September - Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

September
47th Annual Charity Raft Race
The event starts at the Rowing Club in Monmouth at
and finishes 6 miles downriver at Whitebrook.
Entrants build their own rafts to their own design. A
team can have a minimum of 4 or up to a maximum
of 10 rafters.
Most entrants don't treat the event as a race but
more of a fun afternoon out on the river whilst
generating money for charity finish at Tump Farm,
Whitebrook, (courtesy of the Cullimore Family) where
there is a Family Festival of entertainment and ample
refreshment opportunities.
Monmouth Rotary Club will be supporting St David's
Foundation Hospice Care again this year.
Why not ask your employer, or pub landlord, to enter
a raft on your behalf. Constructing a raft and taking
part is a great team building activity. Lots of fun for
you, good publicity, and in support of a very
worthwhile cause.
Date: Sunday, September 2
Time: 12 noon
Distance: 6.5 miles
Location: Rowing Club, Monmouth
Cost: £75 per team with commitment to raise £100
Booking: Essential.
Contact: Rotary Club of Monmouth
Secretary, David Forbes, Collingwood, Rockfield Road,
Monmouth NP25 5SR. tel:01600 712665.
e: monmouthraftrace@sky.com
Co-ordinator, Norman Williams tel:01291 680016
e: monmouth.rotary.club@talktalk.net
visit websites: www.stdavidsfoundation.co.uk or
www.monmouth.rotaryweb.org
enter online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/2510677504?ebtv=C
What’ s On GUIDE
September 2012 - March 2013
Please use contact numbers at the end of each event for booking or
further information . All information correct at time of publication
All events are online www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
Please make sure you are fit and able to take part in the walks.
Some have steep gradients and slippery conditions. Check with
the walk provider before booking or attending the walk.
Suitable for families /children
Dungeons and Dragons
A day of thrilling family fun filled with deep dark
dungeons, fiery dragons and other dire denizens of
medieval myth and legend.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location: Chepstow castle
Cost: Cadw member Free, Adult £4,
Concession/Child u 16 £3.60, Family £11.60
Booking: Not essential
Contact: Chepstow Castle
tel: 01292 624065 or go online
cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/chepstow-castle/?lang=en
Herefordshire Nature Trust
Open Day
Lower House Farm will be hosting an Open Day as
part of European Heritage Day and UK Heritage
Open Days Scheme. The event will consist of guided
tours and will be a good opportunity to see inside
one of Hereford’s historic buildings and explore the
Lugg Meadow. Refreshments will be available
Date: Saturday, September 8
Time: 10am - 2pm
Location: Lower House Farm, Ledbury Road, Tupsley,
Hereford HR1 1UT
Cost: Free
Booking: Essential. Only small groups of 6-8 people
can be taken on each tour.
Contact: Herefordshire Nature Trust
tel: 01432 356872

Wildlife Photography Masterclass
Drawing from his book ‘Wildflower Wonders of the
World’, Bob Gibbons, the renowned wildlife
photographer and author, will run a photography
masterclass and talk about world wildlife hotspots
Date: Saturday September 15
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Location: Whitecross High School, Three Elms
Road, Hereford HR4 0RN
Cost: £8 members. £10 non members
Booking: Essential.
Contact: Herefordshire Nature Trust
Stas Calder tel: 01432 356872
Wye Valley Challenge
The Wye Valley Challenge is the trek of a lifetime
following the River Wye from Mordiford to Tintern
Abbey over two days. Help raise money for
Challenge Poverty
Date: Saturday, September15 and Sunday
September 16
Time: 7.30am
Distance: 44miles/71km
Location: Mordiford, Herefordshire
Cost: £45 per person. Minimum fundraising of £55
Booking: Essential. Closing date September 5
Contact: tel: 01432 355111
email annie.ransome@concern-universal.org
book online www.concern-universal.org
Great Doward Mosaic
A walk through a fascinating dense mosaic of small
fields, various types of woodland, isolated cottages,
quarries and old iron ore mines. The area is flanked
by the breathtaking gorge of the River Wye and is
rich in wildlife habitats, including several
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust reserves. The walk is
suitable for adults and children alike but does
include some short steep gradients, uneven ground
and an unprotected sheer cliff top.
