NEWENT held an innovative ‘open day’ to showcase local shops and organisations that make the town unique. 

The day was organised by Newent Town Council with staff and councillors handing out around 400 reusable shopping bags with the town’s logo. 

The idea behind the day was to show that people living in the town and surrounding villages can get most of what they need in the town. 

There was even free parking for the day.

Town mayor June Davies said: “It’s been a really good day and shows just how much Newent has to offer.”

There was entertainment in the town centre with local musicians and a display at the lakeside by the International Birds of Prey Centre,

a wide range of

local organisations  showcasing what they do and offers in

local shops. 

A cake sale in the Great Oaks Hospice shop raised £300 for the Coleford-based facility with around £100 coming from proceeds of a raffle to win a professionally made and decorated cake. 

Among those displaying their skills was fourth generation blacksmith Gavin Markey who was at the lakeside with his children Joseph, aged 10, and seven-year-old Kayleigh. 

He said: “My great-grandfather started the business in Culver Street in 1927 and we have been there ever since.”

There was also the opportunity to look around the Newent Community Garden – which is known as the Veg Out Zone – in Broad Street. 

Among the volunteers there is Chris Comer who went to the garden after finishing his final shift as a postman in the area after 17 years. 

The piece of ground was donated to the project and it has been transformed by volunteers and planted by groups such as the Scouts and youngsters with local childminders. 

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.