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EXTREME adventurer Paul Fosh is making the final arrangements before heading into the life-threatening sub zero conditions of the Arctic Circle.

Icey explorer Paul, owner of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, is taking part in the inaugural Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra. The gritty 55-year-old will be attempting to walk 500km, about 315 miles, pulling all his gear in a pulk, a sled, to complete the race.

The event starts from the village of Overkalix, in the region of Norbotten, Sweden, at 9.30am on Sunday, March 6 and finishes 10 days later on Wednesday, March 16.

Paul, a man who has spent his life in property, is raising thousands of pounds for Wales-based homelessness charity Llamau.

He said: “Llamau is an incredible charity. If you have five minutes, please take a look at their work, it is truly life-changing.

“I’m looking to raise at least £5,000 for Llamau and I’m at around £3,800 so far. If everyone who sees this story donates just £2 I will smash my goal. Please go to my Just giving page Paul Fosh 1 and donate at least £2, that’s less than a takeaway coffee.. Just search Justgiving then Paul Fosh 1 and you’ll find me.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-fosh1

No stranger to the extreme demands of Ultra events Paul, who is a long time supporter of Llamau, was thwarted in his most recent attempt to get back into the Arctic icy waste and raise funds due to covid.

The explorer was primed to take part in the  2021, 430-mile  Montane Yukon Ultra, the harshest and coldest ultra race on the planet in February. The keen competitor had secured his place and was in training when it was cancelled

Nevertheless the determined athlete has continued training, slogging around the hills near his home in Monmouthshire for up to 12 hours at a time, sometimes even hauling tyres to resemble the drag of the pulk, to maintain peak fitness. He has also taken part in a number of other ‘home’ ultra events in the meantime.

Putting his latest challenge into perspective Paul said: “These extreme Arctic ultra events tend to have a completion rate by athletes of around just 20% compared to say a race people may have heard of called the Marathon des Sables which has a completion rate of around 80%.

“Conditions are so brutal that in 2018 just one of the 23 competitors, who began the full distance race, made it to the finish line.

“Frostbite is a constant peril hanging over every racer. One year an experienced ultra-runner from Italy lost part of both legs and an arm to the condition.

“The Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra is something for which I have been in training for months and now the time is here I’m raring to get going.”

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. Paul has unfinished business as he was forced to pull out of the 430-mile Montane Yukon Ultra in 2019 due to injury.

The Ultra race was added to run a few weeks after the Yukon in Canada race, in Sweden’s Lapland which presents new challenges for competitors.

“The Lapland Ultra is the first of its kind in the country. It’ll involve a lot of deep snow work and the use of snowshoes and skis, which isn’t what competitors traditionally use in The Yukon.”

“A lot of people underestimate the mental challenge of an Arctic Ultra event. Walking in the daylight is much easier psychologically because you’ve got such fantastic scenery to look at. But when you’re walking at night, you could be anywhere. You’ve just got your head torch beam to follow.

“Competitors often complain of hallucinations amid the relentless wilderness. I’ve ‘seen’ all manner of hallucinations and heard strange sounds. Between the checkpoints competitors are completely on their own.

“I love the challenge, both physical and mental but know that probably less than a quarter of those entering the race will complete it.

“Over time, you become thrilled to be part of the small percentage that have entered and completed the race.

“I invest a lot of time, effort and money to get myself out there and I want to do myself proud. I don’t ever want to fail at anything I do.”

“There are those of us that almost enjoy the pain, but if it was too easy there would be no pleasure at the end.”

“Someone once told me to train hard and play easy. Admittedly, that was in the context of rugby, but I think it can apply to this too.”

 

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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.

PET lovers may be attracted to buy a dilapidated C17th Gwent chapel as it is said to be 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.

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, is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions. It has a guide price of £43,000-plus.

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: “I don’t know about the mysterious Black Hound and the minister’s beard but the chapel and graveyard is certainly unusual plonked as it is in the middle of the modern estate.

“Sympathetically converted It could make a lovely house or may be an unusual airbnb property. There would be no nuisance or noise from the immediate neighbours.

“The detached chapel, of stone construction under a pitch tiled roof, is believed to date back to the 17th century. It’s understood not to be listed and has planning for conversion to residential uses. The site also offers potential for the creation of off road parking.”

The chapel, along with some 70 other properties, will be offered for sale online by  Paul Fosh Auctions from 12 noon  on Tuesday, March 8 with the virtual hammer falling from 5pm on Thursday, March 10.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

LEADING local Chartist historian Pat Drewett has turned detective in his bid to solve an artistic mystery.

Former teacher Pat, from Allt-Yr-Yn, Newport, is using forensic skills honed over many years to uncover the origins of an unique Chartist era print. Pat believes his investigation into the artwork and the artist who created it, can shed valuable new light on the cataclysmic right to vote movement.