Leader: Nic Howes
Date: Sunday, September 16
Time: 9 am
Distance: 3miles/8km
Cost: Free
Location: English Bicknor
Booking: Essential
Contact: Sarah Sawyer, Wye Valley AONB
Community Links Officer Tel: 01600 710844
email: community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
The Living Landscapes of Gwent
A talk about the Gwent landscapes by Tom Clarke
Chief Executive Officer, Gwent Wildlife Trust
Date: Monday, September 17
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 donation
Location: Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Booking: not required
Contact: GWT Monmouth Group, Alison Willott
tel: 01600 740286 e: alisonwillott@hotmail.com
Introduction to Painting in Acrylics
Local artist Anthony Skates takes you through acrylic
painting techniques with an introduction to the
materials and application.
Leader: Anthony Skates
Date: Tuesday September 18
and Sunday September 23
Time: 11 am - 4pm
Cost: £1 per class
Location: The Old Station Tintern,
Booking: Essential
Contact: Anthony Skates tel: 01291 689566
The Gloucestershire Bird Atlas
For the last four years, hundreds of volunteers have
surveyed the whole county recording and counting
birds. The work will be published in 2013. Illustrated
talk by Gordon Kirk explains the findings and gives a
flavour of what the book will look like .
Leader: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Date: Friday, September 21
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 inc refreshments
Location: Catholic Church Hall, Cinder Hill, Coleford
Booking: not required
Contact: Forest of Dean Area Group, Gloucestershire
Wildlife Trust. tel: 01594 510384
A Monks Day
Come and learn what life would have been like for a
monk at Tintern Abbey. This family event offers plenty
of activities for children.
Date: Saturday September 22
Time: 11am - 4pm
Cost: Cadw members Free, Adult £3.80,
Concessions/Child u 16 £3.40, Disabled Free
Location: Tintern Abbey
Booking: not required
Contact: Tintern Abbey. tel: 01291 689251

Victorian Day
Celebrating a Victorian past at the long-closed GWR
branch-line station, now a well-known heritage
centre. Come in Victorian costume if you like and
enjoy an afternoon of events including an original
murder-mystery play, games and features for
children, narrow gauge railway rides, working
miniature model railway, refreshments, local beer
Date: Tuesday September 25
Time: 1 pm - 5pm
Cost: Free
Location: The Old Station Tintern
Booking: not required
Contact: Tintern Old Station, Tintern,
Monmouthshire, Monmouth Road Tintern
Monmouthshire NP16 UK tel: 01291 680139
McMillan Coffee Morning
Visit the True Taste of Wales Gold Award winning
tearooms at the Old Station Tintern to enjoy coffee
and home baked cakes. All money raised will go to
McMiIllan Cancer Care
Date: Friday September 28
Time: 11 am - 4pm
Location: The Old Station Tintern
Booking: not required`
Contact: Tintern Old Station, Tintern,
Monmouthshire NP16 UK tel:: 01291 680139
Ross on Wye Walking Festival
A range of walks from Mary’s Foodie Walk in Ross to
the Three Castles Walk organised by Ross Walkers
are Welcome. Well behaved dogs are welcomed on
some walks. Please check first
Date: Friday September 28 -Sunday 30th September
Time: Various
Cost: £3 per booking except the foodie walk on
Friday 28th September.
Location: Various
Booking: Essential
Contact: For Booking : Visit the Market House Visitor
Centre, Ross-on-Wye or email your name and
address saying you would like information on the
Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival to
visitorcentreross@herefordshire.gov.uk
tel: 01989 562768 remember to have a debit/credit
card to hand to pay for your ticket. For further
information, please email your query to:
rosswalkersarewelcome@talktalk.net or go online
www.ross-on-wyewalkersarewelcome.co.uk/
Walking%20Festival.html
History Chef
Here is a treat for the senses: join the History Chef as
she prepares and cooks medieval food and sample
the tasty dishes.
Date: Saturday September 29 - Sunday September 30
Time: 11am - 4pm
Cost: Cadw members Free, Adult £3.80,
Concessions/Child u 16 £3.40, Disabled Free
Location: Tintern Abbey
Booking: not required
Contact: Tintern Abbey. tel: 01291 689251
October
Forest Showcase
Event to be opened by Greg Wallace with
over 50 specialist food and drink producers from the
Forest of Dean and surrounding Wye Valley area.
Amongst them will be some of your favourites as
well as some new producers who will be exhibiting
for the first time. Free talks and demonstrations from
the areas most respected foodies will be running
throughout the day. There will be a large programme
of cookery demonstrations taking place in the
cookery theatre from Harts Barn cookery school as
well as others. Demos include: Bread making,
Patisseries, Raw Food, Edible Flowers.
