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LIFE is sweet for Sean Snaiham after landing his first ever job working at his favourite Caerphilly café.

The 29-year-old local man has rolled up his sleeves and got stuck into service at the Oasis Coffee Shop after grabbing the chance for work with both hands.

Sean, who has endured lengthy periods of instability in his life, now has the ingredients for the recipe for a new start after a tempting job opportunity was spotted at his local cafe.

Sean, who battles long-term mental illness, has been supported for four years by Expanding Horizons’ Ty Bryn Bach service in Abertridwr, Caerphilly.

Sean is an enthusiastic member of the service, whose transformation has been incredible over the four years, said: “It’s lovely working at the café. I’m getting used to the routine. I am enjoying getting more responsibility every day, and I enjoy working with the other volunteers. I am committed to working at the Oasis Café for a long time.”

Expanding Horizons, established in 2005, is a supported living organisation based in Cwmbran. It assists those that are resident in the South-East Wales region who are experience a range of mental health issues, learning and physical disabilities.

Ty Bryn Bach, Caerphilly, service manager, Tina Fishburn, said: “The staff and I at Ty Bryn Bach are so proud of Sean and how far he has come in the last two years, Sean has always been a generous, kind and outgoing character he just needed encouragement and support to reach his full potential. With guidance and a positive approach from staff at Ty Bryn Bach, Sean has realised that there is nothing out of his reach and that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.”

As a testament to Sean’s progress over the last four years, in June 2021, he managed to secure his first ever job in the local café. The Oasis Coffee Shop is a not-for-profit café that is run by people from the Abertridwr Community Church and volunteers.

The Oasis Coffee Shop Assistant Manager, Emily Williams, said: “Sean has been very loyal and consistent since he started working with us at the Oasis Coffee Shop. He is always very happy and polite towards all of the staff and never fails to put a smile on our faces with his sarcastic humour.

“He is very driven while working and makes sure all the jobs he completes are done to the best of his ability, we admire this very much about him. He always gives things a go and is always eager to help where he can. He is always a pleasure to work with; he can stay for as long as he likes.”

Terry Evans, who has worked closely with Sean since joining the Expanding Horizons team 18 months ago, said: “Getting this job really was a huge step and a dream come true for Sean.

“Sean is well-known in the local community. He has a real affiliation and love for Caerphilly. Part of Sean’s daily routine was to take a trip into Caerphilly, so for him to be able to work there is just awesome.

“On one of our trips into town I noticed a sign in the café asking for volunteers. I wasted no time in asking Sean, and the management teams of both the café and Expanding Horizons. Before we knew it Sean was warmly welcomed into the team and started his training, which included food safety training.

“Sean started at the Oasis Coffee Shop with two days a week for three hours. He has progressed so much that he has been invited to work an extra day. Sean is now up to nine hours a week and is participating in taking orders, washing and drying the dishes and taking money with assistance. After the shift has ended, Sean and the other volunteers sit down for a breakfast and chat, which is amazing to see.”

Expanding Horizons Managing Director, Tim Jenkins, said “This success story brings me so much joy, as it displays so many of the values of Expanding Horizons. We are committed to working in partnership with local authorities, communities and the people we support to develop and deliver responsive, flexible and high-quality support to meet individual needs and aspirations.

“I am so proud of Sean, the Team at Ty Bryn Bach and so thankful to the Oasis Coffee Shop for giving him this amazing opportunity.”

The Expanding Horizons team provides housing, care and support for its service users who live within the 10 services that span Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent. They have plans to expand into the south west. www.expanding-horizons.co.uk

LIFE is sweet for Sean Snaiham after landing his first ever job working at his favourite Caerphilly café.

The 29-year-old local man has rolled up his sleeves and got stuck into service at the Oasis Coffee Shop after grabbing the chance for work with both hands.

Sean, who has endured lengthy periods of instability in his life, now has the ingredients for the recipe for a new start after a tempting job opportunity was spotted at his local cafe.

Sean, who battles long-term mental illness, has been supported for four years by Expanding Horizons’ Ty Bryn Bach service in Abertridwr, Caerphilly.

