Gwent Wildlife Trust Promises Auction Saturday 26th March 2011 Commission Bid Form

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Saturday 26th March

Dingestow Village Hall Please forward this Commission Bid Form to the Gwent Wildlife Trust, Seddon House, Dingestow, NP25 4DY by 5pm on Thursday 24th March 2011 or email the form to [email protected]. If the bid is successful, payment will be collected by the end of the week following the Auction. Cash, cheques and card payments accepted.

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

Thank you…..

Welcome to Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers who have helped with tonight’s Auction of Promises. Thank you also to all the individuals and businesses th on Saturday 26 March 2011 at Dingestow Village who have very generously donated items and to all our no doubt very Hall, raising funds for our vital ongoing work to help generous successful bidders. protect Gwent’s wonderful wildlife. Every £1 bid is an There are many items that have been donated by individuals that have not extra £1 for Gwent’s wildlife. been sold at this Auction tonight due to their more specialist nature and our desire to achieve the price that is most appropriate to their real value. These In this catalogue, you will find many interesting, exciting items are being sold at auctions elsewhere and thank you must go to our volunteers Mary Field and Keith Allen who have been managing these sales. and occasionally bizarre items that dozens of individuals and businesses have offered to us. We hope there will be Tonight's Catering

something for everyone and that no-one will go away Tonight we have been wonderfully catered for by Jane White Catering. A empty handed! big thank to them for providing such a delicious meal. Further details about Jane White Catering can be found at www.janewhitecatering.co.uk.

For anyone who wants to bid on an item but is unable to attend on the night, commission bids will be accepted, via

the Trust office 01600 740600, until 5pm on Thursday March 24th. Commission bid forms are available from

our website, www.gwentwildlife.org, and photos of specific items can also be found there.

Denis Jackson and Gemma Bodé, Event Managers [email protected]

[email protected]

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

50. Aerial Photograph of your house or village 1. Four bird nesting boxes A framed aerial photograph of the winning bidder’s home or village. The Give a bird a home! Four bird nesting boxes made by our very own expert location must be within Gwent. volunteer bird box maker Rodney Morris.

Kindly donated by Mary Reed Kindly donated by Rodney Morris

2. A bottle of Vintage Port A bottle of Graham’s 1975 vintage port, bottled and shipped by W & J Graham and Co. Oporto. This port is one of the best of all from the 1975 vintage; it is impressively purple and is mature and fragrant with a lean fruity character. It is sweet, rich and full on the palate. Drink now to 2012.

Kindly donated by Rachel Morgan

3. A week’s self-catering holiday in Princetown, Devon A week at “The Beeches” self-catering cottage in Princetown, Dartmoor - two en suite double bedrooms, near pubs etc. An ideal base for exploring Dartmoor and dog friendly! The date the successful bidders will spend there will be by negotiation with the owner but needs to be outside peak holiday period and not during summer school holidays.

Kindly donated by Dr and Mr Tyler, www.theoratorydartmoor.co.uk

4. A sweep of your chimney After no doubt a busy winter for your chimneys, this lot is for one standard chimney sweep (excluding blocked chimneys) within a 20 mile radius of Monmouth. Jon Winder is fully trained by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and will provide you with a professional, clean, efficient and friendly service.

Kindly donated by Jon Winder, www.jonthesweep.co.uk

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

5. A two night stay in a Mongolian Yurt 47. Original Trudy Friend Pictures Two nights stay for up to five people in a real Mongolian Yurt on a farm in Two original watercolours by Trudy Friend. Trudy has written six Llanishen. The yurt is fully furnished with woodburning stove. Other yurts instructional art books and has been running art courses for over 20 years. are available to hire if you want to make a party of it. You can meet the She has produced commercial artwork and her pictures have been included alpacas and the friendly Jacob sheep, walk through the meadows and in various exhibitions. The two watercolours in this lot feature a wood woodlands with bats, birds, wildflowers and wildlife in abundance. Available mouse and a pair of hedgehogs. mid-week during May–September but not during School holidays. Those with mobility restrictions may struggle with the terrain. Kindly donated by Trudy Friend

