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EXTREME adventurer Paul Fosh is kicking his heels back in Monmouthshire after being struck down with covid during his epic Lapland ultra attempt.

Paul is recovering at home battling the last symptoms of covid after being pulled from the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra race half way round the 500 km course when he tested positive.

The hugely experienced frozen wastes explorer Paul, owner of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, was taking part in the inaugural Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in Sweden.

Although the gritty 55-year-old says he is disappointed, as he was well on the way to completing the epic 315-mile challenge, he will soon be back in training for his next epic challenge.

Paul, who has raised £4,200 for Wales homelessness charity Llamau through his Lapland efforts, voiced some criticism of organisers over its covid testing arrangements which he believes led directly to him contracting the virus.

Paul said: “Had the organisers carried out comprehensive and ongoing tests of everyone involved, competitors and organisers, as had been done by an event organised by the same people in Canada three weeks prior to the Lapland event, then I don’t believe I would have caught covid.

“I clearly got covid from either another competitor or a crew member. I had been in the country for five days before I got the symptoms and the omnicron variant has about a 48 hour incubation period so I definitely got it when I was over there, which is annoying.

“When I set off at the start of the race I was clear and felt fit and raring to go. No one asked us to do any tests. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but for the race organisers, who otherwise had everything in order, this was a little bit disappointing. I understand that 3/4 of the crew got covid and as to how many competitors caught covid we don’t know as it wasn’t revealed.”

Paul said one competitor who had had covid but was then symptom free, was allowed to start at the rear of the race. He, himself,  first felt symptoms 36 hours into the race.

Paul, an asthmatic, wheezing, a slight cough and with ear ache at a check point was quizzed by organisers but carried on for another 100kms before being pulled from the event and ordered to isolate for 48 hours after testing positive for covid.

Paul was subsequently informed that he wouldn’t be allowed to continue partly due to his possible infection of other competitors but also for his own health and safety in such a vigorously testing and gruelling competition.

“It was hugely disappointing. I had got half way round, covered 247kms and had been feeling fit, strong and able to complete the course. The 515kms was well within my capability.

“It’s difficult. You don’t want to record a DNF (did not finish). I’d previously had one in Canada in the Yukon which was my fault due to my lack of mental preparation. I hadn’t prepared myself for coping with minus 45 degree temperatures. For this one there is nothing I could have done differently, it wasn’t my fault and slightly bizarrely I almost find that easier. as failing was beyond my control.”

“I controlled all the controllable but it was an uncontrollable, covid, that hit me and forced me to not be able to finish the race.”

Paul says he will ‘probably’ have another go at the Lapland ultra but has other events in his sights before returning to Sweden.

Comparing this latest event with his exploits in Canada’s Yukon Paul said temperatures were a lot less cold but this made conditions more testing as the pulk competitors pulk slides less easily on the warmer, semi frozen land.

He said the Yukon is very dry while Lapland is more precipitous forcing eventers to contend with  muscle-challenging metre-and-a-half deep snow drifts along the route if they strayed a matter of a few inches off the track.

Paul has signed up for the 430 mile Montane Yukon Ultras next February but prior to that he has some unfinished business to complete in the UK in June when he will compete in The Spine, a 268-mile race which stretches along the Pennine way in England to the Scottish borders.

He hopes to add £800 to the money already raised for Llamau  so he will be able to donate £5,000 to the charity

The indomitable competitor said: “I am itching to get back into training as soon as I can once the last vestiges of covid have cleared up. I hope to start by walking but have been advised not to do too much too soon until my lungs are fully back to normal.

“I am  pretty fit and you don’t lose your fitness too quickly so If I don’t get back into training until the end of April I won’t be too worried.”

Paul competed in 2015 in the Likeys Ultra in Canada when he was one of just eight to finish, coming fourth out of the 24 that entered. He also completed the 300-mile Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra in 2016.

To donate to Paul’s Llamau charity fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-fosh1

 

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The Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra event, which starts and ends in the village of Overkalix, in the region of Norbotten, Sweden, requires the individual to look after themselves, in temperatures which can plummet to -20C as they jog, walk and crawl over some of the world’s wildest and coldest terrain. There can also be the threat of wolves or even wild bears.