A new area will include stands from groups and
organisations that can help people and communities
make healthy sustainable choices. Displays will
include Severn & Wye Energy Agency, Marine
Conservation Society, Dean Forest Beekeepers,
Blakeney Hill Growers, District Council
Date: Sunday October 7
Time: 10am-5pm
Cost: Adult £3, u18 £1, u5s free
Location: The Speech House Hotel, Forest of Dean
Booking: not required
Contact: e: Contactus@forestshowcase.org or go
online www.forestshowcase.org

Gwent Butterflies and Moths
A talk by Dr Martin Anthoney, County Recorder of
Lepidoptera.This talk will be preceded by a very short
AGM.
Date: Wednesday, October 17
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 donation
Location: Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Booking: not required
Contact: GWT Monmouth Group, Alison Willott
tel: 01600 740286 e: alisonwillott@hotmail.com
Walk on the Wildside - A Trip to
Kenya
A talk suitable for all the family covering the wildlife
and a little local culture. Wendy Conway has rubbed
shoulders with the presenters and filmed the animal
stars of TV’s Big Cat Diary.
Leader: Gwent Wildlife Trust
Date: Wednesday, October 17
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £1.50 members £2 non members
Location: Chepstow Leisure Centre
Booking: Not Essential
Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Chepstow Group,
tel: 01291 689326
The Role of Forestry Commission
Wildlife Ranger
An illustrated talk by Ian Harvey from the Forestry
Commission. This talk will cover the role of a Wildlife
Ranger with emphasis on working within the Forest of
Dean and Wye Valley but also covering the Forestry
Commission responsibilities nationally.
Leader: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Date: Friday, October 19
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 inc refreshments
Location: Catholic Church Hall, Cinder Hill, Coleford
Booking: not required
Contact: Forest of Dean Area Group, Gloucestershire
Wildlife Trust. tel: 01594 510384
Monmouthshire Walking Festival
Once again the best of walking in
Monmouthshire will be showcased. 30 walks are
planned covering the length and breadth of
Monmouthshire with at least one serious walk
each day plus a range of special interest walks
and events. The popular challenge walk will be
run again.The Monmouthshire walking festivals
have been organised as part of the county's rural
development programme. Chief among the aims
are the promotion of walking as a reason to visit
and for general healthy living. And if there's a
chance to highlight the culture, wildlife and food
of Monmouthshire, all the better. In fact, many
walks are led by locals providing insightful
commentary along the way.
Date: Friday, October 19 -Sunday, October 28
Time: Various
Cost: £5 per booking
Location: Various
Booking: Essential
Contact: For Booking : Tickets may be purchased
at Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth
Tourist Information Centres or go online
www.walkinginmonmouthshire.org/walks/howto-buy-tickets
The Angidy Valley
A walk from the picturesque Tintern abbey, to
explore the areas industrial past, hidden within
the Angidy Valley. We will visit the remains of the
newly conserved ancient iron works. The return
leg affords wonderful views of Tintern, from the
ruined Church of St. Mary’s.
Leader: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour
Guides
Date: Sunday, October 21
Time: 10 am
Distance: 4.5miles/7.1km
Cost: Free
Location: Tintern Abbey
Booking: Essential
Contact: Sarah Sawyer, Wye Valley AONB
Community Links Officer Tel: 01600 710844
email: community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk

Hedeglaying
A practical introduction to the art of hedgelaying.
Participants will learn how to prepare a hedge for
laying and how to select the right trees for laying.
There will be a brief discussion of the various styles
of hedgelaying and we will be demonstrating how to
use and sharpen the tools provided.
Leader: Kevin Williams
Date: Monday, October 22
Time: 10am- 4.30pm
Cost: £27 members £37 non members
Location: Pentwyn Farm, Monmouth
Booking: Essential
Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust, tel: 01600 740600
Wales at the Water’s Edge
A chance to listen to Jon Gower and enjoy the
photography of Jeremy Moore. To mark the opening
of the All-Wales Coastal Path in 2012, photographer
Jeremy Moore and author Jon Gower have joined
forces to celebrate Wales's coastline in all its glory,
focusing on the landscape and the characters that
are linked inextricably to that landscape.
Ticket price redeemable against book purchase at the
event.
Leader: Chepstow Bookshop Event
Date: Saturday, October 23
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £3 per person
Location: Chepstow Drill Hall
Booking: Not essential
Contact: Chepstow Bookshop tel: 01291 625011
Roll Up! Roll Up!
