paint.
Laden with two pots of the willow coloured shade and a large
brush from the Aladdins DIY cave that is Handyman House,
Monnow Street, it was back home to transform the outside of
the bikes winter lodgings and plan sunshine motor biking jaunts
throughout the county over coming months - and who knows
perhaps venturing even further afield.
BIF

After

45

EAT

MONM OUT HSHIRE

William and Judith Brown

Acclaimed
village restaurant
has new owners
The Raglan Arms in Llandenny
near Usk is under new ownership
after a 400,000 investment
supported by Barclays business.
The village pub which has bought
by husband and wife Judith and
William Brown brings good food,
well presented to this beautiful
village and retains a valuable asset
to the local community.
Judith Brown said We have
been in the hospitality industry
for some time and have run
businesses all over the world
including Vanuatu in the Pacific
Islands and have been operating
a village inn with restaurant and
rooms on the Isle of Skye for the
last 13 years.
My father who is 93 lives in
Raglan so we wanted to move
closer to him for his final years
and have always had an eye on
the Raglan Arms every time we
came to visit.
We have brought in a new
chef who has a lot of experience
of working in Michelin star
restaurants and his last job was
travelling the world as executive
head chef for the Force India
Formula One racing team.
William said: We have
created a new restaurant and bar,
offering a fine dining experience
within a relaxed and friendly
atmosphere.
We try to run the business
as one big family with a huge
emphasis on quality of both the
service and the locally-sourced

46

produce.
Running a business is tough
with no rest bite and being tied
to the business 24-hours a day
but the rewards far outweigh the
downsides even after working
16 hour days. The gratitude that
customers enjoy their lunch or
dinner, or customers returning
week after week makes it all
worthwhile. We have only been
open a month but early signs
are good as we are already fully
booked at weekends and for
Sunday lunches.
Steve Massey, Barclays
Business senior banking manager,
said: As champions of local
business, it is essential that we
support new business ventures
such as the Raglan Arms. The
plan is to create a destination pub
with customers coming from
everywhere and anywhere to
enjoy the service and good quality
produce. Starting a new business
venture in their retirement years
would sound crazy to some
but William and Judith clearly
have the appetite, energy and
experience to give this venture
every chance of success.
Judith said: We are very
optimistic about the future and
we want to engage and become
an asset to the local community.
We are very much aware of the
challenges within the industry, but
believe if you have the right staff
and the right product you have a
good chance of success.

7 pages of recipes
and news from
around the county

Fancy a cider?
When most of us think about cider our
mind takes us back to summer evenings
sipping a cool, golden, bubbly drink.
The mainstream ciders and perries
which are commercially available today
owe their popularity to the traditional
methods of producing the drink.
Craft Welsh perry and cider is made
naturally by artisan producers who
use a variety of cider apples and perry
pears. The producers vary in size from
those making a few gallons, to some
who produce several thousand with
one thing in common, the method
of making the perry and cider the
traditional way, using only apples or
pears, pressure, time, passion and skill.
And in May you can sample some
fantastic Welsh perry and cider at the
the Welsh Perry and Cider Societys
annual festival, which is being held from
May 22 to 25 at Caldicot Castle.
The festival attracts more than 2,500
visitors, from the cider aficionados
to those who are trying craft perry
and cider for the first time. For the
producers the weekend is a culmination
of the previous years hard work, with
the judging of the annual championships

taking
place on the Saturday morning,
veritable judged by peers in a variety of
classifications.
The festival has been running for 14
years and moved to Caldicot two years
ago to reflect the popularity of the
event and ultimately the craft perrys
and ciders.
For more information visit
welshciderfestival.wordpress.
com, www.facebook.com/
WelshPerryAndCider.

Festival all set for

return to castle
The Monmouthshire Food Festival
is back at Caldicot Caslte at the end
of May with a full programme of
demonstrations, talks, tastings and lots
of food and drink to try.
The Cookery Demonstration
Theatre features some of the finest
chefs which Monmouthshire has to
offer. They have a host of awards
between them including a Michelin
star, AA rosettes and Brains Chef
of the Year. They will be using fresh
local produce in their dishes wherever
possible. Strawberries will feature in
many of the dishes.
Kyle Wilson, head chef at Sawyers
Bar and Grill (pictured), will be
demonstrating a mouth watering
dessert of buttermilk pannacotta and
strawberries macerated in honey with
handmade honeycomb and minted
gel. Colin Carter, head chef of the
Piercefield, St Arvans plans a Filet
Mignon with balsamic strawberries.
The Look and Learn theatre
features Talk and Taste. Buster
Grant, from Brecon Brewing, will take

you on a tour around Wales by tasting

lots of different beers. A must for all
chocoholics, Jules James, from Black
Mountain Gold, will give a tutored
tasting to help you find your favourite
chocolate.
The chefs from the St Pierre
Marriot Golf and Country Club will be
hosting a BBQ Corner.
The Childrens Quarter has a
programme of hands on workshops
to engage, entertain and educate our
younger visitors.

The festival is being staged on May 30

and 31. 2015.

EAT

MONM OUT HSHIRE

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Andrew Canning
The Clytha Arms, near Raglan
How long have you been
a chef and where did you
train?
I have cooked, it seems
forever. My mother is
a chef and I trained and
worked with her at Gibsons
restaurant in Cardiff from
the age of 16. Then on
to Ludlows restaurant in
Penarth and finally back
to Gibsons before moving
with my own family to
Monmouthshire in1988.
We took on a very quiet
pub called The Beaufort
Arms in Monkswood for
three years and then 23
years ago moved to the
Clytha Arms. This is the
one which has been our
success story as we have
made it our home as well a
traditional country inn.
What makes your
restaurant different from
others in the area?
We have had many

accolades over the years for

food as well as good beers.
Who is your foodie hero
and why?
We have much to thank
Franco Taruschio, ex of
The Walnut Tree, for his
great work with the food
culture of this country. It is
getting stronger all the time.
I am still keen to provide
good food and beer for our
customers and continue
cooking with my family for a
long time yet.
Why is Monmouthshire
such a great place for
food?
Monmouthshire is a great
place to live and work with
great local produce available
and good for foraging.
Hence the quantity of great
eating places across the
county!

47

WELSH PERRY AND

CIDER FESTIVAL
MAY BANK HOLIDAY
Award winning pub & restaurant, just outside of Abergavenny.
Set in its own large grounds, The Clytha Arms is family run, warm & welcoming.
Theres also lots of local walks, cycling & shing.
Opening Hours

Food Service

Monday: 6pm to 12am

Tuesday: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 12am
Wednesday: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 12am
Thursday: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 12am
Friday: 12pm to 12am
Saturday: 12pm to 12am
Sunday: 12pm to 12am

Monday: 7pm to 9 pm
Tuesday: 12.30pm to 2.15pm; 7pm to 9.30pm
Wednesday: 12.30pm to 2.15pm; 7pm to 9.30pm
Thursday: 12.30pm to 2.15pm; 7pm to 9.30pm
Friday: 12.30pm to 2.15pm; 7pm to 9.30pm
Saturday: 12.30pm to 2.15pm; 7pm to 9.30pm
Sunday: 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Telephone: +44 (0)1873 840206

Email: contact@clytha-arms.com

The Clytha Arms, Clytha,

Near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
South Wales, United Kingdom, NP7 9BW

SUNDAY:

The Raglan Arms,

Llandenny
I

t was a lovely sunny spring

afternoon when I pootled through
the country lanes from Usk to
Llandenny, on the back road
towards Raglan.
Nestled in the midst of this
village, which feels like time has
sped by leaving it standing in
splendid isolation, is the Raglan
Arms, a restaurant recently taken
over by a couple previously based
on the Isle of Skye.
Over the years the Raglan Arms
has had a tremendous reputation in
the foodie circles around the area.
Recently though, that reputation
has seen a bit of a slide but due to
the hard work of William and Judith
Brown, I think the Raglan Arms
could soon be back on top
very soon.
Only a month
after refurbishing
and re-opening
the restaurant,
I was treated
to a delicious
lunch by a
colleague.
There were
two menus to
choose from
one a set menu
which changes from
week to week and the
other the standard lunch menu.
The set menu, which has choices
of two starters, two mains and
two desserts, is priced at 14 for
two courses and 18 for three.
The standard menu, which includes
grilled sandwiches from 7 to rump
steak at 15 is priced individually.
We decided to mix and match
choosing two courses from the
set menu and a main from the
standard.
A quick look shows that one of
the specialities of the Raglan Arms
is seafood.
So, it wouldve been rude not
to start with the delicious Trio of

