Rare Avana Cake case on display at Botanic Gardens
THE next Derwen Antiques Fair and Vintage Market will be held next weekend at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8.
Organiser Brita Rogers, of Derwen Fairs, said: “The fair has proved to be a recipe for success. We have recorded a high number of visitors this year, so our series included an extra date in July – making it four fairs for 2017.
“Keeping with the theme of baking, a rare piece of Cardiff heritage baking memorabilia will feature at the fair.
“The Avana Cake display case will be for sale inscribed with the words Avana Gold Medal Cakes. It highlights the lost fortunes of this popular Cardiff bakery which finished baking a few years ago.
“Avana started their business as a small grocery shop in Aberavon in the 1800s before the rapidly expanding bakery moved its company to Pendyris Street, Cardiff. Marks and Spencer’s placed an important order in 1937 for many of their Christmas cakes, and there was further expansion in the 1960s with the opening of a plant in Rogerstone, Gwent. Sadly, fortunes took a downturn after the Millennium with a devastating fire and loss of orders.
“Regrettably, both bakeries closed. However, the glass display case has survived and will be on display.”
With up to 100 stands on display, the National Botanic Gardens fair has become quite a spectacle since it began seven years ago. Showcasing a wonderful variety of quality antiques and collectables to suit all tastes and budgets, these popular fairs have a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.
Fans of collectables, curios and classic antiques should make their way to the various Botanic Gardens venues, including the Lord Foster-designed Great Glasshouse, for displays of Welsh art and pottery, quality jewellery and outstanding militaria collections.
The recipe for the success of this fair is the unique setting. To witness the array of antiques with the backdrop of the flora and fauna when you step inside the Norman Foster Great Glass House is just breathtaking.
There is also a hidden gem tucked away beside the Millennium Courtyard – the large Wedding Marquee, where you will find a large range of country pine furniture, rare books, Ewenny pottery and rare collections of Royal Worcester and Lorna Bailey pottery.
The fair has also expanded into the Millennium courtyard, filling it with a Vintage Antiques Market showing off toys, clothing and retro furniture, plus numerous pieces of upcycled furniture and quirky items. The fair opens at 10am and closes at 4.30pm
Admission to the gardens for the Antiques Weekend is just £4. Entry is free for garden members and parking is free for all. For more information contact Brita Rogers on 01267 220260 / 07790 293367 or visit www. derwenantiques.co.uk