FLAN FLINGING AT ITS FINEST

The National Garden Scheme has over 3,700 beautiful private gardens opening in the UK each year for charity. Sixty of those are in Wales, from gardens by the sea to gardens high on mountain tops and with a whole range of others in between. But as far as I know there is only one that hosts a fully working Perrier medieval siege machine.

The impressive trebuchet is hosted by Clytha Park, near Abergavenny, where you can see it in action tomorrow.

As a slight detour from the usual jam competitions and woodland walks, six teams will compete to throw the “severed heads of our enemies – or appropriate alternative” furthest down their lake – (it’s worth going to see what the alternatives will be, although after all this hot weather testing my people-patience, I may have a few severed heads to contribute).

The substantial “flan-flinging” competition is part of the Pontypool Builders’ Merchants International Challenge, and between you and me, I used to be a pretty good shot with a catapult so am hoping for a go!

Clytha Park will also host lots of fabulous stalls, including my favourite, Tools for self Reliance (might get a new catapult), as well as a lovely range of eclectic attractions including the South Wales gun dog display, the border vintage tractor club, Syrian dancing and target shooting (another chance for my catapult!).

And of course, there are the lovely gardens as well, with the walled garden, beautiful borders, a 19th century arboretum and great homemade cream teas too.

Clytha Park is open from 2pm – 5pm and entry is £5 with children free.

More details about Welsh open gardens can be found at www. ngs.org.uk