Gower News: e-News Publication - Issue 2 - 13th August 2011

GOWER NEWS Gower’s Independent Online News, Event and Information Guide

Festival of the Tides Penclawdd 13th Picture © Dan Santillo - www.DanSantillo.com

Issue 2 August 2011

www.gowernews.co.uk

Everywhere you turn right now there seems to be strikingly pink wildflowers growing in all sorts of places. They can be seen on parts of the central reservation along the A48 to Carmarthen near Pont Abraham roundabout, and along numerous footpaths on the South Gower Coastline.

This picture was taken by the editor last week whilst walking around Nicholaston. He believes they’re called ‘Rosebay Willowherb’.

In other places around Gower, heather is coming in to bloom - this will be a wonderful sight to behold in weeks to come!

around Gower

out and about

GOWER NEWS 13th August 2011 Editor / e-Publication Design / Illustration Ian Ambrose editorial@gowernews.co.uk | www.gowernews.co.uk Publisher Gower News | www.gowernews.co.uk Gower News is an independent and privately owned online publication.

This Week’s Contributors • Dan Santillo (Cover Picture) http://www.DanSantillo.com • Steve Pleydell (Waterspout Picture) • Chris Ridgway (Weather) • Danny Ludkewycz (Festival of the Tides | Pictures) • Leanne Davies (Festival of the Tides | Words) • Mike Dubens (Save Swansea Coastguard) • Jay Doyle (Mumbles/Gower OceanFest) • Sue Thomas (Gower Show | Words) • David Bailey (Wales) (Gower Show | Pictures) Distribution

\\ sheep resting at a Gower bus shelter //

This e-publication is freely distributed through Gower News’ e-newsletter and online media network:

around Gower

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www.facebook.com/gowernews www.twitter.com/gowernews Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Gower News' Editor. Gower News does not accept responsibility for the products, goods or services featured or advertised throughout this e-publication. Gower News does not personally endorse any business, organisation, product or service featured in this publication. Every effort is made to ensure the information contained within this publication is accurate and up to date. The contents of this publication are subject copyright and must not be reproduced in any way without the express prior permission of the publisher.

From the Editor Good News for Animal Welfare in Wales It was announced this week that registered dog breeders in Wales may have to microchip puppies before they are sold and passed on to new owners.

Revised legislative proposals, to be consulted on in the autumn, include introducing compulsory microchipping of puppies prior to their sale by licensed breeding premises. This is excellent news for animal welfare as it helps raise the standards of health and welfare for puppies born in Wales. Itʼs also another step in the right direction to ensure dogs are bred for the right reasons by placing additional requirements on breeders.

If youʼre considering buying a puppy, be sure to check out the seller thoroughly - licensed or otherwise.

Good breeders will usually take steps to vet potential purchasers of their puppies to ensure theyʼre going to good homes. Not all breeders are licensed - those breeding less than five litters a year from their bitches are generally exempt from requiring a license to breed under existing legislation.

Gower Labradors - featured on page 26 - are a local breeder who fall within the un-licensed category. With only one bitch and litter to be, theyʼre committed to breeding according to good practice standards as laid down by The Kennel Club General Code of Ethics.

They also plan to have all their puppies microchipped before being sold - demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare by going beyond legal requirements. Gower Labradors have developed a website and an online pre-vetting questionnaire to screen potential buyers. Their website provides full details about their Dam, Chocsi, and the Sire, Louie, who is from KC Accredited Breeders, Bryncheiniog Labradors. Itʼs great news to hear that Chocsi is due to give birth to her ʻPedigreeʼ Labrador Retriever puppies in about a four weeks. Congratulations!

You can follow Chocsiʼs progress on her web-blog at: http://www.gower-labradors.co.uk

Welcome to the second published edition of Gower eNews: a place for Gower related news, events and information from a truly local perspective!

As a local, independent online epublication produced on the Gower peninsula, Gower News is committed to promoting all things Gower!

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Weekend Weather Forecast

Contents 6 Gower in the News 10 Events around Gower 14 Produce and Craft Markets

See Page 24

16 Festival of the Tides 20 Networking Coffee Morning 22 Gower Surfers’ Map 23 OceanFest 24 Gower Weather 25 Shout Out 26 Gower Labradors 27 Local Accommodation

Image Courtesy of Steve Pleydell of Penmaen, Gower Waterspout - Three Cliffs, Gower 07/08/11 © Steve Pleydell

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Gower Dialect

Waterspout Spotted Off Gower Coast

“

You have no idea how fast I got down off the top of Knott Hill.