The researcher chanced upon the artwork in a dusty collection of pictures in a Newport charity shop when first attracted by the frame. He has now launched his hunt to find the artist.

Pat, who most recently worked with fellow Chartist supporter musician Kelvin Reddicliffe to devise the Chartist musical Chartist RockX, also created a ‘chart’ of addresses of Chartist supporters living in Newport at the time of the uprising.

Pat said: “A local artist David Hughes drew this historically precise sketch of Newport as it was in the days of the Chartists. He used his skill with a pen to draw the story of the busy riverbank where the Monmouthshire Canal and its tram roads from the Eastern Valley met the River Usk and the tram road from the Sirhowy Valley.

“And it was no accident that Hughes chose the Chartist era for his sketch using his artistic flair to recreate the history of those times. By placing  Stow Hill in such a prominent place in his sketch, Hughes is drawing our attention to the unique Chartist heritage of Newport on Usk. Indeed he may be suggesting that because of its legacy, Newport should be given the title “Newport: Home of the Vote”

“Hughes’ sketch depicts the River Usk as the life-blood of Newport during the Industrial Revolution. It provided a wealth of jobs on the wharves and spin-off employment such as chandlery, ships’ carpentry and sail making. The river was so important that many maps refer to the town as Newport on Usk.

Describing the picture Pat said: “In the foreground Hughes shows the canal and its barges, the river bridge, and Newport Castle. Centre right, Hughes highlights Stow Hill, leading directly downwards from St Woolos church to the Westgate Inn at its foot. “Stow Hill is of course the route taken by thousands of Chartists in 1839 as they fought for their civil rights, trying to redress the poverty forced on them by low wages and the high price of bread.”

Describing the conditions at the time and the growing support for the Chartist movement, Pat said: “Bribery and corruption were everywhere and the Workhouse was an ever-present threat.  Families felt exploited and powerless. They hoped for a change to their living and working conditions; schools for their children; a green and safe environment.

“Many workers joined the Chartists, campaigning for civil rights, The People’s Charter, the right to vote, and new laws for the common good. Word of The Charter was passed from meeting to meeting, from street to street, from mouth to mouth, and this soon got the name “The Roar of Gwent”.

“The Industrial Revolution had begun, bringing great wealth and power to ironmasters and landowners, yet widespread poverty to their workers. Smoke and flames belched out from vast ironworks in Nantyglo and Blaenavon blotting out the once-green South Wales valleys. Men and children from the age of six, toiled deep underground mining coal in huge quantities to stoke the furnaces of the ironmasters and to sell to the rest of the world.

“Each of the river wharves was owned by a different company and many industrialists like Thomas Prothero, Thomas Powell, Thomas Philips, who owned the coalmines and canals, also owned the wharves which brought them even more wealth. Sir Charles Morgan of Tredegar House also amassed a fortune on account of his “Golden Mile” turnpike at Bassaleg (not shown) where a toll had to be paid according to the weight of goods carried along the turnpike.

“In those days Newport had no purpose-built “docks”, so Hughes in his drawing focuses on the riverside wharves where coal and iron goods were unloaded from canal barges and tram road wagons onto sailing ships for export to the world.

“The population of Newport was growing rapidly and Hughes manages to capture the overcrowded, back to back houses where disease was rife. Some workers even slept in shacks on the riverside wharves.

“Chartist songs and poems calling for liberty, equality and social justice captured the mood of the working poor. By 1839, thousands of ordinary working families in South Wales had already become Chartists by signing the million-signature Charter which was taken in procession across London to Parliament where it was promptly ignored.  This angered the Chartists even more and the “Roar of Gwent” grew louder.

“Chartist newspapers like the “Western Vindicator” published articles saying that ….. “The Charter means meat, drink and clothing for every man, woman and child who will do a fair day’s work.”

“At massive outdoor rallies, the green Chartist flag flew high above the crowd, showing the Chartists’ love of nature and the environment.  Newport Chartist John Frost spoke truth to power, claiming that ordinary working families were trapped by the slavery of poverty and powerlessness. And 25-year-old Chartist “pop-star” Henry Vincent called for peace, law and order, equal law and equal rights. But Frost’s powerful protagonist, Thomas Prothero, saw to it that these peaceful Chartist meetings were broken up by special constables using truncheons.

Then, in May 1839, Henry Vincent and four other Newport Chartists were arrested for “sedition” and imprisoned in Monmouth Jail. This proved to be a trigger point.  Despite widespread calls for their release, discontent grew and eventually a huge march for change was planned from all parts of the South Wales valleys to demand civil rights. This epic event which is now known as the Newport Rising and which took place on November 4, 1839, ended tragically with a score of Chartist marchers shot dead by troops at the Westgate Inn.”