The ultra eventer must carry their own food, water, sleeping gear and emergency supplies on a sled – a ‘pulk’ – the entire distance of the epic race.

Competitors have 10 days to complete the challenge. The route crosses frozen rivers, lakes, and forests, while markers are regularly covered with fresh snow. The kit on the sled contains a sleeping system, consisting of a sleeping bag, light tent, stove, freeze-dried meals, first aid kit, emergency equipment and lots of layers of clothing.

ARE you looking for a property at a bargain basement price ? How about this property for sale in the centre of chic Penarth with a guide price of £nil?

A rare opportunity to acquire a spacious basement area in a highly sought after location in the Vale of Glamorgan seaside town has come on the auction market.

The highly unusual and interesting property, in the town centre’s historic Washington Buildings, has been put up for sale at Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The basement of the eye-catching Victorian-era building could offer scope for all manner of alternative uses, from conversion to an apartment, as an office or for storage, subject to obtaining the relevant planning consents.

“In Washington Buildings in the heart of Penarth amid a wealth of independent shops and close to the town’s railway station, it’s in an ideal location.

“The property is listed with a guide price of £nil so a bid of few hundred pounds could secure this bargain basement lot in one of south Wales’ most fashionable towns.”

The development opportunity, on Penarth’s Stanwell Road, goes up for auction from  12 noon on Tuesday, April 12 with bidding ending from 5pm on Thursday, April 14.

GWENT  hospice chairman Malgwyn Davies OBE, CStJ  has been appointed High Sheriff of the county.

Malgwyn, aged 75, a native of Llangynwyd, near Maesteg but who lives in Cwmbran, is chairman of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care.

Selected by Her Majesty the Queen for the office of High Sheriff of Gwent Malgwyn, a solicitor, said: “Initially, I was extremely surprised when approached about being nominated but also very honoured and privileged.

“It is an ancient office which has been in continuous existence since Saxon times and while the role has been modified over the years, the honour of being selected by Her Majesty the Queen to perform such a unique role in your county cannot be overstated. It has caused a great deal of excitement across my family and has given me the clear impression that they are extremely proud of the achievement.”

Malgwyn, former Chief Executive of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “As a 21^st century High Sheriff, it will be my duty to play an active role in promoting the interests of criminal justice agencies and voluntary organisations which work to prevent crime, promote community safety and offer support and development to young people and vulnerable adults.

“It has been extremely difficult for my two immediate predecessors to undertake the role because of the constraints imposed by the pandemic. Having said that, I must pay tribute to the creative ways in which they have both handled the situation.

“I sincerely hope that I will be able to operate in a way that existed prior to the pandemic by visiting as many organisations and persons as possible that deal with crime prevention and community safety throughout Gwent with a view to encouraging, supporting and recognising their achievements.

“One of my duties will be to help allocate grants to voluntary organisations mentioned above. The fund is administered by Community Foundation Wales and a group of six Gwent High Sheriffs (past, present and future) make decisions on the allocations.

“Whilst I have not made any decisions yet about fundraising that I will undertake during my year of office, I have it in mind to try a joint funding approach to benefit the High Sheriff fund and St. David’s Hospice Care.”

St David’s Hospice Care chief executive, Emma Saysell, said: “The hospice is honoured to have a serving High Sheriff as our Chair. The appointment is so well deserved. Malgwyn will be an outstanding High Sheriff. Malgwyn works tirelessly for the hospice as he does for the voluntary sector throughout South Wales.”

Malgwyn received his OBE from the Prince of Wales in 2016 for his voluntary services to palliative care and his services to the community.

Married to Margaret and with two daughters, Bethan and Sian, and six grandchildren, he started his career in 1963 with a firm of Solicitors in Bridgend and commenced training as a legal executive. He moved to Monmouthshire County Council in 1969, subsequently transferring to its successor Gwent County Council. During this time he qualified as a Solicitor and, after several promotions, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive.

