CHRISTMAS
It you need a little extra inspiration this year when it comes to festival decorations, be bedazzled at the gorgeous Hall at AbbeyCwm-Hir. This grade II* gothic revival mansion and family home near Llandrindod
Take a tour of Abbey-Cwm-Hir
It’s not really Christmas until you’ve got your tree – and it has to be a real one, complete with shedding pine needles. If you want to make an occasion of it, head to a place where all the trees are grown on site and cared for by a devoted family.
Pick the perfect pine
By now you must be pretty much switched on for Christmas – but before you flick the switch on your own celebrations, check out a local light display that is as inspiring as it is illuminating. This year is
Wells boasts stunning interiors, thousands of collectable items and Each room has a theme beautiful gardens, all in a matchless setting above the ruins of the Abbey-Cwm-Hir. From 1st November to 6th January the house is decorated with individual Christmas themes in all 52 rooms. Tours are available of this true family home and in a family atmosphere. Given demand, early booking is recommended to get the tour date and time preferred.
Pentreclawdd Farm is a family-run glamping site in Oswestry that each winter is transformed into a Christmas tree wonderland. The Christmas shop sells everything from decorations to presents, while the huge variety of trees available should satisfy even the most picky of pine pickers. Tree varieties include all sizes of nondrop Nordmann fir and Norway spruce, as well as potted trees and tree stands. The trees are all locally grown, and include free netting to protect your tree until you get it home. The team at Pentreclawdd are members of the British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association and abide by its code, ensuring you get a quality Christmas tree.
Be inspired by the decor
On the Wrexham to Ruthin road between Bwlchgwyn and Llandegla is the Christmas tree sales site for Price’s Christmas Trees, which has been operated for the last 40 years by Joy and Peter Price. Most sales are needleretaining Nordmann firs, but they also grow Norway spruce; sizes are from 5-13ft. The forest is open for sales from 29th November to 23rd December, and Santa visits on weekends too!
the sixth year of the Weston Light Display, when Graham Witter transforms his family home at Carters Green Farm – as well as the farm buildings and garden – into a magical winter wonderland and
Father Christmas is a regular visitor
The home, farm and grounds are illuminated
Some of the many unusual lights on display
light spectacular. Santa visits every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and the last few days before Christmas, and the
atmosphere is completed with festive music, mince pies, sweets and chocolates. Graham first transformed the farm for his sister, Jessica Witter, who had multiple complex health needs. Sadly, she died in 2015 and the family now use the lights to raise funds for the team at Donna Louise Hospice in Trentham in her memory. So far, they’ve raised a staggering £65,000.
68 SHIRE MAGAZINE | November/December 2018
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