Sean is an enthusiastic member of the service, whose transformation has been incredible over the four years, said: “It’s lovely working at the café. I’m getting used to the routine. I am enjoying getting more responsibility every day, and I enjoy working with the other volunteers. I am committed to working at the Oasis Café for a long time.”

Expanding Horizons, established in 2005, is a supported living organisation based in Cwmbran. It assists those that are resident in the South-East Wales region who are experience a range of mental health issues, learning and physical disabilities.

Ty Bryn Bach, Caerphilly, service manager, Tina Fishburn, said: “The staff and I at Ty Bryn Bach are so proud of Sean and how far he has come in the last two years, Sean has always been a generous, kind and outgoing character he just needed encouragement and support to reach his full potential. With guidance and a positive approach from staff at Ty Bryn Bach, Sean has realised that there is nothing out of his reach and that he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.”

As a testament to Sean’s progress over the last four years, in June 2021, he managed to secure his first ever job in the local café. The Oasis Coffee Shop is a not-for-profit café that is run by people from the Abertridwr Community Church and volunteers.

The Oasis Coffee Shop Assistant Manager, Emily Williams, said: “Sean has been very loyal and consistent since he started working with us at the Oasis Coffee Shop. He is always very happy and polite towards all of the staff and never fails to put a smile on our faces with his sarcastic humour.

“He is very driven while working and makes sure all the jobs he completes are done to the best of his ability, we admire this very much about him. He always gives things a go and is always eager to help where he can. He is always a pleasure to work with; he can stay for as long as he likes.”

Terry Evans, who has worked closely with Sean since joining the Expanding Horizons team 18 months ago, said: “Getting this job really was a huge step and a dream come true for Sean.

“Sean is well-known in the local community. He has a real affiliation and love for Caerphilly. Part of Sean’s daily routine was to take a trip into Caerphilly, so for him to be able to work there is just awesome.

“On one of our trips into town I noticed a sign in the café asking for volunteers. I wasted no time in asking Sean, and the management teams of both the café and Expanding Horizons. Before we knew it Sean was warmly welcomed into the team and started his training, which included food safety training.

“Sean started at the Oasis Coffee Shop with two days a week for three hours. He has progressed so much that he has been invited to work an extra day. Sean is now up to nine hours a week and is participating in taking orders, washing and drying the dishes and taking money with assistance. After the shift has ended, Sean and the other volunteers sit down for a breakfast and chat, which is amazing to see.”

Expanding Horizons Managing Director, Tim Jenkins, said “This success story brings me so much joy, as it displays so many of the values of Expanding Horizons. We are committed to working in partnership with local authorities, communities and the people we support to develop and deliver responsive, flexible and high-quality support to meet individual needs and aspirations.

“I am so proud of Sean, the Team at Ty Bryn Bach and so thankful to the Oasis Coffee Shop for giving him this amazing opportunity.”

The Expanding Horizons team provides housing, care and support for its service users who live within the 10 services that span Torfaen, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent. They have plans to expand into the south west. www.expanding-horizons.co.uk

NEVER mind the yellow jersey savvy cyclists are clamouring to get their hands on a limited edition Whitehead Tour De Gwent sportif 2021 orange jersey.

Whitehead Tour de Gwent 2021 organisers have just released the design of the snazzy amber cycle wear but you need to be quick if you want to grab one of the eye-catching tops.

The Whitehead Tour de Gwent, in aid of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care, is being staged on  Sunday, September 12, this year. Orders for the jersey have to be made well in advance of that date. Only those signed up for the event can claim the orange jersey to wear with pride on the ride.

The event sponsored by Whitehead Building Services attracts hundreds of riders and raises £1000’s for St David’s Hospice Care.

Newport headquartered Whitehead Building Services Managing Director,  Rhys Morton, who as well as sponsoring the event also takes part, said: “The orange jersey for this year’s event is truly awesome. I know that the riders, who look forward to his incredible event coming round  each year, can’t wait to get on their bikes and onto the phenomenal course especially as last year the event had be virtual.”

