Okay folks, here's an offer I've been meaning to make for a while.
Basically, if you happen to be in the region of South East Wales (Gwent, Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, or the southern part of Powys) and would like some company or even a guide, then give me a call. Subject to availability (other commitments, and I work some weekends) I will be happy to show you around. My wife has even agreed that we can use the spare bedroom to put people up (1 person or couple, or two very good friends), or there are places where overnighters can be organised, on Friday or Saturday nights.
This applies to locals as well as those coming from further afield.
What I can offer:
I probably know the old county of Gwent as well as anyone alive (with perhaps two exceptions). I don't think there is a road in the county that I haven't driven, barring a few housing estates. I'm a spiders expert and generally knowledgable about the wildlife of the region. I know pretty much every nature reserve and wildlife site in the area, I've visited them all, and I know what to see, where, and when. At the right time of year I can show you 20,000 orchids in a single field. I'm also fairly knowledgeable about the local history, especially the industrial heritage (of which there is lots - see below). I'm a former teacher, and can talk for hours if you let me. I'm a moderate photographer, and have been known to do the odd bit of woodwork. I'm willing to provide local transport, and can pick people up from railway or bus stations if needed.
What my part of the world can offer:
Let's see... the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the Black Mountains (part of the Brecon Beacons National park); Blaenafon World Heritage Site (for industrial heritage); the Usk valley (longest river entirely in Wales); the Gwent Levels (ecologicially at least as diverse and important as the Somerset levels, but less well known); Wentwood (one of the largest remaining continuous woodlands in the UK); the South Wales valleys (bleak and urban in the valleys, but dense woodlands at the sides and open moorland on the tops). Plus the towns of Newport, Monmouth, Chepstow, Cwmbran and Abergavenny. Abergavenny is now the centre of a major 'foodie' area, for those that like good pub lunches. I can probably introduce you to a local brew or two, too
Please note, I'm not offering to organise a meet. By personal preference, I'm much happier with very small numbers, basically myself and no more than 3-4 other people at most. Preferably just one or two. However, if anyone knows that they are going to be in this area, or just feels like a visit and wants someone to show them around, please feel very free to drop me a PM. I'm sure we can work something out. I'm hoping that this offer will lead to me meeting a few of the people I've got to sort-of know on the forum.
Well, there it is. PM me if you are interested.
Basically, if you happen to be in the region of South East Wales (Gwent, Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, or the southern part of Powys) and would like some company or even a guide, then give me a call. Subject to availability (other commitments, and I work some weekends) I will be happy to show you around. My wife has even agreed that we can use the spare bedroom to put people up (1 person or couple, or two very good friends), or there are places where overnighters can be organised, on Friday or Saturday nights.
This applies to locals as well as those coming from further afield.
What I can offer:
I probably know the old county of Gwent as well as anyone alive (with perhaps two exceptions). I don't think there is a road in the county that I haven't driven, barring a few housing estates. I'm a spiders expert and generally knowledgable about the wildlife of the region. I know pretty much every nature reserve and wildlife site in the area, I've visited them all, and I know what to see, where, and when. At the right time of year I can show you 20,000 orchids in a single field. I'm also fairly knowledgeable about the local history, especially the industrial heritage (of which there is lots - see below). I'm a former teacher, and can talk for hours if you let me. I'm a moderate photographer, and have been known to do the odd bit of woodwork. I'm willing to provide local transport, and can pick people up from railway or bus stations if needed.
What my part of the world can offer:
Let's see... the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the Black Mountains (part of the Brecon Beacons National park); Blaenafon World Heritage Site (for industrial heritage); the Usk valley (longest river entirely in Wales); the Gwent Levels (ecologicially at least as diverse and important as the Somerset levels, but less well known); Wentwood (one of the largest remaining continuous woodlands in the UK); the South Wales valleys (bleak and urban in the valleys, but dense woodlands at the sides and open moorland on the tops). Plus the towns of Newport, Monmouth, Chepstow, Cwmbran and Abergavenny. Abergavenny is now the centre of a major 'foodie' area, for those that like good pub lunches. I can probably introduce you to a local brew or two, too
Please note, I'm not offering to organise a meet. By personal preference, I'm much happier with very small numbers, basically myself and no more than 3-4 other people at most. Preferably just one or two. However, if anyone knows that they are going to be in this area, or just feels like a visit and wants someone to show them around, please feel very free to drop me a PM. I'm sure we can work something out. I'm hoping that this offer will lead to me meeting a few of the people I've got to sort-of know on the forum.
Well, there it is. PM me if you are interested.
