Watch batteries/straps, watch repairs & servicing, all fine jewellery repairs, bead & pearl restringing, ring sizing, jewellery remodels, antique silver ornament repairs, engraving and much more. . . CAll iN for A free No oBliGATioN qUoTe
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Unwanted wedding/engagement rings l Diamond jewellery (certified or not)
Gold jewellery with missing stones l Unmatched gold earrings l Gold coins / sovereigns Gold bullion l Silver bullion l Dental gold scrap Masonic gold rings, pins & jewellery l Antique & high value watches
CasH or Bank TransFer paId on THe day
www.acornsnurseries.co.uk
We have two nurseries in the RCT area: aCorns parC nanTGarW, HeoL y CoLeG, parC nanTGarW, CF15 7Qy
Nursery opening Times: 7.00am – 6.00pm our purpose-built nursery, just off the A470 on the Coleg y Cymoedd campus in Nantgarw provides the finest care to children in the local community as well as staff and learners at the college. aCorns usW, unIversITy oF souTH WaLes, TreForesT, CF37 1dL
Set in a wooded part of the University of South wales, Acorns USw provides the highest quality of care to children of the local community and staff and learners at the University. The children benefit from our large forest school, providing plenty of outdoor learning opportunities and experiences to give every child the very best start in life.
edITor’s LeTTer
Hi all and WeLCoMe To our june edITIon!
Ihope you all enjoyed the amazing sunshine we had throughout May, don’t know about you but it makes all the difference to be able to sit in the garden and enjoy the great outdoors and has definitely got me looking forward to the Summer months - BRING IT on!
There were some wonderful Ve Day street parties that took place throughout rCT & The Vale of Glamorgan, did you join in one of these? or did you, like myelf celebrate in your own garden with family and friends? either way it was so lovely to see so many people paying tribute to these wonderful and brave people, it is so important we never forget what they did for us!
father’s Day this year is on june 15th and is the perfect time to celebrate your lovely dad’s, to help you do this we have included a gift guide to give you some inspiration, along with an easy but delicious recipe that i am sure he will love.
Also included in this edition is an article on ‘How much does it really cost to buy a home?’, as well as an editorial on why you shouldn’t put off going to see your doctor, gardening tips on the most poisonious plants in our garden, plus lots more, and of course, we can’t forget that june also sees the start of wimbledon, so we have a piece on ‘who to watch at wimbledon’.
our magazines are hand delivered to over 24,500 homes and businesses in rCT & The Vale of Glamorgan by our very friendly and reliable distribution staff, most of whom have been with us for many, many years.
we are currently working on our july edition, if you would like to get your business into the homes of potential customers, then why not drop us an email at: enquires@village-directory.co.uk or give us a call on 01443 204399 / 07971 648385. so until next month, happy reading!
alison
Editor: Alison Jones
Studio & Design: Alison jones
email: enquiries@village-directory.co.uk
web: www.village-directory.co.uk
Advertising: Alison Jones & Lauren Whitfield
editorial: Alison jones
Tel: 07971 648385
To place an advert in the Directory telephone: 01443 204399
WHy do I need a properTy proTeCTIon TrusT?
Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their loved ones eventually. But this will not happen for many unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. on the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together but have children from different partners. A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. if the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new property. westminster law will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.
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Weight Loss Consultant Wins Trip of a Lifetime
When a local Slimming World Consultant, received a phone call to invite her to the beautiful Capital City of Greece, she thought it was a prank!
Caroline williams, who has run her weight loss Support Group in Tonteg, since 2017 had the jaw dropping call a month ago.
“i was absolutely blown away! i couldn’t quite believe that the call was real!”
The popular weight loss organisation is well known for the support and encouragement that they not only give to their members, but to their Consultants too.
“To be rewarded in this way for simply doing what i love is incredibly special. i’m honoured to be part of an exceptional company as a franchisee, but also extremely lucky to work as part of a pretty fabulous local team in the Taff Valley!”
Caroline was flown from Gatwick to Athens for a week of luxury and 5 Star treatment in the exclusive area of Koloniki.