Seafood from the set menu. This

beautifully presented dish came
with potted crab in a mini Kilner jar,
tempura squid on a clam shell and
mussels with lemon caviar dressing.
To be perfectly honest, this is
my idea of a perfect dish one I
couldve happily eaten all day long.
Next up, I chose the Douglas
Willis Cefnmawr rump steak with
skinny fries (15) a melt-in-themouth delight. My lunch partner
kept up the seafood theme with a
yummy looking plate of moule and
frites from the set menu.
Dessert both came from the set
menu. I went for the selection of ice
creams and left it up to the chef
to decide which three
I would be trying.
The cream cheese
ice cream was a
revelation and
was teamed
perfectly with
the vanilla and
raspberry. Just
right to round
off this delicious
lunch.
The carrot and
wildflower honey cake,
walnuts and cream cheese ice cream
my lunch partner chose was given
an equally big thumbs up.
So, how to sum up The Raglan
Arms?
Well, youll just have to pop
along to find out for yourselves. I
certainly enjoyed lunch there and
will try to get back from an evening
treat.
And we wish William, Judith and
their team all the best they will be
winning those accolades again soon
I would think.
JB

On the outskirts of
the Brecon Beacons, a
beautiful dining pub
with 10 boutique
style bedrooms.
With a warm welcome,
The Plas Derwen is all it
promises and more.

Plas Derwen, Monmouth Road,

Abergavenny, NP7 9SP
Tel - 01873 853144
www.plasderwenhotel.com

Facebook us at Plas Derwen

Tweet us at Plas Derwen
49

EAT

MONM OUT HSHIRE

Time to try some
summer delights

Lets eat
haun Hill is the man behind the Michelin-starred
SAbergavenny.
Walnut Tree restuarant, at Llanddewi Skirrid, near

Here MCL brings you three of his summery recipes

courtesy of Great British Chefs.
For more info on Great British Chefs visit
www.greatbritishchefs.com

By Hannah Freeman

onmouthshire is at its best in May

and June, the beginning of warm
summer weather, the early summer fruits
and vegetables, the days getting lighter and
lighter until the solstice finally recalls the
sun towards autumn.
In the greenhouse we enjoy the first
tomatoes, crisp and peppery radishes and
the ever-productive crop of lettuces and
other leaves which, thrown into a bowl
with a good mustard and olive oil dressing,
form the basis of many a summer lunch.
Gooseberries are a favourite in our
household. A most versatile fruit, scented
with a little elderflower (search about the
riverbanks and forage) they make the
most delicious crumble or even a light
preserve which will keep well into the
winter months.
Elderflower also makes a splendid
cordial. Boiled with sugar and water until a
thick syrup forms, this can be bottled and
stored or served with a dash of gin and
tonic to make an elegant summer aperitif.
At home the barbecue makes its first
appearance, loaded with local lamb,
cubed and pushed onto woody, pungent,
rosemary skewers then marinated in fresh
garden mint, Tintern mead and a little
Monmouthshire honey. Grilled over the
hot coals until pink and juicy they are quite
sublime followed by a bowl of early
summer strawberries and a glass or two
of local wine, a summer evening cannot be
better spent.
This is also the time to seek out local
fetes and festivals, try the homemade
produce and most importantly, buy local.
In season: Jersey Royal potatoes,
watercress, samphire, lamb, asparagus,
salmon, haddock, crab and wood pigeon.
Why not dine: The Misbah, Monmouth.
Offering authentic Bangladeshi cuisine,
this has been a weekend stalwart for
many during its 25-year history and has
recently been named The Curry Clubs
best restaurant in South Wales 2013/14.
Consistently producing excellent food with
flawless service, The Misbah is well worth
a visit. Tel. 01600 714940
Why not try: The Preservation Society,
Chepstow makers of excellent jams,
pickles, preserves and chutney. This
cottage industry uses produce mainly
sourced within a 10-mile radius. Its
apricot jam flavoured with amaretto
and enhanced with slivers of almond is
especially delicious. Tel: 01291 626516
Why not visit: Parva Farm Vineyard,
Tintern. Overlooking some of Britains
most celebrated countryside, Parva
Vinyard produces a good variety of wines,
meads and wine-barrel fermented cider.
Theres something for everyone and a
small farm shop packed with local goodies.
Guided tours are available from May to
September and include the ever important
tutored wine tasting. Tel. 01291 689636.

50

GRILLED SARDINES
WITH GARLIC ROASTED
JERSEY ROYALS AND
SALSA VERDE

COOKING TIME: 1 HOUR

SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS:
GRILLED SARDINES
8 whole sardines, butterflied
1 lemon, juice only
Vegetable oil
SALSA VERDE
1/2 bunch of flat-leaf parsley
3 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves only
1 shallot, finely diced
40ml of sherry vinegar
2 tbsp of capers, in brine
3 tinned anchovy fillets
1 tsp of Maille Dijon Mustard
1 lemon, juice only
120ml of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 garlic clove, minced
GARLIC ROASTED JERSEY ROYALS
500g of Jersey Royal potatoes, washed
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp of lemon thyme, finely chopped
1 tsp of rosemary, finely chopped
80ml of olive oil

METHOD:
Start by making the salsa verde because
its flavour will intensify while you make
the remainder of the dish. Mix the diced
shallot with 30ml of sherry vinegar and
a pinch of salt. Put to one side for ten
minutes.
Drain and finely chop the capers. Chop
the anchovies, parsley and mint and add
them to the shallots. Mix thoroughly
and season with pepper. Leave in the
fridge until needed.
Put the potatoes in a pot and cover
them with cold water. Add a bit of
salt, bring to the boil, and reduce to a
simmer for approximately 7-10 minutes
(or until the potatoes are just cooked).
Strain the potatoes and leave them to
steam until cool.
Set the oven to 180C/gas mark 4
When the potatoes have cooled down,
slice them in half on the diagonal and
put them in a large bowl. Add the olive
oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic and
lemon thyme. Toss them until they are
evenly coated.

Roast the potatoes in the oven for

approximately 20-25 minutes (or until
hot and crispy).
In the meantime, heat the griddle pan
or barbecue until very hot. Season the
sardines with some lemon juice, pepper
and salt and leave for 5 minutes.
Baste the sardines with some vegetable
oil and place onto the hot grill or
barbecue. Cook them on each side for
two minutes, until just cooked through.
Take them off the heat and leave them
to rest for two minutes.
Take the potatoes out of the oven and
plate them. Top the sardines with salsa
verde and serve straight away.

verr
o
t
s
Ju borde
the

BURRATA WITH
SUMMER SALAD
AND CHICKPEA
FRITTERS

Parc Pantry
By Naomi Wilson
COOKING TIME: 1 HOUR
SERVES: 4
SUMMER SALAD
100g of fresh peas
2 artichoke hearts, pre-cooked - thinly
sliced
100g of broad beans, peeled
6 basil leaves, roughly torn
1/4 preserved lemon, thinly sliced
1 handful of watercress
4 radishes, thinly sliced
CHICKPEA FRITTERS
250g of chickpea flour
375ml of ice cold water
1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, roughly
chopped
1 dash of lemon juice

DRESSING
30ml of white wine vinegar
60ml of extra virgin olive oil, plus extra
for serving
TO PLACE
300g of burrata, drained
METHOD
Begin by making fritters. Whisk salt,
pepper, chickpea flour and water
together. Heat it in medium-size
saucepan on medium temperature and
whisk until it thickens. Cook for further
five minutes.
Stir in chopped parsley and transfer
mixture into lined baking tray, making
sure to spread it to a thickness of
0.5cm. Leave in fridge to set.
Once set, cut into bite-sized shapes and

put to one side until needed.

To prepare the salad, bring large
saucepan of lightly-salted water to the
boil. Add broad beans, cook for one
minute and then add peas and cook for
a further minute. Strain and refresh in
ice water. Whisk olive oil, white wine
vinegar, and salt together to make
dressing and then add torn basil.
Put the artichoke, watercress, radish,
peas, broad beans and preserved lemon
in a bowl and season to taste with
pepper and salt. Mix well.
Set deep fat fryer to 180C and cook
fritters until golden. When ready, take
them out and drain on kitchen towel.
Season with lemon juice and salt.
Serve half the burrata, some of the
fritters and dressed vegetables to each
person.

