Abersoch Magazine Winter 2019

WINTER 2019 £3.00 ABERSOCHLIFE.COM

ABERSOCH IS OPEN!

WINTER WALKABOUTS

TUDWAL’S TAKEOVER

PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW INSPIRES

FIND OUT WHERE IS OPEN THIS WINTER. YOU WILL BE SURPRISED!

ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE WINTER 2019

MEET MAXINE & DEAN TAKING ON ONE OF ABERSOCH’S FINEST

ABERSOCH TRIPLE CROWN REPORT FROM THE BIG RACE SERIES CHALLENGE

THE SANDBAR THE WARREN OPEN A NEW STUNNING BEACH FRONT RESTAURANT

WWW.ABERSOCHLIFE.COM

SOS. SAVE OUR GOLDEN SCHOOL AWARD WINNING YSGOL ABERSOCH COULD FACE CLOSURE!

EMBRACE THE SPACE

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE PLAS

THE ROC

THE LATEST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE THAT’S TAKING THE TRIATHLON WORLD

BY STORM

CASTELLMARCH

HOME OF MYTH & LEGEND

CRABBING

ARTHUR EVANS GIVES AN INSIGHT INTO THE FASCINATING WORLD OF CRABBING IN CARDIGAN BAY

ART SCENE

WINTER 2019 ISSUE 67

WITH LOWRI LLEWELYN

SOCH HEADS | COMPLETE EVENTS GUIDE | MAP AND LISTINGS

WWW.ABERSOCHLIFE.COM

S I X LUXU R I OU S T RE ATM E N T ROOM S | T H A L A S S O S T E A M RO OM | H I M A L AYA N S A LT S AU N A H ER BA L ST E A M ROOM | RE D H OT L AVA S AUN A | I C E RO OM | H E R B A L S A N A R I U M

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extra A little

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towards your 2020 running costs when you buy a holiday home worth over £25,000 and up to £45,000

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towards your 2020 running costs when you buy a holiday home worth over £45,000

For more information call 01758 704 531 or email hafanymorcaravansales@bourne-leisure.co.uk Terms and conditions: *Valid on all new customer sales made between 23 August and 30 November 2019 and to have completed by 24 December 2019. Subject to pitch availability. Voucher amount will be applied to the new customer rent ledger to offset 2020 running costs. This will be done by 31 October, or upon completion if you complete after this date. There is no cash alternative. ^Offer is available on all new customer sales made between 23 August and 30 November 2019 and completed by 24 December 2019. Holiday home must be purchased direct through Bourne Leisure Limited. Offer excludes part-exchanges, private sales and anyone moving their caravan, either from a competitor or Haven park. Offer is available against the remaining balance of 2019 site fees, water charges, non-domestic rates and insurance. 2020 site fees, water charges and non-domestic rates will be invoiced in October 2019, if a sale takes place after this they will be billed within a week of original purchase date. Normal payment methods will apply. 2020/2021 insurance will be invoiced in April 2020 and be due for payment in May 2020. These offers can be used in conjunction with each other, but cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion, except for the Help to Buy scheme. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Bourne HAV13290_28672 Leisure Limited. Registered Office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England (No. 04011660).

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PHOTO: TUDWAL’S WEST FROM THE COASTAL PATH

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8 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

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CONTENTS

ABERSOCH MAGAZINE WINTER 2019

14.

INTRODUCTION

{74}

Born & raised in Abersoch Mari Evans introduces this bumper warming winter issue.

72.

ABERSOCH IS OPEN

A full rundown of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that are open this winter. It’s more than you think!

18.

74.

SOCH PRESS

Interesting news & views from Abersoch, hot off the press

BWYD MÔR ABERSOCH

22.

A family tradition passed down through generations, Arthur Evans talks to Lowri Llewelyn to give an insight into his fascinating work.

TUDWAL’S TAKEOVER

Rebecca Hinde catches up with Dean & Maxine Bartle who have recently taken the reigns at one of Abersoch’s iconic drinking venues.

PROPERTY & INTERIORS 32.

ON THE MARKET

Property scene update with local agent & property expert Martin Lewthwaite

34 .

WINTER WARMING RETREATS

Our selection of some of the best local holiday lets to enjoy this Winter!

54.

80.

SUP SOCIAL

PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW

Dawn breaks on Abersoch Watersports’ World of Sociable SUPs!

62.

86.

A proposed new cafe set to breathe new life into the Plas

WINTER WALKABOUTS

Llanystumdwy, Porthdillaen, Hell’s Mouth and Porth Ceiriad. It’s a bumper crop of walks right here on our doorstep!

68.

CARDIGAN BAY CHALLENGE

Karl, Clint and Dan take on the immense challenge of swimming from Barmouth to Abersoch in aid of worthy causes.

THE ROC

The new challenge event that took place here in September is all the talk in the very competitive world of endurance triathlon.

38 .

PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY

Abersoch Holiday Homes explain the importance of ensuring your property is ready for your guests

42 .

CASTELLMARCH

Home of Myth & Legend. Rhiannon Jenkins reveals an unforgettable stay on a historic family farm.

50.

THE SANDBAR

Sand, sea and sumptuous food at The Warren’s new beach front restaurant.

10 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

{80}

CONTENTS

ABERSOCH MAGAZINE WINTER 2019

92.

{118}

WINTER WARMERS

Heartwarming hot drinks to make at home

12 6 .

LISTINGS & MAPS

Businesses in Abersoch & Pwllheli that you can rely on for a wide variety of needs.

96

138.

SOCH STYLE

LAST WORDS

Sarah Ashton prepares us for wrapping up warm for winter - Abersoch style!

Heaven is a Beach by Jimmy Buffett

98.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWCASE

More stunning photographs from John Wormald, Martin Turtle and Phill Boyd.

110.

10 8.

Stunning music set in the gothic splendour of Llanbedrog’s Plas Glyn-y-Weddw

Everything for the art lover

114

ART COLUMN

{cover}

on the Llŷn – with Lowri Llewelyn

It’s those beach huts again! Well they are instrumental to the iconic backdrop to our beach that everyone is so fond of.

Taken by Phill Boyd - Outwest Images

LLYN GUITAR FESTIVAL

SOS - SAVE OUR GOLDEN SCHOOL

Under review due to dwindling numbers our local award winning school needs your support.

1 18 .

ABERSOCH TRIPLE CROWN

The full report from the hugely popular Abersoch race series that includes the Abersoch 10K, Triathlon and Half Marathon.

1 24.

EVENTS

{98}

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kevin Bell kevin@sensationgroup.com

SENIOR WRITERS Rhiannon Jenkins Rebecca Hinde Mari Evans

FEATURES EDITOR Lowri Llewelyn

STAFF WRITERS Louise Overfield Sarah Ashton James Noon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Luke Pilling

Everything you need to know about the events in Abersoch takin place over the next 12 months

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ALL ADVERTISING Printed & online

Kate Allan Martin Lewthwaite Emma Wood Keri Lamb

Mark Durston Email mark@sensationgroup.com

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tracy Brient

John Wormald (totallyabersoch.co.uk) Martin Turtle (turtlephotography.co.uk) Phill Boyd (outwestimages.myportfolio.com) Eilir Davies-Hughes (eiliradventurephotography.co.uk) Luke Pilling (ABERSAPP)

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Nock Sandy James Tatham Geaorgie Battye John Eastham

FINANCE MANAGER MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Durston

SENSATION GROUP Rose Cottage Abersoch Gwynedd LL53 7DS Tel: 01758 710011 / info@sensationgroup.com www.abersochlife.com

All material is copyright and should not be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. All details are correct to the best of our knowledge. The publishers do not endorse or recommend any of the entries or advertisements in the magazine unless otherwise stated. We advise that you make your own judgments, enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. When contacting any business we suggest that you confirm the exact type of goods and services offered, the qualifications held and all other relevant aspects of the service that you are seeking. The publishers cannot accept liability for loss damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the magazine, from errors, omissions, from claims made by the advertiser of from omissions or inaccuracies relating to advertisements or other material regardless of how caused.

12 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

PHOTO: ABERSOCH OUTER HARBOUR BY: TOTALLY ABERSOCH

INTRODUCTION I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the Abersoch Life magazine for years. At the age of 15, I spent a week helping out with the magazine as part of my work experience week at Ysgol Botwnnog. From then on, I’ve been a freelance writer – and I’ll tell you one thing, it was a brilliant way to fund a pint or two during my skint student days at Aberystwyth. This summer, I graduated from university (somehow with a first?!) and moved to the big smoke in London to work in marketing. After a few months though, it was clear that Abersoch was the place for me.

So, after I headed back home, it was obvious where I should go back to work. I’ve always loved working for the Abersoch Life magazine for one main reason; it gives young talent the opportunity to flourish, and they don’t have to move to a big city for it either! It’s a great platform to develop and showcase writing skills, whilst continuously learning about the amazing stories that unravel right here on our doorstep.

14 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

WORDS BY MARI EVANS

What can you expect to see in this issue?

Rhiannon will be exploring the history behind Castellmarch, discovering the antics of King March. I’ll be looking at the plans for the new café at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw and finding out where will be open throughout the Winter (hint: there’s a lot more than you think!). Our executive editor, Kevin, has written about the beautiful new Sandbar at the Warren; the views from the restaurant are to die for! You’ll also find out about Rebecca’s top winter walks and winter tipples, whilst Lowri met up with Bwyd Môr Abersoch’s Arthur Jones, to learn all about crabbing. Plus, there’s so much more! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this Winter’s edition, with a hot beverage in hand.

CYFLWYNIAD Dwi wedi bod yn rhan o gylchgrawn Abersoch Life ers blynyddoedd. Dechreuais ar brofiad gwaith tra oeddwn yn Ysgol Botwnnog, a dwi wedi parhau ‘sgwennu fel ‘freelance’ ers hynny.

Rhaid dweud, roedd o’n ffordd wych o dalu am beint neu ddau yn Aberystwyth, tra oeddwn yn gwneud gradd mewn Marchnata.

Wnes i raddio’r Haf yma (gyda gradd dosbarth cyntaf rhywsut?!) a symudais i’r ddinas fawr yn Llundain i weithio ym myd marchnata. Ar ôl byw yno am ychydig fisoedd, roedd yn glir taw Abersoch oedd y lle i mi.

Felly, pan symudais yn ôl adra, roedd yn amlwg i ble y dylwn fynd yn ôl i weithio. Dwi wastad wedi mwynhau gweithio i’r cylchgrawn Abersoch Life am un prif reswm; mae’n rhoi cyfle i bobl leol i flodeuo, heb orfod symud i ddinas fawr chwaith!

Mae’n rhoi llwyfan i ddatblygu ac arddangos ein sgiliau ‘sgwennu, gan ddysgu am y straeon sy’n digwydd yn ein hardal leol hefyd.

Beth allwch chi ddisgwyl o’r rhifyn yma?

Bydd Rhiannon yn egluro’r hanes y tu ôl i Gastellmarch a Brenin March. Byddaf yn edrych ar gynlluniau ar gyfer caffi Newydd ym Mhlas Glyn-y-Weddw ac yn rhestru pa fusnesau fydd ar agor dros y gaeaf (tipyn mwy na beth fyswch yn disgwyl hefyd!). Mae ein golygydd, Kevin, wedi sgwennu am y Sandbar newydd yn y Warren; mae’r golygfeydd yn y bwyty yn anghredadwy! Byddwch hefyd yn darganfod hoff lwybrau cerdded a diodydd gaeafol Rebecca, tra bod Lowri yn cyfarfod Arthur Jones o Fwyd Môr Abersoch i ddysgu sut i ddal crancod, yn ogystal â llawer mwy!

Felly eisteddwch i lawr, ymlaciwch, a mwynhewch y rhifyn Gaeaf hwn gyda phaned cynnes yn eich llaw.

| 15

KEVIN BELL Kevin spends his life in, on, or by the water and (unsurprisingly) loves all things Abersoch. Which is why after visiting for over half a century, he now lives here in a little house backing onto his favourite beach—Hell’s Mouth.

With a collection of boards and boats that do not necessarily reflect his abilities, Kevin is a keen surfer, paddleboarder and sailor. When he’s not out on the waves or the water he’ll be found on the shore or in a boat with one of his equally embarrassingly large collection of fishing rods in his hands, chasing his favourite quarries, bass and wrasse. Kevin loves encouraging new writers and pursuing his own writing—about Abersoch, the wild places on the peninsula and the watersports that have been close to his heart all his life.

RHIANNON JENKINS Brought up on the peninsula, Rhiannon has dreamed of living in London ever since she was a child. At the age of eighteen, she moved to the big smoke in order to read French with English at King’s College London. Often found in a coffee shop with a flat white in one hand and a book in another, Rhiannon is an avid coffee drinker and has a great interest in literature, with Virginia Woolf being one of her favourite authors. Having just returned from a year abroad in a city near Paris, she will be returning to London in September to complete the final year of her degree.

Following the completion of her studies, Rhiannon hopes to pursue a career in Journalism.

REBECCA HINDE Rebecca has recently made the move from London to live in Abersoch full-time with her family. Having spent 13 years living in South East London where she founded Someth1ng Gallery, she is now looking forward to bringing more contemporary art up to Abersoch and taking talented Welsh artists down to the city. Going back to her roots, she knows Abersoch to be the perfect place for children to have the necessary space and freedom to grow through adolescence. The unique combination of energy and opportunity, peace and escapism that Abersoch offers, while being surrounded by spectacular pristine beaches and water, have made the move a simple decision.

MARI EVANS Born and raised a stone’s throw from Abersoch, this area holds a special place in Mari’s heart.

Mari has been a freelance writer for us for many years, whilst she studied Marketing at Aberystwyth University - It’s safe to say she’s a fan of the seaside! Mari has now become a fulltime writer for us, and is also coordinating our marketing activities, thanks to her marketing knowhow. Mari is definitely an animal-lover and will find any excuse to write about them – such as her previous article covering the Llangian alpacas. A serious foodie, she’s often found stuffing her face with a carb of some sort in one of Abersoch’s cafes.

LOWRI LLEWELYN Lowri is a freelance writer born and raised in North Wales. When she’s not keeping you up-to-date with happenings on the Llŷn, she can be found globetrotting

16 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

her way around dark tourism hotspots, explaining to some hapless stranger how aliens definitely built the pyramids, or sniffing out the best hotdogs in the vicinity!

JAMES NOON James is a photographer and writer originally from London. He made the bold decision to move to the Llŷn Peninsula with his wife four years ago, and they have recently welcomed their first son Monti to the world. In addition to getting to grips with being a father, James runs JNP Creative, a Photographic and Digital Media company from his home office in Criccieth. James also co-owns The Little Tea Rooms, a food and beverage initiative based in Pwllheli.

LOUISE OVERFIELD At the young age of seventeen, Louise went travelling for thirteen years! She spent eight winter seasons snowboarding the slopes of Meribel, where she met her partner Dylan from Abersoch. After her travels, Louise decided to go to university to study English Language and Literature, and she then went on to do a PGCE so that she could become a teacher. Louise now lives on the peninsula with her partner and two kids Luca and Ronnie, and Nelly the dog.

SARAH ASHTON Sarah lives in Cheshire with her partner and eleven-year old son.

She has been visiting Abersoch since a child and is here so often now that is has become like a second home.

Sarah likes to travel and very rarely goes to the same place twice, but Abersoch really has something very special that just makes her want to return time and time again. The beach, the harbour, the village—it’s got its own unique vibe that instantly draws you in.

PWLLHELI & SOUTHAMPTON TEL: 01758 703 013 - 07813 581 937 EMAIL: SALES@IDEALBOAT.COM

WWW.IDEALBOAT.COM

Chaparral_IND_154.indd 1

02/04/2019 15:58

SOCH PRESS Abersoch Magazine Winter 2019

News from In and around Abersoch this Winter

Scuba Dive Llŷn So many of us are lucky enough to live and holiday on this beautiful peninsula.

NEW CHEF AT NEFYN GOLF CLUB On the 1st July, Nefyn Golf Club appointed a new chef, Matthew Vernau.

Matthew is originally from Gillingham in Kent but has lived in Nefyn with his wife Carol and their two boys Gwion and Elgan since 2001.

After qualifying as a chef, Matthew worked in numerous high-class restaurants in London. In 1999, a young Welsh girl from Rhiw on the Llŷn called Carol came for an interview to the restaurant where Matthew worked at the time. The rest is now history!!! Both worked together in London for a number of years before deciding to up-route and move to the Llŷn.

At the time, the award winning Michelin Star Hotel and Restaurant Plas Bodegroes, Efailnewydd were looking for a chef and Matthew joined the team. After a number of years at Plas Bodegroes, Matthew and Carol joined forces to run the Ship at Aberdaron. When Gwion their eldest son was born, due to the unsociable hours worked by both, it was time for change.

Carol established her own catering business, becoming renowned for her cakes and buffets while Matthew turned his hand to logistics, working at Afonwen Laundry.

Having been out of the catering industry for ten years, his desire to return to the kitchen got the better of him. With Matthew at the helm, the golf club is now fully opened to the public, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday lunches. With the festive season and party times fast approaching, Matthew is already planning and preparing for what is currently looking to a very busy Christmas period. Get your booking in quick!!

With his passion and commitment to quality, using fresh local ingredients and produce, where better to enjoy a fantastic meal, coupled with magnificent panoramic views of the sea than Nefyn Golf Club.

18 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

Of course, we have the pleasure of taking advantage of the beaches, landscapes and restaurants that Abersoch and the surrounding areas have to offer - but how many of you have considered exploring what’s beneath the waves? With 71% of our incredible planet submerged in water, Scuba Dive Llŷn offers plenty of opportunity to do just that. Founder Matthew Hargrave, who after extensive travelling turned his hobby into a career, trained and dove in 12 different countries before deciding to offer the Llŷn a new and exciting water sport activity.

Scuba Dive Llŷn offers the opportunity to come face to face with some of the fascinating creatures, aquatic plants and reefs that can be found around our stunning coastline. There are a range of courses on offer, including ‘Discover scuba diving’ for beginners, ‘Open water scuba diver’ for those wishing to take their first steps towards becoming independent divers, and ‘Fun dives’ for already qualified divers, with occasional boat trips to St.Tudwal’s island also on offer. All courses are supervised by a trained PADI professional and all equipment and air refills are provided.

If you fancy taking the plunge into something new, different and exciting then more information can be found on Scuba Dive Llŷn’s Facebook page or website at www.scubadivellyn.co.uk.

SOCH PRESS

Mackerel Race 2019

Lavender House’s journey to Romania

WORDS KERI LAMB

As this summer comes to an end and we get the hint of darker evenings ahead - it gives us chance to reflect on the fun we have had. This includes a quick write up about the Abersoch Mackerel Race 2019.

The Mackerel Race in various forms has been running for over 100 years and was originally part of the Abersoch Regatta week - European health and safety took over (not going to mention Brexit) and the insurance became too much for the regatta to host.

So Miles Pickering, as he was the main contributor and yearly title holder, took over the traditional race and with it came a very exuberant trophy…now named the Miles Pickering Trophy (by John Phythian who thought he deserved the acclaim) Since taking over the organising Miles has mainly stood down from taking part, he says to give other people a chance, but who knows as i think he looks very settled reading his paper and taking life easy on the beach!

This year though we saw Miles and his able crew (Anthony and the vey patient Jackie) take to the waters once again. He really did give others a chance as they retuned with the sum total of none!

There were 9 boats entered this year, including the defending champion Nick Lamb on Dunkeray. All boats enter with a fixed donation to the RNLI. A boat then picks a numbered measuring stick which is the official minimum Mackerel catch size and as part of their team talk it is again reiterated that no Mackerel smaller than the catch size

As a dog friendly shop, Lavender House is always ready to help our furry little friends. So, when they heard of the problems facing The Teddy and Alex Dog and Cat Shelter in Romania, they decided to lend a helping hand.

given must be caught and that they must be returned to the sea. One runner from each boat is then left by his crew the start the race by a run to the awaiting boats. Beach patrol very kindly signalled the start and the race was on…

The winner was very clear and caught 29 good size Mackerel in the hour and a half given. Congratulations to Vimto and its captain Matthew Nichols, ably supported

by John Phythian, Paddy, Jack and Tils, Nick Byrne with Jacob and Zac. Well done team and very deserved winners as the next total catch was 8.

The Mackerel were then sold on the beach and bumped the total raised for the RNLI to £175. Phill Brown has gratefully received the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Thank you to everyone for their support and hope to see you next Aug bank holiday Saturday to re-run the fun

Abersoch Half Marathon Success It felt like a hot summer’s day for the Abersoch Half Marathon at the end of September.