Kindly donated by Amanda Copp, www.hiddenvalleyyurts.co.uk 48. A place on a Beekeeping Course An opportunity for someone to experience beekeeping with both lectures 6. Meet a Dormouse and ‘hands on’ experience. The day begins at Staunton Village Hall, in the Even those of us in the Wildlife Trust who work with these creatures on a Forest of Dean, with morning lectures on beekeeping practices by our own regular basis would have to admit that when it comes to cuteness, they beat ‘Bee Guru’ Jim Vivian-Griffiths followed by lunch. In the afternoon you are most other wildlife hands down! Here’s a chance to find out why. Bid for a transported to our apiary where, with full protection, you will be able to private visit for a group of up to four people to check dormouse boxes at experience the wonder of handling bees. Afternoon tea and refreshments are Croes Robert Nature Reserve near Trellech. provided before returning to Staunton to collect your car. You will be in the company of like-minded individuals and is an ideal ‘sampler’ to find out Kindly donated by Gwent Wildlife Trust whether beekeeping is for you (it is!). The one day course will be held on 7th May between 10am-4pm. Minimum age 12 years. Certificate and course 7. Meet the lambs notes provided. Lunch and refreshments free of charge. An opportunity for a family to have an exclusive visit to Pentwyn Farm to meet our newborn Hebridean lambs and their mums when we lamb our Kindly donated by Allan Wells, www.deanforestbeekeepers.co.uk small flock in March. The reserve is closed to visitors during lambing so the winner will have exclusive access to the lambing areas and a chance to see 49. Hand-made walking stick our new arrivals close up. There is always the option to help out with the A gorgeous hand-crafted hazel walking stick in the style of a shepherd’s daily lambing chores for those who like getting their hands dirty! Under 18’s crook. must be accompanied by an adult. Very limited offer until Monday 4th April before lambs are turned out. Otherwise can be deferred until March 2012. Kindly donated by Ron Caddy

Kindly donated by Gwent Wildlife Trust

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

44. Sculpture 8. A watercolour commission of your pet A beautiful modern sculpture by Leonard Edger who has been creating his Would you like a permanent reminder of how lovely your pet is? A local unique ceramic work for over thirty years. Working in clay birthed a creative watercolour artist is happy to travel to the winning bidder’s house or agreed passion that developed into a profession, and in 1976 he took over the location and paint a watercolour of your pet. The finished picture will Claypits Pottery in Ewenny, just outside Bridgend in South . Working include frame and mount. The artist has exhibited at various galleries in this idyllic setting Leonard has continued to produce his very individual including the Regent Galleries in Worcester and Stourbridge. pieces which explore, amongst other subject matter, the human form. Kindly donated by Chris Ash Kindly donated by Lorna Riley 9. A Fungi Foray with your own personal expert 45. Childrens Wild Party A half day adventure in autumn 2011 with an experienced mycologist Children’s Forest School or Pond Dipping Party at Magor Marsh led by our learning about the mushrooms and toadstools on your local patch whether in two wonderful education officers Kathy Barclay and Helen John. The garden, field or wood as long as it is in Gwent. promise includes two hours at a weekend or after school for children aged 5- 11, maximum of 20 children. Includes an hour and a half of leader-led Kindly donated by Dr Roger Evans activities and half an hour booking of the Derek Upton Centre at Magor for tea and birthday cake (food not provided). Date subject to availability of staff 10. A silver neck pendant and centre. Party holders will be expected to provide additional adult A gorgeous silver neck pendant from locally-based jewellers La Jewellery. La supervision to ensure ratio of 1 adult:6 children. Jewellery is based in and their designer has lived and worked in Wales for ten years finding endless inspiration from her environment. Kindly donated by Kathy Barclay and Helen John Kindly donated by La Jewellery, www.lajewellery.co.uk 46. Studio Family Portrait What better way to capture some cherished memories than to have a relaxed, 11. Gwent Wildlife Trust 12 month Events Passport fun-filled one-hour studio portrait shoot at local photographers Dragonfly In 2011, Gwent Wildlife Trust has more than 50 events and activities ranging Imaging in Monmouth? There is no limit on the quantity of pictures taken from fun days for families to courses for landowners. The events passport using as many varied poses as possible. They will all go into your own online entitles the named holder to a place on an unlimited number of GWT events (web) album to view from the comfort of your home. Also included is a for the next twelve months running from April 2011 until March 2012. The beautiful framed 16x12 print of your choice from your shoot. Date to be passport is for the named holder only, is not transferable and does not arranged with winning bidder, valid for six months. guarantee a place on events which may already be fully booked.

