Wet and windy weather did not deter members of the Abergavenny and District Tourist Association from enjoying a social evening at the Kings Arms Hotel.

Councillor Sam Dodd (Chair) acted as host and welcomed both old and new members, before introducing the guest speaker Malcolm Humphries, the well known local cartoonist, better know as Mumph who had designed the humorous covers of both the 2016 and 2017 Visit Abergavenny brochures.

Mumph realised his talent for drawing at an early age, but there was no specialist course available for him to follow. Discouraged, he joined the RAF, but then began working in slate craft. By an amazing co-incidence a colleague was also a cartoonist - and became his mentor.

Early rejection from the press was followed by a spell illustrating children’s books. For a couple of years he then became a roofing contractor, but although this was financially rewarding the lure of drawing cartoons held greater appeal.

His big break came at the age of 31 from the Independent and was followed by work for the Times and regular work with the Western Mail. Other offers followed including appearing on TV panel shows. Mumph designed the sets for Dragons Eye, but the onset of the Gulf War caused him ethical problems in the more political television work.

He now uses his creative talents running Mugbys, gift ideas with a Welsh slant.

Members of the tourist association had been invited to give a brief showcase of their businesses and several took the opportunity.

They included Andrea, who has run her business Black Mountain Fabrics for 18 months, offering a variety of workshops for those wishing to learn about fabrics, craft and sewing.

Michael Hayward also talked about his business offering visitors B&B at Deridown guest house - a newly refurbished 19th century house, formerly part of the Crawshaw Bailey Estate.

And Rachael Watson, the Abergavenny Baker, explained how, having been a GP in the town for 15 years, she took the life-changing decision to follow her passion for food and offer artisan baking courses from her home.

Having heard about some fairly new businesses the audience then heard from Grange Trekking at Capel-y-fin, established in 1927 by Jessica Griffiths’ parents.

Now operated by Jessica and her sister, they offer accommodation, glamping and pony trekking, with interest boosted considerably after they appeared on television as well as being featured in The Mail on Sunday.

Another person to showcase their business was Penny Pressler of office services provider, Pink Angels, who informed members that as well as all the normal office services, they also offered a telephone answering and message taking service.

Andrew Powell, proprietor of the Grofield in Baker Street, then highlighted the recently established Y-Fenni Business Community, which aimed to promote businesses in the town.

Finally, Jan Thomas represented the Made in Monmouthshire co-operative, outlining their plans for stands at craft fairs, the Royal Welsh Show and the Green Man Festival, where artists, craftspeople and food producers could showcase their work in a cost effective way.