”

Penmaen resident and local amateur photographer, Steve Pleydell, has kindly supplied this week’s dramatic weather picture featured on page 4. Steve said: “After a very wet day at the Gower show in Penrice, I decided to try and take advantage of the stormy weather for some dramatic pictures of Three Cliffs Bay.

“Knott Hill is a great location for a view into the bay and across the channel, so I was able to watch the storm clouds and heavy rain driving towards me.

“Just as the cloud burst reached Knott Hill I noticed a disturbance on the surface of the sea. Looking above this I saw the black waterspout reaching down from the cloud. I grabbed my camera and took a few pictures making sure I included Three Cliffs in the picture as proof of the location.”

Commenting on the phenomenon, Gower News’ resident weather forecaster, Chris Ridgway, said: “Waterspouts are columnar vortex's (funnel shaped clouds) that form over water. They often occur in late summer during severe weather such as thunderstorms and hailstorms and are associated with towering thunder clouds, known technically by meteorologists as Cumulonimbus.

“Waterspouts, such as the one featured in Steve’s photograph, don't suck up water - the water in the main funnel is a result of condensation of water droplets!

Coastguard Station Closure

Anyone in the vicinity of South Gower last Sunday afternoon would have experienced the almighty ‘flesh-bangs’ for themselves as the thunderstorm moved inland, bringing with it some serious rainfall!

Commenting on his Sunday afternoon photo-shoot, Steve said jokingly: “You have no idea how fast I got down off the top of Knott Hill.”

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Gower in the News

Gower in the News

Gower Dialect

Swansea Coastguard Needs You! The “Save Swansea Coastguard” campaign has stepped up a gear with a planned floating protest on the water off Knab Rock in Mumbles on Sunday 21st August.

“

We’re urging people from all watersports to come and get in the water as part of the floating protest.

Campaigners are urging all water users - from surfers to sailors - to get in the water off Knab Rock at 11am to show their support for the closure threatened Swansea Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre. The station, based in Mumbles, will shut by 2015 as part of a review announced by the UK government in a move which could put lives at risk not just off the Swansea and Gower coastlines but across the entire Bristol Channel.

”

An official petition is being circulated throughout the community in Swansea and is available online at www.saveswanseacoastguard.co.uk for the public to sign to show their support for the cause.

Campaigners are hoping that both beach and water users from throughout Swansea will show up at Knab Rock on Sunday 21st August to show their support and those planning to go in the water to take part in the floating protest at 11am are being asked to wear red to ensure they make an impact in the Bay. Campaign co-ordinator Mike Dubens said:

Coastguard Station Closure

“We need the support of all of the water and beach users out there; anyone from surfers to sailors, to kayakers to yachters, even if you just love taking your children to the beach for a paddle, this will effect you and we need your backing. We’re urging people from all watersports to come and get in the water as part of the floating protest and those who would rather keep their feet on dry land are welcome to come and support us on from Knab Rock - the more the merrier, land or sea!

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Gower in the News

Gower in the News

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Gower Dialect

“If Swansea Coastguard were to close, the repercussions Aug would be just devastating, and not only for Swansea as the station covers the whole of the Bristol Channel.

This decision made by the Government is ill-judged and may even put peoples lives at risk. The facts speak for themselves as Swansea Coastguard saw to over 2,000 incidents just in 2010 alone, making it the second busiest station in the UK, whereas our neighbouring station in Milford Haven, which is to remain open, didn’t see to half the number of incidents.”

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Campaigners are also urging the public to sign the petition at www.saveswanseacoastguard.co.uk to help them get to their target of 100,000 signatures to take to Downing Street.

Mike Dubens continued: “The petition has been running for three weeks so far, and we have seen an overwhelming response in the number of people wishing to support the cause.

However, we desperately need more signatures so we would urge anyone who has yet to sign the petition to do so as soon as they can.

“

Swansea Coastguard station is responsible for coordinating search and rescue at sea and on the cliffs and coastline. The area covered by the Swansea includes the whole of the Bristol Channel, taking in both Welsh and English Coastguard Station Closure coastlines.

”

For more information on Save Swansea Coastguard or to sign the petition, please visit: http://www.saveswanseacoastguard.co.uk/

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Gower in the News

Gower in the News

Gower Dialect

The Gower Agricultural Show ’11 Despite the heavy morning rain, and the awful forecast for the Sunday of The Gower Show, thousands of visitors made their annual visit to Penrice Castle Park to support this year’s show.