Kindly donated by Keith Sharples, Dragonfly Imaging, Kindly donated by Gwent Wildlife Trust www.dragonflyimaging.co.uk

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

12. Two night’s B&B in a 17th Century Farmhouse in 41. Two Personalised Christmas Stockings Monmouthshire Two large Christmas stockings with the winning bidders’ names appliquéd Two night’s stay for two people in a lovely Grade II listed 17th century on them with a choice of Christmas fabrics available. Details will need to be farmhouse in a remote and peaceful corner of Monmouthshire. Stay in a provided by October 2011. A wonderful idea for a young child or grandchild beamed bedroom with lovely views in a comfortable double bed and eat for them to keep and use every year at Christmas as they grow up. generous vegetarian breakfasts in the converted cider house kitchen; or, if fine, in the garden. The house is surrounded by 47 hectares of organic Kindly donated by Sue Finn farmland, woods, ponds, streams and hay meadows. Visitors may take a guided tour of the farm to hear about organic farming and conservation. 42. A game of golf at Monmouthshire Golf Club Dogs allowed, but not upstairs, and must stay on the lead on the farm. The A game of golf with a member of Monmouthshire Golf Club near house is not suitable for the disabled due to the steep narrow stairs. at a time to be arranged between winning bidder and member, minimum age 18. The Monmouthshire is a course that suits all levels of Kindly donated by Teona Dorrien-Smith, www.upperredhouse.co.uk golfer. Set against the beautiful scenery of the Usk valley, it is surrounded by the Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Mountains. It is said to be the oldest 18 13. A Massage hole-golf course in the County of Monmouthshire. In 2011 the Club will play Relax and unwind with a full body massage for one hour from a fully host to the Men's Welsh Team Championships. qualified massage therapist based in Abergavenny. Kindly donated by Charles Picken Kindly donated by Sonia Hunt, Abergavenny Natural Therapy Centre 43. Motivational Training Session 14. A Music Bugs birthday party for 1-5 year olds A 90 minute coaching session in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Ideal for your children’s or grandchildren’s next birthday party. Music bugs NLP can improve performance in many areas of life including sports, uses music and creates a friendly, exciting and lively environment using a personal development as well as business performance. Could you or a range of props from finger puppets to parachutes. Children from 1 to 5 years member of your team at work benefit? Or even your child or grandchild old will love this and it will give them a birthday party to remember. Date to could be helped to study for their exams. It can even change unwanted be arranged with winning bidder; you just need to provide the venue in the habits! Whether this is a gift for a family member or a treatment to focus Gwent area, the food and the party boy or girl and guests. your own mind, you will find that working with a qualified coach and International Association of NLP Trainer will seriously improve your Kindly donated by Kate Wacey, www.musicbugs.co.uk chances of succeeding. You haven't really got anything to lose!!

15. A wildlife day with Steph Tyler Kindly donated by John McConnachie Spend a day exploring the wildlife of the Angiddy Valley in Tintern with local

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

38. A week’s Fit Kids holiday activities for up to two naturalist Dr Stephanie Tyler. Steph has been recording the wildlife of this children at Monmouth School Sports Centre valley for many years and you can be sure of an amazing day out. Considered Two places at Monmouth School Sports Centre Fit Kids programme for a a world authority on dippers and grey wagtails, there should, at the right time week during half terms or the school holidays. This is great deal for a busy of year, be a chance to see chicks of both species being ringed to study their family - everyday starts and ends with video club allowing drop off between movements and population changes. Date to be arranged. 8.30-9.30am and collecting from 4.30-5.30pm. They have loads of high energy games including races, assault courses, football, bouncy castles, Kindly donated by Dr Stephanie Tyler treasure hunts, with face painting and arts and crafts taking the more relaxed approach. There is lots of fun in the pool too, with an inflatable session in 16. Windsor Armchair the morning and floats session in the afternoon. Valid for one year. A Double Bow Windsor Armchair made in 1990 by local craftsman Fred Wright at his workshop in Clifford, Herefordshire. The chair consists of an Kindly donated by Iain Macdonald, Monmouth Schools Sports Centre English elm seat with the remaining parts made from yew. The chair has a www.mssportsclub.com number of steam-bent, curved pieces: a crinoline stretcher and crinoline

armposts as well as the top bow and arm bow which give the chair its generic 39. A years supply of homemade jams name. Each chair made in this way is unique, with parts made and fitted in Twelve months supply of homemade conserve. Four 8oz pots of lemon the workshop to a general pattern, varied to suit the individual piece. This lot curd, four 8oz pots of bramble jelly and four 8oz pots of damson or plum is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of living history – all the skills of the jam. To be delivered to, or collected by the winning bidder, at their mutual 17th, 18th and 19th century vernacular craftsmen in a chair made locally at convenience and supplied at various times of the year (cannot be posted). the end of the 20th century. The original purchase receipt and workshop leaflet are provided with the chair. Kindly donated by Sheila Chapman Kindly donated by David Richards 40. A day-trip on the Gloucester/Sharpness Canal A day trip on a narrow beam motor cruiser on the Gloucester/Sharpness 17. Photo Portrait Sitting Canal for up to four people before the end of Summer 2011 (preferably on a A professional photographic portrait sitting in the comfort of the winning weekday when it is sunny). One or more of the participants can assist as a bidders home, complete with one free mounted print of 12x16 inches (A3) crew member assisting with the mooring etc. The boat trip will start and with the opportunity to purchase more prints of the same or different sizes finish in Gloucester docks. The wining bidder and accompanying guests for a discounted price. The photo can be of people, children, pets or any must be reasonably mobile to get on the boat and, ideally, be able to swim. subject the winner wishes. If the winning bidder has a frame or wishes to purchase one for the print the picture can be framed free of charge. The Kindly donated by Jeff Watson photographic session needs to be in the Gwent area.

Kindly donated by Russ Johnson, www.russjphotos.com

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

18. A four day stay in a character cottage in Norfolk 35. Golf Bag A four-day stay at a three-bedroom detached character cottage near the A Cobra DB10 performance stand golf bag, with features that include; North Norfolk Coast. Church Cottage is over 300 years old and is in the • Teflon coated for maximum stain and rain repellence village of Wiveton, equidistant from Blakeney and Cley-next-the Sea. The • 6-way velour lined top, and 3-way full length dividers cottage offers self-catering accommodation for up to five people and is • Patented Izzo Comfort Swivel Double Strap with 3 balance equipped for families, with cot and high chair provided. There is oil-fired selection rings for the most enhanced carrying comfort in golf central heating, a Rayburn, and woodburning stove in the sitting room. One • Insulated Cool pocket for drinks bottle dog may stay by arrangement. Wiveton has a thriving pub which is three minutes walk from the cottage. Many remarkable sites for wildlife, Kindly donated by Sorrel Jones particularly birds, are within easy reach. The four-day break is offered from Mon – Thurs at any available time outside school holidays, by arrangement 36. Gliding Lesson with the owner. The accommodation is offered in 2011. A trial gliding lesson at South Wales Gliding Club, Gwernesney, near Usk in a two seat, dual-control training glider with a qualified instructor. Your Kindly donated by Ms Kate Harcourt lesson will start with a pre-flight briefing covering the controls, instruments and how the glider flies. During the flight you will have the opportunity to 19. ‘Summer Meadow’ print by Sally Stafford take the controls yourself. The lesson consists of an aerotow to 2500 ft This is a signed and framed Limited Edition Giclee Print called Summer which gives a flight of about 20 minutes or possibly longer if there is some Meadow by the Forest of Dean artist Sally Stafford. It is printed to archival lift about! As well as the fun of gliding, you can see the beautiful Usk valley quality on Somerset Velvet Cotton Rag Paper 255 gsm. which shows the from a whole new perspective. Any weekend day, weather permitting, ages wonderful textures found in the original paintings. The print depicts a 14-80 years. meadow and definitely owes something to Pentwyn Meadows Nature Reserve in Penallt which the artist loves to visit regularly. Kindly donated by South Wales Gliding Club, www.uskgc.co.uk

Kindly donated by Sally Stafford, www.sallystafford.co.uk 37. A day birdwatching with Iolo Williams A day birdwatching with the infamous birdwatcher, all round naturalist and 20. Reseating of a chair in rush or cane BBC Wales presenter, Iolo Williams, on the Gwent Levels during next winter The reseating of one chair with either rush or cane, materials included. The in the mid-week. Date to be arranged with Iolo. This is a rare opportunity to chair needs to be sound, i.e. the joints all in good order, but the old rush or spend a day with such an experienced birdwatcher who will be great cane will be removed and the chair generally cleaned up but not re-polished company rain or shine. other than with a wax polish if appropriate. The chair would need to be delivered to and collected from Usk. Kindly donated by Iolo Williams

Kindly donated by Chris Field

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

32. Ferrari driving experience at Silverstone 21. A whole pedigree pig A driving experience in a Ferrari around the Silverstone Arena Grand Prix Pedigree Tamworth meat from a prize-winning, free-range herd, which Circuit on April 11th 2011. There will be at least 30 minutes spent in the car includes the current Tamworth Champion of Champions. The pigs are as a passenger, which will be a Racing Ferrari used in the Ferrari Owners outdoor-reared in Bedwas all year round and are slaughtered and butchered Club Championship. The day is organised by the Ferrari Owners club so ten minutes away. Joints, chops, etc, will be bagged and then boxed, so can there will be at least 100 Ferrari at the event. The successful bidder will be be put straight into the freezer. Breeder will need to advise the winning able to wander through the pit garages to look at and talk to the drivers and bidder regarding the delivery date. The breeder, Liz Shankland, is the author owners. The successful bidder will see the new F1 pit complex from the race of the Haynes Pig Manual and The Practical Guide to Buying and Running a track. This offer is a must for a keen car person and is quite unique in that Smallholding in Wales. only Ferraris will be on track. Kindly donated by Liz Shankland, www.lizshankland.com Kindly donated by David Hathaway, www.DavidHathaway.co.uk 22. Personal guided tour of Lady Park Wood with Dr. 33. Garden Design Consultation George Peterken A garden design consultation, specially tailored to the needs of the winning Lady Park Wood National Nature Reserve is part of a large woodland bidder by an RHS medal-winning garden designer, and a registered member complex in the Wye Valley. The reserve is an example of unmanaged of the Society of Garden Designers with twenty years experience and a woodland where much research work has been carried out over the years and lifelong passion for wildlife. The designer will expect to be with you for is considered to be one of Britain's most important areas for woodland around three hours discussing the garden in detail from layout to materials, conservation. Dr George Peterken OBE is a world authority on woodland features and planting, concentrating on areas of most concern to you. conservation and will take a group of up to four people on a very special visit During the visit ideas will be sketched out with lists of plants and to this site where there is normally no public access. Date to be arranged. instructions to enable you to make small or large changes to your garden with confidence. Will travel within a fifty mile radius of Monmouth. Kindly donated by Dr George Peterken

