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A Rhymney artist is selling calendars for 2024 that capture the spirit of the town – all in a bid to raise money for charity. 

Sian Harding, 54, has painted both past and present images for the calendar called ‘A History of Rhymney’.

Each calendar month features a different scene or building in watercolour such as the Buchan building, Rhymney Railway Station, the Terrace and Susannah houses. 

Sian told Caerphilly Observer about her motivations for putting together the calendar and said: “It’ll be nice for people to look at and look back on.”

She continued: “Most of the paintings I’ve done are either demolished or they don’t look like that anymore.” 

Sian has published her artwork before, designing a previous calendar and painting an artist’s illustration of the Buchan building and Whitbread Centre earlier this year.

This time proceeds for Sian’s calendar will go to Caerphilly County Borough Mind – a cause close to her heart. 

Sian’s uncle had schizophrenia and her Nan cared for him – which, she says, wasn’t always easy.

Sian said: “She [her Nan] struggled to look after him but Mind helped.”

Sian’s Nan also worked in a Mind Charity Shop, where she made friends. 

She continued: “It did help a great deal so I’ve always been grateful for that.”

Sian’s already sold 60 calendars and there have even been customers from as far away as Canada and New Zealand.

It is helping people to remember happy times or buildings that were once part of Rhymney but have now gone.  

Sian said: “There’s lots of memories coming up for people.”

She added: “I’d just like to thank everyone for supporting me. It’s been a great response.”