“Nothing was overlooked! we were quite simply, treated like celebrities. from the champagne reception at the hotel door, to the beautiful 5 course evening meal on arrival day, through to our guided tour of The Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon and even a hands-on cookery course, using local ingredients and recipes, whilst picking up on the language and culture……. we really were spoilt!
we even had a twilight cruise to the island of Aegina on a Bounty Boat, dancing and singing until the early hours!”
it was the 36th annual trip hosted by Slimming world and it was originally the brainchild of Margaret Miles Bramwell, who founded the company in 1969 and sadly passed away in february of this year.
“Margaret was an extraordinary lady who simply wanted to change people’s lives for the better and the Grand Accumulator trip was an incredible reward for her treasured Consultants, simply for doing the job that they love, touching hearts and changing lives whilst improving health, wellbeing and lifestyle”
“Margaret took part in every holiday, literally planning and hosting every detail, so for her not to be present on this trip was emotional. But we did our best to keep her memory alive and remember that everything we do from here on in, is to honour her and keep our promise to retain our commitment to helping as many people who need us in their weight loss journeys”
Consultants are self employed individuals with unique personalities and a passion for motivating their members. They are given an incredible level of training in all areas of weight loss management, physical activity and psychology, all under the umbrella of a trusted organisation who have been present in the UK, ireland and Cyprus for almost 56 years.”
The Taff Valley Team currently has 9 Consultants running numerous groups from Trallwn to Tonteg, Pontypridd to Pontyclun and Glyncoch to Gilfach Goch…with many in between.
“we are opening a brand new, eagerly awaited group in llanharry in july this year along with plans to launch a new group in Taffs well and relaunch our Pentyrch Group with a brand-new Consultant”
Caroline supports the team with the recruitment of new Consultants and is always looking for exceptional people to join the team and experience everything that this unique role offers.
Consultants earn, on average, £100 - £400 per week running just one Slimming World Group and along with fully flexible hours, an amazing training programme, AND the opportunity to win jaw dropping holidays ……it really is a fabulous opportunity!
“i really couldn’t imagine doing any other job in the world now” says Caroline. “Although, following this holiday, a new group in Athens could be on the cards!”
if you would like more details of the role of a Slimming world Consultant, please contact Caroline williams on 07984 140386.
TonTeG CoMMunITy CenTre
Tuesday - 3pm, 5pm & 7pm
Call Caroline on 07894 140386
neW Group TIMes
Beddau CoMMunITy CenTre
wednesdays - 6.30pm Thursday - 9.30am
LLanTrIsanT rFC, LLanTrIsanT every friday at 9.30am
Call Mel on 07881 698256
ponTyprIdd ruGBy CLuB
wednesday - 9.30am & 11am
Thursday - 5.30m & 7pm
ponTyCLun CoMMunITy CenTre
Saturday - 8.30am & 10.30am
Call Irene on 07846 416396
TonTeG CoMMunITy CenTre
wednesday - 9am & 10.30am
MorGansToWn vILLaGe HaLL friday 9am & 10.30am
Call simone on 07980 898981
FInd us on FaCeBook 8
OpenIng SOOn In THe
HeART OF pOnTyclun!
Hi, I’m Britney
i’d like to introduce myself and give you a little insight into my new business. After years of experience and dedication to my craft, i am very excited to be opening my very own salon - The White Ivy dog spa - right here in the heart Pontyclun!
i am fully insured and City & Guildsqualified with almost a decade of experence, i will be offering a one-on-one dog grooming service helping to provide a calm, stress-free environment where your dog gets my full attention.
At The White Ivy Dog Spa, your pups will get all the love, attention, and pampering they deserve. My goal is to help your furry friend feel safe, relaxed, and look their absolute best.
i can’t wait to meet you and your K9 companions. As a special thank you for your support, I’m offering 10% off your 1st appointment when you book in for a full groom by the end of June!