Hands-on art and craft activities exploring Shire
Hall’s magical markets
Leader: Karin Molson
Date: Thursday, October 25
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Cost: £2 per child
Location: The Shire Hall, Agincourt Sq, Monmouth
Booking: Not essential. Drop in but children must
be accompanied by an adult
Contact: Karin Molson, learning manager
tel: 01600 775259 or
e: karinmolson@monmouthshire.gov.uk
The Big Draw, 2012
Join us and get involved as we celebrate all forms of
drawing.
Leader: Karin Molson
Date: Thursday, October 27
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Cost: £2 per child
Location: The Shire Hall, Agincourt Sq, Monmouth
Booking: Not essential. Drop in but children must
be accompanied by an adult
Contact: Karin Molson, learning manager
tel: 01600 775259 or
e: karinmolson@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Flavours of Hereford Festival 2012
The whole City will benefit from the influx of foodie
visitors, estimated to exceed 20,000. The Festival will
have FREE entry for all to enjoy in the main areas
and pavilions, with a charge for the celebrity cookery
theatres for those wanting to see an exciting variety
of famous TV chefs from your favourite cookery
programmes. Much loved baker and cookery book
author Mary Berry, from the hit TV series, The Great
British Bake Off. Closely followed by acclaimed
restaurateur and Ready Steady Cook favourite Tony
Tobin. ensures this will be truly unmissable with
something for everyone event.
Leader: Visit Herefordshire
Date: Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28
Time: Various
Cost: FREE
Location: Centre of Hereford
Contact: visitherefordshire.co.uk/whats-on /4515/
festival-of-herefordshire/

Welsh Witches and Wizards
White witches and Welsh wizards cast away the
gloom with spells and potions as winter comes.
Discover the enchanting world of Welsh myth and
legend relating to witchcraft and wizardry.
Date: Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location: Chepstow castle
Cost: Cadw member Free, Adult £4,
Concession/Child u 16 £3.60, Family £11.60
Booking: Not essential
Contact: Chepstow Castle
tel: 01292 624065
cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/chepstow-castle/?lang=en
Halloween Family Fun Trail
Discover some spooky secrets and ghastly tales as
you take on our ghostly trail this Halloween at
Goodrich Castle. Are you brave enough to take on
the challenge? If so, a terrible treat awaits you!
Date: Monday, October 29 -Sunday, November 4
Time: 10 am - 5pm
Cost: English Heritage Members Free, £6 Adult,
£3.60 Child, £5.40 Concession
Location: Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
Booking: not required
Contact: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout
/properties/goodrich-castle/
Herefordshire College of Technology
offers the following short courses at
their Holme Lacy campus.
• Tractor Driving and Handling
• Maintain and Operate your Chainsaw Safely
• Hedgelaying
• Coppicing
• Shooting with Shotguns
• Game Meat Cooking and Preparation
• Pigs in Woodland
Get in touch today to find out more.
Call Course Enquires on
0800 032 1986
or visit the website www.hct.ac.uk
November
Geology of Coppett Hill and the
Wye Valley
A gentle walk up Coppett Hill to investigate the
Puddingstone outcrop, with a simple description of
the Geological context of the Old Red Sandstone
below and the limestone above. Learn about the
development of the River Wye and the Valley it has
cut in this area.
You will need walking boots as some of the ground
is muddy and uneven. Supervised children and
accompanying dogs are all welcome. This walk is
inspired by the H&W Earth Heritage Trust
Champions scheme.
Leader: Kevin Williams
Date: Sunday, November 4
Time: 11am- 1pm
Cost: Free
Location: Goodrich centre near shop. Parking at
Goodrich Castle £1
Booking: Not essential
Contact: Lawrence Moss, tel: 0711 381 289
The King’s Revenge
Michael Walsh and Don Jordan give a fascinating
account of the hunt for the regicides of Charles 1,
the largest man-hunt in British history.This includes
the connection with Chepstow Castle, where Harry
Marten was imprisoned for being a regicide and
died. He was a huge character and notorious in his
day for being a womanising republican and the 31st
signature on Charles I’s death warrant. Ticket price
redeemable against book purchase at the event.
Leader: Chepstow Bookshop Event
Date: Thursday, November 8
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £3 per person
Location: Chepstow Drill Hall
Booking: Not essential
Contact: Chepstow Bookshop tel: 01291 625011

Dragonflies-Their current status
An illustrated talk by Ingrid Twissell, County recorder
for dragonflies and damselflies. Ingrid will be
attempting to answer the question Where have all
our dragonflies gone?. She will discuss recording for
the New Dragonfly Atlas and talk about dragonflies
lost and found.
