Our local magazine, Nova News, has just been delivered through the door today, here is the piece I wrote for this issue. You might like to visit ww.novanews.co.uk to find out more about Newport and it's independant businesses, then you might like to visit Newport for yourself.

"Reasons to be Cheerful, one, two three….

Buying British – In these tough times we are all doing our bit, both locally and nationally and what better way to support the economy than to buy British made goods. In the Gallery we stock work from Designer Makers across the British Isles, ranging from assorted textiles pieces, jewellery, glass and studio pottery to unusual lighting and ceramics. One of our most enjoyable tasks is to keep finding new Makers whose work we enjoy and wish to share with you. If you are one of our regular visitors, you will have seen our selection of high quality work grow over the years and we know, because you tell us, that one of the best things is that it is all unusual and you will always find something that is different.

Supporting the Local Rural Economy – We must thank you for doing this already, by returning time after time to shop with us at The Picture Shop and Gallery and also sending your friends and family to us . We in turn do our best to promote not only our unique business, but many of the superb independent businesses in Newport that make this town such a gem and a place where we want to attract visitors. I am a member of WIRE (Women in Rural Enterprise), which coincidentally is based at Harper Adams (HAUC), although it is a national organisation, and as a WIRE member, together with two other local business women, launched a Newport WIRE Network which will meet on the last Wednesday afternoon of each month. The purpose of the meetings is to provide a platform for business women to network, share and support each other under the umbrella of the WIRE organisation. Visit www.wireuk.org or magholl@Aol.com to find out more.

Sustainability – As the fashion for ‘vintage’ continues to gather pace, we are adding a range of items, to The Picture Shop and Gallery which we have sourced, that we feel compliment the more contemporary pieces. These may include a small piece of furniture, a chair, some lovely old glass or really pretty china. I have written in Nova News before that true antiques will make a comeback in the not too distant future, but whether it is a real antique or just a well loved piece, old and new will always provide interest when teamed together.

So, here’s to another exciting and prosperous year in 2010 for us all. We may not always get it right, but Together Everyone Achieves More – and on that note I have to say a special thank you to Chairman Mark Freeman and the Newport Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of all businesses, including the independent sector, of Newport – a Very Happy New Year to You All" - Maggie Hollinshead Jan 2010