Pat said:”David Hughes signed and dated this sketch in 1989. A label on the reverse says that he then lived in Forge Close, Caerleon. Further information in the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, where another copy of this sketch is held, says that David Hughes then moved to Gloucestershire. But what happened to him then? Did he sketch other drawings of Newport or other Chartist places? And what became of this man who used his rich artistic talent to tell such wonderful tales? I really want to find out.”

Keen as ever to shine a spotlight on the Chartists, Pat said: “It’s important to keep the struggles of the Chartist alive and in the forefront of people’s minds. The Chartists were struggling for freedom, for justice and for the right to vote, everything which is as important today as it was back in the 1840’s.

“I’m hoping that by launching this search for the artist of this important map that the new information helps to keep interest in Chartism and our history alive to shine a light on the struggles of the past and to bring them right up to date  in a meaningful and tangible way.”

Anyone with further information about the artist or artwork is asked to contact Patrick Drewett email:  pat.drewett@hotmail.co.uk Exciting details of Newport Rising Festival 2022 can be found at www.newportrising.co.uk  “

A tranquil Gwent canal side cottage offering a slower pace of life sold for more than twice the guide price in a frenzy of bids at Paul Fosh Auctions.

Although placid  Lock Cottage, on the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, needs plenty of TLC this didn’t deter prospective buyers who piled their bids in for the waterside haven

The two bedroom property, with rambling gardens, which was being offered for sale by the Newport auctioneers with a guide price of £75,000-plus, was eventually sold for £158,000.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said the  quaint and historic cottage, in the Bettws area of Newport, had a magnetic attraction for bidders.

Sean said: “Bids came in as soon as the auction went live and didn’t hold up until the hammer finally fell at an impressive £158,000. In all 155 bids came in from nine individual bidders all looking to secure this unique cottage on the banks of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

“The cottage was appealing not just because of its location on the canal but for those looking for a secluded retreat, in a rural location, which is not way out in the sticks. The manageable property isn’t far from the city of Newport and the M4.”

“We often find that the more unusual, quirky properties go well at our auctions and this was certainly no  exception.”

Sean said Lock Cottage, with entrance,  kitchen bathroom and lounge on the ground floor and interconnecting bedrooms above, could also make a very attractive investment for a holiday let or perhaps Airbnb. He said there is also scope, subject to planning, for a builder to construct  perhaps a couple of houses on the land which extends to the front side and rear of the cottage.

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

A nineteenth century Grade II listed former gaol situated just a mile from the border with England in mid Wales has been sold at auction.

Sean Roper, of Newport, Gwent-Based Paul Fosh Auctions, who are selling the historic building, said its rural location and ‘uniqueness’  helped  make the property, with a guide price of £210,000-plus, a real steal.

The Old Gaol, on Gaol Road,  in the county town of Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) dates back to 1832 sold for £230,000 after attracting nine bids from five individual bidders.  The identity of the new owner has not been revealed.

The imposing property, now converted to seven apartments is approached by an arched gateway and  surrounded by its own grounds, retains many original features not the least of which is a towering cell wall.

Sean said: “The former gaol,  in the ancient border town of Montgomery, is a unique and quirky historic building which  appealed to prospective  new owners looking for something that is completely out of the ordinary and unlike anything else on the market. The new owner will most probably be keen to put their own stamp on this wonderful  historic property.

“The Grade II listed former gaol, which is being sold by its private owner,  is steeped in history and retains intriguing indications of its past use as a gaol in the early 19th century with, for example, the high walls of a former cell block of the former custodial centre forming an integral part of the building.

“I would think that the  property, right in the middle of Wales but very close to the border with England which is about a mile away, could well appeal to someone from the English Midlands, places like Birmingham or Coventry that sort of area, as the road connections are very good.

“It could also be used as a unusual airbnb property or with some investment renovated into a complex of luxury apartments as it’s in such an idyllic,  breath-taking location close to Offa’s Dyke.

“It’s a bit of a blank canvas really. This sort of Grade II listed property, in its wonderful location close to various areas of natural beauty, the Snowdonia national park is not far from the property, doesn’t come up very often so  it created a great deal of interest.

“The building is approached via Gaol Road with the impressive arched grandiose gateway immediately in view, this being a separate property but retaining pedestrian access through the archway to the old gaol. Alternatively there is vehicle access to the right leading to a parking bay and gardens with scope for further parking bays if required.

“The property was previously converted to seven flats by a housing association with a mix of one and two bed units. It now offers scope for improvements and the potential to reconfigure with either higher spec flats, holiday accommodation or even as a single, a large family dwelling (subject to necessary planning consents).”

The former Montgomery gaol sold at Paul Fosh Auctions’ February sale. The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale is on Tuesday March 8 until Thursday March 10.