Event organiser Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: ” Whitehead Tour de Gwent, organised by St David’s Hospice Care and sponsored by Whitehead Building Services, is the annual cycling event for everyone! With six carefully designed routes to choose from, each with their own unique features, the event offers something for cyclists of all abilities. From hard-core cyclists looking for an epic leg-burning challenge to families who’d prefer a pleasant ‘there-and-back’ along the River Usk, you won’t be disappointed.

“The event is great for spectators as well as those doing the pedalling. Starting in the picturesque Roman town of Caerleon and then heading out to pass  some of the most idyllic scenery in South Wales, spectators are invited to enjoy a few hours exploring the local area or head out to a vantage point to cheer the riders along their chosen route.

“By taking part in the Tour de Gwent you are supporting the work of St David’s Hospice Care, which means you are making a positive difference to patients and their families all throughout Newport, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and South & Mid Powys. The sponsorship you raise will provide comprehensive palliative care to people facing life limiting illnesses and provide care and support to their families at a very difficult time. St David’s Hospice Care, with your help, aims to ensure that patients have the choice to receive care at home, surrounded by friends and family.”

Organisers suggest riders join their Strava Club: Tour de Gwent Strava Cycling Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/StDavidsHospiceCareTourDeGwent

Organisers are asking riders to raise funds and use the link via Just Giving to create personalised pages: www.justgiving.com/campaign/tourdegwent

Wear Your Jersey with pride #TDG #Shutuplegs Twitter: @tourdegwent Facebook@Tourdegwent Instagram: TourdeGwent

For full details of all the routes, detailed maps and how to enter the Whitehead Tour de Gwent 2021, visit www.tourdegwent.org

A sprawling and dilapidated  former country lodge with an intriguing historic link to Lord Tredegar’s former south Wales estate sold at auction for more than half a million pounds.

Detached Deer Park House, located in the centre of its own grounds, is reputed to have been the former park lodge and kennels serving nearby Tredegar House and park, attracted 92 bids at the Paul Fosh Auctions online sale.

The spacious, four bed  property, with grounds of some 1.2 acres, on Deer Park Lane, Bassaleg, saw five bidders vying to secure the unique property before eventually selling for £531,000.

The overgrown and neglected historic building, which was listed with a guide price of £400,000,  is situated within the recently constructed Redrow development at Bassaleg, on the west edge of the Newport.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, delighted with the outcome of the sale, said: “The house is understood to be the former Park Lodge and Kennels of Tredegar Park and was occupied until a few years ago before becoming vacant during the redevelopment of the surrounding land.

“It offers a tantalizing link to Newport’s past and is steeped in history. The massive oak beams in the roof give an idea of the stature of the building. One can only imagine how commanding the property once when it was an integral part of the Tredegar estate and its rambling, majestic grounds.

“There is some fascinating, dated, graffiti,  left by what one presumes were roofers working on the rafters in the eaves of the lodge,  at the turn of the last century.

“The accommodation currently comprises four double bedrooms, two further loft rooms, three reception rooms. It  offers the potential for a unique redevelopment project in a sought after and accessible location.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with vision to acquire a substantial detached residence set in approximately 1.12 acres (0.45ha) which also benefits from two 2 double block garages. The property and the garages require full renovation but offer huge potential for either refurbishment as one large family dwelling or conversion to flats (subject to necessary planning consents).”

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale starts at 11am on Tuesday, September 7 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, September 9.

www.paulfoshauctions.com

ACCOUNTANT Neil Henson reckons he was never happier than when he was dressed as the Captain of the Titanic and set sail down the River Wye.

Although a close second was when he was Willy Wonka or maybe Admiral Nelson on HMS Victory and then there was Noah on his Ark and with the crew of a WWI tank

Oh and as a guardsman passenger on a London Bus and with Alice in Wonderland.

You see Neil and his team of Henson’s Heroes are arguably the most inventive and creative of entrants each year in the Monmouth Raft Race on the River Wye.

Henson’s Heroes are frequent winners of the award for the best themed raft and also, perhaps more importantly, for having raised the most in sponsorship.

The event, staged by Rotary Monmouth on the River Wye from Monmouth to Whitebrook, principally raises money for Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care and other charities share in the spoils.

Neil, from Woodcroft, near Chepstow, and his team haven’t decided on the theme for this year’s raft yet but their grey cells are active and the possibilities are flowing. Neil says: “It’s very much work in progress.”