In 1995 Malgwyn became Chief Executive of the newly formed Caerphilly County Borough Council, retiring in 2006. In addition to his mainstream employment, he has performed other duties, principally among those, he has been Clerk to the Gwent Police Authority; Company Secretary of Gwent and South East Wales Training and Enterprise Councils; Chairman of Caerphilly and subsequently Gwent St John Councils; Returning Officer for Parliamentary and other elections: Clerk to the Lieutenancy for Gwent for over 20 years and, since retirement, Chairman of St David’s Hospice Care for nearly 12 years.

Malgwyn became High Sheriff after making a declaration to serve Her Majesty the Queen at a ceremony at Caerphilly County Borough Council Offices at Ty Penallta, Ystrad Mynach, on Friday, March 25.

KOLOR Dash sponsor Ruth got a baptism of paint when she arrived at St David’s Hospice Care to help launch this year’s event.

Ruth Adams, of Western Power Distribution, said: “I had an inkling what to expect at the launch as WPD has sponsored this fantastic event for a number of years. I certainly got a taste of the fun to be had and what to expect on Kolor Dash day, so now I’m well prepared.”

Commenting on WPD’s sponsorship of Kolor Dash Ruth said: “St David’s Hospice Care is a fantastic charity. The pandemic has meant that charities like them have all been hit hard financially and they need even more support than usual.

“We know Kolor Dash will help to raise vital funds in a really fun and enjoyable way and hopefully provide a boost to help them carry on the fantastic work that they do seven days a week, 365 days a year, though out our community.

Organiser Beth Harrington, of St David’s Hospice Care said: “Kolor Dash is brilliant fun for everyone. It’s the chance to get out in the fresh air in wonderful Tredegar Park, do a bit of light exercise and get yourself and as many others totally covered in a kaleidoscope of magical colours.

“Kolor Dash is great for families and groups of mates, in fact anyone and everyone who wants to let their hair down, get plastered in powder paint and help raise funds  for a very good cause.”

Beth said: “I was delighted that I was able to introduce Ruth to the wonders and delights  of Kolor Dash at the launch at the hospice and that she brought along WPD’s Pylonman, who is no stranger to the magic of the dash. What Ruth experienced was just a taste, the real fun happens on Kolor Dash evening.”

Newport Kolor Dash is on Friday, April 29, at Tredegar Park, Newport. Registration opens at 5pm accompanied by music. The five colours of paint, glitter, water and foam starts pumping at 6.30pm when Kolor Dashers set off on the 5km course.

Newport Kolor Dash is a fun 5k run, walk or jog, around Tredegar Park, Newport with the added touch of brightly coloured powder paint and entertainment provided by different stations along the route.

The entry fee is £10 for an adult, £5 for a child, £25 for a family ticket of two adults and up to three children. Fun sunglasses, extra powder paint and glow sticks are available to buy on the day. A range of other merchandise can be bought from the hospice’s online store.

For Tickets or more information, please contact fundraising on 01633 851051 or email hello@stdavidshospicecare.org or www. https://stdavidshospicecare.org/event-details/kolordashnewport/

MAJOR global concerns in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are having marked effects on financial markets, says Robin Hall, Managing Director of Newport-based financial planners Kymin.

“During February, the growing geopolitical risk in Ukraine reached a peak, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion of its neighbour. Many markets had already begun pricing in growing Russian aggression, however, further falls in equities have been seen.

“The market implications of the situation are difficult to anticipate in the short term, and much will depend on the level of escalation and counter measures imposed by Western nations. Nevertheless, it is likely that the higher oil prices that are already being seen, as well as flight to safety will persist for as long as the situation is severe.

“Higher energy prices in particular are likely to have the most significant impact, pushing inflation higher and weakening the spending power of consumers. Nevertheless, given the size of the Ukrainian and Russian economies, equity and bond markets, the direct impact is unlikely to be significant, and market moves will be more down to contagion or secondary effects.

“Separately, since the start of the year, equity and bond markets have already been under pressure from high inflation and resultingly, rising interest rates. Concerns that Central Banks were behind the curve led fixed income markets to rapidly reprice bonds, driving yields higher. Higher bond yields mean investors are less willing to buy equities at elevated valuations.