Hundreds of runners took on the stunning 13.1 mile course and enjoyed some great entertainment afterwards. Next year’s race is Sat 24th October 2020. Get involved!

The rescue shelter, despite the wonderful work, is struggling to stay afloat and maintain the welfare of the animals.

Romanian winters are harsh, with temperatures dropping to a staggering minus 15C. Sadly, many cats and dogs die from the living conditions in government shelters, a far cry from what we have here.

To make a difference, Lavender House reached out on social media for donations of any kind, whether it be food, collars, or blankets. Paws Anglesey were also onboard, helping to collect as many donations as possible. They’ve also worked with local businesses and held a raffle which raised enough money to build 18 winter huts to keep the animals warm amidst the snow. But with over 200 animals in the shelter’s care, there’s a long way to go.

On the 12th of October, they headed out to Romania themselves - a 31-hour drive no-less - to deliver the goodies which were kindly donated by our local community and beyond. They helped the shelter to build more huts and left their mark by adorning them with Welsh dragons – a piece of Wales in Romania.

Even though they’ve made the trip, you can still help out by donating whatever you can. How about buying an extra pack of dog food the next time you make your shop? Or you may have some tatty old blankets you never use? Quite literally, every little helps!

If you want to help, get in touch with the team at Lavender House at diane@ lovelavendarhouse.co.uk

‘A MAGICAL DAY IN ABERSOCH. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS SENSATIONAL’ PHOTO: JNP CREATIVE

| 19

ATTENTION

SOCH PRESS

COMING SOON READ

Abersoch Christmas Festival Run by the ADTTA there will be lots going on throughout the village; a fabulous festive atmosphere Thursday 28th (evening) - Lee’s Christmas Light Switch on, with Carol singing, harpist and a band Friday 29th (evening) Childrens carol singing, Santa arrives on the Fire Engine and then greets the children on his sleigh, Nativity Photo Booth, Carol singing.

Saturday 30th - Face painting & Hair braiding, Santa in

PHOTO: BRAVE FACES BUT A LOT OF FUN. THE PERFECT WAY TO START THE NEW YEAR. PHOTO BY TOTALLY ABERSOCH

Stats on the Beach Abersoch RNLI New Year Sea Dip Patrol Initiative The fancy dress theme for the Abersoch RNLI 2020 New Years Day Dip is ‘The Roaring Twenties’.

So we can look forward to seeing some imaginative interpretations of the theme, either looking back to the 1920’s or forward to the 2020’s or any other variations of the theme.

It’s a fantastic way to start the new year with hundreds in the water and thousands spectating. The atmosphere is absolutely memorable and definintely helps clear the head from any late night celebrations that you may have been involved in!

See you all at the yacht club end of Abersoch Main Beach at 12 Noon on New Years Day. Further information available nearer the time.

Following a fantastic fundraising effort by Andrew Donaldson of Mickey’s Boatyard and substantial support from Neville Williams of Ideal Boats and Jon Millar, with further support through Gwynedd Council, a 4 week summer pilot was run for a beach patrol initiative.

This proved highly successful in creating a safer environment on the water and in particular around the shorelines and swim areas. We’ve received the stats from the exercise which make very interesting reading.

The ski patrolled inside the 4 knot speed limit of Abersoch bay only. It was clear the majority of unregistered craft were not launched at Abersoch beach as the wardens did a great job in policing this.

Facebook: Abersoch RNLI Instagram: Abersochlifeboat

FOR SIMILAR NEWS STORIES: ABERSOCHLIFE.COM...

20 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

his grotto, Reindeer ‘style’ alpacas, Christmas market, Street performers, Brass band, Christmas craft making, Childrens story telling, Lantern Parade, Al Lewis and band in concert.

Sunday 1st December Abersoch Christmas Carol service & Gospel singing With lots more, and plenty of festive fayre and special Christmas offers!

For latest details go to: abersochlife.com/events

TUD’S

TAKEOVER YOUNG BLOOD TAKES THE HELM OF AN OLD FAVOURITE WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE PHOTOS BY OUTWEST IMAGES

PHOTO: A WARM WELCOME ON ANY WINTER EVENING

22 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

I

n the heart of the village lies one of Abersoch’s oldest and most treasured friends, the St Tudwal’s Inn. Together with its partner in crime, The Vaynol, this legendary pub has witnessed generations of tourists and locals grow up and grow old together. Abersoch old timers will remember the days when the back terrace at the Tud’s required bouncers to man the gate, to prevent dangerous over crowding, and a third bar was opened outside to try to satiate the raucous masses. Arduous was the task of elbowing your way to the bar through the beer swilling revellers, while shots of fluorescent Aftershock flew out on trays overhead.

In recent times, with more bars to satisfy the masses, the pace of Tud’s has become somewhat more refined. Now a large covered outside terrace with live music facilities, indoor and outdoor pool tables and a cosy, fire-warmed interior, provides clientele with a welcoming and relaxed social experience. Long gone are the days of standing in the rain and jostling at the bar…or are they?

This last month has seen some excitable crowds and familiar faces flocking to the back of the pub and even rowdy queues at both the front and back bar! And all of this in October, when most tourists have departed and the village is usually quiet. So what is causing this renewed excitement around one of the village’s favourite pubs?

It is down to the fantastic news that two much appreciated local siblings, Dean and Maxine Bartle, have taken over our local treasure and the village is showing its full support.

But what do the pair have planned and how does it feel taking on this powerhouse of Abersoch? We snatched some time with the busy duo to find out more.

There will be few people in Abersoch who have entered St Tudwal’s at 10:30am, it felt rather surreal and a little bit magical thanks to the glorious morning. The pub felt radiant with its freshly drying floors glistening as the sunshine poured through the front windows. This uplifting vibe continued as Dean and Maxine greeted us to show us around their ambitious new venture.

The pair are instantly likeable, warm smiles combined with enthusiastic and approachable demeanours, they seem well at home already. Dean showed us around the front of house and bar, that feels extremely spacious when devoid of customers. Maxine on the other hand

took us into the kitchen, where she is excited and a little nervous about achieving her vision for high quality homemade food. There is no doubt about her culinary skills, the homemade pies are already causing a stir.

But finding the support to cater for the large amount of covers that St Tudwal’s can facilitate, especially once the busy seasons return, is a familiar hurdle for all of the busy local eateries.

After getting some photographs we had time for a few questions with the new landlord:

PHOTO: THE NEW OWNERS - BROTHER AND SISTER TEAM DEAN & MAXINE

WHEN AND HOW DID THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE OVER THE ICONIC ST TUDWAL’S COME ABOUT? As a working local you tend to hear about changes before the majority of the public. This gave us the opportunity, after looking at other businesses further afield, to quickly jump on to a business which was a part of our lives growing up and gave us good memories during our younger years. Due to growing up locally, we wanted to bring life and energy back to the Tud’s and remind everyone of the potential it has and also hopefully bring back some memories of the good old days.

WHAT PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY? The family has been involved in the hospitality business since 2001, when our parents bought the Riverside Hotel.

Consequently, we grew up in the industry so I (Dean) trained as a chef while Maxine developed her skills in bar management.

After the Riverside closed we stayed in

the village working in many of the local hospitality businesses. Ironically, I now run front of house and Maxine runs the kitchen, enabling us to push our passions and yet support each other.

WHAT DOES ST TUDWAL’S MEAN AS A PUB TO YOU? Abersoch is a community. We’ve lived here since we were teenagers and have seen many changes. You might be forgiven for wondering where the heart of the village is, but from looking at historical pictures the St Tudwal’s has always been a hotel/Inn and has always been at the centre of village activity. So we like to think the St Tudwal’s is at the heart of the village community, where it belongs.

WE NOTICE YOU HAVE A NICE NEW LOGO, WHAT OTHER CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE OR ARE PLANNING TO MAKE? We used a local a graphic designer and close friend Luke Pilling to help us rebrand and to demonstrate a change of direction. Current priorities have been to sort the lighting and heating out and | 23

TUD’S TAKEOVER

PHOTO: EXCELLENT, SEEMLESS INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACE FOR ANY OCCASION

make subtle changes to PHOTO: PLENTY OF SPACE AT the seating and general THE FRONT BAR ambiance. Having two bars allows us to use the front as a more traditional place to relax and enjoy a good meal, whilst the rear bar and terrace lends itself more to music, pool and darts with Sky and BT sports on the tellies. We are also introducing themed nights, DJ sets and the occasional live acoustic music. Our plans short term are to develop the menu, but more importantly bring the community back to the HOW WILL YOU ENCOURAGE Tud’s. Long term you will have to wait and PEOPLE TO VISIT THE TUD’S AS see!

OPPOSED TO THE OTHER BARS IN THE AREA? MANY PEOPLE IN THE VILLAGE There’s no magic wand. Abersoch has a RUN FAMILY BUSINESSES, WHAT strong community and being at the heart ARE THE PROS AND CONS AND of that, we hope to encourage people to WHO HAS THE FINAL DECISION? find that community spirit from us. If we can combine that with a warm welcoming It’s always easier to run your own environment and mix it up a little, so business. Let me qualify that, sure it’s we offer a credible alternative, then the hard work and you carry the success or whole village benefits. failure, but family and experience are often the glue that hold it all together.

Decisions are made using a combination HOW DIFFICULT IS IT REALISING of fresh new ideas tempered with that all YOUR OWN VISION WHILE important experience.

24 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

KEEPING THE LOCALS AND THE BREWERY HAPPY? It’s a balance. As much as you want to please all the people all of the time it’s more about demonstrating a willingness to try.

We hope to work closely with the brewery to make the bigger changes, but the decisions always come down to us and we will always be mindful of what might work for the locals and visiting tourists.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WORRY? Hum! Don’t really think we have one. If one thing comes to mind it’s time. There’s a lot to do. For example the St Tudwal’s biggest secret is that it has letting rooms. Some are immediately available, but others had been consumed by the Manager’s accommodation so it will take time to bring all that back to the public and turn the four we have into seven.

TUD’S TAKEOVER PHOTO: THE OUTDOOR AREA WITH RETRACTABLE ROOF FOR THE SUMMER NIGHTS

PHOTO: DEAN AT THE HELM BEHIND THE PUMPS

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? It was reopening after 2 weeks of gruelling work but that’s been and gone now. We had an amazing weekend with live acoustic music from Tom and Annabelle, a DJ set from Lionel and a 40th Birthday Party with live band The Bog Trotters. Not to sound too cheesy but now it’s every day. Each day brings its own challenges and step by step improvements. Hopefully our customers will see the small things so that when the bigger improvements are made, they will appreciate them more.

ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE MORE LIVE MUSIC?

PHOTO: MAXINE TAKING CONTROL OF THE KITCHEN

to attract more local talent. New local artists who want to put themselves out there.

WHAT SHOULD DRINKERS BE EXCITED ABOUT BEHIND THE BAR?

WHAT THINGS WILL BE ON THE MENU?

We are a Robinson’s pub so are lucky to have an excellent range of beers, wines and spirits to choose from. Robbies is still a family run business so beer and quality go hand in hand. Dizzy Blonde is a great cask ale and for those of you who enjoy lager, try our Helles german style option.

Stout drinkers will be delighted and save themselves a fortune by supping Robinson’s own rich ebony Stout, and it’s all brewed in Stockport. We also have a great selection of wines complimented by a descriptive wine list and an extensive selection of spirits and soft drinks.

Menu’s are a work in progress. We want to offer fresh homemade food. This brings me back to the point about how we will attract customers. Our menu won’t be as large as most pub menus. What we want to do is offer a good choice of locally sourced ingredients to produce great home cooked food and desserts done well. Our Steak and Stout pie is already the talk of the village. For those of you keen on a Sunday roast, don’t worry it will be back soon.

That’s a definite yes. We have already had a few things going on but we would like

26 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

thewarrensandbar.co.uk

ABERSOCH’S MOST EXCITING, NEW BEACHSIDE RESTAURANT IS NOW OPEN Reservations 01758 714 150

RELAXED, ALL DAY DINING

PHOTO: STANDING PROUD - AT THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE

HISTORICALLY THERE WAS HUGE RIVALRY BETWEEN THE TUD’S AND THE VAYNOL, THIS HAS LESSENED WITH THE OPENING OF SO MANY MORE BARS, BUT HOW IS THE COMPETITIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO PUBS TODAY (ESPECIALLY AS YOU WERE RECENTLY WORKING THERE DEAN!)?

Haha, I think of Ben (the landlord of The Vaynol) as a good mate and will always be grateful for the time I spent at The Vaynol. I don’t like the word competitive, I prefer the word complimentary. I know I keep harping on about it but the village of Abersoch is a community. Winter or summer with the thousands of visitors, it is still and will always be a community and in communities we look after each other and, hopefully, work for the better good of all who live and visit the village.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN ABERSOCH? We moved to the village permanently when taking over The Riverside in 2001.

However, we have been visiting the area most of our lives. In our younger years we stayed above The Vaynol, then our parents bought a small cottage in Botwnnog. We both moved back to England in our late teens but Abersoch and the Llŷn Peninsula has always managed to pull us back, and home is where the heart is.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WINTER COMPETITIONS PLANNED? Oh yes. We are already in the darts league and have additional competitions lined up. We will be introducing more competitions soon. A quiz night then a pool tournament are imminent and we are also open to any suggestions from our enthusiastic clientele. Abersoch boasts a broad range of people and interests so if you have a recommendation or idea, please feel free to pop in and see us, I’m sure we can sort something out.

WHICH IS TOUGHER, A BUSY BAR OR A BUSY KITCHEN? Depends on the team! Good Staff = Good Business. At the moment, we are still looking for kitchen staff - passionate people who want to be a part of our vision that we are gradually putting in place. Rome wasn’t built in a day (laughs).

Bar wise we are pretty set, the bar staff are awesome and putting a lot of effort in, we just need some young glass collectors to give us a helping hand on the busy nights.

WHAT IS RUNNING A PUB LIKE? HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK DO YOU WORK? Not sure running a pub is the correct terminology! The pub often runs you or perhaps it’s a combination. How many

28 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

hours…eh, what day is it!?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS YET? But of course we do. Just don’t ask me what they are! (Laughs).

We will be open but we’re still putting the format together. Right now we are more focused on Halloween. It’s a time issue but watch this space something will be announced very soon.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE TUD’S?: Warming, friendly & BACK! WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING TIMES AND FOOD SERVING TIMES?: Bar: 7 days a week, 12 noon to midnight.

Food: 12noon till 3pm then 6pm to 9pm HUGE THANKS TO DEAN AND MAXINE FOR GIVING UP SOME OF THEIR VERY SPARSE SPARE TIME. THEY ARE A VERY HARD-WORKING AND ENTHUSIASTIC FAMILY WHO DESERVE TO DO WELL. MAKE SURE YOU POP IN TO SUPPORT THIS WONDERFUL DUO AND ANOTHER ONE OF ABERSOCH’S LOCAL BUSINESSES, SEE YOU AT THE BAR!

DISCOVER 5-STAR HOLIDAY HOME & LODGE OWNERSHIP O N A PA R K L I K E N O OT H E R

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reaming of the ultimate staycation, the ideal escape combining luxurious accommodation and 5-star facilities with glorious surroundings; a place to create lifelong family memories? Then Plas Coch Coastal & Country Retreat is the perfect place for you.

Nestled among 60 acres of beautiful parkland on the idyllic Isle of Anglesey, and just minutes from the impressive Menai Strait, Plas Coch offers a truly unique leisure experience and an indulgent lifestyle for owners.

One of North Wales’ most desirable ownersonly, pet-friendly, holiday parks, Plas Coch’s expertly trained team are ready to help with your every need – this, combined with the beautiful countryside on your doorstep and first-class facilities on offer, make Plas Coch an unrivalled paradise. Enjoy stretches of beautiful coastlines and bracing countryside walks, scale magnificent mountains or explore the historic castles and secret coves that pepper the Welsh landscape - there really is something for everyone to immerse themselves in. What’s more, with a 12-month season, it’s your perfect escape whenever you like.

UNWIND IN STYLE Ready to relax? Experience pure indulgence and allow modern day stresses to fade away at Plas Coch’s luxury health and leisure club. Featuring an award-winning indoor pool, and atmospheric treatment rooms; it’s the perfect place to wind down. The spa boasts a range of luxurious treatments, including a Rasul Mud Room – a traditional Turkish cleansing ritual to relax and detoxify, a Dry Salt Chamber – where salt is used

PC_090819_Abersoch Life Full Page October 420mm x 297mm v3.indd All Pages

to ease symptoms of respiratory ailments and a mix of glorious Decléor treatments.

ADVENTURE FOR ALL THE FAMILY Plas Coch offers an extensive activity programme for children and adults alike. A fully qualified team of instructors will take you through a range of adventurous activities, including: archery, body zorbing, snorkelling, BMX skills, raft building, gorge walking, tennis, soccer, sailing, paintballing, kayaking, windsurfing and ‘water walkerz’. An on park adventure playground and kids’ club ensure that little ones will be entertained for hours on end.

Let’s not forget the adults, sea-lovers can delight in the private, all-tide launch slip direct into the Menai Strait, or join the park’s exclusive members-only Marine Club, which provides access to a fleet of boats throughout the year, without the hassle of owning one.

A RELAXED DINING EXPERIENCE Guests of the Manor Bar and Restaurant can enjoy a relaxed dining environment in the beautiful setting of the Manor House. With menus catering for both lunch and evening meals, there is something to suit all tastes along with a selection of beers, spirits, specially selected wines and champagne, owners can lose track of time and indulge in an evening of bliss.

BOOK A TOUR OF THE PARK Come and see for yourself why so many choose Plas Coch as their perfect home from home.

Call 01248 711 924 or visit www.parkleisure.co.uk/plas-coch

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We welcome you to join us on park for an exclusive viewing of the lodge, and to enjoy a tour of our beautiful park and facilities.

BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY

EXPERIENCE WHAT MAKES PLAS COCH SO SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOME OWNERSHIP FROM £69,995* AND FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE* H

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CALL 01248 711 924

email us on Craig.Reardon@parkleisure.co.uk | visit us at www.parkleisure.co.uk/plas-coch Plas Coch Coastal & Country Retreat, Llanedwen, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, LL61 6EJ *Terms & Conditions apply: Visit www.parkleisure.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

07/10/2019 11:31

PHOTO: THE FORMER BANK - AN ENVIABLE RETAIL SPOT

WINTER PROPERTY UPDATE WITH MARTIN LEWTHWAITE FROM BERESFORD ADAMS AS WE ENTER THE QUIETER PERIOD IT’S A GOOD TIME TO REFLECT ON THE PROPERTY MARKET AS A WHOLE HERE IN ABERSOCH AND ACROSS THE LLŶN PENINSULA. THE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY HAS CERTAINLY HIT CONSUMER CONFIDENCE THIS YEAR, LEADING THEM TO TAKE A CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO PURCHASING WHILE AWAITING GREATER CLARITY ON THE ISSUE OF BREXIT.

The lower-to-mid end of the market has remained relatively steady; in fact, some of the properties advertised in the 200k-300k price range garnered much positive interest, resulting in sales exceeding the quoted asking price.

Where we have seen more of a cautious approach has been the upper range of the market (500k-£1 million+), and although a number of sales in the upper range have been achieved, the level of sales are somewhat down comparable to 2016-2018. We are very hopeful that postBrexit we’ll see confidence once again return, whilst the “staycation” trend will

further enhance our market. It’s great to see that works are well underway on the Bontnewydd/Caernarfon bypass and once this is completed, travelling time from the north is going to be greatly reduced, making the Llŷn more accessible for all.

Following the end of the summer season a couple of business opportunities have arisen in the village, the first being a comfortable eight bedroom accommodation with potential to open up the dining area into a small bistro or similar. Alternatively, the property could easily be converted back into a private

32 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

residence. The asking price is £549,000.

We are also favoured with instructions by the landlord to market the unique, recently refurbished shop premises of the former NatWest bank - arguably the finest trading position in the village. The shop has A1 use and some 650 sq ft of sales area, along with staff kitchen, WC and store room. The landlord is flexible, offering an annual licence to occupy the premises or a longer term lease, commencing at £30,000 per annum.

PHOTO: ANGORFA B&B

PHOTO: COCONUT COVE INTERIOR SPACE

PHOTO: COCONUT COVE AVAILABLE

Across the Bridge is Coconut Cove (formerly Coconut Kitchen), a 32 seat licenced restaurant premises which has undergone much refurbishment in the past 18 months. Boasting an open plan dining area and bar overlooking the inner harbour, this is a fantastic opportunity for an energetic restaurateur to re-establish this business, previously voted as having the best Thai cuisine throughout Wales. The premises are leasehold at £25,000 per annum with an ingoing quoted of £67,500.