“We’ve entered the Monmouth Raft Race ever since 2007. Twelve years in all as one year it was cancelled due to flooding when the river was too high and of course last year it was called off due to the pandemic.

“Over the years we’ve raised many thousands of pounds. Probably more than £15,000. We’re pleased  to have won the best themed raft award seven times and also perhaps more pleased to have won the award for the most sponsorship money raised on seven occasions. The most sponsorship is the important one!

“We first entered the Monmouth Raft Race in the year my father, Mervyn ‘Merv’ Henson, died. He was cared for so marvellously in the last months of his life both in the hospice and at home by St David’s Hospice Care. We just wanted to do our bit to repay the care he’d received from the hospice.

“The crew of the raft is made up of family and friends who knew my father.  Creating the raft and entering the event is a great way to keep his memory going.”

But how do you come up with the theme for the raft each year? “We have a “half raft party”, usually around Easter, although everything is a bit later this year. Everyone brings their ideas and we go with the best, democratically, unless there’s a tie in which case we keep discussing!

“It usually takes us a  couple of weekends to complete the raft once we’ve decided on a theme, with BBQ’s thrown in, and various friends and family making the costumes while others design and assemble and paint the raft. It’s all great fun.”

But what’s the secret of  building a successful Monmouth Raft Race raft and then getting from start to finish in one piece? “We’re probably unusual in that we sit in the barrels, rather than on top.  So making sure you plug  all the holes connecting the barrels is fairly fundamental.

“A couple of times we’ve missed a barrel and ended up with it full of water.  Also you need to have a great group of friends and family who are willing to muck in and get on with it.  We couldn’t do it without them, all of them.”

Neil says there have been many stand out moments over the years. “The amount of money raised, especially by my sister, Lisa Henson, who raises the vast bulk of it through her work, is one. She’s a self-employed mobile hairdresser.  Also the spectacle and banter at the start is great, it’s a real carnival atmosphere!

“It’s brilliant for team building. It also gives you a sense of achievement having built and crewed a homemade raft from start to finish. For me and the team it’s a sense of giving back to an organisation that means so much in keeping my Dad’s memory alive and all while having great fun.”

Which has been your favourite raft and have you had any disasters?  “A light bulb moment was realising that a roof was a good idea due to the amount of eggs and other missiles thrown at you from the bridges along the way. Getting stuck on the river bed, when the water level was low and having to get out of the raft, to abandon ship and push it off the rocks, was a challenge.  Best raft over the years?  Must be Titanic 2.”

St David’s Hospice Care Chief Executive, Emma Saysell, said: “Monmouth Raft Race and the finish festival with its stands and live music is one of the best events of the year. What makes it extra special is the inventiveness and enthusiasm of the rafters in particular raft makers such as  Neil Henson and his Henson’s Heroes who create such intricate and mind boggling rafts year after year and help raise so much money for the hospice.

“Monmouth Raft Race, staged so brilliantly by Monmouth Rotary, is a very well-loved and critical event in the St David’s Hospice Care fund raising event calendar, helping to fund the continued work of our nurses and the running of hospice services provided free to all patients and families.

“Monmouth Raft Race is such a huge social occasion for everyone involved,  not the least the raft makers, their teams and supporters. I’d urge anyone thinking of coming on board this year to take the plunge and sign up now-you won’t be disappointed and will be helping to support the hospice which cares, free of charge, to users throughout our community.”

“The entry fees and any donations made, help us to provide vital palliative care to people facing life limiting illnesses as well as providing support to their families at a very difficult time.”

Norman Williams, of Rotary Monmouth, said: “Neil Henson and Henson’s Heroes are wonderful supporters of the Monmouth Raft Race who delight supporters and fellow raft crews every year with their magnificent themed rafts and the fabulous costumes that they create. We are very grateful to them for their annual entry and of course the money they raise through sponsorship.”

This year’s Monmouth Raft Race, the 55th, is on Sunday, September 5. The 6.5mile paddle from Monmouth to Whitebrook on the River Wye is sponsored by Mandarin Stone. For more details and how to enter visit www.monmouthraftrace.com

St Joseph’s Hospital is taking pole position in its support for the South Wales Car Festival in aid of St David’s Hospice Care.

St Joseph’s, St Joseph’s, one of the largest  independent hospitals in Wales,  has linked with the Newport-based hospice as supercars and classics come under starter’s orders next month.

The inaugural automobile event with supercars, classics and live music is being staged at Chepstow Racecourse, Monmouthshire, on Sunday, August 8, between 11.00am and 6.00pm.

Stuart Hammond, CEO of Newport-based St Joseph’s Hospital which is celebrating 75 years since its foundation, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the car festival this summer. 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 event will go to St David’s Hospice Care to help them to continue to provide an incredible palliative care service locally.”

Beth Harrington, of St David’s Hospice Care who is organising the event, said: “We are extremely grateful for the wonderful support we are receiving from St Joseph’s Hospital for our South Wales Car Festival.

“We have 250 fantastic vehicles booked for Chepstow Racecourse fundraising event including supercars, classic cars, commercial, military and vintage cars, as well as motorcycles.

“As well as a dazzling array of vehicles on display on the day we will also have bars, street food, a kid’s corner, funfair, live music, entertainment, VIP area, crafts staffs, local produce and much more.

“It’ll be 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

A FORMATION of Puma helicopters flew over Chepstow today to mark 50 years of service in the RAF.

The ten helicopters flew over Chepstow at around 3pm as part of their flypast around the UK.

They took off at about 10am in Oxfordshire from the RAF Benson base.

The helicopters were painted with a union flag on the tail and had a Puma 50 logo in place of the traditional RAF logo on the cabin door.

RAF Benson said on their Facebook page: “The first Puma helicopters were delivered into service in 1971.

“A formation of up to 10 Puma helicopters will depart RAF Benson [today] as part of a training sortie that will include flypasts of notable locations for the Puma Force over the past 50 years.

“This includes sites that hold historical significance for the Puma Force as well as those that provide support to delivering current Puma operational capability”.

The Puma helicopter is a a medium-lift support helicopter that has seen service in locations such as Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mozambique and the Caribbean.

More recently they have been used to support flood relief efforts and have delivered supplies during the pandemic.

 

 

[from South Wales Argus]

A sprawling and dilapidated  former country lodge with an intriguing historic link to Lord Tredegar’s former south Wales estate has gone on the market.

Detached Deer Park House, located in the centre of its own grounds, is reputed to have been the former park lodge and kennels serving nearby Tredegar House and park.

The spacious property with grounds of some 1.2 acres, on Deer Park Lane, Bassaleg,  is being sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions.

The four bed  property, which has certainly seen better days, is said to offer a new owner huge potential. It is situated within the recently constructed Redrow development at Bassaleg, on the west edge of the Newport.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “The house is understood to be the former Park Lodge and Kennels of Tredegar Park and was occupied until a few years ago before becoming vacant during the redevelopment of the surrounding land.

“It offers a tantalizing link to Newport’s past and is steeped in history. The massive oak beams in the roof give an idea of the stature of the building. One can only imagine how commanding the property once when it was an integral part of the Tredegar estate and its rambling, majestic grounds.

“There is some fascinating, dated,  graffiti,  left by what one presumes were roofers working on the rafters in the eaves of the lodge,  at the turn of the last century.

“The accommodation currently comprises four double bedrooms, two further loft rooms, three reception rooms. It  offers the potential for a unique redevelopment project in a sought after and accessible location.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with vision to acquire a substantial detached residence set in approximately 1.12 acres (0.45ha) which also benefits from two 2 double block garages. The property and the garages require full renovation but offer huge potential for either refurbishment as one large family dwelling or conversion to flats (subject to necessary planning consents).”

The property, which is listed with a guide price of £400,000 plus, is situated within the desirable Redrow Carnegie Court on the western side of Newport in Bassaleg and within close proximity for access to the M4 motorway and Newport city centre.

The next Paul Fosh Auctions online sale, at which this property along with some 90-plus others will be offered for sale, starts at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 20 and ends from 5pm on Thursday, July 22.

www.paulfoshauctions.com