Leader: Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Date: Friday, November 16
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 inc refreshments
Location: Catholic Church Hall, Cinder Hill, Coleford
Booking: not required
Contact: Forest of Dean Area Group,
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. tel: 01594 510384
Bats
Dave Priddis, Chair of Gloucestershire Bat Group
and a batworker and caver of many years
experience and high standing will be talking about
his experiences in monitoring and recording the bat
population.
Leader: Gwent Wildlife Trust
Date: Monday, November 19
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 donation
Location: Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Booking: not required
Contact: GWT Monmouth Group, Alison Willott
tel: 01600 740286 e: alisonwillott@hotmail.com
Battle Castles - Dan Snow
The historian and TV presenter comes to Chepstow
to give an illustrated talk on his latest book and
BBC TV series “Battle Castles.”
Dan Snow explores the world’s greatest castles:
Edward 1’s network of castles in Wales; from Dover
Castle to Chateau Gaillard; Richard I's fortress in
Normandy; from Castillo de Gibalfaro, the last
vanguard of Moorish rule in Spain to Krak des
Chevaliers in Syria, an astounding feat of
engineering by the Crusaders. Each castle’s story is
dramatically recounted - the building techniques,
the weapons used and daily life within the walls.
Spanning across the globe, and using the latest CGI
reconstructions, Dan Snow gets to the very heart of
the bloodshed and battles of the greatest fortresses
of the Middle Ages.
Ticket price redeemable against book purchase at
the event.
Leader: Chepstow Bookshop Event
Date: Thursday, November 29
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £7 per person
Location: Chepstow Drill Hall
Booking: Essential
Contact: Chepstow Bookshop tel: 01291 62501

December
Staunton and the Buckstone
A moderate walk on the hills and woods around
Staunton and Highmeadow Woods via the
Buckstone, the Suck Stone and Near Hearkening
Rock. Memorable views.
Leader: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides
Date: Sunday, December 2
Time: 10 am
Distance: 4miles/6.5km
Cost: Free
Location: Tintern Abbey
Booking: Essential
Contact: Sarah Sawyer, Wye Valley AONB
Community Links Officer Tel: 01600 710844
email: community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
Christmas Past
Create gifts, cards and decoration inspired by
Christmas past.
Leader: Karin Molson
Date: Saturday, December 8
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Cost: £2 per child
Location: The Shire Hall, Agincourt Sq, Monmouth
Booking: Not essential. Drop in but children must
be accompanied by an adult
Contact: Karin Molson, learning manager
tel: 01600 775259 or
e: karinmolson@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Mammals of Gwent
Colin Titcombe , one of the best known Gwent
Naturalists gives an illustrated talk on the Variety
of mammals found in Gwent.
Leader: Gwent Wildlife Trust
Date: Wednesday, December 19
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £1.50 members £2 non members
Location: Chepstow Leisure Centre
Booking: Not Essential
Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Chepstow Group,
tel: 01291 689326
January
Injured Wildlife
Mike Edwards, from the City Wildlife Rescue centre in
Newport talks about treating injured wildlife.
Leader: Gwent Wildlife Trust
Date: Monday, November 19
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 donation
Location: Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Booking: not required
Contact: GWT Monmouth Group, Alison Willott
tel: 01600 740286 e: alisonwillott@hotmail.com
February
Bird Migration
Kelvin Jones, the Wales Development Officer for the
British Trust for Ornithology will talk on migration of
birds.
Leader: Gwent Wildlife Trust
Date: Monday, November 19
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: £2 donation
Location: Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monmouth
Booking: not required
Contact: GWT Monmouth Group, Alison Willott
tel: 01600 740286 e: alisonwillott@hotmail.com
March
Spring Photo Walk
Explore the spectacular ruins of Goodrich Castle with
your Bridge or SLR camera and enjoy capturing the
beauty of the grounds and the stunning architecture.
Guiding you round will be expert architectural and
landscape photographer Nick Meers, who will be on
hand to help you gain the best from your camera and
improve your pictures.Lunch is included in the price.
Leader: Nick Meers
Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 10 am - 4pm
Cost: Members £60, Non members £70
Location: Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
Booking: Essential
Contact: tel: 0870 333 1183 ( Mon- Fri 8.30am-
5.30pm) (Sat 9am-5pm)
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout
/properties/goodrich-castle/
If you have event happening between April and September 2013 you wish to be published in the Spring/
Summer edition of Picturesque please send the details by February 1, 2013 to information@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk