AMONG the national treasures on offer at Castle Meadows this week is a timely reminder of local beauty…

Helen Morgan’s calendar entitled “Gwent and thereabouts” features a selection of images that showcase the local landscape and history of Monmouthshire and beyond.

Helen has combined her twin passions of history, and the Welsh language and culture to create the 2017 year calendar.

The images featured are by several local photographers of renown, including Chris Evans of Llanwenarth, and Cath Barton, who’s photographic work has featured in the Guardian.

“I was inspired to compile this selection of pictures into a calendar after visiting the Church of Merthyr Issui at Patrishow,” said Helen. “Of course, this lovely medieval church is just beyond the borders of Monmouthshire, so that’s why my calendar is entitled Gwent and thereabouts!”

Other images within the calendar include a sweeping pastoral scene of the Sugarloaf, and meadow idyll of a hill fort near Usk buried under a carpet of bluebells.

“I also wanted to show that the old county of Monmouthshire, or greater Monmouthshire as some now call it, has a real grit to it. Our history is both agricultural and industrial.”

To showcase the relics of the industrial revolution, the calendar also features images of Clydach Ironworks, and the great, red iron guardian monument at Six Bells.

The creative mind behind the calendar has played a large part in the local appeal group that raised money for the National Eisteddfod.

All profits from her sales will go towards funding the festival on Castle Meadows.

Helen has also hosted an open garden, a twmpath (folk dance), ran an open bar for the Red Dragon choir, and taken part in cooking a Llangattock Mountain walkers’ breakfast, all to raise money for the Eisteddfod.

She hopes to sell her entire stock of calendars by the end of the festival, and expects to make £500 towards the Eisteddfod appeal.

If you’re interested in buying a calendar and supporting the Eisteddfod appeal, please contact Helen Morgan on 01873 737738, or visit the Lle Hanes on the Maes.