Pontypool: Ragamuffins Emporium's best vintage bargains
We visited Ragamuffins Emporium in Pontypool and looked at some absolute vintage bargains!
Vintage bric a brac at Ragamuffins Pontypool! (Image: NQ) The shop on Commercial Street has been conveniently located in the town centre for the past several years.
Run by local antiques legend Alun Davies 57, the shop has even played host to some famous faces.
Alun told the Argus: 'As time went on its exploded! We have this emporium with four floors where we have 15-16 traders that rent spaces out and a coffee shop/vintage tearoom.'
Alun gave us the scoop on what's popular.
Local antiques legend Alun Davies (Image: NQ) He said: 'It changes with the seasons, obviously vinyl is really hot at the moment so that's making a resurgence. We have new vinyl in every single day, and it goes out as fast as it comes in.
'It's quite random what people buy so you can never tell from one month to the next.'
Vintage bric a brac at Ragamuffins Pontypool! (Image: NQ) So, what's for sale? Whilst wandering around the store I spotted vintage crockery, jewellery, furniture including chairs, desks and cupboards tonnes of posters, jugs, mugs old records and just about everything in between!
Alun explained: 'We have such a varied range of items in stock for example, this oak cupboard is sourced from Cornwall and then right there over there we have a 19th century French resistance style desk. Where else are you going to get such ends of the scale?'
Vintage bric a brac at Ragamuffins Pontypool! (Image: NQ) So, what celebrities have stepped foot in store? According to Alun the shop has seen the likes of broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, Chaser Jenny 'The Fox' Ryan, Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell and Step's singer Ian "H" Watkins.
The proud owner of a high street gem Alun had the following message to shoppers.
He said: 'Explore your high street, there's some phenomenal independent traders on the high street and a lot of people complain the high street is dead, the town is dead, but they don't visit their high street!
'People need to get out of the attitude that towns are dying so get out and use the towns!'
Does anything here catch your eye?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
BBC investigates alleged cocaine use by two Strictly Come Dancing stars
The BBC has launched an investigation into alleged cocaine use by two stars of Strictly Come Dancing. The Sun on Sunday reported that the two stars' alleged drug use was 'talked about widely among the cast' of the BBC One primetime show. The newspaper also claimed that others had reported allegations of drug taking on the show to the BBC. The cast members involved in the investigation were not named by the newspaper. According to the Sun on Sunday, the allegations were made in a legal submission by the law firm Russells in March on behalf of a former contestant, the Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans. A BBC spokesperson said: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' The newspaper said the BBC had appointed a law firm to lead the investigation. It is understood that the corporation often appoints external law firms to help lead investigations and report back to an internal team. Evans, who was a celebrity dancer in last year's series, was dropped by the BBC for using 'inappropriate language' during the launch of the Strictly tour. He apologised for language that he called 'inappropriate and unacceptable' after the Mail on Sunday reported that he was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event. The singer announced in May that he was leaving his BBC Radio Wales show after the BBC decided not to renew his contract. This latest investigation comes after the BBC launched a review of Strictly in 2024 that looked into allegations of bullying and harassment against the former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, made by his former dance partner Amanda Abbington. The corporation upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. In June last year, the BBC confirmed Pernice's departure from the show. Another Strictly professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, also left the show last year after allegations about his conduct with a past participant. The BBC announced a series of new measures in July 2024 aimed at improving welfare on the show. These include the introduction of chaperones who are present at all times during training room rehearsals, two new welfare producers, and providing additional training for the professional dancers, production team and crew. In June, the EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of the actor using an ableist slur during Strictly rehearsals in November. Borthwick apologised and a BBC spokesperson said at the time: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.'