“While we should not expect that both of these issues will disappear, they have likely reached their most severe point of market concern. The beginning of an invasion that has been feared for many weeks will be the time that most market participants that are likely to capitulate will do so. Likewise, with headline inflation figures expected to level off and begin to decline over the coming months, this should diminish as a concern.

“While the market selloff has been sharp, company valuations are now suppressed. While we expect that short term volatility will remain, as long-term investors we are keen to look through such periods.

“The vast majority of the investments within portfolios fundamentally have no direct or indirect exposure to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Price moves driven by panic of the unknown is usual in such situations, and historically has been short lived. Investors have generally been rewarded for having resolve in such situations.”

PET lovers were not too spooked to bid on a dilapidated C17th Gwent chapel despite the tales that it is haunted by a blood thirsty black hound.

Legend has it that the former chapel and adjacent, fully occupied graveyard, is haunted by The Black Hound of The Underworld, which haunts the souls of men.

Haunted souls or not, bidders were still interested on the chapel as it sold for £53,000 after 14 bids from three bidders.

These days the single-storey detached stone-built chapel sits incongruously among modern homes in Waun Road, in the St Dials area of Cwmbran. Years ago the chapel stood quite alone on a wind-swept, grassy hillside.

Once a centre for Welsh Non-Conformists, the chapel which hasn’t been used for worship for generations, was being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

It surpassed its original guide price of £43,000-plus by £10,000, but there have been no reports of any further soul-related costs.

According to local folklore a former minister of the chapel, once surrounded by scrubby woodland and fields, late one night heard the blood curdling baying of a hound.

It was not long after that the man of the cloth was said to have witnessed what he described as a great black hound following his trail. The minister, realising that he was on the menu, struck the hound between the eyes with his Bible.

The mythical creature, believed to haunt the souls of man, is said to have burst into flames and disappeared, leaving the minister’s soul intact but his beard singed.

Debra Bisley, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “We look forward to seeing what the new owner of this unique building does with it. I know the building holds a lot of importance for some of the local residents.”

The next Paul Fosh Auction, where a number more exciting properties will go under the hammer, will begin on Tuesday, April 12 and ending from 5pm on Thursday April 14.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Ancient Grade II* listed Severn Estuary Whitson Church has been sold at auction.

The Medieval building with permission to convert into a two-bed home, was sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

Idyllic, 12th century Whitson Church, situated in the picturesque hamlet of the same name  on the Gwent Levels, was listed for sale by a private vendor with a guide price of £135,000.

Bids flooded in from four prospective owners with the property eventually selling for £162,000.

Original parts of the eye-catching ancient building, which is mentioned in local history records where it is noted for its fine tower and  ‘pinnacle’, date back as far as the 12th century with later additions including a 15th century tower.

The property, currently derelict inside and missing much of its roof,  is approached via a new driveway with work already commenced on the installation of a small bridge over a reen (ancient drainage channel).

The planning permission obtained in December last year is for the development of a two bedroom dwelling with open plan living area, kitchen to the ground floor, two bedrooms and bathroom to the first floor and further accommodation within the tower.

The graveyard adjoining the property was not included in the sale but there is an area near the building which the vendors say could be used for a garden.

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions who is handling the sale, said: “The church is in the village of Whitson which is situated on the serene Caldicot Levels where there are a number of farmsteads and houses.

“The distinctive property is close to the sea wall and the Severn Estuary. The M4 is easily accessible, offering easy access for commuters to both Cardiff and Bristol.

“This truly one-off property created a great deal of interest from both sides of the Severn Estuary. Prospective  purchasers could clearly see the potential for this property with the benefit of planning permission for conversion to a awesome, away-from-it-all two bed home.”

The church, along with some sixty other properties, was offered for sale at Paul Fosh Auctions February sale. The next Paul Fosh Auctions sale starts on Tuesday, March 8 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, March 10.

St Joseph’s Hospital has shifted into top gear with its support for St David’s Hospice Care.

St Joseph’s, one of the largest  independent hospitals in Wales, has linked with the Newport-based hospice to once more back Chepstow’s South Wales Car Festival.