For all bookings you can message me via Facebook, Instagram or message/text or Whatsapp me on 07427 542881 to pre book your appointments. (T&Cs apply)
l Home Improvements
l Windows
l UPVC & Composite Doors
l French Doors
l Replacement Conservatory Roofs
l Patio Doors
l Flat Roofs
l Porches
l Carports
l Conservatories
l Orangeries
l Bifolding Doors
A1 Heol Y Twyn, Talbot Green Business Park, Llantrisant, CF72 9FG
A1 Heol Y Twyn, Talbot Green Business Park, Llantrisant, CF72 9FG
Events in your local area this June
ve day CeLeBraTIons - 80th
BIG WeLsH BITe - ynysangharad War Memorial park, pontypridd - august 2nd & 3rd, 10am5pm - it’s back! The 2 day food and drink festival made way for the National eisteddfod of wales in 2024 and plans are underway for a BiG return to ynysangharad war Memorial Park, Pontypridd this summer! Updates available soon at www.bigwelshbite.co.uk.
CLassIC Car sHoW - rhondda Heritage park Museum, pontypridd - june 28th - Vintage cars, bikes and more at rhondda Heritage Park Museum! one for all the vintage car enthusiasts as this annual event once more fills the courtyard. For more info email events@rctcbc.gov.uk
GWynFa CaMera CLuB - Meet every Thursday, 7.15pm at Caerlan Hall, Llantrisant - Do you have an interest in photography? would you like to take better photo’s? Do you want a friendly welcome? we have professional guest speakers, competitions, workshops and much more. The Autumn/winter programme includes Bill ward of Emmerdale / Coronation Street (Landscape photography), Cate Barrow (Wildlife photography), Gabor Horvath (Aquarium photography), Peter Crane (Street photography). We also have a deer rut photography workshop at Margam Park. For more info visit: www.gwynfa.org.uk
LLanTrIsanT arT soCIeTy - Garth olwg Lifelong Learning Centre st Illtyds road Church village - june 2nd-20th - exhibition of Art work, open Monday to friday. For more info call jan Horne on 01443223874.
CHurCH vILLaGe WI - Tonteg Community Centre ( the hut) on the main road in Tonteg - Every 2nd Thursday each month at 1.30pmthinking of joining a wi, but don’t like going out in the evenings? Then why don’t you join Church Village wi we have speakers, a coffee morning and various events throughout the year. ring Eve on 07546 358221 to find out more.
LLanTrIsanT MInIsTry area deMenTIa supporT Group - Meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month in Llantrisant parish Hall, swan st, Llantrisant from 11am to 1.30pm. we are a group for those living with the condition and for their carers. we are supported by the local NHS memory team. Tea and coffee and biscuits are provided but if you wish to stay for the whole session, please bring your own lunch. For more details ring Len Morris on 07802723733 or email supportgroup@ parishofllantrisant.org
BrIdGend soropTIMIsTs - Heronston Hotel, Bridgend 11th june - Business meeting 7pm. 25th june - Supper/speaker meeting 6.30pm. Speaker from SPLICE a charity based in Kenfig Hill supporting families with Children under 5. Follow us on www.facebook.com/ Bridgendsoroptimists, new members always welcome.
Messy CHurCH - Creigiau Church Hall, CreigiauEvery 3rd Sun of the month, 4pm-5.30pm - a new way of ‘doing church’ for families with children, has taken off in a big way! The hall lends itself to an informal setting for a mix of crafts, games and activities followed by a short Celebration, leading into an afternoon tea - a chance for the family to play, eat and spend time together before returning to the normal hectic schedule of school, work and stress! And the best news is that all this is free! All children aged 0-12 years are welcome with an adult or guardian. Tel: jenny 02920 892510 for further details.
LITTLe Toes - aFon CoMMunITy danCe - A fun & lively movement class for little ones & grown ups. Suitable for 6mths-3yrs. Using music, props & movement play that enhances children’s development.