With its golden sandy beaches and gorgeous views, Abersoch is arguably the most attractive beach town in Wales—and the thousands of tourists who journey down the Peninsula each year are inclined to agree. Whether you’re looking to create the accommodation of your dreams or ready to take the Thai cuisine crown, we look forward to welcoming you here in Abersoch.

PHOTO: PENDRAW

| 33

PROPERTY & INTERIORS

WINTER WARMER

HOLIDAY LETS THE LATEST SELECTION OF PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR YOUR NEXT ABERSOCH BREAK

We’ve picked a great selection of locations to enjoy your ‘winter warmer break’ here on the tip of the beautiful Llŷn peninsula. There is still a great chance of fine weather but even if the weather Gods don’t play ball you can’t beat a bracing walk along the beach or coastal path. Then it’s back to the cottage to curl up in front of the log burner or wandering into the village to sample the great selection of food and drink we have here – independents tempting your taste buds with the finest fare.

For a comprehensive range of holiday accommodation here in Abersoch, whether it be for a short break, weekend or full week then why not hope over to AbersochLife.com and feast your eyes on your next little part of Abersoch.

1.

BOOK

THE SHIPPONS

www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk info@abersochholidayhomes.co.uk 01758 740992 or 07979 497071

Beautifully renovated with a contemporary kitchen and smart bathrooms, this pretty single storey cottage features fabulous vaulted ceilings and charming antique touches (a stylish mix of Welsh with French antique and traditional touches), within walking distance of a good pub and just over a mile from Abersoch.

The Shippons is amongst 4 holiday homes in the grounds of Bwlch Farm and can be rented alongside Ty Woms, Y Betws, Nyth y Wennol and Y Stabl. All featured next (except Y Stabl)

4 Bedrooms | Sleeps 10 | 2 Bathrooms | Pet Friendly 34 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

2.

BOOK

TY WOMS

www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk info@abersochholidayhomes.co.uk 01758 740992 or 07979 497071

Restored and renovated to a high standard, Ty Woms combines a stylish mix of antique and traditional touches alongside modern conveniences. With a lovely patio and gardens the cottage is an ideal rural retreat for 2, yet walking distance to a local pub and only a short drive to all of Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula’s beaches and amenities.

The property also offers a spacious lounge/dining room with French windows leading a rear patio and large grassed lawn and walled garden.

1 Bedroom | Sleeps 2 | 1 Bathroom | Pet Friendly

3.

BOOK

Y BETWS

Y Betws (The Prayer House) is a charming cottage restored and renovated to a high standard. Y Betws combines a stylish mix of antique and traditional touches alongside modern conveniences.

With a lovely patio and gardens, the cottage is an ideal family holiday home within walking distance of a local family friendly pub and only a short drive to all of Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula’s beaches and amenities.

2 Bedrooms | Sleeps 4 | 1 Bathroom | Pet Friendly

Nyth y Wennol (Swallow’s Nest) is a charming cottage located also within the grounds of Bwlch Farm. Restored and renovated to a high standard, Nyth y Wennol combines a stylish mix of antique and traditional touches alongside modern conveniences. With a lovely patio and gardens the cottage is an ideal family holiday home within walking distance of a local family friendly pub and only a short drive to all of Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula’s beaches and amenities.

Nyth y Wennol offers a stylish modern kitchen and bathroom, a spacious open plan lounge, dining and living room with a door leading a rear patio and large grassed lawn and walled garden.

2 Bedrooms | Sleeps 4 | 1 Bathroom | Pet Friendly

www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk info@abersochholidayhomes.co.uk 01758 740992 or 07979 497071

4.

NYTH Y WENNOL BOOK www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk info@abersochholidayhomes.co.uk 01758 740992 or 07979 497071 | 35

PROPERTY & INTERIORS

5.

88 CAE DU

BOOK www.abersochhomefromhome.co.uk homefromhome@beresfordadams.co.uk 01758 712408

A uniquely structured property, 88 Cae Du is a frame style two storey house. This provides a generous balcony off of the firstfloor lounge, enabling guests to have a view of Abersoch and St Tudwal’s Islands.

The view isn’t far away either, just a short walk away from the property, and guests will find themselves on Abersoch high street.

A freshly installed kitchen can be found on the ground floor, along with 3 bedrooms. WiFi included.

3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 6 | 2 Bathrooms | No Pets

7.

BOOK

PENMAEN BACH

www.sykescottages.co.uk 07581 704 645

Penmaen Bach is a spacious detached cottage, perfect for families and pets, set in 6 acres of stunning landscaped gardens and surrounding woodland, within the Penmaen Estate. Penmaen Bach includes its own private lawn and patio with seating area, offering breath taking views over Cardigan Bay, Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula. Penmaen’s location allows easy access to the beach and coastal path through Pwllheli golf course, great for walking and cycling. The property also allows parking for 3 cars, boats and bikes etc.

3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 6 | 2 Bathrooms | Pet Friendly 36 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

6.

BOOK

ALMA COT TAGE

www.abersochhomefromhome.co.uk homefromhome@beresfordadams.co.uk 01758 712408

A well appointed detached coastal residence which was built in 2004, stylishly furnished to a high standard offering comfortable, spacious accommodation with the beach right on your doorstep!

2 double bedrooms & bathroom downstairs and a spacious lounge and master bedroom upstairs with beautiful sea views towards Bwlchtocyn headland and an en-suite shower room.

To the front of the property is an enclosed garden with space for two/three vehicles and a boat. The slip way to the beach is directly opposite.

3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 6 | 2 Bathrooms

8.

BOOK

BRYN

www.sykescottages.co.uk 07581 704 645

Set in 6 acres of stunning landscaped gardens and surrounding woodland, this cosy cottage is within The Penmaen Estate and offers views for miles over the Llŷn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay. Bryn includes its own private lawn and patio with seating area, as well as shared access to 6 acres of landscaped gardens, rockery and woodland in an elevated position, offering breath taking views over Cardigan Bay, Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula.

Penmaen’s location allows easy access to the coastal path through Pwllheli golf course, great for walking and cycling.

2 Bedrooms | Sleeps 4 | 1 Bathroom | Pet Friendly

AHH COLUMN PHOTO: SET THE SCENE FOR FESTIVE RENTALS

GET YOUR RENTAL RIGHT! WORDS BY ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES – PART OF THE ORIGINAL COTTAGE COMPANY. All images by Totally Abersoch

CHECKLISTS AND TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON TOP OF YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY

2019 has been another successful season for holiday letting in Abersoch and the Llŷn Peninsula. With staycations continuing to rise in popularity and with more than two thirds of the population taking their holiday in the UK in 2019, an increase of 12% compared to last year. The industry is booming and Abersoch and the Llŷn Peninsula stays ahead of the crowd. At Abersoch Holiday Homes alone we have had a rise in year to date bookings for 2019 against 2018 of 10.5%, with our Welsh brands as a whole seeing a rise of 12.8%. 2020 bookings for Abersoch Holiday Homes are already up by 4% compared to this time last year.

The UK holiday season which was traditionally March to October has extended and resorts like Abersoch are seeing year round holiday home occupancy. With events such as the forthcoming Abersoch Christmas Weekend, Dylan’s Community Bonfire in Criccieth and the New Year’s Day

Dips in Abersoch and Porth Dinllaen and host of other events, there are more and more reasons for guests to visit! Short breaks are certainly on the increase throughout the year with UK holidaymakers adding several weekends or short breaks in addition to their traditional 2 weeks holidays. A higher

38 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

proportion of disposable income and according to moneyfacts.co.uk a quarter of overall income for families and couples alike is being channelled into experiences; holidays, food, adventures and activities....all the things we have in abundance in the Llŷn Peninsula!

PHOTO: PROPERTY LETTINGS INCREASINGLY MORE POPULAR OUT OF SEASON - ESPECIALLY FOR COUPLES

S TAY I N S T Y L E O N T HE LLŶN

With increasing occupation at holiday homes there is a shorter period to carry out maintenance and upgrades. The winter is now a time when holiday home owners really need to plan what they need to do to prepare for 2020. Here are a few tips that you may find useful.

S TAY I N S T Y L E O N T HE LLŶN

1. REVIEW YOUR HOLIDAY HOME! Get an honest friend or family member to stay at your holiday home and to give you feedback. Ask them to let you know what is missing, not working, what upgrades you need and more!

2. CHECK YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED! We all have different ideas of what a perfect holiday home should have but we have a generic Inventory that provides a great checklist as you moved into a new season.

3. CARRY OUT ALL YOUR STATUTORY AND ADVISORY SAFETY CHECKS

Kitchen Inventory Pans & Cooking Equipme

• • •

nt

Set of saucepans and wok Frying pans, large and small Oven trays (roasting , baking) 2 of each • Colander • Mixing bowls – large and small • Casserole dish • Pie dish • Oven to table ware

Utensils

•

Set of sharp kitchen knive s (bread, carving, vege table, chopping) • Carving fork and dish • Slotted spoon • Ladle • Masher • Fish slice • Serving spoons (at least two) • Wooden spoons and spatulas • Potato peeler • Tin opener • Grater • Sieve • Whisk • Measuring jug • Scissors • Corkscrew • Bottle opener

General Kitchen Equipme

• • • •

nt

Glassware

Kettle (electric except where power supplies will not allow) tea pot Coffee machine or cafe tiere Toaster

at least one per person: • Wine glass • Tumblers large and small • Range of wine glass es, flutes etc at Four Star and abov e • Water jug

Crockery

1.5 times guest numbers or 2 times guest numbers where there is a dishwasher: • Dinner plates • Side plates • Bowls • Mugs equivalent to guest num bers: • Egg cups • Cups and saucers

Cutlery

large and small, or twic e guest numbers: • Knives • Forks • Spoons, • Teaspoons (extra quantities advi sed)

Tableware

•

Place mats and/or table

cloth

Miscellaneous

•

Chopping boards – large and small Ice tray Oven gloves Tea towels (minimum 2) and hand towel • Storage containers – mixed sizes (min 3) • Tray • Toast rack • Refuse bin with lid • Fire blanket • • •

Whilst not the most exhilarating aspect of holiday letting, getting Health and Safety

| 39

AHH COLUMN

right at your holiday home is essential.

Know your legal requirements; make sure you meet all fire, electric, gas, oil, access and insurance requirements, plus correctly maintain any extras including hot tubs, spas and swimming pools. A good agent will be able to run through all of these and at Abersoch Holiday Homes we offer a full guide.

4. REVIEW YOUR BOOKINGS. Are you making the right decisions regarding your home, should you accept dogs, should you have more short break availability, are your prices right? That’s what we’re here for, ask your agent to review your year 1 performance to gauge if you are maximising on all those bookings

5. SEEK GUEST FEEDBACK Ask you agent if there is any feedback on the house through customer questionnaires, online reviews and customer conversations, read through your visitor books. If you haven’t got a visitor book it really is worth getting one!

PHOTO: WITH EVENTS HAPPENING ALL YEAR ROUND IN THE AREA LIKE THE NEW YEARS DAY DIP - THE RENTAL PERIOD IS INCREASING

6. REVIEW THE LOCAL MARKET. Look at your local competition and make sure your offering sits in line with pricing, quality, extras. Think about how you are advertising your holiday home.

7. REVIEW YOUR MARKETING! Are your property photographs up to date, descriptions accurate and online reviews checked? Most holidays in the UK are now booked online with an increasing amount being booked using a mobile

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phone. So it is important your holiday home appeals to guests browsing on ALL media.

If you own a holiday home in Abersoch and the Llŷn Peninsula then 2020 offers a great opportunity to make this your best year yet. For any further queries why not pop in our office on the high street in Abersoch or call us on 01758 740992.

The ultimate collection of coastal chic self-catering properties in Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula. Our high quality, specially selected properties range from large renovated farmhouses and boutique luxury homes, to pretty picturesque cottages.

We have something for everyone.

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An imposing Welsh period home bursting with character North Wing is part of Penmaen Manor on the 100 acre Penmaen Estate not far from Pwllheli.

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Luxury beach house nestled at the foot of the Bwlchtocyn headland just yards from Abersoch beach. Stunning views, and exquisite exterior with sauna cabin and heated shower.

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Featuring impressive gardens stretching towards the sea, a fabulous sun terrace and beautiful coastal views. Generous accommodation in the village centre.

Welcoming and well-presented family friendly bungalow, with enclosed rear garden, great for children and pets. With sea views and raised sun terrace.

T: 01758 740992 www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk info@abersochholidayhomes.co.uk

PHOTO: STANDING PROUD - THE IMPOSING 17TH CENTURY FARMHOUSE BY: TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

C ASTELLMARCH HOME OF MYTH AND LEGEND AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY ON A HISTORIC WORDS BY RHIANNON JENKINS FAMILY FARM

S

ituated just a stone’s throw away from Abersoch, Castellmarch is an imposing 17th century farmhouse surrounded with an air of mystery. Legend has it that the land was once home to March ap Meirchion; a Welsh king and legendary hero who was an antecedent of the Arthurian King Mark.

He did, however, have a terrible secret that taunted him. Despite his wealth and status, King March was born with animalistic ears, those belonging to a horse!

There is little wonder then, that he was called March—a Welsh word for horse. Other than his late parents, the only other person that was privy to the secret was his barber, allegedly called Ifan. In order to hide his

deformity, King March grew his hair long and always wore a special crown. Ifan, meanwhile, had sworn on a sacred oath that he would never reveal the secret to anyone—his head would be cut off if he were to ever betray the king.

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For many years, the secret remained intact. But over time, the barber became increasingly troubled by the responsibility of keeping the secret to himself. His excessive worrying made him fall ill, and so he went to see the doctor and told him about the all-consuming burden of keeping the king’s secret. The doctor advised him to share the secret, or else the burden would be the eventual cause of his demise.

It’s safe to say that Ifan was caught between a rock and a hard place—he would lose his life either way. The doctor then suggested that he whispered his secret to the earth—that way, nobody would ever learn about it. And so, the barber decided to go out into the wilds of

PHOTO: SOME THINGS HAVEN’T CHANGED - THE MAIN ENTERANCE HASN’T CHANGED MUCH OVER THE YEARS BY: TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

the land to find a secluded spot to share his secret. Indeed, he found a place—a marshland, in which he found some reeds. He knelt down and shared his secret among them, a revelation that immediately relieved him of his burden.

Shortly afterwards, he regained his health and happiness.

The next day, a piper was on his way to a great feast at Castellmarch.

Coincidentally, he passed the spot by the river where Ifan had told his secret to the earth. The piper saw that there were some fine reeds growing nearby, and so he took some with him to make a new pipe for his performance at Castellmarch later that evening. King March had invited friends and families from all over the peninsula to his feast. After they had all eaten, the king commanded the piper to play for his guests. Standing before everyone, he put his new pipe to his lips and blew into it. To his dismay, all that came out of the pipe were words which sang out, ‘King March has horse’s ears!

King March has horse’s ears!’ repeatedly.

The king, humiliated, stood up and blew into the pipe himself, but the same song was played. The barber stumbled forward and confessed to the king that he had told the earth his secret. King March, vexed, raised his sword—he was about to behead the barber, but he suddenly burst into laughter and dropped his sword. He took off his crown and revealed his ears to all of his guests, feeling a sense of great relief when doing so. Rather than laughing and mocking

him, the guests applauded him for his courage. From that day onwards, King March decided that he wouldn’t be wearing his crown again, and neither would he be growing his hair long. After all, he was the only king in Wales with horse’s ears and so, why should he conceal something so remarkably unique?

There we have it—the mythical tale of March ap Meirchion.

Whether you believe in it or not is another story entirely, but Castellmarch remains to pay homage to the iconic king that allegedly ruled the land many moons ago. It is certainly an ancient site, also mentioned in the tales of Trystan and Esyllt in the Mabinogi. The land is now home to a grand Grade II listed building, constructed in the early seventeenth century using relics of the former house as its foundations. Born in the original house, Sir William Jones used the remnants of his birthplace to build the farmhouse that we recognise today. Educated in Beaumaris, William Jones was an intelligent young man who went on to read law in London—a considerable feat for a scholar who commuted to and fro in a horse-drawn carriage! He became the Chief Justice of Ireland and Judge of the King’s Bench in England, in addition to being elected as MP for Caernarvonshire later in life. The man of many talents was also a father

to five sons, one who died in infancy, and six daughters. It is rumoured that his son Griffith was kidnapped from the house by a royalist landing party who plundered the house in the Civil War! The house he had built, however, was not to be in his possession forever. His son Griffith inherited the estate and as he had no male descendants, the estate was left to his wife and two daughters.

By 1671, the Vaynol Estate had acquired Castellmarch Estate through the marriage of Margaret Jones, grandchild of Sir William Jones, to Sir William Williams of the Vaynol Estate. In later years, Margaret’s sister Jane also married into the Vaynol Estate by marrying Sir

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CASTELLMARCH

William Williams’ brother, Thomas. These alliances marked the union of both estates, which now comprised of three thousand acres that stretched across Llanengan and Llangian, including Benar Headland and Cilan Headland. For over 200 years, the estate thrived as an agricultural landscape.

Castellmarch itself was the largest premises on the coastal plain, farming around 350 acres in 1770. It also held the iconic islands, but most of this was sadly lost at the beginning of the 20th century when the Vaynol estate had to sell off some of its land in lots due to taxation. Whilst tenants were given an opportunity to purchase their own properties and land, investors were also able to purchase lots for development.

Such was the case with Castellmarch— half of the farm was sold to the Minoprio family, using the land to develop The Warren complex.

PHOTO: EXTERIOR TO MATCH THE MAIN HOUSE THE OUTDOOR SPACE AT THE STABLE

As much as Castellmarch is a land of folklore and dark tales, it is now a family-run farm and has been ever since the present owners’ great grandfather became a tenant farmer in 1923. The farmhouse itself is now divided into two households, one for each brother and their respective families. Over the years, some of the farm’s outbuildings have been converted into high quality selfcatering accommodation:

PHOTO: COSY AND COMFY INTERIOR IN THE STABLE

PHOTO: HOT TUB UNDER THE STARS WITH A STAY AT BRYN BEUDY

THE STABLE – SLEEPS 6 The Stable is a one storey property, featuring a cosy open plan living area with a fully-equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher, fridge, and microwave.

There are three spacious bedrooms: two double bedrooms (one of which has an en suite bathroom) and one twin room.

There is also a separate bathroom with a bath/shower. Boasting beautiful views of the coastline, the property is equipped with its own terrace on which you can sit back and take in the view on a beautiful day.

BRYN BEUDY – SLEEPS 5 Bryn Beudy is a detached stone cottage on the farm grounds, boasting its

own private garden that overlooks the luscious greenery. On warm summer evenings, you can sit back and relax on your very own patio whilst your dinner smokes away on the barbecue—and what about a late evening nightcap in the garden hot tub? In addition to these luxuries, the property features a fully-

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fitted kitchen with white goods such as a fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and microwave. There is one family bedroom with a double and single bed, in addition to a twin room.

The bathroom is equipped with a bath/ shower, perfect for young families.

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CASTELLMARCH

PHOTO: THE GRANARY

PHOTO: ANOTHER BEATIFULLY APPOINTED LIVING ROOM AT THE GRANARY

THE GRANARY – SLEEPS 6 Dating back to the 1800s, the building is oozing with character and features beautiful exposed beams. On the ground floor, the property boasts a large fully fitted kitchen, which contains all of your holiday essentials such as a fridge, freezer, microwave, hob, oven and dishwasher in addition to a large living area with exposed stonework and an original beamed ceiling. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms: one double bedroom with an en suite bathroom, one double and one twin bedroom—all of which are tastefully decorated. The separate bathroom has a bath/shower.

Directly facing the coast, the property is in prime position and has a patio area at the front equipped with garden furniture so that you can eat your dinner al fresco whilst enjoying the glorious view.

PHOTO: NO SLEEPLESS NIGHTS HERE - ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS AT THE GRANARY

PHOTO: NO EXCUSE NOT TO STAY IN NOW! EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE GRANARY KITCHEN

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PWLLHELI & SOUTHAMPTON TEL: 01758 703 013 - 07813 581 937 EMAIL: SALES@IDEALBOAT.COM

WWW.IDEALBOAT.COM

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CASTELLMARCH

PHOTO: THE LIVING ROOM AT THE CABIN

LUXURY LOG CABIN – SLEEPS 5

PHOTO: A BEACHSIDE BEDROOM AT THE CABIN

PHOTO: WHERE BETTER FOR A SUNDOWNER WITH A VIEW LIKE THIS FROM THE CABINS HOT TUB

Set on an elevated position, boasting awe-inspiring views of the coastline, the Log Cabin is a true retreat for the senses.

