Vale Of Glamorgan Walking Festival
Wyndcliffe Court Opens Summer Sculpture Shows
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WHAT’ S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
ART
pic: ALUN HUGHES
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SOUTH WALES SECRETS # 32:
The Factory, Porth
Author Rachel Trezise shares some of her favourite places to explore in South Wales
“ If I’ m ever lucky enough to have a day off while the sun is shining, my favourite place to spend it is at Aberavon beach. My father grew up on the Sandfields estate and worked in the nearby steelworks so I have many fond childhood memories of playing on the large concrete whale sculpture, the water vapour rising from the blast furnaces in the background. Some of my family still live on the estate; they’ ll stuff me full of coffee and cake and then I’ ll work it off, rollerskating along the promenade. For a night out in the Rhondda I love going to The Factory in Porth. It’ s an unusual music venue based in the old Corona pop factory and still features the raised tile floor designed to drain drink spillage away. In 2011 the venue was taken over by local charity, Valley Kids. The music is a mixture of big names, local bands and club nights. For culture there’ s plenty going on at the Park & Dare, Treorchy, which is celebrating its centenary this year. National Theatre Wales will be based in the theatre through October. My debut play, Tonypandemonium, will be staged as part of the residency.” Rachel Trezise was born in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales. Her first novel In And Out Of The Goldfish Bowl was a winner of the Orange Futures Prize. Her short fiction collection Fresh Apples won the Dylan Thomas Prize. Her current novel is Sixteen Shades Of Crazy and her latest collection of short fiction Cosmic Latte is published in May this year.
Info: www. racheltrezise. co. uk
Vale Of Glamorgan Walking Festival
Dig out those old walking boots and wet weather gear as the Vale Of Glamorgan Walking Festival returns for its fourth year. A favourite with seasoned ramblers and beginners alike, the festival offers a series of 21 walks over a period of three days. These walks range in difficulty and distance from gentle three mile-strolls to more challenging eight-mile hikes; the perfect way to stretch those lazy legs. With many situated on the heritage coastline, these walks provide the perfect opportunity to take in some unique Welsh sites from the Neolithic burial chamber
The Vale Of Glamorgan Walking Festival, Fri 31 May-Sun 2 June. Info: www. thevaleofglamorganwalkingfestival. org. uk
at Tinkinswood to the ruins of castles and churches. With the promise of great views and landmarks, there’ ll be plenty of photo opportunities for the aspiring photographer so whether you’ re a seasoned walker or you just want to experience something different this summer, get outdoors and get walking.
Wyndcliffe Court Opens Summer Sculpture Shows
The artistic and the idyllic come together this spring as Wyndcliffe Court Gardens opens for its summer season from Fri 3 May-Sun 29 Sept every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday. Situated just outside Chepstow, the Edwardian grade II-listed garden with its water fountains and woodland walks will undoubtedly provide the most fitting of backdrops for artlovers and day- trippers alike to appreciate the beauty and skill of the garden’ s Elegance And Form sculpture shows which are set to showcase hundreds of contemporary pieces by both local and well-known British artists over the summer months. Three separate shows for spring, summer and autumn will include work in a large range of mediums, sizes and styles, all of which will be available for purchase. Admission and parking are free, though charitable donations are welcome and a range of refreshments will be available at the on-site cafe.
Elegance And Form, Fri 3 May-Sun 29 Sept, Wyndcliffe Court Gardens, Chepstow, admission: free. Info: www. wyndcliffecourt. co. uk
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