Mondays - Caerlan Hall, llantrisant, 9.30am-10.20am. Fridays - Tylagarw Village, Hall, 9.30am-10.20am. CHILdren’s CreaTIve danCe CLasses - Fridays - Toddler Toes (3-4yrs), at Caerlan Hall, Llantrisant, 4pm-4.45pm. Wednesdays - Talbot Green Community Centre -little Sparks (5-7yrs), 4.30pm-5.15pm & Ignition (8-11yrs), 5.15pm-6.15pm. aFon youTH danCe CoMpany (12yrs+) - Mondays - at Caerlan Hall, llantrisant - Creative & Contemporary Dance, 5pm-6.30pm. For more info email: afondance@gmail.com or visit: www.afondance.org
arT In THe ForesT - Bethel Forest, Bethel Baptist Church, pontyclun, held fortnightly - Art session, providing an opportunity to spend time in nature creating art through different mediums: watercolour, pencils, oil pastels, natural sculptures, or whatever your preferred mediumyou’re welcome to come & knit, or sew amongst the trees! A selection of supplies will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. For more info email Beci at: artintheforest@bethelpontyclun.org
MIskIn & dIsTrICT LadIes - meet at Llantrisant & pontyclun Golf Club every last Wed of the month. Are you looking for a social network with like-minded ladies in your community, then come and join us. i’m Suzanne Mcintosh, i started the group for ladies retiring, retired and active, who would like to meet up for social events, coffee mornings, cinema, theatre or walks. Come along and join us you will receive a warm welcome. Have a look at our Facebook Page, you will find all the info you need on Miskin & District Ladies, just answer a few questions, and you’re in! or you can contact Suzanne on 07764465791 (This group is a non-profit Community Group).
rCT HearT Heroes - Free deFrIBILLaTor TraInInG - No community should be without one of these lifesaving devices on their premises - every second counts, help save a life & keep our community heart safe. There are 8,000 cardiac arrests outside of hospital admissions every year! early defribillation within the first 4-5mins give the best possible chance. free attendance & everyone welcome, working in partnership with rCT. For more info call David on 07539 179384 or Gemma on 07397 392132.
sT davId’s CHurCH, sCHooL road, MIskIn, ponTyCLun Services weekly on Sundays at 10.30am and Morning Prayer each wednesday at 9.30am. Village Coffee Mornings 10am-12noon each wednesday. For more info call Len Morris Church Warden on 07802723733 or follow us on Facebook - St Davids Church Miskin.
CreIGIau CoMMunITy MarkeT - at The Church Hall, Cardiff rd, Creigiau (50yds from Tesco) - every 2nd saturday of the month. Come early and enjoy our famous bacon butties for just £1.50 between 9am-11am or home made cake at just £1 a slice between 10am-12noon; all served in Cafe Coffi, where you can sit and sort out the problems of the world with friends, new and old. There are a large range of stalls from organic meats, vegetables, dairy products, free range eggs, artisan breads, all sourced from local farms, smallholders and producers. free entry. If you are interested in trading at the Market, contactjennynelmes@hotmail.com for details.
GLaMorGan HIsTory WaLksrunning until sept 7th - Award winning immersive history and storytelling experience. rather than sit at home reading about history, join us as we go on a series of walks to places of historic interest. All walks are circular (so you finish at the same point you start) and all bar one, end at a fantastic old pub. The destinations for these walks are spread throughout the ancient county of Glamorgan (or the even more ancient Kingdom of Glywysing). From the Heritage Coast in the south to Merthyr Tydfil in the north and from Port eynon on Gower in the west, to Machen in the east. At each location, the history and stories of the places we visit are brought to life through story telling, history discussion and even on occasion, through song and character performance. it is a uniquely enjoyable and accessible way of discovering the rich history of this fascinating part of wales. Come and join us. you will have a fabulous time! For more info visit: www.visitthevale.com/events/glamorganhistory-walks
LLanTrIsanT & dIsTrICT proBus CLuB - meet at 10.30am at pontyclun rugby Club. The next meeting Monday 9th june will be a talk on ‘The welsh Air Ambulance Service’ by robert evans. New members are always welcome. For further info contact the sec rhodri powell on 01443 230382.
LLanTrIsanT & dIsTrICT HIsTory soCIeTy - meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm at pontyclun Community Hall. The next meeting will be on 10th june and will be a day trip to llanelly House. New members are always welcome. For further info contact the Chair rhodri powell on 01443 230382.