Secluded in its very own spot, it is an exclusive self-catering home featuring a hot tub and patio area with barbeque and garden furniture. It comprises of an open-plan kitchen, fully fitted with a cooker, hob, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Both dining area and living room have ample seating, making it a perfect social setting. In terms of bedrooms, there is one twin bedroom and one family bedroom, containing a double bed and a single bed. There is a large bathroom featuring a bath with an overhead shower.

Pets are welcome to come in tow, but this arrangement must be made prior to your arrival at any of these self-catering lets.

STATIC AND TOURING SITE

In addition to these wonderful conversions, Castellmarch also has a Static Caravan and Touring Park. The small Touring Park has fifteen pitches available, all of which have access to electric hook ups, showers, toilets, laundry facilities, fridge, and freezer. So, whether it is a country retreat with modern-day luxuries that you seek or a simpler stay in a touring caravan, Castellmarch is an unrivalled location within close proximity to local beaches and the villages of Abersoch and Llanebedrog.

And let me assure you, it won’t disappoint. After all, it was once

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home to a king—a king like no other, whose story will be told for centuries to come.

For more information, visit www.castellmarch. co.uk or email helen@castellmarch.co.uk.

Bookings can also be made on www.dioni.co.uk and www.bestofwales.co.uk.

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SANDBAR

SAND, SEA AND SUMPTUOUS FOOD

W

hen the waves are lapping on the sands under the misty illumination of an autumn moonlight, the outline of the islands are just visible out on the horizon in the bay, the lights of Abersoch village are twinkling to your right and the majestic beauty of Llanbedrog headland is silhouetted against the evening sky, you know you have arrived at a setting made for special times.

Such was the scene that greeted us as we wandered down through The Warren Resort & Spa to the opening of their eagerly anticipated Sandbar Restaurant.

It is a truly remarkable setting and the building that has been created there more than does it justice. A sweeping, timbered construction that beautifully echoes the arc of the bay it sits at the heart of, it is destined to rapidly become one of the must-visit dining locations in the Abersoch area. No expense has been spared on the quality of the design, the execution of the construction or the imagination to arrive at the stunning interior. The results are remarkable.

Yes, this is a beach bar style restaurant, the natural roof and vast arc of the outside deck celebrating the location, but the interior is an altogether chicer and more sophisticated setting offering the best of both worlds. The acres of glass act as a series of frames to the endless marine vistas offered by the location - always celebrating the beach, the bay, the islands and the blue horizons. Whilst the interior offers a refined dining environment as perfect for a romantic evening meal as it is for a pick-me-up beach breakfast the next morning.

PHOTO: WHAT A TRANSFORMATION! - THE NEW DECKING AND SLEEK NEW FURNITURE AT THE SANDBAR

It will be easy to see that this will rapidly become a favourite venue for those romantic evening dinners (who can’t fall in love with a view like that?) or for parties of families and friends looking for that special setting for one of the legendary ‘Abersoch meals’ every group who visits here enjoys. But it’s just as easy to see that this will become a destination for those who want a little wander along the sands

from Abersoch for that special breakfast or lunch. And who can blame them if they drive back that evening for dinner!

Because Sandbar is very much open to all, not just those lucky enough to have a place on the coveted Warren. Whether you arrive on foot from the beach or use the visitor’s car park from where the ever-helpful Warren staff will show you the short walk through to Sandbar and its stunning location.

Run by the well-known Kay Rewell, who will be familiar to Abersoch regulars for the excellent service she and her team provide, the plan is to open all year with an excellent menu for breakfast, lunch or evening meal, including a dedicated children’s selection. The emphasis at Sandbar is on a quality of food and service to match the remarkable setting and the beautiful building that has been created here, right on the beach.

Breakfasts range from the substantial ‘Full Welsh’ and equally ambitious ‘Full Veggie’ to lighter options; including a range of toasted breakfast baps, Kippers, Smoked Salmon and Avocado or Granola. With Croques, a range of egg options, pastries, pancakes and superb coffees, there really is something for everybody.

Lunch offers sandwich options including ‘The Warren Club’ and Crab & Lobster and snacks including Topped Flatbreads, Scampi, Tagliatelle and Fishcakes.

Tempting puddings make up the menu with Crème Brulee, Sundaes and Welsh

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SANDBAR

PHOTO: FABULOUS INTERIOR AT THE NEW BEACH BAR

Artisan Cheese Boards just a sample of the offer.

For that special evening meal in a setting to die for you are tempted by starters including Calamari, Truffle or Mussels.

Mains range from a remarkable Welsh Shellfish Platter to Ribeye Steaks, Crab & Lobster salads, Gourmet Burgers, Caesar Salads and Fish & Chips. Dedicated Vegetarian options include Wild Mushroom Ragout and Butternut Squash.

The children are not forgotten with a range of starters including vegetarian options, a great Burger and Hot Dog selection, main meals including Battered Cod, Chicken Strips and Bolognese, with a Gluten Free option. The more adventurous can choose from Menai Mussels, Fish Stew, ‘Small Taste of the Sea’ and Fish Fillet of the Day. With sweets to tempt the young palate and Snack Packs that are perfect for a beach walk, there really is something for all the family.

Sandbar has been carefully designed to open its door and decks to the summer sunshine but is equally well equipped to provide a cosy environment on a wild winter evening.

As a result, it’s not hard to see the venue becoming an allyear favourite. Whatever the weather, you are guaranteed stunning views with the sound of the sea on your doorstep, a superb menu to choose from, a great range of drinks (including the ‘bubbles’ that are so essential to many an Abersoch event!) and friendly, professional staff dedicated to your enjoyment.

TO BOOK OR FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CALL SANDBAR ON 01758 714 150 OR GO TO WWW.THEWARRENSANDBAR.CO.UK

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PHOTO: THE NEW DECKING AREA WHERE BETTER FOR A DRINKIN THE SUN

PHOTO: WHAT’S YOUR TIPPLE?!

EXCELLENT NEW BAR

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PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE PLAS WORDS BY MARI EVANS

W

e all know and love Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. It celebrates the very best in local talent and gives them the platform they deserve to showcase their work. I’m an avid fan myself, and love seeing the variety of pieces on show; from clay sculptures, to photographs of the local area. But apart from the gallery itself, the café has become a destination in its own right for foodies - and walkers of the Iron Man trail.

Luckily, the café’s received nothing but support from customers. With the number of visitors on the rise each year, demand has exceeded the capacity. So, the Plas has decided to demolish the conservatory café, and build an ambitious replacement.

I headed to the Plas myself, to find out what makes the new design so special, and about the mammoth task ahead to raise funds.

PHOTO: THE PLANS FOR THE NEW CAFE

Plas Glyn-y-Weddw has always been prepared to adapt and move with the times, making sure it remains a key attraction in the area. The recent edition of the John Andrews outdoor theatre is a great example of this, which provides an idyllic setting for plays and film screenings.

When I first heard that the old café’s getting the boot, I was somewhat surprised. It’s such a cute and cosy place, perfect for an afternoon tea. But as it turns out, the conservatory was originally built as a sculpture room. Seeing as it was never built for a café, it isn’t exactly fit for purpose. During the busy summer days, the poor employees have to work in sweltering heat – conservatories are pretty much fancy greenhouses, after all.

A new café is also needed to help fund the Plas itself. Some may be surprised to learn that unlike similar establishments in the area (which are often part of the National Trust), it is totally self-funded, relying solely on donations and the revenue generated from the café. With that in mind, increasing the capacity not only means that more of us can enjoy a cuppa, it also increases revenue to make sure that the café can be enjoyed by generations to come.

It’s safe to say the old café needs to go, but what will replace it?

Apparently, when extending a listed building, one of the big no-no’s is trying to mimic the existing design. The Plas is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Built in 1857 as a private mansion, and was later opened to the public as a gallery in 1896. Trying to copy this historic building would just ruin its integrity, and it’s safe to say that the new plans are far from Gothic.

It all began when renowned sculptor, Matthew Lane Sanderson, offered to help out when the team were scratching their heads trying to come up with a design fit for the Plas.

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PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW

PHOTO:WAVE GOODBYE TO THE OLD CAFE! BY: TOTALLY ABERSOCH

were fascinated with science, signified by the release of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species” only a few years after the Plas was built. Another source of inspiration was, unsurprisingly, the abundance of marine wildlife on their doorstep. Both concepts combined in Matthew’s mind to create a design based on a Sea Urchin.

THE MAN BEHIND THE SCULPTURES: WHO IS MATTHEW LANE SANDERSON? Born and raised in Herefordshire, Matthew has made a name for himself in the sculpting world, turning massive boulders of raw materials into elegant art installations. One of his most notable pieces, The Corpus Clock, has attracted millions of tourists in Cambridge, and was unveiled by nonother than the late Stephen Hawking.

Collaborating with Matthew meant that an artistic approach was taken to designing the café. This means that the result will be an art installation, which can be enjoyed by all. Combining artistic visions with practicality, Matthew worked alongside conservation architects, Mark Wray and Austen Cook, to come up with the final design.

The outer layer of the building will mimic a shell, comprising of thousands of individual PHOTO: TIME FOR A CHANGE - NOT stainless-steel pieces, MUCH SPACE IN THE OLD CAFE! inspired by acorn barnacles – many of which will reuse The Plas has received mixed reactions materials.

In quite an astonishing display to the plans. But a bit of criticism is of commitment to his design, Matthew unavoidable with such a quirky concept. will construct the outer layer himself.

Some may be slightly confused by it, This will definitely take some time, as and what it actually represents. To make he’ll have to create a total of 50,000 things clearer, here’s the thought process pieces and weld them all together – that’s behind the final design: 150,000 welds! He’ll also be involved in constructing lots of other components, Matthew heavily researched into the such as an internal chandelier. key social trends of the building’s Victorian era. During this time, people

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PHOTO: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW - WHAT THE NEW SEA URCHIN INSPIRED CAFE MIGHT LOOK LIKE

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PHOTO: A RENDERING OF THE NEW CAFE’S INTERIOR

What makes this design extra special, is that it will almost double the capacity of the existing café. Able to hold 72 customers, the new addition will most definitely help to maintain and fund the Plas.

Creating a light and comfortable environment for visitors was of course an important factor to consider when coming up with the design. A central light well will flood the café with natural light, even more so with the addition of a microscopic marine wildlife-inspired chandelier. The staff will be pleased to hear that a much bigger kitchen will be built – one that will thankfully stay cool in the summer – giving them plenty of space to cater for the larger capacity. Such a high level of care and consideration during the planning process will make sure each element of the build will be a success.

FUNDRAISING: MAKING IT HAPPEN The Plas is currently halfway to reaching the target of £650,000. They’re making great progress but there’s still a long way to go. If you’re feeling generous, get in touch with the Plas’ Director, Gwyn Jones, to make a donation; gwyn@oriel.org.uk.

After finding out the story behind the new café, I’m desperate to see it built and open to the public. There’s no doubt in my mind that this new addition will create a new attraction at the Plas, and ensure its survival for many years to come.

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PHOTO: THE NEW CAFE WILL HELP FUND THE MUCH-LOVED GALLERY

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WINTER

WALKABOUTS EMBRACE THE SPACE

PHOTO: LEADING THE WAY BY: ABERSAPP

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WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE

A

s the days recede and the temperatures start to bite, the peninsula curls into hibernation. Abersoch’s now dormant bay becomes an expanse of peaceful tranquility and reflection and the sounds of nature have now fully replaced the hive of boats and jubilant holidaymakers. Winter has a special magic of its own in Abersoch, giving glorious opportunity to inhale the soul quenching surroundings. With buzzing water pursuits and beach huts mostly packed away for a few months, and the shores often too cold and blustery for quiet contemplation, it’s the perfect time to explore more of what this wonderful headland has to offer on land, as well as rewarding your body and mind in the process.

The Llŷn Peninsula has long been renowned for its scenic walks, even pilgrimages, and attracts many a rambler and walking group throughout the year. There are numerous online sites packed with routes and groups you can join. They are a hugely rewarding way to get fit and make friends, and guided walks allow you to push yourself a little further with the security of being with someone experienced and knowledgeable of the area. However, one of the key purposes of walking in nature is to remove yourself from the everyday, to transport away from the noise and distractions of daily life, to take your own time and leave everything and everyone else behind. We have put together some of our favourite local Winter Walkabouts. Enjoy.

PHOTO: THE BRIDGE AT LLANYSTUMDWY BY: TOTALLY ABERSOCH

LLANYSTUMDWY

WOODLAND WATER THERAPY Abersoch’s wondrous coastline and pristine beaches are well celebrated but there are also many superb inland walks that offer a different sensory experience. One of the most enchanting has to be hidden beneath the trees in Llanystumdwy, along the banks of the glorious Afon Dwyfor.

Already enticed by the excited babbling of the river below, you begin this adventure by passing through the evocative, gated, stone entrance that leads to the memorial of the legendary Lloyd George. Welcome to the spot so heavenly that it was requested to be the final resting place of Britain’s first and only Welsh Prime Minister.

The quietness of the memorial lying under the twisted canopy, still against the fervent energy of the flowing water below, creates an affecting beginning to this walk. The smells are intoxicating; moist earth with musky winter fauna, a combination of a sweet fermenting with an exhilarating breath of what can only be described as oxygen, steaming

PHOTO: LIKE SOMETHING FROM A FAIRYTALE BY: TOTALLY ABERSOCH

from the pure Snowdonian water.

The changing fauna of this majestic place means that true appreciation is only really gained from visiting at different points throughout the year, as the ground shifts from bluebells, to snowdrops, from greens to oranges and browns. Winter is a splendid time to go though if you are looking for quiet solace, there is something other worldly about the bare trees, like an elephants’ burial ground. Life and death intertwine all around here and it is beautiful and cathartic.

A leisurely 30 minute walk up the river will delight with little islands and bridges, no doubt a rope swing or two left from the summer. A right hand turning will then take you out of the fairytale and along some lovely quiet country roads, past some enviable residencies and back to the beginning.

however it is prone to mud and watery pathways in the wet seasons. Be wary of tripping over tree roots while hypnotised by the river.

DOGS: If you do not mind them all wet and muddy and are sure they can be trusted by fast running water TIME: About 1hr 15mins for a leisurely circular stroll, stopping to play on the bridge etc MAP:

This is a walk that will make you feel nostalgic even if you have never been there before.

EASE OF ACCESS: 25 minute drive from Abersoch village. Once there it’s pretty straightforward and flat, | 63

WINTER WALKABOUTS PHOTO: THE GOLDEN OUR AT HELL’S MOUTH BY: ABERSAPP

PORTH NEIGWL/ HELL’S MOUTH CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

The sheer scale of Hell’s Mouth makes it the perfect place to make your worries feel small and insignificant.

It’s the beach made for a purposeful march to clear the head and fill the lungs. The unobstructed view out to an energising, turbulent sea is backed by vast crumbling clay walls of the eroding salt marshes. There is a constant sense of change here as the rough tides create a myriad of different glistening patterns across the expansive sand.

The high sky stretches to infinity and the clouds morph above, moved and moulded by the coastal winds. A glory of the wet weather that accompanies the Winter months is that we get to witness some spectacular and bizarre cloud formations. The expanse of sky over Hell’s Mouth can put on quite a display.

When the sun breaks regally through the grey blanket, the rays beam down with an omnipotent quality and the sunshine is multiplied and reflected a million times across the tempestuous water.

Walking on Porth Neigwl gives the contrast of feeling exposed, due to the vast openness of this 4 mile beach, combined paradoxically with the sense that you could scream out your darkest thoughts and no one would hear over the waves and wind in their ears. During the Summer at its most populated, with bodies clambering in and out of the waves, people still seem insignificant here. Figures become ant-like within the landscape and in the Winter the space is simply exhilarating.

PHOTO: SUNSET WAVES IN FRONT OF BARDSEY ISLAND BY: ABERSAPP

If this is hell, we’d better start sinning.

EASE OF ACCESS: A 10 minute drive from Abersoch village. A short, even walk down a sandy path from the car park then the world opens up to you.

A few metres of larger stones to navigate across before miles of firm sand.

DOGS: Hell yes. Throw the ball right in the wind and they will be running for miles to retrieve it.

TIME: As long as you fancy striding, gazing and beach combing

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MAP:

PHOTO: WHAT A PLACE - PORTHDINLLAEN BY: ABERSAPP

PORTHDINLLAEN

HEAVAN IS A PLACE ON EARTH

PHOTO: THE INFAMOUS TY COCH AT PORTHDINLLAEN BY: ABERSAPP

MAP:

This is the perfect walk to do with a companion or two, as you will be passing one of the world’s greatest pubs (although we are acutely aware of the pure pleasure to be had when drinking alone, so feel free to ditch the baggage and proceed solo).

If you have never been to the wonder that is Porthdinllaen, you are in for a giddying treat, we could have titled this one “Pimp My Walk”. Just an hour striding about this obscenely charming coastal hamlet will commence with a satisfying beach walk boasting spectacular mountain views. Proceed to an elevated cliff walk overlooking the most picturesque (and difficult) golf course known to man. Next you will drop down to discover the pristine, yet unpretentious, lifeboat house. You will get to wander, nosily close, to houses that are located in the most glorious of places and feel that slight sadness of envy thinking about the blessed folk who get to live in them. You will see rare grasses dancing joyfully along a little private beach and soft cliffs dotted with sand martins’ nests. If you like to point at things and say “oooo look at that!” this is definitely the walk for you.

As if that is not enough, Porthdinllaen boasts a pub that is set in a location so perfect, it has made grown men cry. The Tŷ Coch is practically in the water and the staff are as content as those in the

Caribbean. In fact this pub is so laid back that it sometimes doesn’t even bother to open! So always check the “weather report” if a drink on the beach is a fundamental part of your itinerary.

A walk around the nirvana that is Porthdinllaen warms the most jaded of hearts, it is a truly special place.

DOGS: There are often quite a few around the pub so please keep on a lead, although no one gets aggro in Porthdinllaen.

TIME: 1-3hrs depending on walking/ drinking time

EASE OF ACCESS: A 20min drive from Abersoch village to the National Trust’s car park, which is located just above the beach road. There are quite a lot of steps depending on where the tide is, but it is relatively simple to just do the beach walk if accessibility is restrictive.

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COASTAL PATH BWLCHTOCYN, PORTH CEIRIAD, CIM FARM LEGS LIFT US UP WHERE WE BELONG We are spoilt for choice when it comes to the Llŷn Peninsula Coastal Path, with miles of awesome and fairly accessible walks on offer for all ages and abilities and supported by many online resources. If you fancy a dedicated expedition, you are able to walk the whole way from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, which will take 40-50 hrs and covers a distance of 96 miles.

One of the more achievable local favourites has to be the circular walk from Bwlchtocyn round to Cim Farm.

This walk requires a bit more stamina than the ones above so you will be feeling all kinds of hero on completion.

Beginning on the top of the headland, up from Machroes and the old lifeboat, a gentle ascent warms up the thighs and soon rewards with the first panoramic view of the bay’s two loyal watchmen, the St Tudwal’s Islands. They look particularly godly from this bird’s eye view, rising up through collars of breaking white waves.

The ocean becomes the object of awe as the path continues. A heavy, shimmering, molten blue, blanket floods the horizon, while closer by it lashes angrily at the rocks below, as if the land has disturbed its slumber. If you are okay with heights, make sure you look over the edge at the mysterious caves and crevasses, but please be very wary of the wind as well as slippery, crumbling ground (do not get closer than several meters from the edge).

The undulations along this route include a few prolonged ascents and descents that make it all the more rewarding.

Remember to always look behind you as the changing vantage points can reveal other secrets of the headland that you may not have seen from above or below.

The highlight of this walk is reaching the summit of the headland which gives a Titanic-esque “top of the World” thrill, before a rush of excitement when one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, Porth Ceiriad, comes into view below. An ideal place to have a sheltered flask of coffee and butty before beginning the final leg up through the green pastures of Cim Farm and back round to complete the route.

PHOTO: ONE OF THE MANY PLACES TO STOP ALONG THE COASTAL PATH BY: ABERSAPP

There are too many stop and marvel at the scenery moments on this route, it’s a photographer’s dream, and impossible to complete without feeling enriched and fulfilled.

Mickey’s

EASE OF ACCESS: 7 minute drive from Abersoch village or a 20-30 minute walk along the main beach (depending on the tide). There is uneven and steep terrain plus steps to the beach on this route.