Turnout and quality of livestock was excellent, with entries from as far afield as Newport, Gwent with dairy cows, and Denbighshire with Welsh Mountain Sheep, as well as local and regular exhibitors from South and West Wales. The rain didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the exhibitors and their livestock. It was great to see the Young Handler’s competition in the Sheep and Cattle section attracting a large audience, as these will be the up and coming stock people of the future.

The horse section started at 8.00am this year as there were good entries in some 77 classes to get through. The early exhibitors put on an excellent show in really poor weather conditions with many getting a thorough soaking. Thankfully, by lunchtime conditions had brightened up and those showing in the afternoon even had a bit of warm sunshine to enjoy. The Supreme Horse for this year was a Part Bred Arab, Dolphin Superiority ridden by Philippa Hughes with the Reserve going to a Welsh Section B pony Gryngallt Pretty Picture owned and shown by Lesley Hilliard from Nantycaws, Car marthen. Show Jumping was a great way to wind up the events in the horse ring and the competition went on into the early evening.

Gower in the News

Gower in the News

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Gower Dialect

Those around the President’s display ring were entertained with some fantastic displays from The South Wales Police Dogs, Top Lodge Dancing Dogs, Dancing Ponies & the Grand Shire Horses - Ben Long did a spectacular flying session with his raptors, and the Working Gundogs and Terrier Racing teams put on a great performance with the final race being noted for having a record number of breeds!

The rain returned late in the afternoon, but thankfully there were not too many who needed the help of a tractor tow to leave the ground! The Gower Agricultural Show Committee would like to say a very sincere “thank you” to everyone who works so hard to put this event together, but also to the public, who despite the weather, turned out to support in great numbers to help make the day a success.

Gower in the News

Gower in the News

Words: Show General Secretary - Sue Thomas Pictures: Show Photographer - David Bailey (Wales)

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Saturday 13th August 2011 + Mumbles Local Produce and Craft Market. The Dairy Car Park, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles. 9.00am - 1.00pm + Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fayre. Canolfan Centre, Millers Drive, Gorseinon. 9.30am - 1.00pm + Dan Santillo's Local Photographic Exhibition. Also showing the work of Emma Jones of Ambience Fine Arts. Ostreme Centre, Mumbles. 10.00am - 5.00pm + Festival of the Tides. Penclawdd. From 1.00pm - late. + Coracle Fishing Display. Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill. 10.00am - 3.00pm + Litter picking with the National Trust Saturday Volunteer Group. Slade, Gower.

Meeting 10.00am at Horton Car Park - Huw will meet volunteers there and have stickers for cars in lieu of parking charges.

The litter picking at Slade will be at an isolated cove shown as ‘The Sands’ on an OS map. The area has no access by vehicle so the litter pick only takes place once or twice a year. The bags of litter with be transported along the coastal path towards Oxwich where the National Trust team will have a van and trailer parked in the nearest accessible location. All bags/hoops/litter-pickers and gloves will be provided. Just bring suitable clothing and a packed lunch.

Editor’s Pick!

whatsongower.co.uk

Events Around Gower

Sunday 14th August + Pennard Local Produce Market. Pennard Community Centre. 9.30am-12.30pm + Coracle Fishing Display. Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill. 10.00am - 3.00pm + Llangennith Craft Fayre. Llangennith Hall. 10.00am

Event details correct at time of publication. Check www.whatsongower.co.uk for further details.

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Events Around Gower Monday 15th August + ‘Seashore Safari’ adventure to discover the amazing hidden shore life of Gower.

12.30pm-3.30pm Booking essential 07879 837817 or email: info@oakleyintertidal.co.uk

Tuesday 16th August + Weobley Castle and Llanrhidian Walk with Mike Scott from the Gower AONB Team (01792 635741). Meet at Llanrhidian Church at around 10.30/10.45am appropriately prepared for an easy 1½ hour walk.

whatsongower.co.uk

+ Rockpool Watch with Karen Jones . Explore the secret world of Caswell Bay’s rockpools. Meet at 2pm at Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell.

Wednesday 17th August + Charity Curry & A Quiz Night at Mumbai, Blackpill hosted by Helen Enser Morgan from Swansea Bay Radio in aid of James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer.

To book online go to e-tickets: http://www.etickets.to/buy/?e=6358 + Beach Fun Day with Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill. 10.00am - 5.30pm + Port Eynon Food Fayre. Port Eynon Village Hall. 10.00am - 2.30pm Free admission free tasters!

Saturday 20th August + Penclawdd Local Produce and Craft Market. Penclawdd Community Centre.