But not only that the hospital has also added its support to this year’s ever popular Dalmatian Bike Ride, known as The Dally and another exciting event to be unveiled in 2022.

Staged for the first time last year the car festival, at Chepstow Racecourse, was a great success. The event is being held on Sunday, May 15, this year

Stuart Hammond, CEO of St Joseph’s Hospital which recently celebrated 75 years since its foundation, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the car festival again this year and to have had the opportunity to add the Dalmatian Bike Ride and another equally exciting but yet to be announced event, to our support.

“We had 250 fantastic vehicles at  the Chepstow Racecourse fundraising event last year and this year is lining up to be just as busy if not even busier. It was packed out with visitors on the day making it an incredible event with which to be associated.

“St Joseph’s Hospital is all about looking after people and we are committed to contributing to the local community where we operate. All proceeds from the events we’re supporting go to St David’s Hospice Care to help them to continue to provide their incredible palliative care service throughout our community.”

Beth Harrington, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We were extremely grateful for the wonderful support we received from St Joseph’s Hospital for the inaugural South Wales Car Festival. We’re thrilled that the hospital has not only renewed this but has added two more events.”

“The car festival offers  a dazzling array of vehicles on display as well as bars, street food, a kid’s corner, funfair, live music, entertainment, VIP area, crafts stalls, local produce and much more. It’s a great day out, in a fabulous setting, for the entire family.”

For more details and how to buy tickets please visit www.southwalescarshow.co.uk or call 01633 851051. carshow@stdavidshospicecare.org  www.southwalescarshow.co.uk 

The Dalmatian Bike Ride will be staged on Saturday, June 11, this year. For details visit www.dalmatianbikeride.com

For more information visit www.stdavidshospicecare.org

KIND-Hearted colleagues  of a Gwent fashion store manager with a boundless passion for life raised thousands of pounds in her memory after she lost her courageous battle against cancer.

New Look, Blackwood, store manager Karen Britton, who passed away aged 54, amazed workmates with her vitality as she bravely fought the illness in the final months of her life.

The married mum of one, who lived in Caerphilly and  had worked at New Look for three decades, was known by generations of customers who she served over the years.

Current holding store manager, Laura Evans, joined with work colleagues to wear pink and to reflect on the  life of their ‘inspirational and supportive’ colleague.

Laura said: “During Karen’s battle with cancer she became even more of an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Karen was always thinking of others more than herself and continued to spread positivity, even during her most difficult time.”

Such was the love and respect for Karen that a charity event was staged by the South Wales New Look team in memory of the former store manager.

Laura said: “Together, and along with the kindness of  our customers and support from New Look,  we managed to raise £3,825 which we’ve donated to St David’s Hospice Care in Karen’s memory. We thought it a wonderful way to honour a  remarkable lady who touched us all with her kindness and passion for life.”

Beth Harrington, of St David’s Hospice Care, receiving the cheque on behalf of the hospice at the High Street, Blackwood, store, said: “The hospice looked after Karen,  in her final weeks in December,  over the Christmas period at the end of last year.

“We were moved and touched to be contacted by her work colleagues afterwards to say that they wanted to make a donation to the hospice in Karen’s memory and in recognition of the care Karen had received from the hospice.”

A  single car garage in Newport attracted 123 bids eventually selling for three times its guide price when it was put up for sale at auction.

The almost frenzied interest in the sale of the humble garage and the price obtained is an example of the red hot property market in the city, a leading expert says

Sean Roper, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, says bids rained in as soon as the property in the city’s Downing Street went live.

And bidding didn’t stop until 123 bids later when the garage at the rear of 19 Downing Street and listed with a guide price of £9,000, sold for £32,950.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Interest in the sizeable garage was red hot. The first bid was registered  as soon as the auction went live at 12 noon and bids kept on coming until the hammer fell two days later.

“Interest in property in general in the Newport area is very strong. The sale of this quite ordinary garage, for more than three times its guide, is an illustration that the city is a real hot spot for property buyers with almost everything that is offered for sale being snapped up at auction.”

The garage was sold in Paul Fosh Auctions February sale. The next Paul Fosh Auctions sale starts on Tuesday, March 8, ending from 5pm on Thursday March 10.