DOGS: Yes, perfect if they are large enough to pull you up the hills. However, they must be kept on leads as there are many curious sheep and cattle on this route and courtesy should be returned while traversing the hospitable farm grounds.

TIME: 2 hours with a short rest on the beach, more if you want to stop and stare at the exceptional views.

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Cim Farm

Porth Ceiriad

ABERSOCH TRIPLE CROWN 2019 Combining your times from the Abersoch 10K, Sprint Triathlon & Half Marathon this is a chance to prove your, ability, focus and versatility across 3 iconic race distances in one of the most stunning locations in the world.

Having the Triple Crown take place in Abersoch which includes the superb terrain that’s right on our doorstep is a big part of its success.

This isn’t a challenge however you can jump on with a few jogs round the park under your belt, or even if you’re an average 10k runner. You need to be a competent swimmer, proficient road bike user and you need to stay fit & healthy for all 3 race dates to smash a 13.1 mile half marathon in September, which for some (especially who like to enjoy their summers a little too much) is no easy feat!

Each of the 3 courses appeal to all levels of runners and are by no means your standard race routes.

They have fantastic variety, a great mix of terrains combining roads, tracks, bridal paths, hard sand, soft sand and for the triathlon a sea swim, this starts with a sprint from the beach into the water a short PHOTO: REBECCA BODDE FINDING TIME FOR A CHEEKY WAVE TO THE CAMERA DURING THE SPRINT DISTANCE TRIATHLON SWIM (OUTWEST IMAGES)

PHOTO: JAMES COX, A PREVIOUS TRIPLE CROWN WINNER IN GOOD SPIRITS CROSSING THE LINE OF THE ABERSOCH LAND & SEA 10K

swim round 2 bouys and back to the beach, run round a land marker before returning to the sea for the main part of the swim.

Both the 10k & Triathlon races include what’s now fondly known as ‘Tocyn Brutal’! A steep rocky track that starts at sea level and climbs 140 feet over a 600 meter distance finishing outside the Porth Tocyn Hotel. This is actually a timed section of the course for the 10k which runners love to talk strategy on before the race and their triumphs or tribulations afterwards! If you’re a reasonably decent runner with a 10k time of 50 minutes you can expect to complete it in around 4 minutes. Tom Groves who currently holds the fastest time completed it in 2 minutes 31 seconds. A crazy time and this year both Tom and Kate Green (3:28) won nights at Ty Cwtch courtesy of the Porth Tocyn.

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The triathlon also has a timed bike section of the course called ‘King of Mynytho’, a tough 3 kilometre climb starting near the Glyn Y Weddw

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ABERSOCH TRIPLE CROWN 2019

PHOTO: WINNERS PODIUM 2019

and climbing 400 feet to the summit at the top of Mynytho. Chris Standidge currently holds the record in a time of 6 minutes 20 seconds.

Not to be left out, the final race of the Triple Crown also has a timed section called ‘BEACH 1.2’, this times runners right at the end of the Half Marathon to run the final 1.2km on the beach including 20 groynes!

Russell Bentley is top of the timing sheet with an incredible 4 minutes exactly.

For the younger runner or someone looking for a great challenge with shorter distances then the Abersoch Holiday Homes Beach Chief is perfect for you. Taking place on the same days as the Triple Crown this combines the 3k, 1k and 2k beach races.

Gethin Tomos Griffith and Emma Bradley took the Beach Chief titles in autstanding combined times.

Head over to www.abersochtriplecrown.com for all the information and to enter.

PHOTOS: ABOVE. LAURA BUTCHER CROSSING THE LINE TO TAKE THE 2019 ABERSOCH TRIPLE CROWN TITLE (LEFT) EMMA BRADLEY WITH HER ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES BEACH CHIEF WINNERS TROPHY ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE JNP CREATIVE

2020 TRIPLE CROWN MEN 1. OLIVER BLAKE 02:59:08 2. OWEN ROBERTS 03:11:15 3. PAUL GREEN 03:16:02

2020 TRIPLE CROWN WOMEN 1. LAURA BUTCHER 04:13:14 2. REBECCA BODDE 04:28:07 3. MIMI OWEN 04:37:59

Sat 30th May 2020 Abersoch 10K 3K Beach Race

Sat 20th June 2020 Abersoch Sprint Triathlon 1K Beach Sprint

Sat 24th October 2020 Abersoch Half Marathon 2K Beach Blast

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ABERSOCH IS

OPEN...

ALL WINTER! THINKING OF HEADING DOWN TO ABERSOCH TO BREAK UP THE LONG WINTER? IT CAN SOMETIMES BE TRICKY TO GAGE WHEN SOME PLACES WILL BE OPEN, IF AT ALL, DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. WELL, WORRY NO MORE. HERE’S A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE OPENING HOURS OF ALL THE SHOPS AND EATING SPOTS. Please note: these are subject to change.

SHOPS. Abersoch Boatyard – Open daily Abersoch Garden Centre – Open daily (closes midJanuary for six weeks) Boardrider – Weekends only Boudicca – Open daily Breeze – Open daily Coastal Culture – Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Crewe Clothing – Open daily Fat Face – Open daily First Light – Open daily Flipside Jewellery – Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Jack Wills – Open daily Joules – Open daily Mountain Warehouse – Open daily O’Shea – Open daily Totally Abersoch – Open Saturdays Turtle Photography – Open Thursday to Sunday

WATERSPORTS.

White Stuff – Open daily Abersoch Land and Sea – Open Monday to Friday Abersoch Surf Shop – Weekends only Abersoch Watersports – Open daily FOR SIMILAR ARTICLES VISIT: ABERSOCHLIFE.COM...

Offaxis – Weekends only West Coast Surf – Closed Wednesdays

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RESTAURANTS. The Cove – Open Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday lunchtime Crust – Open Thursday to Sunday The Dining Room – Weekends only Fresh – Closed Mondays and Tuesdays The Hub – Closed Mondays and Tuesdays Mañana – Open Friday to Saturday (Closed 1st – 28th December) Porter’s Cove – Closed from November Porth Tocyn – Closed from November 3rd Sandbar (The Warren) – Open daily St Tudwal’s Inn – Open daily The Sun Inn – Open daily The Vaynol – Open daily Zinc – Open daily

CAFES. Abersoch Beach Café – Closed from November 3rd Abersoch Deli – Open daily (will close for a few days at the start of November for renovations) Abersoch Diner – Open daily Blades – Open Friday to Sunday through November, weekends only during December, closed January Mickey’s Boatyard – Closed Petal-á-pot - Open Friday to Monday Two Islands Ice Cream - Closed Tuesdays (Will be closed from 6th January - Thursday 13th February.)

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BWYD MOR

ABERSOCH WORDS BY LOWRI LLEWELYN | PHOTOS BY OUTWEST IMAGES

FOR GENERATIONS, CRABBING HAS BEEN A FAVOURITE FAMILY PASTIME IN ABERSOCH, THE JETTY AT HIGH TIDE PROVIDING RICH PICKINGS FOR AMATEUR FISHERMEN. FEW CHILDHOOD MEMORIES EVOKE A BORDERLINE HYSTERIA QUITE LIKE THAT FIRST CATCH, NOR THE FOLLOWING HYSTERIA WHEN SOMEONE INEVITABLY KICKS OVER THE BUCKET! THE CRABS THEMSELVES, HOWEVER, ARE NEVER SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO SATISFY EVEN THE LITTLEST OF APPETITES, AND THUS MERCIFULLY RELEASED BACK ONTO THE BEACH TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY.

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PHOTO: LOCAL CRAB FISHERMAN ARTHUR IN THE HARBOUR

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PHOTO: GETTING IN THE TENDER AFTER A DAY OUT AT SEA

T

HERE’S NO DISH QUITE AS SYNONYMOUS WITH ABERSOCH THAN A FRESHLY DRESSED CRAB, SO FOR THOSE OF US LOOKING TO NOT STARVE TONIGHT, ARTHUR JONES OF BWYD MÔR ABERSOCH AND HIS BOAT ARE ON HAND, READY TO HEAD OUT ONTO MORE FRUITFUL PASTURES. ‘MY BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES ARE OF GOING OUT WITH MY FATHER AND BROTHER WHO WERE BOTH FISHERMEN,’ HE EXPLAINS. HIS MOTHER, MEANWHILE, STAYED ASHORE TO PREPARE THE CRABS. ‘I WAS MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN GOING OUT ON THE BOAT. SHE WOULD TAKE ALL DAY TO DRESS THEM AND HAD THE SAME REGULAR CUSTOMERS WHO CAME TO HER YEAR AFTER YEAR.’ ‘Now we continue that tradition with Bwyd Môr Abersoch - processing our own crabs for the local restaurants and cafés, not forgetting the popular Terry’s Butchers in the village. We also sell direct to customers from our outlet at home in Llain, Sarn Bach, Abersoch.’

With its clean, clear waters, the areas around Abersoch are ideal for fishing everything from crabs and lobsters to dogfish and mackerel. ‘I have been fishing out of Abersoch for over 40 years,

the Jurassic period a whopping 200 million years ago.

PHOTO: A HARD DAYS WORK - BRINGING DELICIOUS SEA FOOD TO OUR TABLES

and since taking early retirement from my role as station officer at Abersoch Fire Station and Bosun at S.C.Y.C four years ago, I find I am now busier than ever with the fishing.’

Crabs are quite fascinating creatures, the best-known fact being, of course, that they walk sideways - but did you know they also swim sideways? Their average lifespan is between three and four years unless it’s had the misfortune of crossing paths with Arthur. But as a species, crabs are far older, having been around since

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Arthur describes an average work day. ‘Weather permitting, I fish for around eight hours a day in Cardigan Bay, mainly around St. Tudwal’s Island and the Cilan Headland. Crabs are caught in parlour pots, and I use various types of bait depending on availability; plaice, gurnard, or herring. I fish alone.’ It may seem like a lonely enterprise, but he says, ‘The dolphins always come and find me in the morning and keep me company!’ And with his many-legged friends on hand for a chat, there’s no place he’d rather be. ‘I love being out at sea in the fresh air - you never tire of the scenery, from the mountains of Snowdonia to the spectacular Llŷn Peninsula coastline.’

There are more than 4,500 species of crab to be found in the world’s oceans, ranging from the tiny pea crab - measuring in at between 0.27 and 0.47 inches long - to the Japanese spider crab, coming in at 13 feet from claw to claw.

Though we’re sure Arthur could handle such a monster if he set his mind to it, this is Abersoch, and so he’ll settle for the brown crabs (dressed back at base by wife, Annwen), velvet crabs (used by local restaurants to make a bisque), and spider crabs, which there is less demand for.

Indeed, we’re certainly not in Japan, and so the great Welsh weather is always something to contend with. With crab season lasting from March right through ‘til December, there’s no escaping the odd morning when Arthur would rather just stay in bed. ‘I’ve never dreamed of an office job,’ he says, ‘though I’m not too keen on rainy days!’

PHOTO: WATCH YOUR FINGERS! ARTHUR BRINGING THE CRAB ASHORE

When they’re not busy trying to fight Arthur off, crabs can be feisty little fellows - usually when there’s a woman involved - and it’s not uncommon to lose a claw or leg. In time, however, the limb will grow back, which is just as well, because when they aren’t getting some Rocky action in, their claws can also be used as chopsticks. Chinese for tea, anyone?

Just like his father before him, Arthur has enjoyed taking his own children out on the boat, and looks forward to showing the ropes to new family members in the future.

‘I took my granddaughter for her first trip this summer,’ he says.

The legacy of Arthur’s parents is evident in the success of Bwyd Môr Abersoch. Remembering the customers who came to his mother year after year, he notes how some of their children and even grandchildren come to buy from him today. In an age when university is suggested as the only path for young people, there is much to be said for passing skills down from generation to generation. Though plenty of new faces move onto the Peninsula each year, lured like the crabs by its clear waters, it’s this sense of heritage and community which knits the town of Abersoch together.

PHOTO: CAN’T GET ANY FRESHER DELICIOUS BROWN CRAB

urite! o v a f s ’ r u h Art cake b a r c s u o i c i Del e next recipe on th page! | 77

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With fresh crab such an iconic part of the Abersoch menu, there’s no one who knows how to enjoy it better than Arthur. It’s delicious spread over bread and butter, shredded over a salad, mixed through some pasta… But Arthur’s favourite? ‘Crab cakes!’

CRAB CAKE RECIPE Makes 10

INGREDIENTS 3 spring onions ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 large egg 750g of Arthur’s crabmeat, cooked 300g of mashed potatoes 1 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper plain flour, for dusting olive oil watercress tartar sauce

METHOD Trim and finely chop the spring onions, and finely chop the parsley. Beat the egg.

Combine the crabmeat, potatoes, spring onion, parsley, white pepper, cayenne pepper and egg in a bowl with a little sea salt.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then shape into 6cm cakes.

Dust with flour and shallow-fry in oil over a medium heat for about 5 minutes each side or until goldenbrown.

Serve with some freshly baked bread, lemon, lime, watercress and some Coconut Kitchen Sweet Chilli & Garlic Sauce,

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FOR SIMILAR ARTICLES VISIT: ABERSOCHLIFE.COM...

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SUP

SOCIALS 80 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

PHOTO: SUP SOCIALISING IN THE BAY BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

DAWN BREAKS ON ABERSOCH WATERSPORTS’ WORLD OF SOCIABLE SUPS! WORDS BY EMMA WOOD

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SUP SOCIAL

PHOTO: GOLDEN DAWN BY: NIC KINGS

T

he abersoch life team are We started holding our Abersoch SUP happy to count themselves Socials in Summer 2018, as we realised amongst the many big fans of many people only had one paddleboard per family, so they never really ventured the fantastic ‘sup socials’ organised by far alone or covered much distance, local stand up paddleboard experts – abersoch watersports. Their group SUP so it was our way of getting everyone expeditions have proved a great hit together for a fun free paddle for any with paddleboarders from near and far, level, where paddlers could gain free beginner or expert, and represent a lovely way of a local business PHOTO: RED AND READY BY: NIC KINGS saying thank you to their customers, a great way of making new paddling friends, a safe environment for paddlers to develop their skills and extend their horizons and a fantastic opportunity to enjoy experiences and sights on the water that many paddleboarders may never otherwise see. With expert help from Phill, Emma and the Abersoch Watersports team, along with local watersports pro Nic Kings, you are truly in the best of hands when you join advice and develop their paddle skills the SUP social crew! with our qualified instructors. The aim being to help paddlers gain confidence This summer saw one particularly epic to paddle further and tour more around early morning adventure for abersoch’s our beautiful peninsula, whilst safe in the happy team of sociable SUPpers – knowledge of SUPping in a group.

Abersoch Watersports very own Emma We usually hold our SUP Socials at a Wood takes up the story: reasonable time of mid-morning or

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early evening, but for the big August Bank Holiday Sunday conditions looked exceptional, an opportunity not to be missed. So, we thought we’d beat the crowds and give our first Sunrise SUP Social a chance. A little unsure as to what the reaction would be, the social media posts went out on the Abersoch Watersports Instagram and Facebook accounts for a somewhat challenging 5.45am Sunday meet-up!

So, it was something of a surprise to find ourselves happily overwhelmed with the 25 cheery paddlers that greeted us busily pumping up their boards early that morning. After a short paddle briefing by our lead instructor, we eagerly got on the water at the SCYC end of Abersoch beach and began to paddle.

With the conditions magically glassy, it soon became very clear this was going to be quite a special morning.

The group headed out past the moorings, chatting amongst ourselves in the stillness of dawn, revelling in having the calm, flat bay to ourselves. The quietness was almost eerie, just the gentle sound

PHOTO: NIC KINGS PADDLES BY BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

Still without another boat in sight we headed back to Abersoch main beach feeling quite smug at having had a secret, special preview of the quiet beauty of Abersoch before the Bank Holiday village awakes!

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SUP SOCIAL

PHOTO: SUP SOCIAL STAR HANNAH BY: NIC KINGS

of paddle to water and the odd distant seabird catching breakfast. Paddleboards are perfect for these conditions – their almost silent progress and minimal impact ideal for immersing yourself in nature and the beauty that surrounds us here in Abersoch. If you haven’t tried it yet you really should – it may just change your life! Meanwhile our band of dawnstruck paddlers soon found themselves parallel with St Tudwal’ s Island East, where everyone stopped, put their paddles down, sat on their boards, feet dangling in the clear water and quietly floated, to witness the mesmerising moment of the golden sun rising over the mountains, warming our faces, making everyone beam from ear to ear.

As soon as the sun was up and sparkling on the sea, we leisurely made our way over to a very peaceful Chapel Bay to watch sleepy but inquisitive seals, who playfully followed us as we paddled round the submerged Half Tide Rocks, exploring the island caves from a safe distance. We then paddled between the islands into The Sound, dodging huge shoals of jelly fish of all shapes and sizes, that occasionally stopped us in our tracks as they hit our fins underwater. Still without another boat in sight we headed back to Abersoch main beach feeling quite smug at having had a secret, special preview of the quiet beauty of Abersoch before the Bank Holiday village awakes!

As we packed our boards away on the beach, sharing our favourite memories of a truly remarkable SUP Social, the holidaymakers were just starting to stir, waking up ready to enjoy the wall to wall sunshine that lay ahead.

We’ve had many eventful Abersoch SUP socials, over the last few summers, paddling with dolphins, island hopping, cave exploring, harbour touring, but the Sunrise Social was particularly rare and memorable, It was a perfect 4.7mile paddle with great company, all ages, all abilities, with all kinds of paddleboards and a million morning smiles. Big thanks to everyone who set their alarms and joined us that morning, and a million thanks from all of us to Abersoch for sharing her Bank Holiday beauty!

HOPEFULLY LOTS MORE ABERSOCH SUP SOCIALS AHEAD, LOOK OUT FOR DETAILS ON THE ABERSOCH WATERSPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA OR POP INTO THE SHOP FOR A CHAT. AS ALWAYS, EVERYONE WELCOME!

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PHOTO: ABERSOCH WATERSPORTS’ WOODS A REGULAR ON THE PADDLE BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

WORDS BY KARL JACKSON & THE CARDIGAN BAY CHALLENGE TEAM

WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE PHOTOS BY OUTWEST IMAGES

PHOTO: DAWN TRAINING IN THE BAY BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

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PHOTO: DAN BROOK SUTTON DURING ONE OF THE MANY TRAINING DAYS BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

A

bersoch is increasingly home to individuals or groups taking on increasingly challenging enterprises, on both land and sea, with a range of local and national charities regularly the beneficiaries.

The Abersoch Triple Crown Races have inspired many a competitor to seek sponsorship to celebrate their personal challenge and we are increasingly seeing individuals and groups set sail from Abersoch in pursuit of a personal goal and with an aim to raise funds for a cause close to their heart.

The latest crew to push themselves to the limit were the Cardigan Bay Challenge Team – taking on a mammoth swim in the most testing of conditions – read on to learn how the team tackled the big day (and night!). Over to Karl: I am pleased to announce that Karl, Clint and Dan have now completed the first ever Cardigan Bay Challenge! And what a challenge it was. A charity, channellength swim in aid of @plasticoceansuk @ rnli and @airambulances from Barmouth to Abersoch!

RNLI volunteer and known to everyone as Andy Boatman. His knowledge of Cardigan Bay along with his RNLI colleagues were able to offer us advice on a start date and time for a favourable tide. Andy offered his boat as the support

boat for the swimmers to use as a base in between their swims and a tender boat to ride alongside each swimmer on the day.

Other support was offered by friends and family to help captain the tender boat and be on Abersoch beach for the finish. The original date was set to be on the 10th of August 2019 and while all this planning was taking place the swimmers were training hard.

The first part of the mission was trying to organise the event, with none of us having any experience in organising such a huge challenge it was difficult to plan.

It involved many meetings to discuss how we could even begin to start the challenge as we were going to need lots of support to complete it safely.

Dan living out on the Welsh coast had the luxury of training in the sea as often as possible, but during the colder months it was in the pool. Karl and Clint, living in Derbyshire had to train mainly in the pool or open water lakes when the weather was warmer to allow. All this in between working and still spending time with their families.

With friends of family and friends we managed to get help from Andy who is a

As August approached the weather was looking good but forecast for the

10th began to change. Despite this we remained optimistic and made our way to Abersoch packed with all our kit ready to get in the water at Barmouth on the 10th at 4am to start. But sadly, things went wrong due to the weather. 50mph plus winds were forecast for the 10th and the forecast was right. The RNLI made the decision to cancel saying it was not safe and we would not make it across alive in those conditions. This was a real low point for all of us all our plans affected by the only thing we couldn’t control, the weather.