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Amy Dowden leaves fans in tears with cancer update 17-months after getting the all-clear
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has reflected on her life-changing breast cancer diagnosis as she admits that she's now happier, stronger, and healthier than ever Amy Dowden has shared a poignant post two years after her cancer diagnosis as she admits that she now happier and healthier than ever after beating the disease. Taking to her Instagram stories to reflect on her life-altering cancer journey, the Strictly Come Dancing professional shared a video from the midst of her treatment two years. The heart-wrenching video saw the 34-year-old star wrote: "Two years ago today, I've been reminded." "I'm honestly feeling happier, stronger, and healthier than ever. So grateful and just want to remind those who may need it that this too shall pass." It comes after Amy admitted that she was 'deluded' to think she was ready for a Strictly comeback. Amy continued in her latest post: "I'm forever grateful and don't ever take for granted how I'm feeling. This a reminder to live life to the fullest and to remember to check yourself. If you aren't who is going to? Early detection can save lives." In stark contrast to the video clip from her BBC documentary, Amy posted a recent photo of herself looking fit, healthy, and happy during dance rehearsals. Alongside the photo, she wrote: "To now, living my best life in rehearsals. "Be patient, be kind to yourself, and remember to celebrate all the wins along the way. "It's been quite the journey and process to get here and certainly not easy at times but I'm so glad I pushed through and my love for dance is MORE than ever. I didn't even know that was possible but it is. Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 after she discovered a lump in her breast in April, just before her honeymoon. She sought medical advice upon her return, leading to the diagnosis. The much-loved BBC star then received the "no evidence of disease" news from her doctors in February 2024, following a health check after her cancer treatment. In another Instagram post reflecting on her diagnosis, Amy sent an inspirational message to her followers while she was enjoying some time away on holidays with her twin sister Becky. The Strictly Come Dancing star wrote: "Some much-needed twin time. "We had the perfect little escape – full of sunshine, sangria, beach days, rooftop swims, incredible food, and most importantly, proper quality time together," she wrote. Amy went on: "After my cancer diagnosis, I promised my family (and myself) that I'd take more downtime. I used to live life at 100mph, saying yes to everything and everyone. But cancer shifts your perspective. "This year I've been incredibly lucky with new job opportunities which have been full on but so rewarding and I can't wait to share all to you very soon. So having time to slow down isn't just okay – it's essential. "These past few days have been the perfect reset and I'm heading into the new season feeling recharged, happy, stronger, and HEALTHIER than ever." Amy went on to share some good news about her twin sister as she told her followers: "Also bursting with pride for my sister @becky_dowden – she was accepted into her master's program in midwifery while we were away (yes, while still working full-time in the NHS!). "I'm so proud of her and loved treating her to a well-deserved break." She concluded her lengthy caption by sharing her excitement for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. Amy gushed: "Feeling grateful, grounded, and SO excited for @bbcstrictly rehearsals to start tomorrow. Year 9 – let's go."
South Wales Argus
4 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon's National Roman Legion Museum celebrates 175 years
Saturday saw the museum be taken over by a range of activities for all ages attended by gladiators and soldiers. The museum itself saw its courtyard transformed into an authentic Roman garden. A group of soldiers look over their courtyard (Image: NQ) Guests were able to immerse themselves in activities and feel like a real Roman. The smell of a makeshift kitchen wafted throughout the courtyard where guests prepared and ate their own flatbreads with dates and honey, just like a real Roman soldier, and could participate in their own feast. Gladiators patrolled the gardens, complete with armour and weaponry, ensuring that guests were enjoying themselves in the craft area. At the far end of the courtyard, guests could learn about Roman art and fashion, taking the chance to try on some roman finery and find out some more about family life at the time. A dig pit also allowed youngsters to get hands on with archaeology. Visitors from far and wide were in attendance during the day, using the sunshine as an excuse to bask in the amphitheatre and witness the gladiator's work. Children jumped at the chance to get involved, taking the gladiators on headfirst and learn the ropes of capturing and conquering their enemies. Alongside these activities, visitors could relax with games or learn circus acts. The day truly had something for everyone, whether you're a hands on energetic learner or prefer to peruse at your own pace. Gladiator fights took over the amphitheatre (Image: NRLM) Catherine Jenkins, a representative for the National Roman Legion Museum, said: 'We had 700 people register their interest to attend today. "Knowing that so many people are interested in what we do is incredible. 'We've been lucky enough to have a steady stream of these visitors across our sites through the day. 'We just hope that events like this remind people that we are here and open for business.' Alongside this weekend's anniversary party, the celebrations will continue throughout with a programme of events that will continue throughout the summer holidays and during the rest of the year.