ORANGE AND
ALMOND CAKE

TIME: 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES

SERVES: 8
INGREDIENTS
Orange and almond cake
2 large oranges
250g of caster sugar
6 eggs
250g of ground almonds
1 tsp of baking powder
Icing sugar for dusting
Orange syrup
50g of granulated sugar
50ml of water
2 tbsp of Grand Marnier

METHOD
Preheat the oven to 150C/gas mark 2
Boil the oranges in a pot with of water
until they turn soft. This normally takes
around 3 hours. Make sure the oranges
are completely submerged in the water
the whole time. Add more water
throughout the boiling process if needed
Take the oranges out of the water and
leave to cool.
Halve, de-seed them before blending in
a processer. Strain off as much liquid as
you can with a fine strainer. Retain 300g
of the pulp and throw away the rest
Whisk the eggs, baking powder, sugar
and ground almonds together in a large
bowl for around 2 minutes. Whisk the

resulting mixture together with the

orange pulp for a further minute
Line a 22cm circular cake tin with baking
paper before pouring in the cake mix.
Place on the middle shelf of the oven
and bake for an hour. Take the cake out
of the oven and leave to cool. Once cool
use a skewer to pierce the top surface
of the cake all over
Leave the cake to cool and start making
the syrup by mixing the sugar and water
together in a small pan. Bring the liquid
to the boil then take the pan off the heat
before adding the Grand Marnier. Soak
the cake in the syrup
Dust the surface of the cake with icing
sugar and serve

ord of mouth prompted me to

visit Parc Pantry, just over the
border in Malpas, Newport.
A friend from work had raved about
the place, and my mum had been there
on her lunch break a couple of times,
too.
I liked the sound of pancakes, big
sandwiches and pies in boxes, plus
the gift shop aspect of the dining
experience once youve finished
eating (or before you start) there is an
area of the cafe that sells all sorts of
quirky gifts, for a friend or yourself.
So, one Saturday, when I happened
to be in the Malpas area, I took a friend
to Parc Pantry for lunch. We parked for
free in the car park opposite, and found
ourselves a table inside.
Although the menus were laid out in
front of us, we soon figured out we had
to order at the till.
We chose two of the baguettes
the tuna topper for my friend and the
brie and cranberry with bacon for me,
both toasted. We had orange juice and
coffee to drink, and what arrived, for
less than 10, was generous, to say the
least.
Next to our toasted baguettes were
mounds of crisps and salad. We dug in.
First bites are like first impressions.
If its a good one, its probably going to
be a lasting one, too. We devoured our
generously packed sandwiches, and left
with very happy tums.
Since my visit, I have taken advantage
of Parc Pantrys office delivery for
midweek lunchtime treats. They offer
an express menu on their website,
and with a minimum spend of 10 for
deliveries, it only takes you and a friend
to have a freshly-made lunch delivered
to your desk.

51

The Greyhound Inn & Hotel

Llantrissent, Usk NP15 1LE
01291 672505/673447
www.greyhound-inn.com

Inn with traditional pub atmosphere

Friendly service Delicious, home-cooked food
Open for drinks, meals and snacks,
lunchtimes and evenings,
Monday - Saturday & Sunday lunchtime

Toy Fayre

Monday 4th May

Craft Fair

Saturday 9th May & 13th May

Arts & Craft

Thursday 14th May & 11th June

Gift Fair

24th & 25th May

Antique Fair

17th May & 21st June

52

Morning Coffee | Light Bites

Set Menu | Sunday Lunch

The Boat Inn,

The Back, Chepstow

01291 628192

Going home
to The Wirral
Top: Birkenhead Park
Above: One of the great restaurants you can nd on The Wirral

WAS born in Liverpool and as a kid we often

went over the water to the Wirral for day
trips using the Mersey ferry so we could visit
New Brighton because there was a funfair and
a beach.
When I was a teenager my family moved
to the Wirral but I continued to go to school
in Liverpool and later to work in the city, so I
never really explored this beautiful peninsula on
my doorstep - until recently.
Now living in Wales I go back to Liverpool
and the Wirral whenever I can to visit family
and friends, so when we got an invitation to
stay there for a weekend, me and my partner
Alberto jumped at the chance.
Golf fans will already be familiar with Hoylake
on the coast, home to the Royal Liverpool Golf
Club which hosted the Open Championship in
July 2014 attracting more than 203,000 golf
enthusiasts.
But this attraction is just one of many in a
huge area which offers visitors a host of activities
including walking, cycling, eating out, great pubs
and places to shop till you drop.
The coastline offers fabulous views across the

Gina Robertson travels back to her

teenage home for a bit of nostalgia...

Mersey with my most favourite in the whole

world - yes I am biased - the fabulous Liverpool
skyline with its distinctive Liver Birds and two
cathedrals. Or you can admire the hills of
North Wales, viewed from the Wirral Way at
Thurstaston.
However, the part of the Wirral we were
staying in was a place I knew nothing about.
We were lucky enough to spend the weekend
at the Mere Brook House in Thornton Hough,
the only five-star gold award guest house in
Merseyside.
And it richly deserves this award as it
was highlighted in the Michelin Guide and
named Accommodation of the Year in the
Wirral Tourism Awards 2014 and Guest
Accommodation of the Year in the LCR Tourism
Awards 2014.
It has also been named Independent
Hospitality Business of the Year in the
Merseyside in Business Awards 2014.
The house is set off a country lane in its
own grounds and adjoining the owners own
farmhouse (www.merebrookhouse.co.uk).
The huge rooms are luxuriously decorated

in warm colours, our room had a huge

comfortable bed and deep red brocade curtains
framing a large bay window with views over the
countryside.
The house has a welcoming and homely farm
kitchen stocked with homemade cakes and
biscuits, bottles of wine, local cheeses and fresh
fruit juices which guests are welcome to sample
any time.
The conservatory style dining room is where
we enjoyed huge English breakfasts, fortified
with tea and coffee, before being taken on a
whirlwind tour of some of the Wirrals hidden
gems.
On arriving on Friday night we were whisked
away to enjoy dinner at The Lawns restaurant
attached to,Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, which
has a luxurious and welcoming dining room in a
great location with fabulous grounds, favoured
by many couples who choose the popular
venue for their wedding celebrations. (www.
lawnsrestaurant.co.uk)
We were treated to a three course meal
with melt in the mouth ingredients. I enjoyed a
starter of sliced wood pigeon in a delicious sauce

53

with a main of veal and seasonal vegetables and

chocolate heaven sweet to finish.
Highly recommended!
The next day on our tour of Wirral our first
stop was to Claremont Farm, a short ride from
Mere Brook House, which is run by Andrew
Pimbley and his brother Guy, the third generation
to run the business.
Claremont is proud of developing a wide range
of vegetables with its most in demand being
asparagus, first grown in 1994 and in season on
the menu of many local restaurants and hotels.
The farm shop, which has been expanded
recently to include a cafe/restaurant selling a
range of mouth watering dishes included prawns

fished that morning from Hoylake, just a couple

of miles up the road, as well as a butchers,
homemade bread and a range of fruit and
vegetables plus a great range of biscuits.
We were treated to a fabulous spread of local
fish, meat, pasta and huge salads plus homemade
pies which melted in the mouth. It is a shame we
had had breakfast less than an hour before but we
still managed to have a bite of every dish on offer.
Claremont Farm is now regarded as the good
food hub of the Wirral and this year, 2015,
sees the huge space above the farm shop being
upgraded so it can play host to conferences and
wedding receptions with fabulous views from
huge picture windows over the countryside.