The next challenge was arranging a new date. This sounds simple but it’s far from it. It’s not only a date the swimmers can get together when they are not at work, but a day the volunteers are available to help again as without their help it wouldn’t be possible. The new date also needed to be planned around the tides in order to have a suitable start and finish time. After some head scratching and meetings with Andy Boatman a new date was arranged for Tuesday 27th of August.

The date was set but this time our support was going to be minimal. Andy was going to captain the support boat as before but the friends and family who were going to do shifts on the tender boat were not all available. This meant that the swimmers would need to finish their swim leg then leap into the tender for a stint in that, to ride alongside the new swimmer. The only family member able to help with this now was Clint’s wife Sue, who had never taken charge of a | 87

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PHOTO: NOT A BAD LOOKING FINISH LINE TO KEEP YOU MOTIOVATED BY: ABERSAPP

tender boat before but would soon be learning fast.

Our original relay plan was for each swimmer to swim for an hour and cover 2 miles in that time. During training this distance was achieved in training conditions.

As the 27th approached we travelled back to Abersoch to prepare for the swim. The team met the day before to discuss options, it was then decided to reduce the PHOTO: BOYS ON THE BUOY swim time to 30 minutes BY: GEORGIE BAT TYE each, giving an hour each out of the water before starting your next including Cliff bars and cans of Erdinger swim. 30 minutes on the support boat from our sponsors. Then with a sense of and maybe 30 minutes in the tender to adventure and feelings of excitement and give Sue a rest if she needed. If Sue was nervousness we sailed off into the dark happy to stay in the tender, then the heading for the beach at Barmouth. The swimmers had the luxury of an hour’s journey out to Barmouth was not a good rest. start with the sea having some rolling waves making the boat rock back and We had been told that jellyfish were in forth. All of us apart from Andy started the bay and it was described as Jellyfish to feel seasick. Not the best start as we soup. Thousands of them! This added hadn’t even reached the swim start. to the nerves we already had but we wouldn’t let it stop us.

First in the water was Dan. We attached lights to him as it was still dark, we Getting up at 3am on the 27th after planned to set off at 5am but by the struggling to get any sleep was the time Dan was tendered to the beach it start of the challenge. We loaded Andy’s was 5:25am when Dan bravely entered boat with all our kit and nutrition, the dark water and started the Cardigan

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Bay Challenge. First tender was done by Karl keeping close to Dan in the dark trying to keep him heading in the direction on Andy’s boat.

After dodging jellyfish in the darkness Dan completed his first swim and made it safely back to the support boat.

While Dan was still in the water, Clint made his way down the ladder at the back of the boat and got in the still dark waters. Clint started his first swim in the rolling sea while Karl swapped with Sue for her first ever attempt at working the outboard motor on the tender. As she sets off to get alongside Clint Andy shouts “Don’t worry you will work it out as you go” Karl, now back on the support boat gets ready for his turn in the sea. Andy has sailed his boat a mile ahead so Clint can swim towards it. While waiting for Clint the support boat is rocking in the sea backwards and forwards making Karl sick minutes before he was due to swim. Clint finished his first shift and Karl got in, now in lighter conditions to do his swim.

Clint mentions the first issue, “I can’t see the support boat, you will need to

PHOTO: FLARES WILL GUIDE YOU HOME BY: GEORGIE BAT TYE

be closer.” Andy simply did this, sailed out about half a mile away and as the swimmer approached moved away another half mile. This just made it easier for the swimmer to sight the boat and stay straight.

Our first target was to reach the cardinal buoy at the end of St Patrick’s causeway.

This was 13 miles from Barmouth and a point we were all desperate to reach.

This was the point we would turn to head towards Abersoch, which was a further 9 miles away. Every swim involved dodging hundreds of jellyfish to avoid a nasty sting. Each swimmer having a story about how big they were and how many times we hit them while swimming. By contrast, the most amazing part of this challenge was the dolphins that joined us as we swam towards the cardinal buoy. Jumping and playing around the swimmer’s it was an experience like no other and a moment none of us will forget.

Early on we were on schedule for a 12-hour swim but as time went on, we started to lose distance on some of the swims. We wanted to cover a mile each 30 minutes which we achieved to start with but struggled as the challenge went on. The tides were not always kind and most of the time were pushing us off course, meaning instead of swimming in a straight line we swam in a curve, fighting the tide all the time, adding distance and time.

PHOTO: A WELL DESERVED DRINK BY: GEORGIE BAT TYE

As we approached the cardinal buoy, we swam into the tide head on. Meaning it took a lot of effort and strong swimming just to go forward. Due to this we soon realised we would not make it to Abersoch in 12 hours. Nevertheless, reaching the cardinal buoy was a moment of joy, we were over halfway and felt the hardest part must have been done. We even climbed onto the buoy for a unique photo opportunity. After a brief photo, we continued the swim. All of us now feeling every painful stoke. All of us continued to swim doing our relay time after time. Sue and Andy living every swim stroke with us as they both motored along in the boats. Neither one of them complained and both deserve a medal for their efforts.

While Andy anchored and waited for the swimmer to complete his relay, he even found time to catch a few mackerel which he then cooked on his BBQ to feed us all. The freshest fish I think we will ever eat. As we approached the beach at Abersoch the RNLI crew joined us as all three swimmers swam the last leg together.

A crowd of people still stood on the beach now in the rain as we arrived 2 hours behind schedule. Our predicted 12 hours had taken 14. As we stood up out of the sea and onto the sand at Abersoch the crowd cheered and clapped as the RNLI set off a flare. Strangers, friends and family gathered around to congratulate the swimmers and shake their hands. It

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was over! We had done it and what an amazing feeling, it’s hard to put into word’s but it’s a moment in our lives we will never forget.

Above all, our aim had been to raise money for the RNLI, Air Ambulance and Plastic Ocean charities - all the effort and pain was worth it for that reason.

Special thanks to Sue and Andy for their support throughout this challenge as we could not have done it without them.

Thanks for reading.

FOR SIMILAR ARTICLES VISIT: ABERSOCHLIFE.COM...

WORDS BY REBECCA HINDE

HEARTWARMING HOT DRINKS TO MAKE AT HOME.

PHOTO: HEALING THE RIGHT WAY WITH A HOT TODDY BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

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HEAVENLY HONEY HOT CHOCOLATE WITH SALTED HONEY CREAM

HOT WHITE CINNAMON CHOCOLATE

Nothing says “I love you” or “I love me” more than a big fat mug of molten sweet chocolate topped with freshly whipped salted honey cream. Hell to the yes! Step aside marshmallows, we have the bees knees of hot chocolate.

Get out the cushions, get into the comfiest clothes you own and prepare to indulge yourself in a sweet, creamy, salty heaven. X-rated consumption.

As much as we love the traditional hot chocolate, why not try our slightly sweeter white hot chocolate alternative that is, quite frankly, too delicious. If we were not trying to reduce our dairy intake we would bathe daily in this milky dream like a giddy Cleopatra. Sweet white chocolate with a hit of cinnamon to keep us grounded, what with cinnamon’s known super health benefits, you’d better get

Winter Belly: 1 Giving a fudge about calories: 0

supping. It’s happiness in a mug.

Sweet Dreams: 1 Winter Blues: 0

INGREDIENTS FOR THE HONEY HOT CHOCOLATE

750 ml whole milk 80g dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) - roughly chopped 2 1/2 tbsp honey Pinch of sea salt

FOR THE SALTED HONEY WHIPPED CREAM 150 ml double cream 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt 1 tbsp honey Chocolate flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: For the hot chocolate - Place the milk, honey & salt into a saucepan and heat gently until steaming, but not boiling.Put the chocolate into a heatproof blender, pour on the milk and blitz until the chocolate is combined and the milk frothy. (Alternatively, drop the chocolate directly into the pan of hot milk and stir until melted - but it will not be as smooth, creamy and frothy) Make the salted honey whipped cream - Grind the salt using a pestle & mortar (it will blend into the cream better). Put the cream into a bowl, add the honey and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk briefly to combine the ingredients. Taste - add a little more salt if desired.

Continue to whip the cream until it reaches the soft peak stage.

TO SERVE

Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top with a scoop of the salted honey cream. Sprinkle a few chocolate flakes over the cream (if desired) and serve immediately

INGREDIENTS FOR THE HONEY HOT CHOCOLATE

4 cinnamon sticks Pinch of sea salt 590ml whole milk, divided (see instructions) 2 tsp cornflour 60g white chocolate chips or white chocolate, chopped 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM 150 ml double cream Ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: Toast cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add salt and 2/3 of the milk and bring to a simmer.

Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes. Whisk cornflour and remaining 1/3 of milk in a small bowl. Add to warm milk mixture and heat over a medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add chocolate and vanilla. Let sit until chocolate is melted, about 30 seconds, then stir to combine. Discard cinnamon sticks. Whip the cream.

TO SERVE

Divide hot chocolate between mugs. Top with whipped cream and dust with ground cinnamon.

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WINTER WARMERS

PHOTO: CLEANSE THE BODY AND SOUL WITH THIS SPICY GREEN TEA

BANGING MINTY GREEN TEA WITH CHILLI AND GINGER Now if you think herbal teas are for purity over pleasure, you are about to be re-educated. This brew is as exciting as a tuk-tuk in Bangkok and will warm you in places you never knew existed. Ting tang bang bang, hot, spicy, minty craziness. Probably the healthiest thing you will consume all winter, warming and cleansing, basically Bikram in a mug.

My body is a temple: 1 Winter Excess: 0

INGREDIENTS Green tea (Sencha is the best) 1-2 inches of fresh ginger Good handful of fresh mint 1/2 a chilli (small hot variety) A squeeze of lime Tsp honey (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: Lightly bash the ginger and chilli in a pestle and mortar to release the juices and place in a large tea pot, squeeze the mint in your hand and add to the pot. Pour over freshly brewed green tea, gently stir and allow to infuse for 2 minutes.

PHOTO: THE POWER OF THE HUMBLE HOT TODDY BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

TO SERVE

Pour through a strainer into your favourite mug, add a squeeze of fresh lime, a teaspoon of honey (if desired). Stir and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and half a chilli.

HEAL ME NOW HOT TODDY The best for last, it’s the classic that is the Hot Toddy.

Simple, straight forward, sour, sweet, steamy perfection.

This legendary elixir quite literally fixes everything. If you are cold, you will soon be toasty warm. If you are agitated, you will soon be mellow. Best of all it cures any cold on the planet, including man flu. If you get a cold during the winter, it is most likely because you have not drunk enough hot toddies and anyone who tells you that it is not medicinal is a liar and probably backed by a big pharma! Get it down you!

Sleeping like a baby: 1 Man Flu: 0

INGREDIENTS 180ml freshly boiled water Generous measure or two of whiskey 1-2 tsps honey, to taste 1/3 of a washed lemon cut into 2-3 wedges

INSTRUCTIONS: Add the whiskey to a thick cut glass, squeeze in the juice of the lemon and put the pieces into the glass. Pour over the freshly boiled water and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir gently until the honey has disappeared. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon of honey for more sweetness, and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing…

TO SERVE

Sit in the warmest comfiest seat in the house and enjoy.

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FASHION PREVIEW

ABERSOCH MAGAZINE WINTER 2019

CREATED BY SARAH ASHTON

Wrapping up warm for winter - Abersoch style! Make room for some feisty fashion pieces that really pack a punch! From fluffy bobble hat beanies to woolly jumpers to a timeless wardrobe staple tweed coat – rock your winter wares with effervescence! Here are some of my favourites from a selection of Abersoch’s local fashion retailers.

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CENTRE. BOARDRIDER Roxy Yellow Striped Jumper £75 1. BOUDICCA Jubylee Rock & Roll Jumper £40 2.BOUDICCA BKLYN RACOON POM BEANIE £60 3. BREEZE Rag & Bone Orange Beanie £70 4. BOARDRIDER ROXY CUFF WOMENS BEANIE £30 5. JOULES FOX KNITTED JUMPER £59.95 6. JOULES Tweed Field Coat £249 7. BOARDIRDER Roxy Pink Hoody £45 TO FIND FULL DETAILS OF ALL SHOPS IN THIS ARTICLE VISIT WWWW.ABERSOCHLIFE.COM 96 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

Photography

Showcase

Frozen Harbour by Outwest Images It's winter and that means one thing. Abersoch look's amazing in snow! It doesn't happen very often, but when it does receive an arctic blast that defeats the normally robust sea salt defences, it's magical.

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Photography

Showcase

Bodyboarding on Abersoch Beach by Totally Abersoch It's rare to get surf in Abersoch Bay due to the sheltered south east facing beach. The novelty is always warmly welcomed though when it does come through, and a lot of fun!

Busy Beach by Totally Abersoch A flashback to the summer when the beach is full of colour and activity. Bring on Summer 2020!

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Photography

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Llanbedrog Beach by Turtle Photography Taken from the Ironman viewing point that is always a must to experience when you're feeling active. This bay is stunning and has so much to offer, just down the road from Abersoch.

Porthdinllaen by Turtle Photography For those that don't know this iconic bay is on the north shore of the peninsula and well worth the short drive if you fancy a trip out.

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Whether it's some family fun, a festive treat, a special gift or a scenic steam-hauled train ride - there's something for everyone here at the F&WHR...

Santa Trains

7 • 8 • 14 • 15 • 21 • 22 • 23 December Choice of trains from Porthmadog to Beddgelert or Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu.

Christmas Gifts

Our online shop stocks a wide range of bespoke souvenirs, railway items, books DVDs - plus a variety of gift vouchers.

Pullman Afternoon Tea

Looking for an extra-special gift or treat?

Vouchers for a Pullman Afternoon Tea are an ideal solution - details on website.

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Shrug off any Post-Christmas Blues with a scenic trip into Snowdonia - trains run daily Boxing Day to New Year's Day...

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Photography

Showcase

That Feeling by Outwest Images Local lads, the Davies-Hughes brothers take on the beast of Ceiriad with the appropriate acknowledgment that this memorable moment is a keeper, captured perfectly by Phill Boyd.

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Photography

Showcase Snow on Tudwal's East by Totally Abersoch You can just imagine being wrapped up to the hilt for an early morning walk that would treat you to this view. Brace the elements, absorb the moment and take it home to a warm fire and a big cup of tea.

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Flipside Jewellery Beautiful Jewellery inspired by you hand crafted by Simon Harris Childrens Fingerpint Jewellery Design your own Jewellery Wedding & Celebration Jewellery

Abersoch Craft Centre Abersoch, Pwllheli, LL53 7UG Tel: 01758 712772 www.flipsidejewellery.co.uk

Beading Kits Flipside Collections Workshop Tours & a yummy cafe next door!

ARTSCENE

WITH LOWRI LLEWELYN

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under suspicion of murder. But this is no ordinary train; each passenger is reading a book, and each book is a portal into a parallel universe of train-related crime fiction. With clever use of projection and multiple train sets, this whistle stop tour will leave you breathless and racing for the refreshment coach.

ne of my top picks back in the summer edition was Quentin Tarantino’s new film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Well, I managed to catch it not once, but twice - some mind-blowingly powerful cinema, though not for the faint of heart! Definitely worth grabbing a copy when it’s available on DVD. Speaking of the cinema, is there anything better than curling up with a film and bucket of popcorn when it’s cold outside? Over at Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli Official Secrets (15-19 November) looks promising. Boasting an all-star cast which includes Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, this is the true story of whistleblower Katharine Gun, who leaked a memo detailing that the United States had eavesdropped on diplomats from countries tasked with passing a second United Nations resolution on the invasion of Iraq.

PHOTO: CONTEMPORY DANCE GROUP ROOTS

But it’s not just films they’ve got planned for us. Over the next few months we’re going to be absolutely spoilt for choice in the theater department, the first of the bunch being multi-award winning comedy masterpiece ART on 23 October. Serge has bought a blank white painting for an extortionate sum of money. Marc hates the painting and is flummoxed that a friend of his could possibly want such a modern piece. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides - with hilarious consequences.

On 13 November, Strangers on a Train Set sees Irene Sparrow, inventor of the left-

Roots returns on 27 November with four new pieces of contemporary dance, each telling a unique tale.

‘Dear To Me’, for example, celebrates rugby and highlights the hopes, glory and passion of rallying together on and off the pitch. ‘Codi’, meanwhile, is about Welsh people who come together to tackle isolation and depression during troubled times, in an energetic and uplifting dance about the strength of communities.

Getting families in the festive spirit on 30 November, Welsh-language production Llygoden yr Eira sees the arrival of a deep winter snow.

A child wraps up warm and runs outside to play in this sparkling wonderland. But what’s hiding under the snow?

A little mouse, fast asleep. In a day of magical adventures, the two new friends explore the winter wonderland together.

Filled with play, puppetry and music, this is an enchanting winter’s tale for very little people.

handed crochet hook (patent pending, as seen on Dragon’s Den) challenging a youth to turn down his music. When the train emerges from a tunnel with the young man dead, Irene finds herself

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Finally on 6 February, it’s time for my highlight of the whole bunch, Llyfr Glas Nebo. The Welsh-language stage adaption of Manon Steffan Ros’ post apocalyptic phenomenon, named

PHOTO: BILLY BAGIHOLE FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION

PHOTO: DR CORVID - ON DISPLAY AT PLAS GLYN Y WEDDW

the Wales Book of the Year 2019, sees the dust settle on Rowena and her children following a nuclear apocalypse. Facing a word where signs of life are quickly disappearing, their story is recorded in a little blue book as the family tries to survive an incident that has a devastating effect on the inhabitants of the village of Nebo and beyond.

Over to Oriel Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw next, which this season will showcase a variety of work by talented artists and skillful potters. Crags and Cliffs is the title of an exhibition by Gwyn Roberts who is originally from the Conwy Valley.

Interested in the textures and patterns which can be seen in cliffs and crags, this important element to his work is a reflection of his more abstract reaction to the dramatic scene in front of him.

Figures, folklore and mythology is the central theme of exhibitions by artists Daniel Roberson and Teresa Jenellen. Daniel’s exhibition, Bards and Birds, comprises of a series of paintings exploring our relationship with landscape, mythology and other creatures. Some are based on traditional Welsh folk tales, whilst others have an imagined narrative that is an interpretation of his young children’s enthusiastic response to the hills and forests that surround us.

The Mabinogion have been a source of inspiration for Teresa since she first heard the story of Blodeuwedd as a child. The works in this exhibition, entitled Branches, are not intended as a direct illustration of the stories, but a collection of images as response to them.

Just William is the first solo exhibition in Wales for Abersoch Life favourite Billy Bagilhole, who now lives in London. The exhibition is a selection of Billy’s most recent works and explores many different themes tackling nostalgia, symbolism, elements of religion and reflections upon growing up in north Wales. Billy gathers inspiration from all manner of places and even through south Americaninspired colour schemes there are always elements of home that come through in his work, whether it be a mackerel, cow bones, sparse landscapes or a reference to a childhood story.

Fantasy and Fire is a selection of skilful and varied work by members of the North Wales Potters group and will showcase a variety of ceramics and pottery. The Association brings together people from all walks of life who have an interest in clay, be they professional potters, amateurs, students, teachers or collectors.

If you have little ones to keep occupied during Autumn half term week, head over on 30 October for a pottery workshop with Leah Green. Suitable for all ages and abilities, for a cost of £5 participants will

PHOTO: Y BRIODFERCH

learn how to make a little coil pot which they will then decorate with a clay motif from their own imagination. Head to the woodland to crunch through the leaves once you’re done, before finishing off with a hot chocolate in the café.

For further information and full schedules visit www.oriel.org.uk and www.neuadddwyfor.com.

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PHOTO: JOHN JORGENSON’S HEADLINE BAND STEALING HE SHOW BY: ANDREW TWAMBLEY

T HE LLYN GUITAR FESTIVAL 2019

STUNNING MUSIC SET IN THE GOTHIC SPLENDOUR OF WORDS BY KEVIN BELL LLANBEDROG’S PLAS GLYN-Y-WEDDW

T

he Llŷn Guitar Festival has been a feature in the local cultural calendar since the inaugural event back in 2012. That first Festival set the benchmark for the remarkable event the Festival has become, drawing performers and audiences from both across the UK and increasingly from all around the world.

It’s worth looking at the programme for that first event which set out the scale of ambition and reach, both in terms of the quality of performers and the opportunity for event-goers to immerse themselves in the world of the guitar, that it has undoubtedly gone on to meet and now surpass: “The Llŷn Guitar Festival aims to provide incredible world class acoustic guitar music and tuition to a guitar enthusiast at a range of different levels. The festival can provide either a full guitar retreat for an enthusiast for a few days, or just some

concerts for those who are only looking for some entertainment, either way the festival welcomes all.

