Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Blackwood couple chosen to help drive tourism in the Valleys

News | Richard Gurner | Published: 15:00, Monday August 8th, 2011.

Maria and Viv Watkins at Caerphilly's Big Cheese Festival
Maria and Viv Watkins at Caerphilly's Big Cheese Festival

A couple from Blackwood have been chosen to try out and experience a host of events and activities across the Valleys this summer.

Appointed as official Valleys Vacationers, Viv and Maria Watkins from Blackwood were chosen to review this summer’s top Valleys events and blog about their experiences on The Valleys’ website.

From partying to the sounds of The Blackout at Merthyr Rock and sampling the finest ciders at the International Cider Festival in Llancaiach Fawr near Nelson, to experiencing the area on foot at this year’s Wales Valleys Walking Festival, the Valleys Vacationers will review the best events taking place across The Valleys this summer as part of a tourism drive.

Maria and Viv Watkins, who both work for Caerphilly County Borough Council, attended Caerphilly’s Big Cheese Festival recently.

Viv said: “We love holidaying in Britain but the beauty, character and heritage of our local area can often be overlooked. The Valleys is home to a number of attractions steeped in history and culture, from 16th century manors to 13th century castles, and most of these venues play host to a variety of exciting events throughout the year.

“It’s a real pleasure to attend these summer events and to be able to capture the atmosphere and excitement of The Valleys and share this with others.”

The couple will be joined in their adventures by family of four Esther Nagel and Kevin Lavis and their children, Liam, 14 and Marcus, 18 months from Ystrad in Rhondda.

For more information visit

(C)PATRICK OLNER

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Latest News

  • Fifty Christmas hampers have been delivered to families in need this year
    Christmas hampers delivered to residents in need thanks to campaignWednesday, December 24, 2025
  • Machen WI members with Co-op store manager Stephen Willey next to the decorated coffee cup
    Machen Women’s Institute brings festive cheer to with Christmas coffee cup topperWednesday, December 24, 2025
  • christmas lights stock image
    The urgent mental health support available in Gwent this ChristmasWednesday, December 24, 2025
  • The Welsh Ambulance Service will be using new electric ambulances
    Welsh Ambulance Service unveils first fully-electric vehiclesWednesday, December 24, 2025
  • The proposed development site between Duffryn Road and Llanarth Street, Brynawel, pictured in May 2023
    Three homes proposed for village’s ‘underused’ green plotTuesday, December 23, 2025
  • Gwent Police officer
    Two people released on conditional bail following attempted robbery at shopTuesday, December 23, 2025

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, November 27, 2025
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Darts Dungeon, BargoedThursday, November 27, 2025
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Ffos CaerffiliThursday, November 27, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, November 13, 2025
© 2009-2024 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.