Kindly donated by Cheryl Cummings, www.gardendesignerwales.co.uk 23. Celestron Power Seeker 114 Reflector Telescope This Celestron Power Seeker telescope is a great way to open up the 34. Meal for two at the Inn at Penallt wonders of the Universe to the aspiring astronomer. The Power Seeker A bar meal and dessert for two people at the Inn at Penallt. After a lovely series is designed to give the first-time telescope user the perfect meal at this recently refurbished pub, you can walk around the wonderful combination of quality, value, features and power. Astronomy is a great wildflower meadows of our Nature Reserve at Pentwyn Farm that lie family hobby that can be enjoyed all year round and provides many hours of adjacent to the Inn. enjoyment for children and adults alike.

Kindly donated by The Inn at Penallt, www.theinnatpenallt.co.uk Kindly donated by Charles Picken

Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Catalogue for Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Auction of Promises Auction of Promises 26th March 2011 26th March 2011

24. A pair of silver cufflinks 28. Dinner at the 1861 restaurant A lovely pair of silver cufflinks in the design of a sycamore seed from locally- Dinner for two at the newly opened 1861 restaurant at Cross Ash, based jewellery makers La Jewellery. La Jewellery is based in Monmouthshire Monmouthshire. The owners only use the freshest ingredients to create an and their designer has lived and worked in Wales for ten years finding ever changing seasonal menu, littered with many favourites such as the endless inspiration from her environment. braised belly pork and mosaic of red fruits. If you enjoy good food in a relaxed, welcoming environment put this new restaurant on your list. Kindly donated by La Jewellery, www.lajewellery.co.uk Kindly donated by 1861 restaurant, www.18-61.co.uk 25. A mini-manicure A mini-manicure beauty treatment at Sevenoaks Beauty in Abergavenny. 29. Photograph of New Grove Meadows Nature Reserve on Canvas Kindly donated by Rachel, Sevenoaks Beauty, Abergavenny A beautiful photograph on canvas of the common spotted orchids at our Trusts New Grove Meadows Nature Reserve from the new Reserves Guide. 26. Brush up your computer confidence Two one-hour computer brush up sessions. Trainer, Brenda, has worked on Kindly donated by Chris Jones computers since 1960 and has an MSc in Statistics and a PGCE in Teaching. Her patience is unending and she has much experience in dealing with retired 30. A trip on the Dean Forest Railway folk who have had computers dumped on them by their children with a Day Rover tickets for travel on the Dean Forest Railway, a heritage railway minimum of instruction. Would travel throughout Monmouthshire or Forest operated by mainly steam trains. An opportunity to savour the sights and of Dean. sounds of a country branch line from yesteryear in the beautiful Forest of Dean. There are two tickets which could be used separately or as a group of Kindly donated by Brenda Calver up to four people. Valid until February 22nd 2012 but cannot be used for special events. 27. A Spring Clean for your Garden Two four hour sessions using two people this coming Spring, this ‘Team’ has Kindly donated by Dean Forest Railway, www.dfr.co.uk more than 50 years combined experience in gardening both large and small gardens. How can you ignore this tempting offer of 20 green fingers? Non- 31. Tree planted in your garden stop workers and excellent value for money. Will travel throughout A feathered or standard container grown tree planted with stake and tie in Monmouthshire or Forest of Dean. the winning bidders garden within Gwent. Variety of tree to be decided by successful bidder. Kindly donated by Brenda and David Calver Kindly donated by David Leat