A nineteenth century Grade II listed former gaol situated just a mile from the border with England in mid Wales has been sold at auction.

Sean Roper, of Newport, Gwent-Based Paul Fosh Auctions, who are selling the historic building, said its rural location and ‘uniqueness’  helped  make the property, with a guide price of £210,000-plus, a real steal.

The Old Gaol, on Gaol Road,  in the county town of Montgomery (Trefaldwyn) dates back to 1832 sold for £230,000 after attracting nine bids from five individual bidders.  The identity of the new owner has not been revealed.

The imposing property, now converted to seven apartments is approached by an arched gateway and  surrounded by its own grounds, retains many original features not the least of which is a towering cell wall.

Sean said: “The former gaol,  in the ancient border town of Montgomery, is a unique and quirky historic building which  appealed to prospective  new owners looking for something that is completely out of the ordinary and unlike anything else on the market. The new owner will most probably be keen to put their own stamp on this wonderful  historic property.

“The Grade11 listed former gaol, which is being sold by its private owner,  is steeped in history and retains intriguing indications of its past use as a gaol in the early 19th century with, for example, the high walls of a former cell block of the former custodial centre forming an integral part of the building.

“I would think that the  property, right in the middle of Wales but very close to the border with England which is about a mile away, could well appeal to someone from the English Midlands, places like Birmingham or Coventry that sort of area, as the road connections are very good.

“It could also be used as a unusual airbnb property or with some investment renovated into a complex of luxury apartments as it’s in such an idyllic,  breath-taking location close to Offa’s Dyke.

“It’s a bit of a blank canvas really. This sort of Grade II listed property, in its wonderful location close to various areas of natural beauty, the Snowdonia national park is not far from the property, doesn’t come up very often so  it created a great deal of interest.

“The building is approached via Gaol Road with the impressive arched grandiose gateway immediately in view, this being a separate property but retaining pedestrian access through the archway to the old gaol. Alternatively there is vehicle access to the right leading to a parking bay and gardens with scope for further parking bays if required.

“The property was previously converted to seven flats by a housing association with a mix of one and two bed units. It now offers scope for improvements and the potential to reconfigure with either higher spec flats, holiday accommodation or even as a single, a large family dwelling (subject to necessary planning consents).”

The former Montgomery gaol sold at Paul Fosh Auctions’ February sale. The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale is on Tuesday March 8 until Thursday March 10.

 

www.paulfoshauctions.com

Still looking a New Year’s Resolution to get your teeth into? How about resolving to take part in arguably the most fun you can have on water in south Wales?

Monmouth Raft Race.

The annual event, arranged by Rotary Monmouth and which raises funds principally for Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care, covers a course on the River Wye from Monmouth to Whitebrook.

Challenging teams to construct a raft and then navigate the awesome River Wye,  Rotary Monmouth has raised a staggering £341,898 for the hospice and local good causes, since 2004.

Now in its 56th year organisers are inviting entrants to sign up early to take part in the fun-filled event. Monmouth Raft Race is on Sunday, September 4. Monmouth Raft Race is sponsored by Mandarin Stone, Harrison Clark Rickerbys Solicitors and Siltbuster.

Last year, despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic an impressive  £12,717 was raised of which St David’s Hospice Care received £9,538, 75% of that total.

Norman Williams, of Rotary Monmouth, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to raise as much money as we did in 2021 from the raft race in view of the difficulties faced. We had 57 rafts entered for the event but due to various complications related to the covid pandemic, on the day just 38 rafts actually took to the water.

“We were very pleased to be able to put the raft race on last year. It was extremely encouraging to see the fantastic turnout of supporters at the start, all along the course and at the finish in Whitebrook. We are now preparing to do even better in 2022.”

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We are proud to be associated with such a well-established event and take pride in working with Rotary Monmouth to deliver a well organised safe charity challenge’. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their continued support”

The raft race, a fun afternoon on the river, starts at noon at Monmouth Rowing Club (Just off the A40 at Monmouth) and rafters paddle 6.5 miles down the beautiful River Wye to the finish at Tump Farm, Whitebrook, (courtesy of the Cullimore Family) where there is a Family Festival of entertainment and ample refreshment opportunities

All sponsorship monies received by Monmouth Rotary Club from persons taking part in the Monmouth Raft Race will be donated to St David’s Hospice Care (75%) and other charities supported by Monmouth Rotary Club (25%).

For more information about this years’ raft race and to enter online visit:  www.monmouthraftrace.com

#monraftrace

A FORMER Baptist chapel in a Gwent village sold for more than four times its price at auction this week.

The 19th Century chapel was built on King Street in Abertillery in 1855 and had a guide price of £30,000 when it went on sale through Paul Fosh Auctions.