Those guitarists who are looking for some tuition from some of the best players in the UK have an incredible opportunity to come to a brilliant coastal retreat in North Wales and be inspired.

This is an event that the whole family can enjoy as the festival location is set on the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula, offering breathtaking scenery and great activities for the whole family to enjoy while you focus on the art. Then you can all meet up for the evening concerts, to which tickets are sold separately.

The Festival is situated at the gorgeous Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw, an imposing Grade II* Victorian Gothic Mansion which looks over the incredible mountains of Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay. The

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luscious sands of Llanbedrog are but a short walk away, so this is the perfect place to spend the weekend relaxing and playing the guitar. The Weekend will be one to remember forever, don’t miss out!”

The Festival was back, bigger and better than ever this year as Paul Brett and his team, professionally enabled by the brilliant staff at Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw, laid on the 2019 Llŷn Guitar Festival. Running over the weekend from September 27th to 29th there was the usual choice of attending the full weekend, including a group dinner, workshops, masterclasses and solo performances from world class guitarists who have played with some of the biggest names in the music business.

You could also just attend the remarkable and brilliantly curated concert that graced the halls of Plas Glyn-y-Weddw on the Saturday evening.

It’s interesting to note that as the

quality and diversity of the performers has developed year on year, the Festival has stayed true to its roots and its aims, as the 2019 programme shows:

PHOTO: MICHAEL ‘THE LEGEND’ CHAPMAN BY: ANDREW TWAMBLEY

LLŶN GUITAR FESTIVAL 2019. Our aim is to offer world class acoustic music and tuition to the guitar enthusiast of any level.

Whether you want a full guitar retreat experience for a few days or just join us for the concerts you will be most welcome.

BE INSPIRED FOR NEXT YEAR! For the guitarist wishing to attend the full tuition and workshops this event gives the perfect opportunity to escape to a secluded, coastal retreat to hang out with and learn from some of the UK’s finest players.

The numbers will be limited to ensure the student will have plenty of contact time with the teachers. The exact nature of the tuition and workshops can be tailored to suit the needs of the student so if you are interested in attending the weekend please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your aspirations.

WHY NOT BRING THE FAMILY? The surrounding areas of Abersoch, Porthmadog and Pwllheli are tourist towns and together with the local scenery, walks and attractions could make this a weekend to remember for you all. The festival concerts whilst included for the full students are ticketed separately so partners can join you for the evening events.

MAIN VENUE - PLAS GLYN-YWEDDW. This imposing Grade II* Listed Victorian Gothic Mansion has incredible views of North West Wales. Close to the well-known resort of Abersoch, it is difficult to imagine a more splendid location for a weekend guitar retreat.

Llanbedrog beach with its soft sand and colourful beach huts is a short walk away - and a short walk in the opposite direction past the fine St Pedrog’s church is the Glyn-y-Weddw arms, both additional music venues during the

For many of us The Llŷn Guitar Festival begins and ends with the Saturday Concert – a chance to enjoy world class performers in a stunning setting and a diversity of guitar and string music that you are unlikely to be able to witness anywhere else, never mind out here on the furthest corner of the Llŷn Peninsula. Luckily for us, former recording star, footballer, guitar enthusiast and general good guy Rick Leighton not only participates in the legendary Lyme Regis ‘Guitars on the Beach’, he is also a stalwart of the Llŷn Guitar Festival, regularly taking in the full weekend. Rick kindly gave us a flavour of what is one of the big weekends of the year for him and the other guitar enthusiasts who home in on Llanbedrog each and every autumn:

PHOTO: GUITAR MASTERCLASS UNDERWAY FROM PAUL BRETT BY: ANDREW TWAMBLEY

weekend.

GLYN Y WEDDW ARMS. Our associate venue where the Friday night Weekends Meet and Greet is held is a few minutes’ walk away from the Oriel.

The Glyn y Weddw Arms is a well-known local venue that has, since the Festival’s inception, been hosting our Weekenders night and catering for many of our visitors during their stay. A friendly pub for all the family with great facilities and good pub food and drink.

LLANBEDROG. The village of Llanbedrog is one of the key centres of the unique Llŷn Peninsula, a semi paradise tucked away beyond the mighty mountains of Snowdonia. It is especially renowned for its sheltered sandy beach (the most sheltered in North Wales) nestling under a steep rocky headland covered with picturesque heather and fringed by pine trees. The breath-taking beauty of the approach road has probably been painted and photographed more often than any area in this peninsula of unforgettable scenery.”

Last weekend saw the 8th Llŷn Guitar Festival take place at the Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, Llanbedrog, writes Rick Leighton. It was my third time at the festival and definitely one to remember.

Run by Paul Brett, formerly a guitarist with Lonnie Donegan and later with The Strawbs and a host of major recording stars, and generally recognised as one of the best twelve string guitar players in the world, Paul was assisted by his wife and Plas Glyn-y-Weddw’s Gwyn Jones to deliver a fantastic weekend for the guitar enthusiast.

The event took on a variety of virtuoso guitar playing from a wide selection of great guitarists/singer/songwriters who provided masterclasses for those attending to take part in and learn from these top professionals. We were all invited to bring along our guitars and join in where appropriate, picking up tips along the way.

The weekend began with the usual social meet up on the Friday evening at Llanbedrog’s legendary Glyn-y-Weddw pub, where we had a delightful buffet supper, after which we were treated to

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music from Paul Brett, Steve Pablo, Keith Newby and others who provided a fine introduction to the weekend ahead. It was lovey meeting up with some new and some familiar faces from previous years, including guitar enthusiasts who turned out to know my family from my hometown of Cannock – it turns out the Llŷn Peninsula really is the centre of the universe!

On Saturday morning the master classes began in earnest at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw itself, a stunning setting both for those attending and those taking the classes including Paul Brett, Keith Newby, Jonathan Pickard, Michael Chapman, Andy Mackenzie and John Jorgenson. The team offered a remarkably diverse range of guitar playing styles, and an equally wide range of advice and ideas for all those attending.

On the Saturday evening, we were all treated to a most enlightening concert set in the sumptuous, highly atmospheric setting of the main hall of Plas Glyny-Weddw, where weekend attendees happily mingled with those who had just come along for the concert.

The setting was perfect as the music echoed around the halls and walls of the great old house, the stunning art on the walls of what by day is a working gallery, lending yet more atmosphere to a concert guaranteed to offer something for everyone, guitar enthusiast or not.

Keith Newby started the show, his second time at the event. His charming style belied a true craftsman who ran through his arrangements of contemporary compositions and great virtuoso performances of classic songs, keeping his audience’s eyes and ears glued to the stage.

Michael ‘The Legend’ Chapman, a true cornerstone in British acoustic music came next to the stage, his great songs and raw vocal delivery the trademark of this artiste. I can’t do any better than the programme which said of Michael – ‘Michael Chapman was never just a singer-songwriter - his gritty brand of guitar-based songs span folk, ragtime, jazz and blues with a world-weary voice singing words of bitter experience. His percussive style of playing is so very distinctive, and he was first known on the British folk circuit in ‘67 where he soon established a reputation for intensity & innovation. This man is so laid back

that he makes JJ Cale sound like he’s on helium.’

After an interval to sample the excellent little bar at the venue, a chance to mingle with some of the audience and to take in some of that stunning art gracing the walls of the gallery, Jonathan Pickard came to the stage. A charming performer who interacted beautifully with his audience as he explained the history and context of his work, Jonathan demonstrated some delightful playing, remarkable technical skill and a very distinctive style on his 23-string guitar harp.

The finale of the show featured the brilliant John Jorgenson, who had flown in from the USA that day. John is acclaimed as one of the best guitarists in the world, one of the pioneers of American gypsy jazz and one of the most respected virtuosos of this celebrated style. Not only this, with his signature Fender guitar, John has worked with the likes of former Byrd Chris Hillman and Elton John and is a member of The Hellecasters. John excelled in his gypsy jazz arrangements, in the style of the great Django Reinhardt, leaving his audience demanding more.

With the driving rain and bleak conditions adding to the Gothic splendour of the evening, the audience dispersed into the dark night buzzing with acclaim for the variety and quality of music they had witnessed in such a remarkable setting.

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PHOTO: JONATHAN PICKARD - KING OF THE 23 STRING BY: ANDREW TWAMBLEY

PHOTO: KEITH NEWBY KICKING OFF THE SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW BY: ANDREW TWAMBLEY

On Sunday there was a final masterclass session followed by a carvery lunch before the very contented guitarists departed after a thoroughly delightful weekend. Many thanks to Paul Brett for all his hard work and keeping the event going and always moving forward - I will certainly be back next year! Why not come along and join us?

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PHOTO: WE ARE YSGOL ABERSOCH BY: TOTALLY ABERSOCH

PLEASE SAVE OUR

GOLDEN SCHOOL The school nestled in the heart of Abersoch is our little treasure. A true part of Abersoch’s heritage, the unique timber-framed building, which is colourfully adorned with childrens’ handprints, has served the community since 1924.

The Ysgol came about with a campaign to build a new school in the centre of the village, as the old school located near the current lifeboat station was subject to flooding and unfit for purpose. The campaign was led by Alderman Abel Williams of Talafon Stores, now known as Londis; a former headmaster, Owen Williams of Belmont; and William Williams of Tyddyn Callod, a farmer and businessman. Once they had successfully campaigned, the land was donated to the village by the Wintherbotham Family, who also gave the community the village hall. The Minoprio family of Haulfryn Estate supplied the building materials and supervised the building work, completed by Owen Williams of Belmont.

The school opened its doors in January 1924 for 23 children.

The school is now 95 years old and has served this community proudly, giving all local children the best educational start in life. Many a prominent local attended the school and benefited from its small class sizes and familial feel, and the school can proudly boast some of its former past pupils having attended both Oxford and Cambridge. Others, meanwhile, have set up successful businesses in the surrounding areas, and headmistress Linda herself attended the Ysgol, which remains close to her heart.

As you may have learned recently, Ysgol Abersoch is under review due to

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dwindling numbers. The school and its governors are working alongside Gwynedd Education Council to see how the school can move forward and prevent its closure. Nobody wants to see a school close and everyone is working together to try and reach a positive outcome. At present the issue is due solely to the limited number of pupils, however this may change, as all it would need is two or three children to join the school. The teachers and children remain hopeful.

On any given day, pupils can be heard singing their hearts out in the playground and stopping many a passerby. They can also be spotted on excursions around the village, marching in twos and holding

PHOTO: AT THE CENTRE OF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY

PHOTO: OUTDOOR LEARNING THANKS TO THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER WE’VE HAD THIS YEAR

Mrs Margot Jones, whose children and herself attended Ysgol Abersoch.

As part of the group the children get to go out on wonderful adventures which help them learn about their heritage, keeping both craft culture and history alive.

hands in their hi-vis vests.

Once a week, they take the public service bus to Pwllheli to attend weekly swimming lessons, and locals have really enjoyed the presence of the children as they each pay and ask for their own bus ticket.

They also like to perform for the over 60s in the village hall, entertaining them with a singsong and providing lots of giggles, especially at the annual Christmas concert.

The children recently enjoyed an outing and a panad at Kin&Co, Charlotte the proprietor herself being a former Ysgol Abersoch pupil. Setting the children a challenge of coming up with a design inspired by an environmentally friendly toilet paper stocked at the cafe, the children relished the challenge. They are passionate about the environment and can often be seen clearing the beach, and are often rewarded with an ice cream from the beach cafe owned by former pupil Efionna Woods. The children took the task very seriously and the designs were handed in to Charlotte, who found it very difficult to choose an overall winner and as a result chose two—Ronnie

Overfield-Evans and Khaleesi Armitt.

This past year the children have been lucky enough to attend an after school gardening club on Monday evenings, planting seeds so that they can produce plants to re-home in various places around the community. They grew strawberries and pupil John Courts was awarded with these, as he was the chief plant water boy whilst the school was closed over the holidays.

The successful after school Urdd group that has run since the 1930s remains as popular as ever. The children did well this year, entering into several Eisteddfod competitions. Tilly Rae Jones, Harvey Jones and Ronnie Overfield-Evans came first, second and third in the first heat, submitting a wonderful selection of arts and crafts. The Urdd group is run by former head teacher Mrs Anna Jones and

The school is a home from home, which means the children quickly settle in on arrival.

Teaching is not unlike the Montessori style of teaching that is favoured around the world, whereby the children learn through the art of play. Classroom walls are awash with colour, artwork proudly displayed, with themed areas which children are encouraged to help design and create.

This year the weather was so favourable that the children enjoyed many lessons outside in the garden and even on the beach. We are truly blessed to be within walking distance of such diverse environments, and to see children take their daily exercise in these idyllic surroundings is very special. Head teacher Mrs Linda Jones has asked, what better way to encourage children than to let them do class work on the beach incorporating, PE, art, maths and

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SAVE OUR SCHOOL

environmental studies? Mrs Jones thinks this type of learning has encouraged pupils with different learning styles to adapt to their surroundings, which helps them when working collaboratively by catering to their strengths and individual needs. The weather does not deter children and teachers alike; if it’s raining they slip on their wellies and raincoats, carrying on regardless. This attitude of determination and the support from the community has enabled this school to achieve the high standards it is associated with.

This little Ysgol is the beating heart of a community, and it is easy to see why the school continues to hold its head up high. Its very warmth would not be possible without inspirational teachers, who greet the children first thing in the morning—donning the occasional duck, pirate or clown costume, or a pair of silly socks or funny hat!—to help the children feel relaxed and enable them to learn in a friendly, positive manner. The children are very close as they help each other learn through play, which means they are having so much fun they often don’t realise they’re in a lesson.

The annual duck race that takes place in August to ensure that children can continue with weekly swimming lessons captured Mrs Melissa Hall’s attention whilst holidaying in Abersoch. So impressed was she with the school and the resilience of the children, despite being few in numbers, saw her help raise funds to ensure the money was raised. Not only that, Mrs Hall heard that the children had been invited to a swimming competition because of their

PHOTO: THEY JUST NEED A HELPING HAND TO KEEP THIS BEAUTIFUL SCHOOL OPEN

abilities, which prompted her to have blue hoodies made for all pupils so they could proudly display the Ysgol Abersoch logo. The school is proud of the childrens’ swimming achievements, and the fact that every child that leaves the school can swim.

Abersoch beach cafe are keen supporters of the school, as is the St Tudwal’s Arms, who help both Ysgol Abersoch and Ysgol Sarn Bach fundraise with a Halloween party. Spar Abersoch, meanwhile, in 2018 held a Christmas concert in the shop and donated the proceeds to the school, while Lee and Angie from the Creel fish shop kindly donated a Christmas tree.

Freddie the yoga teacher this year has kept everybody feeling zen, holding six sessions with the children. Mickey’s Boatyard also hosted an event, as did the Vaynol Arms Pub; Zinc donated the proceeds from the sale of carrier bags, while many lovely shops kept donation boxes on their counters.

The school is so grateful to the generosity of local businesses who continue to support the school, just as much as it was nearly a hundred years ago when Abersoch rallied round and built

PHOTO: A BIG PART OF THE COMMUNITY HELPING WITH A BEACH CLEAN

116 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

the school in order to give hundreds of children the opportunity to learn in Abersoch throughout the years.

The Wintherbotham family would be very proud of the school’s outstanding achievements, enabled because of their generous legacy and the ongoing community support and spirit.

Many people do not realise that here in Gwynedd schools, children are solely taught through the medium of Welsh. The children converse, sing and play in the Welsh language. The Welsh Language Charter is very important to Welsh schools. Fiercely proud of their heritage and culture, they are dedicated to ensuring it remains an integral part of daily life. Ysgol Abersoch, therefore, is thrilled to announce that this year, it achieved a gold award for its efforts to preserve the language. The news has come at just the right time for the school, as it confirms that both children and teachers are onboard with maintaining the high standards and achievements the school is known for.

The good news is that the school is still open and that places are available for anyone wanting to learn in this beautiful unique school, which uses the stunning local environment as its playground.

Head teacher Linda Jones invites anyone interested in attending to look around its charming classrooms and have a panad.

Keep a space free in your diary as she will be arranging a day to commemorate the school’s gold award, whereby the village is welcome to drop in for a panad and chat with the teachers and children, and to give those of you that have never been inside the school the chance to see this jewel in Abersoch’s crown.

The ROC ABERSOCH to

SNOWDON’S SUMMIT and BACK

WORDS BY MARK DURSTON

‘Face Up To The Mountain’. A simple but poignant tagline for a race that has instantly caught the imagination of the very competitive world of endurance triathlons.

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PHOTO: (LEFT) THE WATKIN PATH (EILIR ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY) (TOP) CONOR BARRASFORD FOCUSED ON THE 1,500M SWIM (OUTWEST IMAGES) (MIDDLE) MELVIN CORNWALL IN FULL FLOW ON THE 50KM BIKE SECTION (JNP CREATIVE) (BOTTOM) THAT FEELING WHEN YOU’VE FINISHED IS MEMORABLE! (JNP CREATIVE)

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Snowdon on a clear day can leave lasting memories. That 360 degree view across Snowdonia, the Llyn Peninsula and back to Abersoch is humbling for the best of us. The race takes athletes up The Watkin Path, which although is the toughest most direct route up Snowdon, for many it’s the most exhillerating too taking competitors past waterfalls of the Afon Llan to the glacial cirque of Cwm Llan, past an abandoned slate quarry before reaching Plas Cwmllan, formerly the home of the quarry manager for the South Snowdon Slate Works.

My friend and I had the BEST time.

It was so well organised from start to finish and the staff/volunteers/ supporters were next level. Probably the most fun I’ve had while ‘racing’ Lucy Craig, Partnerships Manager Ironman

T

he ROC is the new race (well challenge is perhaps a better word to use) just 2 years in that everyone’s talking about.

Commencing on the golden sands of Abersoch beach the race starts with a 1.5km sea swim off the main beach before triathletes grab their bikes in Transition 1 and head off on a 50km fast and progressively undulating bike route, through Pwllheli, Criccieth, Beddgelert and into the Snowdon Massif.

Just before Lake Gwynant triathletes arrive at Hafod y Llan for Transition 2 where they leave their bikes and head on foot via the toughest route up Wales’ highest mountain along The Watkin Path. 6km of 3,330ft formidable ascent to the summit where there will be a brief moment to absorb those exceptional panoramic views before heading 6km back down, 50km return cycle, culminating with a 1km run along Abersoch beach before crossing the finish line just to the right of the middle slip ramp and hundreds of spectators.

It’s a cracking challenge and a unique opportunity for those that take part to focus their physical & mental strengths by indulging their competitive impulses in this inspiring new race. From the start line on Abersoch’s stunning beach you can see Snowdon’s imposing summit and for those ambitious adventure driven individuals who have yearned for the chance to race from the country’s most revered beach to the top of the country’s highest most famous mountain & back, then this challenge is for you.

Those taking on the challenge need to be well prepared, especially for the run up Snowdon. The weather towards the summit can be quite different to what everyone will hopefully be enjoying on Abersoch beach, which was certainly the case at this year’s race. It’s compulsory for participants to take everything on the kit list that’s issued by the race organiser, which includes things like waterproofs, compass, whistle and survival blanket.

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From the slate quarries, the Watkin Path veers to the north-east to reach Bwlch Ciliau, the col between Snowdon and Y Lliwedd, which is marked by a large orange-brown cairn. From here, it heads west to meet the Rhyd Ddu Path at a standing stone shortly below the summit of Snowdon.

With the right fitness and a good rhythm, you can run the first part which takes you through woodland, winding trails and some awesome stretched out steps. About 4km in it really starts to get tougher and then as you head towards the Rhyd Ddu Path you’re almost climbing which makes it all that more satisfying when you reach the summit and can take in what you’ve just achieved.

Heading back down can be a lot of fun, although there are plenty of sections near the top where care is required. Once you’re past the steep sections you can really start lengthening your stride and rack up some serious speed and the bike back will feel invigorating with lots of fast sections and some stunning scenery to take in.

Once competitors have racked up their bikes for the last time, all that lies in their way is a euphoric 1km run along Abersoch beach and across the finish line. That’s when you can really reap the rewards!