CWM TaFF nHs reTIreMenT Group - meet at the Llantwit Fardre sports Club at 2pm. Meeting will be 6th june and will be a talk on ‘Knife Crime’ by Nigel Bird. New members are always welcome. For further info about the group contact the Chair rhodri powell on 01443 230382.
PONTYCLUN FITCLUB - Every Wednesday 6.30pm-7.30pm at Y pant school, sports Hall, pontyclun - A charity-based clubs run by 4 coaches, the class is £3 per session which £1 goes towards velindre cancer centre. our classes include a mix of exercises and fitness level. They are a community based fitness class run by volunteers who are fully qualified. Each week they aim to workout whilst having fun and cater to all fitness levels and ages. There is no booking system and whilst doing this they donate a portion of the money to Velindre cancer centre. For more info email: Pontyclunfitclub19@hotmail.com or visits their Facebook page pontyclun community fitclub pILaTes BeGInners CLasses - St Davids Church Hall . Wimborne rd pencoed - every Monday 7.15pm & wednesday 6pm. For booking details contact sarah 07504 085130.
arT In THe ForesT - Bethel Forest, Bethel Baptist Church, pontyclun, held fortnightly - Art in the forest is a fortnightly art session, providing an opportunity to spend some time in nature creating art through different mediums: watercolour, pencils, oil pastels, natural sculptures, or whatever your preferred medium - you’re welcome to come and knit, or even sew amongst the trees! A selection of supplies will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. our oasis Coffee Shop will also be open for you to enjoy a cuppa while you create! For more info email Beci at: artintheforest@bethelpontyclun.org
proBus CLuB oF ponTyprIdd - The ship Inn, Crown Hill, Llantwit Fardre - First Thurs of the month at 10.30am - come & join us for talks, drinks & lunch. you would be most welcome. For more info call 01443 207242.
uWC aTLanTIC CoLLeGe evenTs - st donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1WF suMMer Fayre aT sT donaT’s CasTLe - june 8th, 10am-6pm - The St Donat’s Castle Summer fayre returns once again! A great day out for the whole family, you can browse a wonderful collection of over 60 food, drink and craft stalls, enjoy live music entertainment or book on to activities available throughout the day. Car parking ticket £13 (price is per car for as many people you can fit in the car). On foot ticket £3 per person.
GuIded HIsTorICaL Tour oF sT donaT’s CasTLe - june 15th, 1.30pm or 2pm, £12.50 per person - explore St Donat’s hidden delights on your 90-minute guided historic tour through the magnificent Castle.
Find out more information about our summer Fayre and other events visit: www.uwcatlanticexperience.com/event/ or contact us at info@uwcatlanticexperience.com
- we are looking for new members especially alto section and second soprano, why not join us at 7.30pm every Tuesday, if you love to sing, we would love to see you. For more info call jan Thomas on 01443 222798.
PONTYCLUN BOSOM PALS - 1st Wednesday of every month, 11am until 1pm at The Boars Head, Tyla Garw, pontyclun CF72 9eZ. everyone welcome to join this very special group of ladies who support each other through their Cancer journey. For more info call: 07889044697 or 07563795885.