(www.claremontfarm.co.uk)
Our next stop was Birkenhead Park
which I used to pass daily on my way
home from work but never appreciated
that on our doorstep is a true treasure
which has been there since 1847.
It was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton
as a park for the people and it is widely
accepted that, after visiting Birkenhead
Park in 1850, American architect
Frederick Law Olmsted incorporated
many of the features in his design for New
Yorks Central Park.
It is a great place for families to explore
with their children, to enjoy a stroll,
admire the many floral displays and have
a chat with a park ranger who will gladly
give you the history of this beautiful place.
Or you can admire a bowls game, enjoy
a drink at the visitor centre or just sit in
the sun and relax.
The rangers are also involved in a
scheme which takes on youngsters who
the system may have given up on. These
kids are given the chance to work on
projects in the park where they learn
a sense of pride and belonging and in
many cases go on to expand on their
experience and learn that there is more
to life than skipping an education.
After our park tour we were treated to
lunch at an unusual venue known as Four
Seven. Four Eight in the historic Hamilton
Square in Birkenhead.
This beautiful location is home to many
law firms whose staff can take a lunch
break sitting in the small park in the
middle of the square. From the outside
you would be forgiven for thinking 47.48
was a law firm with its impressive wooden
door and iron railing frontage.
But step inside and you are entering a
beautifully restored building which houses
both conference facilities on one side of
the building and bars and restaurants,
including a courtyard area with a nearby
bar which would make an ideal wedding
venue, on the other.
At the top of this beautiful building
is a self contained flat which boasts a
huge bathroom with a clawfoot bath and
black and white colour scheme with a
luxury kitchen, living room and ensuite
bathroom which is hired out for mini
breaks or longer if you desire. This is why
47.48 is known as a venue for celebration,
working, eating, sleeping and playing!
(www.4738.co.uk).
Another fabulous hidden treasure,
which I never knew existed, is the Wirral
Tramway and Transport Museum, hidden
away in Taylor Street in Birkenhead, with
a tram line running from Woodside Ferry
to the museum.
And if you time it right you can take
a trip on a tram after exploring the
museum which has trams dating back to
the 1900s. The fleet includes tram cars
from Birkenhead, Liverpool, Wallasey
and a recently restored car from Lisbon,
Portugal. The Museum is proud winner of
the Wirral Unsung Hero of The

Top: A spot of luxury

on The Wirral
Bottom: Claremont
Farm

54

Automatic Gates
Beautiful handmade metal & wooden automatic gates.
Control access, keep pets or livestock in,
and heighten security. The perfect finishing
touch to your entrance.

contact us for a free automated system system survey.

Above: Great food at 4748

Year 2012 along with their

volunteers.
The transport collection
was created as a celebration
of Birkenheads place in the
history of public transport, and
set up in collaboration with the
volunteers of the Merseyside
Tramway Preservation Society.
In addition to trams, the
museum houses a collection of
local buses in running order and
a group of cars and motorbikes
on load from the Baxter
Collection. There is also a
model railway layout and World
of Motion, a real transport
enthusiasts model shop. (For
details of opening times call
0151 647 2128).
Our tram trip ended at
Woodside Ferry, with the
great view over to Liverpool
waterfront and just yards from
Gallaghers Pub and Barbers.
Yes barbers! This is where you
can have a pint and a hot towel
close shave at the same time!
Frank Gallagher was formerly
in the Irish Guards and had run
two barbers shops in the area.
He and his wife Sue wanted
to run a pub so they decided
to juxtaposition a pub and
traditional barbers shop on the
same premises.
The barbers section is just
beyond the beautifully restored
bar area and while unusual it
seems entirely normal to have a
chat with a customer who is also
having a close shave.
The historic venue also boasts
a beer garden and upstairs is a
venue for live music and comedy
shows which are growing
in popularity as they have a
mixture of well known names
alongside newcomers.
Frank and Sue are very
welcoming and happy to talk

about all the memorabilia

adorning the walls of their
quirky pub which they have
lovingly restored after taking on
the old building which had been
left to rot.
The unusual contributions are
not only from family and friends
but pub regulars and others
who have learned about Franks
connection with the military.
After sampling several real
ales and a platter of sandwiches
we headed back to Mere Brook
for a rest before enjoying a meal
out in nearby Heswall.
This lovely town centre has
a host of boutique types shops
and bars and our destination
was the popular Ego restauratn
which can be found in the
towns main street, Telegraph
Road (www.egorestaurants.
co.uk) offering a buzzy yet
relaxing place to eat out.
The menu boasts the best
of the varied flavours of the
Mediterranean; from Moroccan
Tajines to Greek Meze,
Neapolitan Pizzas to Spanish
Tapas, Steaks, Pasta, Risotto
and daily fresh fish specials.
We enjoyed a Moroccan beef
dish loaded with flavours and
served with vegetables and rice
and several glasses of wine.
It was a lovely end to a
whirlwind weekend, having
packed so much in to two days.
If you havent explored
the Wirral peninsula, you
are missing out on a great
experience and Ive only
touched on a few of the
delights.
Our stay was courtesy of
Wirral Borough Council. For
further information on Wirral
check www.visitwirral.com or

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55

Sweets and
treats in
medieval
Lausanne

Kath Skellon discovers there is much more to Swtizerland than

cuckoo clocks, skiing and chocolate when she took a trip to the
beautiful city of Lausanne...

HE Swiss city of Lausanne is one of the

few in the world to offer skiing in winter
and a cocktail under the shade of a palm
tree in the summer.
Spread out over a 500-metre height on the
shores of Lake Geneva, the Olympic capital is
an ideal destination for a city break. Flights to
Lausanne take less than two hours from Bristol
and 50 minutes by train from Geneva Airport.
The city, which dates back to the fourth
century AD, sits against the backdrop of the
Alps and at the foot of the largest lake in central
Europe.
Our base for three nights was the Hotel
Mirabeau - a Best Western Plus, which is a
400-metre walk from the train station and
15-minutes from the waters edge.
We were greeted by friendly staff and
enjoyed a comfortable and spacious suite with
panoramic views of the lake from the balcony.
Our room featured several added touches,
including a selection of Switzerlands famous
mini Toblerones.

56

Getting around couldnt be easier using a

travel ticket on the metro and trolleybus, with
a bus stop directly outside our hotel but its a
great city to explore on foot.
Our sightseeing took us along the paved
streets of the medieval city to the many iconic
buildings, art galleries, designer boutiques and
restaurants.
Perched high above the rooftops is the 13th
century Cathedral of Notre Dame which is
the largest and most beautiful gothic church in
Switzerland. Every night the cathedrals famous
night watchman calls out the hour, something he
has been doing since 1405.
It is home to a 105-panel rose window and
an impressive organ boasting 7,000 pipes.
Nearby we found the former Bishops Palace
which houses the Lausanne History Museum
and provides an insight into life in and around
the city.
Just in front of the cathedral we discovered
the picture-perfect steps of Escaliers du Marche
and the beautiful caf Barbare which served us

Above, top and bottom right: the

historic city of Lausanne
Middle right: Some of the delicious
chocolate on offer in the city

a heart-stopping hot chocolate.

One of the citys trendy restaurants The
Brasserie du Grand-Chene at the five star
Lausanne Palace and Spa is an ideal place to stop
for lunch in between shopping or sightseeing.
With its solid wood staircase and green
leather seats that have hosted stars such as
Monica Bellucci and The Rolling Stones, you will
find the charm of the Parisian brasseries of old.
Its popularity is a testament to the quality of
food and service.
During our three-night stay we chose to eat
at the fashionable Le Nomade in the trendy
district of The Flon where the cost of the
meal was above average but the presentation
was impressive. The Flon boasts avant-garde
architecture and is a hot spot for Swiss nightlife.
We also dined at the restaurant in our hotel,
which is praised by the locals, and sampled
exceptional Swiss and French fine dining in its
art-deco inspired restaurant.
On our last night we visited Caf du Grutli.
The rustic restaurant lies within one of the

oldest buildings in the city, dating to 1849.

Run by husband and wife, Heike and Willi
Prutsch who pride themselves on their warm
welcome and excellent service and didnt
disappoint.
We enjoyed the traditional dish papet
vaudois (leek vegetables with sausage)
but cheese lovers might want to order
its renowned fondue made with Swiss Le
Gruyere cheese.
If you are searching for a glass of the citys
regional wine and traditional Swiss dishes
then visit the oldest bistro in Lausanne Pinte
Besson on the Rue de lAle which dates
back to 1780.
Its impossible not to visit a chocolatier
while in a country famous for its chocolate.
Master chocolatier Dan Durig, of Durig
Chocolatier, gave us a masterclass in the
art of chocolate-making, which needs to be
booked in advance, during which we had a
go at making our own chocolate figurines.
Just a short walk towards the lake and
you will arrive at the impressive Olympic
Museum in the former fishing port of Ouchy.
The state-of the art museum is the only
one of its kind in the world, spans more than
2,200 years and contains 87,000 items.
Set over three floors visitors are can
explore huge audio-visual demonstrations of

iconic Olympic images and interactive exhibits

for both young and old and is truly inspiring.
Its current exhibition The Olympic Games:
Behind the Screen: an exploration of the
world of Olympic broadcasting runs at the
museum until January 26, 2016
Lausanne is also home to the Unesco world
heritage site- the Lavaux Vineyard which is
made up of 10,000 terraces. The Lavaux
Express (a Dotto road train) runs up past
the terraces of vines to give you breathtaking
views of the lake and mountains opposite.
Tours run during the high season.
If you are planning a trip to Lausannes
popular Christmas Market in December you
will be able experience the magical Festival
Lausanne Lumieres which brings the city to
light using light sculptures and projections
such as glowing public benches, clouds and
animals on walls and rooftops, alongside the
traditional Christmas decorations.
For more information visit www.lausannetourisme.ch