9.30am - 12.30pm

Sunday 21st August + Craft Market at The Countryman in Scurlage in aid of Parkinson’s UK. 10.30am 4.00pm + A morning walk with Marlay John, RSPB, meeting at Middleton Village Hall, Middleton at 10am. Sorry - no dogs. 01792 816250 Event details correct at time of publication. Check www.whatsongower.co.uk for further details.

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Festival of the Tides PENCLAWDD Issue 2 13th August 2011 Picture © Dan Santillo - www.DanSantillo.com

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Pontarddulais Produce and Craft Market Second Wednesday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm The Institute, 45 St. Teilo Street, Pontarddulais Mumbles Produce and Craft Market Second Saturday of every month between 9.00am - 1.00pm The Dairy Car Park, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fayre Second Saturday of every month 9.30am - 1.00pm Canolfan Centre, Millers Drive, Gorseinon Pennard Produce and Craft Market Second Sunday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm Pennard Community Centre, Pennard Penclawdd Produce and Craft Market Third Saturday of every month 9.30am - 12.30pm Community Centre, Banc Bach, Penclawdd Clydach Produce and Craft Market Last Saturday of each month 10.00am - 1.30pm Moose Hall, Beryl Road, Clydach Llangennith Produce and Craft Market Last Saturday of each month 10.00am - 1.30pm Moose Hall, Beryl Road, Clydach

Local

Produce & Craft

Produce and craft markets take place throughout the month at various venues around Gower.

‘Local Producer/Crafter of the Week’ ~ Sian Day & Shirley Price ~ Sian Day, along with Shirley Price, run the Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fayre which takes place every second Saturday of the month.

Sian said: “Please come along this Saturday 13th August for a great variety of the freshest produce, tastiest authentic Asian cuisine, gorgeous cakes, local pork, local goats cheese and vegetables just ‘hours old’. There is also a wide selection of local crafts for that unique perfect gift!”

Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fayre 9.30am - 1.00pm Canolfan Centre, Millers Drive, Gorseinon

Markets

Festival of the Tides Penclawdd © All Photographs Courtesy of Danny Ludkewycz Event Details: Leanne Davies

Aug

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The annual Festival of the Tides event in Penclawdd takes place on Saturday 13th August. A celebration of the tides and local environment - and all the opportunities and wonder they bring - the Festival is community-spirited event which aims to provide a fun and entertaining experience for everyone.

Situated in the north Gower community of Penclawdd - an area rich in local history, traditions and culture - the event is supported by local residents and businesses. Following the success of last year’s festival event, the organising committee were able to support the work of 14 local charities, groups, schools and organisations with cash donations.

Penclawdd’s Festival of the Tides event is organised and co-ordinated by a voluntary organisation made up of around 20 members who work all year round to plan the festival; more than 35 volunteers help out during the festival weekend itself. Chair to the Committee, Leanne Davies, said: “We are growing and diversifying each year and so rely more and more upon our volunteers and sponsors to keep the Festival alive.”

Interested in getting involved in next year’s Festival of the Tides?

Contact Leanne on 851778 for details.

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Festival of the Tides

“…a lively and colourful parade…”

From 1.00pm ‣ Pipe Band ‣ Loughor Inshore Rescue Boat ‣ Showman’s Engine ‣ Steam Engine ‣ Fireman Sam ‣ Puppets and Dancers ‣ Exhibition ‣ Craft Stalls ‣ Show Rides ‣ Crab Racing ‣ Crockery Smashing ‣ Interactive Circus Workshop ‣ Hog Roast ‣ Burgers ‣ Marquee Bar ‣ Live Bands ‣ Donkey Rides ‣ Raffle

Raft Race 6.00pm

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Festival of the Tides Penclawdd Order of Events (timings approximate) 1:00pm Parade Begins

Aug

13

1:30pm Scottish Pipe & Drum Band 1:45pm Kayleigh Irish Dancers 2:00pm Dance Fusion 2:15pm Primal Steps 2:30pm Competitions Presentations 3:00pm Live Band - Rattled 4:00pm Live Band - Fernando Rey 4:50pm Live Band - The Rag Foundation

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

4:55pm Duck Race 5:30pm Raffle Draw

★

6:00pm Raft Race from West End 7:15pm Raft Race Awards

★

7:35pm Live Band - Plankton Bloom

★

8:15pm Live Band - Nucleus ★

9:00pm Live Band - Buttonsville 18

Fairground Rides Local Exhibition Circus Eruption Workshop in Arena Penclawdd Brass Band Raffle Steam & Showman’s Engine Marquee Bar & Refreshment Area Burgers, Hotdogs, Cakes & Hog Roast Stalls, Crafts, Donkey Rides & Games Loughor IRB Display & Stocks Air Cadets Hercules Drop

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Coffee and Croissants Networking Breakfast Event

ÂŁ10/person To register, send an email to: editorial@gowernews.co.uk Includes: coffee/tea/croissants and homemade cakes - plus a chance to network with people from local businesses and organisations.

Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support.

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Advertisement

Gower Surfers’ Map - Reproduced with Permission from Publisher

Whether competing in the tournaments or just chilling at the beach and soaking up the atmosphere, the event promises to deliver a spectacular experience for everyone.

For more information or to register for the tournaments visit: www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com or contact the event organiser Jay Doyle on 07970 577879

ls

Clic k fo rm

The Longboard Classic ran for two decades and over the years attracted some distinguished names in the international field of surf stars and world champions, including Californian greats Jay Moriarty and Robert 'Wingnut' Weaver, star of the cult surf classic Endless Summer.

ore eve nt

The event sees the long-awaited return of the Welsh Longboard Classic, a prestigious surfing tournament which was considered one of the premier longboarding events in the country.

deta i

This year the Mumbles Gower OceanFest will host the Welsh Longboard Classic, Bay 6K Paddle Enduro and the Gower SUP Surf Classic. With stand up paddle boarding and surf clinics, expert advice and free board demos, there'll be plenty of opportunities for newcomers to the sports and also anyone wishing to progress.

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www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com

weekend weather

Gower Weather Community The editor of Gower News has kindly asked me to provide a general weather outlook for the Gower and the surrounding area - hopefully enabling you to decide what do if you thinking about getting out and about on Gower, or simply planning to stay at home doing the garden or having a barbecue.

I have to state that I am purely an amateur meteorologist, although I am a professional Geologist and have a broad knowledge of Earth Science. In my professional capacity as Science Officer for the organisation I work for, one of my duties is to keep abreast of, and record, the ever-changing weather. So rather than giving a detailed forecast, I can give you a generalised outlook for the weekend ahead. Specific detailed daily forecasts can be obtained from professional organisations like the Met Office. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wl/swansea_forecast_weather.html In future editions of Gower e-News, I will hopefully be able to provide you with some information about the weather we experience here in the UK, along with general Earth Science topics of everyday interest.

Weekend Outlook 12/08/2011 – 15/08/20011 The weather across the UK is currently being dominated by a series low pressure systems coming in off the Atlantic Ocean.

Friday will see low pressure situated off the NW coast of Scotland.

Although the daytime should be dry, though somewhat cloudy, a weather front will push in from the West, pass over us overnight Friday into Saturday, bringing rain. The winds are from a SW direction so are relatively mild. Expect winds to pick up, gusting around the 27mph mark.

Saturday is likely to be variable day, some sunny spells, some cloud, showers, Temperatures between 17-20°C, the wind will still be a noticeable feature.

Sunday should be the best day of the weekend, drier, sunnier spells, less windy, temperatures around the 19-20°C, the best day for outdoor activities.

Monday the start of the working week is looking OK. Monday has the potential to be a dry day, with a ridge of high pressure pushing in from the South, however there is the potential more weather fronts are gathering out in the Atlantic which may push in as the week goes on.

Hope this outlook is of some use to you all, enjoy the weekend what ever you are doing.

Chris.

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www.saveswanseacoastguard.co.uk

Shout Out!

Swansea Council how the y perfor are keen to ha ve m The cons ultation w in a number o your opinion o your say, complete ill run until Frida f important ar n eas. y the Coun cil’s onlin 26th August. To e questio have http://w nnaire: ww.swans ea.gov.uk /index.cf m?article id=44877

“Save Our Station” Campaign Take part in a floating protest to save Swansea Coastguard.

Sunday 21st August 2011 at 11am The floating protest will take place on the water off Knab Rock - please wear red if you can.

From surfers to sailors, your support is needed!

Please Sign the Online Petition www.saveswanseacoastguard.co.uk

‘Gower Labradors’ www.gower-labradors.co.uk

Labrador Retriever Advertisement Puppies

www.gower-labradors.co.uk Pedigree Retriever Labradors Puppies > Available Early November 2011

> Dam and Sire Kennel Club Registered

> Dam and Sire Excellent Hip Scores/Clear Eyes

> Puppies: To be Microchipped, Given 1st Vaccine and KC Registered with Endorsements

> For More Information & Register Interest Online

www.gower-labradors.co.uk

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Issue 2 - 13/08/2011 - Copyright 2011 - All Rights Reserved