PHOTO: (LEFT TOP) TRUE COMRADERY ON THE MOUNTAIN (EILIR ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY (BOTTOM) BOB BLACKWELL DIGGING DEEP PAST CRICCIETH CASTLE (JNP CREATIVE

PHOTO: (TOP) TODDERS ON THE GLORY RUN TO THE FINISH (JNP CREATIVE) (MIDDLE) CATHERINE CONNELL WITH THE ROC TROPHY (BOND) (BOTTOM) CONOR BARRASFORD IN RELIEF MODE AFTER CROSSING THE LINE AND SMASHING THE COURSE RECORD

THE ROC 2019 RESULTS MEN’S PODIUM 1st Conor Barrasford 4:51:48 2nd Tom Bill 4:58.44 3rd Simon Fear 5:01:35

WOMEN’S PODIUM 1st Catherine Connell 5:32:13 2nd Becky Lineker 5:40:46 3rd Lucy Craig 5:43:38 This years race was won by Conor Barasford in an incedible time of 4 hrs 51 mins. Catherine Connell took the women’s title also in a crazy time of 5 hrs 32 mins.

The calibre of triathletes taking part and looking to get on the podium was exceptional, but this race is about achieving great things, reaching your goals to either beat your targeted time or for many, just to complete the challenge and cross that finish line in under 9 hours.

CAT 40+ MEN’S 1st Chris Polwart 5:29:11 2nd Toby Hart 5:33:08 3rd Alex Skrine 5:35:13

CAT 40+ WOMEN’S 1st Christine Howard 6:04:11 2nd Jane Rees 6:06:45 3rd Anna Shimali 6:31:51

CAT 50+ MEN’S 1st Stephen Hobday 5:12:26 2nd Karl Webster 5:38:16 3rd Paul Evans 5:41:42

CAT 50+ WOMEN’S 1st Marie-Louise Ridley 6:34:08 2nd Suzie Cramb 6:42:36 3rd Mandy Lewis 7:38:30

CAT 60+ MEN’S 1st Bob Blackwell 6:10:28 2nd John Clayton 6:32:57 3rd Les Cavill 6:33:57

THE ROC SPRING: SAT 16th MAY 2020 THE ROC SUMMER: SAT 5th SEPTEMBER 2020 For full details & to enter go to www.theroc.com 122 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

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EVENTS 2020 ABERSOCH MAGAZINE WINTER

NOVEMBER 2019 2 9 th - 1 st (December)

ABERSOCH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Run by the ADTTA there will be lots going on throughout the village; a fabulous festive atmosphere, a Christmas craft fair, the much loved lantern parade & a visit from Father Christmas!

Check out abersochlife.com/event/abersoch-christmas-festival/

JANUARY 2020 1 st

ABERSOCH RNLI NEW YEAR SEA DIP

A must for anyone down at new year. The theme is ‘The Roaring Twenties’ so looking forward to seeing some imaginative interpretations of the theme, either looking back to the 1920’s or forward to the 2020’s or any other variations of the theme, see you all at Abersoch Main Beach at 12 Noon on New Years Day All for the RNLI. Facebook: Abersoch RNLI Instagram: Abersochlifeboat

MAY 2020 16th THE ROC

115km and 3,560ft elevation with a total ascent of 5,825ft. A totally unique endurance triathlon from Abersoch Bay to the top of Wales’ highest mountain and back again. Check theroc.com

16 th

ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES ROC MINI TRAIL 4.6

An absolute cracker of a race 4.6km long with sand, trails & tracks. A chance to be part of THE 'epic' ROC. Check theroc.com/minitrail/

30th

ABERSOCH LAND & SEA 10K

Around 1,500 runners expected to take part, starting in the village at 10:30am this fantastic event is a real highlight for the year, with music & beach bar adding to the amazing atmosphere abersochtriplecrown.com/abersoch-10k/

30th

ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES 3K BEACH RACE

The Abersoch Holiday Homes 3K Beach Race is a great race for all abilities and open to all ages. Selling out each year with 350 runners tackling Abersoch beach, running through the golf course then back onto the beach to the finish.

Go to abersochtriplecrown/3k-Beach-Race/

JUNE 2020 20th

ABERSOCH TRIATHLON

Olympic & Sprint distances taking place at 9:00am from Abersoch beach, the 2 race options provide fantastic courses starting with a sea swim, then bike and finishing with a run.

Go to abersochtriplecrown.com/abersoch-triathlon/ 124 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019

20th

ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES 1K SPRINT

For runners of all ages and abilities. Great medals for all finishers and nice prizes for the winners too. www.abersochtriplecrown.com/1k-beach-sprint/

JULY 2020 27th - 31st

GJW DIRECT ABERSOCH DINGHY WEEK

The great beach and perfect sailing conditions combine to make Cardigan Bay the ideal location for the premier family orientated dinghy regatta on the UK sailing calendar Check scyc.co.uk

AUGUST 2020 2n d-7t h

PANDORA WEEK

Check scyc.co.uk

5t h

ABERSOCH REGAT TA HOSTED BY SCYC

Check scyc.co.uk

7th August : Open Golf Competition 8th August : Sailing Regatta hosted by SCYC Best Dressed Beach Hut Competition 11th August : Paddle Board Race – Main Beach Surf Competition – Hell’s Mouth.

12th August : Best Sandcastle / Sculpture Event – Main Beach 14th August : Crab Catching Event – Harbour 17th August : Great Abersoch Raft Race – Main Beach.

9 th -14 th

SQUIB WELSH OPEN WEEK

Check scyc.co.uk

17 th - 21 st

SCYC ABERSOCH HARKEN MIRROR WEEK

Check scyc.co.uk

24 th - 2 8 t h

CONWY LAND ROVER ABERSOCH KEELBOAT WEEK

The legendary sailing event that everyone wants to be on board for! Check out abersochkeelboatweek.org/ for details

2 9 th

ABERSOCH MACKEREL RACE

Taking place off Abersoch beach, a great event for all ages getting people out on the water to raise money for charity. Call 01758 712294 for details.

SEPTEMBER 2020 5 th

THE ROC SUMMER

A demanding 115km race rich in challenges & crammed full of inspiring terrain. Starting at 8am on Abersoch beach, reaching the summit of Snowdon and back. Expect a full day of events and entertainment to celebrate this epic event. Check theroc. com

5 th

ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES ROC MINI TRAIL 4.6

An absolute cracker of a race if you want something that little bit tougher than the 3K that takes place in June. A chance to be part of THE 'epic' ROC. Check theroc.com/minitrail/

17 th - 2 0 t h

RS100 & RS300 NATIONALS

Check scyc.co.uk

2 6 th - 27 t h

ABERSOCH TASTE WEEKEND

Run by the ADTTA a food and drink tasting event with local foods from local makers and craft beers, wines, spirits, coffees and teas. The village bars and pubs will also be offering a wide range of guest beers.

Check out abersochlife.com/event/abersoch-taste-weekend/

OCTOBER 2020 24 th

ABERSOCH HALF MARATHON

Returns again for its seventh year after a hugely successful event in 2019 with road closures. BibTag chip timing, Good marshalling, clear mile markers, £1,000 prize money and much more to give you a great race. Final race of the Abersoch Triple Crown. Go to www.abersochtriplecrown.com/half-info/

ROB DAVID INTERIOR DESIGN

24 th

ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES 2K BEACH BLAST

A great race for all abilities and open to all ages. Held on Abersoch beach, a great course along the soft sand. The final race of the Abersoch Holiday Homes Beach Chief. Go to www.abersochtriplecrown.com/2k-beach-Blast/

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE LIST GO TO

ABERSOCHLIFE.COM/EVENTS

SPECIALIST IN RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES Tel 01758 740 125 Mob 07775 806 035 robdavidinteriordesign.com

BUSINESS LISTINGS ABERSOCH MAGAZINE WINTER 2019

FOOD & DRINK 1 FRESH CAFE BAR & GRILL, High St. Abersoch. 01758 710033 Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Breakfast, lunch & evening menus. fresh-abersoch.co.uk

11 THE OLD RECTORY Boduan, Pwllheli, 01758 721519.

Five Star Country House Bed & Breakfast with Self Catering Cottage. theoldrectory.net

2 TREMFAN HALL, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli 01758 740169 Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere, Stunning Views. tremfanhall.com

12 MOEL YR WYN Rhiw, Nr Abersoch, LL53 8AG 07774 193864 / 07889 780160.

An inviting rural bed and breakfast located in the heart of Rhiw village, near Abersoch. mywbedandbreakfast.co.uk

3 PLAS BODEGROES, Pwllheli, 01758 612363 Delightful Georgian Manor House, elegrant bedrooms & lovely grounds. bodegroes.co.uk 4 THE SHIP INN Llanbedrog, 01758 741111. Freshly prepared food & great beers. New outdoor dining area. theshipinn.org.uk 5 PORTH TOCYN, Bwlchtocyn, Abersoch, LL53 7BU 01758 713303 One of Wales' country hotel classics porthtocynhotel.co.uk 6 CRUST PIZZERIA Lon Pont Morgan, Abersoch, LL53 7AN 01758 712896 Your Italian Exerience, Crafted with car. Eat in or Takeaway www.crust.wales 7 WOODLANDS HALL HOTEL, Edern, LL53 6JB 01758 713303 Ideal Hotel Accommodation for Golf Breaks, weddings and breaks in North Wales. woodlandshall.wales

HOTELS & B&B'S 8 PORTH TOCYN, Bwlchtocyn, Abersoch, LL53 7BU 01758 713303 Continuous entry in the Good Food Guide since 1957. porthtocynhotel.co.uk 9 TREMFAN HALL, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli 01758 740169 Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere, Stunning Views. tremfanhall.com 10 PLAS BODEGROES, Pwllheli, 01758 612363 Delightful Georgian Manor House, elegrant bedrooms & lovely grounds. bodegroes.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION 13 ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES, 01758 740992 Stunning holiday properties to rent in the village. abersochholidayhomes.co.uk.

14 HOME FROM HOME BERESFORD ADAMS, 01758 712408 Offering a wide selection of personally inspected properties in Abersoch & surrounding areas abersochhomefromhome.co.uk 15 THE WARREN, Abersoch LL53 7AA. 01758 714100 One of the most exclusive holiday home locations on the Welsh coast. The stunning location is a true show stopper. the-warren.co.uk 16 BRYN BACH, Bwlchtocyn, Pwllheli LL53 7BY. 07391 561160 Touring Caravans, Camping & Boutique Camping in a superb location. abersochcamping.co.uk 17 WERN FAWR MANOR FARM, Llanbedrog, LL53 7PH 01758 740156 High quality holiday homes & cottages near Abersoch in a delightful & unique setting. wernfawr.co.uk 18 HAFAN Y MOR, Pwllheli LL55 6HX 01758 612112 A caravan holiday park with its own beach filled with family fun haven.com 19 CASTELLMARCH, Abersoch LL53 7UE 01758 712242 5 Self Catering cottages and a caravan holiday park on a traditional family run sheep farm castellmarch.co.uk

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20 NIGHTSKY GLAMPING, Llangian, Abersoch LL53 7LN 01758 712811 Luxury Safari Tents, Bell Tents and Alpacas. A memorable glamping experience in a stunning location. nightskyglamping.co.uk

30 AP CARAVANS, Abersoch LL53 7AA Caravan sales and repairts with Hobby and LMC apcaravans.co.uk

21 PLAS COCH COASTAL & COUNTRY RETREAT, Anglesey LL61 6EJ 01248 711924 5-star park, 12-month season. Exclusive owners-only park parkleisure.co.uk/plas-coch

31 ABERSOCH GOLF CLUB, Abersoch 01758 712662 18 hole stunning links course. abersochgolf.co.uk

SHOPS 22 FLIPSIDE JEWELLERY, Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 712772 Jewellery, handmade on the premises. Commissions undertaken. flipsidejewellery.co.uk 23 TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY, Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 713641 Landscape & seascape gallery, prints, postcards, framed pictures, photo restoration. turtlephotography.co.uk 24 TOTALLY ABERSOCH, Abersoch. 01758 713666 Gallery and gifts, 800 yrds up the road past Golf Rd & Cae Du. totallyabersoch.co.uk 25 SPAR CAE DU, Abersoch.

Providing you with all your local shopping needs 26 LAVENDER HOUSE, Between Abersoch and Pwllheli on the A499, Nr Llyn Golf Range. 01758 614343 A great destination for home lovers. 10-4.30 p.m 7days a week. lovelavenderhouse.co.uk 27 STIX AND CO, Abersoch. @stixandco Stix Dog Coats made from Polartec Fleece. Water resistant, fast drying, breathable and washable. stixandco.co.uk 28 COURTS, High Street, 01758 712318 Local newsagents with a big selection of toys, sweets, beach items, and much more 29 WEST COAST SURF SHOP, Lon Pen Cei, Abersoch LL53 7AP. 01758 713067 Wetsuit sales & hire, Learn to surf, Ray-Ban sunnies, Patagonia clothing & wetsuits westcoastsurf.co.uk

RECREATION

32 SOUTH CAERNARFONSHIRE YACHT CLUB, Abersoch, 01758 712338 One of the most iconic yacht clubs in the UK. scyc.co.uk 33 UK RAFTING, Frongoch, Bala, 01678 521083 Raft, Kayak, Canyon. The UK's National White Water Centre nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk 34 FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS , Porthmadog, 01766 516024 Santa Trains, Christmas Gifts, Pullman afternoon Tea & Snowdonia Specials. festrail.co.uk 35 SCUBA DIVE LLYN, Abersoch. 07944 253 242 Dive in for an unforgettable experience and discover Scuba Diving. scubadivellyn.co.uk 36 ADVENTURE PARC SNOWDONIA, Dolgarrog, Conwy LL32 8QE. 01492 353 123 Zip over world-first waves.

Conquer our climbing walls. Fly down extreme kicker slides. Go ninja in our aerial assault nets and explore a record-breaking artificial caving system. adventureparcsnowdonia.com 37 ABERSOCH SAILING SCHOOL, Abersoch LL53 7DP 07917 525540 Sailing & Powerboat courses, supervised hire of sailing boats, kayaks, SUP's and more. abersochsailingschool.com

MORE BUSINESSES ON PAGE 136 OR CHECK

ABERSOCHLIFE. COM

FOR FULL ABERSOCH RELATED BUSINESS LISTINGS

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BUILDERS & HOME IMPROVEMENTS 43 CHRIS JONES BUILDING & PLASTERING, Dinas Gwynedd, 07765 593221.

Plastering, Roofing, Patios & Extensions 44 LLYN BUILDING CONTRACTORS Abersoch Road, Llanbedrog 01758 740406 Building and civil engineering contractors, plumbing heating and electrical contractors. Plus much more.

45 R WILLIAMS & CO LTD, Construction, Decking & Balustrades 01758 730724.

Windows, Doors & Conservatories 01766 515786 rwmsandco.co.uk 46 OUTDOOR LIVING, Abersoch, 07544 090248 You provide the space, they provide the solution! Outdoor bespoke kitchens and BBQs 47 FINN & LOUIE 44 High St. Pwllheli, LL53 5SE 01758 703066 Interior, Upholstery , Painted furniture, soft furnishings, french style, shabby chic, vintage finnandlouiehome.com 48 SUNROCK BALCONIES & BALUSTRADES, 07778 464464 Specialising in balconies & balustrading in a wide variety of styles, sizes & finishes. sunrockbalconies.co.uk 49 CJE DEVELOPMENTS, Aberssoch, 0845 299 3687 Your number one reactive maintenance and cleaning service provider cjedevelopments.co.uk 50 PENINSULA WINDOWS Gaerwen LL60 6AL, 01248 663591 Peninsula is the leading North Wales & Cheshire home improvements company serving all of North Wales, Chester, Cheshire and beyond. peninsulawindows.co.uk 51 GLASS BALUSTRADE CO Bridgnorth WV16 4BB , 01746 763477 Specialising in the supply and installation of Glass Balustrades, Feature Staircases, Terrace Balustrades & Patio Balustrades glassbalustradecompany.co.uk 52 DONNATELLA DOMESTIC SERVICES, Abersoch 07967 713417 Domestic cleaning for all types of accommodation. donnatelladomesticservices. com

53 ABERSOCH CARETAKER SERVICES, 07767 258958 Property checking & rental changeover services philsmith_ace@hotmail.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

54 BAY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 07539 866675 All aspects of property management covered. baypropertymanagement.co.uk

61 PEN LLYN PHYSIOTHERAPY, Abersoch Craft Centre. 07971 121613.

Rebecca Bode, Chartered Physiotherapist B’Phys(Hons) MCSP. penllynphysio.co.uk

55 ROB DAVID INTERIOR DESIGN & ART, 01758 740125 Interior design with over 20 years' of experience on residential & commercial projects. robdavidinteriordesign.com

62 LLANBEDROG PHARMACY, Abersoch Rd, Llanbedrog, LL53 7TH 01758 740229 Offering a range of NHS & private services. Medicines, toiletries, health & beauty fferyllwyrllyn.co.uk

56 PETER COX, 01248 848785 Specialists in Rising damp, penetrating damp repairs, structural timber repairs, woodworm treatments, cavity wall repairs & waterproofing petercox.com 57 GLENN CAVILL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER, 07933 792354 International award winning architectural designer. glenncavill.com 58 JAMES SNEDDON & SON, Abersoch, 077684 29751 Professional Painter & Decorator.

Internal & External work 57 TY'N LLWYN TREE SERVICES Llannor, Pwllheli 01758 612608 All aspects of tree work including log splitting and 24 hour emergency call out.

BOAT BROKERS & SAILING 59 ABERSOCH LAND & SEA. Abersoch 01758 713434 Boatsales new and second-hand and brokerage. Full launch and retrieval services. Clothing from Henri Lloyd. abersoch-land-and-sea.co.uk

PWLLHELI BUSINESSES

WEDDINGS 63 PLAS BODUAN WEDDING VENUE, Boduan, LL53 6DR 01758 720286 Plas Boduan is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian style Manor House specialising in weddings with accommodation for the bride & groom only! plasboduan.com 64 TALHENBONT HALL, Chwilog, LL53 6SZ 01766 810247 Wedding Venue North Wales & Self Catering Cottages in the Heart of Snowdonia. Situated in 100 acres of private ancient woodland and gardens talhenbonthall.co.uk

1 IDEAL BOAT Pwllheli Harbour. 01758 614600 Dealers in Chaparral, AMP, Husky, Robalo, Capelli & Robalo boats. idealboat.com 2 GWIN LLYN WINES Pwllheli 01758 701004 Stocking all that you need by way of wines and spirits this summer with some fantastic brands on offer. gwinllynwines.co.uk 3 GWYN THOMAS ACCOUNTANTS, New Street, Pwllheli. 01758 701770 Chartered accountants gwynthomas-co.co.uk 4 ROBYNS OWEN SOLICITORS, Pwllheli, LL53 5RY 01758 613177 For all your legal requirements robynsowen.co.uk 5 LLYN SEAFOODS, Y Maes, Pwllheli 01758 614292 Fresh fish, shellfish & specialist delicatessen. llynseafoods.com 6 T.E. HUGHES & SON, 6a Goal St. Pwllheli, 01758 701212 Inspiration for your home. tehughesathome.co.uk 7 HAFAN PWLLHELI Glan Don, Pwllheli, LL53 5YT One of the finest yachting venues in Europe hafanpwllheli.co.uk 8 HARBOUR MARINE SERVICES Pwllheli Harbour.

01758 701707 Authorised Suzuki Dealer and agents for GRAND inflatable Boats. harbourmarinepwllheli.co.uk

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF ABERSOCH RELATED BUSINESSES CHECK

60 IDEAL BOAT Pwllheli Harbour. 01758 614600 Dealers in Chaparral, AMP, Husky, Robalo, Capelli & Robalo boats. idealboat.com

ABERSOCHLIFE .COM LISTINGS

8 HARBOUR MARINE SERVICES Pwllheli Harbour.

01758 701707 Authorised Suzuki Dealer and agents for GRAND inflatable Boats. harbourmarinepwllheli.co.uk

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED To get your business listed in this magazine and online to an audience of well over 500,000 people a year. Call 01758 710011 or email info@sensationgroup.com

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Pwllheli M ap

To Efailnewydd

To Caernarfon

To Criccieth and Porthmadog

65 £

£

6 Police Station

5

4 £

8

3

2

To Abersoch and Nefyn

7

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Key Car Park

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Cash Point Public Toilets Tourist information Train Staton Bus Stop Church

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LAST WORDS

HEAVEN IS A BEACH

BY JIMMY BUFFET

If there is a heaven for me, I’m sure it has the beach attached to it

PHOTO: PORTH CEIRIAD BY: OUTWEST IMAGES

130 | ABERSOCH SENSATION MAGAZINE WINTER 2019