57

Countybusiness

Emma Jones, Claire

Gething, Judy Price

Its springtime
and the
weather is ne
By Elliott Buss, senior tax manager,
UHY Hacker Young

he weather has been fine of late

and with sunshine, as Mungo Jerry
attests, comes parties.
What better way for an employer
to thank their hard working staff with
a good old summer party full of warm
beer and undercooked food.
While the employees dance the
night away, the employer will have to
eventually consider the biggest non
party word of all - tax.
An employer may spend up to 150
per head (inclusive of VAT) per year, in
providing annual functions and events to
entertain its staff. This amount has been
around for some time, though that
discussion is for another day.
Provided the 150 limit is not
exceeded, there can be any number
of parties, for instance five parties at a
cost of 30 each at various times of
the year.
To calculate the cost of the
benefit simply add together the
cost of the party or function (room
hire, food, entertainment etc), the
costs of transporting staff and their
guests, together with the cost of
accommodation also provided.
The 150 is not an allowance and so
if the cost per head works out at 152,
then 152 is taxable as a benefit in kind
and goes on your employees P11d,
not 2
There are some conditions to satisfy:
1. The party has to be for all the staff,
or if you have divisions or sections you
may hold a party for that division or
section, separate from the other ones.
2.There is no tax relief if an event is
solely for directors and their families
(unless you are the owner-manager, or
a family company and you happen to be
the only employee(s)).
3. Other guests may be invited too, but
the primary purpose of the event must
be that of entertainment for all the staff.

58

Law rm shows its wild side

L

awyers at a South Wales firm

are seeing their fundraising
efforts making a difference after
scooping the top accolade in a
challenge set by Gwent Wildlife
Trust.
Gabb & Co, which has offices
in Abergavenny and Crickhowell,
took first place in the trusts latest
Corporate 50 Challenge.
Members of the firm organised
a range of events over 12 weeks to
raise money to fund Gwent Wildlife
Trusts nature reserves work.
Andew Nixon, Usk to Wye
living landscapes manager at
Gwent Wildlife Trust, said: The
Trust looks after 30 nature
reserves, from wetlands to
meadows to ancient woodlands,
across Gwent. These are areas
of incredible beauty, but we are
constantly having to protect and

preserve them. Our Corporate

50 Challenge saw seven local
businesses raise vital funds, of
which Gabb & Co contributed the
most. Thats why we have named
the firm the winner.
The fundraising at Gabb & Co
was co-ordinated by employment
law associate Emma Jones.
She said: As a firm, we do a
great deal of charity work and its
really important to us to support
organisations in our local area.
Thats why Gwent Wildlife Trusts
Corporate 50 Challenge caught
our eye, and were delighted that
the efforts of our staff are already
having a positive effect.
Gabb & Co, along with other
corporate participants, had free
rein to design a three-month
programme of fundraising.
Mrs Jones said: We wanted

to incorporate a good range of

events which would draw on
the talents of our lawyers and
support staff. From baking to art
to yoga, we managed to capture
the imagination of the Gabb & Co
workforce, and had a lot of fun in
the process.
The firm has plans for more
charity fundraising in 2015, with
the South Wales Three Peaks Trial
and Canalathon already set in the
diary.
We take our corporate social
responsibility very seriously and
were fortunate to have a team of
lawyers and support staff who are
enthusiastic fundraisers, said Mrs
Jones. It reflects our commitment
to the great charity work thats
being done in our area, and in
communities in which our clients
are based.

CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTOR DRIVING

FORWARD WITH NEW PARTNER
Caldicot-based MegaChem UK Ltd has teamed up with
Hicks Logistics Ltd as part of its ongoing policy to work
with local suppliers in an effort to support the local
economy.
This is the latest and biggest step in the companys
drive to source locally and sees Hicks Logistics supplying
both warehousing and transportation services across the
UK for this international chemical distribution business.
Other local sourcing initiatives include the use of
Caldicot based printers and stationary suppliers as well as
a graphic design studio in Caerphilly.
The move fits in with MegaChems plans to develop
its UK business further and offers greater control of
its growing logistics needs. The companys plans also
include further development of their business in mainland
Europe, a vision supported by the recent appointment of
a European sales manager based in Holland.
Gary Foster, managing director at MegaChem UK
Ltd, said: This is an exciting time in the companys
development and, while we have expectations to grow
across the UK and Europe, we believe that it is important
to support local businesses and the community wherever
possible.

MegaChem UK Ltd has teamed up with Hicks Logistics Ltd as

part of their ongoing policy to work with local suppliers

We are excited to see Hicks vehicles travelling up

and down the UKs motorways displaying the our logo
and we see this as the start of a long-term partnership,
he said.
Terry Hicks, managing director at Hicks Logistics, said:
We are delighted to have MegaChem as a customer.
It is very rewarding to see local business supporting
each other and we hope to provide an excellent level of
service in the partnership for many years to come.
MegaChem Ltd is a global chemical distributor and toll
manufacturer with their main headquarters in Singapore
and offices in 11 countries across the world.

Countybusiness
1. Storage box. 28.50. www.idyllhome.co.uk
2. Paperclip tidy. 11.99. www.mollieandfred.co.uk
3. Desk. 350. www.livingitup.co.uk
4. LED clock fan. 12.95. www.red5.co.uk
5. Chair. 99. www.made.com
6. Executive putting set. 32. www.TheGreatGiftCompany.co.uk

2.

Abergavenny
Market Hall

1.
3.

CALDICOT AND
ABERGAVENNY LOCAL
BUSINESSES GET BOOST
4.

5.

6.

A PILOT project in Caldicot and

Abergavenny has helped set up
small local enterprises in the county.
The scheme, which started
in Caldicot and Abergavenny in
April 2014, was to develop small
local enterprises and reduce the
dependency on adult services.
The scheme aims to help people
become more independent, and
engage people in their communities
and be supported by their
communities rather than rely solely
on statutory services.
The report on the community
co-ordination and small local
enterprise scheme will go before
Monmouthshire councils cabinet
on Tuesday. It says the number
of people needing long-term care
packages has fallen by five per cent.
The scheme which started in
Caldicot and Abergavenny in April
2014 was aimed at developing small
local enterprises and to reduce the
dependency on services.
The number of long-term care
packages has fallen from 1,620
in 13/14 to 1,542 in 14/15. The
target for cost avoidance was
between 123,000 and 246,000
in 2014/15 and the scheme which is
in its third quarter is on target with
211,978.
The report states coordinators
have engaged with 1,000 individuals

in the past year, worked directly

with 43 people, and an additional
202 people are being supported
with 49 small local enterprises
between which 80 job opportunities
are provided.
The report shows 25 small local
enterprises have been set up this
year with eight close to being set up.
Of the 80 people employed by small
local enterprises 17 of those are
paid, 50 of those are voluntary and
13 are in training.
The report says more needs
to be done to intervene earlier
to reduce the number of people
receiving long-term care packages.
It states vast wellbeing resources are
already in the community but this is
fragmented and disconnected and
the benefit for vulnerable and or
isolated people is not being realised.
It recommends joining with partners
and citizens on the front-line to
create new opportunities for people
to get involved in the community
such as the Mens Shed, which
is a project which gives men an
opportunity to socialise and offers
alternatives to craft classes and
coffee mornings.
The project is a partnership
between the council,
Monmouthshire Housing
Association and Abergavenny
Community Enterprise.