GarTH oLWG u3a - Meet at 2pm on the 3rd Wed of the month at Garth olwg Lifelong Learning Centre, Church village - The Speaker for the June meeting is Stephen Griffin & the title of his talk is ‘Do you really do that for a living?’experiences of a Tour Guide in wales! This sounds as if it will be both informative & entertaining. So, calling all Third Agers (that’s all you retirees & semi-retirees in the local community). why not come & listen to Stephen’s presentation &, at the same time, see what your local branch of U3A is all about. you can be certain of a warm welcomes. All you lovely folk who are already members, why not bring a friend (or two) who may have been thinking about joining, but who might just need a bit of encouragement & company to do so. Don’t be put off by the ‘University’ in the title. in the branch, that doesn’t refer to courses, assessments & that kind of formal learning, we’re all about keeping our minds and bodies active, & therefore learning, through social activities like joining interest groups, visiting places of interest, listening to visiting speakers, going out for group lunches, playing board games, joining quiz teams & other informal & enjoyable experiences. Annual membership is just £15pp & includes a monthly Branch Newsletter & a ‘Third Age Matters’ magazine 5 times per year. You can also find out more about us by visiting our web page www.gartholwg.u3asite.uk. The branch tries to offer something to please everyone. For more info on any of the above, call Lorraine Moran 07976 534672. ponTyCLun u3a - Meet at pontyclun Community Centre on the 3rd Mon of each month except august. A vibrant, thriving & friendly u3a with 200 members. if you are retired or semi-retired & looking to make new friends, we’d love to meet you. we currently have 20 interest groups including bird-watching, history, petanque, playreading, table tennis, 2 walking groups & ukelele. with a speaker at each meetings, the next few months will feature Inflammation, the Aberfan disaster & wildlife crime. Come along to the meetings & enjoy a cup of tea or coffee & a chat before the meeting begins. For further info contact Chris dickson at christhomaseth@ hotmail.com or visit: www.pontyclunu3asite.uk
oasIs open spaCe - Bethel Baptist Church pontyclun Every Tuesday and Wednesday 10.30am-1.30pm - come and join us for coffee / tea and biscuits. Hot lunch will be served between 12noon-1pm for those who wish to stay. All are welcome! Donations welcome but not compulsory. For more info email: admin@bethelpontyclun.org or telephone 01443 228283.
vaLeWays GuIded WaLks
june 1st at 2pm – Barry’s Best Bits, meet at Gorsedd Stoned by romilly Park, Barry, Cf2 6rN. For more info call oggie 07974 431839.
june 2nd at 10.30am – walking Books, meet at Cliff Top car park, Penarth Cf64 5BP. For more info call judy 07552 921201.
june 4th at 10am – A lonely Church, meet at St Mary Church, Cf71 7lT. For more info call shelia 07932 523415.
june 8th at 2pm – A 3 Boot walk to Caerau Hill fort, meet at St Mary’s Church, wenvoe, Cf5 6Al. For more info call shelia 07932 523415.
june 11th at 10am – explore the like Kiln, rhoose railway Station, Cf62 3eN. For more info call Gweanda 07811 503210.
june 15th at 2pm - Over Ogmore Down, St Brides Post Office, ewenny rd, Cf32 0SB. For more info call peter 07980 643869. june 17th at 10.30am – Cadoxton History & litter Pick, Victoria Park bandstand, Cf63 2jS. For more info call kate 07719 980223.
june 19th at 6.30pm – Severn Counties View, white footbridge layby,Peterston-super-ely, Cf5 6lH. For more info call Dave 07707 898720.
june 22nd at 2pm – wick wander, roadside at Star inn, wick, Cf71 7qA. For more info call paul 07974 772102.
june 26th at 9.30am – A View of the Bluebirds, Penarth leisure centre, Andrew rd, Cf64 2NS. For more info call paul I 07828 508619.
jun 29th at 2pm – The island of Adventure, Hayes rd car park, Sully, Cf664 5Sy For more info call phil 07799 532767. For more info and details, visit: www.valeways.org.uk
Mon to Fri - 7am to 4pm sat - 7am to 12pm
To
wiTh exTerior TiLes & pLAsTered inTernAL ceiLing LooKs LiKe A TrAdiTionAL exTension As weLL As sAving
Miskin Tree & garden Services
esTaBLIsHed sInCe 2000
fully insured, NPCT and lantra trained staff
Based in Miskin, Pontyclun and serving all of South wales, Miskin Tree & Garden Services is the leading local choice for all aspects of tree surgery and arboricultural work including tree felling, pruning and hedges plus garden clearance also ride on commercial site mowing.
from precision pruning to crown shaping and thinning, our tree surgeons are capable of handling any job. we have the experience and expertise to get the job done safely and efficiently, regardless of size
our 17m tracked cherry picker allows us to safely handle the challenges presented by rotten trees, those affected by ash dieback, and other trees that would otherwise be hazardous or inaccessible.
