Nick Smith is a terrific campaigner and Labour champion. He won't let you down when the going gets tough.

Frank Dobson MP,
former Labour Secretary of State for Health

Blaenau Gwent is in my bones. These are some of the things I like to do in the constituency. If you have any suggestions for other places for me to add to the list, then please let me know.

Blaenau Gwent Red Ramblers
I spend a lot of time in meetings and so I like to walk when I get a chance, to blow away the cobwebs, and think through what I need to get on with next.

Aneurin Bevan used to walk our hillsides to rehearse his speeches and it is easy to see why. The area will have changed a lot since he last walked here and I dare say, in the meantime, some of those places have been transformed from coal tips into beauty spots.

My four favourite places to get some fresh air in the constituency are:

• Parc Bryn Bach. I used to walk this area a lot when younger – it was mostly scrappy hillside then, with lots of curlews nesting in the reeds. Now it is a popular lakeside walk and you can get a nice cup of tea in the café too.

• The beech woodlands at Cwm Merddog are beautiful at any time but they come into their own when they are filled with bluebells in Spring time and in Autumn when they turn glorious shades of yellow and orange and red.

• Parc Nant y Waun. This area behind my home, close to ASDA, is perfect for a 30 minute stroll with great views down valley past Nantyglo. I often wonder how different it was when all the ironworks were in full production.

• Cwmtillery Lakes. Way up this side valley and tricky to find if you’re not a local, but well worth it. The more adventurous can walk right up on to the top ridge and look across to the Blaenafon World Heritage Site .

 

Going out
Whilst it’s good to go to the multi screens in Merthyr, the Market Hall Cinema in Brynmawr always worth checking out before you jump in the car. Whilst there is just the one screen, the film choices there are pretty spot on, the staff are brilliant and the popcorn is the best value in the valleys.

The Beaufort Theatre has some cracking acts, Rhod Gilbert, rising Welsh comedian played there last year. And The Met in Abertillery is a great place too with loads of things going on.

The Llanhilleth Institute has been really nicely refurbished and is great for events – I compered a book launch there just recently, and the atmosphere was great.

Quizzes are a big feature of local pubs and clubs. The Gwent Gazette will often point to regular quiz nights. I often join members of my family at the Willows Club in Tredegar on a Sunday night.

You’re spoilt for choice for nice places to eat. West Mon Golf Club is great for lunches and The Mountain Air Inn at Nantybwch is a great place to stop off for dinner and if it’s a nice evening you can round things off with a drive up to Trefil for an evening walk.

If you’ve been shopping at the Ebbw Vale Festival site, the coffee and views down the valley towards Cwm from Massarella's café are just great.

On the subject of coffee, one of the best places to stop off, particularly on a Friday when there is a nice buzz from the market, is the Sidoli’s café in Ebbw Vale which also of course does great ice cream.

Finally in Abertillery, I’m a fan of the Coffee Shop run by Gareth and Jane, I see they are doing well in the Blaenau Gwent in bloom competition winning again this year.

 

Places to take the kids
If it’s a nice day then there are loads of great picnic places. The Dukes Table just above Trefil is one I remember from my childhood, but I also love going to Cwmcelyn in Blaina, in fact we are spoilt for choice in Blaenau Gwent as you just have to climb up the valley sides for space, tranquillity and amazing views.

If the weather is poor then what about swimming at the Leisure centre in Tredegar, Ebbw Vale or Nantyglo?

If the youngsters enjoy music and dance, then Kids R Us in Tredegar is a great place to take that first step towards an X Factor rehearsal …..

 

Local history and politics

Anyone who comes from Blaenau Gwent knows how proud we are of local politicians such as Nye Bevan and Neil Kinnock. This is why I mean what I sau when I state that I'm honoured to have been selected as your Labour parliamentary candidate – I truly am standing ‘on the shoulders of giants’.

The Bevan Stones on the mountain top between Tredegar and Ebbw Vale are a great reminder of Bevan and his work in establishing the NHS based on his experiences in the 20s and 30s with the Tredegar Medical Aid Society.

The Chartists are a strong feature of our political past too, with the caves above Trefil said to be where they stored guns before the march on Newport, whilst their leader, Zephaniah Williams lived in Nantyglo. We probably wouldn’t have the vote today if it wasn’t for their bravery and sacrifice.

For me, coming from a local family of colliers and steelworkers, with strong women that kept us on the straight and narrow, it is the spirit of community organisation and working together to get things done, that has inspired my politics, and gives me confidence and hope for the future.

Published and promoted by Alyson Tippings on behalf of Blaenau Gwent Labour Party, both of 23 Beaufort Street, Byynmawr, NP234AQ. Hosted by Namesco Ltd, Acton House, Perdiswell Park, Worcester WR3 7GD.