For more Monmouthshire news visit www.monmouthshirecountylife.co.uk/news

59

Countyeducation
Haberdashers
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Schools

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60

Sponsored feature

Twigs Flowers
now blooming

Flower School

Monmouth Shire Hall

10.30 2.30pm workshop

Llanhennock (nr. Caerleon)

10.30 2.30pm workshop

Friday 15th May

Flowers for your Home

Saturday 16th May

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Unusual Containers
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55 per person

Please e-mail or call to reserve a

place@twigs-flowers.com 07721 955297
www.twigs-flowers.com/offermon
Corporate / Event / Flower School
wood2.com

cold sweat not knowing that there

are such things as floristry scissors,
but the results produced are always
fantastic.
The workshops are held at the
historic Shire Hall, Monmouth, and
the beautiful village of Llanhennock,
near Usk.
A typical comment about a Twigs
Flowers course from an attendee:
You walk out with so many tips and
knowledge and then you take home
your own arrangement, my family
couldnt believe Id made it! Most
of all, an enjoyable, relaxing and
inspirational way to spend a day with
wonderful hospitality Ill be back.
Susan has also been working
with the British Flower School at
the first Gardens Illustrated Festival
at Malmesbury and next year is
delivering courses for the National
Trust.
For more information about Twigs
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@twigswood

3239

usan Wood is the principal of

Twigs Flowers.
She is passionate about
flowers and believes that they are as
exciting as fashion and interior design
but so much more accessible to all.
After a 21-year career in the
media, Susan has recently taken
the leap from being a producer at
the BBC, to following her dream of
working with flowers full time.
Originally trained with a degree in
fashion and textiles at Bretton Hall,
Susan then taught at Frome College
for five years and subsequently
became an education oOfficer for
The Design Council, promoting good
design.
While at the BBC, Susan trained as
a florist both locally and with some
of the UKs top floral designers. This
passion spurred a programme idea,
which she put forward, pitched and
successfully won, which became BBC
Wales first daytime TV commission.
This was a series on flower arranging
Blooming Lovely for BBC ONE and
BBC TWO.
About her new venture, Susan
says: I feel so excited that I can at
last bring my design and teaching
skills together working with stunning
flowers. Twigs Flowers provide
flowers for corporate clients, events
and weddings, while Twigs Flower
School teaches people to have a go
for themselves. Our classes are for
all abilities, starting from people who
pick up a pair of floristry scissors
for the first time. Many go into a

61

FOR ALL THATS GOOD

ABOUT THE COUNTY

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE NEXT

EDITION, SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT

www.monmouthshirecountylife.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION CONTACT
ANDREA HALL ON 01633 777207

62

Follow us on Facebook
bit.ly/MCLonfacebook

Whats on
May 31
Rags to Riches
The Rolls of Monmouth, The Hendre,
Monmouth
12.30pm
This event, in aid of the RNLI, will feature
Charles and Patricia Lester, of Abergavenny,
who have established an international reputation
for their unique work with textiles. The Lesters
will tell the story of their journey of 50 years, all
the time exploring, inventing and
experimenting with textiles. Their work has
embraced simple childrens clothes in the
beginning to dressing royalty and icons of the
worlds of music, film and opera. They will show
and talk about many aspects of this journey
including film and opera costume design as well
as the clothes that they design for peoples
special events. Their work with textiles has
developed into an original art form which
translates into huge wall pieces and decorative
interior art work. A number of museums
around the world have collections of their
creativity. The title of this story encompasses
both their own transition from selling
hand-made clothes from a market stall to
dressing the rich and famous but also the
transition story of their studios from a refuge for

the very poor, a workhouse, to a sophisticated

design and art centre.
This links with the ethos of the RNLI in that
they rescue people without judging. The
amazing people risk their lives in order to
save the lives of people in danger of drowning
whether they are in a commercial ship, a blow
up dinghy, on the beach or flooded out of their
homes. It costs 145m per year to keep the
RNLI afloat all of which is from public
donations and legacies.
Tickets: 38 to include lunch and a Pimms on
arrival.
More details from Clare Tuggey on 01600
740647 or claretuggey@uptodatematters.co.uk
All proceeds will benefit the Royal National
Lifeboat Institution. Charity No.209603

Put your best foot forward

People in Monmouthshire are being encouraged

to explore Wales on foot this May with Ramblers
Cymrus Big Welsh Walk, which is part of the
Ramblers 80th anniversary celebrations.
From nature walks to family-fun coastal
wanders, the Big Welsh Walk has something for
everyone to enjoy.
Angela Charlton, director of Ramblers Cymru,
said: Whether youre eight or 80, we want as
many people as possible to step out for a walk
in Wales during the month of May. Our groups
and partners will be leading plenty of free walks
to suit all ages and abilities, with lots on offer for
everyone to enjoy.
If youd prefer to walk with family and
friends at your own leisure, well be sharing our
most inspirational walks that you can download

for free during the month. Families will also be

able to make the most of our downloadable
Scramblers activity sheets, which are packed full
of activities, jokes and fun facts to keep children
entertained along the way.
Were really spoiled for choice with places to
walk in Wales, from the stunning coast path to
our magnificent mountains. We want everyone
to share in the joy of walking in Wales.
There will be lots of group walks, organised by
Ramblers Cymru and partners throughout the
month. To find a walk, visit www.ramblers.org.
uk/BigWelshWalk.
Angela said: Were also encouraging people
to challenge themselves and walk 80 miles during
May to tie in with our 80th anniversary.
People can record their steps on the Wales
Pedometer Challenge Website, which will allow
them to see how close they are to reaching their
target.
To take part in the challenge, sign up to the
Wales Pedometer Challenge website (www.
walespedometerchallenge.org.uk) for free and
pick the Big Welsh Walk challenge.
People should log their steps, either by using
a pedometer, an app or by estimating steps using
a simple calculation to see how close they are to
reaching the 80 mile goal.
Anyone that successfully completes the Big
Welsh Walk Challenge will be entered into a
prize draw for the chance to win walking prizes.

RUSTY
SHACKLE
HEAD TO
BRECON
Caldicot indie folk band Rusty Shackle will
be heading for the hills on Friday April 24,
when they will be the main draw for Mayor
of Brecons Charity Concert which is raising
money for Regimental Museum of The Royal
Welsh.
So for any fans who want to follow the
foot-stomping six-piece band, which has been
wowing festivals since 2010, then now is
there opportunity.
Rusty Shackles shows blend well crafted
catchy tunes with stunning high-energy level
performance.
The six-piece group are made up of band
members Liam Collins, Mathew Barwick,
Owen Emmanuel, Ryan Williams and
brothers Scott and James McKeon.
They amalgamate guitars, vocal
harmonies, fiddle, banjo, mandola, trumpet,
drums and percussion to create a sound that
is unique to them and one that instantly fills
you with emotion and energy.
Rusty Shackle draw influences from folk,
roots, rock, celtic and old time blues.
With years of domestic and international
touring under their belts, and a large and
loyal fan base already in place, Rusty Shackle
have found themselves to be seasoned
regulars on the UK festival circuit.
Their most prestigious performances to
date have been at Glastonbury, Cambridge
Folk and Beautiful Days Festival.
The summer of 2014 also saw the band
cross the Atlantic to America, where they
toured festivals and venues in the southern
states.
The band have been in the news since
December when they gave the campaign
Never forget Your Welsh Heroes its anthem
with a moving Tommys Letter.
The band are donating the proceeds of
downloads of the song to the campaign, and
can be downloaded at itunes.apple.com/
us/album/tommys-letter-never-forget/
id957827511

63

outandabout

Out

BRECON & TALYBONT POINT TO POINT

Gabb & Co Solicitors hosted clients and

guests at the Brecon & Talybont Point to
Point on Saturday, March 7. The event
was held at Llanfrynach by kind permission
of Messrs De Winton, Prothero and Jones.
Gabb & Co sponsored the Mens Open
race, which was won by the 12-year old bay
gelding Rosies Peacock.
Senior Partner, David Lloyd commented

We were very pleased to be able to

support the Point to Point this year as
we recognise the importance of such
fixtures in the local rural calendar. It is also
an excellent opportunity for us to offer
interested clients and professional colleagues
an entertaining day out.
Photos by Phil Roberts of e-motive marketing.
www.e-motivemarketing.uk

and about

Catch up on events from around

Monmouthshire as we take a look
at whos been out and about
Partners and Solicitors from Gabb & Cos Agricultural and Private Client team
L-R: John Price, Edward Jones, Anneli Jones, Anthony Mears, David Lloyd, Nigel
Flanagan and Dawn Sullivan

David, Sally and Rhys Powell of Powells

Chartered Surveyors
Lt Col Mike Lewis and fellow
sponsor The Hon Mrs LeggeBourke

Mr D H Llewellyn, owner of the Mens

Open winner, Rosies Peacock, with Gabb &
Cos Senior Partner, David Lloyd

Dawn and Anthony Davies of the

Anthony A Davies Group

Jess the spaniel, with Noah and siblings

Nathan, Oliver and Hannah in pursuit

Caterers Darryl Evans and Michelle

ODonnell-Evans of odonnell
bakehouse

64

John Price, partner at Gabb & Co

Abergavenny, with Mr Graham Jones

MEDIEVAL FUN DAY, RAGLAN CASTLE

A medieval fun day was held at Raglan

Castle over the Easter weekend. MCL
popped along to find out what it was
all about...

Archers show off their skills

Daniel Enticott tries his hand at archery

An archery demonstration at the castle

Corrine and Millie Woolhouse paint their

shields

Dexter and Phoebe Searle enjoy the day at

Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle hosted a popular medieval

fun day

Craftsmen showed off their skills at the event

Medieval arts and crafts were on show

throughout the day

65

RE-OPENING OF THE BOAT, CHEPSTOW

Rachael and Chris Thompson, previously landlords at The Millers

Arms in Mathern, have now moved to The Boat at The Back,
Chepstow. The pub re-opened for business on Good Friday and
MCL was there to take some snaps of the happy customers...

Frazer Smith, Andrew Musker

Jeanette Phillips, Andrea Thompson, Ian Thompson, Holly Taylor, Karen Thompson, Gemma
Munday, Brian Phillips

Rachael and Chris Thompson

Lisa Cartwright, Andrew Cartwright, Simon

Curtis, Helen Curtis

Tom Barton and Jodie Barton

Duncan Farron and Bella, Claire Gardner

and Polo

Paul Davies, Aine Davies, Wynford Davies,

Geoff Rigg, Lisa Davies

Sam Pritchard and Jack Martin

Nigel Wright, Izzy Adams, Julia Lord

66

Richard Davies

The Boat, at The Back, Chepstow

Sponsored feature

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ince 1999, Ty Hafan has helped more

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67

CALICO
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68

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county
homes
Turn over for 12
pages of property
and design ideas for
your home...

Gloves.
12.
www.tch.net

Insect and
bee hotel. 20.
www.etsy.com

Everything
in the
garden...
Its time to get outside
and start enjoying your
blooming marvellous
garden...

Garden sign. 4.
www.tch.net

Garden gift set. 18.99.

www.GettingPersonal.co.uk

Buckets. 1 each.
www.poundland.co.uk

Oven. 999.60.
www.grakka.com

Parasol. 590.
www.gomodern.co.uk

Duck and duckling. 20.

www.in-spaces.com

Rattan chair. 295.

www.outthereinteriors.com

Llansor

Country Home In Circa 7 Acres

Outstanding Views
Large Reception Hall
Two Reception Rooms
Contemporary Kitchen/Breakfast
Room

Four Bedrooms & Four Bath/Shower Rooms

Equestrian/Small Holding Opportunity
Extensive Modern Outbuildings & Stables
Further 5 Acres by Separate Negotiation
No Chain

Asking Price: 750,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Llanbadoc, Usk

Outstanding Detached Residence

Magnificent Tree Lined Approach
Stunning Grounds of 17 Acres
Six Bedrooms & Six Reception Rooms
Completely Renovated

Detached Coach House

Swimming Pool & Pool House
Private Lake & Stable Block
Outstanding Panoramic Views
Part Exchange Option Considered

Asking Price: 2,995,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Itton, Near Chepstow

Substantial Manor House
Occupying 15 Acres With Up To 240 Acres
Available By Separate Negotiation
Five Reception Rooms
Jeremy Davies Designed Kitchen/Breakfast
Room

Six Bedroom Suites (7 Bedrooms)

Extensive Garage
Two Bedroom Staff Accommodation
Separate Offices
Leisure Complex Including Indoor
Swimming Pool

Asking Price: 3,995,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Usk

Detached New Build

Open Views
Superb Finish
Loft Conversion Potential
Gated Driveway

4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
2 Receptions
39ft Kitchen/Dining/Family Room
Double Garage With Games Room Above

Asking Price: 675,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Shirenewton
Impressive Contemporary Home
Sought After Village Location
Excellent Accommodation Over Three
Levels
Grand Entrance Hall with Split Stairs to
Gallery
Bespoke Kitchen/Breakfast Room

Five Bedroom Suites

Cinema Room
Bedroom 6/Play Room
Electric Double Gates Onto Extensive
Parking
Large Integral Garages

Asking Price: 1,350,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Trostrey, Near Usk

Detached Cottage
3.5 Acres
Steel Barn, Stable and Attached Office
3 Miles From Usk
A449 Access to M4 & The Midlands

Four Bedrooms
Two En Suites & Family Bathroom
3 Receptions
Kitchen/Breakfast Room
Utility & Cloakroom

Asking Price: 599,950

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Caerleon

Local Property of Historic Interest

7 Receptions & Conservatory
5 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
No Chain

Swimming Pool
Outside Entertaining Room
Triple Garage Plus Workshop
Ancient Mound
Stunning Gardens of Circa 3.5 Acres

Asking Price: 1,795,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Coedypaen, Near Usk

Exceptional Space
Self Contained 1 Bedroom Annexe
South Facing
4 Miles From Usk
A449 Access to M4 & The Midlands

5 Bedrooms
Two En Suites & Family Bathroom
5 Receptions
Kitchen/Breakfast Room
Garaging

Asking Price: 650,000

Telephone 01291 672502

17 Bridge Street, Usk, NP15 1BQ

www.townandcountrycollection.co.uk

Sponsored feature

Walking in the land of

ice and snow
Monmouthshires Paul Fosh is back home after coming fourth in what is widely
regarded as one of the worlds toughest endurance events the Likeys 6633 Ultra...
Paul, owner of Paul Fosh
Auctions, spent seven and a half
days in the Canadian Arctic.
The event is a non-stop, selfsufcient foot race which crosses
the line of the Arctic Circle and
continues to the banks of the
Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.
Staged by Brecon-based outdoor
adventure rm Likeys, the event
has been staged six times in the
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complete the gruelling course
over that time...

80

Here Paul tells his story

For the past few months my life has
been dominated by the 6633 Ultra.
Work and family life have been
juggled to allow for the endless
training sessions, kit planning,
checking and sorting as well as
thinking about my various systems. It
seemed that every waking hour was
spent thinking about the monumental
task I was about to undertake.
Well, now its over. I was
successful.
I am incredibly pleased to have
covered the whole 352-mile distance.
The memories of this event will live
with me forever.
With the help of the organisers,
Likeys, I had followed a strict training
schedule designed to get me used to
covering distances of 50 miles per day
on consecutive days.
This paid dividends early on and
saw me notch up 100 miles in the first
48 hours.
However, on day two I made a
foolish and nearly very costly mistake.
A longstanding foot/ankle injury
had been causing some discomfort,
so I pulled on a neoprene ankle
support which I had previously used.
The problem was that at the end of
the day, tired and with temperatures
plummeting, I got quickly into my

bivvy bag (sleeping bag inside a

protective outer) and promptly fell
fast asleep.
The following morning I thought
my race was over. The constriction
caused by the support had made my
ankle and calf swell up terribly and I
was unable to bear any weight.
A medic came to my aid, removed
the support and over a period of half
an hour or so iced the swollen area.
I felt at this point that it was
virtually over but I would do my best
to complete at least the 120-mile
distance.
The low I felt at that point cannot
easily be expressed.
I was faced with the very real
possibility that I was going to have to
pull out of the event after months of
preparation and training, partly as a
result of a silly error.
I took anti-inflammatory tablets
and pain killers having had my shoe
squeezed back on and hobbled back
out onto the Dempster Highway.
Well, the pain eased as I walked
and by mid-afternoon I had reached
the 120-mile point and elation. The
endorphins must have been kicking
in because Id only been at the check
point for a few minutes before I
announced Im out of the 120 and
pressing on to the 350.

At that point I didnt know how

far I would be able to go but was
determined to make it as far as I
possibly could.
The subsequent days increasingly
became a blur.
I became ever more focused on
the checkpoints and was able to
calculate approximate arrival times
based on my 5km per hour speed.
When a check point didnt appear
as quickly as I thought it should it was
incredibly dispiriting.
At points the Dempster runs
straight and true. I remember in
the run up to one check point the
undulating road continued for nearly
10km but with the undulations it
was impossible to see an end. The
scenery, although being impressive,
changed very little and this had the
effect of making one day, day four I
think, just totally relentless.
Arriving at checkpoints there was
always a warm welcome but I didnt
hang around. It would have been too
easy to lose time sitting around and
chatting.
At this point it was all now about
either walking, eating or sleeping.
On arriving at Caribou Creek
checkpoint on the afternoon of the
fourth day I decided not to hang
around. I had my flasks filled with hot

water, sorted some kit out and

after a dehydrated meal I set off
towards the next checkpoint
only 30 miles away.
It was an incredible
evening and I remember
feeling a certain energy in
the area.
I passed a number of
First Nation spiritual areas
and summer camp sites
as well as my first view of
a frozen and snow-covered
McKenzie River.
The light was amazing and I
knew that Aurora Borealis would be
giving us a good show that night. It was an
amazing feeling and one I shall not forget.
After about 25 to 30km the sleep monsters were
attacking me hard and I was forced to bivvy out in
-35 degrees. Having settled myself including leaving
flashing beacons out in case support crew came past
I fell into a deep sleep. They did come by later that
night to witness my snoring oblivious to the incredible
display of northern lights being conducted behind me.
Walking on the ice road was an incredible
experience.
I joined the it on the evening of the fifth day.
From Inuvik (an Inuit settlement), the river is
ploughed to be free of snow and an ice road is
formed, continuing for nearly 120 miles right up into
the McKenzie delta and Tuktoyaktuk on the edge of
the Arctic Ocean.
I was again alone, choosing to walk on my own, at
my own pace.
As dusk descended I passed a couple of other
competitors who had stopped to eat. I decided to
press on for a few more hours.
I remember seeing the headlights of a vehicle
coming towards me along the flat road and thinking
theyll be here in a moment. But it was more like half
Paul Fosh spent days trekking
through the Arctic in freezing
temperatures to come fourth
in this years Likeys 3366
Ultra event

an hour or so before the car eventually rolled up, an

indication of just how flat it was and how far the lights
travelled.
Sleeping on the ice road was very surreal ice
road. The ice continually cracks, particularly during
the mornings and late evenings as it expands and
contracts. The cracks sound like a rifle going off in
the distance and take some getting used to. Its also
weird looking down into the ice and seeing the cracks
descending into the abyss.
For the remaining couple of days it was simply a
question of digging deep and, boy, did I have to dig
deep!
The ice road was relentless. It was at this point the
auditory and visual hallucinations were at
their strongest. I would clearly see
vehicles and other objects which
werent there. But more than
anything were the sounds,
my name being called and
voices from behind as well
as hearing cows and sheep
at one point!
Day seven involved
simply getting to the end
as soon as possible.
I barely stopped that day
except for a hot drink, eating
while walking.
I was alone all day save for
the waves from a few passing
vehicles but I had a pretty good idea
what time I would be finishing.
The locals who happened to pass us were generally
aware of the race and absolutely loved the fact that
we wanted to do such a crazy thing. Towards the end
of my final day a car slowed and came to a halt with
the driver and his wife wishing me luck. I checked the
distance to go, about 20km and the gap between me
and the pair behind me apparently about 5km but
they were moving fast.
It was at this point that for the first time in the race
I became competitive and knew that they could catch
me if I didnt get my skates on. It turned out they had
actually started running, not to catch me but simply
they were determined to finish the punishment as
soon as possible.
With a few kilometres to go I was greeted initially
by Kevin from Likeys and then subsequently Martin
Like, race director. They knew what was in store for
me which was that the last few km would be hell.
Tuktoyaktuk was clearly visible but no matter how
quickly I tried to move, would not get any closer. On
top of that, the river or ocean at that point, seemed
to have an uphill gradient!
As I entered the town I was then met by Nats and
Scott who had had to retire earlier in the race. They

were absolute stars and helped me complete the

walk through the village, parting company with me
just before I crested a low ridge to see the finish
line flanked by support crew and competitors who
hadnt made it, as well as the joint winners. What
an incredible sensation, I barely had the energy to
walk through the finishing banner.
Thankfully people rallied around me, I
unharnessed the pulk and was led to a vehicle
which took me to the village hall where crew and
athletes were staying. Amazingly there was also
WIFI, the first time in well over a week that I could
speak with my wife and give her the amazing news.
The Dempster Highway is basically a gravel road
similar to forestry roads in the UK
Since arriving home its taken at least two weeks
for my sleep patterns to get back to normal. I had
found it impossible to sleep for more than three or
four hours at a time before waking up and being
wide awake.

Fact le

The Dempster Highway, also referred to as

Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories
Highway 8, connects the Klondike Highway
in Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories on
the Mackenzie River delta. During the winter,
it extends another 121 miles to Tuktoyaktuk,
on the northern coast of Canada, using frozen
portions of the Mackenzie River delta as an ice
road (the Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road).
Much of the highway follows an old dog sled
trail and it gets its name from Royal Canadian
Mounted Police Inspector William Dempster,
who, as a young constable, frequently ran
this dog sled trail from Dawson City to Fort
McPherson NT.
Inspector Dempster and two other
constables were sent out on a rescue patrol in
March 1911 to find Inspector Francis Fitzgerald
and his team, who never made it to Dawson
City. They had become lost on the trail, and
died of exposure and starvation. Dempster and
his men found the bodies on March 22, 1911.
In 1958, the Canadian government made
the historic decision to build a 417 mile road
through the Arctic wilderness from Dawson
City to Inuvik. Oil and gas exploration was
booming in the Mackenzie Delta and the town
of Inuvik was under construction. The road was
billed as the first-ever overland supply link to
southern Canada, where business and political
circles buzzed with talk of an oil pipeline that
would run parallel to the road. The two would
ultimately connect with another proposed
pipeline along the Alaska Highway.
The next Paul Fosh Auction is on
Thursday, May 14, at the Park Inn Hotel,
Circle Way East, Llanedyrn, Cardiff, at
5pm.
www.paulfoshauctions.com
Email: info@paulfoshauctions.com
Call: 01633 254044

81

Hidden
gems

A LOOK BACK
IN TIME...

By Naylor Firth

he landed gentry of
Victorian times was
typified locally by the
family of the eighth Duke of
Beaufort.
In 1883 the Beaufort
estates in Monmouthshire,
Gloucestershire,
Breconshire, Wiltshire and
Glamorgan totalled more
than 51,000 acres, with
Monmouthshire accounting
for 53 per cent of this.
The eighth duke died in
1899 but a few years before
he had vested absolute
ownership of his estates
in Monmouthshire, as well
as those in Tidenham and
Woolastone, in his eldest
son, the Marquess of
Worcester, the future ninth
duke. In less than a year
before his father died, the
marquess decided to sell the
whole lot and in June 1898,
notices appeared in the
press detailing these estates.
It was a bomb-shell.
The castles at Chepstow,
Grosmont, Monmouth,
Raglan, Skenfrith and Usk,
together with Striguil and
White castles, Tintern
Abbey and the family
seat at Troy House, near
Monmouth, made up the
first section.
This was followed by 20
manors with their associated
rights, fisheries on the
Severn, Usk and Wye, and
sporting rights over 8,000
acres of woodlands including
Wentwood and Chepstow
Park.
Eighty farms covering
13,000 acres were included
together with 26 hotels and
numerous small holdings,
shops, houses, public
houses and beer-shops. The
farm and property rentals
produced a rent roll of more
than 30,000 per annum,

82

or about 15m at todays

value.
Offers to purchase the
ancient monuments were
not thick on the ground.
The highest bid for
Chepstow Castle was
6,000 and it was bought in
at 20,000, the auctioneer
commenting that the
vendor could not be blamed
if Chepstow castle was now
used for manufacturing
purposes.
Chepstow Urban District
Council approached the
dukes solicitor to see if they
could obtain the town gate,
whereupon the duke made a
free present of the property
to the town.
Usk Castle, however, was
sold with three farms and
508 acres of land for more
than 16,000.
As soon as the notice of
sale appeared in the press,
rumours began circulating of
an American attempt to buy
Tintern Abbey.
The government in
the form of the National
Trust Executive for
Preserving Places of
Historic Interest and Her
Majestys Commissioners
of Woods and Forests as
well as Monmouth County
Council became involved
in negotiations with the
marquess.
Eventually in September
1900 the Commissioners
of Woods and Forests
purchased the Tintern
Abbey Estate, which
included more than 5,000
acres of woodland and land,
the Wyndcliffe and eight
miles of frontage on the
Lower Wye as well as the
abbey itself.

Left: Llanvair Discoed

in about 1909. From
Caldicot and the
Villages of the Moor
Vol 2 by Richard D
Jones
Below: Horse drawn
barges were used for
pleasure trips in the
Edwardian age. From
Abergavenny Past and
Present by IM Morgan

Right: The main road in Gilwern

in 1965. From Around Gilwern by
David Edge
Below: A performance of The
Talisman in 1907 at Chepstow
Castle. From Chepstow and the
River Wye in Old Photographs
from the collections of Chepstow
Museum

www.cljeffries.com